Florida Bass Fishing - January Edition 2024
dsidle61 reply :
Ok so I know we are out Lou for a few months and we decided to give the competition a rest until he comes back in May with some fresh new ideas. Until then however I just wanted to provide a place for us Floridians (natives, transplants, or just visiting) to post our fishing stories and our fish small, large or strange. Just to be clear im not stepping in for Lou and Im not going to be keeping track of lengths or anything like that. There is no need to declare yourself in or anything like that. If you are fishing in Florida feel free to post your fish and stories here to share with the group of us that have been doing this for over 6 months now and we will share our stories with you. As for myself I am going to be getting into some different, and hopefully much better, types of fishing this month thanks to this little guy that jumped in the back of my truck at bass pro the other day. Its no fancy bass boat but its perfect for the types of places ill be fishing. Took it for a test run for about 30 min in the 40 degree temps and whipping wind up here in Jax and it rode like a dream. Ill be out with AK for most of the day tomorrow hopefully we stumble across some fish!
MCS reply :
Nice boat dude! Good luck
Went out this morning, it was cold but had a lot of action from the 12 and under crowd chewing on fat Albert grubs.
fishingator reply :
Yay! I will be watching. Fishing will be tough for us this month.
Rovingmutt reply :
that's the jon boat i have been looking at, perfect size and weight, i have a 12 ft alumacraft now and it is a little to big and heavy to drag around, good luck today, i will be out at 9:00 to allday, hope to find something.
LgMouthGambler reply :
Nice boat. What you put on the back of it? Good luck with the fishing.
FishinDaddy reply :
Nice boat.
My first (and favorite of all time) boat was a 10 ft monarch jon that gave me freedom for the first time.
Enjoy exploring with your new best friend.
BassinLou reply :
Dsidle, great idea!! This thread will be our fishing dock sort of speak, to hang and shoot the breeze.
Nice boat!! It reminds me when I was younger and a friend of mine had an aluminum boat that nobody used. I bought a wooden oar, and used a cinderblock as the anchor. It took on a little water but I didn't care as long as I could get out and fish.
Your fishing will change for sure in that boat. Good for you!! Start being aware of the capabilities of that motor and battery(s). Bring an oar or two just in case.
Enjoy!!
BassinLou reply :
No Saturday fishing for me, its been raining all day again. I will take it compared to the rest of the country is feeling. We are in the mid to upper 70's today.
Jacob044 reply :
Great boat 61. That's exactly what I am looking for, to use in my river behind my house. Lots of water out there. I just can't get at it yet.
dsidle61 reply :
On 1/4/2014 at 7:20 PM, LgMouthGambler said:Nice boat. What you put on the back of it? Good luck with the fishing.
Just a little Minnkota endura 30lb thrust 30" long. Thought about going for the 45-55 range but guy at bass pro told me this pushes his 12 foot jon with no problems. It worked very well for me today.
dsidle61 reply :
On 1/4/2014 at 10:44 PM, BassinLou said:Dsidle, great idea!! This thread will be our fishing dock sort of speak, to hang and shoot the breeze.
Nice boat!! It reminds me when I was younger and a friend of mine had an aluminum boat that nobody used. I bought a wooden oar, and used a cinderblock as the anchor. It took on a little water but I didn't care as long as I could get out and fish.
Your fishing will change for sure in that boat. Good for you!! Start being aware of the capabilities of that motor and battery(s). Bring an oar or two just in case.
Enjoy!!
Yes today was a good experimental day for me. We spent about 3 hours on the water in some decent wind and didn't even bring it hallway down. So im pretty happy, I didn't skimp on the battery for this reason. definitely have an oar though lol that'll be AK's job if we ever drain it!! hahahha
BassinLou reply :
On 1/5/2014 at 7:25 AM, dsidle61 said:Yes today was a good experimental day for me. We spent about 3 hours on the water in some decent wind and didn't even bring it hallway down. So im pretty happy, I didn't skimp on the battery for this reason. definitely have an oar though lol that'll be AK's job if we ever drain it!! hahahha
That's fair trade off between you and AK, you provided the the boat, he should provide the muscle just in case. 
BassinLou reply :
On 1/5/2014 at 7:25 AM, dsidle61 said:Yes today was a good experimental day for me. We spent about 3 hours on the water in some decent wind and didn't even bring it hallway down. So im pretty happy, I didn't skimp on the battery for this reason. definitely have an oar though lol that'll be AK's job if we ever drain it!! hahahha
Oh, remember to stay on top of the water levels and charging and your battery will last you a long while.
Rovingmutt reply :
fished from 10:30 to 4:30 today, should have stayed home, only got 1 all day. like they had lock jaw. and my truck battery died had to use my spare boat battery, then i broke my new rod 
just one of those days
dsidle61 reply :
On 1/5/2014 at 7:33 AM, BassinLou said:Oh, remember to stay on top of the water levels and charging and your battery will last you a long while.
When you say water levels are you talking for the boat or for the fish? lol the battery is on charge right now for some use hopefully tomorrow in the bit warmer weather. I got two batteries incase of an all day trip I can switch them out halfway through just to be safe.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/5/2014 at 8:52 AM, dsidle61 said:When you say water levels are you talking for the boat or for the fish? lol the battery is on charge right now for some use hopefully tomorrow in the bit warmer weather. I got two batteries incase of an all day trip I can switch them out halfway through just to be safe.
He also forgot to mention how I christened the boat with the first fish lol.
It was a good day hitting some of my spots from a boat, besides the fact that we caught the same amount of fish in the boat as we did from bank 1 and 1 lol... Slow day for sure
Got some cool underwater footage with the gopro and a cool shot of the fish I caught swimming off underwater.
AK-Jax86 reply :
We also ran into DS's step son at my spot and DS refused to give him a ride on the boat.
Step son: "come on guys pick me up"
DS: "we can't its a 2 seater"
Step Son: "I see three seats in there"
DS: speeds off
LMAO!
LgMouthGambler reply :
D, that Endura 30 is a great little motor. That is the same one that I use on the front of my boat. I can run on a 24 series battery all day on that thing. The one in the back is a Endura 55, and it needs the big 27 series to power it all day, especially on full blast. Good idea to keep a second battery with you. I carry 4 total on my boat when I am going to be out all day. The water levels Lou was referring to is the water in the battery. Just make sure its just high enough to cover the lead blocks, and use distilled water for best results. Also, invest in some battery boxes to help keep corrosion affecting the boat.
Like Lou has stated the rain down here sucks. The transmission in my truck took a dump, so I can't take the boat out anyway. I will maybe hit a few spots on foot tomorrow sometime if the weather clears a bit during the day. Have to make a run to BPS to get a spare trailer tire and rim for the boat for the trip to Central Florida this next coming weekend. Hopefully I will be able to pull a few pigs out of her Grandfathers lake. At least this year I will have my boat to fish out of, and a strong trolling motor on the back to cut through the thick grass in the premier spots.
Last year I got some flack bringing 7 setups with me. Since I know I can load my boat with all my setups, should I bring all 11? Lol.
dsidle61 reply :
On 1/5/2014 at 9:58 AM, LgMouthGambler said:D, that Endura 30 is a great little motor. That is the same one that I use on the front of my boat. I can run on a 24 series battery all day on that thing. The one in the back is a Endura 55, and it needs the big 27 series to power it all day, especially on full blast. Good idea to keep a second battery with you. I carry 4 total on my boat when I am going to be out all day. The water levels Lou was referring to is the water in the battery. Just make sure its just high enough to cover the lead blocks, and use distilled water for best results. Also, invest in some battery boxes to help keep corrosion affecting the boat.
Like Lou has stated the rain down here sucks. The transmission in my truck took a dump, so I can't take the boat out anyway. I will maybe hit a few spots on foot tomorrow sometime if the weather clears a bit during the day. Have to make a run to BPS to get a spare trailer tire and rim for the boat for the trip to Central Florida this next coming weekend. Hopefully I will be able to pull a few pigs out of her Grandfathers lake. At least this year I will have my boat to fish out of, and a strong trolling motor on the back to cut through the thick grass in the premier spots.
Last year I got some flack bringing 7 setups with me. Since I know I can load my boat with all my setups, should I bring all 11? Lol.
Gotcha ill have to keep an eye on the water I appreciate the advice. I went all out on the batteries like I said and got the 29 series (and the boxes). Right now im only comfortable carrying the one with us and I don't think we will ever drain it the weight limit sticker in the boat is keeping me from tossing the second one in there lol. Today we spent 3 hours on the water and I was definitely playing with the speeds a lot plus add in the wind we would drive into and then drift down and it was at 65% when I hooked it back up to the charger so im comfortable that we could go 8 hours on one battery but I don't think either of us would make it that long without some lunch lol.
FishinDaddy reply :
you might want to get a longer cable so you can put the batteries in front of the middle seat when you are by yourself. This will balance the boat and make it track better. You will probably never burn a fully charged 29 series in a day but it is still a good idea to have a spare.
In addition to the state required safety gear you should always have one thing in the boat, real shoes. Take an old pair of tennis shoes and put them in the boat the NEVER take them out. There will come a time, when something happens and you have to walk, a long way. You can thank me later.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/5/2014 at 8:52 AM, dsidle61 said:When you say water levels are you talking for the boat or for the fish? lol the battery is on charge right now for some use hopefully tomorrow in the bit warmer weather. I got two batteries incase of an all day trip I can switch them out halfway through just to be safe.
What meant to say, was the water level in your batteries. Over time and use the water levels decrease and you need to fill up the cells with distilled water.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/5/2014 at 8:28 AM, Rovingmutt said:
fished from 10:30 to 4:30 today, should have stayed home, only got 1 all day. like they had lock jaw. and my truck battery died had to use my spare boat battery, then i broke my new rod
21" got it on a 1/2 oz silver rattle trap
Nice fish Mutt. This time of year, with the weather fluctuating with fronts every week, the fish get lock jaw. I know fish in my neck of the woods get really sensitive to it.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Congrats on the boat, it's real nice!
Also thanks for starting this topic, it should be fun posting our stuff on here. Like Lou I was unable to go out yesterday due to rain all day. I'm hoping today will stay decent so I can try and catch some decent fish!
basshead1 reply :
It was rainy and cold here yesterday too. The sun is shining and I am planning on heading out soon.
Rovingmutt reply :
disidle
the 29 series will last all day, I have a minn kota 55 and a 29 series and sometimes i troll for 6 hours when needed, only problem for me is the weight,
dsidle61 reply :
On 1/6/2014 at 4:49 AM, Rovingmutt said:disidle
the 29 series will last all day, I have a minn kota 55 and a 29 series and sometimes i troll for 6 hours when needed, only problem for me is the weight,
yep that's my only concern and why I wont put both of them on the boat. but like you said I don't see the 29 ever draining. Even in the summer when ill be fishing the mornings I don't see myself going more than 6 hours at a time without a break where I can switch batteries. unless the fishing is just that good!
BassinLou reply :
Managed to get out for an hour before dark, and caught one bass and I was hunting a decent peacock but I ran out of light and time. Oh well.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Well I went out today at 2pm right after a rainshower. Sun came out and I said, time to go fishin'. Well I went down to the canal on 157 ave and about 144st which is like country walk or something. Didn't see any fish, and didnt get any bites. Tried a worm, toad, and a spinner.
Then went to the canal behind the falls mall. I actually saw fish there. Several panfish (guy next to me with a kid catching them) and I saw some big ol carp but I didn't see any bass. I tried there till just after dark. Finally got a few bites on a worm but I don't think they were big enough to eat the entire thing, they basically ripped my worms in half.
Oh well, lol gotta keep trying!
AK-Jax86 reply :
This year has been slow for everyone so far. I'm going out in the morning with my girlfriend hope to break that trend.
Czar got into some fish today that he sent me via text. I spent the day at the zoo with Sarah and Adrian for Sarah's birthday. Adrian had a blast his first time ever to the zoo and he loved every second of it. We got a year pass so this might be an every other week trip.
dsidle61 reply :
I got into some fish today but couldn't find anything consistent. I caught one and missed one on each the popr crank and senko. I got all my hits within the first 10 minutes of each bait then it would go dead. Switch baits 2 hits in 10 minutes then dead again. Nothing special biggest was probably 16-17ish and the one I caught on the senko was maybe 8" long lol. Might try some evening fishing w AK tomorrow in the boat around 7. Well see if that brings us luck after that we are basically shut down until Thursday. Temps supposed to be as low as 11 degrees w the windchill here in Jax on Tuesday and still down in the 30s Wednesday. But a nice warm up Thursday and into the 70s for the weekend so hopefully ill get to put the boat to work this weekend a bunch.
lunkmaster24 reply :
Happy new year to all. Went out to a new spot on saturday no bass at all but i did happen to catch 2 snook 6 and 3 lbson a silver/black yamamoto crank bait and a nice 3lb peacock on a buzz bait. I will be leaving for Tennesee in a little over a week and will be back in feburary i might do a little fishing on this trip (i really hope i do 
but depends on the wife 
). Hope to upload some nice catches when i get back.
LgMouthGambler reply :
Hey Lunk, where you get them Snook at?
MCS reply :
Went out today had one bump on a spinnerbait. Saw mediocre activity. Not gonna be going the next couple days toooooo cold
BassinLou reply :
Besides the cold spell for us down here, I will only be fishing on the weekends from now on. So please share your exciting weekly fishing reports.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/6/2014 at 11:30 PM, MCS said:Went out today had one bump on a spinnerbait. Saw mediocre activity. Not gonna be going the next couple days toooooo cold
Tell me about it man I went to go out went right back inside lol
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/6/2014 at 11:39 PM, BassinLou said:Besides the cold spell for us down here, I will only be fishing on the weekends from now on. So please share your exciting weekly fishing reports.
Lou cold spell? So you talking upper 60s low 70s lol Up here that's cold man We are in the 30s, 40s, and lower 50s
BassinLou reply :
On 1/6/2014 at 11:46 PM, AK-Jax86 said:Lou cold spell? So you talking upper 60s low 70s lol Up here that's cold man We are in the 30s, 40s, and lower 50s
LOL.... Yeah I don't get to experience the cold you guys do up there, so I am real lightweight when it comes to that. Now put me out in the glades in the middle of summer with 90% humidity and temps in the 90's and I can handle that. Crazy!! I know.
LgMouthGambler reply :
-20 in the North, and 80 down here, lol. Got to love S Fl.
---=Martin=--- reply :
On 1/7/2014 at 1:09 AM, LgMouthGambler said:-20 in the North, and 80 down here, lol. Got to love S Fl.
you just wait till tomorrow AM... there go the peacocks again 
lunkmaster24 reply :
On 1/6/2014 at 11:01 PM, LgMouthGambler said:Hey Lunk, where you get them Snook at?
There is a canal in Davie that i use to fish a long time ago when i was a kid it is at nob hill and griffen ive seen some real big ones come out of there so i decided to change it up and go for them.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/7/2014 at 1:21 AM, ---=Martin=--- said:you just wait till tomorrow AM... there go the peacocks again
The cold spell, will not effect the peacocks. The cold is only for a couple days, the water can't cool off that fast. You tell me cold temps for month like 2010, then we got problems.
Rovingmutt reply :
went out today 7:30 to 11:30, saw some fish moving around on surface but no topwater action, used a silver jerkbait and got 2 and lost 2 or 3, 19 1/2 and a 15, no pics today, wicked wind started up at 11:30 so i got outta there, I won't be fishing much over the next month or so, i have alot of chores to do at home and getting ready for spring spawn, well just spring, too many honey do to do.
LgMouthGambler reply :
They are spawning now!
MCS reply :
On 1/7/2014 at 4:06 AM, LgMouthGambler said:They are spawning now!
Not up here any more lol they are shivering trying to keep from hybernating
Chief 2 reply :
Myself and a friend fished Rodman hard yesterday for 7 hours and only got a couple of hits. My buddy tried shiners and nothing. Even the guys Speck fishing were doing poorly. Looks like they are lowering the water. There were way more stumps exposed than when I was there a month ago. Lots of big wood floating in the channel also. Hard freeze warning here tonite.
MCS reply :
On 1/7/2014 at 2:13 AM, BassinLou said:The cold spell, will not effect the peacocks. The cold is only for a couple days, the water can't cool off that fast. You tell me cold temps for month like 2010, then we got problems.
On 1/7/2014 at 4:06 AM, LgMouthGambler said:They are spawning now!
On 1/7/2014 at 7:39 AM, Chief 2 said:Myself and a friend fished Rodman hard yesterday for 7 hours and only got a couple of hits. My buddy tried shiners and nothing. Even the guys Speck fishing were doing poorly. Looks like they are lowering the water. There were way more stumps exposed than when I was there a month ago. Lots of big wood floating in the channel also. Hard freeze warning here tonite.
Would any of y'all go out in the am? Thinking about tossing a jig or jerk bait just for a little while I mean what is the worst that could happen I catch a fish or a cold right? Lol or is it a dumb idea
SFL BassHunter reply :
Back at work so my weekday fishing is going to slow down drastically. Heck MCS if you can go, then go for it! You never know they might be hungry. Throw some worms at em lol.
Chief 2 reply :
I'll be headed to Daytona Beach in the morning. but I still wouldn't go with it being in the low 20's.
Rovingmutt reply :
MCS
you crazy man, go for it, don't forget your long johns 
good luck!!!
LgMouthGambler reply :
I'm gonna hook the boat to the truck tomorrow to bring to work since the transmission is fixed. I need to check the bearings and mount the new spare since I'm taking the boat to central FL this weekend. I may stop at the fishing hole before work depending on how nipply it is outside tomorrow morning. Might tie a jig to the T3 and see what bites. Saying its gonna be in the 40's. Brrrrrr.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Hmmm, fishing before work, that sounds good. My job is right next to a canal, I just need to cross the street and fish. I think I might give that a go...
Or heck I might even try for lunch. I'm sure my coworkers will think I'm a crazy person but whatever! LOL
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/7/2014 at 10:17 AM, dickdelprado said:Hmmm, fishing before work, that sounds good. My job is right next to a canal, I just need to cross the street and fish. I think I might give that a go...
Or heck I might even try for lunch. I'm sure my coworkers will think I'm a crazy person but whatever! LOL
Its why I always keep a rod and reel with me. My Co workers already know my fishing addiction. They are more shocked when I don't stop, lol.
MCS reply :
Well I will sleep in for an hour and go nose around the pond at the shopping center down the road since it is only a stones thrown. I know what can be had but I also know how hard you need to work to get at them too lol
I figure they all will be huddle down right in the middle...toss a jig in there...like shooting fish in a barrell right 
Jacob044 reply :
Holy crap. Who stole my 70* weather???
LgMouthGambler reply :
Nope, didn't make it to stop and fish this morning. Too cold!
MCS reply :
25 this morning on the dashboard therm.
Made it to the pond lasted about 10-15 minutes
Ice all over guides, line and reel...this is florida really I had flash backs to winter fishing in va
BassinLou reply :
If I could, I would have tried to do some fishing today. Definitely not in the times I call MCS or LMG times. Which is in the early, early hours of the morning. I would try now thru about 4:30. After that, I would hang it up for the following day. The temp, is one thing, and this constant hard North wind is another.
MCS reply :
Well tomorrow Warmer....slightly....I will grab the glass rod and jerkbait see if that blows their skirt up and since I haven't thrown a suspending in a looong time
LgMouthGambler reply :
Bearings are greased, spare is mounted, the boat is ready for the trip. Now if I can convince the wife to ride in the boat on the way up there.
SFL BassHunter reply :
I woke up an hour early, opened my front door, went back inside and went back to sleep. LOL. Got up an hour later and went to work. Didn't make it out but I did pass by the place near work that looked perfect for bass fishing, and of course the department of transportation of all government entities has signs all over saying No Trespassing.
geo g reply :
On 1/7/2014 at 2:09 AM, lunkmaster24 said:There is a canal in Davie that i use to fish a long time ago when i was a kid it is at nob hill and griffen ive seen some real big ones come out of there so i decided to change it up and go for them.
That canal in Davie along Griffen Road has had large freshwater snook for years further east, at the intersection of Orange Drive and SR441. There is a pump station at this location. When there is some current flowing, you can get snook action time after time. These are land locked freshwater snook.
lunkmaster24 reply :
On 1/8/2014 at 11:08 PM, geo g said:
That canal in Davie along Griffen Road has had large freshwater snook for years further east, at the intersection of Orange Drive and SR441. There is a pump station at this location. When there is some current flowing, you can get snook action time after time. These are land locked freshwater snook.
Yes i grew up in davie i lived right next door to the fire station on Orange Dr just west of davie rd. I have seen some monster snook in there and even some of the side canals. They were always snagging the brim and bait fish i would catch with bread when i was about 10 years old lol. Scared the poop out of me when i was that young and saw a big violent splash and then 2 seconds later my line would snap.
dsidle61 reply :
stopped at the pond by my place today for about 25 minutes to celebrate the fact that it got over 30 degrees for the first time in two days. Was throwing the senko and fishing it painfullllllllllly slow. I mean to the point where I was getting bored lol. But it paid off In the end caught a nice chunky 18". I didn't even feel the thing tap my line I just went to bounce my senko and it felt like I had a patch of weeds. I started to reel in and the weeds started swimming so I set the hook on her. After I saw how that thing hit I called it a day bc these fish are still hibernating. Hopefully the warmer temps thurs, fri, and Saturday wake them up bc the boat is getting wet this weekend no matter what.
AK-Jax86 reply :
^ yea boi lol
I haven't been fishing all week and won't be til the weekend but will be out with u on the boat. I hope the fish come out with us and this warmer weather. Suppose to be nice Saturday - Monday and those r my days.
LgMouthGambler reply :
I don't understand?! This stupid Florida snow needs to go away!
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/9/2014 at 9:38 PM, LgMouthGambler said:I don't understand?! This stupid Florida snow needs to go away!
Haha, "I don't understand"? That's not what I typed?! lol
MCS reply :
On 1/9/2014 at 9:54 PM, LgMouthGambler said:Haha, "I don't understand"? That's not what I typed?! lol
Auto correct and web filters has ways of putting a positive spin on even snow! Lol
Michaelt1987 reply :
I went around 1:00 today and fished with a few different brushhogs. Then used a fluke for a short while with no strikes. Put on a culprit incredi craw and pitched at a drain that had water flowing in the pond and got a hit but missed it. Tossed it back and he smashed it. About a 4-5 lb bass. Would of stayed a lil longer but I forgot my hoodie at home.
MCS reply :
I like the incredi craws for that. They have been a good bait.
Michaelt1987 reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 5:06 AM, MCS said:I like the incredi craws for that. They have been a good bait.
I just got them a week ago. My gf got me a gift card from bass pro. What's a good place to buy baits at around here with the best selection?
MCS reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 5:08 AM, Michaelt1987 said:I just got them a week ago. My gf got me a gift card from bass pro. What's a good place to buy baits at around here with the best selection?
It varies. Strike zone on beaches has more high end or pro stuff but limited selection. They also sell bitters bait. Academy has grande bass and big bite bait stuff. Dicks is good well rounded has some good sales. That is where I got the incredi craws. Gander is ok, I usually on get sale stuff there. But everything on sale I bought has produced and they are more funky of colors than usual lol Walmart for hard baits sometimes you can get spooks, rebel minnows for $3 and mirrolure are a couple bucks cheaper.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 5:08 AM, Michaelt1987 said:I just got them a week ago. My gf got me a gift card from bass pro. What's a good place to buy baits at around here with the best selection?
Stick with online the bait selection at our local stores all suck. The best Academy is in Orange Park and the best Dicks Sporting Goods is over by the town center, IMO, the academy is a fact though lol.
I always use TW unless I have gift cards to BPS then I will go that route.
But different stores around here carry different brands that's why I stick to TW.com they basically have everything even tons of stuff BPS doesn't carry.
MCS reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 5:08 AM, Michaelt1987 said:I just got them a week ago. My gf got me a gift card from bass pro. What's a good place to buy baits at around here with the best selection?
Bring them on Monday/Tuesday this is the place I had the best success with them
MCS reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 5:52 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Stick with online the bait selection at our local stores all suck. The best Academy is in Orange Park and the best Dicks Sporting Goods is over by the town center, IMO, the academy is a fact though lol.
I always use TW unless I have gift cards to BPS then I will go that route.
But different stores around here carry different brands that's why I stick to TW.com they basically have everything even tons of stuff BPS doesn't carry.
Academy on southside now, you forget lol
dsidle61 reply :
I agree with the dicks by the town center, it has a much bigger selection than the one over by me in OP. As far as academy I think they are both equal (southside and OP) in fact I liked the southside one better bc they had frog hooks in stock both times I went there. Come summer time that may not be the case however. You can never go wrong with online, if you want something specific but can wait a few days then just go that route.
Im hoping the weather holds off Saturday so I can get the boat out in the warm weather. Might be good if it rains later in the day so the fish will be active before the front moves in. Stopped at my pond today on the way home from work and the fish were a bit more active. Had a nice one get away on the pop-r which is currently residing on a log across the pond (thank god for the boat) and caught one decent one and missed one on the senko. Gonna give them a break tomorrow and let them come up a little shallower w the water warming up a bit.
