Winter
Haven Chain has officially adopted the slogan,
"The Chain of Lakes
City." Widely recognized as
the water skiing capital of the world, Winter
Haven's "Chain of Lakes" is a boater's paradise.
The famous chain is a unique series of 16 lakes
connected by navigable canals. Winter Haven is
146 feet above sea level. It's city limits touch
or surround more than 30 lakes. Polk County's
2,002 square miles include 554 freshwater lakes.
The Lake Region Lakes Management District
manages our system of canals and public access
to the Chain. In late 2006 a new lock structure
will open to the public on the Lake Hartridge/Lake
Idylwild canal. The simple gateway will connect
the southern Chain of Lakes to the nine-lake
northern chain.
Public boat ramps are available in many places
along lakeshores, some in conjunction with
beaches, fishing piers, recreational facilities
and picnic grounds. Lake Shipp Park, an 18-acre
city park, has a boat ramp and picnic tables.
Lake Cannon Park features picnic and launch
facilities as well.
Water skiing is both a sport and a business in
Winter Haven and is enjoyed on many lakes. World
champion barefoot skier, Ron Scarpa, operates a
barefoot skiing school on the chain.
Fishing on the Winter Haven Chain
(Polk County): Located within the city of Winter Haven, nine lakes compose this 6000-acre chain where fishing and boating are extremely popular. Boat and shore access to the South Chain are available at lakes Summit, Shipp, Howard, Cannon, and Hartridge. The North Chain can be accessed through lakes Conine, Rochelle, and Haines. Public boat ramps are available in many places along lakeshores, some in conjunction with beaches, fishing piers, recreational facilities and picnic grounds. Lake Shipp Park, an 18-acre city park, has a boat ramp and picnic tables. Lake Cannon Park features picnic and launch facilities as well. Winter Haven has officially adopted the slogan, "The Chain of Lakes City." Winter Haven's "Chain of Lakes" is a boater's paradise and recognized as the water skiing capital of the world. The famous chain is a unique series of 16 lakes connected by navigable canals.
Recently Fished the
Winter Haven chain of lakes was the largest
Ranger bass tournament ever held took place. If
you want to catch big fish and fish where big
fish are! Central Florida is prime waters for
the elusive trophy large mouth bass. Many
catches in the 10-pound range are taken each
year. Come join us for the trip of a lifetime.
You have earned it!
Our
fishing guides are hand picked from the best in
the area, so you don't have to. They have fished
these Central Florida waters for no less then 20
years. During this time our team have developed
there skills and experience necessary to provide
you with that fishing trip of a life time. In
order to insure your trip will be a safe and
memorable trip, all of our guides are insured
and US Coast Guard licensed captains.
Not only will you fish with a professional guide, all of our trips
include: Fully equipped Bass boats, fuel and
tackle. Everything you need for that trip you've
been waiting for. The only thing you will need
to have is a
Florida fishing license.
Corporate trips are welcome and very common for
us, because of our size. We can accommodate your
fishing needs from one to hundred. We also can
provide everything from breakfast and box
lunches to a southern BBQ to end the day.
Winter Haven Chain fishing look for schooling largemouth bass. Soft plastic lures in Junebug and red shad colors will produce bass around shoreline vegetation. Use live wild shiners for the best chance at some big bass over submerged vegetation. Bluegill (bream) and redear sunfish (shellcracker) fishing will begin to slow as spawning congregations disperse. Use crickets and red wigglers fished under a cork for bluegill and shellcracker, respectively. Black crappie (specks) fishing should improve as the water temperatures cool in the fall. Catfish can be found in the deeper holes in the lakes. Use chicken liver, commercial stinkbaits, and frozen shrimp on the bottom or under a cork.
One of the
biggest benefit to fishing this chain of lakes
is it is located just minutes from
Disney and Universal Studios.
View Larger Map
More
great links to information on this chain of
lakes,
http://www.chainoflakes.org/
http://winterhavenfl.com/chain_of_lakes
http://myfwc.com/Fishing/forecast/swr.html#winter_haven
