George Welcome

Every forum goes through people trying to run it after bit of time on board. Fortunately, only one person runs this forum. If you don't like the way it's run perhaps you are at the wrong place.This ain't no democracy.

Best answers usually come from whose back yard is the lake in question and you are fishing in this fellas back yard.

Fish tight to the cover: most often slooooooow down. Sometimes a reaction bait will work in this situation so be sure to try.

The article was written for In Fishermen: It works 99% of the time - if not see leaving the hook below. However some mis-information: the hook will dissolve quickly - wrong! Cut the line close to the hook - wrong!: leave about 6" of line outside the mouth. this will help to keep the shank straight rather than jamming in the throat. Further facts can be read about this in many places on the internet.

Who would you recommend? George, I hope he's not thinking about Hugh Crumpler, because he's in retirement ;D It seems that Avid is quick to not recommend Mr. Porter, but not so quick to state who he would recommend.

Who would you recommend?

Geeesh: Pure Florida strain bass are a southern Florida inhabitant. Intergrades are a northern Florida inhabitant. The line of separation is what is known as the weather line which goes from Melbourne to Tampa. The last lake north that guarantees a pure strain Florida Bass happens to be Stick Marsh/Farm 13. So sayeth the Biologists of the Fresh Water Commission who are in charge of these things and knowledgeable about these things. You see, we sit on the cusp of south Florida, so the Perry Bass either had to be an intergrade, a northern bass, or one that was planted.

There is at least a 98% certainty that the Perry bass was either an F1 or a Northern. To be pure Florida strain it would have had to been planted. The World record of any species is just that with no differentiation for the locale that it came from. So is the world record for bass, which of course is not really a bass. That is why the record states for a Largemouth Bass.

Thanks Ray, but I really think that Matt should stick with Jim Porter. As for remembering airports - They are still the same - Orlando 1.5 hours, and W Palm Beach 1.5 hours. Melbourne is 30 minutes.

Two are recognized: the northern largemouth (M. s. salmoides) and the Florida largemouth (M. s. floridanus). The two look much the same, but the Florida largemouth has 69-73 scales along the lateral line compared to the northern largemouth's 59-65 scales. "There should be a record for each type of bass; Smallmouth, Spotted, nothern strain largemouth and Florida strain largemouth. The differences between each bass is easy to identify. Spots have teeth on thier tongue, smallmouth have connected dorsal fins, northern strain LMB have 8 front dorsal spines and 58 pore lateral line scales, Florida strian have 9 front dorsal spines and 69 pore lateral line scales. The only issue becomes the Florida/nothern LMB intergrades. However all LMB with 59 lateral line scales or more should be classed as Florida strian, regardless if it's F1 to F3 generation or a Texas genetic engineered LMB. The length and girth difference between FLMB and NLMB are substantial. NLMB rarely have a girth that exceeds 80% of the length and FLMB usually have a girth exceeding 90%. This means that a FLMB of the same length usually out weighs the NLMB. Example; using the Length X length X girth / 1200 formula: 28" length, 80% = 22 1/2" girth (max), 28" with 90% (avg) 25 1/4" The 28L X 22.5G = 14.7 lbs., max for NLMB The 28L X 25.25 = 16.5 lbs., average for FLMB however if you use 95% girth, 28L X 26.6G = 17.4 lbs The maximum a NLMB could weigh is 16 lbs for a 29 inch long bass. The maximum a FLMB could weigh is 20 lbs for a 29 inch long bass. FLMB have been known to grow to a length of 32 inches (WR), nothern is around 29 inches. Two very different bass and they should have their own record status. WRB " I don't know where you get your information but it is quite a bit incorrect. Florida strain, as the Northern strain are torpedo shape. However, Forida strain bass in both Texas and California will have a gravid appearance quite often. If you classified bass by scales along the lateral line as you propose than you classifiy all bass as southern strain. (M. s. floridanus)

Everyone missed the boat on this one folks: This record of George Perry's is a "World Record", not a north vs. south record. Based on the discussion I guess we should have a Spanish bass, or a Swiss bass category also.

