Half Day Crappie & Bass Charter for Beginners
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Beginnerfriendly 4hour crappie and bass charter experienceAll fishing gear provided with expert Captain Brandon guidanceSmall group setting with maximum 2 guests capacity
If you've been thinking about trying freshwater fishing but don't know where to start, Captain Brandon Sizemore's got you covered on Lake Tohopekaliga. This isn't your typical "figure it out as you go" fishing trip – it's designed specifically for folks who want to learn the right way from day one. Starting at 7 AM when the fish are most active, you'll spend four solid hours on one of Central Florida's most productive lakes, learning to target two of the most exciting species around: crappie and largemouth bass. With all gear provided and a captain who genuinely enjoys teaching newcomers, this charter takes the intimidation factor right out of the equation.
Lake Tohopekaliga, or "Lake Toho" as locals call it, sits right in the heart of Florida's famous bass fishing country near Kissimmee. This 18,810-acre natural lake is shallow enough to stay productive year-round but deep enough in spots to hold some serious fish. Captain Brandon knows every underwater structure, grass line, and creek mouth that holds fish, and he's not stingy with sharing that knowledge. You'll launch early to beat the boat traffic and take advantage of the morning bite when both crappie and bass are actively feeding. The boat is set up for comfort and learning – no rushing around or complicated techniques that leave beginners feeling lost. Brandon focuses on building your confidence with each cast, explaining why you're fishing certain spots and how to read the signs that fish are around. The relaxed pace means you'll actually retain what you're learning instead of just going through the motions.
This charter covers the fundamental techniques that work consistently on Lake Toho's diverse structure. For crappie, you'll learn vertical jigging around the lake's famous cypress trees and brush piles, using small jigs and minnows to tempt these schooling fish. Brandon will show you how to feel the light bite of a crappie and set the hook without ripping it out of their paper-thin mouths. Bass fishing here focuses on working the extensive grass flats and pocket waters using soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures depending on conditions. You'll practice accurate casting to specific targets – something that separates successful anglers from those who just hope for the best. The captain provides quality rods and reels that won't fight you while you're learning, plus a tackle box full of proven Lake Toho producers. By the end of four hours, you'll understand rod feel, proper retrieve speeds, and how to work different lure types effectively. Most importantly, you'll know how to read the water and make educated decisions about where and how to fish.
Largemouth bass are the main attraction on Lake Toho, and for good reason – this lake consistently produces some of Florida's biggest bass. These aggressive predators can grow over 10 pounds here, thanks to abundant forage and year-round growing seasons. Bass behavior changes throughout the day, but the early morning hours target the most active feeding periods when they're cruising shallow water looking for an easy meal. They're ambush predators that hide in grass, around cypress trees, or along drop-offs, exploding on lures with strikes that'll get your heart pumping. What makes bass so addictive is their fighting ability – they'll jump, run, and use every trick to throw the hook. Spring through early summer is prime time, but Lake Toho's bass bite stays strong year-round due to the subtropical climate.
Crappie fishing on Lake Toho offers a completely different but equally rewarding experience. These silver-sided panfish school up around structure, especially the lake's numerous cypress trees and man-made brush piles. Crappie average 1-2 pounds here, but the lake kicks out plenty of slabs over 2.5 pounds for those who know where to look. They're notorious for their light bite – often described as feeling like you've hooked a wet sock – which makes them perfect for developing sensitivity and hook-setting skills. The best crappie action typically happens during cooler months from November through March, when they school tightly and feed aggressively. What anglers love about crappie is their cooperative nature – find one and you've usually found a whole school. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table, making them a favorite target for families and anyone who enjoys eating their catch.
This beginner-friendly charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when both species are most active. Captain Brandon's patient teaching style and Lake Toho's consistent action make this combination a customer favorite for anyone looking to get started in freshwater fishing the right way. With only two spots available per trip, you'll get plenty of individual attention and hands-on instruction that larger groups simply can't provide. Remember to grab your Florida freshwater fishing license before the trip – everything else is provided. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby, gain confidence on the water, or just want to experience why Lake Toho is considered world-class bass and crappie water, this four-hour charter delivers real results. Book now and discover why so many anglers consider their first trip with Tight Line Guides the moment they became serious about fishing.
You'll be fishing from a sleek 23' Sea Pro Bay boat that's built for performance and comfort on Lake Tohopekaliga's waters. This capable vessel is powered by a reliable 250HP Suzuki engine that gets you to the best fishing spots quickly, whether you're targeting crappie in the shallows or chasing largemouth bass around structure. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation to help Captain Brandon locate productive areas and a fish finder that takes the guesswork out of finding where the fish are holding. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast and move around comfortably while you learn the ropes. The stable platform makes it ideal for beginners who want to focus on their technique without worrying about balance. All your fishing gear is provided, so you can concentrate on mastering your presentation and enjoying your time on the water.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are Lake Toho's sweetest-eating fish, running 7-12 inches and about half a pound to a pound. You'll find both black and white crappie schooled up around brush piles, downed trees, and deeper structure, especially 8-15 feet down. Spring spawning season is prime time when they move shallow, but they bite year-round if you find the schools. What guests love most is the steady action - where there's one crappie, there's usually a dozen more. The delicate white meat is fantastic fried up for dinner too. Pro tip for Toho: use small jigs in white or chartreuse around the cypress trees. Drop straight down and barely twitch it - crappie have soft mouths, so when you feel weight, just lift gently instead of setting hard.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the heavyweight champions of Lake Tohopekaliga, averaging 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds. These olive-green fighters love hanging around submerged timber, grass lines, and shallow cover where they ambush prey. They're most active early morning and late afternoon, especially during spring and fall when water temps are comfortable. What makes bass so popular? That explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll jump, dive, and test your drag. Plus, they're great eating when handled right. Here's a local trick: when fishing the hydrilla beds, try a Texas-rigged worm in darker colors. Bass can't resist that slow fall through the weeds, and the weedless setup keeps you fishing instead of picking grass.
Lake Toho