Fishing can be a fantastic way for families to spend quality time together while discovering Florida’s great outdoors. If you were lucky enough to grow up with a parent, grandparent or family member who introduced you to fishing, some of your favorite childhood memories probably include a red and white bobber and a bluegill. Florida is the ideal place to learn the art of angling because there are an abundance of family-friendly fishing spots.
Not sure exactly where to go? Just hop in your RV, car or truck and check out one of these Florida family-friendly fishing spots.
Family-Friendly Fishing Spots
- Naples Pier, Naples. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the Naples Pier is accessible at the West end of 12th Avenue South. Saltwater anglers of all skill levels will appreciate fishing fro the Naples Pier, particularly at sunset. Since this Naples fishing spot has restrooms, a shaded eating area, and concession stand, it meets our family-friendly criteria.
- John Yarbrough Linear Park, Fort Myers. Families can fish the Ten Mile Canal that runs alongside this Lee County Park. Just bring along a bucket of shiners or red wigglers and find out if the largemouth bass are hungry. When the bite slows down, you can relax under a shaded picnic pavilion or walk down the paved multi-use trail.
- Sanibel Island Causeway, Sanibel. Not only is the Sanibel Island Causeway one of the most stunning spots in Southwest Florida, it also provides great opportunities for saltwater fishing. Check the tide tables, buy a bucket of shrimp, and cast your bait out from the sandy shoreline to catch species such as spotted seatrout, snook, jack crevalle, and pompano.
- Webb Lake, Punta Gorda. Fish for largemouth bass or bluegill from the shore or shaded fishing pier at Webb Lake near Punta Gorda. Webb Lake is a man-made 395-acre lake located at the Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area in Charlotte County. There are plenty of covered picnic tables around the perimeter of the lake, and you’ll find restrooms near the Marl Ponds at the entrance of Babcock-Webb.
- Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey. At Oscar Scherer State Park, you can go freshwater fishing on Lake Osprey or saltwater fishing from the creek banks, so take your pick. In addition to fishing, the park offers family-friendly opportunities for canoeing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, bicycling, camping and wildlife viewing.
- Turkey Lake, Orlando. Shoreline fishing at Turkey Lake is available anytime during park hours or 24 hours a day for those camping at Bill Frederick Park. At the park, you’ll have access to RV hookups, campsites, primitive cabins, a swimming pool, picnic pavilions and bathrooms, a playground, a Frisbee golf course and a “mock-up” of an old historic Florida farm. For boat loaner reservations or information on the park call Bill Frederick Park.
- Kissimmee State Park, Kissimmee. Take a kid fishing at one of the picturesque lakes (Lakes Kissimmee, Rosalie and Tiger) at Kissimmee State Park. This is one spot not to miss if you are in the Orlando-area due to the variety of species. Catch largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, chain pickerel or bluegill from the canal banks, from the marina, or from a boat. The marina includes accessible parking spaces, restrooms and a fishing area. When the family is ready for a break from the sunshine, take advantage of the large, shaded picnic area. Kissimmee State Park also has full-facility campsites, as well as a primitive camping facility.
- Suwannee River, Mayo. Campgrounds and motels are available in nearby Chiefland, Cross City and Old Town. Anglers of all ages can cast for largemouth bass in the river or in freshwater creeks. Besides, there is something very special about the Suwannee and its tributaries — they are home to the Suwannnee Bass. While this species is smaller than a largemouth bass, it has a very distinctive feature: red eyes. Redfish and speckled trout are found in grass beds at the mouth of the river as well.
- Kathryn Abbey Hannah Park Lake, Jacksonville. Explore the 60-acre freshwater lake at Kathryn Abbey Hannah Park or go saltwater fishing from the 1.5 miles of sandy shoreline. When the kids have had enough fishing and are ready to cool off, take them to the Kids Splash Park that is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In addition to the family-friendly fishing spots at Kathryn Abbey Hannah Park, there are over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails for the family to take advantage of.
- Lake Osborne, Lake Worth. If you have plans to travel to Palm Beach County, don’t go without making a stop at Lake Osborne (365-acres) to wet a line. Much of this lake is surrounded by John Prince Park, so there is plenty of bank access for fishing. The park has a public boat ramp, fishing dock, picnic pavilions, a campground, and public restrooms.
Now that you know about 10 family-friendly fishing spots to visit in Florida, purchase your Florida fishing license, take your favorite anglers, your tackle box, and hit the road. If you’re ready to buy or upgrade an RV for your Florida outdoor adventures, call Easy Escapes RV at (863) 450-4915. Do you have any special family fishing photos or memories to share? Head over to our Facebook Page and share your experiences.