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Highlands Today

Florida Black Bass Season Beginning

HEARTLAND FISHING REPORT

DAVE DOUGLASS/Highlands Today

Dave Douglass shows off this 10.8-pound Bass he caught on Lake Istokpoga recently.

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By By DAVE DOUGLASS

Published: September 10, 2007

The New Moon occurs tomorrow at 12:44 p.m. and this means today is one of the five best days of in the early part of September.

The main fish migration takes place near noon, starting slightly later each day but remaining strong and long in strength and duration.

Plan to be out on the lake by 8 a.m. in preparation for the "Bite" which starts at 9 a.m. and continues into the early afternoon.

Now as I have always said, remember, weather trumps lunar cycles –– alters fish habits –– because of barometric pressure, wind, cloud cover, and oxygen levels.

So, as the Moon promotes feeding migrations –– fish move toward shoreline vegetation and structures — you can count on this being greatly affected by summer storms and quick extreme changes in weather conditions.

It's a good idea to check your barometer often; it dictates the difference between a great day and a so-so day at the lake.

Fishing Report

Bass, pan fish of all types are being caught in all types of vegetation except for the Crappie or "Specs" as they are called, which are in the deeper areas of the lake moving along lake-bottom transitions.

The Largemouth Bass have just recently started to frequent the lake shore area vegetations on a more regular schedule and pattern resulting in predictable situations for the anglers. Remember to locate the deeper sections of the lake and then determine the shortest route to shoreline vegetation, this is always a good place to start if you don't know the lake.

Fishing Facts

This is the beginning of the "Florida Black Bass Season." Everything the Bass angler needs to learn starts now for learning the natural seasonal migration habits, which distinguishes Florida Bass anglers from the rest of the world.

So, if you have not started to take advantage of participating in one of "The Main Reasons" people move to Florida –– Fishing Capitol of the World –– now is the time.

Visit your local fishing tackle store, call a local fishing guide, or hook up with a neighbor who is a successful angler, and experience first hand the benefits Florida angling offers.

There's no better place on earth to catch fish, and that's a fact.

Wednesday Morning Black Bass Fishing Tournament is open to the public. Next Event: September 12th on Crooked Lake. Time: 7 a.m. to noon.

Pay at ramp - entry fee $30 per boat.

One person may fish alone if you do not have a partner.

For information, contact Paul Tardiff at (863)385-8007 Home, Cell (863) 446-1310 bassbutchie60@aol.com or Dwight Ameling at (863)471-3305
Bassmaster's Elite Series - 2007 Sunshine Showdown -- launches out of Kissimmee Lake Front Park on Lake Toho, September 12 - 16.

The pro anglers will be fishing the Kissimmee Chain of lakes starting this Thursday for a four-day event ending on Sunday. Each day the launch is at 6:30 a.m. and weigh-ins at 3:00 p.m.

For complete information visit online at www.bassmaster.com .

There will be many different types of events for the public to participate in and meet a favorite Bass angler up close and personal.

Budweiser HT3 American Bass Series will be on Lake Istokpoga at the route 98 Highlands County Park boat ramp Sunday September 16th.

If you'd like to see a professional unique, one-angler-per-boat-tournament, first hand be at the boat ramp by 2:30 p.m. when the weigh-in starts.

The "Big Bass Bite" has started to turn on in "Florida's Big Bass Lake" so, grab your camera and head on out to the lake. Be a part of one of the main attractions in Florida's Highlands County big Bass tournament events at Lake Istokpoga.

Dave Douglass is a Bass fishing guide and teacher, Bass tournament fisherman and also an officer of S.O.S.-Florida Lakes, Inc. You can reach him at (863) 381-8474, e-mail davedouglass@sos-floridalakes.org or visit the Web sites reds-bass-fishing-guides.com and sos-floridalakes.org/.

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