These 20 Rare Photos Show Florida’s Fishing History Like Never Before

If you live in Florida, you're probably aware of the popularity of fishing, both as a pastime and an industry. Our archives are full of fantastic photos of fishermen who lived and worked in Florida since the dawn of photography. Check out a few of our favorite rare and historic photos below:

1. "A good catch in Florida," 1896

2. Two children with their catch of fish in Apalachicola, 1899

3. People fishing and watching on the pier during the Destin Rodeo, 1955

4. Fishermen with tarpon, 1900 - 1919

5. Lotte Tanzler fishing at Homosassa Springs, 1947

6. Two boys fresh water fishing with their two raccoons

7. View of fishermen on the bank of the Withlacoochee River, early 1900s

8. Fishermen with large catch, 1920s

9. Oyster cannery in Apalachicola, 1899

10. Fishermen with their catch on Noah's Ark - Palatka, 1940s

11. Sponge fishermen wearing their diving suits - Tarpon Springs, circa 1909

12. Fishermen pulling lobster traps off Key Biscayne, 1958

13. Group portrait of commercial fishermen with their catch in Mayport - Jacksonville, date unknown

14. Fisherman with shark in Key West, 1890 - 1910

15. Two fishermen holding a string of fish caught in the Oklawaha River in Ocala National Forest - Welaka, 1955

16. Fishermen and their catch of a 350 lb. shark - St. Petersburg, 1918

17. View showing fishermen using their beach seine net in Sarasota, 1942

18. Commercial fishermen hauling nets in from the water - Beacon Hill, 1956

19. Fishermen pose with prize-winning fish - Destin, 1956

20. Fishing on the bridge at Hillsborough River State Park - Thonotosassa, 1947

What did you think about this glimpse into our state's past? Pass this along to your favorite Florida fisherman.