11 Best Fishing Spots in 2021
If you are looking for a fishing trip of a lifetime, come on down to Florida. From hooking up massive billfish and other pelagic predators on the east coast to fishing for over 300 different types of fish in the beautiful Everglades, you have a lifetime of memories to make and fish to catch in this biodiverse place I like to call home. Let’s dive into some of the best places to fish in the sunshine state!
11. Steinhatchee, Florida
Steinhatchee is located in the northwest panhandle of Florida and is known by many as an angler’s paradise. Steinhatchee is considered a hidden gem amongst the fishing community but has experienced major growth over the last couple of years as the word is finally getting out.
Steinhatchee is known for the 100’s of square miles of grass flats that can be found just off the coast.
Rock Point is a popular area for anglers eager to site fish since water depths rarely surpass 4 feet. These grass flats are home to an abundant population of Redfish, Speckled Trout, Snapper, and Snook.
Since many of the fishing hotspots are within yards of shore, kayakers have flocked to this area to get a piece of the action.
There are three artificial reefs 10 miles from the coastline home to keeper Snapper, Grouper, and Cobia.
Also, offshore fishing off the coast of Steinhatchee has been very productive over the years. If you are willing to run 25+ miles offshore, you will find ledges with dramatic dropoffs that are home to trophy-sized Grouper.
If you are unfamiliar with the area, we would highly recommend charting a guide to familiarize yourself with the area.
Steinhatchee is world-renowned for its scallop population just a couple of yards offshore. Scalloping season is the biggest tourist attraction throughout the area bringing in tens of thousands of boaters every year.
Scallop season is open July 1st through September 10th. Scallops are extremely easy to catch and clean, and delicious to eat, making for great family fun.
Most Frequently Targeted Fish In Steinhatchee.
- Scallop
- Snapper (Varying species)
- Grouper (Varying species)
- Tarpon
- Shark
- Snook
- Redfish
- Trout
- Permit
- Flounder
- Cobia
- Pompano
- Spanish Mackerel
- Sheepshead
- Kingfish
10. Pine Island, Florida
Pine Island is the largest island in the state of Florida. This town has been a hot spot fishing destination since its conception.
Many of the locals that call Pine Island home are involved in the fishing industry, whether private guiding or commercial fishing.
Pine Island, though it lacks sandy beaches, is a gem of its own. This island is completely surrounded by mangroves, oyster bars, and grass flats, making this place one of the top redfish destinations in Florida.
The inshore waters in Pine Island are one of the fishiest locations in Southwest Florida. Anglers fishing the bay are often targeting Redfish, Flounder, Speckled Trout, Pompano, and Jack Crevalle.
Pine Island is a favorite fishing destination for many fly fishermen looking to target redfish, snook, and tarpon that frequent the backwaters.
Much of the waters in the back bay are extremely shallow, making site fishing a popular fishing method when targeting certain fish.
Pine island is also known for its abundance of grass flats that harbor many fish species, including seatrout.
Pine Island also has excellent offshore fishing if you are willing to make the run. Many locals and charter captains run 20+ miles offshore to target Grouper, Snapper, and Cobia that inhabit the local artificial reefs.
Pine Island is centrally located between two other fishing hotspots, Estero bay, and Boca Grande. There are not many shore fishing spots within Pine Island, but one popular spot amongst the locals is the Matlacha Bridge. This bridge quickly becomes packed with anglers as high tide approaches. Some of the fish caught off the bridge include Snapper, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Snook.
Most Frequently Targeted Fish In Pine Island.
- Snapper (Varying species)
- Grouper (Varying species)
- Tarpon
- Shark
- Snook
- Redfish
- Trout
- Permit
- Flounder
- Cobia
- Pompano
- Spanish Mackerel
- Sheepshead
9. Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach, frequently shortened to PCB by the locals, is a stunning beach town in the Northwest panhandle of Florida. PCB is home to a wide variety of fishing adventures, including beach, pier, inshore and offshore fishing.
The Turquoise waters found on the sandy beaches of PCB are teeming with many species of fish, including Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Snook, and the occasional Kingfish. There are over 27 miles of beachfront in Panama City, with frequent public access points for anglers and beachgoers alike.
Pier fishing in PBC is easy and fun, making for a great fishing destination to bring the whole family. Although I would avoid this area during Spring Break if you are bringing young kids, it turns into a wild party scene.
There are two fishing piers in St.Andrews park. One of the piers is on the gulf side, where larger pelagic fish are frequently targeted, including Spanish Mackerel and Kingfish.
The other pier is on Grand Lagon. The Grand Lagon pier is an excellent location to target Speckled Trout, Flounder, Grouper, and Redfish.
Many anglers decide to explore the backwaters by boat, often site fishing for large bull reds and snooks that travel through the beautiful waters of the estuary.
