Top 7 Best Fishing Spots for Kids in Florida: Family-Friendly Angling Adventures

Are you on the hunt for the best fishing spots for kids in Florida where novice anglers can safely cast a line? Our expert guide spotlights destinations with calm waters, friendly facilities, and a variety of fish, perfect for a family fishing adventure. Let us lead you to those prime spots where your kids can joyfully hook their first catch under the Florida sun.

Key Takeaways

• Anastasia State Park, Fort De Soto Park, and Lake Kissimmee are Florida’s top kid-friendly fishing spots with diverse fish populations and family amenities like picnic areas and playgrounds.
• Fishing with kids requires light, durable, and easy-to-handle gear, as well as smaller-sized hooks and life vests for safety.
• Teaching kids to fish involves more than just casting a line – it’s about learning to safely handle and release fish, practicing patience, and respecting the outdoors.

Florida’s Friendly Shores: Where to Cast a Line With Your Kids

We’ll start by investigating three top fishing spots in Florida, which offer an ideal mix of variety, accessibility, and fun. These are places that not only promise a good catch but also ensure a fun-filled family outing.

So, get ready to cast a line and create unforgettable memories at Anastasia State Park, Fort De Soto Park, and the calm waters of Lake Kissimmee.

Adventure at Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park, known for its diverse fish populations, is a paradise for families who love the great outdoors. The park offers various fishing opportunities, with spots like Salt Run being home to a host of different fish species. Some of the species you can find in the park include:

• Redfish
• Southern Kingcroaker
• Bonnethead shark
• Black drum
• Largemouth bass
• Flounder

The park offers an exciting range of popular fish species for your little anglers to try their hands at.

However, while aiming for a good catch, make sure to follow the park’s regulations about the size, number, method of capture, and season. Apart from fishing, the park also boasts a range of family-friendly amenities like:

• picnic areas
• a playground
• a visitor center
• activities like hiking, swimming, and bird watching

Indeed, a family fishing trip to Anastasia State Park is more than just about fishing; it’s about embracing the great outdoors.

Family Fun at Fort De Soto Park

Moving on, we have the family-friendly Fort De Soto Park. The park offers a fishing pier, calm waters, and a variety of fish species like Spotted Sea trout, Snook, and Redfish, making it an ideal spot for families. What makes the park even more appealing for families is the availability of convenient facilities like restrooms, picnic shelters, a playground, a snack bar, a souvenir shop, and family campsites.

But remember, though fishing at Fort De Soto Park is free, you’ll need a fishing license unless you’re under 16. The park’s easy rules and ample facilities make it a safe and enjoyable place for a family day out.

So, why not let your kids experience the joy of catching their first fish at Fort De Soto Park?

The Calm Waters of Lake Kissimmee

Finally, we arrive at Lake Kissimmee. Known for its calm waters and plentiful fish, this lake is a great location for teaching kids how to fish. The lake is home to species like:

• Largemouth Bass
• Black Crappie
• Bluegill
• Redear Sunfish

These most popular fish species are sure to keep your little ones engaged.

Lake Kissimmee offers:

• Full-facility campsites
• Primitive camping
• A youth camping area
• The nearby Kissimmee Lakefront Park with lots of family activities

The best time to visit Lake Kissimmee for fishing is during the winter and early spring months.

With its calm waters, abundant fish, and child-friendly amenities, Lake Kissimmee is indeed the perfect spot for your family’s next fishing adventure.

Kid-Friendly Tackle Talk: Gear Up for Success

Having pinpointed Florida’s prime fishing locations, it’s time to prepare for success. Fishing with kids requires special equipment that not only ensures their safety but also makes the experience enjoyable for them. From selecting the right rod and reel to choosing appropriate bait, and ensuring safety through protective gear, let’s dive into the essentials of gear selection for our little anglers.

Selecting the Right Rod and Reel

Choosing an appropriate rod and reel for your child is key to a successful fishing expedition. The rod should be light and short enough for your child to handle easily, and sturdy enough to endure the typical wear and tear from young anglers.

When selecting a reel, ensure that it’s easy to use, can handle a beating, and matches the rod. A light spinning reel that goes with a 5’6” ultralight spinning rod and 6 lb mono line would work well for beginners.

Remember, opt for a real setup in a light or ultra-lightweight design over toy fishing rods, as it’s more functional and helps your child learn proper fishing techniques. (Check out the How to Fish With Kids blog for more details here)

Bait Basics: What Works for Little Hands

As for bait, easily manageable options such as red worms and crickets are ideal for children. These baits are small and easy to use, making them perfect for little hands.

It’s also crucial to choose the correct size of fishing hooks, with smaller EWG Bass hooks of size 1/0 and 2/0 being ideal for baits that are 3.5 inches or less in size. After all, fishing should be fun and not a struggle.

