Category: Bass

1. Florida Bass Charter – 407-821-6101 One of the top choices in the whole state of Florida is Captain Tim and his crew of very knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced anglers. Captain Tim is a United States Coast Guard certified Bass Charter. Fishing is Captain Tim’s job and his passion. When he is not a guide, he is fishing at the professional level, all over Florida. Not only is Captain Tim one of the top fishing guides, but he also owns a well-known, popular bait and tackle shop, “Get Hooked Magic Baits”. 

Lake Tohopekaliga, also known as Lake Toho, is located near Kissimmee, Florida. The locals refer to it as West Lake, or simply, Toho. The lake is the largest in Osceola County, covering 22,700 acres and spanning 42 miles. Lake Toho is the primary inflow of Shingle Creek and is bordered by Kissimmee on the northern shore and Kissimmee Park on the eastern shore.

Lake Toho is best known for birdwatching and bass fishing. There are also some beautiful sight-seeing spots nearby, at Kissimmee Park. At the north end of Lake Toho, you will find Lakefront Park. There is a gorgeous walking path with benches. Visitors to the area will also enjoy alligators, waterfowl, turtles, and other wildlife. There is also a stunning lighthouse, a playground for the kids, and the Marina, located on Lake Toho’s west end.

You will learn everything you need to know about Lake Tohopekaliga and the extreme bass fishing in the area. We will provide you with some great tips for fishing in the area, along with the five best bass fishing guides for the Lake Toho area. 

Fishing at Lake Tohopekaliga

For decades, Lake Toho has had an excellent reputation among professional and recreational anglers. Lake Toho has produced trophy-sized largemouth bass for many years. The lake received National recognition in 2001 during a bass tournament. An experienced angler snagged a 108-pound trophy bass, breaking the B.A.S.S tournament record. 

Lake Toho went through extensive rehabilitation during the spring of 2004. 8.4 million yards of vegetation and material were removed from over 3500 acres of the lake bottom. The restoration was done to enhance the shoreline habitat for the trophy bass and other wildlife. 

Lake Tohopekaliga came from the nearby Seminole Indians. It is said by the Florida Wildlife Commission that is every 10 acres of Lake Toho; there is one largemouth bass that weighs over 10-pounds. In the Bassmaster magazine, Lake Toho is dubbed “the most consistent lake in the country for producing both numbers and trophy bass.”

Tips for fishing on Lake Tohopekaliga

A large portion of Lake Toho bass fishing is centered around hydrilla. Hydrilla is native to India and was introduced to bodies of water in Florida between 1950 and 1951. By the mid-1970s, it was throughout Florida waters. Hydrilla has stems that are up to 20-feet long and can grow to the water’s surface as deep as 25-feet. Hydrilla can grow in a large variety of conditions; in almost all freshwater systems, lakes, marshes, springs, and ditches. 

Hydrilla is a prohibited plant, not recommended by UF/IFAS. It is on the USDA Noxious Weed List and the Florida Prohibited Plant List. Every year in Florida, millions of dollars are spent on herbicides and mechanical harvesters to place the hydrilla under ‘maintenance control.’ It is considered a category one invasive species. Hydrilla can displace native plant communities. It may make your bass fishing a little bit challenging, but it will not harm you in any way during your fishing excursions. 

Locating the bass among the hydrilla is a definite challenge. Anglers need to find a hydrilla that looks alive. There will be minnows and birds in the area. Anglers will want to use moving baits, such as; lipless crankbaits, swimbaits, jerk baits, and trolled shiners. These baits can cover large areas efficiently. 

Anglers will want to note the circumstance in which they catch their bass and recreate it each time. It may take you a while to divide the large areas of hydrilla, but I assure you, it will be well worth it. Because Lake Toho is shallow, the bass in the area is affected more by the water and weather conditions than in any other lake. December through April, the shiners catch the majority of the trophy bass. They do this using flukes, swimbaits, plastic crawfish, and lipless crankbaits by anchoring 1-4 feet of water. 

You stand a better chance of catching fish with topwater baits, swimbaits, jerk baits, and lipless crankbaits on Lake Toho in the early mornings. Use a worm or a crayfish-like bait in the hydrilla during mid-day. Baitfish may attract bass when you fish in areas of running water. During the summer months, you can do your fishing on Big Grassy Island, Lanier Point, or Browns Point. These are a couple of widespread grasslands on the north end of Lake Toho. 

The different areas at Lake Tohopekaliga

Lake Toho is one of the lakes in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Being located next to Kissimmee, Florid, it is the second-largest lake in the chain. Below are a few of the hot spots on Lake Tohopekaliga that are home to largemouth bass. 

Area #1. Lake Runnymede Canal: it is said that largemouth bass can be found throughout the canal’s entire length. The fishing is best in the late spring and early fall. If you fish along the banks, use jerk baits, vibrating lures, and topwater plugs due to the mass amount of hydrilla. 

Area #2. Boy Scout Camp: There is a deep hole just off of the camp where bass hides out. Cast a crankbait around the drop-off or troll a live shiner 30-yards behind a boat. Silver/black lures are the most popular in this area during the summer months. Use your live shiners close to the bottom, which is about 16-feet deep. 

