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Bass Bite Remains Excellent

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 8, 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.

Despite hot weather, crazy winds and lots of rain, the Central Florida bass bite has been strong with numerous reports of 25-plus fish days fairly common. No doubt the rise in water levels has contributed to the bite or maybe it's Mother Nature's makeup for a slow spring spawn, but whatever the reason area anglers aren't complaining and are reaping the rewards.

Lake Kissimmee, notorious for tough summer bass fishing, has been one of the most consistent and productive fishing holes in all of Florida this summer. With the amount of rainfall, many of the locks on the lake and river are moving water, which is perking up the bass and catfish.

Reports of catfish up to 10 pounds have come in during the past week near bridges and flowing water. Bass catches also have been excellent, according to Leo Cosce of Camp Lester.

Cosce said anglers fishing the moving waters around marker 10, south port and Canoe Creek are averaging 15-30 bass on crankbaits and Carolina-rigged flukes and plastic worms. While size is running 1-3 pounds, an occasional lunker can be caught working live shiners.

The speckled perch bite also has been steady and will only improve as we move toward the fall and winter. Kissimmee specks are hitting jig-tipped minnows on the south end of Grassy Island.

In Sunday's Tribune, a mention of fish kills was reported. High water temperatures and runoffs are creating murky water and low oxygen levels, which contribute to the summer fish kills. Most game fish species can be affected like bass, panfish and specks.

For more information,

contact Mark Cook at

tribfishing@aol.com.

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