Fishing Guide - Florida Sports Foundation

Transcription

T H E
W O R L D ’ S
L E A D I N G
F I S H I N G
AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
2015 EDITION
D E S T I N AT I O N
T H E
W O R L D ’ S
L E A D I N G
F I S H I N G
D E S T I N AT I O N
Published under contract with Florida Sports,
a division of Enterprise Florida, Inc., by:
Destination Media, Inc.
PO Box 897
Melrose, FL 32666
352.475.2200
Gary A. Jones
President/CEO
gary@dmiflorida.com
Deborah J. Green
Executive Vice President
PARTNER DEVELOPMENT
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
Dick Myers 352.697.1432
dick@dmiflorida.com
Design and Production by
Muddy Creek Creative
Emily R. Young
Project Coordinator
Northwest
Nile Young Jr.
Contributing Photographer
A Division of Enterprise Florida, Inc.
101 N. Monroe St., Suite 1000,
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850.488.8347
John Webb
President
Nick Gandy
Communications Director
All contents are fully protected by Copyright 2015,
Florida Sports and Destination Media, Inc. Contents
may not be reproduced without written permission.
For additional copies: www.flasports.com
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the
information herein. However, the State of Florida, Florida Sports,
Enterprise Florida, Inc. and Destination Media are not responsible
for any errors or omissions which might occur. Also, advertising
material and information is the responsibility of the individual
advertiser, and appearance in FLORIDA FISHING & BOATING
does not necessarily reflect endorsement of the product or
service by the State of Florida, Florida Sports, Enterprise Florida,
Inc., or the publisher, nor are the State, Florida Sports, Enterprise
Florida, Inc. and the publisher responsible for the contents of the
individual advertisements. The publisher thanks Florida Sports
staff for its efforts on behalf of this guide.
North
Central
Contents
Northwest
12
20
Central
West
Northeast
Central
Central East
North Central
Northeast
30
Central
36
46
Central West
50
Central East
Southwest
Southeast
Southwest
54
Southeast
58
On the Cover: Fishing at StreamSong Resort.
Courtesy of Nile Young Photohraphy
Welcome to World’s
Leading Fishing Destination
“Florida has earned the title, ‘Fishing Capital of the World,’
with more 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline, more than 7,700
lakes, and 10,550 miles of rivers and streams – all waiting to
be explored. In addition to our beautiful waterways, outdoor
enthusiasts will enjoy Florida’s award-winning park system,
the nation’s only three-time winner of the National Gold Medal
Award for Excellence. While you are enjoying Florida’s fishing
and boating, I invite you to learn more about how we are
making Florida the best place in the world for families to
work, live, and pursue the American dream.”
“Florida offers a great diversity of saltwater fishes and an
equally impressive amount of freshwater fish. With Florida’s
temperate year-round climate, there’s not a day from January
to December when our fishing season is closed. Once you’re
done in the water, enjoy Florida’s many attractions, like the
International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame &
Museum, in Dania Beach and variety of natural resources.”
Governor Rick Scott
John Webb
President
Florida Sports Foundation
WELCOME TO THE 2015 EDITION of Florida’s Official Fishing
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are spreading the
& Boating Guide. This newly designed resource will highlight key regions
word that The Sunshine State is the best place to fish and invite you to
within The Sunshine State and identify great fishing and boating venues
take advantage of our unparalleled resources. FWC’s comprehensive
throughout. The editorial features tips for saltwater and freshwater
website (www.myfwc.com) is updated regularly and is the place to go
angling, a rundown of some terrific and longstanding events and festivals,
for specific questions on licensing, limits and legalities as it relates to
an expanded look at a couple of terrific destinations and suggestions
fishing, boating and related activities.
on what to look for in a charter captain or guide.
From Pensacola to Key West and from Jacksonville to Naples, Florida
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Recreational fishing has been found to be the number one gateway
activity connecting youth of all ages to the great outdoors partially
is comprised of more than 7,700 lakes, contains 10,550 miles of rivers
because it is available to everyone and is a low-cost wholesome form
and 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline. Florida’s freshwater fisheries comprise
of recreation. Florida is the “Fishing Capital of the World” because of
three million acres of lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and 10,550 miles of
great resources and responsible management. We encourage you to
rivers, streams and canals—with no closed seasons. With more than 700
enjoy recreational fishing with your family and friends as a great way
world-record fish catches and Florida’s documentation as the country’s
to reconnect with nature, relax and lead a happier, healthier and more
number one recreational fishing destination, Florida Sports and the Florida
active lifestyle.
F L O R I D A F I S H I N G A N D B O AT I N G
FLORIDA – “THE FISHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD”
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JUNE
June 7 – NORTH LIGHT RED SNAPPER CHALLENGE
Niceville, 850-678-2350
www.NorthLightChallenge.com
June 6 – FISHERMANS CHOICE ANNUAL KIDS
FISHING TOURNAMENT
Eastpoint, 750-670-8808
Kids 16 & under will fish for fresh & saltwater species.
Each entry receives a t-shirt and after the tournament
entrees are invited to attend a cookout at Fisherman’s
Choice where they will weigh their fish, eat hot dogs
and hamburgers and win great prizes.
June 6-7 – ED ALBER TARPON RODEO
Tierra Verde, 727-867-8166
www.tampabaywatch.org
An all-release fishing tournament with cash and prizes
totaling $5,000. Anglers will fish in Tampa Bay in an
expanded field this year, including all of Tampa Bay to
one-mile offshore running north to Clearwater Pass and
south to Sarasota Big Pass.
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June 11-14 – POMPANO BEACH SALTWATER SLAM
Pompano Beach, 954.725.4010
www.saltwaterslam.com
June 19-20 – PENSACOLA JUNIOR ANGLER
TOURNAMENT
Pensacola, 850-453-4638
June 10-21 – BIG BEND SALTWATER CLASSIC
Port St. Joe, 850.697-2800
www.saltwaterclassic.com
June 15-19 – GOLDEN FLY INVITATIONAL TARPON
TOURNAMENT
Islamorada, 305-587-1460
www.goldcuptt.com
Special flies, accurate casts and a bit of luck are the
recipe for winning this prestigious challenge, using
only a tournament-furnished tippet not greater than
16-pound test. Eligible tarpon must measure at least 48
inches in length to earn release points, and weigh at
least 70 pounds for weight points.
June 15-19 – GOLD CUP TARPON TOURNAMENT
Islamorada
infodept@goldcuptt.com
June 17-21 – EMERALD COAST BLUE
MARLIN CLASSIC
Sandestin, 866-216-2271
www.fishebc.com
June 19-21 – KEY WEST GATOR CLUB
DOLPHIN DERBY
Key West, 305-304-1348
June 26-27 – UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SPORTS
HALL OF FAME CELEBRITY DOLPHIN TOURNY
This annual event invites you to fish with some of your
favorite former ‘Cane All-Stars! Cash prizes for the
heaviest dolphin, a charity auction and more highlight
the one-day tournament. Headquartered at Postcard Inn
Beach Resort & Marina. Up to four-angler teams
June 16-17 – THE DOLPHIN & BLACKFIN TUNA
FUN FISHING TOURNAMENT
Marathon, 305-743-5317
Top prizes of $700, $350 and $200 await individual
adult anglers who catch the tournament’s three heaviest
dolphin, with additional cash awards for the heaviest
blackfin tuna and wahoo. Headquartered at Burdines
Waterfront restaurant, the 14th annual challenge is
open to adult and junior anglers.
June 24-28 – PENSACOLA INTERNATIONAL
BILLFISH TOURNAMENT
Pensacola, 850-453-4638
www.pbgfc.com
JULY
July 10-11 – SAILFISH MARINA
BIG DOG & FAT CAT KDW SHOOTOUT
Lake Park 561-315-3722
www.fishska.com
July 10-12 – ISLAMORADA DOLPHIN TOURNY
This annual event features $15,000 in cash and prizes
up for grabs. Competition is open to all anglers and
there is no limit on the number that can participate.
July 11-14 – DEL BROWN PERMIT TOURNAMENT
Key West, 305-360-6969
Anglers fly-fish on the flats in a challenge that honors
the late angling pioneer Del Brown, who caught and
released more than 500 permit off the Keys.
July 13-18 – GREATER JACKSONVILLE KINGFISH
TOURNAMENT & FESTIVAL
Jim King Park & Boat Ramp at Sister Creek
Jacksonville, 904-251-3011
www.kingfishtournament.com
July 24-25 – GATOR CLASSIC CATFISH TOURNY
Gaskin Park Landing, Wewahitchka
www.floridacatfishclassic.com
July 22-25 – KEY WEST MARLIN TOURNAMENT
Key West, 305-304-0317
Anglers ply the waters once fished by Ernest Hemingway, vying for $50,000 in guaranteed cash prizes. Held
in conjunction with Key West’s annual Hemingway
Days, the event awards $25,000 to the first-place team.
AUGUST
August 6-9 – POMPANO BEACH
SALTWATER SHOWDOWN
Pompano Beach, 954-725-4070
www.saltwatershowdown.com
August 7-9 – PENSACOLA LADIES BILLFISH
TOURNAMENT
Pensacola, 850-453-4638
www.pbgfc.com
August 28-29 – ELITE REDFISH CHALLENGE
Steinhatchee, 352-215-3686
www.eliteredfishchallenge.com
August 29-September 1 – THE GEM CITY
SHRIMP BLAST
Palatka, 386-312-6266
www.thegemcityshrimpblast.com
SEPTEMBER
September 5-6 – SCALLOP FESTIVAL
Sand Hill Park, Port St. Joe, 800-227-1223
A family oriented festival featuring live entertainment,
September 11-13 – ROBERT JAMES SALES
S.L.A.M. CELEBRITY TOURNAMENT
Key West, 305-664-2002
In the first of three tournaments in the annual Redbone
Celebrity Tournament Series, also called The Trilogy,
anglers target tarpon, permit and bonefish to achieve
the coveted “flats grand slam.”
OCTOBER
September 11-13 – SOUTHERNMOST LIGHT
TACKLE ANGLERS MASTERS
Key West, 305-664-2002
www.redbone.org
September 11-12 – FLORIDA SCALLOP & MUSIC
FESTIVAL AND SCALLOP DROP
Port St. Joe, 850-227-1223
www.scallopfest.com
September 24-27 – MARATHON INTERNATIONAL
BONEFISH TOURNAMENT
Marathon, 305-304-8682
For more than 50 years, this challenge awards individual
and team champions scoring the largest bonefish and
permit, the top anglers in fly and grand slam divisions
(for the top spin or fly angler who releases the largest
bonefish, permit and tarpon “slam”), as well as the
tongue-in-cheek “wet pants” champion titles for anglers
wading from shore. The event is one of the few tournaments where anglers can fish without a professional
guide. Notable and celebrity participants have included
crooner Perry Como during the early 1960s, former U.S.
Rep. Dante Fascell, Broadway actor David Wayne and
Heublein Inc. magnate John Martin of A-1 Sauce fame.
September 18-20 – HERMAN LUCERNE
MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
Islamorada
Named after the man known affectionately as “Mr.
Everglades,” fishing is set against the backdrop of
Everglades National Park, challenging anglers who seek
the hard-to-reach yet fruitful fishing areas that Lucerne
favored. Lucerne spent nearly 40 years exploring the
backcountry’s labyrinth of canals, water trails and
mangrove mazes, earning the affectionate moniker. The
tournament distinguishes the overall grand champion
as an individual angler who catches at least four of the
seven eligible species: black drum, bonefish, redfish,
snook, snapper, tarpon and sea trout.
September 25-26 – CURTIS ANDERS
MEMORIAL FLORIDA CATFISH CLASSIC
Wewahitchka www.floridacatfishclassic.com
September 25-27 – ANNUAL TAKE STOCK IN
CHILDREN BACKCOUNTRY CHALLENGE
Key Largo, 305-304-0421
For philanthropic anglers, this popular annual gathering
proffers an important fundraising opportunity while
fishing trout, snook and redfish. Proceeds benefit both
local Rotary Club of Key Largo scholarships and Take
Stock in Children, a statewide scholarship program for
children in seventh through 12th grades. Trophies for
October 1-31 – DESTIN FISHING RODEO
Destin, 850-837-6734
www.destinfishingrodeo.org
Established in 1948, free to angler’s fishing aboard a
registered boat in the Rodeo, over $100,000 awarded in
cash and prizes. Daily, weekly and overall prizes.
October 9-11 – BAYBONE TOURNAMENT
Key Largo, 305-664-220
www.redbone.org
October 9-11 – ROBERT JAMES SALES
BAYBONE CELEBRITY TOURNAMENT
Key Largo, 305-664-2002
The second of three tournaments in the annual Redbone
Trilogy, the Baybone targets permit and bonefish to raise
money for cystic fibrosis research. Among the celebrities who have fished recent Baybone tournaments is
legendary angler Stu Apte, former Denver Bronco and
Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mark Cooper and Major League
Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs.
October 11-14 – ISLAMORADA FALL
ALL-TACKLE BONEFISH
Known locally as the “Fall All-Tackle,” the three-day
challenge attracts energized newcomers to face
seasoned veterans, in a competitive format since 1970.
Up to 25 participants in the tournament. One angler per
boat pairs with a licensed captain to vie for division
winners’ trophies. Permit was added to the challenge
in 2013 and the three largest bonefish and three largest
permit are to be scored by length, not weight.
October TBD – FLY FISHING EXPO
Crystal River, 850-942-9776
www.fedflyfishers.org/Councils/Florida
October 21-22 – THE IRISHWATERDOGS - KAYAK
FISHING TOURNAMENT
Jacksonville, 904-657-8038
www.irishwaterdogsinvitational.com
October 17-18 – CEDAR KEY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Cedar Key
www.VisitLevy.com
The festival offers fine food, entertainment, shopping
and family fun. The Cedar Key Seafood Festival celebrates the area’s fishing heritage, offering two days of
fantastic food, a Seafood Festival parade, 250 arts and
crafts exhibitors, free live music and family fun. State
Route 24 and Second Street at the Gulf Front City Park.
October 31-November 1 – FLORIDA
SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Apalachicola, 850-653-9419
The oldest seafood festival in the state. If you love
great seafood, arts and crafts, fine folks and wonderful
entertainment this will be a great event! Oyster eating
and shucking contest, 5K Redfish Fun, Blue Crab Race
and MORE!
NOVEMBER
November 5-9 – FORT LAUDERDALE
INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
http://bit.ly/9KfE5p.
Show exhibits range from yacht builders and designers
to exotic cars and brokerage yachts. A wide variety
of boats and sea vessels will be on display including
runabouts, sport fishers, high performance boats, center
consoles, cabin cruisers, flats boats, skiffs, express
cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders,
catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables,
canoes, and extraordinary super yachts.
November 6-8 – REDBONE TOURNAMENT
www.redbone.org
November 10-11 – HOMOSASSA SEAFOOD
FESTIVAL
Homosassa, 352-628-9333
www.homosassaseafoodfestival.org
November 12-14 – CHEECA LODGE & SPA
ALL-AMERICAN BACKCOUNTRY TOURNAMENT
Compete for prizes and trophies in this second annual
event, targeting snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon and
permit.
November 21-22 – INGLIS YANKEETOWN ARTS,
CRAFTS AND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Yankeetown
Food vendors, over one hundred arts & crafts vendors,
and entertainment fill this coastal village, on the
Withlacoochee River.
www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/inglisyankeetown/
November 21 – RIGHT WHALE FESTIVAL
Seawalk Pavillion, Jacksonville Beach, (904) 247-6100 www.rightwhatefestival.com
DECEMBER
December 3-6 – ISLAMORADA SAILFISH
TOURNAMENT
The first leg of the triple-crown Florida Keys Gold Cup
Championship Series is characterized by high-flying sail
action, conservation and sportsmanship. It’s also the
only tournament in the Gold Cup series to offer a junior
division for anglers aged 16 and younger. Unlimited
anglers are allowed per vessel.
December 14 – THE POMPANO
BEACH BOAT PARADE
http://bit.ly/Tcnv1J.
Along the Intracoastal Waterway in Pompano Beach
and is one of the oldest Holiday Boat Parades in the Nation. Special events such as the Captain’s Party with the
culmination of approximately 50-75 brightly decorated
boats illuminating our waterway. The boat parade has
no boat entry fee.
December 12 – THE SEMINOLE HARD ROCK WINTERFEST BOAT PARADE
Fort Lauderdale, 954-767-0686
http://winterfestparade.com/index.php
June 6-7 – FSFA: ANNUAL SLAM
Sunrise Marina, Port Canaveral, 321.403.5241
www.FSFAclub.org
June 16-17 – ANNUAL DOLPHIN DAYS FISHING
TOURNAMENT
Miami, 305-743-5317
burdineswaterfront@gmail.com
first through third place are to be awarded anglers in
adult and pro divisions, as well as first-place snook,
trout and redfish prizes for juniors age 17 and under.
EVENTS
2015 EVENT CALENDAR
arts and crafts, children’s rides, & FOOD. Fried scallop
dinners are available as well as scallops to take home
& cook. 2 days of fun & activities for the whole family.
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FLORIDA FISHES
FLORIDA FISHES
FRESHWATER
This section describes some of Florida’s most popular freshwater fishes and identification information.
For regulations, please visit MyFWC.com/Fishing or pick up a copy of the Florida Fishing
Regulations—Freshwater Edition, wherever licenses are sold.
LARGEMOUTH BASS
State Record: 17.27 lbs. (Note several larger fish
have been documented but not certified.)
Big Catch: 24 inches or 8.0 lbs.
Habitat: The Florida largemouth bass is the state
freshwater fish. Found statewide in lakes and
rivers, they are commonly found along vegetation,
or underwater structure, but schooling bass are also
found in the middle of lakes.
TIP: The best live bait is a golden shiner, fished
under a float or free-lined. Typically, the shiner is
hooked through the lips or back with a large hook,
2/0 to 5/0. A medium to medium-heavy rod with 14to 20-pound test line is preferred, particularly when
fishing in areas with thick vegetation or cover.
