Half Day Crappie And Bass Fishing In Florida
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Halfday lake fishing targeting black bass and crappieExpert electronics training available with experienced guideFlexible lake selection throughout Highlands County waters
Looking for a solid fishing trip that won't eat up your whole day? You've found it. This half-day adventure puts you right in the heart of Highlands County's best fishing waters, where we'll chase some of Florida's most popular gamefish. Whether you're hoping to fill the cooler with eating-size crappie or battle a chunky largemouth, we've got the local knowledge to put you on fish. I've been working these lakes for years, and there's nothing better than watching someone hook into their first Florida bass or pull up a mess of specks for dinner.
We'll meet you at whatever public boat ramp gives us the best shot at success that day - and trust me, Highlands County has plenty of options. The beauty of this trip is flexibility. If the bass are biting better on Lake Istokpoga, that's where we're headed. If the crappie are stacked up in brush piles on Lake Placid, we'll chase them there instead. You're getting two anglers max per trip, which means plenty of personal attention and coaching. My son Hunter joins us regularly and he's a wizard with electronics - if you want to learn how to read your fish finder like a pro or understand how side imaging actually works, just ask. We'll have you marking fish and understanding structure before you know it. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter where you get the same routine every time. We adjust our approach based on what the fish are doing, what the weather's throwing at us, and what you're most excited to target.
Depending on the season and conditions, we'll be throwing everything from Texas-rigged plastics around heavy cover to suspending jerkbaits over deeper structure. For crappie, we're talking about precision presentations - small jigs tipped with minnows, spider rigging when the fish are scattered, or vertical jigging when they're holding tight to cover. Bass fishing here means adapting to Florida's unique environment. We'll pitch and flip into thick vegetation, work topwater around grass lines at first light, or slow-roll spinnerbaits through submerged timber. The gear we use is tournament-grade stuff that can handle Florida's aggressive fish and challenging conditions. When we're after crappie, we'll often use light spinning tackle that lets you feel every little nibble, but we've got the backbone to pull fish out of cover when needed. Electronics play a huge role in our success - we're constantly scanning for baitfish, marking structure, and using technology to stay on productive water instead of just hoping for the best.
Largemouth Bass are the crown jewel of Florida fishing, and Highlands County waters grow some absolute tanks. These fish are aggressive year-round thanks to our climate, but spring and fall are when they really turn on. During spawning season, you'll find them shallow and protective, willing to crush anything that gets too close to their beds. Summer pushes them deeper into grass lines and around structure, while winter finds them sluggish but catchable if you slow down your presentation. What makes Florida largemouth special is their size potential - a five-pounder is a nice fish, but don't be surprised if something twice that size inhales your bait. They fight differently here too, using the thick vegetation to their advantage and testing your drag system.
Peacock Bass bring a completely different energy to the fight. These exotic beauties were introduced to South Florida decades ago and have established strong populations in some of our waters. They're ambush predators that love structure - downed trees, rock piles, and canal walls are prime real estate. Peacocks hit hard and fast, often jumping multiple times during the fight. They're most active during warmer months and prefer clear water where they can use their excellent eyesight to hunt. When you hook one, be ready for aerial displays that'll have you scrambling for your camera. They're not as common as largemouth, but when you connect with a good peacock bass, it's a memory you won't forget.
Crappie fishing in Florida is fantastic, especially during their spawning runs when they move shallow and stack up in predictable areas. Our specks typically run smaller than northern crappie, but they make up for size with numbers and eating quality. They're structure-oriented fish that love brush piles, submerged trees, and edges where shallow water drops into deeper holes. Spring is prime time when they move up to spawn, but we catch them year-round by adjusting depth and presentation. They're perfect for anglers who love finesse fishing - light bites, subtle presentations, and the satisfaction of consistently putting fish in the boat. Many of our guests specifically target crappie because they're some of the best-eating freshwater fish you'll find.
Half-day trips are perfect when you want quality fishing without the full commitment. You'll learn techniques that work on these specific waters, understand how to use electronics effectively, and hopefully put some fish in the cooler. The fact that we can fish any lake in Highlands County with a public ramp means we're always fishing the best water available that day. Whether you're a local looking to improve your game or visiting Florida and want to experience some world-class bass and crappie fishing, this trip delivers. With only two anglers per boat, you're getting personalized instruction and the kind of attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. These lakes have been producing fish for decades, and with the right approach, we'll show you why Highlands County fishing has such a strong reputation among serious anglers.
Hit the waters of Highlands County in this 2014 Skeeter ZX20 bass boat that's built for serious fishing. This 21-footer packs a 250HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the honey holes fast, cruising at speeds up to 65 knots across Florida's lakes. Perfect for chasing bass and crappie, the boat handles like a dream whether you're working shallow flats or deeper structure. You'll have everything needed for a productive day - fish finder to locate schools, GPS to mark your spots, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches that won't spook the fish. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. With room for 2 anglers, there's plenty of space to work lures without getting tangled up. The boat's designed for quick, quiet positioning so you can focus on putting fish in the boat rather than fighting the wind and current.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie, or "specks" as we call them locally, are some of the tastiest fish swimming in our lakes. These 7-12 inch panfish travel in schools around submerged trees, brush piles, and drop-offs. Spring spawning season when water hits 62-68 degrees is prime time, but they bite year-round if you find them. What makes crappie special? They're perfect for families - kids love catching them, and the white flaky meat is outstanding fried up. Dawn and dusk are peak times since they're less active during bright sun. Pro tip: use small jigs or live minnows under a bobber, and once you catch one, work that spot thoroughly - where there's one crappie, there's usually more.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the kings of our Florida lakes, averaging 12-24 inches and putting up one heck of a fight. These green bruisers love hanging around structure - fallen trees, weed lines, and docks where they ambush prey. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're shallow and aggressive. What makes them special? That famous bucket mouth and the way they jump when hooked. They're also great eating when caught from clean water. Here in Highlands County, I always tell folks to work your lure slow around cover - bass here get pressured, so patience pays off. Electronics help locate the structure they call home.
Cichla OcellarisPeacock bass are Florida's exotic fighters, growing fast to 12-14 inches with stunning colors that brighten during spawn season. These aren't your typical bass - they're South American cichlids that love warm, slower waters around bridges, canals, and shaded spots. Best fishing is daylight hours from March through June and September through December when they're actively hunting. What draws anglers? Their aggressive strikes and beautiful colors, plus they're fantastic table fare. Skip the plastic worms - they won't touch them. My go-to trick is live golden shiners near structure, but topwater lures work great too when they're feeding up top.
Florida