Anglers, Go Hit a Grand Slam

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This permit was caught and released in the Florida Keys.

Photo Credit: Steve Bly, Florida Keys News Bureau

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A redfish caught on a fly in Tampa Bay

Photo Credit: Terry Tomalin

Some anglers fish for food, others for trophies. But if you are looking for a real challenge, how about trying to catch multiple species in one day?

Every geographic region of the state has its own “slam.” You can catch trout, red drum, snook and tarpon in Tampa Bay and get a certificate from the state. Travel to The Florida Keys and the species change to permit, bonefish and tarpon.

Sound easy? Not so fast. Fishing for multiple species requires patience, planning and lots of luck. Here’s how to get started:

Catch a tarpon, the silver king of game fish, before 11 a.m., and you’ll still have time for a round of golf in the afternoon.

North Florida Grand Slam

Start your adventure in the northwestern part of the state at St. Joseph Bay near Port St. Joe, where you will have no trouble catching spotted seatrout and red drum.

But cobia, the third member of the North Florida Grand Slam, is a far more elusive prey. This species is caught by anglers who “sight cast” to individual fish as they swim along local beaches. But don’t be discouraged. A good fishing guide will improve your chances of success.

Florida East Coast Grand Slam

Your next challenge is the Florida East Coast Grand Slam. But you will have no problem filling this order in the Indian River Lagoon, one of Florida’s most celebrated fishing grounds. Anglers come from all over the globe just to try to catch a world-record spotted seatrout or red drum.

But, if you want to catch a tarpon, the third member of the Florida East Coast Grand Slam, you will have to time it just right. These tackle-busters are only in the lagoon for a few months of the year. Tarpon are wary prey, and only the most skilled anglers succeed in catching this species in shallow water.

Gulf Coast Grand Slam

On the west coast, fishermen head to Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, two of the most popular inshore fishing areas in Florida, to catch the celebrated Gulf Coast Grand Slam. Both areas have stellar red drum and snook fishing.

If you get an early start on a day with strong tides in the spring or summer, you might be lucky enough to hook both of these species. Catch a tarpon, the silver king of game fish, before 11 a.m., and you’ll still have time for a round of golf in the afternoon.

South Florida Grand Slam

Now that you have caught fish in most areas of the state, head to warmer waters. It’s time to find the tackle piece of the puzzle: the South Florida Grand Slam.

Miami and The Florida Keys are responsible for more world records than most states and even some countries. But bonefish and permit are notoriously angler-shy. The South Florida Grand Slam is probably the hardest of all the slams to catch in one day. But a good guide who knows the water will help you catch a tarpon at first light and then spend the rest of the day hunting the other two. It will take some work, but the reward is well worth the effort.

Before You Go

Florida’s fishing regulations vary not only from season to season, but also from region to region. The fishing is generally better in the spring, summer and fall months in the northern regions of the state. Fall, winter and spring are most productive in the southern areas.

In Florida, both residents and visitors must have a fishing license. Most of the “slam” species can be caught on light, spinning tackle. Tarpon, however, usually require a heavier rod and reel. To learn more, go to FishingCapital.com.