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.

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!

Jerry Lester, Webmaster

September Meeting

This meeting was not of the usual format. Instead club leaders talked to activities that they lead.

Gene Jackson

Gene discussed the Boat Owner’s club in detail, including past and future Venue. It is a new feature of the club and provides an alternative to Retention-Pond fishing for those who own their own boats and prefer to fish on lakes. Gene has planned excursions as far as 90 miles.

Bob Knoor

Bob covered the usual club activities with special emphasis on the Pro Challenge, an event which matches four teams consisting of one Pro Angler and 3 Raffle-selected club members. In addition there will be a team from the The Villages Recreation Department. This event is in great favor and receives a lot of publicity from the local newspaper, The Daily Sun.

He also mentioned an outing the Florida Bass Hatchery, which the club has done before/

Jim Jones

Next, Jim Jones discussed his many success while fishing The Villages Retention ponds. He has caught a number of Trophy Catch qualifying Bass. While not the biggest Bass caught in the retention ponds, certainly the most Trophy Catch qualifiers. Jim is eager to share his techniques at periodic clinics

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