Freshwater Fishing
Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World
Florida's freshwater fisheries comprise 3 million acres of lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and approximately 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals-with no closed seasons. The recreational fishery resources alone in these waters provide entertainment for more than 1.2 million anglers annually, who enjoyed 25.7 million days fishing recreationally in Florida's fresh waters (National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation-2011).
The Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management 2020-2021 Annual Review
Check out the division’s Annual Review for highlights from the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
Keep Up With Freshwater Fishing
Black Bass Tournament Exemption
Report a Fish Kill
The Fish and Wildlife Health Group at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg, has established a toll-free, statewide, fish kill hotline. The hotline allows the public to report directly to researchers the locations of fish kills and diseased or abnormal fish. Learn how you can report this information.
Bass Aquaculture
Protecting the genetic integrity of the Florida largemouth bass is critical to ensure the long-term viability of this important and iconic Florida gamefish. Learn more about Largemouth Bass Aquaculture.