Lake Talquin Tales 07-30-2009

Bream fishing has come forward with reports at both marinas. Bream are back on “the beds” and limits of quality fish are being caught using both crickets and worms.

Les Wachter and wife, Barbara, R.D. Edwards, from Greensboro, Joe Beach and others came in with nice catches of bream. Bedding Bream are easy to catch, so come on down and get you a mess, but save some for later fishing days.

Early morning has been beautiful and later afternoon, after the p.m. thunderstorms, the lake has been “slick as glass” and, milder temps makes fishing a pleasure.

Catfishing still remains strong using prepared baits and worms. Good numbers of catfish are being caught, dock fishing at both Ingram’s and Whippoorwill Marinas. Bass are still schooling in the creeks and lake. Find the bait fish and the Bass and Stripers will be there.

David Mock took an 11 lb+ largemouth using zoom magum trick worms.

If you choose to come for a day, or spend a few days, you will not be disappointed in the results. The lake is in great shape, so come on down and catch a mess.
Until next time, “Tight lines, good fishing!”

Lake Talquin Tales "Off the Hook"

Can we ask for more? Except for early morning fog, weather conditions have been ideal for Lake Talquin fishing. Reports of nice catches are coming in to both Ingram’s and Wippoorwill Marinas. The campgrounds are beginning to buzz with excited folks ready to get out on the lake. With summer vacations and schools out for the summer, reservations for campsites are coming in from Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. Life is good!
The lake is really stained right now, but everyone is expecting a clearing soon. Good catches of Bream are being taken in sandy bottom coves and edges in 4-6 feet of water. With the full moon coming this week (Sunday, June 7th) Bream will be busy getting ready to spawn. Crickets or worms will do the job fished on the bottoms. Beetle Spins will also be good. Fly fishing early morning and late evening has also been good.
I saw and talked to several crappie fishermen Thursday morning (May 28th). They were taking nice slab size Crappie in 15-18 Feet of water using live minnows.
Cat fishing remains strong with good numbers being taken using prepared bait and worms.
Bait fish (Shad) are all over the lake and Bass as well as Stripers are schooling and having a field day feeding on these Shad. So come on down and get yourself a Lunker,
Remember to practice safe boating, and have a great day on the lake.
Until next week, "Tight Lines, Good Fishing!"

"Captain D" has been out of town for the past two weeks. Yours truly, along with the other members of the gospel group "The Singing Regals" returned from Nashville, Tennessee after completing a new project entitled, "We are the Bride" to be released July 2009.
My column will return next week, May 27th with more fishing news from Lake Talquin. Until next week, "Tight Lines, Good Fishing."

Lake Talquin Tales

Finally!!! After many days of not so favorable fishing weather, we were blessed with ideal conditions which let us enjoy a day on the lake. Even with the water being slightly muddy, good reports have been coming in at both Whippoorwill and Ingram’s Marinas. Both RV parks were filled with "fish hungry folks."
With the existing water condition, cat fishing still remains strong almost anywhere on the lake. Prepared catfish bait and worms are your best bet. Some reports have been rendered of channel catfish even being taken using crickets. Bream and Shellcracker are beginning to get active with reports of nice catches being taken in 4-6 feet of water.
Both crickets and worms are being used. Some folks are using beetle-spins with success as well. Mike Jones (A local grocery manager) and myself, enjoyed a half day of fishing this past Thursday, April 23rd. We ended with a nice mess of mixed bream, shellcrackers, and catfish, from around the Bell Lake area.
Saturday, April 25th, my trusty sidekick, Ace, and myself, fished late afternoon, and ended up with 30 nice Bream and Shellcracker, using worms and crickets. This coming Moon in May should really turn on the Pan Fish bite. Bass fishing remains strong with reports of good catches of quality Bass coming in to both marinas. Bass are being taken from the Little River area all the way to the Talquin Dam.
As promised, here are the results from the Leon County Sheriff’s Department Bass Tournament:
● 1st Place: Kimbrel and Clint Brown with 22 lbs. 13 oz. – 5 fish
● 2nd Place: Buddy Lindsey & Carlton Allen with 20 lbs. 6 oz. –
● 3rd Place: Jimmy Johns & Howard Cartwright with 19 lbs. 11 oz.
● Big Fish: Sarah Dunn - 8 lbs. 14 oz.
There were 111 boats entered and a total of 380 Bass weighed in. The F.W.C. Biologists were on hand to examine all Bass before being released back into the lake. Very few dead, injured or diseased fish were found, and the F.W.C. reported the Bass in Lake Talquin are very healthy. Great news for Bass Anglers!
The lake level is normal, water condition muddy-stained, clearing water temperature 70-72º. Look forward to seeing you soon! Until next week, "Tight lines, Good Fishing!"
Wayne Dudley (850) 508-4308

