The Fishing Opportunites in South Florida.
Whether it is running away from the cold, enjoying palm trees and light breezes, or tequila sunrises on the beach. Florida is a great escape and boasts world-class fishing that northerners vacationing south end up wanting to give a shot at. With so many options at your disposal you will be sure to get into some action regardless of having access to a boat or even being on a quick business trip!
Guided trips
Biscayne Bay provides opportunities for permit and tarpon as well as the bonefish of a lifetime on clear tropical flats.
The Everglades is a wilderness full of beauty and shots at tarpon, snook and redfish.
These two fisheries offer, what is in our opinion, some of the most incredible experiences in saltwater fly fishing. You’ll need a boat, and an experienced guide is extremely highly recommended.
Get info on all of our guides and gear you need here:
Guide Referrals
For info on DIY fishing in South Florida keep reading!
DIY
Below are a few blog posts for the fishing opportunities that are easy to do without a guide (or boat). These posts below go into detail and give you an in-depth understanding of how to fish and what you need. We will cover a few more options along with these below.
Freshwater galore
Peacock bass and exotics can be an easy way to get a quick new species off that list of yours! Nonstop action and forgiveness for the growing angler. This fishing is perfect for anyone with any skillset! Read More
Sought-after snook & submarines
Birds diving, jacks crashing bait, and long black lines cruising the trough. Florida beaches are not just for tanning oil and umbrellas. Buckle up and bring the big guns cause the beach can be a humbling challenge! Read More
Life is life like a box of chocolates
The Tamiami Trail offers a mixed bag of fish species, you never know what you are going to get. From freshwater exotics to tarpon and snook, the trail has options for everyone and boasts some insane wildlife viewing at the time same! Read More
General intracoastal fishing
Another great option is along or inside the intracoastal. The limiting factor for this fishery is foot access. If you have the option to obtain a kayak or paddleboard from a house rental or rental shop – this is the best option. Paddling along the docks while throwing flies along seawalls and dock pilings can be extremely productive. With opportunities to catch snook, tarpon, and jacks along with many other species. We recommend an 8-9 weight and you can do an intermediate line for this fishing option. 9-foot 16lb leaders with 20-40lb bite depending on the fish you are seeing is perfect.
Gear you should bring.
Setups: If you have a 7,8 or 9 weight combo, bring it along!
7 Weight is perfect for all freshwater situations and light saltwater situations. Pair this with a floating line for versatile use.
8 Weight is perfect for your all arounder. If I could only bring one it would be an 8 weight. If you plan on just fishing the beach, intracoastal, and near coastal waters, an intermediate line would be better. If you plan on doing anything and everything (Flats fishing, Sight fishing) the floating line is much more versatile.
9 Weight is perfect if you want to focus on the beach and offshore. Having that little extra power to get through the wind and pull with a little more backbone is a great option. An intermediate line would be recommended if you choose the 9 weight.
Flies
As far as flies go, having Clouser minnows in #2-1/0 and multiple colors (White, White/Chartreuse, Black/Purple, Tan/White) and baitfish patterns in sizes #2-#2/0 in multiple colors and sizes (White, White/Chartreuse, Black/Purple, Tan/White)
Will have you covered in so many situations. Clouser minnows imitate a small shrimp or crustation and weight will help get the fly down if needed. While the baitfish pattern has you covered for just about anything that swims.
We also have put together multiple fly boxes for visiting Florida with hand-selected flies by us for your best fishing results. These boxes will have you set up for just about anything in their specific area/style of fishing.
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Accessories.
A smaller hip pack is my go-to system for quicker trips out as it’s convenient and easy to use. I like to throw my smaller box of flies, a pair of nippers, a bottle of water, two extra leaders (9 Foot 16lb) along with some tippet spools (16lb, 25lb, 30lb) and I’m ready to take on the day.
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With all that being said, the main thing is you do not lose your fishing wisdom. Fish are still fish whether they are in a river or in an ocean. Remember that when it comes to visiting Florida. Bring your knowledge of trout, striper, or any other style of fishing down here and use it to your advantage.