FL Bass Fishing Trip - Community Suggestions Appreciated

[NorEastAngler]

Hi everyone,

 

I'll be visiting FL in mid-February 2022. Spending a few days in Miami, then working my way back up through Northern, FL.

I'll have about 12 days off to fish from land or via a 10ft Jon Boat - 55lb Trust Electric motor. Staying in hotels on the way.

 

I want to fish everywhere I can, spending 1 to 2 days in each city/area at a time.

Focus: Large mouth & Peacock Bass. 

 

I would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations on your TOP 5 PLACES to bass fish in FL!

My hopes are to pick some of the places, visit, fish, and update everyone with the results.

 

Apologies if the topic has already been covered. I'm a newbie, here

 

Thanks!

NorEastAngler

[N Florida Mike]

I can help for N florida. I dont fish much south of Ocala, but could make some recommendations north of there. Feel free to pm me as it gets closer to the trip…

[crypt]

right off of I-95 is the Stick marsh next to Headwaters lake. also the St. Johns river is along the way all the way to Jacksonville.so many places to fish on your travels. hit us up when you get an idea where you want to try. we can help.

[Mike L]

If ya want to stay south Big O is where to go! 

The Everglades ain’t no slouch either!
 

As @N Florida Mike and @crypt said 

Let us know when and where 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[geo g]

While in the Fort Lauderdale area I would fish Alligator Alley which is I-75,  once you pay the toll, there are multiple boat ramps every 5 miles along the highway.  Ramps are on both sides of the road.  All good quality ramps, and loaded with bass especially if the water levels drop.  A 100 fish day is a real possibility.  You don't need to run far, you have already driven to the heart of the everglades.  Lots of black bass, peacock bass, rock bass, tons of Oscars, a variety of exotics, many big gators, otters, some snakeheads, and occasional mega python.  Don't fall in the water!

[NorEastAngler]

On 11/2/2021 at 5:55 PM, N Florida Mike said:

I can help for N florida. I dont fish much south of Ocala, but could make some recommendations north of there. Feel free to pm me as it gets closer to the trip…

Sweet! Thanks N Florida Mike! I'll be sure to reach out.

On 11/2/2021 at 7:23 PM, crypt said:

right off of I-95 is the Stick marsh next to Headwaters lake. also the St. Johns river is along the way all the way to Jacksonville.so many places to fish on your travels. hit us up when you get an idea where you want to try. we can help.

Hey Crypt! thanks for the input. I researched a little since my post and stick marsh came up as a hot spot to try. I think I'll definitely hit that up one day. I'm imaging fairly flat and lots of structure? Regarding St. Johns - I'm reading a lot about how productive the river is but also how strong the current can be in certain areas. Any jon boat w/ electric motor areas you recommend? Thanks so much!

[NorEastAngler]

On 11/2/2021 at 7:35 PM, Mike L said:

If ya want to stay south Big O is where to go! 

The Everglades ain’t no slouch either!
 

As @N Florida Mike and @crypt said 

Let us know when and where 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Mike L - thanks for the info! I've been reading about Okeechobee. Been a thing of my dreams since I was a kid, watching Roland Martin own it LOL. I know its a big one, so my only concern would be where 10ft jon boating would be doable. Think I read if you stick to the Clewiston launch area and southern part of the lake can be fruitful and more areas of shelter? Thanks again!

[Captain Phil]

16 minutes ago, NorEastAngler said:

Regarding St. Johns - I'm reading a lot about how productive the river is but also how strong the current can be in certain areas. Any jon boat w/ electric motor areas you recommend? Thanks so much!

A problem with the St. John's River is the numerous manatee zones.  In some areas you may find yourself idling for miles.  The River itself is a great bass fishery.  Years ago it was billed as the "Bass Capital of the World".  Where you find pads, you will find bass.  Paralleling the bank in close with a spinnerbait is also productive. 

[NorEastAngler]

On 11/3/2021 at 12:15 AM, geo g said:

While in the Fort Lauderdale area I would fish Alligator Alley which is I-75,  once you pay the toll, there are multiple boat ramps every 5 miles along the highway.  Ramps are on both sides of the road.  All good quality ramps, and loaded with bass especially if the water levels drop.  A 100 fish day is a real possibility.  You don't need to run far, you have already driven to the heart of the everglades.  Lots of black bass, peacock bass, rock bass, tons of Oscars, a variety of exotics, many big gators, otters, some snakeheads, and occasional mega python.  Don't fall in the water!

WOW! Geo G - that sounds amazing. Is I75 an EZPass or SunPass road? Sounds like my arm's going to get tired real quick LOL. Definitely have to hit the glades. I'll for sure launch in this area and keep my toes out of the water . Thank you!

