Orlando Fishing Charters & Guides

Orlando Fishing Charters

When most people hear the word Orlando, they immediately think of Disney. The world-famous resort certainly put this Central Florida city on the map. Before Walt Disney moved in with a certain mouse, Orlando was a hub for some amazing fishing. Largemouth bass, big largemouth, call the many lakes in this region home. How big? The unofficial state record, a 20-pounder, was landed just to the west. That makes Florida one of only a few places in the world where bass weighing more than 20 pounds were caught. The official state record bass at 17 pounds was caught a bit to the west and south. Double-digit lunkers are common in these waters. Bass grow so big down here because of the climate. Year-round warm temperatures mean they stay active and feed constantly. In northern areas, where water temps can drop, and the water even freezes at the surface, bass almost shut down until it warms up. Northern bass do not grow much during the cold winters like they do in Florida. Making this even better, the top bucketmouths in the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) record book are Florida-strain lunkers. If you want to try your hand at catching the world's most popular freshwater game fish, make Orlando a destination. Of course, this is a fishing trip where the whole family gets to come. They can visit Disney, Universal Studios and the other places. You go fishing. Everybody wins.

Orlando Freshwater Fishing

Beyond bass, the Orlando area is home to excellent crappie fishing. It is pronounced CROP-ee. Crappie are also called white perch, papermouth, tinmouth, perch, speckled perch, sac-au-lait and even lantern fish. They get the last nickname because they will congregate around dock lights at night picking off minnows and smaller fish drawn to the light. Crappie are also schooling fish. Catch one and you can expect to catch more right there. Anglers in the know sink old Christmas trees in the water, which become crappie magnets much like offshore reefs draw in grouper. Just like grouper, you have to be right on the fish. Fish off the wrong side of the boat and you won't catch anything. Depending on the time of year, they can be as deep as the lake bottom or in the shallows for spawning. Small soft-body jigs, marabou feather jigs and live minnows are the preferred baits for catching these fish. Panfish is the group name for fish most people call bream. The entire group is "bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocker), warmouth and redbreast sunfish," according to the Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). Regardless of what you call them, all these fish are excellent on the table and easy to catch. Worms, crickets and small spinnerbaits are the top ways to catch these fish. If you are a fly fisherman, use a No. 12 Sneaky Pete. This fly often lands upside down and rolls upright when on the surface. Panfish simply can't resist that action. The waters around Orlando also have plenty of catfish. State biologists say the Kissimmee region is a top spot for bullhead (also called speckled or brown catfish), channel and white cats. Catfish bite best beginning at dusk and through the night, so be prepared to be on the water after dark if you want some Mr. Whiskers fillets. Need more information about Florida's freshwater fishing opportunities and regulations? The FWC has everything you need to know online.

Orlando Access to Saltwater Fishing

In Orlando, you are a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Both offer amazing fishing trips. Can't decide? Flip a coin. Orlando fishing charters offer trips to the east and the west to let you try your hand at saltwater fishing. Some of the most sought after fish on either side are reds, speckled trout, king and Spanish mackerel, grouper, flounder, snapper, tuna, mahi mahi, tarpon, cobia and sharks. Florida's saltwater has many more species, but these are the top targets for Orlando's recreational anglers. Orlando charter fishing guides can tell you what is biting best at the time. They also have all the gear you need from marlin-class rigs for offshore to light tackle to catch croakers in the surf. However, if you are a fly fisherman, then bring your rod. Check with your guide about what flies you need to bring based on what you want to catch. If you are after something for the table, here is a list of Florida's favorite fish. Need more information? Check out the state saltwater fishing regulations for seasons, creel limits and more.

Book an Orlando Fishing Guide

Orlando fishing guides have several lakes in the area to get you on the fish. All you need to do is show up and get ready for a great day of fishing. Check out all of Orlando's best fishing guides here.