Lake Talquin Tales

As I began to write this week’s column, I tried to recall where in years past we experienced a March and April, with weather like we have had this year. With another front moving through this past week, high winds, and more rain stopped fishing for the most part. The lake level is normal. However, the water is still heavy stained…but seems to be clearing.
Reports of good catches of catfish are still coming in, and some folks are bringing in nice messes of Bream. To say the least, fishing right now is not the best, but things are going to get better!! Like the old saying … "A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work!!!" so keep the faith and never give up hope.
The Leon County Sheriff’s Department Annual Bass Tournament was held this past Saturday, April 18th out of Williams Landing. I will have the complete results and will report on the tournament in next week’s column.
Buddy Hosey, New Manager of Ingram’s Marina got on some good bass Wednesday, April 15th up around the Little River area. Buddy caught and released a total of 7 bass weighing 27 pounds. Good Fishing!! Buddy also reported some schooling Bass mixed with Stripers in the 2-3 lb. range. Bass anglers, come on down, the
Bass are active.
Until next week, Tight lines, Good Fishing!

Lake Talquin Tales 04/16/2009

When I began to write my column this past January, never did I believe there would be a week that there were no reports of good catches of any type fish from Lake Talquin. Well, last week proved me wrong! Storms, winds, and rain, rain, and more rain stopped any hope of fishing. After all had passed, we saw a very full and muddy lake. Happily, for the past four days normal conditions have returned and folks are back on the water.

Reports of nice catches of Bream and Shell Crackers are being brought in at both Ingram’s and Whippoorwills marinas. Worms and crickets and beetle spins are your best bet. Catfishing remains strong with the water condition, using prepared bait and worms.

Now for the good news! As reported earlier, the 31st annual talquin open was held this past Saturday, April 11th. There were 62 boats entered with 46 boats weighing in a 5 fish limit. The total weight of bass was 713 lbs. 15 oz. Out of all the Bass, none were reported dead, and all bass were released back into the lake.

Reggie Calhoun and Chris Smith took 1st place with 5 fish weighing 30 lbs. 13 oz. they also took big fish honors with a 9 ½ lb. Bass. Hats off to: Sarah Johnson and to “Talquin Bass n’ Gal Hookers” for a very successful tournament.

Saturday, April 18th, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Annual bass Tournament will be held out of Williams Landing on Highway 20. 1st place will pay $2,000.00 and $10.00 per boat will get you in the “Big fish Jackpot” with a 100% payout to the winner.

There will be food and entertainment during and after the tournament. All proceeds are used to benefit the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches. For more information, call: Deputy Shuler at (850) 922-3438 or (850) 528-8449.

The lake level is normal. Water is very stained. Water temperature is 70 degrees. Until next week, tight lines!

Good Fishing! Wayne “Captain D” Dudley

1st Place – Reggie Calhoun and Chris Smith (9.5lb Bass)
2nd Place – David Howell and Daryl Morris (8.6lb Bass)
3rd Place - William Johns and Junie Johns (8.4 lb Bass)

Grand Total 713 lbs. 15 oz. Big Bass 9 lbs. 5 oz.
Total Limits 46
Total 0’s 6
Total no limits 10
Winning Weight 30 lbs. 13 oz.

