Lake Conditions: Full pool, 71 degrees and clear.
Most bass have spawned and are transitioning into post-spawn areas and habits. As the bass move into their summer areas, the shad are starting to spawn along the grass edges on the main lake. To catch bass during the shad spawn, get out on the water early and cover a lot of water with reaction baits. My lure of choice is a 1/2- or 3/8- oz. Strike King double willow-leaf spinner bait fished along the edges and over the top of the grass. This time of year, the top-water bite can be incredible, and I use several different lures. I like to use a buzz-bait when the fish are feeding on the edge of the grass; my favorite is a Strike King Pro Model in chartreuse and white. Use a 7-foot medium-heavy rod with braided line and a high speed reel. This set-up allows me to turn most bites into catches. For throwing a hollow-body frog, I like to use at least 50-lb. test braid and a 7’ heavy action rod with a high speed reel. When working a frog over the top of grass or pads, you need a stout rod and line to get a good hook-set and get big bass out of the slop.
Shellcracker are spawning and many limits have been caught. I recently had the honor of taking young Brandon Autry from Woodville, FL, out fishing, and Angelo Koundourakis took his father, Neal, out. We put an awesome mess in the cooler using worms that day! The bream will be spawning soon. The crappie bite has slowed down a bit as the lake warms, but are still being caught with minnows.
For up-to-date lake information or guide services on Lake Seminole, call Paul Tyre at (850)264-7534 or email paultyrefishing@yahoo.com.
CAPT. PAUL TYRE
PaulTyreFishing@yahoo.com
850-264-7534