The largemouth bass spawn has just about ended. The bass are still spawning out towards deeper, cooler water. It’s time to go to artificial baits. On my most recent trips, the most successful artificial baits used are the Zoom Senkos in watermelon seed, green pumpkin, and June bug colors; Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged. Look for bass feeding on shad at sunrise. Also, flukes are working using the same colors. Look for Kissimmee grass, avoid algae areas. Any type of flow from wind or current around vegetation are good areas for success.
Overall, the crappie bite has been really good. They are moving back out to open water and a lot of them have been caught at the flood control gates in the canals on both ends of Lake Cypress. Also, the Alligator Chain has been really good for open water crappie fishing. Check the edges of the holes and look for suspending fish. The bait of choice is a jig tipped with a minnow. Open water means longline trolling or spider-rigging. Change speed and lure depth until the fish cooperate.
The shell cracker bite has also been good. When you smell orange blossoms and honeysuckle in the air it’s time to go fishing. Bluegills, red-ear sunfish, and shellcrackers are the panfish go-to in April. They are making beds in the shallow water – look for shell bottom or sandy areas in 3-4 feet depths. The best way to catch them is with live red worms under a float. Make sure to add a split shot to one without bobber and send it to the bottom.
