The Bass College

Best Places for Bass Fishing in Florida

Northern Florida

Lake George is a broad, shallow lake on the St. Johns River in Putnam County. The west side of the lake is encompassed in the Ocala National Forest and it is the second largest lake in Florida, behind LakeOkeechobee. Lake George is consistently ranked as one of the most productive bass waters in Florida.

Lake Rousseau is on the Withlacoochee River in north-central Florida,about 35 miles west of Ocala. It is fed by the Rainbow River and LakePanasoffkee. Although not as well known as some of Florida’s other manmade reservoirs and lakes, Lake Rousseau is an excellent producer of high quality bass and is known as not being a difficult lake to fish.

Lake Talquin is a reservoir located just west of Tallahassee on theOchlockonee River between Leon and Gadsden Counties. The 8,500-acrelake has a maze of underwater creek channels, creek arms and smaller coves that extend from the headwaters to the main pool. In recent years, Lake Talquin has become a hot spot for bass fishing. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stocks the lake and it has become one of the best bass fisheries in North Florida - if not the entire state.

Lake Crescent is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state - 13miles long and two miles wide. It connects to the St. John’s River on the north via Dunn’s Creek. Lake Crescent is largely undeveloped with the entire eastern shore still in its’ natural state. Fishing is excellent in Lake Crescent, especially for Black Bass,

Striped Bass,Speck and Catfish.

Central Florida

Lake Okeechobee tops the list of the best bass fishing lakes in central Florida. Also one of the most well known, Lake Okeechobee is the second-largest freshwater lake in the continental United States, second only to Lake Michigan. Lake Okeechobee arguably produces the best Largemouth Bass fishing in the world, consistently producing trophy worthy bass year round.

The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, which includes Lake Kissimmee, Lake Toho,Lake Cypress and Lake Hatchineha, is another world famous bass fishing region. Lake Kissimmee in particular is known for its Largemouth Bass and holds the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society’s all time record Tournament Catch.

The Butler Chain of Lakes is also situated in Central Florida, located in and around the city of Orlando. Many people who visit the area for the theme parks are unaware that they are also just minutes from some of the best bass fishing on some of Florida’s most pristine waters.

The Clermont Chain is another great bass fishing area in Central Florida, with what many say is an “Old Florida” feel to it. This eleven-lake chain is located in the rolling hills near the town of Clermont. All lakes on the Clermont Chain are Fish Management Areas.Largemouth bass can be found along the grasslines and at the mouths o fcreeks connecting the lakes of the Clermont Chain.

Southern Florida

South Florida has dozens of smaller lakes that are excellent for bassfishing. Just a few of these include Lake Walk in Water, LakeHatchineha, Lake Arbuckle, Lake Istokpoga, Lake June, Reedy Lake and Lake Tarpon.

Although not as well known, these lakes offer great fishing and can hold their own with the bigger lakes. Some even say they are one of the “best kept secrets” of this part of the state.

The Everglades offers the best Largemouth Bass fishing in South Florida- in an area of unmatched beauty. The Everglades is home to one of the largest wetlands in the world and holds the record for the number of fish caught per person. Anglers come from all around the world to fish the unspoiled waters, including the remote outpost of EvergladesNational Park and wildlife refuge fishing.

Delawarebass at 08:31AM on Oct 06, 2009

Best Places for Bass Fishing in Florida

 

Northern Florida

 

Lake George is a broad, shallow lake on the St. Johns River in Putnam County. The west side of the lake is encompassed in the Ocala National Forest and it is the second largest lake in Florida, behind LakeOkeechobee. Lake George is consistently ranked as one of the most productive bass waters in Florida.

 

Lake Rousseau is on the Withlacoochee River in north-central Florida,about 35 miles west of Ocala. It is fed by the Rainbow River and LakePanasoffkee. Although not as well known as some of Florida’s other manmade reservoirs and lakes, Lake Rousseau is an excellent producer of high quality bass and is known as not being a difficult lake to fish.

 

Lake Talquin is a reservoir located just west of Tallahassee on theOchlockonee River between Leon and Gadsden Counties. The 8,500-acrelake has a maze of underwater creek channels, creek arms and smaller coves that extend from the headwaters to the main pool. In recent years, Lake Talquin has become a hot spot for bass fishing. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stocks the lake and it has become one of the best bass fisheries in North Florida - if not the entire state.

