Florida doesn’t do anything halfway — including state fish. While most states pick one, Florida designated two in 1975: the Florida Bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) for freshwater and the Atlantic Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) for saltwater. Together, they represent the two sides of what makes Florida the fishing capital of the world.
The Freshwater Side: Florida Bass
The Florida largemouth bass was officially renamed “Florida Bass” in 2024 to reflect what biologists have known for years — it’s a genetically distinct subspecies from the northern largemouth bass. Florida bass grow bigger, faster, and heavier than their northern cousins, and that’s not an accident. The warm, fertile waters of Florida’s 7,700+ lakes create year-round growing conditions that produce fish other states can only dream about.
How Big?
The Florida state record bass is 17 lb 4 oz — caught from a small unnamed lake in Polk County. The IGFA world record largemouth bass is 22 lb 4 oz from Georgia, but that fish was almost certainly Florida-strain genetics. Your average Florida bass will be 2-5 lbs, but double-digit fish are caught every week on lakes like Okeechobee, the Kissimmee Chain, and Stick Marsh. FWC’s TrophyCatch program has documented thousands of bass over 8 lbs across the state.
Where to Catch Them
Florida bass live in virtually every lake, river, pond, and canal in the state, but some waters consistently produce trophies. For a full breakdown, see our guide to the best places to fish in Florida:
- Lake Okeechobee — The bass capital of Florida. 730 square miles of shallow water and endless vegetation. Tournament limits over 25 lbs are routine during the winter spawn.
- Kissimmee Chain of Lakes — Toho, Kissimmee, and Hatchineha. More TrophyCatch submissions per acre than any other system in the state.
- Lake Fork (Stick Marsh / Headwaters Lake) — Flooded timber and hydrilla beds grow trophy bass with remarkably little fishing pressure.
- Harris Chain of Lakes — 75,000 acres across eight connected lakes north of Orlando. Lake Apopka has made a massive comeback and is producing some of Central Florida’s biggest bass.
- St. Johns River — Florida’s longest river. The broad, shallow lakes along it (Monroe, George, Harney) hold quality bass year-round.
When to Fish
The bass spawn runs from late December through March in most of Florida — starting earlier in the south and moving north as the season progresses. Pre-spawn and spawning fish are the biggest and most catchable of the year. October through April is the overall prime window. Summer fishing is tougher — water temps in the 90s push bass deep, and early morning topwater or deep cranking are the primary patterns.
How to Catch Them
Florida bass relate to underwater structure and vegetation — hydrilla, Kissimmee grass, bulrush, lily pads, and submerged timber are the key cover types. Soft plastic worms (junebug and watermelon are the classic Florida colors), lipless crankbaits, swimbaits, and topwater frogs all produce. Live wild shiners are the most effective trophy technique on lakes like Okeechobee and Toho — guides drift shiners under a float along vegetation edges, and the big females can’t resist them.
The Saltwater Side: Atlantic Sailfish
The Atlantic sailfish is one of the most spectacular gamefish in the ocean — a 60-80 lb fish that can hit 68 mph, making it the fastest fish in the sea. That iconic dorsal fin, fully extended during a fight, is one of the most recognizable images in all of sportfishing. Florida designated the sailfish as its state saltwater fish in 1975, and the fishery off the state’s Atlantic coast is the best in the world for the species.
How Big?
Atlantic sailfish typically run 60-80 lbs and 6-8 feet in length. The IGFA world record is 142 lb 6 oz, caught off Angola. Florida fish generally run on the smaller side of the species — 40-70 lbs is typical — but what they lack in absolute size they make up for in numbers. Multi-release days of 10-20+ sailfish per boat are not uncommon during peak season.
Where to Catch Them
The sailfish fishery is concentrated along Florida’s Atlantic coast, where the Gulf Stream runs close to shore:
- Stuart / Treasure Coast — Self-proclaimed “Sailfish Capital of the World.” The stretch from Fort Pierce to Jupiter is ground zero during the winter migration.
- Palm Beach — The Gulf Stream runs within a mile of the beach here, putting sailfish within sight of shore.
- Miami / Fort Lauderdale — Year-round resident sailfish, plus the winter migration push.
- Florida Keys — Islamorada produces sailfish in the offshore waters, with the deep blue water of the Gulf Stream accessible from every marina in the chain.
When to Fish
Peak sailfish season runs from November through March, with December through February being the most productive months. Sailfish migrate south along the Gulf Stream, and the convergence of current, baitfish, and water temperature off the Treasure Coast creates the densest concentration of sailfish anywhere in the Atlantic. Charter boats in Stuart and Palm Beach book out months in advance for winter dates.
How to Catch Them
Live-baiting is the dominant technique — goggle eyes (big-eye scad), blue runners, pilchards, and ballyhoo are the primary baits. Kite fishing is a Florida specialty — kites suspend live baits on the surface, keeping them splashing and struggling in a way that triggers aggressive strikes. Sailfish are also targeted on the fly and with light tackle, making them one of the premier sport fish for anglers who want a challenge. Nearly all sailfish caught in Florida are released — the fishery is almost entirely catch-and-release, which is why it remains so productive.
Two Fish, One State
Florida’s choice to designate both a freshwater and saltwater state fish wasn’t just symbolic — it reflects the reality that Florida is two completely different fisheries sharing one state. The bass anglers working the lily pads on Okeechobee at dawn and the offshore crews running kites in the Gulf Stream off Stuart are fishing in the same state but different worlds. Both species are actively managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) — bass through the TrophyCatch program and habitat management, sailfish through federal regulations and the broader billfish conservation framework.
Whether you’re a bank angler with a worm on a hook or an offshore captain rigging ballyhoo at 4 AM, Florida’s state fish represent what makes this place special: there’s something for everyone, and the fishing never stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Florida’s official fish?
Florida has two official state fish: the Florida Bass (formerly Florida Largemouth Bass) for freshwater and the Atlantic Sailfish for saltwater. Both were designated in 1975 by the Florida Legislature.
What is the state saltwater fish of Florida?
The Atlantic Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) is Florida’s official state saltwater fish. Known for its iconic dorsal fin and acrobatic fights, the sailfish fishery off Florida’s Atlantic coast — particularly from Stuart to Palm Beach — is the best in the world.
Why did Florida rename its state freshwater fish?
In 2024, the Florida Legislature officially changed the name from “Florida Largemouth Bass” to “Florida Bass” to reflect its status as a genetically distinct subspecies (Micropterus salmoides floridanus). The Florida bass grows larger and faster than northern largemouth bass and is unique to the state’s waters.
What is Florida’s official state animal?
Florida’s official state animal is the Florida Panther. The state also designates several other official animals: the Northern Mockingbird (state bird), the Manatee (state marine mammal), and the American Alligator (state reptile).
Where is the best bass fishing in Florida?
Lake Okeechobee is the top bass destination in the state, followed by the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Stick Marsh/Headwaters Lake, and the Harris Chain. The spawn from December through March produces the biggest fish of the year on all of these waters.
Where is the best sailfish fishing in Florida?
Stuart and the Treasure Coast (Fort Pierce to Jupiter) are the top sailfish destinations, earning the area the title “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Peak season runs November through March, with charter boats routinely releasing 10-20+ fish per trip during the winter months.
Sources: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Florida Department of State. IGFA world records from the International Game Fish Association.