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."