First Florida Trip/ Tenoroc or Stick Marsh?

[Bigbassdaddy]

Hey, I was referrd to this site for help. Im glad I was because this seems like a good forum.

I am graduating from college this spring here in KY and before classes start back in a couple weeks Im heading to Florida for bass. All I have is a 10ft jonboat w. trollingmotor, and Im planning on camping ina tent (hotel would be great but remember Im a college student lol), but I need a place where I can charge my batteries as well. What do you think considering- should I go to stick marsh (will it be ok w/ my small boat) or should I go to the tenoroc pits in Lakeland? If youre at all familiar with htese areas and can recommend a place to camp w/ power I'd appreciate it!

I forgot to mention Ive never been to florida.

[FD.]

If you are limited only to a trolling motor I would say Tenoroc but you can't fish there on Tue, Wed or Thur.  If you were in the Lakeland/Winter Haven area then you could also fish around 50 different lakes with a jon boat.

This place will put you in the heart of central florida bassing and is a great place to start.  It's only 5 min from Tenoroc.

http://www.saddlecreekpark.com/Camping.html

Let me know when you are going to be here and I can get you some up to date fishing info.

FD

[Bassn Blvd]

If you are limited only to a trolling motor I would say Tenoroc but you can't fish there on Tue, Wed or Thur. If you were in the Lakeland/Winter Haven area then you could also fish around 50 different lakes with a jon boat.

This place will put you in the heart of central florida bassing and is a great place to start. It's only 5 min from Tenoroc.

http://www.saddlecreekpark.com/Camping.html

Let me know when you are going to be here and I can get you some up to date fishing info.

FD

X2  I wouldn't battle Stick Marsh with your boat.

[Bigbassdaddy]

Thanks. Im leaving this sunday. I know, its a spurt of the moment trip.

[FD.]

Well, yesterday we were catching fish on frogs, cranks, worms and flukes.  In K grass mixed with pads in 6 ft of water.

That being said, fishing in Florida in the winter is completely unpredictable and I could get skunked tomorrow.

Check this site  http://www.theledger.com/section/sports09

after Thurs for the new "Around Polk County" fishing report.  Also if you stay at saddle creek, Phillips Bait and Tackle is on the property and usually has good information.

[frogtog]

Dad gum Gators are bigger than 10' down their and the mosquitoes are just as big. ;D

[FD.]

Oh Yea, and watch out for the big lizards... this one lives on the Stick Marsh.  And he is bigger than your boat.

He came after my 2 #er and nearly came in the boat with me. That's when I decided it was his fishing spot and I should move.

[Glenn]

[movedhere] General Bass Fishing Forum [move by] Glenn.

[George Welcome]

Oh Yea, and watch out for the big lizards... this one lives on the Stick Marsh. And he is bigger than your boat.

He came after my 2 #er and nearly came in the boat with me. That's when I decided it was his fishing spot and I should move.

That's Pedro and he is extremely friendly. Likes to be tickled under the chin and kissed on top of the head. No french kissing allowed.

[Certified Public Angler]

just went to stick marsh for my first time and I would not advise getting on that water with a 10 ft and only a TM.  The wind kicks up hard there and like others have said there are tons of huge gators.

[Bigbassdaddy]

This is really disappointing. The girl at Stick Marsh Bait and Tackle on the phone said it would be no problem, people are out there in canoes all the time. I really didnt want to travel that far to go fish a state park. :-/

[warmer]

go to stick marsh then, and tell us how it goes. you might try kissimmee state park and pray for a wind out of the west or norh. then you can go fish one or 2 different areas.

florida is dotted w/ small lakes and ponds.  all of them have fish, some more some less.  you wont be able to really get a taste of the more well known florida lakes with a tm, but you certainly can get an experience of florida water.   a friend and i used to get an aerial map of central florida and load up the 10' jon boat every weekend and just find water and try it.  it the fence was too high we just walked the bank.

[FD.]

You could listen to the girl at the bait shop OR you could listen to the guys who fish in big boats every weekend and are just trying to keep you safe.  

I started bass fishing 3 years ago in a 10 ft jon with a trolling motor.  There are serious limits to where you can safely fish in the winter in Florida.  Stay off the big water!  I have seen the Stick Marsh/Kissimmee/Harris all go from calm to white caps in a matter of minutes.  In fact last spring I was on Kissimmee and ran behind Brahma island in calm water.  2 hours later I was taking water over the bow in a 21 ft stratos trying to get back to the ramp.

Just be smart.  I understand you are on a tight budget and can't afford a guide so fish within your equipments limitations.

[FD.]

go to stick marsh then, and tell us how it goes. you might try kissimmee state park and pray for a wind out of the west or norh. then you can go fish one or 2 different areas.

florida is dotted w/ small lakes and ponds. all of them have fish, some more some less. you wont be able to really get a taste of the more well known florida lakes with a tm, but you certainly can get an experience of florida water. a friend and i used to get an aerial map of central florida and load up the 10' jon boat every weekend and just find water and try it. it the fence was too high we just walked the bank.

Vince's "friend" is now an Elite Series Pro. I guess fishing in the small lakes and ponds did him some good. (but what happened to vince?)

[Bigbassdaddy]

Hey guys- dont think that I dont value your advice- I know youre right Im just hard headed and had my heart set on a trophy lake. Im going to take your advice, I'll stay within my limitations. Actually, the guy who planned on going with me had to back out. So I'll be going it alone. I believe I'll stick with saddle creek park and fish tenoroc when its open.

Thanks for the advice and honesty.

I'd really like to concntrate on water where I'll have a decent shot at a few big bass. Which lakes should I focus on at Tenoroc?

Also, is there a number where I can call to make sure I'll have a piece of ground with a power outlet?

Also- is there any of these places where night fishing is not allowed?

[George Welcome]

Caught three minutes from the ramp:

And this:

[FD.]

Tenoroc is 6a-6p Thurs-Mon and you have to check in/out at the ranger station and get a permit ($3 per day)

Saddle Creek is 7 days a week and you have to be off the water by 10 p

Lake Gibson (lakeland) is close and has no time limitations and with the water down (shallow ramp) you will not have much company.

Lake Pansy (winter haven) is another good option of small water = big fish.

Lake Alfred, if the wind is not to bad, or out of the N or W can be fished out of a small boat. Fish from the ramp around to the left, in particular the openings to the 2 coves.

contact Phillips Bait & Tackle (on site at saddle creek) 863.666.2248 They should be able to point you in the right direction about camping.

call Ron at Rons Tackle Box in Lake alfred, get directions and go talk to him. (about 20 min) He has always given me good advise. Go tell him what you are trying to do and he will help. He has been in business forever and knows central fla very well. 863.956.4990.

And lastly, I will pm my phone # so if you get in a bind, you at least know someone close. I live about 20 min from Saddle Creek.

FD

[warmer]

lake alfred is a good idea, for florida style shallow water fishing.  youll be here early spawn, so youll have a chance to catch fish pushing up into the pads.  toad, worm and fluke.  all good choices.

[Bigbassdaddy]

Thank you for all of your help. Its going to be hard to sleep for the next few nights! I'll let you all know how it went when I get back.

[FD.]

BigBassdaddy called me today.  He made it to Lakeland this morning, got a couple hours of sleep and was on fish hook lake (tenoroc) and already had several fish in the boat by 1 pm.