Micro Fishing in Florida: Fish You Can’t Leave Without Catching!

Florida, often dubbed the “Fishing Capital of the World,” is not just a haven for big game fish but also a paradise for micro fishing enthusiasts. The state’s vast network of freshwater and saltwater habitats, from the sprawling Everglades to the crystal-clear springs of Central Florida, offers a treasure trove of small fish species waiting to be discovered. Micro fishing, a niche yet growing segment of the angling community, focuses on catching small fish species, often overlooked but equally fascinating. This guide aims to introduce you to the vibrant world of micro fishing in Florida, highlighting the species that are both a challenge and a delight to catch.

1. Invasive Species:

African Jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus): These invasive Cichlids are a common sight in Southern Florida. Their vibrant colors make them stand out and they are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Blood-Red Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis lifalili): Often mistaken for the African Jewelfish they’re a vibrant addition to Florida’s waters. They prefer vegetated areas and are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Brown Hoplo (Hoplosternum littorale): These “armored catfish” are a common sight in Southern Florida. Their armored scales make them stand out and they are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofaciata): These small Cichlids are a challenge to catch due to their size. They can be strong for their size and battling some of them on such light lines can be a feat. Their vertical bars make them stand out and they are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Pike Killifish (Belonesox belizanus): Their needle-like teeth make them a unique catch. They prefer open waters and are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Salvini Cichlid (Cichlasoma salvini): These colorful Cichlids are a sight to behold. They prefer rocky shorelines and are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

2. Madtoms (Ictaluridae):

Speckled Madtom (Noturus leptacanthus): Found in tannic waters, their speckled appearance helps them blend in. They’re bottom dwellers and can be lured using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Tadpole Madtom (Noturus gyrinus): These catfish-like species are nocturnal and prefer sandy or muddy substrates. Their sting can be painful, so handle it with care. They are often attracted to bits of earthworm or doughbait.

3. Minnow Family (Leucicidae):

Blacktail Shiner (Cyprinella venusta): These aggressive fish are often found in flowing waters. Their bold behavior makes them relatively easier to catch using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Coastal Shiner (Notropis petersoni): These small fish prefer clear flowing waters and are often found in streams and rivers. Their distinctive black wedge makes them easy to identify. Anglers often use bits of earthworm or doughbait to attract them.

Golden Shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas): Despite being introduced they’ve become a staple in Florida’s freshwater systems. They are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Ironcolor Shiner (Notropis chalybaeus): These fish are often found in slow-moving waters with dense vegetation. Their unique black pigment inside the mouth is a distinguishing feature. Using bits of earthworm or doughbait can be effective in luring them.

Metallic Shiner (Pteronotropis metallicus): Found in spring-fed streams, their shimmering body is a sight to behold. They’re attracted to bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Redeye Chub (Pteronotropis harperi): A unique species with small barbels and yellow arcs on its head they prefer sandy or rocky substrates in streams. Their curious nature makes them a fun catch for micro anglers.

Weed Shiner (Notropis texanus): Preferring vegetated areas in freshwater habitats the Weed Shiner is a versatile species that can adapt to various environments. Their resemblance to other shiners makes them a challenge to identify, but their abundance ensures a fun catch.

Western Flagfin Shiner (Pteronotropis signipinnis): These fish thrive in the cooler waters of the Panhandle region. Their red fins are a distinguishing feature and they are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

4. Pirate Perch (Aphredoderidae):

Pirate Perch (Aphredoderus sayanus): These nocturnal fish are a mystery to many anglers. Likely places to catch them are around roadside culverts. They prefer murky waters with dense vegetation and are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

5. Pupfish (Cyprinodontidae):

Goldspotted Killifish (Floridichthys carpio): Their gold speckles make them a beautiful catch. They are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Sheepshead Minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus): These salt-tolerant fish are often found in grassy bays. Their aggressive nature makes them a fun catch on light tackle.