Lake Talquin Tales

After 3 weeks of almost ideal fishing weather, the past week was just the reverse. March "came in like a lamb and went out like a lion." With high winds and heavy rains (much needed I might add) the fishing on Lake Talquin came to a halt. There is not a single person I have talked with that was brave enough to even try to fish after Tuesday of this past week. I had the pleasure of a trip Tuesday, March 24th with Colonel Davis from Gulf Breeze. After 3½ hours of being blown around like a skateboard (and only 3 fish in the boat) we both agreed that enough was enough. I assured Colonel that better days are ahead and planned another trip in May.
With no reports up until deadline time, next weeks column should be filled with good reports on April 11, 2009.
The Bass ‘n’ Gal Talquin Hookers will host the 31st Annual Lake Talquin Open Bass Tournament. This is a "new boat format." The lake is off limits for all contestants from Monday, April 6th through Saturday, April 11th.
First place prize is $1000 and big fish $200. If you are interested in entering, you can contact Sarah Johnson at 850-627-2241 for more information. Also, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring the 2009 Annual Bass Tournament on Saturday, April 18th. Cash Prizes will be paid 1st through 20th place with 1st place paying $2000 Competition. The Biggest Bass requires an additional $10 per boat fee with a 100% payout to the winner. This is always a big event with country style food for the spectators for $4.00 a plate.
Entertainment will be provided at the conclusion of the tournament.
Call Deputy Shuler at 850-922-3438 or 850-528-8449 for more information.
Until next week, "Tight line, Good fishing."

Lake Talquin Tales

With beautiful summer-like days, the water temperatures have finally warmed to seasonal levels and fish are beginning to be more and more active. Good numbers of Bass, Crappie, Bream and Catfish have been reported at both Whipporwill and Ingrams Marinas. Travis Bragg from Mississippi came over with the sole purpose of catching a largemouth larger than his father’s best of 8.5 lbs. After only 30 minutes he took a 9 lb. 2 oz. Bass. He and his partner Brandon went on to catch a 6 pounder, and two more over 5 pounds. All the fish came from the back of the creeks in shallow water.
A Bay County angler weighed in an 11 pound largemouth Bass. Bass anglers, the time is now to go after a trophy Bass! Reports of limits of Crappie are coming in every day. You don’t have to look for the fish, all you have to do is look for the boats. Crappie are shallow and can be taken using live minnows, fishing 15 to 18 inches deep. Remember the Crappie have to be at least 10 inches with a 25 fish limit. Catfish remain to be active with reports of fish ranging from 5 to 8 lbs. being taken using prepared bait and worms.
Bream are beginning to be more active with good numbers being reported using crickets and worms. Fish 6 to 8 feet of water and watch that cork disappear.
The lake condition is great! Temperatures are ideal for enjoying a day on the water. Until next week, "Tight line, good fishing".
Wayne "Captain D" Dudley 850-508-4308

Lake Talquin Tales

Could we ask for more? Summer-like weather is here and conditions are excellent. A record number of RV’s filled the local parks. Dallas Johnson, operator of Ingram’s Marina was out Saturday morning taking pictures of "the most folks we have had in three years".
I talked to visitors from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arizona – everyone fishing, fellowshipping and cooking out. What a way to live!!
For the first time this year, I was on the lake two times – Tuesday, March 10th after visiting anglers in Harvey Creek, Freeman Creek and Blount Creek – I decided to try my luck in Hammock Creek.
The Crappie we caught were all "slabs". On Thursday March 12th, Bruce Traylor and I took a nice catch fishing minnows in the pads. Crappie fishing has been good for some, not so good for others. Reports are coming in to both Whippoorwill and Ingram’s Marinas of Crappie being taken in shallow water, 2-3 feet in the lily pads, fishing 15 to 18 inches deep. Crappie fishing should remain strong for a month or more.
Bass fishing remains good. Some Bass have still remained around beds, however, most anglers are fishing post-spawn areas in deeper water. Reports of Bass weighing 6-8 lbs. coming in to both local marinas. Next week I will give you more on the upcoming Bass Tournaments in the near future.
Catfish is still being taken and reports of good numbers coming in. Ronnie Baggett and wife reported a nice catch off his dock. The best bait is still prepared catfish bait and worms, fishing on the bottom.
With warmer water, Bream are beginning to be active with some good catches being reported fishing in 6-8 feet of water, using crickets and worms. No reports on Shellcrackers, however, I’m sure reports will start coming in soon. The water condition: is level stable, stained-clearing, water temperatures 65 – 70 degrees.
Hope to see you soon! Until next week, "Tight lines, Good fishing"!
Wayne Dudley
"Captain D"
(850) 508-4308