YAMAMOTO SWIMMING SENKO: HYPE OR MAGIC A day of fishing is so much more than just catching the fish. It involves planning, comradeship, (a very important ingredient to me), alternate plans, (always have to deal with weather), bait selection based on conditions, and of course the catching. This day's planning started with a phone call from Paul Crawford, a fellow Floridian, avid fisherman, and another writer/representative for Yamamoto Baits. Paul wanted to try out a relatively new Yamamoto product being introduced, called the Swimming Senko, on Florida's famous Stick Marsh/Farm 13. With date set, I waited with great anticipation, not only for the opportunity to fish with Paul, a fisherman of some repute, but to also see new bait in action. However, as the weather can do, as the day approached, it was obvious that wind was going to alter our plans. The forecast called for winds in excess of 20 MPH, and the strong possibility of rain. As an alternate location, I suggested Blue Cypress Lake. The lake is surrounded with tall stately Cypress trees and would offer good protection from the westerly winds that forecasters were calling for. I met Paul at the ramp at Blue Cypress at first light. Paul showed me the Swimming Senko that he would be using and we loaded his gear on board. Leaving the ramp area I turned to the south and smoothly applied the power to the motor. The bow rose, however what was normally a good hole shot didn't occur. As fast as the boat leapt to get on plane, she settled back in the water and the motor raced. First the weather and now a spun hub made it time again for another alternate plan. The day seemed destined to offer us some major challenges but we still had great comradeship and a new bait to keep things bright. Since the entire southwest shore is loaded with various grasses I simply announced that we would go on with the trolling motor and worry about getting back at a later time. Paul set up his rig with a weightless Swimming Senko. I recommended any dark color as the water on Blue Cypress is heavily tannic stained. I rigged a weightless Senko in watermelon with black flake and the fishing began. I have found that the Senko, so often called the "do-nothing" bait, is an excellent top water jerk bait, and with Kissimmee grass, Maiden Cane, and Bulrush to play in, this jerk bait technique would play strongly for me. The Swimming Senko is designed to be retrieved much like spinner bait, with varying speeds. It casts extremely well, much like the Senko so Paul had no problem reaching well back into the grasses. However, unlike the Senko, it just didn't exhibit a strong catching appeal for the bass. Around mid-day I reached an area of open shallow water and was able to change out the hub, putting the big motor back in commission. We continued on and by day's end it seemed that the Senko was the better bait over its newly introduced brother, the Swimming Senko. Returning to the ramp we were able to move along at a good pace with the repaired big motor. As we rode we discussed what seemed the pros and cons to the Swimming Senko. Paul left a fair amount of Swimming Senkos with me and headed off to his home and dinner. What started as a day with some minor setbacks had turned into a great day on the water. We had achieved some tests with the new bait, we had caught some fish, and most importantly we had shared the comradeship of two avid anglers with our day on the water. The Swimming Senko had not performed as I hoped it would, but the testing on my part was only in infancy as it was destined to show me Gary Yamamoto had achieved another stellar success with his design. My next opportunity to offer the Swimming Senko to the bass came on Ansin/Garcia, which is another of the lakes in the Blue Cypress Conservation Area. This lake is one laden heavily with Hydrilla and coon tail, which at the time was about 2 feet below the surface, and one that we use when winds are up as it offers good protection. Wanting the bait to ride just above the grass I opted to add a 1/8 ounce weight to the nose. Also, due to the heavy grass I decided to bury the hook as we do with the Senko, as opposed to skin hooking it. The first cast delivered a hit, however the hook did not push through the bait so it was obvious that skin hooking was going to produce better hook-ups. The Swimming Senko is made of a more durable consistency than the Senko and requires the skin hooking. Today's bite came on a rapid retrieval over the grass as bass after bass fell for its twisting oscillating action. By days end we had landed over 70 bass up to 5-pounds using what has become a staple in my arsenal of strongly producing baits. The following day the winds subsided making the Stick Marsh our destination. Moving to the south end of the lake into an area known as the nursery we started to work weightless Senkos. Water depths were in the 2.5 to 3 foot levels with lots of wood to work around. I decided since it was rigged to give the Swimming Senko another try. This time I moved it slowly to get more depth penetration and I increased the weight to 3/16 ounce after a few casts. After three rapid bass made it to the boat, Don Willis my fishing companion for the day made the change. With matching rigs and bait, the catching was on. By days end we managed to place over 80 fish in the boat up to 8.5-pounds and we were firmly convinced that Gary Yamamoto had produced another magical bait and a valuable addition to our Senko line of tackle. Since that day the Swimming Senko is always rigged and ready on my boat. It has produced 100's of bass up to 12.5-pounds from our south Florida waters. It is a recommended bait to have to all of our clients and I have every confidence that it will produce not only numbers but huge fish also. Mixing the retrieval speeds from fast to slow will quickly show you what the bass want the speed to be. Adjust the weight to achieve the depth you want. The hit and hook set is much like that of spinner bait with many hook sets being achieved by the bass themselves. It is a bait, not to replace the venerable Senko, but rather one to accompany it in your "must have" arsenal of bass catchers. If you can't catch bass with a Swimming Senko in areas of cover, than you probably can't catch bass with anything. If you're wondering about color choice, I have found that the stand-by theory of dark baits in dark water and light baits in clear water work for this bait as it does with any other. If you haven't tried it yet you need to, and as I am saying, you will also: Thanks Gary Yamamoto Baits for another brilliant productive product. Written by: George Welcome for Inside Line

