Shane Procell

I was on a charter trip with a couple of fellas from West Virginia today. It was not the best bite, only getting a fish here and a fish there all day. I turned into a hay field south of Kramer Island and hasd the guys working the heaviest grass on the lake. They needed a brake and started eating a sandwich. hey was my opportunity to get a line wet and hopefully stretch a line. I tossed out a Gambler Lures "Burner" worm (a big cut tail worm similiar to the smaller Zoom). This big girl hit it with knock out power. I set up good and she flew up and flared her gills, then she dove to the bottom of the hay field. She wrapped me up tight and I just maintained pressure till I could get the boat on top of her. Once on top of her I just hoisted her with everything I had and she came up along with 20 pounds of hay. High fives all around, a couple of snapshots and a good release.

It's a toss up for me. I sank a boat in alligator infested waters. Then there was the time a alligator got in my boat. Then there was the time a gator came up from under the boat and took my fish as I was lipping it. Could have lost a limb on that one. Just the grace of God saved my hand. They all scared the crap out of me.

Don at Don's Marine has been more than fair and honest with me. I have sent many guys to him and all were completely satisfied. His number is 954-245-8419. He is off of East Cypress and US 1

I have never had the pleasure of fishing in the trees......Fantastic fish!

Love those dropping water level bites.

Steve I saw the show this morning. You did a great job! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing you pop those reds. I have never seen that bait, but it looked like a salt water killa.

Nice catch. She is about to pop.

The Big EZ definately attracts big fish. I like it because it is versitile...up top or swimming.

Sounds like she was trying to help you. I know that as the client it can be frustrating when someone tells you that your technique could be improved. I believe the side swipe hook set (which I often do) is the cause of many missed fish. At least she did not say you cast like a girl

Here is the video of the 18# Snook hitting a top water plug and a 7# Peacock hitting the same plug. This video is made for pure enjoyment and in no way is advertiseing for any other purpose.

Not really. The place is covered up with homes in the back canals and businesses/apartments on the main lakes.

The FWC stocked the Peacock back in the 80's to control some other invasives species. They have the same protection as gamefish with similiar bag limits. No one kills them.

I appreciate the kind words. Looking forward to seeing more of your reports.

Congratulations

I was trying to post this video when I initially posted the Peacock topic.

Thank You ....I am grateful!

I have posted You Tube Videos on this forum in the past. I read and searched the forum for instructions. I can not find the icon for video. The only icons I show are video and my media icons. Here is a screen shot of what I see. If someone could please help me out I would be much obliged.

In 2010 there was a bad freeze in South Florida that killed many of the Peacock Bass. This year I have really seen a significant increase in both numbers and quality sized peacocks. I was with a client in The Miami Airport Lakes system a few days ago. We brought some shiners with us as a backup just in case. It was a good call. The large female took a shiner free lined under a bridge and the male took a Rapala Skitter Prop on top. It was an excellent day as we caught four peacocks over 4#'s and some smaller largemouth bass. Merry Christmas to all of the BR guys and gals.

I got out on Lake Okeechobee with fellow BR member "TopWaterRob" this morning. It was a first light, top water bite. These two took my hand poured buzz frog the first ten minutes on the water. The fishing has been normal for this time of the year in the everglades with many 100+ days.

Very nice Steve!

I filmed with him last year for the first show. He was extremely funny and very personable. Just a normal guy. I hope he does come back.

Thanks for the tip Dwight. I just ordered the cutters.

I had a customer hook me so bad that it took an hour with a fillet knife to bore a hole in my finger to get to the point. It would have been an easy removal had I not had 4x hooks. I had nothing in the boat strong enough to cut the hook.

Reading your report made me feel like I was right there. Congratulations to all of you!

That's a mighty fine fish! Congratulations