Florida Bass Fishing Guides John Pate Trophy Bass

Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing Tournament FLW Bass Fishing League 2012 - Once again Lake Okeechobee proved why it is one of the best bass fishing lake in the entire country right now.  If not the best… period.  Bob Bostdorf’s winning weight of 26 pounds 2 oz for five bass is a huge limit with a the average bass weighing just over 5 pounds each!!!

Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing Tournament FLW Bass Fishing League 2012

As reported in FishingWorld:

Bob Bostdorf of Apopka, Fla., weighed a five-bass limit totaling 26 pounds, 2 ounces Saturday to win the Walmart Bass Fishing League Gator Division event on Lake Okeechobee. For his victory, Bostdorf earned $6,000.

“I’ve been trying to win one of these for 30 years,” said Bostdorf. “I’ve been close multiple times, just a pound or two away. I’m excited I finally got over the hump and won one! I just had one of those days where the fish that I had found on Friday afternoon stayed there and they didn’t disappear or shrink on me.

“We had a fog delay,” Bostdorf continued. “They finally let us go out around 8:40 a.m. We had to slow way down due to the fog, but once we got to my spot I basically never cranked the motor again. I had one stretch of cover that I fished the entire day that was about 100 to 150 yards long. I had a lot of company in the area, but nobody else was catching them. My main bait was a Zoom Fluke in watermelon red. I was fishing it weightless, real slow. When I mean slow, I mean dead-sticking. You just throw it out there and you don’t move the bait, you just let it sink. Most of my bites came on the initial cast as the bait would fall. It wasn’t fast and furious; I only caught seven keepers on the day, but was able to get three that were a little over 6 pounds. I’ll definitely be at Lake Toho in a few weeks.”

Rounding out the top 10 pros were:

2nd:	Joseph Kremer	Osteen, Fla.	five bass	25-11	$3,000
3rd:	Keith Fels	Ocala, Fla.	five bass	24-1	$2,000
4th:	William Closson	Beverly Hills, Fla.	five bass	22-11	$1,400
5th:	Richard Held	Lake Worth, Fla.	five bass	22-8	$1,200
6th:	Timothy Feller	Coral Springs, Fla.	five bass	22-6	$1,100
7th:	Val Osinski	Pompano Beach, Fla.	five bass	22-1	$1,000
8th:	Brandon Medlock	Lake Placid, Fla.	five bass	21-3	$900
9th:	Ronald Yurko	Okeechobee, Fla.	five bass	20-8	$800
10th:	J. Nobel Willits	Altamonte Springs, Fla.	five bass	20-2	$700

Tony Martinez of Bunnell, Fla., weighed in four bass totaling 16 pounds, 4 ounces Saturday to win $3,006 in the co-angler division.

Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers were:

2nd:	Dave Dickens	Sarasota, Fla.	five bass	16-2	$1,503
3rd:	August Carnahan	Celebration, Fla.	five bass	14-8	$1,008
4th:	Nik Kayler	Apopka, Fla.	five bass	14-7	$701
5th:	Robert Turcotte	Naples, Fla.	three bass	14-4	$601
6th:	Edwin Rivera	Orlando, Fla.	five bass	12-3	$551
7th:	Christian Smith	Coral Springs, Fla.	five bass	11-13	$501
8th:	Bo Boyles	Deltona, Fla.	five bass	11-12	$451
9th:	Robert Hertzer	Tamarac, Fla.	five bass	11-10	$401
10th:	Kenneth Bivins	Orlando, Fla.	five bass	11-7	$351

The next BFL Gator Division tournament is scheduled for March 10 on Lake Toho in Kissimmee, Fla. After the fifth Gator Division tournament is complete, the top 40 boaters and 40 co-anglers based on point standings will qualify for the Oct. 4-6 Regional Championship on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Ga. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518 with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard and a Chevy Silverado, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518 with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard.

Here’s something important about these result on Lake Okeechobee:  Al the bass were caught on artificial lures.  That’s because live bait is illegal in the tournament.  And the best way to catch trophy bass on Lake Okeechobee is with live, wild shiners.  Live wild shiners out fishing lures on Lake Okeechobee by a log shot almost all the time.  And huge bass have been caught over the last year on live wild shiners.  And they continue to be caught today.

Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing – If you would like to go fishing on Lake Okeechobee, John Pate is an expert guide and knows Lake Okeechobee like the back of his hand.  He can take you on the trophy bass fishing trip of your lifetime  Give his a call or go here for more information:  South Florida Bass Fishing Guides.  For more information on bass fishing on Lake Okeechobee go here:  Florida bass fishing guides.

Florida everglades bass fishing trip florida everglades bass fishing guides - Professional football player Curtis Johnson routinely fishing with John Pate and catches TROPHY bass like this one!!!!

If you are looking for the ultimate Florida everglades bass fishing trip – Florida everglades bass fishing guides has exactly what you are looking for.  John “King of the Everglades” Pate has been a professional bass fisherman and Florida everglades bass fishing guide since 1973.  He has won countless tournaments (which in how he got his “King of the Everglades” nickname) and specializes in TEACHING clients how to catch BIG TROPHY bass using artificial lures.

Florida Everglades Bass Fishing Trip Florida Everglades Bass Fishing Guides

 
Clients love how Mr. Pate teaches and explains to them everything he is doing to catch huge everglades bass.  What rod and reels to use.  What line.  What knots to line.  How to cast accurately.  Where to cast.  How to set the hook so you effectively hook the bass.  What lures for each specific condition and situation.  How to located and get big bass to bite.

One of the things clients like the most is that they get to see and use lures they have never seen before.  Some of these awesome lures are Mr. Pate’s private stash of homemade baits.  Mr. Pate has perfected monster everglades bass lures after hunting big bass 6-7 day a week for over 39 years.

Clients also love that Mr. Pate know the everglades swamp like the back of his hand.  He know all the best big bass spots – and the most scenic and beautiful ones.  When you go out with Mr. Pate – you not only catch trophy everglades bass – you see the alligators, birds, reptiles, wildlife and plant life that makes a Florida everglades bass fishing trip an experience you will never forget.

And here is something really important.  Mr. Pate was one of the ORIGINAL peacock bass fishing guides on South Florida.  He has been guiding clients to awesome fighting and beautiful peacock bass since there introduction in 1984.  If you have never fished for or caught the mighty peacock bass – you will be amazed!

Plus many clients, after bass fishing with Mr. Pate watch an alligator wrestling show by the world famous Gator Boys (yes, the stars of the television show!) at everglades Holiday Park… and then go on a sunset airboat ride.

It is no wonder why bass fisherman and anyone who wants to experience the wonder of the Florida everglades travel from all over the world to be taken in a Florida everglades bass fishing trip with John “King of the Everglades” Pate.

If you would like to go go on a Florida bass fishing trip with one of the best bass fishing guides in the Florida everglades, give John Pate a call.  His number is 954-325-5310.  For special price and discounted rates go to:  Florida Everglades bass fishing trip.  For more information on John Pate and his professional Florida everglades bass fishing guide service go to:  Florida everglades bass fishing guides.

Lake Ida Park Fishing VIDEO Lake Ida Florida Fishing Report - Amir with a beautiful largemouth bass catch at Lake Ida Park Delray Beach Florida.

Lake Ida Park Fishing VIDEO Lake Ida Florida Fishing Report – Lake Ida in Delray Beach Florida is an awesome spot to go fishing in South Florida because you can catch both Largemouth bass and peacock bass all in the same place. John “King of the Everglades” Pate has been guiding on Lake Ida for several decades and knows the best spots to catch trophy largemouth bass and peacock bass.

Here’s a video of John Pate and three clients he recently took out on Lake Ide in delray Beach Florida. As you can see… John Pate is not only a very knowledgeable fisherman – he always makes sure his clients have a great time.

Lake Ida Park Fishing VIDEO Lake Ida Florida Fishing Report

More information aout Lake Ida Park Fishing from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:

There is good access for shoreline anglers on the west and east banks of Lake Ida that lie within the county park.  A fishing pier is located north of the county boat ramp.  There is also shore access south of Lake Ida Road along the east side of the canal to the I-95 overpass.  The E-4 Canal and associated lakes and lateral canals provide excellent fi shing for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Redear Sunfi sh. Sunshine Bass are alsostocked in Lakes Ida and Eden.

