Fresh Water Adviser

While feisty largemouth are certainly exciting, don't overlook an even greater gem that's readily available in many parts of the state—striped bass.

Stripers are arguably the Eastern Seaboard's most attainable game fish, yet it's not too often you hear Florida anglers swapping fish tales about a red-hot stripa' bite. Maybe you're one of the many transients who have never even imagined that striped bass swim in state waters. It's quite possible no one told you that there are several lakes, rivers and tributaries where these glamorous sport fish can indeed be targeted.

Ribbit Your Way To Bruiser Bass

Across Florida, thick weed mats, lily pads and floating vegetation dominate the vast majority of freshwater venues. This presents the ideal scenario as big bass often seek heavy cover in the form of aquatic vegetation to escape temperature extremes, ambush prey, and protect themselves from predation.

Deep in the 'Glades lives wicked wildlife and big bass!

Up until recently, most of what I knew about largemouth bass fishing came from Carl Hiaasen's novel, Double Whammy. Though in recollection, I have to admit my bass fishing career started when I moved into a lakefront property 10-years ago. Shortly thereafter, famed Captain Alan Zaremba came over to teach me how to properly fish the lake.

Conquering South Florida's Exotic Explosion

It's an undeniable fact that South Florida is an incredibly diverse community that's rich with culture and heritage. While the streets are full of local flavor, the numerous backwater ponds, hidden lakes, golf course lakes and urban canal systems offer even greater diversity. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), 32 exotic fish species have been found reproducing in Florida's freshwater.