6. Silversides, Livebearers, and Anchovies:

Atlantic Silverside (Menidia menidia): These fish are often found in brackish waters near estuaries. Their translucent body shimmers under sunlight making them a beautiful catch. They’re often attracted to bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki): Often introduced globally as a natural mosquito control they’re found in stagnant waters. They are not picky eaters so they can be caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Hardhead Silverside (Atherinomorus stipes): These saltwater fish are often found in shallow flats. Their large eyes give them excellent vision so stealth is crucial when approaching them.

Inland Silverside (Menidia beryllina): Unlike their Atlantic counterparts they’re found in freshwater habitats. Their clear appearance makes them blend seamlessly with their surroundings, so patience is key when targeting them.

Mangrove Gambusia (Gambusia rhizophorae): As the name suggests they’re found in mangrove habitats. Their blue-tinted eyes are a distinguishing feature and they are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna): A live-bearing species that can be found in both freshwater and brackish environments. They are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Southern Brook Silverside (Labidesthes vanhyningi): Preferring calm waters with dense vegetation, they’re challenging to catch due to their slender body. Tiny hooks with bits of earthworm or doughbait work best.

Tidewater Silverside (Menidia peninsulae): Found in brackish waters their slender body makes them a challenge to catch but their abundance ensures a fun experience.

7. Sunfish (Centrarchidae):

Bantam Sunfish (Lepomis symmetricus): One of the smallest sunfish species they’re a challenge to catch due to their size. Their unique pattern makes them stand out and they are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Blue-spotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus): These small sunfish are often found in vegetated areas. Their blue spots make them stand out and they are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Dollar Sunfish (Lepomis marginatus): These small sunfish are a delight to catch on light tackle. Their round body and vibrant colors make them stand out. They prefer vegetated areas and are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Everglades Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma evergladei): Native to Florida these tiny sunfish are a sight to behold. Their dark body with iridescent blue spots makes them stand out. They prefer vegetated areas and are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

8. Topminnows and Killifish (Fundulidae):

Bluefin Killifish (Lucania goodei): Abundant in various habitats, males display a vibrant blue fin. They’re often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Diamond Killifish (Fundulus xenica): Their diamond shape and vertical bars make them stand out. They’re a rare catch for many anglers and are often found in brackish waters.

Gulf Killifish (Fundulus grandis): Abundant in the Gulf and they’re a common catch for many anglers. Their size makes them a challenge on light tackle.

Lined Topminnow (Fundulus lineolatus): Abundant in various habitats males and females display distinct colors. They’re often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Longnose Killifish (Fundulus similis): Slightly larger than the Striped Killifish they’re a fun catch on light tackle. They prefer open waters and are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Lowland Topminnow (Fundulus blairae): Found in the panhandle they’re a rare catch for many anglers. Their elusive nature makes them a prized catch.

Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus): Abundant in brackish waters they’re a staple for many micro anglers. They’re often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Rainwater Killifish (Lucania parva): Abundant and versatile they can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. They’re often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Saltmarsh Topminnow (Fundulus jenkinsi): Rare and elusive they’re a prized catch for many micro anglers. They prefer salt marshes and are often caught using bits of earthworm or doughbait.

Striped Killifish (Fundulus majalis): Common in tidal waters they’re often confused with the Longnose Killifish. Their vertical stripes are a distinguishing feature.

Catch These Fish Species If You Can While in Florida

Florida’s micro fishing scene is a testament to the state’s rich biodiversity. From the shimmering silversides to the vibrant sunfish, each species offers a unique challenge and reward for anglers. As the popularity of micro fishing continues to grow, it’s essential to practice sustainable fishing methods to ensure these species thrive for future generations. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, the thrill of catching these tiny wonders is unmatched. So, the next time you’re in Florida, don’t miss out on the chance to dive into the world of micro fishing and discover the hidden gems of the aquatic world.