Area #3. The Fells Cove: The entrance of this cove has bass at all times of the year. Anglers fish this area with lipless crankbaits in the open water or plastic worms by the weed line. Fishing is best when a current is coming in, continuing 25-50 yards into the canal.

Area #4. The Mouth of Lake Ajay: Here, it is best to catch bass after a spring or summer rain. Schools of bullhead catfish and bass are attracted to the running water. They respond best to live baits or artificials in this area. 

Area #5. The Lily Pads: This is along the shores of Fells Cove. You can find many basses hanging out in this area during the cooler months of the year. Anglers seem to have the best luck along the vegetation at 4-6 feet deep, using plastic worms. finding

Choosing a Fishing Guide

Bass fishing is challenging, exciting, and a load of fun. But, with a local fishing guide, your bass fishing experience will be 10x better. With so many fishing guides and charters listed, how do you know which one to choose? Below, you will find some tips on finding the best fishing guide for the area you are going to fish. There are things to consider and many questions to ask. 

Depending on your budget and the time of year you plan to take your fishing trip, you will want to book your fishing guide months in advance. Most of the charters are extremely busy at certain times of the year, so the sooner you book them, the better. The first thing you are going to want to look at is the price of their packages. Just because they are the most expensive doesn’t mean they are the best. In the same terms, just because they are the cheapest doesn’t mean they are a lousy fishing guide. Fishing guides are required to be licensed, insured, and bonded. Suppose the price seems too good to be true. Unfortunately, there are ‘guides’ out there who are doing it illegally, for the money, not to help visitors have a spectacular fishing experience. 

Never be afraid to check with the captain of a guide service or charter. Feel free to ask for their license, credentials, and insurance. If they are legitimate, then they will have no problem showing you these items. As with every vacation that you go on, you always do research on the area and the attractions available at your visit. It is the same when going on a fishing trip. You want to do extensive research on the location, what they have to offer, and check out all the area’s fishing guides. Read the reviews that are on their websites. Look at the forums or chat rooms for the charter; people are always willing to share their experiences. 

When you are looking for a local fishing guide, you want to focus on the captain, not the boat! You want someone personable, friendly, and patient. The captain will make or break your fishing experience. If they do not have a good attitude, extensive knowledge, and do not seem helpful, you will probably have a bad experience. When you book your accommodations, ask if they have any recommendations regarding what fishing guide you should use. You can also call the marina or the local bait and tackle shops. 

You want to make sure you ask all the right questions before booking your fishing guide. If you are taking kids, you want to make sure they are kid-friendly. You should also ask what techniques they use, their main tackle options, and whether they catch and release or catch and keep. You need to figure out which approach (technique) you want to use and find a guide service that caters to that. Most reputable guide services do many styles. You want to have the best experience possible. Some charters will even clean and fillet the fish for you at the end of the trip. 

You will also want to make sure you find out what you need to bring with you. The majority of fishing guides provide rods, reels, tackle, life jackets, and drinks and ice. Beyond that, you will have to bring what you need (food or snacks). Ask them for items that are prohibited on their boat. Many of them do not want you to bring alcohol, but if you’re going to bring your rod and reel, that is usually okay with the fishing guide. 

The quality of your bass fishing adventure is going to depend on the fishing guide that you choose. Do in-depth research on each charter in the area, call the fishing guide, talk to them on the phone, and ask for references when you call to make your accommodation reservations. 

Top 5 Lake Tohopekaliga Fishing Guides

Now that you know how to choose the best fishing guide let us give you the top 5 for the Lake Toho area. We will get you started on your research and help you pick the perfect captain to take you out for the experience of a lifetime. 

1. Florida Bass Charter – 407-821-6101

One of the top choices in the whole state of Florida is Captain Tim and his crew of very knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced anglers. Captain Tim is a United States Coast Guard certified Bass Charter. Fishing is Captain Tim’s job and his passion. When he is not a guide, he is fishing at the professional level, all over Florida. Not only is Captain Tim one of the top fishing guides, but he also owns a well-known, popular bait and tackle shop, Get Hooked Magic Baits. 

Captain Tim and his team use top-of-the-line equipment and fishing gear at all times. He also guarantees that you will get your money back if you do not catch a fish with a wild shiner. Whether you want one boat, five boats, or 30 boats, Tim and his crew can accommodate. Captain Tim and his team specialize in live bait or artificial trips. With an abundance of five-star reviews, how can you go wrong with Florida Bass Charter? The whole crew is outstanding, extremely experienced, and spends at least 250 days a year on the water. 

Spending a day with Captain Tim and his co-workers is like spending a day with family. There are laughs, memories created, and a lot of basses that are caught. Every crew member is friendly, patient, and just wants you to have the ultimate bass fishing experience. 

2. Gators Big Bad Bass Guide Service

Captain Dean and his crew have a spectacular fishing guide service for the Kissimmee area. One big plus with Captain Dean; if you do not catch multiple basses during your trip, then the trip is free. For over 27 years, Gators has guided clients to thousands of trophy bass. They will take you to West Lake Toho, Lake Cypress, Butler Chain of Lakes, or Kissimmee, just to name a few.

