Are you ready to reel in some delicious and feisty bass? If so, then Florida is the perfect destination! This sunshine state has countless lakes, rivers, and estuaries that are teeming with largemouth bass. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just starting out in the sport, we’ll share our secrets about the best fishing locations throughout this gorgeous state – so grab your tackle box and let’s go!
Best Bass Fishing Locations in Florida
Florida is known for its fantastic bass fishing opportunities. The state boasts numerous lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water teeming with bass, making it a favorite destination for anglers of all skill levels. Here, we’ll explore some of Florida’s best bass fishing locations, providing detailed information on each spot, including dimensions, historical information, specific details for fishermen, and a list of common fish species.
1. Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee, located in southern Florida, is the largest freshwater lake in the state and the second-largest natural freshwater lake in the United States. Spanning over 730 square miles, this massive body of water is a prime location for bass fishing. The lake has a long history of producing trophy-sized largemouth bass, and it’s home to numerous professional bass fishing tournaments throughout the year, such as the FLW Tour and Bassmaster Elite Series events.
The lake’s shallow water, abundant vegetation, and diverse structure make it an ideal habitat for bass, which thrive in these conditions. Anglers can try their luck fishing along the numerous canals, grass beds, and submerged structures that dot the lake. Some popular fishing spots within Lake Okeechobee include Harney Pond Canal, Indian Prairie Canal, and Monkey Box.
Fish Species Commonly Found at Lake Okeechobee:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Redear Sunfish - Chain Pickerel
2. Rodman Reservoir
Located in north-central Florida, the Rodman Reservoir is a 13,000-acre impoundment created by the damming of the Ocklawaha River in the late 1960s as part of the Cross Florida Barge Canal project. Known for its scenic beauty and exceptional bass fishing, the reservoir is a popular destination for anglers seeking trophy-sized largemouth bass. The annual drawdown period, usually between November and March, is a perfect time to fish, as the lower water levels concentrate bass in specific areas.
The reservoir’s diverse habitats, including submerged timber, lily pads, and hydrilla beds, provide excellent cover for bass. Anglers can target these fish using various techniques, such as flipping and pitching into heavy cover or casting crankbaits and spinnerbaits along the edges of vegetation. Some well-known fishing spots within Rodman Reservoir include Kenwood Landing, Orange Springs, and Hog Island.
Fish Species Commonly Found at Rodman Reservoir:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Redear Sunfish - Chain Pickerel
3. Harris Chain of Lakes
The Harris Chain of Lakes is a series of interconnected lakes in central Florida covering over 75,000 acres. This chain includes several large lakes, such as Lake Harris (15,500 acres), Lake Eustis (7,833 acres), and Lake Griffin (9,428 acres), which are all known for their excellent bass fishing opportunities.
These lakes offer a variety of habitats for bass, including docks, grass beds, and submerged structures. Anglers can target bass using various techniques, from topwater lures to soft plastic baits fished along the bottom. The Harris Chain of Lakes has a reputation for producing big bass, making it a favorite destination for tournament anglers and recreational fishermen alike. Popular fishing spots within the chain include the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area, Helena Run, and the Dead River.
Fish Species Commonly Found at Harris Chain of Lakes:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Redear Sunfish - Chain Pickerel
4. Lake Kissimmee
Lake Kissimmee, located in central Florida, is the third-largest lake in the state, covering approximately 34,948 acres. The lake is part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and is known for its excellent bass fishing opportunities. The diverse habitats found in Lake Kissimmee include submerged vegetation, flooded timber, and numerous grass beds, making it an ideal location for largemouth bass.
Anglers can target bass using a variety of techniques, such as flipping and pitching jigs into heavy cover, casting spinnerbaits and crankbaits along grass edges, or working topwater lures in the early morning and evening hours. Popular fishing spots within Lake Kissimmee include Brahma Island, North Cove, and Philadelphia Point.
Fish Species Commonly Found at Lake Kissimmee:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Redear Sunfish - Chain Pickerel
5. Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho)
Lake Tohopekaliga, also known as Lake Toho, is a 22,700-acre lake located near Kissimmee in central Florida. The lake is famous for its trophy-sized largemouth bass and has been the site of numerous professional bass fishing tournaments, such as the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Major League Fishing events.
Lake Toho features extensive vegetation, including hydrilla, bulrush, and Kissimmee grass, providing excellent cover and forage for bass. Anglers can effectively target bass by flipping and pitching soft plastic baits into the vegetation or casting lipless crankbaits and swimbaits along the grass edges. Renowned fishing spots within Lake Toho include Goblet’s Cove, Brown’s Point, and the mouth of Shingle Creek.
Fish Species Commonly Found at Lake Tohopekaliga:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Redear Sunfish - Chain Pickerel
6. Stick Marsh & Farm 13
Stick Marsh and Farm 13, located in east-central Florida near the town of Fellsmere, are two connected impoundments covering a combined area of approximately 6,500 acres. Created in the late 1980s as part of a water retention and marsh restoration project, these reservoirs have gained a reputation for producing trophy-sized largemouth bass.
The impoundments feature an abundance of submerged timber, hydrilla beds, and other vegetation, providing excellent cover and structure for bass. Anglers can target bass by casting spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater lures around the submerged timber or flipping and pitching soft plastic baits into the dense vegetation. Notable fishing spots within Stick Marsh and Farm 13 include the southwest corner of Farm 13, the north end of Stick Marsh, and the numerous submerged tree lines throughout the impoundments.
