Bass and their freshwater cousins inhabit just about every piece of freshwater that exists in Florida. Many species also occupy brackish water, near the Gulf or otherwise subject to tidal influence. Let's discuss some of these places.

Local Lakes and Ponds

Literally hundreds of small lakes and ponds dot the landscape of Collier County. Some are natural impoundments, but most are man-made, by community and golf course developers. There are fish (and gators) in almost all of these water. Just don't forget to get permission to gain access and fish in these places; most are privately-owned. Also, don't forget the dozens of so-called "Borrow-Pits" that adjoin public highways. These pits are deep, clearwater resources that have long since given up their rock and soil to raise the elevation of roads and other developments, and they provide excellent fish habitat.

Canals

To provide waterfront homesites and in the alleged interests of flood control, a massive network of freshwater and brackish canals extend throughout Collier County and beyond. The canals adjacent to Alligator Alley (Route I-75), Route 29 and Tamiami Trail East (Route 41) are particularly productive, with many areas also offering access to saltwater fish species. The enclosed Map of the Big Cypress Basin shows the major branches of the county's canal system.