| Central Florida lakes are very popular among | | | | If you are planning to fish on your trip, there are |
| fishermen and people who want to experience | | | | some things you will need. You will need a Florida |
| nature on their vacations. Take a few days of your | | | | fishing license. These can be purchased at most bait |
| trip to enjoy all this area has to offer. This is a | | | | or tackle shops in the state. The weather tends to |
| perfect way to relax after spending a few hectic | | | | be hot and the sun is strong, so you will need |
| days in the crowded theme parks. | | | | protection. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses |
| Fishing in Central Florida Lakes | | | | and a hat. Wear light weight, comfortable clothing to |
| The lakes in central Florida offer many great spots | | | | help keep cool in the hot weather. Bring along a rod, |
| for fishing. This combined with the great weather | | | | tackle and a camera to capture a picture of the big |
| allows you to fish all year round. The large mouth | | | | one. |
| bass is the best known and most popular fresh | | | | Guided fishing tours are available at most large lakes. |
| water fish in Florida. The central lakes are known for | | | | These can be half day or full day trips. The rates for |
| large bass and trophy sized fish are routinely found in | | | | the tours vary according to the company and time |
| these waters. | | | | of year. Reduced rates are available for larger parties. |
| The Bass World Lodge on St. John's River is a very | | | | Some guided tours provide tackle. Be sure to ask |
| good spot for large fish. Lake Okeechobee is a very | | | | when you book the tour. |
| large lake in the middle of the state. The name | | | | State Parks near Central Florida Lakes |
| means big water in the language of the Seminole | | | | The state park system in Florida is one of the largest |
| Indians. The name is very fitting for this particular | | | | in the country. There are over twenty that are not |
| body of water. The lake is thirty seven miles long | | | | far from the downtown Orlando area. Many are |
| and thirty miles wide. In most areas, the lake is ten | | | | located near large lakes as well. Some of the closest |
| feet deep. A large number of bass are found here. | | | | parks to the downtown area include: Wekiwa Springs |
| There are more fish caught here weighing over ten | | | | State Park and Tosohatchee State Reserve. There |
| pounds than any other lake in central Florida. | | | | are plenty of Florida Vacation properties near the |
| Lake Toho is the most popular lake in the Kissimmee | | | | parks. |
| chain. This is a shallow lake that is about 18,800 acres | | | | The proximity of the parks allows you to experience |
| of water. The aquatic vegetation in the lake offers | | | | nature, while staying close to the theme parks. You |
| abundant food for fish. This makes good spawning | | | | will find wildlife, vegetation and native birds. A variety |
| grounds and allows for plenty of fish. The fish grow | | | | of animals call the state parks home. Some of the |
| quite large with the abundant food supply. A fishing | | | | animals you may encounter include: alligators, turtles, |
| tournament is held here each year in the fall. | | | | river otters, raccoons, bobcats, black bears, foxes |
| The bass is most abundant during the spawning | | | | and deer. A variety of birds can be found in the |
| season. This occurs between December and April of | | | | parks as well. Bald Eagles, ospreys, turkey, owls, |
| every year. During this time, fish weighing from eight | | | | hawks and sand hill cranes are often found in state |
| pounds all the way up to the high teens can be | | | | parks. |
| caught in the lakes around this part of the state. | | | | |