Lake Talquin Tales

The time is now! With daylight savings time in effect, this means more afternoon hours to "wet a hook." Along with the full moon this past Tuesday, fishing has come into full swing! Dallas Johnson at Ingram’s Marina, reports bass are being taken in the pads 3-6 feet deep. The "Military Bass Club" had a two day tournament, the winner weighed in 10 bass, tipping the scales at 31 lbs. The big fish at 6½ lbs. Several limits were reported at both local Marinas.
The campgrounds are full of RVs and 99.9% have a boat behind them. Talked to a crappie angler from Tennessee on Monday and he reported a good catch from up around the Iron Curtain on Thursday. He went back on Friday and counted 15 boats around the place he had fished. Crappie are moving into the shallows, around the lily pads, making it easier to catch a mess.
Sarah Johnson reported a limit (25) all going over 2 lbs with one weighing 2lb, 14 oz. using an Ultra Light Spinning outfit or a Fiberglass pole. Crappie are fun to catch and makes great fillets when deep fried with cheese grits, French fries and hushpuppies- a meal fit for anyone. Crappie time is here, so come on down.
Catfishing remains good as reported last week. Reports are coming in from night and day catches using prepared baits and worms.
Bream and shellcracker remain slow, but rest assured, with this weather and warming tempuratures the bream and shellcracker will begin to move and reports of catches will begin to come in. The lake level remains stable, water slightly stained and water temperature at 65 degrees. Get everything together and come on down, the fishing is fine!
Until next week, "Tight lines, Good fishing"

Lake Talquin Tales

Dogwoods are blooming, Azaleas are blooming, Bass are bedding and Crappie are trying to. With mild, sunny spring like weather (up until Saturday.) Fishing has been great. Good reports have been reported at both Whippoorwill and Ingram’s Marinas. Bass have been active in 3-4 feet of water with beds visible everywhere.
Scott Haire, local Fire Captain and Bass Angler, took several fish Friday, the largest weighing 7 pounds. This cold front could slow things down, but not for too long. Sarah Johnson and the "Bass ‘n’ Gal Talquin Hookers" had 13 members to fish Saturday, February 28th. Sarah reported fishing conditions were rough, but some very nice Bass were caught in Hamock Creek.
All we need is some warm weather temperatures, less wind and the Crappie will move into the shallows to spawn.
Good Numbers were taken, trolling in 12-15 feet of water. The water temperature on Friday was, 57 degrees, warming to 60 degrees by noon. Crappie Fishermen get ready, the time is getting near! Friday I saw a nice catch of River Bream, not so big, but good eatin’ size.
Catfishing still remains good, with catches being made from docks, boats and just about any way you can get a hook n the water. Best results are using prepared baits and worms.
The lake remains in great shape with the water clearing, level normal and water temperatures55 to 69 degrees.
Hope to see or hear from you soon! Until next week, "Tight lines, Good fishing!"
-Wayne
"Captain D" Dudley

Lake Talquin Tales 02/26/2009

This past week, I ran into an old friend and fishing partner at a local store in Quincy. Charlie Goodwin and I have spent many wonderful hours and days fishing Lake Talquin. There were days when the bass fishermen would be coming in with nothing, when here Charlie and myself would come in with a nice catch of crappie. One day, as we approached the landing, a bass angler said, “Here come the perch jerkers!” From that day, we were known as the “perch jerkers.” Like Charlie, many of the locals have moved away and some have gone on to a place of eternal peace prepared just for fishermen. Thanks Charlie for the memories and for reading my column. Now, let’s talk fishing!

Mother Nature has a way of giving us good days and some that are not so good. This past week provided some of both. Bass fishing remains to be good with limits of 3-6 pounds being reported at both Whippoorwill and Ingram’s Marinas. The bass are really active and should remain so as they move in to spawn. Best Bet is in creeks and coves 3 to 6 feet of water.

Winds have not allowed too much on the lake trolling for crappie, however, good numbers have been reported from night fishing using lights (to attract bait fish) from both docks and boats, using live minnows.

Bream and shellcracker remain slow. Catfishing is still great, using prepared bait. A report came to me this week, 30 plus catfish taken in the dam area, ranging from 1½ to 15 pounds. Now, that’s a nice catch!

The lake level is normal, stained, but clearing, water temperature is 50 degrees. This time of year, we have to expect the winds, but things will get better. If you have a fishing report give me a call at (850) 508-4308.

