I grew up in SW FL (still live here). SW FL has incredible inshore fishing, but the age demographic is 50+ for the most part. You’ll get into younger crowds in the cities (Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville). The fishing is good anywhere in Florida, but my vote would go to Tampa as best all around. Go an hour or so north and you get into crystal river/homosassa area which has incredible snook, trout, and redfish fishing. Go a little over an hour south and you have Charlotte harbor - tarpon capital of the world (in addition to snook, redfish, and trout). Orlando isn’t coastal, but would get you under 2 hours to many places on both coasts (they each have something a little different). It also has some world class bass fishing if that tickles your fancy (don’t see how anyone in Florida could waste time bass fishing when saltwater fish are everywhere) I’ve never fished Jacksonville, but I’ve spent many of hours looking over maps of that area and dreaming of the redfish it looks like that ecosystem would hold. As far as cities go, I’d take Tampa, then Jax, then Orlando. Orlando has too much year round tourism for my liking.
If you know how to cast a rod and tie a knot, you’ll figure it out. I would definitely buy a cast net (8’ to start, go bigger when you get the hang of it) and learn how to throw it. If you can find and catch the bait, you’ll have no problem catching fish. I recently took up fly fishing, and it’s quickly turned into the only way I fish now. Being in Idaho and liking fishing, I imagine you can fly fish.
If you want to stay in the hunting game, Florida is brutal. Almost everywhere requires a drawn tag, and most take a couple of years to draw. If you don’t draw a tag, OTC opportunities are few and far between. Jacksonville would give you the best chance to hunt out of state easily. Georgia is a stone’s throw away and Alabama isn’t far. Duck hunting in Florida can be tough but listening to the swamp wake up and watching alligators swim through your decoys is something else.
I’m currently in the same, and opposite, boat as you. I’ve spent my whole life in Florida, and I’m looking for a change to somewhere out west. However, I’m in my mid 20’s, and I assume I’ll be back to Florida by 40. It’s a special place. Different, sure. But special.
Best of luck to you. If you end up in Florida feel free to PM me and I’ll help you as best I can.