Gators offer artificial trips or wild shiner fishing trips. Anyone is welcome on Gator’s boat. They have worked with many first-time bass anglers, including women and children. Gators have also taken many seasoned anglers out on the Florida waters to catch trophy bass. Everyone on Captain Dean’s crew is friendly, knowledgeable and will ensure that everyone has a grand time on the water. 

Rods and reels are free to use when you book a trip with Captain Dean. Gators also offer free ice & drinks, a photo of your catch, a big fish prize pack, and more. 

3. AJs Bass Guides

The guides at AJs fish Lake Toho and surrounding areas on a full-time basis; they all enjoy fishing, even when they are not on the clock as a guide. Their trips start at just $195; they specialize in trophy bass, holding the record for the two most prominent basses ever caught. One of the bass weighed in at 16 pounds 10 ounces, and the other bass was 15 pounds 8 ounces. James Jackson is the leader of AJs Bass Guides. They have been in the businesses since 1970. James is a Coast Guard licensed Captain, as are most of the fishing guides in the area. 

AJs Bass Guides recommend fishing with shiners, even if you usually use artificials. They prefer to go out in the early mornings, when fishing is prime, especially during the summer months. Depending on which package you choose, certain things are included. All packages include; kids 12 and under are free, all gear, gas, and tackle are included in your package’s price. James recommends bringing anything you would like to eat during the excursion. They provide ice and soda for the trip. If you prefer water or something else, you will need to bring it with you. 

4. PS Bass Guide Service

Captain Paul, a retired Sergeant Major from the United States Army, has been fishing since he was a young boy. When he retired in 2011, he did so in Florida and has helped vacationers catch trophy bass ever since. With his military background, a leader in Boy Scouts of America, and as a father, he has the patience that a guide needs to make the fishing trip enjoyable and memorable, especially for beginners. 

Captain Paul excels at taking anglers of all ages and stages and teaching them multiple ways to catch largemouth bass. It is safety first with Captain Paul, whether he is taking visitors on a nature ride, a basic cruise of the area, or fishing trips. You will take your guided trip on his 2013 FX20 Skeeter Bot. He ensures you will have a fun-filled, memorable fishing experience. He offers ½ day, ¾ day, for full-day fishing trips. Included in the package price; drinks, digital photos, lured, rods, reels & free pick-up and drop-off. 

5. Art of Fishing Guide Service

Led by Professional bass angler Art Ferguson, he has been a fishing guide since 1991. Mr. Ferguson offers guided trips on Lake Toho, Orlando/Kissimmee, Butler Chain of Lakes, Harris Chain of Lakes, and other locations. Art guides in Florida during the winter months and in Michigan during the spring and summer months. While Art was fishing in the 1990 Bassmasters Classic, he was offered a job at Roland Martin’s Marina.

Art provides everything for your guided fishing trip, except for lunch and drinks. He does have a built-in cooler on his Tritan that will hold several sandwiches and beverages. Art provides Shimono reels, Kistler Custom Rods, and Sunline fishing line. You are more than welcome to bring your rod and reel—some other items you may wish to obtain; sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and your camera. Art is fully licensed, insured, and bonded. He is even willing to pick out your vacation accommodations; all you have to do is ask when you call and book your trip. 

Final Thoughts

Bass fishing is exhilarating, fun, and challenging no matter where you go. But, if you will be staying and fishing around the Kissimmee area, then definitely contact one of the fantastic fishing guides above to make your bass fishing experience even more enjoyable and memorable. Chock-full of experience, expertise, and kindness; you can not go wrong with any of the above. 

Florida is a place that is known for its many natural waterways, which are home to some incredible bass fishing. The Harris Chain of Lakes is one of the most awesome places to visit when you want to have a great bass fishing excursion. The goal here is to help you learn more about the Harris Chain of Lakes, as well as everything that you need to know about fishing here including the best bass fishing guides.

If you’re in a hurry: Florida Bass Charter is hands-down the best choice for Harris Chain of Lakes fishing guides. Captain Tim is a U.S.C.G. approved captain, which is an important thing to look for in any fishing guide. Captain Tim can be reached at 407-821-6101

About Bass Fishing on the Harris Chain of Lakes

The Harris Chain of Lakes is an area that contains nine lakes, which are situated on about 76,000 acres. This is a very popular location for a wide variety of outdoor activities including bass fishing, powerboating, and canoeing.

The Harris Chain of Lakes was once a location to abundant bass fishing tournaments, some of which were national tournaments. However, this led to a decline in bass fish in the area.

Due to environmental issues caused by the tournaments and other practices, these tournaments were no longer put on here.

Since the restoration efforts began on these lakes, this recent decade has shown a significant recovery. These efforts included a daily limit that started early on in the 1990s, which limited the catches to five basses daily that must be measured 14 inches or less. Then, there was a drought that killed of the shoreline which meant that it needed to be replanted with reeds.

As a result of both of these efforts, now bass fishing is back to its normal levels. Now, you can catch trophy bass here, with many fish weighing between 10 and 11 pounds that are caught on a regular basis. However, there is the occasional bass that weighs up to 13 pounds.

