[dropcap]H[/dropcap]APPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! Ya know, I’ve been writing these reports and fishing forecasts for a long time and this is probably the first time that I’m not quite sure where to start on Lake Talquin. Ok, I do have a starting point, but try and keep up as it changes fast.
Attached with this article you’ll find a couple of pics from last January. One (where I’m sitting down) is with a real nice Largemouth bass that weighed over 5lbs. This fish was one of several very nice ones caught January 1, 2013. Water temps were in the low 50’s and it really never got that cold during the month of December 2012. These fish were staging on deep creek channel points. We were throwing crank baits, spinner baits and worms but nothing worked. Enter the Steel Shad (vibrating blade bait) and it was like someone threw a light switch. The points we fished were covered with bait and the fish were very picky on what they wanted to eat. Vibrating baits are excellent reaction baits during cold water periods. Ok, so we now know what the fish were doing in early January, but look what happens in the next picture. The one where I’m holding up a “pig” pulled from 2 feet of water off of a bed! That’s right! By the end of January, water temperatures had risen to the low 60’s. Daytime highs were in the low 70’s and night time temps never really dipped below 40. Those fish that were staging, moved right up when conditions got right. This is certainly non-typical of a normal January, but it does serve as a template for conditions and a lesson to be learned. NEVER assume that because it’s January, the fish will be deep. Not only did it throw the bass fishing a “curveball”, but the crappie fishing too. January is one of the best months of the year to catch huge numbers of big Speckled perch. Trolling accounts for 90% of the way fish are caught, but any given day you’ll see the locals gathered up on their favorite winter holes with 20′ cane poles extending from one end of the boat to the other. It’s an art to watch these guys work their long poles with 16′ of line, hook and minnow attached to the end.
Move 30 miles North to Lake Seminole and it’s a whole other world. As early season sun warms the North banks, bass stage in nearby ditches and drop offs in 50 degree water. Remember that vibrating bait that we talked about on Lake Talquin; well the Rattle Trap is one of the deadliest baits on Lake Seminole this time of year. BUT, if water temps drop below 50, it’s time to break out the suspending jerk bait. Spring creek is one of the more popular winter spots with clear water and plenty of vegetation.
So until next month, stay safe, have fun and ALWAYS wear a life jacket while boating.
By “J.R.” Mundinger-Professional Guide
www.FishTallahassee.com