SPOTTED BASS
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Appearance: Spotted bass are similar to
largemouth bass, but unlike the largemouth, the
spotted bass has scales on the base portion of the
second dorsal fin; their first and second dorsal fins
are clearly connected, and its upper jaw does not
extend past the eye.
Habitat: They prefer
small to medium
streams and rivers with
clear, slow-moving
water, and gravel or rock bottoms. Seldom found in
natural lakes, and they do not enter brackish water.
BLACK CRAPPIE OR
SPECKLED PERCH/SPECKS:
Appearance: A deep body with nearly symmetrical
dorsal and anal fins
and a speckled pattern
on the body and fins
identify the black
crappie.
State Record: 3.83 lbs.
Habitat: Unlike most other panfish, crappie spend
much of their time offshore feeding on small fish in
lakes or in large slow-moving clear water rivers.
BLUEGILL
Appearance: Bluegill
have the deep-bodied
look of “bream,” with
a long dorsal fin and
slightly forked tail. A
dark ear covering and a blotch at the dorsal fin’s
back bottom edge set them apart.
Habitat: Bluegill are common throughout Florida but
are best known in lakes and ponds.
TIP: Live worms or crickets are the best bait, either
fished on the bottom or suspended below a float.
Crickets, grubs, sand maggots or grass shrimp will
also catch bedding bluegill.
Appearance: A bright
red mark on the back edge
of the gill cover is very
distinctive.
Appearance: A very long black ear flap
distinguishes this fish from other Florida bream.
Appearance: Catfish are easy to distinguish by
their whisker-like sensory barbels and a forked
tail. Channel catfish have a rounded anal fin and
scattered black spots along their back and sides.
Males become especially dark during spawning
season and develop a thickened pad on their head.
Appearance: Chain pickerel are deep olive-green
on the back, shading to a creamy yellow on the
belly, with the back and anal fin about the same
size and located far back on an elongated body. A
distinct black chain-like or interwoven marking on
the sides give them
their name.
Habitat: White bass are found mostly in the
Apalachicola and Ochlockonee river systems.
Big Catch: 10 inches total length or 0.75 lbs.
Habitat: The preferred habitat is slow-moving,
heavily vegetated streams and rivers with
limestone, sand, or gravel substrates.
CHAIN PICKEREL
REDBREAST SUNFISH:
CHANNEL CATFISH:
Appearance: White bass look like short stripers.
They are silvery-white with five to eight dusky black
stripes on the sides. Stripes below the lateral line
are faint and may be uneven. Whites are stockier
than stripers, with a smaller head, and dorsal fins
are set closer together.
Habitat: Redear prefer hard bottoms, congregating
in deeper water than bluegill.
Appearance: Spotted
sunfish are olive-green
to brown in color, with
black or reddish spots on
the base of each scale
forming rows of dots on its sides.
Appearance: Adults are olive blue-green with
mustard colors, and a bright
red eyespot on the tail fin.
WHITE BASS
SPOTTED SUNFISH
OR STUMPKNOCKER
Appearance: It has a stout, deep body similar
to other panfish. A red eye and large mouth are
conspicuous field marks. Three or four dark stripes
radiating back from the eye across the cheek and
gill cover like war paint confirm the identity.
Habitat: Warmouths
inhabit swamps, marshes, shallow lakes, slowmoving streams and canals with soft, muddy
bottoms. They stay around aquatic vegetation,
stumps and snags and under the banks of streams
and ponds. They have more tolerance for muddy
water than most species.
REDEAR SUNFISH
OR SHELLCRACKER:
Habitat: Also known
as river bream and
redbellies, these are the
flowing water cousins of
bluegill. Redbellies often can be found in backwater
areas with less flow, especially where there are
sandy bottoms. Common in rivers of north Florida,
but absent from south Florida.
OSCAR
Habitat: Butterfly peacock
bass were stocked,
after research showed
temperature would limit their range. Biologists
sought to control exotic fishes and to provide a
high quality sport fishery. Many miles of canals
in Miami-Dade and Broward counties now have
self-sustaining peacock fisheries worth millions of
dollars locally.
SUNSHINE BASS:
Appearance: Sunshine bass were first produced
in Florida by state hatcheries, and all sunshines are
still produced and stocked. This is because they are
a hybrid of a female white bass and male striped
bass that does not occur naturally. Sunshines often
have broken stripes on the front half and straight
lines on the rear half of
the body.
Habitat: Sunshines occur where they are stocked
by the FWC--typically in community lakes or waters
with an abundance of shad.
PEACOCK BASS:
Appearance: Color is very vivid— generally golden
with three black vertical bars that fade with age.
A black spot with a yellow halo on the tail fin is
distinctive.
State Record: 44.50
lbs.
Big Catch: 31
inches or 15.0 lbs.
Habitat: Channel catfish are found throughout
Florida, and spawn in holes and crevices
BEHAVIOR: Primarily bottom feeders, channels also
feed higher up. Major foods are aquatic insects,
crayfish, mollusks, crustaceans and fish—not
detritus or decaying material.
FLATHEAD CATFISH
Appearance: A flat head, tiny eyes, squarish tail
and protruding lower jaw distinguish flathead from
other. They are yellow-brown, usually mottled
above, with a creamy colored belly.
Big Catch: 36 inches
or 25 lbs.
Habitat: Flathead are found in the Apalachicola and
Escambia rivers, where they recently arrived from
Georgia and Alabama. Flatheads prefer long, slowflowing, moderately-turbid rivers.
WHITE CATFISH
Appearance: Sides are blue-gray to blue-black
and may be mottled. The tail is moderately forked,
and the anal fin is shorter and rounder than that of
channel or blue catfish.
Big Catch: 22 inches or 5 lbs.
Habitat: found statewide in rivers and streams and
in slightly brackish coastal waters.
Habitat: Oscars are illegally/
accidentally established
nonnative fish. They are abundant in Water
Conservation Area canals and occur throughout
south Florida. Native to South America.
Habitat: Found statewide, normally in vegetated
lakes, swamps and backwaters of small to large
rivers.
FLORIDA GAR
Appearance: Prehistoric fish with ganoid (bony)
scales that have peg-and-socket joints forming a
hard armor. Irregular round, spots occur on top of
the head, all over
the body and fins.
Habitat: They are found in the Ochlockonee River
and waters east and south in peninsular Florida
where they inhabit streams, canals and lakes with
mud or sand bottoms near underwater vegetation.
AMERICAN SHAD
Appearance: Green or greenish blue with metallic
luster on back and silvery sides. The chest and
abdomen have bony
scutes. They typically
have several spots
along their side.
Appearance: The largemouth bass is the best
known and most popular game fish in North
America. It is distinguished from other black bass
because the upper jaw extends beyond the rear
edge of the eye, and the
first and second dorsal
(back) fins are separated
by an obvious deep dip.
Big Catch: 10 inches
or 0.75 lbs.
Images courtesty of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Art by Duane Raver, Jr.
Note: “Big Catch” refers to a free angler recognition
program. Copies of the application form and rules
are available in the printed Regulations and online
at MyFWC.com/fishing. The sizes listed are adult
qualifying weights; youth qualify with slightly
smaller catches, and “Specialist,” “Master” and
“Elite Angler” classifications are available. A frameable certificate and window sticker are sent to
qualifying anglers.
WARMOUTH
Habitat: In Florida, it occurs only in the northeast,
mostly in the St. Johns River and Nassau River
when it returns from the ocean to spawn, typically
between late December and early April.
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FLORIDA FISHES
FLORIDA FISHES
SALTWATER
This section highlights some of the great diversity of saltwater fishes that Florida has to offer
and identification information. For regulations, please visit MyFWC.com/Marine or pick up a copy
of the Florida Fishing Regulations wherever licenses are sold.
BONEFISH
SPOTTED SEATROUT
PERMIT
Appearance: Silvery, with torpedo-shaped body
and conical snout.
Appearance: Spotted seatrout have a distinctive
pair of canine teeth that
protrude from the upper
jaw.
Appearance: Permit are
deep-bodied fish with a
very deeply forked tail
that gives them the speed to catch crabs and other
invertebrates in seagrass flats. Pompano are similar
but not as deep bodied and rarely grow larger than
6 pounds.
Habitat: Bonefish
primarily inhabit inshore
shallows of the Florida Keys, often in water that is
less than 1 foot deep.
TIP: Live shrimp or jigs tipped with fresh shrimp are
the best baits for conventional fishermen. Fly fishermen patiently pole through shallow flats stalking
these elusive fish. Bonefish are very seldom eaten
and should be carefully released.
SNOOK
Appearance: Snook are identified by their black
lateral line and protruding lower jaw.
Habitat: “Linesides”
are found in coastal and
brackish waters, along
mangrove shorelines, and
near seagrass beds, seawalls, jetties and bridges.
Snook abound on both coasts of Florida from central
Florida south, because they cannot tolerate water
temperatures below 60˚F.
GAG GROUPER
Appearance: Grouper are bottom fish that range
from several pounds to 700 or more pounds. They
vary in color with massive under-slung jaws, chunky
bodies, a tenacious attitude and large, broad,
powerful tails.
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Habitat: Adults inhabit rocky bottoms, reefs and
drop-off walls in water over 60 feet deep; young
occur inshore in waters
around seagrass beds,
mangrove forests and
hard-bottom communities.
Habitat: Seatrout abound in seagrass meadows,
mangrove-fringed shorelines, deep holes and
channels and above oyster bars.
REDFISH (RED DRUM)
Appearance: Redfish are easily recognized by the
spot or spots at the base of their tails.
Habitat: In winter, redfish
are found in seagrass,
over muddy or sand
bottoms, or near oyster
bars or spring fed creeks.
TARPON
Appearance: Tarpon have a distinctive dorsal fin
ray that extends into a long filament, a large upward
pointing mouth and very large scales
Habitat: Primarily
inshore fish, preferring
shallow estuaries around
mangrove forests, salt
marshes or hard-bottom/seagrass communities of
the Keys. They tolerate a wide salinity range, and as
juveniles, enter fresh waters.
BEHAVIOR: Tarpon can gulp air and remove oxygen
by means of lung-like tissue near their swim bladder. This “rolling” effect is one way to spot tarpon.
Anglers catch tarpon that weigh 40 to 150 pounds
on average. Tarpon do not mature until 7 to 13 years
of age. They spawn offshore between May and
September.
DOLPHIN
Habitat: Dolphin are open-ocean fish. The young
live in floating sargassum weed.
SAILFISH
Appearance: The sailfish is Florida’s state
saltwater fish. Its name
originates from the greatly
enlarged first dorsal fin
that runs almost the
length of its back and is covered with spots.
Habitat: These coastal fish inhabit tropical grass
and sand flats, near reefs and wrecks.
COBIA
Appearance: Cobia are
long, slim fish with a
broad depressed head.
The lower jaw extends past the upper jaw, and they
have a dark lateral stripe that extends through the
tail. These fish are also known as ling, or lemonfish,
and resemble remoras.
Appearance: Bluefish
are greenish blue on their
back, with silvery sides
and a large mouth filled
with prominent, sharp teeth.
Habitat: Cobia are found in nearshore and inshore
waters with inlets and bays. Cobia are frequently
found around buoys, pilings and wrecks in these
areas.
RED SNAPPER
Appearance: Most snapper are bottom fish with
varied shapes, sizes and colors, a terminal mouth,
and broad tail. Florida has
15 species of snapper,
including mangrove (gray),
lane, mutton, yellowtail
and red.
State Record: 46.50 lbs. (red).
Habitat: Larger snapper are found further offshore.
Lane snapper inhabit grassbeds and shallow reefs.
Yellowtail snapper are common over grassbeds,
reefs and sandy areas near reefs. Unlike most
snapper, they are up in the water column and
Habitat: Sailfish are found throughout Florida; yearround in the Keys, during the summer in the Gulf
and off the Atlantic during summer and fall.
BLUEFISH
Habitat: Young usually are inshore during spring
and summer and move offshore to join adults during
fall and winter. Large numbers of bluefish migrate
to Florida from northern stocks during winter.
Anglers on the east coast catch larger bluefish than
fishermen on the west coast.
BLACK SEA BASS
Appearance: These fish have a three-lobed tail fin
with a dark body and a sharp spine on the gill cover.
Habitat: Sea bass are
typically found along
structure, associated
SHEEPSHEAD
Appearance: Sheepshead have 5-6 broad vertical
dark gray bars, a forked tail and human-like teeth.
Habitat: Look for
sheepshead inshore
around oyster bars,
bridges, pilings and
artificial reefs.
KING MACKEREL
Appearance: Mackerel are long-bodied fish with
a deeply forked tail and a series of finlets behind
the dorsal fin. Kings are
iridescent blue-green
along the back; the lateral
line starts high and
drops sharply below the second dorsal fin. Spanish
mackerel have golden yellow irregular spots above
and below the lateral line. Cero have yellow spots
forming lines above and below a bronze stripe from
pectoral fin to base of the tail.
State Record: 15.5 lbs. (king).
Habitat: Found both nearshore and offshore, often
around piers.
SWORDFISH
BLUE MARLIN
Appearance: A cobalt blue color shading to silvery
white on bottom gives this large billfish its name.
The dorsal, pectoral and
anal fins are all pointed.
(Note in white marlin they
are rounded).
State Record: 1046 lbs. (blue)
Habitat: A deep-sea fish that makes major transAtlantic migrations.
TRIPLETAIL
Appearance: The rounded second dorsal and anal
fins are similar in size and
along with a rounded tail
fin, give the fish its name.
The bases of those fins
have scales.
Habitat: Frequently associated with structure.
GULF FLOUNDER
Appearance: A flattened bottom fish. The eyes
have migrated to one side of the body so that when
laying flat both eyes can
see upward. The Gulf
flounder has a brown back
and three eyespots in a
triangular pattern; the
southern flounder lacks those spots.
Appearance: A rather unique billfish, with a
flattened bill formed from an elongated upper jaw. It
has a single high dorsal
fin and one keel on
each side in front of the
tail fin.
State Record: 20.6 lbs. (Gulf).
Appearance: Blacktips have a dark bluish gray
(young paler) back, with a distinctive whitish stripe
on the flank; and the inside tip of the pectoral fin is
conspicuously black, as are the dorsal and anal fin
tips, and lower lobe of
caudal in young blacktips.
Numerous other shark
species exist in Florida
waters. All have multiple
gill openings, and rough skin with embedded scales
that make the skin feel like sandpaper.
Habitat: Deep sea fish found from the surface
down below 2,000 feet. They are heavily overfished
internationally.
BEHAVIOR: Swordfish over 200 pounds are
generally females and tend to migrate to the surface
at night, when most drift fishing occurs.
WAHOO
Appearance: A member of the mackerel family,
long and streamlined with about 30 dark wavy bars
for camouflage.
State Record: 139 lbs.
Habitat: Found offshore;
generally not in schools.
Habitat: Inshore or nearshore lying on sandy or mud
bottoms.
BLACKTIP SHARK
with reefs and rubble offshore, although smaller
specimens are found in inshore finger channels.
Appearance: Dolphin, or Mahi-Mahi, are brightly
colored fish, with a high
forehead. The dorsal fin
extends from just behind
the head to just before
the tail. Males have a nearly vertical head profile,
and females have a more sloping head contour.
Images courtesty of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Art by Duane Raver, Jr.
take chunks of fish for bait. Mutton snapper are
common over grassbeds or mangroves with larger
individuals occurring on reefs. Red snapper are most
common on the continental shelf in northern Florida
near structure. Mangrove snapper are common
throughout Florida in many habitats.
State Record: 152 lbs. (blacktip).
Habitat: Most sharks are pelagic (offshore), but
blacktips often come inshore in large schools,
particularly in association with Spanish mackerel.
Frequently the most common shark in clear-water
cuts and along beaches in Florida and Bahamas.
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NORTHWEST
COUNTIES: ESCAMBIA, SANTA ROSA, OKALOOSA, WALTON, HOLMES,
WASHINGTON, BAY, JACKSON, CALHOUN, GULF, LIBERTY, FRANKLIN,
GADSEN, LEON, WAKULLA, JEFFERSON, MADISON, TAYLOR
NORTHWEST
NORTHWEST
THE PANHANDLE REGION OF FLORIDA is not only home to the state’s capital;
it also houses Florida’s largest river, Florida’s river with the greatest variety of native
North American freshwater fish and stretches more than 200 miles along the Gulf.
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Blackwater River
The Blackwater River runs through Florida for
49 miles. The river’s headwaters start in the
Conecuh National Forest of Southern Alabama
and enter Florida in Okaloosa County. The
Blackwater River, especially the lower section,
The scenic 95 mile Chipola River is home
to the unique shoal bass. When fishing
for shoal bass try beetle spins, worms and
crickets as attractors. This spring-fed
coldwater river has fast water shoals and
also provides excellent sunfish (redbreast,
redear and bluegill) fishing in the spring
depending on the water level. Boat operators
should be cautious of these shallow limestone
shoals while running their boats in this river
during low water. The Chipola River is
accessible in Marianna off CR 280 (Magnolia
Mexico Beach Marina
Port St. Joe Marina, Inc.
Presnell’s Bayside Marina & RV Resort
Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
Destin Marina
Harbor Walk Marina
Blanchita, Inc.
Legendary Marina
The Boat Marina
Fort Walton Beach Yacht Basin
Bluewater Bay Marina
Santa Rosa Yacht & Boat Club
Bayside Marina
Panacea Harbor Marina
Shields Marina, Inc.
850-648-8900
850-227-9393
850-229-2710
850-837-3400
850-837-2470
850-650-2400
850-837-0961
850-337-8200
850-244-2722
850-244-5725
850-897-2821
850-934-1005
850-984-5548
850-984-5844
850-925-5612
Rd), Peacock Bridge Rd (located north of Sink
Creek), SR 274 west of Altha on Hamilton Spring
Rd, and SR 20 at Clarksville.
