Looking at taking the kids to see Mickey the first part of May.

What is the fishing going to be like in the area, and where would you go?

Not opposed to driving, I see Stick Marsh is only 80 or 90 miles away, I have wanted to fish there for a while.

Would you say a person could get along without a guide on the Stick Marsh not ever being there before? Not opposed to hiring a guide at all, for a one day trip it sometimes is the only way to find the right spots in time.

There is also a place where I caught my PB only 35 miles away, and we could definitely get by without a guide.

I wouldn't even rule out the big O if that would be the best fishing at that time.

Look forward to the feedback.

Mays a great month, the top water bite will be in full swing. All mentioned are great options. Waters dropping in most parts of the state, so keep that in mind if your unfamiliar with the water.

Big O is on fire,we're catching some great sacks of fish. I caught 171/2 lb yesterday to put me in 9th out of 48 boats, but to give you an idea I was culling 3 1/2 fish. We must have caught 30 fish. I knew I needed that kicker.

But back on subject, May is one of my favorite months, the bream  spawn will be in full swing and the Bass will be crazy.

I went to Stick Marsh for the first time by myself...BUT.. I had a good map, lots of advice and was at idle speed most of the time on the Marsh side.  I would talk to Steve P about it first.   http://www.stickmarshproguideservice.com/

He gave me good info and We even saw him on the lake.

Thanks for the info guys.

http://www.imaginationbassin.com/StickMarshAerial.htm

South end of lake from middle west to south east is idle - everything else is safe.

Most fish located in south areas in the wood.

Thanks George.

oteymc, without being shown in person, I'd avoid the diagonal run across the Stick Marsh side that we make and go the long way. The long way would be the east canal on the Marsh side and then west down the divider canal. Watch the sandbar on your left turn into the Farm. Also, don't cut the corner when you transition into the divider canal from the east Stick marsh canal. Topwater should be very good at that time based on what we've seen lately. As with any lake that is navigationally challenging, a guide on the first day would be a good idea. My most important piece of advice is NEVER assume that the guy in front of you knows where he's running. I see a LOT of visitors run on plane in places that they shouldn't be. Good luck!

The O is really good right now and should be good well into May and June. Only concern would be the water level. It just broke through below 12' yesterday and by May could be in the low 11s or worse with no rain. These numbers refer to feet above sea level not the lake level itself so 11s means very shallow in many places. You can run at these levels but you have to know what you are doing. As with Stick, a guide the first day might be a very good and in the long run less expensive idea than popping your lower unit and ruining the trip

Thanks everybody. I appreciate the info. That is what makes this site great.  The fish in my avatar came from Saddle Creek in Lakeland - that is another place we were thinking of.

(not the fish in the current pic!)

We have our travel plans a little more precise, going down May 1-7.  Not taking my boat now.  I have a friend who lives near the Harris Chain.  He has a boat, but has no clue about fishing.  I think his boat is a fish and ski, no trolling motor.  We may go out on one of those lakes.  Are they good?  I still may try to go to one of the other places mentioned also.