Highlands Bass Angler

Jul 4, 2023

“Highlands Bass Angler” since 2006

Central Florida Freshwater Fishing Weekly Forecast

Rainy Season Full Moon Fishing for Anglers This Week - Sep.24-30, 2023

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the last six days of September gives the Florida freshwater anglers the full moon phase and a rainy season weather forecast. All fishing factors considered, the second half of the week the full moon will be fairly strong but the first half of the week will have a weak lunar affect. Nevertheless, fishing during the mid to late morning hours over the next three days will be your best bet to catch fish.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: Today the moon is two days past the first quarter moon and one day from the lunar low position, which means the lunar affect will be very weak. Anglers can expect the daily peak periods to top-out in the four to five range for the first half of this week. However, the moon is orbiting toward the perigee, which will occur Wednesday, and the full moon will occur Friday, which means feed ratings will significantly improve Wednesday through Saturday, topping-out on Friday and Saturday at a seven feed rating.

Weather Factors: Rainy season weather will prevail this week and temperatures will gradually drop into the mid-eighty degree range by the midweek. Winds will come from the east to northeast everyday with speeds reaching a daily top speed of eight to ten mph. Atmospheric pressure change will be minimal and therefore not a factor. Cloud-cover will be a factor Monday through Thursday with a sun-to-cloud ratio of seventy-thirty. But for the full moon phase Thursday through Saturday, cloud-cover will decline to thirty percent with a bright shining full moon all three nights.

Major Solar-Lunar Period: Today the moon is underfoot at 9 a.m., producing a feed rating of five from 8-10 a.m. Daily the underfoot moon occurs later by one hour and improves a half number. Saturday the feed rating will begin to reverse and decline by one number daily. Friday a feed rating of seven or slightly better will occur from 12-3 p.m.

Minor Solar Lunar Periods: Today the moonrise occurs at 4:16 p.m. producing a feed rating of three to four from 3-5:30 p.m. Daily the moonrise occurs later by fifty minutes and remains at the same feed rating until the second half of the week when the full moon occurs and the moonrise occurs during the sunset period. A feed rating of five will occur from 6-9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday evenings.

A second minor period occurs today when the moon is overhead at 9:31 p.m. producing a feed rating of four from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by one hour and improves in feed rating by a half number ever two days. On Friday night, the full moon will produce a feed rating of five to six from 11 p.m.-2 a.m.

A third minor period occurs today when the moonset happens at 1:39 a.m. producing a feed rating of three from 12:30-2:30 a.m. Daily the moonset occurs later by sixty-eight minutes and remains at the same feed rating. However, during the second half of the week the moonset begins to harmonize with the sunrise period to produce a feed rating of five from 5-8 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Best Fishing Days of Week: With the full moon occurring Friday and the lunar orbit perigee on Wednesday I predict very good fishing Thursday through Saturday during the underfoot moon. It should be noted that the full moon will be shining brightly on those nights, causing less feeding fish twelve hour later during the solar noon period.

Prime Monthly Periods: September 26-October 1 full moon, 11-16 weak new moon, 25-31 full moon, November 11-14 weak new moon, 24-29 full moon, December 10-13 weak new moon, 23-29 full moon.

Good Fishing Today and Friday - September 17-24, 2023

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the third week of September gives the Florida Freshwater Anglers a rainy season weather pattern and a weak lunar affect. All fishing factors considered, other than today, anglers will have to work harder to find more than one hungry fish this week. The overhead moon period is still the best bet.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: Today is the last day of the new moon seven-day phase. The moon is moving away from the solar energy path and will arrive at its furthest point from it Saturday. This means the lunar influence will be diminishing gradually every day this week and therefore fish will not feed in large numbers at the same time. The lowest feed ratings of the month will occur this week.

Weather Factors: A rainy season weather pattern will occur all week. Winds today will be out of the west at ideal speeds of eight to ten mph. Monday a weak northwest wind will switch to an east direction by the late afternoon hours. Tuesday through the next weekend an east northeast wind will produce daily speeds in the ten mph range.

Cloud-cover will be at fifty percent every day. There will be enough change in bright sunshine to heavy cloud cover to cause fish adjustment activity to increase enough to improve feeding activity. From solar noon at 1:28 p.m. through the overhead, moon period, which occurs today at 3:13 p.m. fish will be feeding as they adjust to the changing light levels caused by periodic cloud cover.

Atmospheric pressure will not be a factor this week. Temperatures will drop about five degrees from what they have been over the past month. A sure sign that the fall season is approaching. As water temperatures adjust downward slightly, fish will remain longer in the shallow feeding areas, especially when sunlight is bright.

Major Solar-Lunar Period: Today the moon is overhead at 3:13 p.m. producing a feed rating of six from 2-4:30 p.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by forty-five minutes and will remain at the same feed rating.

Minor Solar Lunar Periods: Today the moonrise occurs at 9:21 a.m. producing a feed rating of four to five from 8-11 a.m. Daily the moonrise occurs later by fifty-five minutes and remains at the same feed rating.

A second minor period occurs today when the moonset happens at 8:58 p.m. producing a feed rating of four from 8-10 p.m. Daily the moonset occurs later by thirty-two minutes and remains at a four rating.

Best Fishing Days of Week: Today being the last day of the new moon phase, anglers will enjoy the best fishing day of the week. Due to the moon moving away from the solar energy path and arriving at the low position this Saturday, the only other day, which could produce better than the other days, is Friday when the overhead moon harmonizes with the sunset, which always improves the numbers of feeding fish.

Prime Monthly Periods: September 26-October 1 full moon, 11-16 weak new moon, 25-31 full moon, November 11-14 weak new moon, 24-29 full moon, December 10-13 weak new moon, 23-29 full moon

Florida Fishing Facts: This fact needs restating during the rainy season hot weather conditions; the best artificial baits to use for bass when water temperatures are extremely hot are short, fat, heavy vibrating baits, which emit vibrations and sounds at very slow speeds. I mean slow, as in a January day when water temperatures are the opposite of what they are today. Low oxygen rates slow fish down significantly. So smaller, slower, fat food sources are what’s for supper in the fish-eat-fish world.

Fishing Safety Notice: Lightning is a major threat, so it is best to have a planned escape strategy and know the time it takes to get to a tow vehicle or building. Trees are “not a refuge’ but in fact a place of death. If caught on the boat, leave the motors in the water and lay as low as possible.

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.70 feet above sea level with three of four S68 gates open five inches and flowing a combined 520 cubic feet per second. The lake level schedule thresholds are: high 38.75’ and low 38.25’. From September through the middle of October, both the high and low levels will be raised gradually to 39.50’ and 39’ respectively. Lake management links for USACE and SFWMD websites are isthp.pdf (army.mil) and Site Status Reports (sfwmd.gov)

Bass Guide Services are available upon request at a rate of $125 per guide trip on customer’s boat. If you need to learn where the bass are, give me a call. I will put you on fish and provide information and technique that will lead to greater success.

Dave Douglass has been an artificial bait only bass fishing guide since 2005 and a firearms and self-defense law instructor since 2012. You can find his weekly firearms and self-defense article published at his business website FloridaGunSelfDefense.com. To find out more contact him by email at DavidPDouglass@hotmail.com or by phone at 863-381-8474, please leave a message for a return call.

