There are at least 32 species of fish commonly caught in the numerous lakes, ponds, canals and rivers throughout Southwest Florida. The anglers pursuing the most popular of these freshwater game fish are locally referred to as either bass fisherman, "perch jerkers", pan fisherman or catfishermen, depending upon the object of their pursuit. The most common and popular of these are shown below:

Largemouth Bass

Without a doubt the most sought after game fish is the Florida largemouth bass. Whether fishing from the bank with a cane pole and shiner, or in a modern high tech bass boat with an armful of rods and reels and a dozen tackle boxes filled with lures, the Florida largemouth bass is the main target of the majority of anglers. Many of these lure busting monsters in the 10 to 12 pound range are taken every year in local waters.

Largemouth Bass / Spotted Bass / Redeye Bass / Shoal Bass / Suwannee Bass

Catfish

The yellow and brown bullhead, followed by the channel catfish, are the most abundant in the area. They are favored by sportsman for the delicious table fare that they provide. Also harvested commercially, mainly on Lake Okeechobee, and their tasty fillets are served as an "all you can eat" favorite in most area restaurants.

"Panfish"

Every freshwater river, canal, lake and pond in S.W. Florida is abundant with what is locally referred to as "panfish" for the thick tasty fillets they provide. The term actually covers a wide variety of pan sized fish in the sunfish family . These include, but are not limited to, the following: bluegill, bream, warmouth, and the most sought after, redeared sunfish, locally referred to as a "shellcracker" for its diet of aquatic snails. Another favorite is the exotic oscar, which has flourished in the hundreds of miles of canals in the area. An angler needs only to arm themselves with a cane pole and a can of worms or crickets for guaranteed success in catching supper. However, most anglers opt for the ultra-light spinning outfits with tiny spinners and spoons, or the fly rod with popping bugs. Catches of fifty or more a day are common.

Chain Pickerel

While not particularly sought after, the pickerel must still be considered a game fish for it's savage attacks on the lures most commonly thrown by bass fisherman. They are fast, tackle busting acrobatic fighters. While edible, they are usually released due the many pesky little bones in their fillets.

Crappie

Also locally called speckled perch or "specks" and considered as the favorite of the "perch jerkers" or crappie fisherman that pursue them. These quick striking fish fall for a variety of lures - everything from live minnows to small spinners and jigs. They congregate in large schools and once located, provide the angler with plenty of action and a great fish fry.

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