Sponsor Feature: Polk County/Visit Central Florida

Visit Central Florida!

If Florida is the “Fishing Capital of the World” then Central Florida’s Polk County should claim the title of “Freshwater Fishing Capital of the Fishing Capital.” Abundant sunshine and pleasant temperatures allow for fi shing in Polk County year-round on the region’s more than 550 lakes that occupy over 135 square miles. One of the key reasons that fi shing in Central Florida is such a popular pastime is the diversity of freshwater habitats and the variety of fi sh species that inhabit area waterways. With the variety of fi sh species and the diversity of the freshwater fi sheries in Central Florida it is no wonder that Polk County consistently ranks as one of the top freshwater fi shing destinations in the World.

“LARGEMOUTH BASS CAPITAL OF THE WORLD”

The largemouth Bass is the best known and most popular game fi sh in the World and is Florida’s state freshwater fi sh. Th e title “Largemouth Bass Capital of the World” is a testament to the king of the Polk County waters, the largemouth black bass. Th e temperate climate of Central Florida not only allows for our waters to produce and abundance of largemouth bass, but also nurtures them to grow into very impressive sizes. Polk County is home to the state’s certifi ed record Florida Largemouth Bass, which weighed in at 17.27 pounds, and of the top 15 bass lakes ranked by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, fi ve of them are located in Polk County. Fisheries such as the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Teneroc Fish Management Area, Mosaic Fish Management Area and the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes regularly produce catches of 10+ pound bass. Th e Kissimmee Chain of Lakes produced two B.A.S.S. all-time records: Dean Rojas’ record fi ve bass limit weight of 45 pounds, 2 ounces (which still stands today) and the then-record four-day catch of 108 pounds and 12 ounces. While the lakes listed above generally receive the most recognition, other Polk County lakes such as Crooked Lake and Lake Weohyakapka (known as Lake Walk-in- Water) are not as widely known, but they are well known by many local anglers for producing some high quality Largemouth Bass.

ACCESS TO QUALITY FISHING

Residents and visitors alike fi nd the infrastructure and support they need to be successful anglers on Polk County’s waters. Accessibility to fi shing is not an issue in Polk County as there are over 115 boat ramps (1/5 of all the public ramps in Florida) and 14 fi shing piers that provide direct access to our waters. More than 15 area guide services provide great insights and keep their clients on the fish and numerous locally owned and operated bait and tackle shops provide a wide variety of equipment and advice. 

One very unique way to experience all of the best fishing Polk County has to offer is to stay at a local “fish camp”. Guy Harvey’s only freshwater fishing lodge, Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina & RV Resort is the storied fishing lodge and RV resort that sits in the heart of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, offering access to over 21,000 acres of world class bass fishing grounds, all surrounded by some of Florida’s most spell-binding great outdoors. Whether you are an aspiring professional angler looking for that trophy large mouth bass or just looking to hook up with family and friends in an authentic “Old Florida” lakefront setting, Camp Mack is for you! Several other fish camps are located in Polk County including Cherry Pocket, Camp Lester, Bannon’s Fish Camp and Jennings Resort which allow for you to stay in cabins/ rooms right on the shores of your favorite lake. Imagine you are just steps from your boat tied to the camp’s dock, or arrange for a professional guide service, with the convenience of being on the water just minutes after stepping outside your room.

A FISH FOR EVERY SEASON

While the largemouth bass may be the most popular species of fish that anglers are looking to land, they are not the only fish that inhabit the lakes of Central Florida. Area lakes are teaming with bluegill, crappie, bream, sunshine bass, catfish, gar, tilapia and chain pickerel. In their rankings of the top fisheries the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) include a high percentage of Polk County lakes. The FWC lists six Polk County lakes in their top 13 lakes for crappie, and four Polk County lakes are listed in the FWC’s top 14 bream lakes. Many of the top largemouth bass lakes also rank highly in producing quality crappie and bream including, Lake Weohyakapka, Teneroc Fish Management Area, Mosaic Fish Management Area, the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. During various times of year, different species will be most active, so plan to try an array of different fishing tackle and try out a variety of techniques until you find a pattern that consistently catches fish.

Central Florida offers a variety of ways for you, your family and friends to enjoy relaxing day fishing in Polk County. Polk County is a place that fishing is not just a pastime; it is the lifeblood of our community and surely makes us one of the top freshwater fishing destinations in the World. To begin planning your fishing vacation to Polk County visit www.VisitCentralFlorida.org to see everything Central Florida’s Polk County has to offer.