1. In Lakeland, bass are continuing to spawn, so stick to the shallow water, try flipping dark-colored creature baits. If you can find them, try shiners for bass as well. Specks continue to hit minnows, try drifting in open water and jigging in the pads, reports Phillips Bait and Tackle (863-666-2248).
2. In Auburndale and Lake Alfred, on Lake Juliana, quite a few specks are being caught on minnows. Some 6- to 7-pound bass are being caught as well using domestic shiners. Lakes Alfred, Rochelle and Haines, are producing nice-sized specks on minnows and jigs. Bass fishing has produced some lunkers, with a 9-pound catch being reported on Lake Rochelle using a purple lipless crankbait, says Ron Schelfo at Ron’s Tackle Box (863-956-4990).
3. At Winter Haven, on lakes Shipp and Cannon, specks are being caught all over, including the docks, according to Schelfo. Capt. Bill Goudy says on the cleaner water lakes to use a hard jerk bait over submerged grass and Rat-L-traps and small swim baits. Shiners are a popular choice under a float in the submerged grass as well. For a guided fishing trip with Capt. Goudy, call Bass Online (888-629-2277).