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Caught a Trophy Suwannee Bass Fishing in Winter
Suwannee Bass Fishing in Winter Garden Fl
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The Suwannee Bass (Micropterus notius) is one of Florida's native treasures, primarily found in the clear, flowing waters of north-central Florida and southern Georgia. This smaller member of the black bass family is distinguished by its olive-brown coloration with dark vertical bars and a distinctive turquoise-blue coloring around the cheeks and belly. - Typically weighs between 1-3 pounds and measures 8-16 inches in length - Prefers limestone-based rivers with rocky bottoms and moderate current - Known for aggressive strikes and pound-for-pound fighting ability that exceeds many larger gamefish
Fishing Charter by Captain Justin Makin in December
Meet your Captain Justin Makin
- Windermere, FL premier & world class bass fishing!
Summary
Makin Big Bass Memories delivered another successful Tuesday November fishing charter on Central Florida's premier bass lakes. Captain Justin guided anglers to multiple Suwannee Bass using specialized casting and bait fishing techniques tailored to Orlando's lake systems. With perfect fall weather conditions and local knowledge of prime bass habitat, this 4-hour guided trip provided consistent action throughout the morning. The Winter Garden lakes continue to produce quality Suwannee Bass fishing opportunities with structure and cover that give these fish plenty of places to hold. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target trophy bass or a family wanting to experience authentic Florida fishing, these guided trips put you right where the action happens with all gear provided.
Fishing Charter with Justin Makin – Rates & Booking
Captain Justin of Makin Big Bass Memories on Tuesday November welcomes up to three anglers for the Florida Morning Bass Fishing Charter. This four-hour trip targets largemouth and Suwannee bass on Orlando's best lakes, including Lake Toho, Lake Kissimmee, the Butler Chain of Lakes, and the St. John's River. All necessary fishing equipment is included—rods, reels, tackle, and bait are supplied to ensure you have the proper gear for success. The charter is priced for two anglers with a $30 fee for a third guest (free for children under 10). Please note that Florida fishing licenses are required for anglers over 16 years of age. To book your bass fishing adventure with a local expert guide who knows these waters intimately, check availability and secure your spot today.
Highlights of Florida Morning Bass Fishing Charter
The 4-Hour Guided Trip with Captain Justin on Central Florida Lakes focuses on productive bass fishing in the diverse lake systems around Winter Garden and Orlando. Early morning departures take advantage of the prime feeding times when these bass are most active. Captain Justin's local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots depending on seasonal patterns, water temperatures, and weather conditions.
This charter is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced fishermen looking to refine their bass fishing techniques. You'll learn effective strategies for targeting Suwannee Bass using both casting and bait fishing approaches. The trip provides enough time to work multiple productive areas, giving you the best opportunity to experience the quality bass fishing that makes Central Florida famous among anglers.
Local Species Insights: Suwannee Bass
The Suwannee Bass is a prized catch in Central Florida's lake systems. These bass thrive in the structure-rich environments of lakes like Toho, where fallen trees, vegetation, and rocky areas provide perfect ambush points. While smaller than their largemouth cousins, Suwannee Bass are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fighting ability, making them exciting targets on light tackle.
During fall months in Winter Garden, these bass are particularly active as they feed heavily before cooler winter temperatures arrive. Captain Justin targets them using a combination of soft plastics, crankbaits, and live bait depending on the conditions. The most productive techniques often involve working lures near structure edges where these predators wait to ambush prey. What makes fishing for Suwannee Bass special in this region is the opportunity to catch multiple fish in a single outing, creating non-stop action throughout your charter.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your morning bass fishing adventure begins early to capitalize on the best bite. Captain Justin provides a fully-equipped boat with all the necessary fishing gear, so you only need to bring personal items like sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing. The boat comfortably accommodates up to three anglers with ample fishing space and safety equipment onboard.
These four-hour trips typically start around sunrise, though exact times vary seasonally to match fish activity patterns. Winter Garden's lakes offer relatively calm waters, making this trip suitable for anglers of all ages and experience levels. For the best experience, wear light, breathable clothing and non-marking shoes. Captain Justin focuses on creating a productive and educational environment, ensuring you not only catch fish but also learn techniques you can use on future fishing trips.
