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