UTERHybrid striped bass fishing in Florida freshwater
In Florida freshwater, hybrid striped bass peak August–April and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Hybrids under the St. Johns and Ocklawaha bridges and the Apalachicola tailwater.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Hybrid striped bass in Florida freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakHybrids under the St. Johns and Ocklawaha bridges and the Apalachicola tailwater.
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilPeak
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish hybrid striped bass near Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee chain, St. Johns River
The bass capital: Okeechobee, the Kissimmee chain and the phosphate pits for trophy Florida-strain largemouth, the St. Johns for shad and specks, the spring-fed rivers of the north, and South Florida's canals full of peacocks and exotic cichlids.
What to use for hybrid striped bass
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–88°F water, best at 58–78°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch hybrid striped bass in Florida freshwater?
Peak season is August–April. Hybrid striped bass are here year-round. January: Hybrids under the St. Johns and Ocklawaha bridges and the Apalachicola tailwater.
Where do hybrid striped bass hold in Florida freshwater?
Look on lake, river, bridge — around Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee chain, St. Johns River, Harris chain, Lake Istokpoga, Miami-Dade canals.
What is the best bait for hybrid striped bass in Florida freshwater?
Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for hybrid striped bass in Florida freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change — read the current rule at https://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/.
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All about hybrid striped bass · Florida fresh water, the whole year