
Idaho may be known for potatoes and California for its wine and surf, but in Florida it’s all about the fishing. Not just any fishing; in Florida bass fishing reigns king, with at least one Florida lake known throughout the country as perhaps one of the best places to catch largemouth bass. With the number one freshwater sport in the U.S. considered to be bass fishing, it is easy to understand why Florida is the place to be.
Florida is a state with over 11,000 miles of waterways, streams and rivers. It also is the residence of the second largest freshwater lake in the United States – Lake Okeechobee. As for inland lakes, there are over 7,000, covering just about 10 acres total. With so many available habitats and warm, temperate climates, bass flourish in Florida. The best place in Florida to fish for bass? Well, that will largely depend on your opinion and personal preference, since Florida bass fishing is not limited to one area. Northern, central and southern Florida all produce excellent numbers of bass caught, so all that remains is for the fisherman to gear up and cast out.
Types of bass are widely varied in Florida. For river fishing, common species are spotted, Suwannee, stripers, white bass and crappie. Several areas also have decent amounts of butterfly peacock bass, mainly in canal
systems through Dade and Broward counties. Lake fishing brings bluegill, largemouth and black crappie, to name a few.
In northern Florida, excellent bass fishing is available in rivers such as the Suwannee River. Largemouth bass in this river have been known to run upwards of 11 pounds. The Suwannee is a waterway filled with small, shallow tributaries covered over with lily pads; a favorite of bass lying in wait to ambush their baitfish. Wooden structures line the banks, providing another bass happy area. The St. John River also specializes in bass as well as several other fish species. Lakes in the northern section of the state that are not to be missed for bass fishing include Lake George (2nd largest lake in the state), Lake Rousseau and Lake Talquin.
Lake Apopka in upper Central Florida is a great choice for bass fishing, with varieties of largemouth, crappie and bluegill. Lake Weohyakapka and Lake Kissimmee in lower Central Florida provide tremendous opportunities in Florida bass fishing. For river fishing in lower Central Florida, try the Manatee River for excellent largemouth and bluegill catches.
Southern Florida is definitely a number one bass fishing destination, whether river, canal or lake fishing. Lake Okeechobee is undoubtedly favored for largemouth bass fishing in the state, if not the country. Not to be overlooked is Lake Istokpoga. For a truly unique fishing experience, travel down to the Everglades and try your hand at peacock bass fishing; this is the only place they can be found in the Continental US.
For the avid bass fisherman, Florida bass fishing must be the dream of a lifetime. The great part is that no matter where you end up in Florida, there will be a bass fishing opportunity waiting your arrival.