Good New Moon Fishing This Week - September 10-17, 2023

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the second week of September gives the Florida Freshwater Angler the new moon phase and mixed weather forecast. All fishing factors considered, anglers will enjoy very good fishing this week as a fairly strong new moon phase produces plenty of hungry fish during the midday hours.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: Today the moon is two days away from the lunar orbit apogee but is four days from the lunar high position within the solar energy path. Which means feed ratings during this week’s new moon phase will produce a feed rating of seven to eight Thursday when the new moon occurs. Today feed ratings will be in the five range but will improve gradually until Friday when a gradual decline begins to occur.

Weather Factors: This week we’ll have a mix of rainy season and early fall weather conditions. Two days of sunshine with no thunderstorms followed by two days of sunny mornings with afternoon thunderstorms. Wind speeds will be a factor in that there will be little to no wind today through Tuesday. Wednesday through next weekend an ideal north wind with speeds in the seven to ten mph will occur. And atmospheric pressure will not be a factor.

Major Solar-Lunar Period: Today the moon is overhead at 10:18 a.m. and will produce a feed rating of five or slightly better from 9-11:30 a.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by forty-seven minutes and increases in feed rating by a half number. Thursday the new moon will occur along with solar noon producing a feed rating of seven to eight from 12-3 p.m. Friday through next weekend the early to midafternoon period will produce a feed rating of six and a half.

Minor Solar Lunar Periods: Today the moonset occurs at 5:26 p.m. producing a feed rating of four to five from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Daily the moonset occurs later by thirty-seven minutes and improves slightly, about a half number every two days. The second half of the week the moonset will begin to improve the sunset period bite. Friday and next weekend sunset fishing will be fairly good.

A second minor period occurs today when the moonrise happens at 3:03 a.m. To be clear, any feeding activity today through Tuesday won’t have a feed rating above three, however Wednesday through next weekend the moonrise and the sunrise will produce a five to six rating and perhaps slightly better on Thursday and Friday.

Best Fishing Days of Week: Wednesday through Friday the new moon will improve feed ratings, topping out at an eight rating during the solar noon period on Thursday. Wednesday and Friday will produce seven feed ratings and next weekend early afternoon fishing will be very good.

Prime Monthly Periods: September 11-16 new moon, 26-October 1 full moon, 11-16 weak new moon, 25-31 full moon, November 11-14 weak new moon, 24-29 full moon, December 10-13 weak new moon, 23-29 full moon

Florida Fishing Facts: During the Florida summer, the best place to catch fish and especially bass, is in grass beds, tree-piles and fish attractors at depths of twelve to eighteen feet.

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.70 feet above sea level with three of four S68 gates open six inches and flowing a combined 620 cubic feet per second. The lake level schedule thresholds are high 38.50’ and low 38.25’. From September through the middle of October, both the high and low levels will be raised gradually to 39.50’ and 39’ respectively. Lake management links from USACE and SFWMD websites are provided here at HighlandsBassAngler.com isthp.pdf (army.mil) and Site Status Reports (sfwmd.gov)

This page is HighlandsBassAngler.com where the Highlands Bass Angler weekly article, Florida Freshwater Fishing Forecast is published on the web. Bass Guide Services are available upon request at a rate of $125 per guide trip on customer’s boat. If you need to learn where the bass are, give me a call. I will put you on fish and provide information and technique that will lead to greater success.

Dave Douglass is an artificial bait only bass fishing guide, firearms, self-defense instructor, and trainer. Thanks for visiting HighlandsBassAngler.com to access angling publications and please visit FloridaGunSelfDefense.com for firearms publications and in-field and classroom training options. Dave can be reached by email at DavidPDouglass@hotmail.com or by phone at 863-381-8474, please leave a message for a return call.

Last Quarter Moon and Ideal Weather Turn Fish On - Sep. 3-10, 2023.

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the first week of September gives the Florida freshwater anglers the last quarter moon without a rainy season weather pattern. All fishing factors considered, ideal weather and a strong lunar effect will cause fish to feed at higher rates than normal this week.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: Today the moon is three days from the last quarter phase and five days from the lunar high position within the solar energy path. Anglers can expect the lunar effect to strengthen daily, especially when the moon is overhead.

Weather Factors: Today through Friday, if the weather forecast results in being true, there will be very little rain if any at all. Bright sunshine will prevail over the next six days, which means the photosynthesis rate will be as high as it can be during the summer. Cloud cover will not be a factor with the exception of Tuesday when it is forecasted to be fifty percent.

Temperatures will average at ninety degrees and oxygen production will be very good. Fish will feed at much greater rates than they did the previous two to three weeks. This week the underfoot moon in the afternoon and the overhead moon occurring during the sunrise will produce fairly well.

Winds will be from the east all week. And speeds will climb to fifteen mph today but be ideal for the remainder of the week with speeds topping-out in the early afternoon between eight to ten mph. Atmospheric pressure could be a factor when it falls almost 0.10 in hg this afternoon and again Wednesday afternoon. Otherwise, pressure change will not be a factor.

Next weekend the extended forecast predicts the rainy season pattern will return. If correct, the new moon week will suffer from the lack of bright sunlight. Oxygen rates will drop enough to slow the feeding bite significantly. Best to plan fishing the deeper lakes with depths of twelve to eighteen feet.

Major Solar-Lunar Periods: Today the moon is underfoot at4:4:39 p.m. producing a feed rating of six from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Daily the underfoot moon occurs later by fifty minutes and gradually improves in feed rating by one number to two numbers by Wednesday when it occurs during the sunset period.

A second major period occurs today when the moonset happens at 10:51 and solar noon at 1:34 p.m. producing a feed rating of five to six from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Photosynthesis will be strongest at this time, causing fish to feed at above average rates for the rainy season. Wednesday the moonset occurs with solar noon and a feed rating of six to seven will occur from 12-3 p.m.

Minor Solar Lunar Period: Today the moon is overhead at 4:14 a.m. producing a feed rating of three to four, depending on how deep the lake is, from 3:30-5:30 a.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by fifty minutes and increases in feed rating by a half number. Again the deeper the lake the more in feed rating will be accurate. In shallow lakes, oxygen production will be too low to enable fish to feed normally.

By Tuesday, the overhead moon and the sunrise will harmonize to produce excellent fishing from 5:30-8:30 a.m. producing a six to seven feed rating. The second half of the week the overhead moon period will become the major period of the day averaging a six or slightly better feed rating.

Best Fishing Days of Week: Wednesday the last quarter moon and a dropping barometer will combine to produce a very good feeding bite during the sunrise, solar noon, and sunset periods. But the pressure effect will occur during the early afternoon and early evening hours.

Florida Fishing Facts: During the rainy season then bright sunshine prevails and thunderstorm activity just about disappears, fish feed best after several hours of bright light. Or in other words, when the lake produces the highest level of oxygen for the day, fish will feed. Oxygen production i.e. photosynthesis, is the main factor in why fish feed more and also the reason why fish don’t feed during the few hours leading up to the sunrise period. Oxygen rates are at the lowest point from 3-8 a.m.

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.35 feet above sea level with three of four S68 gates open four inches and flowing a combined 430 cubic feet per second. The lake level schedule thresholds are: high 38.50’ and low 38.25’. From September through the middle of October, both the high and low levels will be raised gradually to 39.50’ and 39’ respectively. Lake management links from USACE and SFWMD websites are provided on HighlandsBassAngler.com isthp.pdf (army.mil) and Site Status Reports (sfwmd.gov)

This webpage is the new home of HighlandsBassAngler.com. The Highlands Bass Angler article, “Florida Freshwater Fishing Forecast” is published here weekly. Bass Guide Services are available upon request at a rate of $125 per guide trip on customer’s boat. If you need to learn where the bass are, give me a call. I will put you on fish and provide information and technique that will lead to greater success.

