The Best Fishing Spots in the Capital City

By: Nay’Ron Jenkins

With beautiful oak trees and gorgeous lakes, Tallahassee is a freshwater fishing paradise. Whether you're a weekend fisher with a spinning reel or a professional bass hunter with lots of fancy gear, the capital city offers a variety of spots that are accessible and rewarding.

Here are a few fishing spots that I love — some for their beauty and some for their overall experience. So go ahead, grab your gear and bait, and get your line in the water.

1. Maclay Gardens / Lake Hall

The beautiful Maclay Gardens is my favorite spot because of the scenery. Maclay is home to Lake Hall and the Maclay botanical gardens. Lake Hall allows you to relax and fish. I love to use my cane pole for easier reach off the bank. Definitely, the place to be for a relaxing and rewarding fishing trip.

Best for: Peaceful bank fishing for bream and a few catfish
Best Bait: Nightcrawlers or Red worms

2. Lake Talquin

Lake Talquin is another one of my favorites because of how big it is. There are so many different docks and banks to choose from. My favorite spot though is Ben Stoutamire Landing. At the Stoutamire landing you can catch a whole lot of largemouth Bass.

Best for: Large space with big fish
Best Bait: Zooms or any rubber worm

3. Lake Piney Z

Piney Z is a popular spot around the Tallahassee area. That is the only reason why it is not higher on my list. Piney Z is a really nice scenic spot to fish. Although it may not have a botanical garden like Maclay, Piney Z has a pretty nature view with birds and trees. Piney Z’s lake is massive. It is a spot best explored by Jon boat or kayak. Don’t worry if you don’t have a boat because there are plenty of banks and docks to get the job done.

Best for: Jon boat and kayak fishing for bream and shellcrackers
Best Bait: Redworms

4. Lake Jackson

The thing that makes Lake Jackson a great spot is its convenience. I have gotten out of class or football practice numerous times and driven over to Lake Jackson to throw my line in the water for no more than 30 minutes. Lake Jackson is a great place to go if you have limited time but still want to catch a big bass.

Best for: Convenience and easy access
Best Bait: Live shiners and minnows

5. Wacissa River

I have many rewarding experiences fishing on the Wacissa River. The spring-fed water is crystal clear, which makes it easy to see the fish in the water. I recommend light kayaking or canoeing because loud noises often spook the fish. Quiet fishing is what makes this number 5. Other than that, the beautiful water alone would make this spot top 3.

Best for: Quiet relaxing fishing on a kayak
Best Bait: Rubber worms and topwater lures

At the end of the day, fishing in Tallahassee is about more than catching fish. These spots offer peaceful settings, gorgeous views, and memories to last a lifetime. Whether you're enjoying the sunset at Maclay Gardens or a quick stop at Lake Jackson after work, all of these spots have their own magic.

Here I am with a fresh catch from one of my favorite fishing spots in Tallahassee.