WALT DISNEY WORLD GUIDED FISHING TOUR

Tara Mulkerin4.21.19When my husband was 5 years old his mother took him to the Magic Kingdom for the day. They rode the ferry over from the parking lot. The only thing he remembers from that day was leaning over the side of that ferry staring into the water below thinking about all the fish that must be in there. He decided that day that sometime in his life he would fish in that lake! Fast forward to years later when he was the parent taking his children to Walt Disney World. The “World” had grown since he was child, but the lakes were still there. I researched the options and was pleased to find that you COULD fish in those waters. I made the arrangements for an early morning fishing trip.We arrived at the marina of the Grand Floridian at 6:30am. The marina is closed at that time, but the tour guide arrived shortly after us. Our guide went over safety precautions with us and offered life jackets. Children 13 and under will need to keep them on but for those older than that it is optional. You will try life jackets on from an array of sizes to bring one that fits you onboard. They have all sizes to fit the smallest child and the largest adult. Once aboard, you’ll find all you need for a great fishing excursion. Fishing rods, reels, bait, nets and even snacks and drinks. You do no need to be an experienced fisher either. For the novice the guide will show you how to bait your hook and reel in your fish. As a family of 4, we were taken aboard a 21 ft Sun Tracker Pontoon, which can accommodate up to a party of 5. If you have a party of 2, you’ll be accommodated in a NITRO Bass Fishing boat.We pulled away from the Grand out into the Seven Seas Lagoon. I am not a fisher but cruising around afforded some terrific photo opportunities. Our first stop was right in front of the Magic Kingdom entrance. There were not a lot of fish biting there. Our guide said he knew a great spot. So, we cruised on, heading into Bay Lake and passing the Contemporary Resort. not far from the Wilderness lodge we parked. Almost immediately, there were bites to everyone’s lines. The bass were huge! The guide explained that years ago when the lakes were created when Disney World was built, the lakes were stocked with bass. The only fishing allowed over the years has been catch and release, so the bass have flourished. We pulled up our lines and motored over to another spot near the Polynesian Resort where everyone caught plenty more fish including some catfish. Before long, it was time to head back to the Grand Floridian. It was a fun and relaxing way to spend the morning.We had done a 2-hour excursion but there are also 4-hour excursions. You can do morning or afternoon but unless it’s winter I think the afternoon on the water would be too hot and buggy for my taste. There are also other options of fishing locations. For Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon you can set sail from the Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, The Contemporary, The Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. From the Old Key West Resort and The Port Orleans Riverside you can fish the waters along the way to and in front of Disney Springs. From the Yacht Club Resort, you can sail the waters on Crescent Lake and World Showcase Lagoon.Advance reservations are required and can be made 180 days in advance by your concierge agent. Prices vary from $270 -$455 depending on length and time of day. Gratuities for guide are not included in price.Tmulkerin@wishesfamilytravel.com