We wouldn’t blame you if fishing in Orlando wasn’t the first thing that popped into your mind when coming to the “Theme Park Capital of the World.” However, you should know that Orlando’s fishery can rival the adrenaline rush of any roller coaster!
With over 60,000 acres under freshwater in the city’s urban area alone, you’ll never run out of spots to discover. Take your adventure a bit further and you’ll be at some of Florida‘s finest saltwater fishing grounds. Below we’ll take you through all the highlights of local fishing to help you plan your next big adventure!
Best Fish to Catch in Orlando
Extremely rich and productive, these waters boast large populations of some of the most popular targets in the state. From one of the best Largemouth Bass fisheries in the country to the nation’s only year-round inshore Redfish grounds only a short drive away, Orlando won’t leave you short on options. Add to this Tarpon, Sunfish, Catfish, and novices’ favorite – Crappie, and you’ll start to see what makes this area so special.
Largemouth Bass
The Largemouth Bass is pretty much synonymous with North American freshwater game fishing. It’s a fish known for its evasiveness and toughness, putting it at the top of many anglers’ wishlists. This is a fish we could never exclude when talking about fishing in Orlando. Especially when taking into account the number of lakes rich with them and the record-producing track record of Orlando’s waters.
The environment that local lakes provide is perhaps the main reason for the success of the species in Central Florida. Largemouth Bass thrives in vegetation and structure-rich bodies of water, as they provide all the food and shelter it needs year-round. Just have a local angler point you to a good spot and you’ll be ready to put your skills to use!
Redfish
Redfish is a permanent member of Florida’s all-star lineup. Landing a big one is an achievement for any angler, regardless of their skill level. This brute will put up a fight that’s sure to get your heart thumping each time so be prepared for a brawl. Just remember to bring some heavier tackle if you’re used to freshwater fishing – you’ll definitely need it here.
In Orlando, targeting Redfish will take you to pristine shallow waters, sometimes as shallow as six inches. This means you’ll be able to see your target before you even cast. Although sight fishing like this can be pretty challenging, there are few angling experiences as thrilling. It’s also a perfect setting for fly fishing so look no further if that’s your method of choice.
Tarpon
The “Silver King” is one of the most prestigious light tackle catches anywhere on the planet. This fish enjoys a near-mythical status among anglers, earned through the once-in-a-lifetime encounters that inspired those legend-creating stories. Just hooking one is enough for a great story, while actually landing it will earn you lifetime bragging rights!
You’ll be able to either try your luck in the backcountry or nearshore, just outside the inlets. Where you go mainly depends on the time of your visit. While backcountry Tarpon can be targeted more or less year-round, these months are unlikely to produce many trophies. However, summer is a whole different story so bring your A-game and never put your guard down!
Crappie
Treasured in the Sunshine State, Crappie, also known as “Speckled Perch” in these parts, is a local favorite year-round. It’s a reliable target, found in large quantities in almost all of the area’s lakes. As such, it provides a fun target for all anglers new to the sport. It’ll also reward you with a tasty dinner at the end of your trip. In short, Crappie is above all a crowd-pleaser!
While it’s not a species we’d recommend to the most seasoned, challenge-hungry anglers out there, it’s a fish that is sure to provide hours of fun for everyone involved. Get your fishing group together, soak up the Florida sun, and enjoy all that fishing is truly about. Crappie fishing is an experience that is sure to get anyone hooked on the sport, growing their appetite for future catches!
What anglers said about fishing in Orlando
How to Go Fishing in Orlando
Your Orlando fishing adventure should ultimately work to fulfill your angling ambitions as much as possible. To this end, you’ll need to consider various types of fishing and choose the best way to go about landing that dream catch. Here, we’ve pointed out some of the most popular types of outings as well as their main pros and cons. Read on and find out which one fits you and your group the best.
Fishing with a Guide or on a Charter
With the wealth of fishing spots spread across the large Orlando area, joining a charter trip can be quite a timesaver. Not only will you be more mobile, covering a larger area, but your professional guide will get you to the richest spots wherever you go. It’s a great option for anyone looking to experience the local fishery to the fullest.
Another thing that makes private charters popular in Orlando is the versatility they provide. Here, you’re far from limited to fishing only the surrounding lakes. Some local captains can take you to the Atlantic coast and have you deep sea fishing at these world-famous fishing grounds. This is how you make your angling dreams come true!