Choctawhatchee Bay
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Fishing is more fun in Panama City Beach. Plan your trip today.
visitpanamacitybeach.com 800. 722. 3224
Nearly two dozen species of fish inhabit Choctawhatchee Bay; Red fish, Spanish mackerel,
spotted sea trout, sheepshead and sea trout are
common catches. The Destin area yields a lot of
amberjack, triggerfish, dolphin, wahoo and marlin
in its open waters.
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Fishing
Guides
Gulf
Gulf
Gulf
Okaloosa
Okaloosa
Okaloosa
Okaloosa
Okaloosa
Okaloosa
Okaloosa
Okaloosa
Santa Rosa
Wakulla
Wakulla
Wakulla
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Store
850-349-2511
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Mechanical
Repairs
Alligator Point Yacht Basin
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Fuel
Franklin
Water Body
Grand Lagoon
Gulf of Mexico
St. Andrews Bay
East Bay
Grand Lagoon
St. Andrews Bay
East Bay
Grand Lagoon
St. Andrews Bay
Little Sabine Bay
Bayou Chico
Bayou Chico
Bayou Chico
Bayou Chico
Intracoastal Waterway
Bayou Chico
Bayou Grande
Bayou Chico
Apalachicola River
Apalachicola River
Scipio Creek
Carrabelle River
Carrabelle River
Carrabelle River
Gulf of Mexico/
Alligator Bay
St. Josephs Bay
St. Josephs Bay
St. Josephs Bay
Destin Harbor
Choctawhatchee Bay
Destin Harbor
Destin Harbor
Choctawhatchee Bay
Choctawhatchee Bay
Okaloosa Sound
Oyster Bay
Ochlockonee Bay
Gulf of Mexico
St. Marks River
Accepts
Transients
Phone
850-235-6911
850-234-5609
850-234-7650
850-874-8300
850-234-3435
850-872-7272
850-874-8723
850-234-3939
850-872-7240
877-650-3474
850-455-7639
850-453-3471
850-434-9022
850-455-2628
850-492-0555
850-455-4552
850-453-3775
850-455-4552
877-402-7873
850-653-9294
850-653-9521
850-653-8030
850-697-3351
850-697-8400
850-697-2800
Restaurants
Marina
Bay Point Marina
Lighthouse Marina
Bayside Marina of Panama City
Cook Bayou Marina
Captain Anderson’s Marina
Panama City Marina
Pier 98 Marina
Pirate’s Cove Marina
St. Andrews Marina
The Pensacola Beach Marina
Bell Marine Service, Inc.
Pelican’s Perch Marina and Boatyard
Day Break Marina
Harbor View Marine
Holiday Harbor Marina
Island Cove Marina
Mac’s Marina
Yacht Harbor Marina
Perdido Cove RV Resort & Marina
Bay City Lodge & Restaurant
Miller Marine Service
Scipio Creek Marina
Carrabelle Marina
C-Quarter’s Marine
The Moorings
Overnight
Dockage
Chipola River
County
Bay
Bay
Bay
Bay
Bay
Bay
Bay
Bay
Bay
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Franklin
Franklin
Franklin
Franklin
Franklin
Franklin
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Choctawhatchee River
Dead Lake
Florida’s third largest river system, the Choctawhatchee River originates in Alabama, flowing
into the Gulf at Choctawhatchee Bay. Bluegill and
redear can be lured with crickets and wigglers.
Largemouth bass respond well to crank baits and
artificial worms. Boat ramps can be found off C.R.
179 in Holmes County at Curry Ferry, Old Warehouse Landing and Ward Landing. Bank fishing is
allowed at all locations.
This strangely beautiful 6,700-acre lake with dark
tannic waters is located on the Chipola River near
the town of Wewahitchka. West Arm Creek of the
lake is accessible from Dead Lake State Park and
Recreation Area, located off SR71 just north of
Wewahitchka. There are fish camps located around
the lake and care should be taken when operating a
motorboat here as it is filled with cypress snags and
stumps. This lake enjoys an excellent reputation for
its bluegill and redear fishing in the spring.
Florida’s largest river runs from Lake Seminole,
on the Florida-Georgia border at Chattahoochee,
106 miles south through the Panhandle to
the Gulf. Fishing opportunities are best at
the extreme ends: its origin at Lake Seminole
and its stopping point in the Gulf. The lower
Apalachicola consists of the main river channel
and the distributaries which form the delta:
the St. Marks River, Little St. Marks River, and
East River. Shoreline access is available only
from the public docks on the waterfront in
Apalachicola and at the City Dock under the
Hwy. 98 bridge. Private launching facilities can
be found at several marinas in Apalachicola, in
This 107-acre lake is home to bass, bluegill,
crappie and catfish. Bass are best baited with
plastic worms and lizards, while the crappie respond well to crappie minnows and curly-tailed
jigs. A boat ramp is located within the lake’s
campground, and parking is available. Bear
Lake is located in northeast Santa Rosa County
within the Blackwater State Forest, approximately 2 miles east of Munson, FL on SR 4.
Northwest Marinas
Boat
Charters
Apalachicola River
Bear Lake
is a great place to catch bluegill and sunfish.
Try beetle spins, earthworms and crickets as
bait. Adequate amounts of bass can be found in
the spring; try crankbaits and artificial worms.
Milton’s Carpenters Park offers plenty of boat
ramps, as does Highway 191 in Bagdad. A 31mile section of river from Kennedy Bridge near
Munson, FL to Deaton Bridge in the Blackwater
River State park is designated as the Blackwater River Canoe trail.
NORTHWEST
NORTHWEST
From shallow sea grass beds to deeper waters,
a large variety of fish make their home in the
bay. King mackerel, cobia and grouper prefer
the deep end, while sheepshead and flounder
stick to the shallow grass beds. Early anglers
who use live minnows and shrimp will prove the
luckiest.
East Point, and Howard's Creek off the Brother's
River, and on Searcy Creek in White City. The
upper Apalachicola River has good shore access
from Jim Woodruff Dam to Race Shoal (0.9
miles) on the east bank, and from the dam to
Hwy. 90 on the west bank.
Lodging
Apalachicola Bay
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Deerpoint Lake
NORTHWEST
Deerpoint Lake is a 5,000-acre impoundment
located 7 miles north of Panama City. It is also
home to a wide variety of fish, including bass,
bluegill, shellcracker and crappie. Bluegill are
especially partial to crickets and earthworms,
while bass are best caught with plastic worms
and crankbaits. There are boat ramps located on
C2321 on either side of the dam. A fishing pier
is located near the boat ramp on the west side
of the dam and bank fishing is permitted.
Boaters should be careful of the vegetation
around the ramps.
East Pass
Located between St. George Island and Dog
Island, the east pass is thick with Spanish
mackerel, whiting, flounder, redfish and sea
trout. St. George Island State Park offers two
boat ramps.
Econfina River
Escambia River
The Escambia River is a 92-mile river of which
54 miles are found in Florida ending in Pensacola
Bay. The Escambia is the fourth largest river
in Florida and with 85 native freshwater fish; it
sports the widest variety of native North American freshwater fish in the state. The McDavid
Ramp is located 7.5 miles south of Century on
U.S. 29; another boat ramp is located on the
northeast side of Escambia Bay.
“Top Beach in the U.S.” USA TODAY
“Top Place to Visit” National Geographic
“Top 25 Destinations in the U.S.” TripAdvisor
877-574-5123
EmeraldCOASTING.com
Hurricane Lake
Juniper Lake
Hurricane Lake is a 318-acre man-made impoundment constructed in 1971, opened to fishing in
1973, and is designated as a Fish Management
Area. Hurricane Lake is a haven for bass, bluegill,
shellcracker and catfish. Shellcrackers will like
earthworms or crickets, while bass anglers
should try plastic worms. Concrete boat ramps
and docks are located in the campgrounds of the
Blackwater State Forest. Restrooms, picnic areas
and campsites with electrical and water hookups,
maintained by DOF, are also available. Bait,
supplies, and other conveniences are available in
nearby Baker, Blackmon, and Munson.
Juniper Lake is regularly stocked with catfish
and bream, and fish attractors have been added
to increase the harvest. Bass fishers should try
shiners, but dark-colored plastic worms work
well. Bream prefer crickets and worms. Juniper
Lake has two boat ramps, and bank fishing is
offered as well. Restroom and picnic areas
are available.
Karick Lake
Karick Lake is a 65-acre man-made impoundment
constructed in 1965, opened to fishing in 1966,
and is designated as a Fish Management Area. A
considerable amount of flooded timber remains,
providing fish habitat. The lake has been stocked
with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish
(shellcracker), and channel catfish. Plastic worms
and topwater lures work best for bass fishing. Try
earthworms or crickets for bluegill, concentrating
on the oyster shell and gravel beds, both popular
spawning sites for bluegill and shellcracker.
Concrete boat ramps are available at the north
and south sides of the lake, along with restroom,
shower and picnic areas. Bank fishing is permitted.
Lake Jackson
Located just north of Tallahassee, this 4,000-acre
Photo courtesy of Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
The shallow waters of the Econfina River yield
plenty of cobia, sea trout and redfish. The
Econfina River State Park’s boat ramp is always
open for saltwater angling in the Gulf. Overnight
accommodations are small and clean.
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Northwest Freshwater Fishing Piers
VISIT FLORIDA
Beaches of South Walton TDC
Western Lake
lake has been nationally known for its largemouth
bass fishery. The best bass fishing time of year
is the spring through early summer (February
through May). This lake has a high diversity of
aquatic vegetation, but hydrilla, eelgrass, and
maidencane are the best habitats to fish for bass
in this lake. This lake is shallow with an average
depth of about 7 feet and a maximum depth of
30 feet. Five public boat ramps exist around the
lake’s shore.
Lake Talquin
Lake Talquin offers 8,000 acres, where crappie
fishing is quite favorable. The best crappie are
caught during the winter and early spring. Live
minnows and jigs work best as bait. Also popular
are largemouth bass, bluegill and redear.
Plenty of tree stumps and logs are excellent
fish habitats, and plastic worms work well.
Gadsden County offers three public boat ramps
and two public piers. Leon County has seven
public ramps and five public piers. Several fish
camps are open to visitors around the lake.
Lake Seminole
Nestled next to the Georgia border, Lake
Seminole is a 37,500-acre haven for freshwater
fishing. Catfish, bream and black crappie are all
popular catches, and the lake is annually stocked
with bass. Try earthworms, crickets, plastic
worms and top-water lures as bait. A boat ramp
Park
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens
State Park
Big Lagoon State Park
Blackwater River State Park
Camp Helen State Park
Econfina River State Park
Florida Caverns State Park
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Grayton Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park
Lake Talquin State Park
Ochlockonee River
State Park
Perdido Key State Park
St. Andrews State Park
St. George Island State Park
St. Joseph Peninsula
State Park
Three Rivers State Park
Location
Phone
Camping
Tallahassee
850-487-4556
Pensacola
Holt
Panama City Beach
Lamont
Marianna
Niceville
Santa Rosa Beach
Destin
Tallahassee
850-492-1595
850-983-5363
850-233-5059
850-922-6007
850-482-9598
850-833-9144
850-231-4210
850-837-7550
850-922-6007
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Sopchoppy
850-962-2771
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Pensacola
Panama City
St. George Island
850-492-1595
850-233-5140
850-927-2111
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Port St. Joe
850-227-1327
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Sneads
850-482-9006
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Freshwater
Fishing
Saltwater
Fishing
Boating/
Canoeing
Boat Ramp
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Northwest Boating & Fishing in National Parks & Refuges
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Park
Apalachoicola National Forest
Gulf Islands National Seashore
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
Phone
850-643-2282
850-934-2600
850-925-6121
850-653-8808
Camping
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Boating/
Canoeing
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Boat Ramp
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Location
southwest of Century
Chattahoochee
High Bluff Road
White City
west of Monticello
Lake Talquin State Park
Madison
six miles west of Blackman
northeast of Munson
Barrier Free
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Rest Rooms
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Fish Attractor
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Boat Ramp
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Northwest Saltwater Fishing Piers
Pier Name
M.B. Miller County Pier
Russell-Fields Pier
Fort Pickens Fishing
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
Okaloosa Island Fishing
Water Body
Gulf of Mexico/Intracoastal
Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
is available off C.R. 271 with unpaved parking
for about 10 cars.
Lake Stone
Lake Stone in a 130-acre man-made impoundment
constructed in 1967, opened to fishing in 1969
and designated as a Fish Management Area. A
considerable amount of flooded timber remains,
providing fish habitat. Lake Stone is great for
catching crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish
and catfish. Bass are best baited with
plastic worms or top-water lures, while chicken
livers and earthworms are effective for catching
catfish. A single-lane ramp with 30 spaces of
parking is available. Boaters should be aware,
while electric trolling motors are allowed,
gasoline motors are prohibited.
Lake Victor
Lake Victor is a 130-acre artificial impoundment
constructed in 1966 and opened to fishing in 1968.
Deepest areas are near the dam and along the
old stream bed. A considerable amount of timber
remains, providing fish habitat and cover. Lake
Victor is a great place to find bass, bluegill and
redear sunfish. A rotating population of black
crappie seems to peak every five years, and catfish
will be abundant during the summer months. Two
boat ramps with parking are available on the east
and west sides of the lake, but be aware the west
ramp is only accessible by small boats, as the
water is very shallow.
Merritt’s Mill Pond
This is a unique 202-acre spring-fed impoundment
Location
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach
Pensacola
Pensacola Beach
Ft. Walton Beach
Barrier Free
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with crystal clear waters near the city limits of
Marianna. Merritt’s Mill Pond is famous for trophy
redears. A 4.86-lb. redear from the pond holds
the state record and until recently the world
record. Try plastic worms or crickets as bait,
and concentrate on the eelgrass beds. A singlelane boat ramp is available off Hunter Fish
Camp Road.
Ocheesee Pond
Covered with cypress trees, 2,225-acre Ocheesee
Pond is a great spot for bluegill; crickets and
grass shrimp work well as bait. Redear sunfish
and largemouth bass are best found with worms
or live shiners. The Shady Grove Ramp off of C.R.
69A will provide boat access to the pond.
Ochlockonee River
Flowing from Georgia into the Gulf of Mexico,
the Ochlockonee River is known for its snags and
deep water holes. Catfish, crappie and sunfish are
popular catches. Worms or crickets will lure sunfish, while crappie prefer minnows and jigs. The
river is a great spot for canoeing, about a dozen
boat ramps are available along the river’s shores.
Panama City Beach
With an abundance of black drum, bluefish,
Spanish mackerel, pompano and whiting, Panama
City Beach is a great place for a full day of
fishing. The bays usually harbor grouper and
flounder, while the open waters typically yield
red snapper, black sea bass, sailfish and king
mackerel.
Rest Rooms
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Fish Attractor
Pensacola Bay
Pensacola, Navarre Beach, Gulf Breeze and
Perdido Key are all great places for saltwater fishing. Red snapper and grouper can be found in the
off-shore reef, but large game fish such as tuna,
sailfish, wahoo and marlin are the trophy catches.
Perdido River
Marking Florida’s northwest border, the Perdido
River Wildlife Management Area includes 15
miles along the river and plenty of fishing
opportunities. The public is welcome all year
for fishing and frogging.
St. Josephs Bay
Conveniently located near Port St. Joe, the bay’s
shallow waters and seagrass beds harbor plenty
of catches. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, sheepshead, redfish and sea trout are popular catches;
stick to live bait and jigs to land them. Skin divers
will find sweet scallops with a little work.
Yellow River
The Yellow River is a 92-mile-long river of which
61 miles occur in Florida; flowing southwesterly
into Blackwater Bay, an arm of Pensacola Bay. Bass and bream are popular catches. Plastic
worms and floater-diver minnows work best to
catch bass, while the bream can be hauled in
with live worms and crickets. Brown’s Fish Camp
and Lindsey’s Fish Camp near the mouth of the
river offer access to the water. Access to the
lower river is provided by two fish camps near the
mouth of the river.
Northwest Boating & Fishing in State Parks
Water Body
Lake Stone
Apalachicola River
Lake Talquin
Lake Miccosukee
Lake Talquin
Lake Francis
Hurricane Lake
Bear Lake
NORTHWEST
County
Escambia
Gadsden
Gadsden
Gulf
Jefferson
Leon
Madison
Okaloosa
Santa Rosa
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COUNTIES: HAMILTON, COLUMBIA, SUWANNEE, LAFAYETTE, DIXIE,
GILCREST, ALACHUA, UNION, BRADFORD, LEVY, MARION, CITRUS
NORTH CENTRAL
NORTH CENTRAL
NORTH CENTRAL
UNLIKE OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE, nature is North Central Floria’s theme
park. Taking to the water; be it for fishing, paddling or boating, is well...second
nature for those who frequent this region of The Sunshine State.
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Snorkeling with the Manatee, courtesy of Plantation Inn on Crystal River
NORTH CENTRAL
Alligator Lake
Chassahowitzka River
Alligator Lake is located in Columbia County near
Lake City. Nearly two-thirds of this 800-acre Fish
Management Area lies within the city limits.
Alligator Lake is filled with sinkholes, including some that connect directly to underground
aquifers. Here you can attract black crappie with
live minnows. Redear and bluegill prefer crickets
and worms, while bass respond well to soft
plastic bait. Catfish can be lured with chicken liver.
A single-lane boat ramp is available on the north
side of the lake with room for about 20 cars. Bank
fishing is permitted for boat-free angling. A license
is required to fish in north and south lake basins
and north and south marshes.
Pronounced “chess-a-whiskey,” this shallow
river should be navigated with caution. Relatively
warm, spring-fed water affects fishing all year.
Anglers should find stocks of snook, redfish, and
sea trout.
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Boat
Charters
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Fishing
Guides
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bullhead catfish are best in the summer; black
crappie and stocked sunshine bass are best in fall
and winter. Boaters should be aware that gasoline
motors may be attached to fishing vessels, but only
trolling motors may be used.