Michaelt1987 reply :
Basspro is gonna bust ground on a new store in Jacksonville this year. I think its gonna be by 9B. I'm going to go check out the new Academy on South side tomorrow. What kind of soft plastics have you been catching them on this month Mcs?
dsidle61 reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 7:21 AM, Michaelt1987 said:Basspro is gonna bust ground on a new store in Jacksonville this year. I think its gonna be by 9B. I'm going to go check out the new Academy on South side tomorrow. What kind of soft plastics have you been catching them on this month Mcs?
that's correct, if you drive down 95 and see the area that looks like a nuke went off, that's where its gonna be. Try expanding your horizons outside the soft plastics. That's what I started out fishing down here and I was stuck on average fish (14-17") range, ever since ive gotten a little outside the box ive been catching my 4s,5s,6s and 8s.
Michaelt1987 reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 7:29 AM, dsidle61 said:that's correct, if you drive down 95 and see the area that looks like a nuke went off, that's where its gonna be. Try expanding your horizons outside the soft plastics. That's what I started out fishing down here and I was stuck on average fish (14-17") range, ever since ive gotten a little outside the box ive been catching my 4s,5s,6s and 8s.
What kind of lures have you been having luck with lately?
dsidle61 reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 7:32 AM, Michaelt1987 said:What kind of lures have you been having luck with lately?
I'm not saying I don't have luck with soft plastics but the only ones I throw are senkos and I barely have the patience for them sometimes lol. Our crew has been on a popr kick lately but it slowed down with the artic blast. before that cranks were the go to lures.
Michaelt1987 reply :
Has anybody tried using a small A rig or single swim baits?
Michaelt1987 reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 7:35 AM, dsidle61 said:I'm not saying I don't have luck with soft plastics but the only ones I throw are senkos and I barely have the patience for them sometimes lol. Our crew has been on a popr kick lately but it slowed down with the artic blast. before that cranks were the go to lures.
The pop-r is one of my favorite baits when the time is right. Nothing like seeing a pig smash iton top.
Michaelt1987 reply :
The boo-yah pad crasher was working for me a few trips. Caught my biggest stringer of bass with it. 7 bass from 4-7lbs in a hour.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 7:21 AM, Michaelt1987 said:Basspro is gonna bust ground on a new store in Jacksonville this year. I think its gonna be by 9B. I'm going to go check out the new Academy on South side tomorrow. What kind of soft plastics have you been catching them on this month Mcs?
There is no way that goes up this year like they planned. I'm saying middle of 2015, the y still need to add their 12 acre lake and the pond that's currently there, hidden, is nowhere near that size.
But who knows they do build things real quick up here in Jax I hope everything is done this year
MCS reply :
depends how far they are on permits but if they break ground soon it can be done in a year. We did 86 acres of mass haul earth work in 3 months a little shopping center is do able.On 1/10/2014 at 8:18 AM, AK-Jax86 said:There is no way that goes up this year like they planned. I'm saying middle of 2015, the y still need to add their 12 acre lake and the pond that's currently there, hidden, is nowhere near that size.
But who knows they do build things real quick up here in Jax I hope everything is done this year
MCS reply :
Dude I fish plastics 75% of the time at least and all my biggest fist came on them. A 22" inch on a 4" senko, 21.5" 6# 8oz on a trick worm, and numerous fish in the 18-20's on rattlesnakes and ribbon tails, incredicraws. It is all about finding your style and confidence. I throw frogs and haven't landed a dink yet and AK has caught whales on his. I use popr but only have success post spawn really before it gets hot. Lately I haven't been enough to tell you, I tore them up the other morning on a fat Albert grub. Figure out what you like fast, slow top or bottom and stick with it, it all will produce.
Chief 2 reply :
Word is that Bass Pro has signed a letter of intent to build a BP Shop across from Daytona International Speedway. There will be a large retail and condo project going in there within the next 2 years. It is part of the big speedway revitalization. For those of you out of the area, wait till you see what they are doing with the front stretch stands. BIGGGGGGGGGGGGGG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
MCS reply :
Went out this morning 6:30 to 7:50 first half hour threw a jig and no takers, probably fishing it a little too fast. Switch to a BPS lazer eye white/chart willow/Colorado spinnerbait fished it for about 30-40 got one bout 14-15" range. Thing that surprised me was how cold the fish was, then touched the water it was waaay chilly. Deffinately going to take a few to warm it back up. Sucky thing is I lost the spinnerbait, snagged a line or something. Threw a lipless. It felt so light, xr50 xcalibur, but it FLEW out there. Distance wise I can cast at least 25-35% farther with casting gear and this was farther. I also love the 7.0 great at lipless and spinnerbaits, bringing a jig in. Loving the quantum very much so far.
Michaelt1987 reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 9:30 PM, MCS said:Went out this morning 6:30 to 7:50 first half hour threw a jig and no takers, probably fishing it a little too fast. Switch to a BPS lazer eye white/chart willow/Colorado spinnerbait fished it for about 30-40 got one bout 14-15" range. Thing that surprised me was how cold the fish was, then touched the water it was waaay chilly. Deffinately going to take a few to warm it back up. Sucky thing is I lost the spinnerbait, snagged a line or something. Threw a lipless. It felt so light, xr50 xcalibur, but it FLEW out there. Distance wise I can cast at least 25-35% farther with casting gear and this was farther. I also love the 7.0 great at lipless and spinnerbaits, bringing a jig in. Loving the quantum very much so far.
Yeah I thought about going after I took my boy to school but just figured i would give them a few more days to warm up. Hoping the sun will come out andwarm the water a tad. Going to go scout some new water today.
Mcs that's a pic with my boys 2nd bass and did it by his self setting the hook and all.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Biting today.
MCS reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 9:49 PM, Michaelt1987 said:Yeah I thought about going after I took my boy to school but just figured i would give them a few more days to warm up. Hoping the sun will come out andwarm the water a tad. Going to go scout some new water today.
Mcs that's a pic with my boys 2nd bass and did it by his self setting the hook and all.
Man that is a nice fish, that is what it is about. Bet that made you grin ear to ear
MCS reply :
On 1/11/2014 at 3:23 AM, OkeechobeeAngler said:Biting today.
Nice one, on a pit boss. You back down in FL?
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Yep. St. Lucie county.
On 1/11/2014 at 4:33 AM, MCS said:Nice one, on a pit boss. You back down in FL?
Michaelt1987 reply :
I went got some baits from Dick's today and decided to stop by a lil pond on the way home. They was biting good, I caught 9 with the biggest around 3-4lbs. Had 4 to get away from me seting the hook early. Everyone I caught was off a 7in Berkleys ribon tail. Going tomorrow and trying my new smiw baits and a rapala broke back.
Chief 2 reply :
You must be doing something right. Myself and a friend fished Lake Kerr for hours today and got the big 0. We tried everything from spinner baits to crank baits to plastics. There were two other boats on the lake speck fishing and they were having no luck either. There is suppose to be a local fishing tournament there tomorrow. I don't know what they will catch because the water level is so low and we weren't even making fish in any depth. I bet the lake is down 10 feet from the last time I fished it 2 years ago. Water temp was only 57.
Michaelt1987 reply :
The ones I caught was close to the grass line on the bank. I guess with the sun out today it had the shallows warmer than its been in a week or 2. They were all on one side of the pond also,don't know what that's about but I think its a lil deeper there.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/11/2014 at 7:15 AM, Michaelt1987 said:I went got some baits from Dick's today and decided to stop by a lil pond on the way home. They was biting good, I caught 9 with the biggest around 3-4lbs. Had 4 to get away from me seting the hook early. Everyone I caught was off a 7in Berkleys ribon tail. Going tomorrow and trying my new smiw baits and a rapala broke back.
That's a big rod you have or you are a short man lol
Nice day. I haven't been out all week going to Okeechobee with DS early morning hope we have luck! 2 of my buddies went out today with no luck atleast you got into some fish.
Michaelt1987 reply :
On 1/11/2014 at 7:46 AM, AK-Jax86 said:That's a big rod you have or you are a short man lol
Nice day. I haven't been out all week going to Okeechobee with DS early morning hope we have luck! 2 of my buddies went out today with no luck atleast you got into some fish.
Lol a lil of both. Its a 6'6 rod and I'm 5'8
BassinLou reply :
Good to see some people are having luck up north and in Central FL. This weeks weather was crazy, with cold temps and rain. I hope to get out once or maybe twice this weekend and see what I can do. On a side note, I was sharing with MCS, my newest acquisition will be here next week. My froggin rod broke when I was out with LMG last week, so I utilized St. Croix warranty program, and through conversation I was able to upgrade from a Rage to a Legend Tournament Bass. Needless to say, I am very excited to get my hands on this new sweeet rod as my main froggin piece. Good luck this weekend everybody.
bostonsox2904 reply :
Caught my first nice fish of the year today after work (casual Friday lol.) Weather has been up and down, so I'm happy I hooked into a nice one finally.
SFL BassHunter reply :
I must be doing something wrong. I went to 8 street canal by FIU and didn't catch anything. I tried a top water frog, 2 different worms (one dark one light) and a crankbait. I could see fish hit the top of the water to feed on minnows.
Saw a manatee in there too lol. That thing was GIANT!
LgMouthGambler reply :
Tough here in Central Florida today. Overcast and windy as hell. I can't keep the boat under control on the lake. Hopefully it will get better later or tomorrow. At least the sun is finally showing.
AK-Jax86 reply :
Had a decent day today DS lost one at Jacksonville Okeechobee (that's what we call this spot since it is so shallow) she ran under the boat. Then I lost, I should say DS lost it lol, a beast that was atleast 6lbs! She jumped half way into the boat and then I don't want to speak about the rest lol lost my go to crank too.
Lost atleast 11lbs between the two fish
We were throwing pop'r and cranks
0119 reply :
It was pretty much a bust yesterday on the Peace River near Arcadia. A few dinks off points close to the main river channel and baby snook so small they couldnt even get the hook into their mouths.
fishingator reply :
Nice fish everyone 
.
Excited to hear about the BP in Daytona! We were just up there and they were putting in the new grandstands. Exciting!
bankbassassin reply :
Went out last night to my pond and had 8-10 short strikes on a spinbait in every corner of the pond. Shallows are in the high 60s so I guess they are holding in shallow.
Tried a few different ponds this morning with 2 #3 on watermelon senkos, both in 3 feet or less of water. Had 2 huge strikes on a frog, but neither clamped down on it. You could see them chasing baitfish all up and down the shallows but I didn't have anything but worms with me(lazy). Any suggestions on a bait/lure for running in shallows(2-5 ft) to cash in on the baitfish chase?
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/12/2014 at 4:25 AM, bankbassassin said:Went out last night to my pond and had 8-10 short strikes on a spinbait in every corner of the pond. Shallows are in the high 60s so I guess they are holding in shallow.
Tried a few different ponds this morning with 2 #3 on watermelon senkos, both in 3 feet or less of water. Had 2 huge strikes on a frog, but neither clamped down on it. You could see them chasing baitfish all up and down the shallows but I didn't have anything but worms with me(lazy). Any suggestions on a bait/lure for running in shallows(2-5 ft) to cash in on the baitfish chase?
KVD 1.0 and 1.5 max depth is 5 I believe on the 1.5. What I do is if I see small bait fish I will take out the 1.0 and bigger bait fish I throw the 1.5. As far as colors go look for colors similar to the baitfish in you local spots. Also pop'r are a very good lure to use when they are chasing baitfish especially if you are still getting strikes on frogs. Those are the two baits KVD and pop'r that me and my buddy have been having luck with up here.
bass Czar reply :
On 1/11/2014 at 7:46 AM, AK-Jax86 said:That's a big rod you have or you are a short man lol
Nice day. I haven't been out all week going to Okeechobee with DS early morning hope we have luck! 2 of my buddies went out today with no luck atleast you got into some fish.
dam no txt.....
dsidle61 reply :
On 1/12/2014 at 2:07 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Had a decent day today DS lost one at Jacksonville Okeechobee (that's what we call this spot since it is so shallow) she ran under the boat. Then I lost, I should say DS lost it lol, a beast that was atleast 6lbs! She jumped half way into the boat and then I don't want to speak about the rest lol lost my go to crank too.
Lost atleast 11lbs between the two fish
We were throwing pop'r and cranks
Im trying to forget about what I did lol. Our lures took a beating today, on the one that I lost it took one of my back hooks off the popr with him. And AK is short one of his favorite cranks thanks to me. Its raining like crazy right now hopefully this will all blow through and can get some aggressive fish tomorrow after the rains.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Lake Osborne seems to be a pretty good spot for Largemouth. I caught one, and had 2 others come up on my baits but missed. The first was in Lily pads, the bass came up and tried to grab my worm but missed it. I left it there and jerked it some more but he didnt want to go for a second attempt no matter how many times i cast it to the same spot.
Then I had one come up on my home made top water popper. Just as I jerked the popper it came up and missed. I let it sit there and it didnt try again.
bass Czar reply :
On 1/12/2014 at 2:07 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Had a decent day today DS lost one at Jacksonville Okeechobee (that's what we call this spot since it is so shallow) she ran under the boat. Then I lost, I should say DS lost it lol, a beast that was atleast 6lbs! She jumped half way into the boat and then I don't want to speak about the rest lol lost my go to crank too.
Lost atleast 11lbs between the two fish
We were throwing pop'r and cranks
so yall doing me like dave now ook lol
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/12/2014 at 6:44 AM, bass Czar said:so yall doing me like dave now ook lol
I believe you had a night out with your girl last night followed by watching the sunrise together on the beach taking pics, going to breakfast, and a morning of taking selfies at stores lmao... Facebook is b**** lol
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/12/2014 at 6:40 AM, dickdelprado said:Lake Osborne seems to be a pretty good spot for Largemouth. I caught one, and had 2 others come up on my baits but missed. The first was in Lily pads, the bass came up and tried to grab my worm but missed it. I left it there and jerked it some more but he didnt want to go for a second attempt no matter how many times i cast it to the same spot.
Then I had one come up on my home made top water popper. Just as I jerked the popper it came up and missed. I let it sit there and it didnt try again.
That's a nice fish did you weight it by any chance? That's pretty cool that you made your own pop'r! If I had an ounce of creativity or artistic ability I would try making my own lures I'm sure it's that much better when you catch a fish on a lure that you made
SFL BassHunter reply :
I don't have a fish scale. But he was about 14 inches long.
I made 2 others, I need to take a pic of. It's pretty cool using your own. I guess it's more of an accomplishment when I land a fish on it.
The other two are a bit more complicated. I went for a baby bass look and a baby bluegill. I will post later.
BassinLou reply :
Managed to go out today for about hour and half. Caught 6, nothing to really big to brag about. It was nice to get out. I caught them on soft plastics, around a canal close to my house.
bass Czar reply :
On 1/12/2014 at 7:08 AM, AK-Jax86 said:I believe you had a night out with your girl last night followed by watching the sunrise together on the beach taking pics, going to breakfast, and a morning of taking selfies at stores lmao... Facebook is b**** lol
sure did lol had fun too....
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/12/2014 at 7:13 AM, dickdelprado said:I don't have a fish scale. But he was about 14 inches long.
I made 2 others, I need to take a pic of. It's pretty cool using your own. I guess it's more of an accomplishment when I land a fish on it.
The other two are a bit more complicated. I went for a baby bass look and a baby bluegill. I will post later.
Those are some good looking lures!
LgMouthGambler reply :
Round 2.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 1/12/2014 at 8:06 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Those are some good looking lures!
Thanks !
Jacob044 reply :
On 1/12/2014 at 7:17 AM, BassinLou said:Managed to go out today for about hour and half. Caught 6, nothing to really big to brag about. It was nice to get out. I caught them on soft plastics, around a canal close to my house.
Wow Lou, at least you're catching bass. My river has flat lined and I haven't gotten a fish in a week. Would be happy at this point to catch any size bass.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/12/2014 at 10:37 PM, Jacob044 said:Wow Lou, at least you're catching bass. My river has flat lined and I haven't gotten a fish in a week. Would be happy at this point to catch any size bass.
Thanks Jacob. I do my best not to get skunked. Yesterday, they weren't hunting after it. You had find some cover and work around it.
SFL BassHunter reply :
I hit tropical park at 10 am and about 3 casts in I caught my first one. Caught them all with lizards, I switched to worm at one point and nothing was happening so I switched back and caught the other 2 with rootbeer colored lizard. 3 total, they weren't huge but they put up a mean fight in the lily pads.
BassinLou reply :
And you said you couldn't catch them there...... LOl... Nice job.
BassinLou reply :
Went to the canal again, this time a block away from my house. Whew .... they made me work today. I missed two, and caught one. They were really playing hard to get. I am going to have to take out the shimano stradic, and go ultra finesse. I have not done that in over a year. Should be interesting.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Haha yeah, the thing is I didn't have the right bait and gear to get into the lily pads on the north side of the north lake. I knew there were going to be fish in there. I just needed to go weedless and the tackle I had the first time I went there was top water cranks. I came prepared this time with soft plastics, worm hooks and bullet weights.
I'm new to the freshwater scene so I didn't even know there were special hooks for worms, or heck how to even set up the worm properly. Watched some videos and now I know how to set up a texas rig.
The other difference is before I was using a 40 lb mono leader I had bought for saltwater fishing. Now I've gone to 20lb floro. I'm sure those bass were seeing my 40lb mono and just laughing at me.
I'm really getting into fishing and it's quickly becoming an addiction, which is a good thing!
bostonsox2904 reply :
On 1/13/2014 at 7:37 AM, BassinLou said:Went to the canal again, this time a block away from my house. Whew .... they made me work today. I missed two, and caught one. They were really playing hard to get. I am going to have to take out the shimano stradic, and go ultra finesse. I have not done that in over a year. Should be interesting.
What's your stradic setup Lou? I have a 3000 stradic but it seems like overkill for the bass
CutlerJay reply :
Been a few months, but things are getting back to normal. After fishing a total of 1hr in November and December combined, I have been reinvigorated by a great trip to the everglades and by my little neighborhood lake that just keeps producing.
1st the everglades....two Sundays ago a friend took me for my first everglades excursion. I did not know what to expect, but it was ridiculous. You won't believe this, but we caught 415 fish. Mostly bass in the 1-2 lb range, bunch of oscars and a few other assorted panfish. Almost every single cast either had a strike, a push, or a catch. Top water baits and pencil-type minnow were killing it. Sorry no pictures, we were to busy reeling one after another. However I did have some bruising on my forearm and side from setting the hook hundreds of times. It was awesome and I can't wait to get out there again.
Now for my little pond in our neighborhood...The last two outings produced 4 fish and 5 fish, respectively, including these nice ones (attached). All caught on either white-ice flukes (overcast day) or green pumpkin/green pumpkin magic super flukes (sunny days) between 4-5:30 in the evening. Pop...pop.......and a really long pause. The fish are loving it.
Here's to hoping to keep my line in the water as much as possible
Cheers everyone.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/13/2014 at 10:27 AM, bostonsox2904 said:What's your stradic setup Lou? I have a 3000 stradic but it seems like overkill for the bass
What's up Boston!! My stradic set up is a 2500 on 20lb PP braid. I can go lighter leaders and fish the small flukes, and/or throw around small plastics with 1/32 weight. I can usually catch a few with this setup when they get this finicky.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/13/2014 at 10:09 PM, CutlerJay said:
Been a few months, but things are getting back to normal. After fishing a total of 1hr in November and December combined, I have been reinvigorated by a great trip to the everglades and by my little neighborhood lake that just keeps producing.
1st the everglades....two Sundays ago a friend took me for my first everglades excursion. I did not know what to expect, but it was ridiculous. You won't believe this, but we caught 415 fish. Mostly bass in the 1-2 lb range, bunch of oscars and a few other assorted panfish. Almost every single cast either had a strike, a push, or a catch. Top water baits and pencil-type minnow were killing it. Sorry no pictures, we were to busy reeling one after another. However I did have some bruising on my forearm and side from setting the hook hundreds of times. It was awesome and I can't wait to get out there again.
Now for my little pond in our neighborhood...The last two outings produced 4 fish and 5 fish, respectively, including these nice ones (attached). All caught on either white-ice flukes (overcast day) or green pumpkin/green pumpkin magic super flukes (sunny days) between 4-5:30 in the evening. Pop...pop.......and a really long pause. The fish are loving it.
Here's to hoping to keep my line in the water as much as possible
Cheers everyone.
Good to see you catching fish again. The everglades is hot right now for sheer numbers. The quality fish are slowly making a scene. Let's see what Spring brings.
LgMouthGambler reply :
Well I didn't get skunked, but couldn't get the big girls to play up there. They were there, and saw one that was close to 13lbs swim under my boat as I shined the light to look for the underwater fences on the lake. We found the beds, but the fish were easily spooked. The weather was all against us, too much cold and wind. Oh well, there is always next time. May take a ride up in May to hit the lake during prime time. Gonna be on Lake Toho sometime in March for a get together with some others from UB. Hopefully the water barricades that are in the canal leading to Lake Coral Springs are gone so I can find me some bigguns in there soon. Blah, blah, blah........
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 1/13/2014 at 10:09 PM, CutlerJay said:
Been a few months, but things are getting back to normal. After fishing a total of 1hr in November and December combined, I have been reinvigorated by a great trip to the everglades and by my little neighborhood lake that just keeps producing.
1st the everglades....two Sundays ago a friend took me for my first everglades excursion. I did not know what to expect, but it was ridiculous. You won't believe this, but we caught 415 fish. Mostly bass in the 1-2 lb range, bunch of oscars and a few other assorted panfish. Almost every single cast either had a strike, a push, or a catch. Top water baits and pencil-type minnow were killing it. Sorry no pictures, we were to busy reeling one after another. However I did have some bruising on my forearm and side from setting the hook hundreds of times. It was awesome and I can't wait to get out there again.
Now for my little pond in our neighborhood...The last two outings produced 4 fish and 5 fish, respectively, including these nice ones (attached). All caught on either white-ice flukes (overcast day) or green pumpkin/green pumpkin magic super flukes (sunny days) between 4-5:30 in the evening. Pop...pop.......and a really long pause. The fish are loving it.
Here's to hoping to keep my line in the water as much as possible
Cheers everyone.
I am dying to go to the everglades and do some real bass fishing lol. I wish I had a boat!
BassinLou reply :
On 1/14/2014 at 7:17 AM, dickdelprado said:I am dying to go to the everglades and do some real bass fishing lol. I wish I had a boat!
When the fishing picks up, you can do well, at the spot you have off Tamiami trail.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
They were killing Mr. Frog today. Caught 7, the biggest being approx. 2pds.
BassinLou reply :
Went out to the park today. Touched up on the finesses fishing. It was fun, I have not done that for well over year. I did ok caught 6, on a variety of baits but nothing worth bragging about. 3 were 1.5-2lb range and the rest were yearlings hanging out by a ledge. Wind was blowing hard from the South, so maintaining the strike range was challenging.
MCS reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 1:35 AM, BassinLou said:Went out to the park today. Touched up on the finesses fishing. It was fun, I have not done that for well over year. I did ok caught 6, on a variety of baits but nothing worth bragging about. 3 were 1.5-2lb range and the rest were yearlings hanging out by a ledge. Wind was blowing hard from the South, so maintaining the strike range was challenging.
So what did you entice them with?
maypo29 reply :
dsidle61, what ponds are you getting into in the OP area? if you dont mind me asking? I just moved to Middleburg from Virginia and am looking for small ponds to hit with my 12' Jon.
AK-Jax86 reply :
Took Adrian to the park for a little bit yesterday afternoon and took my rod out and casted a craw colored crank in the pond right at the park and ended up LANDING, thanks DS for the lost monster lol, my first decent fish of 2014. I caught it then realized I didn't have my phone scale or pliers to get the crank out, it inhaled it. So rod and fish in hands and Adrian running behind me laughing, I think he thought we were playing chase lol, I got my stuff from the car. I took few pictures took the crank out and weighed it, it only weighed 3lbs 8oz but felt a lot heavier in my hand I guess I am getting weak. But like I said this was the first decent fish landed this year everything else has been under 2lbs. Going to try to get out one day this weekend the other day going to the zoo with Sarah and Adrian hope to have a good weekend weather wise.
Gotfishyfingers? reply :
On 1/14/2014 at 5:27 AM, LgMouthGambler said:Well I didn't get skunked, but couldn't get the big girls to play up there. They were there, and saw one that was close to 13lbs swim under my boat as I shined the light to look for the underwater fences on the lake. We found the beds, but the fish were easily spooked. The weather was all against us, too much cold and wind. Oh well, there is always next time. May take a ride up in May to hit the lake during prime time. Gonna be on Lake Toho sometime in March for a get together with some others from UB. Hopefully the water barricades that are in the canal leading to Lake Coral Springs are gone so I can find me some bigguns in there soon. Blah, blah, blah........
Hey LMG, what lake did you go to up there? I was on lake Kissimmee this past weekend and the bite was pretty tough for me to. Only found dinks. Saw some beds in one spot but no one was home. The wind was out of control on Saturday 
.
MCS reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 4:28 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Took Adrian to the park for a little bit yesterday afternoon and took my rod out and casted a craw colored crank in the pond right at the park and ended up LANDING, thanks DS for the lost monster lol, my first decent fish of 2014. I caught it then realized I didn't have my phone scale or pliers to get the crank out, it inhaled it. So rod and fish in hands and Adrian running behind me laughing, I think he thought we were playing chase lol, I got my stuff from the car. I took few pictures took the crank out and weighed it, it only weighed 3lbs 8oz but felt a lot heavier in my hand I guess I am getting weak. But like I said this was the first decent fish landed this year everything else has been under 2lbs. Going to try to get out one day this weekend the other day going to the zoo with Sarah and Adrian hope to have a good weekend weather wise.
