Fishing in The Villages
 

I can’t say that I’ve spent much time fishing in the past. I have a relative coming down next month and he expressed an interest in fishing some of the local ponds. He asked about using minnows. Is this the best type of bait/lure to use for the ponds here in The Villages? Where is the best place to fish? He lives out of state. Is a fishing license required (68 years old)?

This PDF from the district web site should answer at least some of your questions:
https://www.districtgov.org/wp-conte...ation-0623.pdf

Keep in mind that alligator mating will be starting and it would be wise to stay away from the ponds as they are much more active in the spring. A great place to fish is in Leesburg at the public park on one of the chain lakes, you can also rent pontoon boats over there.

Any non-Florida resident is required to have a valid fishing license regardless of age,

It happens.

Gator Bites Off Fisherman's Hand on a Florida Golf Course | Outdoor Life

Lake County is full of great lakes for fishing. And you can eat what you catch. Some very close like in Leesburg.

Then there's also going west, like around Inverness.

Take a Firearm
 

It wouldn’t hurt to have the old Judge or Glock in a holster just in case you encounter an undesirable gator attack. It’s always better to be prepared than dragged in.

People might want to be aware of "Laws Protect American Alligators And Crocodiles".

Just don’t grab your fish at the edge of the pond. Pull it up onto land to unhook. Common sense and gators aren’t gonna be a problem.

Wood that be stand your ground laws? :undecided:

Schmith.....BEWARE of alligators in the ponds....and don't bring a dog with you

I hope you guys have a great time during his visit.

Here are a couple things to remember.. DO NOT keep the fish you catch in TV. Have fun catching and releasing but DO NOT keep them to eat.

The ponds in TV are retention ponds. That means EVERYTHING wet that is put on the ground and makes it to the street drains - car wash chemicals, insecticides, fertilizers, pond water treatment chemicals (to keep them nice) goes right back into the ponds...and into the fish.

If you're catching and releasing - have a great time. But, if you're
wanting to keep the fish, I highly suggest some of the larger lakes, rivers and true fresh water ponds in the nearby area.

Have fun!

Don’t know about minnows, but the best fishing isn’t in TV’s, it’s in Lake Dora.

...And Lake Dora would be an area your guest would love to experience.
It's a very pretty town, fantastic chain lakes and great places to have lunch after fishing.

I wish it were closer, much like "beaches" for our northern guests.
It's all an easy 'day trip" but not the immediate, instant gratification. Wish it was! Smile!

I can't say exactly how good it is, but there is a Lake Deaton Boat Ramp off of 155 with a dock for fishing. You can get there by taking 44 (between Brownwood and The Villages Grown) to 155. See the pic. I happened upon it one day as I was just exploring. If you don't want to deal with a boat or the ponds this may be an easy alternative.

https://i.imgur.com/UISdbhil.png