George Welcome

Feeding Habits - Young fish mainly feed on zooplankton while larger ones feed on small fishes, frogs and crustaceans. They feed by stalking their prey or lying in wait for it to come within striking distance.

Boats that have a rating of 5 net tons or greater require Documentation, and also require that the boats name and hailing port be displayed.

That's why they called the 3-blade a machete prop.

2 blade - more speed 3 blade - more cutting power However, I believe that motor is designed to be run with the 3 blade machete

The weather over the last three days has been super. Threats of rain have not come to be, and the winds have been pretty much calm. Water temperatures are holding in the low eighties. The bass are loosely scattered and I would imagine the first cold snap that drops water temperatures will push them towards their usual pre-spawn stomping grounds. Monday's trip was a difficult one to say the least. The bass defiantly ignored our offerings and of the dozen or so fish that were caught, none made it over the 3-pound mark. The normal shad-busting that has been taking place was not observed. For those that were caught the rattle trap was the best producer: chrome/blue with orange belly. Looking back through last years logs it amazes me on how this year's weather and fishing is following last years trends. We have much higher water levels so of course there are those days when current production makes for a super day. We have had more shad/bass activity, but on the overall, conditions are very similar. Also, as with last year's fishing, the end of the month is producing larger fish. Yesterday's launch was at daybreak and the destination was the south end of Farm 13. Spinner baits, and SwimSenkos were the baits used with the SwimSenko definitely winning as the most productive. By 11:00 the 1/2 day trip came to a close with a dozen or so bass making it to the boat. The hits for the most part were a bit light and if the hook set wasn't there they got dropped at boat's edge. This happened a few times, however since the lake is catch and release for bass we just considered it as intentional so as to not get the hands wet. As we approach the season the traffic on the lake is increasing and the parking lot showed it yesterday. Of course the majority of fishermen out there yesterday were looking to crappie. Both the crappie fishing and the bream fishing on this lake is outstanding. Yesterday in addition to the bass we caught two gills on spinner bait. One of them was a monster but unfortunately we didn't get a picture. As evidenced by other reports, good things are happening here. Bookings are increasing so I would recommend you book soon to ensure the dates that you want. Multiple boats are not a problem as I have a couple of topnotch fishermen ready to pitch in. Both Don (WWF) and Steve P. have outstanding knowledge of the lake so your group is ensured an outstanding day on the water. See you on the water. Say hi if you get the chance.

Glad to see that the arm held in there to catch that fish. Congrats.

"Consider working 50-70 hour weeks running your own shop." I know many very successful Mom and Pop operations, however the quoted hours means someone is thinking on a part-time basis. Hours minimum: 12 per day, 7 days a week, 364 days a year. That's not including any commute time, bookkeeping time, etc. Hire someone to pick up some of those hours and you are now working for them to meet payroll. Most business that fail do so because of lack of capital. Don't think of going into any business without substantial money. It's a 50/50 shot - if you do your homework, be honest, and work hard you will probably be successful.

There isn't much of the Marsh that can be fished from the shore, and particularly for bass. The levees around it are off limits so the only area that can be fished is around the parking lot.

"Green pumpkin, watermelon / red flake, junebug, and red shad. Two light and two dark colors that cover 99% of the water conditions." Those are all dark colors - Light colors consist of the white, bubblegum, banana, clears, silvers, etc. Some of the combination colors: white/green as an example can be killers.

I thought my post was in the same vein as yours but apparently you thought otherwise. See ya.

I can't believe it either

You can get the CD on e-bay.

Florida Hybrid: cross between a striper and a white bass. Commonly called the Sunshine Bass. http://www.floridaconservation.org/Fishing/Fishes/stripers.html

Expectations run high when our clients depart the ramp at the Marsh and for the most part those expectations are met and even passed. October on is going to be the right time. Timing counts obviously but it's not as critical as the abundance of bass and the large amount of big ones make most days successful ones. Not everyone is going to haul in a lunker but odds are you will. However, if you're not here it can't happen. One more cast can make the difference. The fish below blew on the first cast and inhaled the bait on the second. The season is here. Don't let it go by without you. See you on the water.

If you catch a state record the state is going to want to certify that fish. They could really care what the IGFA has to say about it. It will have to be inspected by a member of you DNR or GFC, and bear the scrutiny of such a claim. There is every likelihood that the that the catch will be subject to an autopsy. I don't know of any state that will take your word for your catch without the witness being their personell. State record is only recognized by the state - IGFA does not certify state records. World record is certified by the IGFA, and to be recognized as a state record your State officials would have to involved.

Spinner bait, spinner bait, spinner bait: big with thumper blades.

Tough bait to use in these Florida waters as most lake are too shallow for them. Killer on the Kissimmee river.

Most often gators do not actually get hooked. If they are hiding in grass they will grab at top water baits, but with a mouth like shoe leather the hooks don't penetrate. However they do not want to give up their prize. Gators realize that for the most part you are their only predator so once near the boat they panic, open their mouth, and you have your bait back. They play just like a big bass, however for the most part without long runs and you would be supprised how big of a gator can be brought in on 20# line. That being said, I wouldn't recommend handling them if you don't have a clue what you are doing. They have a nasty set of chompers and a tail that could put a kink in your leg.

You see the pictures, you decide.

I have never met a fisherman that hasn't at one time or the other been a boat ramp moron. Plugs, tie-downs, winch straps, etc. all make for humor at the ramp.

We'll make a point of it if you come this year Ray.

Commonly heard: "George, I am only interested in catching a big fish!" Followed up after a relatively short while: "George, where's the fish?" I agree with Raul and others that fishing is about being out there. However, it's not many that enjoy getting skunked.

Remember this: Calling someone an idiot is akin to looking in the mirror. As you are calling them idiots, they look back and say, "will you look at that idiot. Overheard in three cars on the highway: Driver one in a passing vehicle barely missing a head-on to do so - "why's that idiot driving so slow?" Driver two in the passed vehicle: "did you see how fast that idiot was driving, and why's that idiot behind us right on my bumper?" Driver three bringing up the rear: "Doesn't that idiot know this is a highway? I'm going to pass him, but I am not taking the chances that last idiot that passed him did!

Overheard at a bar in the backcountry of Maine it is now the number one pick up line in many areas: Nice tooth ;D

Not so rare catch off the Florida coast: This one you just cut the line - it's a killer.