What park where u at? JCP? Don't care for specifics, general neighborhood is all I am wondering.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 5:05 AM, MCS said:What park where u at? JCP? Don't care for specifics, general neighborhood is all I am wondering.
yea over in JCP
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 4:29 AM, Gotfishyfingers? said:Hey LMG, what lake did you go to up there? I was on lake Kissimmee this past weekend and the bite was pretty tough for me to. Only found dinks. Saw some beds in one spot but no one was home. The wind was out of control on Saturday
Lizzy Lake. Private lake her Grandfather lives on.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 1:40 AM, MCS said:So what did you entice them with?
I caught a couple on a BPS Stick bait, on number 1 Gami Ewg hook and 1/16 weight. I caught another couple on a bait called the slick willy, its 5" long. MCS, remember the contest I won at the other site? That bait was the prize, a sample pack. I also caught the other 2 fish on a zoom centipede.
Michaelt1987 reply :
I went fishing at the FBI building and another place. I caught 4 at the FBI pond on a 10inch worm, biggest being around 3lbs. Caught 5 at the other place, 2 on a 7.5 in worm. Caught 2 at the same time on my rapala. Then landed a nice one that's was about to pop.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 7:55 AM, Michaelt1987 said:I went fishing at the FBI building and another place. I caught 4 at the FBI pond on a 10inch worm, biggest being around 3lbs. Caught 5 at the other place, 2 on a 7.5 in worm. Caught 2 at the same time on my rapala. Then landed a nice one that's was about to pop.
Nice pig.
MCS reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 7:41 AM, BassinLou said:I caught a couple on a BPS Stick bait, on number 1 Gami Ewg hook and 1/16 weight. I caught another couple on a bait called the slick willy, its 5" long. MCS, remember the contest I won at the other site? That bait was the prize, a sample pack. I also caught the other 2 fish on a zoom centipede.
Slick willy huh? I will have to google it. 5" slick willy hmmm. That sounds like something they sell for the ladies at one of em georgia truck stops off 75 lol
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 9:27 AM, MCS said:Slick willy huh? I will have to google it. 5" slick willy hmmm. That sounds like something they sell for the ladies at one of em georgia truck stops off 75 lol
Must be the Asian model, lol.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 9:27 AM, MCS said:Slick willy huh? I will have to google it. 5" slick willy hmmm. That sounds like something they sell for the ladies at one of em georgia truck stops off 75 lol
I knew once I said that, where you guys were going to go with that. Lol. But, I can't help it if that's the name.
MCS reply :
Went out today 7:20-8 am and got a couple on the rattlesnake with 1/16 weight. Throwing it on the caster, was a challenge at first. Added more brake casted like a girl, went back to one brake added more thumb casted little less than with my heavier stuff but that could be it is under my rods sweet spot. Getting this caster thing down Lou, and prefer over my poor neglected spinner. One thing I still am getting used to is setting the hook with the reel in hand versus how u do on a spinning setup.
MCS reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 11:37 AM, LgMouthGambler said:Must be the Asian model, lol.[/
Oh a 5" shrick willree lol
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 9:44 PM, MCS said:On 1/15/2014 at 11:37 AM, LgMouthGambler said:Must be the Asian model, lol.[/
Oh a 5" shrick willree lol
Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!
LgMouthGambler reply :
Crap, its getting cold again.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
On 1/16/2014 at 3:42 AM, LgMouthGambler said:Crap, its getting cold again.
Yep, lock jaw time. May go for some specks.
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/16/2014 at 3:56 AM, OkeechobeeAngler said:Yep, lock jaw time. May go for some specks.
Tasty!
dsidle61 reply :
On 1/15/2014 at 3:57 AM, maypo29 said:dsidle61, what ponds are you getting into in the OP area? if you dont mind me asking? I just moved to Middleburg from Virginia and am looking for small ponds to hit with my 12' Jon.
lol yeah I cant give up my honey hole bc its a stones throw from my place and honestly its a good 20-30 min drive depending on where you are in middleburg. The closest thing to you that I know of would be black creek and doctors lake. To be honest I really don't put my boat in much on this side of town other than my one spot. ive done black creek one time just recently only for about 45 min and had one miss. Ive heard doctors lake has some good fishing.
LgMouthGambler reply :
Wow, some things on this forum never change. I don't post here other than this Florida thing we got, but I do like to come and take a look at some of the stupid answers that some people on here give for questions people ask. Its soon full of drama and bad mouthing here its not even funny. It makes me soon happy that I don't bother here anymore. Lou, I say we take a trip to NY and just get rid of WW2 all together, lol. What a SOB. Oh well. A few of you see what a nice "together" forum is since following me there. We even have a get together in March on East To ho that includes a little bragging rights tourney amongst us, and a dinner on Saturday night for all of us. Good luck getting that kind of comrodery in this place, lol. I would say the civilized group on this forum is probably right here.
MCS reply :
On 1/16/2014 at 7:48 PM, LgMouthGambler said:Wow, some things on this forum never change. I don't post here other than this Florida thing we got, but I do like to come and take a look at some of the stupid answers that some people on here give for questions people ask. Its soon full of drama and bad mouthing here its not even funny. It makes me soon happy that I don't bother here anymore. Lou, I say we take a trip to NY and just get rid of WW2 all together, lol. What a SOB. Oh well. A few of you see what a nice "together" forum is since following me there. We even have a get together in March on East To ho that includes a little bragging rights tourney amongst us, and a dinner on Saturday night for all of us. Good luck getting that kind of comrodery in this place, lol. I would say the civilized group on this forum is probably right here.
Amen
Toho....I might be able to do that. Put the old lady and kids with the mouse lol. You, Martin and Lou go let me know I will atleast make it over to shake hands. There a general florida place like this to post? You will see my next post what I am asking.
MCS reply :
On 1/16/2014 at 3:42 AM, LgMouthGambler said:Crap, its getting cold again.
Ok gents little advice here. So we know the chill is coming, in the north (de Norte for you miami folksOn 1/16/2014 at 3:56 AM, OkeechobeeAngler said:Yep, lock jaw time. May go for some specks.
) 55/39 is approx the slash for 5 days. Then gets a bit warmer monday and a front comes through Tuesday with rain. When would they be most active in your opinion? Third day of consistent weather? The warm day before the front or when the front comes through? Just want some ideas as my time is limited so I want to line up the best day.
I use this to get an idea too
http://www.solunarforecast.com/solunarforecast.aspx
Last winter when weather like this hit, I had ok luck with small slow plastic worms or ribbon tails/lizards This year we will see if they get jiggy in the cold.
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/16/2014 at 8:42 PM, MCS said:Amen
Toho....I might be able to do that. Put the old lady and kids with the mouse lol. You, Martin and Lou go let me know I will atleast make it over to shake hands. There a general florida place like this to post? You will see my next post what I am asking.
Yes. Towards the middle is "Bass Fishing Reports" with each individual state. The Toho trip is posted in the FL section. I am going to be fishing with West6550. Going up early Saturday morning and then going out on his boat all day. Saturday night Is the dinner, and then Sunday morning we go back out on the lake. A nice 2 day trip to meet some of the crazies on UB.
MCS reply :
On 1/16/2014 at 9:10 PM, LgMouthGambler said:Yes. Towards the middle is "Bass Fishing Reports" with each individual state. The Toho trip is posted in the FL section. I am going to be fishing with West6550. Going up early Saturday morning and then going out on his boat all day. Saturday night Is the dinner, and then Sunday morning we go back out on the lake. A nice 2 day trip to meet some of the crazies on UB.
Main reason I hang here more than there is this joint has a mobile version. Haven't found that feature over there.
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/16/2014 at 10:32 PM, MCS said:Main reason I hang here more than there is this joint has a mobile version. Haven't found that feature over there.
I don't use the mobile version on my phone for UB, but you go to the regular internet type. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the version you want to use.
LgMouthGambler reply :
Gonna try and get some fishing in Sunday. Supposed to be in the low 70's, so lets see how that's gonna play out. Might be a little slow on the bite, but I just need to do a little fishing anyway.
BassinLou reply :
I will try for a little while on Saturday. Sunday is out. This weather always tests my patience in fishing. Let's just say its a work in progress. LOL.
AK-Jax86 reply :
You spoiled south Florida guys complaining about temps in the 70s!!!!
Lol we would kill for that its been in the 40s here and this weekend a high of 63, that's beach weather right there lol and let's not even talk about how cold it is in the AM! MCS must still have that northern blood to be able to fish the AM, me I lost that real quick when I moved here from NJ.
MCS reply :
Nah, nah....it is called layers and muck boots lol
Trust me if I could move further south I would move further south.
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/17/2014 at 3:11 AM, BassinLou said:I will try for a little while on Saturday. Sunday is out. This weather always tests my patience in fishing. Let's just say its a work in progress. LOL.
Its because you don't drink enough.
fishingator reply :
The weather is testing my patience for the wedding since it's outside in Daytona!
dsidle61 reply :
You guys aren't sneaking off to another forum are ya?? lol jk jk but if you don't mind me asking what this other site is, im always looking for fresh input from different people. As for me I have had a busy past week or so I acquired a new fishing buddy in the form of a 6 month old lab puppy (I say puppy even though he is already 60lbs) I took him out on the boat for the first time Monday and he loved it. Sunday a buddy of mine from back home made a surprise trip down here to take the new boat out so I took a few days off work and we spend most of Monday and Tuesday on the water. We had most of our luck Monday catching probably 6-8 fish between us. A couple 3ish lbs were our biggest. We did some night fishing Monday as well, started out just hanging out catching some catfish but I quickly got bored and decided to try some top waters for bass. Didn't have any luck w the popr so I threw on the frog and boy they loved the noise. I caught 1 and missed about 3 more and my friend missed a monster that blew him up right at the boat, we both almost fell out of the boat when we heard it. We got a lot of rain Monday night and the water was higher than ive ever seen it and weather cooled down and the fish shut down. They didn't want anything we threw cranks, senkos and topwaters w no luck. My next day out will probably be sunday, we are having some cool nights here w day time temps in the 60s so ill have my work cut out for me.
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/17/2014 at 6:24 AM, dsidle61 said:You guys aren't sneaking off to another forum are ya?? lol jk jk but if you don't mind me asking what this other site is, im always looking for fresh input from different people. As for me I have had a busy past week or so I acquired a new fishing buddy in the form of a 6 month old lab puppy (I say puppy even though he is already 60lbs) I took him out on the boat for the first time Monday and he loved it. Sunday a buddy of mine from back home made a surprise trip down here to take the new boat out so I took a few days off work and we spend most of Monday and Tuesday on the water. We had most of our luck Monday catching probably 6-8 fish between us. A couple 3ish lbs were our biggest. We did some night fishing Monday as well, started out just hanging out catching some catfish but I quickly got bored and decided to try some top waters for bass. Didn't have any luck w the popr so I threw on the frog and boy they loved the noise. I caught 1 and missed about 3 more and my friend missed a monster that blew him up right at the boat, we both almost fell out of the boat when we heard it. We got a lot of rain Monday night and the water was higher than ive ever seen it and weather cooled down and the fish shut down. They didn't want anything we threw cranks, senkos and topwaters w no luck. My next day out will probably be sunday, we are having some cool nights here w day time temps in the 60s so ill have my work cut out for me.
PM sent.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/17/2014 at 5:41 AM, LgMouthGambler said:Its because you don't drink enough.
Now it all makes sense why your such a cool cat when you're out there with your "special water bottle" LOL...
BassinLou reply :
On 1/17/2014 at 3:59 AM, AK-Jax86 said:You spoiled south Florida guys complaining about temps in the 70s!!!!
Lol we would kill for that its been in the 40s here and this weekend a high of 63, that's beach weather right there lol and let's not even talk about how cold it is in the AM! MCS must still have that northern blood to be able to fish the AM, me I lost that real quick when I moved here from NJ.
70's!!! are high is going to be in low 60's and night time lows in the 40's. That's cold for us. Our bass don't like it either. LOl..
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/17/2014 at 6:24 AM, dsidle61 said:You guys aren't sneaking off to another forum are ya?? lol jk jk but if you don't mind me asking what this other site is, im always looking for fresh input from different people. As for me I have had a busy past week or so I acquired a new fishing buddy in the form of a 6 month old lab puppy (I say puppy even though he is already 60lbs) I took him out on the boat for the first time Monday and he loved it. Sunday a buddy of mine from back home made a surprise trip down here to take the new boat out so I took a few days off work and we spend most of Monday and Tuesday on the water. We had most of our luck Monday catching probably 6-8 fish between us. A couple 3ish lbs were our biggest. We did some night fishing Monday as well, started out just hanging out catching some catfish but I quickly got bored and decided to try some top waters for bass. Didn't have any luck w the popr so I threw on the frog and boy they loved the noise. I caught 1 and missed about 3 more and my friend missed a monster that blew him up right at the boat, we both almost fell out of the boat when we heard it. We got a lot of rain Monday night and the water was higher than ive ever seen it and weather cooled down and the fish shut down. They didn't want anything we threw cranks, senkos and topwaters w no luck. My next day out will probably be sunday, we are having some cool nights here w day time temps in the 60s so ill have my work cut out for me.
Tip for frog fishing at night to decrease misses...
Instead of the steady retrieve that me and you always do with the frogs we use at night you want to drag it then stop and let it sit, rinse an repeat. Dave taught me that back when we night fished in the summer. When you do it that way you will notice that the fish will more likely then not always hit it right after you pause it. That style gives off a different sound that they key in on, they will watch it from below and once it stops explode on it. Funny at some spots that I use to frog fish in the summer that's the only way they would hit it even in the day, there are two ponds at the country club like that.
But at the end of February a beast will be unleashed onto these fish in the form of possibly the greatest frog in the history of frogs (not the one I texted you about this one I am keeping a secret lol)
AK-Jax86 reply :
Yea man fishing has been tough up here because of this weather. It's weird because I know you guys have been having cold weather for down there and I thought the Peacock bite shuts down but this guy on my Instagram has been posting some monster Peas so far in 2014On 1/17/2014 at 7:15 AM, BassinLou said:70's!!! are high is going to be in low 60's and night time lows in the 40's. That's cold for us. Our bass don't like it either. LOl..
So far this year I only got into 2 nice fish one of which DS lost along with my favorite lure (I will always bring it up DS lol)
dsidle61 reply :
On 1/17/2014 at 7:52 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Yea man fishing has been tough up here because of this weather. It's weird because I know you guys have been having cold weather for down there and I thought the Peacock bite shuts down but this guy on my Instagram has been posting some monster Peas so far in 2014
So far this year I only got into 2 nice fish one of which DS lost along with my favorite lure (I will always bring it up DS lol)
hey you better not bring that secret lure around me, ill "accidently" snap that one off too and scoop it into my back pocket lol
MCS reply :
On 1/17/2014 at 7:15 AM, BassinLou said:70's!!! are high is going to be in low 60's and night time lows in the 40's. That's cold for us. Our bass don't like it either. LOl..
Sounds like the bass are spoiled just like the people down there bud
SFL BassHunter reply :
Yup we are spoiled and so are the bass lol. I tried tropical park again today with lizards and nothing. I was jerking it at a snails pace. Maybe next time!
LgMouthGambler reply :
I have sent the PMs back at you guys. Let me know if it doesn't work. If it does, I hope to see you in the intro section getting to know the staff.
zachb34 reply :
I would also be interested in a new site to learn more infoOn 1/17/2014 at 8:59 AM, LgMouthGambler said:I have sent the PMs back at you guys. Let me know if it doesn't work. If it does, I hope to see you in the intro section getting to know the staff.
MCS reply :
LMG led to a major defection...,coup detat lol
Nice work! Martin you can now cast Castro as LMG in you vids bwahahaha
Caylub reply :
Wow MCS it sure got quiet around here.
MCS reply :
On 1/17/2014 at 12:37 PM, Caylub said:Wow MCS it sure got quiet around here.
Cuz everyone is at the "other" site lol
LMG flip flops sites like he flip flops fishin buddies lol
LgMouthGambler reply :
Its a lot nicer over there. People don't bash others like they do here. You can get some real "genuine" advice there.
---=Martin=--- reply :
Gambler takes over my honey holes, and I retreat.
He steals my lures, and I do nothing.
He bashes my fishing forum with his UB friends, and I turn a deaf ear.
Enough is enough!
The line must be drawn here! And I will make him pay for what he has done!!!!
Death to Gambler!!!
fishingator reply :
Omg hahaha
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/17/2014 at 11:56 PM, ---=Martin=--- said:Gambler takes over my honey holes, and I retreat.
He steals my lures, and I do nothing.
He bashes my fishing forum with his UB friends, and I turn a deaf ear.
Enough is enough!
The line must be drawn here! And I will make him pay for what he has done!!!!
Death to Gambler!!!
Oh crap. I cant wait to see this! BRING IT!!!!
---=Martin=--- reply :
On 1/18/2014 at 1:54 AM, LgMouthGambler said:Oh crap. I cant wait to see this! BRING IT!!!!
Just kidding Gamblaaaaaa! Love you man! Just been watching too much Star Trek lately
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aJCrMDl-H4
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/18/2014 at 2:11 AM, ---=Martin=--- said:Just kidding Gamblaaaaaa! Love you man! Just been watching too much Star Trek lately
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aJCrMDl-H4
HAHA
bostonsox2904 reply :
I've been after this fish for months!! Hit the black senko despite this cold weather. Not a bad lunch break!
BassinLou reply :
On 1/18/2014 at 3:01 AM, bostonsox2904 said:
I've been after this fish for months!! Hit the black senko despite this cold weather. Not a bad lunch break!
Nice Boston!!
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 1/18/2014 at 3:01 AM, bostonsox2904 said:
I've been after this fish for months!! Hit the black senko despite this cold weather. Not a bad lunch break!
Looks like the end of Wiles Rd. Nice fish!
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Really nice catch boston.
dsidle61 reply :
great catch man, did you put it on a scale or tape??
SFL BassHunter reply :
Healthy looking fish Boston! Eh I wanted to get out there and try today after work but its my sisters bday... poo.
Tomorrow I am going out and catching some bass though. Those fish better watch out!
BassinLou reply :
On 1/18/2014 at 3:01 AM, bostonsox2904 said:
I've been after this fish for months!! Hit the black senko despite this cold weather. Not a bad lunch break!
Boston I am curious, how do you know this is the same fish you have been after?
AK-Jax86 reply :
Boston nice fish did you weigh it? If not get you a scale in preparation for the spawn, your arm might get tired
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/18/2014 at 6:50 AM, BassinLou said:Boston I am curious, how do you know this is the same fish you have been after?
Lou sometimes you just know lol.
But I was wondering the same thing maybe he saw a BIGGEN swimming around the same area for a while or maybe he meant that he was going after a fish that size for months.
bostonsox2904 reply :
So there's a sunken something (sign,plywood) 10 feet off the bank and this fish has been lurking around it for months. I'd see her huge silhouette against the white backdrop and start fumbling my lures getting my line tangled up. A few times she followed the Rat-L-Trap, KVD 1.5, brush hog, but I could never tempt her..until now! Big victory for me lol but no measurements. I was already late returning to work b/c I kept saying "1 more cast"
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/18/2014 at 7:50 AM, bostonsox2904 said:So there's a sunken something (sign,plywood) 10 feet off the bank and this fish has been lurking around it for months. I'd see her huge silhouette against the white backdrop and start fumbling my lures getting my line tangled up. A few times she followed the Rat-L-Trap, KVD 1.5, brush hog, but I could never tempt her..until now! Big victory for me lol but no measurements. I was already late returning to work b/c I kept saying "1 more cast"
Was that one more cast when u got her or after you got her trying to find her sisters? Lol
There's nothing like when you are about to leave and you catch a big one. Especially after the one last cast runs through your mind.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/18/2014 at 7:50 AM, bostonsox2904 said:So there's a sunken something (sign,plywood) 10 feet off the bank and this fish has been lurking around it for months. I'd see her huge silhouette against the white backdrop and start fumbling my lures getting my line tangled up. A few times she followed the Rat-L-Trap, KVD 1.5, brush hog, but I could never tempt her..until now! Big victory for me lol but no measurements. I was already late returning to work b/c I kept saying "1 more cast"
Good for you Boston, your persistence paid off.
---=Martin=--- reply :
On 1/18/2014 at 3:19 AM, LgMouthGambler said:Looks like the end of Wiles Rd. Nice fish!
yea i was gonna say the same thing. i fished there before
SFL BassHunter reply :
Not bass related but figured I would post in case anyone wants to do some trout or snook fishing.
Went to Flamingo National Park all they way to the end of the road where the campgrounds are and caught a nice Snook with my handpainted popper jr. Caught another snook with a shallow bomber but I lost that when he jumped. Caught a 15 inch trout on that same bomber @ West Lake in Flamingo NP. Fish were jumping all over the place but most of them were out of my reach, if only I had a boat lol.
LgMouthGambler reply :
Just to advise, the thread has been started. Lets see who makes the jump.
bostonsox2904 reply :
On 1/18/2014 at 11:11 PM, ---=Martin=--- said:yea i was gonna say the same thing. i fished there before
I saw a father and son fishing there from an SUV and thought maybe that's the Martin guy from BassResource!
---=Martin=--- reply :
On 1/21/2014 at 9:30 PM, bostonsox2904 said:I saw a father and son fishing there from an SUV and thought maybe that's the Martin guy from BassResource!
nop i was there with 2 other adult friends, must have been someone else
jamesdkids4 reply :
In jacksonville till Friday need a good place to fish for bragging rights at work in Maryland and what bait to use I've seen some ideas on here already but want to get advice
MCS reply :
On 1/22/2014 at 9:05 AM, jamesdkids4 said:In jacksonville till Friday need a good place to fish for bragging rights at work in Maryland and what bait to use I've seen some ideas on here already but want to get advice
Bro it is too cold here! But last couple weeks light Texas rigs for me and my buddy with small worm or ribbon tail 4-7" range. Got a few on spinner baits too. Ifi were you I would throw a lipless (black/blue/green with silver or orange)or spinnerbait(white/chart) see if you get bit on that then break out a t-rig or jig and work slower. Black/blue, purples(junebug or tequilla), gr pumpkin, watermelon, blues and red shad as far as colors work. Ponds around here that are used for storm water retention are basically featureless so work the conc boxes and culverts. Weed lines are important too. I fish mainly morning but am assuming you will be afternoon so they will be a hair more active.
SFL BassHunter reply :
I tried Holiday Park and 75 recreational areas on Monday and I got NOTHING! It was bad. I tried worms, lizards, creatures, jigs, shallow cranks, top water cranks, deep cranks, All different colors, slow, fast, extra slow...it was horrible. I was out there for 6 hours!
BassinLou reply :
On 1/23/2014 at 7:40 AM, dickdelprado said:I tried Holiday Park and 75 recreational areas on Monday and I got NOTHING! It was bad. I tried worms, lizards, creatures, jigs, shallow cranks, top water cranks, deep cranks, All different colors, slow, fast, extra slow...it was horrible. I was out there for 6 hours!
Were you from the bank or from a boat? Geo G, was few miles West of you and caught over 100 on Sunday.
Diggy reply :
I bought a canoe from a friend, who posts on here also. No longer land locked, well I have nothing to transport the canoe with yet other than the old mans suv, but almost there.
Fishing has been really good for me when I do go. Seems I average at least 4-5 in the hour I fish if not more as of recent. The $1 walmart spinner bait has been killing it. Bought 6 more last night. 1 usually lasts me a good while as long as I get the skirt tied up well.
Rovingmutt reply :
On 1/24/2014 at 9:11 PM, Diggy said:I bought a canoe from a friend, who posts on here also. No longer land locked, well I have nothing to transport the canoe with yet other than the old mans suv, but almost there.
Fishing has been really good for me when I do go. Seems I average at least 4-5 in the hour I fish if not more as of recent. The $1 walmart spinner bait has been killing it. Bought 6 more last night. 1 usually lasts me a good while as long as I get the skirt tied up well.
diggy
has the spinner bait been all you used lately, i've been trying alot of different stuff and it has been slow for me, not sure what to do next
Got this today on a 3/4 oz rattle trap, slow and deep, only 1 today
BassinLou reply :
On 1/26/2014 at 5:36 AM, Rovingmutt said:diggy
has the spinner bait been all you used lately, i've been trying alot of different stuff and it has been slow for me, not sure what to do next
Got this today on a 3/4 oz rattle trap, slow and deep, only 1 today
Nice fish Mutt. At least you caught one. I got skunked today. Went to canal close to my house and nada. The water was clean and had good clarity, but nobody was home. The ones that I did happen to see, were passing by. They were not interested at all.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 1/23/2014 at 8:35 AM, BassinLou said:Were you from the bank or from a boat? Geo G, was few miles West of you and caught over 100 on Sunday.
I was fishing from the bank.
Diggy reply :
On 1/26/2014 at 5:36 AM, Rovingmutt said:diggy
has the spinner bait been all you used lately, i've been trying alot of different stuff and it has been slow for me, not sure what to do next
Got this today on a 3/4 oz rattle trap, slow and deep, only 1 today
those and keitech swing impacts
Dicks sporting goods had a clearance sale so I made it rain on Saturday...bought some lucky crafts and various other baits
BassinLou reply :
On 1/27/2014 at 4:46 AM, dickdelprado said:I was fishing from the bank.