Until next week, “Tight Lines, Good Fishing!” - Captain D

Lake Talquin Tales 02/19/2009

What a change! As the cold front passed, all of a sudden spring-like temperatures settled in and provided the fishermen a week of beautiful, ideal weather. Folks from all over the country began to come to the local campgrounds, and the marinas were buzzing with boats. Fishing has been great with reports of good numbers of crappie, catfish, bass and strippers being caught. Catfishing is the best I have ever seen, with good catches coming in, some weighing in the 5 to 9 lb. range. Your best bet is using prepared catfish bait.

The size of crappie being taken is getting better as the crappie are beginning to move. Nick and Linda Hewett from Bascom really had some slab size crappie in their catch. Jigs and minnows are effective; striper fishing has also been good. A nice limit of 5 was seen at Ingram’s Marina, ranging from 4 to 7 lbs. Bass are active, moving into pre-spawn areas. Local Bass angler Mike Mercuri Jr. weighed in a 5 fish limit, tipping the scales at 25 lbs, his big fish was an 8 pounder. Bream and shellcracker are still slow.

As reported earlier, the 31st Annual Lake Talquin Open Bass Tournament will be April 11, 2009, hosted by Bass’n Gal Talquin Hookers. This will be a “new team format” with a 1st place of $1,000 and Big Fish $200, for more details contact Sarah Johnson at 850-627-2241.

Also, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Annual Bass Tournament, out of Williams Landing, will be April 18th, 2009. Cash prizes will be paid to 1st thru 20th place, ranging from $2000 to $70. There will also be a “Big Fish Jackpot”. All proceeds to benefit the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. For more details contact Deputy Shuler at 850-922-3438 or 850-528-8449. The lake is in great shape, so come on down!

Until next week – “Tight lines, Good Fishin” “Captain D”

Lake Talquin Tales 02/12/2009

What A Week!!

With record low temperatures over most areas, there weren’t many anglers who braved the elements, but those who did were rewarded with good catches. Travis Wood from Quincy limited (25 Crappie) three days in a row, Wednesday thru Friday. Travis was using live minnows in 20-25 feet of water. Crappie fishing is still best in deep water long line trolling with Hal-Fly or Curly Tail type jigs. Live minnows are also effective. The Bass Pro Shops Crappie Master Tournament was held Saturday, February 7th. There were 43 boats entered with 7 states represented. The weigh-in at Whippoorwill Marina began at 3:30pm with 27 out of the 43 weighing in a 7 crappie limit. A guaranteed $10,000.00 payback with a $4000.00 First Place was rewarded.

Here are the results:
First Place $4,000 Prize:
12.93lbs Larry Dawson and Berry Green

Second Place $2000 Prize:
12.11lbs Ray Green and Jason Little

Third Place $1000 Prize:
11.79lbs George Parker & Daryl Cole

Big Fish: 2.41 lbs George Parker

Cash prizes were paid to First through Tenth Places ranging from $4000-$300. All the fish were released after weigh-in, back into the lake. Good Fishing Guys!!

Dallas Johnson at Ingram’s Marina reported catfishing is still great with good numbers being brought in. Hunter Moore, a local 12 year old, took a 5lb channel cat dock fishing at Ingram’s. Bream. and Shellcracker fishing is still completely -------------!

As reported last week, Bass are beginning to move into pre spawn areas. With warmer temperatures coming, Bass should really begin to move in to spawn. Wesley Scott weighed in an 8lb Bass he took in four inches of water. The lake is in great shape, level normal, clearing, surface temperature 49°.

Hey Guys, Don’t forget Valentines Day! Show her your love, take her fishing! Until next week... “Tight Lines - Good Fishing”. Captian “D” (850) 508-4308

Lake Talquin Tales 02/05/2009

Remembering… Over the years, I have had the pleasure of fishing with a number of folks from Jackson County. Most of the trips, we were blessed to catch a “good mess”, but there were days when we couldn’t “buy a bite.” The best of all are the memories that we have and the fellowship we had on the lake. There seems to be a way that fishing can create friends and memories of the big one that got away! Some readers that know me have asked how the name “Captain D” came about. Well, I can assure you it is not from a well known seafood place. Several years ago, a father from Michigan (his name I can’t recall), along with his 2 young sons, asked me to guide them for Crappie. After we met the next morning, the dad instructed his 2 sons to listen to what I said because I was Captain of the Boat. With the 2 sons having trouble with “Dudley”, I told them to use “D” and so from that day hearing, “Captain D, can we do this? Captain D, can we do that? Captain D, can you take my picture? Captain D” on and on and on, the name stuck. Now let’s talk fishing!

