Lake Manatee

Bluegill and redear (shellcracker) fishing have slowed down with cooler water temperatures. For your best chance at catching panfish, try using live worms under a bobber around deeper structure. If you are not getting bites, do not be afraid to change the depth of your bait or try a new spot. Black crappie (specks) fishing will start to improve as the weather gets cooler. Try using a live minnow under a bobber or small spinner baits. Areas with 4 to 5 feet of water with aquatic vegetation or wood cover are good places to try. Specks may also be suspended in open water near structures or humps. Try trolling small spinners or spider rigs. You may also have good luck trolling a shad imitation for hybrid sunshine bass. Look for these feisty fish chasing shad in open water. If you are going to target catfish, try using cut shad or chicken livers fished near the bottom. The east side of the lake is a good place to try, particularly around the bridge. The bass population in Lake Manatee is healthy with quite a few plump bass. Areas near the bank with 4 to 6 feet of water and emergent vegetation like cattail or bulrush are good places to try a Texas rigged worm or creature bait. Spinner baits or crankbaits along weed edges may also produce some bites. As water temperatures begin to warm back up in the spring, bass will be feeding to prepare for spawn. Swimbaits, jerkbaits, and skirted jigs are great lures this time of year. Tight Lines!