It's pretty limited out there to effectively bank fish. MM35, the big rest stop, has several sections you can try. Unfortunately, you were not off a boat. Geo G caught another 70-80 fish today. From that area.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/27/2014 at 6:07 AM, Diggy said:those and keitech swing impacts
Dicks sporting goods had a clearance sale so I made it rain on Saturday...bought some lucky crafts and various other baits
Yeah, picked up some things last week with the red tags on them. A nice SK crankbait and finesses jig for under $3.
BassinLou reply :
Came back a little while ago from my neighborhood canal. At first glance you would think it was dead. Upon closer inpection, (thank goodness for Costa's!!) I saw several large bass staging to spawn. I caught one, 2lb buck off a very deep flat. Other than that, they were in that skittish stage. I was trying to go after 6lb+ pig, but she wasn't having it. She would come and go. When they get to the defending their territory phase, then it should be interesting.
---=Martin=--- reply :
Went out with Gambler yesterday in the afternoon. We were fishing for 5+ hours and it was rather slow. Though my last catch of the day was a nice fat mama! Probably in the 6lbs range; short and fat!
M>
Caylub reply :
On 1/28/2014 at 12:42 AM, ---=Martin=--- said:Went out with Gambler yesterday in the afternoon. We were fishing for 5+ hours and it was rather slow. Though my last catch of the day was a nice fat mama! Probably in the 6lbs range; short and fat!
M>
That's a nice one buddy! I see you got short sleeves on. Yall must be having some nice weather down there.
BassinLou reply :
Nice one, Martin!!
Looks like you had a relaxing time. You got the cigs, fast food drink and food going on. What bait is that? Fluke or your go to lizards?
MCS reply :
I heard about this from your boat captain. Nice, those Nelson Mandela's bringing in the big fish lol
---=Martin=--- reply :
On 1/28/2014 at 1:47 AM, BassinLou said:Nice one, Martin!!
Looks like you had a relaxing time. You got the cigs, fast food drink and food going on. What bait is that? Fluke or your go to lizards?
south african special 6" lizards, aka Nelson Mandela Special
bostonsox2904 reply :
BassinLou reply :
On 1/29/2014 at 1:42 AM, ---=Martin=--- said:south african special 6" lizards, aka Nelson Mandela Special
LOl... yeah I heard of that special.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/29/2014 at 2:34 AM, bostonsox2904 said:
Look at those teeth!
Those teeth sure look menacing. I hope you remembered your pliers. LOL
---=Martin=--- reply :
On 1/29/2014 at 2:36 AM, BassinLou said:LOl... yeah I heard of that special.
looks like my reputation precedes me
BassinLou reply :
Had some time to kill, so I went to the park on this gloomy rainy Thursday. Caught 8. They made me work but it was fun. 2 of them went for probably high 2lb's and one went for lower 2lb's. The other 3 went for 1lb's and the last 3 were under 1lb. The rain was on and off, and the wind was light from the North. I used my finesse gear, and was using BPS stick worms on 1/16 weight and primarily 2/0 Gami. One of my bigger ones I caught using 1/0 and was deep hooked. Fortunately, I was able to remove the hook without any fatal damage. I didn't take a pic of that one, I just wanted to return it to the water quickly. Overall, it was fun. Saturday is my monthly glades trip, let's see what happens. 
Here some pics:
MCS reply :
Nice day Lou 8 fish is pretty good man. Good luck sat. Supposed to be lovely weather if nothing else
Rovingmutt reply :
good job lou, nice to see some action going on somewhere, thinking about going out sat or monday, warmer temps finally, good luck on saturday.
BassinLou reply :
On 1/31/2014 at 5:49 AM, Rovingmutt said:good job lou, nice to see some action going on somewhere, thinking about going out sat or monday, warmer temps finally, good luck on saturday.
Thanks Mutt.
dsidle61 reply :
60s tomorrow here in Jax and mid to upper 70s Saturday and sunday, hopefully going to be out both days catching those fish coming back shallow from the depths of the 30 degree weather!
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/31/2014 at 10:12 AM, dsidle61 said:60s tomorrow here in Jax and mid to upper 70s Saturday and sunday, hopefully going to be out both days catching those fish coming back shallow from the depths of the 30 degree weather!
Yea last weekend I was catching all the bass and you were catching everything else lol crappie and catfish that was weird
Got my frog rod fixed I hope they want some frog action! Gonna try that mattlure bluegill swim bait too if they are still deep that should get their attention.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 1/31/2014 at 5:49 AM, Rovingmutt said:good job lou, nice to see some action going on somewhere, thinking about going out sat or monday, warmer temps finally, good luck on saturday.
Mutt have you been getting out with your son much? I know the weather and the fishing has been tough.
I have been getting into some fish but the biggest was 3lb 10oz. Funny a 6" senko has been the go to bait which sucks for me because I hate fishing plastics but that's what's working. Texas rigged and weightless.
Rovingmutt reply :
hey AK
good to here from you, my son and i have'nt been out too much this month, too cold and slow for my son, he likes alot of action as he calls it 
I'm trying to get him out on saturday, but he seems not interested, but maybe.....
the plastics seem to be what they want now, I was thinking of throwing a gambler big ez the next time out... the weather looks good next week !!!!!!
tarponfly82 reply :
Not big by any means, but rewarding. I've been on a skunk patch lately
tarponfly82 reply :
Supposed to be a pic there
tarponfly82 reply :
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Nice one tarponfly.
geo g reply :
Saturday 2/1/14, Went to Alligator Alley four weeks in a row. Loads of bass to catch, and lots of fun. The catch rate has been 20 to 30 an hour, which is probably as good as it gets anywhere in the country. Although lots of fish are small the bigger ones will be moving in from the flats as the water drops and they come off their beds. Fishing will follow it's yearly pattern and 100 fish days will become the norm. If you want to teach a child and keep there interest, now is the time to go. Wacky rig a trick worm and hold on. Nothing but fun!!!!!
Jacob044 reply :
Yeah, my honey hole has come back to life again. Caught 1-3lbs. yesterday and missed 2 others. Sure was a long time to wait but now with the weather warming up, it's all head on from here. Tight lines all. 
BassinLou reply :
On 2/3/2014 at 1:11 AM, geo g said:Saturday 2/1/14, Went to Alligator Alley four weeks in a row. Loads of bass to catch, and lots of fun. The catch rate has been 20 to 30 an hour, which is probably as good as it gets anywhere in the country. Although lots of fish are small the bigger ones will be moving in from the flats as the water drops and they come off their beds. Fishing will follow it's yearly pattern and 100 fish days will become the norm. If you want to teach a child and keep there interest, now is the time to go. Wacky rig a trick worm and hold on. Nothing but fun!!!!!
Yeah the big girls are still out in the flats and probably spawning out there as well, based on the tournament sacks this past Fri. The sacks were unbelievable.
zakattak reply :
On 1/31/2014 at 10:12 AM, dsidle61 said:60s tomorrow here in Jax and mid to upper 70s Saturday and sunday, hopefully going to be out both days catching those fish coming back shallow from the depths of the 30 degree weather!
Heya dink, any chance you wouldn't mind showing me around? just moved to jax about three months ago and live across from NAS jax. honestly the best fishing ive seen so far is on the base...
I keep reading about these "spots" around jacksonville where the bass are big and biting but i can honestly say i disagree! Every day after work,i fish the westside from argyle to downtown, and when my wife is working (southside) i fish from race track to jbutler...Dont get me wrong ive been catching bass but nothing over 4.5lbs and maybe 3 a day and most places i see are private property 
dsidle61 reply :
On 2/3/2014 at 11:56 AM, zakattak said:Heya dink, any chance you wouldn't mind showing me around? just moved to jax about three months ago and live across from NAS jax. honestly the best fishing ive seen so far is on the base...
I keep reading about these "spots" around jacksonville where the bass are big and biting but i can honestly say i disagree! Every day after work,i fish the westside from argyle to downtown, and when my wife is working (southside) i fish from race track to jbutler...Dont get me wrong ive been catching bass but nothing over 4.5lbs and maybe 3 a day and most places i see are private property
Those aren't bad numbers honestly, fishing has been very slow for us almost since the new year. Where have you been fishing in argyle? There are two ponds I know of there if you go down argyle make a left on cheswick oak and then another left on Spencer's plantation, there is a longer skinnier pond on the right behind some apartments then just past that on the left there is a smaller pond that looks bad but I've caught some decent fish out of. Also on wells road there is a bigger lake (lake wells or wells lake) that's pretty decent kinda limited access without a boat though. I'm not to familiar with south side I don't fish over there much.
zakattak reply :
well ill have to keep lookin then i guess. the pond i caught the 4.5lber is called big island swamp on the south side across from the st johns town center. odly enough i went there yesterday hooping to fish the sun as it sets but i got surprised by a game warden...asking if i knew whos property that was and why are people fishing the "swamp"
figured i better not push it and just came home!
OK so ponds are ponds, but does anyone know any river runoffs or creeks to fish off the st johns that arent private property? kind of tired of pond hoping for 1-2lb fish lol
on the boat topic i hear ya! trying to get a boat this this month, just got to get the money right.
JaxBasser reply :
This weather is getting nice. Hopefully I'll actually be able to fish this month.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 2/4/2014 at 5:06 AM, zakattak said:well ill have to keep lookin then i guess. the pond i caught the 4.5lber is called big island swamp on the south side across from the st johns town center. odly enough i went there yesterday hooping to fish the sun as it sets but i got surprised by a game warden...asking if i knew whos property that was and why are people fishing the "swamp"
figured i better not push it and just came home!
OK so ponds are ponds, but does anyone know any river runoffs or creeks to fish off the st johns that arent private property? kind of tired of pond hoping for 1-2lb fish lol
on the boat topic i hear ya! trying to get a boat this this month, just got to get the money right.
Man if the spot you are talking about across from the town center is the same spot as mine there must be hundreds of double digit bass in there that the land owner doesn't want people to catch!! You and a few other people have been run off from there, if I am thinking about the same place, but I'm surprised a game warden got to you. Where were you parked? I wonder of someone called him or he just happened to be passing by but that's weird I have never came in contact with one and I fish all over orange park, south side, ponte vedra, everywhere.
As for your 1-2lb fish problem keep at it you will get em but the big girls haven't been biting this year so far. Between me and my two buddies we caught about 10 fish all over 5lbs in the last week of 2013. And so far this year we have had 1 half way in the boat lol DS, 2 shake hooks, and 1 I landed that I do not want to speak about!!!
zakattak reply :
it was weird that a game warden was there but i guess it was jsut gods way of telling me..not today! lol i wasnt parked i was coming through the woods in my truck and as soon as i got on the trail around the pond he was sitting there leaning against his truck like he knew i was coming! it was strange but he also was in the navy so he let me go with a "good talking to".
alright AK-Jax...this weekend or the next or the next idc...ill pay for everything (gas, bait, and any park fees) show where the bigguns are!
Heres my .02...the places most of us fish are good for numbers of bass and good for some decent fish but if you watch the "myths of bass" on bassresource.com videos page, you would know that when you catch 20 2.5lb fish...that location most likely does not contain a "lunker" (10+lbs). Lots of dinks means no momma. that being said i wana fish where there arnt numerous bites but just the big bites that you gota work for.
Since ive been on this search ive heard "tales" of this pond and that pond,this retention and that...and i swear to god I FISH THEM ALL. and so far have not seen anything over 5lbs ...which to be honest makes me think a boat and the st.johns/actual lakes are gona be the only real bet to catch a trophy bass. 
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 2/4/2014 at 8:16 AM, zakattak said:it was weird that a game warden was there but i guess it was jsut gods way of telling me..not today! lol i wasnt parked i was coming through the woods in my truck and as soon as i got on the trail around the pond he was sitting there leaning against his truck like he knew i was coming! it was strange but he also was in the navy so he let me go with a "good talking to".
alright AK-Jax...this weekend or the next or the next idc...ill pay for everything (gas, bait, and any park fees) show where the bigguns are!
Heres my .02...the places most of us fish are good for numbers of bass and good for some decent fish but if you watch the "myths of bass" on bassresource.com videos page, you would know that when you catch 20 2.5lb fish...that location most likely does not contain a "lunker" (10+lbs). Lots of dinks means no momma. that being said i wana fish where there arnt numerous bites but just the big bites that you gota work for.
Since ive been on this search ive heard "tales" of this pond and that pond,this retention and that...and i swear to god I FISH THEM ALL. and so far have not seen anything over 5lbs ...which to be honest makes me think a boat and the st.johns/actual lakes are gona be the only real bet to catch a trophy bass.
Trust me man you will get them. The fish I don't want to talk about that I had on land last week was definitely 10 if not it was a tic tac away from 10 and that came from a spot that the biggest I pulled out was 6.
Same thing with my buddy dsidle on this site. He fished a spot and he would catch small ones then one day he pulled out a 6. Then we'd catch a few 4s & 5s out of there then one day in the smaller pond that he never fished until I missed a big one there when he first took us he landed his personal best 8.3lbs!
What you need to do is find spots that aren't fished that much and have been there for over 10yrs and you will catch your fish. Majority of the spots that I fish have been there for 10, 15+ years including 4 that have been there for 40+! That's where you are going to get your trophy bass but they are that size for a reason they are smart. Biggest fish I ever hooked into came from an apartment pond and I was with my boy from this site Bass Czar. I'm calling 13+ cuz I have seen a pic of my boys PB of 13 something and my other boys PB of 13.10, also MCS (another member here) coworker caught a 10lb from the same spot. They are always there man there's always bigger if you are in the right spot.
zakattak reply :
you guys do know about the trophy catch program right? I take this to be my personal quest in life! to catch a bass of each category
JaxBasser reply :
I've pulled a lot of 5+ pound fish out of some of these tiny retention ponds around here. The big fish are there it's just tough to get a bite from them. You'll get a big one eventually.
dsidle61 reply :
On 2/4/2014 at 8:16 AM, zakattak said:it was weird that a game warden was there but i guess it was jsut gods way of telling me..not today! lol i wasnt parked i was coming through the woods in my truck and as soon as i got on the trail around the pond he was sitting there leaning against his truck like he knew i was coming! it was strange but he also was in the navy so he let me go with a "good talking to".
alright AK-Jax...this weekend or the next or the next idc...ill pay for everything (gas, bait, and any park fees) show where the bigguns are!
Heres my .02...the places most of us fish are good for numbers of bass and good for some decent fish but if you watch the "myths of bass" on bassresource.com videos page, you would know that when you catch 20 2.5lb fish...that location most likely does not contain a "lunker" (10+lbs). Lots of dinks means no momma. that being said i wana fish where there arnt numerous bites but just the big bites that you gota work for.
Since ive been on this search ive heard "tales" of this pond and that pond,this retention and that...and i swear to god I FISH THEM ALL. and so far have not seen anything over 5lbs ...which to be honest makes me think a boat and the st.johns/actual lakes are gona be the only real bet to catch a trophy bass.
If your looking for spots on the st johns, we are a bit far north. Down south its much narrower and less brackish and lots of tournaments are fished on the river further south. As far as tribs to the st johns, I know on your side is julington creek, never fished it and don't know whats in there but im thinking about putting my boat in there during the spring/summer. If your up for a little drive down 17 in orange park there is doctors lake again never fished it but I know of several people who have. And further down is black creek, ive only fished it once for about 30 min and my friend had one miss.
Again like AK said, youll catch that 10lber in the place you least suspect it on a lure you shouldn't be using. My 8+lber was caught in December on topwater in a pond kids fish for bluegill out of, my 6lber was on a frog mid day in 85 degree temps. Just keep at it I haven't LANDED a fish over 2lbs in about a month fishing the same places ive got those two big guys out of. Closest I came was around 4-5lbs that snapped a hook off at the boat back in December. And I robbed AK of a 5-6lber by snapping his lure off at the boat. The fish are still recovering from those 2 weeks of 30 degree temps we had just recently, youll see this board start blowing up when the fish get active again.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Went out to Snapper Creek and tried on Sunday. I ended up empty handed again. I'm having a hard time getting me some bass!
zakattak reply :
well i have another question for yall...what do you think about swimbaits? like big swimbaits since were coming up on the spawn... like maybe some huddleston 6-8" swimbaits
Diggy reply :
1 dollar walmart spinnerbait in white is still shutting down the club! That is all.
Michaelt1987 reply :
I went out today and caught around 15 bass between 2 ponds. Most were a pound or two but I still had fun. I've been catching all my fish on plastics with a 1/16 oz bullet weight. Caught one Tuesday morning around 7 lbs but I thought I left my phone In my car so I didn't get a pic. Trying to hurry and put her back in before anybody seen me.
Diggy reply :
Project Sea Biscuit is almost dry..soon to be in the mangroves and the lakes.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Looks good diggy.
Pz3 reply :
Project Sea Bisquit looks good.
This last week I've been mostly stumped. Less then 2lbs on average, managed to catch one around 4lbs though, was a nice suprise. I'll try again tomorrow. See if my trip to the baitshop paid off. BTW That white spinner from walmart is a killer. Some of the cheap cranks are also killers. I found some saltwater bombers do work in freshwater. The discount bin bombers.
Diggy reply :
Walmart spinnerbait has been my #1 producer for good size fish. I got 2 tatulas from valley sports yesterday. Ill try them this week
Pz3 reply :
Went out to East Lake Toho Fish Camp Today. Manage to catch two, 1-2lb softbait (like a bug), 3-4 lb on a rapala green husky jerk (still my all time favorite lure). Was using a natural blue trick worm with some fast passes and had a lot of fish go after it but none took it under. Ran out of time to try other colors. A 3-4ft chain pickeral ended the day by bitting it in half. Never seen one that big before. Could of been a pike? Glad I didn't hook into him.
piscicidal reply :
On 2/3/2014 at 3:23 AM, BassinLou said:Yeah the big girls are still out in the flats and probably spawning out there as well, based on the tournament sacks this past Fri. The sacks were unbelievable.
There are many fish that spawn in the canal system as well. They are not as easy to catch IMO as the flats spawners but they can be had. Leo and I won the KOTG club tournament two weeks ago targeting canal spawners. Last Sunday we had a +20lb bag on our canal fish, but we lost two +5lbers (caught 1).
Big fish can be caught right now in the canals. Actually it is one of the better times for them. You have to target them though and commit to it. If you throw a fluke on the outside of the pads you'll catch dozens but you're not going to get those big ones.
BassinLou reply :
On 2/7/2014 at 8:04 PM, piscicidal said:There are many fish that spawn in the canal system as well. They are not as easy to catch IMO as the flats spawners but they can be had. Leo and I won the KOTG club tournament two weeks ago targeting canal spawners. Last Sunday we had a +20lb bag on our canal fish, but we lost two +5lbers (caught 1).
Big fish can be caught right now in the canals. Actually it is one of the better times for them. You have to target them though and commit to it. If you throw a fluke on the outside of the pads you'll catch dozens but you're not going to get those big ones.
Thanks for the input piscicidal. So... I would venture to say without you disclosing any of your secrets, I should be focusing on big bass baits, and stay committed to that pattern?
Pz3 reply :
On 2/7/2014 at 8:04 PM, piscicidal said:There are many fish that spawn in the canal system as well. They are not as easy to catch IMO as the flats spawners but they can be had. Leo and I won the KOTG club tournament two weeks ago targeting canal spawners. Last Sunday we had a +20lb bag on our canal fish, but we lost two +5lbers (caught 1).
Big fish can be caught right now in the canals. Actually it is one of the better times for them. You have to target them though and commit to it. If you throw a fluke on the outside of the pads you'll catch dozens but you're not going to get those big ones.
I just started getting into using Flukes. Was trying in a local canal today hoping to catch a few bass. Never thought I would start catching crappie though. 5"
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 2/6/2014 at 8:25 PM, Diggy said:Walmart spinnerbait has been my #1 producer for good size fish. I got 2 tatulas from valley sports yesterday. Ill try them this week
Nice fish! Looks like that walmart spinner bait is pretty good.
Diggy reply :
On 2/8/2014 at 11:54 PM, dickdelprado said:Nice fish! Looks like that walmart spinner bait is pretty good.
I've spent way more on things that didnt work. for $1-1.25 you cant go wrong
zakattak reply :
is that pond or lake fishing? havnt had a hit on my white spinners yet pond fishing that it
Pz3 reply :
I bought the white one and on my third cast reeled in around a 4lb bass. East Lake Toho though I've caught a few around 5-6lbs with it. I would say keep at it.
I also hooked into a resident 12lber. That happened in what I call my test pond. Stocked by multiple fishermen in the local residential area. I dont count the fish I catch there but its a good learning experience.... and no, the fish are in no way or shape starved. The 30lb carp on the other hand might be. That guy goes nuts for some bread.
Diggy reply :
On 2/10/2014 at 8:24 AM, zakattak said:is that pond or lake fishing? havnt had a hit on my white spinners yet pond fishing that it
Its been working on both for me. I just walk the edges chucking and reeling parallel to the bank mostly. Sometimes I fan cast and pick up a few.
piscicidal reply :
On 2/7/2014 at 11:27 PM, BassinLou said:Thanks for the input piscicidal. So... I would venture to say without you disclosing any of your secrets, I should be focusing on big bass baits, and stay committed to that pattern?
Lou,
I don't think you necessarily need big baits...All the typical bed baits appear to work. The main thing is location and presentation. It is very difficult to target/catch these canal spawners...if you can see them, they can see you and they won't bite.
Jacob044 reply :
I'm just going to throw this out there. Most ads for fishing gear are designed to catch fishermen. My good old Wal Mart $19.00 fishing rod catches big bass just fine and those Walmart spinners work great as well. Just saying.
BassinLou reply :
On 2/10/2014 at 11:09 PM, piscicidal said:Lou,
I don't think you necessarily need big baits...All the typical bed baits appear to work. The main thing is location and presentation. It is very difficult to target/catch these canal spawners...if you can see them, they can see you and they won't bite.
Thanks Piscicidal. You are correct. They see you it's over.
dsidle61 reply :
haven't been posting to many pics but did have some good luck this weekend on the boat. Went to 2 different places, my usual spot Saturday and a new spot sunday. Caught 10 between AK and myself on Saturday, nothing huge, biggest was in the upper 2s maybe 3 but fish none the less. Sunday he put in at a new spot that has limited bank access that weve fished before. This time it was less numbers but bigger fish. I caught a nice 3 1/2 pounder and one a bit smaller but still in the 2-3 range. Caught all my fish on lizards both days. Super slow presentation seems to be doing it, kinda obvious given the time of year but AK had some luck on the jig Saturday. Most on here know we are impatient fisherman and don't like to throw the jigs or slow lizards but if it works were gonna buy into it!
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
We've been getting them on white frogs, senkos and white flukes. Nithing big though.
rubba bubba reply :
What are the current water temps? I'll be heading down to Naples next week and would like to know what stage they're in.
Michaelt1987 reply :
Got some new gear I'm going to test out later today. I'll post some fish pics later.
MCS reply :
On 2/12/2014 at 1:34 AM, Michaelt1987 said:Got some new gear I'm going to test out later today. I'll post some fish pics later.
Daaaamn son looks like you hit the jack pot. Nice tinker bell pole, you were trying to hide it all off to the side lol
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Hopefully gonna put a hurtin on them today.
MCS reply :
On 2/12/2014 at 3:11 AM, OkeechobeeAngler said:Hopefully gonna put a hurtin on them today.
What colored did you get? I been eyeing that gold rush, shadow and watermelon.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Tennessee shad and junebug.
Michaelt1987 reply :
On 2/12/2014 at 2:35 AM, MCS said:Daaaamn son looks like you hit the jack pot. Nice tinker bell pole, you were trying to hide it all off to the side lol
That tinker bell pole is my secret weapon lol. Gonna take my lil girl and fish with some minnows & crickets.
MCS reply :
On 2/12/2014 at 3:31 AM, OkeechobeeAngler said:Tennessee shad and junebug.
Nice. Good luck.
MCS reply :
On 2/12/2014 at 3:43 AM, Michaelt1987 said:That tinker bell pole is my secret weapon lol. Gonna take my lil girl and fish with some minnows & crickets.
That is cool. I just picked up my oldest girls princess pole around Christmas. We had to get some pink grubs and spinner to match lol
Bassintheweeds reply :
In Jacksonville looking at some schools next week before I move. I will be in the Jacksonville beach area. Anyone know what the beach/river is doin right now? Im having the hardest times finding places to fish bass that I know are legal. Can anyone give me the name of a few places that fishing is allowed and I wont get hastled?
Also managed to sneak in a trip to Okeechobee on a whim, anyone heard whats goin on there?
I know these are alot of questions but if someone could help me out I would be very gratefull.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 2/13/2014 at 7:45 AM, Bassintheweeds said:In Jacksonville looking at some schools next week before I move. I will be in the Jacksonville beach area. Anyone know what the beach/river is doin right now? Im having the hardest times finding places to fish bass that I know are legal. Can anyone give me the name of a few places that fishing is allowed and I wont get hastled?
Also managed to sneak in a trip to Okeechobee on a whim, anyone heard whats goin on there?
I know these are alot of questions but if someone could help me out I would be very gratefull.
What do you mean finding spots that are legal to fish? Have you been run out of spots a lot, by whom?
Majority of the anglers on this site don't fish out in the Jacksonville Beach area. But there are tons of spots that I have seen on my way out there.
Anything is fair game as long as you do not see any no fishing/trespassing signs (just make sure you get your fishing license in case you run into a d-bag) Even if it says resident fishing only most people will just assume that you live there as long as you are catch and release and aren't there with a bucket loaded with bass.
