Orlando, Florida is best known for Disney World, Sea World, and the Universal Orlando Resorts. But did you know that Florida is also known as the Bass fishing capital of the world? Plus there are over 250 different species of freshwater fish that can be found in Florida’s lakes and rivers. Many anglers who have toured the world in search of the perfect fishing have almost always ended up coming to rest in Orlando because of the consistence of the waters, the great amounts of beautiful bass, and the wondrous scenery coupled with great places to drop off the kids whilst you look for that gorgeous, incredible bass to tip the scales.
There are literally thousands of excellent fishing spots in Florida. Here are just a few:
The Great Kissimmee Chain of lakes, Lake Toho, Lake Cypress and Lake Hatchinea are world famous lakes for having produced big Bass the year round. This chain is around a 20-minute drive journey from the International drive area.
The Great Butler Chain of lakes can be found in and around the town of Windermere just minutes away from the theme parks offer excellent Bass fishing in clean waters with holes up to almost 40 feet deep.
The Clermont Chain is another great Bass fishery with tanic water and cypress trees ringing the great lakes with a river connection to the other lakes in the chain. 10lb plus are caught yearly but you can catch 15 to 25lb Bass. Catfish is another great catch, here.
Lake Kissimmee is actually part of a chain of lakes, in Polk and Osceola counties, Lake Kissimmee is 35,000 acres. Also known for great fishing is West Lake Tohopekaliga, an 18,810-acre shallow lake just south of the city of Kissimmee, can be accessed by passing through the locks between the lakes.
Lake Okeechobee is probably Florida’s most famous bass fishing location, Lake Okeechobee (the “Big O”) is located in south central Florida, covering 730 square miles, easily accessible from both the east and west coast of Florida. The best spots are around Eagle Bay Island, Fish eating Bay, and Pelican Bay.
Fishing is allowed on either of our 2 lakes (one of them complete with a dock to fish off) which are stocked with Wide Mouth Bass and Chinese Grass Carp you may even catch the odd turtle. Please note that a catch and release scheme is operated on Sunset Lakes and that whilst you are a visitor staying on the estate you are not required to purchase any fishing permits. Following is some information regarding the Bass and Carp found in our lakes and the Florida area.
Where can I get a license?
For added convenience, many bait-and-tackle shops and sports retailers (e.g., Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and Sports Authority) sell licenses, for a small additional fee. Instant licenses are also available via the Internet or a toll free call to credit card users, for an additional convenience fee.
Do I need a freshwater or saltwater fishing license or both?
In general, you need a freshwater license to take freshwater fish and a saltwater license to take saltwater fish. Obviously if you are fishing in pure fresh water where no saltwater species live, you need a freshwater license and likewise if you are fishing in the ocean you need a saltwater license. However, when you get into estuarine type areas where salt and fresh water commingle and fish of both types can be found the issue becomes less clear.
Non-resident Freshwater Fishing License fees:
3-Day Freshwater Fishing (Valid three days from specified beginning date) $17.00
7-Day Freshwater Fishing (Valid seven days from specified beginning date) $30.00
1 Year Freshwater Fishing (Valid for 1 Year from specified beginning date) $47.00
For more information on licences please use the following link:
http://myfwc.com/License/LicPermit_RecreationalHF.htm