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Fishing in Florida
By Nigel G. Worrall
Traditionally, a Florida
vacation would include a visit to Walt
Disney World Resorts and Universal
Studios. Other days are perhaps filled
with trips to the many other attractions and
things to do in and around Orlando that time
soon passes and you find yourself returning
back home in no time. So what if you had
time for a slower pace of life, time to just
while away the hours and time to just
completely relax without having to dash
here, there and everywhere?
It is possible to have the
best of both worlds. Sure, enjoy the
attractions and theme parks but don’t forget
to relax your mind as well and if you are an
outdoors person, then why not enjoy some
fishing in Florida? A few hours spent alone
or with the family in tow to enjoy this
popular pastime can make the difference to
how rested and relaxed you feel when it is
finally time to pack up and head home.
Florida is a haven for
fishermen and women and is often called “The
Fishing Capital of the World” because of
its great resources and responsible
management. The diversity of sport fish,
habitats, great weather and year round
fishing make for the perfect environment
that is hard to surpass. Listed below are
some of the great places to explore for
those interested in an off-beat vacation on
vacation:
Lake Okeechobee
is the second biggest lake
within the United States is Lake Okeechobee
in Florida. The “Big O” has one of the
finest freshwater fishing options and is the
habitat for several species of fish such as
the large mouth bass, crappie, catfish bream
and bluegill. Popular fishing spots on or
around the lake include:
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Bass species of fish can
be observed and caught at the flats
stretching
from the boat lock at Henry Creek
towards Chancey Bay. At Nubblin Slough,
these can be caught round the year;
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Area behind Eagle Bay
Island is great for catching all species
of Panfish;
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From January through
April, Eagle Bay is prime large mouth
region as the lake is at its fullest;
and
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The rocky area north of
North Lake Shoal (Kings Bar) is abundant
in bluegill species.
Located east of the City of
Lake Wales, in the heart of Osceola County,
Lake Kissimmee is one of the best
large mouth lakes in the United States. One
of the largest impounds on the Kissimmee
River in Central Florida, Lake Kissimmee has
been restored in the past few years with
introduction of ecologically favorable
vegetation. A few of the popular tourist and
fishing spots on or around the lake include
the highway 60 bridge area stretching to the
Shady Oaks Fish Camp, deep-water break off
the east side of Brahma Island, the
southeast corner of Brahma Island, the cut
behind Brahma Island, extending between
Rocky Point and Otter Slough, and the
westernmost point of Brahma Island and the
ironically named small cove called Polluted
Waters.
Fishing in Florida is
not just about lakes and rivers-Mosquito
Lagoon, a fishing estuary located just
45 minutes from Orlando is one of the best
locations for beginners as well as expert
anglers to catch Redfish, Sea Trout, Snook,
Tarpon and more. Mangroves here provide a
great hiding place for Snook and ‘tailing’
Redfish can easily be spotted. This is also
an excellent place to observe Dolphins,
Manatees and many other sea animals and
flora in their natural surroundings.
Pier
Fishing in Florida- On the west
coast, Jacksonville and St. Petersburg have
plenty of piers where fishing is allowed.
For those who prefer to soak up the sunshine
and enjoy the good food and company of
friends away from tour guides, bass boars
and GPS’s sounds, pier fishing locations
spotted throughout Florida are wonderful
options.
Other great options for
fishing in Florida are Lake George, Lake
Toho, River/Lake Seminole (Near the City of
Chattahoochee), Lake Talquin / Ochlockonee
River, Lake Weir (located in south Marion
County near Ocala) and Lake Monroe in
Sanford but there is a hidden secret you may
not be familiar with.
Florida offers some great
fishing options when you rent a vacation
villa or vacation home. Many vacation homes
are located in areas where there are small
lakes to fish in and these vacation rentals
are great options when you are looking to
control your budget. The great thing about
them is that you don’t have to compromise on
any of the 5 star luxuries you are used to
as most vacation homes have a private
swimming pool, gaming rooms, a full size
kitchen, comfortable living spaces, several
bedrooms and the ability for each member of
the family to do exactly as they wish.
Fishing in Florida can be fun
for all the family and you’ll have plenty of
options when the cry of “take me fishing” is
heard.
©2010
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