Anglers Are Looking For That Big Bite On Toho For Bassmaster Weekend Series Florida Division Opener Sat

With the Bassmaster Weekend Series Florida Division 2013 opener looming this Saturday on Lake Tohopekaliga, anglers have been catching lots of bass in practice – but not many big ones. But the full moon this weekend could change that overnight, drawing big females to shallow shorelines in search of places to bed.

“The anglers I’ve talked to the last couple of weeks say they have been catching large numbers of fish, but they are trying to find that big bite,” said tournament director Billy Benedetti.

Benedetti said anglers can fish both Toho and the Kissimmee Chain as far south as the Highway 60 Bridge on the southern end of Lake Kissimmee.

That is a vast region of water famed for producing numbers of big bass into the 10- to 14-pound range. A co-angler last year landed a double-digit bass during a BWS event on the lakes.

Not only is the Toho tournament the opener for the Florida Division, it is also the opener for the 2013 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series schedule, Benedetti. said.

“The goal for these anglers is to make it all the way to the National Championship and on to the 2014 Bassmaster Classic. A win in the BWS National Championship would bring the pro angler $100,000 and a win for a co-angler would mean $50,000, Benedetti. said.

“If we have a 200-boat field for the Florida Division tournament, the winner could win $6,000 plus contingencies and the co-angler could win $3,000 and contingencies. We are expecting a good turnout with registration scheduled for 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Lakefront Park.”

The Florida Division schedule includes Jan. 26, Toho, Lakefront Park; Feb. 23, Kissimmee Chain, Camp Mack; April 6, Toho, Lakefront Park; May 18, Okeechobee, C. Scott Driver Park; and Sept. 14-15, Kissimmee Chain, Camp Mack.

“If anyone has any questions about the Florida Division or the Bassmaster Weekend Series, they can call me at 256-230-5632 or national headquarters at 256-232-0406,” he said.

Bassmaster Weekend Series – Florida Division

Sat, Jan 26, 2013

Lake Tohopekaliga

Kissimmee Lakefront Park Landing

Call Billy Benedetti. 256-230-5632

www.americanbassanglers.com