One of my favorite saying this time of year – which is an oldie but a goodie – goes something like this: “It’s fall in Florida and you know what that means? Nothing. Absolutely Nothing. It’s still Florida and it’s hot.” Considering it’s 89 outside as I sit under the fans on the lanai writing this I couldn’t agree more. Now let’s get going on our Florida bass fishing report October 2024 for Winter Haven, LEGOLAND, and Camp Mack.
Although there is some forecasted activity in the gulf & tropics the Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting a drier and warmer month. Let’s hope it’s not drought-type dry because that can have some adverse effects for the big lakes. The smaller, deeper, spring-fed lakes won’t feel the pressure.
So let’s get to the fishing in these conditions and start on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes fishing out of Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina, and RV Resort. The idea every morning out is hoping for an awesome morning topwater bite in scattered pockets around pads and kissimmee grass, as well as out in open water over shell beds, eel grass, and contour breaks. This is the time to throw your favorite black and gold Devil’s Horse, Spook, or any other bigger profile topwater including bigger Pop’Rs. Once the sun gets up high, and depending upon wind or cloud cover that game will end and it’s time to switch to Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. Flipping junebug or black & blue senkos is always a safe bet around pads, outside grass lines, or holes in the hydrilla. One bait you throw all day long from sunrise on is a Z-Man 6” SwimmerZ, and I very partial to Gold Rush & Shiner. Now, if you wanna step up your “big fish” game throw an 8” StreakZ XL or 10” HeroZ
Moving back to Winter Haven and the South Chain I don’t really expect to feel too many effects from the weather. Many of these lakes are insulated from pattern changes because they have deeper water, deeper vegatation, and are spring fed. All of that means you may not always bust them up top but they are always there and you can find fish actively feeding. Now to clarify, I will still have a Pop-R or Jumpin’ Minnow tied-on every single trip out no matter what. I will also have my usual arsenal of flukes like the Z-Man Jerk ShadZ, 3/16oz jig heads w/ grubs, a WillowVibe w/ a 2.5” 0r 3.5” GrubZ. We’ll also be throwing shallow and mid-depth crankbaits, and more than likely a jerkbait or two. Here, I’m 99% sure to have all of these in more natural colors in the white/pearl, watermelon reds, chrome/black back families.
For more information like this October Florida Bass Fishing Report for Winter Haven, LEGOLAND, and Camp Mack please visit https://tmcguideservice.com/news-reports/. Please visit https://guyharveycampmack.com for RV or lodging accommodations at Camp Mack on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
