Florida offers unique opportunities for fishing in the fall. Cooling water temperatures can result in great bites this fall.

“In the middle of hurricane season, always make sure to keep track of the weather before you head out,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Greatflorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

As reported this week, a few storms are churning in the tropics. While none look like they are headed toward Florida, anglers need to be aware of dangerous rip currents and high seas as well as possible thunderstorms according to meteorologist at clickorlando.com.

Before you cast your line, you’ll need a fishing license, whether in local waters inland or off shore. There are exceptions for those fishing off a local pier or on a charter boat where a blanket license has you covered. To find out more about Florida fishing licenses, click the links below.

Saltwater license

Freshwater license

Popular catches in the fall in freshwater include bass, crappie and catfish.

In saltwater you can hook, red snapper, grouper, king mackerel, red fish, trout and snook. However, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has temporarily made snook and redfish catch-and-release only from the northernmost point of Anna Maria Island in Manatee County to Gordon Pass in Collier County. This was done through and Executive Order in response to the impact from red tide bloom in southwest Florida. This order is an effect until the next FWC meeting September 26-27.

However, you do not always need a boat to make a good catch. During the fall mullet run, anglers without a boat have the opportunity to catch big game fish.

“When the weather cools down and the visitors clear out, that is when the water really heats up,” says Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent boat insurance agency.

GreatFlorida Insurance can make sure you are fully prepared before you head out to trawl with premium boat insurance at affordable prices. Contact a GreatFlorida Insurance agent to make sure you have proper boat insurance and adequate coverage for all your fishing equipment.

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