Cart path to Lake Deaton?
 

OK, I admit, I am not familiar with Lake Deaton (at all) so please humor me. Is Lake Deaton suitable to drop a casual fishing line for some catch and release fishing? What about the access from the bank? Also is there a cart path to get there with some parking. Also, my wife was curious about the Gators???... do I need to have some duct tape in my tackle box??? haha :a20:.

Thanks

You might want to read this blog before fishing in TV.

The Villages Best Fishin' Holes

Most any fresh water in Florida will have gators, and just having people around doesn't deter them, if you play golf you'll know what I mean. They are out sunning themselves on the banks quite a lot. I would fish at Lake Miona Park off Rainey Trail. It has a dock, restrooms, picnic tables, etc. I'm not sure if you need a license, see the two links I provide.

Lake Miona Park | Sumter County, FL - Official Website

Lake Deaton is not accessible by golf cart, it's off 44A in Wildwood. It has a large parking area along with a boat launch.
It also has a pier to fish from which should keep you safely away from the alligators.

Lake Deaton has some of the BEST fishing in the area. Not so much quantity wise--but BIG crappies and bass for sure. I don't think you can go by golf cart--but if you have a boat--it's awesome!

When the new Lake Deaton campus of the New Covenant Methodist Church is built, one might be able to park in their golf cart parking lot to then walk the quarter mile to the Lake Deaton fishing area mentioned above.

Thanks Friends for the info. I will get a first hand look really soon.

Wouldn't that be a private parking lot??

Yes, but it would belong to God first. While not on Sunday, other times of the week it might be shared with the community. I, a member of this church will ask when closer to completion.

Please do not assume you have permission to park anywhere unless you're first given the ok or it's PUBLIC LAND. Deaton ramp area is maintained by the City of Wildwood. The ramp isn't perfect but accommodates many 18 1/2 ft boats. I know of a member that tried to launch his 21 ft & was unable to....the water level is low as are most lakes. Seasoned boaters use your own judgement. Also Deaton is best fished by boat. If you're just into catch & release and want to fish from shore I'd suggest fishing permissible Village ponds. For INFO:

The Villages Freshwater Fishing | Covering the TV Freshwater Fishing Club and more or call FFC President Randy Disanto (352) 391-1051 or (352) 205-2378
And by all means sign up for Trophy Catch....it costs nothing. Details on our web site.

Steve Henderson