The lake is in great shape! Good numbers of Crappie are still being reported at both, Whippoorwill and Ingram’s Marinas. Crappie are still holding in 20-30 feet of water- drift fish, live minnows and jigs for best results.

Bass are beginning to move some. Fair catches of legal size (18 inches). Bass are being reported with more of the release (14-16 inches) size really being caught.

Bream and Shellcracker are not active at all now.

Catfishing remains good right now for those who want a “good mess” to filet and deep fry. MMMMMM sounds good to me!

Arrie Battle, a local angler, weighed in a 10 pound Blue Cat she caught in 22 feet of water while crappie fishing. What a pull that must have been!

Put on some extra clothes and come on over. Until next week, “Tight Lines, Good Fishing!”
-Wayne “Captain D” Dudley (850) 508-4308

Lake Talquin Tales 01/29/2009

After only 3 weeks of writing “Lake Talquin Tales”, I would like to thank you for reading my column. I have received several calls telling me how much readers have enjoyed “Lake Talquin Tales.” One reader said she was not too much into fishing, but had enjoyed the history of Lake Talquin. My reply to her was “Once you have visited Lake Talquin and witnessed the beautiful sunrises and breathtaking sunsets, then you can appreciate and realize what great architect created such beauty!” Once again, thank you.

Pat Thomas Park, at Hopkins Landing, is one of the most popular campgrounds on the lake. The park is state operated, with a park ranger living on site. Offering sites for your RV or just “pitching a tent”, Pat Thomas Park offers all the accommodations you need to enjoy your stay. Park Ranger Robert Rosenberger at 850-875-4544.

Scott Haire and son Nolan along with friends Johnny and Susie Siets “pitched a tent” Friday, January 23, 2009. Scott set some Bush Hooks baited with Mullet and Took 9 Channel and Blue Cats ranging 3 to 8 pounds.

Catfish are still being taken using worms and catfish bait. Winter temperatures have completely stopped Bream and Shell-cracker. Crappie are still holding in deep water. However, good numbers are being reported at Whippoorwill and Ingram’s Marina. Your best bet is to Tight Line Curly Tail Jigs or Live Minnows. Saturday, February 7, 2009, Whippoorwill Lodge and Marina will host the Bass Pro-Shops “Crappie Masters Tournament.” Make plans to come over and see the Pros do their thing. For more information, call Jeff Dubree at (850) 627-2605.

Bass Fishing has been slowed some, but Dallas Johnson at Ingram’s Marina reports the Bass he has seen are really quality fish. Bass are still deep along the river and creek channels.

On Saturday, April 11, 2009, the Bass ‘n’ Gal Talquin Hookers will host the 31st Annual Lake Talquin Open Bass Tournament. I will be bringing more information about this event at a later date.

Until Next week, “Tight Line-Good Fishing,”
“Captain D” (850) 508-4308

Lake Talquin Tales 01/22/2009

By Wayne (Captain D) Dudley
Because much of the shoreline is state owned, many areas of Lake Talquin remain in their natural state and are accessible to hiking and bicycling trails and public hunting. Lake Talquin offers spectacular scenery with many species of plants and wildlife, including wading birds, birds of prey, deer, hogs, turkey and of course alligators. Lake Talquin’s water level remains stable year round at 68.5 feet above sea level.

Now let’s talk fishing:
Brrrrrr!!!!! With winter temperatures this week, only those “die hard, dedicated” fishers brave enough to face the elements, the hardiest of anglers (and believe me, there have been few) have been seen at local marinas. However, good catches of Crappie rewarded those determined Anglers.

Crappie are deep and are still being taken with live Minnows and Curly Tail Jigs. Just put on enough clothes and go for it.

Bass fishing remains fair with Bass still holding along the River and Creek ledges. All we need is some milder weather, a warming trend, for Bass and Crappie to start moving in to spawn.

Bream and Shell-cracker have completely shutdown. Good numbers of Catfish have been reported with most being caught off docks.

