Before fishing for bass anywhere in the state, it is a good idea to check the regulations because countless waterways now have special restrictions as part of the bass restoration effort. The 6,000-acre Farm 13 in Indian River County is a vast shallow water impoundment with some of the finest bass fishing in America. Freshwater fishing in Florida is no longer a simple matter. Not only are there layers of regulations on size and bag limits, now there are serious health considerations. In other Dade County waters, HRS warns that freshwater fish should not be consumed more than once a week.
Similar warnings exist throughout the state s lakes and rivers.
Meanwhile, it is perfectly safe and fun to catch and release fish, even if you don t eat them. Bass fishing runs hot and cold with bigger fish tending to hang near lily pads more in the center of the lake. A dark blue plastic worm with spray glitter is the ticket to action. Caloosahatchee River south of Moore Haven. The shorelines can produce a nice string of bass for a patient fisherman.