[dropcap]R[/dropcap]ain, rain go away! WAIT!!! After a 12 year drought, we’re going to change the way the song goes. Like…. rain, rain come again today and stay. I gotta tell ya’, it’s so nice to have Lake Jackson in Tallahassee, FL back. This lake has so much to offer to anglers. Located in northwest Florida near Tallahassee, folks from Leon and Gadsen counties literally have just minutes of travel to reach one of the nation’s most prized Largemouth bass fishing destinations, and is also one of the most misunderstood. I say that due to its ability to disappear when the water tables get low, but then it comes right back when tables are up. And after a topsy-turvy past several years, water levels on Lake Jackson are finally back to normal pool. With the water levels back to normal, getting into the lake now is pretty easy.
It doesn’t matter if you come from the north, south, east or west, access to the water is very convenient. There are a couple ramps you might consider using if you have a bigger boat such as Sunset Landing or Crowder, but you can still launch at Millers or Rhoden Cove without problems when launching boats under 20’ long. Fishing Lake Jackson during May can be very hit or miss depending on the amount of vegetation throughout. Right now in the Crowder area, it’s sparse. There’s plenty of other open water, but with the spawn almost completely done in May, you’re gonna want to look for vegetation ‘cause that’s where the big bass should be. A couple of favorite baits to use are top-water frogs, and soft plastic swim baits. Don’t get me wrong, others are or can be effective in certain instances. But try and get a top-water jerk bait loaded with treble hooks through some of the slop on Lake Jackson and you’ll soon be changing your rig. May is still a great month to fish all day. Sometimes the bass bite early, sometimes mid day and sometimes late afternoons. There are many variables to consider when trying to break the bass feeding code. I’ve been at this for over 40 years and every time I think I have it figured out, well you can guess the rest.
For those of you that like to pleasure boat, Lake Jackson may not be the place for you. Although open water exists in some areas, it may not be enough. If you need a break from boating or fishing, there’s a seafood restaurant right on the water at Sunset Landing. Even a bad day of fishing can change when spending it with friends while enjoying good food and a great view. So grateful Lake Jackson is back!!!