If offshore fishing is your thing, you are in luck! Offshore fishing in PCB is also very productive, with typical catches including Mahi-Mahi, Kingfish, Wahoo, and Tuna.
PCB is also an excellent nearshore fishing destination. The nearshore bite is often found a few miles off the coast, where anglers drop their baits on the artificial reefs.
If you are looking to try your luck at freshwater fishing, Deer Point Lake is heavily populated with various freshwater fish, including Bass, Bluegill, and Crappie.
Most Frequently Targeted Fish In Panama City Beach Florida
- Mahi- Mahi
- Sailfish
- Marlin
- Snapper (Varying species)
- Grouper (Varying species)
- Bonefish
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Redfish
- Trout
- Permit
- Shark
- Kingfish
8. Destin, Florida
This list wouldn’t be a proper list of the top fishing spots in Florida if Destin didn’t make the cut, heck the town was discovered by a fishing captain named Leonard Destin.
Destin is one of the most unique fishing locations along the Gulf Coast. The bottom topography is like nothing else found on the west coast of Florida.
One of the things that make Destin so unique is the “100-fathom curve”. The “100-fathom curve” is a sudden drop in depth found only 10 to 12 miles off the coast. This drop-off reaches depths of upwards of 600’. Which doesn’t sound like much if you were fishing the Atlantic Ocean, but it is an absolute treasure for the Gulf.
Having such deep waters so close to shore has made this town famous for grouper and snapper fishing. If you are willing to travel a few miles further than the “100-Fathom Curve,” you will continue to see drops in-depth, making Destin a phenomenal fishing location for Grouper and Snapper, and pelagic fish, including Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Kingfish, Wahoo, & Tuna.
If you are not ready to head offshore 10+ miles, the nearshore fishing is also phenomenal.
Destin is home to the Harbor Walk Marina Cobia Tournament which is well known for landing some of the largest Cobia ever caught in the Gulf of Mexico.
If you are a landlocked angler, there are seven piers in total within the Destin city limits. These piers have proved very productive over the years as anglers bring home their catch of Spanish mackerel, snook, redfish, and other coastal species.
Also, the Intercoastal waters of Choctawhatchee Bay are known to house large bull redfish that are worth checking out.
Most Frequently Targeted Fish In Destin Florida.
- Mahi- Mahi
- Sailfish
- Marlin
- Snapper (Varying species)
- Grouper (Varying species)
- Bonefish
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Redfish
- Trout
- Permit
- Shark
- Kingfish
7. Tampa Bay, Florida
Tarpon Bay …. I mean, Tampa Bay is home to Florida’s largest open estuary spanning over 400 square miles. That’s the size of San Antonio, Texas!
Tampa Bay is world-famous for two giant fish that inhabit these waters, Tarpon, and Shark. Tarpon are migratory fish that travel North and south throughout the season. They are most prevalent in Tampa Bay during the summer months between April and August.
Tarpon, frequently called by other names, including “Silver King,” can reach lengths over 8’ and weigh up to 300 pounds. Anglers highly regard these fish for their long aggressive fight that typically lasts 45 minutes to 2 hours, often resulting in dramatic jumps out of the water that is nothing short of breathtaking.
The second giant fish that inhabit these waters are the bone-chilling shark. Tampa Bay is home to at least 12 shark species including but not limited to Blacktips, Hammerheads, Bull sharks, Lemon sharks, and Bonnethead Sharks. Tampa Bay is known by many as the Shark fishing capital of the World.
Hooking up to these beasts is not for the faint of heart. The fight can easily take over 2 hours to get them to the boat.
Tampa Bay, a massive estuary, is also home to a large number of coastal species including, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Pompano, and Snook. There is no shortage of structures found in Tampa bay that congregate large schools of fish.
Some of the most popular fishing spots include bridges, piers, beaches, and grass flats, all found within the bay. Tampa is also home to excellent Grouper and Snapper fishing just miles off the coast.
Most Frequently Targeted Fish In Tampa Bay Florida.
- Snapper (Varying species)
- Grouper (Varying species)
- Tarpon
- Shark
- Snook
- Redfish
- Trout
- Permit
- Flounder
- Cobia
- Pompano
- Spanish Mackerel
6. Naples, Florida
Many anglers know Naples, Florida, as one of the top coastal fishing destinations in all of Florida. Naples is just north of Everglades National Park, which is number 1 on this list.
Not too long ago, Naples was a desolate beach town inhabited by only local anglers and a couple of investors that saw promise in the area. Now Naples is considered to be a world-class vacation destination.
Fishing in Naples is often enjoyed from the comfort of the beach or pier where fish like Snook travel the sandy beaches searching for pods of bait to devour.
