General Information Known by most as the Sunshine State for its sandy beaches and warm climate, this 447-mile-peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west has another 58,560 square miles of inland water, making it a haven for anglers in search of warmwater fishing. Mostly flat, Florida's pine forestland soon gives way to the vast wilderness region of the Everglades--mangrove swamps and muddy ponds sculpted by the rise and fall of the tides. The Florida Keys are the southernmost point in the continental U.S. before the islands meet Cuba. Capital City: Tallahassee Largest City: Jacksonville National Parks and Forests: Apalachicola National Forest Biscayne National Park Canaveral National Seashore Everglades National Park Gulf Island National Seashore Ocala National Forest Osceola National Forest Sport Fishing Florida easily boasts some of the best angling in the U.S. It has over 30,000 freshwater lakes, ponds and drainages which are relatively shallow. All produce largemouth and smallmouth bass, black bass, catfish, chain pickerel, bream, bluegill, and gar to some degree. A subspecies of the largemouth bass known as the Florida bass is a favorite among anglers, as it can attain weights of over 10 pounds. Lake Okeechobee, covers 700 square-miles and is a favorite and popular destination for Florida bass anglers. Florida's coastline on the eastern and western part of the state is often bypassed by anglers headed for the southwestern Everglades and the Florida Keys, yet each is of some value to the angler. Limited by cooler water temperatures, both coasts produce some good fishing in warmer months for drum, tarpon, snook, spotted sea trout, sheepshead, croaker and whiting. Moving farther south, the coast becomes more tropical in nature, and bluefish, Spanish mackerel, bonefish, and larger tarpon are common in the warmer months. The Florida Keys are a famed destination for anglers in search of bonefish, tarpon and permit along the many miles of flats and tidal rivers. Offshore anglers often encounter sailfish, kingfish, dolphin, jack crevalle, and amberjack. Hunting Florida's many pine forests, bayous and flat lowlands create habitat for a limited number of species. White-tailed deer and wild hog are probably the most popular big-game animals. Several game birds are found in Florida. The wild turkey is quite popular due to its wide range of concentration throughout the state. Quail are also favorites among bird hunters in the Sunshine State. Migratory birds often taken are white-wing dove, mourning dove, coots, woodcock, crow, rails, snipe, moorhens and waterfowl. For information on licensing, seasons, limits, rules and regulations, please visit the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission website.