Winter Haven Fishing Charters
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Winter Haven Fishing Charters

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(15 reviews)
Map of Winter Haven, FL, United States
1649 Lake Shipp Drive
Winter Haven, FL, United States
Trips & prices
Targeted species
What's included
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

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."

  • You Keep Catch
  • Child Friendly
  • Rods, reels & tackle

Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip AM
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $325
    The best way to start your day is to conquer a few fish and set yourself up for a great rewarding lunch out in the sun. Well, you can do that on this morning trip out on the White Haven ecosystem. There's little chance of disappointment when you’re out chasing after Bass with Bill as he knows all of the tricks to reel in a few over just a short space of time.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Lake Fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Jigging
    Popping
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Largemouth)
    Largemouth Bass
  • Private trip
    4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip PM
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    US $325
    This is a great entry-level trip for beginners to the sport as you aim to reel in some Largemouth Bass. Captain Bill uses light tackle and spinning on his trips which is the bread and butter of fishing. When you're out with him on the lake you'll be able to get to grips with this and set yourself up for a lifetime of future fishing feats.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Lake Fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Jigging
    Popping
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Largemouth)
    Largemouth Bass
  • Private trip
    6-Hour Bass Fishing Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $400
    Give yourself an extra couple of hours enjoying the fishing just before Florida’s afternoon sun truly hits. You'll be giving yourself just that little bit of extra time to top up your bags with some extra Largemouth Bass and maybe even some Crappie for a culinary treat. So, don't hesitate to hop aboard with Captain Bill as he shows you his favorite fishing grounds.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Lake Fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Jigging
    Popping
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Largemouth)
    Largemouth Bass
  • Private trip
    8-Hr Bass Fishing Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $500
    For those of you who are coming to Florida to fish then this is the trip for you. Lake fishing with some gentle spinning is the ultimate way to kick back and relax. Not only that but you'll hopefully be doing it with the sun on your back. So loosen up, crack open a cold one, and start reeling in some of the Largemouth Bass and Crappie that swim around in the Winter Haven waters.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Lake Fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Jigging
    Popping
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Largemouth)
    Largemouth Bass
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FAQs about Winter Haven Fishing Charters

Winter Haven Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $325 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - 4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip AM (4 hours)
  • US $325 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - 4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip PM (4 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - 6-Hour Bass Fishing Trip (6 hours)
  • US $500 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

Meet the Captain

Bill Goudy Jr.
Winter Haven, Florida, United States
2 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
96 Customer reviews
Response time 5 hours
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!

About this listing

Targeted species

Bass (Largemouth) Largemouth Bass
Crappie Crappie

Boat specs

Ranger 185vs (Bass boat) originally built in 2003. Powered by a 175HP Yamaha engine.

Length
19 ft
Capacity
3 persons

Types of fishing

Lake Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Spinning

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Lures

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

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
Report listing

Payment

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

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 15 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (24)
Two Cups of Gas and 22 Bass
Two Cups of Gas and 22 Bass
Two Cups of Gas and 22 Bass
+21
Angler rating
13
1
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
87%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 15 reviews
Judith D. S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Two Cups of Gas and 22 Bass

VERIFIED   6-Hour Bass Fishing Trip on January 14, 2024
In spite of the arctic like conditions, by Florida standards anyway, Captain Reno Alley managed to put us, my wife Judy and...
Judith D. S. recommends Winter Haven Fishing Charters
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Rob P.
Montgomery, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Good Day with Captain Reno !

VERIFIED   4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip AM on June 29, 2023
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...
Rob P. recommends Winter Haven Fishing Charters
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Jon F.
Lakeland, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full Day with Captain Bill

VERIFIED   8-Hr Bass Fishing Trip on April 25, 2023
Had an awesome day of fishing with captain Bill!  We He made to day fun and exciting.  Plus he took time out to teach. ...
Jon F. recommends Winter Haven Fishing Charters
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  Bill Goudy Jr. Captain replied
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Lloyd C.
Lakeland, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

What a moment and what a memory!!

VERIFIED   4-Hour Bass Fishing Trip AM on December 23, 2021
Here we are with three largemouth bass at once; what a moment and what a memory!! We were fishing Lake Winterset with Capt....
Lloyd C. recommends Winter Haven Fishing Charters
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Marty M.
Very good
4.0 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Good
3.0 / 5
Overall

Avoid Winter Haven North for bass if U are using only artificials. They have killed almost all hydrilla.

VERIFIED   6-Hour Bass Fishing Trip on November 14, 2023
In a year or so the lakes will be the place to go.
Marty M. does not recommend Winter Haven Fishing Charters
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  Bill Goudy Jr. Captain replied
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