Summertime in Florida is a magical time. Everyone travels to Florida to experience the summer lifestyle and all its activities and adventures. People travel from all over the world to visit this tropical paradise, some of us call home. Florida is a unique and fun place where there is always something to do or see.
They have fantastic white beaches with beautiful water, endless swamps and outdoor activities, as well as all sorts of parks and attractions to keep you and your family busy and entertained. So much history surrounds our coasts, from early Spanish conquerors to modern museums and architecture, but what really brings flocks of people to Florida is our fisheries.
Fishing Mecca
South Florida, without a doubt, has some of the best fishing in the world from the east coast to the west coast. Summer is here, and everyone wants to get in or on the water. Unfortunately, the heat and humidity can be unforgiving during the summer. However, it still manages to attract people from all around the world and throughout our great country.
Daily afternoon thunderstorms are the norm, but rain and clouds can occasionally alleviate the heat. Staying hydrated and using proper sun protection is key to enjoying a long and fun time here in the south. All in all, Florida is a hot spot in the summer for anyone who wants to unwind and relax in the outdoors.
Florida fishing is always vibrant, catering to beginners, enthusiasts, and the commercial and business sectors alike. Everyone wants to try and catch a great fish to bring home to their families or to take nice pictures and create lasting memories they can share with friends and family.
Access for All
All levels of anglers will find something – you don’t have to own a boat or go out to the ocean to fish. There are excellent fishing spots inshore and even in freshwater if that’s what you’re into. There are plenty of beaches, bridges, and piers to enjoy your passion for fishing.
There’s something primal and therapeutic about being close to the water and being one with the sea. The thought that anything can happen, and you can catch anything swimming by. Something big, something small, something exotic, or something you’ve never seen before. The mystery and the thrill attract so many to this beautiful state.
Something for Everyone
Even if fishing isn’t your top priority, there’s plenty of other wildlife to enjoy and search for. Florida is home to a diverse array of beautiful birds, reptiles, snakes, and other wildlife. The possibilities are pretty endless as to what you can discover journeying through this wonderful state.
There are swamps filled with alligators and other wildlife. In central and northern Florida, we have beautiful natural springs and parks that are virtually untouched by the world. Unfortunately, the heat and humidity do mean lots of bugs and mosquitoes. Still, there are always preventive measures you can take to avoid such things.
Large Variety
As far as fishing goes, there is a wide variety of fish and sea life, and the warm summer waters are some of the best times to target most of these incredible, different species. South Florida is home to numerous open-water fish species, including tarpon, snook, sailfish, mahi-mahi, mackerel, snapper, grouper, tuna, wahoo, and many more.
Inshore, we have some of the same species, but also a variety of different ones, including trout, redfish, jacks, barracudas, and many more. Having such a wide variety of predators means we also have a diverse range of bait fish, including sardines, pilchards, herring, mullet, minnows, pinfish, and many more.
The Florida marine ecosystem is constantly thriving thanks to our conservation efforts and laws that protect marine wildlife. Without them in place, people would take advantage just like in anything else, and perhaps overfish and destroy the marine population. Being a lifelong fisherman and boater means you must respect the waters and marine life. It’s our responsibility to protect and preserve our marine life so that many generations after us can enjoy the same wildlife and privileges.
Summer Fishing Tips
Timing is everything in fishing, like much else in life. Researching and knowing when the tides and winds are right is the difference between success and failure. Always try to be out on the water as early as possible when the fish start feeding and becoming active, or in the late afternoon when the fish are having their last meal before nighttime.
Ensuring you have the right baits is very important. You can use dead cut bait and catch almost anything, but the good experienced fishermen take the time and effort to catch live bait for better odds of success.
Fishing around the right tides can make a huge difference in your fishing experience. Typically, an hour before or an hour after high tide is best, as bait and sea life are moving inshore and offshore, causing predator fish to become more active and aggressive, resulting in better bites.
Equipment is essential for targeting and landing nice fish. Always use the appropriate gear and tackle for the fish you’re targeting. If you’re inshore, you’ll use light tackle. If you’re offshore, make sure you have some big, strong rods and reels that can go deep and handle trophy fish when they bite.
Be Prepared
And lastly, always be prepared for the weather. Make sure you’re ready for hot, sunny days with sunscreen and other sun protection. Always have plenty of water and stay hydrated, as being outside in the heat and humidity can expedite fatigue and dehydration.
Florida is renowned for its thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Make sure to be wary of the sky, clouds, and weather wherever you are, and have appropriate gear and clothing to withstand sudden storms that can come out of nowhere. As much fun as this can be, it can also be hazardous, and anything can happen on or by water, so you must always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
I hope you enjoy your time in Florida and stay safe.