Dave Douglass is an artificial bait only bass fishing guide and firearms and self-defense instructor and trainer. Visit HighlandsBassAngler.com to access angling and firearms publications. He can be reached by email at DavidPDouglass@hotmail.com or by phone at 863-381-8474, please leave a message for a return call.

Super Full Moon Fishing Interrupted by Tropical Storm - Aug. 27- Sep. 3, 2023

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the last five days of August and the beginning of September will give the Florida freshwater anglers a super full moon on Wednesday night, and a rainy season forecast and a tropical depression, which will produce twenty mph winds during the middle of the week.

All fishing factors considered, anglers will have good fishing the day before the super full moon as fish feed at above average rates just before the tropical depression arrives. This will not help the super full moon bite on Wednesday and Thursday. Perhaps Friday fish will feed but that depends on the effects of the storm.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: Today the moon is one day from the solar low position and will have a weak effect on fish and wildlife for the next week. But on Wednesday the lunar perigee occurs ten hour and forty-five minutes before the full moon on Thursday at 1:37 a.m. Due the weak influence factor the feed rating will top-out Wednesday and Thursday at seven to eight during the underfoot and overhead periods.

Weather Factors: Today the rainy season weather pattern returns due to the low-pressure system that entered the state over the past thirty-six hours. Atmospheric pressure will average in the 29.78 in hg range until Thursday morning. Today through Wednesday fish will be holding in deeper sections of the lake---as deep as fish can get in shallow lakes and eighteen to twenty-five feet in deeper lakes.

Wind speeds will be ideal today and Monday with top speeds in the afternoon of ten mph out of the east today and the south tomorrow. Tuesday the south wind will continue but produce speeds in the fifteen mph range for most of the day. Wednesday winds begin to switch to the south to southwest, producing top speeds of twenty mph. For the second half of the week winds will be from the west Thursday and Friday at top speeds of ten mph. Next weekend wind will be from the east at ideal speeds of eight to ten mph.

Atmospheric pressure will rise quickly starting Wednesday evening and climb 0.27 in hg by Friday midday. Fish will adjust upward throughout the thirty-six hour period. Anglers can expect fish to feed as they move into the deeper vegetation areas along shorelines.

It should be noted that due to heavy cloud-cover oxygen produce will be very low which means fish will need to move deeper to better oxygen areas of the water column in order to digest food and feed normally. Expect fish to be stressed as they adjust upward Thursday and Friday because they’ll be moving into low oxygen areas of the lake. Some feeding will occur in deeper lakes but shallow lakes will most likely not have much feeding activity.

Major Solar-Lunar Periods: Today the moon is underfoot at 10:12 a.m. and will produce a feed rating of six or slightly better from 9-11 a.m. Daily the overhead moon will occur later by an hour and increases in feed rating by a half number until Friday when the rating will decline daily by a half number.

A second major period occurs today when the overhead moon happens at 10:44 p.m. and produces a feed rating of five to six from 9:30-11:45 p.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by one hour and improves in feed rating by a half number. Friday the rating will reverse and decline in rating by a half number

Minor Solar Lunar Period: Today the moonrise occurs at 5:33 p.m. and produces a feed rating of four from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Daily the moonrise occurs later by fifty-five minutes and remains at the same feed rating

The moonset occurs today at 2:47 a.m. when the oxygen rate is arriving at its lowest rate of the day. Therefore feeding activity will be very poor if it occurs at all. Daily the moonset occurs later by one fifty minutes and will not become productive until Thursday when it happens at 7:33 a.m. Pressure will be on the rise, which will improve feeding activity. I’ll predict a four feed rating.

Best Fishing Days of Week: Pressure will drop 0.12 in hg during the overhead moon causing fish to feed as they adjust downward. Thursday and Friday fish will adjust upward which will improve feeding activity during both the underfoot and overhead periods.

Fishing Facts: During a tropical storm event, atmospheric pressure drops significantly, forcing fish to adjust downward enabling the swim bladders to adjust to the decrease in pressure and become normalized. This takes about twelve to eighteen hours depending on the severity of the drop in pressure.

As fish move deeper, they enter cooler temperature water, which holds greater dissolved oxygen, which in turn causes better digestion rates, and consequently enables normal feeding activity.

However, the problem in Florida’s shallow freshwater lakes, is that they are on average, twelve feet deep at their deepest point. Fish don’t have adequate depths to regain adequate pressure to sustain normal body functions. Fish in shallow lakes will enter a stressed state until pressure rises again. Also, during this time, they will not find the oxygen rates needed due to low photosynthesis, which is a result of a lack of bright sunshine. A lack of oxygen and correct pressure shuts down normal activities.

Lakes with depths greater than twelve feet, provide ideal water temperatures, which hold plenty of oxygen even though overcast conditions block out sunlight. Anglers will have a much greater chance of success fishing grass beds at eighteen to twenty-four feet during the next five days. Shallow lake anglers should fish as deep as possible using downsized fat baits at slow retrieve speeds. Even using this technique be prepared to go home empty.

Prime Monthly Periods: Aug. 28-Sep. 2 super full moon, 11-16 new moon, 26-October 1 full moon, 11-16 weak new moon, 25-31 full moon, November 11-14 weak new moon, 24-29 full moon, December 10-13 weak new moon, 23-29 full moon

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.34 feet above sea level with four S68 gates closed. The lake level schedule: high 38.50’ and low 38.25’. From September through the middle of October, both the high and low levels will be raised gradually to 39.50’ and 39’ respectively. Keep up to date by checking these two lake management websites, the Army Corp of Engineers USACE and South Fl. Water Mgmt. District SFWMD.

This webpage is the new home of HighlandsBassAngler.com where the Highlands Bass Angler weekly article, “Florida Freshwater Fishing Forecast” will be published from now on. Bass Guide Services are available upon request at a rate of $125 per outing on customer’s boats. If you need to learn where the bass are, give me a call. I will put you on fish and provide information and technique that will lead to greater success.

If firearms or self-defense instruction and training is of interest to you, please check out my articles on the main page of this website. Also visit my FloridaGunSelfDefense.com business webpage for complete information on training modules and classroom instruction options customized for gun owners, from elementary to advanced levels of experience.

Dave Douglass is an artificial bait only bass fishing guide and firearms and self-defense instructor. Visit HighlandsBassAngler.com to access angling and firearms publications. He can be reached by email at DavidPDouglass@hotmail.com or by phone at 863-381-8474, please leave a message for a return call.

August 20-27, 2023 - This Week Sunshine and Wind Will Improve Fishing

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the third full week of August gives the Florida freshwater anglers the development of the first quarter moon phase and a weakening moon, and a weather forecast promising a strong east wind and bright sunshine with very little, if any, thunderstorm activity. All fishing factors considered, anglers will enjoy an above-average wind during the prime fishing periods of the day and plenty of sunshine which will improve feeding activity.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: We just left the new moon phase and will have the waxing of the first quarter moon this week, which will occur Thursday. The moon is currently moving away from the solar energy path, and will reach the solar low position Saturday. Therefore, anglers can expect the moon effect to weaken daily over the next six days.

Weather Factors: The forecast predicts something rarely experienced during the rainy season. An east wind will occur for the next seven days and will produce a daily high speed in the fifteen mph range by the early afternoon hours.

