The Villages Freshwater Fishing Club

It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This

On March 9th I received a email from FFC member Tom Spade. The subject line read “Another Day At The Office” so I really wasn’t expecting to read anything special. The story that followed sounded more like commentary from a WWE Smackdown event than a relaxing day on the water. Fishing a Jerkbait on Lake Harris, Tom got an unexpected surprise. After several failed attempts including the net going overboard this 16 lb. Longnose Gar finally made it to the boat. A memorable catch for sure.

**Tom Spade / Longnose Gar / Lake Harris**

A second March 9th report came from FFC member John Barksdale. This 8lb. Rodman Res. beast was the largest catch of the day with several more in the 7-1/2lb range.

At mid month it was looking like things were starting to quiet down. Finally on the 20th things started picking up with FFC member Dean Law reporting a 8lb. 7oz Villages pond Bass taken with a Z-Man Jackhammer and Manns Jelly Worm trailer.

**Dean Law / 8lbs. 7oz. / Villages pond**

A second report from Dean came on the 31st.

**Dean Law / 8lbs. 14oz / Freedom Point**

This 8lb. 14oz. Bass was taken at Freedom Point with a 1/2 oz. Colorado spinnerbait and paddle tail trailer. Just for the record, both fish were taken late afternoon and early evening.

A final report came from FFC member Roz Marie Krawiec. Roz has been a regular at the monthly fishing clinics and on a guided trip with Capt, Zack Slankard she put her skills to work. On her very first cast this 7lb. Lake Yale beauty took her offering.

Biggest fish of the day and a trip to remember. WTG Roz!!

Fish of the month pins will be presented at the April meetings.

Email your “Fish Of The Month”submission to Rob Husson at rob1950@hotmail.com

February Triple Play

February reporting was steady and those who put in the time were well rewarded. Anyone who follows this blog knows that a “Fish Of The Month” pin is awarded to the most notable catch by a FFC member in the previous month. Well February didn’t disappoint and there were three pin worthy catches.
The first report came on February 5th by FFC member Frank Martines.

**Frank Martines / 8lbs. 7oz. / Villages Pond**

This 8lb 7oz. Villages pond giant just couldn’t resist a soft plastic Senko.

The second report came on February 10th by past Club President, Randy DiSanto.

**Randy DiSanto / 8lbs 2oz. / Lake Sumter**

While on a guided fishing trip on Lake Sumter, Randy took this 8lb. 2oz. beast with a blue/black creature bait.
(Both Frank and Randy registered their catch with with Florida Fish & Wildlife “Trophy Catch” and both were approved.)

The third report came on February 23rd by FFC member Rich Grant.

**Rich Grant / 10lbs. 8oz. / Villages Pond**

This 27″ long Villages pond Catfish tipped the scales at 10lbs. 8oz.

Email your “Fish Of The Month”submission to Rob Husson at rob1950@hotmail.com

Fish Of The Month Update

Even with the crazy temperature swings that we had back in December and January there were still some some nice fish taken. On December 12th, FFC member Steve Felix reported a 8lb. 6oz. Lake Eustis Bowfin.

**Steve Felix / 8lbs. 6oz. Bowfin / Lake Eustis**

Most likely not the targeted species but still a blast to reel in.

On December 23rd, FFC member Gary Wolseifer reported a 8lb. 5oz. Lake Sumter Bass that he took with a Z-Man Jack Hammer.

**Gary Wolseifer / 8lbs. 5oz Bass / Lake Sumter**

Just 8 days later, FFC member Jim Jones reported a second 8lb. 5oz. Lake Sumter Bass taken with a Senko.

**Jim Jones / 8lbs. 5oz Bass / Lake Sumter**

January got off to an early start with FFC member Bob Buckwalter’s 8lb. 5oz. Lake Eustis Bowfin taken on January 2nd.

**Bob Buckwalter / 8lb. 5oz. Bowfin / Lake Eustis**

On January 5th, FFC member “Chip” Austin took a nice 7lb. 14oz Villages pond Bass with a swimbait.

**“Chip” Austin / 7lbs. 14oz. / Villages Pond**

On January 11th, FFC member Trevor Bailey reported his personal best Black Crappie that tipped the scales at 2lbs. 11oz.

**Trevor Bailey / 2lb. 11oz. Crappie / Lake Monroe**

This was one of 35 fish that he and FFC member Jerry Echols took on Lake Monroe.

Fish Of The Month pins will be presented at the February 14th meeting.

Thanks to all that reported and sent pics. Keep them coming.
NOTE: To stay on top of what others are doing just click on the tab marked “Fishing Forums” at the top of this page and sign up. There is page for reporting your catch, general topics, and kayak fishing.

Rob Husson

Now You See Me…..Now You Don’t

The November Fish Of The Month comes with a short but interesting story. Check this out. On November 8th I received a report from FFC member Rich Haessley. Attached was a photo of a nice 7lb. 4oz. Bass that he had taken the previous day with a Rat-L-Trap at Miona Rec. pond.

