Lake Tarpon
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Lake Tarpon Fishing Reports
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Cortney GrayBronze AmbassadorSpecies
Largemouth BassTechniqueWacky RigsSeasonSummerStructureSubmerged VegetationI hit the water under heavy clouds and light, steady rain, targeting eel grass beds known to hold fish this time of year. The air was cool, and the low light gave the water a silvery sheen, with just enough visibility to spot the subtle movement in the grass. After working the area patiently with a slow retrieve, I felt that classic thump and set the hook into a solid fish. The fight was strong but manageable, with the fish diving into the grass and testing my line a few times. After a brief but exciting battle, I landed a healthy 15-inch fish, pulled right from the thick eel grass. It was a rewarding catch given the challenging conditions — proof that overcast, rainy days can still produce quality fish if you stick to your plan and work the structure carefully. Conditions: • Weather: Overcast, light rain • Water: Cool, moderate clarity • Structure: Dense eel grass beds • Technique: Slow retrieve over grass, watching for subtle strikes
- SpeciesLargemouth BassTechniqueCarolina RigsSeasonSummerStructureBaitfish
Find schools of baitfish and drag Carolina rig underneath them for fish feeding on bait.
SpeciesLargemouth BassTechniqueDeep Diving Crankbaits (13'+)SeasonSummerStructureBaitfishThe water is HOT! Surface temps are 89-92 degrees depending on time of day and location. Fish are lethargic but catching some. Burning crankbaits and dragging Carolina rigs slow around baitfish have been the best.
- SpeciesLargemouth BassTechniqueCarolina RigsSeasonSummerStructurePoints
Fish are in full summer mode. Fish are holding to contours sitting around shad. Fish move up on to points to chase bait. Carolina rig with worm has been catching most fish.
- SpeciesLargemouth BassTechniqueHard Topwater (Walking)SeasonFallStructureBaitfish
Schooling action has been strong early. Keep you eyes open for raisers and have a walking bait like the Strike King Sexy Dawg ready. 💥
SpeciesLargemouth BassTechniqueDeep Diving Crankbaits (13'+)SeasonFallStructureBaitfishIt is late summer/early fall and the fish are really keyed in on baitfish. Cranking hard spots with suspended bait is the key.
SpeciesLargemouth BassTechniqueCarolina RigsSeasonFallStructurePointsWhile most of the country is cooling down and the fish are moving shallow, the fish on lake tarpon are very much still offshore. With the days getting shorter, but the water temp still in the mid-80s the fish are in a little bit of a funk. The bass are still holding offshore on shallow points. Most of the schools are in between 5 and 9 feet of water. Unlike a month ago, the schools are pretty broken up. You can scan around and find them but you’ll only see a handful together. The Carolina rig has been the best bet to catch these fish. The bass aren’t chasing much so you need something slow, but with the schools busted up you also need something you can keep moving. The c-rig shines in this situation. I build my rig with a 3/4 oz weight and a 4/0 Gamakatsu EWG. You can use a lot of different baits, but you want something with a little action. I am throwing it on a Dobyns Champion 765 and a Daiwa Zillion. My main line is 17lb Seaguar Invizx and the leader is 15lb InvizX.
SpeciesLargemouth BassTechniqueCarolina RigsSeasonSummerStructurePointsDragging Carolina rigs and cranking underwater points. Fish are relating to shad and bluegills. The water is hot but the fish are biting!
