Best South Florida Fishing Spots

South Florida is a paradise for anglers, offering a stunning variety of fishing opportunities from its Gulf Coast to the vast expanse of the Everglades. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, this region has something for everyone. This guide will walk you through the best fishing spots in South Florida, covering key towns and providing essential tips to help you land more fish.

Want to spend more time fishing and less time searching? Our spot packages provide you with the exact GPS coordinates you need to get on the fish fast.

Sarasota & Anna Maria Island

Located just south of Tampa Bay, this area is a gem for both inshore and offshore anglers. The extensive seagrass flats and intricate mangrove systems provide ideal habitats for snook, redfish, and trout. Offshore, the waters quickly deepen, offering access to productive wrecks and reefs. To find the best spots, check out our packages for Sarasota Inshore Nearshore, Sarasota Offshore, and Anna Maria Sarasota Deep Water Offshore spots.

Naples & Cape Coral

This region is famous for its productive inshore and offshore fisheries. The extensive network of canals and estuaries provides prime habitat for species like snook, redfish, and tarpon. For nearshore action, explore the area with our Cape Coral Naples Nearshore package, or for targeting the big ones offshore, grab our Cape Coral to Naples Offshore GPS Fishing Numbers package.

  • Naples: Known for its luxury and pristine beaches, Naples also offers fantastic fishing. You can target snook and tarpon in the backwaters or head offshore for grouper and snapper.

  • Cape Coral: With over 400 miles of canals, Cape Coral is a boater's and angler's dream. The Caloosahatchee River and nearby Pine Island Sound are legendary for their year-round fishing action.

Ft. Myers, Port Charlotte, & Boca Grande

Located on the Gulf Coast, these towns are gateways to some of the state's most diverse fisheries. The expansive Charlotte Harbor estuary system is a major draw for anglers.

  • Ft. Myers: From the bustling riverfront to the calm waters of the Gulf, Ft. Myers offers a wide range of fishing. You can fish from the pier, charter a boat, or explore the local grass flats for trout and redfish.

  • Port Charlotte: This area is a hotspot for large redfish, snook, and trout. The deep, fertile waters of Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding flats make it a premier destination for inshore anglers. Find your way to the best nearshore spots with our Port Charlotte Nearshore Harbor GPX Numbers and find offshore hot spots with our Venice Port Charlotte Offshore GPX Fishing Numbers.

  • Boca Grande: Just north of Port Charlotte, the "Tarpon Capital of the World" offers incredible deep-water fishing. We have a dedicated package to help you find the best spots with our Boca Grande Deep Water Fishing Spots.

Venice

Venice is a hidden gem on the Southwest Florida coast, known for its offshore opportunities and unique inshore fishery. Find the best nearshore spots with our Venice Nearshore GPX Fishing Numbers package.

  • Venice: While its beaches are famous for shark teeth, its offshore waters are home to a strong population of kingfish, tuna, and dolphin. The inshore flats are perfect for targeting snook and redfish.

The Everglades

The Everglades is a world-famous, unique, and remote fishing destination. Its complex ecosystem of mangroves and brackish waters provides a sanctuary for a huge variety of fish. For offshore spots in the Everglades, we recommend our Everglades Offshore Fishing Spots.

  • Fishing the Everglades: From the Gulf Coast side, anglers can target a grand slam of species, including snook, redfish, and tarpon, deep within the maze of mangrove tunnels and islands. This is a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves light-tackle fishing.

Bonus Tips for a Successful Trip

Timing is everything in fishing. Paying attention to these factors will dramatically improve your success rate.

  • Best Times of the Year:

    • Spring (March - May): The bite turns on as waters warm. This is prime time for migratory species like tarpon and kingfish.

    • Fall (September - November): The "fall mullet run" brings a massive amount of baitfish, and the predatory fish follow. This is arguably the best time to fish in South Florida.

  • Lunar and Major/Minor Feeding Times:

    • Fish feeding activity is heavily influenced by the moon. Major feeding times occur when the moon is directly overhead or directly underfoot. Minor times coincide with moonrise and moonset.

    • Check a reliable solunar calendar before you head out. These periods are when you'll find the most active fish.

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