Florida's Famous Fishing Lake Is A Scenic Getaway For Trophy-Sized Catches And Boating

Orlando has established a reputation for big theme parks, big thrills, and big aquatic life. But if you're not interested in visiting Disney World, Universal Studios, or SeaWorld, you should instead try to snag a big bass at a famous fishing lake just outside the theme park hub. Lake Tohopekaliga, a trophy-sized lake with equally large catches and boating adventures, is one of Florida's most famous fishing spots. The scene will be instantly familiar to travelers in Kissimmee, an outdoor paradise that's perfect for avoiding crowds, which is right next to the lake.

Pronounced "toh-hoh-puh-kuh-LY-guh," locals spare themselves the trouble by shortening its name to "Lake Toho." The moniker also helps differentiate it from a similarly named body of water to the east, simply called East Lake Tohopekaliga. The multisyllabic name translates roughly to "we will gather together here" in the language of the Seminole people. It's still a place where friends and family congregate, though for different reasons now.

The 18,810-acre lake enjoys natural and man-made conditions that create a bonanza for bass. According to Orlando Bass Guide, the Florida Wildlife Commission's biologists estimate there's a ratio of one big bass (over 10 pounds) per 10 acres of lake, so much so that it's become a must-visit for bass fishermen around the country, with double the catch rate of Florida's second-best fishing lake.

Lake Toho's 42-mile shoreline would take hours to circumnavigate on foot. Instead, hop aboard some vessel — preferably a motorized one that lets you cover a lot of ground with minimal effort. If you'd prefer a slower day out on the water, snag a kayak or sailboat. The lake's 12-foot average depth makes most of the lake accessible by boat, with three islands awaiting exploration. Adrenaline junkies can use the vast expanses at the center of the Toho to jet-ski or wakeboard, too — just be mindful of the lake's speed limits and no-wake zones.

While skimming along the surface in a motorboat sounds fun, the real party awaits when you cast your line into the water. The marshy vegetation — mostly bullrush and hydrilla — creates an ideal habitat for baitfish. As every angler knows: Where there's baitfish, there's bigger fish. Namely, bass. The fish-friendly conditions improve even more thanks to the regular lowering of the water level and the scraping away of built-up sludge along the shore. In other words, Lake Toho's a paradise for bass and the anglers who love to catch them. (And if you're after variety, note that it's also home to other species, including crappie.)

The bass fishing world has treated Lake Toho like a prized destination over the years, helping the lake stand out even though Florida is already home to some of America's best fishing spots. Legendary anglers have racked up record catches with some regularity there. Dean Rojas, a heavyweight within the competitive bass fishing world, once caught five bass for a cumulative weight of 45 pounds and 2 ounces during a tournament in 2014. You can take a shot at beating the record, focusing your efforts around Toho's hydrilla and grasses, where bass tend to congregate in groups. The lake's high concentration of fish makes it a perfect place to learn how to fish, too, with local guides available to help.

Lake Tohopekaliga's proximity to Florida's theme park trifecta means it's an ideal escape for Orlando travelers. Better yet, it's an excuse to trade the city's 75 million annual tourists for a destination like St. Cloud, a smaller city with a walkable downtown, nature, and peaceful charm. St. Cloud is just east of the lake.

When visiting, be sure to bring a rod, reel, and lures. Birdwatchers should also pack their binoculars to see the ospreys and bald eagles. As always in Florida, bring some sunblock and bug spray. If you're looking to bag a keeper, plan your visit during spring spawning season.