Florida is known for its sandy beaches, warm weather, and stunning waterways, making it an ideal destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. With a vast network of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, Florida offers plenty of opportunities for fly fishing. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best fly fishing locations in Florida and provide information on the types of fish you can expect to catch, the nearest town to stay in, the nearest major airport to that town, and an approximation of the driving time from the airport to the town.
- Mosquito Lagoon: Mosquito Lagoon is a shallow lagoon located on the east coast of Florida, just south of New Smyrna Beach. It is known for its abundance of redfish, seatrout, and tarpon, as well as its scenic beauty. The best time to fish is from spring to fall, and the most effective flies are those that mimic the local baitfish. The nearest town to stay in is New Smyrna Beach, and the nearest major airport is Orlando International Airport, which is approximately 60 miles away. It takes around 1 hour to drive from the airport to New Smyrna Beach. A Florida fishing license is required.
- Indian River Lagoon: Indian River Lagoon is a large lagoon system that stretches along the east coast of Florida, from Ponce Inlet to Jupiter Inlet. It is known for its excellent fishing for redfish, snook, and seatrout, as well as its diverse ecosystem. The best time to fish is from spring to fall, and the most effective flies are those that mimic the local baitfish. The nearest town to stay in is Vero Beach, and the nearest major airport is Melbourne International Airport, which is approximately 35 miles away. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from the airport to Vero Beach. A Florida fishing license is required.
- Chokoloskee Bay: Chokoloskee Bay is a large bay located in the Ten Thousand Islands area on the southwest coast of Florida. It is known for its excellent fishing for tarpon, redfish, and snook, as well as its remote and scenic location. The best time to fish is from spring to fall, and the most effective flies are those that mimic the local baitfish. The nearest town to stay in is Everglades City, and the nearest major airport is Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, which is approximately 70 miles away. It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from the airport to Everglades City. A Florida fishing license is required.
- Florida Keys: The Florida Keys are a chain of islands located off the southern coast of Florida. They are known for their world-class fishing for bonefish, tarpon, and permit, as well as their tropical beauty. The best time to fish is from late winter to early summer, and the most effective flies are those that mimic the local baitfish and crustaceans. The nearest town to stay in is Key West, and the nearest major airport is Key West International Airport, which is located on the island. A Florida fishing license is required.
- Lake Okeechobee: Lake Okeechobee is a large freshwater lake located in southern Florida. It is known for its excellent fishing for largemouth bass, as well as its scenic beauty. The best time to fish is from fall to spring, and the most effective flies are those that mimic the local baitfish and insects. The nearest town to stay in is Clewiston, and the nearest major airport is Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, which is approximately 70 miles away. It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from the airport to Clewiston. A Florida fishing license is required.
- St. Johns River: The St. Johns River is a large, slow-moving river that runs through central Florida. It is known for its excellent fishing for largemouth bass, as well as its scenic beauty and wildlife. The best time to fish is from fall to spring, and the most effective flies are those that mimic the local baitfish and insects. The nearest town to stay in is Sanford, and the nearest major airport is Orlando International Airport, which is approximately 40 miles away. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from the airport to Sanford. A Florida fishing license is required.
- Apalachicola River: The Apalachicola River is a large river located in the panhandle of Florida. It is known for its excellent fishing for striped bass, as well as its scenic beauty and wildlife. The best time to fish is from fall to spring, and the most effective flies are those that mimic the local baitfish and insects. The nearest town to stay in is Apalachicola, and the nearest major airport is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City, which is approximately 70 miles away. It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from the airport to Apalachicola. A Florida fishing license is required.
- Amelia Island: Amelia Island is a barrier island located on the northeast coast of Florida. It is known for its excellent fishing for redfish, tarpon, and sea trout, as well as its beautiful beaches and historic charm. The best time to fish is from spring to fall, and the most effective flies are those that mimic the local baitfish and crustaceans. The nearest town to stay in is Fernandina Beach, and the nearest major airport is Jacksonville International Airport, which is approximately 30 miles away. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from the airport to Fernandina Beach. A Florida fishing license is required.
Fly Fishing Guide Florida
If you’re new to fly fishing or simply want to improve your skills, hiring a guide can be a great option. There are many fly fishing guides available in Florida, and they can offer valuable insight into the best locations, techniques, and equipment.
Fishing License Requirements
A Florida fishing license is required for all non-residents who are 16 years of age or older and plan to fish in fresh or saltwater. The cost of the license varies depending on the duration and type of fishing you plan to do. Licenses can be purchased online, at local sporting goods stores, or at county tax collector offices.
Florida offers some of the best fly fishing opportunities in the country, with a wide variety of fish species and scenic locations to choose from. When planning your trip, be sure to consider the nearest town to stay in, the nearest major airport, and the driving time between the two. And if you’re new to fly fishing or simply want some expert guidance, consider hiring a guide to help you make the most of your experience. Don’t forget to get your fishing license before you hit the water, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure in the Sunshine State.