Take Kids Fishing In Florida
Ideas and locations to take kids fishing in FL.
Fishing and the great outdoors offers kids an alternative to many influences they encounter in their busy lives today. A single fishing trip could be the turning point in a young life, and we encourage you to invest the time in Florida kids. The rewards are endless and it takes so little effort. The purpose of this page is to share the basics about taking kids fishing, urban fishing locations and tips to make it fun by keeping it simple.
Florida is a fantastic destination for kids fishing options. With its abundant waterways and diverse fish populations, there are plenty of opportunities for children to cast their lines and catch some exciting fish species.
Kids Fishing Video
One of the most popular fish species for kids to target in Florida is the sunfish, which includes species like bluegill and redear sunfish. These fish are abundant in many urban fishing locations throughout the state and are known for their willingness to bite and put up a fun fight for young anglers. Sunfish can be found in ponds, lakes, and even small creeks, making them easily accessible for families.
Another popular fish species for kids to target is the catfish. Channel catfish, in particular, are a common catch in many urban fishing locations in Florida. These fish are known for their scavenging behavior and can be caught using a variety of bait, including worms, chicken liver, or prepared catfish bait. Catfish are often found in deeper areas of lakes and ponds, providing a fun challenge for young anglers.
In addition to sunfish and catfish, other fish species that kids may encounter while fishing in urban areas of Florida include largemouth bass, crappie, and tilapia. These fish can be found in lakes, retention ponds, and even canals. They provide a mix of excitement and opportunity for children to learn about different fish species and develop their fishing skills.
Many urban fishing locations in Florida are designed with families in mind. These areas often have amenities such as fishing piers, accessible fishing platforms, and picnic areas, making them ideal for a day of fishing and outdoor fun. Some popular urban fishing locations for kids in Florida include Lake Alice in Gainesville, Lake Roland in Orlando, and Sadowski Park in Key Colony Beach.
It's important for kids to have a positive fishing experience, so it's recommended to start with simple fishing techniques and age-appropriate gear. Using lightweight rods and reels, along with small hooks and bobbers, can help kids feel more successful and engaged in the fishing process. Additionally, teaching children about catch and release practices and the importance of conserving fish populations will instill a sense of environmental stewardship.
Fishing in urban areas of Florida provides a great opportunity for kids to connect with nature, learn about different fish species, and develop a lifelong love for angling. With the right equipment, knowledge, and guidance from adults, children can create lasting memories while enjoying the thrill of fishing in Florida's urban environments.
Places in Florida to take kids fishing
Consider these small lakes, ponds, creeks and urban fishing locations as places to take a kid fishing in the Sunshine State.
Boca Raton
- Cliff Lake Park
- Colee Hammock Park
- Hugh Taylor Birch Park
- Mills Pond Park
- Riverland Woods Park
- Snyder Park
- Tarpon Cove Park
- Townsend Park
Callahan
- Amelia Island Park
Cape Coral
- Horton Park
Charlotte
- Myakka River State Park
Clearwater
- Bartlett Park
- Boyd Hill Park
- Chautauqua Park
- Childs Park Lake
- Cliff Stephens Park
- Cook Park
- Crescent Lake Park
- Demens Landing Park
- Fossil Park
- Mirror Lake Park
Everglades
- Dry Tortugas Nat'l Park
Gainsville
- Nature Park
- Ritterhoff Park
- Tuscawilla Park
Jacksonville
- Fort George River
- Huguenot Memorial Park
- Kathryn Abby Hanna Park
Kissimmee
- Lake Kissimmee
- Lake Tohopekaliga
Lakeland
- Lake Bonny Shore Park
- Lake Hollingsworth Park
- Lake Parker Park
- Lake Somerset Park
- Peterson Park
- Sertoma Park
Miami
- Biscayne National Park
- Charles Hadley Park
- Jose Marti Park
- Oleta River State Park
Orlando
- Barber Park
- Bithlo Community Park
- Blanchard Park
- Crystal Lake Park
- Downey Park
- Gordon Barnett Park
- Hourglass Park
- Lake Baldwin
- Lake Fairview Park
- Lake Ivanhoe Park
- Lake Underhill Park
- Lawne Lake
- Magnolia Park
- Millennium Park
- Roosevelt Martin Park
- Shadow Bay Park Ponds
Palm Beach
- Boat Club Park
- Knowles Park
- Lake Mangonia Park
- Okeeheelee Park
- Pioneer Canal Park
- Quiet Waters Park
- Sand Hill Crane Park
- South Beach Park
Panama City
- St. Andrews State Park
Pensacola
- Big Lagoon State Park
- Escambia River
- Perdido Key State Park
- Wayside Park
Tallahassee
- Lake Talquin State park
Tampa
- Al Lopez Park
- Bobby Hicks Park
- Cypress Point Park
- Davis Islands Park
- DeSoto Park
- Egmont Key State Park
- Gadsden Park
- Lowry Park
- Picnic Island Beach
- Rivercove Park
- Riverside Garden Park
- Rowlett Park
- Sulphur Springs Park
- Tappan Park
- Tony Janus Park
Top 3 tips for taking kids fishing in FL
1. Make sure that the goal is to have fun. Catching fish is a bonus.
2. Keep it simple. Simple tackle, techniques and locations.
3. Keep the focus on the kids. Be a hero by helping them enjoy the day.
Click here for additional tips to create a successful day of fishing for kids.
Taking Children on Their First Fishing Trip
Youngsters with their prized catch
Caleb Walker, age 5, shows off his first bass on an artificial worm.
Aidan Hess, age 5, showing his cousin he can also catch bass on an artificial worm.
Collin T Bellomy, age 3, caught this nice 5-pound bass in the Withlacoochee River.
Kids, fishing and smiles naturally go together. Take a kid fishing and you just might change the course of their life. Then take pictures and send us one of them holding their prized catch. We will happily post it here.
See additional tips, ideas and instructions for taking kids fishing.
Kids fishing locations and information, by state.
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FLORIDA
