When we think of Orlando, the images that immediately spring to mind are that of Mickey Mouse, The Disney Parks, Universal and SeaWorld, but did you know that Orlando is known as The Bass Capital of the World? What better way to experience the real Florida, and its magnificent scenery than heading for one of the hundreds of lakes or state parks to enjoy a peaceful day in the wonderful climate fishing.
With over 250 species of freshwater fish, including Bass and Carp, Orlando truly is a fisherman’s paradise.
Before you set off on your fishing adventure you will need to purchase a license. These are available on line, but it much more convenient to purchase from a bait or tackle shop, or a large Supermarket such as Wal-Mart. These large supermarkets will also sell everything you need, including rods, bait and of course cameras and video recorders to capture the prizes to show your friends back home. Don’t forget some insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat– there will be no pool screen to keep the midges at bay! !
Here are just a few of the many fishing lakes in Central Orlando:
The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
The Kissimmee Chain consists of Lake Toho, East Lake Toho, Lake Cypress, Lake Hatchineha, Lake Kissimmee, and the canals that connect them. Other lakes connected by natural creeks are Lakes Tiger, Marion, Jackson, Rosalie, and Walk-in-the-Water. Water from Reedy creek north of the town of Kissimmee eventually winds up in Lake Okeechobee on its way to the Everglades.
Lake Toho
West Lake Toho is a 22, 700 acre shallow lake with a length of 13 miles and a maximum width of over 4 miles, just south of the city of Kissimmee and is the headwaters to the Everglades ecosystem. Many of the same plants and animals found in the Florida Everglades can be found at West Lake Toho. This lake produces more bass over ten pounds than any other lake in the world . The current limit is 5 fish per licensed fisherman.
Butler Chain of Lakes
The Butler Chain is located west of Orlando. Johns Lake is at the Orange and Lake county line and provides wonderful fishing. The Winter Park Chain in Winter Park and Maitland is known for its sightseeing, so ideal for a family day out. Clear Lake provides fishing opportunities for bass, bream and catfish. Lake Underhill is on the eastern side of Orlando and is divided by the East-West Expressway. This is a good lake to fish for crappie in the winter and bass in the spring. A healthy catfish population offers additional fishing opportunities.
Harris Chain of Lakes
The Harris Chain, in central Lake County has natural creeks, canals and locks interconnect the individual lakes. And more than 1, 000 named lakes. The Clermont Chain of Lakes located in southern Lake County has excellent wildlife viewing. St. Johns River near Welaka is used by pleasure boaters, sightseers and anglers. The bass fishing in the Ocklawaha is generally good, and it is an excellent place to fish for redbreast sunfish and spotted sunfish. Lake Weir is a 5, 685-acre lake that is one of the most popular recreation areas in Marion County.
So pack a picnic and some beers and enjoy a day exploring the real Florida, and later you can tell the story of the one that didn’t get away!
With over 250 species of freshwater fish, including Bass and Carp, Orlando truly is a fisherman’s paradise.
Before you set off on your fishing adventure you will need to purchase a license. These are available on line, but it much more convenient to purchase from a bait or tackle shop, or a large Supermarket such as Wal-Mart. These large supermarkets will also sell everything you need, including rods, bait and of course cameras and video recorders to capture the prizes to show your friends back home. Don’t forget some insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat– there will be no pool screen to keep the midges at bay! !
Here are just a few of the many fishing lakes in Central Orlando:
The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
The Kissimmee Chain consists of Lake Toho, East Lake Toho, Lake Cypress, Lake Hatchineha, Lake Kissimmee, and the canals that connect them. Other lakes connected by natural creeks are Lakes Tiger, Marion, Jackson, Rosalie, and Walk-in-the-Water. Water from Reedy creek north of the town of Kissimmee eventually winds up in Lake Okeechobee on its way to the Everglades.
Lake Toho
West Lake Toho is a 22, 700 acre shallow lake with a length of 13 miles and a maximum width of over 4 miles, just south of the city of Kissimmee and is the headwaters to the Everglades ecosystem. Many of the same plants and animals found in the Florida Everglades can be found at West Lake Toho. This lake produces more bass over ten pounds than any other lake in the world . The current limit is 5 fish per licensed fisherman.
Butler Chain of Lakes
The Butler Chain is located west of Orlando. Johns Lake is at the Orange and Lake county line and provides wonderful fishing. The Winter Park Chain in Winter Park and Maitland is known for its sightseeing, so ideal for a family day out. Clear Lake provides fishing opportunities for bass, bream and catfish. Lake Underhill is on the eastern side of Orlando and is divided by the East-West Expressway. This is a good lake to fish for crappie in the winter and bass in the spring. A healthy catfish population offers additional fishing opportunities.
Harris Chain of Lakes
The Harris Chain, in central Lake County has natural creeks, canals and locks interconnect the individual lakes. And more than 1, 000 named lakes. The Clermont Chain of Lakes located in southern Lake County has excellent wildlife viewing. St. Johns River near Welaka is used by pleasure boaters, sightseers and anglers. The bass fishing in the Ocklawaha is generally good, and it is an excellent place to fish for redbreast sunfish and spotted sunfish. Lake Weir is a 5, 685-acre lake that is one of the most popular recreation areas in Marion County.
So pack a picnic and some beers and enjoy a day exploring the real Florida, and later you can tell the story of the one that didn’t get away!