With the best fishing period occurring in the mid to late afternoon hours, anglers will welcome the relief in the form of a higher than ideal wind. Wave action will actually be a factor this week during the prime period of the day.

The sun-to-cloud ratio will be seventy-thirty today and Monday. Tuesday through the end of the week bright sunshine will prevail with very little cloud-cover and very little thunderstorm activity. Tuesday through next Sunday will not feel much like a rainy season.

Major Solar-Lunar Period: Today the moon will be overhead at 4:32 p.m. and will produce a feed rating of six to seven from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by forty minutes and remains at the same feed rating.

Minor Solar Lunar Periods: Today the moonrise occurs at 10:31 a.m. and will produce a feed rating of five from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Daily the moonrise occurs later by fifty-five minutes and will remain at the same feed rating.

A second minor period occurs when the moon is underfoot at 4:12 a.m. today producing a feed rating of four to five from 3-5:30 a.m. Daily the moon underfoot period occurs later by thirty minutes and remains at the same feed rating.

A third minor period occurs when the moonset occurs at 10:26 p.m. producing a feed rating of four to five from 9:30-11:30 p.m. Daily the moonset occurs later by thirty minutes and remains at the same feed rating.

Best Fishing Days of Week: Thursday evening the overhead moon and the sunset happen together to produce the best fishing period of the week. And the underfoot moon will be working with the sunset to produce a fairly good minor period.

Prime Monthly Periods: August 28-Sep. 2 super full moon, 11-16 new moon, 26-October 1 full moon, 11-16 weak new moon, 25-31 full moon, November 11-14 weak new moon, 24-29 full moon, December 10-13 weak new moon, 23-29 full moon

Florida Fishing Facts: I’ve mentioned the rainy season fact before but it’s worth mentioning again because this week it will come into play again. Bright sunshine is forecast Tuesday through next Sunday. Oxygen production will be very good this week in the hours leading up to the major feeding period of the day. Anglers can expect to find aggressive feeding in healthy vegetation areas as a result.

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.35 feet above sea level with three of four S68 gates open sis inches, flowing a combined 580 cubic feet per second. The lake level schedule is: high 38.25’ and low 37.5’.

DavidPDouglass@Substack.com is the new home for the Highlands Bass Angler Sunday weekly article, Florida Freshwater Fishing Forecast.

Dave Douglass is an artificial bait only bass fishing guide and firearms and self-defense instructor. Visit davidpdouglass@substack.com to access angling and firearms publications. He can be reached by email at DavidPDouglass@hotmail.com or by phone at 863-381-8474

New Moon Produces Best Fishing Days of the Month - August 13-20, 2023.

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the second full week of August gives the Florida freshwater anglers the new moon phase during a fairly strong moon and a rainy season weather forecast which promises more thunderstorm activity during the second half of the week than the first half of the week.

All fishing factors considered, anglers will have the best success during the late morning and early afternoon hours when the moon and sun are overhead. However if anglers fish the deeper lakes they will find success during the sunrise and sunset period. Fish will be in the oxygenated waters of twelve feet or more.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: The new moon occurs Wednesday as the orbit apogee occurs. However yesterday the lunar high occurred which means the moon is at full strength. In three days, the new moon while being furthest from earth will be fairly strong. Expect an eight rating Tuesday through Thursday during the midday solar noon period.

Weather Factors: A rainy season weather forecast is predicted for this week. Today and Monday thunderstorm activity will be moderate to low but Tuesday through the end of the week thunderstorm activity will be moderate to high. Winds will climb to eight to ten mph daily, Today from the east southeast, Monday from the southeast, Tuesday the a west wind will switch to a southwest to west wind on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday a southerly wind will occur. Next weekend a ten to twelve mph east wind will prevail

Water temperatures are at a annual high mark in the high eighty to ninety degree range. Dissolved oxygen rates are also the lowest rate they’ll be all year. Expect fish to be between eight to eighteen feet deep. And the brighter the conditions the more fish will feed. Cloud-cover will be a factor in the afternoons and evenings so I predict fish will feed just prior to thunderstorm activity. .

Major Solar-Lunar Period: Today the moon is overhead at 11:04 a.m. and solar noon at 1:38 p.m. producing a feed rating of six from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by forty-eight minutes and increases in feed rating by one number. Wednesday from 12-3:30 p.m. a feed rating of eight will occur. Thursday through Saturday the feed rating will drop by one number and settle at a five to six rating for the weekend 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Minor Solar Lunar Period: Today the moonset occurs at 6:38 p.m. and the sunset at 7:43 p.m. producing a feed rating of five from 6-9 p.m. Daily the moonset occurs later by forty minutes and remains at the same feed rating.

A second minor period begins to occur on Tuesday when the moonrise happens at 5:24 a.m. and the sunrise at 6:14 a.m. producing a feed rating of four from 5-7:30 a.m. Daily the moonrise occurs later by one hour and will improve to a five rating Wednesday and Thursday. The feed rating will remain at five for the remainder of the week.

Best Fishing Days of Week: With the new moon occurring Wednesday, Monday through Friday will produce very well. But Tuesday and Wednesday will be the best fishing days of the month.

Prime Monthly Periods: August 13-18 new moon, Aug. 28-Sep. 2 super full moon, 11-16 new moon, 26-October 1 full moon, 11-16 weak new moon, 25-31 full moon, November 11-14 weak new moon, 24-29 full moon, December 10-13 weak new moon, 23-29 full moon

Florida Fishing Facts: Florida freshwater fish will move into the shallows when water temperatures are in the upper eighty-degree range. They will look for healthy vegetation during the midday hours when oxygen production is highest for the day. They won’t remain shallows for very long, but long enough to moderately feed and return to deeper more oxygenated water in order to digest their food.

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.24 feet above sea level with three of four S68 gates open one inches, flowing a combined 180 cubic feet per second. The lake level schedule is: high 38.25’ and low 37.5’.

DavidPDouglass@Substack.com is the new home for the Highlands Bass Angler Sunday weekly article, Florida Freshwater Fishing Forecast.

Dave Douglass is an artificial bait only bass fishing guide and firearms and self-defense instructor. Visit his new website at FloridaGunSelfDefense.com He can be reached by email at DavidPDouglass@hotmail.com or by phone at 863-381-8474

August 6-13, 2023 - Good Fishing Tuesday and Next Weekend

“High Temps Leads to Low Oxygen Levels in Lakes”

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the first week of August gives the Florida freshwater anglers the last quarter moon phase and a rainy season weather forecast. All fishing factors considered, anglers will enjoy good fishing when wind speeds are highest for the day and temperatures are beginning to decline. Thunderstorms will be a challenge however. Play it safe with a good plan of escape.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: Today the moon is two days away from the last quarter moon and six days from the lunar high solar position. Therefore, the lunar influence will be noticeably increasing each day this week as the moon begins to improve the beginning of the sunset period. By the midweek, the overhead moon will improve the sunrise period and next weekend the midmorning bite will be very good as the moon reaches full power Saturday.

Weather Factors: The weather forecast for the first week of August will be typical in that there will be a weak wind daily, switching direction every three days and no atmospheric pressure change. Today and Monday winds will be from the west. Tuesday through Thursday winds will be from the southwest, and Friday through next weekend, an ideal east wind will produce a daily high speed of ten mph.

