Hez

Yes sir, that is it. Well worth every penny. Gives you detailed topo maps on just about any body of water. You can view the maps for free online at www dot webapp dot navionics *

I like your train of thought here...thanks for sharing your thought process.

This is actually the Navionics app on my phone.

They stretch out from the shore a bit. Check out the pic below, helps give you an idea - the white is hard bottom - aka shell bar. It runs along that ditch there - depths range from 5 ft to 24 ft.

I'm sorry - I meant shell bar - not sand bar. The shell bars I'm referring to run along lakeshore drive in Yalaha, down the shore towards the west.

I don't like the way those N95 masks feel on my face. When I experience my glasses fogging, I usually just take my nose out and breathe through it. Some buffs are thin enough that it doesn't seem to fog as much. Thats the major downfall with the buffs.

Just an update - things are going a lot better on the Harris Chain these days

Yeah, a lot of good information offered up here - thanks for the participation guys.

Good stuff man...totally understand your logic here. Once again, all of this info is much appreciated.

Hey Ray, Here is a website that has some good information on the Harris Chain. You might find it helpful, you might not. If not, just ignore it. http://www.lakecountybass.com/lake-harris-bass-fishing.html

This is what I've heard: Lake Harris - in the Dead River, 9th street canals and on the sand bar near Yalaha are the hot spots, sand bar will probably be best in the upcoming summer months. Lake Eustis is supposed to have some big one's too - but I don't necessarily have any details on that. Of course, that doesn't mean there aren't big ones in the rest of the chain - that's just the word on the street.

Haha, well...I've only fished the chain for a couple of years. It was tough to learn at first, but my son (12) and I have been puttin' at least 1 fish in the boat each time we've been out lately, which is better than getting skunked. We try to get out fishing at least once a week. I frequent Little Lake Harris mostly - but want to start exploring the chain more in depth. Caught a nice one on Lake Carlton last weekend, about 4 lbs. Best one this year, but nothing to great.

Thanks for all of the input guys. After reading through some of your posts - I feel good about my thought process before and during my fishing trips. I have some of the same thoughts that you guys seem to have, and even make some of the same decisions. Perfectly stated You just described the basic fundamentals of the long-term fishing goals I have set. I want to become knowledgeable and experienced on the vast bodies of water around me. Eventually being able to identify the best spots on different lakes, and then progressing from there - while making memories in the process.

Welcome aboard Ray K. I also fish the Harris Chain - living in Apopka. Good to see a neighbor here. Might even see you on the water. We will have to keep up to date with each other on what's working.

Mr. A-Jay is a funny guy this morning

Oh, I got ya - not the kind of lake I was thinking about.

I definitely understand your perspective. That's kind of my foundation too - I am trying to learn as much about my "close-to-home" lakes as I can, then expand from there.

I know exactly what you mean riverbasser - for different reasons, I have just stayed in the same area...whether it be motor troubles...rough weather...short on time...whatever the reason. Like I said earlier, half of it is confidence....I know where the fish are in the area I've been working. I'm amped to venture out now though

I usually have my son with me as well, age 12. I think he is one of the reasons we tend to stick to what we know - so that we can put fish in the boat. Want to teach him how to find fish too though, so I need to start exploring.

Yeah...I know it sounds a little crazy..and in my defense...it hasn't been quite 2 years...closer to a year and a half...but yeah...every time we go - we pretty much fish the same areas. Won't have a lot of fishing time this weekend...only small bursts (maybe 3-4 hrs each trip)...but I think I will force myself into uncharted territory.

I am sitting here planning my next fishing trip this weekend, and it got me to wondering what others do: When you go out on the water, do you hit the same spots that you always hit? Do you have a game plan that is pre determined before you go? Do you just play it by ear each time? I have been hitting the same 2 lakes for the past year. I try to get out every weekend...each day if everything work out...but at least every 2 weeks. I have not fished the entire lake on one lake, in fact I've only fished a very small portion of the western shore. We normally start at the southern end of it and troll north fishing the whole shore. By then, it's usually time to pack it up and head home because it's either dark - or we have duties to tend to. I think a lot of it has to do with confidence, and experience in these certain areas - but eventually I need to expand. Just curious how it plays out for other fisherman.

What lake? I think the best way to find out would to be to try to talk to a local, especially if you could fine a local that ran trot lines.

Ok, cool...I will have to check that out, thanks.

Really? No...have not been out there...due to the motor restrictions...is there anywhere that a motorized boat is allowed? That's interesting...thanks for that info.

Thanks man, was my first rebuild - of course, there are a few things I will do different/better next time. Yeah, I live off of Ponkan, in Apopka - so Lake Harris is about the closest fishery to me. I fished Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton last year, but tend to like Lake Harris more. I have not ventured off in the dead river or 9th street canals yet...but sometime in the near future. Just trying to get comfortable on the lake, build some confidence, and get to know the area better. Moved here from Houston about 5 years ago...absolutely love it so far. Lake Harris just seems hard to fish lol