If you have ever wanted to go fishing in Florida, then you need to read this blog about the 10 game fish to catch in Florida keys. Florida has some of the most beautiful beaches and is one of the best places to go for a vacation. It is truly a paradise for swimmers and vacationers. The Florida sea is one of a kind. It is a place where you can go fishing at any time of the year. Whether you want to go deep sea fishing or fish in the river, you will be able to get the fish you want. In this blog, we will talk about 10 most popular fish you can catch in the Florida Keys, and why anglers consider them the best.
What are the 10 most popular fish in Florida?
These are the fish that the majority of people visiting the state come to catch. The state of Florida in the USA is one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. And one of the things that draw in big numbers of people every year is fishing. There is a range of species of fish in Florida, USA, but these top 10 species of game fish are the most popular among the fishermen that come to the state.
These fish can be caught and hooked easily and provide the best battle when someone’s reeling them in. Only professional fishermen have caught these and the state has several different fishing tournaments to promote the sport and keep it going.
Here are the types of fish you’d likely catch in Florida
Largemouth bass
There are several reasons why largemouth bass is the most popular fish in Florida. For one, they are relatively easy to catch, and they put up a good fight when hooked. This makes them a popular choice for both recreational and competitive anglers. Additionally, largemouth bass is a good source of food and is popular for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Florida is also home to many largemouth bass tournaments, which attract anglers from all over the country. These tournaments add to the popularity of largemouth bass fishing in the state and help to promote Florida as a top destination for bass fishing.
Baits for Largemouth bass: Red worm, Small minnows, Gizzard shad
Snooks
Snooks are a popular fish in Florida for several reasons. They are delicious fish that can be caught in both fresh and saltwater, and they are fun to catch. Snooks are also good fighting fish, which makes them popular with anglers. Finally, Snook is a versatile fish that can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple fish tacos to more complex seafood stews. Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal or a fun fishing adventure, Snook is a perfect choice.
Baits for Snooks: Shrimp baits, Crawfish Bait, Tuna fish lure
Redfish & Black Drum (Game Fish to Catch in Florida)
It is not only the best game fish in Florida, but it’s also a popular food fish. Redfish and black drum are two species of rockfish native to Florida waters. Both are excellent eating and have no known detrimental effects on human health. If caught by hand, both redfish and black drum need to be gutted and scaled before cooking and then should be cooked whole. The flesh of these fish should never be eaten raw; cook the fish until it flakes easily. Freshly caught fish may be kept alive if refrigerated immediately after landing. Some restaurants consider live fish an added attraction.
Baits for Redfish: Crawfish, Live Shrimp, Crayfish
Tarpon
The tarpon, often called ‘the king of the sportfish,’ is a saltwater fish that grows to about 2 feet long. They have become increasingly rare for commercial fishing due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. However, they are still abundant in many inland rivers and estuaries throughout Florida where anglers pursue them with keen interest. Despite being a saltwater fish, it easily adapts to freshwater environments and thrives in brackish waters where it lives near estuaries and mangrove swamps.
Baits for Tapon: Blue crab, Grass shrimp, Gizzard shad
Jack Crevalle
Jack crevalle is not only famous for its tasty taste but also for its colorful appearance. As a result of their high nutritional value, they have become a favorite food among sport fishing enthusiasts! The jack crevalle is considered one of the world’s best-tasting seafood dishes. However, the fish’s popularity does not stop at its flavor; it also boasts several therapeutic effects.Jack Crevalle boasts of omega-3 which helps in brain development and can help with depression
Baits for Jack Crevalle: Squid, Live Crab, Fish Eggs
Sheepshead
The sheepshead bass is a popular sport fish throughout much of Florida’s coastal waters including the Gulf Coast region. Their popularity stems from their ability to adapt well to both fresh and saltwater environments, making them highly sought after recreationally and commercially. The sport fish population has increased dramatically over the past 30 years due to an expanding harvest. In fact, in 2000, Florida had the second largest catch of striped bass in U.S. history, taking nearly 2 million pounds off the market.
Baits for Sheepshead: Crickets, Live Crab, Squid
Cobia
Cobia (pronounced KOH-bee) is a type of game fish that grows to about 20 pounds. It’s known for its big mouth and powerful jaw. If you’re fishing off the coast of the state of Florida, you have several species to choose from. There are three types of cobia: red, black, and white. Red ones have a lighter colored body than the others, while the blacks are much darker. Both red and black varieties are around 12 inches long, whereas the whites are smaller at around 10 inches.
Baits for Cobia: Anchovies, Live shrimp, Sardine
Wahoo
Wahoo is one of those saltwater fish that people have either never heard of or grew up eating them. But since they’re not as popular as some others, I’m going to tell you what makes them special. When you think about it, wahoo looks kind of ugly. You don’t want to eat something that’s brownish-white with big black eyes. But after you’ve had a bite, you realize how delicious these fish can taste. Wahoo is one of the largest species of bony fish in Florida. They only grow about five feet long. And although they’re quite small, they pack a lot of flavor and nutrition into their little bodies.
Baits for Wahoo: Grass Shrimp, Live Flounder, Green Jig
Barracuda
In addition to being known as a great food fish, the barracuda is also famous for its amazing fighting abilities. Like many fish species, barracuda have been known to take advantage of humans who are fishing near their habitat. While they may not actively hunt humans while feeding, these aggressive creatures do attack people who enter their territory. Barracuda are capable of inflicting deep wounds and even death if given enough time and space on their prey. The fact that they are aggressive makes them ideal targets for sportfishing enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of catching fish.
Baits for Barracuda: ,Goldfish Pellets, Herring Slices, Shrimp
Snapper (Game Fish to Catch in Florida)
Snappers are the best type of fish for Florida fishing! You might say they are the king of the ocean, but not many people know about them. Snappers are great for angling, especially around the Gulf Coast. These fish are abundant and can provide hours of fun, whether you’re catching them yourself or just watching others do it. These fish get their name from the way they move; they leap out of the water.
Most species of snapper have big heads and strong jaws. If you’ve ever seen a picture of a snapper, then you probably know how large they look. These fish often reach a length of 80 inches (203 centimeters) or more, making them among the largest freshwater fish in North America.
Baits for Snappers: Scented Baits, Fish Bait, Artificial Seeding Baits
In conclusion on Game Fish to Catch in Florida
The Florida Keys is a beautiful place to catch some of the most popular game fish in Florida. From snook and tarpon to redfish and cobia, Florida is home to some of the best fishing in the world. The beautiful waters and warm weather attract anglers from all over the country.
With record-breaking catches happening every year, it is a hot spot for many professional anglers. If you are planning a trip to Florida, the Florida Keys are a place you should consider visiting for all-round fishing pleasure. That’s it folks, we hope you enjoyed our top 10 pick for the best game fish in Florida waters.