Daily thunderstorms are predicted in the afternoon and evening, and it’s anyone’s guess where they will be. The sun-to-cloud ratio in the mornings will be eighty-twenty and during the midafternoon through the evening hours sixty-forty.

Water temperatures are at the annual high mark, which means shallow lakes will have low oxygen levels, especially from 4-9 a.m. However if sunshine prevails in the afternoon and early evening hours oxygen rates will climb enough to enable fish to feed at near normal rates for a few hours leading up to the sunset period. Lakes with twelve foot depths or more will provide normal oxygenated water within deep grass beds enabling fish to feed during all daily prime periods.

Major Solar-Lunar Period: Today the moon is underfoot at 5:59 p.m. and the sunset at 8:11 p.m. producing a feed rating of six or slightly better from 5-8:30 p.m. Daily the underfoot moon occurs later by forty-nine minutes and improve to a seven or slightly better rating Tuesday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday through the end of the week a six rating will occur.

Minor Solar Lunar Periods: Today the moonset occurs at 12:03 p.m. and solar noon at 1:40 p.m. producing a feed rating of five from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Daily the moonset occurs later by one hour and remains at the same feed rating.

A second minor period occurs today when the moon is overhead at 5:36 a.m. and the sunrise at 6:51 a.m. producing a feed rating of five from 5-8 a.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by forty-seven minutes and remains at the same feed rating.

Best Fishing Days of Week: Tuesday’s last quarter moon will improve the sunset bite for all lakes and in deeper lakes, the sunrise bite will occur at almost normal rates but shallow lakes I doubt normal feeding will occur. Next weekend the moon’s influence climbs to the highest level of the month and Sunday the new moon phase begins, producing the best fishing days of the month, August 13-18.

Prime Monthly Periods: August 13-18 new moon, Aug. 28-Sep. 2 super full moon, 11-16 new moon, 26-October 1 full moon, 11-16 weak new moon, 25-31 full moon. .

Florida Fishing Facts: Due to low dissolved oxygen rates in all lakes, with shallow lakes suffering the most, fish metabolisms are slower than normal. Therefore, fish will feed less often and much less. Anglers should downsize their baits, selecting short, fat, baits that emit heavy vibration at slow retrieve speeds. Colorado blades produce better vibrations at slow speeds than Carolina blades, so give them a try. Think two-inch thick fillet mignon instead of a Porter House.

Fishing Safety Notice: Lightning is a major threat so it’s best to have a planned escape strategy and know the time it takes to get to a tow vehicle or building. Trees are “not a refuge’ but in fact a place of death. If caught on the boat, leave the motors in the water and lay as low as possible.

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.25 feet above sea level with three of four S68 gates open twenty-two inches, flowing a combined 1600 cubic feet per second (8-04-23 status). The rainy season lake management schedule high level is 38.25’ and the low is 37.5’, which is the lower level used if an extreme weather event occurs. The reason for the nine-inch buffer is that the lake rises six times faster than it can be lowered during extreme rainfall.

DavidPDouglass@Substack.com is the new home for the Highlands Bass Angler articles, Florida Freshwater Fishing Forecast be sure to check out my new website. .

Dave Douglass is an artificial bait only bass fishing guide, since 2006.Custom bass guide services are available on customer’s boats only. Advanced Gun Training and Use-of-Force Law classed are also available. Call to schedule a one-on-one class for bass angling or gun and self-defense law. Visit davidpdouglass@substack.com “Highlands Guns & Self-Defense” to access angling and firearms publications or call 863-381-8474.or email: DavidPDouglass@hotmail.com ..

July 30-August 6, 2023 - Super Full Moon Fishing Next Three Days

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the last two days of July and the beginning of August gives the Florida freshwater anglers the super full moon phase and a rainy season weather pattern. All fishing factors considered, anglers will enjoy excellent fishing over the next five days. Cool midnight fishing should be on your schedule.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: Today the moon arrives at its furthest point out of the solar energy path—lunar low. The full moon occurs Tuesday night and the orbit perigee occurs about ten hours later, which means the full moon qualifies for “Super” status. However due to the lunar low, the feed rating will top-out at seven Tuesday and Wednesday instead of a ten rating if the lunar high had occurred.

Weather Factors: A rainy season weather pattern will be consistent over the next ten days. The sun to cloud ratio will be fifty-fifty. Atmospheric pressure change will not be a factor. Wind speeds will be weak or almost ideal. Wind direction will be from the west today through Tuesday, switching to the east Wednesday through Friday. Next weekend’s forecast predicts a south wind. There will be a bright shining super full moon so daytime anglers should expect lower numbers of active feeders.

Major Solar-Lunar Period: Today the moon is underfoot at 11:01 a.m. and solar noon at 1:40 p.m. producing a feed rating of six or slightly better from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Daily the underfoot moon occurs later by sixty-seven minutes and improves in feed rating by a half number. Tuesday and Wednesday a feed rating of seven to eight will occur from 12-3:30 p.m.

Minor Solar Lunar Periods: Today the moonrise occurs at 6:44 p.m. and the sunset at 7:56 p.m. producing a feed rating of five to six from 6-9 p.m. Daily the moonrise occurs later by one hour and remains at the same feed rating.

A second minor period occurs when the moon is overhead at 11:34 p.m. and produces a feed rating of five from 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by one hour and remains at the same feed rating. The second half of the week the feed rating drops to three.

The moonset doesn’t come into play until it begins to happen with the sunrise. Today it happens at 3:15 a.m. and occurs later each day by seventy minutes. During the second half of the week, it will harmonize with the sunrise and produce a four to five rating.

Best Fishing Days of Week: Today through Thursday, the super full moon will produce excellent fishing during the midday and midnight hours. The full moon will shine brightly every night, which means less hungry feeders twelve hours later. Tuesday and Wednesday’s midday bite will be very good.

Prime Monthly Periods: July 30-August 3 super full moon, 13-18 new moon, Aug. 28-Sep. 2 super full moon, 11-16 new moon, 26-October 1 full moon, 11-16 weak new moon, 25-31 full moon. .

Fishing Safety Notice: Alligators are a real threat so be alert and assume they are present in all types of water bodies. It is illegal to feed them and brings a $500 fine and or a 30-60 day jail sentence. For gator removal services call 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286) and if you see anyone feeding gators call 911.

Lightning strikes during the rainy season are a major threat to anglers. Have a planned escape strategy and know the time it takes to get to a tow vehicle or building. Trees are “not a refuge’ but in fact a place of death. If caught on the boat, leave the motors in the water and lay as low as possible.

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.12 feet above sea level with three of four S68 gates open seven inches, flowing a combined 566 cubic feet per second. The rainy season lake management schedule high level is 38.25’ and the low is 37.5’, which is the lower level used if an extreme weather event occurs. The reason for the nine-inch buffer is that the lake rises six times faster than it can be lowered during extreme rainfall.

DavidPDouglass@Substack.com is the new home for the Highlands Bass Angler Sunday weekly article, Florida Freshwater Fishing Forecast. .

