Hello Everyone.

There is a local lake here in Tampa, FL called Lake Wastena. My friend and i have fished it numerous times but have failed to bring in the lunkers. We have heard that many 10 lb.+ fish have been caught there. This week we are planning on spending an entire day on the lake. It's deepest point is 25 feet and the water is stained. Can anyone give us any tips as far as lure selection, methods, anything to help us reel in the big ones.

Here is more info on the lake if needed: http://www.fllakehouse.com/lake-detail.aspx?lakekey=5037&county=HB

Tight Lines,

- Anderson

Deep running crankbaits or C-rigged creature baits or 10" worms along the deeper drops close to shallow feeding flats would be a good place to start. One of those pictures of the big bass the fish has a big jig in it's mouth so I'd probably try that too. If you really want to catch a big bass I'd try the same areas with a 4-5 inch bluegill or a big golden shiner.

Deep running crankbaits or C-rigged creature baits or 10" worms along the deeper drops close to shallow feeding flats would be a good place to start. One of those pictures of the big bass the fish has a big jig in it's mouth so I'd probably try that too. If you really want to catch a big bass I'd try the same areas with a 4-5 inch bluegill or a big golden shiner.

I agree! More specifically, Rage Tail Thumper, Rage Hawg and GMAN Big O Mata Jig/ Lobster.

X3

The jig would be my first choice though or the creature baits fished slow and deep, if you guys get a couple we want to see pics !!!!

Good luck and be safe !!!

X2 on shiners. I went on a guided trip a few years ago near Orlando. All of the guides there used 10-12" wild shiners. I went in March so it might not be the best time of year right now for that type of fishing though. The guides knew where the fish were feeding so if you locate fish I would definitely give live bait a try. Pretty pricey though, the shiners I bought were about $20/dozen.

If you use live bait clip a fin. I had heard this from a wise old fishing sage and read an article to back up his tip. Lots of freshwater fisherman don't, next time I go live I will try it.

My grandma lives on a lake in Tampa simlar to that one. I grew up fishing there and have always done well on large wroms. Like 8-12" black worms either by Manns or berkely power worms. Shinners will also catch you a ton of fish..

Big baits=Big bass.

id try a Real Prey golden shiner swimbait. As LgMouthGambler said, big baits, big fish

NGaHB

The big females are staged during pre spawn and that is Jan / Feb in Florida where you fish.

Live bait is a no brainier and most guides would use golden shiners as mentioned. Lots of artificals work; swim baits, big worms, jigs should work. Mid summer your chances are very slim due to the available natural prey the big bass can eat whenever they choose, they are not driven by the spawning urge and very weary of fishing pressure.

Tom

Mid summer your chances are very slim due to the available natural prey the big bass can eat whenever they choose, they are not driven by the spawning urge and very weary of fishing pressure.

Tom

My current lack of luck with any big bass can attest to that. When there are plenty of real bait fish around, its hard to get them to go for something else

NGaHB