Places to Go Fishing in Orlando for a Lowkey Family Outing
Coming from a household who loves seafood more than we love catching our seafood, our version of fishing doesn’t typically mean anything more than a rod and a bucket and a whole lot of singing. Why sing? We sing to our fish, of course! It’s the best way to catch a fish if you ask me, and I’m a pretty successful catch. It’s fun to be outdoors as a family.
Whether you need hand-holding in the fishing department or are a seasoned troller, there are some spectacular spots in Orlando and the nearby coast in Melbourne where you can have a great day out with the family and maybe grab something to take home for dinner, too. Expect to find bass, redfish, tarpon, crappie and more.
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Remember to read up on the catch and release rules (fish need to be a certain size to keep) and whether or not they make for good eating (catfish can be a popular snag, which isn’t my favorite).
Also, all folks who are fishing will need an up-to-date fishing license, which is free and obtained online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife website.
Without further ado, get those licenses, rods, and plenty of bait, and check out these great fishing spots around Central Florida.
Orlando Area Fishing Spots
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake Park
3401 S Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL (MetroWest)
Already a beloved park of the Orlando Parenting family, we also love Turkey Lake Park for its fishing! In fact, it is named one of Florida’s top five fishing lakes in the whole state!
Cars may enter for $5, and fishing boats are available to rent Thursdays through Sundays from 7am to 11am. The cost is $31.95 for the four-hour window.
Pier fishing is also available, as well as picnics, a swimming pool, a small animal farm, a drone zone, a campground and more!
Dinky Dock
410 Ollie Ave, Winter Park, FL
This popular park for Rollins students and other local Winter Park residents offers a boat ramp and kayak launch area. Find freshwater clams for an interesting haul, and plenty of bass fish to nibble at your bait.
If you leave the dock on your own boat or kayak, consider taking the gorgeous canals through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, which are often compared to the Venice Canals. Keep an eye out for the official bird of Winter Park, the peacock!
The park is open from 8am until dusk.
Lake Mills Park
1301 Tropical Ave, Chuluota, FL 32766
Shaded boardwalks, family areas and a playground all await at this lovely park in Seminole County. Enjoy the fishing pier or kayak launch at Lake Mills lake.
More information can be found at their website here.
Lake Ivanhoe Park
57 S Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando, FL (College Park)
I may be biased because this is my neighborhood, but for tranquil, no fuss fishing, Lake Ivanhoe is a winner. There’s no pier or dock to fish from, but instead there are several quietly shaded areas of cypress knees and sand to stand by. Drop a line in and enjoy the views of downtown from the locals-vibe park, where you’ll likely have the place all to yourself. It’s pup friendly, so bring along the fur babies too!
The park is free to access, and parking is available along residential areas. This is also a popular spot to fish from a kayak or small vessel, which can be launched at the Lake Ivanhoe Boat Ramp on the other side of the park by I-4 and the popular “Ivanhoe Row”.
Find in this same ramp area a cute toddler playground too, rounding out a nice relaxing day with the family.
Moss Park
12901 Moss Park Rd, Orlando, FL
Enjoy green forested spaces and a magnificent fishing pier at Moss Park along with options for camping, pavilion rentals, green spaces, a great playground and more. With frequent deer sightings and wildlife like giant heron, this park is an excellent place in Orlando to feel one with nature.
Park admission costs $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people and $5 per vehicle for 3-8 people. With the exception of ADA service animals, pets are not allowed in Moss Park. Alcohol is not permitted. More park info can be found here.
Secret Lake Park
200 N. Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry, FL 32707
If you’re a Seminole County local or just want to fish like one, you’ll love Secret Lake Park. There are multiple fishing docks here, so you can try your luck at multiple spots. There are two great playgrounds here too, and it’s a favorite park for connecting with nature.
Sylvan Lake Park
845 Lake Markham Rd, Sanford, FL 32771
Come here for the quiet fishing, the great shaded playground, or the kayak launching dock. Additional amenities include tennis, racquetball, horseshoe pits and more!
Learn more about the fun family park at their website here.
Fishing at Walt Disney World
Boat excursions: Magic Kingdom Resorts and EPCOT Resorts areas
Dock fishing: Port Orleans and Fort Wilderness Resorts
Anyone is welcome to book a fishing experience on Disney property! Guided fishing excursions set out from eight different Disney property marinas. Excusions are available for 2 or 4 hours catch and release, at $270 for 2 hours and $450 for 4 hours.
You’ll be fishing for largemouth bass, and just about anything you would need will be provided, including rods, bait, nets, and even soft drinks!
Plus, you’ll be joined by an expert fishing guide who will pilot your boat to the best spots and help your technique.
Fishing aboard a pontoon boat on Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon is truly magical. Our Editor, Dani Meyering – and her family, made magical memories aboard a hosted fishing excursion. Watching her husband and son cast their fishing poles while anchored right next to the Magic Kingdom ferry boat was truly a top tier experience.
Dock fishing is also an option at Disney, where Port Orleans and Fort Wilderness can get you set up with the right gear for the job.
Call (407) 939-3474 to make a reservation or, more info can be found on their website. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Space Coast Fishing
Manatee Hammock
7275 S. US Highway 1, Titusville, FL 32780
Straight east at the end of Colonial Drive where Orlando turns into Titusville, find the Brevard county park called Manatee Hammock. Camping is the most common pastime here, along with swimming in their pool, but the real jewel is the fishing dock overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center.
Make incredible memories with the family by baiting up a line and watching a rocket launch all at once.
For more information on fishing at Manatee Hammock, consult their website.
Mosquito Lagoon
Indian River near Canaveral National Seashore
Worth a little extra drive, Mosquito Lagoon is a well-known spot popular for redfish, crabs, and even primitive camping. Some friends and I rented a boat and an entire island for the night, with plenty of kayaking and fishing to keep us busy. This can be an incredible adventure for those who don’t need the luxuries of running water, electricity or toilets.
Learn a little more about this amazing fishing spot here.
Enjoy your fishing adventure! Don’t forget to hydrate, apply sunscreen, and wear a hat too!
