FISHING: Weather Change Favors Early Risers

The weather early this morning is closer to the necessary variables needed to cause fish to migrate in larger numbers for longer periods - something that hasn't occurred very often lately.

Get to the lake as early as possible and there is a very good chance you might catch the larger fish at the tail end of their feeding spree. The barometer should be near the bottom of the drop that happened Tuesday night, or already starting to rise - but only slightly. For this reason, start your presentation in close to the vegetation, or in the shallows working your way out.

There's a great possibility of a "top-water" bite, so give that a try before switching to other methods. I prefer working top-water retrieves at top speed at first, then gradually slowing it down if it doesn't produce any strikes.

Fishing Facts

Lately I've noticed bass have been "short-striking," so a smaller bait and hook should enable better chances at getting a proper hook-set - keeping your fish on the hook until you have a chance to boat it. You might also want to try changing the color slightly, and slow down the retrieve just a little. This type of thing happens when bass are already fed and attempting to kill the intruder by crushing it and blowing it back out. It happens all in less than two seconds (if that), so the smaller hook and bait allows you to set immediately upon feeling the thump, click, tap, or bonk.
Be ready for the quick subtle "inhale/exhale- type strike - they are tricky.

Fishing Report

Lake levels have increased very little, and the rainy season looks to be over for the most part. Lake Istokpoga is at 38 feet, 6 inches, which is one foot below last year's level.

Okeechobee remains at 10 feet, 1 inch - three feet below last year's mark on this date. Walk-In-Water boat ramp is usable if you use extreme care. Lake Kissimmee is at 62 feet, 6 inches, which is almost two feet above last year's level on this date. Lakes Hatchineha and Cypress are both two feet higher than last year's mark of 49 feet, 2 inches. Toho is at 54 feet, 4 inches and E. Toho at 57 feet 4 inches - both nearly 1.5 feet higher than last year's level.

This clearly proves the lakes north of us received more rain and are in a better state to handle another dry season, whereas Lake Istokpoga is not even close to handling this challenge.
It's too bad the USACE has not decided on how to handle this challenge.

Talk of working on the Istokpoga Canal so that it is able to flow Kissimmee River water into Lake Istokpoga to enable permitted water users their much need water for crops, offers no assistance while no plans are on the table.

So enjoy the fishing while you can - each month the angler will have to move further out away from the normal areas visually speaking. If you're a "Flipper" you'd better get to flipping as soon as you can, because it's going to change soon. By the new year, barring a miracle weather pattern out of season, the bass will be further out in open water or in Hydrilla in the deepest water possible.

So look on the bright side, bass fishing is currently not good - but not bad, and will be slightly better in the next two months. But then it starts to end, and will continue to worsen with each passing day until the next rainy season. So get out there, and make the best of it and learn what it takes to put 'em in the boat anyway.

Remember to check your boat when loading after using a lake with Hydrilla. Let's make sure not to carry it to other lakes. A little prevention by all of us costs us less money in a long run.

Tournament News

Wednesday Morning Black Bass Fishing Tournament is open to the public. Next Event: Today on Lake June, from 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), 863-446-1310 (cell) or bassbutchie60@aol.com. You can also reach Dwight Ameling at 863-471-3305.

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 reds-bass-fishing-guides.com and sos-floridalakes.org.