FISHING: Keep Your Eyes Peeled For Trophies

Expect excellent fishing conditions for the next three days on account of the 1:35 p.m. full moon that took place on Tuesday.

The angler/fisherman should be able to have great success all throughout the daytime with the peak period - if any could be labeled as such - happening in the afternoon. With the weather changes we have experienced lately, the bass spawn should still be on course and seasonal migrations uninterrupted.

The water temperatures are the main factor this time of year.

If the temperatures stay in the 60s, occasionally peaking into the 70s, bass and specs will stay on their regular schedules. Bass are spawning now as you know, and the specs are a month away from starting the same process.

With the cold front passing through our area a few days ago, a slightly slowed fish metabolism should be ready now to return to active feeding on a more aggressive schedule. It seems the larger fish return to a regular feeding pattern first, needing more food.

So, be looking to find the trophies in your favorite fishing holes.

Other News

Lake Istokpoga is currently being worked on by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FFWC) in areas of Big Island and the West Wall. Airboats will be used first, followed later by helicopters treating the larger sections.

South Florida Water Management (SFWM) has not released any water as of writing this report. The recent rains south of the lake have successfully postponed their need for Istokpoga water.

Tournament News

The Wednesday Morning Black Bass Fishing Tournament is open to the public. Next Event is today on Lake June from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Pay at ramp - entry fee is $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 e-mail bassbutchie60@aol.com. You can also contact Dwight Ameling at 863-471-3305.

Extreme One Man Series Tournament kicks of their new season this Sunday, Jan. 27 on Lake Istokpoga launching from the U.S. 98 Istokpoga Park County ramp at safelight and weigh-in at 3 p.m. For more information, contact Mike Blocher at 813-363-5266.

Dave Douglass is a bass fishing guide and teacher, bass tournament fisherman and an officer of SOS-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.