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The Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Florida

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Guide to fishing for spotted, shoal and largemouth.

Crystal River Florida

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for valuable information about bass and bass fishing.

Florida is renowned for its exceptional bass fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from all over the world. The state is home to various bass species, including largemouth bass, spotted bass, redeye bass, and shoal bass, each offering a unique angling experience.

Largemouth bass are the most iconic and sought-after bass species in Florida. Known for their voracious appetite and explosive strikes, they can be found in lakes, rivers, and ponds throughout the state. Florida's extensive network of waterways, abundant vegetation, and diverse habitat provide ideal conditions for largemouth bass to thrive. Anglers often target them using a variety of techniques, such as topwater lures, plastic worms, or crankbaits.

Spotted bass, also known as Kentucky bass, are another popular species found in certain Florida water bodies. While not as widespread as largemouth bass, they can provide an exciting challenge for anglers seeking a different bass fishing experience. Spotted bass are known for their aggressive nature and strong fighting ability.

Redeye bass, also called Suwannee bass, are native to the rivers and streams of North Florida. These beautiful fish offer a unique angling opportunity and are known for their striking colors and acrobatic fights. Anglers often target them in clear, flowing waters using a variety of baits and techniques.

Shoal bass are another native species found in certain rivers of the Florida Panhandle. They are highly prized by anglers for their tenacity and hard-fighting nature. Shoal bass prefer rocky and fast-flowing waters, providing an exciting challenge for those who seek them. Catch-and-release practices are often encouraged to protect and preserve these rare and sensitive bass populations.

Florida's mild climate allows for year-round bass fishing, but the best seasons to fish may vary depending on the region and specific water body. Spring and fall are generally considered prime times for bass fishing in Florida. During these seasons, bass are actively feeding and preparing for spawning or recovering from the winter months. Anglers often find success during early morning or late afternoon when water temperatures are optimal and bass are more active.

Whether you're targeting largemouth bass, spotted bass, redeye bass, or shoal bass, Florida offers exceptional opportunities for bass fishing. With its diverse habitat, numerous lakes, rivers, and ponds, and a variety of techniques to choose from, anglers of all skill levels can enjoy the thrill of catching bass in the Sunshine State.

Bass Lakes In Florida

You'd be hard pressed to find many lakes in Florida that do not have a population of bass. Florida is the ideal region for growing not only healthy populations of bass, but it also produces some monster bass. The state record largemouth is over 17 pounds and many think the next world record will come from FL. Try your luck for bass on some of the larger lakes and impoundments in FL including Blue Cypress Lake, Crescent Lake, Crooked Lake, Deer Point Lake, East Lake Tohopekaliga, Jim Woodruff Reservoir, Lake Apopka, Lake Conlin, Lake Eustis, Lake George, Lake Griffin, Lake Harris, Lake Harney, Lake Hatchineha, Lake Jackson, Lake Istokpoga, Lake Jessup, Lake Kissimmee, Lake Marian, Lake Miccosukee, Lake Monroe, Lake Okeechobee, Lake Talquin, Lake Santa Fe, Lake Seminole, Lake Tohopekaliga, Lake Wier, Lake Weohyakapka, Lochloosa Lake, Newnans Lake, Orange Lake, Rodman Reservoir, St. John's River and Tsala Apopka Lake.

Fishing Boats For Rent In FL

Bass In Florida

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass

World record: 22 lbs 4 oz

State Record: 17.27 lbs
(also unofficial 20.13 lbs)

Spotted Bass

Spotted bass

World record: 9 lbs 8 oz

State Record: 3.75 lbs

Shoal Bass

Shoal bass

World record: 7 lbs 8 oz

State Record: 5.95 lbs

Redeye Bass

Redeye bass

World record: 8 lbs 12 oz

State Record: 7.83 lbs

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For Florida

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Florida State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from an unnamed lake, the unofficial state record largemouth bass came from Big Fish Lake.

The state record spotted bass was caught out of the Apalachicola River.

The state record redeye bass came out of the Apalachicola River.

The state record shoal bass was caught in the Chipola River.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Sunshine State.

Big Florida Bass
Florida bass by Tim Fey.

The Florida strain of largemouth bass typically grows to larger sizes than other strains of black bass. Also known as hawgs in FL, this fish has a mouth that opens wide enough to swallow its own head. It will attempt to eat virtually anything it can catch and swallow. Growing to well over 20 pounds, it is much bigger than it's cousin the smallmouth bass.

Bass fishing basics video.
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