Channel catfish catches bring on plenty of smiles at the MLK Jr Park Pond in Winter Park, FL.
Getting Kids Hooked on Channel Cats in Orlando Urban Ponds
by Debbie Hanson
The Fish Orlando program provides hours of outdoor fun and numbers of channel catfish catches for young anglers.
The simplicity and accessibility associated with targeting channel catfish make them an ideal quarry for young newcomers to the sport. In the state of Florida, for example, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stocks between 200,000 to 300,000 channel cats each year in public waters to encourage positive experiences for families and beginner anglers.
This massive stocking effort includes four urban ponds in the Orlando, FL area that are part of the Fish Orlando program. Barnett Park, Bear Creek, MLK Jr. Park, and Lake Santiago are primarily put-and-take fisheries that are stocked two times per year (once in the spring and then again during the fall) and located within safe parks that offer other outdoor activities when young anglers want to take a break from reeling in fish.
“Fish Orlando’s mission is to provide and promote convenient quality family fishing opportunities in the greater Orlando area. The four ponds are ideal for bank fishing and managed to ensure that beginning anglers experience plenty of success,” says Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish Orlando program leader Jim Sweatman.
Here’s what to know about how kids can catch channel catfish in Fish Orlando’s Urban Ponds, including specific tips on each body of water.
How to Catch Channel Catfish in the Fish Orlando’s Urban Ponds
“The best baits for enticing channel catfish tend to be chicken liver, hot dogs, and chicken breast meat,” advises Sweatman. “Rig your bait on a size 6 or 4 bait holder hook. You don’t even need to use a split-shot or any weight,” he adds.
Once your lines are rigged, he suggests looking for the signs that say, “Baited Fishing Area.” Those areas will offer kids the best opportunities for quick channel cat action. “One other tip is to move if you haven’t caught a fish after about five minutes, Sweatman suggests. “Often the channel cats tend to hang out in one big ball. If you catch one, it’s likely that you’ll catch more in that same area.”
Barnett Park Pond
Located behind the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orange County, Barnett Park Pond is 4.5 acres and has exceptional bank fishing access with two baited fish areas. Good areas to try are on the island that has the ceramic frog or anywhere you see bubbles coming up from the pond’s aeration systems (the aeration systems are in the deepest parts of the pond and catfish like to school up near these spots). Barnett Park Pond was known for channel catfish catch rates of more than over 3 catfish per hour in 2021. In addition to the excellent bank fishing opportunities for kids, the park also has basketball courts, frisbee golf, shaded pavilions, and a playground. For park hours or directions call 407-836-6248
Bear Creek Pond
While this 7-acre fishery is managed for channel catfish, it also happens to have the highest density of largemouth bass out of all four Fish Orlando urban ponds. The pond is located within Bear Creek Recreational Complex, behind Cypress Creek High School in Orlando. If parents are interested in taking the kids out on their first fishing trip, this is an ideal place to do it given the fact that all nuisance vegetation has been removed from the pond’s perimeter. There are also two baited fishing areas (marked by signs), an aeration system, and two wooden bridges. Amenities at the Recreation Complex include an activity center and a kid’s playground. To contact Bear Creek Park directly for more information, call 407-254-9040.
MLK Jr. Park Pond
For families who want to pack a picnic lunch, catch channel catfish, and spend a day outdoors, MLK Jr. Park is a good option. Located in the City of Winter Park, just north of Orlando, the 5.5-acre MLK Jr. Park Pond has 100% bank access, a fishing pier, baited fishing areas, and a wooden bridge. The best fishing opportunities for kids are within 2 to 3 months after the fall and spring stockings. Fish near the aeration diffusers or try the point where the orange canna lilies are planted next to the fishing pier. Aside from the pond, there are several spacious grass areas, ball fields, a playground, and a workout trail. For more details about MLK Jr. Park, contact the City of Winter Park Parks and Recreation at 407-599-3334.
Lake Santiago
Lake Santiago is a 4.5-acre channel catfish fishery that has been a part of the urban fishery program since 1992. The pond is located within Demetree Park and has a fishing pier, good bank access, and two baited fishing areas (both marked with signs). Use chicken liver or night crawlers fished off the bottom for the best channel cat action. Specific Fish Management Area regulations for channel catfish are posted in an information kiosk at the pond. To learn more about Lake Santiago at Demetree Park, contact City of Orlando Parks at 407-246-2283.
It’s important to note that special channel catfish bag limits apply to each Fish Management Area (including Fish Orlando’s urban ponds). For the regulations on each body of water, be sure to consult the Fish Management Area Regulations at MyFWC.com.
