With over 8,000 miles of coastline and more than 7,000 lakes, the Sunshine State is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the world, with bucket-list destinations like the Florida Keys, Tampa Bay, and Miami Beach counting among the very best fishing spots Florida has to offer.
Whether you’re dreaming of hopping aboard a chartered fishing expedition into the deep blue seas or relaxing by idyllic freshwater lakes to land that Largemouth Bass, you’re certainly not short of options.
So, to help you pick the perfect spot for your Florida fishing trip, we’ve rounded up the state’s 10 top fishing spots.
Top Fishing Spots in Florida at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the best places to catch fish in Florida:
- Best for Tarpon: White Street Pier – Key West
- Best for Shark: The Marquesas Keys
- Best for Redfish: Indian River Lagoon State Park
- Best for Snapper: Miami Beach
10 Best Fishing Spots in Florida in Detail
1. Edward B. Knight Pier – Key West
Florida’s vibrant Key West is one of the most visited fishing destinations in the US, attracting anglers from all over the world thanks to its bountiful waters and year-round tropical weather.
Given the region’s popularity, it’s no wonder the locals keep the best spots with the biggest bites a closely guarded secret. Even if you find a friendly local guide who is happy to share those spots with you, that doesn’t mean you should miss out on the chance to fish at the Edward B. Knight Pier.
Also known as the White Street Pier, the longest fishing pier in the Key West is just as famous for its captivating sunsets as it is for its rich and varied sea life.
Type of fishing: Pier Fishing, sight fishing
Expect to find: Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Jacks, snapper
Rules and safety guidelines: Ensure you’re following size and bag limits and check seasonal regulations on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website.
See Edward B. Knight Pier on the map.
2. The Marquesas Keys
One of the Key West’s most beautiful hidden gems, the Marquesas Keys are a small group of uninhabited islands located roughly 25 miles off the west coast of the Key West, renowned as an excellent spot for a day’s fishing.
Either rent a boat or take a charter and sail through the Lakes Passage, a natural channel that runs through the Marquesas and provides fantastic access to both the flats and the reefs, where you can bask in breathtaking scenery while casting for some of Florida’s most sought-after game fish.
Type of fishing: Shark, flats, reef
Expect to find: Shark, Tarpon, Bonefish, mangrove snapper
Rules and safety guidelines: The Marquesas are close to the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, so stay updated on restricted zones to avoid fishing in protected waters.
See The Marquesas Keys on a map
3. Destin
They don’t call Destin ‘The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village‘ for nothing.
Sitting snugly among the picturesque surroundings of Florida’s Emerald Coast, the crystal-clear waters are filled with a wide-ranging abundance of prize-sized fish while the captivating coastal surroundings make an idyllic backdrop.
Type of fishing: Deep-sea fishing, inshore fishing, pier fishing,
Expect to find: Cobia, King Mackerel, Snapper, Mahi-Mahi.
Rules and safety guidelines: Tarpon are catch-and-release only in Destin. Bag and size limits apply.
4. Indian River Lagoon – Cocoa Beach
Drive an hour out of Orlando, and you find yourself among the scenic shores of Cocoa Beach.
Described as ‘The Quintessential Beach Town,’ it’s home to the incredible Indian River Lagoon State Park, where the magnificent Mosquito, Indian, and Banana Rivers converge to chance to reel in a host of prized catches.
Type of fishing: Sight fishing, inshore fishing, fly fishing
Expect to find: Redfish, Tarpon, Snook, Mahi Mahi
Rules and safety guidelines: Size, bag, and season limits apply. Do your research to learn what’s permitted before setting off.
Plan your trip to Cocoa Beach on the map.
5. Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay‘s magnificent, blue waters are home to over 200 fish species, while the lively atmosphere and exciting nightlife mean you’re never short of options after you’ve put your rod down for the day.
Snook are plentiful in this area, especially on the shore of the lively Davis Island Dog Beach, though you can pretty much head to any beach, dock, or jetty to land an impressive catch.
Type of fishing: Pier fishing, boat fishing, flat fishing
Expect to find: Snook, redfish, tarpon, mackerel, grouper,
Rules and safety guidelines:
6. Miami Beach
From the South Pointe Park Pier with its stunning waterfront views to the bountiful shores along Ocean Drive, Miami Beach is a haven of fishing hotspots, most of which are within easy reach for another.
With waters as vibrant and teeming with life as the energy of Miami itself, this destination offers endless opportunities for all anglers, no matter what type of Florida fish you’re hoping to land.
Type of fishing: Pier, inshore, offshore
Expect to find: Snapper, Tarpon, Kingfish, Barracuda
Rules and safety guidelines: Pay attention to tidal changes, especially at spots like Haulover Inlet, which can have strong currents. Check too for local restrictions along Miami Beach, as fishing is not permitted in some areas.
Explore fishing hotspots around Miami Beach
7. Cape Coral
Cape Coral boasts over 400 miles of canals. That’s more than anywhere else in the world, even the famous City of Venice.
Every mile delivers pristine tropical waters and a wealth of nearby attractions, stores, and places to eat, with some of the best spots to cast off including the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, Bayshore Drive, and
Saratoga Lake.
Type of fishing: Pier, inshore, freshwater, offshore
Expect to find: Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Cobia, Shark
Rules and safety guidelines: Areas like Matlacha Pass have protected zones. Pay attention to no-motor and no-entry rules posted in these spots.