Many anglers in Naples captain smaller boats with minimal draft allowing access to shallow and hard-to-reach backwaters that often harbor large schools of fish.
Naples has a diverse fishing population making it an excellent location for anglers to complete the Inshore Grand Slam. The Inshore Grand Slam is a challenge developed by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Committee that can be completed by catching a Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder within 24 hours.
Another grand slam that is often completed in Naples waters is the Family Grand Slam. This grand slam requires catching three fish in the same scientific family. A great example of this would be the Red Grouper, Black Grouper, and Gag Grouper.
If you are willing to travel a little way offshore, you will undoubtedly run into the coveted Grouper population. Some of Florida’s best Grouper grounds are located just 30 miles off the coast of Naples.
Hiring a guide to target Grouper is an excellent idea if you don’t have GPS coordinates since grouper often congregates in specific locations. Grouper fishing is an absolute blast and a great memory to share with family and friends.
Most Frequently Targeted Fish In Naples Florida.
- Snapper (Varying species)
- Grouper (Varying species)
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Redfish
- Trout
- Permit
- Flounder
- Shark
- Cobia
- Pompano
- Spanish Mackerel
5. Stuart, Florida
Stuart Florida is known by many as the sailfish capital of the world! During winter months, when Sailfish are most abundant off the coast of Stuart, the waters become littered with sports fishing boats trying to get in on the action.
Stuart is home to Florida’s oldest sailfish tournament called the “Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament,” where Michael Jordan placed third in 2020 on his boat “Catch 23”.
Being a coastal town on the Atlantic, Stuart is within 10 miles of the infamous gulf stream that so many large pelagic predators call home. When Sailfish are not running in the offshore waters off Stuart, many anglers change up their game, targeting other fish, including Mahi- Mahi, Kingfish, Cobia, and Permit.
Stuart is also home to an abundance of natural and artificial reefs. Most notable is the Edgar Ernest Reef. Stuart launched an artificial reef project in tandem with the Solid Waste Department to recycle large debris, including parts of deconstructed bridges that they use to construct their artificial reefs. These artificial reefs are home to many bottom-dwelling species, including Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack.
Stuart is also well known for its diverse backwaters that make for great inshore fishing. Stuart backs up to St.Lucie and Indian River making for a great estuary for many inshore species including, Snook, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, and juvenile Snapper.
Stuart’s backwaters are diverse and include many natural and artificial structures that house fish, including docks, bridges, jetties, and grass flats. Though Lake Okeechobee is not a part of Stuart, visitors and locals travel to this adjacent lake only 25 miles west to catch some of the largest Bass in the world.
Most Frequently targeted fish in Stuart, Florida.
- Mahi- Mahi
- Sailfish
- Marlin
- Snapper (Varying species)
- Grouper (Varying species)
- Bonefish
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Redfish
- Trout
- Permit
- Shark
- Kingfish
4. Jupiter, Florida
Jupiter, a once quaint fishing town on the southeastern coast of Florida, has grown substantially over the last decade or so. Jupiter has been rated by many publications as the best city in Florida to live in. I may be biased as a previous resident of this beautiful town, but I think that rating was directly correlated to the quality of fishing in this area.
Jupiter Inlet is home to the nationally recognized lighthouse that has been guiding boaters home since 1851. This fishing town is known predominantly for its great offshore fishing just a couple of miles offshore.
The Gulf Stream is near shore, making it a short and simple ride to get into some serious pelagic fish.
Some of the fish that are often caught off the coast of Jupiter include Mahi-Mahi, Kingfish, Tuna, Sailfish & Marlin.
Jupiter inshore waters are also teeming with fish ready to bite including, Snook, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Permit.
Once a year, a phenomenon happens off the coast of Jupiter called the mullet run. The Mullet run is a seasonal migration of mullets that travel in the hundreds of thousands along the Florida Coast. This phenomenon happens in the late summer months of August and September where the mullet leave their northern homes to travel south to find warmer water. This “Run” makes for some of the craziest fishing you will ever experience. Fish of all sizes and species can be found hunting these traveling baitfish, often slamming the top of the water with force.
One of the local fishing hotspots is Jupiter Inlet. Jupiter Inlet is frequently fished by anglers attempting to catch trophy-sized snook that lurk underneath the docks.
Most Frequently Targeted Fish In Jupiter Florida
- Mahi- Mahi
- Sailfish
- Marlin
- Snapper (Varying species)
- Grouper (Varying species)
- Bonefish
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Redfish
- Trout
- Permit
- Shark
- Cobia
3. Miami, Florida
Miami is known by many as the nightlife capital of Florida but seldom mentioned as a fishing hotspot. In recent years though, this is finally beginning to change as fishing celebrities like Jimbo Thomas (Florida Fishing Insider Host), a longtime friend and charter captain out of Miami, have been putting this place on the map as a fishing hotspot.