Canal intersections and culverts are generally productive areas for catching most species of fish. Shoreline vegetation, rip-rap areas, and shady areas associated with bridges and culverts also provide excellent places to fish. If there is a strong current in the main canal, look for any protected areas that offer refuge from the current (e.g., cut-outs, bridge pilings, and the downstream side of non-fl owing spillways of lateral canals). The downstream side of culverts and spillways with fl owing water are sometimes especially good places to fish. Fish attractors, identified by bright yellow buoys in lakes Ida and Eden are also good fi shing spots.

There are more Largemouth Bass in the south E-4 and Delray (C-15) Canals than most other southeast Florida canals. Harvestable Largemouth Bass in this system average 13.1 inches (1.3 pounds), and 24% are larger than 14 inches. Fishing for Largemouth Bass tends to be best during the winter when the water temperatures are cooler and in the evening, night, and early morning during the summer. The bag limit for Largemouth

Bass is fi ve fish per day, only one of which can be larger than 14 inches.  The number and quality of panfi sh in these systems is similar to other area canals. Live worms and crickets are the choice baits for many pan fish anglers, although fresh bread or bread dough works well, is readily
available, and it costs less.  After a series of warmer than average winters, a few Butterfl y Peacock have also found their way into
these canals and lakes. The Butterfly Peacock is a world renowned gamefi sh that was successfully introduced by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in the mid-1980’s to eat undesirable exotic fi shes, and to provide more sportfi shing opportunities for anglers in southeast Florida canals. The bag limit for Butterfly Peacock is two fish per day, only one of which can be greater than 17 inches. Butterfly Peacock are sensitive to water temperatures below 60oF which makes them susceptible to periodic winterkills in the E-4 Canal system.

In addition to Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Redear Sunfi sh, E-4 Canal anglers can also catch several exotic fi shes including Oscar from South America, Spotted Tilapia from Africa, and Mayan Cichlid from Central America. These exotic species were illegally released and pose a threat to
native species. Oscar, Spotted Tilapia, and Mayan Cichlid are all bream-shaped fi shes. Oscar have ared or orange circle at the base of the tail, and have a thick layer of protective mucus on their bodies. Spotted Tilapia are golden with black vertical bars or spots, and some have red on them.

Mayan Cichlid are colorful and snapper-like in appearance with a turquoise ring around a black spot at the base of their tail. Clown Knifefi sh are elongated in the shape of a knife blade with prominent black spots circled in white on a silvery body. These exotic fishes taste good and you can keep every one you catch.

The southern E-4 and associated lakes and canals receive a great deal of fishing pressure so we encourage anglers to release most, if not all of the
largemouth bass and butterfly peacock they catch.  If anglers don’t release most of the sportfi sh they catch, these high quality fisheries will deteriorate rapidly.

Anglers, particularly those from outside the metropolitan Miami – West Palm Beach area, should be aware that vandalism occurs at some boat ramps. Therefore, care should be taken to secure your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight or take them with you when you leave the ramp.

For more Florida fishing information, visit the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s
web site at MyFWC.com/fi shin

Lake Ida Park Fishing Delray Beach Peacock Bass - Lake Ida is great because you can catch both largemouth bass and peacock bass.

Lake Ida Park Delray Beach bass fishing

Lake Ida Park Fishing VIDEO Lake Ida Florida Fishing Report – A day of bass fishing and peacock bass fishing on Lake Ida is a wonderful experience.  If you would like to hire professional South Florida bass fishing guide, John Pate: go here:  South Florida bass fishing guides.  For more information, trip details and prices go here:  Florida bass fishing guides.

Everglades Sunset Cruise Florida Everglades Bass Fishing Guides - South Florida Bass Fishing Guides John Pate and J.P. McKay video an awesome everglades sunset at Loxahatcheee.

