The first of the seasons’ northeast blows have passed and the cooler weather, shorter days and water temps have stirred the fish into their annual transition to the shallows to seek out locations for spawning. The cooler water temps will not only turn-on the top-water bite for bass, it will also trigger the crappie into their spawning mode as well. Schooling bass are biting lip-less rattle trap style baits around the eel grass in both Lake Harris and Lake Eustis, also reports are coming in on both Zoom speed worms and 10” monster worms in dark colors along the deeper edges of the Kissimmee grass and the deeper water between the offshore eel grass. The bigger fish are eating and fatting up for the first of this year’s spawn. It is usually starts with the new or full moon stage in December. November is one of the best months of the year! If we get a good cold snap before the moon phases the fish will be on the move. Look for the staging areas close to deep main lake areas that are close to a flat. Deeper water out in front of canals, mouths of the rivers and Haynes Creek on both end and shallow boat docks that have deeper water close by are also great spawning areas to check. The recent Saturday Sandy’s bass tournament took well over 20 pounds to win so the fish have started eating.
Anglers are already catching some nice specs in the chain. Minnow tipped jigs are best bet. As the moon phases get close the males will be moving shallower. Look for them near the lilly pads and edges of the grass. Get registered for the 9th Annual CF Shad and Crappie Derby starting on November – Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
