Florida is a popular U.S. destination for bass fishing, given the several variations that can be found along the Atlantic shore and Gulf of Mexico. Warm-weather anglers can enjoy a variety of temperatures down the coast, with more tropical weather farther south toward Miami. Your choice of bass will often determine where in the state you'll go.
Fishing License
Bass fishing requires a Florida fishing license. Residents who have lived in the state for at least six consecutive months can purchase a yearlong permit for either freshwater or saltwater fishing, or buy a five-year permit to save money. They also have the option to purchase a combination freshwater/saltwater license. Nonresidents have the same options (except the combination license) for a higher fee, while seniors older than 64 can purchase one for less money. Children younger than 16 don't need a license, but may be asked to prove their age. If you plan to shore- or pier-fish for bass, you must purchase a separate shoreline license as well as the regular license.
Types of Bass
While the largemouth bass is the species most anglers expect to find in Florida waters, there are several types of bass found in the different regions. In addition to the largemouth, there's the Suwannee, shoal, striped, black and spotted bass. The Suwannee bass, as the name suggests, can be found in the Suwannee and Ochlockonee Rivers, with some in the lower portion of the Santa Fe tributary near the Suwannee River. The shoal bass is found in the Apalachicola and the Chipola Rivers, and the spotted bass is located mainly in the Choctawhatchee River and west of it in the Panhandle Region.
Guides
Regardless of your experience as an angler, it's always nice to have someone with you who knows exactly where the fish are biting. A guide can help you cut down on the guesswork and show you the best fishing spots in the area. The family-owned Hawghunter offers guide service to Central and Southern Florida, with full- and half-day packages. Some guides don't accept credit cards, so always ask before you sign up.
Places to Fish
The Everglades might be one of the first places you think of when it comes to bass fishing, but Florida has a large number of lakes and streams spanning throughout the Northern, Central and Southern regions. Near Ocala lies Lake Rousseau on the Withlacoochee River, known for the large number of bass that reside there. Lake Kissimmee in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes is a local hotspot for largemouth bass, as is the lesser known Lake Weohyakapka, also called Lake Walk-In-Water.
Tournaments
Bass fishing tournaments are held every year in all regions of Florida. Between statewide competitions and charity events, tournaments number in the hundreds. The American Bass Anglers Fishing Tournament Trail is split into several divisions throughout Florida, offering tournaments throughout the year. The Everglades Bassmasters of South Florida's website keeps an updated list of past and upcoming tournaments in the Southern region. You can also check the local fishing clubs in the area you'll be visiting to see where fishing tournaments are being held during your trip.
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