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Freshwater Fishing in Florida
Florida Fishing at a Glance
When you think of fishing in Florida, it’s easy to forget that the state doesn’t just have gerat ocean and gulf fishing, the state is also home to more than 30,000 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs across 3 million acres of land with fisheries holding up to 12,000 miles of rivers. From bass to catfish to panfish – the opportunities for freshwater fishing are seemingly endless, with no closed season in sight.
Getting your hands on a fishing permit is as easy as visiting the website of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (see link further down) or visiting any bait and tackle shop. Regulations must be observed when fishing in Florida though – research on size and catch limits of specific fish species so you can make the most out of your trip.
Want to fish bass, Lake Okeechobee or Kissimmee Chain of Lakes have plenty waiting for you. Catfish? St. Johns River or Suwannee River will satisfy your appetite. And if you’re hankering for panfish, head over to Lake Toho or Lake Apopka.
Florida ranks #35 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enhtusiasts with over 7.27% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- Florida has over 30,000 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs and 12,000 miles of rivers for freshwater fishing
- Getting a fishing permit is easy from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or local bait and tackle shops
- There are regulations to be observed regarding size and catch limits of specific fish species
- Lake Okeechobee and Kissimmee Chain of Lakes are great for bass fishing, St. Johns River and Suwannee River are good for catfish, and Lake Toho or Lake Apopka are great for panfish
- Florida ranks #35 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita with over 7.27% of the population having fishing licenses
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 21,538,187 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 1,566,820 |
| Fishing License % | 7.27% |
| Hunters Rank | 35 |
The state of Florida is mostly private land with just 26% of acres considered public land -ranking #14 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 34,558,100 | ||
| Public | 9,069,360 | 26.24% | 14 |
| Private | 25,334,540 | 73.31% | 36 |
| Tribal | 154,200 | 0.45% | 18 |
Florida Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Florida DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Florida DNR
620 S. Meridian St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
- (850) 488-4676
Fishermen flock to Florida’s rivers and streams in search of the perfect catch. Largemouth bass are appreciated for their ferocious fight. Redfish are known for their delicious flavor and easy catch rate. Snook, trout, and tarpon each offer unique challenges that make them extremely sought-after by anglers. All these fish have one thing in common – they guarantee an unforgettable experience on the water.
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Fishing private land in Florida
Fishing on private land in Florida has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Florida or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Boca Grande
2. Charlotte Harbor
3. Crystal River
4. Indian River Lagoon
5. Lake Okeechobee
Fishing private land in Florida
Fishing on private land in Florida has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Florida or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.