Canal Fishing in Sunny Florida!

Day 1: Exploring a New Canal It was a cold morning start, and kayak tournaments in such conditions can be tough. After an 800-mile drive south, the temperature was a pleasant 70°F. The chosen fishing location was a canal that had been visited once before with some success. The water was possibly brackish, offering a mix of species, including bass, snook, bowfin, and gar. The goal was simple: explore and have fun.

A large fish was spotted in the water, and after some patience, a big largemouth bass was caught. It measured 19.75 inches, weighing around 4.5 pounds. This was the first bite of the day after throwing various lures, including a topwater, spinnerbait, and finally a Yum Dinger, which proved effective. The fishing was slow, but persistence paid off.

Continuing along the canal, another bass was caught, using the same Yum Dinger method along the banks. The area was vast, with interconnected waterways that made exploration intriguing. A short-nosed gar was also sighted, marking the first encounter with this species on the trip. Moving further, a third bass was caught, a smaller but energetic fish around 13 inches long.

Fishing was challenging due to the recent cold weather and possible fishing pressure from other anglers. Despite only catching three bass in about three hours, the experience was enjoyable. A new canal was considered for the return trip in hopes of better luck.

Day 2: Spillway Fishing and Unexpected Finds The second day started with a roadside stop at a spillway after noticing promising fishing spots. The prior day’s highlight was catching a big bass, but the hope was for more variety today. The day was almost derailed due to a vehicle breakdown, but thanks to a mobile mechanic, the journey continued another hour south.

Fishing at the spillway quickly revealed active fish. Spotted sunfish were abundant, including some impressively large ones. The variety of fish was evident, with different sizes and patterns appearing in the catch. The current flow attracted various species, making it an exciting spot.

Among the notable catches were massive spotted sunfish and the first Oscar fish of the trip. Oscars are known for their aggressive behavior and were found in deeper pockets. These fish are invasive in Florida, but their population is so vast that their removal wouldn’t make a significant impact.

Alligators were present in the area, adding to the adventure. While generally avoiding human interaction, they served as a constant reminder to stay cautious. The day ended with multiple fish caught in a short time, making it a highly productive and enjoyable session.

Final Thoughts The canal and spillway fishing provided a mix of challenges and excitement. The key takeaways included:

• Bass fishing required patience and lure adjustments.

• Spotted sunfish were plentiful and surprisingly large.

• Oscars were aggressive and fun to catch.

• Alligators were a constant presence but not a major threat.

• Exploring unfamiliar spots led to some of the best fishing moments.

Overall, the experience was rewarding, and more videos and fishing sessions were planned before heading back to Tennessee.