I'm heading down to Panama City Beach, Florida at the end of the week with the family on a week long vacation and I plan on doing a lot of fishing. Living in Chicago, a 5-6 pounder is considered to be a trophy and will only come maybe 2-3 times a season. I want to make the most of my vacation and hopefully land a fish in the 10 pound range. I have been doing my research and the main thing that I have gathered is that big baits catch big fish, so I figured that my main approach will be to throw things like big T-rigged worms, lizards, and jigs. I'm open to all ideas, so any tips or techniques are appreciated. Also, is anyone familiar with this area? I know that retention ponds and ponds in gated communities are supposed to produce big fish, but I have never been to the Panhandle before.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/46281-panama-city-beach/

I know my friends in that area fish more saltwater than anything but maybe this thread can help slightly

I would guess using big worms/lures at night would be your best bet. Be careful.

Not sure of rules, regs, etc.....but if I wanted to give myself the best chance to catch a 10 lber in florida, would probably use live shiners. Just a guess and opinion, but may be worth a try.

My PB came out of a retention pond on a Florida golf course - 12+ lbs. On a Zoom curly tail 6" worm. That said, big bass seem to love stick baits like the Yamamoto Senko, deadsticked weightless or with a small weight. Purple is the classic Florida color for plastics. I've caught more 6+ lb bass on stick worms than any other bait - and I don't even like fishing them!

Ok thanks for all the good info guys.

Caulfield, I saw a news story on TV where a Florida teenager had to fight off an alligator and he lost his arm but saved his life.

With mating season upon us, the gators may not be friendly.

And add into the mix you fishing at night could place you in danger.

Please be extra careful. Take a flashlight along with you and if you see two, small dots in the water or along the shore, back off.

Remember, they can see you a lot easier than you can see them, especially at night.

Regarding baits for the big ones, would you believe that I caught my biggest ladies in a double secret pond on wacky rigged trick worms? Yesterday I took an 11-year old son of a friend to the double secret pond and he nailed two of the big ones on Senkos.

However, if you want, you can always throw a Manns Jelly Worm on a 7/0 hood and hope for the best.

Good luck and please get back with us as to your results.

+2 if you catch a bass walk a several feet away from the bank and don't turn your back from it. I've had hungry gators chase me up the bank at nights. They can feel vibrations in the water from a long way away.

Ok thanks for the warnings guys. I'll be sure to be extra careful.

I used to walk my golf course ponds at night, bass fishing, but don't anymore. There's more to worry about in South Florida than just gators. I've stepped in a few fire ant mounds...definately not fun. I took a hit one night from a banana spider...I walked right into the web in the dark. I was sick for 2-3 days after. Water moccasins are stealthy enough during the day...at night all you can do is hope you don't run into one.

Water moccasins are stealthy enough during the day...at night all you can do is hope you don't run into one.

X2

I'm far more concerned about Snakes down here than anything. Everywhere you go you may not find gators. Everywhere you go, there are snakes. Its just a question of whether you got it PO'd or not.

Plus we've got Zombies....

X2

I'm far more concerned about Snakes down here than anything. Everywhere you go you may not find gators. Everywhere you go, there are snakes. Its just a question of whether you got it PO'd or not.

Plus we've got Zombies....

Dang snakes are a P.I.T.A. The rattlers and moccasins can be down right mean little bastrds down here, particullary with this warm weather.

The zombies are a whole different ball game. A chicken bone necklace helps keep a few species of Zombies away.

i live near there and the biggest lake in that area is Deerpoint Lake there are several bass tournaments there. Have been told that a junebug worm is the way to go.

_{Ive had good luck with pop r's when fishing small ponds right at sun down.}