Always wanted to fish Florida

[Myrodandreel]

As many times I’ve visited Florida you’d think I would have fished it at least once. Every time I’d visit and ride pass one of the hundreds of ponds scattered throughout Orlando i rememberer saying “I BET THERES FISH IN THERE!”. With only a week to spare (vacation) and the wife and kids pulling you in a thousand different directions it always turned into a “well maybe next time”. Well not this time this time while being pulled in one of those directions I mentioned earlier (Walmart) I strategically made my way over to the fishing isle grabbed the cheapest rod and reel (9 bucks), a top water frog, a popper, a bag of powerbate minnows, some hooks, and I was set! The damage, I don’t know, the mission was far more important, but if I had to guess maybeeee 25-30 large. Forgot to grab a license but now I’m checked out, in the car, and google mapping the entire Orlando terrain and about to just live life on the edge...UNDOCUMENTED. These fish don’t know what’s about to hit them! 20 years of magic kingdom Epcot sea world blockage. So directly across from my hotel I had already spotted a nice hole nestled between the main rode and a tree line, problem was it was private property. The life on the edge isn’t for everybody but that “private property” was about to get it. Mind you it wasn’t residential private property. 6am the following day it all began to go down as the greatest Florida vacation I’ve ever had in my life. The bass hit EVERYTHING, And so did I! Every hole I came across. The wife went into subway that lure went submerged! Kids went shopping at the outlets dad went fishing right outside! Pond are literally everywhere! If I lived here I can honestly say I’d probably never get anything done! I couldnt imagine having my yak down here...mind blowing!AC70A34E-9AE3-4CCF-8358-581C055492F7.jpg

[Mark]

Congratulations on your FL adventure and welcome to the forum.

My in-laws resided in Melbourne/Palm Bay, FL for years. They lived in several homes in that area but the one I enjoyed visiting the most had a community pond lapping up to their backyard. I caught lots of bass and bluegills in it right from their property.

Now, if FL bass get you excited, I can only imagine your reaction to the large variety of tidal fish in FL's coastal waters -- Reds, Specks, Snook, Ladyfish, Sheepshead, Flounder, Pompano, Blues, etc. The species list is long and there is no shortage of kayak guides who will help you catch them from plastic boats.

In the future, you may want to invest in a travel rod and reel in lieu of a hasty trip to Wal-Mart. You can also get a FL license on-line in advance of your visit.

[mike o]

Sounds like you had a great time. Glad you enjoyed your trip.

[J.A. Veil]

There are many fishing opportunities in different parts of Florida. I have been traveling there a lot over the past 7 years and have caught many enjoyable fish.

Just as a heads up, if you plan on fishing on private property in Florida, remember that their gun carry laws are a lot less rigid than what we have at home. A confrontation with a drunk good ol' boy might not end well.

[Myrodandreel]

Point well taken!