Hello Folks,
Oh, my goodness. Our chains are gettin’ beat up with all these tournaments. We had BASSMASTER here last week on the Harris Chain, and Xtreme Bass Series on the Kissimmee Chain over the weekend. I’m not complainin’ it’s just man, oh man, how much more can we take. We also have MLF Pro Tour “Heavy Hitters” comin’ to the Kissimmee Chain in May. That’s not countin’ all the local bass clubs fishin’ on the weekends or the local trails that fish these chains as well.
I’m sure folks like to go to the weigh-ins, and pull for their favorite angler, and I’m sure it brings a lot of revenue to the towns that host these tournaments. It’s been goin’ on for a long time and hopefully these chains can handle the pressure, but I’m wonderin’ how much more pressure these fisheries can handle with all the tournaments that are held here durin’ the winter and spring months.
The bass fishin’ has been good on the Harris Chain and it took 84.5 pounds to win. John Garrett went wire to wire for his win last week. Congrats to John on his win and he also took home a check for $103,000!
Kyle at Bitter’s Bait &Tackle reports that they had a lot of the pros in the shop last week pickin’ up some extra tackle for the tournament. Kyle also reports that the bluegills are bitin’ real good in East Lake Toho. Most of the bluegills are bein’ caught on red worms, crickets, and grass-shrimp. You should have no problem catchin’ your limit if you decide to go there and catch some bluegills. Kyle also says that the bluegills are bit-
in’ real good in Lake Kissimmee. Folks are catchin’ their limits on the lake with the same baits used on East Lake.
One of my fishin’ buddies, Rich Niles, fished West Lake Toho on Friday last week and he reports that he saw a lot of male bass on the beds. The hydrilla is still real thick, and that has helped clear up the water on West Lake. We have a full moon comin’ up this Tuesday, and those ole females should be showin’ up to spawn this weekend.
Rich reports that the water temperature is around 73 degrees, so everything is set up for a good spawn. If you do catch a big female, please take a picture and get her back in the water as soon as possible so she can lay her eggs. This is a good way to insure the future for our children and grandchildren by puttin’ these big females back in the water to spawn.
The Butler Chain is still doin’ good for bass. Lots of keeper bass are bein’ caught and released back into the water. You can catch ‘em on chatter-baits, Senko type baits, and plastic worms. If you decide to fish the Butler Chain, keep your eye out for schoolers that come up while you are fishin’. You need to have a lipless crank-bait tied onto one of your rods because when they start schoolin’, you won’t have time to tie another bait on your rod.
Well that’s it for this week. I hope you have a great weekend, and I hope to see you soon on the water.
Tip of the week: Bluegills on the beds.
Save a few and good luck!