**Rich Haessly / 7lbs. 4oz. / Miona Pond**

After a quick selfie this gal was quickly released and apparently found a nice place to hide as she was not seen during the “Pro Challenge’ that was held just ten days later. Maybe she just avoids anglers that wear gray, orange, green, or red caps. Great catch Rich and a F.O.T.M. pin is headed your way.

Three additional reports worth noting came from Tom Spade with a 6lb. 14 oz. Lake Harris Bass.

**Tom Spade / 6lbs. 14oz. / Lake Harris**

Marni Strautman with a 5lb. 11oz. Lake Harris Bass.

**Marni Strautman / 5lbs. 11oz. / Lake Harris**

Len Durcholz with a 5lb. 8oz. Bonita pond Bass.

**Len Durcholz / 5lbs. 8oz. / Bonita Pond**

Thanks to all that reported and sent pics. Keep them coming.

NOTE: To stay on top of what others are doing just click on the tab marked “Fishing Forums” at the top of this page and sign up. There is page for reporting your catch, general topics, and kayak fishing.

Rob Husson

GREEN TEAM WINS!!!

Now in it’s fifth year, the 2022 “Pro Challenge” took place on Friday November 18th. Professional angler Scott Byrd’s team took top honors with a seven fish catch that tipped the scales at 9lbs. 1oz.

**Lou Benasutti, Steve Felix, Scott Byrd, Bob Knorr, Tim Doyle**

Again this year we were very fortunate to have professional photographer Ron Pearce document this fun filled event. For the full story and Ron’s outstanding photography simply click on this link. https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-4FwMJg/

Bad Day..Good Day..Same Day

Anyone that follows this blog knows that FFC members Wayne Barksdale and Trevor Bailey spend hours fishing together and more often than not there’s a story to be told at the end of every trip. I received this report from Wayne on October 18th and is best told in Wayne’s own words.
“This morning Trevor and I went to Lake Panasoffkee. When I started my boat motor the warning horn went off. Then we noticed gasoline all around the boat in the water. My fuel pump broke. We loaded up the boat and heading home I called a friend who worked on outboard motors and told me to bring it to him. He lives near lake Griffin. I left the boat with him. Trevor left and went home About 1pm my buddy called and said my boat was ready. I picked up my boat at 2pm and decided to fish Lake Griffin for a couple of hours because of the cold front moving in tonight. In about 30minutes into fishing I had 3 bass. The 3rd bass was a 9lb 8oz trophy.

**Wayne Barksdale / 9lbs. 8oz. / Lake Griffin**

I was throwing my ultra vibe speed worm..junebug red..one eighth once weigh..free line. l had pulled my worm over some pads in 4 feet of water, let the bait fall off the last pad. I never felt anything but my line was moving out and when I set the hook there was no question about what was on the end of the line. It took a while but I finally got it to boat. I got a nice picture and the bass was back in the water in good shape” A later message from Wayne stated that his catch was “Trophy Catch” approved. WTG Wayne. Another F.O.T.M. pin for your collection.

Two additional October reports worth noting came from Bob Knorr with a 5.69 lb. Lake Kissimmee catch

**Bob Knorr / 5.69lbs. / Lake Kissimmee**

and Rich Haessly with a 5lb. 4oz. Villages pond catch.

**Rich Haessly / 5lbs. 4oz. / Villages Pond**

Thanks to all that reported and sent pics. Keep them coming.

Rob Husson

The Pro Challenge 2022 Reminder

Here’s your chance to “Fish With A Pro”
Tickets will be available prior to the start of the November 8th meeting.
Date of event: Friday, November 18th, 2022 7:30AM till 1:15 PM
Teams will assemble in the Miona Rec Ctr. parking lot at the Bailey Trail end @ 7:15AM.
NOTE: Participants must be members of the Freshwater Fishing Club.
Scope:
Four teams will compete. All teams are comprised of 5 members, 4 anglers, and one score keeper.
Responsibility of the team “Captain”: decides were and when to move the team from pond to pond. (See rules)
All fish will be weighted by team members, and the weights recorded by the team’s score keeper.
The Freshwater Fishing Club will supply scales to those who require them.
Winner:
The team with the heaviest total catch will be declared the winner. All fish will be weighed.
Ponds to be fished:
#1 Miona Rec Ctr. pond, located opp Miona Rec Ctr.
#2 Poinciana neighborhood pond, located on Bailey Trail at St Charles Place.
#3 Duval pond, located on Odell Circle across from Duval Postal station.
#4 Ardson pond, located on Odell Circle at Ardson Ave. Note: golf cart parking only.
#5 Bonita pond, located on Canal St. opposite Bonita postal station.
#6 Paradise Lake (located on the historic side) includes Schwartz park, located on Aloha Way, Boone Park,located at the junction of Aloha Way and Silver Oak Ave (includes the small pond across the street) Paradise Lake, along the shore line at the Dog park to the Waterfall on 441. Please be aware that Paradise Lake is a considerable distance from Miona Rec Ctr. Approx 40minutes by golf cart.
#7 Mission Hills, Fishing along the golf cart trail only. No fishing along Morse Blvd or CR466. NOTE: this pond is small and may only hold 1 team. Golf carts only.
Weigh-in:
All participants will meet for lunch @ 1:30PM @ Codys @ Lake Sumter where the weights will be recorded, the winning team will be announced, and awards presented.
Rules:
1. Only artificial baits will be used.
2. Ponds maybe fished in any order. Fishing all ponds is optional. Teams may stay at one pond if they wish. Once a team leaves a pond they can not return to that pond.
3. Teams must fish together as a group and be within sight through out the entire event.
4. In case of a tie, the team with the heaviest fish will be break the tie.

