By Walker Smith – Dynamic Sponsorships / Photo: Michael Engelmeyer

Coming off a solid finish at Lake Conroe, Team Toyota pro Mark Daniel looks to recognize a developing pattern early at Suzuki Marine Stage 2 – Harris Chain of Lakes.

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Oh, Florida, how we have missed you.

After a particularly brutal past month or two full of winter weather and nearly unbearable cold fronts, all is right in the world again as the MLF Bass Pro Tour heads south to Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes. The days are getting longer, and the weather is set to be in the 80s which means one thing: You can expect to see some giant bass caught.

At first glance, the Harris Chain seems quite friendly to Team Toyota pro Mark Daniels, Jr., as it features prominent vegetation and plenty of enticing isolated cover. These features are trademarks of his home fishery of the California Delta. But will he be able to bring that California Love to The Sunshine State?

“I’m coming off a solid 15th-place finish at Lake Conroe and although it might look great in the standings, I actually got a little spun out on the last day of competition,” Daniels said. “Other guys in my area were crushing the bass and I was having a hard time even getting bit. I can’t be bringing that energy into this tournament; I left it on the highway on my way home. I’ve only fished one event on the Harris Chain in my career but my gosh, it sure looks like prime habitat for some big ones.”

The current warming trend in Florida has made this tournament even more interesting, with big spawners expected to be shallow throughout the event. The sudden warm-up, however, has unfortunately caused a fish kill in certain areas known for their above-average quality of bass. The prevailing mentality going into this tournament could best be described as “cautious optimism”.

“I honestly think they’ll be comfortably spawning by the time this tournament kicks off,” Daniels said. “Heck, some of the fish in Alabama are trying to get on beds right now so if it’s happening here, the Harris Chain could be on fire. But that can burn you this time of year if you’re not careful. All the fish in the lake don’t flood the shallows at the same time. I have to keep a very open mind. There are going to be some big pre- and post-spawners caught which means you can’t mentally lock in to thinking you’ll be sight fishing all week. Recognizing new patterns as they evolve is everything in multi-day tournaments, but especially in Florida.”

Time management is another priority for the Team Toyota pro at this fishery. Because of its expansive layout, Daniels has a plan to be as efficient as possible throughout practice.

“I’ve thought about this a lot because I know how easy it is to waste a bunch of time on the Harris Chain,” Daniels said. “What I’ll probably do is limit myself to one or two lakes and get a feel for which one is fishing the best. I want to use my second and final day of practice to get dialed in on one particular lake. I’m looking for potential more than anything else.”

Daniels believes the tournament will be won on a variety of techniques. Versatility will be important for everyone in this derby, so expect to see some Florida favorites such as bladed swim jigs, frogs and swimming worms mixed with some other big-fish techniques.

“There will be some guys who will smoke ‘em on those offshore shell beds, if I had to guess,” Daniels said. “This might be one of those tournaments that will allow you to fish your favorite styles but again, an open mind and the ability to quickly pivot will be key.”

Patience, adaptability and positivity are a few things you can count on while watching Daniels this week. As the camera cuts to him, one thing above all is guaranteed: He’ll be wearing a big California smile while he soaks up the Florida sun.