Pothole Fishing in Florida

The theory in Florida is that if it has water, it has fish. That’s not far from the truth in the fishing capital of the world. The smallest roadside ditch may surprise you by hiding one of the biggest lunkers you’ve ever seen. Of course, the deep sea and coastal fishing in Florida is amazing, but let’s forget about that for a minute: We want to talk about potholes.

As you drive around southern Florida (from about Lake Okeechobee or below), you’ll notice every few miles or so you are driving over, alongside or around another waterway. The further south you go, the more prominent these become; you are, in fact, driving across the world’s widest river, the Everglades. Anyway, all of those little pools and rivulets and — what seems like — puddles are known as potholes. There is a good chance there are fish lurking in them.

This is some of the state’s most interesting and rewarding fishing. You can pull off the road at any of these (as long as there is not a No Fishing sign) and you’ll find something new at each one. Sometimes you’ll find freshwater potholes, sometimes saltwater. Sometimes (and this used to be the best pothole in the state until word got ‘round), you’ll find freshwater on one side of the road and salt on the other.

The most common freshwater fish are bass, pickerel, gar and warmouth. But the fish are only part of the fun; you can expect to see all sorts of wildlife on your trip as well, from birds to bobcats. Besides, there is the intrigue of what’s at the next pothole.

The most-rewarding drive for pothole fishing and all its benefits is the Tamiami Trail from Naples to Miami. And off of that, County Road 29 to Everglades City.

Good luck and watch out; most potholes also have a resident alligator or two.