Safety First: Protective Gear for Young Anglers

Balancing safety with enjoyment is fundamental when fishing with kids. Essential protective gear for young anglers includes:

• Life vests: Ensure safety in case of accidental falls into the water
• Sunglasses: Protect their eyes from the harsh sunlight and help in spotting fish in the water
• Sunhats: Provide shade and protect their heads from the sun
• Sunscreen: Protect their skin from Florida’s strong sun

When choosing sunglasses, look for polarized lenses with 100% UV protection and mirror coatings to reduce glare. The frames should fit well and offer good coverage. Top-rated brands for kids’ life vests include Mustang, the Airhead WICKED Kwik-Dry, and O’Neill Wetsuits Child Reactor, among others.

With the right gear, your little angler can enjoy their fishing adventure without any worries.

*If you are fishing in freshwater lakes, please be observant of your kids and educate them on the risk of Alligators. They are a part of the Florida ecosystem and are extremely dangerous. Be vigilante in the areas you fish and keep your kids nearby at all times*

Hook, Line, and Sinker: Teaching Kids the Fishing Process

Mastering fishing is about more than simply throwing out a line and waiting for a nibble. It’s a process that teaches patience and respect for nature. So, let’s dive into the steps of teaching your kids to fish:

1. Understand casting techniques
2. Learn the art of patience while waiting for a bite
3. Celebrate the catch
4. Learn the ethics of handling and releasing the fish

By following these steps, you can help your kids develop a love for fishing and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

Casting Techniques for Small Hands

Showing children how to safely cast a fishing line marks the beginning of their angling adventure. The safest way for kids to cast is by performing a sidearm cast, keeping the rod above the waist, and ensuring no one is in the line of the cast.

It’s essential to start with a light and small rod appropriate for their age and experience level. After all, it’s all about making their first fishing experience fun and successful!

Patience and Watching the Line: Waiting for the Bite

Patience is the name of the game in fishing. Teaching children to wait for a bite and not give up is key to a successful fishing experience. A fish bite can be detected by a light tap or a mushy feeling on the line, or by watching the line for slight jumps or movements in one direction or another.

To keep children engaged while waiting for a bite, you can involve them in baiting their own hook, checking the lines regularly, and even playing fishing-related games or activities. These activities not only make the wait enjoyable but also teach them to be attentive and patient.

Celebrating the Catch: Handling and Release Ethics

Landing a fish is an exhilarating experience, particularly for beginners. But, it’s equally important to teach kids the right way to handle and release the fish safely. Here are some tips to follow:

1. Always use barbless hooks.
2. Be gentle with the fish and quickly remove the hook.
3. Wet hands before touching the fish.
4. Hold the fish horizontally with a hand behind the gill plate to keep its protective slime intact.

When it’s time to release the fish, children should be taught to do so as soon as possible and not keep the fish out of water for too long. The fish should be gently put back in the water headfirst. By teaching them these simple yet essential steps, we not only help protect the fish but also instill a sense of responsibility and respect for nature in our young anglers.

Sunshine State’s Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Fishing Spots

Venturing off the well-trodden track, let’s uncover some of Florida’s lesser-known treasures. If you’re looking for a more tranquil fishing experience away from the usual crowd, Blue Springs State Park, Oleta River State Park, and Myakka River State Park offer just that. These lesser-known spots teem with diverse fish species and provide serene surroundings for you and your family to enjoy.

Serenity at Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park offers a tranquil fishing experience amidst its stunning surroundings. The park offers a mix of fish species including:

• Bluegill
• Channel catfish
• Largemouth bass
• Redbreast sunfish
• Spotted sunfish

This presents a great opportunity for your family to catch a variety of species.

Apart from fishing, the park offers water sports like:

• canoeing
• kayaking
• swimming
• snorkeling
• diving
• paddleboarding

Adding more fun to your family outing. So, why not immerse yourself in the serenity of Blue Springs State Park and enjoy a unique fishing experience?

Quiet Casting at Oleta River State Park

Oleta River State Park, another lesser-known treasure, offers a serene backdrop for angling. The park is home to a variety of fish species, including:

• Crevalle jack
• Great Barracuda
• Mangrove Snapper
• Common snook
• Southern Pufferfish

Experience an exciting fishing adventure for the whole family at our prime fishing spot, located in the world’s luckiest fishing village.

Apart from fishing, the park offers a range of other activities like:

• hiking
• biking
• paddling
• kayaking

With so much to do, Oleta River State Park makes for a wonderful destination for a family outing.

Wildlife Wonders at Myakka River State Park

Nature enthusiasts will find a true sanctuary in Myakka River State Park. With an abundance of wildlife and picturesque fishing spots, this park is the perfect place to teach your kids about the wonders of nature while enjoying a quiet fishing trip. The park offers a unique fishing experience with species like:

• Catfish
• Tilapia
• Black crappie
• Bluegill
• Blue tilapia
• Bowfin (mudfish)
• Brown bullhead

Apart from fishing, the park provides opportunities for:

• boating
• fishing
• canoeing
• kayaking
• hiking
• biking on numerous trails and roads

So, gear up for a nature-filled adventure at Myakka River State Park!