As far as the Big-O goes there are mixed reviews, there are a few threads on here about recent trips. What I am taking from it is that the fish are biting but the big ones are rare/hard to dial in eventhough a few people have had their fair share of luck. Either way your trip there will definitely be worth it.
MCS reply :
Because following laws and up holding laws like fishing liscense are D-baggy this to do. How do you think these ponds get stocked AK? The fees, people come from out of state the should pay the fees especially. The lunker program guess where they get their money, yep the fees. Just saying man. Kinda gets old hearing stuff like that.
MCS reply :
Nothing personal ak. Post was in general many people have that attitude.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 2/13/2014 at 9:09 AM, MCS said:Because following laws and up holding laws like fishing liscense are D-baggy this to do. How do you think these ponds get stocked AK? The fees, people come from out of state the should pay the fees especially. The lunker program guess where they get their money, yep the fees. Just saying man. Kinda gets old hearing stuff like that.
No man I was saying a d bag cop or FWC giving u a hard time about not having license... Where'd that come from lol d**n
Bassintheweeds reply :
On 2/13/2014 at 8:26 AM, AK-Jax86 said:What do you mean finding spots that are legal to fish? Have you been run out of spots a lot, by whom?
Majority of the anglers on this site don't fish out in the Jacksonville Beach area. But there are tons of spots that I have seen on my way out there.
Anything is fair game as long as you do not see any no fishing/trespassing signs (just make sure you get your fishing license in case you run into a d-bag) Even if it says resident fishing only most people will just assume that you live there as long as you are catch and release and aren't there with a bucket loaded with bass.
As far as the Big-O goes there are mixed reviews, there are a few threads on here about recent trips. What I am taking from it is that the fish are biting but the big ones are rare/hard to dial in eventhough a few people have had their fair share of luck. Either way your trip there will definitely be worth it.
Ive been run off the few times ive fished ponds over by my moms house by residents and even a maitence guy because there was no sign on the way I came in. I guess I will just try to act like i belong at a few new spots this trip and see what happens.
Thanks I will for sure get a license. It's the one thing I don't mind spending money on.
MCS reply :
On 2/13/2014 at 9:22 AM, AK-Jax86 said:No man I was saying a d bag cop or FWC giving u a hard time about not having license... Where'd that come from lol d**n
It implies you don't purchase liscense, why would he give you a hard time if you had one...just saying that's how it came off. Lol
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 2/13/2014 at 9:25 AM, Bassintheweeds said:Ive been run off the few times ive fished ponds over by my moms house by residents and even a maitence guy because there was no sign on the way I came in. I guess I will just try to act like i belong at a few new spots this trip and see what happens.
Thanks I will for sure get a license. It's the one thing I don't mind spending money on.
Yea that happens at some places people running you off but more often than not you won't run into those people that are "having a bad day" and want to take it out on you.
But what I do if I am fishing in a community I will park at their clubhouse instead of pulling my car on the side of the road, a lot of people have a problem with that especially if your tires are "on the grass" lol I had an old man bug out on my cuz half my tire was on the grass over in Ponte Vedra. Was funny he was flipping out I told him I lived there and said a street name and he was like my apologies I'm part of the HOA could you just move it so the tires aren't on the grass, it was funny.
But if I get run off I make it a point to say that I didn't see any signs but then I leave just to avoid any further problems, only has happened a few times though.
Man I can't wait to take my trip to Okeechobee maybe sometime this summer. when are you going there?
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 2/13/2014 at 9:31 AM, MCS said:It implies you don't purchase liscense, why would he give you a hard time if you had one...just saying that's how it came off. Lol
Nah man I was warned by a cop about what they could do if I don't have one, mine was expired at the time, and I plan on being in that LUNKER catch program multiple times so I know I need one to qualify lol
SFL BassHunter reply :
Guys I'm meeting a buddy half way in broward area to do some bass fishing this sunday. I live in dade so I don't go up there often. Any tips on decent spots? I know a lot of people don't like to give out where they fish. But since I'll be out there I would rather not start driving around to find places and waste time. I fish off the bank cause I have no boat.
If anyone can post or even message me a few spots to go to it would be great. I was looking at TY Park, I know they have boat rentals there and are pretty cheap. On the map the lake doesn't seem all that big so I don't know if it merits a boat or not. Like I said I've never been to that area to do bass fishing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
FYI I am currently in NY for a business trip and I CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK TO MIAMI! It's freaking cold up here folks. Snow and Ice all over the place. Glad I live in Miami.
MS Fisherman reply :
Nice Boat I caught a few yesterday in the 3-7lbs range, I was using both the Rapala Husky Jerk and the Live target Bait Ball.
Pz3 reply :
On 2/15/2014 at 3:48 AM, MS Fisherman said:Nice Boat I caught a few yesterday in the 3-7lbs range, I was using both the Rapala Husky Jerk and the Live target Bait Ball.
So the baitball does work!
Husky Jerk is my go to lure. Consistantly land bigger fish with it then anything else I've used.
zakattak reply :
live shad lol....one of those bigguns that just wolnt hit anything else...ya know what what i mean AK-Jax lol thats the go to bait! been having alot of luck lately with ribbit frogs and those big 1/2ou spinners
Bassintheweeds reply :
Wait, you are frog fishing in jacksonville still...?
...definitly going to school there now
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 2/16/2014 at 9:53 AM, zakattak said:live shad lol....one of those bigguns that just wolnt hit anything else...ya know what what i mean AK-Jax lol thats the go to bait! been having alot of luck lately with ribbit frogs and those big 1/2ou spinners
Yea man I'm glad I put u on that new spot. Before I called you I threw the whole tackle box at her for about two hours, I was texting dsidle about it lol. Then I'm like wait you were fishing with shiners with your buddy lets see if you are in the area, then you show up and she finally bites lol. I'm gonna go back in a few days see if she returns to the bed I doubt it now. Still can't believe how big she was but how little she weighed!! Funny we though my scale was off at 5.7 so u ran and got yours lol.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 2/16/2014 at 10:11 AM, Bassintheweeds said:Wait, you are frog fishing in jacksonville still...?
...definitly going to school there now
Been having some luck with frogs, more so everyone else but me
MCS reply :
On 2/16/2014 at 11:24 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Yea man I'm glad I put u on that new spot. Before I called you I threw the whole tackle box at her for about two hours, I was texting dsidle about it lol. Then I'm like wait you were fishing with shiners with your buddy lets see if you are in the area, then you show up and she finally bites lol. I'm gonna go back in a few days see if she returns to the bed I doubt it now. Still can't believe how big she was but how little she weighed!! Funny we though my scale was off at 5.7 so u ran and got yours lol.
Ha! The one I got was fat too, knew she was short but figured she would been heavier. Guessing the roe don't weigh as much as actual fat on them.
MCS reply :
On 2/16/2014 at 10:11 AM, Bassintheweeds said:Wait, you are frog fishing in jacksonville still...?
...definitly going to school there now
Any luck bud? Spinnerbaits are doing decent. The academy h20 I just picked up got me a few yesterday.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 2/16/2014 at 11:31 PM, MCS said:Ha! The one I got was fat too, knew she was short but figured she would been heavier. Guessing the roe don't weigh as much as actual fat on them.
I guess not I meant to say you not I he caught her. But thing was massive but when I picked her out the water I could tell it was light and after we weighed it on both scales we were dumbfounded. I pushed my finger on her belly and it was squishy the bigger ones I have caught their bellies are solid.
Idk if that means she just spawned or she hasn't eaten yet in preparation for spawn? Not sure but the fact that she kept to the bed and wasn't taking anything was kind of weird. Any insight on that, seems pretty odd when you consider all factors?
When he got her on the shiner it looked more of and angry/p***ed off strike. Over all very weird the only strike I got out of her was on a weighted frog bouncing it on her spot and she just took the legs and spit it.
BassinSoldier reply :
Live in jax here. Haven't posted in a while. My son and i are goin out tomorrow and i was wonderin if any of the jax guys could gimme some info on where they're hittin right now. They on beds yet? Thanks in advance
MCS reply :
What part of town you looking for info on?
Yes they are staging up and ready or on beds.
Last week or two been catching fish with bellies full of eggs.
BassinSoldier reply :
I live in macclenny but can travel to wherever is hot in jax. I have a jon boat but trailers broken or id b fishin Palestine. Anywhere in town really. As long as its worth the trip. Also whatcha been catchin em on? Thanks
MCS reply :
Spinnerbaits, bandit 100, lizards, creatures, ribbon tails, grande bass rattlesnakes what I been throwing and catching. Maybe some of the west side guys will help with spots. They'd be a heck of a lot closer than anything I come up with.
BassinSoldier reply :
Doesn't really matter what side of town. if the ponds on the southside r hot ill go. just don't know where they are.
zakattak reply :
On 2/17/2014 at 7:58 AM, BassinSoldier said:Doesn't really matter what side of town. if the ponds on the southside r hot ill go. just don't know where they are.
wells lake on wells road, on NAS jax is you can get on, boat ramp on ortega farms road north,big island swamp off Jbutler blvd,western lake pond on western lake drive, and any little pond you see on google maps! those are my frequented spots and like i said i always stop at any small body of water and cast around and usually catch at least a 2lber out of retention ponds and under bridges
anything more in depth, youll have to call me and/or ill take ya there
JaxBasser reply :
On 2/17/2014 at 7:20 AM, BassinSoldier said:I live in macclenny but can travel to wherever is hot in jax. I have a jon boat but trailers broken or id b fishin Palestine. Anywhere in town really. As long as its worth the trip. Also whatcha been catchin em on? Thanks
Hey man haven't seen you around here in a while. I'm actually working out in Macclenny now. You have any good spots out there? I've been throwing a rod in the car with me when I go to work but I haven't seen any good spots yet.
BassinLou reply :
Went out for little while today to one of my local canals. Fish were active. Caught a few fluking. Also came across 6 nice peacocks but I failed to bring my peacock baits with me. They were blowing up all around my baits. It was exciting to see but disappointing that I could not connect. The pea's were active up until about 6:15. Here is a pic of one of the better bass I caught fluking.
I also saw a nice snook but he wasn't having it and left, and I was also able to balance a fluke on top of a nice bass's head, and it slowly swam away not remotely interested in my bait. Oh well, but the balancing act was cool.
MCS reply :
On 2/17/2014 at 7:58 AM, BassinSoldier said:Doesn't really matter what side of town. if the ponds on the southside r hot ill go. just don't know where they are.
Argyle Forrest and chest wick have some ponds back there that hold nice fish. The small farm pond, channel, and big pond by the condo/apts.
zakattack set you up with some too. Good luck.
MCS reply :
On 2/17/2014 at 9:11 AM, BassinLou said:Went out for little while today to one of my local canals. Fish were active. Caught a few fluking. Also came across 6 nice peacocks but I failed to bring my peacock baits with me. They were blowing up all around my baits. It was exciting to see but disappointing that I could not connect. The pea's were active up until about 6:15. Here is a pic of one of the better bass I caught fluking.
I also saw a nice snook but he wasn't having it and left, and I was also able to balance a fluke on top of a nice bass's head, and it slowly swam away not remotely interested in my bait. Oh well, but the balancing act was cool.
Nice fish Lou but that background looks even nicer.
BassinSoldier reply :
Thanks MCS. yeah I've been out around argyle before n have done pretty good. Think imma be startin there.
jaxbasser, yeah man been a while! The spots i used to fish in baker co. are no good anymore. I usually hit Ocean pond or Palestine when its@ warmer out. I wade ocean pond. Palestine not so much. huge gators. If my trailer for my boat wasn't broken id b goin there tomorrow. Thanks guys. Btw zak i tried to pm u but my messenger is messin up. Anybody else goin tomorrow ??
BassinLou reply :
On 2/17/2014 at 9:23 AM, MCS said:Nice fish Lou but that background looks even nicer.
That canal there is one of my favorites. It has a lot of cover and vegetation. On the other side there are a lot of of low lying trees and overhangs.
Rovingmutt reply :
hey lou
I have been thinking i would really like to go down to the alley area and fish with joe, I went through there last summer and saw many launch areas, are these good places to go?? and in a 12 ft jon boat, just thinking maybe in a month or two, thanks
BassinLou reply :
On 2/18/2014 at 6:01 AM, Rovingmutt said:hey lou
I have been thinking i would really like to go down to the alley area and fish with joe, I went through there last summer and saw many launch areas, are these good places to go?? and in a 12 ft jon boat, just thinking maybe in a month or two, thanks
Most definitely Mutt. If you have a small trolling motor you will be ok. Hopefully Joe is not to squeamish of gators. They will be in full force by then. Tell you what, when you decide to go, let me know and maybe LMG and I will surprise out there. It will be fun.
NEjitterbugger reply :
I HATE SNOW
MCS reply :
On 2/18/2014 at 7:54 AM, NEjitterbugger said:I HATE SNOW
Aren't you due for a visit down here? Lol
Check out the weather forecast this week here in NORTH Florida lol.
NEjitterbugger reply :
I'll be down there late Saturday night, to late Thursday... I'll be fishing with Captain Shane on Thursday which has me excited!
Rovingmutt reply :
On 2/18/2014 at 7:23 AM, BassinLou said:Most definitely Mutt. If you have a small trolling motor you will be ok. Hopefully Joe is not to squeamish of gators. They will be in full force by then. Tell you what, when you decide to go, let me know and maybe LMG and I will surprise out there. It will be fun.
yeah man, I got a trip to think about, it takes about 3 hours to get to alley from st pete, this could be good, real good... joe and i love to play with gators, 
and maybe some peacocks!!!!
Mainebass1984 reply :
On 2/18/2014 at 7:54 AM, NEjitterbugger said:I HATE SNOW
I don't mind fishing in the snow. I have had some great days fishing in snow storms. Its that stupid 30 inches of ice covering all the lakes that really sucks.
MCS reply :
On 2/18/2014 at 8:41 AM, NEjitterbugger said:I'll be down there late Saturday night, to late Thursday... I'll be fishing with Captain Shane on Thursday which has me excited!
Ha! Now you have me jealous. I am excited for you. Good luck! Post up the pics of monster peacocks and snook!!!
BassinLou reply :
On 2/18/2014 at 8:52 AM, Rovingmutt said:yeah man, I got a trip to think about, it takes about 3 hours to get to alley from st pete, this could be good, real good... joe and i love to play with gators,
You definitely have to plan it right. Let me know when you decide to do it.
Pz3 reply :
fishing in the following lakes the past 3 days.... east toho, fells cove, ajay, heart, and marry jane. Im fishing from shore though so not much area was covered. I've been getting skunked. Lost a wide gap hook, a jig skirt, and a swimming jig. Only managed to catch two small bass (1-2lb). So not the best fishing for me the past couple days and the one jig I lost ended up being the only thing I was getting bites on.
dsidle61 reply :
hey guys so im heading into the bait-caster world. Want to get the hang of it now while fishing is semi slow so im ready to go for spring. Ive been doing a lot of research on it, I went out and purchased a nice starter (abu-Garcia silver maxx) and tried it out today for the first time. Good news, I picked it up semi quick and no backlash......yet. Bad news, it feels so awkward. Now I know that's normal and its gonna take some time to get used to it but ive always fished spinners holding my rod in the right and reeling w left hand. I got a right hand caster (rod in left hand reeling w right hand) bc that appeared to be the norm. That was the awkward part I couldn't get a good feel on my lures or my rod holding it in the left hand. Now I know theres someone out there that has made the transition from left spinning rod to right baitcaster. My question is do you have any tips on getting a little more comfort or is it just a getting used to it thing, or should I just go w the left handed baitcaster? I think im overthinking it bc I keep going back and forth so any feedback would be appreciated.
MCS reply :
Hey I just did the same thing about 7 months ago. Just practice. I thought about the lefty at first bit keep at it couple months down the road you will forget about it. I felt the same now I rather use my caster than spinning gear. I never thought I would be able to cast and switch hand and feather before it hit the water and now I can. The accuracy will come too. Still the most getting used to is setting the hook with a palmed reel in the left. But I love not dealing with flipping the bail and all that. If you need anything pm and Lou can give you some good tips too he gave me some pointers. Good luck.
Pz3 reply :
Haven't had a bait caster in a long time. It just takes some time and practice. Same thing I went through. Was eye screwing the heck out of a quantum at walmart though. Think I might be getting it sooner or later.
JaxBasser reply :
I grew up always using lefty spinning reels and made the switch to righty baitcasters quite a few years ago. You get used to it after a while. I actually tried using a LH baitcaster and it just felt really weird. Didn't like it at all. Still use all of my spinning stuff with the reel handle on the left though.
SFL BassHunter reply :
I've been looking at a bait caster for my second rod. Never used one before so I probably won't be going high end. Is there a reason why people switch hands? I've always used a spinning rod and reeled with my left. Wouldn't it just be easier to get a bait caster that I can cast with my right and reel with my left?
I was watching a major league fishing episode and I think it was shaw grigsby who kept switching his rod over to his other hand to reel, just looked awkward.
I'm a righty and my left hand is basically worthless for anything other than reeling lol.
BassinLou reply :
In regards to the reels, I am a natural lefty, so bc's aren't an issue. When I was a kid I learned to use spinner's right handed. I didnt know you could switch the handles back then. When I hurt my elbow for close to 2 yrs recently, I had to switch my spinner to my natural side and that took some time to adjust to believe it or not. The point is, when something is new, its only natural for it to be awkward, and it will take time to adjust. Stick with it and the bc's will begin to feel natural, and it will become second nature to handle one.
MCS reply :
On 2/19/2014 at 8:39 PM, dickdelprado said:I've been looking at a bait caster for my second rod. Never used one before so I probably won't be going high end. Is there a reason why people switch hands? I've always used a spinning rod and reeled with my left. Wouldn't it just be easier to get a bait caster that I can cast with my right and reel with my left?
I was watching a major league fishing episode and I think it was shaw grigsby who kept switching his rod over to his other hand to reel, just looked awkward.
I'm a righty and my left hand is basically worthless for anything other than reeling lol.
I am the same my left is worthless. RW made a point with a spinning combo you fight the fish with the rod so you put that in your strong hand. With a BC combo the reel is essentially a winch and the rod more guides the line so you crank your winch with your strong hand. But basically is boils down to what you feel is best. The only draw back to lefty reels is there are less models that are lefty and usually released last and hard to find on sale or closeout.
bostonsox2904 reply :
I actually cast a baitcaster with my right thumb on the spool and my left hand below on the rod. When the lure hits the water, I slide my left hand up and right hand to the reel.
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/19/2014 at 9:57 AM, dsidle61 said:hey guys so im heading into the bait-caster world. Want to get the hang of it now while fishing is semi slow so im ready to go for spring. Ive been doing a lot of research on it, I went out and purchased a nice starter (abu-Garcia silver maxx) and tried it out today for the first time. Good news, I picked it up semi quick and no backlash......yet. Bad news, it feels so awkward. Now I know that's normal and its gonna take some time to get used to it but ive always fished spinners holding my rod in the right and reeling w left hand. I got a right hand caster (rod in left hand reeling w right hand) bc that appeared to be the norm. That was the awkward part I couldn't get a good feel on my lures or my rod holding it in the left hand. Now I know theres someone out there that has made the transition from left spinning rod to right baitcaster. My question is do you have any tips on getting a little more comfort or is it just a getting used to it thing, or should I just go w the left handed baitcaster? I think im overthinking it bc I keep going back and forth so any feedback would be appreciated.
D, I used to use only spinning but now I have switched mostly to bait casting. I also have the silver max. I only use spinning when I'm trying to get in close and tight places. I guess I would say that, getting used to switching would be the case. I generally cast right, feather the line to stop where I want it, switch to left and pick up slack. Seems natural to me. I never thought about it much but I get so much better feel with the bait caster. 30lb. power pro line. I feel every tick. Got a 6-1/2 lb. yesterday and he only slightly ticked the worm. Once you get used to it, I personally feel that you will prefer bait casting. good luck. Tight lines, Jman
zachb34 reply :
Exactly what he saidOn 2/19/2014 at 9:51 PM, bostonsox2904 said:I actually cast a baitcaster with my right thumb on the spool and my left hand below on the rod. When the lure hits the water, I slide my left hand up and right hand to the reel.
Weld's Largemouth reply :
For the those of you who are fishing in Florida and not having much luck, you're fishing wrong! I've been fishing last couple days here in Boynton beach and the bass have been nailing anything i toss in the water! Try using larger baits, i caught one on a sluggo, the fish was 22 in, 5lb 4 oz. It was crazy
MCS reply :
Not everyone is fishing wrong bud! Lol
Jman, Lou and I seem to be having fairly good success too. Me personally spinnerbaits and smaller 4-6" worms or creatures been the ticket. Big plastics not so much.
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 1:21 AM, MCS said:Not everyone is fishing wrong bud! Lol
Jman, Lou and I seem to be having fairly good success too. Me personally spinnerbaits and smaller 4-6" worms or creatures been the ticket. Big plastics not so much.
Right MCS. I fished yesterday with my co angler (wife) and we got 7, biggest was 6-1/2 lb. and the rest were good size. Most all came on watermelon worms. The big one caught on a watermelon rage recon worm. I do see that they don't hold up too well though. That 6lb. totally tore it up. Kind of soft plastic. I prefer the yamamoto 5" watermelon W/ red/black fleck. Going again tomorrow to Tarpon lake to see how the spawn is going. I'm getting some hits on a silver jerk bait as well. Tight lines. Jman
MCS reply :
Yeah my biggest so far this year were on watermelon 4.5" worm and a spinner bait. Watermelon is the go to color seems like . Got one on a crank the other day too. Good luck at tarpon!
dsidle61 reply :
alright guys well I appreciate all the input. I went to dicks today and took back my righty just to try the lefty figuring if I didn't like it I could just return it and get the righty back. Well I went to the pond w the lefty and I love it. It feels so natural having the rod back in my right hand and reeling w the left. And I like not losing any time switching hands. Even a half second could be the difference if a fish is hitting the lure on the fall or as soon as it lands. So I am really happy with the lefty. Obviously itll take me some time to get the hang of it but I spent about 2 hours and definitely left better than I started. My toughest part is im so concerned w feathering line out w my thumb and not birdsnesting that I tend to keep my thumb pressure a little to high on the cast so my casts go a bit short and to my left. I got few good ones here and there so with time ill get used to it.
As far as the fish go nothing biting today, was mainly using a popr just bc its a bit heavier and a little easier to learn to cast on. Saw a ton of topwater action at the pond but they didn't want the popr or frog.
MCS reply :
Cool man sounds like your all set. What type of line do you have on?
BassinLou reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 8:50 AM, dsidle61 said:alright guys well I appreciate all the input. I went to dicks today and took back my righty just to try the lefty figuring if I didn't like it I could just return it and get the righty back. Well I went to the pond w the lefty and I love it. It feels so natural having the rod back in my right hand and reeling w the left. And I like not losing any time switching hands. Even a half second could be the difference if a fish is hitting the lure on the fall or as soon as it lands. So I am really happy with the lefty. Obviously itll take me some time to get the hang of it but I spent about 2 hours and definitely left better than I started. My toughest part is im so concerned w feathering line out w my thumb and not birdsnesting that I tend to keep my thumb pressure a little to high on the cast so my casts go a bit short and to my left. I got few good ones here and there so with time ill get used to it.
As far as the fish go nothing biting today, was mainly using a popr just bc its a bit heavier and a little easier to learn to cast on. Saw a ton of topwater action at the pond but they didn't want the popr or frog.
Congrats, on the switch. You will find over time that the b/c will be the way to go for a lot of your presentations. Enjoy!!
Bassintheweeds reply :
MCS, having some decent luck haven't had the opportunity to hit any ponds yet will do so tomorrow. Went out on the big O and couldn't find clear water so I fished the rim canal not knowing the lake well enough to run around a bunch ended up with 5 or 6 total and one above three pounds all caught flipping hiassin.
Also hit the river and landed a nice barely slot redfish on my second cast. But no other luck than that.
dsidle61 reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 9:46 AM, MCS said:Cool man sounds like your all set. What type of line do you have on?
I put on 12lb mono for now. Not fishing a whole lot of stuff or areas I need braid but once spring rolls around I'm hoping to get another setup to throw braid on for the frogs and pads
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 10:50 AM, dsidle61 said:I put on 12lb mono for now. Not fishing a whole lot of stuff or areas I need braid but once spring rolls around I'm hoping to get another setup to throw braid on for the frogs and pads
D, you will find out that braid will work much better on the casting reel than mono. I use power pro 30# on mine and it cast's great.
dsidle61 reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 11:46 AM, Jacob044 said:D, you will find out that braid will work much better on the casting reel than mono. I use power pro 30# on mine and it cast's great.
Yeah I'm definitely going to use it when frogs come around. I'm not a fan of braid w cranks or soft plastics. I tried it for awhile and literally thought fish left my pond, put mono on and they were back. But definitely plan on having a braid and mono setup just can't drop all the money at once, it would be a tough sell to the wife to explain why I need another rod and reel already!
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 11:51 AM, dsidle61 said:Yeah I'm definitely going to use it when frogs come around. I'm not a fan of braid w cranks or soft plastics. I tried it for awhile and literally thought fish left my pond, put mono on and they were back. But definitely plan on having a braid and mono setup just can't drop all the money at once, it would be a tough sell to the wife to explain why I need another rod and reel already!
One thing I forgot D. I proved to myself that the bass can see the braid and that will put them off.... ie. I was fishing with my wife one time on an under water island and I intentionally set her up with hook attached to braid while I was using a fluorocarbon leader. I was pulling in bass after bass and she was getting nothing. I then took her line and attached a fluorocarbon leader and she started catching the same as I was. Nuff said. I always use a fluorocarbon leader. I see that some folks in here do not use them but I proved to myself at leas,t that bass can tell when you have braid attached to the hook and it definitely puts them off.
