Hello Osceola, I am Cindy Joint, Reel Deal journalist for the Osceola News Gazette.
I am excited to be back on deck bringing you fishing tournament happenings and results here on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
Just about every week there is fishing action down at the Kissimmee Lakefront and Marina. Stop in at Big Toho Marina, they open daily at 5:30 a.m., and grab a breakfast sandwich and some live bait and fish from the banks of West Lake Toho. Like to fish but don’t want to compete on the Professional level? Join in on one of Toho MarineWest Lake Toho Wednesday Night Shootouts. Every Wednesday at 5 p.m. sharp, the tournament is launched down at the Kissimmee Lakefront Marina. Fish alone or with a partner. Entries are $30 per boat. Weigh-in is held at dark. The season started mid-March and former St. Cloud local Geoffrey Wells and his partner Greg won the first tournament held. Geoffrey and Greg’s had a five fish limit with 16.68 pounds for the win. Locals Shelton Smith and Johnnie Bass have secured back to back wins at the last two Wednesday Night Tournaments. Not only is there a cash payout for the winning team, there is also a Big Bass jackpot each tournament. Chad Dowling, of St. Cloud, has landed the largest bass to date this season with a 7.58 pounder.
The weekly tournaments have been averaging a 25 boatfield, paying out the top 4 largest weights. Upcoming Tournaments. May 8, the Osceola Anglers, High School Fishing Club is hosting the 7th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Tournament out of Joe Overstreet Landing on Lake Kissimmee and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
For information on participating visit their website atwww. osceolaanglers.com. Another charity tournament happening at the same location, Joe Overstreet Landing is the Toho Marine and Outdoors Help Our Heroes Fishing Tournament June 5. There is a registration deadline of May 28. Visit their website at www.tohomarine.com for entry information. Did you know if you are 16 years or older you must obtain a Freshwater Fishing License to fish for pleasure or tournament fishing. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) holds two Freshwater License Free fishing weekends a year to give citizens an opportunity to see if fishing is for them. Why wouldn’t it be? Fishing is so relaxing! The next License free weekend is June 12 and 13. I am always excited to hear about your big catches and fishing stories. Email me at reeldealcindy@gmail.com. I would love to hear about them and you never know, you may be featured here in The Reel Deal with Cindy. Tight Lines everyone!
