The Chain O Lakes is a fantastic fishing destination in Florida, known for its diverse fish species including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy various activities such as kayak rentals, hiking, and birdwatching. To increase your chances of catching fish, try using live bait or artificial lures. The best time to visit is from November to May when the weather is cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 60-80°F. Don't forget to check for fishing regulations before heading out to the Chain O Lakes.

Featured Fish - Black Crappie

It is an abundant species and is important both commercially and as a sport fish. Black crappies are easily caught, often as fast as the hook can be rebaited. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: Though they show a definite family resemblance, they are distinctive enough that they shouldn’t be confused with any other species. The black crappie and the white crappie are most often confused with each other. Despite their common names, both species are the same color (dark olive or black dorsally with silvery sides) and both have spots on the sides. However, the pattern of the spotting is distinctly different. In the black crappie the spots are more or less irregular and scattered while in the white crappie the spots may be more vague and are clearly arranged into 7-9 vertical bars on the sides. Another distinction; the black crappie has 7-8 dorsal spines while the white crappie has only 6, the same number as in its anal fin. In body shape the black crappie’s is somewhat deeper than the white crappie.