5.0(2 Reviews)Private Half Day Lake Fishing Trip - PM
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Afternoon guided fishing trip targeting Bass and Crappie speciesAll premium tackle, rods, and refreshments provided onboardPrime 2 PM start time for optimal fishing conditions
Looking to get away from the crowds and fish some of Florida's best bass waters? Captain Terry's afternoon trips on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes are exactly what you need. Starting at 2 PM, you'll have the entire afternoon to work the structure and cover that makes this chain famous among serious anglers. With top-tier gear provided and the option to run Wild Golden Shiners, you're set up for success from the moment you step on the boat. Plus, that afternoon bite can be absolutely explosive when conditions line up right.
This isn't your typical crowded lake experience. The Winter Haven Chain connects multiple lakes through canals and natural waterways, giving you access to thousands of acres of prime fishing real estate. Captain Terry knows every point, grassline, and structure that holds fish throughout this system. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with professional-grade rods, reels, and tackle already rigged and ready to go. The afternoon timing works perfectly here – as the sun gets lower, bass start moving up from deeper water to feed, and crappie schools become more active around cover. You'll stay comfortable with iced bottled water and soda options onboard, so you can focus entirely on putting fish in the boat. If you want to bring a third angler along, that's totally doable for just an extra $50.
Captain Terry runs a versatile operation, switching between artificial lures and live bait depending on what the fish are telling him. The Wild Golden Shiners available at market price are absolute game-changers when bass and crappie get finicky. These aren't your average baitfish – golden shiners trigger aggressive strikes from trophy bass and keep crappie schools engaged longer than most artificials. Terry's also dialed in with modern electronics, including side scan and forward-facing sonar that lets him locate fish before you even make your first cast. Whether you're dragging rattletraps along grass edges, working shiners under floats around timber, or targeting suspended crappie in the channels, you'll be using techniques that consistently produce on this chain. Don't worry if you're new to some of these methods – Terry's there to coach you through everything from hooksets to playing bigger fish.
"Terry has put me on some big bass with his knowledge of the area waters and live bait. We have a blast every time we fish with Captain Terry." - Michelle
"I can't say enough about this charter company – it's truly outstanding! Captain Terry is incredibly knowledgeable about various fishing techniques and is committed to putting you on the fish. Today, I followed his advice, switched from worms to a rattletrap, and landed the biggest bass of the day, weighing in at 5.5 lbs! Terry also made sure to accommodate me since it was my birthday and I had just returned from Europe, knowing how important fishing is for me on this special day. It was the best experience ever, and I learned so much about side scan and FFS. Thanks again, Terry – I'll definitely be booking another trip with you soon with the guys!" - Andrew
Largemouth Bass are the crown jewel of the Winter Haven Chain, and for good reason. These Florida strain bass grow fat and aggressive in the nutrient-rich waters, with fish regularly pushing 4-6 pounds and occasional giants breaking the 8-pound mark. They relate heavily to the abundant grass beds, cypress trees, and shell bars throughout the system. Afternoon hours are prime time as bass move up to ambush prey in shallower water. The thrill of watching a 5-pounder blow up on a topwater bait or feeling that distinctive head shake when a big bass grabs your shiner never gets old. Florida bass fight harder than their northern cousins, making long runs and jumping repeatedly – exactly why anglers travel from across the country to fish these waters.
Crappie fishing on this chain is absolutely top-notch, especially during the cooler months from November through March. These speck run bigger than average, with slabs pushing 2-3 pounds not uncommon around the deeper structure and canal mouths. They school up tight around submerged timber, bridge pilings, and creek channels where Captain Terry can put you right on top of them with his electronics. Crappie are excellent table fare, and there's something addictive about the light bite and the way they fight on lighter tackle. During spawning season, you might find them in shallow cover, but most of the year they're suspended in 8-15 feet of water where precise boat positioning and the right presentation make all the difference between a few fish and a cooler full.
The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes delivers world-class bass and crappie fishing just minutes from major Central Florida attractions, but without the tourist crowds. Captain Terry's afternoon trips give you the perfect window to experience what makes this fishery so special – knowledgeable guiding, quality equipment, and access to fish that most visiting anglers never find on their own. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, catch your personal best, or just spend a relaxing afternoon on beautiful Florida waters, this trip checks all the boxes. The combination of Terry's local expertise and the chain's incredible fish population creates opportunities that keep customers coming back trip after trip. Don't wait too long to secure your date – the best fishing guides stay booked up, especially during peak seasons.
Hit the water in style aboard this 2023 21' Phoenix 921 Elite bass boat – a serious fishing machine built for Winter Haven's productive lakes. The 250HP Mercury gets you to the best spots fast, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for bass and crappie. With premium fish-finding electronics and GPS navigation, your captain can put you right on the fish. The boat handles up to 3 anglers comfortably, with an icebox to keep drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. All the top-tier rods, reels, and tackle are provided, plus there's even a toilet and kitchen setup for longer trips. Whether you're casting for largemouth around cover or jigging for specks in deeper water, this Phoenix delivers the performance and comfort you need for a productive afternoon on these famous chain of lakes.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie, or "specks" as we call them locally, are some of the tastiest fish swimming in these lakes. These silver-sided panfish run 7-12 inches and travel in schools, which means when you find one, you'll likely find more. They love hanging around brush piles, fallen timber, and deeper structure during the day, moving shallow in low light. Spring spawning season is prime time, but they bite consistently through fall and winter too. What guests love about crappie is the steady action - they're not as aggressive as bass, but they make up for it in numbers and table fare. The white, flaky meat is hard to beat. Here's my go-to setup: small jigs tipped with those golden shiners, fished vertically around structure in 8-15 feet of water. Keep your movements subtle - crappie have soft mouths and light bites.
Micropterus SalmoidesThe largemouth bass is what most folks think of when they picture bass fishing. These green fighters average 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, with that signature big mouth that extends past their eyes. Around Winter Haven's lakes, you'll find them hanging near structure - fallen trees, weed lines, and shallow cover where they ambush prey. Spring through fall offers the best action, though they bite year-round in Florida. What makes bass special is the fight they put up - jumping, tail-walking, and making long runs that'll test your drag. They're also decent eating when handled right. My local tip: those golden shiners we offer work magic here. Rig one under a bobber near cypress trees in 3-6 feet of water during afternoon hours when the sun warms those shallow pockets. Bass can't resist a live shiner worked slow.
5.0 out of 5.0Terry has put me on some big bass with his knowledge of the area waters and live bait. We have a blast every time we fish with Cap...
I can't say enough about this charter company – it's truly outstanding! Captain Terry is incredibly knowledgeable about various fi...
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