5.0(3 Reviews)Private 6-Hour AM Bass & Crappie Trip
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 6-hour morning fishing trip for two guestsTarget Bass and Crappie with premium gear includedEarly 7 AM start on Winter Haven Chain of Lakes
Nothing beats getting on the water when the fish are most active, and this 6-hour morning charter puts you right where the action is hottest. Captain Terry Elliott knows every nook and cranny of the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, and he's got one mission: putting you on the fish that'll make your day. Whether you're dead set on landing a chunky largemouth bass or filling the cooler with some tasty crappie, this top-rated guide service delivers the goods. You'll launch at 7 AM sharp, giving you prime time to work the best spots while the fish are feeding heavy in those golden morning hours.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Six hours gives you serious time to dial in on what the fish want and really make it count. Terry provides all the high-quality rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, so you can focus on fishing instead of gear worries. The boat's stocked with iced bottled water and usually some sodas to keep you comfortable during the Florida morning heat. For the best results, Wild Golden Shiners are available at market price per dozen – and trust me, these live baits are worth every penny when the bass are being picky. Your group of two can add a third angler for just fifty bucks more, making this a customer favorite for small groups who want personalized attention without breaking the bank.
The Winter Haven Chain connects 16 different lakes, each with its own personality and fish-holding structure. Terry switches up techniques based on what's working that day – could be flipping heavy cover for bass, trolling open water for crappie, or working the grass lines with soft plastics. The chain's got everything from shallow grass flats perfect for topwater action to deeper ledges where the big girls like to hang out. You'll learn to read the water like a pro, picking up on subtle signs that separate the fish-catching spots from the dead zones. Terry's not just putting you on fish; he's teaching you why they're there and how to find them again on your own. The interconnected waterways mean you're never stuck in one spot – if the action slows down, there's always another productive area just a short run away.
"I don't recommend anything unless it is the real deal. I have to much pride in my recommendations. Scales & Tales Outdoors LLC is legit. The captain Terry Elliott has so much drive to put you on some good fish, along with teaching while guiding. His knowledge of the Chain of Lakes is immeasurable. Check him out if you are in the Winter Haven area he can show you the Winter Haven Chain of Lake area, put you on some big fish and make you a rod to assist with the whole catching fish thing. I know who is making my next flipping rod!! Thanks once again for taking me out I will definetly be back for more!!" - Andrew
"I had an awesome day on the water with Terry. He truly knows what the fish are feeding on and exactly where to find them." - Kevin
"My son wanted to catch a bass—and Terry made it happen! He got us on the fish, brought us to an awesome lunch spot, and showed us around the chain for a day we'll always remember!" - Colburn
Largemouth Bass are the crown jewel of the Winter Haven Chain, and these Florida strain fish don't mess around. You're looking at bass that can push 8-10 pounds on a good day, with plenty of 3-5 pounders to keep the action steady. These fish love the abundant grass beds and timber structure scattered throughout the chain. Spring and fall are prime time, but Florida bass feed year-round if you know where to look. They're ambush predators, so expect heart-stopping strikes when that big female comes crushing out of heavy cover. The thrill of feeling a big bass load up your rod and make that first bulldogging run toward the nearest snag – that's what keeps anglers coming back to these waters season after season.
Crappie fishing on the chain is world-class, especially during their spring spawning runs when they stack up in predictable areas. These speck run bigger than average here, with 2-3 pound fish not uncommon and plenty of keeper-sized fish to fill your limit. They school up tight around structure like brush piles, docks, and creek channels, making for fast action when you locate them. Crappie are excellent table fare – some say the best-eating freshwater fish in Florida – so they're perfect for anglers who want to take home a mess of fish for dinner. The bite can be subtle, so you'll learn to feel the difference between a crappie pickup and just bumping structure. When you find a school, it's not unusual to boat 20-30 fish before they wise up and move on.
This 6-hour morning trip gives you the best bang for your buck on some of Central Florida's most productive waters. You're getting personalized instruction from a guide who lives and breathes these lakes, using quality gear that's maintained and ready to perform when that fish of a lifetime shows up. The early start time means you'll beat the afternoon boat traffic and fish during peak feeding periods when your chances of success are highest. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to learn new water or someone who just wants to catch fish and have a great time doing it, Terry's got the experience and local knowledge to make it happen. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, and you don't want to miss your chance to experience what the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes has to offer.
Cast off at dawn aboard this pristine 2023 Phoenix 921 Elite bass boat, your ticket to serious fishing action on Winter Haven's legendary chain of lakes. This 21-footer packs a powerful 250HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots fast, then switch to whisper-quiet wireless trolling motor mode when you're working the structure. The fish finder will help you locate schools of bass and crappie hiding in the depths, while GPS keeps you on productive water all morning long. With an icebox keeping your drinks cold, onboard facilities, and room for up to 3 anglers, this fishing machine is built for comfort during those extended battles with trophy fish. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided – just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe grab some Wild Golden Shiners for irresistible live bait. Starting at 7 AM sharp, you'll have prime morning hours when the fish are most active and aggressive. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass around the downed timber or working the deeper channels for slab crappie, this boat puts you in position to succeed on one of Florida's most productive fishing destinations.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie, or "specks" as we call them locally, are hands-down the best eating fish in these lakes. Running 7-12 inches and about a pound, they school up tight around brush piles, fallen trees, and deeper grass lines. Early morning and late evening are magic times, especially during their spring spawn when water hits the mid-60s. What guests love about crappie fishing is the steady action - where you catch one, there's usually a dozen more waiting. They're not big fighters, but the anticipation of that light bite and the promise of a fish fry makes up for it. Pro tip for Winter Haven: focus on those submerged oak trees in 8-12 feet of water. Drop your minnow right into the branches and wait for that subtle tick. Patience pays off big time with specks.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the crown jewel of Florida freshwater fishing. These green fighters average 12-24 inches and pack serious attitude when hooked. You'll find them lurking around grass beds, fallen trees, and dock pilings in 3-15 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time, but our Winter Haven lakes stay productive year-round thanks to Florida's mild climate. What makes bass fishing so addictive? They hit hard, jump high, and put up a real scrap. Plus, they're excellent eating when prepared right. Here's a local secret: when the morning bite slows down, try working those golden shiners real slow around the deeper grass edges. Bass can't resist that natural movement, especially the bigger ones that have seen every artificial lure in the tackle box.
5.0 out of 5.0I don't recommend anything unless it is the real deal. I have to much pride in my recommendations. Scales & Tales Outdoors LLC is ...
I had an awesome day on the water with Terry. He truly knows what the fish are feeding on and exactly where to find them.
My son wanted to catch a bass—and Terry made it happen! He got us on the fish, brought us to an awesome lunch spot, and showed us ...
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