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Best Places for Bass Fishing in Florida
Northern Florida
Lake George is a broad, shallow lake on the St. Johns River in Putnam County. The west side of the lake is encompassed in the Ocala National Forest and it is the second largest lake in Florida, behind Lake Okeechobee. Lake George is consistently ranked as one of the most productive bass waters in Florida.
Lake Rousseau is on the Withlacoochee River in north-central Florida, about 35 miles west of Ocala. It is fed by the Rainbow River and Lake Panasoffkee. Although not as well known as some of Florida’s other manmade reservoirs and lakes, Lake Rousseau is an excellent producer of high quality bass and is known as not being a difficult lake to fish.
Lake Talquin is a reservoir located just west of Tallahassee on the Ochlockonee River between Leon and Gadsden Counties. The 8,500-acre lake has a maze of underwater creek channels, creek arms and smaller coves that extend from the headwaters to the main pool. In recent years, Lake Talquin has become a hot spot for bass fishing. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stocks the lake and it has become one of the best bass fisheries in North Florida - if not the entire state.
Lake Crescent is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state - 13 miles long and two miles wide. It connects to the St. John’s River on the north via Dunn’s Creek. Lake Crescent is largely undeveloped with the entire eastern shore still in its’ natural state. Fishing is excellent in Lake Crescent, especially for Black Bass, Striped Bass, Speck and Catfish.
Central Florida
Lake Okeechobee tops the list of the best bass fishing lakes in central Florida. Also one of the most well known, Lake Okeechobee is the second-largest freshwater lake in the continental United States, second only to Lake Michigan. Lake Okeechobee arguably produces the best Largemouth Bass fishing in the world, consistently producing trophy worthy bass year round.
The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, which includes Lake Kissimmee, Lake Toho, Lake Cypress and Lake Hatchineha, is another world famous bass fishing region. Lake Kissimmee in particular is known for its Largemouth Bass and holds the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society’s all time record Tournament Catch.
The Butler Chain of Lakes is also situated in Central Florida, located in and around the city of Orlando. Many people who visit the area for the theme parks are unaware that they are also just minutes from some of the best bass fishing on some of Florida’s most pristine waters.
The Clermont Chain is another great bass fishing area in Central Florida, with what many say is an “Old Florida” feel to it. This eleven-lake chain is located in the rolling hills near the town of Clermong. All lakes on the Clermont Chain are Fish Management Areas. Largemouth bass can be found along the grasslines and at the mouths of creeks connecting the lakes of the Clermont Chain.
Southern Florida
South Florida has dozens of smaller lakes that are excellent for bass fishing. Just a few of these include Lake Walk in Water, Lake Hatchineha, Lake Arbuckle, Lake Istokpoga, Lake June, Reedy Lake and Lake Tarpon. Although not as well known, these lakes offer great fishing and can hold their own with the bigger lakes. Some even say they are one of the “best kept secrets” of this part of the state.
The Everglades offers the best Largemouth Bass fishing in South Florida - in an area of unmatched beauty. The Everglades is home to one of the largest wetlands in the world and holds the record for the number of fish caught per person. Anglers come from all around the world to fish the unspoiled waters, including the remote outpost of Everglades National Park and wildlife refuge fishing.
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