planning a trip to FL need help

[Strike_King 609]

heading down to see my folks they live in new port richey its right outside of tampa bay. Was wondering if there were any fishing guys from that area. I would like to do some bass fishing why i am there. do you know of any good guide services? what would be the best time of the year the spawn hits here around the second week of april. But i am pretty sure it happens alot earlier there considering the temp. If anyone can lead me in the right direction hit me up with a PM or a reply thanks guys

[Bassboss]

There's a member on here, that lives around there. He does not come around that often anymore because of work, but we keep in touch. He lives right around there, I could write him up and ask him for ya if you want!

[Strike_King 609]

that would be great really looking for some kind of guide service think its Pasco county thanks again

[texasbasser]

Fresh or salt?

tb

[Strike_King 609]

freshwater looking for the chance to catch a 8lber an about They also live about hour an half from orlando thanks

[Kevin]

I've fished quite a few places from that area. I like Lake Tarpon best. I've rented boats there, but mostly I have a buddy with a boat that I go out with.

You can target schoolies at low-light in the canals with topwater. Then move to the main lake when the sun is up and really go to town with your sonar in the middle of the lake. There are countless brushpiles for jigs, deep cranks and swimbaits.

If you want an 8 lber easy, just start fishing the local community ponds... you're bound to hook up with one somewhere.

I've fished with Lenny Crispino on Tarpon before. Real good guy but not sure if he guides. He used to own a tackle shop on the lake years ago. I googled his name and found this number... 727-505-2414. Might want to give him a try... he'll put you on some good fish.

[Strike_King 609]

Thanks a bunch what time of year do you think would be the most productive going to try an set a trip up around that time. I have hooked up a a 7lbs here in NJ earlier this year would love the chance at a trophy I would throw it back of course. Just measure it an take tons of pixs. Thanks again ill give this guy a call. What was the name of the website??

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Strike_King 609

Thanks again ill give this guy a call. What was the name of the website??

I'm not even sure if he has a website. I fished with him maybe 14-15 years ago, so that number may not even work... and he may not even be a guide.

He was one of the top guys on Tarpon though, and at the very least, may be able to point you in the right direction.

His tackle shop was named "Tarpon Tom's". I found this number off a 'Florida Vacationing' website.

[Brute]

Lenny sold Tarpon Tom's about 3 years ago and it is now closed down.
I think that he still guides there, but I don't know how to get in contact with him.
I can probably get in touch with a friend who might be able to reach him.
I'll give him a call if you are still interested.
The spawn down here is usually February - March.
There are a lot of smaller lakes here as well that hold large fish as well.

Brute

[Strike_King 609]

thanks brute any info you can give me on the area would be great. Do you know of any lakes that rent boats or any guide services down that way? thanks again

[screwballl]

also need to remember that many of the Florida areas have 2 or 3 spawn per year pending weather... I know there is usually a second spawn in my area of the panhandle around late Sept to Early Oct...

not like that makes much difference but figured I would toss it in, just in case someone plans a fall trip down here ...