The Harris Chain of Lakes is primarily composed of water that is dark. The water here is very fertile, which makes it a breathtaking place to see as well as one that is excellent for fishing. You can see stunning reeds, lilypads, Kissimmee grass, and bulrushes here.

The last point to know about this area is the different fishing patterns of the largemouth bass here. One is the canal fish and the other is the lake fish. Depending on the weather and season will help you know the best pattern during your trip. A highly experienced bass guide can be a great help to determining the best pattern for your trip.

The Different Sections of the Harris Chain of Lakes

There are different areas of the Harris Chain of Lakes to consider when you are planning your next bass fishing trip. This section will take a closer look at these different areas.

Big and Little Lake Harris

This part of the lake flows into the area, creating one larger body of water. Big and Little Lake Harris are combined for a total of 15,500 acres and are considered to be one of the largest lakes in Florida.

In addition to excellent fishing here, this area of the Harris Chain of Lakes is particularly beautiful. This large body of water is surrounded by a gorgeous backdrop of cypress trees and beautiful hills.

Aside from the boat docks, the shoreline is entirely covered with Kissimmee grass. This lake has three public launching ramps: One off of the US Highway 27; one on Leesburg’s Venetian Gardens; and Hickory Point.

There’s another smaller ramp located on the Little Harris Lake’s east side. This lake can be a great place for fishing, especially when you head to the canal or the Dead River during any inclement weather.

In recent years, there have been an increase of people enjoying watersports on these lakes though boating and fishing are still the popular activity on these lakes.

Lake Eustis

Connected to Big Lake Harris through the Dead River, Lake Eustis consists of 7,806 acres and is also connected to Lake Griffin through the Haines Creek.

The Dead River and Haines Creek tend to have great bass fishing during the season. The canals around this lake are in a residential area but can be a very productive bass fishing area during various points in the year.

Lake Eustis is the location where you can find the well-known “Gator Hole”.

“Gator Hole” is a deep sinkhole, which is located off the end of a natural canal that leads off of the main lake. This sinkhole can produce amazing trophy bass if you get there at the right time.

The entire lake is probably one of the most consistent places to go bass fishing.

You can find 2 public boat ramps on the lake: the Eustis city ramp and the Buzzard Beach ramp.

The East Harris Chain of Lakes

This section of the lake is over 4,475 acres and consists of the lakes Dora, Beauclair, and Carlton. The East Harris Chain of Lakes is connected to Lake Eustis through the Dora Canal at the north.

At the south, it’s connected to Lake Apopka through the Apopka Beauclair Canal. Each of these lakes offer something different for anglers.

Lake Dora is typically the first lake to turn on in springtime and will commonly contain bigger fish at various times than the other parts of this chain. Boats that are docked at the northern shore of this lake tends to be pretty productive around the middle of the day.

The southern part of the chain consists of Lakes Beauclair and Carlton. Lake Carlton is a relatively small lake, which can be entered through the small inlet on Lake Beauclair’s southern shore. These lakes are both known for having big bass.

Within the area of the southwestern shore of Lake Beauclair, you can find the Apopka Beauclair Canal system. This area is excellent for fishing, especially the locally known “Clear Canal”.

This was once a popular place for tournament fishing because of how productive this area can be for fishing.

You can find 3 public boat ramps here: two are located on Lake Dora and one on Lake Jem, right on the Apopka Beauclair canal.

Lake Griffin

Lake Griffin is the final lake that is part of the Harris Chain of Lakes. The water comes into the lake through the Haines Creek and then flows into the Ocklawaha River. At one time, this lake was one of the best bass fisheries in the state.

The water quality in this lake has improved since local homeowners allowed the local and state governments to dredge the canals and create an easy to navigate entrance to the popular Emeralda Marsh.

The restoration efforts in this area are still ongoing but there is already promise that this can be an excellent place for bass fishing.

Tips for Bass Fishing on the Harris Chain of Lakes

The water here may be very murky, but this is a great area for fishing. However, there are some things that you should know about this location before you start fishing here. This section will take a look at

Some Great Tips About This Area.

Trophy Bass Fishery

The Harris Chain of Lakes is known for being the place to catch big bass. It wouldn’t be uncommon to find a bass that are upwards to 11 pounds in size. You can catch a variety of different bass fish here, but this chain of lakes is primarily known for trophy bass fishing.

Flipping to Catch Bass

This chain of lakes is murky, meaning that you get very low visibility when it comes to fishing bass. Using a flipping technique is the best way to effectively catch fish.

Bedding Bass

During the springtime, you should be looking for bedding bass behind large flats, in the creeks, and in canals. This time of year, you will get better luck catching fish along the Palatlakaha River, Helena Run, the Dead River, and the Leesburg 9^th Street lagoon.

Mixed Grass Beds

The mixed grass beds are excellent places to consistently catch fish.

Start off Fishing in the Canals

Experts from the area will tell you that the best place to start your fishing excursion is in the canals. Because this is an enclosed area, it can be easier to catch fish.

Be sure that if you do decide to go with this approach that you should fish on the shoreline and in the middle of the fish.

