Bobber's Florida Bass Adventure

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Bobber
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Bobber's Florida Bass Adventure

Post by Bobber »

<img align="left" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... jpg"><font size="4">Bobber's Family Florida Bass Adventure</font>

<i>April 5th, 2007</i>

After much planning and anticipation, the day was finally here. During our family vaction to Orlando, Florida, myself, my Dad, and my Brother had planned a day of fishing on Lake Toho, under the guiding services of Captain Tim Fey or Florida Bass Fishing Adventures.

We woke up at 5:00am and headed out to meet our guide for the day, at a local McDonalds. After a couple cups of coffee and a breakfast burrito, we were all primed and ready for battle. We headed out of the restaurant and met Captain Tim in the parking lot, who instructed us to follow him for about 15 minutes to the launch.





<img width="200" height="150" align="right" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... .jpg"><img width="200" height="150" align="right" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... ">Arriving at the launch we found a parade of boats waiting for the park administrator to open the fence and allow us in. While we were waiting, we prepared the boat and loaded it up with the rods and tackle I had brought with me. Captian Tim looks at me and says, "hey, are those Muskie poles?". I was a little taken back by his question and responded by saying "No, they're flipping sticks". He asked what kind of line I had on it and what pound test. "I said it's 50lbs test PowerPro", again a little dumbfounded by his question, followed by a response from Tim of "Well this will be an experiment". I was beginning to think I was in the wrong place. Turns out that in Florida the majority of fishermen use lighter tackle loaded up with mono or flurocarbon. Apparently, the clarity of the water puts the more visible line users at a disadvantage, and gives way to spooking the fish, which I can understand for sure. Some good advice for anyone going down to the Florida area to fish. None the less, I decided I would stick to the rods I was used to, since the majority of the fishing I planned to do was casting, flipping, and pitching. I just couldn't imagine muscling a 5+lbs fish out of the trees with flurocarbon, however next time I'll be sure to spool some up for sure in the case where I'm slow fishing.

<img align="left" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... lermap.gif">
So Lake Toho was the plan, however it turns out that Tim actually took us to the Butler Chain of Lakes. From what he told us, Toho was not producing, and Okeechobee's water was way down. Good to know and good call by Tim.

The Butler Chain is made up of 12 interconnected lakes that cover an area of 4720 acres. These lakes are typically clear with sandy bottoms. The Chain of Lakes was formed as a result of the formation of sinkholes. A series of sinkholes formed over time created what is now called the Butler Chain of Lakes (aka. Windermere Chain). Depths in these lakes range up to 30 to 50 feet.

While fishing, Capt Tim pointed out some celebrity homes. Such people include the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Ken Griffey Jr., and Tiger Woods, just to name a few. It is nice place to fish where you can catch big numbers of bass with an occasional big fish, though just being on this Chain for the day is worth the trip.
<center>
<b>A little shack on the lake</b>
<img width="250" height="187" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... shack1.jpg">
</center>


The day was perfect. Not too hot and not too cold. A good breeze kept the heat down and as we prepared to launch, I knew it was going to be a great day. We proceeded to head through the chain going from Lake to Lake. It was truly a sight to see, and our excitement grew.
<center>
<img width="250" height="187" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... /lake3.jpg"> <img width="250" height="187" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... _lake6.jpg"> <img width="250" height="187" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... _lake5.jpg">
<img width="250" height="187" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... /lake2.jpg"> <img width="250" height="187" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... /lake1.jpg">
</center>

We finally arrived at our first spot. There are about 12 Lakes in the chain, each not very big, however put them all together and you've got a lot of water to fish. We only hit a fraction of them. The structure and scenery was awesome.


<img align="right" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... dbass2.jpg">



As we started our day of fishing, my dad and brother were using wild shiners out of the back of the boat, and I opted for flipping artificials from the bow. It wasn't too long when dad set the hook and landed the first fish of the day, right after Captain Tim said "so who's going to catch the first fish". Not a big one, but indeed a fish for sure, and only about 30 minutes into our day.


<b>Shiners 1 .... Artificals 0</b>








<img align="left" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... dbass1.jpg">



Fishing for a little while with no bite, Tim says to us "Do I have to get out my egg Mcmuffin?" Apparently, it never fails, as soon as the egg Mcmuffin comes out, a fish is on. No bites, so out comes the muffin. No sooner did Tim get in 2 bites when my brother's rod gets slammed and he sets the hook. The first good fight was on, and we were all pumped to see the fish come out of the water. Here we go....it starts now. A beautiful bucketmouth, with what looks like a great weight, and of course a great photo. I thought for sure this fish was over 5 lbs, however Tim's scale read 4.2lbs. I still think this fish has the 5lbs look to it though, or maybe not. What do you think? Meanwhile, Tim goes back to his Egg Mcmuffin and finishes off his breakfast. :lol:

<b>Shiners 2 .... Artificals 0</b>









<img align="right" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... dbass2.jpg">






We proceeded to fish a while longer before changing spots. At our new spot, we cast out again and began to hunt for more large bass. My brother decided it was time to try some artificals, so he tied on a worm and begin and cast to the shore. A quick hit and my brother had his second of the day.

