Help me plan a trophy size trip. 2024

nycgrip reply :

coming from the north east so fishing is pretty much done for a while. decided on taking a trip for a trophy sized bass around the beginning of february, was thinking florida but anywhere with 7lb+ would be fine. most importantly for me i would like to be able to rent a fully rigged bass boat, for which ever lake i choose. the ideal situation if it exists would be to rent a cabin or motel room and have the marina be on the same property, if not a dock outside the room. i am looking for any and all ideas and recommendations, and states as far as texas are fine. availability of peacock bass a plus but not necessity. thanks in advance.

nycgrip reply :

BassChaser57 reply :

If you wanted to try lake Fork Texas I can get you hooked up with everything you need but you would REALLY need to get a guide or prepare to be sad. I have seen way too many guys come down with monster fish goals just to go home with ZERO fish caught all week. I advised hotels ect. on the very first BassResource.com trip which was to Lake Fork. There were so few fish caught that the guys said it had to just be a bad week and they tried it a second year. After another year of very few fish they went to other lakes and have not been back. The big mommas are there and can be caught but they get hammered by the fishing pressure so much it takes different fishing tactics for the guys I know that are "catcher-men" not just fishermen. Lake Fork has made my big fish dreams come true many times.

Good luck with your search.

BassChaser57 reply :

Good luck with your search.

BassChaser57 reply :

Good luck with your search.

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

Okeechobee. There are plenty of places around the lake with lodging and boat rentals. Rolands instantly comes to mind. There are several others as well. After you're done up there for a few days, drive south an hour or so and find a guide for Peacocks. Problem solved.

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

SeanW reply :

Falcon Lake for pure big fish. Trophy fish on the other hand Lake Fork or there is a lot of choices in California. Febuary is a great time for trophy fishing, its also swim bait time here. I know Florida has big fish, but I guess it depends on what one considers trophy sized.

SeanW reply :

Wayne P. reply :

Lake Fork, Texas. Several boat rental places in the area, mostly aluminum boats due to the timber.

I highly recommend a guide for at least one day to learn navigation around the lake.

Lake Fork Marina/ Motel/Campground is where I stay most times there.

Wayne P. reply :

Lake Fork, Texas. Several boat rental places in the area, mostly aluminum boats due to the timber.

I highly recommend a guide for at least one day to learn navigation around the lake.

Lake Fork Marina/ Motel/Campground is where I stay most times there.

Wayne P. reply :

Lake Fork, Texas. Several boat rental places in the area, mostly aluminum boats due to the timber.

I highly recommend a guide for at least one day to learn navigation around the lake.

Lake Fork Marina/ Motel/Campground is where I stay most times there.

Chris at Tech reply :

+1 on the recommendation to hire a guide

Chris at Tech reply :

+1 on the recommendation to hire a guide

Chris at Tech reply :

+1 on the recommendation to hire a guide

Catt reply :

For 2011 in no particular order

LAKE FORK

LAKE RAY ROBERTS

LAKE AMISTAD

LAKE SAM RAYBURN

LAKE CONROE

O. H. IVIE

TOLEDO BEND

FALCON LAKE

ALAN HENRY

CHOKE CANYON

Catt reply :

For 2011 in no particular order

LAKE FORK

LAKE RAY ROBERTS

LAKE AMISTAD

LAKE SAM RAYBURN

LAKE CONROE

O. H. IVIE

TOLEDO BEND

FALCON LAKE

ALAN HENRY

CHOKE CANYON

Catt reply :

For 2011 in no particular order

LAKE FORK

LAKE RAY ROBERTS

LAKE AMISTAD

LAKE SAM RAYBURN

LAKE CONROE

O. H. IVIE

TOLEDO BEND

FALCON LAKE

ALAN HENRY

CHOKE CANYON

nycgrip reply :

some quick google searches landed me these spots:

http://www.talltimbersresort.com/index.htm

http://www.tealpointresort.com/activities/boating.htm

which is more to my preference with weekly rentals and slips that allow me to take the boats out 24hrs. unfortunately the weather wont be right in these states in february.

any places like this in florida or texas?

i found plenty of boat rental places but non that do weekly or with 24hr docks.

i am posting the other links i found incase anyone else is seeking info.

http://www.big-cedar.com/Page/57/5/Boat-Rentals.aspx

http://www.boomerangresort.com/rates.html

http://www.kissimmeeboatrentals.com/

http://www.blackburnsresort.com/boats/fishingboats.htm#time

http://www.bassworldlodge.com/map1.htm

http://www.tropicalresortandmarina.com/boatrental.htm

http://www.hontoon.com/

http://www.rickysboatrental.com/

http://www.rolandmartinmarina.com/okeechobee_boat_rentals.php

http://www.ets-systems.com/jjmarine/

http://www.toledo-bend.net/marina/

thanks for the info thus far.

