Kissimmee chain trip advice

[Jamesg0418]

Good evening everyone!  The last two weeks of January we will be pulling our boat down from Connecticut to spend some time fishing in Florida.  We are staying in Kissimmee, so should have plenty of water to check out over those two weeks.  We have never fished south of New York, so this will be a completely new thing for us.  Do you guys have any info on good guides in the area?  We will probably be looking to hire a guide for a couple of days while we are there. 
 

I’ve read quite a few posts across different forums regarding the spraying destroying fisheries.  We have the same issue in Connecticut, the only difference is when they spray, it pushes the fish down to 50-60’, which is a pain to target.

 

again any information about the area would be greatly appreciated!

 

thank you!

[GaryH]

Average depth of Kissimmee is 5’ max 12’ so no worries about them being too deep. Good choice on getting a guide. Ask questions and learn from the guide.

[Dwight Hottle]

Excellent guide on Toho is Capt Eric Tilson of Tyson's Big Bass Guide Service. Eric knows Toho like the back of his hand. He will fish with shiners or artificials your choice. PM me if you need more info. 

[Jamesg0418]

Awesome thank you!  
 

I’ve never hired a guide before, so I’m looking forward to it.  I’d assume with a guide your on their boat with their gear?  Would a guide jump on our boat with our gear?  Just curious.

 

our water gets pretty “hard” up here in January, is fishing normally decent for you guys towards the end of January?

 

thanks again.

[Dwight Hottle]

@Jamesg0418 Yes I have heard of guides using the customer's boat when requested but you will have to ask Eric. He uses livescope sonar & teaches anglers how to use it when requested. When fishing with him you can use his gear or bring your own. Dec-March are all good months. Book him early as he gets filled up. 

[Jamesg0418]

2 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

@Jamesg0418 Yes I have heard pf guides using the customer's boat when requested but You will have to ask Eric. He uses livescope sonar & teaches anglers how to use it when requested. When fishing with him you can use his gear or bring your own. Dec-March are all good months. Book him early as he gets filled up. 

ok sounds good! I have mega live on my boat, I will definitely reach out soon, thank you!

[Jamesg0418]

12 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Excellent guide on Toho is Capt Eric Tilson of Tyson's Big Bass Guide Service. Eric knows Toho like the back of his hand. He will fish with shiners or artificials your choice. PM me if you need more info. 

Do you guys think headwaters/stock marsh is worth the 1:45 drive?  I’ve read some great stuff, and some tricky stuff with getting there early and the lot being full.  Any must visit tackle shops in the area around Toho?

[Dwight Hottle]

Bitters Bait & Tackle just north of Orlando is worth a stop. Headwaters/Stick Marsh is good but does have some issues regarding parking & the sand access road getting there. Also lodging nearby can be a problem because there isn't much close by. Numbers are probably better than Toho but quality is the same in my eyes. Only you can decide if it is worth the extra driving time. 

[Elkins45]

Lodging is the main reason I haven't been to Headwaters yet. I would just sleep in my truck for a couple of nights but they won't let you.

[SC53]

7 hours ago, Elkins45 said:

Lodging is the main reason I haven't been to Headwaters yet. I would just sleep in my truck for a couple of nights but they won't let you.

There’s a number of accommodations available within a reasonable distance from HW.