Winter Haven Fishing Charters 

4.9
(29 reviews)
 1649 Lake Shipp Drive, Winter Haven, FL 33880, United States–

Winter Haven Fishing Charters 

Winter Haven, FL, United States
–
19 ft
4
4.9
(29 reviews)

When people think of fishing in Florida, their minds often wander to the Gulf of Mexico or the Everglades. Yet inland in Central Florida lies some of the best Bass fishing the state offers. Captain Bill and Team aim to share his passion for fishing in this beautiful destination, the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. You have endless options to explore what Florida offers, and he would love to be your guide and show you around.

He'll show you around on a boat perfect for lake fishing. His Ranger bass boat that's powered by a Yamaha engine. It's small, lightweight, trustworthy, and the for the type of fishing you're going for, it ticks all of the boxes and even ticks the box of having an onboard ice box for your drinks.

Largemouth Bass will be your primary target fish. It's great fun to catch and it makes for a tasty meal afterward. If you're lucky, you'll also get to enjoy some Crappie alongside on your dinner plate.

Captain Bill shall provide you with Penn rods and Abu Garcia reels, a perfect light tackle for the spinning you'll get up to. He mainly fishes using lures, but live bait can be provided upon request. Water is provided so take something else if you prefer and some snacks. You'll need to book your Florida fishing license before you join him, which you can sort out online.

Captain Bill deeply loves this area, fishing and providing a great customer experience. In his own words: 'I strive to put you on quality fish all trip long and will work hard at showing you the best experience possible.'

When people think of fishing in Florida, their minds often wander to the Gulf of Mexico or the Everglades. Yet inland in Central Florida lies some of the best Bass fishing the state offers. Captain Bill and Team aim to share his passion for fishing in this beautiful destination, the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. You have endless options to explore what Florida offers, and he would love to be your guide and show you around.

He'll show you around on a boat perfect for lake fishing. His Ranger bass boat that's powered by a Yamaha engine. It's small, lightweight, trustworthy, and the for the type of fishing you're going for, it ticks all of the boxes and even ticks the box of having an onboard ice box for your drinks.

Largemouth Bass will be your primary target fish. It's great fun to catch and it makes for a tasty meal afterward. If you're lucky, you'll also get to enjoy some Crappie alongside on your dinner plate.

Captain Bill shall provide you with Penn rods and Abu Garcia reels, a perfect light tackle for the spinning you'll get up to. He mainly fishes using lures, but live bait can be provided upon request. Water is provided so take something else if you prefer and some snacks. You'll need to book your Florida fishing license before you join him, which you can sort out online.

Captain Bill deeply loves this area, fishing and providing a great customer experience. In his own words: 'I strive to put you on quality fish all trip long and will work hard at showing you the best experience possible.'

Bass Fishing Central Florida
Captain
Bass Fishing Central Florida
7 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip AM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Bass (Largemouth)
US $350
Entire boat: 2 people
4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip PM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 2:00 PM
Bass (Largemouth)
US $350
Entire boat: 2 people
6-Hour Bass Fishing Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Bass (Largemouth)
US $450
Entire boat: 2 people
8-Hr Bass Fishing Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Bass (Largemouth)
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
29 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (45)

Reviews (29)

  • Judy Dykstra Stokes
    Judy Dykstra Stokes
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Two Cups of Gas and 22 Bass

    6-Hour Bass Fishing Trip on January 14, 2024 • 2 adults

    In spite of the arctic like conditions, by Florida standards anyway, Captain Reno Alley managed to put us, my wife Judy and I, on the bite on a rainy cold blustery day with a cold front sitting right on top of us which is why we never got more than a few hundred yards from the Lake Summit boat ramp. Captain Alley was an amiable sort with a gift for gab and a notable passion for fishing and the outdoor life. We had a heckuva good time and did a lot of cracking up in between reeling them in, a total of 22 LMB's 1-5 lbs. Thank you Captain Reno.

  • Nick Achey
    Nick Achey
    Repeat angler
    us
    Colorado, US
    Member since 2024
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Big Bass all day long!

    Special 6 hour trip for Nick Achey on August 2, 2024 • 3 adults

    Captain Bill was very knowledgeable getting us into bigger bass than we have ever caught before just 15 minutes into our trip. He was very nice to my 2 sons and I telling us stories and helping us to have tight lines all day. We ended the day with 30 bass and multiple of which were 4 pounders! I would recommend this above any other bass trip or inshore trip that I have been on! We will definitely be back! Thank you Captain Bill!

