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Bluegill, Shellcracker Still Cooperating

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 3, 2007

Updated: 09/03/2007 12:12 am

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Mark Cook.

While most fishermen are praying for that first cool front to hopefully roll in early this year, those braving the heat are still finding good bluegill and shellcracker numbers.

Lakes like Kissimmee and Toho have kept panfish anglers happy all summer and there doesn't seem to be a letdown for at least the rest of the month. Good numbers and good size have been the norm on the Kissimmee chain with the typical spots like Bird and Brahma Islands being the top spots. Crickets are the top choice for bluegill while most shellcracker anglers are using red worms or any type of wiggler. Fly anglers also frequent the chain particularly when the fish are on the beds. On east Toho, limits of both fish have been common all summer with schooling bass also available in open water on rattle-traps.

The Medard reservoir in Turkey Creek has been the top local destination for those looking to fill their coolers. George Henson recently fished there and ended up keeping a mixed bag of 20 bluegill, shellcracker and catfish. Henson targeted moving water near the backside of the reservoir for his fish.

Balm residents Joel Capps and Ronald Davis had a productive week catching several fillet-sized bluegills trolling a local private lake in Balm, and then the next day they fished the artificial reefs in the Bay with good results. Davis and Capps ended up with 33 Key West grunts and a keeper sheepshead. They also caught numerous mangrove snapper but most were undersized.

For more information, contact Mark Cook at tribfishing@aol.com.

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