This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.

Shop

Ambassadors

TRIPS & EVENTS

GIVEAWAYS

Top 10 Freshwater Fish to Catch in Florida

Top Ten

Fish to Catch in Florida

Bass battles and bruisers, Florida freshwater hits different

Florida freshwater fishing isn’t just about numbers. Here, you’re staring down trophy largemouth and peacock bass in the same waters that hold snakehead, bluegill, and catfish. The mix keeps you guessing. Some days it’s crushing strikes, others it’s finesse and patience. Whatever you’re after, this state’s freshwater scene serves up challenge and variety in equal measure.

Largemouth Bass

World Record 22 lb 4 oz
Manabu Kurita / 2009
Lake Biwa, Japan

Signature Fact High-speed videos show they snap their mouth fully open in about 30 milliseconds, vacuuming prey from 3 inches.

Click to Learn More About Largemouth Bass

Peacock Bass

World Record 27 lb 0 oz
Gilberto Fernandes / 2010
Rio Negro, Brazil

Signature Fact That fake eyespot on the tail is a piranha decoy, drawing bites away from the brain.

Click to Learn More About Peacock Bass

Bluegill

World Record 9 lb 6 oz
Jason Fugate / 2019
Lake Tahoe, California

Signature Fact Males come in three types-nest-building dads, lightning-fast sneakers, and full-on female mimics that steal fertilizations.

Click to Learn More About Bluegill

Channel Catfish

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 58 lb 0 oz
Charles Ashley / 1964
Santee-Cooper Reservoir, South Carolina

Signature Fact With over 100,000 taste buds, its whole skin acts like a tongue hunting through muddy darkness.

Shoal Bass

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 8 lb 12 oz
Lee T. Sisson / 1993
Flint River, Georgia

Signature Fact Shoal bass is the only black bass built for whitewater, holding in frothing rapids that would sweep others.

Chain Pickerel

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 9 lb 6 oz
R. A. Copeland / 1961
Homerville, Georgia

Signature Fact Newly hatched pickerel have a built‑in "Velcro" forehead pad that glues them to plants until the yolk's gone.

Flathead

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 123 lb 0 oz
Ken Paulie / 1998
Elk City Reservoir, Kansas

Signature Fact The IGFA all-tackle record flathead weighed 123 lb 9 oz-basically a kindergarten kid with whiskers.

Northern Snakehead

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 19 lb 5 oz
Brandon Palaniuk / 2012
Potomac River, Virginia

Signature Fact This air-breathing predator can wriggle over land and stay alive for days if kept moist.

Blue Catfish

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 143 lb 0 oz
Richard Nicholas Anderson / 2011
Buggs Island Lake, Virginia

Signature Fact World record: 143 pounds-hook one and the first surge can shove a jon boat sideways.

Spotted Bass

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 11 lb 4 oz
Randy Capps / 2014
New Bullards Bar Reservoir, California

Signature Fact Spotted bass hunt like saltwater wolves, schooling to push bait into balls, then blitzing the surface together.

FAQs

What fish can you catch in Florida?

You can catch largemouth bass, peacock bass, bluegill, channel catfish, shoal bass, chain pickerel, flathead, northern snakehead, blue catfish, and spotted bass in Florida freshwater.

What is the best time of year to fish in Florida?

Spring and fall usually bring the most active freshwater bites in Florida, with bass and panfish especially lively.

Where are the best places to fish in Florida?

Florida’s freshwater scene is loaded with productive lakes, rivers, and canals, all holding signature species like largemouth and peacock bass.

What gear do you need for fishing in Florida?

Bring medium to heavy rods, strong line, and a variety of lures or live bait to handle everything from bass to catfish in Florida’s freshwater.

What are the easiest fish to catch in Florida?

Bluegill and channel catfish are among the most accessible freshwater catches in Florida, making them solid targets for beginners.

Species Speed Run

Rep FishyAF on the Water Shop Best Sellers →

Striper Shirt

Angler Hat

Switchback Hat

Unlucky Hat

UPF Shirt