On Monday, the first quarter moon phase occurs at 3:47 a.m., and along with it starts the beginning of the best "safe-light bite" of the month. ...more

May 11, 2008

The majority daytime feeding migration starts at 11 a.m. and lasts to mid- to late-afternoon, depending on weather conditions. The early morning bite is modest but reliable until the sun rises above the shore tree lines. It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway): The east side of the lake has a longer, more intense early morning bite migration, especially if there's rain runoff entering the lake in the same area. ...more

April 8, 2008

Weather conditions are perfect for this time of year. With all the rain we've received recently, our lakes' influents are flowing again and this causes fish to move into these areas. Moving water is full of oxygen and food, so all types of fish will move into the area to take advantage. Also, when you factor in the warmer water temperatures than is usual for this time of year, the angler realizes all fish are feeding more often due to an increased metabolism. The daily feeding-migration routes extend into the influent areas which have been mostly dry over the last year, which all but ended the migration into these areas. Be looking to see fish start using these sections of their daily trek. ...more

February 23, 2008

AVON PARK — This Wednesday evening provides Floridians with the last total eclipse of the Moon that will be visible from our part of the world until Dec. 20-21, 2010. If the weather cooperates, Wednesday's eclipse should be a spectacular event. An "Eclipse Star Party" will be held from 8:30-11 p.m. at the Avon Park Middle School for all students, their families and faculty. Six telescopes will be set up and binoculars will also be available. A total lunar eclipse occurs because the sun, the Earth and the Moon are aligned in a straight line, with the Earth taking the in-between position. As sunlight passes the Earth, the shadow of the Earth is cast on the Moon. The shadow will slowly move across the disc of the Moon, almost but not quite hiding the Moon's surface features. Through the telescopes, because of the magnification, one can see the shadow slowly moving across the surface feature, such as a crater or mountain. This actually is the Moon moving in space, in its orbit around the Earth. ...more

February 19, 2008

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Billy Nobles (above left, with 'Reel Animals' partner Mike Anderson). ...more

October 12, 2007

Since the Full Moon was a week ago and today marks the last quarter moon phase, which occurs at 10:06 a.m., the "Very Early Morning Bite" is "On" in a huge way. The sooner you get out on the lake the sooner you'll be landing your favorite fish. However, because the oxygen levels are still somewhat low in much of the lake areas, your presentation needs to be experimented with until you determine which action the fish prefer. ...more

October 3, 2007

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Ray Markham. ...more

September 16, 2007

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Mel Berman. ...more

September 8, 2007