There are some people that want to come down to Florida, dip their lure in the water from a pier, catch a little fish and pull it out without a problem. That’s all fine and dandy if that’s what you are looking for. But what if you are after some of the toughest fish that fight you every step of the way from the first bite, all the way until you reel them in and add them to the collection? What if you want to twist, turn, pull, and scream while you go up against the fiercest fighters that the ocean has to offer? If this sounds like you, then you should know which ones are the toughest Florida fish to catch, and if you are lucky enough to find them, then you’re in for a fight.
Yellowfin Tuna
With big bright yellow fins, and weighing up to 400lbs., these bad boys of the water are no pushovers. Widely regarded as pound-for-pound the toughest catch in the sea, if you reel one of these ones in, then you got yourself a trophy. As fast as greased lightning, and strong as a bull, catching one with a rod and reel is on every battle-hardened angler’s bucket list. Some have fought with them for hours, only to end up with nothing. It takes a lot of work, but boy is it worth it when you win.
Blue Marlin
A fish so close to the hearts of Floridians that it has become almost symbolic of the state itself. Marlins, and in particular the mighty Blue Marlin, are a tough catch. A deep-sea sport fish, they are instantly recognizable for their blue-black bodies, and big sharp bill. They are renowned as sportfish around the world, and if you want to catch one, you better be quick, because they can dart around like nobody’s business. Once you do hook one, they can pull like a mule, and even if you do manage to get one on the boat, that sword on their face isn’t going to make your life any easier.
Tarpon
About 4-8 ft. in length, they aren’t as physically intimidating as the other two on this list, but take it from us, when you tangle with one, they let you know how they feel about getting caught awfully quickly. They are famous for leaping abilities, and great strength for their size. Tournaments throughout the entire year are dedicated to catching them. Most throw them back after they catch one, just make sure to snap a few photos so the guys at the bar don’t think you are telling tall tales.
Catching a sport fish in Florida is one of the great events in an angler’s life, but catching one of these sportfish is the event of a lifetime. These are some of the biggest, baddest, and most difficult swimmers to catch in the water down here. If you can nab one of the toughest fish in Florida, then you have yourself a story for the ages.
