In the January issue of Florida Sportsman Magazine, writer Vance McCullough relates valuable observations on late winter/early spring bass fishing in Central Florida. He picked up lots of good insight during the Bassmaster Classic, held in February 2006 on Lake Tohopekaliga, one of the Kissimmee Chain of lakes south of Orlando. See "On the Bass Beat," page 168.

Here are additional notes from the lakes.

Preston Clark--who later landed a Classic-record 11-pound, 10-ounce whopper-- started the event with this 9-pounder in the livewell before the sun came up.

If you look at what worked in last year's Classic, you see a pretty solid cross-section of effective spring bass techniques. Not to mention a concise playbook for the sprawling waters that make up the Kissimmee Chain.

As testament to the numbers of lunker bass that swim in these four lakes, the ‘06 Classic saw numerous records fall. Though he ended the tournament in sixth place, on day one, Preston Clark of Palatka caught the largest single bass in Classic history at 11 pounds, 10 ounces. The second-largest fish in his creel tipped the scales at 9 pounds. It, too, was heavier than the old record of 8 pounds, 9 ounces.

Clark’s five bass weighed 29 pounds, 1 ounce, and would have been a new record heaviest one-day Classic catch if not for eventual winner Luke Clausen’s first-day stringer (29 pound, 6 ounces). Clausen’s winning weight of 56 pounds, 2 ounces also set a new mark for heaviest Classic total in the five-fish-limit era. Indeed, the Kissimmee Chain holds the bass of your dreams--along with many of her identical twins.

The Classic showcased some new lures and techniques, as well as new twists on some old presentations.

Lake Clausen's Classic moment, taking the 2006 Bassmaster trophy, and half a million dollars, on the Kissimmee Chain.

Innovative Plastics

Luke Clausen’s winning lure was a Mann’s Hard Nose worm – a new version of an old favorite that features a more solid grade of plastic in its head so it won’t slip down the shank and impede the hookset. The rest of the worm is as supple as ever. This provides obvious advantages in the weed-choked waters found throughout the Florida peninsula. In fact, it was his ability to dig around the roots of pads that allowed Clausen to feel slick sand that indicated a potential bass bed. At that point he would slow the lure even more to further entice any fish in the vicinity. The technique would have been much more difficult to execute with a conventional worm that balls up over the hook point upon excessive bottom contact.

Arkansas’s Ron Shuffield rode a toad all the way to third place. These soft topwaters earn major strikes, especially over thick vegetation. Shuffield believes he had the bites to win, but only hooked three of the 13 bass that blew up on his bait the final day. The poor hookup ratio is a very common problem with frogs. It may be the prime reason some anglers elected not to throw them.

Clausen's weapon of choice, the Hard Nose Worm on sturdy baitcasting gear.

Blending Techniques

Blending two techniques into one gameplan helped some competitors make efficient use of their time on the water. Randy Howell of Alabama said, “I’m sight fishing, going from bed-to-bed, but between beds I’m throwing the frog and a lot of fish will come up and eat it on these lakes.” As for color, “Junebug is hard to beat here.”

Elbow Room

The secret to second-place finisher Rick Morris' outstanding catches in the '06 Classic was location. He had an area to himself. In Florida, you generally fish in a crowd or settle for a lackluster fishing spot. Morris did neither. Prior to the tournament he mentioned, “Whoever wins is not going to be alone - unless it’s me. I’ve found a little place off to the side.” Indeed, he had elbow room – an increasingly rare commodity anywhere in Florida.

Soft-plastic "toads" and the innovative Chatterbaits figured heavily in the plans of many pros.

Access Options

LAKE TOHO

There are a few good places to dunk your rig on Lake Toho. The most notable is Kissimmee Lakefront Park, which is the host site for all big tournaments on the entire chain. The state maintains a six-lane ramp, breakwater, docks, and parking for at least 75 rigs. Big Toho Marina, located next door, is a great place to grab a hot breakfast and any fishing supplies you might need.

Area hotels offer lodging options ranging from economical to extravagant. To reach the park, from Highway 17/92, go east two blocks on East Ruby to North Lakeshore Boulevard. Turn right and the ramp is 0.3 mile ahead.

On the west side of Toho, Granada Boat Ramp can accommodate 30 rigs. From Highway 531 (Pleasant Hill Road) take Granada Boulevard east to the lake.

South Port Park Access sits near the S-61 lock on the south end of the lake. It is a good launch point for anyone wanting to run to Cypress Lake via the South Port Canal. With ample parking, it also boasts covered picnic tables, grills, a pavilion, a playground, restrooms, and drinking water. From Pleasant Hill Road, drive east 5.7 miles on South Port Road and you’re there.

Whaley’s Landing is a no-frills access point on the south-east side of Toho, south of the town of St. Cloud. From Highway 441, take Kissimmee Park Road south for 4.5 miles to a left turn onto Lake Tohopekaliga Road. Make a left at the public access sign and proceed 1.4 miles to the landing.

Partin Triangle Park is located on the C-31 canal, east of the lake. It features restrooms, covered picnic tables, and a playground. From 441 go west on Kissimmee Park Road and then west on Neptune Road (Highway 525) to the park.

LAKE KISSIMMEE

Lake Kissimme State Park is situated on the west side of the big lake. It’s quite a haul from this site to the resorts in the town of Kissimmee. No problem, bring the tent and, for a nominal fee, stay at one of 60 campsites. Amenities include restrooms, concession store, canoe rentals, pavilion, picnic tables, grills, observation tower and nature trails.

From Highway 60, go 3.7 miles north on Boy Scout Road to a right turn onto Camp Mack Road. Drive 5.6 miles to the park entrance, and be prepared to pay the entry fee.

Long docks and plenty of parking await anglers at Overstreet Landing on the east side of the lake. Covered picnic tables, grills and restrooms are also available. Follow the public boat ramp sign at Joe Overstreet Road from Highway 523. Go 5.2 miles to the lake.

Spartan facilities exist at two ramps located near one-another on the south end at the Lock S-65 and spillway. One of them offers direct access to the Kissimmee River, where Rick Morris nearly won the Bassmaster Classic. Off Highway 60 west of the Kissimmee River bridge, turn south on a rough dirt road and find the two accesses which offer parking for 12 and 20 rigs, respectively.