<b>Shiners 2 .... Artificials 1</b>







<img align="left" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... dbass1.jpg">


Shortly after that, my dads rod slams down, he sets the hook and he was finally into the largest bass he had ever caught. I was so excited and happy to see him fighting that fish, it made the trip all worth while.
Weighing the fish, put it in at 4.1lbs. Again, this fish looks to be at least 5lbs, but the scale said otherwise. I can only assume that perhaps fish here in Canada may not appear as big, but have more weight than those caught in Florida. I suppose it's possible. Different metabolisms, muscle vs. fat, type of food or something else, may indeed result in different weights down there. I could be wrong though, but I still think that a fish this size in Canada would be 5lbs+. Maybe you need to convert it to Canadian or something. :lol:

<b>Shiners 3 .... Artificials 1</b>



We continued to fish, with dad and my brother switching between Shiners and Artifical baits. I continued to change up lures, trying to find that magic bait that would entice a strike. Jigs, dingers, worms, cranks, and craws. I tried everything I had in my box. A couple of quick strikes on the jig, resulted in quick hook sets, but not quick enough. I missed 4 hits. :oops: Must be out of practice or something, but in any case, I was having the time of my life. Tim was telling us that it's very difficult at times to get a hit on a jig. I believe that now. Also, where we would expect the bass to be hanging out here in Canada, under docks, around trees, and in the lillies, they are apparently not as predominant in these places in Florida. I found that a little strange, but hey, it's a whole new ball game down there.


<img align="left" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... owfin1.jpg">


With dad continuing with the Shiners, my bother went back to the worm and it wasn't long before he was into another one. Turns out, this fish was not a bass at all. It was a Bowfin, with enough teeth to scrape off every bit of skin on your finger should you find yourself lipping that puppy. None the less, a great fight and a first for David.

<b>Shiners 3 .... Artificials 2</b>










<img align="right" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... owfin1.jpg">




Next, dad hooks into another fish. This turns out to be Bowfin also. Not as big as Davids, but another first for my dad. A quick pic and back into the water she goes.


<b>Shiners 4 .... Artificials 2</b>








<img align="right" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... kerel1.jpg">



We continued to move along slowly with dad still working the shiners. His rod bends once again, and the battle begins. Unfortunately he lost this one before we could even see it. This happened another 3 times, leaving only the head of his shiner left on the hook. Tim figures we most likely hit a school of Pickerel, but they were too smart for us. We'll chalk that up to feeding the fish for sure.










<img align="left" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... n1.jpg">At this point in time, the camraderie and teasing has hightened somewhat, as I'm urged to put on a Shiner and give it a whirl. I will admit, my arm was getting little tired from constant flipping, and an apparent burn that was a result of the late day sun beating down on us. I was seriously considering it, however I held out, stayed with the artificial, and told them I wasn't looking for the "small fish" they had caught :lol: , I was looking to land the lunker of the day.....8lbs was my target. Needless to say, the comments were flying like wildfire at this point, and I think Captain Tim was getting a kick out of it all.

There was one thing I had not tried yet........a scum frog.....even though there was no scum to be seen. :? Working the frog was fun for sure, my pitching was on, and I was hitting every target I was aiming at...give or take a few out of control flips....c'mon now....we all do it. :D Tim point out a tuft of grass in some good water. I flip into the pocket and worked the frog slowly, with a little twitch here and there. Suddenly a big mouth emerges from the depths and I take my stance, ready to set the hook at the fist sign the fish had the bait. He missed! :shock: I can't believe it, but thought to myself, this is the one....I will have him. Another flip in, and again a large water swirl around the bait. He missed again! :shock: A few more flips into the same spot, that darn fish missed 2 more times. Now I was getting mad. :evil: I could see Captain Tim lower himself down on his knee, getting out of the way, cause he knew that if that fish could actually get it together and get that bait into his mouth, he was toast. I was ready, and I could feel a good hard hookset at a spit second. One more time into the spot and BANG. My frog disappeard and I set that hook hard. Got him and the fight was on. 8)

<img align="left" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... owfin1.jpg">



As I pulled the fish to the side of boat, in anticipation of my 8lbs Florida Largemouth, I hear Tim let out a big sigh.......it's another Bowfin. A great hunt, and a great fight none the less, and once again, my first Bowfin. Turns out Tim hasn't had as many Bowfins caught in one outing before...so I guess we set a guiding first for him.

<b>Shiners 4 .... Artificials 3</b>





<img align="right" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... gator1.jpg">









Well it was about that time now. Our 8 hour trip had come to an end and we began to pack up. Looking off to the side of the boat, we caught sight of one of Florida's native species. That's right, an actual Alligator just swimming along. Very cool. We headed back to the launch, with many firsts and personal bests for the day. You can't go wrong with that.




