Florida Trip... Late February or Mid March?

[FlipSide]

Quick question for all of the Florida people here, which time would be better fishing in central Florida? What stage would the fish be in during these times?

[SoFloBassFiend]

February will continue to be a spawning season while depending when in March the spawn could mostly be over. The spawning season here can begin as early as November and last through early April. Heaviest spawning periods are in January and February. 

[FloridaFishinFool]

It also depends on where in Florida you go because spawn is usually different in different parts of the state. Spawn typically starts and ends sooner in South Florida than it does in Central and north Florida.

Another way to look at it is by temperature... January and February are typically our coldest months and the first 2 weeks of March. It tends to warm up in mid to late March on into April.

Typically bass fishing is worst in coldest temps. Just sayin'...

[gatrboy53]

mid march will be more consistent weather in central fla. there will still be some spawn,but you want to hit it while the bass are still in the grass thick.

[FlipSide]

I'm thinking March 19th - 28th will be the dates I come down, last year we were there on Valentines day and the temps were pretty cold the whole week, hoping for decent temps. Really wanting to flip grass and docks because I enjoy doing that lol

Ill be staying about 30-45 minutes west of Orlando.

[BassObsessed]

It was cold that week last year. Was there on vacation with my wife and one morning on Toho it was 38 degrees . I'll be down there a few weeks earlier than you. Iv'e caught giants there in mid February and late March. Good luck and get yourself some hawgs.

[Borderline11]

Jumping in on this coversation - I'm also supposed to be heading down to the orlando area for a weekend in late Feb (26-28).  My girlfriend surprised me with a quick getaway to escape the cold and do some fishing for my bday.  She actually did research and decided on Toho all on her own!  Anyhow, I think we're going to bring some travel rods to do a little fishing on our own where possible, as well as lock up a guide trip.  I've done shiner trips to FL before, and I know how fun they can be.  She's a bit more apprehensive about using live bait  and would prefer to use artificials.  Hates the idea of having to kill something.  Being that she paid for the trip, I'm trying to appease her.  So there's two things - any tackle recommendations for that time of year in Fl?  I will bring a limited supply of gear, so I just want to know where to focus when packing.  Two baits that she has built a little confidence in are senkos and jerkbaits.  I was thinking of bringing some top water as well, but want to hear your thoughts.  Also, anyone have a reco for a guide on Toho, that would be able to provide experience with fishing both shiners and artificial?  This is her first 'fishing trip' so I want to ensure that she has a good time and gets into some fish.  Thanks guys!  

[BassObsessed]

I'll pm you some contact info for guides on Toho.

[F14A-B]

On 1/26/2016 at 10:12 AM, FloridaFishinFool said:

It also depends on where in Florida you go because spawn is usually different in different parts of the state. Spawn typically starts and ends sooner in South Florida than it does in Central and north Florida.

Another way to look at it is by temperature... January and February are typically our coldest months and the first 2 weeks of March. It tends to warm up in mid to late March on into April.

Typically bass fishing is worst in coldest temps. Just sayin'...

This is true, I've caught big fish pre-spawn in Dec. ( Doctors inlet St. John's River @ Jacksonville.) Catch them off the beds in Jan. Then those beds would reload in Feb. weather & temps must be factored in.