Fishing in Orlando, FL: Suwannee Bass
The Suwannee Bass (Micropterus notius) is a distinctive member of the Centrarchidae family within the order Perciformes. This smaller cousin of the more widely known largemouth bass features an olive to brown coloration with dark vertical bars and a signature turquoise-blue hue around the cheeks and belly. In Winter Garden waters this November, these native Florida treasures provide exciting action for anglers seeking something different from the typical bass fishing experience.
Suwannee Bass Overview
The Suwannee Bass is a smaller black bass species endemic to Florida and small portions of southern Georgia. Highly prized by anglers for its aggressive fighting ability despite its modest size, this species represents one of Florida's unique freshwater fishing opportunities. Their limited range makes them a special catch for those fishing Central Florida's connected waterways.
Suwannee Bass Habitat and Distribution
Though traditionally associated with the Suwannee River system in north Florida, these bass have established populations in various Central Florida lakes and connected waterways. They prefer areas with structure such as limestone outcroppings, submerged logs, and rocky bottoms. In the Winter Garden area, they're often found around vegetated areas with some current or flow, particularly near lake inflows and outflows.
Suwannee Bass Size and Weight
Suwannee Bass typically range from 8 to 16 inches in length and weigh between 1 and 3 pounds. While smaller than their largemouth relatives, their aggressive nature and pound-for-pound fighting ability make them a thrilling catch on light tackle. A 2-pound Suwannee Bass is considered an excellent catch, while specimens approaching 3 pounds are trophy-class fish.
Suwannee Bass Diet and Behavior
These bass are opportunistic predators that primarily feed on crayfish, small fish, and various aquatic insects. They tend to be structure-oriented, using cover to ambush prey rather than actively chasing in open water. Their feeding is most aggressive during dawn and dusk periods, making early morning fishing particularly productive on guided trips.
Suwannee Bass Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs in spring when water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low 70s. Males create and guard nests in areas with firm bottoms near protective cover. During this period, they become extremely territorial and will strike lures that approach their nests, making spring an excellent time for sight-fishing these bass in clearer Central Florida waters.
Suwannee Bass Fishing Techniques
Light tackle is ideal for Suwannee Bass, with 6-8 pound test line and medium-light action rods providing the best experience. Small soft plastic crawfish imitations, 3-4 inch finesse worms, and compact crankbaits are highly effective. In November, Winter Garden anglers find success targeting rocky areas and submerged timber along lake edges where these bass congregate as water temperatures cool. Slow-rolling spinnerbaits along structure edges is particularly effective during fall months.
Suwannee Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Suwannee Bass offer mild, white flesh with excellent flavor and firm texture. They're considered good table fare when properly prepared, typically by filleting and cooking methods that preserve moisture like baking or grilling with light seasoning. However, many anglers practice catch-and-release with this species due to their limited range and special status among Florida's native bass species.
Suwannee Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Suwannee Bass?
A: Crayfish imitations like small jigs with creature baits work exceptionally well, as do 3-4 inch finesse worms in natural colors (green pumpkin, watermelon, etc.). Live crayfish and small shiners are excellent natural bait options.
Q: Where can I find Suwannee Bass near Winter Garden?
A: Focus on areas with structure like submerged timber, limestone outcroppings, and vegetated edges with some current flow. Connected waterways between lakes often hold good populations, especially around structures that create ambush points.
Q: Is Suwannee Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, they have white, flaky meat with a mild flavor. However, many anglers practice catch and release due to their limited range and special status among Florida's native bass species.
Q: When is the best time to catch Suwannee Bass?
A: Early morning and late evening typically provide the best action. Seasonally, spring offers excellent opportunities during spawn, while fall provides consistent action as fish feed heavily before winter. November is an excellent time as they become more active in cooling waters.
Q: How do I tell a Suwannee Bass from other bass species?
A: Look for the distinctive turquoise-blue coloration around the cheeks and belly, along with their wide upper jaw that extends beyond the eye. They also have more defined vertical bars than largemouth bass and a more streamlined body shape.
Q: What tackle should I use for Suwannee Bass?
A: Light to medium-light spinning tackle with 6-8 pound test line is ideal. This provides the sensitivity needed to detect subtle strikes while allowing you to enjoy their impressive fighting ability.
