Lake Jackson (Tallahassee), FL Fishing Report

Things are finally starting to improve on area lakes and rivers around Tallahassee, FL. With waters starting to clear up fishing should improve.

With spring like conditions the fish are all confused. Water temp is reaching the high 60"s with the fish moving up in the morning then going back in mid-noon when the water warms up.

Right now the creeks are loaded with bait so the bass are right there with them. Early morning bite is best with swim baits, rattle traps, and spinner baits. An 11 lbs bass was caught and it had a tag on it. FWC is putting tags on large fish (in Lake Talquin) so if you catch one take that tag off and give call FCW to get your $100.

Although Lake Jackson is still around 4’ low, you can launch a small boat at Crowder, Hgwy 27 or if you want to work at it Millers Landing.  Lots of big bass still being caught.  Top water will dominate on Jackson if you go.  Best way to catch a trophy is live shiners.  For those of you that might not be able or have access to a cast net, no worries!  Just bring your Sabiki rig, a couple pieces of bread and a little wet dog food to bait your area.  You saltwater fisherman already know what a Sabiki rig is.  Those of you that don’t, it consists of multiple very small hooks dressed with hair, places inches above each other.  To use it simply fins a sandy area by the boat ramp or beach, put little pieces of bread or make up very small dough balls for the hooks, and cast on small spinning equipment.  This bait retrieving method can be almost as fun as bringing in that trophy.  Well, almost!

Lake Jackson is still very low and you are unable to get any boat bigger than a john boat with a smaller motor in their.  However, if you are able to get on the water fishing is pretty good for bass and crappie.  Swim baits and shallow running crank baits work very well for bass.  Use live minnow for crappie.

Although Lake Jackson is still around 4’ low, you can launch a small boat at Crowder, Hgwy 27 or if you want to work at it Millers Landing.  Lots of big bass still being caught.  Top water will dominate on Jackson if you go.  Best way to catch a trophy is live shiners.  For those of you that might not be able or have access to a cast net, no worries!  Just bring your Sabiki rig, a couple pieces of bread and a little wet dog food to bait your area.  You saltwater fisherman already know what a Sabiki rig is.  Those of you that don’t, it consists of multiple very small hooks dressed with hair, places inches above each other.  To use it simply fins a sandy area by the boat ramp or beach, put little pieces of bread or make up very small dough balls for the hooks, and cast on small spinning equipment.  This bait retrieving method can be almost as fun as bringing in that trophy.  Well, almost!

Lake Jackson is still over 4' low but with a smaller boat such as a jon boat or kayak you can navigate the waters safely and put in at Hgwy 27 with little problem. 

Lake Jackson is still over 4' low but with a smaller boat such as a jon boat or kayak you can navigate the waters safely and put in at Hgwy 27 with little problem.  Bass are biting very well on live shiners in the deeper areas.  Top water baits such as soft plastic frogs and swimbaits are working best for artificials.

Lake Jackson is not good. A sink hole opened up. Fish in Talquin.

Lake Jackson is not good. A sink hole opened up. Fish in Talquin.

Jackson is done for the season.

-Jackson is dried up.

- no boating, only canoeing, if that.

-Water Temp- 80s

-Bass and shad done spawning and moved into creek channel and main ledges.

-Trolling is best way to catch the crappie that are left and moved into deeper waters.

-Carolina rig or crank bait work best for fish.

As we move into the month of May during 2012, we find conditions similar to already being into June.  Water temps are already in the 80’s, the bass and shad are done spawning and have moved onto creek channel and main lake ledges.  This month let’s get just a little more technical with the definition of a ledge, and the equipment I think is vital for locating and eventually catching ledge fish. First, the definition of a ledge is: (1)  A narrow horizontal surface projecting from a wall, cliff or other surface.  (2) An underwater ridge.  Ledges can be almost any depth, and can be found all around the lake.  Most common ledges fished are found adjacent to creek channels or the main river channel.  Ledges can change depths quickly, or start with a slope ending with a drastic depth change.  First thing to do when locating ledges is a good topographical map of the lake.  These can be found in many area tackle shops or on-line.  Next you’ll need a depth finder/GPS combo.  This is very important especially with the split screen feature when searching for ledges and fish. The GPS makes life a whole lot easier when trying to go back to previously found places.  Todays advanced marine electronics are relatively inexpensive and are easy to operate.  Once new areas are located simply press a button to save the location for future reference.  During early summer months on Lake Talquin, some of the best ledges peak between 9’ and 12’.  Bait is key, but structure also plays a big role in which ledge to fish.  Find the bait and the fish should be close by, but structure will also hold “resident fish”.  The bigger bass will have the best place to live on the structure, and not to worry.  Normally when one bass is caught from the area, a new one will move to that place before too long.  Some of the most successful Lake Talquin Bass anglers have multiple spots that hold fish on specific pieces of structure.

