Best Times & Seasons to Fish near Orlando, FL (Full Guide)
Orlando is one of the best fishing locations in Florida due to its abundant, nearby coastline and rich fish populations. Knowing the best times to come fish these rich waterways will make a huge difference.
The best time to fish near Orlando is between May and September for cobia, permit, sharks, redfish, and jack crevalle. Winter and early spring is great for tarpon, seatrout, and grouper.
| Fish Species | Best Times to Fish in Orlando, Florida |
| Grouper | November through March is the best season to fish. |
| Snapper | October through March is the hottest snapper fishing time. |
| Cobia | April through October is the best time to catch cobia near Orlando. |
| Snook | May through August is the best snook fishing window of the year. |
| Tarpon | Year-round availability. October through February is the best timeframe. |
| Redfish | Year-round availability. August through November is the best timeframe. |
| Sea Trout | December through March is the best time to fish near Orlando. |
We wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t think about fishing in Orlando when you first arrived at the “Theme Park Capital of the World.” However, you should be aware that Orlando’s fishing can rival any roller coaster in terms of adrenaline rush.
You’ll never run out of places to explore in the city’s urban region, which has over 60,000 acres of freshwater. If you push your expedition a little farther, you’ll find yourself at some of Florida’s best saltwater fishing spots. To assist you in planning your next big expedition, we’ve put together a list of all the highlights of local fishing.
Monthly Breakdown of Orlando Fishing
January
The spawning of largemouth bass has begun in Orlando, Florida, and the bite has been spectacular. Look for shallow beds and males who are guarding them. Big trophy-sized females aren’t far behind.
February
Largemouth bass spawning is still going strong and will continue into April. If bass fishing isn’t your thing, try redfish fishing at Cape Canaveral or New Smyrna Beach, FL.
March
Near Orlando, FL, the weather begins to cooperate for fishing. This is the month to capture a Trophy Largemouth Bass, so bass fishing is at its finest. Saltwater fishing for redfish, snook, and trout are starting to heat up, especially on the flats.
April
Warming trends tend to hinder bass spawning, but that doesn’t mean the bass won’t bite. Fishing inshore and offshore on the east coast is also exploding due to the warm weather.
May
This month begins some fantastic offshore fishing for mahi, wahoo, and tuna off the coast of Cape Canaveral. Spend some time on the lakes in Central Florida.
June
This month is becoming hotter, and the fishing is much better. Tarpon and snook fishing is best done inshore. You can catch up with the bass while they are still munching.
July
In Orlando, bass fishing isn’t limited for the winter months; you may catch enormous quantities of big bass during the summer. When it comes to saltwater inshore fishing, this is the time to go.
August
Get on board for an early morning fishing trip before the storms hit during one of the hottest months of the year. Fish for tarpon, sharks, and tuna throughout the coasts.
September
The beginning of the saltwater mullet run. This is one of the finest times to catch redfish, tarpon, and snook inshore.
October
The weather is cooling down, and fronts have a tendency to shake things up. Bass begin to feed actively, while inshore species such as redfish and trout follow suit.
November
Bass are preparing for the spawn by devouring anything they can find. It’s a fantastic time to catch some excellent fish.
December
The month of December is ideal for getting out on the water and throwing live bait, especially for largemouth bass.
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Recommended Fishing Charters near Orlando
These Orlando-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Type of Fishing Offered |
| Flataddicted – Orlando FL | River, Inshore, Flats & Backcountry |
| Close Encounters Fishing Charters | River, Nearshore, Wreck, Backcountry, Flats & Inshore |
| Family Style Fishing | Lake & River |
| Captain Erik’s Trophy Bass – Toho/Orlando | Lake |
| Orlando Fishing Charters | River, Inshore, Flats & Backcountry |
| Lake Toho Guides | Lake & River |
| Go Castaway Fishing Charters | River, Nearshore, Backcountry, Flats & Inshore |
| AJ’s Bass Guides | Lake |
Best Times to Fish in Orlando
These waterways are extremely rich and prolific, with significant populations of some of the state’s most popular prey. Orlando has it everything, from one of the top Largemouth Bass fisheries in the country to the nation’s only year-round inshore redfish grounds just a short drive away. When you add in tarpon, sunfish, catfish, and the novice’s favorite–crappie, you can see why.
Largemouth
The best times to catch bass is spring and fall in Orlando. The largemouth bass is North America’s most well-known and popular game fish. The upper jaw extends beyond the back border of the eye, and the first and second dorsal (back) fins are separated by a noticeable deep dip, distinguishing it from other black bass.
Florida’s state freshwater fish is the largemouth bass. They are frequently found among vegetation or underwater structure in lakes and rivers throughout the state, however schooling bass can also be seen in the middle of lakes.
Redfish
The best months to catch redfish near Orlando is from August through November. Redfish are one of the most popular game fish in the backcountry and on the flats. Flies, lures, and topwater plugs will all catch redfish. As a result, light tackle anglers consider redfish to be one of the most sought-after fish. On the grass flats, they are one of the toughest fighters.
Snook
The best times to catch snook near Orlando is from May through August. In Florida’s waterways, snook are only present during certain times of the year. Inlets, remote mangroves, and flats are all good places to look for them. Serious angler prefers to catch snook with light tackle and a fly rod. Live bait, such as shrimp, crabs, and fingerlings, is preferred by snook, but they will also accept artificials and flies.
