need advice on bass fishing in florida
12-06-2006, 06:44 AM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 2,568
need advice on bass fishing in florida
My wife and I want to go to florida bass fishing sometime in February. Back many years ago, I use to fish Lake Jackson and Talquin in the Tallahassee area but I would like to go to central florida at least and take a shot at some of the monster bass. I don't have a clue where to go or stay and I'm not really into guides, rather figure it out myself. Anyone got any suggetions for fishing and a place to stay? We'll be taking our bass boat.
12-07-2006, 02:29 AM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Lake County, Florida
Posts: 3,313
RE: need advice on bass fishing in florida
come down to central florida and fish the harris chain. if you are interested "pm" me your questions and i can answer any of them. i live 10 minutes from these chain of lakes. also, Bassmasters do a yearly tourney out of here aswell.
12-07-2006, 04:00 AM
#3
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 25,116
RE: need advice on bass fishing in florida
I also live and fishin central Florida weekly. Our spawn is ususally between Feb. and April. Most folks go to Lake Okcachobee when lookn gfor huge bass. It's a large shallow lake. Locally...I would fish Lake Kissemmee if I had a bass boat.
Also Lake Iskapoka is good.
Here;s a few more.
Florida's Top 10 Black Bass Lakes For 2003
Compiled by: Wes Porak and Holly Alred
Largemouth bass are found in almost every freshwater body of water in Florida. With more than 7,500 lakes available, anglers sometimes face a tough decision about where to fish. The following list of Top 10 Bass Lakes aims to help anglers find a quality place to catch trophy bass. For more information on Florida’s freshwater fishing opportunities and fishing forecasts visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC’s) Web site at Fishing Sites/Forecasts and for basic fishing tips click here. (NOTE: The links to the lakes and rivers below will take you to their current forecast).
These Florida lakes (in no specific order) have been selected by FWC fisheries biologists as top bass fishing destinations for 2003.
LAKE GEORGE
Lake George is one of the premier bass fishing lakes in central Florida. It is the second largest lake in the state (46,000 acres), and is 18 miles northwest of Deland and 29 miles east of Ocala.
Lake George is one of the many natural lakes on the St. John’s River. It has extensive vegetation that provides excellent habitat for bass. Wade fishing in eelgrass, with plastic worms fished on the surface, and other topwater artificial lures are productive. Fishing with shiners is an excellent method for catching trophy bass during the spring spawning season.
Hot spots on the lake include Juniper, Salt and Silver Glen spring runs on the eastern shoreline. In winter and early spring, look for bass to congregate at the jetties on the south end of the lake. Additionally, casting deep diving crankbaits is productive near old dock structures along the northeast shore and off Drayton Island.
There are many fish camps and landings on the lake and the St. John’s River. There is one public boat ramp with limited parking on the south end of the lake off Blue Creek Lodge Road. A fishing pier is on the east side at the end of Nine Mile Point Road.
Due to low mercury levels in this lake, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and nursing mothers should follow EPA guidelines and eat no more than 8 ounces of bass in a week’s time. Children under age 10 should eat no more than 3 ounces of bass in a week’s time. All other are not advised to limit consumption of Largemouth bass.
STICK MARSH/FARM 13 RESERVOIR
Created in 1987, the Stick Marsh/Farm 13 Reservoir is synonymous with trophy bass fishing. This 6,500-acre reservoir near Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach, became one of the hottest bass lakes in the country during the past decade. FWC biologists predict a continuation of excellent bass fishing in the upcoming years. Electrofishing samples in the 2001 and 2002 indicated good reproduction and growth of bass in the reservoir. The winter/spring 2001 angler survey produced the highest total angler effort on record for largemouth bass since 1994. Anglers caught 65,943 largemouth of which 88% were reported greater than 14 inches in total length. An estimated 451 trophy bass (8lbs/24”) were caught and released during the four-month angler survey.
