You may not know that Doug Hannon, the Bass Professor, years ago said the central area of Florida (120 mile radius of Tampa) was the likliest place in Florida to catch a monster bass. Why? Simply because the water to the north gets too cold and the growing season is less, while the water in the south (Okeechobee), gets to hot and the fish grow faster but don't live as long. Central Florida is kind of the "Goldilocks" area. Just right. I live in Sebring and fish all the small to mid-size lakes you're referring to and you're absolutely correct! There are some real monsters in many of these lakes, and most (outside of Istokpoga) are not heavily fished. Lake Glenada and Lake Lotela have both produced many 9-10-11 and one 12 pound bass, not to mention the hundreds of bass over 5 pounds that I've caught in the last 20 years. You may not remember me, but I intervewed you for a column I used to write for the local newspaper. I've followed you for years and I think you make some of the most educational, interesting and humorous video's on RUclips. Keep em' coming........
Those lakes mentioned suck these days. There is almost ZERO grass and nothing but nasty, toxic water (don't believe me, just stand in the water for a minute and you will feeling a slight burning sensation within minutes from the chemicals). Can you still catch fish on occasion? Sure, but anglers who actually fish these lakes regularly these days know they're brutal compared to years ago.
@@kevinflabouyfishing5739 I have heard the same, a combination of hurricane and spraying, nothing left in the mud to sprout if they did stop the spraying. That used to be my favorite lake.
@@kevinflabouyfishing5739 there is a company up here in NE Alabama that does a lot of spraying down there in FL. I talked to one of the employees on Guntersville about a year ago. He said at times they are down there for weeks at a time spraying. I told him I grew up down there in Jupiter. He wanted me to apply for a job being they were short handed and I knew my way around down there. I said nope I like lakes with grass.
I live in PSL and went to lake june for the second time trying to chase my PB. Caught her off a sunken boat at 9lbs even. 12 pound head but she was sporting a full summer bod. Thanks for the advice brother! Youre still helping people make memories years after the vid came out
Again I am typing. I watch your videos more then Scott Martin, Jacob Wheeler and Mark Daniels Jr.. I do watch their videos but I always return to yours. Great job Mickey. Keep it up, You are better than the pros. Roger again from Florida.
So dope! I’m headed down there for work tomorrow dragging the boat hopefully I get some of your bigguns! Keep up the good work PS I know this is an older video
Since retiring to central Florida (Citrus County, yeah you’ve been here. Love to know next time you visit 44 Tackle) I’ve broken my PB 4 times. Still waiting on that double digit. Just missed it by ounces twice. That next “tap” could be it and I can die a happy old man
The smallest ponds in Florida can hold some monsters. The little ponds/lakes in gated communities have some absolute beasts in them because there is no public access.
It definitely isn't Kansas. A five pounder we get excited about. Florida texas and cali are my retirement destination someday I just want to rotate between them every spring until I die lol here's to dreams ! Cheers Mikey
Growing up in Tampa are used to travel a little bit north and fish Lake Panasoffkee and the Withlacoochee River that’s where I caught my PB of 9 pounds love the videos keep up the good work
Central Florida big bass fishing is no joke. Over the last 10 years I’ve caught a 12, three 10’s, and over a dozen 8’s and I only get to fish 2-3 times per month
mikeybalzz fishing no doubt my friend, I enjoy your channel and of course the MONDO’S but mostly I love the content with emphasis on the importance of scanning, it’s those lessons I enjoy watching a lot, thank you for all that you do and share with us man !!
I’m from San Diego Aint no bass that size here but I keep on trying out lakes out here... lol thanks for all the tips...always watching your videos blog...
So glad I found this channel a few months back bro. It was made for me man 🤙 im comin down to jupiter here in a week. Bringing the boat with me, I know it will be a drive but where are some of these lakes at, if you dont mind? I just want a good shot at a monster man. Is there a go to bait i should have on deck?
