Florida Sportsman

Florida Sportsman is the complete fishing magazine for Florida and the Tropics. Devoted to fishing, boating, and outdoor activities in the Sunshine State, Florida Sportsman is the authoritative source for Florida's most active fishermen.

Florida Sportsman

About Our Treasure Hunters

Rally for Our Mighty St. Johns

NEW GEAR

NEW BOATS

WRAPPED WITH RIBBONS • How to catch and store one of the best baits on the blue. And maybe eat a few!

TURN TO THE DOCK SIDE • Docklights are the place to fish in the hottest weeks of summer.

ALL ’BOUT BACKING • The all-important line behind your flyline.

CREEK BASSIN’ • Brackish tidal creeks hold excellent bass fishing, if you’re willing to give them a try!

LIGHTER, STRONGER BUT WAY PRICIER • Are lithium batteries for you?

JETTY LOGIC • Tips on getting your tackle to the water—and keeping your rigs from getting snagged.

Bay Scallop Quesadillas • Score a flavorful Mexican scallop dish.

A Blueprint for Advocacy Emerges • Lessons learned from three recent battles to preserve natural places in Florida.

MOTV DIGEST • Tips and tactics selected by our editors from episodes of popular fishing, hunting, and shooting series streaming now at My Outdoor TV. www.myoutdoortv.com

FLORIDA’S HIDDEN GEMS

DUNE LAKES SHINE ON • EXPLORE THE SECRET DUNE LAKES, WHERE REDFISH AND BASS MINGLE.

A LOCK ON GREAT FISHING • TWO RIVERS, COUNTLESS CREEKS AND VAST EXPANSES OF WILDERNESS MAKE OCHLOCKONEE BAY A GUARANTEE FOR FISHING ACTION.

SHELL MOUND DISCOVERIES • OUR COASTLINE IS DOTTED WITH SHELL MOUNDS; THIS ONE, IN LEVY COUNTY, IS A MUST-VISIT FOR THE ANGLER.

OUTSTANDING HILLSBOROUGH RIVER • EXPLORE THIS FISH-FILLED WILDERNESS TRIBUTARY OF TAMPA BAY.

SWITCH SEASON TURKEY • SPRING IS THE MAGIC SEASON, BUT FLORIDA ALSO OFFERS FALL HUNTING FOR OSCEOLAS AND EASTERNS—AS EARLY AS AUGUST IN SOME PARTS.

RIVER AND LAKE RARITIES • THESE FRESHWATER NATIVES MOSTLY SWIM BEYOND THE SPORTFISHING SPOTLIGHT.

ESTERO RIVER EXPLORED • UNIQUE BLACKWATER ESTUARY ADDS FLAVOR TO THE FISHING MIX IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

TOOTHY TACKLE-TESTERS • EVERYONE, IT SEEMS, IS TALKING ABOUT SHARKS—BUT FEW ARE RIGGING FOR THEM. LET’S CHANGE THAT.

HUNTING FLORIDA’S CREEK BOTTOMS • DEER AND OTHER GAME ABOUND IN COOL, DIM CORRIDORS LACING THE FLORIDA LANDSCAPE.

THE FLORIDA TUNA • HARD FIGHTERS AND EXCELLENT ON THE PLATE, BLACKFINS ARE FINALLY GETTING THE RESPECT THEY DESERVE.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE • RICH IN FORAGE AND CLOSE TO DEEP WATER, THE OCEAN INLETS OF SOUTH FLORIDA HOLD FISHY SURPRISES.

CLEAR RESULTS ON LAKE WORTH • A GRASSROOTS RESTORATION INITIATIVE CATCHING TRACTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY.

SALTWATER FROGGING • REDFISH CAN FIND TOPWATER FROGS SIMILAR TO DRIFTED CRABS.

EYES OUT FOR BEACH TARPON • HOW ONE ANGLER PUTS SILVER KINGS IN THE AIR BY STAYING ON THE MOVE AND BEING READY FOR QUICK LAUNCHES.

AUG/SEPT ACTION SPOTTER • OUR REGIONAL EXPERTS GUIDE YOU TO THE HOTSPOTS

Make Those Backup Plans

Fall Fishing Feels Different

Steamy Redfish Action

Wahoo Can Show In Fall

Snapper Storms Predicted

Tropical Triggers

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Reds and Snook Find a Way

Will Storms Bring Bait?

Change Is In the Air

Transition Time

OUTDOOR DIRECTORY

Not a Lotta Bull • Slow bite at Spanish Fly Shark event; Central Florida anglers rack big fish.

AUGUST 2025

The Fish of a Lifetime? • When it takes three baits to convince a dolphin.