i am planning to get a guide for at least the first day.

nycgrip reply :

some quick google searches landed me these spots:

http://www.talltimbersresort.com/index.htm

http://www.tealpointresort.com/activities/boating.htm

which is more to my preference with weekly rentals and slips that allow me to take the boats out 24hrs. unfortunately the weather wont be right in these states in february.

any places like this in florida or texas?

i found plenty of boat rental places but non that do weekly or with 24hr docks.

i am posting the other links i found incase anyone else is seeking info.

http://www.big-cedar.com/Page/57/5/Boat-Rentals.aspx

http://www.boomerangresort.com/rates.html

http://www.kissimmeeboatrentals.com/

http://www.blackburnsresort.com/boats/fishingboats.htm#time

http://www.bassworldlodge.com/map1.htm

http://www.tropicalresortandmarina.com/boatrental.htm

http://www.hontoon.com/

http://www.rickysboatrental.com/

http://www.rolandmartinmarina.com/okeechobee_boat_rentals.php

http://www.ets-systems.com/jjmarine/

http://www.toledo-bend.net/marina/

thanks for the info thus far.

i am planning to get a guide for at least the first day.

nycgrip reply :

some quick google searches landed me these spots:

http://www.talltimbersresort.com/index.htm

http://www.tealpointresort.com/activities/boating.htm

which is more to my preference with weekly rentals and slips that allow me to take the boats out 24hrs. unfortunately the weather wont be right in these states in february.

any places like this in florida or texas?

i found plenty of boat rental places but non that do weekly or with 24hr docks.

i am posting the other links i found incase anyone else is seeking info.

http://www.big-cedar.com/Page/57/5/Boat-Rentals.aspx

http://www.boomerangresort.com/rates.html

http://www.kissimmeeboatrentals.com/

http://www.blackburnsresort.com/boats/fishingboats.htm#time

http://www.bassworldlodge.com/map1.htm

http://www.tropicalresortandmarina.com/boatrental.htm

http://www.hontoon.com/

http://www.rickysboatrental.com/

http://www.rolandmartinmarina.com/okeechobee_boat_rentals.php

http://www.ets-systems.com/jjmarine/

http://www.toledo-bend.net/marina/

thanks for the info thus far.

i am planning to get a guide for at least the first day.

SeanW reply :

If it was me and I wasnt taking my own boat, it would be Mexico. If ya really wanna have a good time catching alot of big fish Mexico is perfect. Other wise those Peacocks have been calling me for years.

SeanW reply :

Sam reply :

Disney World ponds?

Just wondering.

Sam reply :

Disney World ponds?

Just wondering.

Sam reply :

Disney World ponds?

Just wondering.

Bluebasser86 reply :

Mexico is an amazing trip that I would suggest everyone make at least once but with the state of things down there I don't know if I would do it now. Florida lakes could be magic in February if you hit it right and caught them during the big spawning movement. I would suggest if you really want to catch big fish, go to Florida, hire a guide, buy some really big shiners. You could fish artificals if you wanted to but if you float big shiners around the right area long enough a big fish will come along.

Bluebasser86 reply :

FlSnowman reply :

Lake Toho or Lake Kissimmee in Florida. Break up your week and fish shiners for a few days and switch to artificals for a few days to try the best of both worlds.

Go out with a guide 1 day with shiners and then 1 day with a guide and fish only artificials, then fish the rest of the days on your own.

Someone suggested the Disney Lakes which are good for easily catching 20-25 in a day but none near trophy size and you will pay Disney prices $350 per person for 4 hour trip. You can get a good guide for a full day on Kissimmee or Toho for less than that.

FlSnowman reply :

Lake Toho or Lake Kissimmee in Florida. Break up your week and fish shiners for a few days and switch to artificals for a few days to try the best of both worlds.

Go out with a guide 1 day with shiners and then 1 day with a guide and fish only artificials, then fish the rest of the days on your own.

FlSnowman reply :

Lake Toho or Lake Kissimmee in Florida. Break up your week and fish shiners for a few days and switch to artificals for a few days to try the best of both worlds.

Go out with a guide 1 day with shiners and then 1 day with a guide and fish only artificials, then fish the rest of the days on your own.

Texasfishingtips reply :

Get a Guide and head down to Falcon. You won't be disappointed. Fork can be slow. But a average sized Fish for Falcon is about 3-4 lbs. Falcon is great for flipping.

Clancy W

Texasfishingtips reply :

Get a Guide and head down to Falcon. You won't be disappointed. Fork can be slow. But a average sized Fish for Falcon is about 3-4 lbs. Falcon is great for flipping.

Clancy W

Texasfishingtips reply :

Get a Guide and head down to Falcon. You won't be disappointed. Fork can be slow. But a average sized Fish for Falcon is about 3-4 lbs. Falcon is great for flipping.

Clancy W

roadwarrior reply :

Scratch Norfork Lake and Bull Shoals off the list.

You will freeze your rear off in north central Arkansas

in February and won't get a bite!

roadwarrior reply :

Scratch Norfork Lake and Bull Shoals off the list.

You will freeze your rear off in north central Arkansas

in February and won't get a bite!

roadwarrior reply :

Scratch Norfork Lake and Bull Shoals off the list.

You will freeze your rear off in north central Arkansas

in February and won't get a bite!

frogtog reply :

I would head to the Stick Marsh and Garcia, there are some good guides on this forum that can hook you up. We have been going there for the last 16 or 17 years in February. We have always manage to catch some quality fish. There is one thing about Florida, if the weather is not right just give it a few hours and it will change

frogtog reply :

roadwarrior reply :

I would fish my "Dream Trip" with George Welcome on Stick Marsh.

http://www.imaginationbassin.com/

roadwarrior reply :

I would fish my "Dream Trip" with George Welcome on Stick Marsh.

http://www.imaginationbassin.com/

roadwarrior reply :

I would fish my "Dream Trip" with George Welcome on Stick Marsh.

http://www.imaginationbassin.com/

Catt reply :

Either George or Tom Redington on Fork if he aint booked yet

Catt reply :

Either George or Tom Redington on Fork if he aint booked yet

Catt reply :

Either George or Tom Redington on Fork if he aint booked yet

Raul reply :

Easy following these steps,

1.- first of all, you want to catch big feesh you gotta go where big feesh lurk and during a time of the year when big feesh are concentrated, accesible and vulnerable, that happens ----> late February/early March

2.- Get your passport

3.- grab a plane to McAllen, TX.

4.- Cross the border into Mexico and travel about an hour to Sugar Lake

There you go, more ten pounders you can imagine can be caught in that lake during that time of the year. BTW, choose carefully your tackle, you can only travel into Mexico with 4 rods/4reels per person or you 'll pay taxes.

Raul reply :

Easy following these steps,

2.- Get your passport

3.- grab a plane to McAllen, TX.

4.- Cross the border into Mexico and travel about an hour to Sugar Lake

Raul reply :

Easy following these steps,

2.- Get your passport

3.- grab a plane to McAllen, TX.

4.- Cross the border into Mexico and travel about an hour to Sugar Lake

NBR reply :

MEXICO!

NBR reply :

MEXICO!

NBR reply :

MEXICO!

CFFF 1.5 reply :

Quote
I would head to the Stick Marsh and Garcia, there are some good guides on this forum that can hook you up. We have been going there for the last 16 or 17 years in February. We have always manage to catch some quality fish. There is one thing about Florida, if the weather is not right just give it a few hours and it will change

x2. Get a guide on the Stick Marsh, you won't be disappointed.

CFFF 1.5 reply :

Quote
I would head to the Stick Marsh and Garcia, there are some good guides on this forum that can hook you up. We have been going there for the last 16 or 17 years in February. We have always manage to catch some quality fish. There is one thing about Florida, if the weather is not right just give it a few hours and it will change

x2. Get a guide on the Stick Marsh, you won't be disappointed.

CFFF 1.5 reply :

Quote
I would head to the Stick Marsh and Garcia, there are some good guides on this forum that can hook you up. We have been going there for the last 16 or 17 years in February. We have always manage to catch some quality fish. There is one thing about Florida, if the weather is not right just give it a few hours and it will change

x2. Get a guide on the Stick Marsh, you won't be disappointed.

nycgrip reply :

mexico is definitely in my future, this trip is more about getting my fishing itch scratched, was too busy in the summer and fall to get out and i figure since im gonna have to travel any way to fish might as well go where the big fish are, fish off a real bass boat, and not spend too much money.

i am now leaning towards toho in florida, get a motel, and rent a boat at kissimmee boat rentals for 3 or 4 days and do 1 or 2 days with a guide at stick marsh or if anyone could recommend a boat rental there i could spend more time there. also would i be in the right area to find peacock bass fishing within a 2 hour drive from toho?

when would be the best time to go between early january to late february, but could maybe do march if it is that much better?

thanks again all the advice its appreciated and still welcome.

nycgrip reply :

when would be the best time to go between early january to late february, but could maybe do march if it is that much better?

thanks again all the advice its appreciated and still welcome.

nycgrip reply :

when would be the best time to go between early january to late february, but could maybe do march if it is that much better?

thanks again all the advice its appreciated and still welcome.

indymusky reply :

www.thebasstaxi.com san diego area in california. i know the owner and if you rent for multiple days hell give you some money off. Within a hour of the lake you have diamond valley lake biggest bass is 18lbs and is a great lake especially in feb. Lake perris, lake dixon where dottie was caught and last weighed in at 25lbs but she was snagged. the boat rentals at lake dixon are 35 bucks for a entire day. lake hodges which has a 20 plus pounder taken from it. Otay lakes, miramar, lake poway, el capitan, lake wolford. all these lakes have fish over 18 lbs taken out of them and boat rentals range from 35 to 65 bucks a day, and you cant get better weather then in california in feb. You can find motels for 49 bucks a night and you can find multiple locals who will take you on guided trips for free just to take you out and show you how the fishing is out here.

indymusky reply :

benito reply :

I'd suggest Dream Lake Lodge in Livingston, Alabama.

I've fished all over the Southeast, and Dream Lake is the best bassfishing I've ever experienced!

It's a privately owned/managed lake (actually they have 2 lakes) that specializes in BIG bass - Many, many caught in the 8-10 pound range and up.

I went for first time last February, caught 73 Bass in 1 day, including my PB of 11 pounds, 4 ounces....Lost count of bass in the 5-6 pound range, also caught a 9 pounder. Simply incredible......

They rent full-sized Bass Boats, and it's very reasonable - $250 for a day, $350 for a day if you stay at the lodge/eat food.....If you want to hire a guide, it's only another $100 for the day.

Their website I believe is Dreamlakelodge.com

I went back again last month in November, during a cold spell I "only" caught 45 in 1 day, biggest was about 7 pounds

It's about 2 hours from Birmingham, AL, and 4 hours from Atlanta, GA.

They have a lodge on site, great food/hospitality/etc....I'm going there again this February for my Birthday. It's that good....

I'd also have to give a big "NO" to Lake Fork.....went there 2 years ago in February for my birthday, we hired a guide - 0 fish on first day, 3 small 1-2 pounders on the 2nd day.....Haven't ever seen a lake with that many boats.....

My 2 cents.

BEN

benito reply :

I'd suggest Dream Lake Lodge in Livingston, Alabama.

I've fished all over the Southeast, and Dream Lake is the best bassfishing I've ever experienced!

It's a privately owned/managed lake (actually they have 2 lakes) that specializes in BIG bass - Many, many caught in the 8-10 pound range and up.

I went for first time last February, caught 73 Bass in 1 day, including my PB of 11 pounds, 4 ounces....Lost count of bass in the 5-6 pound range, also caught a 9 pounder. Simply incredible......

They rent full-sized Bass Boats, and it's very reasonable - $250 for a day, $350 for a day if you stay at the lodge/eat food.....If you want to hire a guide, it's only another $100 for the day.

Their website I believe is Dreamlakelodge.com

I went back again last month in November, during a cold spell I "only" caught 45 in 1 day, biggest was about 7 pounds

It's about 2 hours from Birmingham, AL, and 4 hours from Atlanta, GA.

They have a lodge on site, great food/hospitality/etc....I'm going there again this February for my Birthday. It's that good....

My 2 cents.

BEN

benito reply :

I'd suggest Dream Lake Lodge in Livingston, Alabama.

I've fished all over the Southeast, and Dream Lake is the best bassfishing I've ever experienced!

It's a privately owned/managed lake (actually they have 2 lakes) that specializes in BIG bass - Many, many caught in the 8-10 pound range and up.

I went for first time last February, caught 73 Bass in 1 day, including my PB of 11 pounds, 4 ounces....Lost count of bass in the 5-6 pound range, also caught a 9 pounder. Simply incredible......

They rent full-sized Bass Boats, and it's very reasonable - $250 for a day, $350 for a day if you stay at the lodge/eat food.....If you want to hire a guide, it's only another $100 for the day.

Their website I believe is Dreamlakelodge.com

I went back again last month in November, during a cold spell I "only" caught 45 in 1 day, biggest was about 7 pounds

It's about 2 hours from Birmingham, AL, and 4 hours from Atlanta, GA.

They have a lodge on site, great food/hospitality/etc....I'm going there again this February for my Birthday. It's that good....

My 2 cents.

BEN

nycgrip reply :

thanks indy and benito, those are two great links to have for other trips, i would do dreamlake lodge this trip, but no one else i know would be willing to drop 350 per day for 5 days, to go fishing, and dreamlake is a 2 person @ 350/day each for rental and lodge, so if someone wants to partner up let me know.

nycgrip reply :

10216

Help me plan a trophy size trip. 2024

related General Bass Fishing Forum topic

previous topic

next topic

most viewed General Bass Fishing Forum topic