I made it down here man. Hit okeechobee today. Didnt catch anything. Tough day. I dont blank often. Sorry for bothering you bro. You mentioned Sebring . Lake Jackson worth fishing
Florida fishing California Louisiana have the biggest bass in USA my fishing experience opinion Welcome Florida bro great fishing. Great content just hope no one goes there decides clean it out keep them 🎣
Can you say: jaw droppin’? Very familiar with Sebring. My kids were born there, but never thought to fish there. Keep up the good work and keep dem’ bangers coming! #RealFishing
i've been running some of the shimano slx reels and staring to play with the daiwas both are good but i woulnd't call them anti backlash. just got to get them dialed in.
This is so awesome i live in lake placid. Love fishing here. Pb is right under 12 and was caught in north sebring. Caught it on the frog. Would be sweet to bump into you around here at the boat ramp or something.
That was a really great video Mikey!!!!! You really great at taking it step by step so we can see how graphing, and bait choice, rod, line and reel work together. How do you fish for those deep fish that lurk around 20 to 25 feet?
I knew it lol. I live right here in lake placid love your videos man. Super educational. I should've turned around and said hi. Catch some tanks man down here bud. Would love to bump into you on the water or be able to fish with you one day. 🤙🤙🤙
Swing by hartzells meat market in lake placid. It's my dad's store. Butchershop and catering business. I'll hook you up bud. Have some killer mahi mahi fish dip and all kinds of stuff we make homemade up here.
Had a fish do 3 serious flips and I said after the 2nd if she jumps three times, she'll get off and she did. Still had a blast cuz I had already landed 3 nice fish in my first 15 casts. Hit my PB, 6.5 lbs in that same spot early August. Probably caught 25-30 lbs that day. Serious props on those fish bro, EPIC!
@@mikeybalzz yeah it was but still thinking about the 10-12 pounder I missed on a frog lure. The tail was about the size of both of my hands! Sawhill Ponds, Colorado
I fish Thursday nighters out of Jacksonville/ Fleming island and the saint johns is a mystery to me as well I have had some awesome days and more days that have made wonder why I bass fish lol. I will tell you if you don’t have side imaging and you fish the saint johns get it because if you can’t find fish where it looks like they should and can’t find the shell beds your gonna struggle.
How do you feel about lake county florida lakes? Yah i'm definitely moving to florida later in life. like you said it's cheating, the conditions are awesome year round, the vegetation is there, it's bass paradise.
Ahhhhh Sebring....I’ve been there about 20 yrs ago, but not for fishing. Lol My bro in law, found this weekend pkg deal for golf village. We had a blast, and it was hot, probably why we got such a great deal. I’m back up living in Atlanta now, but would love to take a trip down there again and fish this time! LOL
Mikey loving that sunblock but just curious no buff??? I've gotta have multiple cancers tested from my dermatologist yearly so I understand you will be fishing long as roland martin has I'm sure
Ready for the fall weather, and the fall bite. It's been hot and rainy...Any chance for a after heavy rain video? maybe new helpful tips? As always thanks for the reply
@@kevinflabouyfishing5739 i'll be honest man i haven't shot video in the rain much lately just becuase it's such a hassle and troublesome to get audio.
This is amazing, would love to be able to visit there and get into some of those monsters! Thanks man, enjoy your videos and appreciate your ability to find and catch fish and share your videos with us!
I noticed you weren't using live scope. I live in central florida, Lakeland. Not to far from Sebring. When you only have one graph on the console. I hate hds live 7. When you mark big fish. How do you line up to hit them with that situation? Thanks in advance
i'll have to hit that area next time i have to bring art to my gallery in Naples! an as you now gainesville area is better than it has been since the 80s-90s...
What lake is that? I am in Palm Bay right by Headwaters Lake. Lmk if we can fish together because I want my FL PB. NJ PB is 6.5lbs. On the real let me know whats up.
Hey. Great videos. I'll be going to guntersville the week of oct 19. Where is the best place to punch or fish around grass??? By the comer bridge area?? I'm taking my young son and would like to atleast be in the ballpark with it. Lol. Keep it up. Great shows.
i kept forgetting to put the drain in. i only drop them in there for a minute to grab the other cam. just don't want to keep them out of the water the whole time.
I always love your vids, we are now going into prespawn/spawn/post spawn in South Africa. I am fishing a pressured dam but it has giants in it over 4kg. what are your tips?
