Striped Bass & Hybrid Striper Fishing In Florida

Guide To Striped Bass Fishing Lakes

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes. Rivers feeding to the ocean are also likely to produce stripers.

Florida is not typically known for its native population of striped bass, but it does offer excellent opportunities for anglers to target hybrid stripers, which are a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass. These fish are highly sought after for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature, making them a popular choice for Florida anglers. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about striped bass and hybrid stripers fishing and identify popular striper waters in the state.

Striper Fishing Video

Learn the basics for catching striped bass.

Several major lakes in Florida provide fantastic striped bass and hybrid striper fishing. One of the top destinations is Lake Talquin, located near Tallahassee. This 8,800-acre reservoir is known for its healthy population of hybrid stripers and offers anglers the chance to reel in some impressive catches. Other notable lakes for striped bass and hybrid striper fishing include Lake Seminole, Lake George, and the Apalachicola River.

When targeting hybrid stripers in Florida, anglers often find success by trolling or casting near drop-offs, submerged structures, and points. These fish are known to gather in schools and can be quite active during feeding times, making them more likely to strike at artificial lures or live bait. Successful techniques include using crankbaits, swimbaits, spoons, and live shad or shiners.

In terms of state records, Florida has recognized some impressive catches of hybrid stripers over the years. The current state record for hybrid striper in Florida stands at over 16 pounds, showcasing the potential for trophy-sized fish in these waters. Anglers seeking a thrilling striped bass fishing experience in Florida will find plenty of excitement targeting these hybrid fish.

It's important to note that regulations and fishing seasons may vary for hybrid stripers in different bodies of water, so anglers should always check the local fishing regulations before heading out. Additionally, catch and release practices are encouraged to help preserve the striped bass and hybrid striper populations for future generations of anglers.

Overall, while native striped bass populations are limited in Florida, the presence of hybrid stripers provides anglers with an exciting opportunity to target these hybrid fish. With the right techniques and knowledge of the best fishing spots, anglers can enjoy a rewarding striped bass and hybrid striper fishing experience in Florida's major lakes and waterways.

Lakes with populations of stripers include Crescent Lake, Crooked Lake, Doctors Lake, Lake Apopka, Lake Eustis, Lake George, Lake Griffin, Lake Harris, Lake Santa Fe, Lake Seminole (Jim Woodruff Reservoir) and Lake Talquin and Tsala Apopka Lake. The St Johns River also has a healthy population of striped bass.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Florida State Record Striped Bass

The state record striped bass was caught from the Apalachicola River.

The state record hybrid striped bass came from Lake Seminole.

Fishing for Stripers in Florida

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check Florida fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

Striped bass fishing information, by state.