Southeastern Trophy Bass

Nichor02

Senior Fisheman
Joined
Dec 8, 2009
Location
Byhalia, Ms.
Boat
Polar Craft
#1
The state of Florida is well known for trophy bass, with lakes such as Okeechobee, Toho, and of course the Everglades. But there's on prize in Florida that only a handful of people are familiar with. This lake is not small by no means with it's 7,528 acre bulk. It's known by the name of "Lake Weohyakapka", or more commonly "Lake Walk-In-The-Water.

The location of this fine body of water is south of State Route 60, 10 miles east of Lake Wales off Walk-in-the-Water Road in Polk County. It has a variety of vegetation consisting of cattail, bulrush (buggy whips), Kessemmee grass, and hydrilla. Tiger Creek flows in from the southwest and Weohyakapka Creek flows from the north. The water doesn't get much deeper than 12 feet throughout the lake. It's not only known for trophy bass, but also large numbers of fish. Favorite techniques usually involve drifting with shiners for bait. But the most exciting technique is the topwater. Can you imagine snatching on a topwater and having a 12 lb monster knock your bait out of the water and swallow it when it falls back in. Heartstopping action at it's best.

Don't be surprised if you haven't heard of this great fishing resource. This is one of Florida's hidden secrets. You will start hearing more and more about this wonderful lake. Having the competition of all the tremendous lakes that Florida is famous for, this lake is really coming on with it's largemouth trophies, and it's tremendous numbers of fish being caught. Lake Walk-in-the-Water has consistently churned out magnificent catches of largemouth bass.

It is not uncommon for Florida's game and fish people to hear about the reports of individual anglers landing and releasing anywhere from 15 to 30 fish per day, even during the hot, humid months of summer when bass commonly sulk in the deeper parts of the water.

If you're just looking for Big Fish, the best times are Feb., March, April, and May. Feeding into the Kissimmee chain via Weohyakapka Creek and Lake Rosalie, Walk-in-Water's major feeder stream is Tiger Creek located at the lake's southeast corner. Flippers relish the dense, offshore, isolated reed patches, while those working hydrilla beds near the lake's center often enjoy spectacular success with buzzbaits, topwater plugs, spinnerbaits, lipped diving lures and four to six-inch plastic worms rigged Texas or Carolina style.

There are only two launching ramps onto Lake Walk-in-Water. One is a private ramp located at Uncle Joe's Fish Camp, while the county park launching ramp is in good condition, parking spaces are limited. Because the lake historically has enjoyed relative anonymity, Walk-in-Water is currently unpressured. But, as the word spreads through the bass fishing circles, look for increased visitation. Fishing the lake is outstanding and if we'll all treat it with care and respect, Lake Walk-in-Water could and should be an angler favorite for decades.

As always, we here at Bass Boat Magazine try to keep you informed of many of the country's attractions such as this fine Florida Lake. Keep us in mind, and stop by from time to time to see what the latest is on your neck of the woods. Better yet, come join the circle, and be a part of this fine magazine.
 
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