Techniques for Fishing on the Harris Chain of Lakes

Your fishing trip will only be as good as the techniques that you use for catching fish. Using the right techniques and tactics are essential for having the best experience catching bass. Since the water is murky, you need to be especially careful to use the right techniques and tactics.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits really excel when used in stained water. You should have crankbait that have a shad pattern, a chrome pattern, and a chartreuse pattern. These baits should be used as close to any cover as you can possibly get.

Spinnerbaits

A popular choice for the Harris Chain of Lakes is the spinnerbaits. Keeping the bait as close to cover as possible as well as moving it every so often for the sake of ensuring that it mimics the look of live bait. You should also have a wide assortment on hand in case you need to try other options to get bites.

Flipping and Pitching

Easily the best technique for catching fish on the Harris Chain of Lakes is flipping and pitching. This approach is the best option when you are dealing with the stained waters of this area.

How to Choose the Best Harris Chain of Lakes Fishing Guides

There are many options for Harris Chain of Lakes fishing guides, so how do you know if you are choosing the right option for your needs? This section will take a look at how you can select the best bass fishing guide on the Harris Chain of Lakes.

Pay Attention to Reviews

Reviews are so important when it comes to selecting the best Harris Chain of Lakes fishing guides. People are very honest when discussing their experiences with fishing guides.

You want to look around to not only reviews on their site, but reviews on other sites as well. These guides can give you plenty of information so that you know what to expect and so that you can really see what a company is like before trusting them with your fishing trip.

Call

You can’t really get a good feel for the company when you communicate online. In most cases, you will get the best results when you call the company before you book your fishing trip.

This allows you to answer questions and get answers right away. It also helps you get a good feel about their personality so that you know if this is a guide that you feel comfortable taking your trip with. You want to be able to let go and relax on your trip.

What are Your Preferences?

What type of bait do you prefer? Is there a certain preference that you have when it comes to your style of fishing? It’s just as important that you find a fishing guide that matches your specific preferences are. This will help you to ensure that you have the most enjoyable experience possible.

This is especially true if you are new to fishing and want someone who can help you learn more about fishing while you are out on the water.

Don’t Just Pick the Cheapest

Like with everything else, sometimes you get exactly what you pay for when you just choose the cheapest option. You want to make sure that you are working with a reputable company with the in-depth knowledge and experience to successfully go bass fishing on the Harris Chain of Lakes. Typically, you can expect that the best guides charge more because they are highly sought after.

Top 5 Harris Chain of Lakes Fishing Guides

Now that you know how to select the best Harris Chain of Lakes fishing guides, it’s time to take a look at some of the best options available to you. In this section, you can get a closer look at the top 5 Harris Chain of Lakes fishing guides to help make this search a lot easier for you.

1. Florida Bass Charter

Florida Bass Charter is hands-down the best choice for Harris Chain of Lakes fishing guides. Captain Tim can be reached at 407-821-6101. Tim is a U.S.C.G. approved captain, which is an important thing to look for in any fishing guide. This is important because there are many cases where you need to be on the water with a U.S.C.G.-approved captain.

Even if you don’t need this for the specific trip you are planning, it’s good for peace of mind because you know you’ll be on the water with a captain that has the knowledge and experience to keep you safe. This team will make sure that you have the best experience possible on your next fishing trip.

2. A Horizon Fishing Charters

Another good option to consider is this company. Captain Brent is a U.S.C.G. approved captain that has grown up in the area, so he knows the Harris Chain of Lakes. With the ability to accommodate up to 3 people, you can choose up to 8-hour excursions, allowing you to make a day out of your fishing trip to the area.

This option is perfect for small families, allowing you to make memories while out in the beautiful Harris Chain of Lakes. On this boat, you are invited to bring your snacks and beverages, but

they do provide bottles of water. They also provide all of the gear you could need for your fishing trip.

3. Bass2Bay Fishing Charters

One of the great things about this option is that the trips can be specifically catered to your preferences. Whether you are a beginner or someone who spends a lot of time fishing,

Captain Mike Morse has the perfect experience for you. You get all of the gear that you could need while on your fishing trip and you get the expert advice from Captain Mike, who’s an accomplished angler himself.

4. Jason’s Fishing Adventure

While this fishing guide can only accommodate 2 guests, this can still be a perfect experience for a quieter fishing trip. This is a fishing guide that is perfect for people of all skill levels who just want a relaxing bass finishing experience. You have access to any equipment that you will need on the trip to have the most successful fishing trip possible.

5. Due North Outdoors

Captain Scott can take up to 3 guests out for a great fishing adventure on the Harris Chain of Lakes. You get access to gear with the price of the trip for any fishing technique that you prefer. This team is incredibly flexible and can work with you to make sure that you have the most memorable experience.

Conclusion

Your bass fishing experience is going to be amazing when you check out one of these top 5 bass fishing guides on the Harris Chain of Lakes. The right fishing guide can make the experience even more memorable, allowing you to have the greatest time with your friends and family. You can catch a fish anywhere, but you want to be able to make memories that are going to last a lifetime with the people you love.

 The Best Jig Skirts

Anyone who fishes for bass or other large fish knows that jig fishing is one of the most satisfying forms of fishing there is. Jigs are super effective at encouraging the fish to bite, making for a much more rewarding fishing experience because you actually catch something!

