As fog lifted from Lake Toho’s surface this morning, I stood conversing with Roland Martin who has come out of retirement to fish the Southern Opens this year. “I just thought it would be fun,” said Martin.

I had fun this morning when I found a group of bass that choked down the Strike King Red Eye Shad. Fishing has been very tough here lately – Florida bass do not like cold snaps – so I felt really good about the 10 bites I got, including one that weighed about 5 pounds. Under these conditions that’s good enough to make Roland say “Son!”.

I enjoyed the day in a G3 bass boat from Kissimmee Boat Rentals which operates out of Big Toho Marina. Imagine hopping a flight or just driving down to Lake Toho, parking the truck and, 10 minutes later, you are mobile on one of the best bass factories in America. No monthly boat payment, no maintenance issues, just show up and enjoy! Trust me, it’s that easy. Vacationing in the area? Sneak away for a day and catch some fish.

Water in one pocket reached 64 degrees by late afternoon. Moon is full tomorrow. Might we see a wave of bass beds across the shallows? A lot of folks expect so. If so, the fish will have to move up fast because there weren’t many fanning beds out there today.

This tourney could be tougher than anticipated.

Stay tuned.