Everglades Sunset Cruise VIDEO Florida Everglades Bass Fishing Guides – If you have ever want to see an amazing Florida everglades sunset – this video is it!  It also shows the moon coming up at the same time.  It’s incredible to be able to see the fire-red sun on one side of the everglades – and the moon on the other.  All at the same time!!!

In this video, South Florida bass fishing guides John “King of the Everglades” Pate is fishing with his bass fishing tournament partner, J.P. McKay.  John and J.P.  have won countless tournament together over the years.  Their victories and record prove that they are clearly two of the the best bass fisherman and guides in the everglades and all of Florida.

Check out this video – and for more information about trophy bass fishing with John Pate, sunset airboat rides and more, go here:  Florida everglades bass fishing guides.

Everglades Sunset Cruise VIDEO Florida Everglades Bass Fishing Guides

More information on Loxahatchee refuge from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service:

There are three entrances to the Refuge. The Headquarters Area (10216 Lee Road in Boynton Beach), the Hillsboro Area (west end of Loxahatchee Road in Boca Raton), and the 20-Mile Bend Area (off of Southern Blvd, SR-80 in West Palm Beach). Anglers and boaters are welcome to use all authorized entrances.

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a federal entrance fee area. An entrance fee per vehicle or per pedestrian is required for daily visits. Refuge entrance passes, Senior Passes, Annual Passes, Access Passes, and Federal Duck Stamps are available upon request at the Refuge headquarters entrance station located off US 441/SR 7 in Boynton Beach.

Freshwater native species found on the Refuge include but are not limited to: largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, redear sunfish, chain pickerel, longnose gar, bluegill, and warmouth.

Mayan Cichlid, Butterfly Peacock bass, Oscar, Spotted Tilapia, and Sailfin Catfish, etc.

Alligators when fed lose their natural fear of humans and become attracted to people. Alligators that have been fed may be more likely to attack, and must be destroyed. It is unlawful to feed alligators or any other wildlife on the Refuge. This includes allowing alligators to eat unwanted or released fish.

All recreational anglers must possess a valid Florida fishing license in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida. Daily bag and possession limits are in accordance with Florida regulations. To review additional information, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recreational Fishing Regulations may be found at www.myfwc.com/fishing.

Fishing is permitted south of a line of latitude of N 26.27.130 and in the rim canal around the rest of the Refuge. The Refuge prohibits fishing in Management Compartments A, B, and C, and those areas posted as closed to fishing or the public.

Only rods, reels, and poles are allowed, and anglers must attend them at all times.

The Refuge prohibits commercial fishing as well as the taking of frogs, turtles, and other wildlife.

The Refuge prohibits the possession or use of cast nets, seines, trot lines, jugs, gigs, and other fishing devices.

All boaters must comply with U.S. Coast Guard and State of Florida boating regulations including required running lights.

Boats equipped with outboard or electric motors and nonmotorized vessels are permitted. Prohibited vessels include airboats, mud-boats, hovercraft, personal watercraft (Jet Skis, Wave Runners, etc).

All boats operating in the flats and trails outside of the main canals,  must fly a 12 inch by 12 inch (30 cm x 30 cm) orange flag, 10 feet (3 m) above the vessel’s waterline.

Requirements and Regulations:

Do not feed or harass the wildlife.

Disturbing, collecting, injuring, or attempting to disturb or injure any plant, artifact, rock, or animal is unlawful.

Cutting or removing any live or dead vegetation, limbs, trees etc. is prohibited.

The Refuge does not allow fires, camping and/or overnight parking.

The Refuge does not allow pets.

Do Not Litter. It is illegal, unsightly, and poses a serious threat to fish, wading birds, and turtles. They get entangled in fishing line and plastic causing injury and death. Place all unused monofilament line in the white recycle tube. There is a white recycle tube located at the Headquarters Area and at 20-Mile Bend Area. Never throw pieces of plastic or let fishing line go into the water.

Inspections:

Fishermen, their vehicles, boats, equipment and other belongings are subject to inspection by U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers.

