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.

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.
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
I saw the fishing exhibit earlier this week at the MFH. Well worth the visit.
Seeing some of these incredible catches gets me pumped up to get out there on the water again. It has been way to long since I have been fishing. That really is one of the best aspects of fishing for me, the anticipation behind not knowing what you might pull up when you get something hooked on your line. Sure you are disappointed more often than not, but sometimes you find yourself with one heck of a catch!
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Definitely an exciting experience