I have an acquaintance that has recently moved to Wauchula and has invited me down to fish Jan. or Feb. He has a lot of experience bass fishing in my neck of the woods (Northwest Alabama) but, none down there. In fact he does not currently own a boat. I have a 20 foot glass boat I will be taking.

We will likely hire a guide for the first day if we can find one on short notice. Any advice on which lake(s) to concentrate on? I would like to stay within an hour or so drive from Wauchula.

You’re right in the hornets nest bub.

Short drive to Polk County where literally most of the famous Florida lakes are. 
2 of the not so famous ones are Arbuckle and Crooked Lake. 
Green anything soft plastic, black frog.

 

Good luck!

Honestly, take a look at old phosphate pits. The ones you can get on get a lot of pressure and have a limit on the number of boats per day but, they are very interesting places that can produce big fish. Make sure you have your GPS because those places are mazes and you can get lost very easily.

Tenorac, Arbuckle, Istokpoga and Hardee Lakes are great places. There will be a lot of spawners during that time so have a flipping setup with black/blue jig or Junebug plastics. 

Nooooooo! You gave away the secrets!!!

Thanks to all for the info.