Anglers can locate bass throughout the reservoir among a variety of habitats including woody stump fields, submerged canals and hydrilla. Plastic worms, spinner baits, crank baits, soft-jerked baits, and topwater propeller baits are effective. Wild golden shiners are the top choice for anglers looking to catch a trophy fish.
Due to low mercury levels in this lake, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and nursing mothers should follow EPA guidelines and eat no more than 8 ounces of bass in a week’s time. Children under age 10 should eat no more than 3 ounces of bass in a week’s time. All other are not advised to limit consumption of Largemouth bass. NOTE: Since this lake is catch-and-release only the consumption advisory should have no impact on anglers.
The regulation for largemouth bass is catch and release. There is a two-lane boat ramp, paved parking lot, picnic pavilions and rest rooms. No gasoline, food, ice or other facilities are available on site. This area is part of the St. Johns Blue Cypress Management Unit, see here for a recreational map of that unit.
WEST LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA
Bordering the city of Kissimmee to the south, the 18,810-acre West Lake Tohopekaliga has long been a popular bass fishing lake for both recreational and tournament anglers. In recent years, both Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society (B.A.S.S.) and Forrest L. Wood (FLW) bass tournaments have been held out of the Kissimmee lakefront park. Winning weights are routinely in the 18-to 25- pound range. To date, the largest bass documented from the lake weighed 17.10 pounds.
Flipping plastic worms, crayfish and lizards in shoreline vegetation is a common technique among successful anglers. Casting Carolina- or Texas-rigged plastic worms, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits or top-water propeller baits in these areas are also popular methods. Anglers fishing live golden shiners account for some of the larger bass caught from the lake.
In Spring 2002, the FWC started conducting a lake drawdown to help remove bottom sediments and stimulate native vegetation. However, unusually high rains have postponed the drawdown. See news release for details.
Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake consumption of Largemouth bass should be limited by women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week.
For more information about the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes visit www.floridakiss.com.
RODMAN RESERVOIR
Rodman Reservoir, east of Gainesville and south of Palatka, covers 9,500 acres of prime largemouth bass habitat. Since its creation in 1968, Rodman Reservoir has been known for trophy largemouth bass. The state’s largest bass of 2000, 15 pounds and 17 pounds, came from the reservoir during March. Much of the largemouth bass fishery’s success is due to abundant habitat in the form of stumps and aquatic vegetation and periodic drawdowns. Strong year classes of largemouth bass are produced following drawdowns, which allow a higher percentage of fish to reach trophy sizes.
Largemouth bass are most active during the cooler months. Anglers targeting trophy largemouth bass use golden shiners, either floated under a cork or free-lined. Most big bass are caught in the pool area, known as the “stump fields,” along the river channel. However, many trophy bass come from the area between Cypress Bayou and Kenwood Landing, including Orange Springs. Successful anglers use artificial baits, such as deep-diving and lipless crank baits, spinner baits and soft plastics.
Access to Rodman is available to several locations. Among the most popular are Eureka east and west off C.R. 316, Rodman Recreational Area west of S.R.19 and Orange Springs Recreational Area, Cypress Bayou (Paynes Landing) and Kenwood Landing off S. R.315.
Due to low mercury levels in this lake, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and nursing mothers should follow EPA guidelines and eat no more than 8 ounces of bass in a week’s time. Children under age 10 should eat no more than 3 ounces of bass in a week’s time. All other are not advised to limit consumption of Largemouth bass.
LAKE TARPON
Lake Tarpon is a 2,500-acre lake near Tampa/St. Petersburg in Pinellas County. This lake has consistently produced high quality bass for years. Most fish range from 12 to 16 inches long however, quality and trophy fish are also present in good numbers. Biologists have observed anglers catching upwards of 20 fish with an occasional 10-pounder.
Anglers are most successful flipping or pitching plastic worms along canal and bulrush edges. Offshore bass fishing is productive for anglers who fish around ledges, humps, coontail, and eelgrass beds. Popular lures offshore include shad-imitating jigs, crankbaits, jerkbaits and topwater baits. Fishing wild shiners and live shad is also effective.
