With the weather returning to above normal temps here in FL this week the
fish will make that big move to the shallow water to begin the winter spawn.
They moved up for a few days the first week of Jan when we had some
mild weather only to return to deeper water as these winter cold fronts started
pushing through one after another for two weeks.We seen records broken for
freezing temps day after day and air temps drop over 40 degrees in 24 hrs
and water temps drop over 23 degrees in just a few days.Last Jan we seen
very few cold fronts here in FL and the fish started spawning the second week
of Jan and never stopped until late March.This year with the cold fronts we have
seen in Jan expect the spawn to last well into April.I have been sick with the flu
the past 4 days and have not been on the water until yesterday afternoon.
I spent 4 hours looking in well known spawning areas and didn't see the first
bed with the water temps in the low 50's.Expect this to change over the next week
as the weather forecast is calling for air temps in the upper 70's and low 80's for
the next 10 days.I had a couple clients that had to change a few days from
Feb until March so this has opened a few days in Feb.As of today I have the
6th 8th 11th 12th 18th 19th 28th open.Last year we seen some unreal days
in Feb and I will mention a few.Bill Spivey of Orlando FL had one day with 7 fish
over 8 pounds biggest weighing 9 3/4 .Dude Carswell and friend Jerry of NC
had one day with 10 fish over 8 pounds with the two biggest weighing 11.8
and 12.8.All of my clients fish are weighed on a certified Boga Grip.
Thanks From Capt Ed Bussard and Bass Challenger Guide Service Guiding
Clients To Trophy Bass In Central Florida For Over 29 Years