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Florida · Fishing
Orlando's fishing scene is built around its chain of freshwater lakes, and the four waters listed on Roamze — Lake Tanner, Buck Lake, Lake Phillips, and Lake Fran -- give you a solid cross-section of what central Florida lake fishing actually looks like.
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Orlando's fishing scene is built around its chain of freshwater lakes, and the four waters listed on Roamze — Lake Tanner, Buck Lake, Lake Phillips, and Lake Fran -- give you a solid cross-section of what central Florida lake fishing actually looks like. These are warm, shallow, vegetation-heavy lakes typical of the Orlando area, which means largemouth bass are the main draw, with bluegill, crappie, and catfish filling out the catch. Florida's subtropical climate means you can fish year-round here, but the patterns shift considerably between seasons. Winter and early spring tend to produce the best bass fishing as fish move shallow to spawn, while summer heat pushes most productive activity to early morning and late afternoon. None of these lakes require a boat -- bank access is workable at all four -- but a kayak or small johnboat opens up the shoreline cover where fish actually hold. If you're visiting from out of state, budget time to sort out your Florida freshwater fishing license before you go; it's required for anyone 16 and older and is straightforward to purchase online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Largemouth bass are the primary target at Lake Tanner, Buck Lake, Lake Phillips, and Lake Fran. You'll also find bluegill and shellcracker in the shallower, weedy areas, and catfish are common after dark or near bottom structure. These are not designated wild trout or gold medal waters -- this is warm-water, bass-and-panfish fishing.
Yes. Florida requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 or older. You can buy one online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or at most local bait shops. A short-term non-resident license is available if you're just visiting for a few days.
River Forest Group Site
~59 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Clearwater Lake Rec Area
~1h 1m drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Lake Phillips
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Lake Tohopekaliga - Kissimmee Lakefront Park
~31 min drive
Easy
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
~1h 13m drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Lake Dorr Cabin
~1h 5m drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Bear Gully Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
St. Johns River - Lake Monroe Access
~36 min drive
Easy
Doe Lake Group Site
~1h 23m drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Lake Ann
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Lake Tanner
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Buck Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Early morning -- roughly the first two hours after sunrise -- is consistently the most productive window, especially in summer when midday water temperatures climb and fish go lethargic. The last hour before sunset is a reliable second option. In cooler months from November through February, midday fishing can actually be productive as the water warms up.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations on these lakes. For bass, soft plastic worms, swimbaits, and weedless rigs work well in the heavy vegetation common to Florida lakes. Bring polarized sunglasses -- spotting fish in the shallows is a real advantage here. Sunscreen and water are non-negotiable in Florida heat.
Yes, genuinely. Florida's warm-water lakes hold high densities of panfish that bite readily, which makes for active rods even when bass aren't cooperating. Bank fishing is accessible at these lakes, so you don't need a boat or advanced skills to have a productive outing. Kids who can cast a bobber rig with a worm will catch fish.