Kayak Fishing
If you love an adventure and want to get up close and personal with your target, kayak fishing is the best way to do it. It’s perfect for fully immersing yourself in nature and discovering all those hidden, hard to reach spots. Keep in mind that on a kayak, you’ll have only your skills to rely on so some prior experience is often necessary on these trips.
On this vessel, you’re your own motor and first mate. It’s the ultimate experience for outdoor enthusiasts searching for the pure man-versus-nature experience. This is especially true if you decide to go after hard-fighting species like Tarpon or Redfish. It’s a challenge that will push you to your limits. However, if you win, the victory will be all yours!
Shore Fishing
From public lakes to fish management areas maintained by the Florida Wildlife Commission, there are countless shore spots for recreational anglers to dip a line. There are plenty of smaller lakes and protected areas that don’t even allow boat access so fishing from the shore is the only option for visiting fishermen.
There’s a spot for everyone here! All that stands between you and a day of relaxation on the water is finding a place that’s just right for you. Test the bite at the freshwater lakes or explore the shores of saltwater systems for additional feisty targets. This is a fishing adventure that does require some patience though, as your first spot of choice may not be the most productive.
Orlando Fishing Spots
Although it’s great to have so many options at your disposal, choosing where to fish in Orlando may become overwhelming. That is if you don’t have a few pointers on where to begin your search. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best areas around, so read on to see what they have to offer and which one is likely to be right for you.
- Lake Tohopekaliga: If you’re looking to get away from the crowds without having to spend too much time traveling, “Lake Toho” is a perfect choice. Covered in lush vegetation, these waters are home to an impressive population of big Bass just waiting for new anglers to challenge them.
- Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon: If you head east, you’ll find yourself at these famous fishing grounds within 45 minutes. This is widely considered to be the only place with a year-round Redfish population. Plenty of exotics are available as well, so let your imagination run wild!
- Butler Chain: West of downtown Orlando, you’ll find the Butler Chain of Lakes, also known as the Windermere Chain. The pristine water, untouched nature, and incredible Largemouth Bass action earned them the designation of “Outstanding Florida Waters” by the Department of Environmental Regulation of the State of Florida.
- Lake Kissimmee: This is the sight of famous tournament circuits organized by Bassmaster and the Florida Bass Federation. As a premier Largemouth Bass fishing spot, it attracts some of the most passionate and experienced anglers in the country.
- Lake Harris: A few miles from downtown you’ll get to the towns of Tavares and Leesburg. Here you’ll find the Big and Little Lake Harris. The fish species here are a nice mix of Bass and Panfish, making various types of excursions equally viable.
When to Go Fishing in Orlando
When fishing in Orlando, you can plan your trip without paying attention to the calendar. That’s if your main goal is to wet a line, enjoy quality family time, and test the local bite. If you are, however, getting to Orlando with dreams of claiming a prize in one of the local tournaments, you’re going to want to time your trip accordingly.
Orlando Fishing Tournaments
This area is a true tournament hotspot! With Largemouth Bass being such a popular sportfishing target and the local lakes holding large numbers of them, this only makes sense. We already mentioned the Bassmaster and Florida Bass Federation circuits but these are far from your only options.
However, not everyone is quite ready for the fierce challenge of these large, highly competitive tournaments. Don’t worry, there are also plenty of other events for you to check out. A good place to start the search would be Orlando’s Coastal Angler tournaments page. Compiling a list of various events, this magazine is bound to have something for you.
Orlando Fishing Rules and Regulations
Like elsewhere in Florida, all licensed Orlando saltwater charters cover fishing permits for everyone on their boat. However, when it comes to freshwater fishing, you’ll need to take care of your license before wetting a line.
If you want to fish the Merritt Island Reserve, know that only 70 guides have a permit to fish there. You’ll need to join one of them in order to take your adventure there. They will introduce you to this sanctuary in a way you could never experience on your own. For more information on fishing rules and regulations in Orlando visit the FWC website.
It’s Time for a Magical Adventure in Orlando
Choose any lake, lagoon, or river in the area and you’ll have a gorgeous backdrop for your adventure. Still, these waters are not all looks and have much more to offer beneath the surface. Visit a popular spot or explore the hidden ones. Either way, it’s going to be an adventure you’ll always remember!
If you’ve already visited Orlando in the past and have stories to share, we’d love to hear them. Drop a comment below and tell us about your experiences!
