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If you were to ask
me where the top destination for bass fishing in Florida is I would have
to consider the Harris Chain of Lakes pretty high on my list.
The
Harris Chain of Lakes is a waterway system that leads north to the
Atlantic Ocean, through the Ocklawaha River and the St. John's River.
It's made up of Lake Harris, Little Lake Harris, Lake Dora, Lake Eustis,
Lake Griffin and Lake Beauclair, and includes links by the Dora Canal,
the Dead River and Haines Creek.
A regular
stop for the Bassmaster tour in the early 70's and 80's the Harris chain
was a favorite among touring pros because of it's ability to produce
trophy bass. The Harris chain peaked in the late 80's when Submergent
vegetation in the form of Hydrilla could be found throughout the chain.
At the time the Harris chain was considered to be the number 1 trophy
bass fishing destination. Aggressive weed control and stable water
levels hurt the chain for about 10 years but the last 7 years have been
excellent as can be seen from the past two Bassmaster tournaments.Trophy
bass were abound as the Pros caught multiple bass in the 11 lb range.
Local tournaments are proving just how well the
chain is doing with top weights for 5 bass limits being in the 17 - 19lb
range. Techniques for the Harris Chain of Lakes can range from flipping
visible shoreline vegetation to carolina rigging main lake ledges.
Rattle traps, crankbaits, texas rigged worms and topwater buzzbaits are
also effective techniques.
Although
live bait can be used on this chain I prefer using arificial lures.
Techniques for using live bait are typically trolling shiners through
the various canals that are on the chain. But because of the numerous
ledges, brushpiles and shoreline vegetation the use of artificial lures
can be much more rewarding as well as challenging.
Only a short
drive from Disney World The Harris Chain of Lakes is definitely worth
making part of your Florida fishing vacation.
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The Harris Chain of Lakes just give anglers one more reason to go bass
fishing in Florida! |

This is why we spend so much time in the outdoors! |
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