Michaelt1987 reply :
I just got a new pflueger spinner for $30 at a pawn shop. I'm gonna put braid on it to frog fish with. I'm itching to try it out shoudn't be much longer.
Jacob044 reply :
Good deal 1987, go get em. They're hitting pretty well in central Florida right now.
Michaelt1987 reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 12:07 PM, Jacob044 said:Good deal 1987, go get em. They're hitting pretty well in central Florida right now.
I may go try 1 in the morning. The weather today was great got to 80's so it should start turning on here also. A small cold front is coming in this weekend, maybe that won't hurt the bite too bad.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Since we are kind of still on the topic of the bait casting reels, Do you guys have any recommendations for rod action thats best for bass fishing with a bait caster? I've already got a spinning heavy fast action rod.
MCS reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 10:47 AM, Bassintheweeds said:MCS, having some decent luck haven't had the opportunity to hit any ponds yet will do so tomorrow. Went out on the big O and couldn't find clear water so I fished the rim canal not knowing the lake well enough to run around a bunch ended up with 5 or 6 total and one above three pounds all caught flipping hiassin.
Also hit the river and landed a nice barely slot redfish on my second cast. But no other luck than that.
Cool man, congrats on the redfish I am still waiting to get mine! Lol I suggest get out today or tomorrow they are bedding and feisty a front is coming through and should be good. Temp drop after that. Got 3 on a lipless this morning. Spinnerbaits, creatures, swimbaits, small worms been working. Look for any cover like culverts etc. in the retention ponds most will bed around these due to lack of structure.
MCS reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 8:23 PM, Pit Boss Rick said:Since we are kind of still on the topic of the bait casting reels, Do you guys have any recommendations for rod action thats best for bass fishing with a bait caster? I've already got a spinning heavy fast action rod.
Best all around would be a MH/F in a 1/4-3/4 or up to 1 oz lure range. You can do a wide range with that from lipless, spinnerbaits, jigs, Texas rigs and frogs.
MCS reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 10:50 AM, dsidle61 said:I put on 12lb mono for now. Not fishing a whole lot of stuff or areas I need braid but once spring rolls around I'm hoping to get another setup to throw braid on for the frogs and pads
Yep I learned on mono but once you get braid you won't go back. I did go back to mono on a spinning setup unless heavy pads or salt. It is sooo much easier picking a backlash out and just in general.
MCS reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 12:03 PM, Jacob044 said:One thing I forgot D. I proved to myself that the bass can see the braid and that will put them off.... ie. I was fishing with my wife one time on an under water island and I intentionally set her up with hook attached to braid while I was using a fluorocarbon leader. I was pulling in bass after bass and she was getting nothing. I then took her line and attached a fluorocarbon leader and she started catching the same as I was. Nuff said. I always use a fluorocarbon leader. I see that some folks in here do not use them but I proved to myself at leas,t that bass can tell when you have braid attached to the hook and it definitely puts them off.
I am going to try this. when I switched to braid on my spinning gear I really on no difference once I got used to working the bait with braid. I feel you need to impart less action than on mono due to mono being stretchy and limp. I have always been wondering after your post I wonder even more. Must pick up floro leader!
BassinLou reply :
I agree using braid on the B/c. You can detect bites a lot easier and your hooksets will be solid. Also agree 100% on using leaders in certain situations. You can have the best of both worlds. Fluro will provide the invisibility factor, and braid will provide the enhanced detection and backbone on hooksets. All you have to do now is find the right knot that works for you in joining the 2 lines. I prefer the alberto knot. It has never failed me when done correctly.
Also Rick, I will also recommend a MH/F spinning rod. H is just to stiff and heavier.
Jacob044 reply :
MCS, true that you need to impart less action with the braid as there is no stretch. AND I use about 15# fluorocarbon to lessen the chance of break offs. If you notice, the pros some times talk about lite lines in clear water as the fish can see mono. BUT the fluorocarbon is pretty much invisible under water. Let me know what you think when you decide to give it a try.
dsidle61 reply :
I have always shyed away from leaders only bc I don't have enough set ups for each lure so I don't want to have to change my leader every few times I cut and re tie a lure. That's the main reason I just use mono for my "underwater" lures.
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 10:52 PM, dsidle61 said:I have always shyed away from leaders only bc I don't have enough set ups for each lure so I don't want to have to change my leader every few times I cut and re tie a lure. That's the main reason I just use mono for my "underwater" lures.
Here's a tip. I generally use a 2-3' leader with flouro and a knot that pretty much guaranteed not to pull out if it's tied right. the knot can be cut flush with the line and you can still cut and re-tie several times at the hook. Plus, the knot is so compact, it will cast through the eyes with no problem.
dsidle61 reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 10:58 PM, Jacob044 said:Here's a tip. I generally use a 2-3' leader with flouro and a knot that pretty much guaranteed not to pull out if it's tied right. the knot can be cut flush with the line and you can still cut and re-tie several times at the hook. Plus, the knot is so compact, it will cast through the eyes with no problem.
Ok I'll check it out, how many times can you cut and re tie a lure before having to re do the whole leader?? I imagine after only 2-3 lure re ties you'll have to tie a whole new leader
BassinLou reply :
Jacob is offering some good advice. When I bank fish, I take only one outfit. However, I have it set up so I could fish any way I like whenever the situations call for it. From frog fishing to spinnerbait fishing. Just because I can alternate with a leader or not. Taking more than one outfit with the amount of water that I cover is a pita. That and I fish in urban environments and I don't want to run the risk of one of my outfits getting jacked from me.... LOL..
However from my boat, whole different ball game. I will carry 5 outfits with me.
BassinLou reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 11:06 PM, dsidle61 said:Ok I'll check it out, how many times can you cut and re tie a lure before having to re do the whole leader?? I imagine after only 2-3 lure re ties you'll have to tie a whole new leader
3 ft of leader, you can re-tie 2-3 times.
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 11:06 PM, dsidle61 said:Ok I'll check it out, how many times can you cut and re tie a lure before having to re do the whole leader?? I imagine after only 2-3 lure re ties you'll have to tie a whole new leader
With a 3' leader I can easily cut 4-5 times when using a Palomar knot. but because I generally only use it on my worm rod, I don't cut that often. I usually tie on a #3 o r4 EWG hook and use it for all different plastics. On my hard bait rod I don't use it, as I am looking for the reaction strike and the bass don't have time to think about whether they are going to hit it or not.
dsidle61 reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 11:16 PM, Jacob044 said:With a 3' leader I can easily cut 4-5 times when using a Palomar knot. but because I generally only use it on my worm rod, I don't cut that often. I usually tie on a #3 o r4 EWG hook and use it for all different plastics. On my hard bait rod I don't use it, as I am looking for the reaction strike and the bass don't have time to think about whether they are going to hit it or not.
That's makes sense, I would probably need 3 setups one for frogs, one for hard baits and one like you said I just throw a hook on and use it for all sorts of soft plastics. I'll look into it I usually have 2 setups but getting a third may not be a bad idea
MCS reply :
Jman is giving up all the good stuff today!
I use leaders, mono, when I want to retie a lot as it saves braid or when I throw popr or jerk baits. But my mono isn't strong enough for jigs etc on the braid.
And look this way D I would do two BC and one spinning. Keep the spinner for poprs and hard baits and weightless plastics then one BC for frogs/jigs and one for plastics/spinnerbaits. I just ordered my second casting setup. And this is how I plan to roll for the time being. Until that monkey get on my back lol
SFL BassHunter reply :
I have braid for my line and I use flouro for my leader. I use a swivel because I havent learned any knots yet to tie the two. But I tend to put a long leader line like they mentioned anywhere between 3 to 3 1/2 feet so I can cut the line several times to switch lures.
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 12:10 AM, Pit Boss Rick said:I have braid for my line and I use flouro for my leader. I use a swivel because I havent learned any knots yet to tie the two. But I tend to put a long leader line like they mentioned anywhere between 3 to 3 1/2 feet so I can cut the line several times to switch lures.
Boss, do this one for connecting braid to flouro. It's secure. http://www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/albright-special/
SFL BassHunter reply :
Thanks Jacob I'll start practicing it.
dsidle61 reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 12:08 AM, MCS said:Jman is giving up all the good stuff today!
I use leaders, mono, when I want to retie a lot as it saves braid or when I throw popr or jerk baits. But my mono isn't strong enough for jigs etc on the braid.
And look this way D I would do two BC and one spinning. Keep the spinner for poprs and hard baits and weightless plastics then one BC for frogs/jigs and one for plastics/spinnerbaits. I just ordered my second casting setup. And this is how I plan to roll for the time being. Until that monkey get on my back lol
I think that's what I'll do, I have a med heavy spinner that I can return to academy w no receipt for store credit and I'll just get a med heavy caster so I'll have med and med heavy BC and still have my med spinner
BassinLou reply :
All this fishing talk made me step out for a bit, and get the line wet at the park. LOL.... Wind was blowing from the East at 15-20 cloudy skies. I took my Lews MG on 30lb braid and 3 ft of 15lb yozuri leader on my Avid 7ft MH rod and starting throwing out the spinnerbait, right below the surface under the wind driven waves. Results: Caught 6, missed 5.
Check it, here are a few pics.
Jacob044 reply :
Great job Lou. I was going to the lake today but the wind kept me off so I'll go fish the river in back of my house where I got the 6-1/2 lb. the other day. Tight lines, Jman
BassinLou reply :
Thanks Jman, good luck. I have been way past due to catch a real pig. Its been a while.
MCS reply :
Nice fish Lou! Spinnerbaits are fun
SFL BassHunter reply :
Good Job Lou! Nice fish!
Pz3 reply :
I went before and out after an interview today, Sure enough. Nothing, Tried the same thing with the spinner. I did get a bite but nothing hard and no set (probably a bluegill messing with it). So not working out yet. Whenever this funk ends ill be glad it does. I must go off to my favorite spot now and fish it until my girlfriend yells at me. Then fish some more!
Rovingmutt reply :
nice fish lou, seems like the spinners are working lately, and the warm up has got them moving again
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Bass Pro Shops - Port St. Lucie, FL. Bobby will be here Sunday March 2 at 2:00 pm.
JaxBasser reply :
Fishing seems to be picking up here. Tried a new spot I found on my way home from work for about an hour and caught 7 fish. None were huge but still a lot of fun. Got them on a Watermelon Red Magic Speed Craw.
Any of you Jax guys ever fish that pond behind the Equestrian Center on Normandy Blvd? It's been there for 10 years according to google earth and it seems to have a lot of nice vegitation in it.
John F. reply :
Stopped at a spot on the way home and nothing. I was in a hurry and a kid had just tore all through the lake in a jonboat right as I arrived so I didnt try too hard.
All this talk about baitcasters motivated me to pick up a new rod for mine. I picked up a decent one I think, took it out back to the practice canal. After a few casts to get used to it I managed to catch a decent sized fish for this canal. Caught him on a houdini senko clone from BPS.
First bass after dark and on a brand new rod. I think I might skip lunch and fish tomorrow.
Pz3 reply :
Fished at a pond in the middle of orlando (city area lol) Caught one 2-3lbs. Picked up some new color plastics on the way back.
Picked up....
Native Shiner Vibe
and Emerald Blue
MCS reply :
On 2/22/2014 at 6:14 AM, Pz3 said:Fished at a pond in the middle of orlando (city area lol) Caught one 2-3lbs. Picked up some new color plastics on the way back.
Picked up....
Native Shiner Vibe
and Emerald Blue
Those bitters? Nice colors, good luck with em they aught to do well
Pz3 reply :
They are bitters, love the price, selection, and the colors. My new favorite Bait Co
MCS reply :
On 2/22/2014 at 9:43 AM, Pz3 said:They are bitters, love the price, selection, and the colors. My new favorite Bait Co
X2 I know some people look and say there are other big name baits that may look the same but it is the color, plastic with pork and salt and price that make them one of my top bait companies.
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/22/2014 at 6:14 AM, Pz3 said:Fished at a pond in the middle of orlando (city area lol) Caught one 2-3lbs. Picked up some new color plastics on the way back.
Picked up....
Native Shiner Vibe
and Emerald Blue
Would that pond be lake Underhill. It's full of bass. Fished it often when I lived in Orlando. My biggest there was 5 lb.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Has anyone fished Mills Pond Park before? It's in Lauderdale. Going to meet my buddy up there.
MCS reply :
On 2/22/2014 at 10:28 AM, Jacob044 said:Would that pond be lake Underhill. It's full of bass. Fished it often when I lived in Orlando. My biggest there was 5 lb.
Is that the one by invanhoe exit when you come into orlando on 4 from the east?
Pz3 reply :
The lake by the Ivanhoe exit is Lake Ivanhoe, that lake is one of my favorites to fish at from shore it is aerated and stocked. You can walk around the whole thing basically. Lake Underhill which is on the east side of orlando under the east west express way south of the executive airport. Personal best in both lakes is around 5lbs but I have a feeling there are 8lbs+ in both.
Ivanhoe
Lake Underhill
The pond I was fishing at was right infront of arnold palmer hospital.
Its called lake beauty park. I don't know why they call it a lake but its stocked and aerated as well.
dsidle61 reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 9:40 AM, JaxBasser said:Fishing seems to be picking up here. Tried a new spot I found on my way home from work for about an hour and caught 7 fish. None were huge but still a lot of fun. Got them on a Watermelon Red Magic Speed Craw.
Any of you Jax guys ever fish that pond behind the Equestrian Center on Normandy Blvd? It's been there for 10 years according to google earth and it seems to have a lot of nice vegitation in it.
Never fished it, but I work for the company that runs the place. I visit out there on calls a few times a year, honestly didn't even know there was a pond there. If I ever get back out there ill have to check it out, that where you pulled out those fish?
AK-Jax86 reply :
All this Orlando info came at a perfect time lol. Me and Czar are taking our family to Downtown Disney and we r gonna sneak off to do some fishing for a few hours and hit up Bass Pro on the way back to Jacksonville.
Pz3 reply :
I use to live right by lake Bryan. This guy I use to know worked there fished quiet often. Said he caught good size fish 8lb range before. I always wanted to go fish there but never took the time to figure out how. It is literally right next to downtown disney. I would imagine bv water sports would let you take a cano out and fish in it. I can't imagine the lake not having any good fish in it with all the tourists being on it. It is a watersports jetski type lake so.... might want to ask when its least busy too if you don't want wake. 25$ per hour (sucks I know) cano rentals. I wouldn't pay for a ponton at their price though. Has to be a good lake though, why else would there be a fishing guide on it??
Might be worth a look into.
http://www.bvwatersports.com/#!boatrentals/c1yws
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/22/2014 at 10:46 AM, MCS said:Is that the one by invanhoe exit when you come into orlando on 4 from the east?
3 has got it. The lake Underhill runs under the 408. Lots of bass in there. We caught dozens on the airport side but the really big ones came from the south side near the grass shore and there is a deep hole just off shore where I got the 5 lb. bass. Lots of fish there.
JaxBasser reply :
On 2/22/2014 at 1:00 PM, dsidle61 said:Never fished it, but I work for the company that runs the place. I visit out there on calls a few times a year, honestly didn't even know there was a pond there. If I ever get back out there ill have to check it out, that where you pulled out those fish?
Na, went out there yesterday and didn't catch anything. The water is super clear, didn't even see a bass. Did run into a 4 foot water moccasin though.
The pond I was catching them in was off of Cecil Commerce Center/New World Ave.
BassinLou reply :
Just got back from a couple of hours of fishing at canal close to my house. Bite was slow, but somehow convinced these guys to bite.
Even an Exotic (Mayan Cichlid) decided to hit.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Nice ones!
Pz3 reply :
Good catches, about the same sizes I've been catching recently. I keep finding pigs but they wont bite at all. I've been finding them all day by dropping worms or spinner baits on their heads. I'm guessing their males gaurding spawning sites. Thats has to be why they keep ramming my baits but not biting. They are real tight to cover too. I have to drop the baits right against the reeds to get a reaction from them.
BassinLou reply :
On 2/23/2014 at 9:33 AM, Pz3 said:Good catches, about the same sizes I've been catching recently. I keep finding pigs but they wont bite at all. I've been finding them all day by dropping worms or spinner baits on their heads. I'm guessing their males gaurding spawning sites. Thats has to be why they keep ramming my baits but not biting. They are real tight to cover too. I have to drop the baits right against the reeds to get a reaction from them.
When you come a across a big female who doesn't swim away but holds her ground, you may have a contender. Keep poking around the area, and your bound to find what her limits are and she will start getting ticked off. That's when the fun starts. I swear, if someone would be walking by when I am stalking a big girl, they would think I am insane. Because I am talking to her and myself to keep my cool. LOL....
Pz3 reply :
Are they females? Always thought they were males. Usually I can get the smaller ones in beds to bite. These big ones I keep finding are ramming it a couple times and then leaving. They have to be more seasoned and they know my tricks already lol.
Bassintheweeds reply :
Thought id update you guys on my trip to Florida. I will go in Order.
Snuck out of the house early and fished a small feeder creek to the St. Johns.
Ended up a with a decent red. Not a bad start to 2014.
That night we drove south to hit up the Big O
Then I decieded to not check into the Hotel for a few hours...
Ended up being a great choice with the first Largemouth of 2014 a solid 3.5 plus!
Next day we hit Oke rented a boat and this was the biggest at about 3 pounds Lake was nasty nasty water so I had to fish the rim canal most of the day.
Last full day I hit Baymeadows park in Jax and got a dink but thats all.
Thanks to MCS for mentioning some spots to me as well as anyone else who helped out!
BassinLou reply :
On 2/23/2014 at 9:57 AM, Pz3 said:Are they females? Always thought they were males. Usually I can get the smaller ones in beds to bite. These big ones I keep finding are ramming it a couple times and then leaving. They have to be more seasoned and they know my tricks already lol.
The males usually run on the small side. Sometimes you get a decent buck, 2-3lbs. But, the females are the bigger ones. The question is, was the buck preparing the nest for some romance, or did the female already vacate the nest leaving the buck to guard the nest.
Pz3 reply :
There is no telling, I can't get a good sight on it I just know I've spotted the most beds tight against all types of cover 2-3ft deep and I just keep casting away in it. They aren't no dinks. have to be 5+ lb fish staying mostly in the same spots. If I go back tomorrow they will probably still be there.
MCS reply :
Most the beds I am seeing up here are up tight on cover just like Pz said but the fish on them are small 1-2 maybe 3 pounds and spook real easy.
BassinLou reply :
On 2/23/2014 at 2:14 PM, Pz3 said:There is no telling, I can't get a good sight on it I just know I've spotted the most beds tight against all types of cover 2-3ft deep and I just keep casting away in it. They aren't no dinks. have to be 5+ lb fish staying mostly in the same spots. If I go back tomorrow they will probably still be there.
If you are identifying 5lb fish, staying in the same spot, then you have a bedding female. What baits are using in that situation? Using a lizard with a 1/4 oz weight pegged in place, on a 3/0-4/0 should do the trick. Jigs also come to mind as well.
BassinLou reply :
After hanging with the family for a bit, I managed to go out right before sundown. I was throwing the spinnerbait again not getting any bites until.... a 4lb+ beauty slammed my bait. She made a beautiful headshake with her gills fully flared and then my bait popped out. As I was reeling it back in I could not believe she threw the hook, I had a trailer hook on it, the hit was solid. When I reeled in my bait my spinnerbait was broken broke in half!!!! The wire severed right where you tie off. I had the portion of the blades, the fish took the head, skirt, and trailer hook. I was so disappointed. I have been using strictly Booyah spinnerbaits. What spinnerbaits do you guys recommend? I do not want this to happen again!!
MCS reply :
I have used war eagle, BPS and academy's H2o brand. War eagles weight heads tended to get nicked up but they have nicecskirts and cool colors. bps was solid so has the h2o but the finish chipped. You could try terminator titanium. I also been eyeing the strike king pro in bluegill.
Also look at fat sack tackle and seibert outdoors. I think in all honesty ordering from someone like seibert or a smaller builder that has a decent following will get you the best quality. Only reason I don't is because I want multiple items etc and I don't want to pay shipping on just one type bait. Then order the rest and pay again.
Pz3 reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 8:07 AM, BassinLou said:After hanging with the family for a bit, I managed to go out right before sundown. I was throwing the spinnerbait again not getting any bites until.... a 4lb+ beauty slammed my bait. She made a beautiful headshake with her gills fully flared and then my bait popped out. As I was reeling it back in I could not believe she threw the hook, I had a trailer hook on it, the hit was solid. When I reeled in my bait my spinnerbait was broken broke in half!!!! The wire severed right where you tie off. I had the portion of the blades, the fish took the head, skirt, and trailer hook. I was so disappointed. I have been using strictly Booyah spinnerbaits. What spinnerbaits do you guys recommend? I do not want this to happen again!!
Speak of the devil! I've been using the walmart 1$ spinners discussed earlier in the thread. They were hit and miss baits though. Some the skirts fall apart, some don't, I did how ever pick up this today.
I'll let you know how it does after a few times out. That fish hit solid and shook violently enough to destroy your spinner thats pretty rough. Bad batch of baits? Older spinnerbait?
That one spinner bait with the jointed head might be worth looking into. Supposibly it cuts down on losing fish when they shake.
BassinLou reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 8:24 AM, Pz3 said:Speak of the devil! I've been using the walmart 1$ spinners discussed earlier in the thread. They were hit and miss baits though. Some the skirts fall apart, some don't, I did how ever pick up this today.
I'll let you know how it does after a few times out. That fish hit solid and shook violently enough to destroy your spinner thats pretty rough. Bad batch of baits? Older spinnerbait?
That one spinner bait with the jointed head might be worth looking into. Supposibly it cuts down on losing fish when they shake.
That particular spinnerbait has caught me several fish, and I have had to manipulate the wire back in place quite a few times. Would titanium wires be immune to this abuse?
BassinLou reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 8:15 AM, MCS said:I have used war eagle, BPS and academy's H2o brand. War eagles weight heads tended to get nicked up but they have nicecskirts and cool colors. bps was solid so has the h2o but the finish chipped. You could try terminator titanium. I also been eyeing the strike king pro in bluegill.
Also look at fat sack tackle and seibert outdoors. I think in all honesty ordering from someone like seibert or a smaller builder that has a decent following will get you the best quality. Only reason I don't is because I want multiple items etc and I don't want to pay shipping on just one type bait. Then order the rest and pay again.
MCS, I was thinking along the same lines. The problem is I have a utility box full of spinnerbaits, and they are mostly booyah's!!
BassObsessed reply :
Terminator and Assassinator make nice spinnerbaits.
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 8:07 AM, BassinLou said:After hanging with the family for a bit, I managed to go out right before sundown. I was throwing the spinnerbait again not getting any bites until.... a 4lb+ beauty slammed my bait. She made a beautiful headshake with her gills fully flared and then my bait popped out. As I was reeling it back in I could not believe she threw the hook, I had a trailer hook on it, the hit was solid. When I reeled in my bait my spinnerbait was broken broke in half!!!! The wire severed right where you tie off. I had the portion of the blades, the fish took the head, skirt, and trailer hook. I was so disappointed. I have been using strictly Booyah spinnerbaits. What spinnerbaits do you guys recommend? I do not want this to happen again!!
It can happen to all of them Lou. They only take so many bends and each time they get bent, the metal weakens. Not the product generally but the use.
BassinLou reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 9:02 AM, Jacob044 said:It can happen to all of them Lou. They only take so many bends and each time they get bent, the metal weakens. Not the product generally but the use.
Jacob, do think this will occur on the titanium wire baits as well? I know you bend wire enough it breaks, I guess I wasn't ready for it. LOL...
Pz3 reply :
I always wanted to see some kind of lures made out of that fancy space grade memory metal.
Like these glasses:
Spinnerbait would be a good candidate!
SFL BassHunter reply :
Haha one of my friends at work had glasses like this. He would always take them off and bend them, show everyone how awesome they are and one day after his millionth successful showings he tried it and snapped it in half. Woops. Now he has new glasses and doesn't attempt to bend them any more.
Pz3 reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 9:44 AM, Pit Boss Rick said:Haha one of my friends at work had glasses like this. He would always take them off and bend them, show everyone how awesome they are and one day after his millionth successful showings he tried it and snapped it in half. Woops. Now he has new glasses and doesn't attempt to bend them any more.
I had them too and use to do the same thing. Then one day it snapped..... I guess maybe thats why there are no spinner baits made out of it yet lol.
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 9:05 AM, BassinLou said:Jacob, do think this will occur on the titanium wire baits as well? I know you bend wire enough it breaks, I guess I wasn't ready for it. LOL...
Lou, don't know about the titanium ones but I have had several of my wire ones break over the years due to fish bending them up and making adjustments to straighten them back. The wire only takes so many bends.
piscicidal reply :
I had to go to titanium spinner baits when snakehead fishing....they thrash around bending up the wire. I might break 2-3 spinnerbaits a day on snakeheads before going to the titanium...
The bass don't fight as hard or as ferociously, but the principle is the same. Over time, the wire is going to be bent back and forth, eventually it will yield and break. I've had good luck with the war eagles on bass, but when the paint starts getting chipped up and the hook starts getting a little dull, I know it's time to throw it away. I'm not going to risk losing a monster bass to a compromised wire.
