From the Panhandle to the Keys, there are plenty of places in Florida that call themselves fishing lodges. But if you’re looking for a sporting club that truly delivers—on the water and at the lodge—there are only a handful of places that get it right.
Some will put you up in a cramped cabin and call it “rustic.” Some are little more than glorified motels. Some will send you out with guides who know just enough to get by.
And too many so-called “fishing resorts” rely on the same tired formula—throw up some fishing-themed wall art, slap a few mounted trophies on the walls, and hope the atmosphere carries the experience.
That’s not Econfina Sporting Club.
This is Florida’s Big Bend at its best—raw, untouched, and packed with game fish. And at the heart of it all, Econfina Sporting Club delivers an experience designed for those who expect more. Think world-class fishing, incredible waterfowl hunting, and a true luxury fishing lodge experience as refined as it is comfortable.
Every detail at Econfina Sporting Club is built around the idea that a true sporting lodge should enhance the experience, not just serve as a place to sleep between outings.
If you’re looking for a place that understands what a real hunting and fishing resort should be—you’ve found it.
The Best of Florida’s Fishing Lodges
Econfina Sporting Club isn’t only a place to stay—it’s a place to return to. The lodge is equal parts refined and relaxed—built for guests who appreciate comfort, but don’t need to be coddled. Every room is private, spacious, and outfitted with plush bedding, private bathrooms, and views that remind you why you came here in the first place.
Modern touches like Wi-Fi and high-definition TVs are there if you want them, but the real draw is the common areas—designed for winding down, swapping stories, and enjoying a well-poured drink at the end of the day.
Speaking of which, the bar is stocked, the spirit list is curated, and the meals? Let’s just say they’re the kind you remember having. The chefs serve up gourmet dishes that don’t just “elevate” the sporting lodge experience—they define it. And if you’d like your own fresh catch prepared, that can be arranged.
Fishing the Big Bend: Unspoiled Waters, Serious Fish
Econfina Sporting Club offers direct access to some of the most productive, untouched fishing grounds in Florida. Flats, backcountry, freshwater—whatever you’re after, it’s here.
Saltwater Fishing
The waters surrounding Econfina Sporting Club are a saltwater fisherman’s paradise, offering a wide range of fishing environments where skill, patience, and the right presentation are rewarded with aggressive strikes.
Whether you prefer to stalk fish in the shallows, work the backcountry, or chase down some of the hard-fighting seasonal visitors, these are some of the best fishing accomodations Florida has to offer.
Shallow Flats: The Art of Sight Fishing
The shallow, crystal-clear flats are home to redfish, trout, and cobia, presenting you with the kind of sight-fishing opportunities that keep experienced sport fishermen coming back.
Redfish push wakes across the skinny water, their tails breaking the surface as they root for crustaceans along the seagrass beds. Well-placed casts with soft plastics, topwater plugs, or live bait can turn into a drag-screaming fight in an instant. Speckled trout also roam the same waters, and they often hold near deeper troughs or sandy potholes. In the early mornings and late afternoons, they’ll crush topwater lures with explosive strikes.
The cooler months bring trophy-class fish into the shallows, making it “prime time” for those looking to land a true gator trout.
Cobia add an extra layer of excitement—especially when they cruise behind stingrays, or follow sharks in search of an easy meal. These fish will hammer live baits, jigs, or even well-presented flies, putting fishermen to the test with their bulldog runs and relentless stamina.
Backcountry Waters: A Tactical Challenge
Here among the winding creeks, oyster bars, and hidden estuaries, the backcountry fishing at Econfina is all about precision and patience. Here, black drum and sheepshead present a unique challenge—both species are notorious for their finicky feeding habits, requiring finesse presentations and an angler who knows how to read the water.
Black drum, often found tailing in the shallows much like redfish, require a careful approach. They’ll take natural baits like shrimp or crabs readily, but landing the larger specimens—some reaching well over 40 pounds—demands both skill and the right tackle.
Sheepshead lurk around structure, using their notorious bait-stealing skills to frustrate even the most seasoned fishermen. Getting them to commit requires patience, precision, and a keen eye for subtle bites.
For sportfishermen who enjoy exploring less-pressured waters, the backcountry offers the perfect escape. The solitude, the strategic casting, and the incredible battles make it a can’t-miss experience.
The Tarpon Migration: The Ultimate Showdown
If there’s one event that gets the heart racing, it’s tarpon season. From May through July, Florida’s Big Bend transforms into a key battleground for anglers looking to go head-to-head with the Silver King. These massive fish, often exceeding 100lbs (with the current state record at 243 lbs), explode through the water with aerial acrobatics that defy belief.