There are two public boat ramps within county parks. Anderson Park boat ramp is on the west shore, off U.S. 19. Chestnut Park boat ramp is on the east side of the lake, off C.R. 611. Some bank access is available in both parks. Boardwalks and piers serve as excellent fishing locations.
Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake consumption of Largemouth bass should be limited by women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week.
LAKE WEOHYAKAPKA
Lake Weohyakapka, commonly known as Lake Walk –in-Water, is a 7,532-acre lake, off S.R. 60 south of Orlando, east of Lake Wales. The lake has a national reputation as an outstanding spot to catch largemouth bass. Anglers frequently catch up to 25 bass a day with several ranging from four to eight pounds. Weohyakapka also produces many trophy bass exceeding 10 pounds each year. Last year, Walk-in-Water anglers entered 130 bass with a qualifying weight of eight pounds in the FWC’s Big Catch Program. A 15- to 24-inch slot limit regulation with a three-bass daily bag limit is in place to help maintain quality bass fishing. Anglers may keep three bass per day, either under or over the protected slot range, of which only one bass greater than or equal to 24 inches is allowed.
The best technique to catch trophy bass is to drift live wild shiners over hydrilla beds in the northern half of the lake. Hydrilla can pop up anywhere in the lake, so time spent looking for smaller, lesser known pockets may be rewarding. Jerkbaits, lipless rattling crankbaits, and plastic worms also produce bass in the offshore hydrilla. Topwater lures are productive, particularly chuggers or walk-the-dog type baits. Although topwater baits catch fish throughout the year, summer months offer the best action when schools of bass roam deep-water areas. Flipping soft plastic baits in the bulrush and behind cattails in the northern and eastern areas of the lake also works well January through March. This technique is effective for smaller bass, but the larger females spend the majority of the year in offshore hydrilla.
A public ramp is located on Boat Landing Road, which runs east off of Walk-in-the-Water Road. There is little access for bank fishing.
Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake consumption of Largemouth bass should be limited by women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week.
LAKE ISTOKPOGA
Bass anglers who fish the Kissimmee Chain of lakes to the north and Lake Okeechobee to the south often overlook 28,000-acre Lake Istokpoga. Situated in Highlands County between U.S. 27 and U.S. 98 south of Sebring, Istokpoga is the fifth largest natural lake in Florida. Anglers frequently catch bass up to eight pounds, with some between 10 and 13 pounds. An angler caught a 16-pound bass in March 1998.
Bass fishing is excellent throughout the year. From January through April, bass spawn in bulrush and other vegetation along shallow-water areas enhanced during the 2001 drawdown and around the lake’s two islands (Big Island and Bumblebee Island). Flipping soft plastics in bulrush patches and in pockets of submerged vegetation can be productive during the winter. In spring and summer, topwater lures and jerkbaits worked over the top of hydrilla and pondweed in the south half of the lake are often successful. Weedless spoons tipped with grub tails and spinnerbaits fished over pondweed south of Bumblebee Island are deadly on bass during early morning. Rattling lures (silver, gold, and “Tennessee Shad” are excellent colors) also can be effective during summer and fall as baitfish school in open water areas along the north end of the lake. A live shiner fished a few feet under a popping cork is the most reliable bait for catching trophy bass.
Lake Istokpoga has a 15- to 24-inch slot limit for bass with a three fish daily bag limit, of which only one bass may be 24 inches or longer. All residents between 16 and 65 years of age and all non-residents are required to have a fishing license.
Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake consumption of Largemouth bass should be limited by women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week.
Several fish camps and four public boat ramps provide access to the lake. For more information about lodging and other amenities around Lake Istokpoga, contact the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce at (863) 385-8448.
