Don51

Google maps really isn't your friend! I gave up chasing ponds because most turned out to be private property or not accessible. Talk to other fishermen when you go out! You won't get their honeyholes but you may pick up a few new spots. It's a lot different fishing than up north. I hate the lack of species! If the bass aren't biting you can't switch gears like you can up north. No trout, pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, even the crappie are hard to find and don't willingly bite. I have been terribly disappointed Florida fishing! Good Luck!

That's some very good cold water bassin! Very good for anytime of the year actually! ?

Bass fishing in FL is frustrating to say the least. I have never seen so much private property. I have stopped wasting my time chasing water using Google Earth. As stated, these bass are super finicky to any weather changes. It's not as easy as Roland Martin makes it out to be! ?

Roland Martin makes it look that way! ?

I gave up on topwater for that reason. It just calls them in! I did hook one on a worm once. I just let him break off. They usually are not a problem!

I feel your pain! I'm in Florida and the fishing isn't even close to what New England fishing is. I miss fishing up there! ?

You are not doing anything wrong! FL bass fishing is not as easy as Roland and Scott Martin make it out to be. lol I have been down here 3 years and my biggest is 6 lbs and I have only caught one of those. Also, these bass really react to changes in the weather. They will totally shut down from one day to the next. What I really miss is variety of fish. If you aren't catching bass you probably won't catch much else!

I scare more alligators off the bank than frogs! lol I'm in SW.

It's really weird. You don't see frogs along the shoreline like you do up north, they are few and far between. Too many predators I assume. Anyway, frog baits are big alligator attractors! I stopped using them. In fact, any topwater bait will draw their attention.

That's quite the recon trip! ?

Hate it! I live in FL, it's hot! I need to get out at sunrise and now it will be even a later start. It won't get light here until 8 a.m.! For me the day is half over! ?

I agree with you. SWFL does not offer much for freshwater, it is all about the salt. Webb is probably the most peaceful for a lake that size, no powerboats allowed! Most opportunities are canals and retention ponds that can become quite boring. I was told that Trafford is a nightmare with airboats and bass boats galore! Just noticed that this post is 6 years old! Lol

I don't believe in specifically targeting them off beds! I don't see any sport in that. I always fish deeper water during the spawn, I'm sure I probably catch a couple of spawners by accident. It should not be allowed during tourney events. Just my personal opinion.

Back in the 50's for you next week! Go figure. ?

South FL is a pretty big area! Lol

They know a thing or two because they've seen a thing or two! ?

May take awhile to figure out the navigation. ?

Surprised at no responses. I don't know the area but you have options galore there! Just look at the map! Boat, kayak or on foot?

Kezar Lake always makes Bassmaster 100 best lakes. ?

Check out http://www.iceshanty.com

These cold fronts that we have been getting every couple of days are killing it! I have found it to be very slow even if fishing very slow. ?

It's experience to think that a fish is in a particular piece of cover or holding on certain structure. It is luck that the fish is actually there and took the offering. The skill part is hooking that fish and getting it in your hands!

Night fishing this time of the year would really be pushing it. Things could go bad rather quickly.

Mike, if you hit Ponkie you more than likely will run into some picks, probably some good sized ones! Give it hell! ?

The question is still relevant. The date of the post isn't! ?