UTERSuwannee bass fishing in Florida freshwater
In Florida freshwater, Suwannee bass peak March–June and October–November and are around year-round, spawning in April–May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Santa Fe, Ichetucknee and Suwannee — small crankbaits along the limestone.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Suwannee bass in Florida freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeakSanta Fe, Ichetucknee and Suwannee — small crankbaits along the limestone.
- AprilSpawningOn the beds in the spring runs.
- MaySpawning
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish Suwannee bass near Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee chain, St. Johns River
The bass capital: Okeechobee, the Kissimmee chain and the phosphate pits for trophy Florida-strain largemouth, the St. Johns for shad and specks, the spring-fed rivers of the north, and South Florida's canals full of peacocks and exotic cichlids.
What to use for Suwannee bass
- Grass shrimpTwo or three on a #6 hook under a small cork — the bream, crappie, sheepshead and mangrove snapper bait nobody sells.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 55–88°F water, best at 65–80°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch Suwannee bass in Florida freshwater?
Peak season is March–June and October–November, with fish spawning in April–May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Suwannee bass are here year-round. March: Santa Fe, Ichetucknee and Suwannee — small crankbaits along the limestone.
Where do Suwannee bass hold in Florida freshwater?
Look on river, spring, creek / stream — around Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee chain, St. Johns River, Harris chain, Lake Istokpoga, Miami-Dade canals.
What is the best bait for Suwannee bass in Florida freshwater?
Live bait: grass shrimp. Grass shrimp: Two or three on a #6 hook under a small cork — the bream, crappie, sheepshead and mangrove snapper bait nobody sells. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for Suwannee bass in Florida freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change — read the current rule at https://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/.
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All about Suwannee bass · Florida fresh water, the whole year