Florida fishing?

Hi All,

We're headed to Orlando in a couple of weeks for a vacation with the kids...the usual; Disneyworld, Universal Studios, et cetera.  I was dreaming about getting in some fishing, and was utterly shocked to hear that my wonderful, awesome and quite beautiful wife had actually been looking online at half & full-day trips for me to join.    I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts/suggestions...it will be a non-yak trip, since I don't know anyone in FL and I won't be bringing any gear.  The 4-hour all-inclusive trips run between $250-300.  (I thought to myself, "heck...that's a good down-payment on a new yak!' but soon changed that thought to "WTF...I'll be on vacation!")    So if anyone knows of any good outfitters out of Orlando, I'm all ears.  (no rabbit jokes please) 

Dunno, I've always found that if I pay to go fishing while on vacation, I catch less than I would have at home left to my own devices.  Even on the islander I only caught 3 fish totaling 20lbs or so, not including mackerel, fortunately the fishing is only part of the islander experience. 

I'd check to make sure you're going in the right season to have a good shot at catching something worthwhile.  Often boats will have a calendar showing what bites when, but they may call the fishing 'fair' during unproductive times.

The diving in FL is pretty decent, I'd put snorkeling on the coral reefs higher than fishing on the 'to do' list.  Snorkeling in the mangrove swamps of the keys I saw lots of huge barracuda within easy shore casting distance.  If you're staying near the water you might consider bringing a rod and try fishing from shore.

Start with the Orlando Bass Pro Shops.  They'll put you on some guide services.  Its pretty near the theme parks.
5156 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 563-5200

If your staying in the DisneyWorld resort, you'll have direct access to Lake Buena Vista.  That is or used to be a stop on the Walmart FLW tour, so you know there's bass in there. 

I've fished Orlando a few times, but mostly private lakes.  Since the whole state is basically one giant swamp, everyone seems to have a lake in their backyard.  I've caught plenty of bass, big bluegills, and chain pickerel, at all times of the year.  You could definitely sneak in some fishing here and there just to get your fix.  I'd recommend buying/ bringing a pack spinning rod and 5 lures (a chug bug/ popper, spinnerbait, t-rig worm, roadrunner, and crankbait)  That'll get you by until you hit BPS.

Hey there guys,

Heading to the Orlando area and wanting a guaranteed successful trip, go fishing with the states largest provider of bass fishing trips that offers NO Fish, No Pay policy.

Right now the bass are schooling hard, in the past couple of days we are boating 40 to 50 fish in a 6 hour trip.
There are several good lakes in the Orlando area here's a link to a few of them,
http://hawghunter.net/Central-Florida-Fishing.htm 

Check out our websites, you won't be disappointed.
www.hawghunter.net
www.bassauthority.com
www.bassonline.com
www.flpeacockbass.com

I'd shoot a PM over to Jim Sammons as he was there recently trying to land a Tarpon. Might not be your exact area but he might have some intel.

its quite the drive, but i've fished sarasota bay a bunch-- fun snook, redfish, etc out there. Let me know if you want info