EVERGLADES WATER CONSERVATION AREAS 2 AND 3
Everglades Water Conservation Areas are marshlands bordered by canals. Areas 2 has 210 square miles of marsh, and Area 3 contains 730 square miles of marsh., and Area 3 contains 30 square miles of marsh. Originally designed for flood control and water supply, the area provides some of the best bass fishing in the country.
The best fishing usually occurs in the spring when dropping water levels concentrate fish in the canals. April is the peak month with angler catch rates as high a 4.1 bass per hour in the L-67A Canal.
Most anglers fish in the canals. Anglers work edges with plastic worms and minnow imitations. Flipping into the vegetation is also a popular technique. During high water, anglers will often enter the marsh areas where bass can be found in the open slough areas. The L-67A Canal has trails off of it specifically cut to provide boats access to marsh areas.
The L-67A and L-35B are two popular canals in the area for fishing. The L-67A Canal has access at the north end at Holiday Park, off U.S. 27, where camping and boat rentals are available.
At the south end, it can be accessed at the S-333 water control structure off Tamiami Trail (S.R. 41). The L-35B Canal access is at Sawgrass Recreation Area, off of U.S. 27 and has boat rentals. Boat ramps are available at all three sites.
Mercury health advisories follow current length limits established for largemouth bass caught in the water conservation areas with recommendations made based on bass length. For Largemouth bass less than 14 inches women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. Others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week. No one should consume Largemouth bass greater than 14 inches in length.
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
Lake Okeechobee is consistently one of Florida’s top producing bass lakes and is one of the best lakes in the country for bass fishing. Situated in south central Florida, the “Big O” covers 730 square miles and is easily accessible from Florida’s east and west coast. FWC biologists are expecting a tremendous year class for this lake this year.
The lake increased to 16 feet, early in 2003, due to above average rainfall in the upper lakes. Due to the drought in 2001, the lake has experienced positive changes in vegetation.
Anglers are routinely catching “Big Bass” weighing 10 to 12 pounds. The lake record is 15 pounds, 5 ounces. Lake Okeechobee is currently averaging 500 tournaments a year. Anglers do well fishing in bulrush near Eagle Bay Island, Little Grassy Island and King’s Bar at the north end of the lake. At the south end, anglers are effective fishing in eelgrass in the South Bay area. The largest bass are caught using live golden shiners and casting into, or along edges of, vegetation. Plastic worms and spinner baits are often productive. Casting lures near vegetation often produces the largest numbers of bass.
Lake Okeechobee has a 13- to 18-inch slot limit on bass, meaning all bass between 13 and 18 inches must be released unharmed.
Sixteen boat ramps and numerous fish camps surround the lake. For more information contact the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce at (941) 983-7979 or the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce at (941) 763-6464.
Due to low mercury levels in this lake, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and nursing mothers should follow EPA guidelines and eat no more than 8 ounces of bass in a week’s time. Children under age 10 should eat no more than 3 ounces of bass in a week’s time. All other are not advised to limit consumption of Largemouth bass.
CRESCENT LAKE
This 15,725 acre lake borders the east side of Crescent City on the Putnam/Flagler county line. Crescent Lake flows into the St. Johns River via Dunns Creek on its north end. Past electrofishing samples for largemouth bass revealed one of the highest catch-per-unit-efforts recorded for areas on the St. John’s River. Largemouth bass up to twenty inches long were well represented in the sample and good numbers of larger fish (8 lb +) were collected.
Fall/early winter fishing tends to be best near deep water structures such as dock pilings. Good artificial baits include plastic worms, spinner baits and crank baits. Live golden shiners are always a popular bait.
Several fish camps provide access to the lake on the western and southern shorelines. A public boat ramp is located near downtown Crescent City one block east of U. S. Highway 17 and another is located on the northeast shore off State Road 20/100. Bank access is limited to these facilities.
Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake consumption of Largemouth bass should be limited by women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week.
