Bass Fishing

Cast a lure into the water, then reel in the biggest largemouth bass you’ve ever seen. The perimeters of vegetation and brush around our lakes make excellent homes for largemouth bass. Anglers from near and far catch so many here that we’ve earned the title "Bass Capital of the World." With more than 550 freshwater lakes and numerous rivers and flooded phosphate pits, you’ll catch other varieties of sweet-tasting freshwater fish as well. Bluegill (bream), crappie (speckled perch), and catfish are also found in our waters.

The 926-acre fish management area, Lake Juliana, is located north of Auburndale and west of S.R. 559. Fish available: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and sunshine bass.

Lake Crago is a fish management area created by phosphate mining. It is located adjacent to Lake Parker off S.R. 33 in Lakeland. Fish available: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and sunshine bass.

Known throughout the south as an excellent bass producer, Lake Kissimmee’s draw down in 1977 rejuvenated the fisheries and stimulated growth of desirable vegetation. Night fishing produces large catches of black crappies, but should be attempted with caution due to the lake’s size (34,948 acres) and lack of landmarks.

Connected to the northwest end of Lake Kissimmee by a canal, the 6,000-acre Lake Hatchineha produces good catches of largemouth bass and bluegill. Its cypress-rimmed shoreline provides nesting areas for numerous ospreys, anhingas and other wildlife.

Five thousand acres of deep, clear water awaits at Crooked Lake, located six miles south of Lake Wales off U.S. 27, with good bass and bluegill fishing. A public boat ramp is located one mile off U.S. 27 on S.R. 630-A at Keene Park Road.

Lake Weohyakapka, better known as Lake Walk-in-Water, is a 7,000-acre lake that produces nice catches of black crappie and largemouth bass. It is located four miles south of S.R. 60 between River Ranch and Lake Wales.

A scenic river for canoe fishing trips, the Peace River flows from Polk to Charlotte County. Navigability varies with some small portages required in dry weather. Access the river off Hwy 60, east of Bartow.

A fish management area created by phosphate mining, Saddle Creek is located on the northeast side of Lakeland just off U.S. 92, between Auburndale and Lakeland. Swimming and children’s playground facilities are available.

The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, from Little Lake Winterset to Lake Hartridge, produces some of the most consistent catches in the region. The 16 lakes produce excellent catches of largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie. Sunshine bass (a cross between striped bass and white bass) have been placed in the chain and are frequently caught on minnows while fishing for black crappie. Several public ramps are located throughout the chain.

One of Florida’s premier bass fishing “hot spots,” Tenoroc Fish Management Area features a series of fish-filled lakes created from reclaimed phosphate pits. The park has many different types of pits designed for specific uses including flyfishing, fishing teams and bank fishing. The pits are so loaded with bass, bluegills and shellcrackers that even the most inexperienced fisherman should be able to catch something. Tenoroc is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and located northeast of Lakeland just off I-4. Take 33 to S.R. 659 south (Combee Road). Turn left on Tenoroc Mine Road. Call 499-2422 for permit and additional information.