Bob Alton of Ft Pierce, Fl and I departed the ramp this AM and headed south on a quest for a big bass. Bob wanted to learn more about the lake, some about techniques, and catch fish in the bargain. His desires were filled as we worked SwimSenkos The first chore was to find the fish: The deep south end was a good choice as long as the wind was down. The wind was predicted to blow 15-20 knots so we wasted no time getting to the fish. The second chore was to find the best technique: SwimSenkos in dark colors proved to be the best with the conditions at hand. The third chore was to put the fish in the boat and we were quite successful with that one. However I have to admit that just a few were missed. As the morning wore on the wind arrived, which it did very quickly so it was necessary to move to the outside area a bit so as to not damage equipment or get thrown into the water. We now rigged the SwimSenkos with a small weight and slowly worked them back to the boat. This technique worked very well for the rest of the day. On a cast, Bob's big fish was on as soon as it hit the water. The SwimSenko did its work again and with Bob's good handling this gal made it to the boat for pictures and weighing on the Boga Grip. Now I don't care whose book it is, that's a nice fish right there. As you can see by the wave action, the wind was chugging pretty good, but that didn't stop Bob or the magic of the SwimSenko. We got off the water just before a light rain shower moved in and headed down the dirt road for home. See you out there. Say hi if you get the chance.

