Lake Manatee 11/28

[SteveGibson]

I fished one of my favorite lakes today: Lake Manatee, located nine miles east of Interstate 75 off State Road 64 in eastern Manatee County. It's about 25 miles from my house.
I've been fishing this lake regularly for the past three years and it has been productive.
Today was no exceptions. Fishing wasn't fast, but it was steady. I caught a lot of quality fish.
I used my FLY (Fuzzy Leach Yarn) Nymph on a No. 8 hook. First time for this fly. I was about ready to give it up when I hooked the first decent fish.
Ended up catching some nice bluegill, speckled perch (black crappie), golden shiners and bass (all small).
I used a 1-weight fly rod with 3.5-pound leader. I put a striked indicator about three feet above the fly.
The tilipia probably went 4, 4.5 pounds. Put up a terrific fight. So did the specks, which average about 1 1/2 pounds.
Lake Manatee is a wonderful lake and I love fishing there.

Speckled perch:

Tilapia:

Another nice speck:

Bluegill:

[Michael J. Searl]

Sounds like a great fishery you have there Steve. They must be loving that buggy pattern. Great photos.
How does one get the drool off the keyboard???? lol ole Mike

[Bruce Condello]

That tilapia is a horse!

You've got a real knack for beautiful photos. That coppernose bluegill practically jumps off the web page at me!!! I also think that I can see the reflection of the horizon in that crappie's eyes.

Beautiful.

[creekx]

Nice fish, what are you fishing out of ?

[SteveGibson]

I fish out of a Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5.

[Bill "Musky" Modica]

Wow!......That big ole Gill is really dark...the resolutions are fantastic!.......now I need a new camera.