HELP: Florida Fishing

[Bass XL]

I need help guys. I have a big trip to Florida in October. I need all the info I can get on fishing Florida this time of year. Will the fish be spawning? Im going to the Harris Chain of Lakes.

thanks guys

[Michelle43]

I am not from Florida....But just want to wish you best of luck!

[tutle]

Will the fish be spawning in October ?  No.

[Krzkev]

In general the fish spawn for a 3 month period from late Nov. to late Feb.  The pre spawn is usually excellent down here, it starts almost as soon as the water temp drops.  Where I fish in south Florida they will hit just about anything for this short period of time.

[gatrboy53]

the spawn on harris is not untill after the new yr.depends if we have had any cool weather snaps to move em up .hopefully you'lll hit it at the right time and get on some.but.......it could be tough.

[South FLA]

Hire a professional guide for a day or two of your trip.  He should know the lay of the land since he is on the water.  I suggest you ask fellow forum member George Welcome for advice or better yet, drive to Stick Marsh/Farm Pond for a day or two and have a blast catching prespawners.

Good Luck!

[gar-tracker]

I am in pretty much disagreement that anyone can say for sure there will be no spawn, depends on the weather, early cold snaps lots of rain cooling the water,water levels, a large shad spawn in the summer causing the fish to gorge more then usual will put them to spawn early. Theres always a possibility of an early run of spawning fish in Florida.

Is the norm no, but certainly possible, last year we had a spawn in late September early October on Okeechobee.

I would defiantly check shallow.

The fish don't read the same books we do.

[CmacFL]

I say probly no spawn..not around October, but I'm not a big spawn contasoeur either..but good time to go cuz the water won't be bath water in October!!  Been to Harris chain only once it was 10 years ago and im 22 now lol...but when u come to Florida....Worms man...big time.  10 inch worms and up...lol the bigger the better i think, maybe a berkley 10 inch power worm or a jethro or somethin like that.  I'm less than 50 miles from where you're headed....ive caught my biggest bass on worms.

[South FLA]

I am in pretty much disagreement that anyone can say for sure there will be no spawn, depends on the weather, early cold snaps lots of rain cooling the water,water levels, a large shad spawn in the summer causing the fish to gorge more then usual will put them to spawn early. Theres always a possibility of an early run of spawning fish in Florida.

Is the norm no, but certainly possible, last year we had a spawn in late September early October on Okeechobee.

I would defiantly check shallow.

The fish don't read the same books we do.

He's right we had a spawn on the Big-O early last year. But the further north you go the later it gets.   It amazing how different spawning times can vary within the same county especially in Florida!

[etommy28]

likely no spawn, the earliest fish i have caught off beds were in nov. but you should be able to find them schooling, cranking or flipping.but frogs and trick worms will prob. be the best along grass lines.

[Bass XL]

Thanks guys. Very, very helpful information. I appreciate all of it. Is the water on the harris chain like a tea color?

[LCpointerKILLA]

Thanks guys. Very, very helpful information. I appreciate all of it. Is the water on the harris chain like a tea color?

i have been once a couple years ago and the water was crystal clear... but im pretty sure that was an anomaly... you never know

[gatrboy53]

the water on the harris chain is some of the ugliest water you'll ever fish but the fish are use to it so dont let it bother you. oct. in central fla. is still going to be "probably" still warm unless you come late in the mth. or we have an unusual cold snap. because of the dark water harris chain stays hot longer and i would bet the barn you wont see no typical spawn on harris in oct..if we havent had any cool weather you can expect tough conditions.harris chain is a tough place in good conditions.there is always yr. round shallow fish in the harris chain.flippin is the best way to get to them.if the water has cooled some and the bait are strting to move outside grass lines w/ white sb or shallow cranks rc 1.5 types or lipless.wormin is always a good bet if thats your strenght. local input at the time will tell you what lakes are doing the best.w/ your accomplishments as a basser you wont have any problem figureing it out.

[FD.]

Harris and Eustis are very shallow and ringed with Maidencane (kissimmee grass).  But it is also has many docks that have clear openings to deeper water.  These openings in the Maidencane will usually have eel grass growing on the bottom.  Take a rattle trap and rip it across the top of the eel grass.  Use a gold/orange belly or firetiger.  There are several productive mussel bars outside of spawning areas that should have prespawn fish on them.  I will send you some GPS coords when I get time.

FD

[RoLo]

Harris and Eustis are very shallow and ringed with Maidencane (kissimmee grass). But it is also has many docks that have clear openings to deeper water. These openings in the Maidencane will usually have eel grass growing on the bottom. Take a rattle trap and rip it across the top of the eel grass. Use a gold/orange belly or firetiger. There are several productive mussel bars outside of spawning areas that should have prespawn fish on them. I will send you some GPS coords when I get time.

FD

There isn't much I can add to FD's post, he covered it well.

If traps and J-spoons aren't working on top, you might try working a Big Stick along the bottom.

You can forget about the spawn, which reaches full stride during Jan, Feb and Mar.

Opportunistic spawning activity outside those months are only exceptions that reinforce the rule.

Roger

[Bass XL]

Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate it.

[Bryce Hagar]

Only thing I have learned about fishing in my area is to find a pond with minimal cover and early in the morning throw a topwater lure into a cooler spot on the pond. this has been repeatedly successful to me