Guided trophy bass fishing trips on the 22 connected lakes of the Winter Haven Chain with USCG-licensed Capt. Jackson Williams. About an hour from Walt Disney World, with LEGOLAND Florida right on the water.
The Winter Haven Chain is 22 lakes and roughly 9,000 acres of water, joined by canals and split into a South Chain and a North Chain that connect through a lock between Lake Hartridge and Lake Conine.
Grass is the story here. Hydrilla, eelgrass, lily pads, cattails and maidencane give bass cover in every lake, but water and grass vary a lot from one lake to the next. That is where a guide earns the trip: when one lake goes quiet, a short run through a canal puts you on one that is biting.
The fishery backs it up. Anglers have logged 233 bass between 8 and 9.9 pounds, 32 between 10 and 12.9 pounds, and 5 over 13 pounds from the Chain through FWC's TrophyCatch program.
Capt. Jackson picks the lake each day based on wind, weather and where the fish are holding, then confirms your meeting point when you book.
The larger half of the system and the one most visitors see first. Public boat and shore access includes Lakes Summit, Shipp, Howard, Cannon and Hartridge.
Lake Eloise, home of LEGOLAND Florida and the old Cypress Gardens, sits on the South Chain.
Reached through the lock from Lake Hartridge, with public access at Lakes Conine, Rochelle and Haines.
A good option when the South Chain is crowded on a busy weekend or the wind is up.
The main event. Florida-strain bass hold on grass beds and shoreline cover all year.
Spawn season and prime time for the biggest bass of the year as fish move shallow.
FWC's TrophyCatch program has logged 5 bass over 13 pounds from the Chain.
Steady bites that keep kids and first-timers busy between bass.
All rods, reels, tackle and lures are provided on a tournament-rigged 21' Big "O" Elite with a 250 HP Yamaha, so you just show up and fish.
LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven is about 38 miles from Disney Springs, typically a 50 to 60 minute drive depending on traffic.
Yes. LEGOLAND Florida sits on Lake Eloise in Winter Haven, so a morning half day on the Chain and an afternoon at the park keeps the driving short.
It depends on the lake that is fishing best that week. Capt. Jackson confirms the exact meeting point when you book.
Yes. Florida requires a freshwater fishing license, and you can buy one online from FWC before your trip. We'll send the link when you book.
Florida's limit is 5 black bass per person per day, and only one may be 16 inches or longer. Talk it over with Capt. Jackson when you book.
Yes. Bluegill and redear sunfish keep young anglers busy between bass bites, and the 4-hour half day is a comfortable length for first-timers.
Lake facts from the FWC Winter Haven Chain of Lakes fishing forecast and the City of Winter Haven. Drive times are estimates. Bag limits from FWC freshwater regulations; confirm current rules before your trip.
Tell Capt. Jackson your dates and group size and he'll confirm your trip personally. Spots fill fast in peak season, January through April.