The docks and seawalls in Crystal River are a
gathering place for snook. Catches should be
plentiful with crabs, minnows and baitfish as bait.
Deep holes near the shore should provide a good
harvest on cooler days, and the grassy areas will
yield sea trout.
The river’s unique headwaters allow both salt
and freshwater species to freely mingle. Snook,
mullet, and sheepshead can be found next to gar,
largemouth bass, and bream. The inshore flats
can yield tarpon with bait such as flies, crab,
mullet or shrimp.
Lang Lake
Old and very fertile Eagle Lake provides
excellent fishing year-round. At 200 acres
Eagle Lake has steep sides, a maze of narrow cuts
with points and sand bars and cattails in the coves
that characterize it. Largemouth bass fishing is
best in spring; bluegill, redear sunfish and brown
This 86-acre Lake Fish Management Area is a
reclaimed pit and is full of vegetation and fish.
Largemouth bass and bluegill are the most
popular catches. Be wary of the boat ramps;
four-wheel-drive vehicles would be helpful in
launching and recovering your craft. No gasoline
motors may be used on the lake (trolling motors
only), but they can be attached to the boat.
Lochloosa Lake
Lochloosa Lake is a 5, 700-acre designated
Fish Management Area located 5 miles south
of Hawthorne near the town of Lochloosa. Surrounded by ancient cypress trees and spotted
with grass beds, Lochloosa Lake is a great spot
for summer angling. Bluegill, redear sunfish and
bream are abundant from April to September, but
some species of bream are available throughout
the year. Try grass shrimp as bait and focus on
the deep-water grass beds. Summer and fall will
bring in full catches of crappie in the open water.
A public boat ramp provides access to the lake
from Highway 301.
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Snorkeling for Scallops
Lake Santa Fe
The Gulf waters off of Cedar Key are teeming
with Spanish mackerel, pompano, ladyfish, sea
trout and bluefish. Redfish and speckled sea trout
usually stick to the oyster bars and sea grass
beds, respectively. Try shrimp and jigs as bait.
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Homosassa River
Crystal River
Eagle Lake
Cedar Key
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Fuel
Water Body
Crystal River
Salt River
Homosassa River 8
Homosassa River 8
Homosassa River
Homosassa River
Gulf of Mexico
Suwannee River
Gulf of Mexico
Withlacoochee River
Gulf of Mexico
Mechanical
Repairs
Phone
352-795-3302
352-795-3552
352-628-2602
352-628-2474
352-628-7334
352-628-5545
352-342-7349
352-342-9159
352-543-6148
352-447-5888
352-447-2529
Lodging
Marina
Pete’s Pier, Inc.
Twin Rivers Marina
Mac Rae’s of Homosassa
Homosassa Riverside Resort
Magic Manatee Marina
Riverhaven Marina
Miller’s Marina of Suwannee, Inc
Suwannee Marina
Cedar Key Marina
B’s Marina & Campground
Yankeetown Marina
Accepts
Transients
County
Citrus
Citrus
Citrus
Citrus
Citrus
Citrus
Dixie
Dixie
Levy
Levy
Levy
Restaurants
North Central Marinas
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Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers
Tsala Apopka Lake
Made up of more than 19,000 acres of heavilyvegetated shallow marsh and open water ponds,
Tsala Apopka is a vast span of fishing opportunities, but the Hernando Pool and Little Lake
Henderson are the most productive. Panfish and
largemouth bass can be found near the boat
Public boat ramps can be found along the length
of the river.
Wauberg Lake
Lake Weir
This fertile 254-acre lake in a state park (electric
trolling motors only) is famous for black crappie
more than any other species. The fertile green
water supports shad and a deep grass line is
good to hold fish. Big largemouth bass are caught
in spring, and redear sunfish and bluegill during
spring and summer. There is a nice campground
here for a relaxing fishing vacation.
Lake Weir is a 5,600-acre lake in Marion County
east of Bellview. Lake Weir is an easily accessible lake with two county parks offering well
maintained launch facilities. It is unusual for
Florida lakes because it is relatively deep (depths
common to 30 feet). It’s also unusual in that crappie fishing on this lake is continually productive,
unlike other lakes that tend to have strong and
weak years. To assist anglers in pursuing crappie,
the Florida Wildlife Commission maintains 12 fish
attractors throughout the lake.
Withlacoochee River
This 157-mile stream originates in Green Swamp
in Hernando County and flows north to the Gulf at
Yankeetown. The stream has many limerock areas
and associated swamps. Try the area below the
dam at Lake Rousseau for a year-round source of
catfish. Mullet have been caught downstream,
using handfuls of meal combined with BB-sized
pellets of plastic white grub on small hooks.
Waccasassa Bay
Bordering the Gulf Hammock Wildlife Management Area, Waccasassa Bay harbors large
amounts of redfish and sea trout. Stick to the
oyster bars and sand bars through fall, as these
are popular areas for fish.
NORTH CENTRAL
NORTH CENTRAL
Frequent and extreme changes in water level
keep the fishing interesting, with the best fishing
at low tide. Tree roots and rocky shelves provide
habitats for plenty of fish in the upper Suwannee
area; a greater amount of vegetation makes the
lower Suwannee more habitable for bass. Bait
resembling crawfish bring the most success, as
Suwannee bass prefer this particular shellfish.
The Suwannee drains from the Okeefenokee
Swamp through limestone shoals stretches to
become a large flood plain river in the lower
reaches. Numerous boat ramps can be found
along the river’s shoreline.
ramps and bluegill and redear are abundant along
the shorelines.
North Central Boating & Fishing in State Parks
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Surrounded by cypress trees, Newnans
Lake offers the best fishing when the water is
high. Catfish and bream are the most popular
catches. Try the deeper areas of the lake for
catfish; bream will be found along the shoreline.
Newnans Lake is a 5,800-acre Fish Management
Area located about two miles east of Gainesville
on Highway 20.
hydrilla. Abundant cover and structure grow plenty
of bluegill, redear sunfish, catfish, black crappie
and largemouth bass. The deeper river channel is
always good to locate and fish underwater bends.
The rest of the lake is referred to as the "flats" or
the backwaters.
Lake Sampson and Lake Rowell
A giant of a lake, this 12,550-acre Fish Management Area has vast amounts of lilypads, which
often prevent shallow-water angling. The deeper
areas of the lake offer bluegill, redear sunfish,
bass and crappie. A boat ramp and a fishing pier
with fish attractor is located at Heagy-Burry Park
at the southwest portion of the lake. Boats also
can launch from Mike’s Fish Camp. Orange Lake is
located about 20 miles southeast of Gainesville.
Lake Rowell is connected to Lake Sampson
by a canal and lies upstream. It is considered
very fertile due to a shallow, mucky bottom and
hydrilla growths. Good numbers of bluegill and
redear sunfish are known to be in the south and
southwest side of the lake. Live bait, such as
earthworms and crickets, is a good choice for
bream and can be fished around vegetation in
the shallower portions of the lakes and around
the masses of vegetation away from shore. Big
catches of largemouth bass are quite likely in the
deeper waters of Lake Rockwell.
Lake Rousseau
Lake Santa Fe
An impoundment of the Withlacoochee
River, this large lake is full of cypress trees,
hyacinth and pennywort islands and sometimes
This 5,850-acre lake has a "little" northern area
and a "big" southern arm connected by "the pass"
where shad school and fishing is usually good for
Orange Lake
schooling largemouth and stocked sunshine bass.
Numerous homes surround the lake, most with
docks and ski boats; fishing is always best early
and late or at night and on weekdays. In spite of
development, the fish habitat is outstanding with
many areas of cypress and healthy maidencane
grass beds.
Santa Fe River
Freshwater shrimp, water scuds and aquatic
insects are abundant in the heavily vegetated
waters of this Suwannee tributary. As a result,
the fish growth is phenomenal. Redbreast sunfish
and stumpknocker are the most common catches.
Suwannee Lake
This 63-acre manmade, state-owned impoundment is stuffed with both cypress trees and
largemouth bass. It is a Fish Management Area
and a license is required. Two fishing piers, one
fully handicapped accessible, and several earthen
fishing fingers provide boatless angling opportunities. The lake is shallow around the edge with
good vegetative cover and several old sink-holes
out in the trees providing deep cover.
Camping
Freshwater
Fishing
Saltwater
Fishing
Boating/
Canoeing
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Location
Phone
Crystal River
352-563-0450
Inverness
352-726-0315
Fort White
386-497-4690
Chiefland
High Springs
352-493-6072
386-454-1853
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Micanopy
352-466-3397
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Boat Ramp
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North Central Boating & Fishing in National Parks & Refuges
Park
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
Ocala National Forest
Osceola National Forest
Phone
352-493-0238
352-563-2088
352-493-0238
352-625-2520
386-752-2577
Camping
Fishing
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Canoeing
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North Central Freshwater Fishing Piers
County
Alachua
Alachua
Bradford
Citrus
Columbia
Columbia
Lafayette
Levy
Suwannee
Union
Water Body
Lake Johnson
Lake Lochloosa
Lake Sampson
Lake Tsala Apopka
Lake Montgomery
Watertown Lake
Koon Lake
Suwannee River
Suwannee Lake
Lake Butler
Location
Hawthorne
Hawthorne
Starke
Inverness Pool
Lake City
Lake City
east of Mayo
Manatee Springs State Park
northeast of Live Oak
city of Lake Butler
Barrier Free
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Rest Rooms
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Fish Attractor
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Boat Ramp
Newnans Lake
Park
Crystal River Preserve
State Park
Fort Cooper State Park
Ichetucknee Springs
State Park
Manatee Springs State Park
O’Leno State Park
Paynes Prairie Preserve
State Park
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Florida’s Finest
FISHING & BOATING DESTINATIONS
Plantation on Crystal River
WHEN IT COMES TO BOATING & FISHING
leaving you with all kinds of options to plan the
of records, the world record tarpon* caught on a
the one word that comes to mind is relaxation!
most ideal Florida fishing trip. In addition, we are
fly rod was taken in our waters! (*Jim Holland, Jr.
There is no better place to do that than Crystal
a popular spot for our nationally known famous
May 11, 2011 / 202lb 8oz – 20 lb tippet)
River, Florida. It is the Florida of old, unspoiled by
scalloping grounds. Scalloping season is July
development with no overcrowding and all the
1st till September 24th (2013) and is a great
plenty of trailer storage along with over 1,600
amenities you could want to create those relaxing
experience for the whole family.
feet of sea wall where you can tie your boat up
Bring your own boat; we have a boat ramp and
right outside your room. We also work with the
memories of a lifetime. Visit Citrus, the area visi-
WHAT CAN YOU CATCH?
area’s top fishing guides and can arrange you to
Paradise” and the city of Crystal River is the
Simply put, Central Florida fishing doesn’t get
be picked up right at the Plantation. Need a loca-
perfect example of that life style. The Plantation
any better than this. Whether you prefer to fish
tion for your group to fish or have a tournament
on Crystal River is located on the head waters of
for largemouth bass, crappie, and brim, or snook,
that needs a home? We are the perfect location.
the Crystal River at Kings Bay and just minutes
redfish, and grouper, you’re sure to find it here,
And don’t for get to bring your catch back so the
from the main spring, the King Spring, which then
on top of local lakes and reservoirs, the area
chef can prepare it at the West 820 Bar & Grill.
leads directly to the Gulf of Mexico. Our Adven-
features over 25,000 acres of water for you to
ture Center, Marina & Dive Shop can provide the
discover your new “honey hole”. There’s never
BOATING, DIVING & MANATEES
services you need to help make this the perfect
been a better time to plan the Florida fishing
With our convenient location, Crystal River is one
headquarters for all your water fun.
vacation you’ve always dreamed of. If you dream
of the best places to go boating in all of Central
tor’s bureau, has named this the “Water Lover’s
FISHING & SCALLOPING
If you’re hooked on fishing, then there’s no better
place to cast out your lines than the Plantation on
Crystal River, with a convenient waterfront location alongside the Crystal River inlets and inviting
King’s Bay. That’s only the beginning, because
we are also located nearby Seven Rivers, a wide
assortment of local lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico,
27
NORTHEAST
The Florida Sports Foundation
thanks its sponsors for all they do to
help us make Florida a great state for
the Sports Industry.
Florida. Whether you prefer to lazily drift along,
shop that offers the latest equipment and we can
cast up your sails, paddle from shore to shore, or
fill you tanks if you need compressed air.
or An i25,000
nshore
slAm in The morning
acres of water to explore. We offer afford- has been described as a Central Florida boating
rkel For
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nboats,
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Jon
and Aparadise.
After only a few minutes out on the
roar around in your power boat, you’ll have over
Come explore why our waterfront location
oked on fishingpontoon
& boating,
then you
there’s
no better
place
cast out your
lines with its ideal climate,
boats which
can charter
for a half
or to picturesque
river inlets,
ntation on Crystal
River!
A hidden
of degree
Mexico
just north
full day,
or even
multiplegem
days.located on the Gulf 72
average
water temperature, and wide
we offer unrivaledWhen
water-lover
experiences
for
the
sportsman
or
entire
family!
it comes to diving in Florida, it doesn’t
range of native wildlife, including a large concen-
getofmuch
better Redfish
than Crystal
River. Featuring
tration
of species
local manatees in the winter, we’re sure
hore for a slam
Tarpon,
& Trout,
plus dozens of
other
crystal-clear
water,Kings
an average
year-round
tem- a fewyou’ll agree.
e, target Grouper,
Snapper,
& Cobia
to name
Sisters Spring’s and there are many caves and
grottoes in King’s Bay. Do not miss the excellent Florida diving at Rainbow Springs (named for
its amazing variety of multicolored fish and plants),
Devil’s Den, and Blue Grotto, all of which are
within easy driving distance from The Plantation.
All this makes the Plantation on the Crystal
River the place to Play & Stay!
Our beautiful, eco-friendly and certified green
What makes this the absolute unique water
lodging resort is situated on 232 acres of lush
underwater caverns, and a wide variety of wild-
lover paradise beside its picturesque scenery and
preserve land with emerald greens, surrounded
life such as tarpons, redfish, grouper, dolphins,
the old relaxed Florida life style is the fact Crystal
by the natural springs of King’s Bay. Combine
River and Citrus County is one of the only places
all the water lovers’ activities with our 27-hole
our shallow water grass flats for scallops during summers
e one of our rental
boats
you
and your
party
and the
West for
Indian
Manatee,
Crystal
River is
your own boat
from
ourbest Florida
ramp and
tie up
rightWe
outside
room
withstill get in the water and interact
home
to the
diving
around.
also your
where
you can
600 feet of seahave
wallPADI certified dive instructors who not only
with the West India Manatee! While there are
golf course and the full service AVEDA Spa, and
ur place to Stay
Play
The
You canis also
great population of manatees
lead&the
toursalong
we offer
butNature
can helpCoast.
with diving
a yearenjoy
round resident
ure tours, spa treatments
and
delectable
dining
at
the
West
82
Bar
&
Grill,
certifications. Do you need to do your check-out
in the Bay, from November through March, is the
ur “cook your catch.”
So come
for as
as little as you
carte
dives to finish
your course
or long
the fullorcourse
bestlike,
time aofla
year
to see hundreds of the gentle
avings with our
packages.
itself? We can help. And we have and full dive
giants nestled by the springs in the river.
treasure with family and friends. See your travel
we offer a truly unique Florida experiences to
professional or call us today!
perature of 72 degrees (hot spring fed waters),
ater Fishing options include Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie & more
Popular sites include King’s Springs, Three
See Your Travel Agent, Visit Us Online or Call 800-632-6262
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Southern Hospitality with Florida Charm
DESTINATION NOTES
We are proud to announce that once again
Plantation on Crystal has been selected as the
host site for the 2014 Florida Fly Fishing Expo
which will be held October 10-11, 2014.
For more information you can visit the Florida
Federation of Fly Fishers at www.fedflyfishers.org/
Councils/Florida. We hope you can attend!
9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
www.PlantationOnCrystalRiver.com
y. Prices per person per night, based on double occ. in a garden-view room; both packages include professional guide (non-guided
able) & are 2-night midweek stays. Weekends, high season rates may be higher. Tax & gratuity not included. Call for details.
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COUNTIES: BAKER, NASSAU, DUVAL, CLAY, ST. JOHNS,
FLAGLER, PUTNAM
NORTHEAST
NORTHEAST
NORTH CENTRAL
NORTHEAST
Florida’s Northeast Coast serves up a great mix of inland and open
water opportunities including one of Florida’s most famous rivers, The St. Johns,
and Marineland, Florida’s original marine attraction opened to the public in 1938.
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as water levels fall and fish become somewhat
more concentrated. Anglers should target edges of
submerged vegetation along banks, sharp bends,
and drop-offs near shallow bars. Swimming plastic
worms/jerk baits and twitching shallow running
minnow imitations are the choice among many
bass fishermen.
should produce a good amount of catfish, bluegill
and bass.
Lower St. Johns River and Lakes
Bass anglers can expect to find bass hiding in
shoreline vegetation, eelgrass, and around docks
and pilings. Locating fish should become easier
Nassau River
The colder months deliver the largest bass in
Nassau River. Try deep-diving lures and live eels
for the 20-pounders. Redfish, drum and sea trout
should be plentiful as well.
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This 15,960-acre lake is a tributary of the St.
Johns River. Public access to Crescent Lake can
be obtained on the west shore off of Highway 17
in Crescent City. Private access can be obtained
from Lake Crescent Resort.
Lake George
This lake is a 46,000-acre natural impoundment
of the St. Johns River with extensive vegetation
that provides excellent habitat for fish. There are
jetties located on the south end of the lake where
the St. Johns River enters the lake. Public access
can be obtained from Blue Creek Road to Lake
George Road off of Highway 40.
dock or through Gamble Rogers Memorial State
Park. Boatless anglers can fish from the Flagler
Beach Pier.
