1. In Lakeland, specks are biting on grass shrimp jigs and regular minnows with some reported in the 2.5-pound range. Lakes Mattie and Parker have been good for specks. Shiners continue to be popular with anglers going after bass, reports Phillips Bait and Tackle (863-666-2248).
2. In Auburndale and Lake Alfred, on Lake Juliana specks are still hitting drifting minnows. On Lake Ariana, specks have been good at night on minnows using lights. On Lakes Alfred, Rochelle and Haines, specks have been great day and night using minnows and pink jigs. Some bass have been caught, up to 5 pounds, using lipless crank baits or flipping worms along the edge of the grass, says Ron Schelfo at Ron’s Tackle Box (863-956-4990).
3. In Winter Haven, on Lake Summitt, 6- to 7-pound bass have been reported. Lakes Eloise and Hartridge have produced nice-sized bass, according to Schelfo. Capt. Bill Goudy says with the warming trend and full moon coming up, look for the bass moving up to spawn. You can find beds in the hydrilla and all the way out to 7 to 8 feet of water in the clear lakes. Target staging bass using jerk baits, Rat-L-traps or square-bill crank baits over the top of submerged grass. Goudy is still catching some on a live shiner floated on a cork on top of the submerged grass. For a guided fishing trip with Capt. Goudy, call Bass Online (888-629-2277).