March 2015 Florida Bragging Rights

[Capt. BassinLou]

Hmmmm gators from a yak..... i don't know about that one. Lol!!

[Took]

It's not too bad.  I grew up fishing stickmarsh, farm13, and Garcias from a small boat and learned a lot about them. I have a huge respect and give them their space. Last year I came across one that ended up going 14', 4 longer than my yak haha

[Capt. BassinLou]

It's not too bad.  I grew up fishing stickmarsh, farm13, and Garcias from a small boat and learned a lot about them. I have a huge respect and give them their space. Last year I came across one that ended up going 14', 4 longer than my yak haha

Yeah, out in the glades depending on the time of yr, you can be surrounded by a lot of them. But like you said, respect them and you will be ok. Start messing with them and things can change real quick.

[Took]

These were pretty gnarly. The one in the water was a little too close, and ended up going under my yak when I tried to back paddle. The wind blew me right into the vegetation

[Capt. BassinLou]

What's the depth?

[Took]

This spot is about 4 foot with a solid foot of vegetation on top

[Capt. BassinLou]

This spot is about 4 foot with a solid foot of vegetation on top

Yeah, that's pretty shallow. Lol...  There is not much water between the 2 of you when he passes underneath you. 

[Took]

It was insane.  I had the chance to feel the sheer power they possess.  But kept my cool and assessed the situation properly

[Capt. BassinLou]

It was insane.  I had the chance to feel the sheer power they possess.  But kept my cool and assessed the situation properly

Yikes!! They are extremely powerful and agile. Be careful.

[Took]

Yikes!! They are extremely powerful and agile. Be careful.

Always!

[SFL BassHunter]

So now that the end of the month race is picking up, who's fishing this weekend? Care to share what strategies you feel are going to get you on them pigs??

I will. Since its mentioned that I do not share too much info. I will be focusing on 2 strategies actually, and no it doesn't involve the frog!! Gasp!! ...... I know.... I know......  I will be continuing where I left off last time which was jigging. I am going to fish a different trailer to see if entices the same or bigger fish. I used a stickworm trailer last time, this time I am going to use a bb cricket. 2nd strategy. I really enjoyed punching through the thick stuff over at Kissimmee earlier this month, so I am going to carry some of that over. The reports around my area is that the hyacinth mats have begun to break up and some some nice piggies can be had in the 8lb variety around those smaller thick mats of hyacinth.

I also have my punching outfit ready and several baits I will like to try. Went to DSG, and picked up some Havoc Pit Boss's. They look interesting let's see how they do. Lastly, I might give the frog some face time. Those top water explosions are too hard to pass up. Anyways that's the plan, it can completely change once I get out there. My 8yr old son is coming with me so I want to make sure he does well. If there are any fish worth posting i will check in from time to time. Good luck to whomever is heading out this weekend. 

*google searches "hyacinth" and "how to punch through the thick stuff"*

Ha! Providing us your strategy before you use it perhaps may be your downfall!

I'll let you all in on my strategies.
-Find the thick stuff
-Throw dynami...uh wait skip this step
-Grab the piggies by the mouth measure them and take pictures.


Good luck!

[Capt. BassinLou]

Haha...

[FD]

Hit Toho today for more practice.  Shook off a few of the bigger bites (an extremely difficult thing to do) this morning trying to save them for next week.  (there is a boat on the line next week).  Caught a dozen or so I could not shake off and this one.

Had 13.5,13.5,15.5,16.5,19 = 78

Now 13.5,15.5,16.5,16.5,19 = 81




Frank obviously did not get the memo about saving the big fish for next weekend.

[Took]

Hit Toho today for more practice.  Shook off a few of the bigger bites (an extremely difficult thing to do) this morning trying to save them for next week.  (there is a boat on the line next week).  Caught a dozen or so I could not shake off and this one.

Had 13.5,13.5,15.5,16.5,19 = 78

Now 13.5,15.5,16.5,16.5,19 = 81




Frank obviously did not get the memo about saving the big fish for next weekend.

Dang you! Those are some solid numbers, great catch my friend!

[FD]

Dang you! Those are some solid numbers, great catch my friend!

Thanks buddy.


My 13+ foot friend "Pete" below chases hooked fish to the boat.  I usually get 2 or 3 before he gets too close for comfort and I leave in my 21 ft glass boat.  No friggin way I fish from a yak in Fl.

[Deadeye]

No Yak for me either!

A year or so ago I was fishing on Woodruff and the Gators were establishing their dominance for the mating season. I had one sneak up on me in my 14 ft boat and "posture up". If you have never seen this they lift their tail as high up out of the water as they can, arch their back up out of the water, raise their head as high as they can, and open their mouth as far as they can.

This one was about 20 ft or so from me and he looked longer than my boat. I gave him the spot and moved on quickly. I don't mind fishing around them but not when they are that big and posturing.

[Took]

Yeah such a powerful show of dominance!  I have had them do that (not in the kayak), but in a small(er) John boat.  Mating and nesting are the times it can get a little sketchy

[SFL BassHunter]

Thanks buddy.


My 13+ foot friend "Pete" below chases hooked fish to the boat.  I usually get 2 or 3 before he gets too close for comfort and I leave in my 21 ft glass boat.  No friggin way I fish from a yak in Fl.

I'm with you on that! I'm perfectly fine on the bank. Hell I have an inflatable boat and I won't take that to the everglades lol

[SFL BassHunter]

Caught this one on the first cast. Fish were blowing up everywhere as soon as I got to the park. I noticed one in particular that looked promising. Not only was there a blow up but a nice wake as it traveled and then another blowup. I cast my black and blue sticko right on it and WACK! Reaction strike. With the clear water in the lake I could see it as I reeled in and got excited because I know I was going to cull my 16 inch.

Would like to cull my 16 inch, with this 17.25 please.

That should put me at 87.75

[Capt. BassinLou]

Good morning gang. FD and Rick, I documented each of your catch. FD, you regained the 5th spot and Rick you extended your 1st place lead by a bit. Good work you two.

FD, I have another question for you. You said that yesterday was a practice day for a tournament next week. You had some big ones but you resisted bringing them in. Why is that? Do you feel catching the fish yesterday will effect its chances of getting caught next week? What are the chances that fish will be in that area next week? I am just very curious. I hear tourney guys do this often, i just don't understand why. Thanks for your input.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Rick, it's impressive how you embraced the little advice I gave you a few weeks ago. Your fishing has changed dramatically. At the pace you are going, you will be on your way in catching a really, really,  nice pig very soon. 

[LgMouthGambler]

Rick, it's impressive how you embraced the little advice I gave you a few weeks ago. Your fishing has changed dramatically. At the pace you are going, you will be on your way in catching a really, really,  nice pig very soon. 

Oh come on! Its fishing with a  senko! 

[Capt. BassinLou]

Very true, but even then you should have seen how he was fishing it. Lol...

[LgMouthGambler]

Very true, but even then you should have seen how he was fishing it. Lol...

What? He used a swimbait hook? 

[Capt. BassinLou]

What? He used a swimbait hook? 

Even worse..... an Alabama rig?!?! Go figure. Rotfl.... lmao.....