October Meeting

Our guest speaker this month was Chuck Price from Adventure Boat Share Boating Club.

Chuck explained in detail how members can enjoy enjoy all the perks of boat ownership without any of the hassle. Also representing Adventure Boat Share was Santana Moretto who stated that you literally arrive at the docks and go.

For more information, https://www.adventureboatshare.com/
Also attending this months meeting were “Pro” Anglers Scott Byrd and Cory Smith

Both anglers shared some great tips with those in attendance.

Scott will be heading up a team at this years “Pro-Challenge” on November 18th. along with returning “Pro Anglers” Trevor Fitzgerald and Tim Frederick.

**2021 Captains Trevor Fitzgerald and Tim Frederick**

Ticket sales were brisk at the October meeting and will be available for purchase prior to the November 8th meeting.

Rob Husson

Fish Of The Month / September, 2022

Historically the month of September is not known for producing fish of notable size but with lots of patience anglers are often rewarded for their efforts. A report submitted on September 15th by FFC member Wayne Barksdale stated “Slow fishing on lake Griffin but managed a nice 5lb plus Bass”

Wayne Barksdale / 5+ lbs. / Lake Griffin

Now a 5lb. catch would definitely put a smile on any anglers face but Wayne knew that bigger fish were just waiting to be taken and just three days later, Wayne submitted a second report. “This was the kind of fishing day that you can only wish for. Cloudy day..light misty rain and a little wind. I caught bass just about every place I fished. My big bass came at 12 noon in front of Haines Creek. Of course you know what I was using. 7lb 6oz.”

Wayne Barksdale / 7lbs. 6oz. / Haines Creek

So much for September being a slow month. WTG Wayne, A catch worthy of the title “Fish Of The Month”

Lake Harris Fishing

Lake Harris Fishing Outing Recap

Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Time: 7:30AM – 2PM

Contact Name: Gene Jackson

Contact email: gene.jackson@comcast.net

FWFC members: Terry H., Larry R., Tom S., Bob M., Bob K., Steve F., Greg S., and Gene J.

FWFC Guests: None

Weather: Nice followed by unexpected wind and rain. Temperatures in the 80’s and 5 -8 MPH winds, with gusts over 20 MPH

Water: Dirty. Water temperature was 86 degrees

Results: Everyone caught fish! One boat landed 20+ bass, one boat had 8 bass, and the others all landed some fish.

What worked: Crankbaits, speed worms, wacky riggind senkos, and a few shinners. Primarily flipping grass, fishing around docks and trees, and fishing weedlines. $C:\Users\genej\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\Terry H. best fish.jpg$ $C:\Users\genej\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\Greg best fish.jpg$

Brief Recap: Seven boats were expected but one was scuttled the night before. There was a nice mix of boats, 3 from boat clubs and 3 privately owned. It was fun to have the majority of boats watching the sun rise and waiting on the blast off! With most boats heading toward Lake Harris, Greg and I decided to head under the bridge for Little Lake Harris. When we took off we were met with a wall of water! Yep I forgot to pull up the trolling motor. Little did we know that that would be first of three times Greg and I would get soaked that day! Via a group text we all kept up with what was being caught. One boat had to leave early to assist with some unforeseen family issues. As the time to meet for lunch approached, the skies were getting darker. Greg and I were back in a creek off Little Lake Harris and couldn’t see the issue due to the trees. We got a text message that “Rain is coming!” We packed up and headed toward JD Boondocks (the planned lunch location). When we came out of the mouth of the creek we were met with strong winds and rain. We made it to the dock but not before being soaked for a second time.

Only Bob K. and Gene/Greg showed up via boat. However Bob M. and Terry/Larry loaded up and came via car/truck to the restaurant. Steve F. and company decided not to make the journey to our end of the lake.

The lunch and service was good at JB Boondocks Bar N’ Grill. The company and fishing stories were even better. After lunch the smart folks headed home. Bob K., Greg, and I decided to head back out since it was clearing up. We made it to what promised to be the hot spot only to quickly find that it was just another wet spot. Yep, you guessed it, we got rained on again! Bob K. headed out. With no lighting in the area, Greg and I stayed out and picked up 3 more bass.

Thanks for all that came out. A fun day was had by all and I for one am looking forward to our next outing!

C:\Users\genej\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\Larry and Terry ready to go.jpg

C:\Users\genej\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\Tom Steenson ready to go.jpg

Jerry Lester, Webmaster