The Best Times for Bites: Planning Your Trip

Organizing your fishing expedition entails more than simply selecting a location; timing your cast is equally important. The time of day and the season can significantly affect your chances of a successful catch.

So, what are the best times for bites in Florida? Let’s find out!

Dawn and Dusk: The Magic Hours for Fishing

Angling experts frequently refer to the dawn and dusk periods as the ‘magic hours’ of fishing. These are the times when fish are most active, feeding close to the shore and thus easier to catch. During these hours, temperatures are cooler, and the low light conditions make fish less cautious and more likely to bite.

It’s also crucial to consider safety during these hours. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Ensure you have enough water
• Wear the right shoes
• Keep dry and warm
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for safety
• Use a low-intensity headlamp to see without disrupting your night vision

With these tips in mind, you’re set to enjoy the magic hours of fishing!

Seasonal Success: When to Visit Florida’s Fishing Spots

The time of year, much like the time of day, can significantly influence your fishing success. Depending on the fish species you’re after, certain seasons can offer better chances of a successful catch. Here are some examples:

• April to November is prime time in the Northwest
• Summer is great for Largemouth Bass
• April is perfect for deep-sea and charter fishing
• Cobia is best from November to April

Remember, saltwater fishing seasons can change throughout the year, and it’s always a good idea to check the local fishing regulations before planning your trip. By considering the seasonal patterns of fish activity, you can increase your chances of landing a big one!

After the Catch: Post-Fishing Activities in Florida

While fishing is a thrilling pursuit with the diverse Florida fish you can catch, Florida has plenty more to offer. After a day of casting lines and reeling in the catch, why not explore some of the other fun and educational activities in the Sunshine State? From Florida fishing adventures to beachside relaxation, educational excursions, and culinary experiences, let’s dive into the plethora of post-fishing activities Florida offers.

Beachside Relaxation and Play

Following a day packed with fishing excitement, unwinding on one of Florida’s stunning beaches is the perfect way to relax. With sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, beaches like Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key, and Fort De Soto Park offer the perfect setting to unwind and play. Kids can build sandcastles, swim, or play beach games, while you kick back and soak up the sun.

Remember to be safe while enjoying the beach. Drink lots of water, apply sunscreen, and keep an eye on the kids. Also, to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience, parents can check the water quality at Florida’s beaches on the Florida Department of Health’s website.

So, get ready for some beachside fun after a fulfilling day of fishing!

Educational Excursions

Beyond its beaches and fishing spots, the Florida Keys is a goldmine of educational attractions. Places like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offer fascinating insights into local wildlife and ecosystems. At these places, kids can learn about various marine species, their habitats, and the importance of conservation.

The Florida Aquarium and The Miami Seaquarium are other noteworthy attractions where children can touch stingrays, observe various marine animals, and even participate in science experiments and animal activities. Combine fun with learning and make your Florida trip an enriching experience for your kids!

Culinary Adventures: From Catch to Kitchen

What could be more rewarding after a fruitful fishing trip than transforming your fresh catch into a mouthwatering dish? In Florida, you can find several cooking classes that teach you how to prepare and cook your catch. The pescatarian cooking classes in Fort Lauderdale and the Flavors of Florida cooking class in Miami are especially popular.

If you prefer dining out after a day of offshore fishing, there are also plenty of local restaurants that have a “cook your catch” service, where professional chefs will prepare your fresh catch fish to your liking. Remember, the joy of fishing doesn’t end with catching fish; the culinary adventure is just beginning!

Summary

From casting a line at family-friendly fishing spots to selecting the right gear for your little anglers, teaching them the fishing process, and enjoying post-fishing activities, fishing in Florida goes beyond just the catch. It’s about imparting life skills, fostering a love for nature, and creating cherished memories. So, why wait? Plan your fishing adventure today and introduce your kids to the joy of fishing in the Sunshine State!

Frequently Asked Questions

What part of Florida has best fishing?

The best fishing in Florida can be found in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, the Florida Keys, and other areas like Lake Okeechobee and Biscayne Bay, as well as Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers/Cape Coral, Miami, and Tampa Bay.

What are the rules for kids fishing in Florida?

In Florida, children under 16 do not need a fishing license, but they must follow all other fishing regulations, such as gear type and size limits, and may need to show proof of age. So, have fun fishing!

What is the best fishing month in Florida?

The best fishing months in Florida are March to June and September to October for Tarpon, January to May and December for Grouper, March to October for Marlin, and March to May and October to November for Blackfin Tuna. Enjoy your fishing trip!

Should kids go fishing?

Yes, kids should go fishing because it helps them develop new skills, such as patience, and improves their motor skills for the future. So, it’s a great way for them to learn and have fun at the same time.

What are the best family-friendly fishing spots in Florida?

You should consider visiting Anastasia State Park, Fort De Soto Park, and Lake Kissimmee for a fun family-friendly fishing experience in Florida. These spots offer a range of fish and recreational activities to enjoy.