Boating Safety:

Use extreme caution when you are launching into the canal. Place your vehicle in park and set the parking brake. Boaters are urged to wear their life jackets at all times. All U.S. Coast Guard, State of Florida and Refuge boating regulations must be followed for your safety.

Motorboat travel on the Refuge may be hazardous due to underwater or floating debris, floating vegetation, and wakes from other boats. Please look for and obey all posted No Wake Zones and Speed Zones. There is a 35 MPH maximum speed on all waters of the Refuge. These areas are posted to keep visitors safe and to protect wildlife. Slow down when passing other boats and when you see alligators and other wildlife in the area. Be prepared and observe regulations concerning: Posted hours, closed areas, fishing or hunting license requirements, boat registration, life jackets, and other required safety equipment.

Ensure your boat is seaworthy. Have all your safety equipment on board. Ensure you have plenty of fuel. Pack a Global Positioning System (GPS), a cell phone and a marine radio. Carry insect repellant, drinking water, foul weather clothing, and emergency lights or flares.

Remember the sun magnifies the effects of alcohol. Limit alcohol consumption. Boating while intoxicated is as serious as driving while intoxicated and law enforcement officers regularly check boaters for levels of intoxication.

Allow time to return to your vehicle and to leave the area before posted closing time. Remember, floating vegetation and changing water levels can block canals and hide boat trails.

If you should become lost or stranded please observe the following procedures, which will aid personnel in locating you. First, hail other boaters in your area or passing you for help. U.S. Coast Guard regulations require that boaters render assistance to fellow boaters.

Call the Refuge Emergency Dispatch number, 1.800.307.5789 or 911. Leave your number and your location, as well as where you launched and your status of emergency. Law enforcement officers also monitor VHF Channel 16.

Do not leave your boat in order to walk out. Try to paddle to the canal and get on the levee. Should your vehicle be found in the parking areas after closing time, personnel will begin search and rescue procedures.

If you have a portable or strobe light, turn it on after dark.  During the first phase of the search, officers will drive the levees looking for you. If you are located, a boat or aircraft will be used to reach you.

Signal aircraft using a flag, shirt, or light. Aircraft will direct officers in boats to your location. As the search boat nears you, it will turn off its engine. At that time, call and make noises to assist officers in pinpointing your location.

Remember, filing a false report or making a false distress signal or call is a serious offense. Refuge personnel will not tow your vessel except in an emergency.

Visitor Center

10216 Lee Road

Boynton Beach, FL  33473-4797

Phone: 561.734.8303

Visitor Center Hours: 9 am – 4 pm, seven days a week

Website: www.fws.gov/loxahatchee

24 hour emergencies or violation reporting

1-800-307-5789

Source: http://www.fws.gov/southeast/pubs/LoxFishBoatBrochure.pdf

Everglades Sunset Cruise VIDEO Florida Everglades Bass Fishing Guides

Gator Boys King Cobra Kiss Florida Everglades Bass Fishing Guides - Expert snake handler Mike does the unthinkable and kissed a King Cobra on the lips!!!!

Gator Boys King Cobra Kiss VIDEO Florida Everglades Bass Fishing Guides – If you have not watched the new television series, “Gator Boys” you are really missing out.  The Gator Boys run an alligator rescued out of Florida everglades Holidays Park.  They have been doing it for over 20 years simply out of the love for wildlife – especially alligators.

And now the world is mystified every Sunday night watching them wrestled, capture… and even still their heads in alligator’s mouths!!!

In this very, One of the Gator Boy’s friends, Mike… does the unthinkable.  He gives a cobra a kiss on the lips.  Even though Mike is an expert snake handler – kissing a deadly cobra on the lips is WAY over the top!!!

Check out the cobra kiss and the reaction of the Gator Boys and what they say about this amazing feat in this video…

More about the Gator Boys

From an interview in the Herald News:

Paul Bedard isn’t doing it for the fame. He’s doing it for the gators.

Bedard, a 1986 graduate of Bishop Stang who splits his time living in Westport and Florida, stars in his own show “Gator Boys” that airs on Animal Planet on Sunday nights at 9 p.m.