See Cape Coral fishing spots on the map
8. Naples Fishing Pier
Stretching 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, the historic Naples Fishing Pier is one of the most iconic fishing spots in Florida.
Famous for its spectacular sunsets, luxurious beaches, and ample fishing opportunities, fishing on Naples Pier is covered by the pier’s own bulk fishing license, making it a destination for locals and tourists alike.
Type of fishing: Pier fishing, shore fishing
Expect to find: grouper, red snapper, mackerel, trout
Rules and safety guidelines: Only a small part of the pier is open due to damage from Hurricane Ian. Fishing is prohibited from 11 PM to 5 PM and all-day Sunday.
See Naples Fishing Pier on a map
9. Okeeheelee Park – West Palm Beach
Take a 40-minute drive along US-98 from West Palm Beach and you’ll discover one of Florida fishing’s best-kept secrets:
Relax in natural surroundings as you cast off into one of the many lakes and canals spanning this 1,700 haven of tranquillity.
Bringing the family along on your trip? This sprawling nature park also offers golfing, horse riding, picnic spots, and more.
Type of fishing: Freshwater, bank
Expect to find: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie
Rules and safety guidelines: Motorized boats are banned from Okeeheelee Park.
Plan your journey to Okeeheelee Park on a map
10. Deerfield Beach – Fort Lauderdale
From the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier to shore and out into the Gulf, Deerfield Beach offers a multitude of beautiful and plentiful fishing spots scattered along its 1-mile coastline.
Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and local attractions, it’s an ideal spot for a long weekend of fishing, relaxation, and entertainment.
Type of fishing: Pier, shore, offshore
Expect to find: Snapper, kingfish, bluefish, tarpon
Rules and safety guidelines: Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier is closed from midnight to 6 AM. It costs $4 to fish from the pier.
Explore Deerfield Beach on the map
Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Florida Fishing Spot
Florida is a true bucket-list destination for many avid anglers. If it’s on your list, you’ve certainly got your work cut out for you when it comes to picking the perfect itinerary for the fishing trip of a lifetime.
To help you pick which spots to visit, think about:
- Distance Between Locations: Florida is a big place. It takes anywhere from 15 to 20 hours to drive from one end of the state to the other. In fact, in some locations, it takes less time to drive two states over than it does from one part of Florida to the other. To put that another way, you need to plan your itinerary very carefully if you’re planning to hit multiple fishing spots, as you may need a whole day or more just to travel from one to the next.
- Extreme Weather: You’ll certainly need to pay attention to Florida’s unpredictable weather via the National Weather Service or similar services, especially if you are heading out onto the open waters for sea fishing.
Rules for Fishing in Florida
Daily bag limits vary from species to species. For example, snook have a bag limit of one per person during the open season, while barracuda have a limit of two per person.
See the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission fishing regulations page for a list of bag limits per species.
You also need to know that:
Some fish are protected. Species such as Goliath Grouper and Nassau Grouper are entirely off-limits.
Closed Seasons apply for many species; Red Snapper, for example, has an open season around mid-summer and again in early fall, while Snook season varies by region but is usually in the spring and fall.
Florida Fishing Licenses
If you’re planning to fish from a registered Florida saltwater fishing charter, you won’t need a fishing license as it’s included in the cost.
Otherwise, you’ll need a license.
You can buy these from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Options include:
- Freshwater & Saltwater fishing license – 1 year – $33.50 ($5 for locals)
- Combination fishing/hunting license – 1 year – $93.25
Local residents can also enjoy a 50% discount on the Gold Sportsman License, which includes fishing, hunting, access to the Wildlife Management Areas, and more.
This costs:
- 1 year – $49.25 plus fees
- 5 years – $246.25 plus fees
How Salted Angler Selected the Best Fishing Spots in Florida
With an unparalleled number of options to choose from, picking the perfect fishing spot in Florida is never an easy task. To ensure that our recommendations deliver unforgettable fishing experiences, our team of experienced and ever-passionate anglers put the Sunshine State’s best spots through a vigorous selection process.
Here’s how we did it:
- Fish Variety: Florida is known as the “Fishing Capital of the World” for a reason. Our selections focused on locations offering a diverse range of species, from inshore favorites like redfish and snook to the mighty tarpon.
- Fishing Styles: We considered locations that cater to a variety of fishing styles, including pier fishing, shore fishing, chartered offshore fishing, and more.
- Proximity to Popular Destinations: Florida is a top destination for anglers looking to combine their passion with a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. That’s why we focused a lot on fishing spots near prime locations such as Miami Beach, Destin, and Tampa Bay. That way, you’ve got the best of both worlds: fantastic fishing and world-class attractions.
Check out our editorial policy to learn more about our team and the way we work.
General FAQs
How Long Does the Florida Fishing License Last?
Licenses typically last one year from the time of purchase, though locals can also buy a long-term license for five years.
What types of fish can I catch in Florida?
Florida’s waters are home to a wide variety of fish, including tarpon, largemouth bass, snook, redfish, Mahi-Mahi, and grouper.
What are the best seasons for fishing in Florida?
Fishing in Florida is excellent year-round, but certain species are more active during specific seasons. Spring and summer are ideal for offshore species like tarpon, while redfish and trout are more prevalent in the winter months.
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