BassinLou reply :
Thanks for the info guys! Everyone is making good points. It was an older spinnerbait. I have caught several nice fish from it, and I also I had to re-tune it a few times. Unfortunately, a nice bass was the straw that broke the spinnerbaits back...
BassinLou reply :
In between jobs today, I stepped out to the park for a little bit and caught this guy on a stickbait.....
Jacob044 reply :
On 2/25/2014 at 1:38 AM, BassinLou said:In between jobs today, I stepped out to the park for a little bit and caught this guy on a stick bait.....
OK, y'all are making me crazy. I have been out for two days throwing everything at them and only had one hit. crank baits, spinner baits, worms, swimming baits, senko's, all kinds of modified baits to increase flash and entice reaction bites but nothing. My river has gone on vacation. Bass are not on the bed here yet in my river. Going to Tarpon lake tomorrow to see what's up there.
Pz3 reply :
I got to do a little fishing today. Had to do some business near West Lake Toho so I stopped for an hour and tossed in that new spinner bait. Landed a nice bass about the same size as Lou. Was a good fight suprisingly I was expecting 5lbs at least. Poor guys on the pier were there all day and caught nothing. I come walking up and 5 minutes later reeling one in. I also pulled in a Pike over 30 inches. That guy had me going because I thought for sure it was a bass when I seen him miss the first hit.
Pz3 reply :
Did a little bait shopping earlier today. It almost got a little crazy but my smarter half of my brain had to say no to a lot of the things I wanted. I did manage to pick these up though.
Bitters Green Pumpkin Vibe.
Bitters 7.5Inch Black Original Worms.
Xcalibur X50 Pearl Melon (single weight)
Went out on the boat today around noon with my uncle for a few hours. The lake we were on is mostly reeds with very little other cover. We tried doing some drifting with plastics and a lot of spinner bait action. Ended up empty handed. Seen crappie hitting on something (top water) tossed in a couple beetle spins but they weren't interested.
Made a run to the bait shop after lunch.....
Tried again late in the day 6-7pm at the Fish Camp. I didn't have much luck throwing the new hard bait so switched over to the green pumpkin ultravibe. Fishing in heavy cover again looking for the fish and sure enough found one. 4-5lb female that got hung up in the lilly pads right as I was about to pull her up. Trying to get her out she manged to get off the hook. Nice fish though. Other guy was using live brim and landed a couple nice bass, and another guy was landing a few with brown pumpkin sinkos. All in all. Its nice to see my 10lb test (trilene) can handle a good size fish in that kind of mess.
Pz3 reply :
Fished lake underhill for an hour. Got 3 bites and landed a female 4-5lbs. Using the black bitters worm on heavy cover in the pooring rain.
Tartan34 reply :
Nice work on the Bitters Vibe....Really solid bait.
Fished Butler today....buddy and I probably caught a 15+ lb sack, not bad for this time of year.
Nothing topwater, nothing on a single swimbait, nothing on any kind of shallow/med diving crankbait.
Caught a few decent ones on lizards and then hammered them on frogs. Nothing huge, but a lot of 3 pounders.
BassinLou reply :
Went to the park for a little bit. Saw a lot of fish, but they were playing hard to get none the less. Managed to catch 3, 1 went for 3lbs, the others were 2's. Spinnerbait bite still getting their attention.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Went to the park today at 5 and caught 3 in about an hour! They were all small the biggest was 10.5 ounces. Using a bitsy bug with a small craw trailer.
Pz3 reply :
On 2/28/2014 at 2:11 AM, BassinLou said:Went to the park for a little bit. Saw a lot of fish, but they were playing hard to get none the less. Managed to catch 3, 1 went for 3lbs, the others were 2's. Spinnerbait bite still getting their attention.
Sounds good to me, I had about the same kind of day. Caught 3 around 1lb or less, Which is strange to me, that Bitters Vibe I've been using is pretty dang fat. Manage to find one around 3lbs as well. Was pretty chilly today so they were put off until the sun poked out. Nice to see three of us with similare results for a change
BassinLou reply :
Had an interesting day at the park. Work was light, so I was able to go out in the morning, chilly, overcast,winds from the NW. Fished the back lake this time before the ski boat started up. Was able to land 3, 2lbrs and lost a nice 3.5-4lbr. All spinnerbait again. Then I got a call from the school to check on one of my kids, and on the way back from some errands stopped at a canal and landed this nice piggy, same spinnerbait.
Michaelt1987 reply :
Went to Ga for a few days and caught 6 on a white spinnerbait. Most were on the small side but we couldn't get the boat back in the woods. Glad to be back in Jax though.
MCS reply :
Nice looking lake. All them trees and stumps in the water. Nice fish
Michaelt1987 reply :
On 3/1/2014 at 4:38 AM, MCS said:Nice looking lake. All them trees and stumps in the water. Nice fish
Yeah it's got great cover and a nice spot of lily pads. I caught my pb there a few years back on a frog.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Went to the park after work and landed 2 Bass. One was small about 9 1/2 inches long and skinny. The other was a nice chubby 2.6 lbs.
I'm loving the new rod and reel and those bitsy bug jigs with the chunk paca craw in sapphire blue.
MCS reply :
Nice job Rick you really been on the fish last couple days.
SFL BassHunter reply :
The only difference is the rod I've been using and the fact I downsized to small jigs and small trailers. My fishing techniques really haven't changed. I may have slowed down just a little bit more but not much.
NEjitterbugger reply :
We got lots of small fish on Okeechobee, we threw Gambler Big EZs all day and I did get one nice one!
MCS reply :
EZ does it! Nice fish
Jacob044 reply :
We smacked a couple of bass BUT looking for much bigger pigs. Jman
BassinLou reply :
On 3/2/2014 at 7:16 AM, Jacob044 said:We smacked a couple of bass BUT looking for much bigger pigs. Jman
Looks like a great location to fish. WTG, on those catches.
BassinLou reply :
No fishing for me this weekend unfortunately. Work stuff. Let's see what happens this week.
PitBoss, I am glad the new outfit and tips I gave you at the park is working out for you.
Pz3 reply :
Decided to switch it up a little bit today! I tossed in around 4pm and managed to land a 3-4lb bass using a Rapala Husky Jerk. Was pretty happy about it and got several hits on softbaits but the bite died down as the sun went down. This little kid was watching me fish the whole time telling me about how he loves fishing and uses a bait caster etc. Told him he should go grab a pole and meet me at the dock. Im fairly confident in bottom fishing with bait at night. He never showed up but the night fishing was exactly what I needed.
I got my 3 poles together. Rigged two up with an egg weight sinker, swivel, leader, and hook. My bass rod I put my widegap hook on it with no weights. Caught 4 brim using hook, extra line and bread. Tossed them in a bucket to die except one. I sent the one out on my bass rod to go swim free. Cut another one up and tossed the peices on the other two rods. This is when it gets fun......
First Catch of the night was on my bass rod! No it wasn't a bass, a 5-6ft Alligator Gar got him! That was one hell of a fight.
2. Channel Cat around 6lbs
3. Gar around 3ft
4. Bullhead Catfish around 3lbs
5. Gar around 4ft
6. Bullhead Catfish around 4lbs
Then these two guys which were absolutely fun to catch as well. Not sure how much they weighed but gosh dang it felt as much as the big alligator gar.
7. Bowfin (around 3ft)
8. Bowfin (around 3ft)
I kept and cleaned the cats up and will be chowing down later.
Last but not least the little story about the little bass I caught yesterday. Reeling the ultravibe in top water no weight. I see a huge wave coming up behind it.... got so excited thought this wave had to be a huge fish! Set the hook hard! BAM!........ >1lb Bass comes flying by my head. I never sent a bass flying like that before lol.
SFL BassHunter reply :
I didn't do any bass fishing yesterday but I did go out to do some salt water fishing and caught a few mangrove snappers. Only one was a keeper. My friend caught 2 keepers. Good eating!!!!!!!
fishingator reply :
Hey all! We are back at it after our wedding. We went out yesterday and today for about an hour or so each. I caught 8 total but two were sweet...It feels good to be back!
BassinLou reply :
Look at that.... you get married, and you start catching bigger fish. WTG!!
fishingator reply :
On 3/3/2014 at 8:15 AM, BassinLou said:Look at that.... you get married, and you start catching bigger fish. WTG!!
Haha I guess! Idk...I couldn't catch fish like that when we were having contests to save my life!!! The big one I caught yesterday was on a weighted zoom speed worm black and blue. None of us have ever pulled one that size out of that area so that was unexpected. Today was slow for me and I caught two smalls but we moved spots and I was using a weighted zoom speed worm watermelon red and green when I hit some lilly pads and I caught the second one.
MrPerfect reply :
Anyone else experiencing a late spawn? I have been to my favorite fishing hole almost every weekend since the start of February and today was the first day I saw a bed even being started. Product of this pond or the extended cold weather this season? I just want to make sure I haven't missed the spawn somehow.
BassinLou reply :
Remember bass will spawn at different times through out their spawning season. I have caught big bass spawning in June still. If the conditions are favorable.
MCS reply :
Just hit a spot today that was spawned out. Empty beds, small bucks, yearlings and a ton of short strikes and small fish.
Wachati reply :
Heading down tomorrow to stuart area. Trying to conserve tackle space in my luggage. Looks like spinnerbaits and worms are hot. My plan is zoom tricks, t-macs, and beaver style baits, some cranks, and jigs. If anybody has anything to add it would be greatly appreciated. I never have had time to bass fish when I'm in Florida, so I'm coming in blind. Got a lot of good info on here and pitbossrick, the pit boss is my go to bait, I recommend lime purple passion, perfection blue fleck, and the trusty blk/blue. Also, I might try and catch my first peacock, so any must have baits or areas around west palm/Davie/port st Lucie would be great. Idk how far north you can find them, but if I have to go further south to Miami, I will. Also I will be a non boater. Thanks guys
Pz3 reply :
Got out on the water again. Well, landed one today 2-3lbs on the Bitters Vibe (native shiner) and hooked into a pig, est from the jump 7+ lbs. That piggy went after the Bitters Muskrat (green Pumpkin). Shook it out after diving into somethick grass. Will be out on a boat again thursday trying to find biggins again.
JaxBasser reply :
Been catching a lot of numbers lately, no pigs yet though. April-June last year is when I caught most of my bigger fish so maybe it'll be that way this year also.
Had to fight off the bait monkey saturday though, almost bought a Chronarch 200e7 and a Curado that I really don't need lol.
MCS reply :
X2 Jax been same going of late and I had similar results as last year too.
CentralFloridaBass reply :
Woke up this morning early before school and went out to a golf course pond. I hooked into a big fish texas rigging the Yum F2 Wooly bug in bream color. I would have gotten pictures and video but my dad is on a fishing trip in Nicaragua and he wanted to bring my GoPro :/ anyways after landing the fish it was a fat bass that looked like it hadn't spawned yet. It weighed 8 pounds flat on the scale. Just 6 ounces off my PB! Caught at about 7 this morning. If anyone is curious I will attach the video of my PB bass.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ-2Tl2UaiY&list=UUNk6ZoNaY79k9hyGaQHb5jw&feature=c4-overview
Pz3 reply :
Nice catch!
Jacob044 reply :
Great pig central. Hoping for one that big this year.
BassinLou reply :
On 3/4/2014 at 9:23 PM, CentralFloridaBass said:Woke up this morning early before school and went out to a golf course pond. I hooked into a big fish texas rigging the Yum F2 Wooly bug in bream color. I would have gotten pictures and video but my dad is on a fishing trip in Nicaragua and he wanted to bring my GoPro :/ anyways after landing the fish it was a fat bass that looked like it hadn't spawned yet. It weighed 8 pounds flat on the scale. Just 6 ounces off my PB! Caught at about 7 this morning. If anyone is curious I will attach the video of my PB bass.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ-2Tl2UaiY&list=UUNk6ZoNaY79k9hyGaQHb5jw&feature=c4-overview
No cellphone??...... We would have loved to have seen that beauty.
CentralFloridaBass reply :
I don't have a phone :/, I just went out for 45 minutes and caught 3 bass on a lipless crankbait with the biggest being a 4.5-5 pounder. Its been a good day so far and i'm going to go back out later. Will post if I catch anymore and what I caught them on.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 3/4/2014 at 2:40 AM, Wachati said:Heading down tomorrow to stuart area. Trying to conserve tackle space in my luggage. Looks like spinnerbaits and worms are hot. My plan is zoom tricks, t-macs, and beaver style baits, some cranks, and jigs. If anybody has anything to add it would be greatly appreciated. I never have had time to bass fish when I'm in Florida, so I'm coming in blind. Got a lot of good info on here and pitbossrick, the pit boss is my go to bait, I recommend lime purple passion, perfection blue fleck, and the trusty blk/blue. Also, I might try and catch my first peacock, so any must have baits or areas around west palm/Davie/port st Lucie would be great. Idk how far north you can find them, but if I have to go further south to Miami, I will. Also I will be a non boater. Thanks guys
So far I've only used a green one. But I do want to get the perfection blue fleck for sure.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
No peacocks in Port Saint Lucie.
zachb34 reply :
Hey guys, does anyone here in south Florida have or know someone who is selling a small outboard for a jon boat or even a small jon boat? I need a motor for the boat I already have and I want a smaller boat for the canal I live on, thanks in advance.
Jacob044 reply :
On 3/5/2014 at 9:56 AM, zachb34 said:Hey guys, does anyone here in south Florida have or know someone who is selling a small outboard for a jon boat or even a small jon boat? I need a motor for the boat I already have and I want a smaller boat for the canal I live on, thanks in advance.
Zach, have you checked Craigslist yet. Always lots of them on there.
zachb34 reply :
I have but I would be more comfortable getting a motor from someone on here and not somebody else's problem on CraigslistOn 3/5/2014 at 9:59 AM, Jacob044 said:Zach, have you checked Craigslist yet. Always lots of them on there.
Rovingmutt reply :
Zack
I have a 4 hp johnson that i do not use, works good, but i live in st pete, if your want to see it i might be able to meet up somewhere???
Rovingmutt reply :
zack
what size jon boat, i have a 12 ft, i am thinking of getting a 10 ft because the 12 is a little big for me
FishingFLA reply :
Just caught my PR! Canal in my backyard in Wellington throwing a 7/16 oz black/blue/purple skirted jig with a Big Bite Baits silver 4 inch craw. Came in at about 7 lbs.
MCS reply :
Incase anyone hasn't seen it I was checking out the stocking list for 2013/2014/2015
http://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/stocking/
Also check out the guides and maps of your local lakes
https://public.myfwc.com/CrossDoi/Publications/Internet/sSearch.aspx
BassinLou reply :
Did anyone get to fish before the storm passed today? Just curious if the fish were active.
Michaelt1987 reply :
I went out for a lil over a hour and managed to catch 2 small ones. Dragging the senko verrrrryyyyy slow. The first one was by a small pipe that had some water moving through it from the parking lot. I would of stayed a lil longer but my hands were hurting from the cold.
CentralFloridaBass reply :
Looked on Google Earth to look for new places to fish and/or secret ponds in the forest. I found a canal in the forest and their are trails that lead up to it. I also found more trails that lead up to parts of the Econ River and I plan on adventuring there this weekend. Anyway at the canal me and my brother fished there for about 1:30-2 hours. Caught about 7 fish total. It's always fun to fish a new spot. My biggest fish was 6 pounds and my brother had a nice one about 3 pounds. I will post a video of the 6 pounder if anyone wants to see it once I have uploaded it to Youtube.
Rovingmutt reply :
On 3/7/2014 at 8:46 AM, CentralFloridaBass said:Looked on Google Earth to look for new places to fish and/or secret ponds in the forest. I found a canal in the forest and their are trails that lead up to it. I also found more trails that lead up to parts of the Econ River and I plan on adventuring there this weekend. Anyway at the canal me and my brother fished there for about 1:30-2 hours. Caught about 7 fish total. It's always fun to fish a new spot. My biggest fish was 6 pounds and my brother had a nice one about 3 pounds. I will post a video of the 6 pounder if anyone wants to see it once I have uploaded it to Youtube.
GOPR028500.jpgnice pig, ok a secret spot, any hints
BassinLou reply :
On 3/7/2014 at 8:46 AM, CentralFloridaBass said:Looked on Google Earth to look for new places to fish and/or secret ponds in the forest. I found a canal in the forest and their are trails that lead up to it. I also found more trails that lead up to parts of the Econ River and I plan on adventuring there this weekend. Anyway at the canal me and my brother fished there for about 1:30-2 hours. Caught about 7 fish total. It's always fun to fish a new spot. My biggest fish was 6 pounds and my brother had a nice one about 3 pounds. I will post a video of the 6 pounder if anyone wants to see it once I have uploaded it to Youtube.
Dude sweet fish!! That is a heck of a secret spot. Looks pretty froggy...
CentralFloridaBass reply :
On 3/7/2014 at 9:30 AM, BassinLou said:Dude sweet fish!! That is a heck of a secret spot. Looks pretty froggy...
I know next time I go there I will probably throw a Stanley Ribbit frog. Wasn't even sure if their was any fish in this canal but sure enough their is. I even saw about a 4-5 pound florida gar
MCS reply :
Sweet fish man! Nice work! What did ya get them on?
Dean Rojas is gonna be at the local ganders. If any u frog guys want to talk frogs lol
CentralFloridaBass reply :
On 3/7/2014 at 9:49 AM, MCS said:Sweet fish man! Nice work! What did ya get them on?
Dean Rojas is gonna be at the local ganders. If any u frog guys want to talk frogs lol
I caught mine on a Netbait Paca Craw in like a texas craw color rigged on a wide gap owner shakeyhead hook. My brother caught his on a Berkely gulp Nightcrawler rigged weightless.
MCS reply :
I like the net bait. I got paca chunks on my jigs.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Ever since I started using the netbait paca craws I've been catching fish.
I'm using a Okeechobee Craw Jig and a Sapphire Blue Paca. They are great!
CentralFloridaBass reply :
If anyone was interested here is the video of me fishing the canal with the video of the 6 pounder.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3OZoHS30bU
Jacob044 reply :
Wow central. That place looks more like a roadside ditch. Great hog.
CentralFloridaBass reply :
Gonna go try to find this other pond in the forest I saw on google earth. Will report back later on how it goes.
BassinLou reply :
On 3/8/2014 at 4:23 AM, CentralFloridaBass said:Gonna go try to find this other pond in the forest I saw on google earth. Will report back later on how it goes.
You are one adventurous angler, I gotta give you that, and its paying off with some great fish so far.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Went to tropical park and lost a 3.5 maybe even 4 pound bass. I cursed myself for a good 2 or 3 minutes.
This fish was pretty big compared to the stuff I've seen and caught at tropical. He destroyed my Okeechobee Craw Bitsy Bug with a Netbait Paca Craw in Sapphire. Flew out of the water several times had my drag going and got into some lily pads and snapped my d**n line. All my fault too cause I've been using that same set up with the same line for about a week and a half, I've caught 4 fish on it and have used it in heavy cover. I should have checked the line before casting it but I didn't. It snapped at the fluorocarbon and not even at the knot so I'm thinking the line was frayed.
Well you live and learn. Switched to a bigger strike king black and blue jig with another paca trailer and got 0 bites.
I need more bitsy bugs!
Jacob044 reply :
There will be many more rick. Bigger ones to boot, BUT I know what you mean (should have checked the line) I have done it myself and it hurts when it's too late. Tight Lines, Jman
BassinLou reply :
Yeah, PitBoss, been there done that a few times.... the good news is you have found a lure combo that is working for you.
CentralFloridaBass reply :
Well guys got some great news. If any of you have been following this thread you will have seen I pulled a huge 6 pounder out of this new spot I found. It proved itself to be good fishing but today is where it really proved to be good fishing. My brother pulled out a GIANT bass today. He caught it on a Stanley Ribbit frog as you will see in pictures there are lily pads every where. I think it's safe to say this spot is a honey hole. My scale has been acting weird for 3 big fish i've caught and I just don't think it's being accurate. I want you guys to tell me how big you guys think this bass is. Later once I have edited the video I will post the video of the fight and I will tell you the length and girth including what the scale read. Thank you for any feedback on what you guys think this bass weighs. I will attach the original photos and the photos zoomed in for better viewing.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Central, I'd guess 8~10lbs. I'm on my phone and cant enlarge the pictures.
Great bass.
00 mod reply :
Big bass for sure. Pics seem to be off of a Go Pro. Brother is small. I would guess in the 8lb range. Tell him we said congrats!
Jeff
MCS reply :
Your brother got an awesome fish! Congrats to him
BassinLou reply :
OMG!!! You guys have found some awesome fishing holes!! They are narrow canals but they hold some serious fish. WTG!!! The fish your brother caught is absolute pig. Congrats.
BassinLou reply :
After seeing CentralFLBass pics, I couldn't follow that today... LOl... I managed to go out for an hour before sunset, and I was able to catch 4 descent bass on a spinnerbait, and a nice big jaguar. That jag has been my personal best. I will post the pic, but unfortunately it came out blurry.
BassinLou reply :
Here is the jaguar pic. Sorry it came out so blurry.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Lou, is that part of the ciclid family ? I caught 5 dinks today on a 5in junebug senko.
Michaelt1987 reply :
Cool looking fish Lou.
dsidle61 reply :
central, id go with the 7-8lb range also. They are never as big as they seem lol im guilty of this more than id like to admit. Nice that you found that honey hole, I got kicked from mine today. Ive been fishing this spot since last summer never ever had an issue. Started putting my boat in and these people are coming out of the wood works, not even people actually its one lady. Ive met several people around there that are nice and one guy who even fishes there too and is a nice guy so she stopped me about a month or so ago feeding me this story that I cant put a boat in the lake bc motors aren't allowed on it and its not deep enough?? Keep in mind I have a 10ft jon w a 30lb thrust trolling motor and this pond is a good 15-20 ft in most areas. I let her have her 5 minutes of fame and moved on. Today was out on the pond and she stops in the middle of the road to start yelling over to us asking where I live and what not. She starts her HOA rant telling me she pays 500$ a year to live there and maintain the lakes. There are no signs posted anywhere which she assured me will change (like she told me a month ago) so until then she cant keep me off. And if signs do appear I have some plans to befriend the guy who approaches us when we are fishing to ask for some tips bc she said if we have permission from someone inside the community we can fish. I don't mean to offend any of you that may be in an HOA but those people are cult-esque. There isn't a single sign posted anywhere about an HOA or anything and not a single sign on the water but these people think they own the d**n water. We aren't destroying anything, we throw every fish back and we park in a house that's been abandon for at least a year, if anything im doing them a favor bc people driving through will see me parked there and think someone lives there instead of it being an abandon house. It blows my mind that these power tripping people can control who can and cant fish their waters even though they have never touched a fishing pole and are living on one of if not the best producing spot for me. I cant even count how many fish between 4-8 lbs ive caught out of there.
so that's my rant lol but we fished the pond anyway and I pulled in two 5+ fish and one small, AK produced a small one and a nice 15" crappie. Sorry for the sideways pics I don't know why tinypic did that lol top one was 5lb14 bottom one was 5lb4 both on zoom lizards.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 3/9/2014 at 8:35 AM, CentralFloridaBass said:Well guys got some great news. If any of you have been following this thread you will have seen I pulled a huge 6 pounder out of this new spot I found. It proved itself to be good fishing but today is where it really proved to be good fishing. My brother pulled out a GIANT bass today. He caught it on a Stanley Ribbit frog as you will see in pictures there are lily pads every where. I think it's safe to say this spot is a honey hole. My scale has been acting weird for 3 big fish i've caught and I just don't think it's being accurate. I want you guys to tell me how big you guys think this bass is. Later once I have edited the video I will post the video of the fight and I will tell you the length and girth including what the scale read. Thank you for any feedback on what you guys think this bass weighs. I will attach the original photos and the photos zoomed in for better viewing.
Wow that is a beautiful fish! I'd say about 8 or 9 lbs.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 3/9/2014 at 9:28 AM, BassinLou said:Here is the jaguar pic. Sorry it came out so blurry.
Are those edible? Do they taste good?
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 3/9/2014 at 10:52 AM, dsidle61 said:central, id go with the 7-8lb range also. They are never as big as they seem lol im guilty of this more than id like to admit. Nice that you found that honey hole, I got kicked from mine today. Ive been fishing this spot since last summer never ever had an issue. Started putting my boat in and these people are coming out of the wood works, not even people actually its one lady. Ive met several people around there that are nice and one guy who even fishes there too and is a nice guy so she stopped me about a month or so ago feeding me this story that I cant put a boat in the lake bc motors aren't allowed on it and its not deep enough?? Keep in mind I have a 10ft jon w a 30lb thrust trolling motor and this pond is a good 15-20 ft in most areas. I let her have her 5 minutes of fame and moved on. Today was out on the pond and she stops in the middle of the road to start yelling over to us asking where I live and what not. She starts her HOA rant telling me she pays 500$ a year to live there and maintain the lakes. There are no signs posted anywhere which she assured me will change (like she told me a month ago) so until then she cant keep me off. And if signs do appear I have some plans to befriend the guy who approaches us when we are fishing to ask for some tips bc she said if we have permission from someone inside the community we can fish. I don't mean to offend any of you that may be in an HOA but those people are cult-esque. There isn't a single sign posted anywhere about an HOA or anything and not a single sign on the water but these people think they own the d**n water. We aren't destroying anything, we throw every fish back and we park in a house that's been abandon for at least a year, if anything im doing them a favor bc people driving through will see me parked there and think someone lives there instead of it being an abandon house. It blows my mind that these power tripping people can control who can and cant fish their waters even though they have never touched a fishing pole and are living on one of if not the best producing spot for me. I cant even count how many fish between 4-8 lbs ive caught out of there.
so that's my rant lol but we fished the pond anyway and I pulled in two 5+ fish and one small, AK produced a small one and a nice 15" crappie. Sorry for the sideways pics I don't know why tinypic did that lol top one was 5lb14 bottom one was 5lb4 both on zoom lizards.
dsidle, I hear you. That's why I stay out of associations. I don't think I would ever live in one and I sure as hell don't go fish in one. I honestly don't want to deal with those kinds of people on power trips because they are part of a HOA and want everyones house painted the same shade of beige. I'll paint my house whatever freaking color I want!
dsidle61 reply :
On 3/9/2014 at 11:07 AM, Pit Boss Rick said:dsidle, I hear you. That's why I stay out of associations. I don't think I would ever live in one and I sure as hell don't go fish in one. I honestly don't want to deal with those kinds of people on power trips because they are part of a HOA and want everyones house painted the same shade of beige. I'll paint my house whatever freaking color I want!
