Fishing in Florida’s springs is a unique and rewarding experience that offers anglers a chance to explore the state’s diverse freshwater ecosystems. From the crystal-clear waters of Ginnie Springs to the cypress-lined shores of Salt Springs Recreation Area, these natural wonders are home to a variety of fish species, each with its own set of challenges and rewards.
Best Freshwater Springs in Florida for Fishing
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Ginnie Springs: Located in north Florida, this spring complex features five natural springs that provide anglers with clear, cool water and a variety of fish species to target. The springs are known for their excellent visibility, making it an ideal spot for sight fishing.
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Fanning Springs State Park: Situated on the banks of the Suwannee River, this park offers both river fishing and the opportunity to swim in the refreshing spring waters. The park is a popular destination for anglers seeking Trout, Redfish, and other species.
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Salt Springs Recreation Area: This area, located within the National Forests of Florida, offers a more secluded and peaceful fishing experience. The small coves and cypress-lined shoreline provide a serene setting for anglers to target a variety of fish species.
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Ichetucknee Springs State Park: Known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse aquatic life, Ichetucknee Springs is a popular destination for both swimmers and anglers. The park is home to Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, and Catfish, among other species.
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Rainbow Springs State Park: Situated in central Florida, Rainbow Springs is renowned for its vibrant blue-green waters and abundant fish populations. Anglers can target Trout, Redfish, and other species in the spring’s main run and surrounding tributaries.
Types of Fish You Can Catch in Florida’s Springs
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Snook: These powerful, hard-fighting fish are a prized catch for many anglers in Florida’s springs. Snook can grow up to 48 inches in length and weigh up to 38 pounds, making them a true test of an angler’s skill.
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Redfish: Also known as “Red Drum,” these fish are found in the West Coast of Florida and are known for their relentless fighting spirit. Redfish can range in size from 12 to 30 inches, providing an exciting challenge for anglers.
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Trout: Both Spotted Sea Trout and Speckled Trout are common catches in Florida’s springs. These fish are often targeted using noisy floats and live Shrimp, providing a fun and rewarding fishing experience.
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Largemouth Bass: These aggressive predators are found in many of Florida’s springs and can be caught using a variety of lures and techniques, including fly fishing.
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Sunfish: A diverse group of fish that includes Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Warmouth, Sunfish are a popular target for anglers in Florida’s springs, offering a fun and accessible fishing experience.
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Catfish: Several species of Catfish, including the Channel Catfish and the White Catfish, can be found in Florida’s springs, providing a unique and challenging fishing opportunity.
Fishing Techniques and Tips
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Live Bait: Using live bait, such as Crab, Shrimp, and Cigar Minnows, can be an effective way to target Snook and Redfish in Florida’s springs.
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Flies and Lures: Fly fishing and the use of artificial lures can be successful for catching Trout and other species in the springs.
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Sight Fishing: The clear waters of Florida’s springs allow for sight fishing, which can be an exciting and challenging experience for anglers. By spotting the fish and presenting the bait or lure in the right way, anglers can increase their chances of success.
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Stealth and Patience: Due to the clear water and often-wary nature of the fish, anglers must approach the springs with stealth and patience to increase their chances of success.
Charter Services and Guides
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YACHTFISH Fishing Charters: Offering private inshore fishing charters in the St. Petersburg area, YACHTFISH specializes in targeting Snook, Redfish, and Trout in the region’s coastal waters and springs.
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Tight Lines Fishing Charters: Based in Crystal River, Tight Lines Fishing Charters provides guided trips to explore the springs and rivers of central Florida, targeting a variety of species including Trout, Redfish, and Largemouth Bass.
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Capt. Toney’s Fishing Charters: Operating out of Homosassa, Capt. Toney’s Fishing Charters offers guided trips to the area’s springs and estuaries, focusing on Snook, Redfish, and other inshore species.
Additional Resources
For more information on the fish species found in Florida’s springs and tips for successful fishing, be sure to check out the resources provided by the Florida Springs Institute (https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/fish/).
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlusLV-lVjE
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g2333156-d601055-r560353451-Fanning_Springs_State_Park-Fanning_Springs_Florida.html
- https://www.yachtfish.com/florida-fishing-spring-near-can-catch/
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/florida/recreation/recarea/?recid=83581&actid=42
- https://floridaspringsinstitute.org/fish/