Freshwater report
Lake Toho remains big on bass
By RICK FRAZIER, Times Correspondent
Published October 3, 2003
Despite a canceled drawdown, Lake Tohopekaliga near Kissimmee remains one of Florida's top 10 bass lakes. The biggest largemouth from the lake tipped the scales at 17.4 pounds. Fish approaching that size usually are caught on live shiners, but this one took a plastic worm in Shingle Creek. Several 14- to 15-pounders have been caught in Toho.
The drawdown was scheduled to start more than a year ago, but because of above-average rainfall the past two years it has been postponed indefinitely.
With the water so high, it is a good idea to look for schools of bass trying to stay cool in deep water. Areas bordering open-water hydrilla are good places to start.
Areas noted for deep-water schools are Marker 24, near North Steer Beach and between Makinson and Paradise islands. Watch for schools of small baitfish, particularly shad. Once you find them, the rest is easy.
Bass also are feeding on artificials, making it great for all anglers.
If you prefer artificials, early in the morning use a lipless crankbait or soft plastic jerk bait. Shad is always a good color. As it gets later in the day, break out your Carolina-rigged worm and let that do the talking. The favorite worm color remains junebug.
Medium gold shiners are the perfect live bait. Hook them through the nose with 1/0 kahle hook. Put a float about 2 feet above the hook and maybe a small split shot above the hook to keep the bait down.
For information on Lake Toho contact Mark Detweller from Big Toho Marina in Kissimmee at (407) 846-2124.
WRAPUP: Throughout central Florida, water remains warm and levels are high. Bass anglers should concentrate on offshore hydrilla patches where it is cooler and fish are feeding on shad or other baitfish. Strikes and bait on the surface will tell you where to fish. Lipless crankbaits, soft-bodied jerk baits and chugging bugs work well. Gold shiners are the live bait of choice for many, but threadfin shad and small tilapia also work.
Anglers after bluegill (bream) should pay special attention to sandy bottom close to vegetation. These feisty fish can be caught on crickets or red wigglers. Artificials like Beetle Spins and light curly tailed jigs will catch their share.
Those on the prowl for catfish should fish just before dusk. Most catfish prefer stink baits, and chicken livers or gizzards work well. Try chumming with a few chicken livers before you fish an area.
Speckled perch (black crappie) are typically favorites as it cools off. Action is a little slow this time of year, but fish can be caught on minnows near lily pads, hydrilla and cattails. Use a few rods at different depths until you find the fish. Light wire No. 4 hooks and small split shot is all the tackle you need.
TOURNAMENT OUTLOOK: Forty-eight bass anglers competed Sept. 10-13 for a record $500,000 grand prize at the Jacobs Cup in Richmond, Va. David Dudley, 28, won the $1.5-million FLW Tour event, edging Harmon Davis by three ounces.
The Pro division fished in a NCAA-style bracket system for the first time. The tournament featured two days of head-to-head competition, and anglers were seeded according to their year-end ranking.
Dudley eliminated Jim Moynagh in the first round, then took out Rick Lillegard in a semifinal. Dudley's five bass on the final day weighed in at a light 9 pounds, 7 ounces but that was enough to take the top prize.
Information from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was used in compiling this report.
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