Lake Okeechobee, one of the largest lakes in the country, is located in south central Florida. The lake covers 730 square miles of land area and it has an average depth of approximately 9 feet. Lake Okeechobee contains an estimated 1.05 trillion gallons of water, according to the Lake Okeechobee website. The lake is the second largest freshwater lake in the United States and offers habitation to endangered species such as the wood stork, Everglade snail kite and Okeechobee gourd. Anglers flock to Lake Okeechobee for prized speckled perch and bass fishing. This waterway is a secondary source of drinking water for 6 million residents of the lower east coast and the principle source of drinking water for towns near the lake.
Lake George is closest to the city of Georgetown in Putnam County, Florida, and spreads throughout 46,000 acres of land. The lake is home to many species of marine animals, including blue crabs, stingray and mullet as well as alligators and migrating water birds. Lake George connects to St. John River and a popular fishing location for large mouth bass and bluegill. The Silver Glen, Juniper and Salt Springs all run to the western shoreline of Lake George. Lake George has an average depth of 8 feet and takes second place to Lake Okeechobee as the largest lake in Florida.
St. Johns River, the longest river in Florida, connects to Lake George. Stretching 310 miles, St. Johns River is a common area for seeing dolphins and manatees as well as stingray, bald eagles and alligators. St. Johns River is home to many species of fish --- both fresh and salt water. For commercial fishing, the river is known for having catfish, large-mouth bass and bluegill. Redfish, tarpon and brackish water sea trout are among the saltwater species found in St. Johns River. The river also offers kayaking and canoeing opportunities.