They do pull an I do love um but this past march I caught my pb tidal river smallmouth bag on sus jerkbaits no less duuuude them mofos pull man love ur videos keepn it real
Love the channel, I live in okeechobee and would love to fish some lakes over towards Sebring. Can you recommend a lake to target that may be more protected from the wind? I fish out of a J16 Carolina skiff and once the wind picks up in okeechobee I’m pretty much stuck fishing the rim ditch. I’m a lifelong saltwater fisherman and have been bass fishing for the past year or so since moving out to okeechobee. Thanks in advance any tips/tricks/areas would be greatly appreciated.
You may not know that Doug Hannon, the Bass Professor, years ago said the central area of Florida (120 mile radius of Tampa) was the likliest place in Florida to catch a monster bass. Why? Simply because the water to the north gets too cold and the growing season is less, while the water in the south (Okeechobee), gets to hot and the fish grow faster but don't live as long. Central Florida is kind of the "Goldilocks" area. Just right. I live in Sebring and fish all the small to mid-size lakes you're referring to and you're absolutely correct! There are some real monsters in many of these lakes, and most (outside of Istokpoga) are not heavily fished. Lake Glenada and Lake Lotela have both produced many 9-10-11 and one 12 pound bass, not to mention the hundreds of bass over 5 pounds that I've caught in the last 20 years.
You may not remember me, but I intervewed you for a column I used to write for the local newspaper. I've followed you for years and I think you make some of the most educational, interesting and humorous video's on RUclips. Keep em' coming........
The fwc spray killed iskapoga I've heard, no forage and super shallow
Those lakes mentioned suck these days. There is almost ZERO grass and nothing but nasty, toxic water (don't believe me, just stand in the water for a minute and you will feeling a slight burning sensation within minutes from the chemicals). Can you still catch fish on occasion? Sure, but anglers who actually fish these lakes regularly these days know they're brutal compared to years ago.
@@kevinflabouyfishing5739 I have heard the same, a combination of hurricane and spraying, nothing left in the mud to sprout if they did stop the spraying. That used to be my favorite lake.
@@kevinflabouyfishing5739 there is a company up here in NE Alabama that does a lot of spraying down there in FL. I talked to one of the employees on Guntersville about a year ago. He said at times they are down there for weeks at a time spraying. I told him I grew up down there in Jupiter. He wanted me to apply for a job being they were short handed and I knew my way around down there. I said nope I like lakes with grass.
like for Doug Hannon. R.I.P.
I live in PSL and went to lake june for the second time trying to chase my PB. Caught her off a sunken boat at 9lbs even. 12 pound head but she was sporting a full summer bod. Thanks for the advice brother! Youre still helping people make memories years after the vid came out
I was there this morning fiahing its my favorite lake post hurricane fishing. First say out since Milton.
When your back around the area… let’s go!
Again I am typing. I watch your videos more then Scott Martin, Jacob Wheeler and Mark Daniels Jr.. I do watch their videos but I always return to yours. Great job Mickey. Keep it up, You are better than the pros. Roger again from Florida.
So dope! I’m headed down there for work tomorrow dragging the boat hopefully I get some of your bigguns! Keep up the good work PS I know this is an older video
You fishing Lake June? or Lake Placid?
It works I caught my pb following Mikey he don’t lie !!!!
Lol, thanks Mike for letting the cat out of the bag. The 90s hotel on the east side is the perfect place to park your boat in the water.
Bringing in the monsters!!!
Josephine creek, never fails me over, Arbuckle or Kissimee.
Great vid brother
Lake June. Huge bass
Since retiring to central Florida (Citrus County, yeah you’ve been here. Love to know next time you visit 44 Tackle) I’ve broken my PB 4 times. Still waiting on that double digit. Just missed it by ounces twice. That next “tap” could be it and I can die a happy old man
should be there short bit in august. that dd is there man, good luck!
Those bass are built like Bog! Solid!
You’re the man
incredible off shore fishing! was that Placid?
Reviewing my past comments. I know you are not fishing Lake Jackson. Whats wrong with that lake? I would like to know..
