Saltwater Fishing in Florida: The Ultimate Guide

Popularly known as the "Fishing Capital of the World," Florida has more records of fish catches than any other state in the country. If you wonder why Florida is known as such, it is because of its natural resources, good weather, and excellent fishing infrastructures. The state supports local and tourist fishing all year round, as long as it is within fishing rules and regulations. Every fishing location in Florida offers diversity for both seasoned and amateur anglers. Saltwater fishing in Florida is among the popular hobbies of locals, and tourists should try it out. 

Gulf streams, swamps, estuaries, and rivers surround the state of Florida. These water bodies are suitable for saltwater fishing and are perfect for anglers looking for saltwater fish such as bonefish and bass. Local fishing stores sell affordable equipment and supplies, so be sure to stock up on them before heading to any fishing hole—consultation with the local fishing authorities and anglers. Stocking up on fishing supplies and spare equipment is recommended. You can do so from any local fishing store in a county as each of them sell affordable items. 

So if you are ready to start your saltwater fishing journey in Florida, here are some of the best saltwater fishing destinations to try out. 

Top 5 Saltwater Fishing Destinations in Florida 

1. St John's River

First on the list is St. John's River because it is the longest saltwater river in Florida. Commercial and recreational fishing are common in St. John's River. The "lazy" saltwater river is suitable for amateur and veteran anglers and spans 310 miles long with depths up to 50 meters and a water flow rate of 0.3 mph. 

Many water bodies connected to St. John's River, such as marshes from the Brevard or Indian River Counties, are filled with saltwater fish. Lakes from the Orange and Seminole counties and river coves from Volusia county surround St. John's River. Tidal flows from Lake Monroe enter St. John's River, giving it plenty of saltwater fish to be caught. 

Accessing St. John's River through Sanford Marina and C.S. Lee Park is commonly done by anglers. The Southern end of Lake Harney and the exit of Hatbill Park can serve as starting points for anglers who want to travel by boat towards St. John's River. 

2. Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach is just south of Sanibel and Captiva Islands, which primarily serve as a barrier for the Gulf of Mexico. Its connection with the Estero Bay and Lover's Key gives way for tidal flows and passage for saltwater fish. Fort Myers Beach has brackish waters, fast currents, and many underwater rock structures. 

Water from the Estero Bay Preserve Park also flows towards Fort Myers Beach, supplying it with saltwater all year round. The beach is unpopulated on regular days and has many open fishing holes. 

3. Boca Grande

Tarpon fans will love Boca Grande because it is known as the "Tarpon Capital of the World." Florida is widely known as a fishing town in Gasparilla Island under the Charlotte and Lee counties. Sugar sand beaches, coconut trees, and sparkling waters make Boca Grande a famous tourist spot. 

The Calusa people are settlers in Boca Grande during 800 AD, and fishing has been an essential part of their culture. As early as the 1700s, there were records of Tarpon caught on hooks by the British colonists. Over time, immigrants and urban development filled Boca Grande. However, this did not stop the town from becoming a home for migratory fish species, especially Tarpon. Many fish are from Boca Grande Pass, the deepest pass in Florida, with depths reaching 80 feet. This pass has connections to the Peace and Myakka Rivers, known for their fast waters. 

4. Sarasota Bay

Sarasota is one of the best fishing spots in South Florida and is part of the Gulf Coast. It is the deepest and largest coastal Bay found between Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor and has been named an estuary of national significance by the U.S. Congress. 

The Bay is booked frequently as a favorite spot for a fisherman's vacation because of many scenic locations, booming ecotourism programs, and fish diversity. Different marine animals reside in Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and are open to the public until late afternoon. 

With its connection to Myakka River State Park, Sarasota is fed with saltwater thanks to its flows. The saltwater makes it suitable for bass, no matter the season. Anglers who want to dip their hooks and rods here will not be disappointed. Sarasota has 58 square miles of wetlands and marshes and has a connection to Upper Myakka Lake. It is accessible via kayak or canoe, but anglers should be cautious of alligators as they frequent fishing holes in search of food.

Access points such as Centennial Park and Boat Ramp are open until sundown. These access points are east of Sarasota, and all around the Bay, there are local fishing supply stores. Make sure to stock up on live bait and consult with locals regarding weather and wind conditions before setting out to Sarasota.

5. Longboat Key

Lastly, Longboat Key is a must-see fishing location for fans of saltwater fish. It is a barrier island surrounding Sarasota Bay and protects from tidal waters. The town is under the Manatee and Sarasota counties and is part of the Gulf Coast. Affordable resorts and hotels are scattered throughout the beach, offering tourists a good view of the Key. The town only has about 7505 residents, and they are all eager to give visiting anglers a taste of Longboat hospitality. 

Anglers frequent the Longboat Pass and Bradenton Beach, as they can reel in a good catch even a few inches from the shore. Up north of Longboat Key is Anna Maria Island, which hosts the Reel and Historic piers. 

Florida's Top 10 Saltwater Fish Species

All year round, anglers have reported that these are the top saltwater fish to be caught in Florida: black sea bass, yellowfin, blue marlin, spotted weakfish, sea trout, bluegill, crappie, red snapper, red drum, and sheepshead.