Weather conditions a great influence

For the remainder of the week, distinguishable fish feeding patterns will be hard to determine due to the lack of effects that occur anytime a major lunar phase takes place while in apogee. The weather conditions and patterns will play the role of the influencer for the next five days as the extremely warm water temperatures shut down the usually improved nighttime fish feeding migrations that full moons produce.

Likewise, the anglers due to the warm weather conditions will also not "feed" in the usual migrations to the lake to catch their favorite fish when the fish actually do feed for short sporadic periods in very small numbers.

The various lunar charts project midday to mid-afternoon major feeding migrations that reach a 6 on the ratings scale. However, in reality here in Central Florida, those charts' conclusions need to be adjusted, or "diminished and divided" into three moderate-to-weak feeding migrations which, if combined with quickly-changing weather conditions, will become the major feeding migration of that day.

The three short peak periods caused by the weak full moon will happen from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The weakest of the three choices is the early-morning bite, and the other two are a toss-up in which the weather may or may not play a determining factor.

All three periods could reach a 5 if helped by the weather, but in all likelihood will only achieve a 3 or 4. For this reason, anglers will have to literally get lucky by timing their fishing trip just right with the weather happening on their particular lake area. Good luck!

Fishing facts

In hot climate areas during the summer months, the best fishing days switch from the "norm" of full and new moon phases to first and last quarter moon phases. This is because the lunar influences cause fish to feed during the fishing day's best weather conditions for promoting fish feeding, biologically speaking.

The lakes have wind and hard rains, which arrive right after a period of abundant mid-morning and midday sunlight. This creates ideal weather conditions for triggering a feeding migration.

Fishing formula

The formula for success for the next four days starts with planning to fish hard as the bad weather approaches the lake. Also be prepared to fish in the pouring rain for this is the time when the larger fish move into feeding areas to cash in on smaller fish which already successfully fed. And, by all means, have a reasonable plan to quickly move to safe cover if the storm becomes too severe. I've never heard of lightning striking anglers while they were fishing from a boat, but I have heard of situations where using a tree for cover proved to be a fatal decision. A tow vehicle is the best choice and a boat is actually better than a tree in a worst-case scenario.

Fishing fiction

"Nighttime fishing during a full moon is always good." This is always true except when the full moon happens when it is at its further orbit point and when nighttime water temperatures are in the upper-80s and lower-90s, combined with plants absorbing oxygen at a higher-than-normal, accelerated rate. The end result in this case is a non-feeding, suspended fish that has no energy to digest food - and therefore, no ability to chase moving bait.

Fishing flash

Lake Istokpoga's level is currently at 38.40 feet above sea level, which is the maximum level allowed by the seasonal management plan. During this month the maximum level will be raised to 38.5 feet, and by Oct. 15, the max level will be raised to 39.5 feet. Hopefully the weather will provide enough rain to allow this great lake to keep pace with the increased management level plan.

Your Lake Manager's Contact Information:

Clell Ford: Lakes Management Specialist, Highlands County, 4434 George Blvd, Sebring, Florida 33875. Phone: 863-402 6545, e-mail: Cford@hcbcc.org

Vicki Pontius: Parks and Recreation Director, Highlands County, 4344 George Blvd., Sebring, Florida 33875. Phone: 863-402-6812, e-mail: Vpontius@hcbcc.org

Steven Gornak: Biological Scientist IV, Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Sub-Section, Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, 3991 S.E. 27th Court, Okeechobee, FL 34974. Phone: 863-462-5190 (SunCom 761-5190), Fax: 863-462-5194 (SunCom 761-5194), Mobile: 863-697-6256, e-mail: steven.gornak@myfwc.com

Tournament news

The Monday Morning Lake Jackson Black Bass Fishing Tournament is open to the public and launches every Monday 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 restarting on Sept. 2 at Crooked Lake. Launch time is 7:30 a.m., 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 863-471-3305.