5 minutes ago, Captain Phil said:

A problem with the St. John's River is the numerous manatee zones.  In some areas you may find yourself idling for miles.  The River itself is a great bass fishery.  Years ago it was billed as the "Bass Capital of the World".  Where you find pads, you will find bass.  Paralleling the bank in close with a spinnerbait is also productive. 

Thanks, Captain Phil. I'll dig deeper and research some areas of interest. Thank you for the tips - spinnerbaits are my favorite!

[geo g]

The Alley is a Sun Pass road.  The water levels are split between the east and west sides of the Miami River which is at Mile Marker 35.  Water levels and water quality can be different between east and west.    The river runs north and south and can be quite good and loaded with wildlife.  At the north end of the river, you can often see otters along the bank, and hear bobcats in the early morning calling out to others.  Fishing can be the best in the nation during low level conditions, and tough during high water conditions when bass move out into the grass looking for food.  February should be a good time to go.  I personally like zoom flukes, senkos, both in watermelon red.  Then hollow body frogs deep in the pad fields, and close to sawgrass stems.  Just remember 65lb braid for the frog fishing.  They will often come out with ten pounds of vegetation attached.  Pure fun, good luck my friend!

[NorEastAngler]

1 hour ago, geo g said:

The Alley is a Sun Pass road.  The water levels are split between the east and west sides of the Miami River which is at Mile Marker 35.  Water levels and water quality can be different between east and west.    The river runs north and south and can be quite good and loaded with wildlife.  At the north end of the river, you can often see otters along the bank, and hear bobcats in the early morning calling out to others.  Fishing can be the best in the nation during low level conditions, and tough during high water conditions when bass move out into the grass looking for food.  February should be a good time to go.  I personally like zoom flukes, senkos, both in watermelon red.  Then hollow body frogs deep in the pad fields, and close to sawgrass stems.  Just remember 65lb braid for the frog fishing.  They will often come out with ten pounds of vegetation attached.  Pure fun, good luck my friend!

This info is clutch. Thanks, Geo G! I'll be stocking up on those baits and will definitely hit this stretch when I head down there. Cheers

[Mike L]

8 hours ago, NorEastAngler said:

Mike L - thanks for the info! I've been reading about Okeechobee. Been a thing of my dreams since I was a kid, watching Roland Martin own it LOL. I know its a big one, so my only concern would be where 10ft jon boating would be doable. Think I read if you stick to the Clewiston launch area and southern part of the lake can be fruitful and more areas of shelter? Thanks again!

If you’re intent on fishing there in a 10ft boat, there are a few dog legs and cuts off the rim canal from Clewiston on the South end that will offer some protection, and a few off the river from the Scott Driver ramp and Taylor Creek on the North end. 
 

The Harney Pond Recreation canal leading into the lake on the West side and Uncle Joe’s Cut from the rim canal end should also be ok. 
 

BUT, you need to check the weather before you go.

The Lake is no place to be in a jon boat in anything but calm, flat, stable water.

Keep in mind there are gators in there longer than your boat. 
 

 

 

Mike

[NorEastAngler]

7 minutes ago, Mike L said:

If you’re intent on fishing there in a 10ft boat, there are a few dog legs and cuts off the rim canal from Clewiston on the South end that will offer some protection, and a few off the river from the Scott Driver ramp and Taylor Creek on the North end. 
 

The Harney Pond Recreation canal leading into the lake on the West side and Uncle Joe’s Cut from the rim canal end should also be ok. 
 

BUT, you need to check the weather before you go.

The Lake is no place to be in a jon boat in anything but calm, flat, stable water.

Keep in mind there are gators in there longer than your boat. 
 

 

 

Mike

Thanks for those details, Mike L. Puts things into perspective. I appreciate the insight and fair warnings.

[Mike L]

This time of the year I’m there at least twice a month. 
If you decide to go, let me know a few days before and I’ll try to point you in the right direction. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[Aaron_H]

2 hours ago, Mike L said:

Keep in mind there are gators in there longer than your boat.

 

That's just the Floridian Swamp Cat in its natural environment.

 

Lot of great options here. If the weather's good and you like inshore species, Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon are both right there off 95, as well. Excellent trout/redfish/snook fisheries.

[geo g]

8 hours ago, NorEastAngler said:

This info is clutch. Thanks, Geo G! I'll be stocking up on those baits and will definitely hit this stretch when I head down there. Cheers

 

if things happen to be tough that day I often switch to a lighter set up with a black trick worm wacky rigged.  This I will throw parallel  next  to the deep ledges.  This has often saved the day and produced some big girls hugging the bottom.  Just some things to consider in the glades.

