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It's Time To Think Small

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By FRANK SARGEANT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 16, 2008

For those who enjoy a classic Florida fish fry, it's time to think small. About the only species still abundant enough to allow for heavy harvest is freshwater panfish, but the good news is the state allows you to load the cooler with these little guys. The limit is 50 per day, in any combination of bluegills, shellcrackers, warmouth and sunfish.

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission say panfish are so prolific that allowing large limits does them no harm, and in fact can be good for the populations on smaller lakes where they otherwise overpopulate and become stunted.

The fish are small, with "big" ones averaging around a half-pound. But they can be amazingly abundant, particularly during the spawn, which for shellcrackers and bluegills continues from May through August. Both species are communal spawners, building their beds in close proximity to others. In productive habitat, it's not uncommon to see 50 or more dish-sized beds almost touching each other, typically in depths of 2 to 8 feet.

Bob Wattendorf, marketing coordinator for the conservation commission, said 2008 should provide outstanding fishing for mature panfish thanks to strong spawns in 2004 and '05 in most lakes surveyed by commission biologists.

Wattendorf has selected some of the top locations for anglers.

•Tenoroc Preserve, northeast of Lakeland, is one of the spots nearest to Tampa. Here, the commission has taken over management of some old phosphate pits, and several of these lakes produce outstanding panfish action, Wattendorf said. The lakes are closed Tuesday through Thursday, and there's a small daily access fee. Call (863) 499-2421 for information and (863) 499-2422 for reservations.

•Lake Panasoffkee, about 80 miles north of Tampa just off Interstate 75, is also recommended as a prime spot. For decades, these waters were the state's top shellcracker location due to clear water and lots of snails and mussels, the primary food of this species. It had water quality issues a decade ago, but has improved. Fishing is back to excellent levels, Wattendorf said. Access is off S.R. 470 on the south and west shores.

•Lake Kissimmee, 35,000 acres in Osceola County, has vast panfishing shorelines and is one of the state's best bass lakes. There are fish camps and launch areas along the southeast shore, accessed from S.R. 60 east of the town of Lake Wales. Camp Mack, among others, provides lodging, food and boat rentals.

•Lake Marian, east of Lake Kissimmee, is a smaller lake at 5,740 acres but has an excellent panfish population, Wattendorf said. It's not fished a lot because it's so remote.

•Mosaic Fish Management area southwest of Bartow is a small area, about 1,000 acres, but is closely managed and produces excellent panfishing as well as bass action in retired phosphate pits.

•West Lake Toho, south and east of the town of Kissimmee, reportedly has excellent shellcracker and bluegill populations this year, and continues to be near the top in bass production. Ramps are in Kissimmee, among other areas.

•The Harris Chain of Lakes, through Leesburg off U.S. 27, offers good panfishing. Many of these lakes, including Lake Griffin, also have excellent sunshine bass fishing.

•Lake Istokpoga, east of the town of Lake Placid, is another top panfish spot thanks to a drawdown and rehabilitation a few years back. Access is from the north on U.S. 98, and from the west on S.R. 621.

A number of good lakes didn't make Wattendorf's list. Lake Tarpon, southeast of Tarpon Springs, is an excellent Bay area lake, with clear water and vast mid-lake weed beds that hold panfish year-round. There are excellent ramps on the west shore off U.S. 19, and on the east shore off East Lake Road.

One lake excluded this year is the state's largest, Okeechobee, which Wattendorf said is having an off season due to poor water quality.

Wherever you pursue panfish, the basic gear is the same. Six-pound-test tackle, size 6 to 8 hooks, and small red wiggler worms are the classics. Live crickets are also eagerly accepted. Fly-rodders catch bluegills on black gnat patterns and tiny popping bugs; shellcrackers don't often eat artificials.

The fish are typically headed, gutted, scaled and fried whole. Though each provides only a few bites, the flavor is among the best of all Florida fishes, including saltwater species.

ETC.: Captain Neil Taylor presents a free kayak fishing seminar Thursday at 7 p.m. at Tightlines Tackle, 6924 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa; (813) 932-4721. ... The Ed Alber Tarpon Rodeo hosted by Tampa Bay Watch is Saturday. It's a tarpon and shark all-release event. The entry fee is $450 per boat, and proceeds go to Tampa Bay conservation projects; (727) 867-8166 or tampabaywatch.org.

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