New to Orlando and I am curious how the winter impacts the bass fishing here. I have heard some people say they have two patters here Summer and Spawn. Any truth to this?

Questions for December through Febuary bass fishing:

1. What is the general winter pattern here in central FL? (spwawning bass in shallows, deep water structure, etc...)

2. What type of weather will shut the bite down or spark the fish to feed? (rain, fronts, really warm or cold streak)

So far my go to pattern has been a white fluke and I work the grass flats from the outer edge and gradually ease my way in until I find the fish. Typically I catch the most fish on the outer edge and rarely vernture close to the shore line. Lakes I fish have very slow drop offs and the grass beds typically range from 20-50 yards off the shore line with the outer edge sitting in about 7-10 feet of water. For me the best time to fish so far has been the early morning although I will catch fish all day if it is very cloudy. This is my first winter and I have already noticed that the grass beds have been rapidly reducing in size over the past month so i assume this will push the fish closer to the shoreline and the afternoons will become productive since the water will be the warmest then.

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Posted by wiltznucs

Apollo Beach, FL

Member since Sep 2005

8960 posts

Posted on 11/15/13 at 9:46 am to computerguy

I'm not a passionate bass fisherman but I do have several ponds and lakes in our community. The grass beds and weeds will be largely gone by February in my area. Fish get lethargic and often sit in the deep during the colder months. Slow working a TX or Carolina rig has always worked well for me in the December-February window. Sometime in mid to late March you'll see the big sows start making beds. I then switch to soft plastics like the DOA Cal hooked weedless and without a weight and work it like a jerkbait near the shoreline. The biggest bass are consistently caught in April in Tampa. I've always found the hour or so around sunset is the most productive time to fish for bass regardless of season.

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Posted by computerguy

Orlando

Member since Oct 2007

1235 posts

Posted on 11/15/13 at 9:51 am to wiltznucs

Thanks.

I didn't think of the Carolina rig. With the grass as thick as it is in the warmer months it isn't realistic. Once the grass is gone or thinned I will certainly try it out.

Thanks that is some good intel. I will certainly keep April in mind.

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Posted by jmtigers

1826.71 miles from USC

Member since Sep 2003

4970 posts

Posted on 11/15/13 at 10:10 am to computerguy

you need to punch when the sun is out.. move in and fish the grass with heavy line and weights.. 65lb test braid, 1 oz punching weights w/ soft plastics. Look for holes or cuts through the grass etc.

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