Fishing inshore in Florida offers a diverse range of species and exciting experiences for both beginners and experienced anglers. From the panhandle to the Florida Keys, the Sunshine State’s inshore waters are teeming with a variety of fish, providing ample opportunities for anglers to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of the catch.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Florida
Florida’s coastline is dotted with numerous inshore fishing hotspots, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Here are some of the best inshore fishing spots in the state:
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Escambia and Santa Rosa counties: Big Lagoon State Park, Fort Pickens fishing pier & beaches, and Johnson’s Beach at Gulf Islands are popular spots for targeting species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
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Monroe County: Bahia Honda State Park, Everglades National Park, John Pennekamp State Park, Duck Key, Long Key State Park, and Western Dry Rocks are ideal locations for catching tarpon, snook, and bonefish.
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Miami-Dade and Broward counties: Deerfield Pier, Hillsboro Inlet Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Homestead Bayfront Park, Oleta River State Park, and Pacific Reef Channel are popular spots for anglers seeking a variety of inshore species.
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Volusia County: Daytona Beach Pier, Highbridge Park, Light House Point Park, Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, Mosquito Lagoon, Ponce Inlet Jetty, Port Orange Causeway Park, Sunrise Park, and Tomoka State Park offer excellent opportunities for catching redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
Most Popular Inshore Fish Species in Florida
Florida’s inshore waters are home to a diverse array of fish species, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. Some of the most popular inshore fish species in the state include:
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Redfish: Commonly caught inshore, especially in the summer and fall. Redfish are known for their powerful fights and excellent table fare.
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Flounder: Found in shallow waters, particularly during the winter and spring. Flounder are prized for their delicate, flaky flesh.
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Speckled Trout: Abundant in inshore waters, especially during the winter and early summer. Speckled trout are a favorite among anglers for their aggressive strikes and delicious flavor.
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Tarpon: Active during the spring and early summer, tarpon are one of the most sought-after inshore species in Florida due to their impressive size and acrobatic jumps.
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Snook: Commonly caught inshore, especially during the mid to late summer. Snook are known for their hard-fighting nature and are a popular target for many anglers.
Inshore Fishing Tips and Gear
To ensure a successful and enjoyable inshore fishing experience, it’s important to have the right gear and techniques. Here are some tips to help you get started:
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Rod and Reel: A 7-foot medium action rod with a 3000 series spinning reel and 12-pound test monofilament line or 20-pound braided line is a good all-around setup for inshore fishing.
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Lures: Paddle tail shads with a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jig head are effective for catching a variety of inshore species, including redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
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Polarized Sunglasses: Investing in a good pair of polarized sunglasses is essential for sight fishing and reducing glare on the water.
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GPS Coordinates: Purchasing accurate GPS numbers for reefs, channels, and other key structures around Florida can save time and improve your fishing success.
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Boat Choice: Bay boats are a popular choice for inshore fishing due to their shallow draft and versatility, allowing anglers to access a wide range of inshore habitats.
Additional Resources
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge and improve your inshore fishing skills, there are several valuable resources available:
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): This agency provides detailed information on fishing regulations, habitats, and species, as well as up-to-date reports on fishing conditions.
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Salt Water Sportsman: This magazine and website offer in-depth guides and techniques for targeting various inshore species, as well as expert advice from experienced anglers.
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Florida Sportsman: This publication and online resource provides a wealth of articles and information on inshore fishing, including species profiles, fishing techniques, and reports on the latest hot spots.
By utilizing these resources and following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the thrill and excitement of fishing inshore in the Sunshine State.
References
- Fish Your Ass Off. (n.d.). Inshore Saltwater Fishing for Beginners (The Complete Guide). Retrieved from https://fishyourassoff.com/inshore-saltwater-fishing-for-beginners.html
- Salt Water Sportsman. (n.d.). Inshore Fishing Tips. Retrieved from https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/inshore-fishing-tips/
- Florida Sportsman. (n.d.). Learn – Sportfish – Inshore Fish. Retrieved from https://www.floridasportsman.com/content/learn-sportfish-inshore/395216
- Florida Go Fishing. (n.d.). Inshore Fishing. Retrieved from https://www.floridagofishing.com/fishing-inshore.html
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (n.d.). Where to Saltwater Fish. Retrieved from https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/outreach/wheretofish/.