Welcome to October and the start of fall fishing, which hopefully will mean some cooler weather in our near future. For months now, the lakes have been sitting steady in the upper 80’s and when it is that warm, the bass are just not as active which directly relates to their (lack of) feeding patterns. We’ve been catching fish, just not nearly the numbers that we are used to in the fall through spring.
If we are fortunate enough to have cooler nights, then the lake temps will drop making the bass fishing better than it has been in months. After a long summer, I am ready to see – and feel – more bass chasing baits and actively feeding. This could be a great time for frogging, throwing your favorite Devil’s Horse or other topwater baits, Gambler EZ Swimmers, and swim jigs. Lipless crankbaits like the Strike King Redeye Shad will also hopefully regain their effectiveness.
In Winter Haven on the South Chain it has been mainly deep-water fishing as the bass are out in the deep hydrilla trying to keep cooler below the thermocline. Small shiners have been the preferred bait of choice for 90% of our trips. We’ve caught smaller “schoolers” on flukes and senkos, and slow crawled crankbaits have brought in some of the bigger fish.
At some point soon (weather dependent of course), the bass should begin moving from the deep holes in 20+ feet of water to the outside grasslines in the 8’-12’ range chasing bluegill and shiners.
Heading to the eastern edge of Polk County towards Lake Hatchineha and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes we are hoping the state does not eradicate too much of the vegetation as they are trying to keep “the system clear”; yet this world-class fishery needs the hydrilla, hyacinth mats, lily pads, and kissimmee grass to filter itself naturally and be the best bass fishery in the world.
We’re always on the move looking for areas that have:
- Clean water.
- Healthy vegetation.
- Moving water or current.
- Shiner stakes.
- Birds that are actively hunting – (not just flying by overhead).
- Bait fish.
If you find 3-4 of these items, you are more than likely to find bass. If you can put 5+ then you know you will find fish.
It will really be a “hit and run” deal on these lakes for a few weeks but the fish are here. Some spots are going to be just flipping grass lines, some pad fields you can fish topwater & flip.
Capt. Scotty Taylor
855-354-8433
Scott@TMCGuideService.com