Saltwater Fishing

FWC

Millions of anglers each year try their luck to catch any of a thousand species of fish available off the coast of Florida. No matter the time of year, and no matter the coastline, Florida saltwater fishing will be hot thanks to its diversity in fish species. Whether it be fishing the flats for bonefish, deep sea fishing for dorado, or even surf fishing for redfish, there's at least one style and technique out there for everyone.

When there are hundreds of fish species to go after, you need all the accessible information you can get to help ensure you're fishing according to the law. FWC sets down all the rules and regulations for fishing in Florida's controlled sea waters. Click here for more information, including a downloadable regulation chart.

What Are The Different Ways To Fish In Saltwater?

FWC

It seems there are as many ways to fish the ocean as there are fish species. The obvious is to just get into a boat and make a break for the deep blue sea, but there are several other ways to find success on the ocean. Below are some of the top saltwater fishing techniques out there.

Surf Fishing

Stuck on shore without a boat of any kind? No problem! Surf fishing is a popular method that works great along many of the beaches around the coast of Florida. Grab a rod, find an accessible shoreline, and get ready for quality fish if you play the tides right.

Fishing Piers

The problem with surf fishing is that you may not be able to get your bait out as deep as you want to. That's where pier fishing comes in. Fishing piers around the state jut out into the ocean, allowing shore anglers to fish in deeper water. Be sure to have the necessary equipment when fishing piers, especially a gaffe hook to bring in heavy catches.

Flats Fishing

Fishing the flats is a popular fishing style in Florida, especially for bonefish. Clear, shallow water in southern Florida and Key West afford some prime time sight fishing not only for bonefish, but red drum and tarpon as well.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing isn't just a technique set aside for trout and salmon in streams and rivers. You can throw on the waders and head out for inshore fish, or head out on a boat or any kind of floating dinghy for deeper waters. If you think fly fishing in freshwater is fun, just wait until you catch a huge tarpon on the fly.

Offshore Fishing

FWC

Deep sea fishing is what most people think about when it comes to saltwater fishing. The idea of an adventurous day well away from shore catching big game fish is rather alluring to anglers and non-anglers alike, and for good reason. It's tough to beat reeling in a big shark or marlin with nothing but you and your boat crew to help you out.

Inshore Fishing

Inshore fishing is an overarching description that includes any kind of angling close to shore and generally in waters no deeper than 100 feet (30 meters) with the use of a boat. Gear and bait is typically much smaller than those used in offshore fishing.