Florida fishermen I need some advice

[tbassfin28]

Howdy fellas, I am coming down to florida around the second week in feb. I am new to bass fishing. Some guys from work talked me into going down with them to do some fishin. We will be staying somewhere around kissimmee and toho. I heard there are lots of little lakes to choose from where we will be. Will the spawn be on while we are down there? What kind of lures should I bring? Are the lakes clear or stained? I have also heard that it gets really windy down there and the lakes don't really have any cover to break it is that true? I have never fished in rough water. How should I go about it? Should I anchor up or what do yall suggest? What colors are the best to use? Are the lakes deep or mostly shallow? Do you think I would have better luck on the little lakes as to the big ones like toho or kissimmee?Sorry for all the questions just would like to kinda  be prepaired for my trip and hopefully with yalls suggestions it will be a successful one.

[George Welcome]

Spawn: maybe some activity, maybe not.

Basic lures:

Various plastics in dark colors

4/0 Offset Worm Hook (We Prefer Gamakatsu)

Small Barrel Swivels For Carolina Rigs

Bullet Weights (3/8 Ounce for Carolina Rigs)

Storm Rattlin' Chug Bug 3.5" 3/8oz (Chrome & Blue, And  Your Other Favorite Colors)  

Any Of  Your Favorite Top Water Lures

Bill Lewis 1/2 Ounce Rat-L-Taps (Chrome Blue w/ Orange Belly, Craw Dad, And Fire Tiger etc:)

Buzz Baits (White, White And Chartreuse etc:)

Spinner Baits (Fire Tiger, White, etc:) We Use Terminator T1 1/2oz With Thumper Blades

Flukes (Watermelon, Salt And Pepper, )  

Hard Jerk Baits (Bomber Long A (B15A) 4 1/2" Shiner Pattern)

Wind: it can get rough on even the smaller lakes

Depth: all are shallow

[tallydude]

Depends on what part of Florida. It's a big state and north Florida fishes completely differently than south Florida.

[charlie 1]

I was down from WV 2 weeks ago and every on told me to get a guide if I wanted to catch bass.  We were a little reluctant to get one, but did and it was well worth it.  We were staying at Vero Beach, planed to fish Stick Marsh and the Farm but to much wind.  Guide took us to Garcia lots of grass, cover and fish.

[SirSnookalot]

If I were from the midwest, and I'm originally from Michigan, I would not go bass fishing but I would do something that I can't do from the midwest and that is to fish saltwater.  Vero Beach is on the edge of one of the greatest saltwater fisheries in the world.  This time of year the sails are on fire and if you prefer lighter tackle you can fish the river for big jacks.  I guarantee if you catch a 10# jack it will give you a thrill that no largemouth could ever do, and they run up to 40#.

[Bassn Blvd]

If I were from the midwest, and I'm originally from Michigan, I would not go bass fishing but I would do something that I can't do from the midwest and that is to fish saltwater. Vero Beach is on the edge of one of the greatest saltwater fisheries in the world. This time of year the sails are on fire and if you prefer lighter tackle you can fish the river for big jacks. I guarantee if you catch a 10# jack it will give you a thrill that no largemouth could ever do, and they run up to 40#.

Ditto.  And I live in Florida.

[LCpointerKILLA]

If I were from the midwest, and I'm originally from Michigan, I would not go bass fishing but I would do something that I can't do from the midwest and that is to fish saltwater. Vero Beach is on the edge of one of the greatest saltwater fisheries in the world. This time of year the sails are on fire and if you prefer lighter tackle you can fish the river for big jacks. I guarantee if you catch a 10# jack it will give you a thrill that no largemouth could ever do, and they run up to 40#.

how about both if he likes bass fishing? And booking an offshore trip is big $$$$$$

[SirSnookalot]

True off shore is a bit pricey, but with the slow economy and gas prices down these guys will negotiate now, especially guys with diesel, worse thing for diesels engines is not to run them.

