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.

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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