 

Lake Crescent is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state - 13miles long and two miles wide. It connects to the St. John’s River on the north via Dunn’s Creek. Lake Crescent is largely undeveloped with the entire eastern shore still in its’ natural state. Fishing is excellent in Lake Crescent, especially for Black Bass,

Striped Bass,Speck and Catfish.

 

Central Florida

 

Lake Okeechobee tops the list of the best bass fishing lakes in central Florida. Also one of the most well known, Lake Okeechobee is the second-largest freshwater lake in the continental United States, second only to Lake Michigan. Lake Okeechobee arguably produces the best Largemouth Bass fishing in the world, consistently producing trophy worthy bass year round.

 

The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, which includes Lake Kissimmee, Lake Toho,Lake Cypress and Lake Hatchineha, is another world famous bass fishing region. Lake Kissimmee in particular is known for its Largemouth Bass and holds the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society’s all time record Tournament Catch.

 

The Butler Chain of Lakes is also situated in Central Florida, located in and around the city of Orlando. Many people who visit the area for the theme parks are unaware that they are also just minutes from some of the best bass fishing on some of Florida’s most pristine waters.

 

The Clermont Chain is another great bass fishing area in Central Florida, with what many say is an “Old Florida” feel to it. This eleven-lake chain is located in the rolling hills near the town of Clermont. All lakes on the Clermont Chain are Fish Management Areas.Largemouth bass can be found along the grasslines and at the mouths o fcreeks connecting the lakes of the Clermont Chain.

 

Southern Florida

 

South Florida has dozens of smaller lakes that are excellent for bassfishing. Just a few of these include Lake Walk in Water, LakeHatchineha, Lake Arbuckle, Lake Istokpoga, Lake June, Reedy Lake and Lake Tarpon.

Although not as well known, these lakes offer great fishing and can hold their own with the bigger lakes. Some even say they are one of the “best kept secrets” of this part of the state.

 

The Everglades offers the best Largemouth Bass fishing in South Florida- in an area of unmatched beauty. The Everglades is home to one of the largest wetlands in the world and holds the record for the number of fish caught per person. Anglers come from all around the world to fish the unspoiled waters, including the remote outpost of EvergladesNational Park and wildlife refuge fishing.

 

 

Alright!!! Take lots of pics and video if possible and send them to me at delawarebass@gmail.com with the story and I'll post them all.

what water are you hitting with your guide?  Im planning a trip for the end of March and plan to hit Lake Toho for a monster!

I would like some pictures and some short videos of it. from both of you if possible. video can be up to 10 minutes long.

The disney lakes are phenomanal for numbers of 3 to 6 lb bass enjoy. Any ponds you see on the side of the road or behind hotels or anywhere hit them you'll be shocked at the size of the bass

If your heading to the Sunshine State you might want to put Orange Lake on your list . It's been pumping out toads8) Here's a 11 lb'er  Bernie Shultz caught recently.

Nice!! Thanks for the update.

Know anything about the Conway Chain in Central Fl?

The Conway Chain is tough, tough, tough....lots of dinks

Another great central Forida lake is the Maitland chain of lakes, also known as the winter park chain. Its smack dab in the middle of Orlando in the city of maitland

You should never pass up the TENEROC CHAIN if you have a small boat or limited time. They are hot in the spring and fall. 

Another big boy caught my Bernie Shultz . I don't know what I'd do with a fish that big. Maybe a heart Attack !

wow nice fish

Bass Junkie at October 4, 2011 at 9:51 AM

The Conway Chain is tough, tough, tough....lots of dinks

Another great central Forida lake is the Maitland chain of lakes, also known as the winter park chain. Its smack dab in the middle of Orlando in the city of maitland

Yeah WP is right down the street. i fish it all the time... Dog island is where its at if u kno anything about the chain.

Have been to Highland Park fish camp in DeLand, Florida several times in the last year, it is located on Norris Dead River, a portion of the St. Johns River that is neatly situated on the boundaries of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, a 20,000 acre preserve that has been left untouched by development.

Thanks Mike Glad to have you here.

I would have thought to catch something that big you would have to pull it from th ocean!  Awesome fish!

LOL I have 2 that size from Florida. 

Dog island is in Lake Maitland...right?? I like the hour glass in Maitland. Some offshore spots in Minnie Ha Ha kick @$$ as well.

Delawarebass at October 25, 2011 at 8:09 PM

LOL I have 2 that size from Florida. 

Thats amazing but to be honest with ya Steve the one you are pictured with in Delaware impressed me I am still amazed that there are fish that big in our lakes and ponds. Not that I have seen anything that big lol my personal best bass is 5 lbs.