Where To Go In Orlando

[Hersey617]

So, I'm from the Boston area. I mainly fish Massachusetts waters. But I work for an airline so I fly for free, so I figured why not hit Florida. Back story aside, I'm heading down there next month for some fishing, large and small mouth. I'm looking for good ponds I can hit from shore and catch some decent fish.

[Scott F]

I don't know much about fishing in Florida except that there aren't any smallmouth there.

[Pz3]

They exist but rather rare. This topics come up quite a bit. Depends on how willing you are to find a lake. Can't fish in/near the airport but there is to many to count in Orlando.

Lake Underhill and Lake Ivanhoe are good for shore fishing...

And all around the area you can find spots check out google maps to scout out locations

[Hersey617]

That's what I've been doing. But it's hard to tell on the map if it'll be good, and fairly easily accessible to fish from shore

[Hersey617]

I suppose I should have added I'll be staying for 2 days, not just flying in, fishing and flying home. I'm just not sure where I'm staying just yet

[JellyMan]

You can catch bass in a drainage ditch in Orlando. Not kidding. Take your pick.

[Jacob044]

Lake Underhill, from the south east shore near the cat tails. BIG bass there.

[Hersey617]

What do you recommend throwing? Up here I usually throw jigs, but I've never fished anywhere south of cape cod lol

[JellyMan]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/133668-florida-fishing/

[redux]

You can catch bass in a drainage ditch in Orlando. Not kidding. Take your pick.

+1

[SFL BassHunter]

At Turkey Lake I had some success using Senko and a few other stick baits. The park is beautiful, relaxing and the lake has fish in it which is the most important part. 

They also rent nice looking jon boats for like 35 bucks. With a motor and trolling motor. Their rentals arent every day though. Just Thursday - Sunday and you probably have to call to reserve ahead seeing as those 5 boats are the only ones they allow to fish the lake. Though you can always fish from the shore. 

 

I would give you other advice if I had any, but it's the only place I know since I am not from there.

[Hersey617]

Thanks everyone :-) I'm going down there April 6-8, I'll be giving all of those places a shot I'm sure.

[RoLo]

Well, you can dabble in Conway or Underhill but why bother

You've already traveled 1,500 miles from Boston to Orlando, why not travel 20 miles more 

and fish West Toho,  Tohopekaliga set and holds the B.A.S.S. all-time 1-day stringer record.

 

Roger

[Pz3]

I would agree with toho.

[redux]

Won't he need a boat/guide for Toho?

If you're happy with banks there are tons of options in Orlando.

[Pz3]

You can fish the shore on the north side of toho a little bit and a pier on the east side. I had a good size fish off that pier bump my lure before (probably near 10lbs). Also pretty sure I seen crappie in a feeding frenzy being taken out by bass around 12lb. Never seen top water hits like that anywhere before.

[Jacob044]

What do you recommend throwing? Up here I usually throw jigs, but I've never fished anywhere south of cape cod lol

We generally used culprit worms. Mostly green or June Bug.

[Pz3]

Pretty much anything you can imagine.

[Glenn]

Been to Orlando several times - Toho is the answer.  Get a guide and have a blast catching 5 pounders.

 

Shore fishing?  One word - gators.

[Hersey617]

As of right now, my plan is to fish from the shore only. I haven't really taken the time to look up any guide service. I'm sure this trip will be one of many though. But I would like to catch a monster while I'm down there. Maybe I'll take a look at a few guides

[Hersey617]

Glenn, holy **** I never took that into consideration. That's not really on my list of dangers when fishing up here.

[SFL BassHunter]

If you are coming down that far, then spend the extra cash on a guide on lake toho for sure. Or rent a boat. I tried fishing the north shore when I went up there and got skunked. I don't normally do guides but if I plan on taking a major trip to do fishing in another state, then I'll do a guide maybe the first day to learn the area and the fish then maybe rent a boat on the second day. If you plan on catching a monster then the guide is the best way to go. From shore you'll be very limited and can't go find the monsters, you would have to hope that a monster comes to you.

Been to Orlando several times - Toho is the answer.  Get a guide and have a blast catching 5 pounders.

 

Shore fishing?  One word - gators.

I wouldn't be to scared of the Gators. Just keep your eyes open, I am constantly looking around making sure they don't sneak up on me. I also don't make a b line to the shore without scoping it out first. I did that once in the glades and actually ended up spooking a baby gator into the water. Lucky for me it was a baby gator and not a full size man eating gator lol. Snakes are another danger down here in Florida. They like to hang out in the grass and can also be on trees, they are harder to spot than gators. 

I wear tall rugged outdoor boots and thick tall socks when I go fishing along with jeans. Definitely wear pants and maybe even a long sleeve shirt (or bring repel with you). Lots of bugs, and mosquito in Florida. 

[Pz3]

Snakes worry me more then gators.

[The Commodore]

Glenn, holy **** I never took that into consideration. That's not really on my list of dangers when fishing up here.

Whenever you approach a shoreline, search for gators first.  Slowly approach and they will move if they are there.  If you hear hissing then slowly back away.  TBH every gator I have seen has been scared of me.  Even 8 ft+ ones.  The only time gators approach me on the shoreline is when I'm reeling in a fish.  They sometimes try to steal it from you.

[Hersey617]

If you are coming down that far, then spend the extra cash on a guide on lake toho for sure. Or rent a boat. I tried fishing the north shore when I went up there and got skunked. I don't normally do guides but if I plan on taking a major trip to do fishing in another state, then I'll do a guide maybe the first day to learn the area and the fish then maybe rent a boat on the second day. If you plan on catching a monster then the guide is the best way to go. From shore you'll be very limited and can't go find the monsters, you would have to hope that a monster comes to you.

I wouldn't be to scared of the Gators. Just keep your eyes open, I am constantly looking around making sure they don't sneak up on me. I also don't make a b line to the shore without scoping it out first. I did that once in the glades and actually ended up spooking a baby gator into the water. Lucky for me it was a baby gator and not a full size man eating gator lol. Snakes are another danger down here in Florida. They like to hang out in the grass and can also be on trees, they are harder to spot than gators.

I wear tall rugged outdoor boots and thick tall socks when I go fishing along with jeans. Definitely wear pants and maybe even a long sleeve shirt (or bring repel with you). Lots of bugs, and mosquito in Florida.

The thing isx I'm not spending any real money on this trip. I fly for free, and get great deals on hotels. The whole trip including food will probably cost a total of $200 to $250