Trophy Bass & Crappie Charter on Lake Toho
Lake Tohopekaliga isn't just another Florida lake—it's a bass factory that's been churning out quality fish for decades. Captain Brandon Sizemore knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this 4-hour charter is built for anglers who've already got their basics down and want to step up their game. Starting at 7:00 AM when the bite is hottest, you'll work through proven structures and cover where the big ones hang out. This isn't a numbers game; it's about quality fish and learning the kind of techniques that'll make you a better angler long after you leave Central Florida.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Brandon runs a tight ship, but don't expect some stuffy corporate fishing experience. This is real fishing with a guide who's put in his time on Toho and knows where the fish live. You'll launch early to beat the heat and the crowds, working productive areas while the morning bite is still going strong. The boat holds up to 6 anglers comfortably, but this particular trip caps at 2, so you're getting personalized attention and prime positioning all day. Brandon matches his approach to your skill level—if you can handle advanced techniques, he'll push you. If you need to dial back the complexity, he adjusts. All tackle and gear are provided, but bring your Florida fishing license, some snacks, and drinks to keep yourself fueled. The focus stays on largemouth bass and crappie, two species that Toho serves up in impressive numbers and sizes.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
Lake Toho demands versatility, and Brandon's got the arsenal to match whatever the fish are doing. For bass, expect to work everything from topwater early in the morning to flipping heavy cover when the sun climbs higher. The lake's loaded with hydrilla, cattails, and cypress trees that hold fish year-round, and Brandon knows how to present baits in tight quarters without losing half your tackle to snags. For crappie, it's often about finding the right depth and structure—these fish suspend around submerged timber and brush piles, and Brandon uses electronics to pinpoint schools before dropping live bait or jigs. He's not stuck on one method, though. If the fish want reaction baits, you'll throw spinnerbaits and crankbaits. If they're finicky, you'll slow down with soft plastics and finesse presentations. The boat's rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle Florida's bigger fish, plus he stocks a selection of proven baits that work consistently on this lake.
Target Species
Largemouth bass are the headliners here, and Lake Toho consistently produces some of Central Florida's best fish. These bass grow fat on the lake's abundant forage base—shiners, bluegill, and crawfish keep them well-fed and aggressive. Spring brings the best numbers as fish move shallow to spawn, but Toho's bass bite year-round if you know where to look. Summer fish stack up on deeper structure and around grass lines, while fall and winter bring some of the biggest fish of the year as they feed heavily before cold fronts. What makes Toho bass special isn't just their size—though plenty of 5-8 pounders swim here—it's their fight. These fish have room to run in this 22,700-acre lake, and they'll test your drag and your skills. Brandon targets them around key areas like the Kissimmee River mouth, grass beds, and cypress stands where big fish ambush prey.
Crappie fishing on Lake Toho offers a different kind of satisfaction, especially for anglers who appreciate finesse and precision. These slabs—and Toho grows them thick—school up around submerged timber, bridge pilings, and deeper grass edges. Spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn, making them accessible to anglers using jigs and live minnows. But skilled crappie anglers know the summer and winter bite can be even better for size, with fish stacking up in predictable patterns around deeper structure. Toho's crappie average 10-12 inches, with plenty of fish pushing 14-16 inches and occasional slabs topping 2 pounds. They're excellent table fare, and their light-biting nature makes them a perfect target for anglers who want to refine their touch and learn to read subtle strikes. Captain Brandon uses electronics to locate schools, then positions the boat so you can work baits effectively through the strike zone.
Time to Book Your Spot
This charter fills a specific niche for experienced anglers who want to fish with a guide who knows his stuff and won't waste time on tourist spots. Captain Brandon Sizemore has built his reputation on putting clients on quality fish while teaching techniques that work beyond just this one trip. The early morning start time means you're fishing during peak hours, and the 4-hour duration gives you enough time to work multiple patterns and locations without turning into a marathon day. At 2 anglers max, you're getting the kind of personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. Lake Toho's reputation as a top-rated bass destination speaks for itself, but having a local expert who can adapt to conditions and put you on the best bite available makes this charter a smart choice for serious anglers visiting Central Florida.