Fish Species Commonly Found at Stick Marsh & Farm 13:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Redear Sunfish
7. Lake Istokpoga
Lake Istokpoga, situated in south-central Florida near the town of Sebring, is a 26,762-acre lake known for its exceptional bass fishing. The lake features vast expanses of shallow water, with an average depth of only four feet, and is characterized by its abundant aquatic vegetation, such as bulrush, cattails, and hydrilla.
Anglers can target bass in Lake Istokpoga by flipping and pitching jigs or soft plastic baits into the dense vegetation, casting swimbaits and lipless crankbaits along grass lines, or working topwater lures during low-light conditions. Some popular fishing spots within Lake Istokpoga include Big Island, Bumblebee Island, and the numerous canals surrounding the lake.
Fish Species Commonly Found at Lake Istokpoga:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Redear Sunfish
8. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, located in southern Florida, is a vast and unique ecosystem covering over 1.5 million acres. The park’s freshwater marshes, mangrove forests, and interconnected canals offer exceptional bass fishing opportunities, particularly for largemouth bass and peacock bass.
Anglers can target bass in the Everglades by casting soft plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around vegetation and submerged structure or by sight-fishing for cruising fish in the clear, shallow water. Notable fishing areas within Everglades National Park include the L-67A Canal, Holiday Park, and the numerous backcountry creeks and ponds throughout the park.
Fish Species Commonly Found at Everglades National Park:
- Largemouth Bass - Peacock Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Snook - Tarpon
9. Lake Tarpon
Lake Tarpon, a 2,534-acre lake located just north of Tampa in west-central Florida, is known for its outstanding bass fishing opportunities. The lake features a mix of habitats, including submerged vegetation, docks, and deepwater drop-offs, providing an ideal environment for largemouth bass to thrive.
Anglers can target bass in Lake Tarpon by casting crankbaits and spinnerbaits around docks and grass lines, flipping and pitching soft plastic baits into heavy cover, or working slow-moving baits along deepwater ledges. Some popular fishing spots within Lake Tarpon include Anderson Park, the East Lake Road bridge, and the various residential canals that connect to the lake.
Fish Species Commonly Found at Lake Tarpon:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Redear Sunfish
10. Lake Talquin
Lake Talquin, a 8,850-acre reservoir located west of Tallahassee in northwestern Florida, was created in 1927 by constructing the Jackson Bluff Dam on the Ochlockonee River. The lake is known for its excellent bass fishing, with largemouth and spotted bass in its waters.
The lake’s diverse habitats, including submerged timber, rocky points, and extensive vegetation, provide excellent cover and structure for bass. Anglers can target these fish by casting crankbaits and spinnerbaits along rocky shorelines, flipping and pitching soft plastic baits into submerged timber, or working drop-shot rigs and shaky head jigs in deeper water. Notable fishing spots within Lake Talquin include Bear Creek, Coe Landing, and the numerous submerged creek channels throughout the lake.
Fish Species Commonly Found at Lake Talquin:
- Largemouth Bass - Spotted Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Redear Sunfish
With so many unique areas, Florida is the perfect place to experience incredible bass fishing. Whether you go alone or with friends, anyone can learn and grow in bass angling at one of these incredible locations. Speaking of learning, don’t forget to check out our other articles for helpful tips and tricks! From gear choice to casting techniques, we have everything you need to get started on your journey into the exciting world of bass fishing. So don’t wait any longer – it’s time to cast off and become an ace angler! Tight lines!
FAQs about Choctaw Bass
Q: What is a Choctaw Bass?
A: The Choctaw Bass (Micropterus haiaka) is a species of freshwater fish that belongs to the sunfish family. It was first discovered in 2013 and is found primarily in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida and Alabama.
Q: How can I identify a Choctaw Bass?
A: Choctaw Bass are similar in appearance to other bass species like the Spotted Bass or Largemouth Bass. They have an olive-green to brownish color with dark markings on their sides. A key distinguishing feature is the presence of a tooth patch on their tongue.
Q: What is the habitat of the Choctaw Bass?
A: Choctaw Bass prefer clear, flowing waters of small to medium-sized rivers and streams. They are usually found in areas with rocky or sandy bottoms and moderate vegetation.
Q: What do Choctaw Bass eat?
A: Choctaw Bass are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including insects, crayfish, and smaller fish. They are ambush predators, lying in wait for their prey before striking with a quick burst of speed.
Q: How big do Choctaw Bass grow?
A: Choctaw Bass typically grow to be around 12-15 inches in length, although larger specimens have been reported. Their weight can range from 1 to 3 pounds.
Q: Are Choctaw Bass good for sport fishing?
A: Yes, Choctaw Bass are known for their aggressive nature and strong fighting abilities, making them a popular target for anglers. However, due to their relatively small size, they may not be as highly sought after as some of the larger bass species.
Q: Is there a specific fishing season for Choctaw Bass?
A: Fishing regulations and seasons for Choctaw Bass may vary depending on the state. It’s best to check with your local wildlife agency for the most up-to-date information on fishing regulations in your area.
Q: What is the conservation status of the Choctaw Bass?
A: Currently, there is limited information available about the population size and trends of the Choctaw Bass. However, habitat degradation and fragmentation are potential threats to their population. Researchers are working to learn more about this species in order to develop appropriate conservation strategies.