Florida Sportsman

Florida Sportsman is the complete fishing magazine for Florida and the Tropics. Devoted to fishing, boating, and outdoor activities in the Sunshine State, Florida Sportsman is the authoritative source for Florida's most active fishermen.

Florida Sportsman

New York State of Mind

Leave No Lure Behind

Pelican Island Pointed the Way • This coastal green space near Vero Beach holds a special place in conservation history. It’s also a great fishery.

Dusky Distinctives • A family-owned South Florida builder of rugged boats with evolving style and features.

NEW GEAR

BIONIC BLUE RUNNER • Handling these primo live baits often makes a huge difference in offshore fishing success.

CASTNETS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW • Catching live bait is part of the game this time of year. Here’s the basics on Florida castnet selection.

FLY TYING HACKS • Make tying more satisfying with these simple tricks.

LIFE JACKETS, LIFE SKILLS • Staying safe on the water is no joke.

MOTV DIGEST • Tips and tactics selected by our editors from episodes of popular fishing, hunting, and shooting series streaming now at My Outdoor TV. www.myoutdoortv.com

Blue Crab Cakes and Bacon Breakfast Stack with Maple Sriracha • Try this cake typically served for breakfast in the northeast for a fresh change of pace.

Don’t Call It A Comeback • Indian River Lagoon seagrass returns; anglers can help scientists track its comeback.

WHIPPER SNAPPER • FLORIDA’S BANTAMWEIGHT SNAPPERS ARE READILY AVAILABLE, A BLAST TO CATCH AND UNBEATABLE ON THE TABLE.

The Varsity Rod • INTERCOLLEGIATE BASS FISHING TAKES OFF, AND FLORIDA IS RIGHT IN THE THICK OF IT.

CATCH THE ATOMIC SUNFISH • Exotic but energetic, Mayan cichlids have earned their place as a worthy freshwater target.

EXOTIC INVASIVE Out of Bounds • Exotic fish continue to proliferate in Florida. Anglers can do their part by reporting catches. Frying some isn’t a bad idea, either.

Making the Cut • An outdoorsman’s perspective on maintaining one of our most important tools.

Easy Florida Fly Fishing • Four fisheries in the Sunshine State ideal for fly casters of all experience levels.

FOUR CARDINAL POINTS OF OFFSHORE LIVE BAITING • Time spent with a topflight tournament crew yields tactical plans that may be applied to many kinds of fishing.

MAY ACTION SPOTTER • OUR REGIONAL EXPERTS GUIDE YOU TO THE HOTSPOTS

Worm Into May

Offshore Spring

May Day

May Lemonade

Sweet Spot

May Migrations

Trout Time

Grouper Grab

Mahi May

Make Hay in May

Summer Is Soon

Sailfish Record Falls Again; Big Ol’ Sheepshead Wins El Cheapo • Live baiters top 1,400 sails in two days.

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

MAY 2025

Backcountry Breakdown • An unlikely outboard motor fix prevents teens from Everglades stranding.