Jigs are great because they can be used in almost any body of water and are effective all year round. Jig fishing takes a while to get the hang of, but anyone can learn how to jig fish no matter how long you’ve been fishing for. Once you’ve tried it, you will be hooked (pun intended!!).

So, what even is a jig? A jig is basically a hook with a metal head molded to it. They are usually fitted with a skirt to help attract the fish and have a weed-guard in front of the hook to stop it catching. 

There are a variety of jig’s you can use and different jigs suit different types of fishing. They can vary in the shape and size of the head as well as the weight, all of which affect how they act in the water.

The best types of jigs are;

Arkie jig – these are the most popular, all-purpose jigs.

Football jig – unsurprisingly these jigs have a head shaped like a football which makes them wobble as they sink.

Swim jig – these are thinner and are designed to look like baitfish rather than crawfish.

Finesse Jig – these are designed for ‘finesse fishing’ and have a short skirt as well as being smaller than other jigs. 

Punch jig – these are designed for getting through thick vegetation and require a punching rod due to their heavier weight.  

Casting Jig – these are an ideal jig for fishing off the bottom.

Flipping Jig – these are meant to keep from the weeds hanging up in them and many sport a rattle too. Meant for flipping around a structure.

Finding the right skirt

An essential aspect of jig fishing is finding the right skirt for your jig. Jig skirts are designed to imitate the appearance of a crawfish, which are the natural prey of bass and other large fish. Some experienced fishermen choose to make their own jigs and skirts, but most people buy them ready-made. 

Jig skirts are available in a vast array of colors made from various materials. However, most are made from either silicone or rubber. So, which should you choose and which brands are best?

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Silicon or Rubber?

Jig skirts were traditionally made out of rubber. Rubber is often considered to be more buoyant than silicon and bounces more in the water. However, rubber deteriorates very fast so you will get through more skirts if you go for rubber. 

Silicon skirts come in a wide variety of colors and designs and are now the preferred choice of most bass fishermen. They last longer and are therefore considered better value for money. 

Which brand Jig?

The brand you use will depend on various factors; cost, look and quality. Here’s a selection.

Expensive

Otomin Inchiku Slow Jigging Lures 

These jigs are expensive (they start from $13.98 for the whole lure) but you get what you pay for. The colors are realistic and they move well in the water. The octopus skirt is high-quality silicone and is designed to be bite resistant. It is highly likely that you will catch a fish with this jig!

Quirky

CPV Store – Ultimate Crappie Tube Jig Skirts

Who doesn’t love neon? If you’re looking for jig skirts that are straight from the ’80s then look no further than these funky neon jig skirts from CPV Store. They may not be to everyone’s taste they come in a variety of colors and are of reasonable quality. 

They do, however, come with a prop 65 warning which is a list of products issued by the state of California advising customers that products carrying this warning may contain chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. 

Old School

All Terrain Tackle Pro Tie Jig Skirts

If you’re looking for a jig that has old-school looks with all the perks of modern jigs then this is the one for you. These jigs are hand-tied and consist of a Kevlar thread wrapped around a silicone core. As it is silicone rather than rubber it will last longer. 

Rubber jigs from the 70’s and 80’s were hugely popular and it is this ‘old school’ look that is recreated here. So, they act like living rubber but are hard-wearing and durable. With a price tag starting at $3.99 they won’t break the bank either. 

Vibrating 

Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig

Ok, so it’s the jig itself that vibrates here rather than just the skirtbut vibrating jigs are still worth a mention. Many Bass fishermen are firm believers in vibrating jigs and swear they catch more fish by using one. 

The Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig is a great looking jig in colors that are attractive to fish even without the vibration. However, the skirt itself is thin and while it moves well in the water it is overpriced in comparison to other jigs out there. 

Value for money

Get Hooked Magic Baits Jig Skirts

Florida-based tackle specialists ‘Get Hooked Magic Baits” have been in the bait business for over 50 years so there is no doubt that they know what they are doing when it comes to anything fishing-related. They pride themselves on using the best quality plastic possible as well as custom making all their products from their own molds. 

Their jig skirts come in a lovely array of colours with names like ‘sunfish’, ‘purple passion’ and ‘pumpkin’. 

Considering the quality you are getting when you buy one their jig skirts, at $3.49 for a pack of two, there is no doubt that they are excellent value for money.

Get Hooked can also provide you with anything else you need to ensure that your fishing trips result in a successful catch.

There is no doubt that there is a huge variety of jigs and jig skirts out there. If you’re looking for good quality and value for money then Get Hooked Magic Baits are probably your best bet!

Fishing is an exciting activity, and like every other endeavor, it comes with some challenges. You may have a hard picking the correct lure to throw. And buying one of each lure or the pack can be pricey. So we’ve compiled the best bug tail plastics to fit your plastic bait fishing needs.

Top Bug Tail Plastic Baits

 THE MAGIC TAIL CHUNK 3 1/2 INCH  from Get Hooked Magic Baits

Fishing can become more exciting and easier with the best bug tail plastic bait. If you pay attention to details like weather, fish species, water clarity, etc., you’ll be able to pick the right bait. Check out our compilation of the best bug tail plastic baits on the market.