I saying it now you are a legend bro no one's does it better or constantly like you mad props
Lots of guys are way better anglers, they just don't choose to show everyone on video and put our local lakes on blast.
You know I guide in all those lakes in that area. We love it here. Great video
Awesome video mikey !
thanks man!
Always fun to watch your videos, love the great hook sets, that’s the way to stick em!
Did he say 49lb 5 fish bag?that's legendary for real..for real for real
That was common (and even bigger bags) for many other local anglers before he exploited and ruined the lake.
The smallest ponds in Florida can hold some monsters. The little ponds/lakes in gated communities have some absolute beasts in them because there is no public access.
It definitely isn't Kansas. A five pounder we get excited about. Florida texas and cali are my retirement destination someday I just want to rotate between them every spring until I die lol here's to dreams ! Cheers Mikey
that would be an awesome way to ride thru the spring!
@@mikeybalzz I'll see you there!
Growing up in Tampa are used to travel a little bit north and fish Lake Panasoffkee and the Withlacoochee River that’s where I caught my PB of 9 pounds love the videos keep up the good work
Nice!!
Central Florida big bass fishing is no joke. Over the last 10 years I’ve caught a 12, three 10’s, and over a dozen 8’s and I only get to fish 2-3 times per month
solid!
mikeybalzz have you ever fished Lake June in Winter near Lake Placid? If so, any good? My parents are interested in buying a lake house around there.
@@logans6263 that's where this is
I can’t imagine the hours you have scanning those lakes man, someday I want to make it to Florida and fish some of those waters.
yeah i've put a lot of time in on the graph but when the rewards looks like that 👆 it's totally worth it!
mikeybalzz fishing no doubt my friend, I enjoy your channel and of course the MONDO’S but mostly I love the content with emphasis on the importance of scanning, it’s those lessons I enjoy watching a lot, thank you for all that you do and share with us man !!
@@sonnygreen9698 appreciate the nice words dude and the support on the vids 👊👊
WOW!! I have to do a road trip those were giants man...
That 49lb bag was insane! Would love to see you showcase Rodman, Awesome lake
Dude! Dream day. Wow just wow bravo homie
I’m from San Diego Aint no bass that size here but I keep on trying out lakes out here... lol thanks for all the tips...always watching your videos blog...
Great video Mikey !!!
thanks man!
Crushed them.
So glad I found this channel a few months back bro. It was made for me man 🤙 im comin down to jupiter here in a week. Bringing the boat with me, I know it will be a drive but where are some of these lakes at, if you dont mind? I just want a good shot at a monster man. Is there a go to bait i should have on deck?
All around Sebring in Highlands County.
@@mikeybalzz thank you bro
I made it down here man. Hit okeechobee today. Didnt catch anything. Tough day. I dont blank often. Sorry for bothering you bro. You mentioned Sebring . Lake Jackson worth fishing
@@kylemattix5561 yeah that place is fun there's a lot of small ones but there's some bigs out there too
Florida fishing California Louisiana have the biggest bass in USA my fishing experience opinion Welcome Florida bro great fishing. Great content just hope no one goes there decides clean it out keep them 🎣
SO DOPE!! You always put out awesome content!! I miss fishing in VIRGINIA thats my home!! Had to move to Delaware and the bass fishing SUCKS HERE!!!
And that’s why I subscribe bro!
Balzz back at it again with another banger🔥
Can you say: jaw droppin’? Very familiar with Sebring. My kids were born there, but never thought to fish there. Keep up the good work and keep dem’ bangers coming! #RealFishing
These girls put the feed bag on! haha classic line.
Put a stinger hook on the spoon to get more of them sows in the boat
Any recommendations of an anti backlash bait caster?
i've been running some of the shimano slx reels and staring to play with the daiwas both are good but i woulnd't call them anti backlash. just got to get them dialed in.
Hey Bog! Dude that was an epic vid. Between you and JT suggesting that I come to central Florida or the Space Coast, I can’t make up my mind. Love it.
This is so awesome i live in lake placid. Love fishing here. Pb is right under 12 and was caught in north sebring. Caught it on the frog. Would be sweet to bump into you around here at the boat ramp or something.
I'm sure you will, I'm always tooling around when I'm down there.