The moment it smashes a bait and takes off in a wild, reel-peeling run, it’s all about endurance—both yours and the tarpon’s. The fight can last upwards of an hour, with jumps, head shakes, and long-distance runs that test even the best gear. Whether you’re sight casting in the shallows, drifting a live mullet, or launching a well-timed fly, hooking into a tarpon is an experience that stays with you long after the battle is won (or lost).
Freshwater Fishing
The lakes and rivers around Econfina are just as packed as the saltwater fishery, offering year-round opportunities for sport fishermen who like targeting freshwater species. With plenty of rich, fertile waters and little pressure from other fishermen, these areas produce largemouth bass that hit hard and fight like they mean it.
Bass Fishing: Big Bites & Aggressive Strikes
Spring and fall are a great time to target largemouth bass, when they’re at their most aggressive, and ready to hit topwater baits with reckless abandon.
In the spring, as they prepare to spawn, big females move into the shallows, attacking frogs, poppers, and buzzbaits with the kind of ferocity that makes every cast an opportunity for a personal best.
During the fall feeding frenzy, bass bulk up before winter, ambushing baitfish and striking with explosive energy. Fast-moving crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits can trigger vicious reaction bites, making for some of the most action-packed fishing of the year.
Summer Tactics: Beating the Heat for Bigger Bites
As the summer heat settles in, the game changes. The best action happens in the early morning hours and just before sundown, when bass move into the shallows to hunt. Working a topwater lure at first light can lead to heart-stopping blowups, while a well-placed soft plastic in shaded areas can entice strikes even on the hottest days.
For those willing to go deep, the midday bite can still be productive. Fishing drop-offs, submerged structure, or lily pad edges with jigs, worms, and slow-rolled spinnerbaits can produce some true giants.
No matter the season, the freshwater fishing at Econfina offers a change of pace from the saltwater action while still delivering the kind of fights that make every trip worthwhile.
Fishing with Econfina means fishing with guides who know these waters inside and out. They won’t waste your time, they won’t take you to tourist traps, and they’ll put you in the best possible position to catch the fish you came for.
Duck Hunting in the Big Bend: Florida’s Best-Kept Secret
For sportsmen who appreciate both the thrill of wingshooting and the challenge of sight fishing, Econfina Sporting Club offers the perfect balance—mornings spent calling in ducks over the marsh, followed by afternoons stalking redfish in the shallows, all with the comfort of a top-tier lodge to return to at the end of the day.
For those who know, Florida’s Big Bend is a waterfowler’s paradise. Econfina Sporting Club is located on private land with access to marshes, coastal estuaries, and shallow bays that attract a huge variety of ducks throughout the season.
With exclusive access to prime duck hunting habitats, you can start your morning in the blind, calling in pintails and redheads, then transition seamlessly to an afternoon on the flats, chasing redfish and trout. It’s the kind of well-rounded sporting experience that sets this lodge apart, offering a level of adventure and variety you won’t find at just any fishing lodge in The Sunshine State.
- Teal, pintails, redheads, canvasbacks—you name it.
- Professionally managed habitats ensure a productive hunt.
- Expert guides handle the logistics, so you can focus on the shot.
And for those who want to do it all, we offer Blast and Cast days—morning duck hunts followed by an afternoon chasing fish. Few things beat a sunrise in the blind followed by an afternoon on the flats.
A great morning in the blind deserves a proper place to unwind, and that’s where Econfina truly sets itself apart. After the hunt, return to the lodge for a hot breakfast, a stiff drink, and a place to swap stories before the afternoon’s adventures. Whether you’re heading back out for a fishing trip, relaxing with a bourbon, or just taking in the quiet beauty of the Big Bend, the experience doesn’t end when the guns are put away.
The Econfina Experience: For Those Who Want a Fishing Resort Done Right
This isn’t a “rustic getaway.” It’s a sporting club made for those who know what they’re doing and expect a certain standard.
At Econfina Sporting Club, you get:
- Private, well-appointed rooms with the space and comfort you need.
- Fine dining and premium drinks—because good food and a good drink matter after a day on the water.
- A no-nonsense, expertly guided fishing and hunting experience.
- A setting that stays true to what Old Florida was meant to be.
Some places promise a “luxury lodge experience.” Econfina Sporting Club delivers it.
Book Your Stay
If you’re looking for a fishing and hunting trip where every detail is handled, every experience is top-tier, and the lodge is just as much a part of the adventure as the water or the blind, Econfina Sporting Club is your spot.
Experience Florida sporting at its finest—Reserve your stay today.
