Welcome to Florida. The sun is shining brightly, the beach is bustling, the water is glistening beneath open blue skies. Whether you fancy saltwater or freshwater sport, the fishing scene awaits! Florida's fisheries alone contain more than 3 million acres of lakes, ponds and reservoirs and about 12 thousand miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals, and that's not to mention the state's 1,350 mile coastline and expansive offshore fishing territory. Recreational fishery resources provide sport for more nearly 1.5 million anglers annually--and for good reason.
Off the coast, Florida offers endless exciting opportunities for larger catches and sport such as barracuda, blackfin tuna, sharks, mahi, flounder, cobia, kingfish and many more! Below, we'll address these major features of the Florida fishing scene with tips on where, when and how to catch them.
Blackfin Tuna--Tuna is easily one of the most sought-after catches off the coastline as these tasty fish make excellent table fare. Tuna up to 30 pounds are common along the Treasure Coast! They can be caught all year, but the best action is during spring and fall. Look for them on the edge of the Gulf Stream.
Mahi--Mahi dolphins also have a very high table value and can be encountered year-round on the Treasure Coast. They can be caught as close as a couple miles offshore. These fish typically swim close to weedlines. They average around 10 pounds, but fish over 40 pounds are not uncommon! Fun fact: when one mahi is hooked, the rest of the school often follows it up to the boat, allowing for other anglers to get in on the fun.
Flounder--Flounder can be targeted all year round on the Treasure Coast. Average flounder weight is from one to three pounds, but flounder over 12 pounds are not uncommon. Flounder are extremely aggressive, which makes them an easy target!
Barracuda--Barracuda are agile and strong, averaging 20 pounds but exceeding 40! Best fishing for barracuda is generally during warm summer months from May to October. The barracuda's sharp teeth make the use of a wire leader necessary.
Cobia--The best times for cobia are Valentine's Day through mid-March, and then again in June and July. Summer fishing takes place along beaches in less than 20 feet of water and can yield cobia over 80 pounds!
Kingfish--A type of mackerel shaped like a torpedo with razor sharp teeth and generally range from 8-20 pounds. They are abundant year round and respond well to chumming. Considered good table fare when smoked or eaten on the same day they're caught.
Blacktip Shark--These sharks average between 50 and 100 pounds. They swim in huge numbers offshore from February through May. They also respond well to chumming.
These are just some of the fantastic species found in Florida fishing waters. When embarking on an expedition, familiarize yourself with the bag and size limits on your catches. If you are unfamiliar with the waters, you may want to contract a guide for the occasion, to ensure you get the most out of your experience. Always equip yourself with effective lures like the ones from PICO and quality bait--and above all, have fun out in the Florida sun!
Learn about the very varied catches available in the gulf coast, and about the laws and restrictions of the water relating to each type of fish. Always equip yourself with both knowledge and quality gear.
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