By: Bob Wattendorf, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (special thanks to Wes Porak and John Cimbaro, FWC)
For anglers of all abilities and experience, nothing beats the opportunities for landing freshwater bass in Florida’s 10,550 miles of rivers, streams and creeks or in its 7,000 plus lakes.
The latest national statistics indicate there are 30 million anglers, and 10 million of them specifically pursue freshwater bass, compared to 6.8 million fishing for trout and 2.1 million fishing for flatfish (the most popular saltwater group).
Florida has four species of freshwater or black basses: largemouth, spotted, Suwannee and shoal. Of those, largemouth are by far the most common since they live in almost every body of fresh water in Florida. At any level of fishing experience, the thrill of a bass hitting a topwater lure is one to get the juices flowing and make you glad to be outside.
Each year Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) fisheries biologists select a list of Florida lakes and rivers as top black bass fishing destinations. Their choices are based on local experience, creel surveys, electrofishing data and the site’s ability to handle fishing pressure with adequate ramps and fishing access. This year’s list follows, in no particular order. For more details about how and where to fish these lakes, the location of local facilities, where to find quarterly updates throughout the year and information about fish consumption advisories or special regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Forecasts .
Lake George is the second-largest lake in the state with 46,000 acres and located 18 miles northwest of Deland.
Lake Tohopekaliga (18,810 acres), also known as Lake “Toho,” is adjacent to the City of Kissimmee in Central Florida.
Lake Kissimmee (35,000 acres) is nationally renowned for consistently producing high-quality fishing.
Rodman Reservoir, east of Gainesville and south of Palatka, covers 9,500 acres of prime largemouth bass habitat.
Lake Tarpon (2,500 acres) is near Tampa/St. Petersburg in Pinellas County.
Lake Weohyakapka, commonly known as Lake Walk-in-Water (7,500 acres), is south of Orlando and east of Lake Wales.
Lake Istokpoga (28,000 acres) is situated in Highlands County between U.S. 27 and U.S. 98 south of Sebring.
Deer Point Lake is a 5,000-acre impoundment north of Panama City and is fed by natural freshwater streams.
The Suwannee River is a pristine, black-water stream that flows 213
miles within Florida from a swampy region near the Georgia border to
the Gulf of Mexico.
The Everglades Water Conservation Areas are South Florida marshlands intersected with over 200 miles of canals.
Crescent Lake is a 15,725-acre lake near Crescent City on the Putnam/Flagler county line.
The 7,300-acre Tenoroc Fish Management Area near Lakeland provides a
special opportunity to bass fish in Florida’s famous phosphate pits.
Mosaic Fish Management Area (1,000 acres) includes 12 phosphate pits from 10 to 200 acres each, with depths down to 30 feet.
NOTE: Missing for 2008 from this list of top bass fishing destinations is 450,000-acre Lake Okeechobee. Recently revered by largemouth bass and crappie anglers nationwide, the “Big O” is imperiled by environmental consequences of prolonged high water levels, agricultural runoff and 2004 and 2005 hurricanes that wreaked havoc on Okeechobee’s aquatic plant communities. FWC biologists continue to assist the South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and others in restoring the lake and its fishery to its glory days. New, more restrictive regulations will take effect on July 1 for both bass and crappie to help the lake recover. Contact local marinas and tackle stores for current conditions.
With all those “top sites” to choose from, don’t overlook the smaller lakes and ponds in your area.
So get out there and catch the next state record, and if you catch a memorable fish (exceeding 24” or 8 pounds for an adult angler, or 18” and/or 6 pounds for a youth under 16 years of age), you can apply for a “Big Catch” angler recognition certificate (see your regulations summary or visit MyFWC.com/Fishing ). Whether your next bass measures up or not, remember “A bad day fishing beats a good day working,” so good luck and good fishing.
Find additional information at MyFWC.com/Fishing/Forecasts , including details about access to these top bass sites, quarterly forecasts and consumption advisories.
Instant licenses are available at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356).
This article originally published on February 12, 2008.
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