With thousands of lakes, rivers, springs, and swamps, Florida has a wealth of fishing opportunities. The famous tarpon and marlin swim the southwestern coast and the Keys. Bizarre and unique species include the giant manta rays and sawfish. Florida has attracted the curious and ambitious to test its waters for centuries.

Fishermen with goliath grouper at Jupiter Inlet (1910s)

Men standing around Sawfish and Bonito shark: Key West, Florida (1911)

Portrait of author Ernest Hemingway posing with sailfish: Key West, Florida (1940s)

Mr. John Hachmeister and Mrs. Earl Baum admiring a 1,200 lb manta ray caught by Forrest Walker (1938)

The state’s fertile waters have provided a wealth of food species, from small-scale family operations to large-scale industrial enterprises. While the years of harvesting have taken significant tolls on sensitive fisheries and ecosystems, Florida’s marine environments remain principle economic and cultural hallmarks of the state.

Grouper caught in the Halifax River displayed at Gene Johnson’s Tackle Shop: Daytona Beach, Florida picture (1920s)

Whale shark recovered from shallow water (1912) The fish weighed 30,000 pounds and was 45 feet long.

Fishermen and their catch of a 350 lb. shark: Saint Petersburg, Florida (1918)

See “The Lure of Florida Fishing,” an exhibit now on display at the Museum of Florida History, 500 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Tags: Fishing