I have fished Toho, Johns Lake, The Winter Haven and Lake Easy with good results. The biggest bass recently was in the 8# category with several in the 6# range. Toho has been producing good numbers on shiners and the last two young men I guided did well. They boated 15 bass, two pickerel and missed several bites.
Easy is a good name for the lake just north of Crooked lake. Although the sizes of the bass are not huge, they are scrappers. The last three outings on Easy produced catches of 30 to 35 boated bass. They ranged from 1 1/2 to 4 # and are a joy to catch and release. Wacky rigs and Carolina rigs will usually make for an exciting trip. These were all half day trips.
The Winter Haven Chain has been very good using shiners. I usually start on Summit and then move to Winterset. The smaller of the large sized shiners work best with the medium-large size also working. When using large shiners, you don’t want the huge shiners and when using mediums, you don’t want extremely small shiners. Trolling the shiners has worked best, but if you locate bass, anchor up and fish with a cork for a while. These lakes have clearer water and are very productive when using artificial baits. Wacky rigs work well and for some of the weedy areas, a Texas rig will put the bait where you need it without many hangups.
We will be back in the Fall and look forward to guiding customers on the various lakes in Central Florida. If you are coming North, consider a fishing trip in the New York, Finger Lakes area. We guide on several of the lakes and enjoy having folks visit the upstate region. Visit our New York site at mudlines.com
Good fishing.
Frank