Fishing with My Gear?

[Figamento]

Is it possible to bring our own fishing gear to the fort and do some fishing somewhere or do they require folks to rent Disney gear or pay a fee? Same question for the dock over at Riverside.

 

[KristinU]

Absolutely at the Fort! We were lucky enough to have a site near one of the canals one time and DH was over there every chance he got! But otherwise just head on over to a spot that looks good and plunk in your line. I'm not sure about along Bay Lake since we've always stuck to the interior waterways.

Not sure about the dock over at Riverside, we've done that once and it seemed like everyone there was with the Disney gear...but that was several years ago.

 

[Teamubr]

We have always used our own gear to fish. And we have thrown a hook in all the water options around the Fort. (canals, Bay Lake, pond)

And I'm pretty sure you don't need a license. (Rusty or Born 2 Fish correct me if I'm wrong on that one)

j

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . And I'm pretty sure you don't need a license. (Rusty or Born 2 Fish correct me if I'm wrong on that one)

1) Correct.
2) These are private lakes, thus, no license.

NOTE: Just remember, ALL FISHING is catch-and-release. Besides, you really
do not want to eat anything that comes from the lake or canal water!

 

[Figamento]

Thanks. I'll remember to stay out of the damn lakes...and I don't eat seafood anyway. Just catching and releasing.

 

[KristinU]

Don't forget your worms!

(still one of my favorite pics of my DS at the Fort! Worms can be purchased at the Bike Barn, by the way )

 

[tiggerdad]

I can't believe there is a fishing question on the board and no word from Frank...

I fully intend to bring my own gear and spend 2-3 early mornings trying to catch something other than an old worn out boot like you see in the cartoons.

I'm thinking some Rapala lures, spinner baits maybe? Reports of hot dogs working pretty well have been reported. Then again...what doesn't like bacon?

 

[Figamento]

I actually haven't fished in twenty-plus years; when I did (as a kid/teenager), hot dogs were my secret weapon! I lived on the edge of what was once the Everglades and fished in canals full of bream, a few bass, and plenty of gators. Actually caught a baby gator once, which was a bit scary, because momma gators tend to hang out near baby gators. It was a cut & run! My mom couldn't figure out why she couldn't keep hot dogs stocked in the fridge for a few months there.

I am getting into kayak fishing, so have put together a small backpack with a $20 telescoping spinner rod and reel from WalMart, along with just the necessities for ultralight freshwater fishing...6-lb. test line, weights/hooks/bobbers, one pack of scented plastic worms, a few jigs/spoons/spinners, a few of the small plastic worms (most of the necessities like that came in a kit on clearance for $4), and a handful of Rapala or Rapala-like pieces in various sizes (all small). Got a folding net, polarized sun glasses on clearance for $6, and the little bag for $15. Can't wait! I think I have spent less than $60-70 for the lot.

What else do you all carry for a day of ultralight fun? Definitely going to add a few hot dogs...

 

[2goofycampers]

A rag/towel, needle nose pliers. Ziploc bag for the hot dog and a knife. The cheaper greasier hot dogs work the best.

 

[KristinU]

We always carry a hemostat for getting hooks out, very helpful on little guys if you don't get them hooked on the lip.

 

[zoom8942]

DH caughgt a 3ft gator on a pop r in the pond near the meadows trading post about 10 years ago. It drew a crowd lol

 

[Readerbug]

Zoom!
My daughters, great farm pond fisher-kids, followed all Frank's fishing advice on the board and caught plenty of fish, in varying spots, last year, with those hot dogs, and eventually drew the attention of gators, too! No more fishies in that spot for the duration!
She came all geared out, but said besides the weenies, she didn't need the rest, bait-wise. Except the blue sparkly smelly worms were ok. But they didn't outdo hot dogs. Just lasted longer.
All you need are weenies.
Frank says, true story.

 

[Readerbug]

Kristen, I LOVE your photo. And that kid!
Gotta love a kid that ready, with that expression, to dig into everything!

 

[Figamento]

How did the gator thing turn out? Did you free it or cut and run?