Hurricane Irma certainly puts an abundance of water back into the Kissimmee Chain. It also did a lot of damage to the lake bottoms and aquatic vegetation. How this will impact the fishing over the next month is difficult to predict. It is my learned opinion that until the sediment in the Chain settles to the bottom and water clarity improves locating bass and other panfish can be difficult as finding gasoline after a major hurricane- a whole lot of searching and running around!
The good news is that bass and bream should pile up at the mouths of the creeks and canals at this time. For bass in these areas try a Lews Blue Chrome rattle trap 1/4 to 1/2oz size or Strike King Red Eyed Shad in the same color. A Carolina rigged Senko with a 1/2 to 1 oz wt will also work well in the current.
Catfishing is on fire at this time in the canals and creeks. If you like catching big catfish murky running water is your kind of party. For best results rig a 1 1/2 to 2 oz bell sinker on a three-way swivel and 5/0 circle hook. The best setup for this is night crawlers, chicken liver or Majic Catfish bait in Beef Blood scent.
Capt. Dave Ochs
Waters Edge Fish Camp
10730 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales, FL
863-589-6295