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River Bass Showing Off

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By MARK COOK

Published: January 25, 2009

The cold weather blew out of here Saturday and a warm up is in store until the next front later this week.

Bass fishermen should take advantage of the conditions, as the fish most surely will.

Before the last cold blast, Pat Jacobs of Pinecrest walked the banks of the Alafia's south prong with his younger brother for a morning of fishing. Three-and-a-half hours later, the duo had a limit stringer of bass from 2-8 pounds. Between the two, more than 40 fish were caught with the majority coming on topwater.

Jacobs used a Devil Horse, while his brother threw a Tiny Torpedo and alternated with a plastic worm. Pat Jacobs noted the fish they took home were full of roe and their bellies were full of crawfish.

Across Hillsborough County, there are several state and county parks with easy bank access and most will be holding fish. With water levels extremely low, there aren't a lot of places for the fish to hide.

The Jacobs brothers walked until they found a river bend or dark washout hole and tossed their baits across the hole. Jacobs felt confident that had he not been pressed for time, a 100-fish day wasn't out of the question.

In addition to the bass, catfish, stump knockers and bluegill also will hold in these holes and would create an excellent opportunity to introduce a kid to fishing. A can of wiggler worms and a cane pole is all you need to make a young child's day.

Even if the fishing is slow, you are almost guaranteed to see turtles sunning on logs, an occasional otter and gator, raccoons, and several varieties of Florida's wading birds. Take advantage of Florida's treasures as they are disappearing every day.

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