Not so long ago, a trout topping 10 pounds was a rarity in Florida. Over the last 10 years, as stocks have rebounded in the wake of conservation measures, that figure has been topped in many parts of the state. Certainly a longstanding Hot Spot is the Indian River, particularly around Cocoa Beach and Fort Pierce.

Lower Gulf Coast waterways, especially Pine Island Sound, continue to show signs of improvement, with many anglers reporting catches of trout as long as a man’s leg. Likewise with the Big Bend and northern Gulf areas.