Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
The beautiful state of Florida offers a vast variety of fishing opportunities. Florida has the Gulf of Mexico on one side of the state, the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast side of the state, and directly south lies one of the greatest fishing areas in the world, the Florida Keys. Inland Florida provides plenty of rivers and lakes, along with the Everglades National Park.
The Florida coastline of the Gulf of Mexico has wonderful saltwater flats that are home to a vast array of fish. Tampa Bay is easily accessible. Though there are plenty of charter outfits in the area, potential anglers can grab their poles and some bait, such as live shrimp, and head for the saltwater flats and backcountry to fish for snook, redfish, and tarpon. The Ten Thousand Islands and Marco Islands both have plenty of reefs and wrecks that provide enticing harbors for fish such as grouper and snook.
The east coast of Florida is a veritable fishing mecca. You can start at the north and work your way down towards the Keys. You can begin with picturesque Amelia Island, where you might kayak the lush marshes that surround it. You could then move on down past historic St. Augustine until you reach Port Canaveral, which is a great place to fish the buoys for bonitos and cobia. Ft. Pierce, Florida offers some of the best yellowtail fishing on Floridas east coast, and the shallow reefs that border St. Lucie County have some of the best African pompano fishing in Florida.
The Florida Keys is regarded by some as the fishing capital of the world. Key Largo is the gateway to the Keys with its breathtaking, natural coral reefs. It also offers plenty of backcountry fishing or offshore angling with experienced guides. Marathon Key is home to the Seven Mile Bridge, a great place to fish for tarpon. You can also take a charter boat out to the Marathon West Hump, which is a natural feeding ground for a large variety of fish.
Moving farther south, youll find that Big Pine Key and Sugarloaf Keys provide a different fishing environment. The coral reefs are gone, and the water is deep. You can charter a boat to take you into the Gulfstream and search for amberjack and marlin. There are also shipwrecks around these keys that are excellent fishing areas. Finally, Key West has several choices for whatever you are looking for. You can fish the Atlantic Ocean in a charter boat or explore the Gulf of Mexico. There are several boat ramps for you to use if you have your own boat. You can also fish off the bank or from the bridge.
Florida is also home to the Everglades National Park, and nearly one-third of this park is covered in water. This creates a bountiful fishing environment. Depending on which area of the Everglades you are in, you can freshwater or saltwater fish. There are specific limits for different species of fish, so be sure and pick up a copy of the parks guidelines. Commercial fishing is not allowed in the Everglades National Park.
Finally, a visit to Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway is an excellent place to fish in Florida. This huge lake is home to more than forty species of fish including bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. The lake is in the center of Florida and is an important part of Floridas Intracoastal Waterway System. There are many fish camps and charter outfits available with experienced guides to take you to where the fish are. You can also fish along the shore. Sunny Florida has so many opportunities to fish a variety of waters. From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic coast or the southern Keys, Florida provides plenty of fishing year round. Whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater fishing, Florida is a great place to visit.
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