Dave Douglass is an artificial bait only bass fishing guide, since 2006 with experience on twenty-two lakes. Custom artificial-bait bass guide services are available on customer’s boats only. Advanced Gun Training and Use-of-Force Law classed are also available. Call to schedule a one-on-one class for bass angling or gun and self-defense law. Visit davidpdouglass@substack.com “Highlands Guns & Self-Defense” to access angling and firearms publications or call 863-381-8474.or email: DavidPDouglass@hotmail.com – The double “S” is not a typo

July 23-31, 2023 - Good Fishing, Beginning and End of Week

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the fourth week of July gives the Florida freshwater anglers the weak lunar influence days of the month but by the end of the week a super full moon phase will begin. The rainy season weather pattern takes a brief break for the first half of the week but will return for the second half of the week. All fishing factors considered, anglers will enjoy good fishing during the bright sunny days and when the effects of the super full moon begins next weekend.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: We have entered the weak lunar influence days of the month this week. The moon is moving away from the solar energy path and will arrive at the low point in seven days but the first quarter moon occurs Tuesday, which will improve the sunset and sunrise periods. Therefore, anglers can expect lower concentrations of feeding fish and shorter feeding periods this week.

Next weekend will be the beginning of a super full moon phase. The moon is full August 1 and arrives at the orbit perigee eleven hours and twenty minutes later, earning it ‘Super’ status. However, since the moon will have arrived at the low point within the solar energy path, the super full moon feed rating will be seven instead of nine or better.

Weather Factors: There won’t be much thunderstorm activity over the next three days and sunshine is forecasted to prevail over cloud cover. Fish will be holding tighter to protective cover as a result. Wednesday through the remainder of the week will give anglers the rainy season pattern with a fifty-fifty sun-to-cloud ratio.

The wind forecast will not be typical for the summer rainy season. Today and Monday a strong west wind will reach speeds of fifteen mph before noon and remain strong through the late afternoon hours. Tuesday the west wind declines to a six mph speed and changes to an east wind by the evening hours. Wednesday through next weekend a typical east wind with ideal speeds in the eight to ten mph range will occur.

Atmospheric pressure usually isn’t a factor during the rainy season however, later today pressure will rise enough by Monday midday to force fish to adjust upward. A pressure increase of 0.14 in hg will occur in twelve hours. Fish will need to adjust upward and they will feed as they adjust. Monday morning through the noon hour should produce above average results.

Major Solar-Lunar Period: Today the moon is overhead at 5:53 p.m. and will produce a feed rating of seven from 5-7 p.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by forty minutes and remains at the same feed rating.

Minor Solar Lunar Period: Today the moonrise occurs at 11:43 a.m. and solar noon at 1:40 p.m. producing a feed rating of five from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Daily the moonrise occurs later by fifty-three minutes and remains at the same feed rating.

A second minor period occurs when the underfoot moon happens at 5:33 a.m. and the sunrise at 6:44 a.m. producing a feed rating of four to five from 5-7:30 a.m. Daily the underfoot moon occurs later by forty minutes and remains at the same feed rating.

Best Fishing Days of Week: Tuesday’s first quarter moon will improve the sunset and sunrise periods as the moon’s overhead and underfoot periods boost sunset and sunrise feeding activity, but not by much. Next weekend is the beginning of a super full moon phase. Fish will be feeding at above average rates during the underfoot moon periods Saturday through Thursday next week.

Prime Monthly Periods: July 29-August 3 super full moon, 13-18 new moon, Aug. 28-Sep. 2 super full moon, 11-16 new moon, 26-October 1 full moon, 11-16 weak new moon, 25-31 full moon. .

Florida Fishing Facts: During the summer rainy season weather pattern, fish feed at higher rates for longer periods when bright sunshine prevails. Anytime bright sunshine occurs for periods of four hours or more, fish will be more active which results in a higher feed rate. In the hour before thunderstorm activity occurs, your odds of catching fish will be in your favor.

Fishing Safety Notice: Alligators are aggressively mating which means gators are extremely dangerous. Gators are migrating to canals, ponds, streams, rivers, or small lakes and even swimming pools. Expect them to be where they are usually not. Keep children and pets away from the water. Make sure of your surroundings and if you cannot visually determine if gators are present, assume one is there until proven otherwise.

Alligators have a normal fear of humans. If you see a gator approaching you, it is because someone has been illegally feeding it. It is a $500 fine and or a 30-60 day jail sentence. When a person feeds a gator, they are training that gator to kill humans.

If you need a gator removed call 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286) and if you see anyone feeding gators call 911.

Lightning strikes during rainy season weather are a major threat to anglers. Every year anglers and outdoor enthusiast are the victims of lightning strikes. Anglers should have a planned escape strategy. Know how much time it takes to get to a tow vehicle or building. Trees are “not a refuge’ but in fact a place of death, don’t take cover under them. It is better to lay flat on the open ground than to take refuge under a tree. If caught on the boat, leave the motors in the water and lay as low as possible. Makes sure bilge pumps are working.

Bass Fishing Guide Free Information: If you’d like help finding bass on any lake email me and put “Fishing Guide” in the subject line, Provide the lake you want help with, and the type of guidance you would like. I will give you a return email with your requested guide information and a bathymetric map, which shows the hot spots. If I don’t have experience on your requested lake I’ll provide information on how I would fish the lake for the first time.

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.25 feet above sea level with three of four S68 gates open three inches, flowing a combined 310 cubic feet per second. The rainy season lake management schedule high level is 38.25’ and the low is 37.5’, which is the lower level used if an extreme weather event occurs. The reason for the nine-inch buffer is that the lake rises six times faster than it can be lowered during extreme rainfall.

DavidPDouglass@Substack.com Personalized one-on-one bass guided trips on your boat are available. However for the past six years I’ve focused on providing gun training and use-of-force law, but would love to schedule a bass fishing experience for you if I am able to. I’m committed to Bass Angling and will continue to provide this Sunday article and publish it Sunday morning on my new Substack website, davidpdouglass@substack.com “Highlands Guns & Self-Defense”. However, if operating a firearm legally, safely and effectively is a concern to you, give me a call.

Dave Douglass has been an artificial bait only bass fishing guide since 2006 and has experience on twenty-two lakes throughout central Florida. Custom artificial-bait bass angler guide services are available on customer’s boats only. Advanced Gun Training and Use-of-Force Law classed are also available. Call to schedule one-on-one class for bass angling and or gun and self-defense law classes. Visit davidpdouglass@substack.com “Highlands Guns & Self-Defense” to access angling and firearms publications or call 863-381-8474.or email: DavidPDouglass@hotmail.com – The double “S” is not a typo

July 16-23, 2023 - Time to Put a Fishing Line Into the Water

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the third week of July gives the Florida freshwater anglers a strong new moon phase and a rainy season weather forecast. All fishing factors considered; anglers will enjoy the best fishing of the month as a strong new moon produces well-above average feeding activity during the midday period.

The best fishing of the month has arrived so get out on the water and put a line in the water.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: The new moon occurs Monday and the lunar high today. Combined both lunar factors will produce the highest feed-rating of the month today through Tuesday. Anglers can expect an eight rating or slightly better during the late morning through the early afternoon hours today through Tuesday.

Weather Factors: Cloud-cover will prevail over the sunshine today through Tuesday. Expect fish to not be tight to protective cover but instead moving throughout cover when the sun is not shining brightly. Winds will be at ideal speeds of eight to ten mph all week. Wind direction will be out of the west today and Monday, then from the south on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday an east wind occurs but switches to a southwest direction on Friday. Next weekend a ten to twelve mph west wind is forecasted.

This week has a greater potential of being dangerous due to the prime fishing period of the day occurring when thunderstorm and lightning activity is most likely. And the forecast is predicting active thunderstorm activity daily during the best fishing period of the day. So be alert and play it safe. Fairly sure you don’t want your headstone to say, “He died from a lightning strike right after catching the largest bass of his career.” Or…do you?

