The Florida Fishing Experts
Specializing in Florida Bass Fishing on all of the Florida Freshwater Lakes.

Bass fishing represents one of the most popular fishing sports practiced today. Its popularity has yielded a multi-billion dollar industry unto itself, aside from the business of sport fishing, bass fishing stands alone. There are boats on the market designed specifically for bass fishing, rods and reels, clothing and gear are all being design around this very popular sport.

Freshwater sport fishing in Florida provided recreational opportunities for over 1.32 million people, over age 16, and generated an economic output of $2.0 billion in 2001. Aside from that, Florida freshwater recreational fishing generated 19,519 jobs with earnings of $484 million in 2001. Florida freshwater fishing provided 20.8 million angler days of recreation (92% resident) based on 14.5 million trips. (A trip is from the time someone leaves home until they return and may include many days; a day is defined by an activity on a specific day(s).

Unique to bass fishing, bass habitats include a variety of environments. Rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs and even ponds. Rivers provide one of the healthiest habitats, due to the highly oxygenated waters from the rapid current. In order to fish bass from rivers, it is best to seek out current breaks, perhaps from a fallen tree, a stump, or rocks. The fish that bass feed upon will normally school below the current, thereby making these spots ideal for bass fishing.

There are at least 32 species of fish commonly caught in the numerous Florida lakes, ponds, canals and rivers throughout Florida. The anglers pursuing the most popular of these freshwater game fish, the largemouth bass. Second and local favorite referred to as, “perch jerkers” or pan fisherman depending upon the object of their pursuit.

The most common of all of these popular fish are the largemouth Bass, Catfish, Panfish, Chain pickerel and Crappie.

Largemouth Bass without a doubt is the most sought after game fish in Florida. It is the main target of the majority of anglers in the nation. Many of these lure busting monsters get in the 10 to 12 pound range are taken every year in local Florida waters.

The yellow and brown bullhead, followed by the channel catfish, is the most abundant in the area. They are favored by sportsman for the delicious table fare that they provide. Also harvested commercially, mainly on Lake Okeechobee, and their tasty fillets are served as an “all you can eat” favorite in most area restaurants. But it is still the bass fish that promises the challenge of the sport.

Every freshwater river, canal, lake and pond in Florida is abundant with what is locally referred to as “panfish” for the thick tasty fillets they provide. The term actually covers a wide variety of pan sized fish in the sunfish family. These include, but are not limited to, the following: bluegill, bream, warmouth, and the most sought after, redeared sunfish, locally referred to as a “shellcracker” for its diet of aquatic snails. Another favorite is the exotic oscar or cichlid, which has flourished in the hundreds of miles of canals in the area.

An angler needs only to arm themselves with a cane pole and a can of worms or crickets for guaranteed success in catching supper. However, most anglers opt for the ultra-light spinning outfits with tiny spinners and spoons, or the fly rod with popping bugs. Catches of fifty or more a day are common.

While not particularly sought after, the pickerel must still be considered a game fish for its savage attacks on the lures most commonly thrown by bass fisherman. They are fast, tackle busting acrobatic fighters. While edible, they are usually released due the many pesky little bones in their fillets.

Also locally called speckled perch or “specks” and considered as the favorite of the “perch jerkers” or crappie fisherman that pursue them. These quick striking fish fall for a variety of lures. They congregate in large schools and once located, provide the angler with plenty of action and a great fish fry.

There are innumerable techniques and types of tackle available to practice the sport of bass fishing. For a beginner, it is advised to gather some more basic equipment to get started. Some suggestions, start with acquiring a 10-pound line, suitable for the average sizes and weights of this species in freshwater. Also, it is suggested to start with artificial bait until the angler has a better understanding of the unique lures used for bass fishing. The Spinnerbait is common artificial bait used by both amateur and seasoned anglers which can be easyiy casted and retrived.

The catch and release method was first introduced in the 1950s. It was designed to reduce the rising costs of restocking hatchery-raised fish, and was normally used for fish not meant for consumption. Popular consensus does not consider bass as a good food of fish, and so this technique is widely used by most bass fisherman.

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer BASSonline) fishing@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

I had the honor of taking Dr. Russell and Michelle from Deerfield Beach, FL out on June 15 & 19 for a few trophy bass on  Lake Toho. Dr Russell is  novice angler on salt and freshwater. On their first day June 15, Dr Russell  managed to land a  11.5 lb and 12.4lb Largemouth Bass. Michelle  doing very well herself  also caught 11.5 & 9lb Bass, both had such a great day, that Dr. Russell had to go back on June 19 with his buddy Chris.  Dr Russell and Chris Friday evening  trip was another successful day on Lake Toho landing 11.5 & 10 lb Bass.

