It’s long been known as a feast-or-famine fishery, and Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes has certainly held true to form so far this year.
While the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit event in February had some big weights at the top, it dwindled quickly not far down the standings. Fortunately, with the grass coming in strong and fish transitioning postspawn, locals like Tyler Sheppard say there should be some feasting on tap when the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Gator Division heads to the Harris Chain on April 11.
What to expect
Sheppard didn’t sugarcoat it when asked how the Harris Chain has been fishing this year.
“It’s had good days and bad,” said the local. “Earlier this year, it was definitely more bad than good. I don’t think the big ones went anywhere. They just didn’t seem to be as confined to one lake or area like in past years.”
Good news is that’s about to change.
There was a big cold snap just before what Sheppard feels would have been the biggest wave of spawners. That delayed them and combined them with the following wave. And now with both waves done, there should be a massive group of postspawn fish preparing to move offshore and group up.
Where are they going to group up? Well, shell beds can be an “every-cast deal” this time of year if a pro pulls up at the right time. However, they’re limited, and Sheppard isn’t sure the fish will get on them just yet.
Instead, he feels offshore grass will be huge in this event.
“Wherever the grass has grown really well, that’s where they’ll go,” Sheppard said. “It changes every year depending on weather or if it gets sprayed. But finding that good, offshore grass is where you’ll find the better fish. Because that’s where they want to be.”
In years with less early grass growth, Sheppard noted that the fish tend to stay shallower longer, hunkering down around Kissimmee grass, reeds and pads. But right now, things seem on track for some lush submerged vegetation to play a big role in this event.
Baits to bring
With grass being the main focus for most, staples like vibrating jigs, big worms and swimbaits will all be huge players this event, as anglers will need to cover plenty of water.
“That’s probably the most frustrating thing is pros are going to find some great-looking grass loaded with fish; and then they’ll find more just like it, but there won’t be any fish in it,” Sheppard said. “It will be about covering water to find where that school is in the grass.”
The wild card is those opting to use forward-facing sonar, which tends to happen in Lake Beauclair. Sheppard said the lake always has a healthy population of big fish, and he wouldn’t be surprised to see someone staring at their screen and utilizing jighead minnows and glide baits for their allotted three hours with the technology.
What will it take?
Sheppard has no doubt pros are going to have sore thumbs by the time this event is over, as catching fish shouldn’t be a problem. It’s just a matter of finding a way to catch five of the right ones. However, someone always does, especially in a one-day event.
“The chain has a pedigree that it takes over 25 to win most any tournament,” Sheppard said. “I don’t see anything changing there. So, I’m thinking 25 to 26 pounds to win.”