Nothing better than a day on the water, rod in hand, and cooler ready. Central Florida’s got some prime fishing spots, whether you're after bass in the river, gigging flounder in the shallows, or scooping up shrimp by the bucket.
favorite fishing spots in central FLORIDA.
Here are a few of our favorite spots to wet a line…
1. St. Johns River – Largemouth & Crappie Central
The St. Johns is a bass fisherman’s dream. Big ol’ largemouths lurk in the deep holes, and the crappie bite stays strong in cooler months. Toss a topwater at sunrise near Lake George, or slow-roll a worm around the docks in Astor. Either way, you’re bound to hook into something.
2. Ponce Inlet – Flounder Giggin’ Grounds
Ponce Inlet is where you go when you wanna fill the freezer. Grab a spotlight and a gig, and hit the shallow sand flats once the sun dips. Flounder lay up in the mud waiting to be spotted. And if you’re fishing by day, the jetties are loaded with redfish, snook, and even the occasional tarpon.
3. Oak Hill – Shrimpin’ Like a Local
Oak Hill ain't just another fishing hole—it’s the place to be when the shrimp are running. Net ‘em up by the pound in the Indian River Lagoon, and while you’re at it, keep a rod ready for speckled trout and black drum. Nothing beats fresh shrimp straight from the water to the fry pan.
4. Mosquito Lagoon – Redfish Paradise
This stretch of water south of Oak Hill is known as the "Redfish Capital of the World," and for good reason. The shallow flats are packed with bull reds, sneaky specks, and even some gator trout. Poling through these waters at sunrise is about as close to heaven as you can get.
5. Edgewater Backwaters – Snook & Tarpon Hideout
If you like your fishing fast and feisty, Edgewater’s where it’s at. The backwater creeks and mangroves hold monster snook, rolling tarpon, and even some bull sharks lurking for a fight. Toss a live mullet under a dock and hang on tight—these fish don’t play.