Scott Phillips from Erwin, Tennessee arrived on the 14th with friends Ron & Mary for two days of sampling the waters of Stick Marsh/Farm 13. With Senkos, SwimSenkos, and rattle traps in hand Scott and his friends hope to see some of the big fish that Scott had seen on a previous visit. Lots of bass and plenty of good quality landed in the boat, however that elusive big gal just never showed her face. Working deep in the south end of the Farm, using the bump-a-stump technique, proved to be the ticket. Dan Mitchell and his sons Clay and Conner of Franklin, Tennessee were next up, arriving on the 16th in hopes of catching a memory. Again as with the previous trip lots of bass, but no big ones. There out there, and just a cast away, but no one had the lucky cast. As with the previous trip, the bass were in the stumps and brush and Senkos were able to lure them out. Lots of fish, but again no big ladies to account for. Next up were Terry Collins, his father John, and friend Cricket. Arriving bright and early on the 17th, all the way for Tullahoma, Tennessee, these guys promised to be a hoot from moment one. As they tumbled out of their vehicles they were already sounding off as to who was best, and who would get the big fish. With predictions of wind for the day they opted to try out some of Florida's finest golden shiners, and there option proved to be very good. The day started out with a bang as the first hit came within the first few minutes of setting up. This was followed by another 20 in the next hour or so and then as if a switch had been thrown, with the wind rising, the bite quit. With the wind blowing pretty hard out of the SE we starting drifting the south end of the Farm and managed a few more bites of the rest of the morning. As early afternoon rolled in we moved westward and started drifting fresh water. The first big fish simply made John's float disappear. No fanfare, no splash, the float just quietly went out of sight and the fight was on. There was no question that John had a grand old dame on as she peeled line. There was no turning this gal until she was ready, and then it was still hang on as she tore out in a big arc to the right. John never got overly excited as he worked this monster to the boat, giving his his reward of one jumbo Stick Marsh/Farm 13 lady. It wasn't but a short time later that Terry's bait was smashed and another real good fish came on board. Monday the 18th was cleanup and boat repair time and with my friend Don Willis pitching in we patched a minor bit of damage on the bottom of the boat. Yesterday, arriving out of the wintry cold of Chugiak, Alaska was Dennis Harns and his wife Cheryl who came out for a 1/2 day of fishing. Perhaps some of you have met these fine folks before at their fishing lodge up there. Dennis and his wife have run Alaska Trophy Safaris for the last 40 years and are well know for providing just super trips for Salmon and Trout in the cool waters of the north. We launched and headed south but were quickly chased out of the south end by 25+ knot winds. Heading to the north end canal of the Marsh produced the only two fish caught for the morning: one bass, and one cat. Both took a Senko. There were a few very light bites missed but we dismissed them as small bass. As you can see, the bulk of the fish are coming from the south end of the Farm, and Senkos laid in next to a stump will get you a bass. We are rigging Texas rigged, and dark colors, (any dark colors) are working well. See you out there.

Here's a poser for you: how far does the light of a full moon penetrate into crystal clear water?

It's amazing that some will state an opinion with no facts, and yet when presented with the facts, refuse to read them. Responsibility discussions were monumental about who should bear the blame for South Florida's water systems and their management back in 95, as the voters were left to decide sur-charge, or no sur-charge on sugar. Fortunately there were enough of us that had been around long enough to remember enviornmental conditions prior to the formation of Florida water management. Let's see: condominums clear out to rte. 27, which is miles into what used to be Glades. Sheetflow water sources completely shut eliminating major parts of the Glades. Hundreds of other occurences detrimental to the enviorment that I am sure those Sugar barons had very little if any input. I wonder who dried up the land and then sold it off to developement and agriculture. I wonder who it was that was involved in ruining the once beautifull Kissimmee river turning it into a straight-line carrier of pollution down through the Kissimmee chain. I wonder who it was selling the new land created by the straightening of that beautiful river. Sugar manages their cane fields, Corp of Engineers build things, and South Florida Water Management mis-manages the water. We started the drastic downhill trend back in 72 as the water management districts were formed. What a shame.

Absolutely nothing to do with cane. Lake recession info: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol6/iss2/art17/

I heard the blues are runnin' 8-) ;D ;D ;D ;D

Stuart: US1 north to Port St Lucie Blvd. Right on Mariposa to Malaluca to Blackwell S. Check that pond out - I have gotten an 8-pound bass there. US1 north to N. Ft Pierce - as you are just about out of Ft Pierce watch for county park on left, (southbound side.) Just north of Indrio Rd.

There is very little bank fishing at the Marsh and no rentals. As general information: Steve P. does not hire out for pay and is not a guide. He does however fill in as an assist when I have the need for extra boats, and was tremendous help last year when I had my heart problems.

Avid, To answer your question: Monday - lake level 9.9 feet = 9'10.8" This morning - 10.08 feet = 10'.96" That's a whopping gain of 2.16 inches For a lake that is between 4' & 5' (average water level this time of year) low, that's not much help.

"he caught a couple small mouth, a nice peacock" Small mouth what? Peacock what? We're talking Okeechobee here son!

If you are on the bass it works, but they won't draw them. One of the biggest banes for crappie fishermen is the broken rods caused by bass.

You can use the bream, cats, etc., but you cannot use young bass to catch bass.