St. Mary's and Nassau Rivers
Doctors Inlet, St. Johns River,
and Black Creek
Both the inlet and the hard sand bottom areas
in this stretch of the St. Johns River support
healthy stands of eelgrass and great fishing for
largemouth bass and redear sunfish. Schooling
bass are present all year and redear are caught
spring, summer and fall. Nearby Black Creek is
deep with vegetated shorelines. It’s a good water
body for black crappie year-round and all riverine
panfish during spring, summer and fall.
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina’s warm waters make it the perfect
spot for variety—trout, cobia, bluefish, sheepshead, sea bass, king mackerel, flounder, pompano
and grouper. Five-foot-long, 140-lb amberjack have
been harvested here.
Lake Monroe
Flagler Beach
A 9,406-acre lake in the middle of the St. Johns
River, Lake Monroe should provide excellent
opportunities in the bulrushes, as long as water
level remains high. The bulrushes on the west
side have seen plenty of bass and redear.
Bluegill and crappie harvests will be spotty,
Nestled between the Intracoastal and the Atlantic,
the deep channel of Flagler Beach offers an
abundance of snapper, tarpon, snook, redfish and
whiting. Blue crab is a potential catch when lured
with raw chicken.
Boat access is available from the county
This 125-mile river starts in the acid swamps of
Okeefenokee and becomes a tidal river below US
17 north of Jacksonville. Upstream is redbreast
sunfish and small largemouth bass territory.
The salt marsh zone is famous for striped bass
and the same is true for nearby Nassau River.
Live baits, such as worms and crickets, are
great choices for sunfish in these waters. Both
the Nassau and the St. Mary’s River have good
populations of largemouth bass as well.
Rodman Reservoir
This premier largemouth bass fishery covers
9,500 acres and is about 15 miles long. It is
located south of Palatka off of Hwy 19. A
four-gate spillway controls the water levels of
the reservoir. Submersed vegetation like hydrilla,
coontail and eel grass is common in the pool
section of the reservoir.
St. Johns River
One of the most famous rivers in Florida, the St.
Johns is known primarily for its bass population.
Stick to live bait for the most success. Deep waters and the areas around submerged structures
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Fishing
Guides
Overnight
Dockage
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Boat
Charters
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Store
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Mechanical
Repairs
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Fuel
Restaurants
Water Body
St. Johns River 8
St. Johns River
St. Johns River
St. Johns River
St. Johns River
St. Johns River
Crescent Lake
Intracoastal Waterway 8
Intracoastal Waterway 8
San Sebastian River
Trout Creek
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Northeast Saltwater Fishing Piers
Pier Name
Flagler Beach Municipal Pier
St. Johns County
Usina Waterway Park
Vilano Fishing Pier
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Intracoastal
Intracoastal
Location
Flagler Beach
St. Augustine
St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach
Barrier Free
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Rest Rooms
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Fish Attractor
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Northeast Freshwater Fishing Piers
County
Putnam
Putnam
Putnam
St. Johns
Water Body
Rodman Reservoir
Rodman Reservoir
St. Johns River
Lake Ponte Vedra
Location
below the dam at Raceway
Rodman Recreation Area
East Palatka
north of St. Augustine
Barrier Free
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Rest Rooms
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Fish Attractor
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Boat Ramp
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Northeast Boating & Fishing in State Parks
Park
Anastasia State Park
Bulow Plantation Ruins
Historic State Park
Faver-Dykes State Park
Gamble Rogers Memorial State
Recreation Area
Washington Oaks Gardens State
Park
Location
St. Augustine
Phone
904-461-2033
Camping
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Bunnell
386-517-2084
St. Augustine
904-794-0997
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Flager Beach
386-517-2086
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Palm Coast
386-446-6780
Freshwater
Fishing
Saltwater
Fishing
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Boating/
Canoeing
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Lake Crescent
but a combination of full moon, deep water and
vegetation won’t disappoint. The intersection
of US 17/92 and I-4 features a public boat ramp
as does the Monroe Harbor Marina in Sanford.
Phone
386-446-6370
386-325-1055
386-467-2002
386-467-2464
386-467-2319
386-467-2229
386-328-2944
386-325-7764
904-829-8646
904-471-0398
904-827-0520
904-824-3328
904-825-1026
904-284-5356
Accepts
Transients
Crescent Beach, a short distance from St. Augustine’s Anastasia Island and Vilano Beach, is a
great spot for coastal angling. Redfish, flounder, mahi, sea trout and marlin are all popular
catches. Fish from the pier or take a deep sea
charter for larger sport fish.
Marina
Palm Coast Marina
Crystal Cove Marine Center
Georgetown Marina & Lodge
Stegbone’s
Trail Boss Campground Marina
Acosta Creek Marina
Boathouse Marina
Georgia Boys Fish Camp
Conch House Marina Resort
Devils Elbow Fishing Resort
Oyster Creek Marina
Sea Love Charters
St. Augustine Municipal Marina
Pacetti’s Marina & Fishing Resort
NORTHEAST
Crescent Beach
County
Flagler
Putnam
Putnam
Putnam
Putnam
Putnam
Putnam
Putnam
St. Johns
St. Johns
St. Johns
St. Johns
St. Johns
St. Johns
Lodging
Northeast Marinas
33
UTNAM
PUTNAM
COUNTY
COUNTY
EXPLORE THE WATERWAYS OF
Florida’s Finest
FISHING & BOATING DESTINATIONS
DON’T WORRY ABOUT YOUR
BAIT.
WORRY ABOUT YOUR LINE WEIGHT.
In the world of bass angling, there is a name synonymous with the great expectations of trophy Largemouths
at the end of taunt, singing lines and straining rod tips. It has been immortalized in song and written word, and many
have been the stories of it told around crackling campfires in the dark, cool of the night. It is a ‘living’ legend and probably
the most famous bassin’ water in the World - the fabled St. Johns River of Putnam County Florida.
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
WWW.PUTNAMCOUNTYCHAMBER.COM
TYCHAMBER.COM
ishBoat_SPR12 Putman Ad.indd 1
1100 REID STREET, PALATKA, FLORIDA
“Bass Capital
of the World”
1100 REID STREET, PALATKA,
FLORIDA
1/2/12 7:31 AM
EXPLORE THE WATERWAYS OF
COUNTY
DON’T WORRY ABOUT YOUR
BAIT.
WORRY ABOUTFLORIDA
YOUR LINE WEIGHT.
In the world of bass angling, there is a name synonymous with the great expectations of trophy Largemouths
1100 REID STREET,
PALATKA,
FLORIDA
at theWWW.PUTNAMCOUNTYCHAMBER.COM
end of taunt, singing lines and straining rod tips. It has been immortalized
in song and
written word,
and many
have been the stories of it told around crackling campfires in the dark, cool of the night. It is a ‘living’ legend and probably
the most famous bassin’ water in the World - the fabled St. Johns River of Putnam County Florida.
FLA_FishBoat_SPR12 Putman Ad.indd 1
www.putnamcountychamber.com
1100 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida
1/2/12 7:31 AM
baits is productive near old dock structures along
the northeast shore and off Drayton Island.
South of Palatka is the 9,500-acre Rodman Reservoir. Since its creation in 1968, this
habitat-rich reservoir has been known for trophy
largemouth bass. In 2000, the state’s two biggest
bass – a 17-pounder and a 15-pounder – were
pulled from the Rodman in March. Much of the
largemouth bass fishery’s success is due to abundant habitat in the form of stumps and aquatic
vegetation. Periodic drawdowns are a factor as
well. Strong year classes of largemouth bass are
produced following drawdowns, which allow a
higher percentage of fish to reach trophy sizes.
Largemouth bass are most active during
Florida’s cooler months. Anglers targeting trophy
largemouth bass use live golden shiners – either
floated under a cork or free-lined. Most big bass
are caught in the pool area (known as the “stump
fields”) along the river channel. However, many
trophy bass also come from the area between
Cypress Bayou and Kenwood Landing. Successful
anglers often use artificial baits such as deepdiving and lipless crank baits, spinner baits and
soft plastics.
Crescent Lake is a 15,725-acre body of water
that borders the east side of Crescent City on
the Putnam/Flagler county line. Crescent Lake
flows into the St. Johns River via Dunns Creek
on its north end. Past electrofishing samples for
largemouth bass revealed one of the highest
catch rates recorded for areas on the St. John’s
River. Largemouth bass up to 20 inches long were
well represented in the sample and good numbers
of larger fish (8 lb. +) were collected.
In the fall and early winter, the best
fishing tends to be near deep-water structures
such as dock pilings. Preferred artificial baits
include plastic worms, spinner baits and crank
baits. Live golden shiners are also very popular.
All of Putnam County’s bodies of water have
natural shorelines that are undeveloped and
protected and they give our residents and visitors
the opportunity to see the “Real Florida”.
1/2/12 7:31 AM
For more information about fishing or boating in Putnam County please visit our web
site at www.putnamcountychamber.com
PUTNAM
Thanks to the trophy largemouth black bass
fishing that’s available, Putnam County has long
been known as the “Bass Capital of the World”.
Palatka, the County Seat, is bordered on the east
by the beautiful St. Johns River. The St. Johns
is one of the few rivers that run north, flowing
gracefully through the heart of the county. Along
with big bass, it’s also known for its blue crabs
and great shrimp season.
Fisheries in Putnam County are always on the
“Top Ten” list produced annually by the Florida
Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and
fishing is excellent the year round. In addition to
the largemouth black bass, speckled perch, blue
gill, striped bass and other native freshwater
species abound in our many lakes and rivers.
Lake George is one of the premier bass fishing
lakes in Florida. At 46,000 acres, it is the secondlargest lake in the state and one of the many
natural lakes on the St. John’s River. It has extensive vegetation that provides excellent habitat
for bass. Wade fishing in eelgrass, with plastic
worms fished on the surface, and other top water
artificial lures, is productive. Fishing with live
shiners is also an excellent method for catching
trophy bass during the spring spawning season.
In winter and early spring, look for bass to
congregate at the jetties on the south end of Lake
George. Additionally, casting deep-diving crank
Putnam County Florida
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CENTRAL
CENTRAL
COUNTIES: SUMTER, LAKE, SEMINOLE, ORANGE, OSCEOLA,
OKEECHOBEE, HIGHLANDS, DESOTO, HARDEE, POLK
CENTRAL
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only without costal angling oportunites, it does serve up countless acres of renowned
freshwater options. And if you don’t think you can land the big one inland...ask Evan
Meritt about the record 41-lb. Longnose Gar he pulled out of Lake Panasoffkee.
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VISIT FLORIDA
While the bass bountiful Central Region of Florida may be the
Bass fishing at StreamSong Resort
Lake Ivanhoe
Eleven lakes make up this Fish Management
Area; most of the lakes have dark water, but Lake
Minneola is relatively clear. Bluegill and redear
sunfish hang around the shallow water near vegetation. Worms, crickets and grass shrimp should
be productive as bait. Catfish and bass are also
popular catches, using chicken liver and plastic
worms as bait, respectively. Black crappie isn’t as
plentiful, but still a good catch. Use minnows as
bait around deep grassy areas.
Wacky-rigged plastics or fluke juniors help lure
bass near the lake’s many drop-offs. Aerator
diffusers, easily located by bubbles, may draw
schooling activity.
One of the top fishing areas in this section of the
St. Johns River, this massive lake is a great spot
for bluegill, redear sunfish and black crappie,
which prefer minnows and spinners.
The St. Johns River flows through this 9,406-acre
lake. The city of Sanford borders the southern
shoreline. Public access can be utilized off the
Seminole County side of the intersection of Highway 17/92 and I-4; the north side of the lake off
of Enterprise Road; and at Monroe Harbor Marina
in downtown Sanford.
Lake Conway
Lake Kissimmee
Lake Tohopekaliga
The hard, sandy bottom and vegetation of this
1,800-acre chain is a great place to catch bass.
Try jig spoons, spinnerbaits, topwater lures and
soft jerk baits. Jigs and beetle spins should bring
in a good catch of crappie.
Lake Kissimmee is a 34,948-acre lake located
40 miles south of Orlando and 18 miles east of
Lake Wales. The vegetation in Lake Kissimmee
provides a terrific home for plenty of largemouth
bass. Spinnerbaits will act as the prime artificial
lure here, as will soft jerkbaits and plastic
worms. Full moon should induce bluegill spawning, providing the best fishing opportunities.
Live bait with a split-shot sinker about 5 inches
above the bait will work best in areas with a
clean, sandy bottom.
Known to locals as Lake Toho, the 18,810-acre
lake offers fish attractors for successful fishing.
Largemouth bass are often found near Goblets
Cove, Lanier Point, Brown’s Point, and Little
Grassy Island. Live and artificial bait should
yield good catches, especially golden shiners
and dark-colored plastic worms. Bluegill are
especially prolific during the full moon. Sandy,
vegetated areas pocked with small holes are
signs of bedding; try live bait or small jigs.
Lake Harris
This 13,788-acre lake, located south and east of
the City of Leesburg, offers decent largemouth
bass with plastic worms, crankbaits or live shiners as bait. Stick to the areas around the S.R. 19
bridge and the grassy shoreline. The full moon
should produce a good amount of bluegill and
redear spawning. Try grass shrimp, crickets and
worms as bait. Singletary Park on Highway 27
offers access to the lake, as does a public boat
ramp in Leesburg’s Venetian Gardens. Florida Avenue in Astatula provides another ramp. Hickory
Point recreational area’s boat ramp has a usage
fee. Lake Harris Lodge is another option.
Lake Jessup
Lake Monroe
Lake Istokpoga
Lake Panasoffkee
Shallow, spring-fed and more than 4,000 acres
large, Lake Panasoffkee offers a good amount
of bass, bluegill and redear. Bass will be prolific
around grassy areas both early and late in the
day; try topwater lures and plastic worms as bait.
Redear and bluegill will flee when they see a
boat through the clear water, but patience will be
Located five miles northeast of Lake Placid,
Highlands County, this 27,692-acre lake has
quality fishing for black crappie (specks) and
one of the highest bass catch rates in the state.
The best speck fishing occurs during winter
months drifting over open water. Predominant
aquatic vegetation includes spadderdock,
bulrush, cattail, and pondweed.
Overnight
Dockage
Boat
Charters
Fishing
Guides
Store
Mechanical
Repairs
Fuel
Accepts
Transients
Restaurants
Lodging
Marina
Cypress Isle RV Park & Marina
Phone
863-465-5241
Water Body
Lake Istokpoga
Lake
Astor Bridge Marina
386-749-4407
Lake
Front Street Bait & Tackle
352-759-2795
Lake
Haines Creek RV Village
352-728-5939
Haines Creek
Lake
Venetian Cove Marina
352-728-0901
Lake Harris
Lake
Banana Cove Marina
352-343-7951
Lake Harris
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Lake
Fisherman’s Cove
352-343-1233
Lake Harris
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Lake
Lake Harris Lodge
352-343-4111
Lake Harris
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St. Johns River 8
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St. Johns River 8
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Lake
Triangle Marine Center
352-343-6146
Lake Eustis
Lake
Pier 44 Marina Sales & Service
352-589-8370
St. Johns River
Osceola
Big Toho Enterprises, Inc.
407-846-2124
West Lake Toho 8
Osceola
Cypress Lake Fish Camp & RV
407-957-3135
Cypress Lake 8
Osceola
Middletons Fish Camp
407-436-1966
Osceola
The Lakeside Inn & Café
407-892-3195
Polk
Harbor RV Resort & Marina
863-696-1194
Seminole
Boat Tree Marina
407-322-1610
St. Johns River 8
Seminole
Monroe Harbor Marina
407-322-2910
Lake Monroe 8
Seminole
Wekiva Island
407-862-1500
Wekiva River
Lake Parker
Lake Parker is a 2,272-acre Fish Management
Area in North Lakeland. A canal on the northwest
shore connects to Lake Crago. Both offer good
largemouth bass fishing, particularly during the
winter and spring. The canal can be a real hot
spot for large bass. Bluegill and catfish fishing is
popular all year and don't be surprised to find a
black crappie at the end of your line. During low
water the canal can be tough to navigate. Kissimmee grass, bulrush, and cattail are the predominant vegetation. There are three boat ramps on
Lake Parker.
Saddle Creek Park
Saddle Creek Park is a series of phosphate pits
on 740 acres of mined phosphate land east
of Lakeland off U.S. Route 92 in Polk County.
The park provides convenient opportunities for
family outings, picnics, boating, and fishing. An
abundance of bank fishing makes this a unique
Fish Management Area. Channel catfish are
stocked regularly by the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission and largemouth bass
are popular with Saddle Creek anglers.
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Lake Kissimmee
Alligator Chain 8
Lake Rosalie
register at the area headquarters where a daily use
fee of $3 is charged. Tenoroc is nationally noted
for largemouth bass and provides excellent fishing
for panfish, black crappie and several varieties of
catfish. Seasonal patterns are well established for
these fish and appropriate fishing techniques are
updated quarterly in this report.
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through lakes Conine, Rochelle, and Haines.
Fish attractors are located and marked in lakes
Summit, Winterset, Cannon, Smart, and Haines.
Bass anglers achieve success by "flipping" plastic
worms around shoreline plants such as cattail and
maidencane, as well as docks.
Fish Orlando
Walk-in-Water
Also known as Lake Weohyakapka, this 7,528acre anglers' favorite is located south of State
Route 60, 10 miles east of Lake Wales off Walkin-the-Water Road in Polk County. Predominant
vegetation is cattail, bulrush, Kissimmee grass,
and hydrilla. Tiger Creek flows in from the
southwest and Weohyakapka Creek flows from
the north end of the lake. Nationally known for
largemouth bass fishing, Lake Walk-in-Water
provides both large numbers and trophy-sized
fish. Drifting live shiners over offshore hydrilla is
the most consistent technique, but many bass are
caught on artificials as well, particularly topwater
lures. There is a county boat ramp on the west
shore at the end of Boat Landing Road.
