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Bass Bite Strong On Kissimmee

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By MARK COOK

Published: October 12, 2008

After a slow spring, bass have decided to show off on the Kissimmee Chain during the past two months. Anglers were wondering what was wrong with the lake earlier this year, but no one is complaining now with bass being caught in good numbers in virtually all the lakes.

The high water brought on by summer storms has been the biggest factor along with excellent management by the FWCC.

Along with good bass fishing, the speckled perch bite has been excellent, especially factoring in the season is still a few months away from peaking. Grape Hammock and Camp Lester have reported speck limits regularly.

Anglers are finding their fish drifting minnows around Marker No. 9, also working the grass and lily pads around Rabbit Island and Lemon Point. Hal-Flys and beetle-spins will also catch the tasty panfish.

Bass fishing locally has been hit or miss, but on Thursday it was a big hit for Ronald Davis and Joel Capps. Working a Fin and Feather pit in the eastern part of Hillsborough County, the retired mine workers both caught the biggest fish of their lives.

Capps boated a 12.5-pound largemouth on a buzzbait and then shortly thereafter Davis caught his personal best when he hooked and landed a 9-pounder.

The Alafia River is fairly low, which is excellent for those who like to walk the banks. The south prong of the river from Thatcher Road north to Lillibridge is a local favorite of river walkers, as are the areas near Lithia Springs.

Look for the deeper holes, which are easy to spot with the low water, and you'll usually hit a honey hole loaded with stump knockers, shellcracker, bluegill, and yearling bass. Wiggler worms are your best bet fished on 6-pound test.

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