Now is the perfect time for you to get all your tackle ready for Springtime, ‘cause soon things are going to pick up!

Until next week, “Tight line, Good fishing.”

Lake Talquin Tales 01/15/2009

By Wayne (Captain D) Dudley

Lake Talquin, bordering Leon and Gadsden Counties, was named by using the first three letters of Tallahassee, “TAL” and the first four letters of Quincy, “QUIN”, forming TALQUIN. The lake was manmade in the late 1920’s, when a power generating dam (still in operation) was built.

Lake Talquin holds the state record for a Black Crappie weighing 3.81 lbs. With mild weather this past week, limits of Crappie were taken using live minnows and through tight line fishing using curly tail jigs. Crappies are holding at 12-14 feet deep, with fish ranging 1-2 lbs.

A few real good “SCABS” are reported. Saturday, January 10th, 50 team boats fished the “CRAPPIE USA Tournament, hosted by Whippoorwill Marina. Almost all teams weighed in with the 7 fish limit, with 11.79 lbs winning the tournament. The next tournament at Talquin is the Bass Proshop “CRAPIE MASTERS” on February 7th, 2009, hosted by Whippoorwill Marina. For more information call Jeff Dubree at (850) 627-2605.

Bream fishing is still slow. Some shellcrackers are being taken using wigglers and big reds. However, bass fishing picked-up this past week. Bass are holding on the river ledges and are being taken using Carolina Rigs and Crankbaits according to Dallas Johnson at Ingram’s Marina.
Dallas reported on a 14 boat tournament out of Williams Landing this past Sunday, January 11th. Doug Walker from Tallahassee, won the tournament with 5 bass, weighing in at 15 lbs.

Catfish are hot and heavy right now with good numbers being taken almost anywhere in the lake using worms and catfish bait. Dallas reported a local youth caught a 5 lb channel cat off the dock at Ingram’s Marina. For more information call Dallas or Sarah at (850) 627-2241.

If you are not familiar with Lake Talquin, maps are available showing the river and creek channels, the depths, and other info about the lake. This information will help you with locations and safer boating.

Until next week. “Tight Line, Good Fishing!” Captian D (850) 508-4308

Lake Talquin Tales 01/08/2009

By Wayne (Captain D) Dudley

Lake Talquin, located 12 miles South of Quincy, Fl., a man made 8,900 acre freshwater reservoir, was created in the late 1920s when a power generating dam was built there to supply electricity to the area. The lake is 13.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. The Ochlocknee River is the main water feeder to the lake, with several creeks also flowing into the lake. The river channel, along with the natural environment, provides cover for the lake’s healthy population of Large-mouth and Striped Bass, Crappie, Bluegill Bream, Shell-crackers and channel Catfish. So much for the lake’s history, now let’s talk fishing.

Every week we will be letting you know what’s going at on Talquin with fishing in “Lake Talquin Tales”. I will be soliciting the help of two local marinas, Whippoorwill Sportsman Lodge, owned and operated by Jeff Dubree, and Ingram’s Marina, operated by Dallas and Sarah Johnson (Jackson County folks). We hope to bring you good reports for Lake Talquin. Though, with the current strain of cool weather, Bream fishing has been slow, some folks are still trying.

Fairly good catches of Shell-crackers are being taken by fishing out Sandy points with Black-wigglers and Big Reds. Crappie fishing has been hot with good numbers being caught with Gold Minnows and Hal-Fly half Jigs. They are hiding in the river and creek channels. Crappies are running deep, but if you can find the schools of Baitfish, be assured the Crappie are near by. Remember, Crappie 10 inches or less must be released. Daily bag is limited to 25.

Catfish can be caught near deep water using worms or prepared baits. Stripped Bass have also been active, schooling in the main body of the lake. Look for diving birds for a clue as to where the Baitfish are.

Large-mouth Bass have not been active for everyone, but local angler, Mike Mercuri, hit the jackpot with 5 Bass, 4 weighing in at 3.5 pounds up to 10¼ pounds, with the “Big Momma” tipping the scales at a whopping 14.06 pounds- Wow!

Striped and Large-mouth Bass must be 18 inches or released.

Until next week, “Tight Line, Good Fishing!”
For more information call “Captain D” at 850-508-4308.