[hr]
NOTE: For more information about these lakes, contact the following FWC biologists:
Lake George and Crescent Lake – Joe Jenkins (386) 985-7880
Lakes Weohyakapka and Tarpon – Tim Coughlin (863) 648-3202
Farm 13/Stick Marsh Reservoir – Bob Eisenhauer (407) 752-3115
Rodman Reservoir – Eric Nagid (352) 392-9617
Lake Istokpoga – Beacham Furse (863) 462-5190
West Lake Tohopekaliga – Marty Mann (407) 846-5300
Everglades Water Conservation Areas 2 and 3 – Jon Fury (561) 625-5122
Lake Okeechobee – Dan McCall (863) 462-5190
GO FISHING!
Also Lake Iskapoka is good.
Here;s a few more.
Florida's Top 10 Black Bass Lakes For 2003
Compiled by: Wes Porak and Holly Alred
Largemouth bass are found in almost every freshwater body of water in Florida. With more than 7,500 lakes available, anglers sometimes face a tough decision about where to fish. The following list of Top 10 Bass Lakes aims to help anglers find a quality place to catch trophy bass. For more information on Florida’s freshwater fishing opportunities and fishing forecasts visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC’s) Web site at Fishing Sites/Forecasts and for basic fishing tips click here. (NOTE: The links to the lakes and rivers below will take you to their current forecast).
These Florida lakes (in no specific order) have been selected by FWC fisheries biologists as top bass fishing destinations for 2003.
LAKE GEORGE
Lake George is one of the premier bass fishing lakes in central Florida. It is the second largest lake in the state (46,000 acres), and is 18 miles northwest of Deland and 29 miles east of Ocala.
Lake George is one of the many natural lakes on the St. John’s River. It has extensive vegetation that provides excellent habitat for bass. Wade fishing in eelgrass, with plastic worms fished on the surface, and other topwater artificial lures are productive. Fishing with shiners is an excellent method for catching trophy bass during the spring spawning season.
Hot spots on the lake include Juniper, Salt and Silver Glen spring runs on the eastern shoreline. In winter and early spring, look for bass to congregate at the jetties on the south end of the lake. Additionally, casting deep diving crankbaits is productive near old dock structures along the northeast shore and off Drayton Island.
There are many fish camps and landings on the lake and the St. John’s River. There is one public boat ramp with limited parking on the south end of the lake off Blue Creek Lodge Road. A fishing pier is on the east side at the end of Nine Mile Point Road.
Due to low mercury levels in this lake, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and nursing mothers should follow EPA guidelines and eat no more than 8 ounces of bass in a week’s time. Children under age 10 should eat no more than 3 ounces of bass in a week’s time. All other are not advised to limit consumption of Largemouth bass.
STICK MARSH/FARM 13 RESERVOIR
Created in 1987, the Stick Marsh/Farm 13 Reservoir is synonymous with trophy bass fishing. This 6,500-acre reservoir near Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach, became one of the hottest bass lakes in the country during the past decade. FWC biologists predict a continuation of excellent bass fishing in the upcoming years. Electrofishing samples in the 2001 and 2002 indicated good reproduction and growth of bass in the reservoir. The winter/spring 2001 angler survey produced the highest total angler effort on record for largemouth bass since 1994. Anglers caught 65,943 largemouth of which 88% were reported greater than 14 inches in total length. An estimated 451 trophy bass (8lbs/24”) were caught and released during the four-month angler survey.Anglers can locate bass throughout the reservoir among a variety of habitats including woody stump fields, submerged canals and hydrilla. Plastic worms, spinner baits, crank baits, soft-jerked baits, and topwater propeller baits are effective. Wild golden shiners are the top choice for anglers looking to catch a trophy fish.
Due to low mercury levels in this lake, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and nursing mothers should follow EPA guidelines and eat no more than 8 ounces of bass in a week’s time. Children under age 10 should eat no more than 3 ounces of bass in a week’s time. All other are not advised to limit consumption of Largemouth bass. NOTE: Since this lake is catch-and-release only the consumption advisory should have no impact on anglers.
