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Hot Weather, Hot Bluegill Bite

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 9, 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.
Hot weather and warming water temperatures haven't seemed to bother bluegill or the fishermen who target them. Lots of limits have been brought in from Medard to Kissimmee, and the size also have been impressive.

Anglers have been getting good numbers at Medard Reservoir fishing the outside edges of the myrtle trees and the cat tail islands. Crickets have been the most popular bait, but wiggler worms also will take their fair share and will increase your likelihood of finding shellcracker.

Lake Kissimmee's water is extremely low, so the spots you may have caught panfish last season may not produce as well. Anglers are picking through spots near normal bedding areas, and once a few are landed most are anchoring up to get their limit.

Teneroc, north of Lakeland, is an overlooked bluegill spot but produces some of the biggest panfish in the state due to careful management by state biologists. Teneroc also is at a low stage so it's best to call ahead to find out which lakes can handle launching a boat.

For anglers who only have small boats with trolling motors, Teneroc is an excellent place within easy driving distance of the Tampa Bay area. Bass and catfish, along with an above-average speckled perch population, make Teneroc one of my favorite freshwater destinations.

For those looking for panfish, give the Urban Ponds managed by the FWCC a shot. While not located in the private serene locations one might look forward to when fishing, tight management and stocking make the catch rates some of the best in the state.

Tampa has several ponds and one of the best is located in Dover. Another advantage to the urban ponds is the bank fishing accessibility.

For more information,

contact Mark Cook at

tribfishing@aol.com.

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