Quick Picks
- Biggest bass
- Lake Toho, Kissimmee
- Prettiest
- Butler Chain, Windermere
- Charter length
- About 4 hours
- License
- Non-residents 16 and up
Our pickLake Toho Bass Fishing CharterSee tickets →The best fishing near Orlando is for largemouth bass on Lake Toho in Kissimmee, about 22,700 acres and one of the best-known trophy bass lakes in the country, and on the Butler Chain of Lakes in Windermere. Private charters on both run about 4 hours with a guide and all the gear, and non-residents 16 and older need a Florida freshwater license.
The best fishing near Orlando
- Lake Toho, Kissimmee. About 22,700 acres and one of the best-known trophy bass lakes in the country. Go here if you want a big fish.
- Butler Chain of Lakes, Windermere. Clear water and connected lakes lined with impressive homes, just minutes from the attractions. A calmer, prettier trip.
Other well-known bass waters in the region include Lake Kissimmee, the Winter Haven Chain and Lake Apopka.
Orlando fishing charters and guides
If you're only here for a few days, a guide is the shortcut. They know where the fish are that week, and they bring everything.
- Private Lake Toho charter: About 4 hours, with a guide, all the gear and bottled water.
- Private Butler Chain charter: About 4 hours from RD Keene Park, with all the gear, a cooler, ice and water.
Both are private, so it's just your group, and beginners are welcome.
Do you need a fishing license?
Florida's wildlife agency, the FWC, requires a freshwater license for non-residents 16 and older, with 3-day, 7-day and annual options. Under 16s are exempt, and other exemptions apply, including for some Florida seniors. Ask your captain when you book whether the charter covers you, and get a license first if it doesn't.
Best time to fish in Orlando
You can catch bass all year here. Early mornings are usually the most comfortable, especially in summer. Ask your captain what's working that month, and bring a light jacket on a cool morning.
What to bring on a fishing charter
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Food and any drinks beyond the water that's provided
- A camera, for the photo of the one that didn't get away
Orlando fishing tips
- Book early in your trip so you can move it if the weather turns.
- Fishing with kids? Keep it short and ask about a shorter trip when you book.
- Not sure about fishing? You can see Central Florida's wildlife from a Boggy Creek airboat tour, 10% off through us. (I'm Boggy Creek's marketing manager.)
More ideas: things to do in Orlando with your boyfriend and things to do in Kissimmee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best fishing near Orlando?
Lake Toho in Kissimmee for trophy bass, and the Butler Chain in Windermere for clear water and a calmer trip.
Do I need a fishing license in Orlando?
Non-residents 16 and older generally need a Florida freshwater license. Ask your captain whether your charter covers you.
Can beginners go on a fishing charter?
Yes. The charters are private and the captain adapts to your experience level.
How long is a fishing charter in Orlando?
About 4 hours. The private Lake Toho charter includes a guide, all the gear and bottled water, and the private Butler Chain charter leaves from RD Keene Park with all the gear, a cooler, ice and water.
What is the best time to fish for bass in Orlando?
You can catch bass all year here. Early mornings are usually the most comfortable, especially in summer.
Do kids need a fishing license in Florida?
Under 16s are exempt. The FWC requires a freshwater license for non-residents 16 and older, with 3-day, 7-day and annual options.
Book a Private Bass Charter
About 4 hours on Lake Toho with a guide and all the gear. See live times and prices.
See the Lake Toho CharterThings to do in KissimmeeMore editorial coverage from Adventures in Orlando and every Orlando guide.
