Hooked on Deep Sea Fishing in Florida
Visitors often refer to Florida as “the Sunshine State.” Because of its diverse array of options for deep sea fishing, including natural and artificial reefs harboring 55 saltwater species, Florida could also be referred to as “the deep sea fishing” state.
A deep sea fishing enthusiast considering Florida for an excursion will need to attend to several details. These include licensure; choosing a location; choosing the best time of year to ensure a fruitful trip; and equipment.
Purchasing a license to go deep sea fishing in Florida is simple. Licensing is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which provides immediate license privileges, 24 hours a day, at MyFWC.Com/license or by calling toll-free 1-888 FISH FLORIDA (347-4356). Non-resident licenses range from $17 for a three-day license through $47 for a one-year license. Some people, such as children under 16 years of age, are exempt from licensure.
Florida’s 1197 miles of coastline yield plentiful deep sea fishing opportunities. When planning a trip, consider what type of fish most appeals to you. Islamorada, in the Florida Keys, is known for bonefish. For sailfish, plan a trip based in Stuart, due to the reef that is a few miles offshore. Snook are more plentiful across the state in the region from Naples to Cape Sable. Tarpon, which can be as large as 200 pounds, habituate Homosassa, Boca Grande, and St. Petersburg. The shipwrecks and artificial reefs off Miami teem with grouper and snapper. (If you catch a 200 pound goliath grouper, though, you are required to release it.)
If cobia are a favorite of yours, head north to Panama City’s “green reef,” which is the deeper water between the shoreline and flats that forms at high tide. Another North Florida destination for deep sea fishing is Jacksonville, especially popular for kingfish.
You can either determine the time of year for your trip based on the species you are fishing for, or vice versa. For example, cobia will be in Panama City in late February and early March, after which they head south and are more widespread in other gulf coast waters.
If you must come to Florida at a specific time, research the results your fishing expedition is likely to yield. Initiate contact with the local landing from which you plan to fish, and you will usually receive helpful advice.
Do some research in advance to learn the equipment rules for deep sea fishing in Florida, such as the circle hooks required in the Gulf of Mexico. These equipment rules were established to minimize mortality associated with releasing fish.
Whatever you catch, and wherever you catch it, there is always something about deep sea fishing in Florida to get you “hooked.”