Bass Fishing Locations for Chuck's Guide Service in Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida

West Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho) at Big Toho Marina in Kissimmee, Florida

West Lake Tohopekaliga or Toho has long been known as one of Florida's trophy Largemouth Bass fisheries. But it was in January of 2001 that Toho was actually put on the Map. This was during the B.A.S.S. Top 150 tournament held at Big Toho Marina that Dean Rojas broke the trail's all-time, one day, with a five fish limit of 45 pounds 2 ounces. And, he broke the four Dean Rojas record breaking limit in Bass Masters tournament on Lake Toho - Kissimmee, Florida day catch record with 20 Bass weighing 108 pounds 12 ounces. After the tournament Rojas commented that, "I can't believe it. I could have never dreamed that I would catch 108 pounds in a tournament. You can talk about California having all the big fish, but they don't have anything to compare to this. You guys have the big ones here." His record included fish weighing 10.13, 10.0, 9.0, 8.2 and 7.3 pounds.

West Lake Toho is probably the most popular lake of the Kissimmee Chain. It's a relatively shallow 18,800 acre lake that is covered with various types of aquatic vegetation. The most abundant being the massive Hydrilla beds the can be found growing to the surface in up to 12 feet of water. Toho is a North/South lake that is approximately 9 miles long and only a couple miles wide. Medium to Large Wild Shiners are the best producers for trophy fish. However, many lunkers are taken on Carolina rigs, Rat'l Traps, crank baits, soft plastic jerk baits, and suspending hard plastic jerk baits. The rest of the Kissimmee Chain consists of, from north to south, Lake Cypress (5,500 acres), Hatchineha (14,500 acres), and Kissimmee (44,000 acres), and are also known for great Florida Bass fishing.

See also: Kissimmee Bass Fishing Information Page

The Butler Chain of Lakes in Windermere, Florida

The Butler Chain is made up of twelve interconnected lakes that cover an area of 4720 acres. The lakes here are typically clear with sandy bottoms. The Chain of Lakes was formed as a result of a typical Florida occurrence which is known as "karst topography". In this occurrence, limestone (found under the majority of Florida soil) is slowly dissolved by water to form sinkholes. A series of sinkholes formed over time created what is now called the Butler Chain of Lakes (aka. Windermere Chain). There are areas on these lakes that reaches depths of 30 to 50 feet and is believed to be the remnants of those sinkholes which helped form this beautiful chain of lakes.

Many celebrities call the Butler Chain of Lakes their home. Such people include the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Ken Griffey Jr., and Tiger Woods, just to name a few. It is nice place to fish where you can catch big numbers of bass with an occasional big fish, though just being on this Chain for the day is worth the trip.

Expect to see schooling fish twelve months out of the year. These schoolers sometimes average 3 - 5 pounds. Carolina-rigging in depths of 8 - 30 feet is a great producer all year. Also, this is where you'll want to be if you're looking for some great top-water action.

See also: Orlando Bass Fishing