Bass fishing in Florida is popular and for good reason too. Not only are bass a good workout and challenge for anglers, but Florida is also one of the top destinations for bass fishing as you can find them in just about all freshwater areas including rivers, ponds, streams, and lakes.
While there are plenty of bass fish to be had in Florida, there is some skill needed to catch them and you will need to have the right equipment along with the perfect spot. In many instances, this will be all about trial and error, but this article is designed to help you learn how you can catch bass in Florida and up your chances of a successful bass fishing trip.
Make Sure You Have a Fishing License
One of the most important things you will need to have with you when you do go bass fishing in Florida is a Florida fishing license.
There are some rules, policies, and exemptions surrounding who does and does not need a fishing license in Florida, so it is best to check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife website to learn more.
Gear Needed to Catch Florida Bass
When it comes to fishing for bass in Florida, you will need to make sure that you have all your essentials with you including a rod, reel, fishing line, and bait or lures. Additionally, you will want to make sure that you have a tackle box stocked with all the extras you will need including weights and hooks.
For bass fishing success, it is often recommended that you choose weights that fall somewhere between 1/8 of an ounce to 1/2 of an ounce with a 1/4 of an ounce weight usually producing the best results.
You will also want to choose hooks that are best designed for bass fishing. Many professional bass anglers recommend that you use wither drop shot hooks or offset hooks for the best results.
Bait Needed to Catch Florida Bass
This is a more complicated area when it comes to bass fishing in Florida because some baits work better than others depending on the type of bass you are trying to catch and also the location where you are trying to catch bass.
For example, if you are attempting to catch largemouth bass but you use a bait that mimics bait that is not typically found in that area, then the bass are less likely to bite as they are not used to seeing that type of prey.
With that said, there are some options available that are used often by both beginner and experienced bass anglers with results.
One of the first bait options is wild shiners. These are ideal for catching large mouth bass and usually very successful because they are naturally found where bass live. Bass will go after them, but it is important to ensure when you use them, you hook them right because if the shiners do not move in the water, you can bet the bass will swim right by.
Another effective option is ribbon tail worms and Senko. These lures can be drug through the marshes, grass, and reeds to attract bass to bite. The lures imitate real food.
Some more effective bait options include:
- Plastic worms
- Surface plugs
- Skirted bass jigs
- Spinner bait
- Crankbaits
- Tube bait
- Flukes
- Prop bait
Bass Species You Will Find in Florida
Florida has plenty of spots for you to fish for bass and throughout those spots are different species of bass. If you are set on catching a specific type of bass, you will want to make sure to do some research to determine the best specific locations to find it.
Here is a list of some of the different bass species you can and will find in Florida:
- Sunshine
- Large mouth
- Redeye
- Butterfly Peacock
- Spotted
- Bluegill
- Florida black
- White
- Striped
One of the nice things about Florida is that you can find bass all year round allowing you to enjoy fishing for any of these species whenever you want. That said, if you want to catch a trophy bass, you are likely to find these in the spring time.
Best Spots for Bass Fishing in Florida
Here are several spots where you are likely to have the best luck when bass fishing in Florida.
South Central Florida
Lake Okeechobee is a wonderful spot to find bass in Florida. This freshwater lake is a whopping 730 square miles and is known for having bass fish all year long. This area is home to some of the largest and most vibrant large mouth bass populations.
North Florida
Orange Lake is located within the Gainesville designated fish management area, and it has 20 miles of shoreline to explore. The lake area is filled with tons of vegetation allowing you to easily use lures and bait to get a bite from some bass. Orange Lake is home to large mouth bass along with bluegill and some other hybrids including sunfish and crappies.
East Central Florida
The Fellsmere Reservoir is a man-made lake that has been stocked with around one million sport fish by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.
West Central Florida
Lake Tarpon is located in Tarpon Springs which is near Tampa Bay. The lake covers 2,500 acres and is about nine miles long. Lake Tarpon is surrounded by plenty of scenery and shops, especially in the downtown area, making it a prime location for not only fishing but entertainment as well. This lake is known for some trophy bass catches and in addition to its large bass population, anglers can also catch blue tilapia, catfish, and bluegill while here.
Central Florida
Lake Kissimmee covers a gigantic 34,948 acres and is a fertile environment for bass. This lake is home to some serious trophy catches and if you are lucky, you may find yourself with a trophy bass too. The bass population here is very plentiful and continues to grow year after year making it an excellent choice for anglers.
Get Ready to Catch Some Bass!
There is no doubt that Florida is home to one of the largest bass populations and is a top destination for bass fishing. If you are looking for some great places to cast your line, check out any of the ones listed below and let us know how you make out.
One thing is for certain – you are sure to catch a bass while in Florida and if you are lucky, it might just be a trophy bass.