[NorEastAngler]

10 hours ago, Aaron_H said:

 

That's just the Floridian Swamp Cat in its natural environment.

 

Lot of great options here. If the weather's good and you like inshore species, Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon are both right there off 95, as well. Excellent trout/redfish/snook fisheries.

 

LOL,. Haven't heard that one before. Thanks for the suggestions! That's a great idea! I could absolutely fit in a day trying to light up some reds or snook! In February, how would you fish it? Top water action like a spook for reds and something more fineness for snook? I appreciate the details.

 

Cheers

7 hours ago, geo g said:

 

if things happen to be tough that day I often switch to a lighter set up with a black trick worm wacky rigged.  This I will throw parallel  next  to the deep ledges.  This has often saved the day and produced some big girls hugging the bottom.  Just some things to consider in the glades.

Awesome intel. When in doubt, wacky it out! That makes me think of something I saw a couple weeks ago... there is a new worm rig from Japan, called the Inu Rig? Looks like a pain to rig up but seems to imitate a live worm very well! Have you ever tried that out before?

[Captain Phil]

13 hours ago, Aaron_H said:

If the weather's good and you like inshore species, Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon are both right there off 95, as well. Excellent trout/redfish/snook fisheries.

 

The Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon are in East Central Florida.  If you find yourself in South Florida, drive across the Alley to Everglades City.  That's where you will find some of the best inshore salt water fishing in the world.  

[NorEastAngler]

9 minutes ago, Captain Phil said:

 

The Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon are in East Central Florida.  If you find yourself in South Florida, drive across the Alley to Everglades City.  That's where you will find some of the best inshore salt water fishing in the world.  

Awesome info. Thanks, Captain!

[TOXIC]

On 11/1/2021 at 2:36 PM, NorEastAngler said:

I'll have about 12 days off to fish from land or via a 10ft Jon Boat - 55lb Trust Electric motor. Staying in hotels on the way.

You are going to be looking at smaller bodies of water.  All of the big water will pretty much be off limits.  I can’t help that much but you won’t be getting on Okeechobee, Stick Marsh, etc., also you will be limited to the canals by how far you can travel with your boat.  Hopefully some will have small water suggestions.  Good luck.  

[NorEastAngler]

17 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

You are going to be looking at smaller bodies of water.  All of the big water will pretty much be off limits.  I can’t help that much but you won’t be getting on Okeechobee, Stick Marsh, etc., also you will be limited to the canals by how far you can travel with your boat.  Hopefully some will have small water suggestions.  Good luck.  

Thanks, Toxic! I have no problem sticking to smaller bodies of water or canals. Will definitely be about the experience and diversifying my opportunities. Luckily I have 3 12V - 110ah AGM batteries I can rotate to make my journey further and to ensure I have a backup plan . If anything crosses your mind as a doable area, I appreciate the feedback!

 

Cheers

[Aaron_H]

4 hours ago, Captain Phil said:

 

The Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon are in East Central Florida.  If you find yourself in South Florida, drive across the Alley to Everglades City.  That's where you will find some of the best inshore salt water fishing in the world.  

 

Yep, just east of 95 around Titusville/Port Canaveral. Figured it would be worth the stop while he's working his way back up north.

[soflabasser]

There is no need to hire a guide to catch peacock bass or largemouth bass in South Florida, they can be caught from land in most of the freshwater canals. If you like catching smallmouth bass you will like peacock bass even more. They fight much harder than an equal sized black bass and are eager biters. Good luck and hope you have a great time in your fishing vacation.

[NorEastAngler]

Fellas,

 

I think I have it all mapped out and planned. I used your feedback, messages, and research to create an itinerary. Let me know what y'all think. I'll be using a 10ft Jon boat with electric motor. Should be able to stick to the banks and cover.

 

Day 1: Everglades on I75 - I75 Fishing Ramp, fishing Canals East of Miami Canal

Day 2: Okeechobee - South Bay Boat Ramp, fishing South Bay Inlets and Canals

Day 3 : Lake Kissimmee - Lake Kissimmee South Boat Ramp, fishing South Bay

Day 4: Lake Toho - Big Toho Marina, fishing the NW cove and Island

Day 5: Orange Lake - Heagy-Burry boat ramp, fishing SW Bay and Island

Day 6: Lake Ocklawaha (Rodman Reservoir) - Ferry Boat Landing, fishing SW section into the narrows

Day 7: Ocklawaha River - Johnson Field boat ramp, fishing E toward St. Johns River & back

Day 8: Georges Lake - Georges Lake Boat ramp, fishing all the structure around the lake

 

Think I should double-up on certain body of waters instead of 1 day each? Like the glades/Big O?

 

Thanks all!

[Dwight Hottle]

Two days at Rodman & skip big O.