Florida has long been regarded as a top vacation destination in the United States, as well as an excellent place to retire and enjoy your golden years. The weather is great all season long, the people are friendly, the food is amazing, and there are countless outdoor activities to spend your time on.

One of the most popular of those activities is fishing. With thousands of miles of coastal shoreline, as well as more than 7,000 lakes, Florida truly is an angler’s paradise. There are hundreds of types of fish to try to hook, but here are five Florida fish to put on your list.

1. Grouper

Grouper is a deep-water species of fish and a tasty one at that. The two main kinds that fishermen target are Red Grouper and Black (or Gag) Grouper. These are typically bottom-dweller fish but can be caught in the shallows during the cooler months. The fish has a mild taste and are great for fish sandwiches.

2. Snapper

Snapper is usually found aways offshore in water that is 50-450 feet deep. The Red Snapper is a popular species for anglers and can be identified by its pink or red color and its pointed anal fin.

Red Snapper is a culinary delight and is best served grilled. It’s known for its sweet and mild flavor and is also great in marinades. It’s one of the most popular seafood restaurant items in Florida.

3. Tarpon

Tarpon is known as a trophy fish and lures in anglers because of the great fight that it tends to put up. While not a fish that you’ll typically eat, the Tarpon still attracts game fishermen from across the country.

They can be found in multiple different waters because of their ability to tolerate different salinities. This is a can’t miss fish for sport fishermen.

4. Largemouth Bass

The Largemouth Bass is Florida’s official freshwater fish. The Black Bass has reached legendary status in the fishing world and anglers will travel far and wide to try to add one to their trophy case.

They are known to get to between 10 and 20 pounds and have a voracious appetite that sees them eat almost anything – including baby ducks. For those that prefer to do their fishing in a lake, the Largemouth Bass is a must to go after while in Florida.

5. Marlin

We couldn’t talk about fishing in Florida without mentioning the vaunted Marlin. This elusive giant is a fish of legends and is one of the world’s premier gamefish. A Blue Marlin can reach up to 16 feet and a whopping 1400 pounds.

Fishing for these monsters is not for the faint of heart, as the waters they inhabit tend to be quite far from shore in deep and choppy conditions. You can learn how to get a Florida fishing license at freedomboatclub.com.

What Kind of Florida Fish Will You Try To Hook?

Catching a Florida fish is a bucket list adventure for many and one of the great tourist attractions of the state. Whether you’re after a snack for dinner or plan on netting an elusive gamefish like a Blue Marlin, the Florida waters have something to offer everyone. Be sure to browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips!