Central Florida Fishing Reports 2024
Pz3 reply :
Starting this thread for everyone located in the Central Florida Area. Post up your reports, share tecniques etc.
I'll try to document my own experiences this month.
FloridaFishinFool reply :
Locals are tearing up the sunshine bass up and down the St. Johns river right now. Flashy lures is catching them. I heard one local tell me he was using a spinner spoon and having a blast.
I use to live out there near the river, and my old fishing buddy out there is doing well around Lake Harney.
Today I live closer to Orlando and Winter Park chain of lakes, but I have not been out lately. With sons ages 1 and 3 I have to spend my time with them for now and don't get out as much as I want to.
Here is a video of Captain Tom Van Horn doing the same thing on Lake Harney earlier this year when he caught a 9 pound sunshine bass in Lake Harney on what appears to be live bait- though all you can see in this video is him holding onto what appears to me to be an empty circle hook that tells me he was free-lining some live bait out there. We usually net us some shad baitfish and tear them up. I love it when these sunshine bass get into a feeding frenzy right at sunrise. Some awesome fishing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYNmC_aLqkY
FishinDaddy reply :
Tues Morning. Pitching a Rage Bug into 6' deep pads. We boated 10 in two hours up to 2.5 pounds.
Pz3 reply :
So today me and my girlfriend decided to go out for an hour and see what we could get. The goal was since she is new to bass fishing. I wanted her to catch a couple dinks.
We fished at the back end of a canal that feeds into West Lake Toho. Easily accessible near 192.
She had a couple bites on an Arkansas Shiner colore fluke but no takers.
I only had one hit. Set the hook and the fight was on for only a couple seconds. Until what appeared to be a 6-8lb Largemouth jumped out of the water and shook my jig out.
Going out again tomorrow and bringing my migshift go pro.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/4/2015 at 3:46 AM, Pz3 said:So today me and my girlfriend decided to go out for an hour and see what we could get. The goal was since she is new to bass fishing. I wanted her to catch a couple dinks.
We fished at the back end of a canal that feeds into West Lake Toho. Easily accessible near 192.
She had a couple bites on an Arkansas Shiner colore fluke but no takers.
I only had one hit. Set the hook and the fight was on for only a couple seconds. Until what appeared to be a 6-8lb Largemouth jumped out of the water and shook my jig out.
Going out again tomorrow and bringing my migshift go pro.
Tough break, I hate it when that happens. That fish would have definitely made a difference. 
Pz3 reply :
Yeah it happens. I did set the hook plenty hard and upon inspection the jig was still intact but The hook was rather rusted. I figure thats probably the culprit or I should have waited slightly longer.
The booyah boo jigs while good have been notorious for falling apart on me. I had an off color. Black head, browish yellow green skirt with blue glitter. Not real sure of the color name. With a single tail grub trailer in black.
RoLo reply :
This afternoon, Lois & I fished Lake Kissimmee out of Coleman.
We managed to get 3 bass to the boat from 2-9 to 4-15; which fell for the Gambler Big EZ and Jig-&-Rage Lobster.
While I was chucking-&-winding the Big EZ, a large object in the sky grabbed my attention.
In midair, two bald eagles had grasped talons and were falling to the ground while revolving in a circle.
They looked like a giant 6-foot pinwheel spiraling to the ground, a spectacle I’ll never forget!
Unfortunately, it was all over before I had time to grab my Canon camera.
Some of you may recall the bald eagle images I posted on BR a few years back.
Well, this pair of bald eagles was also on Brahma Island, less than a half-mile from the others that I photographed.
We were retrieving our boat shortly after sunset when Lois pointed to a vehicle in the lot
that looked like Bobby Lane’s truck. It was a wrapped truck advertising “Power Pole” and “Phoenix”,
but the owner was still on the water so we don’t know for sure.
The ramp at Lake Kissimmee is only 25 minutes from my driveway, but the short trip home was very memorable.
First we spotted two deer feeding in an open field with sabal palms, something we've never seen before
on Grape Hammock Road. Then a couple minutes later an enormous wild hog crossed in front of my tow-car.
I weigh 220, and I'm sure that hog outweighed me. Then down the road a piece a slinky animal crossed
in front of the Honda Pilot. It was the first mink I’ve ever seen in the U.S. (have seen them in Canada though).
It was an especially large mink with a beautiful deep-brown coat.
Today’s visual experience definitely eclipsed our fishing experience ;-)
Roger
FloridaFishinFool reply :
Hello Roger, I am curious about two things, 1) how long were out on the water today and when did you catch your bass? I spent the last 3 hours of daylight on the Winter Park chain of lakes this afternoon and I saw absolutely zero bass activity. I saw specks and other fish feeding but not bass. I went for two hours out there throwing everything but the kitchen sink at them and just nothing until the last rays of sunlight I caught two roaming bass and had to head in. So I am curious how long you spent on the lake and did you experience hours of no activity and catch all your fish within a few minutes of each other, or were they spread out?
And 2) you said you saw a mink? Not doubting it, but wondering if maybe it could have been an otter? Florida has a ton of otters and I was wondering if maybe it was an otter you saw as they can be difficult to tell one from the other- especially if driving.
According to the FWC website there are mink in Florida but they are extremely rare and the FWC has an alert on their website asking for fishermen to report their sightings because biologists are tying to determine their range of habitat. Here is a link to the alert:
http://myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2012/june/07/mink/
And here is where they ask for any sightings to be reported:
https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx
Glad you caught some fish! It was a tough day out there. Our Florida bass don't seem to like the cold water too much.
Photos for comparing critters: (they are kind of hard to tell apart, though the otter can be nearly twice the size and weight of a mink.)
Florida mink:
Florida otter:
RoLo reply :
On 1/4/2015 at 10:52 AM, FloridaFishinFool said:Hello Roger, I am curious about two things, 1) how long were out on the water today and when did you catch your bass? I spent the last 3 hours of daylight on the Winter Park chain of lakes this afternoon and I saw absolutely zero bass activity. I saw specks and other fish feeding but not bass. I went for two hours out there throwing everything but the kitchen sink at them and just nothing until the last rays of sunlight I caught two roaming bass and had to head in. So I am curious how long you spent on the lake and did you experience hours of no activity and catch all your fish within a few minutes of each other, or were they spread out?
And 2) you said you saw a mink? Not doubting it, but wondering if maybe it could have been an otter? Florida has a ton of otters and I was wondering if maybe it was an otter you saw as they can be difficult to tell one from the other- especially if driving.
According to the FWC website there are mink in Florida but they are extremely rare and the FWC has an alert on their website asking for fishermen to report their sightings because biologists are tying to determine their range of habitat. Here is a link to the alert:
http://myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2012/june/07/mink/
And here is where they ask for any sightings to be reported:
https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx
FFF, we were on the water from about 1:30 pm to Sunset.
The action was lukewarm throughout the period; never hot and never lockjaw. A slow-pick you might say.
The first bass was landed around 2 - 2:30 - I don't remember the time the 2nd fish was boated.
Around 3 pm, I lost what I believe was the best fish of the day (Big EZ - just below surface - she moved lots of water)
The last fish was boated about 4:45 pm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Wondering if maybe it could've been an otter"
That's a good question, and reminds me of those who speak of a giant rat they seen.
In reality, they were referring to an "opossum" ;-)
No, it was definitely a mink.
In addition to being dark-brown (almost black) and far from water,
I'm very familiar with both mammals (color and habitat aside).
Thanks for the URL, and I will definitely report our sighting.
Roger
BassinLou reply :
On 1/4/2015 at 10:39 AM, RoLo said:This afternoon, Lois & I fished Lake Kissimmee out of Coleman.
We managed to get 3 bass to the boat from 2-9 to 4-15; which fell for the Gambler Big EZ and Jig-&-Rage Lobster.
While I was chucking-&-winding the Big EZ, a large object in the sky grabbed my attention.
In midair, two bald eagles had grasped talons and were falling to the ground while revolving in a circle.
They looked like a giant 6-foot pinwheel spiraling to the ground, a spectacle I’ll never forget!
Unfortunately, it was all over before I had time to grab my Canon camera.
Some of you may recall the bald eagle images I posted on BR a few years back.
Well, this pair of bald eagles was also on Brahma Island, less than a half-mile from the others that I photographed.
We were retrieving our boat shortly after sunset when Lois pointed to a vehicle in the lot
that looked like Bobby Lane’s truck. It was a wrapped truck advertising “Power Pole” and “Phoenix”,
but the owner was still on the water so we don’t know for sure.
The ramp at Lake Kissimmee is only 25 minutes from my driveway, but the short trip home was very memorable.
First we spotted two deer feeding in an open field with sabal palms, something we've never seen before
on Grape Hammock Road. Then a couple minutes later an enormous wild hog crossed in front of my tow-car.
I weigh 220, and I'm sure that hog outweighed me. Then down the road a piece a slinky animal crossed
in front of the Honda Pilot. It was the first mink I’ve ever seen in the U.S. (have seen them in Canada though).
It was an especially large mink with a beautiful deep-brown coat.
Today’s visual experience definitely eclipsed our fishing experience ;-)
Roger
Roger, I was fortunate to fish Lake Kissimee this past October and its a special lake indeed. When I was there I saw 3 bald eagles. A set of parents and younger Eagle which I guess they were showing it the ropes sort of speak. When Eagles are locked in mid air spiraling towards the earth, they usually having a battle about something. First eagle to let go loses. Sometimes both eagles lose and they both hit the ground to their deaths. That's awesome that you live 25 min away. We stayed over at Grape Hammock. The pictures of the bass posted on the wall at the camp office left my jaw open. LOL...
RoLo reply :
On 1/5/2015 at 1:44 AM, BassinLou said:Roger, I was fortunate to fish Lake Kissimee this past October and its a special lake indeed. When I was there I saw 3 bald eagles. A set of parents and younger Eagle which I guess they were showing it the ropes sort of speak. When Eagles are locked in mid air spiraling towards the earth, they usually having a battle about something. First eagle to let go loses. Sometimes both eagles lose and they both hit the ground to their deaths. That's awesome that you live 25 min away. We stayed over at Grape Hammock. The pictures of the bass posted on the wall at the camp office left my jaw open. LOL...
Lou, I wasn't aware of the aerial confrontation between bald eagle's. When those big raptors first appeared
in my side vision, my first thought was a private plane in a death spiral (absolutely incredible sight)
Yes, the Big-K is a broad sprawling fish factory and fortunately hundreds of acres are virtually inaccessible.
In spite of relentless tournament pressure, the good old days is now 
Roger
FishinDaddy reply :
On 1/5/2015 at 9:36 AM, RoLo said:Lou, I wasn't aware of the aerial confrontation between bald eagle's, thanks for the heads up.
When those big raptors entered my side vision, my first thought was a private plane in a death spiral (absolutely incredible sight)
Yes, the Big-K is a broad sprawling fish factory and fortunately hundreds of acres are virtually inaccessible.
In spite of relentless tournament pressure, the good old days is now
Roger
I thought I read somewhere that was a mating ritual of the eagle, or maybe it was a falcon.
That area around Grape is full of native wildlife. My only sighting of a Florida Panther was between Grape and 630. He only hit the ground once on the yellow line crossing 60. Must have been doing 50 mph.
Shanes7614 reply :
The Eagles diving with talons locked IS part of their mating ritual. I also believe there are multiple species of birds that do the same as well. Something to do with placement of sexual organs not beig easily accessible at any other time while not in flight.
RoLo reply :
On 1/5/2015 at 11:27 AM, FishinDaddy said:I thought I read somewhere that was a mating ritual of the eagle, or maybe it was a falcon.
That area around Grape is full of native wildlife. My only sighting of a Florida Panther was between Grape and 630. He only hit the ground once on the yellow line crossing 60. Must have been doing 50 mph.
You're very fortunate in seeing a cougar.
I lived several years on the ridge-line that male cougars travel in search of a mate,
but never seen a live cougar (only a roadkill). In fact, the only cougar crossing signs in central Florida
are posted right outside Walden Shores on FL-60 (I'm sure you've seen them many times).
Roger
Pz3 reply :
Well I did go out for a couple hours yeaterday. Tried multiple baits near west toho.
The day started at two of my favorite places but after trying just about every bait I own we only managed to anger the fish with short strikes.
Spent the rest of the morning exploring new areas. None of which seemed to hold fish.
Called it quits after that. Maybe this coming weekend Ill have a chance to venture off again.
FloridaFishinFool reply :
I have learned over the years that when a cold front is bearing down on us here in Florida, it usually means the barometric pressure is on the rise from low to high. The fish sense this change of pressure as the atmosphere weighs down heavier on the surface of a lake, and the fish sense this change and go deep and don't feed well until the opposite happens and the pressure changes or swings from a high to a low, then the bass rise up and begin to feed more.
Like you I went out yesterday on a private lake and saw the short finicky hits at the lures as I was retrieving too slowly allowing the finicky fish too much of an opportunity to look at the lure and reject it, but just before sundown there were some bass out roaming the edge of lily pads and around shore feeding and so I sped up my retrieve and went to top water or just under the surface ripping in the lure and caught two within 5 minutes of each other almost at my feet on shore before calling it quits as the sun went down.
Pz3 reply :
Fishing past couple weeks has been rough for me. Usually I get out to beat the shore less then an hour.
Today I purchased a Lews lazer combo. Lazer speed spool with the matching MH F 6'6" IM6 rod. The reel goes for near 70 by itself. The rod is just a bonus. So far so good.
Handled two 4 lb fish with ease today. Recently started using Seaguar Red Label 12lb Flouro, it pulled both of them out of the lillypads nicely. No fraying on the line either. Of course both on a zoom speed worm.
No pics of the fish though as I had left my phone in the car. This was on lake underhill wiyh less then pleasent conditions. Wind was kicking good, heavy cloud cover, but warmer then it has been as of late.
redux reply :
I bank fish ponds in the Orlando area. Most of my fish are coming on silver/white spinner baits with double willow blades. Silver/silver and silver/gold.
I had a good time sight fishing some holding bucks last weekend. One was on a proper bed and the other five were just staking out property. They came to T-rig 6" senkos I dragged through their area. Some took in a couple tosses and one I had to switch to wacky rig and took about 40 minutes of repeated flips to get a bite. I was using sweet tater pie and pink lemonade colors, but it could have been anything really.
I got a nice 4 1/2 the other night on the bank with a frog. I think the IPAs helped with that one.
I've been messing with a 1/4 bullet weight, a skirt, 4/0 EWG, and a 4 1/2" paddle tail the last couple days. I'm getting good reactions but no takes. Probably going to take the plastic off to reduce the profile. They seemed to be just slapping at it not trying to eat.
Anyway...
Pz3 reply :
I had a plan yesterday to go out and hit Lake Ivanhoe. Then I got caught up in looking at smaller lakes in Navionics.
I found this little place called Demetree Park buried in a neighbor hood. Its not far from Lake Underhill. I did a little map study and decided to go out and check this new spot out.
Here is the report....
Lake Santiago is easily accessible all the way around. It has three airerators working the middle of the lake. The contour map was almost useless since the bottom is mostly muck, small sections of sand, and dieing hydrilla. I caught 2 and missed 2 on the north west side. Right near the "4". Obviously the fish were cold and hanging out on that small slope facing the sun.
Lake C looks like an amazing lake but has very limited access. Never had a chance to really check the contours. One small stretch can be fished on the east and one spot on the north west side. Similare bottom as lake Santiago but one major difference. There seems to be more structure, vegitation, and an addition of stumps. I also managed to catch two on the north east side.
I do want to visit again. There may be some lunkers hiding in what seems to be a lifeless park pond. Caught 4 lost two but had a great time exploring.
Photographed 3. Biggest fish of the day was lost out of Lake Santiago estimated to be a 3-4lber.
Lures used:
Trickworm black = 0
Speed worm green pumpkin = 0
square bill 1.5 white/black = 3
Lipless crank purple/white = 1
Lipless crank blue/chartreuse = 0
redux reply :
I fished Demetree once and got skunked. I was told it gets a lot if pressure from the locals.
Haven't been back. How'd it fish?
Pz3 reply :
They might be pressured. Maybe not. I think a lot of locals use the same baits. I only found senkos and worms on the ground. Caught several plastic bags. Hot dogs, bread, and common baits are probably used a lot.
They hit hard on the crankbaits.
Under the Radar reply :
Fished Underhill this afternoon, 4 hrs 11 fish from 2 - 5 1/2 lbs. all but 2 were over 3.
partly cloudy, wind ENE 10-15, Water 63.4*, Air 67.3*
Only two fish on artificials the 2 lbrs, all the rest on shiners.
fished North side and saw no beds. No bloody tails, but full tummies.
Pz3 reply :
I went back and tried Lake Santiago again same time 10am to 12pm. I managed to land 2 and Had one come off the hook as I lifted him out of the water. He flopped back in before I could measure him. If that spot is over pressured I dont feel it.
Did a late afternoon trip to Lake Ivanhoe. Walked the north shoreline. Caught one and had a few big (big as in 5-8lbs) followers but no others took it.
2.5 Square Bill Bream 3
Fluke Bluegill flash 1
redux reply :
I went to House pond and had 5. HP is a small retention pond. Maybe an acre around.
First was on my fourth cast of a war eagle 3/8 mouse spinner. Sucks that it snapped my line after I got it on shore and hopped back in the water WITH my bait!
Second was on a KVD white spinner bait. Hopped off on shore so I let it flop back into the drink.
Third and fourth were on a white chatterbait with a baby bass paddle tail. Both took it in a couple seconds after it hit the water. The third was a long distance release. I figured he needed to get home for a Super Bowl party.
Fifth was on the KVD spinner.
I had to bandage my thumb because these fish have been going nuts lately.
What crank's are they going after at Demetree?
Pz3 reply :
Kvd silent square bills. Xcalibur one knockers. Just about every color.
redux reply :
Thanks for the info.
Pz3 reply :
Today was rather odd. I got some new baits from BPS. I went to a pond to try them out and circled it. Tossing a rapala lipless crank in black and white...No strikes. Then snaged on the bottom. Figured it was a log or something. Couldnt tell real well through the Flourocarbon.
Me being the wise guy I am decided to switch to my jig and frog pole with 50lb braid and try to snag my lure back. Its worked in the past but not today.
Submerged something 2
PZ 0.
Called it quits after that.
redux reply :
I went to Demetree park last night for a bit. They aren't interested in biting cranks after your last visit. I don't think I'll be going there again anytime during the week because it's a major pain to get to after work. Maybe later in the year when it stays light later.
I got a keeper off the small clump of pads off the right of the dock with a 3" Bass Pro Lazer Eye Shad. I've always had good luck with that bait. Too bad it only lasts for 1-3 fish before tearing.
Pz3 reply :
Have a feeling they hold out more in the center. Probably not a huge number of fish there but definitly have a good feeling there is one big one or two in it.
Hopefully soon here I will be able to go back to lake Ivanhoe.
RoLo reply :
On 2/1/2015 at 9:25 AM, Under the Radar said:Fished Underhill this afternoon, 4 hrs 11 fish from 2 - 5 1/2 lbs. all but 2 were over 3.
partly cloudy, wind ENE 10-15, Water 63.4*, Air 67.3*
Only two fish on artificials the 2 lbrs, all the rest on shiners.
fished North side and saw no beds. No bloody tails, but full tummies.
A little late on the draw, but kudos to a fine day.
Before moving to Lake Wales, we lived on Goldenrod Rd, Orlando.
Oddly enough, we found Underhill to be among the best waters within easy striking distance.
It was better than any of the Fab-5, and right up there with the Conway Chain.
At that time at least, 'hydrilla' seemed to be key.
Roger
redux reply :
That makes sense they'd be a bit further out. I did see some action around the banks, but they seemed small.
I'm going to hit a pond behind Ikea after work tomorrow.
Pz3 reply :
Good luck. Ive been wanting to find one of these elusive big bass ponds.
redux reply :
Well, the ponds across from the UCF stadium have some good ones. My biggest (6# 12) came out of the U-shaped pond on a mouse color War Eagle spinner bait at 2 pm with a heavy north wind.
I've been told a guy got a 10# out of both ponds on Rebel Pop Rs early. Around sunrise if I remember right. I've been there around that time and they were definitely on the top water bite.
The last time I was there I got 4 on a white KVD spinner and 1 on the Lazer Eye Shad in the U and 2 on the spinner out of the other. The biggest was 3# 8 and the rest were all around 2# with one around 1#. All in the afternoon with a cold high wind out of the west.
It's definitely worth looking into if you can. Next time I go I'm going to be sure to also throw some 1.0 KVD silent square bills.
Under the Radar reply :
On 2/5/2015 at 8:40 AM, RoLo said:A little late on the draw, but kudos to a fine day.
Before moving to Lake Wales, we lived on Goldenrod Rd, Orlando.
Oddly enough, we found Underhill to be among the best waters within easy striking distance.
It was better than any of the Fab-5, and right up there with the Conway Chain.
At that time at least, 'hydrilla' seemed to be key.
Roger
I agree Roger, it hasn't changed in that respect(the hydrilla). I've got easy access to the Fab-5 and it's my favorite. But it sure has me puzzled this year. Either I slept thru the spawn or it jut hasn't fired off yet. Last year this time they were on fire, 20 fish short days were common. Now I can't get them fired up. Time will tell. Fished it again today with my partners son for the first time. Had a great day, plenty of bites but they's drop the bait frequently and if the bait got too close to the surface the Osprey's got 'em before the Bass could. It was kinda comical to watch.
Good to hear from you and if I come down to your end of town I'll certainly give you a call.
RoLo reply :
On 2/5/2015 at 1:01 PM, Under the Radar said:I agree Roger, it hasn't changed in that respect(the hydrilla). I've got easy access to the Fab-5 and it's my favorite. But it sure has me puzzled this year. Either I slept thru the spawn or it jut hasn't fired off yet. Last year this time they were on fire, 20 fish short days were common. Now I can't get them fired up. Time will tell. Fished it again today with my partners son for the first time. Had a great day, plenty of bites but they's drop the bait frequently and if the bait got too close to the surface the Osprey's got 'em before the Bass could. It was kinda comical to watch.
Good to hear from you and if I come down to your end of town I'll certainly give you a call.
I doubt that you missed anything, Nick.
Based on pro and local tourneys, and reports from marina operators (e.g. Detweiler),
spring activity has been sketchy so far. I'm sure the cows are on the verge,
and will keep us company the next couple of months
Roger
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
We drew Lake Kissimmee for our tournament trail on the 31st (we draw the lake the morning of the tournament). It was pretty cold in the morning, but warmed up so that we could feel our fingers at least. We found an area at one of the islands that let us get up pretty shallow the weekend before and went straight to it at launch. They were NOT biting at all like the first time and weren't chasing anything. The flipping bite wasn't producing either. Hubby was getting frustrated and I was a bit worried too by 9:00 Am and not a single bite. We don't fish with exemptions, so they had to be 14" minimum.
I started "dead sticking " a fluke/skip shad, and would just barely twitch it, with long pauses. When the bait just felt "different", I set the hook and had a 2 lber. I managed to put number 2 and 3 in the boat, with Hubby exclaiming, "I had just thrown in there!". So he started dead sticking too and we had our limit of 5 by 9:56, with him catching #4 and #5. Apparently we drew some attention because we a boat,(not from our club) cut through the lilies, and took the path in front of about 50' from us, and started working the path. That bothered us both a little, but I told hubby they weren't fishing like we were and probably wont get bit. So we left to go find "Big Momma" and let the fish settle down some.
I probably should have been specfic about requesting Big Momma. Because hubby caught instead a 10 lb big Momma mud fish. So that was my fault I guess LOL. It was a good fun, fight though.. Had our hearts pumping like crazy until we saw it. (That was the only flipping bite)
So, we cruised back to our first spot, the guys had left and we started culling by ounces. No big bite. I had some 12" monster sized worms and Hubby did my "Oh Why Not" move, and started throwing it. They were Hammering it! No sneaky Ninja bite there! He lost one about 5 lbs that wrapped him around the lily pads and pulled off (estimating from what we could see of it). Still not able to put anything bigger than 3.5 lbs in the boat and they were fat, ready for spawn and peeing all over. We ended up with 12.45 lbs and first place. Only one club member out of 22+ boats was able to boat a bass weighing over 5 lbs. That move put us back up on top in the standings with two more tournaments to go for Angler of the Year.