Soft Plastic Swimbait

I love swimbaits because they can easily be rigged in various ways to catch many different fish species. You can use a standard-sized plastic swimbait to catch any fish that eats smaller fish. A micro swimbait, however, is perfect for catching crappie and bluegill. If you want to catch walleye, trout, sauger, and finicky bass, go for small swimbaits.

If you are looking for the perfect tool for fooling pike, bass, and aggressive walleye, mid-sized swimbaits are right for you. Big swimbaits are used for catching musky and trophy pike. All the rules, as mentioned earlier, are also applicable to saltwater fish. Swimbaits are not the best option when you are ice fishing.

During the spring, you can thread your swimbaits on a bighead and wind them around creek channels, points, and deepwater areas to catch bass. In the spring, you can use your swimbait to cover water in the shallows around rocks, docks, and metal pilings. Such areas are where you will find bass seeking warmer water. During the summer, you can rig the BioSpawn Exoswim through pads and grass sparse and weightless.

You can create effective topwater bait by burning a plastic swimbait. When you do this, it will swim close to the water surfaces. Also, swimbaits can be used on the back of a jig, and you can fish them around docks and shallow grass areas. While using this technique, it would be best to use casting gear to pull fish out from vegetation.

During the fall, you should try to throw the swimbait on a jighead or an Alabama Rig to catch fish feeding before winter. At this point, the bass is accustomed to bigger meals, and baitfish have all year to grow. You should rig up big baits during the fall. That way, you will be able to trigger big bites.

Plastic Stick Bait

The soft plastic stick bait is one of the widely used soft plastic baits you’ll find out there. BioSpawn ExoStick is quite deadly and very easy to use. Designed by Gary Yamamoto, the very first stick bait was a result of inspiration drawn from a Bic Pen. Gary created a Senko to be a soft plastic jerkbait, and it became known for its soft wobble.

Hand Made Stick Baits from GHMB

It didn’t take long before people heard about Gary’s creation and its excellent fish catching ability. Anglers started purchasing these versatile plastic stick baits, and many of them made a lot of money from fishing tournaments. Soon after, many fishing soft plastic companies started developing their own versions of Gary’s invention.

Soft Plastic Craw

Craws and creatures are good for mimicking the look and action of crawfish. Bass living in a pond, river, or lake filled with crawfish will be used to eating crawfish. With soft crawfish plastics, you can trigger strikes even in crawfish free water bodies. What the bass primarily feeds on does not matter.

GHMB’s Punch Buster Handmade Crawdad

You can fish soft plastic craws on the back of skirted jigs to catch largemouth. Finesse plastic crawfish baits are also perfect for fishing with a drop shot or shaky head. You can use the same method to target smallmouth. Soft plastic craws with subtle kicking action are well-suited in cold water.

However, warmer water requires the 10,000 Fish Saw Craw or Karl’s Hoss Craw. With their insane kicking action, these baits can help attract strikes from aggressive fish. These lures are from the Rage Craw Brand creator, Steve Parks.

Finesse Worm

Perfect for pressured conditions and clear water, finesse baits can be used for triggering bites from fish. These soft plastic finesse baits can help you target fish too weary or not interested in biting other baits. Sometimes, bass fishing can get very tough due to certain conditions like unfavorable weather, time of the day, or clarity. In such conditions, no matter what the reason is for tough fishing, you can use a lure to get back to the finesse baits.

Here’s a finesse worm that’s perfect from GHMB

You should try rigging your finesse baits weightless, on drop shots, shaky heads, Carolina rigs, finesse Texas Rigs, or Neko Rigs. All the listed rigs are very effective. Soft plastic can catch much fish when paired with the correct finesse.

Ribbon Tail Worm

The ribbon tail worm is one of the best bug tail plastic baits out there. The new BioSpawn ExoRibbon works very well. We added this classic ribbon tail worm to our list after deliberating between grub worms and internally ribbon tails. This soft plastic bait is great for anglers looking to catch big bass.

This 10 inch Artificial Bait bait worm will have our custom Get choked power scent -razzle oil on it

It has been used for decades, and many people still use it today. Ribbon tail worms come in a variety of colours and sizes. The 7′ and 10′ inch ribbon tail worms are very common, and you will most likely find them in green pumpkin, blue and black, motor oil, and Junebug colours. Anglers often fish ribbon tail worms on a Texas Rig.

Conclusion

While fishing, you need to pay attention to conditions like weather, species of fish, water clarity and light penetration.Keeping all these in mind will help you catch a good number of fish. And if you need effective bug tail plastic bait, you can pick from the list above. We hope you go for the best and have fun while fishing!

Best Lizard Plastic Bait

Hand-poured plastic baits are a popular choice for those serious bass anglers. These are popular tournament baits, particularly during the spawn. If you want to find a lot of success during your fishing adventure, plastic lizard baits can be the best option for you. But which plastic bait is the best? How do you choose the right lizard bass bait? By breading on, you can learn all about lizard plastic bait and how to use these items.