Major Solar-Lunar Period: Today the moon is overhead at 12:43 p.m. and solar noon at 1:31 p.m. producing a feed rating of eight from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by fifty-two minutes and improves to a eight to nine feed rating on Monday. Tuesday through Thursday the feed rating declines by one number daily.

Minor Solar Lunar Periods: Today the moonset occurs at 8:00 p.m. and the sunset at 8:23 p.m. producing a feed rating of six and perhaps seven from 7-9:30 p.m. Daily the moonset occurs later by forty-five minutes and remains at the same feed rating until Wednesday when it declines to a four to five rating from 9-11 p.m.

A second minor period occurs today when the moonrise happens at 5:24 a.m. and the sunrise at 6:40 a.m. producing a feed rating of five to six from 5-7:30 a.m. Daily the moonrise occurs later by fifty-five minutes and will have the same feed rating.

Best Fishing Days of Week: Today through Wednesday, a strong new moon will produce an eight feed rating or better during the midday period. Fishing ninety minutes before and after the overhead moon will give you the greatest chance to experience the best fishing of the month.

Prime Monthly Periods: July 16-19 last four days of strong new moon phase, July 29-August 3 super full moon, 13-18 new moon, Aug. 28-Sep. 2 super full moon, 11-16 new moon, 26-October 1 full moon.

Florida Fishing Facts: Bass use primarily sight and vibration, which they hear and sense through their ear-lateral line system. When hunting and selecting which prey to consume they monitor vibrations created by members of the food chain. I have found through experience that the greater vibration, the greater the strikes count.

For instance, when downsizing baits due to lack of action, I have found that selecting the fattest shortest baits in the tackle box, yielded the most action. The natural reason for that result is that when bass feed, they select what they sense are prey which successfully fed and thus have increased girth due to a full stomach.

I believe this is more the case with the larger, older bass, than the young smaller bass. An eight-pound bass in Istokpoga will more often than not, select the bait with the most vibration emitted when it moves.

And one more factor to consider: the more particles in the water column, the greater the vibration transfers through the water column. Therefore the so-called, “Dirty Water” transmits vibrations better than clean or clear water. Which helps explains one of several reasons why the catch rate in dirty water was always better than in clean water

If you need a gator removed call 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286) and if you see anyone feeding gators call 911.

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.18 feet above sea level with three of four S68 gates open eight inches, flowing a combined 740 cubic feet per second. The rainy season lake management schedule high level is 38.25’ and the low is 37.5’, which is the lower level used if an extreme weather event occurs. The reason for the nine-inch buffer is that the lake rises six times faster than it can be lowered during extreme rainfall.

July 9-16, 2023 - Good Fishing at Beginning and End of the Week

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the second week of July gives the Florida freshwater anglers the last quarter moon phase at the beginning of the week and the first half of the new moon phase during the second half of the week. And of course, a rainy season weather forecast. All fishing factors considered; anglers will do well to fish the beginning and end of this week when the lunar factors make all the difference.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: Today the last quarter moon occurs which always means the sunset and sunrise periods will produce at a higher feed rate due to the moon underfoot and overhead periods harmonizing with the sunset and sunrise periods respectively. The moon’s position with the solar energy path is currently one week from the lunar high position and thus the most powerful lunar influence of the month. Therefore, over the next seven days the moon will become more powerful daily, causing greater numbers of feeding fish during daily feeding periods.

Weather Factors: We will experience a typical rainy season weather pattern this week. Wind speeds will be a little higher than normal today and Monday, with speeds topping-out at twelve mph out of the west by the early to midafternoon hours. Tuesday and Wednesday a west wind will provide ideal wind speeds of eight to ten mph. Thursday winds will shift and come from the south and be very mild. An ideal south wind will prevail through next weekend.

Atmospheric pressure will not be a factor. The sun-to-cloud ratio will average around sixty-forty every day but Monday, which is forecasted to provide bright sunlight, very little rain and thunderstorm activity as a west wind climbs to fifteen mph in the afternoon. Ideal fishing conditions on Monday will make it the best fishing day of the first half of the week.

Major Solar-Lunar Periods: Today the moon is underfoot at 7:17 p.m. and the sunset at 8:24 p.m. producing a feed rating of six to seven from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Daily the underfoot moon occurs later by forty-seven minutes and diminishes in feed rating by a half number daily for the next four days. Thursday a rating of four will occur from 9:30-11:30 p.m. and becomes a minor period by Wednesday.

A second major period happens today when the moonset occurs at 1:12 p.m. and solar noon at 1:31 p.m. producing a feed rating of six or perhaps slightly better from 12-3 p.m. Photosynthesis will be active at this time, producing the highest oxygen rate of the day. In turn, this produces the highest digestion rate of the day resulting in increased feeding activity. Daily this period occurs later by one hour and remains at the same feed rate.

Minor Solar Lunar Period: Today the overhead moon occurs at 6:54 a.m. and the sunrise at 6:37 a.m. producing a feed rating of four to five for shallow lakes and six to seven for deeper lakes. The bite will occur between the hours of 5:30-8:30 a.m. Daily the overhead moon occurs later by forty-seven minutes and remains at the same feed rating for both types of lakes. However, by the midweek, during bright sunny mornings the shallow lakes will produce a better feed rating; about the same as the deeper lake’s feed rating.

Best Fishing Days of Week: Today’s last quarter moon will improve the feeding intensity of the prime periods today and Monday, and Monday’s weather, if accurate, will provide excellent conditions for fish to feed at above average rates.

The new moon occurs a week from tomorrow, which means the new moon phase, begins Friday. The lunar high occurs a week from today, so Friday through next Wednesday will be the best fishing days of the month.

Prime Monthly Periods: July 14-19 strong new moon, July 29-August 3 super full moon, 13-18 new moon, Aug. 28-Sep. 2 super full moon, 11-16 new moon, 26-October 1 full moon. .

Florida Fishing Facts: During the rainy season, water flows southward, except for the St. Johns River, which flows northward. All flood control structures will be periodically releasing water in accordance with a schedule engineered to handle extreme weather events. Streams, rivers, and canals therefore will have flowing water, which in most cases lead to larger bodies of water. Anglers will find active fish in the moving water. Fishing influents and effluents can be very productive. Spillways are a good place to do some shoreline fishing.

If you need a gator removed call 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286) and if you see anyone feeding gators call 911.

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.28 feet above sea level with three of four S68 gates open six inches, flowing a combined 600 cubic feet per second. The rainy season lake management schedule high level is 38.25’ and the low is 37.5’, which is the lower level used if an extreme weather event occurs. The reason for the nine-inch buffer is that the lake rises six times faster than it can be lowered during extreme rainfall.

DavidPDouglass@Substack.com Personalized one-on-one bass guided trips on your boat are available. However for the past six years I’ve focused on providing gun training and use-of-force law, but would love to schedule a bass fishing experience for you if I can. I am committed to Bass Angling and will continue to provide this Sunday article and publish it Sunday morning on my new Substack website, davidpdouglass@substack.com “Highlands Guns & Self-Defense”. However, if operating a firearm legally, safely and effectively is a concern to you, give me a call.