@@mikeybalzz sweet deal. Tight lines brotha
Love the sonar breakdown. And the big fish catches are all right too i guess 😉
😂👊
That was a really great video Mikey!!!!! You really great at taking it step by step so we can see how graphing, and bait choice, rod, line and reel work together. How do you fish for those deep fish that lurk around 20 to 25 feet?
some of he same ways but i might up the lure weight.
Are you still fishing out of your old boat. Thought I just passed you on 27 between lake placid and sebring
Yes sir that was me
I knew it lol. I live right here in lake placid love your videos man. Super educational. I should've turned around and said hi. Catch some tanks man down here bud. Would love to bump into you on the water or be able to fish with you one day. 🤙🤙🤙
Swing by hartzells meat market in lake placid. It's my dad's store. Butchershop and catering business. I'll hook you up bud. Have some killer mahi mahi fish dip and all kinds of stuff we make homemade up here.
@@axeflboi will do man, have actually had a couple buddy's tell me i needed to stop in there!
@@mikeybalzz that'd be awesome. Stop by sometime bud.
Had a fish do 3 serious flips and I said after the 2nd if she jumps three times, she'll get off and she did. Still had a blast cuz I had already landed 3 nice fish in my first 15 casts. Hit my PB, 6.5 lbs in that same spot early August. Probably caught 25-30 lbs that day. Serious props on those fish bro, EPIC!
that's a helluva day!
@@mikeybalzz yeah it was but still thinking about the 10-12 pounder I missed on a frog lure. The tail was about the size of both of my hands! Sawhill Ponds, Colorado
So your back in Florida let’s go man help me with the st johns river
Don't go St John's. go too Dr lake or lake asbury ive done better out at those lakes vs river and its currents as well
I fish Thursday nighters out of Jacksonville/ Fleming island and the saint johns is a mystery to me as well I have had some awesome days and more days that have made wonder why I bass fish lol. I will tell you if you don’t have side imaging and you fish the saint johns get it because if you can’t find fish where it looks like they should and can’t find the shell beds your gonna struggle.
Awesome video bro
Bro u kill it everytime
How do you feel about lake county florida lakes? Yah i'm definitely moving to florida later in life. like you said it's cheating, the conditions are awesome year round, the vegetation is there, it's bass paradise.
another great area, i'm just bias to sebring with my parents being there and having put so much time in to fishing around there.
Great video Mikey. What a day on the water. Those were some awesome fish. Love your channel. Keep up the. good work.
thanks Rick!!!
Ahhhhh Sebring....I’ve been there about 20 yrs ago, but not for fishing. Lol My bro in law, found this weekend pkg deal for golf village. We had a blast, and it was hot, probably why we got such a great deal. I’m back up living in Atlanta now, but would love to take a trip down there again and fish this time! LOL
No smallies in FL tho...
true
Another great video. Thanks for the tips bro..
Great video as always! I need to beat 14.2
that's a monsta!!!
Hey Mikey I live in the Sebring area and fish a lot of lake around there but I don’t recognize the lake your on. What is the name of it?
Yessir great video bro. Always killin it. 👊
Which lake where you on? June?
Which lake you fishing Sebring
Mikey loving that sunblock but just curious no buff??? I've gotta have multiple cancers tested from my dermatologist yearly so I understand you will be fishing long as roland martin has I'm sure
i got my buff but i get lazy about pullin it up, i need to be better about that.
Ready for the fall weather, and the fall bite. It's been hot and rainy...Any chance for a after heavy rain video? maybe new helpful tips? As always thanks for the reply
@@kevinflabouyfishing5739 i'll be honest man i haven't shot video in the rain much lately just becuase it's such a hassle and troublesome to get audio.
This is amazing, would love to be able to visit there and get into some of those monsters! Thanks man, enjoy your videos and appreciate your ability to find and catch fish and share your videos with us!
I noticed you weren't using live scope. I live in central florida, Lakeland. Not to far from Sebring. When you only have one graph on the console. I hate hds live 7. When you mark big fish. How do you line up to hit them with that situation? Thanks in advance
Hookset at 11:38 was so awkward lol loved it
it happens 😂
Great fishing. Would love it if the Big "G" had giants like that in those quantities. Can still catch'em, just not in those quantities anymore.
i hear that, i've heard the stories from back in the day and it sounds like it was insane!!!
