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Transition period for fish, anglers

By DAVE DOUGLASS

Highlands Bass Angler

Published: November 4, 2009

This is the week of the transitional period between the full moon and the last-quarter moon, and as the title implies, so will be the state of the fish which the anglers pursue -transitional.

There will be no discernable feeding migration to speak of this week as fish start to form new lunar-influenced patterns over the next four days, at which time a new moon pattern will emerge in the early-morning hours.

Therefore, the fish will feed lightly and in short durations throughout the day, driven by their bodies' need for food - and not by lunar, solar and weather-pattern influences.

The only positive news for the angler over the next four days is that there will be a cooling trend happening, which will cause the appetites of fish to increase slightly as their digestive systems accelerate.

Your best times to fish will be centered on sunrise and sunset. There is no peak period and the rating will be a 5 at best. This is the lunar period that I do boat and tackle maintenance and visit my local bait and tackle store. I also clear my monthly calendar so I can fish five out of seven days on the week of the new moon.

Fishing facts

This fact bears repeating in Florida, when the freshwater fishing gets tough and the results are dismal, but the chances of catching a trophy bass remain the same as when you're having the best fishing day of your life. In fact, I believe the chances of boating a large female bass are best when you're not catching lots of medium to small bass.

Fishing formula

Your formula for catching bass or anything else should be flexible and involve several different approaches. As the water temperatures drop, the bait-action and retrieve speeds should be more aggressive.

In the last week or so I have stopped using a "pause" during the retrieve, but I have kept the speed slow while using bait with more action at that slow speed. The key has been to go slow but with lots of action and scent.

Fishing flash

Lake Istokpoga's level is at 39.15 feet above sea level Wednesday. Maps of the recent 28 shoreline weed treatment areas are available at the boat ramps and fish camps. Also, a large-scale hydrilla treatment will take place the week of Nov. 16th. Maps of this event will also be made available at the boat ramps and fish camps.

Tournament news

Outback USA Istokpoga Team Tournament will be held at Istokpoga County Park on Route 98 at the north end of the lake this Sunday, Nov. 8. Entry fee is $25 for the first 60 boats to register. Teams can be 2 to 4 people, so it can be a "family affair" on a pontoon boat, or if you think you can stack, legally, four anglers on your bass boat, and increase your chances to win, this is the tournament for you.

The 1st through 3rd places are guaranteed money: $2500, $1500, $500. Fourth place wins two boner rods. Registration must be at the Outback USA store located on Route 27 South between Sebring and Lake Placid. For complete information, call the store at 863-699-2220, or tournament director Dave Dickens at 941-915-5116.

The Monday Morning Lake Josephine Black Bass Fishing Tournament is open to the public and launches every Monday morning at 8 a.m. with weigh-in at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $10 per boat with a "winner-take-all" payout. One person or two per boat, three legal (more than 14 inches) bass per boat, and one bass over 22 inches per angler. For information, call Paul Tardiff at 863-385-8007 (home) or 863-273-4062 (cell).

The Wednesday Morning Black Bass Tournament will be on Lake June today, Nov. 4. Next week's event, Nov. 11, is on Crooked Lake. Launch time is 7:30 a.m. and weigh-in time is at noon. Entry fee is $30 per boat to be paid at the ramp. For complete information call Paul Tardiff, home: 863-385-8007, cell: 863-273-4062, or Dwight Ameling at 863-471-3305.

Dave Douglass is a bass fishing guide, HighlandsBassAngler.com, Secretary of the Florida Freshwater Fishing Coalition Inc, FLFFC.org. Cell: 863-381-8474, Email: davidpdouglass@hotmail.com

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