Many people do not know that the greater
Orlando urban region houses over 60,000 acres
of freshwater, providing many exciting angling
opportunities for the 2 million local residents and
over 40 million yearly visitors from around the
world. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission's mission through Fish Orlando! is to
create, conserve, and promote convenient quality
fishing opportunities in the greater Orlando area. Ocala Forest Lakes
There are approximately 600 natural lakes in the
Ocala National Forest with lakes Bryant, Mill
Dam, Kerr, Crooked, Wildcat, Lou Echo, Grasshopper, Eaton and Quarry Fish Pond being the most
popular. A Visitors Welcome Center is located at
the intersection of S.R. 40 and C.R. 315.
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rewarded. A public boat ramp is available on C.R.
470 on the Outlet River.
Clermont Chain
County
Highlands
CENTRAL
CENTRAL
Central Marinas
Winter Haven Chain of Lakes
Tenoroc
Tenoroc Fish Management Area, located northeast
of Lakeland, offers a unique fishing opportunity.
Tenoroc is an old phosphate mine where 14 lakes
ranging in size from seven to 227 acres provide
quality public fishing. All anglers are required to
Located within the city of Winter Haven, nine
lakes compose this 6,000-acre chain where fishing and boating are extremely popular. Boat and
shore access to the South Chain are available
at lakes Summit, Shipp, Howard, Cannon, and
Hartridge. The North Chain can be accessed
Oklawaha River
Oklawaha begins in Lake County and flows to the
St. Johns River. Black crappie fishing will become
slower as warm weather sets in, while bluegill,
redear and catfish should be plentiful year-round.
Try grass shrimp and worms to bait the redear;
39
Central Boating & Fishing in State Parks
Park
Lake Griffin State Park
Lake Louisa State Park
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Location
Fruitland Park
Clermont
Apopka
Apopka
Phone
352-360-6760
352-394-3969
407-884-2008
407-884-2008
Camping
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Fishing
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Fishing
Boating/
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Water Body
Lake Istokpoga
Lake Jackson
Lake June in Winter
Bear Pond
Big Lake Harris
Dora Canal
Grasshopper Lake
Lake Griffin
Lake Griffin
Lake Harris
Lake Minneola
Lake Okeechobee
Clear Lake
Lake Lawne
Lake Santiago
Lake Tohopekaliga
Crystal Lake
Derby Lake
Lake Ariana
Lake Cannon
Lake Hollingsworth
Lake Howard
Polk
Lake Kissimmee
Polk
Polk
Polk
Polk
Polk
Polk
Polk
Seminole
Lake John Peterson
Lake McLeod
Lake Shipp
Lake Summit
Patterson Park
Peace River
Saddle Creek Park
Secret Lake
catfish will respond to chicken livers. The shallower, clearer waters of the lower portion harbor
largemouth bass and spotted and redear sunfish.
Drift shiners in holes along the riverbank for bass;
try live worms and grass shrimp for the sunfish.
Peace River
This scenic river runs south for over 100 miles
from Lake Hancock, north of Bartow to Charlotte
Harbor. Popular with canoeists, the Peace River
offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass,
bream, and catfish. Snook weighing over 30
pounds migrate from Charlotte Harbor and are
caught year round as far north as Fort Meade.
Bass, snook, and catfish prefer deep holes around
Location
Lorida, Istokpoga Park
Sebring
Lake Placid, H.L. Bishop Park
Seminole Forest Wildlife Area
Hickory Point Marina
Lake Eustis
Ocala National Forest
Fruitland Park
Herlong Park at Leesburg
Singletary Park
Clermont
U.S. 441, south of Okeechobee
Orlando
Barnett Park
Demetree Park
Kissimmee
Lakeland
Lakeland, Tenoroc Fish Area
Auburndale
Winter Haven
Lakeland
Winter Haven
Lake Wales/
Kissimmee State Park
Lakeland
Eagle Lake
Winter Haven
Winter Haven
Fort Meade
Homeland
Lakeland
Altamonte Springs
Barrier Free
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Rest Rooms
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Fish Attractor
Boat Ramp
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tree snags where flow is strong. Tarpon are also
caught in the lower Peace River.
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usually bait well. If temperatures are below 80
degrees, try submerged eel grass and peppergrass below 5-10 feet of water.
Turkey Lake
Using lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits, largemouth bass may be pulled out of deeper pads and
grassy bottlenecks, where they are commonly
found. Although public boat access is restricted,
anglers can choose to participate in a Boat Loaner
Program for a small fee.
Starke Lake
To catch some of the plentiful largemouth bass,
stick close to fish attractors, which are marked
with yellow buoys. Texas rigged plastic worms
Lake Yale
Largemouth bass fishing should be decent
around vegetation; shiners, plastic worms, topwater plugs and spinnerbaits work well as bait.
Bluegill and redear sunfish will be plentiful as
spawning continues. Using worms, grass shrimp
and crickets as bait near shoreline vegetation
should bring in a good haul. Boat ramps are
available in Marsh Memorial Park and the north
side of the lake. Marsh Memorial Park permits
bank fishing.
40
County
Highlands
Highlands
Highlands
Lake
Lake
Lake
Lake
Lake
Lake
Lake
Lake
Okeechobee
Orange
Orange
Orange
Osceola
Polk
Polk
Polk
Polk
Polk
Polk
CENTRAL
CENTRAL
Central Freshwater Fishing Piers
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Paddling Paradise
42
steward of all Florida’s water trails. This includes Florida’s longest and
most ambitious sea kayaking trail, the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater
Paddling Trail. It begins at Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola, extending
around the Florida peninsula and Keys, and ending at Fort Clinch State Park
near the Georgia border. The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling
Trail (commonly referred to as The CT) is a 1,515-mile sea kayaking paradise; exposed to every Florida coastal habitat type, from barrier island dune
systems to salt marsh to mangroves. Several historical sites and points of
1 Coldwater Creek
Located in the Panhandle approximately three
miles southwest of Munson, Coldwater Creek
flows through the Blackwater River State Forest
and is said to be some of the swiftest water in
Florida. Because it is spring-fed, the shallow
water is always pleasantly cool and makes a
perfect paddle for all ages. Flowing for 20 miles
through undeveloped land, Coldwater Creek is a
fun, shallow and easy paddle.
2 Blackwater River
This 31-mile trail near Milton flows through the
unspoiled Blackwater River State Forest with
trees often forming a dense canopy over the
river. High bluffs occur in some sections where
pine and cedar trees tower above paddlers. The
water is coffee colored, the reason why Creek
Indians called the river “Oka Lusa” (“water
black”). Along the bends, white sandbars provide
a perfect place for camping or picnicking.
interest are accessible along the way with colorful fishing communities and
urban centers. The CT is divided into 26 segments, ranging from the remote
Big Bend Coast and Everglades/Florida Bay wilderness, to the more urbanized coastlines of Pinellas County and Fort Lauderdale. Some hardy souls
have paddled the entire trail, and others seek to complete the trail
in segments over several years.
The CT is only the beginning of the unbelievable paddling opportunities
here in Florida. Following is a list of some of our favorite places to put your
oars in the water and begin your paddling adventure.
3 St. Joseph Bay
In Port St. Joe, the St. Joseph Bay is 15 miles long
and the only body of water in the eastern Gulf of
Mexico that does not have any rivers or streams
flowing into it. The clear waters of the St. Joseph
Bay Aquatic Preserve provide homes and nurseries
for numerous fish and sea animals such as sea
urchins, scallops and snails. A popular destination
along the bay is the St. Joseph Peninsula State
Park Wilderness Preserve, one of only six in the
state park system.
4 Chipola River
Beginning at the bridge on State Road 166 in
Marianna, this scenic 51-mile canoe trail flows
through river swamps and hardwood forests.
Limestone bluffs and caves, visible from the
water, add a unique touch. Several shoals are
found in this pale-colored stream, especially during low water, and should be attempted only by
intermediate or experienced paddlers.
5 Wakulla River
Wildlife is abundant along the 10-mile, clear,
spring-fed river located just 30 minutes south
of Tallahassee. Manatees are often spotted in
warmer months. Paddlers can choose between
a four- or six-mile trip below Wakulla Springs
State Park.
6 Suwannee River (left)
The Suwannee originates in the Okefenokee
Swamp in Georgia and meanders for 207 miles
CENTRAL
THE FLORIDA PADDLING TRAIL ASSOCIATION (FPTA) is the proud
There is no better way to explore Florida’s waterways
43
75
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L. Seminole
2
St M
arys
R.
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16 St. Johns River/Blue Spring Run
Picturesque hardwood forests frame the gentle
curves of this river, originating in the Okefenokee
Swamp in Georgia. Cypress and tupelo trees and
snow-white sandbars contrasting with the teacolored water dominate the scenery. There are
several access points along the 60-mile trail, and
the gentle current makes for easy paddling.
10 Florida Sea Islands Trail
Four rivers and their salt marshes, plus several
barrier islands, create the perfect location in
northeast Florida for exceptional coastal saltwater paddling. Enjoy the tranquility of estuaries and
tidal creeks while observing a vast array of birds
and wildlife.
44
11 Bulow Creek
Bulow Creek is 13 miles long and begins at Bulow
14
Withlacoochee River
Flowing out of the Green Swamp in West Central
Florida near Brooksville, this river twists and
bends through lush cypress swamps, hardwood
and pine forests. Overhanging limbs form a lacy
canopy. Camping is available at Silver Lake
Recreation Area. Although the trail is 83 miles
long, numerous access points enable paddlers to
choose shorter trips.
15 Homosassa River
The Homosassa River is a beautiful, six-mile meandering river flowing to the Gulf of Mexico. The
source is a crystal-clear spring located within the
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. One of the
largest herds of West Indian Manatee in Florida
gathers near the constant 72-degree headwaters.
21 Honeymoon Island/Caladesi Island
Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State
Parks are two unspoiled jewels that lie side-by-
R.
R.
Au
cil
la
APA
LACH
ICOLA
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Suw
anne
Daytona Beach
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L. Rousseau
Waccasassa Bay
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L. Harris
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Sun
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Orlando
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Clearwater
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Tampa
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L. Kissimmee
St. Petersburg
T A M P A
B A Y
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Bradenton
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Sarasota
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L. Istokpoga
ce R
Near Bradenton, this tannin-tinted river has a
sandy bottom and steep banks. With numerous
access points along this 7-mile trail, paddlers will
journey through a variety of habitats including
sand pine scrub, willow marsh, and hardwood
forest. The trail ends on the south bank at Little
Manatee River State Park.
L. George
Toll
Charlotte Harbor Blueways Trails in
the Boca Grande/Gasparilla Island
and Placida area take paddlers to
every extreme – from remote creeks
to the Intracoastal Waterway and the
ultimate in sea-kayaking on the Gulf
of Mexico. Paddlers will feel right
at home in the mangrove canopies
of the Woolverton Trails. Along the
way, paddlers are treated to sightings of magnificent birds, diverse
marine life, uninhabited keys, cypress
forests, sand beaches, fish-house restaurants, and glimpses of Old Florida.
22 Little Manatee River
24
23
Myakka River
24 Peace River (above)
The Peace River, true to its name, is a serene,
slow-moving river with few signs of civilization. Along the 67-mile trail, from Ft. Meade to
Arcadia, the pale, tea-colored river shows many
different faces. The Peace River is split by tiny
islands and joined by numerous creeks. Sandy
beaches and sloping banks provide excellent
camping spots.
The Great Calusa Blueway is a meandering
100-mile paddling trail with easy-to-find markers that guide canoeists and kayakers through
shallow areas away from powerboat traffic. The
trail stretches along the pristine waters of Estero
Bay to Sanibel and Pine Island Sound. The trail is
perfect for a one-hour trip for beginners as well
as avid and experienced back-country paddlers.
Charlotte Harbor
25
Ft. Myers
West Palm Beach
26
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Fort Lauderdale
Naples
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28
Miami
27 Loxahatchee River
Over nine-miles of the upper portion of this river
is worthy of its status as Florida’s first National
Wild and Scenic River, the first in Florida to receive such designation. The Seminoles named the
river “Loxahatchee”, which means river of turtles.
The coffee-colored stream meanders through an
unspoiled subtropical river swamp where bald
cypress, pond apple, orchids, and ferns line the
shores while heron and osprey fly overhead.
27
L. Okeechobee
26 The Great Calusa Blueway
Few rivers in Florida equal the short but scenic
Myakka when it comes to an all-around paddling
experience. The river begins in a hardwood
swamp and runs through more than 60 miles of
varied terrain before emptying into the fertile
fishing grounds of Charlotte Harbor.
Located along Florida’s East Coast near Vero
Beach, the meandering St. Sebastian River starts
out narrow with overhanging branches before
it opens up into a sunny, peaceful river. Wildlife
such as manatee, scrub jay, red-cockaded woodpecker, southern bald eagle, bobcat, river otter,
deer and turkey can be seen along the river.
The Hillsborough runs from Crystal Springs to the
City of Tampa’s Rowlett Park. From nearly pristine
conditions, this 31-mile trail winds its way to
Tampa Bay through rural, suburban, and urban
settings.
11
25 Boca Grandes/Placida
side, within easy reach of the mainland. Paddlers
can cruise along Honeymoon Island’s 80-acre oldgrowth slash pine forest with its high density of
active osprey nests, or paddle an easy three-mile,
round-trip trail through a mangrove forest along
Caladesi Island.
19 St. Sebastian River
20 Hillsborough River
13
Orange L.
Toll
The Ocklawaha River is approximately 110 miles
long. It originates in several lakes and flows
northward from Central Florida, along the edge of
the Ocala National Forest and through the Cross
Florida Greenway, until it joins the St. Johns River
near Palatka. Clear water runs gently through
semi-tropical forests and moss-draped trees.
Gainesville
.
9 St. Mary’s River
13 Ocklawaha River
6
eR
This beautiful trail begins in O’Leno State Park,
where the Santa Fe reappears after flowing
underground for more than three miles. For the
next 30 miles, this tributary of the Suwannee
River curves past hardwood hammocks and
through river swamps.
The Indian River Lagoon extends 156 miles along
Florida’s East Coast from Ponce de Leon Inlet
to Jupiter Inlet and is considered to be North
America’s most diverse estuary. Premier paddling
opportunities along the lagoon include the Pelican
Island National Wildlife Refuge, Turkey Creek, the
St. Sebastian River, the Banana River, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the Mosquito
Lagoon in Canaveral National Seashore.
8
3
me
8 Santa Fe River
18 Indian River Lagoon
A T L A N T I C
O C E A N
sim
This seven-mile creek is in the Juniper Springs
Recreation Area, in the heart of the Ocala
National Forest, 20 minutes east of Ocala. Many
people consider Juniper Creek to be among the
best paddles in Central Florida because of its
intimate character and lush, wild setting.
95
Sante Fe R.
Apalachee Bay
ST JOSEPH BAY
Pea
12 Juniper Creek
10
Jacksonville
7
Kis
Located four miles northwest of Fort White, off
of State Roads 47 and 238, the pristine Ichetucknee River flows for six miles through shaded
hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa
Fe River. Since the river is spring fed, it is crystal
clear and always 72 degrees.
Beginning just north of Kelly Park in Apopka, Rock
Springs Run winds it way swiftly downstream to
join the spring run flowing out of Wekiwa Springs
State Park. The trail continues north approximately 15 miles to the St. Johns River. Traveling
through sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, hammocks and swamps, paddlers will see a variety
of wildlife.
Panama City
5
Toll
7 Ichetucknee River (above)
17 Wekiva River/Rock Springs Run
Dead L.
R.
Plantation Ruins State Park and leads upstream
and back and then downstream to the entrance
of the Intracoastal Waterway. The sugar mill, a
spring house and the foundations of the mansion
are all that remain of the plantation today.
Tallahassee
L. Talquin
Pensacola
ee
ch
oo
lac
ith
before reaching the Gulf of Mexico near the town
of Suwannee. Numerous access points and outfitters along the trail make it easy to customize your
trip or do it in sections.
10
W
Located in Blue Spring State Park near Orange
City, the Blue Spring Run is a half-mile stretch
of crystal clear water. Plant life is abundant
along the shoreline up to the spring boil, which
releases close to 100 million gallons each day
at 72 degrees. This helps draw Florida’s favorite
mammal, the West Indian Manatee, during the
winter months resulting in the run being closed
to swimmers and paddle watercraft, usually from
November 15 through March 1.
9
L. Iamonia
4
Whitewater Bay
FLORIDA BAY
29
opportunities for beginners and experienced
paddlers alike.
29 Florida Keys
28 Oleta River
Oleta River State Park resembles a coastal
Central Park in its urban Miami metropolitan
setting located on Biscayne Bay. Exceeding 1,000
acres, this is the largest urban park in the state.
The beautiful mangrove-lined, seven-mile, Oleta
River is the dominant feature, offering kayaking
Paddling in the Keys is full of both tropical
splendor and unique culture. Just a short distance
from launch areas are lush, uninhabited islands
and winding tunnels through mangrove forests.
Civilization in the form of great restaurants, lodging, and entertainment is often within easy reach
of the water, along with several historic sites.
45
CENTRAL WEST
46
Nile Young, Jr.
St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB
COUNTIES: HERNANDO, PASCO, PINELLAS, HILLSBOROUGH
The Central West Region is home to Florida’s larget open-water estuary,
Tampa Bay, extending to over 400 miles and forming coastlines in three counties.
You’ll also find the world’s longest fishing piers at the Sunshine Skyway.
46
CENTRAL WEST
CENTRAL WEST
47
Pier Name
Water Body
Location
Barrier Free
Rest Rooms
Anna Maria City
Tampa Bay
Bradenton
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Bayport Park
Jenkins Creek Park
Linda Pedersen Park
Pier 60
Redington Long Pier
Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
Spring Hill
Spring Hill
Spring Hill
Clearwater Beach
Redington Shores
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Rod and Reel Pier
Tampa Bay
Anna Maria
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N. Skyway State Fishing
S. Skyway State Fishing
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
St. Petersburg
Palmetto
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CENTRAL WEST
CENTRAL WEST
Central West Saltwater Fishing Piers
Fish Attractor
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Lake Tarpon
Clearwater &
St. Petersburg Beaches
Lake Tarpon is a 2,534-acre Fish Management
Area near Tarpon Springs, in Pinellas County. The
largemouth bass population and size structure is
Tarpon are the best catches, both at the beaches
and the in shallow flats. Open water harbors the
larger, fully matured fish.