I hear you man, to be honest until she approached me last month which was at least 8 months into me fishing there I hadn't the slightest clue there even was an HOA bc of the lack of signs or just anything there. Everyone was super friendly asking me how they were biting and what I was using and their fishing stories then this lady pops up. Its an absolute joke.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 3/9/2014 at 11:10 AM, dsidle61 said:I hear you man, to be honest until she approached me last month which was at least 8 months into me fishing there I hadn't the slightest clue there even was an HOA bc of the lack of signs or just anything there. Everyone was super friendly asking me how they were biting and what I was using and their fishing stories then this lady pops up. Its an absolute joke.
It really is ridiculous. I bet even if you lived there and paid HOA she would still be upset about you ruining her lake. You're just a straight hoodlum to her! LOL.
dsidle61 reply :
On 3/9/2014 at 11:13 AM, Pit Boss Rick said:It really is ridiculous. I bet even if you lived there and paid HOA she would still be upset about you ruining her lake. You're just a straight hoodlum to her! LOL.
funny bc there is a house for sale on the pond that my wife and I really like. we are in an apt about .1 miles away right now and are in the beginning of home searching and I wish I had the money to buy it just out of spite lol. Id go buy a nice little 5hp for the boat and show her what a motor actually is and make sure to buzz by her house in the middle of a good night fishing trip.
Jacob044 reply :
ds, that's a cool story and more common than you would think. I had the same issue here. The old lady next door came out to the side of the river where I was fishing and told me I couldn't fish here because it was for the home owners. I stated that, I am a home owner, BUT that wasn't good enough for her because I didn't have a house with direct access to the lake from my back yard. I actually live on a corner lot and that edge of the property belongs to the county. I really think old people are trippin on something. maybe they feel like they no longer have any authority and want to boss someone around to see if they can get away with it. By the way, NICE FISH.
MCS reply :
I hear you D and Rick HOA are a joke. This lady is just a kill joy and is probably mad you have a boat! So un slightly, how could you! Man we get crap from HOA because of my dog. The folks that complain about me who is responsible, leash, contain etc let their crap, run around etc. It does blow my mind, mind your business folks, if it isn't hurting you or another human then keep walking friends.
BassinLou reply :
On 3/9/2014 at 9:52 AM, OkeechobeeAngler said:Lou, is that part of the ciclid family ? I caught 5 dinks today on a 5in junebug senko.
Now that's good question Okeechoobee, I don't know. All I know, the reason I have that fish on the fish grip is because it does have some small sharp teeth.
BassinLou reply :
On 3/9/2014 at 11:00 AM, Pit Boss Rick said:Are those edible? Do they taste good?
I remember reading somewhere that they are edible. You can look them up on the FWC website, and they will tell you if you can eat them. However... fish from a canal?? 
SFL BassHunter reply :
No I won't eat anything from a canal. I was just curious.
BassinLou reply :
On 3/9/2014 at 9:15 PM, Pit Boss Rick said:No I won't eat anything from a canal. I was just curious.
Most exotics I have been told taste good. I personally have never tried one, but I have caught several for people. Oscars and mayan cichlids are well liked. Peacocks are said to taste good also, but I don't have the heart to catch one and give it to somebody to eat.
MCS reply :
On 3/9/2014 at 9:26 PM, BassinLou said:Most exotics I have been told taste good. I personally have never tried one, but I have caught several for people. Oscars and mayan cichlids are well liked. Peacocks are said to taste good also, but I don't have the heart to catch one and give it to somebody to eat.
Bet Martin would cook up a pea for ya Lou. I am curious how pea, and snakehead compares to other fish.
BassinLou reply :
On 3/9/2014 at 11:49 PM, MCS said:Bet Martin would cook up a pea for ya Lou. I am curious how pea, and snakehead compares to other fish.
Martin ?? Who's that...... LOL.. I have not heard from Martin in a while. I think he is out fishing today.
I also did forget to mention, how snakehead is another exotic that can be eaten.
BassinLou reply :
Here's a couple of bass I caught this late afternoon on the first day of Daylight Savings time.
fstr385 reply :
The GF and I went out today for the first time in a while. Went through a canal in boca since the time change messed up a farther trip planned and it wasn't very productive, so we went to our local margate canal system where it was a slow bite till I figured out to BBUUUUURRRRRNNNN. Fast!!! esp the flukes. ripping and jerking we were getting em one after another. Seen a few bedding bass still to and got to ****** a small male off one. nothing big but we got a lot in the 2-3lbs range.
AK-Jax86 reply :
Weekends biggest bass
Weekends biggest catch
BassinLou reply :
On 3/10/2014 at 7:53 AM, fstr385 said:The GF and I went out today for the first time in a while. Went through a canal in boca since the time change messed up a farther trip planned and it wasn't very productive, so we went to our local margate canal system where it was a slow bite till I figured out to BBUUUUURRRRRNNNN. Fast!!! esp the flukes. ripping and jerking we were getting em one after another. Seen a few bedding bass still to and got to ****** a small male off one. nothing big but we got a lot in the 2-3lbs range.
FSTR, good to see and hear from you again buddy. It's been a while.
00 mod reply :
On 3/10/2014 at 8:10 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Weekends biggest bass
Weekends biggest catch
Holy cow! Hog! What did that one weight?
Jeff
fstr385 reply :
On 3/10/2014 at 8:22 AM, BassinLou said:FSTR, good to see and hear from you again buddy. It's been a while.
how ya been?!
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
Nope. No fish down here eating traps ripped out of deep grass....
00 mod reply :
Ahhh, I love Florida! O to be back someday!!!
Jeff
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 3/10/2014 at 8:48 AM, 00 mod said:Holy cow! Hog! What did that one weight?
Jeff
I wasn't with him when he caught the bass, I was there for the carp though. He was fishing for catfish with his little boys and wife and threw on a crank and caught that beast 2 feet off shore. His old PB was 13 and some change and he said this one was definitely in the 14+ range. He said he's got an ancient spring scale that he has in his kids tackle box and that thing maxes out at 14, when he put the fish on it bottomed the scale out (I was like what kind of scale only goes to 14lb must be old as hell and definitely not made by a company that is located where big fish reside lol). Too bad for him because if he had a proper scale that beast would have qualified him for the Florida Trophy Catch Program in the Hall of Fame Club (13lb+ fish).
That was on Saturday and he took me there on Sunday and when he hooked the carp he thought he had that bass' mother lol until he got a look at the carp close to shore. Didn't weigh the carp we should have because I have my scale, not no ancient 14lb max junk mine goes to 50 lol, after he let it go I was like man we should have weighed that I'm curious to see how big it was.
Heading back out there next weekend trying to get that bass again.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 3/10/2014 at 8:44 PM, 00 mod said:Ahhh, I love Florida! O to be back someday!!!
Jeff
This is a pic of it on the ground
And this was his old PB 13 and some change
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Nice bass for sure.
BassObsessed reply :
Nice hawg!
JaxBasser reply :
On 3/10/2014 at 8:10 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Weekends biggest bass
Weekends biggest catch
He text me that pic and my jaw dropped, beast of a fish.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 3/11/2014 at 6:51 AM, JaxBasser said:He text me that pic and my jaw dropped, beast of a fish.
Yea man me too I was carrying my half of the boat when I got that pic lol, me and dsidle were shocked. Me and bass czar went with Dave on Sunday to the scene of the crime but we didn't have any luck at that spot caught a few at other ponds though.
MCS reply :
http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/aa3caf
CentralFloridaBass reply :
Here the link to the big bass my brother caught a few days ago if anybody is interested in watching it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5rI4ceAbZ8
dsidle61 reply :
On 3/11/2014 at 10:06 PM, MCS said:http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/aa3caf
Are you just rubbing it in bc I asked about this a week ago and found out I can't get on it lol monster fish especially in a 8 day period!
MCS reply :
On 3/11/2014 at 11:39 PM, dsidle61 said:Are you just rubbing it in bc I asked about this a week ago and found out I can't get on it lol monster fish especially in a 8 day period!
They have vaca house rentals. You can rent a house for the week. I would poke around a little more and see, inquire around about camping. i go in april, I doubt there will be fish like this spawning let alone the campsite area but will keep you posted. You been following the thread? The fish are typically deeeep like 20-25 feet. I was talking to my cub scouts and couple of their parents grew up here and stayed/been numerous times. It is also a wildlife management preserve and like the thread mentions a couple ponds can be accessed from the opposite side of the WM area.
MCS reply :
Awesome spot y'all have. You can start a guide service to your "little ditch" lol keep up the vids, nice work finding the spot, catching fish and filming.On 3/11/2014 at 11:08 PM, CentralFloridaBass said:Here the link to the big bass my brother caught a few days ago if anybody is interested in watching it.
BassinLou reply :
On 3/11/2014 at 11:08 PM, CentralFloridaBass said:Here the link to the big bass my brother caught a few days ago if anybody is interested in watching it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5rI4ceAbZ8
Cool video CentralFLBass. It was a special fish with your family.
CentralFloridaBass reply :
Lol yeah my dad was definitely excited.
Michaelt1987 reply :
I went out this morning and caught 14. Nothing like what central has been catching but still fun. Found a small creek I fished down for 3 hours. Got thirsty and hot or I would of kept going. Caught the red rat snake trying to get some sun. Just glad I didn't find any other kind of snake out.
Michaelt1987 reply :
Here's another that it wouldn't let me upload earlier.
MCS reply :
Dang bud you had a good day. See you got to exploring. What were you catching em on?
Michaelt1987 reply :
Baby brush hog in watermelon seed with a light weight. It was too pretty not to go today, I'm thinking about going back out later closer to home.
Ltrain reply :
Just got back from my trip to Jupiter. I met up with WPerry at a tackle shop and chatted over iced tea. It's too bad I didn't get a chance to get out with you Bill.
I took a guide trip over to Stick Marsh. Wow what an amazing fishery! Nailed a bunch of quality fish. I need to go back there!
I also did some exploring on my own while in Jupiter. Took a ride over to Hungrylands in West Jupiter. Fishing was tough for me. I was mainly fishing large Swimbaits. After a while of some misses and curious but not eating fish, my patience was finally rewarded. I didn't weigh her but she was a monster by my NJ standards. You can speculate yourselves. Just for reference, I got her on a 22nd Century Nezumma Rat (Lure body is double jointed and 3oz. 5.5" body and another 4-5" tail - Rod in background is a Dobyns 795ML w/ a Lexa 300)
I gotta say you guys in Florida have amazing waters. I'm jealous. There is potential for a quality fish anywhere. Hope to be back soon. Thanks to all for your tips!
Bonus pic of a Talapia I got on a 6" S waver. Definitely a "I don't understand?" moment for me.
MCS reply :
Nice fish LTrain glad u had a good trip here in fl. How do you like the lexa 300 it is one on my list for a new inshore reel next winter? Always thinking ahead your the first person I seen that has one.
CentralFloridaBass reply :
Nice fish guys, I definitely wanna try throwing some brush hogs and see how they do in these ponds over here. My brother and I caught a few today with him having the biggest one of about 5 pounds at least. It was a nice chunky healthy fish. He caught it on Stanley Ribbit top toad. I will attach video in a few days when it is edited.
Ltrain reply :
On 3/12/2014 at 7:46 AM, MCS said:Nice fish LTrain glad u had a good trip here in fl. How do you like the lexa 300 it is one on my list for a new inshore reel next winter? Always thinking ahead
The Lexa 300 is a solid reel for the money. I have not used it on salt but I know a number of people that do on the west coast for Calico bass. It handles big LM bass with ease and the stock drag is great. I upgraded to some Boca ceramic bearings and its casts very well.
I would guess it would be a great reel for snook and the like. I would definitely recommend it. Its hard to beat for its price point IMO. It also comes in a Power handle configuration if you need that option.
dsidle61 reply :
On 3/12/2014 at 9:24 AM, CentralFloridaBass said:Nice fish guys, I definitely wanna try throwing some brush hogs and see how they do in these ponds over here. My brother and I caught a few today with him having the biggest one of about 5 pounds at least. It was a nice chunky healthy fish. He caught it on Stanley Ribbit top toad. I will attach video in a few days when it is edited.
Im very jealous of you frog luck you've been having. We cant get a consistent bite up here. I missed one last weekend night fishing and other than that its been more than a month since ive caught anything on the frog......its coming soon though. Maybe end of april/may then it will be game on.
MCS reply :
On 3/12/2014 at 9:34 AM, Ltrain said:The Lexa 300 is a solid reel for the money. I have not used it on salt but I know a number of people that do on the west coast for Calico bass. It handles big LM bass with ease and the stock drag is great. I upgraded to some Boca ceramic bearings and its casts very well.
I would guess it would be a great reel for snook and the like. I would definitely recommend it. Its hard to beat for its price point IMO. It also comes in a Power handle configuration if you need that option.
Thanks for the info, appreciate it. Sounds like a stout reel.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 3/12/2014 at 9:24 AM, CentralFloridaBass said:Nice fish guys, I definitely wanna try throwing some brush hogs and see how they do in these ponds over here. My brother and I caught a few today with him having the biggest one of about 5 pounds at least. It was a nice chunky healthy fish. He caught it on Stanley Ribbit top toad. I will attach video in a few days when it is edited.
GOPR0014.jpg GOPR0017.jpg
Man I can't wait to get here Thursday thanks again for putting me on your spot while I'm in Orlando (can't wait to get some frog action) watch none of the fish will bite for me when I'm there because you and your brother are catching them all!!!
I will have my gopro running!
BassObsessed reply :
Save some for me when I get there ! lol.
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 3/12/2014 at 10:19 AM, BassObsessed said:Save some for me when I get there ! lol.
Lol you said you and your wife are coming to Orlando the last week in March right?
SFL BassHunter reply :
Out in Orlando tried out Turkey Lake and it turned out to be a good fishery. Caught 5 bass, lost 2 in about 3 hours, they were hitting stick baits. Used up all my senko's. They sure do fall apart in cover rather quick. I had one Bass chomp down on one and eat half. I used another stick bait and got similar results. Two different colors. Then I tried the Boyd Duckett night crawlers and got 2 on those.
BUT I snapped my medium rod. Epic fail. Lots of cover and I was eating crap lol.
Well still had a great time! The rod was free anyways, but it has been my go to rod so I need to go get me something similar, hopefully a bit sturdier.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 3/12/2014 at 9:55 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Man I can't wait to get here Thursday thanks again for putting me on your spot while I'm in Orlando (can't wait to get some frog action) watch none of the fish will bite for me when I'm there because you and your brother are catching them all!!!
I will have my gopro running!
I tried frogs on Toho and Turkey Lake, 0 bites. Switched to senko and caught the ones I just posted.
JaxBasser reply :
Got this one today. Not huge but a lot better than what I've been catching lately.
BassObsessed reply :
On 3/12/2014 at 10:40 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Lol you said you and your wife are coming to Orlando the last week in March right?
Yes, we will be there from the 23rd till the 30th.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 3/12/2014 at 11:13 AM, BassObsessed said:Yes, we will be there from the 23rd till the 30th.
I don't know how many large bass there are in Turkey Lake but I know there are numbers. I did spot a large one roaming.
One thing they do is rent out some pretty good jon boats thursdays through sundays. Full days I think for less than 40 bucks. They come with outboard and trolling motor. They have 5 and from what I read they only allow those 5 boats on the lake for fishing. All other fishing pressure comes from the bank and they do tell you Bass are catch and release.
Just in case you need another fishing spot to add to your trip.
BassObsessed reply :
I appreciate the info. As Iv'e heard a big one can be lurking anywhere.
CentralFloridaBass reply :
Caught 3 today on a spinnerbait with the biggest being about 3 pounds. My brother caught 4 on a huddleston with the biggest being about 3 pounds also. What pther baits are you guys catching them on?
SFL BassHunter reply :
Well guys I don't think I will be having much of a problem getting to the fish now! I went ahead and got me an Intex Seahawk 4 Inflatable. I'm excited about it mostly because its only 129 bucks, even though in total I've spent more. The trolling motor is 200 and all the other nice additions will rack up to a bit more. But in reality all those other things including the motor, battery, charger are things I can use in the future for my next vessel. The trolling motor is a Newport Vessel 55lb thrust rated for salt and freshwater. Till I can get something something decent like a jon boat or better, I hope to get out on the water with this!
BassinLou reply :
Congrats Pitboss!! Enjoy!! Fishing for you will definitely, be different now.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Anyone know if I need to register it with the DMV?
The Guy reply :
If you are running a trolling motor on it then you will need to register it
SFL BassHunter reply :
K thanks!
Rovingmutt reply :
Went with my son(joe), down to alligator alley today and fished mm 35 north side from 9.30 to 5.00, never been down there to fish before, had a slow start, so i started using everything i could to find something they wanted, my 1st bite was on a silver rattle trap, then a kvd crankbait 1.0, then nothing, started throwing worms etc, into the grass started getting fish, a watermelon senco did the trick for us, we didn't get as many as i hoped for only 13, most were small but a few around 13" and 2 at 15", we lost about 12 in the weeds, the most excitement came when joe hooked his 1st snakehead(look like one) about 15", put up great fight, when we got it to the side of the boat, i thought what do i do with this??, so when i went to get the jaw grip, it got off.
overall a pretty good day, but next time i will bring my gas boat motor, my trolling motor was not enough to get very far up the canal.
thanks to BassinLou. who help me plan this out.
SFL BassHunter reply :
How about how far did the trolling motor get you? How much thrust? How heavy is your boat?
BassinLou reply :
On 3/16/2014 at 9:34 AM, Rovingmutt said:Went with my son(joe), down to alligator alley today and fished mm 35 north side from 9.30 to 5.00, never been down there to fish before, had a slow start, so i started using everything i could to find something they wanted, my 1st bite was on a silver rattle trap, then a kvd crankbait 1.0, then nothing, started throwing worms etc, into the grass started getting fish, a watermelon senco did the trick for us, we didn't get as many as i hoped for only 13, most were small but a few around 13" and 2 at 15", we lost about 12 in the weeds, the most excitement came when joe hooked his 1st snakehead(look like one) about 15", put up great fight, when we got it to the side of the boat, i thought what do i do with this??, so when i went to get the jaw grip, it got off.
overall a pretty good day, but next time i will bring my gas boat motor, my trolling motor was not enough to get very far up the canal.
thanks to BassinLou. who help me plan this out.
Mutt, sorry your day was not has productive as we planned for. Conditions were tough today. Bluebird skies for the majority of the morning until some clouds showed up in the afternoon. Also full moon. Sometimes the days we pick are the same days the fish decide to take off.
BassinLou reply :
I also went out today. I went out with my BIL from 9am - 6:30pm . We started a little farther than Mutt did. We went up to the Holeylands. We fished there from 9am to 12. Fishing was SLOOOW. We boated only 5 fish heaviest going for 1.5lbs. All on spinnerbait. After that we picked up and launched on US 27. We fished there from 12:30 - 6:30pm. The fishing there was night and day. We boated an additional 28 fish which is still low, however the quality was much better. The weights ranged from 1lbrs, several 2-2.5lbrs, a couple of 3's and one 5.5lbr. The best part for us was that all our catches from there were on top water frog. The hits were unbelievable. So the totals for today were 33 boated fish and countless more misses and fish throwing the hook.
Here are some pics.
^^^^^ the majority of the fish were running this size ^^^^^
Rovingmutt reply :
On 3/16/2014 at 9:40 AM, BassinLou said:Mutt, sorry your day was not has productive as we planned for. Conditions were tough today. Bluebird skies for the majority of the morning until some clouds showed up in the afternoon. Also full moon. Sometimes the days we pick are the same days the fish decide to take off.
Lou, we had a pretty good day, my last 2 times out i got skunked so 13 is a good improvement.
BassinLou reply :
On 3/16/2014 at 9:54 AM, Rovingmutt said:Lou, we had a pretty good day, my last 2 times out i got skunked so 13 is a good improvement.
That's true Mutt. That spot I put you on today, last week same time, you would have quadrupled today's number. Today was not an easy day unfortunately. I guess that's why they call it fishing. Sounds like you both had a good time, and that was the main goal.
Rovingmutt reply :
On 3/16/2014 at 9:54 AM, BassinLou said:I also went out today. I went out with my BIL from 9am - 6:30pm . We started a little farther than Mutt did. We went up to the Holeylands. We fished there from 9am to 12. Fishing was SLOOOW. We boated only 5 fish heaviest going for 1.5lbs. All on spinnerbait. After that we picked up and launched on US 27. We fished there from 12:30 - 6:30pm. The fishing there was night and day. We boated an additional 28 fish which is still low, however the quality was much better. The weights ranged from 1lbrs, several 2-2.5lbrs, a couple of 3's and one 5.5lbr. The best part for us was that all our catches from there were on top water frog. The hits were unbelievable. So the totals for today were 33 boated fish and countless more misses and fish throwing the hook.
Here are some pics.
5.5 lbr
^^^^^ the majority of the fish were running this size ^^^^^
oh man, I almost text-ed you today for some advice, if i would of heard about all the frog fishin fun i would have camped out on 27 lol, glad you were able to find them.
dsidle61 reply :
On 3/16/2014 at 9:39 AM, Pit Boss Rick said:How about how far did the trolling motor get you? How much thrust? How heavy is your boat?
As far as registering your boat, only if it has a VIN number (just like a car) do you need to register it. If it doesn't theres no way for them to know the different between your raft and the next one. As far as your trolling motor, id have told you to go smaller but since you got the big guy might as well stick to it. I have a 30lb thrust on a 10 ft jon boat and it pushed me and a passenger perfectly fine. I can go a whole day without coming close to draining the battery, with yours im not sure bc obviously youll use more for that bigger motor but my guess you can easily get 8 hrs out of it as long as your aren't burning around in 5 all day.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 3/16/2014 at 11:17 AM, dsidle61 said:As far as registering your boat, only if it has a VIN number (just like a car) do you need to register it. If it doesn't theres no way for them to know the different between your raft and the next one. As far as your trolling motor, id have told you to go smaller but since you got the big guy might as well stick to it. I have a 30lb thrust on a 10 ft jon boat and it pushed me and a passenger perfectly fine. I can go a whole day without coming close to draining the battery, with yours im not sure bc obviously youll use more for that bigger motor but my guess you can easily get 8 hrs out of it as long as your aren't burning around in 5 all day.
Yeah I had some folks tell me to go smaller but it was just a combo of things that got me.
The price was 200 for a saltwater rated motor, that really drove it home for me. It has a battery meter, it's something I can put on a bigger boat when I get one, and I figure I won't be running it on full speed most of the time anyways. It will be more for moving locations at a decent rate without having to get a really expensive outboard.
I plan on having an extra battery on board anyways, just in case.
bass Czar reply :
hello guys! just a few fish from the last 2 weeks of fishing, Ak and I went out yesterday evening an had a good finish
BassinLou reply :
On 3/16/2014 at 10:40 AM, Rovingmutt said:oh man, I almost text-ed you today for some advice, if i would of heard about all the frog fishin fun i would have camped out on 27 lol, glad you were able to find them.
Why didn't you txt me!!! I would have been able to give you live up to date pointers. I have fished MM35 with yesterday's conditions many a time, I could have helped you put maybe a few more in the boat. Next time... Mutt 
BassinLou reply :
On 3/16/2014 at 9:25 PM, bass Czar said:hello guys! just a few fish from the last 2 weeks of fishing, Ak and I went out yesterday evening an had a good finish
Nice fish Czar, good to see you around.
dsidle61 reply :
On 3/16/2014 at 8:39 PM, Pit Boss Rick said:Yeah I had some folks tell me to go smaller but it was just a combo of things that got me.
The price was 200 for a saltwater rated motor, that really drove it home for me. It has a battery meter, it's something I can put on a bigger boat when I get one, and I figure I won't be running it on full speed most of the time anyways. It will be more for moving locations at a decent rate without having to get a really expensive outboard.
I plan on having an extra battery on board anyways, just in case.
I missed the saltwater part in your original post, in that case yes you definitely made a good buy. Make sure you check the weight restrictions on your raft. Those batteries run 50-60 lbs each so if you plan on carrying an extra make sure to distribute the weight evenly (maybe put the spare battery up front).
SFL BassHunter reply :
Yup the weight limit is 1000 lbs which should be plenty for 2 people and all my gear.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
How's everyone doing ? Bite has been good here lately.
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