Freshwater and inshore guides are getting 300-350 now for half days, off shore isn't that much more, plus offshore guys are using goggleeyes at 10 bucks a piece

[warmer]

If I were from the midwest, and I'm originally from Michigan, I would not go bass fishing but I would do something that I can't do from the midwest and that is to fish saltwater. Vero Beach is on the edge of one of the greatest saltwater fisheries in the world. This time of year the sails are on fire and if you prefer lighter tackle you can fish the river for big jacks. I guarantee if you catch a 10# jack it will give you a thrill that no largemouth could ever do, and they run up to 40#.

Ditto. And I live in Florida.

I agree with these guys... IF, you are like them and the thrill of the catch is more than the thrill of the hunt. if you like to have somebody bait your hook, if you like to have your bait do all the work casting out greenies or shrimp and letting them swim right into the fishes mouth. if you like catching trash fish (like jack). in short, if you are an impatient wuss, go saltwater fishing.

the real fisherman wake up on the frost covered morning in florida in mid-feb and get out there to try to out fish the green fish. all the others say (in a very squeeky voice) "man i bet i could catch a bunch of redfish over in the bay, and if they arent biting ill go get some trout, and if they arent biting ill run over to the power plant and catch some jack, or if they arent biting ill just catch some catfish. i just want something to pull on the end of my line."

saltwater guys are the guys that go home from the bar with whoever is available.

[SirSnookalot]

I've never fished bait in Florida except on a drift boat.  As far as trash jack are concerned I would guess you never caught one more than 2lbs, which still outfights a 5lb largemouth.  Takes as much talent to catch bass as it does to tie my shoes and my sneakers are velcro.  I catch bass at will any time I want.

I love seeing 50-100-150 yards of line being spooled out by a tarpon, snook or bonefish.  An expierence I have never gotten from any largemouth and I have caught my share of double didget fish.

That is exactly why I gave up bassfishing, cept on the days that the ocean bite is off and I want get a few fish under my belt on my way home.

[arul]

That is exactly why I gave up bassfishing, cept on the days that the ocean bite is off and I want get a few fish under my belt on my way home.

I am entirely confused.  So why in the world are you in the "Bass Resource Forum" then?  Why are you even member of the site if you are not into bass fishing?

"I really hate the NFL.  Anyone see Fitzgerald open a can on the Eagles?  I have him on my fantasy team and I also am a member of the NOsaints forum, username: IheartBREESE.  But man, the NFL is just so lame.  Soccer is way better."

[roadwarrior]

I've never fished bait in Florida except on a drift boat. As far as trash jack are concerned I would guess you never caught one more than 2lbs, which still outfights a 5lb largemouth. Takes as much talent to catch bass as it does to tie my shoes and my sneakers are velcro. I catch bass at will any time I want.

I love seeing 50-100-150 yards of line being spooled out by a tarpon, snook or bonefish. An expierence I have never gotten from any largemouth and I have caught my share of double didget fish.

That is exactly why I gave up bassfishing, cept on the days that the ocean bite is off and I want get a few fish under my belt on my way home.

I think it's time for you to find another forum, seriously.

Your input is virtually worthless around here.

-Kent  a.k.a. roadwarrior

Global Moderator

[SirSnookalot]

I am a midwest guy and I only gave an opinion on what I would do.

This forum is an opinion board and most posts are just that.  I in no way rendered any personal attacks against anyone, but it looks like I'm getting some.

I apologize, not for what I said, but for being naive as not to realize that some may be insulted. I am fisherman, I fish nearly 365 days a year and I'm always eager to learn of a new technique or different fish to catch.

In the future I will measure my words.

[5bass]

In the future I will measure my words.

We appreciate it. Carry on.

