Heading down to my in-laws in Boynton beach Saturday-Wednesday for a mini vacation. Never fished Florida for bass, but a bass is a bass. I’m assuming it’s post spawn? They have a lake in there backyard but willing to do a bit exploring. Anyone have any recommendations or tips for that area? Thanks in advance

I would assume you have already accomplished the most difficult part. You chose inlaws that live on a lake in Florida. Catching the bass won't be nearly as difficult as catching the girl.

If I only had one bait to bank fish lakes in South Florida, it would be a 4” watermelon red Senko weightless, or a watermelon red trick worm, with a #3 EWG thin wire hook, on 15 lb Floro line. I bank fish South Florida 5 days a week and it will catch bass, peacock, Oscar’s, Mayans, and snakeheads. If the bites tough that day just slow down and bass will often pick it up while sitting.

Reach out to Bass Resource member @Aaron_H, who catches big Florida bass from the shore.

I would fish a Zoom Ultravibe speed worm in JuneBug/Red. I would fish it on 30 pound brad with a 15 pound fluorocarbon leader. Use the lightest weight you can throw and fish it on the bottom. If the water is clearer, watermelon/red is a good choice too. There has never been a bass in Florida that could resist that bait. Good Luck!

4 hours ago, Swamp Girl said:

Reach out to Bass Resource member @Aaron_H, who catches big Florida bass from the shore.

Only sometimes, but I appreciate the vote of confidence.

Phil's advice will get you bit for sure. Junebug is as close to a magic color as you can get for Florida. Watermelon/red or green pumpkin for clear water, or white if they're feeding hard on shad. A weightless Texas- or wacky-rigged Senko is another surefire way to get bit if the bite is slow, like Geo mentioned.

Most of the fish should be post spawn now. I tend to focus on moving baits this time, lipless crank and bladed jig, spinnerbait, etc. Last time I was out, the fish were pushing shad up against the banks/into pockets, a lipless, squarebill, or spinnerbait would be ideal there, chrome or shad patterns should work well.

18 hours ago, geo g said:

If I only had one bait to bank fish lakes in South Florida, it would be a 4” watermelon red Senko weightless, or a watermelon red trick worm, with a #3 EWG thin wire hook, on 15 lb Floro line. I bank fish South Florida 5 days a week and it will catch bass, peacock, Oscar’s, Mayans, and snakeheads. If the bites tough that day just slow down and bass will often pick it up while sitting.

East or west coast?

Seeing your question made me happy. While I have always lived in NJ, I've been fishing for pond bass in Boynton Beach, Fla every year for almost 50 years. The ponds I fish are generally stained (not dirty) water, less than 6 feet deep and always less than 10 acres in size.

@geo g and @Captain Phil are def gonna get you bit. When they're on, you can prob throw a Budweiser can at them, but when a little lockjaw sets in I've had success turning to the senkos. Second, I actually have as much or more luck with a texas rigged 10" ribbon tail worm (Black, Junebug or Blue fleck). Third, grab yourself a little buzz bait for some topwater fun.

This girl came on a texas rig in Boynton Beach.

Have fun. Best of luck. Send pics.