Coming to Orlando

[littlefisher]

I just posted this earlier today in the General Discussion board but I feel it would be better received here.

I'm 20 years old and have been fishing for quite a few years now.  I just recently started more serious Bass fishing this year with my Dad when he went from his walleye boat to our new Ranger bass boat.  We started fishing some small club tournaments last year and are fishing a little more serious ones this year.  I can't wait for spring to happen in Michigan which is why I am going to Orlando for my college's spring break.

Enough background and to the point.  I will be bringing my flippin stick and just an all around rod with me.  I heard about Turkey lake in Orlando which you can rent a little bass tracker from Bass Pro and fish from 6:30am - 11:00am for only $15 which is cool, but I'm looking for a little more.

So, I started looking into half-day charters and was floored with the price of them.  Upwards of $300 for a half-day and I know it's good to tip.  Being a full-time college student, god knows I can't afford that lol.  

What I am looking for is if anyone posts here from the Orlando area would be generous enough to allow me to go along with them fishing.  I am looking for someone who is willing to teach me some things about fishing in the south.  I am constantly trying to increase my knowledge about fishing seeing as I would love to get a career in it some day.  Whether it be fishing itself or just working in the industry.

To wrap it up, I am just looking to at least go fishing once in Orlando and catch a couple fish, and maybe learn some things.  I'm not cheap or anything so I would be willing to spot whomever some money for gas and their time in general.  Thanks for any replies.

[georgiabassfisherman]

hey man i lived in orlando for a year and i know a little about the fishing there but there r some other ppl on the forum who know way more about the area than i do but the zoom horny toads and senkos r killer in the orlando lakes so r most soft plastics and spinnerbaits work well also

[littlefisher]

Thanks.  Yea I know I was definitely bringing some horny toads with me because they are a huge confidence bait for me where ever I go.  I also like fishing senkos a lot.  

I think I'm going to stick with renting a boat from Turkey Lake for the couple hours they allow.  The more I think about it, the more I realize how big of a stretch it kind of is asking someone to take a total stranger fishing that they have never met lol.  And also I hear there are a lot of little lakes that you can do bank fishing from and still catch good size bass.

Also, I am traveling by plane to Orlando, what would be a good way to transport a couple of my rods, probably just one or two?

[JayW]

Well, I'd be willing to take you, but I live a bit south from Orlando. I'm about 20 or so minutes from Disney if that tells you anything. I'm not far from there at all. I could take you to Tenoroc, a world famous group of phosphate pits here in the Lakeland, Fl. area. I have a 20' flats boat. All you would need would be a Florida fishing license and $3 to get into Tenoroc. Maybe someone from Orlando will pop up. I'll probably be 30-60 minutes from where you'll be, but it's not that far if you don't get any other offers closer.

http://myfwc.com/Fishing/offices/tenoroc-home/index.html

[ejtaylor822]

Hey, I was in Orlando late last fall for a conference. My fishing was limited to evenings only. Turkey lake is nice. Very nice facilitiy. But, you can only rent boats on certain days - think it was like Monday through Thursday in the AM only or something weird like that. I still have the information - I think - for the lake and will try to find it for you.

The number for the boat rental I had scribbled in my phone was 407.299-1248 if you want to call for information.

The bite was tough when I was down there in October. I did manage to catch a 2' gator on Turkey lake. Also went to Toho a couple of times and got skunked. Talked to some of the locals on Toho and they said the fish just weren't biting.

Also, I was told by FrgoTog to check out Stick Marsh. It's about a hour and half from Orlando.  Also, PM George Welcome and let him take you out.  I talked with George, but our schedules wouldn't work.

I enjoyed hanging out at BPS while there. Spent too much money though :-[

[Chris Lockwood]

When will you be in Orlando, cause I am also a college student and I just got a 10 foot jon boat for christmas. I know of a few some lakes that I have fished in the winter with my boat, but cant wait for the spring.

[littlefisher]

I will be in Orlando from March 1-10.  

ejtaylor did you rent a boat on Turkey Lake or just fish from the shore?  I know there a bunch of pavilions and shore line areas where you can fish also so if I'm not able to rent a boat I can at least catch a fish.

I've heard lots of good things about Stick Marsh also but I don't think I'll be able to make it there.  I wish I was driving because then I would just haul the boat along and that would make things monumentally easier lol.  

Also does anyone have any ideas of ways to bring my rods down there?

[FD.]

Pack your reels in your suitcase and get at piece of 1.5" pvc and 2 caps at your home depot.  Cut it an inch longer than your longest rod and glue one cap on.  Pack your rods in with some styrofoam peanuts and then tape your other cap on.  You may have to pay extra or give up a suitcase.

