TBO.com - Live in the moment

Bass Still Hot For Those Braving Heat

Published: Jun 25, 2007

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Mark Cook.

Although afternoon temperatures are hovering in the low 90s, bass fishing has remained strong on most waterways. Bluegill and shellcracker also have been filling coolers for those brave enough to withstand the heat and find them.

Crooked Lake in Polk County continues to be the top bass producer in the area with frog imitations taking good numbers over submerged grass and vegetation. As expected, early mornings and late afternoons have been best although fishermen willing to flip the deep cover can find fish throughout the day. Also in Polk County, Teneroc northeast of Lakeland hasn't slowed down. Fish Hook Lake has been producing excellent bass catches all year long, and due to the tight restrictions and limited anglers allowed, it should continue to wow locals.

Lake Kissimmee for whatever reason just never hit stride on bass this year. Most locals blame it on the low water levels. However, whatever disappointment with bass was made up for by the shellcracker and bluegill numbers. Both species are still being caught around Brahma and Bird Islands, with wigglers doing the most damage.

River fishermen on the Hillsborough and Alafia are reporting excellent panfish results with warmouth and shellcracker being an easy catch.

Most reports are by those parking and walking the banks looking for deeper water. With river levels still extremely low the fish are congregating in the deep washouts around curves and bends in the river.

For more information, contact Mark Cook at tribfishing@aol.com.