Catch-and-release excursions and dockside fishing options reel in guests to Walt Disney World Resort waterways

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – World-class theme parks, resort hotels and attractions are not the only reasons for visiting Walt Disney World Resort. There’s fishing, too, with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish swimming in lakes and canals almost within casting distance of some of Disney’s most iconic landmarks. Popular catch-and-release experiences around the property promise to “lure” even more guests to the Disney lakes, as Walt Disney World Resort offers a lineup of fishing excursions presented by Take Me Fishing, the nation’s preeminent authority on the sport of fishing.

From true beginners to expert anglers, thousands of Walt Disney World guests annually participate in fishing excursions sponsored by Take Me Fishing, the nation’s preeminent authority on the sport of fishing. Guests can venture onto any of Disney’s four lakes – Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, Lake Buena Vista and Crescent Lake – via marinas located at nine resorts across property. Popular catch-and-release excursions can provide guests with an unrivaled view of Cinderella Castle and Spaceship Earth, or they can take guests away from the theme parks for a unique opportunity to experience the natural wilderness that surrounds Walt Disney World Resort. Here are the top 10 catfish rods that one can avail in case one wants to go fishing.

During construction of the Magic Kingdom theme park in the late 1960s, more than 70,000 bass fingerlings were released into Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Organized fishing tours didn’t start at Walt Disney World Resort until 1977, leaving bass to grow and breed undisturbed for years. Most trips catch five to 10 fish, usually weighing in around two to eight pounds, depending upon time of day, number of people on board and, of course, luck.

Two- and four-hour catch-and-release tours led by experienced fishing guides are offered daily on an advance-reservation basis year round. Guests can choose from the Guided Bass Fishing Excursions, which include a 21-foot SunTracker pontoon boat that can accommodate up to five guests, and Bass Nitro Fishing, which features a tournament-style Nitro Bass boat for one or two people. Both boats are fully equipped with rods, reels, fishing gear and beverages. Take Me Fishing excursions provide guests with access to world-class equipment like Castaway Rods & Wave Spin Reels, as well as boats outfitted with Lowrance depth finders, Power-Poles and other professional-grade fishing equipment.

In addition to having access to some of the industry’s best equipment, exceptional guides and Disney’s well-managed lakes, all Take Me Fishing excursion participants at Walt Disney World Resort receive a one-year BASS membership, which includes 11 issues of Bassmaster magazine and other special discounts and benefits.

Guests looking to experience something a little closer to their resort can take advantage of the dockside fishing opportunities at Disney by renting casting-rod fishing gear from the Bike Barn at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground or opting for traditional cane-pole fishing at the Fishin’ Hole at Old Man Island at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.

Reservations for guided fishing excursions and more can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-BASS.

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