Florida Bass Fishing

While many people go to Florida to fish the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, or the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean for big saltwater catches, Florida bass fishing is a popular inland sport. Florida is full of lake resources that are literally packed to the gill (pun intended) with bass. Where in Florida can you go to find the best opportunity for fishing for bass in Florida? Here are some of the best lakes you can visit in the state.

Florida bass fishing at Lake George can be a fabulous time. As one of many natural lakes on the St. John's River, it is full of vegetation that is inviting cover for bass. Wading in with plastic worms into the eelgrass and fishing on the surface is sure to make for a productive day. You may want to try some other top water artificial lures, as well. Live shiners are perfect for catching trophy sized bass, especially during spawning season in the spring.

The Stick Marsh Reservoir is also a fertile habitat that provides excellent Florida bass fishing. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft jerbaits, and topwater propeller baits can provide a good chance of catching large bass, especially around the woody stumps and submerged canals and hydrilla. For trophy fish at this lake, try working wild gold shiners, and you should see phenomenal results.

Lake Tohopekaliga is a great place for Florida bass fishing during early spring when it is spawning season. The shallows inshore are full of native vegetation, including topped out hydrilla, which makes for a great spawning habitat. Try flipping plastic baits along grass edges and bulrush. Chugging baits can be productive as well. Another fine lake with such opportunities is the Rodman Reservoir, created in 1968 and covering 9,500 acres. It is known for its population of largemouth bass, especially for large, trophy sized specimen.

If you are in the area, try Florida bass fishing in Lake Kissimmee, the largest of five main bodies of water on the Kissimmee River in central Florida. High quality fishing of all kinds takes place here, with tournaments producing bass like crazy, with 18-20 pounds coming in as winning numbers. Offshore fishing in the area is also popular, using shad-imitation jigs, jerkbaits, and topwater bait. Work around the coontail, eelgrass beds, ledges, and humps for the best catch. These same tactics can be used to produce satisfying results at Lake Tarpon, though fishing with wild shiners and live shad can also do the trick here.