With Spring in effect and Summer on the horizon, the local lakes and marinas are seeing increased small watercraft, boating, fishing and recreational action. Please practice boat ramp etiquette.
Prep your vessel for launch before you utilize a boat ramp and practice securing the vessel in a parking space after retrieving from the ramp to keep the flow of traffic from getting congested. Adhere to all Wake Zone signs in the marina and on the waterways. Make sure a personal flotation device (PFD) is available for all on board. With the lack of rain in the area, most water levels are low on the lakes. Follow the designated channels to avoid getting marooned in shallow areas.
The American Bass Anglers Solo 150, Florida Division 3 recently held a tournament out of the Kissimmee Lakefront Marina April 25-26. Jeremy Smith of Auburndale secured the win with a two-day total weight of 53.31 pounds anchored by the big bass of the event, a 9.81 pounder he landed on the 25th. Smith banked over $6,000 in winnings. The top five also included: Cliff Prince of Palatka (50.30 pound), Don Tripol of Webster New York (45.82), Andrew Hall of Tampa (44.94) and Kissimmee’s own Steve “Boogie” Brown (42.34).
Interested in being part of a little friendly fishing competition? Come out and fish the Wednesday Night Shoot Out hosted by Toho Marine and Outdoors. With seven tournaments in the books this season, Brent Carter and Brandon Blondell have been the winners of four events with an average sack of 18 pounds. Weekly tournaments are out of the Kissimmee Lakefront at Big Toho Marina. $30 per boat, and you can participate solo or with a partner. Launch is at 5 p.m. and weigh-in begins at dark. All are welcome to attend.
Looking for a relaxing and educational boat ride on our scenic Lake Tohopekaliga? Check out Florida Everglades Eco Toon Tours located at Big Toho Marina—Kissimmee Lakefront. Discover alligators, birds and more in their natural habitat. One-hour adventures starting at $30 for adults and $25 per child. Tours departing daily from 9:30 am through 3:00 pm. For more information contact 407-717-1024. Stop in at Captain and Tequila’s Dockside restaurant while you are there and try their catfish and gator special! They also serve breakfast and lunch, Yum!
There will be a fundraising fishing tournament held for the family of an angler in the fishing community. Angling for Ashley will be held Saturday May 17 at the Kissimmee Lakefront Marina. Local Angler Jerrod Albright’s sister Ashley Vaia’s life was taken due to a domestic violence incident. She leaves behind three children. You can fish solo or with a partner. Also, two children under the age of 13 are permitted to fish on the boat. There will be a big fish competition for the kids. Registration is at the ramp and will open at 5 a.m. the morning of the tournament. Entry fee is $125 per boat. There will also be a variety of generously donated raffles. This event is open to the public.
