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.

> Florida Pro Bass Tour Guide Listings
> Florida Freshwater Fishing In-Depth
> Fish ID & Biology
> Freshwater Fish Identification with Photos
> Florida Fish & Game Finder Magazine

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.”

> Florida Fishing Charters
> Florida Saltwater Fishing In-Depth
> Release Techniques for Marine Fishes (PDF)
> Marine Fish Identification with Photos
> Florida Fish & Game Finder Magazine