In like a lion out like a lamb. This proverb is usually used to describe the weather for the month of March, but it may need to be changed to in like a lion out like a bigger lion.
The wind has been howling making the sight fishing tough the first half of April in the lagoon. Water levels have risen and the concentrated schools of redfish have dispersed and are foraging in smaller groups across shallow flats that in March were exposed. The majority of these fish are extremely skittish use a live hand-picked shrimp or quartered crab placed in their path allowing the fish to come upon the bait.
Now with the days heating up get out on the water early, to take advantage of a great top water trout bite. Poppers and walk the dog type lures have produced some awesome action. Look for schools of glass minnows “raining” on the surface on deeper flats and pockets.
This past weekend I had the honor of participating in the 23rd Annual U.S. Open Bass tournament for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. This is a two day event held out of Hickory Point Park in Tavares, FL. The format is a s follows: Able-bodied boat captains are paired with a paralyzed veteran at the captains meeting on Friday night. On Saturday only the veteran fishes the tournament the captain is there to assist in any manner such as getting the angler in his / her chair, working the trollling motor or landing the fish. On the second day both partners fish as a team.
I first would like to thank Neal Lazarus the tournament director for doing a great job and putting together an awesome event. Secondly, I would like to give notice to all of you who volunteered assisting with every aspect from loading disabled anglers into the boats, backing up boat trailers to feeding all us hungry anglers. Without your selfless help this event would not have been the same. Last but not least all the great veterans and people involved with the PVA and this tournament. A fantastic group of people that not only sacrificed so much to defend this country but continue to make it the great country it is today by participating in events like this one.
To find out more about the PVA Bass tournaments please visit:
http://www.pva.org
Till the next bite,
Capt. Mike Ortego
“The Florida Fisherman”
