Freshwater Fishing
 

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Freshwater Rules & Regulations	List of Maintained Freshwater Boat Ramps
Largest Freshwater Lakes in Florida

There's Great Fishing in Florida!
Freshwater fishing in Florida usually means one thing - bass! There are more than 10,000 freshwater lakes, rivers and ponds in this state and the number and size of largemouth bass that have been pulled out of them each year has earned it the title of "Bass Capital of the World!"

Florida's Freshwater Fish

	Spotted Bass - Mainly found in Florida Rivers and Streams. State Record 3 lbs 12 ounces caught in Apalachicola River.
	White Bass - Mainly found in Florida Rivers.  State Record 4 lbs 11 ounces.
	Suwannee Bass - Mainly found in Florida Rivers.  State Record 3 lbs 14 1/4 ounces.
	Striped Bass - Found mostly in Florida Rivers.  State Record 38 lbs 9 ounces.
	Black Crappie - Popular and found in most Florida Lakes.  State Record 3 lbs 13.25 ounces.
	Bluegill - Found in large amounts in most Florida Lakes.  State Record 2 lbs 15.25 ounces.
	Red Ear Sunfish (Shellcracker) - Popular and found in most Florida Lakes.  State Record 4 lbs 13 ounces.
	Warmouth - Found in many Florida Lakes.  State Record 2 lbs 7 ounces.
	Channel Catfish - Mainly found in Florida Rivers and Streams.

Most spinning rods are made of glass or bamboo. A practical length for the beginner is six to seven feet. There are two basic types of spinning reels. The open-face reel with the spool of line exposed is mounted under the rod. The closed-face reel with the line covered by a metal funnel-type shell is mounted on top of the rod - and is controlled by a mechanical push button.

The casting motion starts by pointing the rod at the target. The line should be not more than about six inches from the rod tip. Elevate the rod in casting motion to a point slightly past the overhead position and as the weight of the lure bends the rod, whip the rod forward sharply. At the same time, release the line held with your finger on an open-face reel or take your thumb off of the line -release button on the closed-face reel.

Many fishermen also enjoy trolling because they can not only enjoy the surrounding area while the lure searches for fish, but it is also relaxing since the angler simply holds the rod and waits for the fish to attack.

Rods for trolling are generally fairly stiff in order to withstand the constant bending that trolling causes and to help set the hook securely in light of the length of the line used when trolling. Lures most often used are wobblers, spoons, or spinners.

Always use swivels when trolling with wobblers, spoons or spinners to prevent line twists.

Fishing Central Florida
With more than 1,000 lakes and rivers, there's no surprise how Lake County got it's name. Lake County is in the center of the state's peninsula, just north of Orlando. There are hundreds of waterways and some of the best freshwater fishing and boating facilities in the region. Anglers can expect bass and crappie in good quantities. Guided fishing, kayaking and canoeing trips are also available.

Fishing the Panhandle/Northwest
Freshwater fishing in Florida's Panhandle region offers some very diverse opportunities. You can enter the mouth of the Apalachicola River and head north to the Jim Woodruff Dam for excellent bass fishing. Around marker 11.2 you'll find bass, crapie, bream and catfish. The Apalachicola River provides wonderful freshwater fishing, all the way to Lake Seminole.

Bait Casting
Bait casting equipment allows the fisherman to cast larger lures, making it popular with many of the country's top guides and with experienced fishermen who enjoy going after the big ones. Bait casting equipment is particularly effective when fishing small openings in weed beds or next to submerged objects because of the accuracy that can be achieve by controlling the speed of the line coming off of the reel.

The concept of bait casting is fairly easy to learn; however, proficiency in the sport will take a little longer. Begin by grasping your rod handle and then turn the rod until the reel handle is pointing straight up. Use your thumb as a brake on the reel spool to prevent the line from running out. Point your red at the spot where you want your lure to go. The bait should be not more than about six inches from the rod tip.

Elevate the rod in the casting motion to a pint slightly past the over head position and as the weight of the lure bends the rod, whip the rod forward sharply. At the same time, release pressure n the line with our thumb allowing the lure t be on its way. You should keep slight contact with the reel in order to prevent back-lashes.

As the lure hits the water, stop the spool from turning with increased thumb pressure, shift the rod and reel to your other hand and start the retrieve.

Fly Casting
There is nothing more thrilling to an avid fisherman than catching fish on a fly rod. Although fly casting is more difficult to learn than other casting methods, it is worth the hours of practice that precede becoming proficient in the sport.

A fly rod is basically a long, limber pole. The basic principle of fly casting involves the springiness of the rod tip which does the work of sending the line on its way.

Fly rods are generally made from fiberglass or split bamboo. A rod approximately eight feet in length, weighing four to five ounces is probably the bets choice for the beginner. Fly rods reels are generally the manual winding style or automatic winding.

The fly casting procedure starts by pulling some twelve feet of line from the reel. Hold it ahead of you with your left hand. As you begin the cast, elevate the rod tip slowly at first and then increasing the speed until the rod reaches shoulder height, pause in order allow the line time to straighten out behind you. as you feel a pull on the rod tip, begin the forward cast. Increase speed until your forearm is parallel with the water. At this moment, the rod will be slightly elevated. Lower the tip of the rod until the entire rod is parallel with the water and the line and fly will quietly enter the water. As additional line is necessary, you may pull it from your reel as you repeat the casting motion.