Tilapia is mostly caught by fishermen using the nets as they are not easy to catch through angling. The opinions expressed in the getaway ideas, Floridians' Favorites and readers' comments do not necessarily represent those of VISIT FLORIDA.

This year's winter freeze killed megatons of tilapia in central Florida, where Lois and I . A jig tipped with a plastic crayfish is one of the best lure choices when bass are in tight cover. You will know it is spawning time when you see perfectly circular and deep, dish-sized holes. Successful anglers often drift through deeper water, fishing with small minnows or freshwater grass shrimp until they find a school. On the Big “O” fish relate to these grasses year round and a spoon is the next best thing to live bait for catching these giants that have made Lake Okeechobee famous.

Redbellies are more common in rivers than bluegill, and often can be found in backwater areas with less flow. Crappie weighing up to two pounds are not uncommon. Any of the above baits fished near a lantern or floodlight can produce nice stringers. Roger I also like to move the bait to the edge of the bed or along the drop-off of the bed.

Although spotted sunfish rarely exceed eight inches, this feisty species provides great sport on light tackle. Bait Fish For Snapper, Grouper, Tuna and Snook. Fresh … The most common panfish, thrives in lakes and ponds, but good populations are found in rivers, particularly below dams. During this time the Tilapia's can actually be caught on small crankbait lures and small crappie jigs. O. mossambicus typically are darker colored from gray to […] Many times I use my fly rod with a pea or piece of corn as my fly. fluorocarbon as my line with no leader. The chances of catching them are pretty high, and you can easily get them. Hook sizes should be # 4 or smaller. For freelining, it’s best to pass the hook through the base of the tail. Most crappie fishing occurs in the cooler months, but anglers who fish into the summer do very well, especially at night.VISIT FLORIDA® is the Official Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation. The history of peacock bass in Florida dates back over half a century. I have found mornings as the sun is coming up and evenings as the sun is going down to be very good. Then for a few days, chum the lake or pond with the canned peas and corn in the area you see the fish. Tilapia – Oreochromis Description: O. aureus is the blue tilapia (pictured at right). watched alligators, vultures and wild pigs feasting on dead tilapia that littered the shorelines. Tilapia stay suspended so keeping the bait in front of them is key. Specks move inshore to spawn during the early spring, sometimes gathering in large numbers around heavy cover.