#FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISH LICENSE#

Depending on the number of fishing days you’re planning, the license can cost as little as $17 for three days for non-residents up to $79 for five years for Florida residents.įurther information regarding freshwater fishing licenses can be found here. You Need a Freshwater Fishing License in FloridaĪs with other locations, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requires a freshwater fishing license for all adults and youth ages 8 to 15 that are fishing. However, if you’d rather head out on your own, here is a list of supplies you’ll need for what is, arguably, the best freshwater fishing in Florida:ĭepending on the type of fishing you’re doing, this list will ensure your day at the lake is successful. Typically, they provide everything you need.

New to fishing or visiting Florida from out of state? There are several fishing charters you can hire for a day on the water with local experts. The beginner's guide to fishing can be found here: Several bass species are found here, including white bass, sunshine bass, spotted bass, black bass, butterfly peacock bass, shoal bass, and striped bass.Įverything You Need for Freshwater Fishing They can grow as large as 15 pounds (the uncertified record for largemouth bass currently stands at 15 pounds 5 ounces). Due to the lake’s shallow waters and the lack of natural predators, bass are at the top of the food chain. The Largest Freshwater Fish in Florida Can Be Found in Lake Okeechobeeīest known for bass fishing, the “Big O” boasts some of the largest freshwater fish species in south Florida. The Big Catch website also houses the state’s records –both certified and uncertified. You must use an active hook-and-line method and send in a photo of your catch. With thirty-three different freshwater fish to choose from and categories for youth through advanced anglers, the entire family can participate. Don’t forget to register for a chance to win a new boat!īig Catch is the state’s angler recognition program. Troph圜atch is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s effort to collect data on trophy bass and encourage catch-and-release fishing.

You can also catch what the locals call “panfish,” or bream and black crappie (speck), as well as sunfish, catfish, pickerel, bowfin, and gar.Īnglers are encouraged to participate in the Troph圜atch and Big Catch programs. Rich enough to support both commercial and game fishing, Lake Okeechobee boasts the best bass fishing in the world. The main draw, however, is the burgeoning numbers of game fish. Lake Okeechobee teems with native wildlife, from birds to wild hogs, manatees to turkeys, as well as the occasional alligator. What Kinds of Fish are in Lake Okeechobee? Stuart is just an hour north of West Palm Beach where you’ll find activities for the entire family. You might want to make a quick jaunt to the coast for a bit of saltwater fishing. Built in 1937 as a response to storm flooding, the Okeechobee Waterway is a shallow man-made system of channels that stretch across southwest Florida from Fort Myers on the west to Stuart on the east coast. If you’re feeling adventurous and in search of travel ideas, you can boat down the Okeechobee Waterway. With abundant amenities, including campgrounds, lodgings, marinas, and boat ramps, anglers can pick and choose their best Florida fishing vacation. This bass capital of the world is a must-stop for Florida freshwater fishing.

When planning your central Florida vacation, out of all of Florida’s lakes, Lake Okeechobee provides the best fishing spot. Lake Okeechobee is the Best Freshwater Fishing in Florida They also create a beautiful natural habitat for fish, wading birds, and other freshwater species. Its waters eventually end in the brackish estuary of the Everglades and provide flood drainage and water for the surrounding people and farms. The interconnected streams, rivers, and ponds that make up the Okeechobee basin are vital for Florida fish and wildlife. This amazing lake is known to be one of the best fisheries in the world and is host to a number of fishing tournaments for both professionals and the weekend angler.įed by rainfall and the Kissimmee River in the north, Lake Okeechobee is also referred to as Florida’s inland sea and plays an invaluable role in the local ecology. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in the continental United States after Lake Michigan. It covers 730 square miles, has 135 miles of shoreline, and an average depth of nine feet. Known at various times throughout history as Laguna del Espiritu Santo, and Mayaimi, Lake Okeechobee-from two Seminole Indian words meaning “big water”-is located in the center of Florida.