Ok. I Can't Do It.

[mikey5string]

I tried putting my gear away, staying away from the forums, articles and youtube clips, hand pouring, painting, playing banjo....

Im not gonna make it til late April opening day.

I have to go bass fishing between now and then. I was thinking Florida either the Kissimmee area or Okeechobee. Flying down and getting a charter for a weekend.

I am in CT and would travel south as far as Florida. No Texas or Alabama this year.

Anyone have recommendations for lakes with good guide service, big bass and accommodations in the area. I will probably be going in late Feb.

Thanks

[Topwaterspook]

I fully understand and sypathize, Mickey. The differences are, I don't play the banjo nor can I wait that long.

[roadwarrior]

Fishing with George Welcome on Stick Marsh/ Farm 13 would be a "Dream Trip" for me.

Imagination Bassin' Guide Service

[Bluebasser86]

I don't know any guides but I'd agree with RW on the location purely for the big fish potential there. If I was going to go to Florida I'd also seriously consider somewhere that I could have a shot at some peacocks or snakeheads, just something to think about.

[Fishes in trees]

I'd go where I could catch some snake heads. I haven't done any serious meat fishing for a long time and I think it would be cool to come back with a cooler or two full of snake head fillets.

If I was going to take a trip to go fishing (and right now I don't have the resources or the time) I go fishing for some species that wasn't readily available at home.

[ww2farmer]

I actually enjoy the winter "break", if we didn't have an off season around here I fear I would have some kind of burn out. I am not the most most dedicated cold water bass fisherman, I really don't care for the slow tedious pace of it, and having to sit in often miserable weather for short bursts of activity dosen't suit me or my fishing style. Besides that wait to get back out there every spring is as close to feeling like christmas did as a kid as I will get anymore. We had one of the earliest springs ever last spring here. On the water in early march, it was one of the reason I put the boat away so early this year, most years I keep it out till at least thanksgiving, but by early November, I was tired of it. A little over a month later, I am chomping at the bit again. I will scratch the itch a little if/when we get safe ice, but thats only really something to do to pass the time. In NYwe have two days to look forward to, the day the lake is ice free and can get out there again for some C&R bass fishing, and the third sat. in June when tournament season starts. With the exception of a few hot weeks of prespawn fishing, and that last little flurry in mid-late fall, July and August is my favorite time to fish.

[1234567]

Contact captain shane here on the forums. He will get you squared away. He has vids of him just whackin em all day long!

[FD.]

A buddy of mine, who is a guide, and I fished in flip flops and shorts today. If you wind up in the Kissimmee/Toho area I can get you hooked up.

[Gatorbassman]

Florida in February is a dream trip for me. You have plenty of places you can go. Toho should be on fire at that time.

[MIbassin]

I've been down there multiple times with my dad and have found a fabulous guide for toho in february. my dad caught a 8lber and an 11lber on one of his "secret spots" his name is justin and his website is www.fish-orlando.com

He is a FABULOUS guide! highly recommend !

[Sun Fish]

Your in CT, the lakes can't be frozen over yet! I'm still out there in NE PA.

[SirSnookalot]

I don't know any guides but I'd agree with RW on the location purely for the big fish potential there. If I was going to go to Florida I'd also seriously consider somewhere that I could have a shot at some peacocks or snakeheads, just something to think about.

Can't catch snakeheads and peacocks in Okeechobee, need to be in South Florida. I personally would not take a trip to fish for a species I routinely catch at home. For light tackle fishing the same guide fee, bonefish, tarpon and permit are some pretty tough hombres.

[Mike L]

Big O, Toho or really any of the Kissimmee or Harris chain lakes should be on fire in Feb..

My personal prefferance would be Big O especially in the Monkey Box and the Dyess Ditch area.

Some the big girls will still be bedding.

If you want to try some salt water, Charlotte Harbor or Pine Island Sound would be where I'd be.

If youi want some guide info pm me and I send you a list.

Mike

[roadwarrior]

I personally would not take a trip to fish for a species I routinely catch at home.

Well, although the CT State Record largemouth is 12 lbs 14 oz, I don't think most

guys in the Northeast routinely catch double digit bass. Just to have a fair shot at

10lbs would excite me.

[Bluebasser86]

Can't catch snakeheads and peacocks in Okeechobee, need to be in South Florida. I personally would not take a trip to fish for a species I routinely catch at home. For light tackle fishing the same guide fee, bonefish, tarpon and permit are some pretty tough hombres.

Yeah I was saying if it were me going I'd be going for something I can't catch at home like you're saying. I'd love to catch another DD bass but I've never caught a peacock or snakehead. Plus if you go to the southern end of the state you could do a day or two of freshwater then a couple days of saltwater. I believe there's some pretty good runs of fish during the winter months in Florida isn't there?

[SirSnookalot]

Just to have a fair shot at

10lbs would excite me.

I don't get excited that easy, a 10# permit or a 10# tarpon, which are entry level for those species, will put one into a world they never knew existed. Not everyone is up to the challenge handling fish like that on lighter tackle, totally understandable to know one's own limitations.

[SirSnookalot]

Yeah I was saying if it were me going I'd be going for something I can't catch at home like you're saying. I'd love to catch another DD bass but I've never caught a peacock or snakehead. Plus if you go to the southern end of the state you could do a day or two of freshwater then a couple days of saltwater. I believe there's some pretty good runs of fish during the winter months in Florida isn't there?

Florida is a big state and something is always happening someplace. In my area inshore fishing slows down to almost a standstill, not that I give up but I've only caught 3 snook in the last 2 weeks, this is when I do the majority of my bass fishing. It's all about location, offshore is on fire, the rough water brings out the sailfish,dolphin, kingfish and cobia. The backcountry in the keys is a great place and the water is calm as a rule, whether there are migratory of resident fish, you're going to catch something. Close to the Miami area and that is peacock country.

I probably fish more this time of year than any other time, inshore every morning, bass every afternoon, offshore once a week sometimes 2, and the occasional trip for peacocks and snakeheads or head north for redfish and sea trout. My plate is pretty full.

[Bankbeater]

I like fishing in winter. I have the lake to myself, and don't have to worry about the summertime crowd.