Screen doors that slap shut behind you are usually the first sign that lunch is about to get serious. Across Florida, weathered fish camps sit on rivers and lakes looking like bait shops that forgot to close, yet they turn out some of the crispiest catfish you will ever taste.
The baskets arrive golden and crackling, and the hushpuppies seem to multiply every time you look away. Here are eight spots worth a weekend drive, each with its own flavor of old-school charm.
1. Fish Camp Lake Eustis
Lake Eustis does the heavy lifting on ambiance here, stretching wide and calm right past your table. Sitting on Lakeshore Boulevard in Tavares, the restaurant feels casual and cozy, with outdoor seating that lets you watch the water while you eat.
Fried catfish is the reason most folks show up, and the servings are generous enough to share, though you probably will not want to. Fridays bring all-you-can-eat catfish, which makes the end of the week the busiest stretch by far…