Florida Bass Fishing with Pro Angler Carter Andrews

Florida Bass Fishing Adventure

When it comes to chasing big bass, few anglers rival the passion and expertise of Carter Andrews. In this episode of Lund’s Ultimate Fishing Experience, Carter takes us deep into the heart of East Central Florida—a region teeming with some of the best largemouth bass fishing in the country. Partnered with local ace Lamar Chisum, Carter explores a private 3,000-acre freshwater reservoir that’s part of the St. John’s River watershed, delivering trophy Florida black bass and a fishing adventure for the ages.

Exploring Central Florida’s Fishing Paradise

Carter's day starts just south of Orlando and north of Lake Okeechobee, in a prime belt known for its diverse bass habitats. This private reservoir, established in the 1960s to provide drinking water, has evolved into a world-class bass fishing destination. Its tea-colored, tannic waters give the Florida black bass their characteristic dark coloring. Surrounded by vast grass beds, this lake is an angler’s dream, offering endless opportunities for those willing to work the cover.

Fishing Techniques That Deliver Big Bass

Post-spawn in Florida occurs earlier than in many other states, typically from December to March. By May, Carter and Lamar are targeting aggressive, hungry fish. Carter prefers a faster pace with spinnerbaits and swim jigs, while Lamar opts for his go-to lure—the Easy Swimmer. As Carter humorously notes, the first time they fished together, all four of Lamar’s rods were rigged with the same bait!

Their diverse approaches pay off, with multiple catches showcasing just how effective these methods are in Florida’s thick grass cover. While spinnerbaits excel at turning over the grass, Lamar’s Easy Swimmer glides effortlessly through it, triggering bites from hidden fish.

Highlighting the Power of Grass-Fishing

Grass beds play a critical role in this Florida lake. Carter emphasizes that casting into consolidated grass patches can yield massive rewards. The tannic water and abundant cover create a thriving ecosystem, with each clump of grass potentially holding a trophy bass. This habitat makes it essential for anglers to stay patient, confident, and persistent. “Just because a fish didn’t hit one side of the tree doesn’t mean it won’t be on the other,” Carter advises.

Lamar’s Long History with the Lake

Lamar’s deep connection to the reservoir began in his childhood. Fishing here in its early days meant casting among live oak and palm trees, with every tree seemingly holding bass weighing up to 12 pounds. Today, after years of management and a successful water-level drawdown, the lake is healthier than ever. With fish numbers rebounding and size increasing, the future looks bright for this legendary reservoir.

The Value of Modern Fishing Gear

Carter showcases his essential tools for fishing Florida’s shallow, grass-filled lakes. His trolling motor helps position the boat precisely, while power poles anchor him in place to methodically work each pocket of cover. Unlike spot-lock features that can spook fish, power poles offer silent stability—a critical advantage when targeting pressured or wary bass.

Carter’s career took another leap when he launched The Obsession of Carter Andrews, now celebrating its 10th season. This saltwater-focused show has allowed him to travel the world, chasing some of the most exciting game fish on the planet—a true dream come true for any angler.

Why Carter Trusts His Lund 1975 Renegade

Carter’s boat of choice for this Florida adventure is the Lund 1975 Renegade. Growing up watching the Lindners and In-Fisherman, Carter was drawn to Lund’s reputation for reliability. The Renegade is lightweight and maneuverable—ideal for navigating tight, grass-filled cover. Despite its compact size, it offers plenty of deck space, storage for multiple rods, and a giant livewell. Carter confidently states, “This boat meets everything I need for Florida fishing.”

Carter Andrews’ Florida adventure highlights the magic of fishing for trophy bass in prime habitat with the right techniques and gear.

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