Fishing Natural North Florida? Great Resources Abound for Fresh and Salt Water Anglers!
With the longest stretch of unsettled saltwater coastline in the continental United States, one of the longest unobstructed rivers in the U.S. and the largest concentration of first magnitude springs and spring-fed streams, our 14-county Natural North Florida region holds unbelievable fishing resources.
Our Gulf Coast stretches from Panacea, in Wakulla County, to Yankeetown, in Levy County, and holds saltwater species like tarpon, spotted seatrout, redfish, groupers, cobia and pelagic species like king and Spanish mackerel.
Backwaters along our rugged coast are very fishable, with oyster reefs forming the basis for the fishery. The inflow of fresh water provides the necessary nutrients that allow the growth of this fish nursery and habitat.
In addition to saltwater fin-fish species, our Natural North Florida Big Bend coast is also renowned for the only recreational bay scallop harvest in the United States. This event lasts 3 months throughout the summer and is the mainstay of our coastal economies. For a good summary of the bay scallop harvest click HERE to read:
If you’re looking for bait, tackle and/or specific advice about fishing in Natural North Florida, give some of our local experts a shout:
Gainesville
Gary’s Tackle Box: (352) 372-1791 www.garystacklebox.co
Alachua
Alachua Farm and Lumber: (386) 462-3003 www.alachuafarmandlumber.com
High Springs
True Value Hardware: (386) 454-1717
Madison
Madison Sporting Goods (850_ 973-2701
Yankeetown
Hook Line and Sinker Bait & Tackle: (352) 447-5477
Captains’ Cove Outfitters: (352) 447-5610 www.captainscoveoutfitters.com
Otter Creek
Hershel’s Quick Stop: (352) 486-6584
Cedar Key
Rains Bait & Tackle: (352) 543-6109
Cedar Key Marina: (352) 543-6148 www.cedarkeymarina.net
Chiefland
The Deer Camp: (352) 493-4075
Suwannee
Suwannee Marina: (352) 542-9159
Gateway Marina: (352) 542-7349 www.gatewaymarina.us
Horseshoe Beach
Florida Cracker Shrimp and Bait: (352) 498-2817
Horseshoe Beach Marina: (352) 498-5405 www.themarinainhorseshoebeach.com
Steinhatchee/Jena
Sea Hag Marina: (352) 498-3008 www.seahag.com
River Haven Marina: (352) 498-0709 www.riverhavenmarine.com
Good Times Marina: (352) 498-8088 www.goodtimesmotelandmarina.com
Ideal Marine: (352) 498-5705 www.idealmarinesupply.com
Keaton Beach
Sea Hag at Keaton Beach: (850) 578-2897 www.seahag.com/keaton-beach-marina/
Perry
Big Bend Outfitters: (850) 584-3953
Wilson’s Bait & Tackle: (850) 584-6157
Spring Warrior
Spring Warrior Fish Camp: (850) 838-2035 www.springwarriorfishcamp.com
St. Marks
Shields Marina: (850) 925-6158 www.shieldsmarina.com
St. Marks Outfitters: (850) 925-3133 www.stmarksoutfitters.com
Shell Island Fish Camp: (850) 925-6226 www.shellislandfishcamp.com
Crawfordville
Jerry’s Bait & Tackle: (850) 421-3248 www.jerrysbait.com
AMS Marine Supply: (850) 926-3114
Panacea
Crum’s Mini Mall: (850) 984-5501 www.panaceaminimall.com
Monticello
Trophy Creek Outfitters: (850) 997-4868