Florida Fishing
All individuals are required to obtain a fishing
license to sport fish in Florida. Licenses may be purchased from
county tax collectors or their subagents who are generally located at
tackle shops, fish camps and sporting goods stores. In addition to the
license and stamp fees listed below, subagents are entitled to an additional
50 cents. License fees are set by the Florida Legislature and are subject
to change. You can purchase a non-residential license at www.wildlifelicense.com.
Nonresident License Fees:
7-Day Freshwater Fishing (Valid for seven consecutive days from specified
beginning date) .........................................$16.50
12-Month Freshwater Fishing (Valid for 12 months from specified beginning
date) ................................................$31.50
FRESHWATER FISHING
Florida has many rivers,
lakes,
ponds and springs
to keep freshwater fishermen busy. The official Florida State Freshwater
Fish, and probably the most popular for over-all size, is the largemouth
bass. A well-known spot for bass fishing is Lake Okeechobee, the
second biggest freshwater lake in the United States. Don’t be
surprised if you land a largemouth weighing over fifteen pounds!
Especially popular in Central Florida, boating
tours can take you to the hot spots, rent you bait and tackle and
even entertain you with local history.
DEEP SEA FISHING
Whether you’re fishing from one of hundreds of Florida’s
fishing piers or out in the Gulf or Atlantic on a saltwater fishing
expedition, you’re sure to hook a story or two for the folks back
home.
The world’s longest fishing pier, the old Pensacola
Bay Bridge, charges little for the chance to lean a pole out. The
surf on the Gulf is much tamer than that of the East Coast, so pier
fishing is more popular.
Charter a boat for the whole day to get the most from your deep-sea
expedition. Usually, captains will provide bait and tackle, meals, and
the expertise recommended to find the “hot spots.”
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