<img align="left" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... s/tim1.jpg">

I'd like to thank Captain Tim Fey of Florida Bass Fishing for a great guide service. I will admit that I was a little reluctant to hire a guide, having never done it before, and hearing stories of how some guides basically do everything for you, allowing you to only reel in the fish, however Captain Tim allowed us to do whatever we wanted, was very down to earth, helped us out with finding some spots, and allowed us to do the fishing. Thank you Tim for a great day.
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<a href="http://www.bassfishingfl.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... m.jpg"></a>
<img width="200" height="150" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... s/tim2.jpg">
</center>

Now a little twist to the story......

While in Florida, my family and I stayed at a resort right on Lake Davenport. The resort had a dock that reached out into the lake with about 4 feet of water at the end. On the very first day we arrived, 2 days before our actual guided fishing trip, we unpacked our stuff and headed down to the pool to catch some sun. As I'm lying there on the chair, I can't help but want to grab my rods and head down to that dock to see if we can catch some fish. I was itching, as you can well imagine. I looked at dad, he looked at me, we both looked at our wives, got the knod, and off we went. Assembling the rods and picking our bait of choice, we were ready to give it whirl.....and we were only about 1 hour into our trip. :P

I noticed that someone had thrown a chair into the water about half way down the dock, so naturally I thought I'd pitch around that chair to see if anything was hanging out.

With a Yum Dinger tied on, I took my first flip since bass season ended last year. Pulled back slowly, felt a little tick, and saw my line moving. I couldn't believe it. I set the hook and the fight was on, in about 2 feet of water. It was like someone had thrown a washing machine into the lake. A small crowed gathered to watch the fight and I was in my glory.

<img align="left" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... rbass1.jpg">


Not expecting to actually catch anything, and certainly not on the first cast of my vacation, within the first hour, I didn't have a scale....a shirt...or even a tan yet. :oops: ....but I did have a camera, and a smile from ear to ear. I thought for sure this was 5lbs+, but judging from the scaled weights of my bother and father's fish, I'm not quite sure anymore. In any case, a lunker for sure, a great memory, and I'll take it.

For the rest of the week, I went back to that dock several times, but to no avail. My welcome to Florida was indeed a fabulous one, and a trip to remember.







But what would a trip to Florida be, without a day at the Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, and Seaworld.
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<img width="250" height="187" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... shamu1.jpg"> <img width="250" height="187" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... uefish.jpg"> <img width="250" height="187" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... lphin1.jpg">
<img width="250" height="187" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... s/dino.jpg"> <img width="250" height="187" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... disney.jpg">
<img src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... irates.jpg">
</center>
Last edited by Bobber on Fri Apr 13, 2007 7:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Gord
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Post by Gord »

Awesome report dude!!! :D :) Lovin' the lunker bowfin and some sweet largies too!! 8)
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OBD
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Post by OBD »

Wow awesome report Bobber!! So glad you had the chance to go to florida and catch some nice fish! Congrats :wink:
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muskymatt
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Post by muskymatt »

Looks like a great trip Bobber.

Gotta love those big bass.

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Post by Eli »

Hey bobber,
Good to see you had a good time down there. Nice fishies :D
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almontefisher
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Post by almontefisher »

Sorry Guys...what happened after the picture of Bobber with his big fish off the dock...I was reading about it and scrolled down to see it and I was blinded by something big and white :lol: ...I think he was holding a fish...Hey I am just wishing it was me in Florida holding a large bass while blinding everyone with my Canadian whiteness.
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joco
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Post by joco »

hi BOBBER

welcome back

nice to see you got some fishing action down there and had a great familly vacation. :P


thanks for sharing those moments frome over there. :o


joco :)
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Kpin
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Post by Kpin »

Nice fish! Nice tan! Nice smile!

Who wouldn't have one?

WB and txs for the change in weather, compliments of Mr. Coppertone. :roll: :lol:

Surprised and impressed plastics did as well as they did.
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GetTheNet!!!
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Post by GetTheNet!!! »

Great report Bobber! Good to see one of us getting a tan! :lol: Nice bass too! A great story, way to make some memories.
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Post by Muskie4L »

Great report Rob. Sure nice to get that kind of time in with your dad :D
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Post by baz fish »

Good report Bobber nice fish to and nice tan.
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Post by MTF »

Great report Bobber, and nice looking fish. Those lakes just look awsome, they just scream bass water.
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Post by wolfe »

Now THAT'S a vacation!

Welcome back Bobber.

Your comments about converting the Florida weights to Canadian cracked me up. Those fish were beauties, and yours was HUGE -- the coloration/pattern on your bass looked particularly striking (especially against your winter-white skin). :wink:

Glad you had such a good time. Now back to reality...and a pseudo spring that just won't come around.:?

W.
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Post by Muskie4L »

BTW do you think they knew you was from the great white north :?: :lol:

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Post by matcole »

the Great white north is north of his waist! lol Great report Rob!
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