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Welcome to the sunshine state of Florida, where the fishing action is hot and the sun is shining. If you’re looking for some exciting freshwater fishing action, look no further than Florida. With a vast network of rivers, lakes, and streams, Florida offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the country.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newbie looking to cast your first line, Florida has something for everyone. From trophy-sized largemouth bass to feisty catfish, there’s always a new challenge waiting for you on the water. So grab your tackle box, a cooler full of snacks, and let’s dive into the top 10 freshwater sport fish to catch in Florida.
1: Largemouth Bass
Let’s start with the king of freshwater fish in Florida: the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, these fish are a favorite target for anglers of all skill levels. They can be found in virtually every freshwater body of water in the state, from small ponds to sprawling lakes.
To catch these behemoths, try using live bait like shiners or artificial lures like spinnerbaits or topwater plugs. The key is to fish around structure like docks, weed beds, and submerged logs, where bass like to hide and ambush their prey.
2: Bluegill
Next up, we have the bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), a scrappy little fish that’s a blast to catch on light tackle. These panfish are found throughout Florida’s freshwater bodies of water and are known for their tasty meat and fighting spirit.
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To catch bluegill, use small hooks and live bait like worms or crickets. You can also try using small jigs or spinners to entice them to strike. Bluegill are often found around shallow, weedy areas, so be sure to cast around docks, fallen trees, and other structures where they like to hide.
3: Sunshine Bass
For a true hybrid fishing experience, try your hand at catching sunshine bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis). These fish are a cross between white bass and striped bass and offer a unique challenge for freshwater anglers.
Sunshine bass can be caught using a variety of techniques, including live bait like shad or artificial lures like crankbaits or jigs. They are often found in large schools, so once you catch one, chances are there are more nearby.
4: Catfish
Catfish are another popular freshwater species in Florida, with several different types of catfish available to catch. Channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish can all be found in Florida’s freshwater bodies of water.
To catch catfish, try using live bait like worms, shrimp, or cut bait. You can also try using stink baits or dough baits, which can be effective in attracting catfish to your hook. Catfish are often found in deeper water or around structure like logs or rock formations.
5: Snook
While snook (Centropomus undecimalis) are typically associated with saltwater fishing, they can also be found in freshwater rivers and streams in Florida. These fish are known for their acrobatic jumps and strong fights, making them a favorite target for anglers.
To catch snook in freshwater, look for them in brackish areas where saltwater and freshwater mix. You can use a variety of techniques to catch them, including live bait like shrimp or artificial lures like jigs or topwater plugs.
6: Redear Sunfish
Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus), also known as shellcrackers, are another popular freshwater fish in Florida. These fish are known for their delicious meat and hard-fighting nature, making them a favorite target for anglers.
To catch redear sunfish, use small hooks and live bait like worms or crickets. You can also try using small jigs or spinners. These fish are often found near the bottom in deeper water, so make sure to fish near submerged logs or other structures.
7: Black Crappie
Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) are a type of panfish that can be found throughout Florida’s freshwater bodies of water. These fish are known for their light, flaky meat and can be a challenge to catch.
To catch black crappie, try using small jigs or spinners. They are often found in deeper water near structure like logs or brush piles. Make sure to fish slowly and be patient, as black crappie can be easily spooked.
8: Bowfin
Bowfin (Amia calva), also known as mudfish or dogfish, are a prehistoric species that can be found in Florida’s freshwater rivers and streams. These fish are known for their sharp teeth and aggressive strikes, making them a favorite target for anglers.
To catch bowfin, use live bait like shiners or artificial lures like crankbaits or spinnerbaits. These fish are often found in shallow water near structure like logs or weed beds. Bowfin are also known to be territorial, so if you find one, chances are there are more nearby.
9: Peacock Bass
Peacock bass (Cichla spp.) are a non-native species that have been introduced to Florida’s freshwater bodies of water. These fish are known for their bright colors and hard-fighting nature, making them a popular target for anglers.
To catch peacock bass, try using live bait like shiners or artificial lures like topwater plugs or jerkbaits. They are often found in shallow water near structure like docks or fallen trees.
10: Chain Pickerel
Last but not least, we have chain pickerel (Esox niger). These fish are a type of pike that can be found in Florida’s freshwater bodies of water. They are known for their sharp teeth and ferocious strikes, making them a favorite target for anglers.
To catch chain pickerel, try using small jigs or spinners. They are often found in shallow water near structure like logs or weed beds. Make sure to fish quickly and be ready for a fast strike.
In conclusion, Florida offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the country, with a wide variety of species available to catch. Whether you’re looking for a trophy-sized largemouth bass or a feisty catfish, Florida’s freshwater bodies of water have something for everyone. So grab your fishing gear and head out to the water for an unforgettable fishing adventure in the sunshine state.
