I am coming over to Orlando from scotland first week in july, I am staying beside old lake davenport, and have access to a jetty. Any info re species, tackle etc would be appreciated.

john

I am not familiar with that lake but pretty much ever lake in central fl is the same on species:

Gamefish:

Largemouth Bass

Crappie

Sunfish/panfish (whatever you like to call them)

Trashfish:

Gar

Bowfin/Mudfish

Some have carp (dont see them often)

Most all of our lakes have gators but they stay away from people (but not small pets).

For lure selection...this time of year your best bet is bass fishing.  The most versatile lure for FL bass is the plastic worm texas rigged (google it if you dont know what that is, surely you will find tons of illustrations).  I would say plastic worms and if you go to a bait store, shiners under a bobber are your best bet.

With the plastic worms, cast them around structure, use as light of a weight as you can get away with depending on wind.  If you can try them weightless (the heavier worms at least).  With the shiners cast them around structure/weeds/etc on a bobber and see how that works.

FYI basically every body of water has multiple bass fishing guides on it.  For probably between $250 and $350 you coould hire a guide to go to any number of places around here.

Also Turkey Lake has some program with Bass Pro Shops where they rent aluminum boats for a low cost I think.  I have never done that but that would be a do it yourself way to get out on the water.  I dont know where Old Davenport Lake is but I know where Davenport is.  Turkey lake would be a 30 min drive or less from Davenport probably so you could do that if you want to get out on the water for less than the cost of a guide.

Keep an eye out for snakes. We have the poisinous varieties here in florida. The water mocassin will aggressively swim right up to you.

Some suggestions:

Regarding plastic worms, I like trick worms. The colors-watermelon/red, pumpkin/red, junebug, and black are good colors to use depending on the clarity of the water. Use darker colors in muddy water.

Rapala crankbait (gold/black)(floating-dive to 6FT) is one of my favorite and will usually work anywhere.

If you like flyfishing, white or yellow - small to medium poppers will do the trick. Use a 10# leader.

White or yellow bettle spins will catch you panfish, and small bass.