Summer is prime time for tarpon fishing, but
redfish, sea trout and snook are popular as well.
Black drum can be lured with shrimp and fiddler
crab as bait. Shrimp also work well when
catching Spanish mackerel, lady fish or jack
from the pier.
Central West Freshwater Fishing Piers
County
Hernando
Hernando
Hillsborough
Hillsborough
Hillsborough
Hillsborough
Hillsborough
Hillsborough
Hillsborough
Pasco
Pasco
Pasco
Pinellas
Pinellas
Water Body
Lake Townsen Regional Park
Withlacoochee River
Al Lopez Park Pond
Hillsborough River
Hillsborough River
Hillsborough River
Hillsborough River
Hillsborough River
Medard Reservoir
Crews Lake
Middle Lake
Withlacoochee River
Lake Maggiore
Lake Tarpon
Location
Brooksville
Nobleton
Al Lopez Park
Hillsborough River State Park
John B. Sergeant Park
Lowry Park
Morris Bridge Road Park
Trout Creek Park
Edward Medard Park
San Antonio
Growers Corner
Dade City
St. Petersburg Park
Palm Harbor, Chestnut Park
Barrier Free
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Rest Rooms
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Fish Attractor
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Boat Ramp
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Saltwater
Fishing
Boating/
Canoeing
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Boat Ramp
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Water Body
Alafia River
Tampa Bay
Hillsborough River
Anclote River
Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
Cotee River
Pithlachascotee River
Gulf of Mexico
Clearwater Harbor
Gulf of Mexico
Boca Ciega Bay
Gulf of Mexico
St. Joseph Sound
St. Joseph Sound
Pass-A-Grille Channel
Boca Ciega Bay
Tampa Bay
Boca Ciega Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Anclote River
Anclote River
Anclote River
Tampa Bay
Boca Ciega Bay
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Overnight
Dockage
Phone
813-677-2739
813-645-2411
813-239-2526
727-937-9737
727-869-1840
727-868-3411
727-842-4065
727-849-5092
727-863-9093
727-462-6954
727-733-1102
727-893-1071
727-595-2956
727-393-2090
727-784-1443
727-784-1998
727-784-0143
727-360-0100
727-392-4922
727-821-6347
727-867-1102
727-867-2585
727-343-4500
727-893-7329
727-934-7616
727-943-8489
727-937-2200
727-867-2600
727-393-1947
Boat
Charters
Marina
Inter-Bay Moorings, Inc.
Little Harbor Marina
Jean Street Shipyard
Anclote Village Marina
Port Hudson Marina
Skeleton Key Marina & Yacht Sales, Inc.
American Marina
Sunset Landing Marina
Hudson Beach Marina
City of Clearwater Municipal Marina
Pirate’s Cove Marina
Gulfport Municipal Marina
Indian Springs Marina, Inc.
ABC Marina of Madeira Beach
Home Port Marina
Ozona Shores Marina
Marino’s Marina
Pass-A-Grille Marina
Bay Pines Marina
Harborage Marina
Maximo Marina, Inc.
O’Neill’s Marina
Pasadena Marina
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina
Anclote Harbors Marina
Belle Harbor Yacht & Marina
Port Tarpon Marina
Loggerhead Club and Marina
Hubbard’s Marina
Fishing
Guides
County
Hillsborough
Hillsborough
Hillsborough
Pasco
Pasco
Pasco
Pasco
Pasco
Pasco
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Pinellas
Store
Central West Marinas
Mechanical
Repairs
Tampa Bay
Freshwater
Fishing
8
Fuel
The saltwater flats of New Port Richey harbor
plenty of snook, which can be caught with pinfish,
crab and sardines. Redfish are popular as well,
sticking to shallow water areas. Try spoons,
shrimp and jigs as bait.
Camping
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Accepts
Transients
New Port Richey Flats
Phone
813-672-5320
727-469-5942
727-469-5918
727-893-2627
813-987-6771
727-469-5942
863-696-1112
863-375-4717
727-865-0668
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This 770-acre reclaimed phosphate mine within
Edward Medard Park is located approximately
six miles east of Brandon, one mile south of
State Route 60 on Turkey Creek Road. The park,
maintained by the Hillsborough County Parks and
Recreation Department, has facilities for fishing,
boating, canoe rental, picnicking, camping, hiking,
and swimming. Kissimmee grass, bulrush and
cattail are the predominant vegetation. Sunshine
bass are stocked on a regular basis and channel
catfish are very abundant.
excellent and it is rated one of the Top 10 bass
lakes in the state of Florida by FWC fisheries
biologists. Primary largemouth bass fishing areas
are found among the weeds which rim the shoreline. Bulrush, cattail, and tape grass beds are
good places to try. Offshore humps, particularly
with submerged vegetation, are productive and
bass will school and chase shad in open water
during the summer months. Public boat ramps are
located at the county parks off U.S. Route 19 and
County Road 611.
Location
Litnia
Dunedin
Dunedin
St. Petersburg
Thonotosassa
Dunedin
Lake Wales
Bowling Green
St. Petersburg
Lodging
Edward Medard Reservoir
Park
Alafia River State Park
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Caladesi Island State Park
Egmont Key State Park
Hillsborough River State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Paynes Creek Historic State Park
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
Restaurants
St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB
Central West Boating & Fishing in State Parks
49
COUNTIES: BREVARD, INDIAN RIVER, ST. LUCIE, VOLUSIA
CENTRAL EAST
CENTRAL EAST
CENTRAL EAST
All things aquatic come together in this stretch of Florida’s east
coast. This active area is a hotbed for paddling, surfing and reeling in just about
anything that swims.
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51
Although late summer to early spring boasts great
lobster catches, there are still plenty of fish to be
found by anglers. The large reefs close to shore
offer nooks and crannies where lobsters, as well
as fish, are most commonly found.
Lake Blue Cypress
Kenansville Lake-formerly Blue
Cypress Reservoir
Blue Cypress is a 6,555-acre lake located in
Indian River County. It is a scenic body of water
with a shoreline structure composed of cypress
and spatterdock. Several fish attractors have been
constructed in open-water areas and are marked
with buoys. Lake Blue Cypress has a good popula-
Once a cattle pasture, Kenansville Lake is a
shallow 2,500-acre impoundment with an average
water depth of 3 feet. Most anglers fish this area
by boat, bank fishing is available along the access
canal and north end of the lake for those willing
to walk or ride a bicycle to those areas. The
Along the Savannahs Chain of Lakes and marshes, largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie
can be found. Vegetation is plentiful, and the area
is perfect for wade angling or smaller boats. Gas
motors are prohibited.
Lake Washington
At 4,362 acres, Washington is Brevard County’s
largest lake. Largemouth bass make up a good
number of prime fishing; stick with crankbaits,
spinnerbaits and live worms. Black crappie
respond best to minnows and small jigs.
Upper St. Johns River & Lakes
Except for Lake Washington, many of the lakes
including lakes, Winder and Poinsett, may be too
shallow to fish the traditional habitats around
their shorelines. Bass anglers may have to target
habitat around the deepest water.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
321-861-0667
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Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
561-562-3909
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Central East Boating & Fishing in State Parks
Park
Blue Spring State Park
DeLeon Springs State Park
Hontoon Island State Park
Tomoka State Park
Location
Orange City
DeLeon Springs
Deland
Ormond Beach
Phone
386-775-3663
386-985-4212
386-736-5309
386-676-4050
Camping
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Freshwater
Fishing
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Saltwater
Fishing
Boating/
Canoeing
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Boat Ramp
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Central East Saltwater Fishing Piers
Pier Name
Cocoa Beach Pier
Inlet Harbor Inc.
Sun Glow Pier
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Intracoastal
Atlantic Ocean
Location
Cocoa Beach
Ponce Inlet
Daytona Beach Shores
Barrier Free
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Rest Rooms
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Fish Attractor
Central East Freshwater Fishing Piers
County
Water Body
Volusia
St. Johns River
Volusia
St. Johns River
Location
Bluffton Recreation Area; Dexter/
Mary Forams Units; Lake George
Wildlife Area
Ed Stone Park
Barrier Free
Rest Rooms
Fish Attractor
Boat Ramp
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Central East Marinas
County
Brevard
Brevard
Brevard
Brevard
Brevard
Brevard
Brevard
Brevard
Brevard
Brevard
Brevard
Indian River
Indian River
Indian River
Volusia
Volusia
Volusia
Volusia
Volusia
Volusia
Volusia
Volusia
Volusia
Volusia
Volusia
Marina
Cape Marina at Port Canaveral
Sunrise Marina & Tiki Bar
Cocoa Village Marina
Treasure Coast Marina & Boat Yard
Telemar Bay Marina
Anchorage Yacht Basin
Melbourne Harbor Marina
Pineda Point Marina
Harbortown Marina
Palm Bay Marina
Westland Marina
Captain Hiram’s Resort
Aqua-Marine Services, Inc.
Aquamarina Daytona
Halifax Harbor Marina
Lighthouse Boat Yard & Marina
Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort
Holly Bluff Marina
Tropical Resort & Marina
Marker 57 at Cameron’s
Fishin’ Cove Marina
Adventure Yacht Harbor
Seven Seas Marina & Beyond
Phone
321-783-8410
321-783-9535
321-632-5445
321-733-3390
321-773-2468
321-773-3620
321-725-9054
321-254-4199
321-453-0160
321-723-0851
321-267-1667
772-589-4345
772-564-0040
772-770-4470
386-523-3100
386-675-0742
386-671-3600
386-767-0683
386-668-4491
386-822-9992
386-734-3080
386-428-3063
386-428-7827
386-756-2180
386-761-3221
Water Body
Port Canaveral
Atlantic Ocean
Indian River
Indian River Lagoon
Banana River
Indian River
Crane Creek
Indian River
Barge Canal
Turkey Creek
Indian River
Indian River
Indian River Lagoon
Halifax River
Halifax River
Ponce Inlet
St. Johns River
St. Johns River
Lake Beresford
Indian River
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Overnight
Dockage
Fort Pierce Inlet
Savannahs
386-985-4673
Boat
Charters
52
The Lake Garcia Reservoir is a 3,149-acre section
of the Blue Cypress Water Management Area in
north Indian River County. This impoundment is
noted for good numbers of smaller largemouth
bass, but does produce its share of trophy bass
each year. Largemouth, bluegill and black crappie
are the sportfish most often targeted by anglers.
Facilities include a double lane concrete boat
ramp, air boat launch site, paved parking lot,
picnic pavilion and restroom.
The St. Johns Water Management Area, known
to most anglers as the Farm 13/Stick Marsh, is a
6,500-acre impoundment located along the east
coast of central Florida in northwest Indian River
County. Popular sportfish include largemouth
bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie and
several catfish species.
321-267-1110
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
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Miami Lakes-Ansin Garcia
Farm 13/Stick Marsh
Canaveral National Seashore
Fishing
Guides
Anglers can expect to find shallow seagrass and
mangrove-based ecosystems at Banana River. The
northern part is an important spring habitat for
the east coast population of manatees. Activities
such as sail boarding, kayaking, duck hunting and
bird watching are year-round.
tion of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish,
black crappie, and catfish.
Boat Ramp
8
Store
Banana River
St. Lucie River and estuary, one of the largest
brackish water systems on Florida’s east coast,
provide an ample habitat for substantial fish
populations. Snook, trout, redfish, flounder,
permit, sand perch, whiting and more can be
found in these waters. At St. Lucie Inlet Preserve
State Park, try for snapper and sheepshead
from the dock, or visit the beach for pompano
and bluefish.
772-562-3909
Mechanical
Repairs
St. Lucie River
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
Fuel
The prime fishing hotspot on the East Coast, this
gem of a beach harbors blue marlin, grouper,
amberjack, wahoo and dolphin in its warm
waters. Spotted sea trout are another common
catch, especially around grassy areas in the summer. In colder weather, follow them to the deeper
open water. Snook, redfish, bluefish and Spanish
mackerel should be plentiful as well.
Fishing
Accepts
Transients
CENTRAL EAST
Sebastian Inlet
Phone
CENTRAL EAST
This 155-mile stretch of water is extremely
fertile, offering more than 1,300 plant species,
300 bird species and 700 fish species, both fresh
and saltwater varieties. Crevalle jack is plentiful
in the lagoon and feeds on baitfish close to the
surface. The eight-pound sheepshead is another
popular catch. Stick to seawalls, oyster bars
and inshore tidal creeks, as these are good
congregating spots.
Camping
Boating/
Canoeing
Park
Restaurants
Indian River Lagoon
Central East Boating & Fishing in National Parks & Refuges
Lodging
most popular fish species include: black crappie,
bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish.
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VISIT FLORIDA
COUNTIES: MANATEE, SARASOTA, CHARLOTTE, LEE, GLADES,
HENDRY, COLLIER
The section of the state offers many small islands for exploring and
is home to one of the county’s last remaining, undisturbed mangrove estuaries
nestled between Naples and Marco Island.
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SOUTH WEST
SOUTH WEST
SOUTHWEST
55
Southwest Freshwater Fishing Piers
County
Charlotte
Glades
Glades
Lee
Manatee
Sarasota
Water Body
Webb Lake & Ponds
Caloosahatchee River
Lake Okeechobee
Lakes Park
Manatee Reservoir
Myakka River
Location
Babcock, Webb Wildlife Area
La Belle, Franklin Locks
Lakeport Park
Fort Myers
Bradenton
Myakka River State Park
Barrier Free
Rest Rooms
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Fish Attractor
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Boat Ramp
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Southwest Saltwater Fishing Piers
Pier Name
Water Body
Location
City of Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria Sound
Bradenton Beach
Barrier Free
Rest Rooms
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8
City of Naples
Gulf of Mexico
Ft. Myers Beach Pier
Gulf of Mexico
Naples
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Ft. Myers Beach
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Gulf of Mexico
Bokeelia
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Tampa Bay
Palmetto
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Venice Municipal Fishing
Gulf of Mexico
Venice
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SOUTH WEST
Seaport Bocilla Island
S. Skyway State Fishing
Fish Attractor
Southwest Boating & Fishing in National Parks & Refuges
Park
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
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This 1,500-acre lake offers a plethora of vegetation and fish. Bluegill, bass, crappie, redear and
bullheads are all popular catches. Bank fishing is
available from a small county park on the lake.
Boaters have plenty of access opportunities, with
a county park and Lake Trafford Marina each
offering boat ramps. Boaters should take caution
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Canoeing
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Southwest Marinas
County
Collier
Collier
Collier
Collier
Collier
Collier
Glades
Hendry
Manatee
Manatee
Manatee
Manatee
Marina
Rod & Gun Lodge & Restaurant
Calusa Island Yacht Club
Walker’s Coon Key Marina
Cedar Bay Yacht Club Marina
Gulf Shores Marina
Naples Boat Club
Uncle Joe’s Marina & Motel
Belle Hatchee Marina
Catchers Marina
Cannons Marina
Cut’s Edge Harbor Marina
Regatta Pointe Marina
Phone
239-695-2101
239-394-2076
239-394-2797
239-394-9333
239-774-0222
239-430-4994
863-983-9421
863-675-4371
941-778-1977
941-383-1311
941-729-4878
941-729-6021
Water Body
Barron River 8
Big Marco River
Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico 8
Naples Bay
Lake Okeechobee
Coloosahatchee River
Manatee River
Manatee River 8
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Dockage
Lake Trafford
One of the county’s last remaining, undisturbed
mangrove estuaries lies nestled between Naples
and Marco Island. The National Estuarine
Research Reserve is home to a variety of habitats
and endangered species, making it an educational
hot spot for both students and scientists. Among
the backwaters, anglers can catch snook, redfish,
Located on the Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area, this nearly 400-acre lake offers fish
feeders to encourage catches. Bluegill, bass,
snook, catfish and tilapia are all popular with
some unusual baits. Dough balls and hot dogs
will attract bluegill. Catfish like chicken livers and
dough balls, while small bits of hot dog will catch
tilapia. A daily use permit or a Wildlife Management Area stamp is required to use the lake, and
three boat ramps give access.
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Charters
Rookery Bay
Webb Lake
Freshwater
Fishing
Fishing
Guides
With warm waters and mangrove forests, Sanibel
Island is the perfect habitat for snook. Sea trout
and snapper are common as well, preferring pinfish, shrimp and live sardines. Stick to the mangrove areas and your patience will be rewarded.
Tarpon and redfish inhabit the island’s various
inlets, while grouper live in the coquina ledges
off the coast. Shallow waters harbor cobia, shark,
crevalle jack, king mackerel and tripletail.
Catfish, bass and panfish are popular year-round,
with access to the river available at Upper
Myakka Lake in Myakka River State Park.
The colder months see an influx of snook in the
lower portion of the river. A semi-roofed fishing
pier offers fishing as well as an interactive
alligator display.
Camping
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8
Store
Lake Trafford, located in Collier County, encompasses approximately 1,500 acres. Aquatic
vegetation consists of cattail, spatterdock, and
hydrilla. Fish species present in the lake include
largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear
sunfish, and large brown bullheads. Access to
Lake Trafford is mainly by boat. However,
there is a small county park located on the
lake that with a nice public fishing pier.
Myakka River
Phone
941-964-0375
239-394-3397
239-597-6196
941-964-0375
941-964-0375
239-992-0311
239-463-4588
941-361-6511
Fuel
Sanibel Island
Location
Boca Grande
Naples
Naples
Boca Grande
Boca Grande
Estero
Ft. Myers Beach
Sarasota
Mechanical
Repairs
Lake Trafford
Largemouth bass, snook, catfish and bream call
Manatee River home, while catfish, sunshine
bass and crappie live in Lake Manatee. A small
canoe launch is available for canoes, kayaks and
low-horsepower boats within Little Manatee
River State Park. Please note motors are
restricted to 20 horsepower or less.