Amigo Central Florida
is it hurricane ally
all of florida is hurricane alley
Great video
What lake in Sebring? Lake Jackson?
Lake June
yes sir
We had early spawn this year. It was late January
How about a list of the lakes in the Sebring area?
Here's a whole guide for the area visitsebring.com/wp-content/uploads/LakesFishingGuideFINAL-NoCrops.pdf
Amazing video!
And i know this lake lol
BALLSMACKIN’🤙🏻
😂
What lake exactly was this?
Awesome awesome catches this is why I love Mikey balzz fishing videos they never disappoint
Hey bro. Awesome vid. What baits were you using other than the jig?
jtk hair jig, a nichols ben parker spoon, and i think i threw a swimbait a little but didn't get any video of it.
What lake was that
chawwwwwwww bro dudeeeeeee
i'll have to hit that area next time i have to bring art to my gallery in Naples! an as you now gainesville area is better than it has been since the 80s-90s...
Is this lake Jackson in Sebring?
no
What lake is that? I am in Palm Bay right by Headwaters Lake. Lmk if we can fish together because I want my FL PB. NJ PB is 6.5lbs. On the real let me know whats up.
Sunscreen make u look like jack frost
that's cold bro
mikeybalzz fishing i love u more
Hey. Great videos. I'll be going to guntersville the week of oct 19. Where is the best place to punch or fish around grass??? By the comer bridge area?? I'm taking my young son and would like to atleast be in the ballpark with it. Lol. Keep it up. Great shows.
Crazy how it’s possible to catch a fish twice in a place that big!
😂
Curious. How come your livewell is never full of water?
i kept forgetting to put the drain in. i only drop them in there for a minute to grab the other cam. just don't want to keep them out of the water the whole time.
I wish I could fish one of those waters and then I could die in peace 😂 my monster bass are your teenage bass
need to make a trip man!
@@mikeybalzz If only, it's difficult for me as a refugee living in France, but if one day, I will let you know ... have to punch all your grass matt 😁
how good would it be for an average Joe with no boat, throwing from the bank?
Trust us "real" local anglers, it's not that good most days on most of the lakes anymore even FROM a boat!
Nice video, thanks for all the info, for the gambler stick bait what hook and size for wacky rig please ? Ty
I'm just using a 1/2 oz Boss Football Jig bit.ly/2ZuqRJ9
@@mikeybalzz ok cool thanks bro
🤙
Do you have any thoughts on Orange and Lochloosa? I fished it a like 20 years ago and really liked it, but don't hear much about it now.
Orange has some monsters in it but it gets quite a bit of pressure.
Why r all those fish so small
What depths are you targeting down there with the water temps in the 50's &60's?
He uses the 10xd a lot long line in them
Not sure how you get a thumbs down 👎on such an epic video. Must be a Democrat, oops did I just say that. Great vid bro. Love Sebring area
😂
I need to check out some of these places. I'm over in Lake Pan, and have yet to take the boat out of the slip to check out the other unit factories.
I always love your vids, we are now going into prespawn/spawn/post spawn in South Africa. I am fishing a pressured dam but it has giants in it over 4kg. what are your tips?
They do pull an I do love um but this past march I caught my pb tidal river smallmouth bag on sus jerkbaits no less duuuude them mofos pull man love ur videos keepn it real
Started throwing swimbaits, it hopefully with happen soon
Love the channel, I live in okeechobee and would love to fish some lakes over towards Sebring. Can you recommend a lake to target that may be more protected from the wind? I fish out of a J16 Carolina skiff and once the wind picks up in okeechobee I’m pretty much stuck fishing the rim ditch. I’m a lifelong saltwater fisherman and have been bass fishing for the past year or so since moving out to okeechobee. Thanks in advance any tips/tricks/areas would be greatly appreciated.
Just get on Google maps and look at all the lakes right around 27 - Francis, Huntley, Lotela - there's a million of them.
I know the lake he is on. Just wasn't aware what was off shore