They call Florida the "Fishing Capital of the World' and for good reason. With superb weather year round; 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline; and more than 11,000 miles of rivers, streams & waterways; you can be sure you're always within reach of a place to drop your line. In Flagler County a diversity of sport fishes await you with plenty of coastline for surf fishing and a variety of rivers, lakes and estuaries available for brackish and fresh water fishing.This Flagler Insider prefers the surf variety and can occasionally be found casting her reel out her neighborhood waterhole, the Atlantic. While I cannot attest to my own success in this extremely enjoyable sport, I have basked in the glory of my fishing companion and have been in awe of the fellow fishermen and women who have pulled in some big ones right off our breathtaking coastline. Noteworthy regulars found in Flagler County's coastline include: Whiting, Flounder, Sharks and Rays; however we have some seasonal residents as well: Blues (fall & winter), Pompano (early summer) and Tarpon (mid-late summer).
If you're not into the ocean variety, we have plenty of other fishing spots with your name on it. Boating through the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a local treat that can be enjoyed by visitors from all over. Towing your own boat? Flagler has a myriad of boat launches to choose from. Boat-less? Charters are available for groups of all sizes and if you're looking to paddle while you fish kayaking rentals & tours are offered as well. While you're out on the ICW you'll want to prepare your line for Red Fish, Snook and Sea Trout. Want to hit some freshwater spots? Look no further! Flagler County has an assortment of lakes and fresh water estuaries. Popular places to try your luck are Dead Lake, Silver Lake and the Pellicer Creek where you'll find bass, crappie, perch and the occasional alligator swimming in the calm backwaters.
In order to fish in the State of Florida you have to purchase a permit to fish in fresh and/or saltwater. You can buy them at the Tax Collectors office, online or at most bait shops; however, additional charges may apply if the permits are purchased outside of the Tax Collectors office. The annual breakdown for Florida residents is:
Freshwater - $17
Saltwater - $17
Combo (fresh & salt) - $32.50
For additional permit information and up-to-date fishing regulations please go to:
That's all for this insider. Don't forget to check out http://www.visitflagler.org/ for all of the local hotspots, information on bait shops and local charters. Now get out there and rip some lip!
