[1farmmom]

I will be staying at Port Orleans Riverside the last week of October. I read in a guidebook that there is a fishing hole there with cane pole rentals. Since my nine year old son is a passionate fisherman I was wonder if he could bring his own pole and artificial bait (Powerbait is a really effective artificial bait) or does the resort only permit people to fish who have rented equipment. With the early closing times at the parks I think my son will have some time for fishing.

Also, I hear that there are guided fishing excursions available. Has anyone ever done one. Is it worth the money? Since there are any more early entry days my son won't miss much park time by going fishing in the morning. I hear that Disney has some real lunkers swimming around in those private lakes.

Appreciate any advice

[mickey]

1farmmom, welcome to DisneyCentral! While I have never been fishing while at WDW, I have spoken to several people who have, and they had a great time. Most of them left from Grand Floridian, and caught several fish in the limited time they were out. Plus, if you love fishing, what could beat fishing right in front of the Magic Kingdom?

We have rented a boat from the Contemporary, and spent time on both Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Bay Lake, is much quieter, but I didn't see many people fishing over there, most were right by the Grand Floridian. I would say if you like fishing, go for it, it would be a wirthwhile couple of hours. You would definitely remember it for a long time. There are fishing excursions that leave from Fort Wilderness, the Boardwalk, Downtown Disney, P.O. Riverside and of course Grand Floridian. You can call (407) WDW-PLAY to get updated prices and current locations.

As far as PO Riverside, there is a Fishing Hole with rentals. It is a small, enclosed fishing hole on the river, and it is catch and release only. You can rent a cane pole and worms for $6 per half an hour per person. These prices may have changed, this was a while ago, but not a bad deal. The fishing hole is open 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. I am not sure if you can bring your own pole or not, you should probably call and ask. No use taking your pole if you aren't going to use it. (407)-934-6000), P.O. Riverside main number.

I hope I didn't confuse you more than you were.

[Cinderellafifi]

Hi and welcome! Trishb has posted some fishing information under "Hubby's Birthday" (still on the front/home page of our site as of today). She and her family loved it so much they are doing it again. :)

[trishb]

We love fishing at WDW!!:D We have fished from the shore and on the creeks of FT Wilderness, which is fun and relaxing, and cheap!! We caught a small fish and got to see an armidillo up close!
The most memorable experience has been fishing on World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot. This was the Boardwalk fishing excursion that left at 7 am. It is expensive, though, we paid $160 for a two hour trip two years ago. Well worth it!!
I'll be happy to answer any questions that you have.:)

[1farmmom]

Oh thank you so much for all your replies. I called POR the only fishing excursion we will be able to get from there due to early morning transportation limitations is at Downtown Disney. The price is $185 for two hours and $15/doz of shiners. Those will be the most expensive minnows I have ever purchased if I do this. My question is will it be worth it? Has anyone ever seen anyone fishing at Downtown Disney? I was at Disney 8 years ago but was there for only three days, stayed offsite and spent all the time in the parks so I really don't remember much about these lakes. I know no one can guarantee that my son will catch a fish, but what do you think the odds are in Downtown Disney?

Also, I acutally think my son would like fishing from shore just as much, if not more, than taking a guided trip. Is that kind of thing permitted near POR or is it only allow in Fort Wilderness. Would we get into trouble if we tried it around POR? Trish would you know?

I called POR about their fishing hole, they said that he can't fish there because you have to be at least 12 years old. the WDW-PLAY people really knew very little about it, in fact they kept putting me on hold to call someone else. Anyway, it didn't sound like it was a place where he could just bring his own pole and drop a lure. But I was hoping that he could try it outside of their privately stocked area.

Here is another question. As you may be able to figure from my handle, we live on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, so when I think of Florida I think of alligators lurking everywhere in all the rivers, lakes and swamps. Do we have to worry about that sort of thing if my dear son tries a little unofficial fishing along the shoreline? How about poinsonous snakes - I hear there are water moccasins in the southern lakes?

[trishb]

Seems to me that I have read about fishing pole rental and catch and release at many of the hotels, Port Orleans included. I love Riverside, by the way. I was not aware of any age restrictions. It shouldn't matter if there is an adult with your son. I have heard of a special kids fishing excursion. There should be more information about that on disneyworld.com.
I've always used the poles and bait available at the resorts.. and fishing from shore is fun and reaxing. I'm sure your son will love it! DH is picky about his fishing equipment, too (be sure to visit the Bass Pro Shop in Orlando!) and he was satisfied with the equipment disney provided.

[qltingrl]

I called about this too and this is what I was told:

You must be over 8 years of age to fish alone but can fish with an adult or older sib if you are under age. They supply a cane pole and bait (hot dogs) and it is catch and release. The cost is $4.00 per hour and they are open from 7am-3pm. Adults do not need a license to fish there. You may not fish from the banks on Disney property using your own equipment. Now I would definitely check at the resort where you are staying and would hesitate to drop a line any place without permission.