The easiest way to catch good numbers of Florida bass and large Florida bass is to use live shiners. If you are used to fishing up north and you think it is similar to fishing with lively minnows up north, you have no idea. There are so many situations where anglers can catch similar numbers if not even more largemouth bass than someone who is fishing with live minnows up north.
In Florida, when the bite is tough with artificial lures, you can see anglers catching bass at a 10 to 1 ratio with live shiners out performing lures easily. When it comes to quality bass, there is nothing that can compete with lively shiners when the bite is tough.
When the bite is going well, you’ll see plenty of anglers catch some really nice Florida bass on artificial lures and they may even out fish the shiners guys when it comes to their biggest bass of the day. However, when it comes to total bites from quality bass, it is really hard to compete with lively shiners on a daily basis in Florida.
Bobber Fishing is Different in Florida
While many anglers will never use a bobber to fish for largemouth bass up north, you will routinely see anglers using large bobbers or floats as they cast lively shiners out to productive spots.
Weightless Rigged Shiners Work Great
For many situations, I prefer to fish the live shiner on a weightless rig. For me, it is just one circle hook and my bait. I usually hook it near the back of the bait, cast it out in a productive spot and then wait for the bite.
Lively Shiners Work Better Than 1/2 Dead Ones
You can definitely catch Florida bass on 1/2 dead shiners and even dead shiners, however, there is something about those super lively shiners that drive them crazy. Keep your shiners lively in your bucket or livewell and you’ll catch more bass with them.
When the Bite is Going Good, the Bites Come Quick
When you’re in a good spot and the bite is going good, you will get some bites super quick. On Headwaters Lake, I often get many bites in 10 seconds or less once I find some bass willing to eat.
The Bigger Bass Get Stupid Right Before Dark
You can catch a lot of bigger Florida bass at all times of the day if you’re fishing with live shiners. However, I have noticed that the better quality fish will go nuts right before it gets dark. If you ever see me out on Headwaters Lake, you will realize that I am almost always one of the last boats on the lake. While I would prefer to not get eaten by an alligator while loading my boat in the dark, it is very difficult for me to get off the water when the bigger bass keep choking down my shiners.
Live Shiners are Expensive
If you are on a lake with a good bite going on, you are going to go through shiners very quickly. On Headwaters Lake, I can often go through 4 dozen shiners in just a few hours. When you’re getting bites from quality bass, it may be totally worth it to you, however, if you’re in a spot with a bunch of 15 to 16 inch bass, it might be time to move spots quick before you spend a couple hundred bucks on 2 pound bass.