The regulation for largemouth bass is catch and release. There is a two-lane boat ramp, paved parking lot, picnic pavilions and rest rooms. No gasoline, food, ice or other facilities are available on site. This area is part of the St. Johns Blue Cypress Management Unit, see here for a recreational map of that unit.
WEST LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA
Bordering the city of Kissimmee to the south, the 18,810-acre West Lake Tohopekaliga has long been a popular bass fishing lake for both recreational and tournament anglers. In recent years, both Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society (B.A.S.S.) and Forrest L. Wood (FLW) bass tournaments have been held out of the Kissimmee lakefront park. Winning weights are routinely in the 18-to 25- pound range. To date, the largest bass documented from the lake weighed 17.10 pounds.
Flipping plastic worms, crayfish and lizards in shoreline vegetation is a common technique among successful anglers. Casting Carolina- or Texas-rigged plastic worms, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits or top-water propeller baits in these areas are also popular methods. Anglers fishing live golden shiners account for some of the larger bass caught from the lake.
In Spring 2002, the FWC started conducting a lake drawdown to help remove bottom sediments and stimulate native vegetation. However, unusually high rains have postponed the drawdown. See news release for details.
Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake consumption of Largemouth bass should be limited by women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week.
For more information about the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes visit www.floridakiss.com.
RODMAN RESERVOIR
Rodman Reservoir, east of Gainesville and south of Palatka, covers 9,500 acres of prime largemouth bass habitat. Since its creation in 1968, Rodman Reservoir has been known for trophy largemouth bass. The state’s largest bass of 2000, 15 pounds and 17 pounds, came from the reservoir during March. Much of the largemouth bass fishery’s success is due to abundant habitat in the form of stumps and aquatic vegetation and periodic drawdowns. Strong year classes of largemouth bass are produced following drawdowns, which allow a higher percentage of fish to reach trophy sizes.
Largemouth bass are most active during the cooler months. Anglers targeting trophy largemouth bass use golden shiners, either floated under a cork or free-lined. Most big bass are caught in the pool area, known as the “stump fields,” along the river channel. However, many trophy bass come from the area between Cypress Bayou and Kenwood Landing, including Orange Springs. Successful anglers use artificial baits, such as deep-diving and lipless crank baits, spinner baits and soft plastics.
Access to Rodman is available to several locations. Among the most popular are Eureka east and west off C.R. 316, Rodman Recreational Area west of S.R.19 and Orange Springs Recreational Area, Cypress Bayou (Paynes Landing) and Kenwood Landing off S. R.315.
Due to low mercury levels in this lake, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and nursing mothers should follow EPA guidelines and eat no more than 8 ounces of bass in a week’s time. Children under age 10 should eat no more than 3 ounces of bass in a week’s time. All other are not advised to limit consumption of Largemouth bass.
LAKE TARPON
Lake Tarpon is a 2,500-acre lake near Tampa/St. Petersburg in Pinellas County. This lake has consistently produced high quality bass for years. Most fish range from 12 to 16 inches long however, quality and trophy fish are also present in good numbers. Biologists have observed anglers catching upwards of 20 fish with an occasional 10-pounder.
Anglers are most successful flipping or pitching plastic worms along canal and bulrush edges. Offshore bass fishing is productive for anglers who fish around ledges, humps, coontail, and eelgrass beds. Popular lures offshore include shad-imitating jigs, crankbaits, jerkbaits and topwater baits. Fishing wild shiners and live shad is also effective.
There are two public boat ramps within county parks. Anderson Park boat ramp is on the west shore, off U.S. 19. Chestnut Park boat ramp is on the east side of the lake, off C.R. 611. Some bank access is available in both parks. Boardwalks and piers serve as excellent fishing locations.
Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake consumption of Largemouth bass should be limited by women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week.