  • Nick Achey
    Nick Achey
    Repeat angler
    us
    Colorado, US
    Member since 2024
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    2nd time same results

    8-Hr Bass Fishing Trip on August 2, 2025 • 4 adults • 3 children

    We went fishing here with captain bill last year and had a great time so we decided to book another and it didn’t disappoint. Captain Bill was very helpful and patient with us getting us into over 30 huge bass. We will be back back once again!

  • Chris Penor
    Chris Penor
    us
    Montana, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip

    6-Hour Bass Fishing Trip on September 16, 2024 • 2 adults

    We started the fishing trip early morning with Bill. He already had the boat in the water when we arrived, meaning we could fish longer. When we arrived he put us right on the fish. Second cast, fish on! We move to another spot and same thing. Fishing was great. Bill knows where to fish. I can highly recommend him. Many thanks from Montana. Chris & Christa

  • Russ Smith
    Russ Smith
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent trip!

    4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip AM on May 18, 2024 • 3 adults • 2 children

    Captain Bill Goudy Jr made our father/son fishing trip a fantastic success! With his knowledge of the local lakes and his expertise in catching all the native fish that Florida has to offer, he will make sure to provide the best fishing experience around. Worth every penny!

  • Mans M
    Mans M
    se
    Sweden
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip

    4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip AM on January 3, 2025 • 2 adults

    Cpt Bill Goudy jr took us out on a great trip, we caught alot of fish and had a great time!

  • Jamie Vogel
    Jamie Vogel
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    What A Day!!!!

    6-Hour Bass Fishing Trip on August 18, 2024 • 2 adults

    Captain Bill put us on the fish first shot and provided exceptional service well beyond our expectations. We lost count but after consulting the pictures and clicker we will say 28 largemouth bass, what a day!! Thanks captain Bill!!

  • Lloyd Cunningham
    Lloyd Cunningham
    us
    South Dakota, US
    Member since 2019
    5.0
    Verified

    What a moment and what a memory!!

    4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip AM on December 23, 2021 • 3 adults

    Here we are with three largemouth bass at once; what a moment and what a memory!! We were fishing Lake Winterset with Capt. Bill Goudy Jr. when we all got strikes and boated fish at the same time. The guided fishing trip began at 6:30 in the morning. We met Capt. Bill at the dock in the dark and minutes later we were watching bobbers being pulled across the surface of the water by very active baitfish. By late morning we had laughed and giggled, knotted lines and reels, and caught and released a bunch of big bass. It was a great fishing trip. We’ll do something like it again. Thanks Capt. Bill

  • Rob Pelfrey
    Rob Pelfrey
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Good Day with Captain Reno !

    4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip AM on June 29, 2023 • 1 adult

    Captain Reno filled in at the last minute due to a boat issue with another captain and did a great job. We found the fish quickly and he kept me on them all day. We caught tons of big bass and had a great time. I was hot and wore out by the time we finished, but it was a great trip.

  • Jon Ford
    Jon Ford
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Full Day with Captain Bill

    8-Hr Bass Fishing Trip on April 25, 2023 • 2 adults

    Had an awesome day of fishing with captain Bill! We He made to day fun and exciting. Plus he took time out to teach. Highly recommend!! Best day I’ve bass fishing I’ve had in a really long time!!

FAQs about Winter Haven Fishing Charters

Winter Haven Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - 4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip AM (4 hours)
  • US $350 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - 4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip PM (4 hours)
  • US $450 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - 6-Hour Bass Fishing Trip (6 hours)
  • US $550 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - 8-Hr Bass Fishing Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Winter Haven Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
Trips booked with Winter Haven Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
Winter Haven Fishing Charters offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake fishing
Winter Haven Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Spinning
Top targeted fish species with Winter Haven Fishing Charters include:
  • Bass (Largemouth)
  • Crappie