[warmer]

I've never fished bait in Florida except on a drift boat. As far as trash jack are concerned I would guess you never caught one more than 2lbs, which still outfights a 5lb largemouth. Takes as much talent to catch bass as it does to tie my shoes and my sneakers are velcro. I catch bass at will any time I want.

I love seeing 50-100-150 yards of line being spooled out by a tarpon, snook or bonefish. An expierence I have never gotten from any largemouth and I have caught my share of double didget fish.

That is exactly why I gave up bassfishing, cept on the days that the ocean bite is off and I want get a few fish under my belt on my way home.

snookie baby,  i really was throwing my post out there hoping everyone would jump on me about it... lol, but apparently they jumped on you.

i actually dont dislike salt, and... i fish live in salt mostly

i sold my flats boat a year ago because: 1. i didnt have the time to do both and i prefer fresh and 2. i was approaching broke as a joke.

i dont fish for bass because they are the hardest fighter.  by that argument you need to get offshore and hit some BIG fish.   i prefer bass fishing for a plethora of reasons.

HERES MY POINT as it relates to tbassfin28.  he is coming to florida where we have lots of trophy bass especially as compared to his home state.  and he will be here in FULL SPAWN.  

if he goes home and says i pulled on a 10lb jack (and yes i have caught big jack) you should see how hard they fight.  it is apples to oranges.  theyll say, when i went to hawaii i yanked on a monster tuna.  whatever!

when he goes home and says, hey man, you ever yanked a 13lber off the bed site fishing and slipped her right back in?  his buddies jaw will drop.

asta

[Bassn Blvd]

Warmer, He is coming down in Feb., which is the middle of winter here in Florida.

Sure, he can have a pretty successful day bass fishing but if a front moves in then he is going to be SCREWED. and I don't care who his guide is..

Fishing saltwater is only another option for him. Sailfish, kingfish, snook, trout and many other species are good fish to target this time of the year. He will have a better chance of catching a "bragging" size saltwater fish then he will a 13 pound bass.

13 pound fish aren't caught on a regular basis around here, bedding or not.

[warmer]

mid week, mid feb, after this hard front moves through, and after weather held up the jan spawn.  even still, i saw a 13+ moving in and not posting up last month... this month WILL BE a major wave.

since when is feb not spawn in florida?  jan, feb, march.  if it is "winter" then florida bass spawn in the winter.

there were a TON of big fish caught in the p.a.a. tournament on toho right smack in the middle of a big cold front.  

im thinking i like my chances for a 9+ in mid-feb.  stay tuned... what the heck, i'd wager but something tells me we'd have to arrange the details off-site.

[SirSnookalot]

Thanks Bassn, it's nice to have an ally.

Warmer, I merely gave an opinion, in hindsight was a grave mistake.

I have caught all kinds of fish big and small and some of my most memorable have been from small ones. I have made 4 trips to the Algoma region of Ontario in my younger days(had a friend that was guide there and drew me a map)1 backpacking and 3 using a canoe. Each trip was a week or so. Up there each body of water seemed to have it's own species of fish. Once we found the little speckled trout that never were more than 15-16" we had a ball and I enjoyed it as much as fishing for marlin in Cabo San Lucas.

The point I tried to make was to say that when in a new area, trying something different may be more memorable.

[OldBateman]

I live in the Tampa area and our bass are fanning beds now. If our next cold snaps aren't too severe, the Feb 7 full moon should start the big mommas moving towards the beds. Right now, they are still staging in the deeper water adjacent to spawning areas. Yesterday, 3 of us caught 144 bass, only 2 over 5 lbs. Most were small males in the 1-2 lb range.

[tallydude]

Also, I don't know if you have children, but if you do, Florida has the lowest in-state tuition costs for higher education in the country.

[jaystraw]

So, I'm going to be in Orlando on 2/26-3/1 and where in the spawn do people think the fish will be?

Thanks!

