Lake Manatee

Bluegill and redear (shellcracker) fishing will improve as the water warms up. For your best chance at catching panfish, try using live worms under a bobber around vegetation and structure. Black crappie (specks) fishing can be excellent. Try using a live minnow under a bobber or small spinner baits. Areas with 4 to 5 feet of water with grass or wood cover are good places to try. Trolling small spinners or spider rigs can also be effective this time of year. Sunshine bass can be found chasing shad this time of year. Trolling shad imitations is a good method to find schools of sunshines. Spoons, crankbaits, and spinners are all good choices. 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. At dawn and dusk, try targeting points and flats. Largemouth bass can be found in areas near the bank with 4 to 6 feet of water and emergent vegetation like cattail or bulrush. As the days heat up, target shaded and heavily vegetated areas with a topwater frog or Texas rig. Largemouth bass will also be found on offshore structures in deeper water, try deep diving crank baits and heavy jigs. Tight Lines!