Dave Douglass has been an artificial bait only bass fishing guide since 2006 and has experience on twenty-two lakes throughout central Florida. Custom artificial-bait bass angler guide services are available on customer’s boats only, when I’m not teaching Advanced Gun Training and Use-of-Force Law. Call to schedule one-on-one class for bass angling and or legal and safe competent gun operation classes. Visit davidpdouglass@substack.com “Highlands Guns & Self-Defense” to access angling and firearms publications or call 863-381-8474.or email: DavidPDouglass@hotmail.com – The double “S” is not a typo.

July 5, 2023 Follow up on this week’s fishing forecast.

For the first time in three weeks, it seems, as of today’s extended weather forecast, that a rainy season weather pattern has indeed arrived and if the ten-day forecast results in becoming true, anglers can expect a significant threat of lightning during the underfoot moon period in the mid to late afternoon hours.

Fish have been actively feeding after any sunny period lasting longer than three to four hours. And before you go out on the water, it’s a good idea to look at the projected cloud-cover for 11 a.m. through the late afternoon hours. Some areas of Highlands County and central Florida in general will have heavier thunderstorm activity within the projected cloud-cover areas.

It is possible therefore to select a lake which is not withing the projected cloud-cover area which means you’ll have greater odds of an extended sunny period as opposed to heavy dangerous thunderstorms. I’ve been paying attention to this rainy season factor for fifteen years and it’s served me well, yielding some above-average catches of large bass.

In any event, always make sure you have an escape plan in mind. Know to the minute how quickly you can get to a vehicle or building to escape lightning. Do not, take cover under trees, odds are those trees just might get struck, which will be lethal.

Stay smart, keep your phone on your person, and use a weather app to alert your areas of potential threats. Your life depends on it during the Florida rainy season.

July 2-9, 2023, Fishing Forecast for Freshwater Anglers

Good Full Moon Fishing Next Three Days

The Freshwater Fishing Forecast for the first week of July gives the Florida freshwater anglers a fairly strong full moon phase and a rainy season weather forecast. All fishing factors considered; anglers will enjoy good full moon fishing over the next three days.

Here are the solar-lunar, weather, and additional fishing factors, plus my conclusions and predictions, to better plan your fishing trips over the next seven to ten days.

Solar-Lunar Factors: The moon arrives at the lunar low position today and becomes full on Monday night, and the lunar orbit perigee occurs thirty-four hours and forty-eight minutes later, missing ‘Super’ status by ten hours and forty-eight minutes. Therefore, this month’s full moon will produce a few feed-rating point less than it would have if the lunar high occurred instead of the lunar low. Next month there will be two super full moons, the first one on August 1, and the second on the 31.

Weather Factors: Because the weather computer algorithms have not predicted accurately the Florida rainy season over the past two weeks, I am tempted to just generalize this week’s weather factor segment. Ok, I’ve accepted the temptation.

There will be some sunny days, which will cause fish to move closer to cover and feed due to adequate photosynthesis rates. And, there will be cloudy overcast days with thunderstorm activity which will cause fish to move away from cover and not feed, unless they have deep water vegetation areas of twelve feet or more.

Atmospheric pressure change will not be a factor no matter if there is bright sunlight or cloud cover with thunderstorms. And the daily wind speed will be less than perfect, with a daily high speed in the six mph range. The wind direction will be out of the east to southeast with the exception of next weekend when it will come from the south.

And for what it’s worth, weather.com and wunderground.com both predict rainy season conditions Monday through next Monday with heavy cloud-cover occurring Tuesday through Saturday.

And remember, during a full moon phase, the more cloud cover there is during the night, the more fish will feed twelve hours later. And the reverse weather condition will cause less fish to feed during the underfoot moon which occurs during the solar noon period.

Major Solar-Lunar Period: Today the moon is underfoot at 12:43 p.m. and solar noon at 1:30 p.m. producing a feed rating of seven or slightly better on sunny days, from 12-3 p.m. Daily the underfoot moon occurs later by sixty-six minutes and will remain at the same feed rating until Tuesday when it begins to diminish daily by one number. Thursday a feed rating of five will occur from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Minor Solar Lunar Periods: Today the moonrise occurs at 8:06 p.m. and the sunset at 8:25 p.m. producing a feed rating of five from 7-9:30 p.m. Daily the moonrise occurs later by sixty-three minutes and remains at the same feed rating until the second half of the week when the feed rating drops to a three to four rating.

A second minor period occurs today when the moonset happens at 5:19 a.m. and the sunrise at 6:34 a.m. producing a feed rating of four to five from 5-7:30 a.m. Daily the moonset occurs later by sixty-five minutes and remains at the same feed rating. During the second half of the week this period will happen during the mid to late morning hours and produce a five or slightly better rating.

A third minor period occurs today when the moon is overhead at 12:11 a.m. producing a feed rating of four if there is cloud cover and a five rating it the moon shine brightly. The feeding period occurs today from 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. and the overhead full moon occurs later daily by sixty-five minutes.

Best Fishing Days of Week: The full moon today through Tuesday will produce the second-best fishing period of the month. Over the next three days, a daily high feed rating of seven will occur during the underfoot solar noon period. The more sunshine there is the better the fishing will be. And if the full moon shines brightly, nighttime top-water fishing should be very good when the full moon is directly overhead.

Prime Monthly Periods: July 2-5 full moon, 14-19 strong new moon, July 29-August 3, super full moon, 13-18 new moon, Aug. 28-Sep. 2 super full moon, 11-16 new moon, 26-October 1 full moon. .

Florida Fishing Facts: The more the full moon is blocked by cloud-cover, the more fish will feed twelve hours later when the moon is underfoot. Fish feed during the nighttime of a full moon phase because of the moonlight enabling them to achieve a higher feeding success-rate. So the more full moon light there is, the more fish will not feed twelve hours later. And it should be noted that digestion rates are at an annual low rate due to oxygen rates being lower than the annual average. This is true in all lakes, deep and shallow but especially the shallow lakes.

If you need a gator removed call 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286) and if you see anyone feeding gators call 911.

Bass Fishing Guide Free Information: If you’d like help finding bass on any lake email me and put “Fishing Guide” in the subject line, Provide the lake you want help with, and the type of guidance you would like. I will give you a return email with your requested guide information and a bathymetric map, which shows the hot spots. And if I don’t have experience on your requested lake I’ll provide information on how I would fish the lake for the first time.

Access this article online at BassFishingForecast.com or FloridaBassFishingForecast.com

Lake Istokpoga News: Today’s lake level is at 38.20 feet above sea level with four S68 gates closed. The rainy season lake management schedule high level is 38.25’ and the low is 37.5’, which is the lower level used if an extreme weather event occurs. The reason for the nine-inch buffer is that the lake rises six times faster than it can be lowered during extreme rainfall.

HighlandsBassAngler.com Customized bass guided trips on your boat are available. However for the past six years I’ve focused on providing advanced gun training and use-of-force law and will schedule a bass fishing experience for you if I can. I am committed to Bass Angling and will continue to provide this article and publish it in Sunday’s edition and on the Fishing Forecast webpage. However, if operating a firearm legally, safely and effectively is a concern to you, give me a call.

Dave Douglass has been an artificial bait only bass fishing guide since 2006 and has experience on twenty-two lakes throughout central Florida. Custom artificial-bait bass angler guide services are available on customer’s boats only when I’m not teaching Advanced Gun Training and Use-of-Force Law. Call to schedule one-on-one class for teaching angling and or legal and safe competent gun operation. Visit HighlandsBassAngler.com for complete angling details or for firearms training call 863-381-8474.or Email: DavidPDouglass@hotmail.com – The double “S” is not a typo.