LAKE WEOHYAKAPKA
Lake Weohyakapka, commonly known as Lake Walk –in-Water, is a 7,532-acre lake, off S.R. 60 south of Orlando, east of Lake Wales. The lake has a national reputation as an outstanding spot to catch largemouth bass. Anglers frequently catch up to 25 bass a day with several ranging from four to eight pounds. Weohyakapka also produces many trophy bass exceeding 10 pounds each year. Last year, Walk-in-Water anglers entered 130 bass with a qualifying weight of eight pounds in the FWC’s Big Catch Program. A 15- to 24-inch slot limit regulation with a three-bass daily bag limit is in place to help maintain quality bass fishing. Anglers may keep three bass per day, either under or over the protected slot range, of which only one bass greater than or equal to 24 inches is allowed.
The best technique to catch trophy bass is to drift live wild shiners over hydrilla beds in the northern half of the lake. Hydrilla can pop up anywhere in the lake, so time spent looking for smaller, lesser known pockets may be rewarding. Jerkbaits, lipless rattling crankbaits, and plastic worms also produce bass in the offshore hydrilla. Topwater lures are productive, particularly chuggers or walk-the-dog type baits. Although topwater baits catch fish throughout the year, summer months offer the best action when schools of bass roam deep-water areas. Flipping soft plastic baits in the bulrush and behind cattails in the northern and eastern areas of the lake also works well January through March. This technique is effective for smaller bass, but the larger females spend the majority of the year in offshore hydrilla.
A public ramp is located on Boat Landing Road, which runs east off of Walk-in-the-Water Road. There is little access for bank fishing.
Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake consumption of Largemouth bass should be limited by women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week.
LAKE ISTOKPOGA
Bass anglers who fish the Kissimmee Chain of lakes to the north and Lake Okeechobee to the south often overlook 28,000-acre Lake Istokpoga. Situated in Highlands County between U.S. 27 and U.S. 98 south of Sebring, Istokpoga is the fifth largest natural lake in Florida. Anglers frequently catch bass up to eight pounds, with some between 10 and 13 pounds. An angler caught a 16-pound bass in March 1998.
Bass fishing is excellent throughout the year. From January through April, bass spawn in bulrush and other vegetation along shallow-water areas enhanced during the 2001 drawdown and around the lake’s two islands (Big Island and Bumblebee Island). Flipping soft plastics in bulrush patches and in pockets of submerged vegetation can be productive during the winter. In spring and summer, topwater lures and jerkbaits worked over the top of hydrilla and pondweed in the south half of the lake are often successful. Weedless spoons tipped with grub tails and spinnerbaits fished over pondweed south of Bumblebee Island are deadly on bass during early morning. Rattling lures (silver, gold, and “Tennessee Shad” are excellent colors) also can be effective during summer and fall as baitfish school in open water areas along the north end of the lake. A live shiner fished a few feet under a popping cork is the most reliable bait for catching trophy bass.
Lake Istokpoga has a 15- to 24-inch slot limit for bass with a three fish daily bag limit, of which only one bass may be 24 inches or longer. All residents between 16 and 65 years of age and all non-residents are required to have a fishing license.
Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake consumption of Largemouth bass should be limited by women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week.
Several fish camps and four public boat ramps provide access to the lake. For more information about lodging and other amenities around Lake Istokpoga, contact the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce at (863) 385-8448.
EVERGLADES WATER CONSERVATION AREAS 2 AND 3
Everglades Water Conservation Areas are marshlands bordered by canals. Areas 2 has 210 square miles of marsh, and Area 3 contains 730 square miles of marsh., and Area 3 contains 30 square miles of marsh. Originally designed for flood control and water supply, the area provides some of the best bass fishing in the country.
The best fishing usually occurs in the spring when dropping water levels concentrate fish in the canals. April is the peak month with angler catch rates as high a 4.1 bass per hour in the L-67A Canal.
Most anglers fish in the canals. Anglers work edges with plastic worms and minnow imitations. Flipping into the vegetation is also a popular technique. During high water, anglers will often enter the marsh areas where bass can be found in the open slough areas. The L-67A Canal has trails off of it specifically cut to provide boats access to marsh areas.
