It might come as a surprise, but believe us when we tell you that Orlando fishing is just about as good as any theme park. While it might be known best as the entertainment capital of Florida, Orlando's anglers know that the real magic starts at the docks. And with over 60 000 acres of freshwater in the Orlando urban area, it’s easy to see why.

St. Johns River flows north and east of town, a whole network of lakes splays out across the area, and some of Florida’s finest saltwater fishing is less than an hour’s drive away. Safe to say, Orlando fishing charters are just as much of an attraction as anything else the area has in store. So tear yourself away from the rollercoasters and get the family on a boat. We bet they’ll enjoy getting hooked up as much as you do.

These waters are super fertile, and have a lot of variety in terms of fish species. We’re not just talking Crappie, Catfish, and Sunfish (called ‘Shellcrackers’ in these parts), we’re talking a variety of species of exotics. And — wait for it — one of the best populations of Largemouth Bass in Florida. You heard us. Orlando Bass fishing attracts anglers from across the state, who flock to local lakes in search of a record-breaker.

This is all thanks to the expansive Kissimmee Chain of lakes, which covers more than 80 000 acres of land. Home to enough Bass fishing tournaments to keep you on your toes all year, these waters are an important part of the map for any central Floridian angler. Number one in our book is Lake Tohopekaliga - Lake Toho, for short.

If you’re looking to escape the Disney crowds, Lake Toho fishing is your answer. These waters are less than a half hour drive from the resorts, but they seem to be a world away. Full of lush vegetation, the lake’s hydrilla beds, cattails, and native grasses make the perfect breeding ground for big Florida strain Black Bass. And with a network of man-made fish attractors dotted around the lake, this is a fishery that can more than withstand the not-too-serious fishing pressure it comes under.

But it’s not all about Lake Toho, and the best Orlando fishing guides know it. Depending on the bite, they will take you to anywhere from big Bass haunt of Lake Blue Cyress to the serene paradise of Lake Panasoffkee. And if you just can’t wait to dip a line, you can even go fishing at Disney World, in the Bay Lake and Seven seas Lagoon.

Is Bass not enough to convince you? Well how about this: it takes less than an hour to get to some of the best saltwater fishing in the Sunshine State. Deep sea fishing Orlando, four words that describe having the Gulf Stream at your doorstep. Drop in at Port Canaveral on the Space Coast and you could be hooking up on Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi, Sailfish, Grouper… the list goes on. A little north up the coast, and you’re in the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon. Widely considered to be the only place in the world to have a year-round inshore Redfish population, this is only a 45 minute drive from "The City Beautiful." If you thought fishing near Orlando was uninspiring, think again.