STARKE LAKE: Most of the largemouth bass will be in deeper water (>10 feet) this quarter and therefore boat fishing will be the best bet for this FAB FIVE water body. For a starting point try the fish attractors (marked with a yellow FWC buoy) that received fresh brush in May 2006. Good baits on these attractors include shaky head jigs rigged weedless and trick worms wacky-rigged on a weedless hook. The fish attractors are listed on a topographical map, which can be obtained by emailing or calling the Fish Orlando office (see contact information above). If deep-water haunts are unproductive, try the edges of the deeper (5-10 feet) submerged eelgrass and peppergrass. Lipless crankbaits, wacky rigged seinkos and finesse worms are all good choices.

TURKEY LAKE: Many of the largemouth bass will be out on the fish attractors (marked with a yellow FWC buoy) that just received fresh brush in May 2006. Try Texas-rigged (1/16 ounce) watermelon seed trick worms, Zara Spook type topwaters and deep diving crankbaits (firetiger patterns). The fish attractors for this FAB FIVE are listed on a topographical map, which can be obtained by emailing or calling the Fish Orlando office (see contact information above). Although not always consistent, schooling bass in the open water may also be another option this quarter, particularly first thing in the morning. Cast lipless crankbaits, topwaters and shad imitating jigs right into the area where the fish are surfacing. If bites in the open water do not produce, try Texas and wacky rigged seinkos on the edges of the deeper Kissimmee grass. Due to deed restrictions there is no public boat access on Turkey Lake, but the FWC, the City of Orlando and Bass Pro Shops have teamed together to provide a Boat Loaner Program where four Bass Tracker Boats are available for rent at only $15 a morning (7 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Thurs - Sun). Call the City of Orlando’s Bill Frederick Park at 407-299-5581 to reserve a boat.

LAKE UNDERHILL: Try focusing your efforts early in the morning or after dark (the boat ramp closes at 11 p.m.) to avoid the heat and the heavy personal watercraft activity during this quarter. The bass fishing will still be good, however, and the 8-15 foot depths on the edge of the submerged vegetation will most likely hold fish. Try wacky rigged seinkos and lightweight (1/16 ounce) Carolina rigs during the day, and Zara spook type topwaters first thing in the morning and right before sunset. Currently the East/West Expressway is being widened so some areas are currently unfishable due to construction barriers.

IVANHOE: Similar to Underhill, the bass in this FAB FIVE should be in the 8-15 foot depth range next to the submerged vegetation. Try Texas-rigged worms or a wacky rigged trick worm (i.e. a 1/0 hook inserted into the middle of the worm with a nail weight placed into the head of the worm). Unlike Starke and Underhill where the deeper productive water is usually out of reach of the shore angler, Ivanhoe’s narrow littoral (vegetation) zone allows for this area to be reached with a 20-50 foot cast from the bank.

CLEAR LAKE: Although this FAB FIVE is managed for hybrid striped bass, because hybrids are a cool water fish it would be best to focus on the channel catfish action this quarter. Catfish in the 5-10 pound range are common and liver fished on the bottom around the numerous dredge holes is a good way to “hook up”; sprinkle the liver with unflavored gelatin prior to the trip to help keep the bait on the hook. The dredge areas are listed on a topographical map, which can be obtained by emailing or calling the Fish Orlando office (see contact information above). If the dredge holes do not hold fish, try the mouths of the numerous canals associated with the lake.

URBAN PONDS (Barnett Park Frog Pond, Bear Creek, Lake Island Park, and Santiago): The URBAN PONDS are managed as put, grow and take channel catfish fisheries. However, heavy predation by cormorants (a migratory fish eating bird) the past two years has resulted in a much reduced population. Most of the channel catfish remaining are >14 inches but expect to try several spots around the pond for a period of an hour or more before hooking up with one. Concentrate your efforts first thing in the morning and right before dark. Try fishing chicken liver rigged on a #6 or #8 hook with a split shot added for weight. Some decent largemouth bass fishing can be had in Bear Creek using crappie minnows (Missouri minnows) under a float or a large shiner free-lined on a #2 hook first thing in the morning. Because of their abundant small bluegill and redear sunfish, the URBAN PONDS are also a good place to take a kid to catch their first fish. A piece of worm or biscuit dough fished under a small float is usually all that’s needed. Start by trying the shoreline near the “Baited Fishing Area” signs.

Note: We are working with our Division to try to have the channel catfish stocked after the major cormorant migration so the future will provide fast action.
 

Until next time remember, “knowledge, not luck, is the key to consistent fishing success.”

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