Spawning A One Way Deal?

[BasskingKeith]

So I have been reading about spawning temperatures. It seems that when they talk about the temps, they're going from cold water to the water warming up. But what about the opposite? Like here in Florida, if the water is warmer than 70 in the winter, than goes to 65, will they spawn then? I am not actually sure what the water temps are down here, but I just wanted to make that an example.

[james 14]

I saw some spawners in Dec when the water had gotten down into the 60s and down in Okeechobee they apparently can start as early as October. I'm no scientist but I think they wait for some kind cold snap to come through and then start after it warms back up. For instance, this cold weather we have right now should turn into spawning weather as we warm back up over the next week. I haven't been out to see what the water temps are right now but they'd have to be in the 50s with two days of low 50 highs and 20 lows.

I had the same question this year since its the first time I had spent much time on the water in Dec. I'm usually in a deer stand.

[BasskingKeith]

Yeah man, I have never really focused as much on trying to get those early "big" ones I keep reading about. Trying to put as much time as possible to increase my chances. Normally, I just stumble upon fish that are already bedding, so I was trying to see if I can gain an upper-hand and hit em early.

[1234567]

Bank'nOnBass,

I like your way of thinking, trying to absorb everything and use it to intelligently decide your approach to fishing each time out! I am the same, always thinking, reading and spending as much time out at or on the water to learn by experience which is the BEST way to do it!

As far as spawn, I don't bed fish (nothing against people who do, not for me though) I believe they will spawn on warming trends after cold fronts here in Florida. It seems that you will have all three phases of spawn from Oct-April??

I agree with the new moon fast approaching soon after this cold front passes I think a major spawn in a lot of areas will be starting, granted another front doesn't push through again too fast.

[james 14]

Actually we're coming up on a full moon which will surely bring some spawners up as we warm this weekend. This is an interesting and potentially very tough time of the year bass fishing...especially in FL. The fish could be spawning one day and then suspended in open water the next. Some lakes are worse/better than others. We have a couple deep, clear water lakes that hold very few shoreline fish except for the spawn and fall schooling periods. Combine that with little offshore structure and you have a recipe for boredom unless you're really good with your electronics and running and gunning...then it can be exciting. Move on over to one of our many shallow, stained water lakes with plenty of shallow hydrilla, lily pads and "kissimmee" grass and nearly every bass in the lake will be 4ft or less regardless of the weather.

This is a very important time of year to keep good notes on weather, water temp, date and moon phase when you fish. The various scenarios are seemingly endless so it helps to look back on past experiences to determine what you need to do on any given day.

[Colton Neal]

I think no matter where the water temperature is coming from if it is right the bass will spawn. The bass can sense when spring is arriving because of longer days, their biological clock starts ticking and tells them to start getting ready to spawn.

[BasskingKeith]

Thanks for your input Colton Neal, James 14, and 1234567. Much appreciated, and more importantly reassuring.