Thus far in 2011, the stars are aligned for bass anglers and fishing in general. Tournaments showcase record- and near-record-breaking catches, and we’re hearing from around the state about big bass and impressive catch numbers.

On Lake Kissimmee, Tom Rewis and Doug Chance produced a five-bass stringer totaling more than 40 pounds to win the Tony Strickland Memorial Tournament. While on Lake Tohopekaliga, Gerald Swindle’s 80-pound, 13-ounce accumulation of 15 bass over three days came close to setting a B.A.S.S. record.

Okeechobee produced a four-day total of 106-pounds, 10-ounces for FLW Tournament winner Brandon McMillan – a new tour record.

Zack Mack, from Tennessee, caught a 14-pound, 2 ounce Florida largemouth bass on Lake Kissimmee in early February.

Meanwhile, Sean Rush of Trophy Bass Expeditions said, “Rodman Lake may be the hottest trophy bass lake anywhere right now.” He recently documented bass over 12 pounds, with two clients catching and releasing 50 fish in a single day.

Even though evidence points to a stellar year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages bass-fishing aficionados to consider catch-and-release for the long-term good of the stock. [Read more…]