Half Day Crappie And Bass Fishing On Lake Toho
Lake Tohopekaliga—or "Lake Toho" as locals call it—sits right in the heart of Central Florida's bass country, and Captain Brandon Sizemore knows every productive corner of this 22,700-acre fishery. This top-rated half-day charter kicks off at 7:00 AM when the water's still cool and the fish are active. You'll spend four solid hours targeting two of Florida's most reliable species: chunky largemouth bass and tasty crappie. Perfect for families looking to get the kids hooked on fishing or couples wanting a relaxed morning on the water without the commitment of a full day trip.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Brandon runs a clean, well-maintained boat that comfortably handles up to 2 guests, making this an intimate fishing experience where everyone gets plenty of attention and coaching. All your tackle, rods, and bait are provided—just bring your Florida freshwater fishing license, some snacks, and drinks for the cooler. The morning start time isn't just for show; it's when both crappie and bass feed most aggressively, especially during Florida's warmer months. Lake Toho's shallow areas warm up quickly once the sun gets high, so that early departure puts you right in the sweet spot when fish are still cruising the shallows and relating to structure. The lake's famous for its grass flats, cypress trees, and canal mouths—all prime real estate for hungry fish.
Techniques and Tackle
Captain Brandon adapts his approach based on conditions and what the fish are telling him. For largemouth bass, expect to throw everything from topwater plugs around the cypress trees to soft plastics along the grass lines. Texas-rigged worms and creature baits work magic in Toho's vegetation, while spinnerbaits and chatterbaits excel when bass are relating to the lake's abundant hydrilla beds. Crappie fishing here typically involves precision work around structure—think live minnows under floats near submerged trees or small jigs worked vertically through brush piles. The captain's got his productive spots dialed in, from the shallow grass flats on the north end to the deeper channels that connect Toho to its neighboring lakes. His local knowledge means less time searching and more time with lines in the water.
Top Catches This Season
Lake Tohopekaliga consistently produces quality largemouth bass that average 2-4 pounds, with plenty of opportunities for fish pushing 5-7 pounds. The lake's rich forage base—including abundant shad, bluegill, and crayfish—keeps bass well-fed and aggressive. Spring brings the best numbers as bass move shallow for the spawn, but Toho fishes well year-round thanks to Florida's mild climate. Crappie here run a nice size too, with many fish hitting that coveted 10-12 inch mark that makes for perfect table fare. The lake's submerged structure and standing timber create ideal crappie habitat, and Captain Brandon knows which spots hold fish consistently. Both species respond well to the lake's stable water levels and diverse structure, making it a world-class fishery that produces memorable catches for anglers of all skill levels.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Largemouth bass are the crown jewel of Lake Tohopekaliga, and for good reason. These Florida-strain bass grow fast and fight hard, thanks to the lake's year-round growing season and abundant food sources. Peak feeding occurs early morning and late afternoon, which makes that 7 AM start time perfect for connecting with active fish. Spring months from February through May offer the best action as bass move shallow to spawn, but summer and fall fishing can be equally productive when you know where to look. What makes bass fishing here special is the variety—you might catch one on a topwater bait in two feet of water, then hook another on a deep-diving crankbait along a drop-off. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back; these Florida bass jump, run, and test your drag like few other freshwater fish.
Crappie might not get the same headlines as bass, but they're equally exciting in their own right—especially when they're biting. Lake Toho's crappie population thrives in the lake's extensive cover, from natural cypress trees to man-made brush piles. These fish are incredibly structure-oriented, often suspending at specific depths around submerged trees or relating to the edges of grass beds. The best crappie action typically happens during cooler months from November through March, when schools of fish stack up in predictable areas. What makes crappie fishing addictive is the potential for multiple-fish catches—find one, and there's usually a whole school nearby. Plus, they're arguably the best-eating fish in the lake, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for a fish fry.
Time to Book Your Spot
This customer favorite half-day trip delivers exactly what busy families and casual anglers are looking for—quality fishing without the time commitment of a full day charter. Captain Brandon's local expertise and patient teaching style make this perfect for first-time anglers or families introducing kids to the sport. Lake Tohopekaliga's reputation as a renowned bass fishery speaks for itself, but the bonus crappie action adds an extra dimension that keeps the trip interesting for everyone on board. With all gear provided and a comfortable boat setup, all you need to do is show up ready to fish. Book your spot for this best-in-class Lake Toho experience and see why anglers keep coming back to these productive waters season after season.
5.0(1 Reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Lake Toho
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