Your captain

Bass Fishing Central Florida
Bass Fishing Central Florida
Winter Haven, Florida, United States
6 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
190 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since March 2020
Hello, I am Captain Bill and a licensed master captain. Originally born in Iowa and raised on the Mississippi River. I've been fishing ever since I was a little kid. I caught the Bass fishing bug early in life. When I was younger, I found an old Johnson spoon in my father's tackle box, tied it on, and caught a Bass. Instantly hooked on fishing, my pursuit of a career in it was inevitable. Living on the river where his family owned a campground and bait shop, he has been putting people on fish for years. He has been married for 21 years and is a father of 4 and grandfather of 1. He heard about Headwaters Lake being open, so he moved to Florida to pursue his dream of being the first full-time fishing guide on Headwaters and now has a team of guides that work with him. Captain Bill and the team will help get you experience Headwaters and Stick Marsh like no other, producing beautiful trophy Largemouth Bass all day long. Also, enjoy fishing Winter Haven Chain of Lakes and the surrounding Central Florida Bass fisheries are his kingdom! Don't look any further, choose the sure thing by clicking the book now button now. Let's go catch some trophies that the others only talk about!
Bass Fishing Central Florida
Bass Fishing Central Florida
Fully verified
6
reports
190
reviews
2020
member since
~1h
response
Hello, I am Captain Bill and a licensed master captain. Originally born in Iowa and raised on the Mississippi River. I've been fishing ever since I was a little kid. I caught the Bass fishing bug early in life. When I was younger, I found an old Johnson spoon in my father's tackle box, tied it on, and caught a Bass. Instantly hooked on fishing, my pursuit of a career in it was inevitable. Living on the river where his family owned a campground and bait shop, he has been putting people on fish for years. He has been married for 21 years and is a father of 4 and grandfather of 1. He heard about Headwaters Lake being open, so he moved to Florida to pursue his dream of being the first full-time fishing guide on Headwaters and now has a team of guides that work with him. Captain Bill and the team will help get you experience Headwaters and Stick Marsh like no other, producing beautiful trophy Largemouth Bass all day long. Also, enjoy fishing Winter Haven Chain of Lakes and the surrounding Central Florida Bass fisheries are his kingdom! Don't look any further, choose the sure thing by clicking the book now button now. Let's go catch some trophies that the others only talk about!

The fish you can target

Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Crappie
Crappie
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Crappie
Crappie

Real catches by this captain

  • A young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a calm lake.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Nick A.
    Nick A.
    We went fishing here with captain bill last year and had a great time so we decided to book another and it didn’t disappoint. Captain Bill was very helpful and patient with us getting us into over 30 huge bass. We will be back back once again!
  • Young angler proudly displaying two large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a serene lake.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Mans M.
    Mans M.
    Cpt Bill Goudy jr took us out on a great trip, we caught alot of fish and had a great time!
  • An angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a scenic lake, showcasing a beautiful day outdoors.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Nicole W.
    Nicole W.
  • An angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing from a boat on a calm lake.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Chris P.
    Chris P.
    We started the fishing trip early morning with Bill. He already had the boat in the water when we arrived, meaning we could fish longer. When we arrived he put us right on the fish. Second cast, fish on! We move to another spot and same thing. Fishing was great. Bill knows where to fish. I can highly recommend him. Many thanks from Montana. Chris & Christa
  • Two adult anglers proudly holding largemouth bass on a boat during a freshwater fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Jamie V.
    Jamie V.
    Captain Bill put us on the fish first shot and provided exceptional service well beyond our expectations. We lost count but after consulting the pictures and clicker we will say 28 largemouth bass, what a day!! Thanks captain Bill!!
  • A young angler proudly displaying two large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a sunny day.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Nick A.
    Nick A.
    Captain Bill was very knowledgeable getting us into bigger bass than we have ever caught before just 15 minutes into our trip. He was very nice to my 2 sons and I telling us stories and helping us to have tight lines all day. We ended the day with 30 bass and multiple of which were 4 pounders! I would recommend this above any other bass trip or inshore trip that I have been on! We will definitely be back! Thank you Captain Bill!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing from a boat on a sunny day.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    It was a big Bass birthday bash. Russ surprised his son Bronson with a fishing trip for his 12th birthday. The fellas boated 18 nice Bass. The Bass are starting to stack up in a couple areas. Im using wild Shiners fished on the bottom to get these big Bass in the boat.
  • Young angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing from a boat in a scenic lake environment.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Russ S.
    Russ S.
    Captain Bill Goudy Jr made our father/son fishing trip a fantastic success! With his knowledge of the local lakes and his expertise in catching all the native fish that Florida has to offer, he will make sure to provide the best fishing experience around. Worth every penny!
  • Adult angler proudly holding a large largemouth bass aboard a fishing boat on a calm inland lake.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Judy D.
    Judy D.
    In spite of the arctic like conditions, by Florida standards anyway, Captain Reno Alley managed to put us, my wife Judy and I, on the bite on a rainy cold blustery day with a cold front sitting right on top of us which is why we never got more than a few hundred yards from the Lake Summit boat ramp. Captain Alley was an amiable sort with a gift for gab and a notable passion for fishing and the outdoor life. We had a heckuva good time and did a lot of cracking up in between reeling them in, a total of 22 LMB's 1-5 lbs. Thank you Captain Reno.
  • An angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing in a scenic freshwater environment.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    In a year or so the lakes will be the place to go.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
19 ft
Year built
2003
Boat manufacturer
Ranger 185vs
Boat type
Bass boat
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 175HP

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Spinning

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
We love all kids; generally, age 2 is a good starting age. But if you want to expose them earlier let's do it.... it's never to early!
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 Visa
 Mastercard
 American Express

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