Central Florida fishing

[Redroy]

Yeah I’m stoked for the drags, i got opening day and finals day tickets. I watched some YouTube videos of “punching grass beds”, looks like it’s the large weight that punches through the vegetation, getting to those bass that are lurking under the grass carpet. So a rod with more backbone to muscle em’ out of the grass is probably needed, cause your most likely bringing some of the grass with ya when you hook a fish. I’m assuming that anyway?

[Fishing_FF]

6 hours ago, Redroy said:

Yeah I’m stoked for the drags, i got opening day and finals day tickets. I watched some YouTube videos of “punching grass beds”, looks like it’s the large weight that punches through the vegetation, getting to those bass that are lurking under the grass carpet. So a rod with more backbone to muscle em’ out of the grass is probably needed, cause your most likely bringing some of the grass with ya when you hook a fish. I’m assuming that anyway?

 

Yes for Florida mats you'll want a 3/4oz weight or heavier to much a hole through the vegetation. For a rod, it needs enough backbone and fast tip to drive the hook through the plastic into the bass's mouth as you'll have it rigged Texas, not Texposed. A heavy rod has the backbone and tip also to turn the bass's head so you can pull him back out of the mat. Otherwise, especially with a big girl, they will bury themselves deeper where you'll lose the fish. 

 

There isn't much to punch from the shore around here as it is a vertical technique more than a horizontal one. A good MH or H rod that can handle a 1/2-3/4oz flipping jig to work reed lines would be a better technique for bank fishing. If you don't have a flipping jig, a Gambler or Dirty Jigs swim jig also works well. Both of these swim jigs are available locally. There are a couple of the bigger Orlando lakes with reed lines that are fishable from the bank. A good percentage of these also have sandy flats near them that are prime spawning areas once the water is warm enough for them to move back in. 

[Redroy]

On 1/30/2019 at 5:48 PM, reelcraker said:

senkos who uses those things?? anyway, gatornationals will change your life. awesome time!! daytona will make your thank god your alive. But yeah right now flipping and punching grass looking for those bedding fish is the way to go. even hitting the shore under cypress trees. My buddy caught a nice 5lb fish hitting the bank next to some cypress knees with a crank bait twitching it a couple times first almost like a popper. kinda simulated a dying bait or something, fish nailed it as he started the retrieve.

Any luck lately? No fishing for me up here, too cold and has been snowing a bunch, cold enough to ice fish but nasty weather out right now. Only 4 more weeks and I’ll be fishing for large mouth again!! 

[reelcraker]

12 hours ago, Redroy said:

Any luck lately? No fishing for me up here, too cold and has been snowing a bunch, cold enough to ice fish but nasty weather out right now. Only 4 more weeks and I’ll be fishing for large mouth again!! 

Hey buddy not much in the big lakes. Bite has still been pretty slow. I went to a somewhat private pond the other day and caught 5 good size fish in about an hour and a half. It was pretty crazy. For reason's I can't go into I really can't disclose the area of this pond but they were hungry. I only had about half a bag of worms with me and they pretty much destroyed them. it was fun. gonna try again this weekend in Lk. Butler.

[Redroy]

Nice!! Some fishing is way better than no fishing, especially if you have a spot that’s off the radar! Not gonna lie I’m jealous I havnt fished in 5mo. 

 

I scheduled a guide for an 8hr day on the 14th of March, I had to do it! Still gonna give another day a shot for sure, only 30 days till if fish!!

[redux]

Where did you plan your trip?

 

The well-known public lakes in the Orlando area get a lot of pressure on weekends so they can be tough with the fishing, recreational boaters, and jet skis. I often forego taking my boat out on weekends if I can't get out of town and just beat the banks. You're going to be out on a week day so you won't have that to deal with. Hopefully Central FL can live up to the hype.

 

My last 3 trips:

 

Saturday - Bank fishing - Small pond at a mall gave up 20 fish between 1-2 pounds. 18 on a dark spinner bait. 1 on a bright spinner bait. 1 on a dark senko. Most of these fish were schooling in open water. One was on a foot of water under a tree and bit the dark spinner I pitched into the hanging vines. Yes, FL is a swampy jungle even in urban settings ? A second small pond in an office park gave up 3 in the same size range on the dark spinner bait and a worm.

 

Sunday - Boat - Medium public lake. Lots of boats. Lots of empty beds. Fished every depth with anything from a dead-sticked senko to a square bill. Not even a bite after 5 hours ?

