Florida is home to some of the best bass fishing in the whole world! With its picturesque waterways, diverse ecosystems, and abundance of bass, this region offers a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're a new or an experienced angler, we want to equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to catch bass in Florida's rich and vibrant waters.
Research and Preparation:
To maximize your chances of success, begin by researching the local fishing regulations and obtaining any necessary licenses. Then, scout the area you plan to fish, keeping an eye out for vegetation, submerged structures, and potential hiding spots for bass.
You can get a fishing license here: https://license.gooutdoorsflorida.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx
Tackle and Equipment:
Choosing the right tackle and equipment is crucial for a productive bass fishing trip. Here are some recommendations:
Rod and Reel: We suggest a medium to heavy action spinning or baitcasting rod, depending on your preference and fishing style. I will link my personal favorites down below!
Line: Fluorocarbon or braided lines are ideal, as they offer strength, sensitivity, and low visibility in the water, if you are fishing in very clear water go for the fluorocarbon line, if the water is stained or murky braided line will give you high sensitivity and uncompromised strength.
Lures and Baits: Consider using a variety of lures such as soft plastics, jigs, crankbaits, topwater lures, and spinnerbaits. Live baits like shiners, shad, or worms can also be effective.
Here are Michaels favorite lures:
Z-Man Finesse TRD: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/z-man-finesse-trd
6" Big Sticks: https://bruiserbaits.com/product/6-big-sticks/
Gambler Big EZ: https://www.gambler-lures.com/product_p/ez5-73.htm
Here are Masons favorite lures:
Zoom Speed Worm 5.5": https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Zoom_Speed_Worm_55_15pk/descpage-ZSPWRM.html?from=gpmax
BOOYAH Pad Crasher or Pad Crasher Jr. Frog: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/booyah-pad-crasher-or-pad-crasher-jr-frog
BOOYAH Blade Spinnerbait Double Willow: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/booyah-blade-spinnerbait-double-willow
Techniques for Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth bass are ambush predators, often hiding near vegetation, fallen trees, or underwater structures. Try the following techniques to entice these elusive creatures:
Flipping and Pitching: Use a Texas-rigged plastic worm or creature bait near cover, gently flipping or pitching it into pockets and open areas, letting the bait slowly fall I recommend count to 5, then lift your rod tip and reel in the slack, repeat this process until the bait is back to you.
Spinner Bait: Cast the spinnerbait near potential bass hiding spots, such as weed beds, submerged structures, or along the edges of cover. Allow the spinnerbait to sink for a moment, then retrieve it by reeling steadily at a moderate pace. As you retrieve, impart an erratic action to the spinnerbait by occasionally twitching or jerking the rod tip. This mimics the movement of a wounded baitfish, enticing bass to strike.
Topwater Fishing: During early morning or late evening, cast topwater lures like poppers or frogs to imitate wounded prey on the water's surface.
Crankbait Retrieves: Experiment with different depths and speeds while retrieving crankbaits to mimic injured fish or baitfish.
Two Spots to Take Your Kids Fishing:
North Collier Regional Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109
Freedom Park: 1515 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples, FL 34105
Practice Catch-and-Release:
Preserving the health and sustainability of bass populations in Southwest Florida is crucial. Embrace catch-and-release practices whenever possible, allowing these remarkable fish to thrive and be enjoyed by future generations.
Bass Fishing Tournaments:
Join the Florida Bass Tournament Fishing group on Facebook. Once you're in that's where you'll find all the tournaments posted on there: https://m.facebook.com/groups/86251621919/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF
Bass fishing in Lake Okeechobee is an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. By researching the area, equipping yourself with the right tackle, and employing the appropriate techniques, you can increase your chances of success on the water. For me Lake Okeechobee feels like home, its where my dad taught me how to fish from a young age, and now I get to do the same for my son, Mason. Nothing beats catching Largemouth Bass in Lake Okeechobee!
Follow @4gfishing on Instagram for all your Florida fishing content: https://www.instagram.com/4gfishing/
Bass Pro Shops hosts a kids fishing event that is free to the community on the First Saturday of Every Month! You can find more info about that here: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/gone-fishing
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