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Articles written by Charlie Wynperle


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  • Rains Are Producing More Fishing Action

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jul 5, 2022

    For the best local fishing action head to Lake Walk-in-the-Water, where bank fishermen are catching limits of bluegill and shell crackers from the Indian Lake canals. Lake levels coming finally up and bass are more active both early and late. Throw a Whopper Plopper in bluegill around any isolated cover. On Lake Kissimmee fishers are still catching shell crackers in the lily pads near Gobbler Ridge, around Lemon Point, and Bird Island, mostly on red worms. Lots of recent rain...

  • Low Water Presents Fishing Hazards on Lake Hatchineha

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jun 29, 2022

    For the best local fishing action head to Lake Walk-in-the-Water, where bluegill and shell crackers may be found in lily pads around the lake. Look for the pads shaking, and drop a red worm on the bottom. There are a few bass roaming the shallows at day break and in the evening. Throw a "horny toad" in the junebug color to any isolated cover on the south end. Due to the extremely low water level, Lake Hatchineha is unsafe for boating and fishing, and it is advised to avoid...

  • Low Water Presents Hazards for Fishers, But Catches Being Made

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jun 13, 2022

    Despite the onset of near-daily rains, the upper Kissimmee chain, including Lake Hatchineha, remains very low. Boaters are urged to use extreme caution to avoid running into concealed shoals, sandbars, or other obstacles that would normally be safely passed over. On Lake Hatchineha, b e especially careful. With the full moon this week, expect to catch shellcrackers in the lily pads across from the port. Bass are schooling at the mouths of canals. On Lake Walk-in-Water, check...

  • Tropical Weather System Left Little to Raise Fishing Hopes

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jun 8, 2022

    The passing of the season's first tropical system left precious little rain in area gauges, so water levels in area lakes are continuing to suffer, with some still headed lower. Fishing remains in a transitional time until the summer monsoon rains start in earnest.. The upper Kissimmee chain, including Lake Hatchineha, is VERY low. A few bluegill are being caught there by marker ten, and a few bass are being caught on frogs on outside edges early. On Lake Walk-in-Water, the...

  • Low Water Still Affecting Fishing on Area Lakes

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated May 30, 2022

    Although the summer rains are starting, they have still been spotty and fishing is in a transitional time with low water levels in some area lakes. On Lake Walk-in-Water, bluegill and a few shellcracker mixed in are being caught in pads and grass. A few bass can be caught on outside points in the grass and reeds. Start off casting a worm. If that doesn't produce, switch over to a creature style bait. On Lake Kissimmee, bass are roaming the outside edge, so throw a popping...

  • Fishing Still Active as Rains Begin

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated May 24, 2022

    The beginning of the wet summer season is upon us, and that means lots of changes in fishing patters. The dry spring has left some lakes very low, which also means that boaters should exercise caution around potential shoals. On Lake Walk-in-Water, try drifting with a Whack-em jig off shore for specks. Anglers are catching 10-15 per trip with some really good ones mixed in. Bass are offshore and out in front of the big pier at Indian Lake on the east side of lake. Drag a...

  • Bluegill Still Hot Targets, Bass Can be Found

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated May 10, 2022

    On Lake Walk-in-Water, anglers are still catching bluegill on crickets in the pads and grass. Bass are up shallow morning before the heat and wind picks up, and evening if the breeze lies down. Try throwing top-water lures. On Lake Hatchineha, Chandler point is still a good place to catch a limit of bluegill, both worms and crickets are affective. Bass are schooling on shell early. Work with a chrome and blue rattletrap as well as a Carolina rig. On Lake Kissimmee, try 27...

  • Bluegills and Shellcrackers are Feasting Now

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated May 4, 2022

    On Lake Walk-in-Water, bluegill action is heating up for those who are using crickets in the lily pads. Throw a Gambler Big EZ or Houdini lure first thing in the morning for bass. Some are running up to 5 pounds. The action on Lake Hatchineha is primarily bluegills and shellcrackers. They are being caught inside the grass lines across from the port. Bass are also starting to pick up in the morning. Try throwing a popping frog along the pad lines. Get out the flipping rod and...