 

Monday - Boat - Large public chain of lakes. A few boats. 5 fish in the boat. 3 lost dreams. All on a senko dragged like a frog or dropped in lily pads (1-6 feet depth). Couldn't buy a bite any other way so I ran the pattern after I figured it out (that took a few hours). Largest was 5 pounds 11 oz and the rest were 1-2 pounds.

 

My point is you can find some great fishing in FL in the boat and on the bank so do not limit yourself to just guided trips if you can bring your own equipment. If you can't then I get it, but realistically you are going to miss out on some great bank fishing.

 

[Redroy]

Good info thank you, yeah I got the guide, his name is David Fritz davidfritzfishing.com , seems like a really cool guy. I’m fishing the 14th for an 8hr day, I’m super stoked. I will be bringing a pole and a few baits that I have confirmed would work in Florida waters. I am staying in Championsgate and I looked at a topo map and saw a few bodies of water about a half mile away from where I’m staying, they look like they have bank access so I will be testing that out for sure. And we will be driving around so if I see some bank fishing I’m gonna try and stop to give it a shot. I’ll also most likely hit a bait shop while I’m there. I think I’ll be fishing the Harris chain of lakes

[Redroy]

My last trip was this last Thursday, ice fishing for pike, using 30lb braid, 18” steel leader 30lb test, with a size two straight hook, and dead minnow on the end, not allowed to use live bait in Washington state. Had no luck, was fishing at 25-30 foot down, sawed 12-15 different holes over 7 hours of fishing, still beat working. Gonna try tomorrow at a different lake and go for trout, gotta take advantage of the safe ice, it’s been below freezing for the past several weeks and we’ve recived about 26 inches of snow in the past 12 days. So the ice fishing is good now, gotta get my fix!

[redux]

One thing to keep in mind is fences. Parks, neighborhoods, and office parks should not be fenced, but if you see something that looks interesting go to street view to be sure. A lot of times you can see them in the satellite images, but double check instead of wasting a trip. Do the same for any ponds that look like they have access roads as those roads get fenced where they turn off the main street most of the time.

 

Also, private property. Especially around that area people could have security guards or posted no trespassing. Not that people are crazy...but no one wants to go on vacation and leave on probation.

 

I'm not super familiar with the fishing between south Orlando and Tampa so I can't recommend any spots. Looks like there are a few small shops close to Championsgate. If you want to go to a Bass Pro there's one closer to the city. If you want to make the long haul and visit Bitter's Baits I think it's worth it as part of a day trip into Orlando proper (There are a lot of good restaurants in the city). They are good people, you might see old man Jim, the dog is awesome, literally tons of plastics, and they carry brands and items you won't find in a major retailer. Especially higher end rods and line. You can also pick up a signed bottle of Cox Juice.

 

Good luck on the water.

 

[reelcraker]

I get Bitters at ace harware in Winter Garden. In addition to Orlando proper you should get over to downtown Winter Garden. Especially at twilight. I highly recommend walking from the Crooked Can to Downtown Winter Garden. they have bluegrass guitarists on friday night and to eat you have to go to The Whole Enchilada. They have a really good fish burrito. I will probably be at the bar on the roof hahaha. anyway it's great family fun. On a side note Thomas and I hit Turkey Lake on Saturday. Caught 8 fish in the boat and had a great time.

[Redroy]

Awesome sounds like you guys had a decent day at turkey lake. He said he was going Monday as well. 

   I really like pit bbq, we don’t have many at all up here in Washington, probably gonna be seeking that style of food out, but if I’m able to check out what your recommending I will for sure.

   I’m praying for good weather while I’m there, seems like there’s been a bit of rain lately, probably nothing out of the norm. Im hoping as long as the weather is safe, as in no lightning, if it’s rainy the guide will still want to go. 

   I’ve gone ice fishing for pike twice and just havnt had any luck, but it’s all good cause I wasn’t working so that’s awesome, and the weather was nice, blue skies both times. Can’t wait for the bass fishing to begin over here!! A few months to go, 3 most likely, mid to end of May the way the cold is sticking around here. 

   Thanks for the information as usual, only 17 days till fishing Florida!!

