FLORIDA SPORTS

FLORIDA SPORTS

Florida is a captivating destination for all sport lovers of the world. With an amazing repertoire of sporting events that cover baseball, football, fishing, diving, surfing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, golf, motor racing to name a few, no wonder it's considered a paradise for all sport freaks. Read on to find out more about the sports you can participate in this Sunshine State and also the professional sports that you can enjoy watching. If motor sports are what sets your adrenalin rushing, then you're in the right place!

Florida is the venue for various auto and motorcycle racing events including the famous Daytona 500. Also, while in Florida, don't miss the hugely successful Jackonsville Jaguars of the National Football League led by head coach Tom Coughlin, quarterback Mark Brunell and All-Pro wide receiver Jimmy Smith. From the time the Jaguars entered the League in 1995, they have been to the playoffs four times and played in the AFC Championship game twice. Acclaimed to possess the highest winning percentage amongst the 31 teams in the NFL, the Jaguars have also won two AFC Central Division championships. The team is also credited with holding the NFL-best record of 14-2 in 1999.

If it's fishing that takes your fancy, then you have the opportunity to indulge yourself in totally enchanting environs. You will be spoilt for choice in finding the ideal angler's spot. You can decide to fish along the scenic Gulf or Atlantic coast or enjoy the solitude from the shore of a quiet lake. You can also choose to fish from a spring-fed river, pier or bridge, on a boat near the shore. You can even try your hand at deep-sea fishing. If fishing offshore, you are bound to have an exciting time as you spot sail fish, tarpon, kingfish, dolphin, snapper, grouper, wahoo, marlin, barracuda and even sharks. And in case of inland fishing, your prize can consist of bass, perch, bluegill and shad. The largemouth bass found here are said to be the biggest in the country. You can also fish along the shore for trout, sea bass, mackerel, redfish, pompano and snook.

You could charter a private boat for $35 to $250 per person depending on where you want to fish and for how long. Or you can take advantage of the half and full day "party boat" trips that are available from various locations. You will need licenses for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Web site is a good idea to update yourself about the latest updates on rates and regulations. You can purchase licenses online or at tackle shops, sports and recreation stores. You could also try discounting department stores such as Kmart, Walmart and Target.

If its rest and recreation that brings you to Florida, do not worry. For the warm summers and mild winters make Florida an ideal destination for boating, camping, diving, surfing, water skiing or even parasailing. You can laze around, sunbathe, and enjoy the beauty of white beaches and sparkling blue waters. To enjoy surf boarding, body surfing or wave boarding, the east coast is preferred as it has higher surf than the west. The water along the west coast of Florida is warmer than that of the Atlantic coast. Here the water temperature is ideal for swimming longer into the fall and winter. For snorkeling and diving, the keys and panhandles, which have calmer waters, would be a better choice.

Last but not the least, golfing is a very popular sport here. Florida boasts more than 1,000 public, private and semiprivate golf courses; more than in any other state. In certain areas, a dozen courses are available within a short driving distance. You can also do your bit for promoting sporting events in Florida by purchasing a $25 specialty sports tag of your choice. The proceeds go towards youth charity and promoting major as well as regional sports events throughout Florida. Thanks to such generous sports enthusiasts, the tag program generates over $250,000 annually.