Salmo Chubby Darter Review - Salmo Lures
“It is hard to believe a lure that has only been sold for six years can become a classic, but the Chubby Darter has become a “must have” among ice fisherman. The unique action of the Chubby Darter is primarily for vertical fishing where the bait quivers and darts as the angler pulls upward on the rod tip. Trout, perch, crappie, walleye and pike all fall for the Chubby Darter.“
Our Review: We like ‘em. (especially the perch color) Many anglers don’t like to fish vertical over deep water, but they are really missing out. Use your electronics to find some deep water structure where fish are located, then drop this lure down to the bottom and start jigging it up and then let it fall. Repeat the process until you’ve reached your limit. A good lure for catching crappie, especially slab crappie, perch, white bass, yellow bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, pike and trout.
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Silverside Minnows Review - Creme Lures
Silver Side Jig
“Unlike conventional jigs, this patent-pending lure offers mylar reflecting film which hides the weighted body. This unique body style has the hook shank concealed and running inside the length of the body. The mirror-like finish mimics the reflection of baitfish. The fin-shaped tail has been replaced by feathers for added attraction.”
“The Silverside is the newest jig for panfish. Unlike conventional jigs, this patent-pending lure offers mylar reflecting film which hides the weighted body. This unique body style has the hook shank concealed and running inside the length of the body. The mirror-like finish mimics the reflection of baitfish.” From Creme Lures
Silver Side Jig w/ Feathers
“Unlike conventional jigs, this patent-pending lure offers mylar reflecting film which hides the weighted body. This unique body style has the hook shank concealed and running inside the length of the body. The mirror-like finish mimics the reflection of baitfish. The fin-shaped tail has been replaced by feathers for added attraction.” From Creme Lures
Silver Side Minnow
“The mirror-like finish mimics the reflection of baitfish.” From Creme Lures
Silver Side Minnow w/ Feathers
“The mirror-like finish mimics the reflection of baitfish. The fin-shaped tail has been replaced by feathers for added attraction. “ From Creme Lures
Our Review: Excellent panfish jigs. These silverside minnows will do a number on crappie, perch and even some big bluegill. Will also work for largemouth and smallmouth bass. These jigs are excellent for schooling bass that target smaller minnows near the surface.
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Creme Lure Swimbaits Review
Spoiler Shad Swimbaits
“These popular soft-body swim baits have a weight and hook molded in. The holographic shimmer that runs through the body sends light in every direction and serves as an attractant for fish. The paddle-tail gives this lure action and vibration to make fish take notice.” From Creme Lures
Lit’l Fishie Swimbaits
Our Review: All of the swimbaits listed above will catch fish. The smaller lures are best for crappie, bass and trout, while the bigger lures tend to work on bass and pike. We like the spoiler shad swimbaits (which are listed at the top of this post) better than the lil’ fishie swimbaits, but all of these swimbaits catch fish.
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CountDown Minnow Review - Rapala
“Consistently reach suspended fish at any depth with the CountDown method. The controlled depth technique was introduced to the world with this lure, and to this day is the standard by which all others are measured. Whether the fish are suspending at certain depths near the weed tops or on bottom structure, the CountDown can get you to them over and over. The CD01 size is specifically designed for smaller fish, such as trout and panfish.” From Rapala
Our Review: Rapala’s countdown minnow has always been a good lure, especially for suspended fish. This lure has tons of color options to go along with many different sizes. The bigger lures work great for bass, walleye and even pike, but they’re smaller 1 to 2 inch countdown minnows can do some damage on the trout, rock bass, crappie, perch and even bluegill. Definitely a must have if you like to fish countdown lures.
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Orlando Fishing
Photos From Tim Fey’s Guide Service
Orlando, Florida is such a popular tourist destination for families, but what most people don’t realize is that the bass fishing can be outstanding in the area lakes. There are plenty of places to fish with numerous fishing guides that will come pick you up at your Disney hotel.
Some of the places that the guides fish in the Orlando area are the Conway Chain of Lakes, Lake Toho (which is actually located in Kissimmee, Florida), John’s Lake and the Walk Disney World Lake.
Because most families are coming to the Walt Disney World area for the theme parks, there may not be very much time to get away and do some fishing. If you’re not sure where to go, we recommend calling a few of the fishing guides to get some of their latest reports. Many of the fishing guides will take their clients to the lake that has the hottest bite going on. Don’t get so caught up on the lake to fish down here. Let the guides dictate where you fish. They will put you on fish. You just have to be ready to set the hook.
Walt Disney World offers some of the most exciting fishing around with their Disney Fishing Excursions. These trips are expensive, but you should have plenty of action with a chance of catching a big bass over 5 pounds. Dockside fishing is also available at some of the Disney World resorts. Make sure to check the Disney website to see where you can fish dockside.
What type of fishing can you expect in the Orlando area?
If you’re coming to Florida and you’re hiring a fishing guide, there’s a really good chance you will be shiner fishing. Shiners are basically a big type of bait fish that Florida largemouth bass love to snack on. Shiners are typically 4 to 8 inches long and even bigger. If you want to catch big bass, go big with the shiners. They are expensive, but you’ll be glad you bought them when you pull in bass in the 3 to 5 pound range with a chance at catching one in the 7 to 10 pound range.
If you enjoy fishing with lures, many of the guides will not mind, but you typically will not catch nearly as many bass.
What other fish can we catch in the Orlando area?
Most anglers fish for largemouth bass, but you can also catch big bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. The bluegill and crappie fishing can be excellent, but you have to find a guide that will fish for them.
What about boat rentals?
It’s tough to find boat rentals in the Orlando area. Try a quick search online, but we haven’t been able to find boat rentals on any of the lakes besides Disney.
What about saltwater fishing?
The saltwater fishing can be excellent within an hour to hour and a half drive from downtown Orlando. Many of the families enjoy heading over to the beach for a day or two anyways, so why not rent a fishing charter or rent your own boat to experience some excellent fishing for a variety of species such as redfish, sea trout, snook, tarpon, black drum, jack crevalle, cobia, barracuda, shark, king mackerel and more. The inshore fishing can be excellent off the Atlantic coast with the Indian River. If you’re looking to head over to the Atlantic Coast, try the following areas:
Space Coast, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach
If you want to head over to the Gulf Coast, you can experience some excellent fishing inshore, offshore or off of the piers. (Try the Skyway Piers in St. Petersburg, Florida) Check out these following areas on the Gulf Coast:
St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Bradenton, Sarasota
For more information on the Orlando area, take a look at our tourism links.
