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