Lake Kissimmee in central Florida has always been a mecca for a vast army of bass worshippers and a headquarters for numerous tournaments.
Just a casual glance at bass tournament schedules will illustrate that Kissimmee and other lakes in the Kissimmee Chain are popular sites for competitive rivalries.
In addition to Lake Kissimmee itself, other lakes in the chain include such favorites as Lake Tohopekaliga, East Lake Tohopekaliga, Lake Cypress, Lake Hatchineha, Lake Rosalie, Tiger Lake, Lake Jackson, and Lake Marian, not to mention dozens of smaller bodies, all of which hold potential world record-sized largemouth.
According to Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission biologist Ed Moyer, the Chain's four largest lakes range in size from 13,550 to 44,000 surface acres, each forming a shallow basin with a mean depth of six to seven feet at a regulated high pool stage.
Largemouth bass spend a major part of their lives in littoral areas which support the growth of aquatic vegetation. These littoral zones are composed of emergent and submersed aquatic vegetation that occupy from 30 to 50 percent of the Chain's surface area.
"Fishing pressure on Lake Kissimmee is almost totally directed toward littoral vegetation," said Moyer.
"Historically, bulrush and maidencane communities growing at the lakeward edge of the vegetation line were favorite areas to fish for those using artificial worms, spoons, and spinner baits.
"However," he continued, "since 1983, hydrilla has expanded to nearly 7,000 acres of Lake Kissimmee and anglers have altered their fishing techniques."
Today, hydrilla banks and drop-offs provide important cover for fish in parts of the lake which were once open water areas.
Annual water level fluctuation on Lake Kissimmee has also changed fishing patterns. Beginning in early April, water is discharged through canals and structures for flood control purposes and the increased flow tends to concentrate forage fish which, in turn, attracts bass.
"During this period, crankbaits, plastic worms, and such new gems as the Reel Magic are quite effective," the biologist pointed out.
"Conditions similar to those in Lake Kissimmee are also found in neighboring Lake Hatchineha as both lakes are regulated as a unit for flood control purposes. Flow patterns are similar and hydrilla has expanded into several thousand acres of open water areas."
Bassers who anticipate fishing in Lakes Kissimmee or Hatchineha through the summer months will also find schooling bass in open water where such forage fish as shad will be concentrated.
Crankbaits, topwater plugs, and weedless Reel Magics will produce like crazy, particularly for those getting onto the water during the early hours from daybreak to about 9:00 a.m.
In general, vegetated areas hold largemouth bass throughout the entire Kissimmee Chain.
"But," Moyer stressed, "don't forget the deeper water which disguises shell beds, drop-offs, or submersed vegetation."
While fish can often be caught in open water during spring and summer months, those concentrating on vegetation can consistently find keeper bass throughout the year.
Copyright (c) 1996 Herb Allen. All rights reserved.
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