Fullwood

I was born and raised in Central FL, but I lived in North Clearwater for a year for work. I used to fish Walsingham Reservoir a little when I lived there. Pretty nice lake. Of course there is Lake Tarpon, etc. around that area. I lived about 10 min from Honeymoon Island. I did a lot of wade fishing and walked many, many miles up and down that island fishing the bays and flats. I also did a lot wade fishing at DeSoto. Great area to live for Salt, but there are some decent places to bass fish. I prefer being back here in Central FL with all of our lakes for the bass fishing, though.

I live about 5 minutes from Medard park. I've only fished there once so far. Does anyone go there regularly and have any tips on location/baits? I've caught a few in the Northwestern corner around the islands and grass there on watermelon trick worms. Not too much luck with the jigs or spinnerbaits, though.

You had the answer within your question, sir. Put on a big topwater plug with treble hooks and practice "hitting moving targets." Skip a few off of that nice shiny paint job. I'd put a smiley down for the "just kidding" implication, but I'd be lying if I said I don't do this.

How long of a leader would be good? I was kinda looking for the same info. What's average length for a leader, and with the knot, you don't reel it into the first eye do you?

Well I could only pick one, unfortunately, so I went with the Daiwa SOL to give it a shot. Those are rated for 12lbs test, so would I be able to get away with a 15-20lbs small braid with no problems, or should I stick with a 12lbs braid as the reel says? I think I'll put it on a Med-fast 7' rod and see how she works out.

Thanks for the info, guys!

Thanks, Brian. I'm using 20lbs mono on my baitcaster, so you're probalby onto something there. I'll have to take that advice and put it with riskkid's and look into the Daiwa Sol with some small braid?

I have 2 Abu baitcasters and a spinning setup. I use the baitcasters for the heavier baits (spinner, crank, etc.) and the spinning setup for the weightless worms and some of the smaller topwater and divers. I live in FL and mainly fish Rivers for Bass instead of the lakes, and I love the wenching power of my baitcasters, (something you definitely need with fish here) yet really have a hard time fishing them in the skinny tributaries where the trees and brush overhang the water 10-15'. I almost bought another spinning reel, but what I'd like to have is a more "finesse" baitcaster setup that I can use for lighter worms and some of the Rapala lures that my Abu's can't quite throw without a quarterback's arm. I use Med action rods on my Abu's, is there a reel that might be able to handle the smaller lures without buying another spinning rig?

Saw some Strike King spinnerbaits at Sports Authority today for I think $1.50. They looked better quality than the Wal-Mart ones. Might wanna check you guys' SA's now.

I fish torpedos every way you list. Depends on how the fish want it that day. I will also walk the dog with the bigger torpedos, (it works with these baits, not as good as others though) the little ones are too light. My favorite way to catch them is with a more or less steady retrieve, with a ripping/slashing motion ever so often. That way works best near lily pads for me. I found out about this retrieve when I got hung up on a pad and ripped the bait off the pad angrily with a leaf sized chunk of pad on the lure. I began reeling really fast to get it out of the water, de-leaf it and recast. I caught a nice 2+ pounder before I could get it all the way in and recast. I've caught fish that way ever since on the torpedo. Good to know. I was thinking if buzzbaits get strikes so well, the prop-baits should do pretty well ripped across the water.

How do you guys usually fish baits like the devil horse, torpedos, baby torpedos, and such? Pause-retreives, or continuous retrieves? erratic? The baits with 2 props, one prop, etc. make me think they'd work as almost like a buzzbait and also twitch-pause-twitch pause.. Am I way off base on that one?

Now that's a deal. Gonna have to keep my eyes open.

Here in Clearwater I've been to 2 different Wal-Marts and they've had "Promo" spinnerbaits for $1 each. Some are buzzbaits, but most are just plain multi-colored spinnerbaits. Not name brand, just cheap and simple, but you can't go wrong for a buck. I picked up a handful to use in places that I'd second-guess throwing a $6 bait!