ISTOKPOGA FISHING FORECAST

Fishing with a “Poga Gal”

he crappie bite on Lake Istokpoga is better than last year but a little slower than the year before. I predict that Crappie fishing will be even better next year if the Crappie season runs in 3-year cycles. My clients are averaging 20-30 crappies in a 5-hour fishing trip. That's very good, especially considering the cold fronts and temp changes we have had this season. We are looking forward to the weather stabilizing. The specks have been very nice in size, with half of the catches weighing 1lb and an occasional 1.3 or 1.5 pounder. But, of course, we are all still searching for that 2.09 crappie swimming around. Successful techniques for catching crappie include jigging for crappie with a jigging Rod made by" Edgar Rods." You can find an assortment of Edgar Rods at Marine and Tackle Warehouse located south of Sebring. We are fishing the jig, slowly dropping in each little hole and waiting to feel the "Thump. " On my guided fishing trips, we use the

Edgar Rods Florida Speck Special dipping, dabbing, and Long Polling for crappie.

To try the Long Polling technique, use an 11 or 12 ft rod, position your boat in your favorite fishing spot, and dip a minnow with a split shot, an appropriately matched bobber, and a #2 Aberdeen hook

There are many reports of large bass being caught on Lake Istokpoga, with several Trophy sized bass being caught and released back into the lake. The lake is fishing better than it has in the past few years. The water appears clean and clear; the vegetation is nice and green. Giant bass are preparing for spawn and making the possibility of catching a Trophy Bass even more of a reality.

Continue to look for mixed vegetation and adjust your presentation by slowing the bait down and searching locations with spatterdock mixed with reeds or Kissimmee grass, flat lily pads combined with cat tails, eelgrass, and flat lily pads. Our bait of choice this time of year is a black and blue "Big Stick" with a blue-tipped tail made by "Bruiser Baits. Contact Corky or "Poga Gal" Tangie Neff to book your next outdoor adventure, located on beautiful Lake Istokpogs in Sebring, FL 606-584-0144 www.corkytangiesguidedfishingtours.com.

— “Imma Poga Gal” Tangie Neff. For more information contact Corky & Tangie’s Guided Fishing Tours, Sebring FL www.corkytangiesguidedfishingtours.com

Bass & Seasonal Crappie / Bluegill Tours

“Went out with Corky yesterday morning with 4 friends. It was a great experience. Corky took care of everything for us. Excellent service. Came home with 2 heavy bags of fish fillets that we ate that night.”

- Ron

“My brother and I had a blast fishing with Corky. The fishing was pretty good, as long as you were moving around. Corky never kept us at a standstill, recognizing each time it was time to move to the next one to avoid a doldrum, we were constantly busy. The boat was clean and ready to fish, the waters were cold and Corky was quick and eager to get us fishing. It was a great way to burn up the afternoon, I’m sure we’ll be fishing with Corky again.”

- Christian G