The L-67A and L-35B are two popular canals in the area for fishing. The L-67A Canal has access at the north end at Holiday Park, off U.S. 27, where camping and boat rentals are available.
At the south end, it can be accessed at the S-333 water control structure off Tamiami Trail (S.R. 41). The L-35B Canal access is at Sawgrass Recreation Area, off of U.S. 27 and has boat rentals. Boat ramps are available at all three sites.
Mercury health advisories follow current length limits established for largemouth bass caught in the water conservation areas with recommendations made based on bass length. For Largemouth bass less than 14 inches women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. Others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week. No one should consume Largemouth bass greater than 14 inches in length.
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
Lake Okeechobee is consistently one of Florida’s top producing bass lakes and is one of the best lakes in the country for bass fishing. Situated in south central Florida, the “Big O” covers 730 square miles and is easily accessible from Florida’s east and west coast. FWC biologists are expecting a tremendous year class for this lake this year.
The lake increased to 16 feet, early in 2003, due to above average rainfall in the upper lakes. Due to the drought in 2001, the lake has experienced positive changes in vegetation.
Anglers are routinely catching “Big Bass” weighing 10 to 12 pounds. The lake record is 15 pounds, 5 ounces. Lake Okeechobee is currently averaging 500 tournaments a year. Anglers do well fishing in bulrush near Eagle Bay Island, Little Grassy Island and King’s Bar at the north end of the lake. At the south end, anglers are effective fishing in eelgrass in the South Bay area. The largest bass are caught using live golden shiners and casting into, or along edges of, vegetation. Plastic worms and spinner baits are often productive. Casting lures near vegetation often produces the largest numbers of bass.
Lake Okeechobee has a 13- to 18-inch slot limit on bass, meaning all bass between 13 and 18 inches must be released unharmed.
Sixteen boat ramps and numerous fish camps surround the lake. For more information contact the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce at (941) 983-7979 or the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce at (941) 763-6464.
Due to low mercury levels in this lake, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and nursing mothers should follow EPA guidelines and eat no more than 8 ounces of bass in a week’s time. Children under age 10 should eat no more than 3 ounces of bass in a week’s time. All other are not advised to limit consumption of Largemouth bass.
CRESCENT LAKE
This 15,725 acre lake borders the east side of Crescent City on the Putnam/Flagler county line. Crescent Lake flows into the St. Johns River via Dunns Creek on its north end. Past electrofishing samples for largemouth bass revealed one of the highest catch-per-unit-efforts recorded for areas on the St. John’s River. Largemouth bass up to twenty inches long were well represented in the sample and good numbers of larger fish (8 lb +) were collected.
Fall/early winter fishing tends to be best near deep water structures such as dock pilings. Good artificial baits include plastic worms, spinner baits and crank baits. Live golden shiners are always a popular bait.
Several fish camps provide access to the lake on the western and southern shorelines. A public boat ramp is located near downtown Crescent City one block east of U. S. Highway 17 and another is located on the northeast shore off State Road 20/100. Bank access is limited to these facilities.
Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake consumption of Largemouth bass should be limited by women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a 4-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week.
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NOTE: For more information about these lakes, contact the following FWC biologists:
Lake George and Crescent Lake – Joe Jenkins (386) 985-7880
Lakes Weohyakapka and Tarpon – Tim Coughlin (863) 648-3202
Farm 13/Stick Marsh Reservoir – Bob Eisenhauer (407) 752-3115
Rodman Reservoir – Eric Nagid (352) 392-9617
Lake Istokpoga – Beacham Furse (863) 462-5190
West Lake Tohopekaliga – Marty Mann (407) 846-5300
Everglades Water Conservation Areas 2 and 3 – Jon Fury (561) 625-5122
Lake Okeechobee – Dan McCall (863) 462-5190
GO FISHING!