Maimi is prominently known for the pelagic predators that swim just a rocks throw from shore. Large fish are known to congregate out on the gulf stream just a few miles from the dock, where these strong warm currents bring nutrient-rich water into the region. This strong current attracts baitfish, which further attracts the fish that many anglers dream about catching.
Some of the fish that are frequently caught on the coast include; Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo, Tuna, and Kingfish. Miami is also home to many wrecks, reefs, and bottom structures that attract your common reef fish, including various species of Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack.
Miami also has phenomenal inshore fishing, predominantly within Biscayne Bay. Many anglers rave about the fish population of Snook, Permit, and Tarpon congregated in this area.
With the Bahamas, only 55 miles from Key Biscayne, many serious anglers cross into Bahamian waters to fish under targeted areas just to return within the day.
If you are without a boat, there are still great opportunities for you to get into some great fishing. Just head down to Newport pier to try your luck at catching some Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel, or grab your surf rod and head out to the beach to see what’s biting.
If you are in the mood to try your luck freshwater fishing, Miami is known for its heavy peacock bass population as well.
Most Frequently targeted fish in Miami, Florida.
- Mahi- Mahi
- Sailfish
- Marlin
- Snapper (Varying species)
- Grouper (Varying species)
- Bonefish
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Redfish
- Trout
- Permit
- Shark
- Kingfish
2. The Florida Keys
There is not another fishing spot in Florida that quite compares to the Florida Keys. The Florida keys are a 125 mile stretch of tropical islands that span from Key Largo to Key West, the most southern tip of the continental United States.
The keys are surrounded by the most biodiverse bodies of water in the world, making them world-famous for anglers of every kind.
On the north side of the keys is what most anglers call the bayside, which is home to some of the best backwater fishing in the world. Many anglers travel thousands of miles every year to target Bonefish, Redfish, Tarpon, Speckled Trout, and Permit in these shallow waters.
The south side of Keys is often called Oceanside or “the straights” and is home to many pelagic and benthic fish. The pelagic fish (fish inhabiting the upper column of water) can be found within miles of shore but are often targeted in the 5 to 10-mile range. Some of the most popular pelagic fish targeted ocean side include Dolphin(Mahi-Mahi), Tuna, Sailfish, and Marlin.
The Keys are home to the only coral barrier reef in the continental United States making these grounds one of the most productive places to target bottom-dwelling reef fish. Many snapper and grouper species are targeted within a few miles offshore in depths ranging from 25’ to 200’. Also, larger benthic fish (bottom-dwellers), including Queen Snapper, Snowies, Tilefish, and Yellow Eyes, are targeted in these waters and only require anglers to travel 15+/- miles offshore to catch them.
Most Frequently targeted fish in the Florida Keys.
- Mahi- Mahi
- Sailfish
- Marlin
- Snapper (Varying species)
- Grouper (Varying species)
- Bonefish
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Redfish
- Trout
- Permit
- Shark
- Cobia
1. Everglades City, Florida (Everglades National Park)
The Everglades commonly referred to as the park, is one of Florida’s top fishing hot spots. The Everglades is home to Florida’s most diverse ecosystem, housing over 300 different species of fish that call these waters home.
The National Park is known for its unrivaled backwater fishing, drawing thousands of travelers each year to take on a fishing adventure like no other. The most popular targeted fish in the Everglades include Snook, Redfish, Drum, Seatrout, Tarpon, Tripletail & Permit. Some anglers decide to run offshore to target Snapper and Grouper, often having great success since these offshore waters are rarely fished.
If it is your first time running the backwaters in Everglades National Park, I would highly recommend hiring a local guide to get a feel of the land. Even as an experienced angler having a decade of fishing experience in these waters, I still get turned around from time to time. This is often because the park is home to the largest contiguous strand of mangroves in the western hemisphere. So, almost everything looks the same after a while.
It is also important to mention that tidal movement in the everglades can be extreme, especially in the summer months, so always exercise caution, so you don’t run aground. One of the things that makes these waters unique from other top Florida fishing destinations is that much of the waters are brackish (water low in dissolved salt).
Now I must mention that the Everglades is a national park, so you must acquire your park pass and follow all rules and regulations laid out by the NPS & FWC.
The most frequently targeted fish in the Everglades National Park
- Snook
- Redfish
- Trout
- Tarpon
- Drum
- Permit
- Tripletail
- Shark
- Snapper
- Grouper
Florida’s Best Fishing Hot Spots Conclusion
Whether you are looking for the best saltwater fishing spots or the top freshwater bass lakes, Florida is one of the best places to make your fishing dreams a reality.