Fishing in Florida Bay can be summed up in one word: endless. Located between Florida's mainland and the Keys, this bay has over 1,000 square miles waiting to be explored. With countless fish species, a season that never ends, and gorgeous shallows stretching for miles, it's no wonder this estuary is a go-to spot for many anglers. And you won't be the only one who's fishing here – the area has lots of birds wading the shallows in search of a snack.
There's way too many fish species in the area to be listed in one text, so we can only scratch the surface. The most desirable ones are Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Tarpon, Snapper, Bonefish, Snook, and Permit. Since the average depth of the bay is 3 feet, the tide must be right for a successful trip. This is why fishing with a local guide is crucial. Your guide can also recommend how long your trip should be in order to catch your favorite fish.
Even offshore species are common in the area, such as Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Marlin, Barracuda, or Tuna. Fishing guides can help you catch these too, they'll just go in a different direction than usual. You'll still depart from the Florida Keys but go south instead of north.
There are lots of departure points you can choose, from Key Largo, Tavernier, and Islamorada, all the way to Marathon. Fishing guides will cover your license and equipment, but double-check whether this also includes fly fishing equipment if you're a fly angler.
The best way to explore Florida Bay is by fishing. Get familiar with the magic of endless mangroves, basins, and backcountry, and catch some tasty fish on the way.