  • Catfish, Bass and Shell Crackers the Hot Targets Now

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Apr 25, 2022

    On Lake Walk-in-Water, anglers are catching limits of bluegill on crickets in among the lily pads. Bass are pulling back out to the outside edge of vegetation. Throw a watermelon red speed worm around to find them. On Lake Hatchineha, catfish are being caught in the canals when the water is released. Bass are roaming inside the grass lines, so try covering the water with a popping frog early, then try moving out as the day goes on. On Lake Kissimmee, shell cracker still being...

  • Shell Crackers Drawing Crowds to Lake Kissimmee

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Apr 19, 2022

    On Lake Walk-in-Water, anglers are catching their limit of shell crackers and bluegill in the lily pads on red worms and crickets. Bass are roaming inside, feeding after the spawn near the top of the water first thing in the morning. Slow down and use a worm on the outside of the grass line. On Lake Hatchineha, shell crackers are in the pads on the east side of the lake. Fish with a worm or cricket. The water is running in the canals, so anglers are catching bass at the...

  • After a Bout With Winds, Fishing is Back on the Agenda

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Apr 12, 2022

    Not too many anglers were out last week due to the high winds we have experienced, but now that calmer weather has arrived, the fish and fishers are active again. On Lake Walk-in-Water, bluegill and shellcracker are still biting in the lily pads on crickets. With the full moon coming this weekend you can expect one more good wave of bass up in shallow water. On Lake Hatchineha, it's a good idea to try the east side of the lake for shell crackers in the pads. Bass can be found...

  • Changing Seasons Mean Changes in Fishing Tactics

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Apr 4, 2022

    With warming weather and recent rains, fishing patterns keep changing. Keep checking back for the latest updates. On big Lake Walk-in-the-Water, bluegill and shell cracker are still being caught on red worms and crickets in the lily pads and grass. Bass are schooling on shad in the grass first thing in the morning. Try throwing a white horny toad lure around the grass margins. On Lake Hatchineha, a few local anglers are still catching specks at day light in Gator Cove using...

  • Fishing Has Heated Up, It's Time to Get On The Water!

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Mar 28, 2022

    Fishing is red hot at the moment, so don't miss this opportunity to get a hold of a bucket-mouth or a stringer of shellcrackers! On Lake Walk-in-the-Water, anglers are catching a ton of shellcrackers in the main lake and in the canals, using worms in the pads and grass. Bass are moving to outside edges and can be caught on a frog around the reeds and grass. On Lake Hatchineha, shellcrackers can be found in the lily pads on the east side of the lake with bluegill mixed in. The...

  • There's Fishing Action If You Know Where to Look

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Mar 21, 2022

    As the weather changes, so does the fishing, so stay informed about what's biting, and where you can find them! On Lake Walk-in-the-Water, there's action with blue gill and shell cracker, which are being caught in the pads. Some speckled perch are still being caught in the grass first thing in the morning. Bass up to 8.5 pounds are being caught in the reeds on a popping frog and Senko. On Lake Hatchineha, specks are still being caught in Gator Cove around scattered hydrilla on...

  • The Full Moon in March Brings Some Big Fishing Action

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Mar 15, 2022

    With the full moon in March the shell crackers are starting to show up in the lily pads. On Lake Walk-in-the-Water, anglers are still catching specks on minnows around offshore brush. The bass are still bedding in shallow cover, so try throwing a white super fluke. On Lake Hatchineha head out first thing in the morning on Candlers Point and cast into grass using minnows for a limit. Bass are starting to move out into deeper water, so throwing a Chatterbait on shell. On big...

  • Fish are On The Move This Week With Changing Weather

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Mar 9, 2022

    The weather forecast this week is for continued warm weather and a chance of showers and thunderstorms until Saturday, when it's predicted to get dangerously gusty on area lakes. Please use caution as you boat about. On Lake Walk-in-the-Water, folks are starting to catch bluegill and shell cracker in the grass and pads on red worms and wigglers. Bass are starting to move to more isolated cover, so try using a redbug trick worm working it slow. For Lake Hatchineha, if you are...

  • Extremely Low Water Starting to Affect Fishing

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Feb 28, 2022

    Editor's Note: We would like to share photos of you with your big catch! If you have tips or photos you care to share, please email them directly to [email protected]. Low water on area lakes due to the very dry winter have resulted in some hazards for area fishermen, especially on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. On Lake Hatchineha, rumor says shell crackers are starting to show up, so try using red worms in the pads. Speck fisherman are catching fish around scattered hyd...

