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Best Bass Bite Is Early In Day

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 18, 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.

With the dog days of summer upon us, freshwater fishing is at its most difficult. Fewer anglers have been challenging the heat, but those willing to duck lightning bolts and thunderstorms are still putting together decent stringers.

Bluegill action has been hot with the full moon, and bass are still taking shiners before noon on most lakes.
Lake Kissimmee has been steady if not spectacular this summer with decent bass catches, excellent panfish and surprisingly good numbers of speckled perch. Reports have bass biting around North Cove and Rabbit Island.

Anglers working wild shiners around vegetation have caught bass up to 8 pounds, although most have been in the 2-pound range. Bluegill and some shellcracker are coming from Grassy Island and Lemon Point and speckled perch are taking minnows in deeper water around Grassy Island.

On the north end of the Kissimmee chain, bass action has slowed on Lake Toho, with most the fish caught only in the 1-3-pound range. Guides are working submerged vegetation like the new hydrilla sprigs with Super Flukes and June bug colored worms.

Medard Park near Brandon has been excellent for panfish with crickets taking bluegills. A few shellcracker have been mixed in. The catfish bite has been decent with numbers up to 20 fish on full-day trips.

With the approach of a possible hurricane, fishermen shouldn't ignore securing their boats that are dry stored. A 12-foot jon boat is no match for even tropical-force winds and will become a deadly projectile if not tied down.

For more information,

contact Mark Cook at

tribfishing@aol.com.

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