Those are the days that seem like a dream and make you  just want to stay on the water and have your meals and bait delivered.

Letter from Customer:
Dear John,

The Kopek family and friend Nate went on a Bass & Peacock  fishing adventure on April 26, 2009.   There’s only one place to do both in South Florida and that’s Lake Ida and Lake Osborne chain of lakes. The trip end with a mess of fish and good time was had by all.

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer Capt Brett Isackson (bretti@bassonline.com)
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

By MARK S. KRZOS • mkrzos@news-press.com • August 2, 2008A city of Bonita Springs’ plan to turn a piece of land near Interstate 75 into a small park will get a helping hand from the state.

Carpenter Lane River Park in Bonita Springs has been named as one of four Lee County parks that will get a slice of $24 million earmarked by the state for improvements.

“That property near the McDonald’s is going to be part of the river trail,” said Gary Price, Bonita’s city manager.

The river trail will be a walking trail along the Imperial River. The trail will work in conjunction with a canoe/kayak trail planned for the eastern reaches of the river, Price said.

“The city and the county both bought some land in that area,” Price said. “The walking trail is being planned between Bonita Grande Drive and Quinn Street.”

Part of the state’s budget for 2008-09 includes $24 million to expand and improve local parks statewide.

The money Bonita Springs receives from the state will be used for a new sheltered pavilion, a multi-use trail and landscaping.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) will grant Lee County $542,000 to develop and enhance community parks, providing outdoor recreation opportunities and improving public access to Florida’s natural resources.

“Outdoor recreation areas and facilities are a vital part of Florida’s economy, drawing both Floridians and visitors to experience the state’s natural resources,” said Michael Sole DEP secretary. “With the support of Gov. Crist and the Florida Legislature, FRDAP funding allows Florida cities and counties to develop and enhance local parks while uniting their communities through recreational opportunities.”

Other Lee County projects funded in this year’s budget include:

• City of Fort Myers, Clemente Park – The money will be used for a new picnic pavilion, walking trail, restroom, landscaping and to renovate picnic pavilions.

• Lee County, Three Oaks Community Park – The money will be used for a new tennis court, fishing pier, picnic pavilion, parking and lighting.

• City of Cape Coral, Chantry Park – The money will be used for new picnic facilities, a boat ramp, walking trails and lighting.

“Reserving space and funds for recreation is essential to the healthy growth of Florida’s communities and citizens,” said Mike Bullock, the director of the DEP’s Florida Division of Recreation and Parks.

Administered by DEP, the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) is a competitive grant program, providing funds to local communities for public outdoor recreation.

Over the past decade, Florida has invested more than $250 million to improve local park facilities through this grant program, funding more than 2,000 projects statewide.

We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us if you would like to help or suggest a body of water in your area. If you have any questions on the videos or if you are interested in a fishing trip in Florida or you would like additional information on the fishing trips or fishing videos please contact us on this form, thanks you and good fishin!.

From Staff and Wire Reports
BassOnline.com
888-629-BASS (2277)
www.hawghunter.net
www.bassauthority.com
www.flpeacockbass.com
www.basson-line.com

Today I had out Meck Austin from Kansas City, Mo. Meck is here on business and staying at one of our popular Ft Lauderdale hotels and wanted to get for a half day of Peacock bass fishing.

We started around 6:30am and headed out to the fishing spot, knowing Meck only had a few hours we went right to the best fish I had. Once on the water and going through a few sample cast with Meck, he was all over the peacock bass. Almost four cast in a row, Meck had peacock bass on and was loving it!

About two hours into the trip Meck looks at me and says, “how about after the next fish we start heading back.” So, I looked up the bank and said, “cast right by that pipe.” and he did. Almost instantly he was hooked up for yet another Peacock bass fishing picture.

We boated 15 Peacock bass and spent less then 2 1/2 hours on the water. So, it’s safe to say, “if you have a few hours and your on business in the South Florida area” give me a call, let’s “hook up” for a few hours and go fishing.

You can also read my Everglades blog here!

Tight Lines,
Capt Tony (954) 205-2535
(888) 629-BASS
tonym@bassonline.com
www.bassonline.com
www.flpeacockbass.com
www.hawghunter.net
www.basson-line.com
www.bassauthority.com