Bedard, 43, teams with Jimmy Riffle to make up the Gator Boys, who capture nuisance gators and return them to safety before they harm humans or are caught by trappers, who kill them and turn them into suitcases.

The show is sort of like the alligator version of “Cops” where regular people, spooked by the presence of an alligator on their property, call the Gator Boys for help.

The show is quite entertaining and suitable for all ages. In fact, my 7-year-old daughter Lily, who is deathly afraid of bees, spiders, ants, fleas, etc., now wants to work with alligators.

“I didn’t start catching gators for a TV show,” said Bedard. “I have a TV show to help catch more gators.”

The Gator Boys have recently been on the Today Show and have been featured on Inside Edition. Bedard and Riffle are also scheduled to be on the Tonight Show within the week, although an exact date has not yet been determined.

Despite the overwhelming number of interview requests and recent television appearances for the Gator Boys, Bedard remains humble. He wants nothing to do with the spotlight. He’d rather be in a swamp tracking down a nuisance gator than sitting on stage with Jay Leno.

I was on the phone with Bedard at 7 p.m. Sunday night while a sneak preview of Gator Boys was on Animal Planet (the premier aired Sunday at 9 p.m.). I was watching the show and asking him a few questions when he said, “Hey, you think Tebow will pull this one out, too?” as he was watching the Denver Broncos/Pittsburgh Steelers NFL playoff game instead of his own show.

Bedard, who works as a lifeguard at Horseneck Beach during the summer months, says Gator Boys has filmed 10 episodes so far and isn’t exactly sure what the future holds.

“It’s getting a lot of positive press,” he said. “We shot the pilot in April or May and then they bought more. We had shopped the idea around a while ago and we knew it would sell.”

 

If you would like to see the Gator Boys live alligator wrestling show – you can check it out at Florida everglades Holiday Park.  If you would like to go for an airboat ride and see live alligator deep in the everglades swamp, just give John “King of the Everglades” Pate a call.   John has been a bass fishing guide in the Florida everglades since 1973 and can take you trophy bass fishing or set you up with the best airboat ride in the swamp!!!  For more information go here:   Florida everglades bass fishing guides.   Or give John a call at 954-325-5310.  For more Gator Boys action and videos go here:  Gator Boys.

Everglades Bass Fishing Florida Bass Fishing Guides Video – Mark Mahaffey Catches 6lbs 14oz. Trophy Bass

Everglades Bass Fishing Florida Bass Fishing Guides VIDEO- Bass fishing in the Florida everglades has been tough for the past few months.  Especially at Everglades Holiday Park, where the bass fishing has not been good at all.  But John “King of the Everglades” Pate has been a full time bass fishing guide in Florida since 1973 – and he know when and where to catch the biggest trophy bass.

Check out this video of John’s client, Mark Mahaffey holding up a couple trophy bass.  The biggest bass is 6 pounds 14 ounces.  Mark caught the biggest bass on a 10′ Thunder Stix made by Tuscororan Pro Lures.  To read about Mark’s everglades bass fishing trip with John Pate, Go here:  Florida everglades bass fishing guides Mark Mahaffey Catches Trophy Bass.

How to fish 10′ Thunder Stix to catch trophy bass

The best way to fish these great lures is weightless with a 5/0 extra wide gap hook.  Rig the bait so the worm is completely straight.  The big worm works best in the Florida everglades either along the edges on open water and lily pads near slight drop offs… or cast up into the lily pads and worked through them.

This worn is specifically made to come right through the pads and not get hung up.  I have never used another worm that comes through the pads like this one.  And the explosions you get while fishing this lure in the lily pads are nothing short of awesome.

When fished on top – this big worm can be worked with a steady retrieve with frequent paused and twitches – or just by twitching it.  The worm has incredible action and is a favorite for very big everglades bass.

If you would like to go trophy bass fishing in the Florida everglades with one of the best bass fishing guides in Florida, give John “King of the Everglades” Pate a call.  He is an expert at teaching clients how to catch trophy bass with artificial lures. For trip detail and prices go here:  Everglades Bass Fishing Florida.   For more information about John PAte and his Florida bass fishing guide service, go here:  Florida bass fishing guides everglades.