[reelcraker]

Yeah buddy there is also a good BBQ place in Downtown Winter Garden. I think it just has a sign that says BBQ and is about 6ft wide and 12 long. It's really good tho. There is also 4 rivers and Ellie Lou's which are amazing. Anyway, I can't even begin to fathom fishing in a hole in the ice. That is so crazy. If I have to wear jeans I hate my life. I swear sometimes I think Orlando is too cold for me. I would actually like to be somewhere in the Stuart fl. area or hobe sound. Closer to some great saltwater action and closer to Okeechobee lol. Anyway I may text Thomas today and find out where he is I know he has today off too. First I think I am going to hit some lily pads over by my neighbors dock real quick.

[Redroy]

Yeah I kinda gotta do what I can. I grew up snowboarding and hunting, both cold weather sports so I guess you get use to it, and salmon fishing is in September and it can be chilly then as well, obviously trout fishing is almost year round, but the best is in the colder months. A lot of my bass fishing trips are over night, starting in May, I really like to fish the night bite and the morning bite. Almost too dang hot to fish mid day in July and August.

   So I am staying at the Worldmark Reunion, it’s a bit out of the way, but I have to drive by a bunch of bodies of water when I head north for the races, gonna take a two piece rod, a few different baits, and if it’s conveinet I’m gonna try to fish.

[Fishing_FF]

19 hours ago, Redroy said:

So I am staying at the Worldmark Reunion, it’s a bit out of the way, but I have to drive by a bunch of bodies of water when I head north for the races, gonna take a two piece rod, a few different baits, and if it’s conveinet I’m gonna try to fish.

 

This time of year, it isn’t uncommon to see people fishing retention ponds and small lakes off the sides of the road. Some of the retention ponds and lakes on the expressways around Central Florida hold double digit bass or at least use to. The only expressway I would advised against stopping on and fishing is the Florida Turnpike. 408, 417, 429, etc you’ll be fine, but the trooper are pretty strict on the turnpike. I know someone who has had his vehicle tagged twice to be towed. He once got caught by a trooper and was cited when he was walking back to his truck. 

[Redroy]

Ahh interesting, good info. Yeah I don’t want any issues with the local PD, just want to do some simple fishing! Guess I’ll uave to keep my eyes peeled.

[redux]

Completely forgot about this. You can rent a small jon boat $30 for 4 hours. Contact the park directly for reservations. I believe the boats are provided by Bass Pro and were recently updated so it should be all new equipment. Scroll to the bottom of the page in the Other Park Amenities and Fees section.

 

https://beta.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Bill-Frederick-Park-At-Turkey-Lake

 

 

[Fishing_FF]

Guess someone should have mentioned Turkey Lake. ?

 

I was able to get out to Turkey Lake on Sunday. Fishing was good, but not still back to normal. The water is still high and still pretty dark. This has been one of the wettest winters on record for us. The grass is coming back, and we did have a couple hits on the lighter colors like watermelon. Overall though, the dark colors like Junebug and black'n'blue were the big winners. 

 

The spawn appears to be over for this cycle. The beds were empty, and all the bass we caught had post spawn bellies. The catch method changed from lower water column dragging creature baits and swimming speed worms to the typical summertime tactics of weightless plastics and......and......and.....wait for it..........topwater.  

 

We did just have a cold front pass through today which has bumped out temps from the 80s/60s down to the 60s/40s for a couple of days. They may spawn if the water cools down enough but until time will tell. I saw a photo from another fishing group of the water temps on Lake Istokpoga as he was showing everyone that lake hit 76 degree on Saturday. 

[NxtLvlLuke]

On 1/26/2019 at 2:44 PM, Redroy said:

I’ve got anothe question? Since I am gathering information on Central Florida bass specifically, what are some baites you guys find your selfs using in March? I understand from what was posted by Fishing_FF that March could be pre-spawn, spawn or post spawn. Or is it just trying several techniques, colors, depths, softs or cranbaits and so on..... cause of the possibilities of what the fish could be doing in March. For example here in Eastern Washington I specifically would be jigging for bass in March, but in our spawning months may/June, crankbaits reign supreme along with senko baits.

Right now in March bass are really loving the watermelon seed YUM dinger or senko also if you find any weed patches or anything fish a popper frog because the frog bit believe it or not is still on. I recommend going on Lake Conway downtown on a kayak and fish some watermelon seed worms under the docks. I'm in Apopka and live on a private lake and been killing it lately with the watermelon seed YUM dinger. Bass are in post spawn right now. Check out my instagram @Onethickfish or on youtube NxtLvlLuke to see the recent fish i've got on. Also if you're going to Turkey Lake do not fish the long pier docks because they are absolutely deserted.