 Now let’s talk a little about the way we fish Lake Talquin ledges.  The two most productive ways are with a Carolina rig or crank bait.  When fishing either method, you’ll need a good reel, with a high speed retrieve and can cast a long way.  Long casts are very important to reach all side of the ledge your fishing.  The high speed retrieve is needed to take up slack before setting the hook when fishing the bottom with a Carolina or Texas rigged bait.  It must also hold an adequate amount of big line, such as 17lb or 20lb test Flourocarbon.  Several companies such as Shimano, Diawa and Quantam all make reels with these specifications.  Next, is the rod.  This could just as easily be the most important.  Long, medium heavy to heavy action rods are a must.  I prefer a minimum of 7’2” length, and split that time with my 7’6” rods.  Although I do use an 8’ rod sometimes when throwing crankbaits.   Deep South Fishing Rods makes a half a dozen different models to choose from for this in both bait casting and spinning rods.  Visit www.deepsouthfishingrods.net for more rod information.  The type of line used plays a big part.  When fishing a Carolina rig or crank bait, the main line I prefer is Flourocarbon.  It’s more sensitive, has less stretch, and is less visible than mono but prone to nick and fray quicker.  Some fisherman like braid for their main line but I do not recommend it.  There is virtually no stretch and puts too much pressure on your flourocarbon or monofiliment leader when using a “c” rig causing it to break easily at the hook or swivel.  For terminal tackle, inexpensive is the way to go.  Fishing all that trash that Lake Talquin ledges hold I promise you you’re gonna go through some hooks and swivels.  I use less expensive during practice but ALWAYS change to the better hooks such as OWNER, when it counts.  One good point to remember is you’re using heavy equipment chasing big fish.  So a thicker wire big hook in a 4/0, 5/0 or 6/0 is VERY important.  Crank bait hooks come in many different sizes and styles, but your rods ability to play the fish will make more difference.  As far as baits, go big most of the time.  Lizards, worms or Senkos are all good choices when fishing a “c” rig.  For colors, try Junebug, Redbug or Green Pumpkin.  When throwing crankbaits, there are lot’s to choose from.  This time of year pick one that runs to 12’ deep, using 12lb test in both firetiger and shad patterns.  We could go on and on but we’ll save that for next months’ issue.  Don’t miss the deep water jig article for June!n but we’ll save
 Crappie fisherman are glad to be done with April.  Now fish have finished spawning and have moved to deeper water.  Trolling is the best way to catch them.  From the mouth of the creeks to main lake edges near creek mouths in 20’ of water is a good place to find them.  Troll double rigs in these areas for best results.  It’s also a good time to learn your electronics.  Find the bait and the fish will not be far behind.

 For those of you that have never been to Lake Jackson, it’s loaded with big fish and at any time you can catch that trophy you’ve always wanted.  With water levels on Lake Jackson still very low, there’s limited access even for smaller boats.  For those of you with smaller boats and Kayaks, jerk baits and swim baits have been taking their fair share of big fish.  Reports of bass exceeding 10lbs have come in.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed we get another 6-10” of rain and we might be able to have our Thursday night tournaments again.So until next time, be safe, have fun and always wear a life jacket while boating!      

Conditions are bad. Water is too low to even get a boat in. Stay tuned.

Still the Water is down. I am doing most of my fishing in lake seminole for now.

Water is still down. I am doing most of my fishing in lake seminole for now.

Water is still down. I am doing most of my fishing in lake seminole for now.

Water is still down. I am doing most of my fishing in lake seminole for now.

For those of you that have never been to Lake Jackson, it’s loaded with big fish and at any time you can catch that trophy you’ve always wanted.  As below average rainfall reaches 36”, water levels on Lake Jackson are dangerously low.  For those of you with smaller boats and Kayaks, jerk baits and swim baits work very well this time of year.

So until next time, be safe, have fun and always wear a life jacket while boating!