Florida has more than 7,700 named lakes and ponds and over 10,000 miles of streams and rivers, all brimming with “bream.”  “Bream” is a local term throughout the southeast that includes a variety of deep-bodied panfish belonging to the sunfish family. 

The most common of these are bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), redbreast sunfish, spotted sunfish (stumpknocker) and warmouth. Although black bass are technically “sunfish,” they are not considered to be bream.  Almost any water body in the Sunshine State, regardless of size or locale, contains the popular bluegill and, probably to a lesser extent, redear sunfish.

The Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission anticipates that good year classes of sunfish produced in 2004 and 2005 should still maintain the fisheries in 2008 in southern and central peninsular Florida. Access may be limited in many locations, if low water conditions persist. However, sunfish bed in shallow water and may become more concentrated in these areas. In south Florida, shellcracker may spawn around the third week of February and first week of March if we have a warm winter, or the third week of March if our winter is cool. In central Florida, they could first go onto spawning beds during the third week of March or first week of April. If water temperatures remain low through March in central Florida waters, then look for shellcrackers to concentrate during the fourth week of April and first week of May. They will likely begin to concentrate in the panhandle of Florida in mid- to late-May. Bluegill will begin spawning about a month after shellcracker in each region. Shellcracker will bed well into August, while bluegill will periodically spawn throughout the summer months and, sometimes, even as late as November in south Florida. Water depths for bedding bream may range anywhere from three to ten feet. Bluegill seem to opt for slightly shallower areas, but it’s not unusual to see shellcracker and bluegill intermingle, using the same bedding areas at the same time.

Due to their abundance and availability, bluegill are easily the most popular “bream” in Florida, although the equally tasty shellcracker may appeal to other anglers, since they are often larger than their bluegill cousins. Found in lakes, streams, rivers, ponds and canals, bluegill are caught on a wide variety of live offerings including earthworms, crickets and grass shrimp.

Anglers who use spinning gear won't go wrong when tossing or trolling tiny spinnerbaits. Fly rod buffs particularly enjoy this little scrapper, because of its eagerness to clobber both popping bugs and sinking flies. (See fishing tips for more details.)

Ounce-for-ounce, the prolific bluegill is a strong battler when not over-tackled. Those caught will range from just a couple of ounces to an average of 6-8 ounces. Heavier fish in the 8- to 12-ounce range frequently occur during bedding activities where an occasional one-pounder is not uncommon. Florida's record bluegill scaled 2.95 pounds, while the world record for this species was an impressive Alabama-caught 4-pound, 12-ounce whopper. To qualify for the FWC’s "Big Catch" angler recognition certificate, you need to land a bluegill that is at least 11 inches long or weighs 1.25 pounds. 

“Shellcracker” is the locally popular name for the redear sunfish, the Sunshine State's largest “bream,” which is easily identified by the red margin at the edge of its gill flap. The average size for redear sunfish is about 10-12 ounces, but one-pound fish are frequently caught on spawning beds. Florida's record is 4.86 pounds, while the world record for this species is a whopping 5 pounds, 7.5 ounces. The FWC’s "Big Catch" program recognizes catches of redear sunfish (shellcracker) that exceed 2.25 pounds or 12 inches. Favored live baits include snails, mussels, earthworms, crickets and grass shrimp. Redear are seldom caught on artificial lures, but fly-rodders can occasionally connect with this hard fighter by casting popping bugs with a small sinking fly tied to an 18-inch light monofilament trailer. Shellcracker usually hang around areas with hard, sandy bottoms or shell beds, but may also be targeted near grass patches, pads, reeds, snags and stick-ups. 

If panfishing is your passion, don’t overlook Florida’s many streams and rivers for more opportunities. These gems are teeming with redbreast sunfish, spotted sunfish (stumpknocker) and warmouth. Although none of these fish grow to the proportions of their bluegill and redear cousins, they are worthy fighters for their size—and tasty too. Spotted sunfish and warmouth will typically be found near woody structure, while redbreast sunfish favor vegetation such as lily pads or eel grass. Earthworms are the best live bait for this trio, but small spinners and popping bugs also work well.

Enough already? Want specifics?   

Okay. Based on fishery surveys and local expertise, here are predictions from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists on which spots they think should be included in our Top Panfish locales (in no particular order) for the year 2008:

LAKE MONROE  (near Sanford)

Lake Monroe should remain good for bluegill anglers in 2008, particularly if water levels do not drop too low. Biologists observed good numbers of shellcracker and bluegill during recent samples. Additionally, anglers working bulrush patches during high water periods have typically done very well. Try the bulrush areas, particularly on the lake’s east end and west end, or try working the lily pads.

