Florida is one of the most exciting places to go fishing. Whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater angling, Florida will always provide you with a great platform.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s spring or winter. During the winter, the short cold snaps and mild temperatures make Florida an ideal state for catching a variety of fish.

Since fishing is an exciting activity and you want to have value for spending your time fishing, it is always good to know which fish you should target. This makes the activity easier for you.

Understand also that some fish are easy to catch during the summer, while some are likely to be found when the temperatures have dropped. Knowing what to expect before you go fishing will prevent you from having unrealistic expectations.

Fishing is also one of the top activities for locals and tourists in Florida because of the many lakes, which are said to be more than 7700.

This article will cover some of the top species you should target when you go fishing in Florida.

Snook

The snook is one of the top fish species which you are likely to find in the clear waters. They are known as the signature game fish in Central Florida.

This fish is usually strong, aggressive, and unpredictable, and that is why it is a great catch for any fishing enthusiast in Florida.

If you want to catch the snook, the best time to do this is during summer. You will find them hanging out in bayous and mangroves. It is also possible to find them around shallow pilings or along the beachfront.

However, the state of snook fish in Florida is currently low because of the severe cold snaps and red tides that have caused havoc in the Gulf’s inshore fisheries.

This shouldn’t prevent you from trying your luck during summer. The numbers are still recovering.

Tarpon

The other gigantic fish to catch in the clear waters of Florida during summer is the tarpon. This inshore fish is known for its intense drama. It is shiny and regarded as the undisputed kings of the shallows. That is why some people will call this fish “The Silver King.”

It is a fun sport to try because hooking a tarpon is usually tough. Being able to reel it in is another whole experience on its own. This is why you should try fishing the tarpon.

They are known for their crazed head shakes together with their aerial acrobatics.

Note that even some of the most experienced anglers still struggle to get one into their boat.

Why not take the challenge?

If you want to hook the tarpon, one of the easiest ways is through live baits. However, most people prefer to land the tarpon on the fly.

Redfish

One of the good examples of salt fish that you need to target in Florida is the redfish. They can survive in extremely cold weather, and that is why you are most likely to find them during winter. They usually congregate along flats in bays.

You will find the fish holding along the mud bottoms to keep warm because the water is generally warmer.

If you, therefore, want to focus on the redfish, just head straight to the shallow waters.

Mackerel

There is a lot you need to know about the mackerel.

First, is it appealing and looks cool. It grows enormous and fights hard. The good thing about the mackerel is that it will come reasonably close to the shores.

One of the state’s top ocean predators, known as the kingfish, is the ideal target for tournament fishers. If you want a taste of deep-sea fishing without long travel times, then the king mackerel is the perfect match.

King mackerel migrates up and down the Gulf Coast and will pass the Clearwater in fall and spring. The best way to increase your chances of catching a king mackerel is through trolling.

Another interesting fact about king mackerel is that the meat is oily and can be tasty when smoked or barbequed. This is what they are nicknamed “Smoker Kings.”

Florida is a great place to practice fishing. There are a lot of fish species, fish spots, and fishing activities. You only need to know which fish species you will target during a specific time of the year.