Fishing Fun: 9 Florida State Parks to Reel in the Big One

Sandy Allen

Sep 29, 2024 — 6 min read

Photo: Wikimedia/CC by SA 2.0

From freshwater bass fishing to saltwater adventures along the coast, Florida’s state parks offer a variety of fishing experiences for anglers of all interests. With the state’s unique location (it is surrounded by water, after all), you’re really never that far from a great day of fishing fun. Redfish, tuna, tarpon, mackerel and snapper … they’re all out there.

With 175 parks, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the U.S. We’ve picked out a few to get you started (don’t worry, it’s much less than 175). We’ve tried to include parks around the coast and with various water types. If you’re wondering why the famous Florida Everglades isn’t listed, well, it’s a National Park.

Pack up that fishing rod and reel, stow a few (or more) snacks and cruise out of the marina or private boat slip rental. Let’s get started!

Henderson Beach State Park

Located on the Panhandle’s Emerald Coast near Destin, Henderson Beach State Park is known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This park is a hotspot for saltwater fishing enthusiasts, offering opportunities to catch pompano, redfish, whiting and even the occasional Spanish mackerel from the shore. With its scenic backdrop and abundant fishing opportunities, it's a must-visit for anyone looking to combine a day at the beach with great fishing.

Water: Saltwater (Gulf of Mexico)
Key Species: Pompano, redfish, whiting, mackerel
Fishing Type: Shoreline
Best Time to Fish: Spring and fall

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Photo: Wikimedia/Matt Kieffer/CC by SA 2.0

As the first undersea park in the United States, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is famous for its marine life and coral reefs. Located in the Florida Keys, this park offers some of the best saltwater fishing experiences in the state. It's incredibly popular for diving and snorkeling as well.

Anglers can fish from designated areas along the mangroves, piers or by boat from private boat slip rentals or trailering. Reel in species like snapper, tarpon, bonefish and barracuda. Its crystal-clear waters make it an angler's dream, providing visibility of marine life even before you make a cast.

Water: Saltwater (Atlantic Ocean)
Key Species: Snapper, tarpon, bonefish, barracuda
Fishing Type: Shoreline, boat fishing
Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with prime tarpon season in spring and summer

Lake Kissimmee State Park

A paradise for freshwater anglers, Lake Kissimmee State Park is located in central Florida, east of Lake Wales. Known for its large population of largemouth bass, this Florida lake is a favorite among those looking for a trophy catch. The park also offers opportunities to catch crappie, bluegill and catfish. Its expansive waterways provide serene settings for a peaceful day of fishing from a boat or along the shore.

Water: Freshwater
Key Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish
Fishing Type: Boat, shoreline
Best Time to Fish: Spring and fall for bass; winter for crappie

Tomoka State Park

Tomoka State Park, located on Florida’s East Coast near Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach, is a unique spot for anglers looking to fish in brackish water. The Tomoka River and its estuary are teeming with fish, particularly redfish, snook and tarpon.

The park offers both shore and boat fishing, allowing anglers to explore various fishing spots. The river winds through scenic marshes and oak hammocks, making it a tranquil and beautiful setting for fishing enthusiasts.

Water: Brackish (the Tomoka River is an estuary)
Key Species: Redfish, snook, tarpon
Fishing Type: Shoreline, boat fishing
Best Time to Fish: Late spring through early fall

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

For those looking to fish in the Florida Panhandle, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a prime location. Situated around the point from Apalachicola, it boasts a combination of bay and surf fishing along the Gulf Coast (and some of the softest and whitest sand you'll ever see - seriously, this stuff looks like snow). Species commonly caught here include speckled trout, flounder, redfish and Spanish mackerel.

Anglers taking off from private boat dock rentals or marinas can try their luck in St. Joseph Bay or fish along the beaches of the peninsula. With its secluded, natural beauty and abundant fish populations, St. Joseph Peninsula is a top choice for both serious and casual anglers.

Water: Saltwater (Gulf of Mexico)
Key Species: Speckled trout, flounder, redfish, Spanish mackerel
Fishing Type: Shoreline, boat, bay fishing
Best Time to Fish: Spring and summer

Myakka River State Park

Located inland from Sarasota and Siesta Key, Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. It’s a favorite for freshwater fishing. The slow-moving river that winds through the park offers opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish.

For anglers who enjoy fishing in a natural and undisturbed environment, the Myakka River provides the perfect setting. With the option to fish from shore or by canoe, this park is ideal for those seeking a peaceful fishing retreat.

Water: Freshwater (the Myakka River)
Key Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish
Fishing Type: Shoreline, canoe
Best Time to Fish: Winter through early spring

Sebastian Inlet State Park

Located on the Atlantic Coast, between Melbourne and Vero Beach, Sebastian Inlet State Park is one of Florida's most popular saltwater fishing destinations. It’s known for its year-round surf fishing, pier fishing and boating opportunities to experience from nearby private boat lift rentals or marinas.

The inlet serves as a meeting point for various fish species, making it a great spot for catching snook, redfish, flounder and tarpon. The park’s fishing piers are iconic and provide access to deeper waters, increasing the chances of landing larger game fish.

Water: Saltwater (Atlantic Ocean)
Key Species: Snook, redfish, flounder, tarpon
Fishing Type: Shoreline, pier, boat
Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with snook fishing best during the summer

Fort Clinch State Park

Situated on Amelia Island, Fort Clinch State Park offers excellent saltwater fishing along its beaches and from its historic fishing pier. This park is ideal for those looking to catch a variety of species, including flounder, redfish and speckled trout. With its historic fort, scenic views and abundant wildlife, Fort Clinch provides a unique blend of history and natural beauty that enhances the fishing experience.

Water: Saltwater (Atlantic Ocean)
Key Species: Flounder, redfish, speckled trout
Fishing Type: Pier, shoreline
Best Time to Fish: Spring through fall

Long Key State Park

Photo: Wikimedia/Yinan Chen/Creative Commons License

Flats fishing at Long Key State Park in the Florida Keys (between Islamorada and Marathon) offers anglers a unique experience in shallow waters teeming with marine life. The park's expansive flats are perfect for fly or light tackle fishing. You can target species like bonefish, tarpon and permit. The clear, calm waters make it ideal for sight fishing, allowing you to spot fish before casting.

Mangroves and seagrass beds provide excellent habitats for these prized game fish. Whether wading or fishing from a kayak, the natural beauty and abundance of fish make Long Key a prime destination to head to from private boat docks for rent.

Water: Saltwater (Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico)
Key Species: Bonefish, tarpon, permit
Fishing Type: Flats, fly, kayak
Best Time to Fish: Year-round

Resources for Fishing and Boating Information

Whether you're after a thrilling trophy catch or a peaceful day of casting in nature, these Florida state parks provide the perfect backdrop for your fishing journey. Grab your gear, cruise out of a private boat slip rental or marina and explore the rich fishing heritage that Florida’s state parks have to offer.