New Moon Signals Perfect Chance To Catch Trophies

The new-moon lunar phase happens tomorrow at 4:06 p.m., which means today through Friday will be the best fishing days of the month to catch trophy bass.

Even though there's a moderate to strong wind coming out of the east-southeast today and tomorrow's wind will be just as strong out of the south, fish will be looking to feed throughout the daylight hours.

The major feeding migration of the day occurs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a peak period from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The intensity level should reach an 8 on the 1-10 scale today, and by Friday possibly reach a 9 rating by 2-3 p.m..

There is a secondary feeding migration during the daylight hours starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m. Anglers will have to know exactly where fish are to take advantage of the quick low-intensity bite session. The major migrations routes comprised of lake-bottom structures will be holding plenty of fish.

In some areas of the lake, the wave action could be too intense with winds reaching speeds of 25 mph or greater, in these parts of the lake, expect fish to stay deep enough to avoid the wave rotation. To determine how far down into the water column the turbulence occurs estimate the distance between wave whitecaps then divide the number in half and that will be how deep the wave cycle extends below the surface.

Fishing Facts

The giant Largemouth Bass needs to feed heavily during the nighttime moonlight.

When the new moon happens, she is unable to feed adequately and therefore must go on the hunt for food during the day at twice the rate she normally would when the full moon is lighting the nighttime sky and water column.

Fishing Fiction

"The Full Moon is the best time of the month to fish during the daytime."

The is absolutely false, however it is the best time of the month to fish during the nighttime. The new moon's total lack of light forces fish to expend more energy searching for food which increases its appetite which will only be halfway satisfied resulting in a daytime feeding migration.

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 SE 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 Outback USA Crappie Tournament is open to the public and will be held monthly. The fourth event will be on April 4 and 5. Entry fee is $5 and anglers can fish any lake of their choice and weigh-in on any day at Outback USA at 14021 US-27 South. Application can be picked up at Outback USA which is half way between South Sebring and Lake Placid, on route 27S. Store hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.

The Monday Morning Lake Jackson 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 Fishing Tournament is open to the public. Next event is today, March 25 at Lake Jackson Time: 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) or 863-273-4062 (cell), e-mail bassbutchie60@aol.com or call Dwight Ameling at 863-471-3305.