If I am prefishing Toho at that time you would be welcome to fish with me .  I will let you know.

[ejtaylor822]

Hey,

I was not able to rent a boat and fished from the shore.  The boating schedule is really weird - think I have it and will try to get it for you.  There is some really nice areas on the shore line and a couple of docks.  Its a really nice lake and think it gets a ton of pressure.

[littlefisher]

That would be completely..well...awesome if you would let me do that.  I have been trying to fish with as many other tournaments anglers as possible over the last year to pick up anything I can to help me with my prefishing for tournaments.  I would be your complete and utter guinea pig so to speak if you want lol.

ejtaylor, yea on the internet it says the hours are 6:30am - 11:00am.  And it does seem really pressured, I imagine the week I'm there it will be pretty bad also since it's spring break for a lot of schools and there is a campground there, which I'm sure will be packed with kids and faimlies.

[roadwarrior]

WOW!

That's a VERY nice offer.    ;D ;D ;D

8-)

[surfer]

The Turkey lake boat rental is well worth the money.  It is an electric only lake and not heavily fished because of that.  It is bigger than I can cover in two rentals.  Make your reservations at least a month in advance.  The boats rent out fast.

[Tpayneful]

If you are flying I would suggest that you read the rules regarding oversized luggage on the airlines website.  There are size limits and you are supposed to pay extra for long items.  I traveled Southwest and was supposed to pay a $50 fee each way.  I did not mention it and they didn't ask for it.  But I did expect to pay the fee.  I kept the entire rod holder to the limit of 80" which ment that I couldn't take any 7' rods.  I would not recommend a PVC tube for airline travel because airline approved rod cases are available for reasonable dollars.  Airline approved rod cases only cost $45.  Some of these guys have a lot of experience traveling with rods, maybe they can relate their travel experiences as well.

[-badhabit-]

Hi,

If you want to get out on the water I would be glad to take you out a time or two. I have taken a couple different people from the site out that have come down on vacation and had a Great time.

You won't need anything except yourself as far as rods, reels, or tackle go. And it will cost you a whopping $0

I am sure someone here will tell you that I am pretty fun to fish with and do fairly well sometimes.

PM me and I will send my phone # back.

Have a safe trip and there is a seat in my boat if you want to use it,

Dave

[littlefisher]

Seriously, you guys rock.  I have gotten more offers in the day and half on these forums than I ever thought I would in a life time.  It just goes to show the passion that fisherman share.  

Anyway I think not bringing my poles would be the best option.  I'll be sending you a PM badhabit.

[-badhabit-]

PM returned

[timistall]

Everyone should fish with badhabit once. You have to understand Dave is blind. He uses a "seeing eye dog" up on the bow of the boat. Little tricky in the fog

[-badhabit-]

Everyone should fish with badhabit once. You have to understand Dave is blind. He uses a "seeing eye dog" up on the bow of the boat. Little tricky in the fog

Tim we were both blind last week in that fog and the gps didn't even help. You know you are my fishin' buddy after all of the (20+) trips we have made together and I've enjoyed everyone of them (I believe you have enjoyed them also... except my first few casts each time.... I just want to be as lucky as you someday....ahahahaha )

[roadwarrior]

You da MAN!

8-)

[Daniel My Brother]

littlefisher,

If you guys can make it happen, you will have a great trip with Dave. I was in Orlando last year and he did the same favor for me. The coolest part of the trip was that he wasn't trying to outfish me, instead he spent the trip trying to put me on a good fish, offering his gear, his bait, his best spots, and his advice.

Excellent trip, and a great guy.

Good luck,

Dan

[littlefisher]

Now after reading these posts and a couple PM's with badhabit I am very excited.  Sounds like it's going to be a good time.

Dave seems likes a really great guy and I am looking forward to meeting him.

OH...and catching my first Florida bass and sending pics of it back to my freezing cold Dad in Michigan lol.

[Guest avid]

Ya gotta love it.

Way to go BH..

[sacnho]

I have fished Turkey Lake a number of times both from rental boat and  from shore and had success doing both.  Dont hesitate to fish the bank as there are some very good areas that can be reached this way.  They keep the bank mowed down well and its a easy hike.   I usually carry 1 spinning rod and one casting rod.  I have caught fish on a variety of methods but I usually do well with Senkos there.  

[littlefisher]

Gahh!!  Only one more day!  Then I will be in beautiful Florida and some day after that, I will be bass fishing with badhabit!! Wooot.  9 days in Florida is really doing to make it hard to come back to snowy Michigan.

[-badhabit-]

Enjoy the Tiger's game and I will see you Thursday morning (remember to call me Wed.).

Dave