[Redroy]

Right on thank you for the update of current fishing info, Fishing FF also suggested the watermelon color was working a bit, so that’s good to hear from multiple people. Got so stoked about fishing, and we have had harsh weather here in the north the past few weeks, I broke weak and bought a fishing game for my xbox, I’m reaching deep for some fishing, had to resort to a freaken video game!! It’ll be over soon enough, only a week left!! Also I am freaking out to fish some top water! I hope the bite is on here in a week, and the weather patterns hold. Never been guide fishing before so that will also be interesting. A crappy day on the water beats the best day at work.

[NxtLvlLuke]

2 hours ago, Redroy said:

Right on thank you for the update of current fishing info, Fishing FF also suggested the watermelon color was working a bit, so that’s good to hear from multiple people. Got so stoked about fishing, and we have had harsh weather here in the north the past few weeks, I broke weak and bought a fishing game for my xbox, I’m reaching deep for some fishing, had to resort to a freaken video game!! It’ll be over soon enough, only a week left!! Also I am freaking out to fish some top water! I hope the bite is on here in a week, and the weather patterns hold. Never been guide fishing before so that will also be interesting. A crappy day on the water beats the best day at work.

Happy late birthday by the way hope you get on some good fish as a present.

[Redroy]

Hell yeah thanks man!! I appreciate that, 6 short days and time will tell!.

[redux]

Going to recommend watermelon seed as well. Yesterday on the Maitland chain I was getting my fish on a weightless Bitter's mega vibe in watermelon seed on the clearer water. In the dark water it was candy bug. I started the day sunny in clear water with candybug and got nothing. Switched to watermelon and things changed. Went back over my used water and just kept catching. 

 

Early they were mainly eating it top water over grass. They were roaming so they were in open water, by docks, mats, etc. They'd get it fished slow along reeds or on exposed sand too. Later in the day they moved to pads so I was frogging speed worms.

 

The candybug was just dropped next to cover and allowed to sit.

 

That's pretty standard FL. They weren't interested in moving baits sub surface for me. Met a guy who was getting small fish on a crank bait in grass though so...a gold lipless along deeper outside grass lines should work. But I am not comfortable with that so I rarely do it.

[reelcraker]

fished crescent lake yesterday and could say yeah they have moved off the beds over there. I was fishing a junebug senko and not really getting anything. moved to a red flake senko with chartruese tail and managed to snag a couple. I fished Butler this morning off the cop dock and managed to snag a nice fish off a junebug senko. But like someone said earlier i was just letting it sit on the bottom very slight movement. Anything with a wiggly tail was not so productive. saw a few boats out there fishing open water. I saw only 1 boat catch a fish.

[Robert Riley]

On 2/24/2019 at 4:04 PM, reelcraker said:

I get Bitters at ace harware in Winter Garden. In addition to Orlando proper you should get over to downtown Winter Garden. Especially at twilight. I highly recommend walking from the Crooked Can to Downtown Winter Garden. they have bluegrass guitarists on friday night and to eat you have to go to The Whole Enchilada. They have a really good fish burrito. I will probably be at the bar on the roof hahaha. anyway it's great family fun. On a side note Thomas and I hit Turkey Lake on Saturday. Caught 8 fish in the boat and had a great time.

I just moved to Winter Garden and can doubly recommend these suggestions. But as for the fishing, I can't recommend much yet.

[new2BC4bass]

I visit relation in DeLand.  Brother-in-law loves to fish...but...is not what I call a fanatic like us.  He never gets on a computer.  His 2 baits of choice are an unweighted 10" ribbontail worm in Junebug and an F11 Rapala.  I try more different lures than he does, but probably no where near as many if I was fishing by myself.  My 2 biggest bass over the years have come on spinnerbaits.

 

Overall the worm has been our biggest producer.  Helps that we fish it a lot.    We haven't been out yet...arrived Sat. night...so I don't know if he followed through yet, but he was going to add spinnerbaits to his whopping big varied arsenal.    It helped that one day I landed 4-5 nice bass in about twice that many casts before the bite quit on a spinnerbait.

 

Junebug is also my favorite color, but last year I used black a lot with good luck.  Another day a shallow running squarebill caught all my fish.  My brother-in-law doesn't own one, but he was doing well with his worm.

 

I wish I could find a place to fish from shore by myself as we don't get out that often.  He still works although older than me.  Both of us are beyond retirement age.

 

I wish you the best of luck with your fishing.  Here's hoping you land a double digit fish.