Davem

Hi, I'd like some similar help. Florida is sort of unique in that the lakes don't seem to have any structure, just a smooth grade from the bank to the opposite shore. Almost all the bass fishing books on structure don't seem to apply. I've been told in Florida the structure is the vegetation. In any event I've caught some bass not maybe not as much as I should. On fishing vegetation do most of you cast to the edge or back into the pads, bull rushes, etc.? If I cast into the vegetation I get hung up a lot. What types of lures do a lot of you use? Right now I use mostly a Texas rigged worm that I cast near vegetation. Also a swimming worm. I've also trolled a worm and a Rapala and caught some bass. Thanks.

Well I probably don't have to tell you that going in cold to an area is tough to say the least but I'll throw out a couple of ideas. On East Lake Toho there is a boat rental outfit- I haven't been there for a while but I'm pretty sure it's still there. Now a days probably around $60 to rent a 15' fiberglass with 5-10 hp motor. E. Lake Toho is a round, shallow lake. You can troll a plastic worm, cast, or fish shinners under a float. Another boat rental is on the St. John's River- Highland Fish camp. The surrounding is a bit more "Florida"- that is a river w/o any houses, etc and the cost about the same. On the river I'd cast, maybe shinners in the deeper bends, etc. Hope the two leads help- at both outfits they ought to help suggest what's best in their area, etc. Tarpon- closest to Orlando that's really famous is Port Charlotte- gets crowded from what I hear. May is when you want to be at Port Charlotte.