LAKE KISSIMMEE  (east of the City of Lake Wales)

This 35,000-acre lake, located in the heart of Osceola County, remains one of the best bluegill and shellcracker fisheries in the state. The 24 miles of improved shoreline, plus its enhanced open areas, give boaters and waders a super shot at spectacular catches. Anglers often anchor in open water or on grassy edges of the islands and shorelines and use weighted crickets to lure bluegill off their beds. Open areas off of the boat trails also produce good numbers of fish. Historically, bream fishing is best June through August.

WEST LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA (LAKE TOHO) (south of the City of Kissimmee)

Aside from being one of the best bass fisheries in the country, Lake Toho near Kissimmee also supports one of the best bluegill/redear fisheries in the state. Almost 80% of the shoreline was scraped and enhanced following the extreme drawdown and muck removal project in 2004. These enhanced areas have provided miles of freshly vegetated littoral areas, and have exposed shell beds that provide excellent spawning habitat for panfish. Surveys indicate that an abundance of large, adult bluegill (up to ten inches) inhabit FWC fish attractors year-round. Local fishing hot spots include grassline or open-water areas at Brown’s Point, the mouth of Goblet’s Cove, and South Steer Beach. Lake Toho’s bluegill and shellcracker can be taken on a variety of baits including earthworms, crickets, beetle spins, minnows and dough balls.

LAKE PANASOFFKEE (west of Leesburg)

This lake is back on the list after better-than-expected fishing recently. Now in the final stages of undergoing one of the nation's most extensive lake renovation projects, shallow Lake Panasoffkee in Sumter County has long been famous for its shellcracker and bluegill production. Shellcracker are particularly cooperative during spring full-moon periods at Shell Point, Grassy Point and Tracy's Point. Also, try the shell beds at the mouth of the Outlet River and in the middle of the lake offshore of the Outlet. Sunfish may concentrate along the southeast shore that has been dredged, exposing shell beds. If water levels return to favorable levels again, check out Little Jones Creek for some outstanding warmouth action.

LAKE TALQUIN  (west of Tallahassee)

Anglers in the Tallahassee area are advised to break out their fly rods, limber bream poles or light spinning tackle this spring, because shellcrackers should be bedding by early May and bluegill won’t be far behind. What's more, both species should continue biting well throughout the summer months. Local biologists recommend working the upper end of the reservoir and in the back of various creeks in depths ranging from three to seven feet.

TENOROC (northeast of Lakeland)
Fishing for panfish on this 7,300-acre fish management area near Lakeland can be a rewarding experience.  With lakes ranging in size from seven to 227 acres, anglers will have plenty of areas to dunk a bobber with worms or crickets or cast their favorite spinner lure or jig.  Fishing in submerged vegetation or tree tops should produce plenty of bites, especially around full moons during the summer.  Bluegill also bite well in these lakes during September through November.  Try Legs Lake, Lake B, Lake 4, or Fish Hook Lake for some of the best action.  Call the Tenoroc office for more information or to make reservations, because these lakes are only open to fishing four days a week.

LAKE HARRIS CHAIN (east of Leesburg)

If you’re in the Leesburg area and have a hankering to tussle with some heavier-than-usual bluegill and shellcracker, both Big and Little Lake Harris will be to your liking. Some of the better locales include the grassy areas in four to six feet of water near Astatula and the Howey Bridge spanning Little Lake Harris, plus the lily pads and spatterdock patches near the 9th Street Canal out from Leesburg. Bluegill also will be found in shallow waters tight to sawgrass shorelines. Just downstream from Lake Harris, Lake Eustis has some of the best quality sunfish populations sampled by FWC in the Harris Chain of Lakes. Try the new gravel fish attractors along the Eustis Lake Walk and the pier outside of the canal to the Eustis boat ramp. Also, fish the shell beds near the sailboat marina and along the east shore. The lily pads in Dead River are also very popular with panfish anglers. Lake Griffin has produced some outstanding shellcracker fishing in the past two years. Anglers can find these feisty fish in the mouth of Haines Creek, Yale Canal and along the wooded banks of the northern end near Pine Island. Recent surveys indicate an abundant population of shellcracker in Lake Beauclair. Live worms and grass shrimp are the best baits throughout the chain.

LAKE MARIAN (southeast Osceola County, east of Lake Kissimmee)

Although this 5,740-acre "sleeper" lake in southern Osceola County east of Lake Kissimmee doesn't receive much recognition, it's still one of the best panfishing localities. Shellcracker fishing is in full swing by late March or April and bluegill spawning activity isn’t far behind. Panfishing success nearly always peaks around the full and new moon periods and may continue throughout the summer. The usual baits—worms, crickets and grass shrimp—are popular, while tossing tiny spinnerbaits on ultralight tackle can also be extremely productive.