[South FLA]

I've never fished bait in Florida except on a drift boat. As far as trash jack are concerned I would guess you never caught one more than 2lbs, which still outfights a 5lb largemouth. Takes as much talent to catch bass as it does to tie my shoes and my sneakers are velcro. I catch bass at will any time I want.

I love seeing 50-100-150 yards of line being spooled out by a tarpon, snook or bonefish. An expierence I have never gotten from any largemouth and I have caught my share of double didget fish.

That is exactly why I gave up bassfishing, cept on the days that the ocean bite is off and I want get a few fish under my belt on my way home.

Being a Florida Native and fishing South Florida waters since I was about 4 years old I can tell you your opinion is not one I hold. As a kid I fished for soap fish and bass exclusively. As a teenager I did the whole offshore thing, sailfish, wahoo, dolphin, etc. and as an adult I stick to inshore fishing and bass, unless someone offers me a trip offshore.

They are all rewarding, but let may say this in defense of the Largemouth bass, not any retard can catch one. For example I went out with my brother in law for 2 hours yesterday in my jon boat right off my backyard. The guy is an open water slayer, guess how many fish he caught? 0! I ended up with 11! He just doesn't know how to fish for them, he can rig for wahoo, sails, and troll with the best of them, but when it comes to pinpoint casting and getting the feel for a subtle hit, then he is sunk. So is he an idiot saltwater fisherman that couldn't catch a bass to save his life? No, he lacks experience and knowledge.

Each fish has its own qualities that can't be matched. No bass is going to run like a bonefish. Nor is the bass going to make good table fair like a Pompano. Yet, there is something about the bass that just can't be matched in terms of types of presentations used and tackle variety. How many times have you seen the saltwater fishing world be influenced by bass fishing techniques?

To each his own. I enjoy all types of fishing, I am not a fish snob! That said my favorite fish is a toss up between bass and snook, but if I had to choose one to fish for the rest of my life it would be bass, cause those robalos sure do like getting lock jaw at times!

Now back to the original post. If I were you I would try something different while you are down in Florida, redfish in the lagoon are on fire usually this time of year.

[CaptTodd]

There are a ton of "freshwater" lures that are being used in saltwater for snook, trout and redfish. Snook are just like bass but much more powerful. Bass fishing when a "new" lure comes out it is the "hot" thing to do saltwater is not like that to an extent. I just went bass fishing last week and I can say this, if the bite is off on bass you are screwed, if the bite is off on snook there are a TON of fish that you can target. Fresh and Saltwater are totally different and I for one can say that I missed freshwater fishing to an extent but nothing replaces saltwater fishing. I bet some of the people that have argued their facts on this post have not saltwater fished with someone that knows what is going on. There is more of a science to saltwater fishing than freshwater, not much but there is! I know because I have done both for many years. I have many out of state fishermen on my boat and once they hook a saltwater fish they can not believe the difference in the fight, the look and the techniques to catch these fish. Once again this is JMO! ;D

Capt. Todd

[Bassn Blvd]

I think this guy will have a better chance having fun chasing the reds and other inshore saltwater fish then he will catching a 13 pound bass.  And his odds at catching a 13 pound bass without the use of shiners is drastically against him.  Pulling 13 pounders of beds on a regular basis out of the blue AINT happening.  

I think his best bet is to hit Stick Marsh with George Welcome or some other guide who knows the lake well if it's bass fishing he wants to do.  But don't mislead the guy by acting like 13 pounders are caught of beds on any particular day of the week during the spawn. Especially during a cold snap/front.

[SirSnookalot]

Well said Capt Todd.

I have received my share of flack on this subject and my opinion hasn't wavered a bit.

I enjoy catching lmb as well as the next man or woman but I prefer the options available to me living near the coast.

IMO bass fishing is popular because you do not need sophisticated equipment, it's an abundant fish, when they are on catching them isn't really that hard and last of all the media. The media has done a wonderful job of promotion, I'm waiting to see "THE BASS CHANNEL" much akin to the golf channel.