Tarpon
Tarpon are available near Orlando year-round but can most easily be caught during the fall and winter months. Tarpon are one of the most thrilling and sought-after game fish in the world. The tarpon is one of the most amazing sport fish in the world; when caught, they execute unbelievable acrobatic jumps. Tarpon can be caught by spinning or fly casting using lures or live bait (crabs or shrimp) and large flies.
Speckled trout
The best times to catch speckled trout near Orlando is December through March but they can be caught year-round. Speckled trout thrive in rivers, backwaters, and on flats. They’re tasty and entertaining to catch on live shrimp with a popper cork. Surface lures catch speckled trout in the mornings, while bucktail jigs catch them at any time of day. Watch out if you’re drift fishing across a grass flat.
Crappie
Crappie are available year-round but spring and fall are the best times to fish near Orlando. Crappie, unlike most other panfish, spend a lot of time offshore eating on small fish in lakes or slow-moving clear water rivers.
Behavior From February to April, they lay their eggs in colonies. Males fan their nests over gravel or muddy bottoms in depths of 3-8 feet, with larger fish venturing deeper. Crustaceans, aquatic insects, and tiny fish are the primary food sources.
Brown Bullhead
The best times of year to catch brown bullheads near Orlando is May through October. Browns like still or slowly-flowing warm waters such as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, huge rivers, and slow-moving streams. Behavior They eat predominantly at night and are primarily bottom feeders. Barbels with high sensitivity may detect a wide range of foods, including insects, plant detritus, carrion, small fish, snails, crayfish, worms, and leeches.
Red Sunfish
The best time to catch sunfish near Orland is summer but these common fish are caught year-round. These are the flowing water cousins of bluegill, sometimes known as river bream and red-bellies. Backwater locations with less flow, especially those with sandy bottoms, are frequently home to red-bellies.
North Florida rivers are abundant, whereas south Florida rivers are devoid of them. The food of the redbreast sunfish is perhaps the most diverse of any of the sunfish species. Bottom-dwelling insect larvae, snails, clams, shrimp, crayfish, and small fish are the main food organisms.
Snakehead
The best time to catch snakehead near Orlando is winter but spring can be quite good as well. Commonly caught on jerk baits and live baits; a popular sport fish in its native habitat; no bag or size restrictions. Excellent for edibility, it is even reported to have medical properties in its native range, such as speeding wound and internal injury healing.
Top Fishing Spots in Orlando
Although having so many alternatives is fantastic, deciding where to go fishing in Orlando can be difficult. That is unless you have a few hints as to where to start your search. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the top neighborhoods in the area; read on to find out what each has to offer and which one is most likely to suit your needs.
Lake Kissimmee
The famed tournament circuits administered by Bassmaster and the Florida Bass Federation are held on Lake Kissimmee. It attracts some of the most devoted and experienced anglers in the country as a premier Largemouth Bass fishing spot.
Lake Harris
The villages of Tavares and Leesburg are just a few miles from downtown. Big and Little Lake Harris are located here. Fish species here are a good mix of bass and panfish, allowing for a variety of excursions.
Indian River
If you drive east for 45 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, two of the world’s most famous fishing spots. This is often thought to be the only site in the world where you can catch Redfish all year. There are also plenty of exotics available, so let your creativity go wild.
Windermere Chain
The Butler Chain of Lakes, often known as the Windermere Chain, is located west of downtown Orlando. The Department of Environmental Regulation of the State of Florida designated them as “Outstanding Florida Waters” because of the pristine water, undisturbed nature, and great Largemouth Bass action.
Best Ways to Fish Near Orlando (& Best Times)
Fishing Charters
Fishing charters are available year-round but various species of fish are targeted during different seasons. With so many fishing places throughout the Orlando area, joining a charter trip might save you a lot of time. Not only will you be more mobile, but you’ll also be able to cover more ground.
Another factor that contributes to the popularity of private charters in Orlando is their versatility. You are not limited to fishing simply the nearby lakes here. Another factor that contributes to the popularity of private charters in Orlando is their versatility.
Kayak Fishing
Near Orlando, great kayak fishing is available year-round but spring and summer are the best times to consistently catch fish. Kayak fishing is the greatest option to get up close and personal with your target if you enjoy adventure and want to get up close and personal with your aim.
It’s ideal for completely immersing yourself in nature and exploring all of the secret, difficult-to-reach areas. Keep in mind that on a kayak, you’ll be relying solely on your skills, so some prior expertise is frequently required. You are your own motor and first mate on this ship.
It’s the ultimate outdoor adventure for anyone looking for a true man-versus-nature encounter. This is especially true if you plan on pursuing hard-fighting species such as tarpon or redfish. It’s a test that will push you beyond your comfort zone. If you win, though, the victory will be yours alone.
Fishing from the beach
Surf fishing near Orlando is best in fall and spring for pompano and surf perch. There are many shore places for recreational anglers to dip a line, ranging from public lakes to fish management zones managed by the Florida Wildlife Commission. For visiting anglers, fishing from the shore is the sole choice because many smaller lakes and protected locations do not allow boat access. Everyone can find a place here.
Rinding a spot that’s exactly suitable for you is all that stands between you and a relaxing day on the water. Explore the beaches of saltwater systems for more ferocious prey or test the bite in freshwater lakes. However, patience is required for any fishing excursion, as your first pick of location may not be the most productive.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish near Cape Canaveral, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish near Smyrna Beach, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish near Cocoa Beach, please check out this helpful guide.