Which lizard bait is the best? There are a lot of factors to consider, but a great option to look at is the ARTIFICIAL BAIT THE BIG ZILLA THE 10 INCH LIZARD WITH AMAZING MOVEMENT.

What are Lizard Plastic Bass Baits?

If you’ve never heard of lizard plastic bait, you may be curious about this choice. These are creature baits that look like real lizards. The lifelike movements of the tail and legs can quickly draw the attention of the bass. This is an especially popular bait option during the springtime, which is when bass are spawning. These can be used in other situations, but you will get the most success when the bass are bedding.

You can use lizard bait to catch bass all year long, though the pre-spawning time and the spawning time are the best. During the springtime, soft plastic lizard baits can be the most effective. The larger bass will see it go near their spawning babies and will do what they need to in order to protect them. They will attack the bait and you can successfully catch your fish.

Choosing the Best Lizard Plastic Bait

Before getting into which lizard bait is the best option for you, choosing the right one is very important. One of the most important parts of selecting bait is choosing the right color. Baits tend to come in a variety of different colors, so it helps to know which one will get you the best results. The 3 most important colors to have are a dark color, a watermelon-like color, or a green pumpkin color. 

When the fishing water is clear, watermelon red is the preferred choice. This makes it easier for the fish to see this bait in the water. Other options may tend to be too translucent for the fish to see, meaning that you won’t get any bites. So if the water is perfectly clear, this is the best option.

Another popular color is “green pumpkin”. If the water is a little stirred up, making the water somewhere between clear and dirty, then this color is a better option. It’s a more opaque color, which has green and orange tones to it. This makes it a great option for in-between water, allowing the fish to better see the bait in less than ideal water conditions.

The last option that you have is dark color lizards. This is the ideal choice when you are working with dirty water. 

Having bait that comes in these different colors can make fishing a lot easier for you. It’s always good to have several options on hand when fishing so that you can increase your chances of catching bass.

As far as size goes, people have their own preferences as to which option works best for them. Some prefer larger bait while others like the smaller options. This can come down to your personal preference or the type of bass fishing setup you are working with.

The Best Bait Option

Which lizard bait is the best? There are a lot of factors to consider, but a great option to look at is the ARTIFICIAL BAIT THE BIG ZILLA THE 10 INCH LIZARD WITH AMAZING MOVEMENT. One of the best things about this bait is that you can select a wide variety of colors, ensuring that you have the perfect bait for any fishing conditions. These are larger bait options, coming in 10-inches, but they are also scented which can help them be more effective when catching bass. This bait comes in a 6-pack, offering a great deal on quality bait.

Another great feature of this specific bait is that it offers amazing natural movement. This realistic movement makes it very attractive for the fish, increasing the chances of you getting the bites you want. This product was specifically designed to offer the best results for the customer. Every bait is custom-made and hand-packed, ensuring this bait meets high standards of quality that gets bass anglers the best results. 

This bait has been tested under a variety of conditions, which gives you confidence that when you trust this brand for your next fishing trip you are going to get great results.

Best Plastic Lizard Setup

Now that you know how to choose the best plastic lizard bait, you want to make sure that you use the best setup to boost your chance of success. This section will take a quick look at the different setups and gear that you can choose from.

Texas Rigged Lizard (With Weight)

This type of setup works well with fishing along a grassy bank or a shoreline with vegetation because it allows the bait to just float towards the bottom to attract the bass. This doesn’t require a lot of movement, just enough movement to make the bait look like it’s moving in the water. This movement mimics the look of the lizard going to eat the spawning babies, causing the bass to attack.

Texas Rigged Lizard (No Weight)

The weight in the other setup helps the fish float down naturally as if it’s attacking the babies. But without the weight, the bait in this setup just hovers in the top water. This makes it look like the lizard is looming over the spawning area, planning its attack. The bass will get territorial and attack the lizard to save their babies and spawning area.

Texas Rigged (Thick Vegetation)

Some areas just have a lot of vegetation that you have to work with. Punching through this with the lizard bait can be more difficult, but it can be done. This allows the bait to float just under the vegetation.

Carolina Rigged

The Carolina rig option is excellent when trying to catch offshore bass or if you are dealing with sandbars. Using a weight, this setup has the weight drag along the bait behind it. This can allow the bait to have an appearance of fluttering higher up, enticing the bass to come up for your setup.

The Right Gear

Fishing relies on you having the right gear in order to get the best results. If you are using plastic lizard baits, you first want to make sure that you have the right gear. The gear will be very dependent on your style of fishing. Typically, you would go with a baitcasting or spinning rod when fishing with lizards. Some people prefer to use spinning gear when going with weightless setups. Then, when working with vegetation that requires punching, they prefer to swap over to their baitcasting setup. 

At the end of the day, you want to work with gear and setups that you are used to using because that’s your personal preference. But, these setups and gear suggestions can help if you haven’t found much success in the past. 

Conclusion

The advice here will also help give you have more success on your next fishing trip. Bass fishing can be a great way to relax or have a great time with your friends or family. To make the most of your trip, you need to be sure that you have the best tools to get better results on your fishing trip. Your fishing setup is really only as good as the bait you are using. The Big Zilla lizard bait is an excellent option that can increase your chances of catching bass.