Fishing near Maitland? (Kissimmee, Altamonte Springs, Sanford: apartment complex, to rent, condos)

[Jimbobster]

Can anyone recommend a good place to go fishing near Maitland? I am open to renting an inexpensive boat, but I would prefer to fish on the bank. I don't want go anywhere near Disney or Kissimmee.

[Crane's Rooster]

Lake Monroe in Sanford, Dora Chain of Lakes in Lake County, Bear Lake in Altamonte, Lake Brantley in Altamonte (if you can find a public area to fish from). If you want to fish on the ocean (which is what I prefer) New Smyrna beach, Jetty Park, Mosquito Lagoon.

[tricon7]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

Lake Monroe in Sanford, Dora Chain of Lakes in Lake County, Bear Lake in Altamonte, Lake Brantley in Altamonte (if you can find a public area to fish from).

I think this is the $10,000 question. The Dora lakes aren't near A.S., so they're out. It all depends on what constitutes "near." Lake Monroe is a bit out, but not a huge drive. I'd like to know if there are decent places to fish from shore there, or if it's ringed by homes like the other lakes in town, shutting out the public at large. I'd like to find out the same with Bear Lake, too.

[Crane's Rooster]

Even having grown up in the area I don't know of any public shoreline or docks on Bear Lake or Lake Brantley, I always had friends that lived on the lakes or had access. But I do believe there are some public boat ramps at each lake that may have room for fishing. Tri if you have any insight please share.

[sean1the1]

Originally Posted by tricon7

I think this is the $10,000 question. The Dora lakes aren't near A.S., so they're out. It all depends on what constitutes "near." Lake Monroe is a bit out, but not a huge drive. I'd like to know if there are decent places to fish from shore there, or if it's ringed by homes like the other lakes in town, shutting out the public at large. I'd like to find out the same with Bear Lake, too.

No, Lake Monroe has almost no homes on it! 17/92 and the Riverwalk take up most of the shore, and at any time of day there are tons of people lined along the lake for miles fishing! The city of Sanford is currently in the process of expanding the Riverwalk eventually making it easier to fish.

[tricon7]

Originally Posted by sean1the1

No, Lake Monroe has almost no homes on it! 17/92 and the Riverwalk take up most of the shore, and at any time of day there are tons of people lined along the lake for miles fishing! The city of Sanford is currently in the process of expanding the Riverwalk eventually making it easier to fish.

I will definitely have to check it out, then. What kind of fish are predominately in Lake Monroe (worth eating)?

[Ashley83]

There's a few hundred yards of bank fishing at the Lake Destiny Condos in Altamonte Springs. It's just north of Maitland Center on Lake Destiny Rd.

[tricon7]

Originally Posted by Ashley83

There's a few hundred yards of bank fishing at the Lake Destiny Condos in Altamonte Springs. It's just north of Maitland Center on Lake Destiny Rd.

What kind of fish are in there? I did an aerial view of Lake Destiny and didn't see what looked like public parking anywhere - only for apartments and condos/businesses. Are you sure this isn't a private lake?

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by tricon7

I will definitely have to check it out, then. What kind of fish are predominately in Lake Monroe (worth eating)?

Eating fish out of any local lake is probably not advisable given the amount of pesticide runoff and mercury present in the water.

[Ashley83]

Originally Posted by tricon7

What kind of fish are in there? I did an aerial view of Lake Destiny and didn't see what looked like public parking anywhere - only for apartments and condos/businesses. Are you sure this isn't a private lake?

It's an apartment complex and not an especially high rent one. I used to live there so believe me when I tell you...no one will care that you're fishing. There's plenty of guest parking and no front gate. Walk along the grass or just stick near the short canal in the middle. I've seen a 12 pound largemouth bass taken from there. My biggest was a 5 pounder that was about two feet from shore. I cast from 50 feet inland so my plastic worm barely made the water. I had spooked something there the night before and didn't want to make the same mistake twice. I reeled my way up to it instead of reeling it in. I now do this whenever walking up to a sweet looking fishing spot

Anyway, there's largemouth bass, black crappie, maybe white, and several other small panfish. Maybe carp and gar too. It's a natural spring fed lake but it's also surrounded by apartments and offices so I don't know that I'd eat anything from there. I wouldn't eat a largemouth bass from anywhere actually.