  • Fishing Still Spotty as Weather Heats Up

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Feb 23, 2022

    Editor's Note: We would like to share photos of you with your big catch! f you have tips or photos you care to share, please email them directly to [email protected]. Warmer weather is raising water temperatures on area lakes just as bass are starting to spawn, so many fish are mobile right now. Fishing on Lake Walk-in-the-Water seems to be producing specks at night under lights, using minnows drifting. Bass fishing picked up a little last week with the moon, so try...

  • Send Us Your Photos To Include in Our Fishing Report

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Feb 14, 2022

    Editor's Note: We would like to share photos of you with your big catch! f you have tips or photos you care to share, please email them directly to [email protected]. Here's what's happening this week on area lakes" On Walk-in-the-Water, speck fisherman are limiting out drifting minnows offshore. Bass fishing is slow, but a local tournament took only `2 pounds to win, with a big fish of 5.68 pounds. The Lake Hatchineha "Hour Glass" area is loaded with boats drifting...

  • Bass are Starting to Move into Shallow Water as Temperatures Rise Again

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Feb 8, 2022

    Anglers are starting to limit out at night on Lake Wales-in=the=Water by drifting minnows under lights. Get out there and give it a try. Bass fishing has been slow with the lake being low, but they should be moving up to spawn this week. On Lake Hatchineha, specks can be found in lily pads by marker 10. Try using a jig tipped with Bobby Garland. On Lake Kissimmee, fisherman are finding speckled Perch on deeper grass lines early. As the day goes on try moving inside to the gras...

  • There's Some Hot Fishing Action on Area Lakes

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jan 17, 2022

    With the recent rains and changing temperatures, fish are on the move around southeast Polk. Lakes large and small are seeing good activity. On Lake Kissimmee, always a hot spot, Bass have moved in shallow. When you think you're shallow, go a little bit shallower, into the pads and flags. Throw an Ol' Monster or Junebug for good reactions. On Walk-in-the-Water, Speck fishing is heating up at night using minnows. Drift with a light until you draw their attention. Bass are up...

  • Big Bass Are Getting Active on Area Lakes

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jan 15, 2022

    The latest reports from area lakes are solid evidence that it's time to break out the tackle and head out. On Lake Walk-in-the-Water, specks being caught in the grass and around the lily pads on jigs. Bass are moving up into shallow water, and getting ready to spawn. Try throwing a "Boy howdy" top-water lure in the morning around isolated cover, switching over to a black blue Senko later in the day. On Lake Hatchineha you should try drifting with minnows out in the middle of...

  • Big Bass Are Biting Now, So Let's See Where the Action Is

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jan 3, 2022

    It's that time of year when big bass are starting to come out to play. The current hot-spot seems to be Lake Walk-in-the-water, where several giants have been caught on shiners at mouth of the canal. Specks are also being caught by drifting minnows across the middle of lake. On Lake Hatchineha some of the local anglers are catching a few limits of speck in the "hour glass," but bass fishing has still been spotty at best. Folks are catching a few on swim baits in bluegill...

  • The Fish Aren't Taking A Holiday on Area Lakes

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Dec 27, 2021

    There's some action to be found on area lakes despite the unseasonable warmth this holiday period. Start your New Year out right with a fun advneture in pursuit of the perfect catch. Here are some of the specific lures that area fishermen are using with success around southeast Polk waters. On Lake Walk-in-the-water try trolling with a "shinee hinee" in orange and chartreuse in 6ft of water for the big specks. The bass are starting to move up into the shallows. Try keying in...

  • This Week's Fishing Report Shows Where the Action Is

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Dec 20, 2021

    Changing weather and unseasonable warmth has made the fishing a bit unpredictable this season, but there's still plenty of action if you know where to look. On big Lake Walk-in-water, specks are moving into the grass first thing in the morning and late in evening. Go after them with minnows and a slip bobber. Bass are starting to move up into shallow water. Key in on pads and reeds throwing a spinnerbait or a watermelon red senko. For Lake Hatchineha try drifting jigs and...

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