When thinking of fishing in Florida, your mind immediately drifts to the crystal clear waters around the coasts. But the Sunshine State has far more to offer. Crappie, or “Speckled Perch” as it’s known around here, is a mainstay of fishing across the US. Hop aboard a Florida Crappie fishing charter and experience criminally underrated angling opportunities. These delicious creatures inhabit the thousands of lakes and rivers inland, and will provide fun for the whole family.
What to Expect
It almost makes sense that Floridians have a different name for the Crappie you’ll be targeting. Speckled Perch refers only to the Black Crappie, not its white sibling that can cause confusion elsewhere.
You can go after Crappie all year long, making them a staple of freshwater fishing in Florida, but the peak season is November through March. In these colder months, the fish like to spawn under moonlight, boosting the numbers of fish to target all day and all night!
Head out aboard a shallow-hulled boat, such as a bass or bay boat and explore the shallow rivers and lakes. Crappie inhabit every depth of these waters so you could be fishing within seconds of leaving shore! Captains can offer anything from a two-hour trip to an eight-hour trip, so anglers of all levels and ages are catered to.
Where to Go
It’ll come as no surprise that the best freshwater fishing in Florida is inland. Central Florida’s chained lakes and waterways are full of Crappie just calling out your name. From Lake George in the Ocala National Park, down to the Kissimmee Chain and Lake Okeechobee, there’s a wealth of fishing on offer for anglers of all levels.
If you’re based around the coast and don’t fancy your sea legs yet, fear not! Florida’s incredible inland fishing stretches to every corner of the state. In the east, work your way down St. John’s River and Lake Monroe in search of Specks. Head south and the northern Everglades are a prominent hotspot for these delicious creatures. Some saltwater captains in Fort Lauderdale and Delray Beach even lug their boats to make the most of the freshwater action.
It’s true that the West is limited in its freshwater opportunities, but fishing the creeks out of Seminole and Tarpon Lake yield excellent results, too.
How to Fish
While not the most aggressive fish, Crappie still gets an undue hard press. It’s the ideal fish to practice fishing on, and is almost sure to guarantee a beginner’s first catch. Bring the whole family along and get the kids hooked on fishing!
Avid anglers can utilize the short trips to get their daily fix of fishing, and it’s never a wasted day out when you head home with a boatful of fish.
How to Prepare
You’ll find everything you need for a productive day on the water aboard a Florida Crappie fishing charter. Make use of the onboard rods and reels, and ask the captain if they’ll provide live bait. You should also check whether you’ll need to bring your own cooler to take your catch home.
One thing you will need before stepping aboard is a Florida freshwater fishing license. Grab your permit online, by phone, or in any licensed retailer across the state, such as Walmart.
Other than that, all that’s left for you to do is to get booking, bring some food and drinks aboard, and make the most of the incredible fishing on offer in Florida. Get ready for a productive day filling the boat with delicious “Speckled Perch” – Florida-style!