We just have to keep our heads down and fish.
roadwarrior reply :
Woo-Hoo!
Congratulations on the win!
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
Thanks. I can't say yet what colors we used because Hubby is taking a team of high school anglers out there for their tournament this Sunday. Osceola Anglers. Sometimes I take the girl team when their regular Captain is otherwise unable to. They finished 3rd last time on Okeechobee. Those two ladies are intense! They have their regular Captain this time so it was hubby's turn to help out. I love seeing the kids fishing and more young ladies getting involved.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 2/7/2015 at 4:52 AM, Fishing Cowgirl said:We drew Lake Kissimmee for our tournament trail on the 31st (we draw the lake the morning of the tournament). It was pretty cold in the morning, but warmed up so that we could feel our fingers at least. We found an area at one of the islands that let us get up pretty shallow the weekend before and went straight to it at launch. They were NOT biting at all like the first time and weren't chasing anything. The flipping bite wasn't producing either. Hubby was getting frustrated and I was a bit worried too by 9:00 Am and not a single bite. We don't fish with exemptions, so they had to be 14" minimum.
I started "dead sticking " a fluke/skip shad, and would just barely twitch it, with long pauses. When the bait just felt "different", I set the hook and had a 2 lber. I managed to put number 2 and 3 in the boat, with Hubby exclaiming, "I had just thrown in there!". So he started dead sticking too and we had our limit of 5 by 9:56, with him catching #4 and #5. Apparently we drew some attention because we a boat,(not from our club) cut through the lilies, and took the path in front of about 50' from us, and started working the path. That bothered us both a little, but I told hubby they weren't fishing like we were and probably wont get bit. So we left to go find "Big Momma" and let the fish settle down some.
I probably should have been specfic about requesting Big Momma. Because hubby caught instead a 10 lb big Momma mud fish. So that was my fault I guess LOL. It was a good fun, fight though.. Had our hearts pumping like crazy until we saw it. (That was the only flipping bite)
So, we cruised back to our first spot, the guys had left and we started culling by ounces. No big bite. I had some 12" monster sized worms and Hubby did my "Oh Why Not" move, and started throwing it. They were Hammering it! No sneaky Ninja bite there! He lost one about 5 lbs that wrapped him around the lily pads and pulled off (estimating from what we could see of it). Still not able to put anything bigger than 3.5 lbs in the boat and they were fat, ready for spawn and peeing all over. We ended up with 12.45 lbs and first place. Only one club member out of 22+ boats was able to boat a bass weighing over 5 lbs. That move put us back up on top in the standings with two more tournaments to go for Angler of the Year.
We just have to keep our heads down and fish.
Sounds like you really figured them out considering the conditions. Smart thinking.
Pz3 reply :
Dead sticking flukes is a tactic most people forget. Also known to catch a lot of warmouths doing that.
What club are you with cowgirl?
Joedodge reply :
Fished a local canal and pond today. Hooked up on one but it spit the hook in some algae near the bank, caught nice 1 pounder that fought like he was bigger. Was a nice day out today for sure since it warmed up some. Theyl inked black and blue yum dingers today
Thornback reply :
I caught is hawg Thursday, Feb 5, on a wild shiner at Rodman Reservoir. She pulled my digital scale to 10.15.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 2/9/2015 at 6:11 AM, Thornback said:I caught is hawg Thursday, Feb 5, on a wild shiner at Rodman Reservoir. She pulled my digital scale to 10.15.
Sweet, that is a very nice bass. You got love hoodies in Florida during the cold fronts.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/9/2015 at 6:11 AM, Thornback said:I caught is hawg Thursday, Feb 5, on a wild shiner at Rodman Reservoir. She pulled my digital scale to 10.15.
Great Bass ~
Congrats
A-Jay
theomen207 reply :
caught this one last week in my yard in waterford lakes.. they bitting on junebug worms
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