Ever catch sunshine bass how/where

[slimecoat]

Ive heard that there are sunshine bass in Lake Parker in Lakeland. Anyone have any ideas of how best to catch them? Ive tried once with no avil.
Thanks for the help
They should be exciting to catch there suppose to be vicious and ravenous.

Thanks

[algaegator]

I don't know where that particular lake is, but I assume you can catch them there like anywhere else. A sunshine bass is AKA hybrid bass (striper + white bass = hybrid). They feed primarily on shad. Sometimes they like small shad (2 inch) and sometimes they like larger bait. The key to catching these fish once you find them is to offer lively bait. Catching and keeping shad lively is often the hardest part. You'll need a generously sized round container preferably with recirc/filtration capability. Also you can add shad-keeper chemical and rock salt to the water to add vitality to the bait. Remember, there's live bait and there's lively bait. Lively bait is the key. The way I rig baits is with a carolina rig with 1/8 oz barrel weight suspended about 24 inches above the hook. This method works well for slow trolling or drifting deep water. Hook size is determined by bait size and the shad should be hooked through the nostril openings. Freelining bait with no weight can also be productive. Good luck.

[Florida]

really? Lake Parker? Dang I fished there quite a few times in the past and never knew that. Pretty good for bass on rattle traps (blue/silver) tho, over in the nw corner

[slimecoat]

Yea thats what FWC says

LAKE PARKER (Polk County): Lake Parker is a 2,272-acre Fish Management Area in North Lakeland. A canal on the northwest shore connects to Lake Crago. Both offer good largemouth bass fishing, particularly during the winter and spring. T
Catfish fishing is good all year long. Use chicken liver, commercial stinkbaits and frozen shrimp either on the bottom or below a cork. Black crappie (speck) fishing will steadily improve as the water temperature drops. Troll with small spinners or jigs and drift live Missouri minnows under a cork along the edges of hydrilla beds for the best action. Hybrid striped bass (sunshine bass) were stocked in the spring and should show up in catches as the water cools. Fish for sunshine bass with small crankbaits and live Missouri minnows the way you fish for specks, and you might be rewarded with a tough fight.

[centerdriver]

I caught a bunch 4 years ago in Lake Eustis while fishing for specks. Minnow down on about 14' drifting some deep areas. Have not caught any in the last few times down here. Did not know if they went somewhere else or what. Love the pull though on 8 lb line.
Dusty