Park
Cayo Costa State Park
Collier-Seminole State Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Don Pedro Island State Park
Gasparilla Island State Park
Koreshan State Historic Site
Lovers Key State Park
Myakka River State Park
Lodging
The largest island in the Ten Thousand Islands
National Wildlife Refuge, Marco Island’s intricate
channels and bays make excellent fishing
habitats. Anglers can expect to catch sea trout,
grouper, pompano, shark, mackerel, snapper,
snook and tarpon.
Manatee River/Lake Manatee
Boat Ramp
8
Southwest Boating & Fishing in State Parks
Accepts
Transients
Marco Island
around shallow areas and rocky outcrops.
Boating/
Canoeing
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Five Charlotte Harbor aquatic preserves can be
explored through their tidal creeks and bay backs
via kayak, canoe, or a shallow draft flat-bottomed
power boat. Lemon Bay, the smallest preserve,
holds 200 species of fish. Seagrass shallow,
artificial reefs, and mangrove fringes are lucrative
fishing spots in Gasparilla Sound, the deepest and
most diverse. Near Boca Grande Pass, tarpon and
goliath grouper can be caught.
mangrove snapper and tarpon. Shell Island Road
provides a boat ramp, and more access points can
be found at Bayview Park and the 951 ramp.
Camping
Restaurants
Charlotte Harbor Aquatic
Preserves
Phone
239-472-1100
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57
COUNTIES: MARTIN, PALM BEACH, BROWARD, DADE, MONROE
SOUTHEAST
Florida’s largest county and largest lake, through the wild and
wonderful Everglades to our country’s southernmost point in Key West; Southeast Florida
isn’t only glamor and glitz.
SOUTHEAST
SOUTHEAST
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Florida Keys & Florida Straits
The Keys boast more than 225 species of game
fish, including bonefish, tarpon and marlin.
Islamorada, known as the “Sport Fishing Capital
of the World,” is home to tuna, wahoo, dolphin,
king mackerel and sailfish. Sea trout, snook and
redfish are popular, as well. Key Largo offers
spectacular sailfish populations, especially in
the colder winter months. Cobia, king mackerel,
grouper, yellowtail and snapper like to inhabit
the area’s flats, shipwrecks and reefs. The
Florida Straits, the current passing between
Cuba and the Florida Keys, are a great spot
for large sport fish, such as grouper, snapper,
wahoo, tarpon, permit, barracuda and the
infamous blue marlin.
Live shiners are the angler’s best bet for prime
butterfly peacock bass fishing. Largemouth bass
and bream are popular, too. Silver or black topwater lures work well for catching bass in the
early morning; switch to a red or black shad worm
later in the day. Bream are lured with white and
green jigs.
Everglades Conservation Areas
Flamingo Beach
This town at the tip of Florida is famous for
being the only place in the world where
saltwater crocodiles coexist with alligators.
Cobia, tripletail, grouper, redfish, snapper,
crevalle jack, sea trout and snook also inhabit
this popular fishing spot.
Water Body
Brian Piccolo Park Lake
C.B. Smith Park Lake
Delevoe Park Lake
Trade Winds Park Lake
Lake Biwa
Lake Ida
Lake Osborne
Okeeheelee Lake
Catchment Lake
Location
Davie
Flamingo Road
Sistrunk Boulevard
Sample Road
Morikami Park
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach
Meaning “big water” in Seminole language, Lake
Okeechobee is the largest lake in the state. With
a surface area of 730 square miles and a depth
of only about 9 feet, fishing odds are good. An
extensive selection of vegetation provides places
for fish to hide and spawn. Black crappie and
largemouth bass are arguably the best catches,
but bluegill and redear populations are decent,
Barrier Free
Rest Rooms
Fish Attractor
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Boat Ramp
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Pier Name
Anglins Fishing Pier
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Location
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Pompano Beach Fishing
Atlantic Ocean
Pompano Beach
Barrier Free
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Rest Rooms
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Fish Attractor
O
RG
LA
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ISL
AM
OR
AD
A
BIG PINE KEY & THE LOWER KEYS
MCTG-9475 Florida Fishing & Boating Guide LO3 • Jan ‘15
too. Vegetation around the shoreline will provide
the best harvest of bass, especially with golden
shiners as bait. Spring is a slow season for
black crappie, but decent-sized specimens aren’t
uncommon. Stick to deep water, and keep moving
until you find a school.
Lake Osborne
Bass, crappie, bluegill, redear, catfish and Mayan
cichlids flourish in this 356-acre lake. Nine
buoys around the lake mark the location of fish
attractors. Using shiners and live shad as bait
around the shoreline has been known to catch
upwards of 20 bass per trip, especially during
early morning. The fish attractors and vegetation
are good places to look for any fish species, and
deeper water is the best spot for warmer mid-day
fishing. John Prince Park surrounds the lake,
providing a public boat ramp and fishing dock
with fish feeder.
Loxahatchee River
Southeast Saltwater Fishing Piers
60
EST
Lake Okeechobee
Southeast Freshwater Fishing Piers
County
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Here in the Florida Keys & Key West, you can run-and-gun for dolphin in the
morning, fly a kite for sailfish in the afternoon and battle giant swordfish
deep into the night. So come down and milk the world’s best
deep-sea fishing for all its worth.
N
fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys
THO
KEY W
MARA
Blue crabs, mullet, snook and tarpon inhabit the
Loxahatchee River/Lake Worth Creek Aquatic
Preserve. Freshwater and tidal marshes, mangroves, tidal flats, seagrass beds and oysters bars
make for interesting fishing and boating. A boat
ramp is available in Jonathon Dickinson State
Park, although boaters must mind the idle
speed limit.
Miami-Dade County Canal
Part of a more extensive man-made canal
system, the Miami-Dade Canal harbors largemouth bass and the ever-popular butterfly
peacock bass. Catch-and-release of this fish is
strongly encouraged, especially during April’s
spawning season. Live shiners and minnow
imitators are great for this catch. Bluegill, redear
sunfish, Mayan cichlid and oscar are popular;
try wigglers, crickets and night crawlers for the
most success. The canal’s urban areas can often
yield snook and tarpon; entice these critters
with live shiners.
Palm Beach County Canal
For largemouth bass fishing, live shiners and shad
are the angler’s best bet. Clown knifefish are
another possible catch with shad bait. Bridges
are a common congregating point for these fish.
Butterfly peacock bass like this canal as well;
small shiners and minnow imitators will get the
best response.
Water Conservation Areas 2 and 3 have
consistently produced top-quality bass fishing.
Largemouth bass is the most popular catch,
yielding one of the largest catch rates in Florida
when the water level is good. Bluegill,
redear, pickerel, oscar and Mayan cichlid also
are popular. Low water levels make for ample
fish populations, but higher levels create a
arshy landscape, providing a different type of
fishing altogether.
Located in an urban area, fisherman can stay
within minutes from home at Lake Ida. Known for
its sunshine, largemouth and butterfly peacock
bass population, this lake produces a large quantity of fish. Stick to minnow imitations, crankbaits
and jigs as bait.
SOUTHEAST
SOUTHEAST
Broward County Canal
Lake Ida
KE
Coconut Grove Marina
Fish until the cows come home.
Pompano Beach
Amberjack, snapper, sailfish, grouper and
dolphin inhabit the large, man-made reef located
off-shore at Pompano Beach. More than 20
freighters at 100 feet deep create an ideal
spot for fish. The Hillsboro Inlet offers access
to the reef.
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Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Haulover Marina
Grove Isle Marina
Dinner Key Marina
Crandon Park Marina
Marine Stadium Marina
Power House Marina, Inc.
Grove Key Marina
TNT Marine Center
Waterways Marina
Miamarina at Bayside
Loggerhead Club & Marina
Bud N’ Mary’s Marina
Caribee Boat Sales & Marina
Coconut Cove Resort & Marina
Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar
Watermark Marina of Islamorada
Robbie’s Marina
Smuggler’s Cove Resort
Treasure Harbor Marine, Inc.
World Wide Sportmans
Key Colony Beach Marina
Pilot House Marina
A&B Marina
Conch Harbor Marina
Pelican Landing of Key West
Safe Harbour Marina
Sunset Marina
Sea Bird Marina
Sugarloaf Marina
Holiday Isle Beach Resort and Marina
305-947-3525
305-858-4753
305-579-6980
305-361-1281
305-361-3316
305-892-2628
305-858-6527
305-947-6088
305-935-4295
305-579-6955
305-258-3500
305-664-2461
305-664-3431
305-664-0123
305-664-4656
305-664-8884
305-664-9814
305-664-5564
305-852-2458
305-664-4615
305-289-1310
305-451-3452
305-294-2535
305-294-2933
305-293-9730
305-294-9797
305-296-7101
305-664-2871
305-745-3135
305-664-2321
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Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay
Atlantic Ocean
Gulf of Mexico
Atlantic Ocean
Florida Bay
Gulf of Mexico
Florida Bay/Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico
Atlantic Ocean
Florida Bay
Fat Deer Key
Atlantic Ocean
Florida Straits
Gulf of Mexico
Garrison Bight
Atlantic Ocean
Gulf of Mexico
Florida Bay
Sugarloaf Sound
Atlantic Ocean
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Phone
305-743-5317
305-289-0505
305-289-8877
305-743-4353
305-852-5218
305-852-8380
305-664-9814
305-743-3500
800-278-4665
561-276-0376
Water Body
Bootkey Harbor
Altantic Ocean
Bootkey Harbor
Gulf of Mexico
Altantic Ocean
Florida Bay
Florida Bay
Marathon’s Reef
Palm Beach
Marina Delray, Inc.
561-276-7666
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Palm Beach
Gateway Marina
561-588-1211
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Palm Beach
Palm Beach Yacht Center
561-588-9911
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Palm Beach
Bluff’s Marina, Inc.
561-627-6688
Palm Beach
JupiterPointe Club & Marina
561-746-2600
Palm Beach
Loggerhead Club & Marina-Palm Beach
561-627-6358
Palm Beach
PGA Marina Center
561-626-0200
Palm Beach
Jib Yacht Club & Marina
561-746-4300
Palm Beach
Cannonsport Marina
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
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Overnight
Dockage
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Marina
Burdines Waterfront
Harbor Point Marina
Bootkey Harbor City Marina
Keys Fisheries Market & Marina
Curtis Marine, Inc.
Mangrove Marina
Robbie’s Marina
Banana Bay Resort & Marina
Captain Hook’s Marina & Dive Center
Delray Harbor Club Marina
Boat
Charters
St. Lucie River 8
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County
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Palm Beach
Fishing
Guides
772-283-9225
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Store
Sunset Bay Marina & Anchorage
8
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Mechanical
Repairs
Martin
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Fuel
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Accepts
Transients
Indian River
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Lodging
561-744-0727
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Restaurants
Jupiter Hill Lighthouse Marina
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Overnight
Dockage
Martin
8
Boat
Charters
Water Body
Dania Canal
Atlantic Ocean
Dania Cutoff Canal
Hillsborough River
Hillsborough Canal
New River
New River
New River
New River
Atlantic Ocean
Okeechobee Waterway
Manatee Pocket
Manatee Pocket
Fishing
Guides
Phone
954-924-9555
954-921-8800
954-923-5900
954-427-9747
954-418-0777
954-426-2628
954-764-2233
954-587-6226
954-587-4000
954-764-3975
954-791-7600
954-527-0040
954-523-1832
954-527-1829
954-522-2800
954-457-8557
954-942-9100
772-597-2455
772-334-0936
954-942-8118
772-223-4110
772-288-2888
772-287-2500
561-746-3312
Store
Fuel
Marina
American Offshore Marina
Cozy Cove Marina, Inc.
Royale Palm Yacht Basin
Cove Marina
Freedom Marine Center
Pennell’s Marine, Inc.
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Billfish Marina
Cable Marine, Inc.
Hall of Fame Marina
Falls at Marina Bay
Lauderdale Marine Center
River Bend Marina
Riverfront Marina, Inc.
Sundance Marina
Loggerhead Club & Marina
Sands Harbor Hotel & Marina
Indiantown Marina
Four Fish Marina
Lighthouse Point Marina, Inc.
Finest Kind Marina & Tackle Store
Manatee Marina, Inc.
Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina
Blowing Rocks Marina
Mechanical
Repairs
Lodging
Accepts
Transients
Restaurants
County
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Broward
Martin
Martin
Martin
Martin
Martin
Martin
Martin
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561-848-7469
Palm Harbor Marina
561-655-4757
Lake Worth Inlet
Delray Harbor Club Marina
561-276-0376
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8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Southeast Boating & Fishing in State Parks
Park
Bahia Honda State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Collier-Seminole State Park
Curry Hammock State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic
State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
John D. MacArthur Beach
State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef
State Park
John U. Lloyd Beach State Park
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Long Key State Park
Oleta River State Park
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve
State Park
Location
Big Pine Key
Key Biscayne
Naples
Marathon
Phone
305-872-2353
305-361-5811
239-394-3397
305-289-2690
Camping
8
Key West
305-292-6713
Fort Lauderdale
954-564-4521
North Palm Beach
561-624-6950
Key Largo
305-451-1202
8
Dania
Hobe Sound
Long Key
North Miami
954-923-2833
772-546-2771
305-664-4815
305-919-1844
8
8
Stuart
772-219-1880
8
8
Freshwater
Fishing
8
Saltwater
Fishing
8
8
8
8
Boating/
Canoeing
8
8
8
8
Boat Ramp
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Southeast Boating & Fishing in National Parks & Refuges
Park
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Biscayne National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park
Everglades National Park
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
Key West National Wildlife Refuge
National Key Deer Refuge
Phone
561-735-6030
305-230-7275
305-242-7700
305-242-7700
305-743-2437
305-872-2239
561-546-6141
305-872-2239
305-872-2239
Camping
8
8
8
Fishing
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Boating/
Canoeing
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Boat Ramp
8
62
Southeast Marinas
SOUTHEAST
SOUTHEAST
Southeast Marinas
8
63
GETTING ON THE WATER
Hiring a Guide Checklist
DO YOUR HOMEWORK: The best way to insure
a quality fishing experience is to spend some
time researching a guide’s qualifications,
background, experience, and knowledge.
Public Boat Ramp Capital of the World
Trailer your boat to new fishing destinations throughout Florida. It is easy to plan your next adventure by searching one website for information, maps and photographs for 1,800 public boat
ramps from Pensacola to Key West.
Florida, the Fishing Capital of the World, boasts seemingly limitless opportunities for great
fishing adventures. Fishermen are also fortunate to have a wealth of public boat ramps from
which to choose from.
The Florida Public Boat Ramp Finder helps fishermen by showing them the wide variety of
public boat ramps that provide boating access to Florida’s public waterways. These ramps range
from primitive gravel launch sites to fully equipped mega boat ramp facilities.
The Florida Public Boat Ramp Finder provides several options to search for a desired boat
ramp. You can search for boat ramps on a particular body of water, near a specific city, or within
distance of a street address or GPS coordinates. You can even call up a map or satellite image
showing the general area of interest. The public ramp finder provides basic information about
each boat ramp. Onsite photographs let fishermen see each ramp as if they are there in person.
The public ramp finder is a great reconnaissance tool.
Try it today by visiting MyFWC.com/Boatramps.
64
Getting Your License
Anglers should view fishing licenses not only as an inexpensive ticket to healthy outdoor
recreation, but also as a contribution to nature and sustaining those great fishing and boating
opportunities. An annual fishing license or three-day license for non-residents costs just
$17 (freshwater or saltwater fishing, $34 for both). For your money, you not only get great
year-round fishing opportunities and to build a host
f memories, but you are guaranteed by law that your
license fees go to fish and wildlife conservation.
A NEW license opportunity allows youth to buy their
first license, as a matter of pride and community at any
age, and yet it will stay valid until their 17th birthday.
Since they would normally buy their first license when
they are 16, it doesn’t cost them anymore, may save
them a fewdollars and most importantly each of the
years between when they purchase and turn 17 the
state with receive approximately $7.00 in Federal Aid
in Sport Fish Restoration funds.
BOOK EARLY: Book your charter as soon as you
know your date. Otherwise you may have to
compromise to get the date you want. Make
your deposit on time to secure your date and
mark your calendar to call the guide the day
before to confirm.
VERIFY RATES AND CANCELLATION POLICY:
Be sure you know the price of the charter and
any charges related to additional anglers if
applicable. Also inquire about a cancellation
policy.
CLARIFY YOUR DESIRES AND EXPECTATIONS:
Let your chosen captain know what you would
like to accomplish on the trip. Find out if lunch is
provided or if you should bring it; let him know
it you want to bring your own equipment; and
identify any special needs.
SHOW UP ON TIME: Show up on time with an
open mind ready to follow your guides instruction and advice. You hired him for his local
knowledge so take advantage of the opportunity
to learn and increase your own knowledge base.
RESPECT YOUR GUIDE’S EQUIPMENT:
Professional guides pride themselves in the
equipment they use. It is chosen for specific
applications and is normally of the highest
quality. Use this opportunity to learn about
the equipment and why the guide chose it
and how he maintains it.
TIP YOUR GUIDE: Like any service business it
is traditional to tip your guide. An eight-hour
charter is equivalent to at least a ten-hour
workday for the guide. Base your tip on the
services rendered and recognize when a guide
goes beyond the call of duty to make your day
an enjoyable one.
For more information and a list of Professional
Charter Fishing Guides from the Florida Guides
Association, please visit www.florida-guides.com.
It’s time to plan your fishing getaway. From locating
thousands of places to boat and fish to tips on how
to help your kids land a lunker, it’s all here. Learn,
plan and equip for a memorable day on the water.
OF F I C I A L PA RT NE R S

Fishing Guide - Florida Sports Foundation

Transcription

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For Immediate Release: March 23, 2011