Bass Fishing In Florida

Guide to fishing for spotted, shoal and largemouth.

By Rick Seaman

Florida Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in Florida is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

2024 Bass Fishing Favorites

Largemouth Bass Fishing In Florida

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Florida. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Florida. The state record largemouth bass is over 17 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Florida's extensive network of waterways, abundant vegetation, and diverse habitat provide ideal conditions for largemouth bass to thrive. Anglers often target them using a variety of techniques, such as topwater lures, plastic worms, or crankbaits.

Spotted Bass Fishing In Florida

Spotted bass, also known as Kentucky bass, are another popular species found in certain Florida water bodies. While not as widespread as largemouth bass, they can provide an exciting challenge for anglers seeking a different bass fishing experience. Spotted bass are known for their aggressive nature and strong fighting ability.

Redeye Bass Fishing In Florida

Redeye bass, also called Suwannee bass, are native to the rivers and streams of North Florida. These beautiful fish offer a unique angling opportunity and are known for their striking colors and acrobatic fights. Anglers often target them in clear, flowing waters using a variety of baits and techniques.

Shoal Bass Fishing In Florida

Shoal bass are another native species found in certain rivers of the Florida Panhandle. They are highly prized by anglers for their tenacity and hard-fighting nature. Shoal bass prefer rocky and fast-flowing waters, providing an exciting challenge for those who seek them. Catch-and-release practices are often encouraged to protect and preserve these rare and sensitive bass populations.

Florida's mild climate allows for year-round bass fishing, but the best seasons to fish may vary depending on the region and specific water body. Spring and fall are generally considered prime times for bass fishing in Florida. During these seasons, bass are actively feeding and preparing for spawning or recovering from the winter months. Anglers often find success during early morning or late afternoon when water temperatures are optimal and bass are more active.

Bass fishing basics video.

2024 Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Florida

You'd be hard pressed to find many lakes in Florida that do not have a population of bass. Florida is the ideal region for growing not only healthy populations of bass, but it also produces some monster bass. The state record largemouth is over 17 pounds and many think the next world record will come from FL. Try your luck for bass on some of the larger lakes and impoundments in FL including Blue Cypress Lake, Crescent Lake, Crooked Lake, Deer Point Lake, East Lake Tohopekaliga, Jim Woodruff Reservoir, Lake Apopka, Lake Conlin, Lake Eustis, Lake George, Lake Griffin, Lake Harris, Lake Harney, Lake Hatchineha, Lake Jackson, Lake Istokpoga, Lake Jessup, Lake Kissimmee, Lake Marian, Lake Miccosukee, Lake Monroe, Lake Okeechobee, Lake Talquin, Lake Santa Fe, Lake Seminole, Lake Tohopekaliga, Lake Wier, Lake Weohyakapka, Lochloosa Lake, Newnans Lake, Orange Lake, Rodman Reservoir, St. John's River and Tsala Apopka Lake.

Whether you're targeting largemouth bass, spotted bass, redeye bass, or shoal bass, Florida offers exceptional opportunities for bass fishing. With its diverse habitat, numerous lakes, rivers, and ponds, and a variety of techniques to choose from, anglers of all skill levels can enjoy the thrill of catching bass in the Sunshine State.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Florida this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Florida State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from an unnamed lake, the unofficial state record largemouth bass came from Big Fish Lake.

The state record spotted bass was caught out of the Apalachicola River.

The state record redeye bass came out of the Apalachicola River.

The state record shoal bass was caught in the Chipola River.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Sunshine State.

The Florida strain of largemouth bass typically grows to larger sizes than other strains of black bass. Also known as hawgs in FL, this fish has a mouth that opens wide enough to swallow its own head. It will attempt to eat virtually anything it can catch and swallow. Growing to well over 20 pounds, it is much bigger than it's cousin the smallmouth bass.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.