LAKE ISTOKPOGA (near Sebring)

Located a few miles southeast of Sebring, this large, relatively shallow lake is outstanding for bluegill. Panfish anglers can concentrate their efforts from April through June around the inshore and offshore cattail and bulrush areas. In other months, likely spots for bluegill and shellcracker include Big Island, Grassy Island, Bumble Bee Island, around various sandy bars and along the edges of eelgrass. Anglers prefer crickets for bluegill and live worms for shellcracker. Fly fishing anglers can experience great action with small popping bugs.

CHOCTAWATCHEE RIVER (northwest of Panama City)

For river and stream lovers in Florida's Panhandle, this river is ideal, particularly for shellcracker aficionados. Shellcracker usually bed in quieter waters during April and remain active through the early-fall months. If boating around in smaller creeks off the main channel and sloughs during the late spring and summer months, be sure to also try for some redbreast sunfish, stumpknocker (spotted sunfish) and warmouth.  Worms, crickets, and grass shrimp are favorite baits. 

SUWANNEE RIVER (flows south from north central Florida)

Although bluegill and shellcracker can be readily caught in the Suwannee, this river is second to none for quality-sized spotted sunfish (stumpknocker) and redbreast sunfish. These scrappy fish provide good action in the middle river section and even better fishing in the lower portions. Try near tree banks on deep shores, the mouths of creeks and along water lilies. Use crickets, mealworms, beetle spins or flyfishing tackle with small popping bugs. Catalpa worms are a big favorite, if they are available.
 

MOSAIC FISH MANAGEMENT AREA (southwest of Bartow)
This 1,000-acre cooperative fish management area near Ft. Meade in Southern Polk County can provide some excellent panfish opportunities during the summer. The dozen lakes on the area range in size from ten to 200 acres and many have shorelines with an abundant supply of woody brush, tree tops and vegetation that are perfect for placing a well-hooked worm or cricket under a float. Casting a small spinner or jig into the deeper areas can also produce fish at times. Try Pine Lakes East, LP2 West, SP11, SP12 North and SP12 South lakes for some of the better action. The area is only open to fishing four days a week and it’s first-come, first-serve but don’t worry, you’ll always have a spot somewhere. Please call (863) 499-2421 ext. 104 for more information. 

LAKES ORANGE and LOCHLOOSA (near Gainesville)
Following the flood conditions in 2004, and with the help of habitat enhancement efforts, the shoreline habitat is thriving in Orange Lake and Lake Lochloosa.  As a result, the bream populations rebounded to high densities, and anglers are once again adding these lakes to their favorite hot-spots.  From March to October, bream anglers should concentrate in the grasses and pads around the Lochloosa shoreline for bluegill, redear sunfish and warmouth.  The area around Burnt Island and the west shoreline should be particularly productive.  On Orange Lake, substantial submersed vegetation has covered the lake, especially in the west arm and south portions of the lake.  The result has been regular catches of bluegill, redear sunfish and chunky warmouth.  In August of 2006 one angler hauled in a hefty bluegill just shy of 12 inches and weighing 2 pounds.  Most anglers use crickets and minnows as bait.  If water levels can remain high enough to allow access to the lake, the forecast for bream fishing in 2008 will be excellent.

NOTE:  Many of Florida’s best bream fishing spots produce consistently year after year.  Notably missing for 2008, however, is 450,000-acre Lake Okeechobee. Revered by anglers nationwide, the “Big O” is currently imperiled by environmental consequences following record setting Hurricane seasons in 2004 and 2005 when devastating storm winds repeatedly wreaked havoc on Okeechobee’s aquatic plant communities.  In contrast, drought will likely limit access until summer 2008.  FWC biologists continue to assist the South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and others in restoring the lake and its fishery to its glory days.  Contact local marinas and tackle stores for current conditions.

NOTE:  For more information about these lakes, contact the following FWC biologists:

Lake Monroe - Jay Holder  (352) 732-1225

Lake Kissimmee, Lake Marian and West Lake Toho - Kevin McDaniel  (407) 846-5300

Lake Panasoffkee - Marty Hale (352) 732-1225

Lake Talquin - Rich Cailteux  (850) 627-9674

Tenoroc -  Danon Moxley (863) 499-2421

Lake Harris Chain - John Benton (352) 742-6438

Lake Istokpoga - Beacham Furse  (863) 462-5190

Choctawhatchee River - Fred Cross  (850) 819-3456

Suwannee River - Allen Martin (386) 758-0525

Mosaic Fish Management Area - Eric Johnson  (863)-499-2421

Lakes Orange and Lochloosa – Eric Nagid  (352) 392-9617 ext. 240