Fishing an old lime Quarry

[newyorkangler]

Hello All,

 

This is my first year of snowbirding in Florida and I've landed in an anglers heaven. It's a huge Lake system in Naples Florida call The Quarry. But as a seasoned saltwater angler from NY I'm just beginning to learn the ropes. I have found some great fishing here including 6 over 5 pounds in two weeks and an 8 1/2 Pounder. All on rubber.

 

Any suggestions on what type of crank baits I could be throwing? I have yet to catch a fish on anything but a rubber offering.

 

Anyhow here's my biggest o date:

 

[FryDog62]

I stayed at the Quarry 2 years ago and may be there for an extended period again next winter. Its a nice lake system to fish... and I think jigs are a great way to fish there. There are some rock piles throughout the lake if you can find them and at the deeper depths, drop-shots can work well there.  Also, don't count out the pond by the exercise facility, it does have a few big fish in there that can be caught on wacky worms  

[newyorkangler]

Thanks for that. Feel free to look me up the next time you're down here.

[roadwarrior]

Nice fish!

 

[snake95]

@FryDog62 is there public access the quarry system or it is all gated?

 

[FryDog62]

2 minutes ago, snake95 said:

@FryDog62 is there public access the quarry system or it is all gated?

 

All gated, and I've heard from someone that there is a local lake-nazi that pretty much "introduces" himself to every boater on the lake. 

[soflabasser]

Private lakes like these remind me of canned hunts where only people that are invited or pay are allowed to hunt in an area loaded with easy to catch deer. In this case it is pet bass in a private lake. I prefer catching bass in public waters since it is more rewarding for me but I understand that for many it is the best way they can catch a big bass. With that said any big bass technique that works in Florida will work in the private quarry you are fishing in. 

[FryDog62]

On 3/31/2021 at 11:20 AM, soflabasser said:

Private lakes like these remind me of canned hunts where only people that are invited or pay are allowed to hunt in an area loaded with easy to catch deer. In this case it is pet bass in a private lake. I prefer catching bass in public waters since it is more rewarding for me but I understand that for many it is the best way they can catch a big bass. With that said any big bass technique that works in Florida will work in the private quarry you are fishing in. 

I hear ya... but if it’s where you’re staying and you don’t have a way to transport your boat anywhere else... might as well settle in and make the most of it ?

[Don51]

Nice! Appears that it is well managed. If you are catching quality bass on plastic why switch it up? I would continue throwing what works. Sounds like a great place for Roland Martin to do a show. ?

[FryDog62]

5 minutes ago, Don51 said:

Nice! Appears that it is well managed. If you are catching quality bass on plastic why switch it up? I would continue throwing what works. Sounds like a great place for Roland Martin to do a show. ?

Roland has done some rock/quarry lake shows near Naples but not at this lake... too populated. Kinda wish I knew where he did film and if there is access or toll. I would consider transporting my kayak there just for some variety over the 2 months I'm down there.  

[Dwight Hottle]

34 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

Roland has done some rock/quarry lake shows near Naples but not at this lake... too populated. Kinda wish I knew where he did film and if there is access or toll. I would consider transporting my kayak there just for some variety over the 2 months I'm down there.  

 

Roland is guiding over at Headwaters near Fellsmere.

[FryDog62]

4 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

 

Roland is guiding over at Headwaters near Fellsmere.

Dwight, are you aware of any of the quarry pit lakes around Naples? I know he’s done some shows there. Probably private, but maybe some are pay/toll lakes which I’m not opposed to.  

[Dwight Hottle]

No I never fished that area except in the salt.