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Rains Benefit Catfish, Bass

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 4, 2008

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 the frequent downpours and lightning strikes have been a nuisance to local anglers, largemouth bass and catfish have perked up with the cooling rains.

Water temperatures will drop a few degrees after a rain and in some cases provide additional oxygen content, especially in bodies of water where there are no creeks or springs feeding them. Paul Thomas of the FWCC office in Lakeland reminded me recently that while rain is a huge benefit, occasionally the influx of water streaming into a lake can bring sediment that can cause lower oxygen levels. This occasionally results in fish kills. For the most part, however, the rains' positive effects outweigh the negative. In the summer I like to look for moving water where natural baits are pushed into the water, creating excellent ambush and feeding points.

The Kissimmee chain is benefiting from the higher water levels, as bass are showing in good numbers. Bob Broughton of Wimauma landed a 13.60-pound bass last week, then followed it up with a 10-pounder a few hours later, according to Grape Hammock Fish Camp. Bluegill catches continue to stay strong and the catfish bite is excellent throughout the chain. Bass are taking wild shiners, with plastic worms also taking their fair share of fish.

At Medard Reservoir and local phosphate pits the bass bite is excellent, especially considering the time of year, Sandy Lunsford at Turkey Creek Bait and Tackle said. Chicken livers are taking catfish by the cooler around vegetation and where moving water can be found.

On Lake Tarpon, John Jukas, the new owner of Tarpon Tom's, also reported above average bass catches although size has dropped a little. Charter trips with captain Lenny Crispino are producing 10 to 20 bass per trip, fishing shiners and artificials around hydrilla and submerged vegetation.

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

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