Lake Manatee, 6th tournament on schedule, March 17th

This is a what a lot of people have been waiting for on Western side of state

This comming Saturday - Lake Manatee 2,508 acres water - Manatee State Park, approx 7 mi
east of I-75, on hwy 64.

Open tournament, membership not required. FCC tournament rules apply.....Park is gated = IF YOU DO NOT OWN A YEARLY PARK PASS,
UPON ARRIVAL AT PARK PRIOR TO 7AM, CALL HAROLD MCGHEE & HE WILL GIVE YOU THE PASS
CODE TO ENTER AND FISH TOURNAMENT......

CELL 813 215 - 9759 CELL 813 215-9759

This lake is restricted to 20 hp mtrs or less. you do not to pull prop to fish.
Trolling motors or motors under 20 hp. only. Not a State Park ruling - lake is owned by City of Bradenton and is their water source impoundmant.

This very interesting lake.......deep holes, creek emptying into lake, river bed winding through, many, many turns.........depth from 4ft to 51 ft,
brush pilles - medium stain color........lake can be long-lined, spider rigged, bobbered, & drifted with success.
Past 2 weeks average weight of Spec's taken, 1 lb 2.3 oz............based on regulars that fish lake....

hey how do you fish this tournament if my only boat has a 90hp Yamaha I'm new to crappie fishing and to the tournaments. can i just use my trolling motor or do i have to miss this one. can anyone help me understand.

No problem - just use your trolling motor to fish with........................
The park does not require use to pull prop....just can't use motor if over 20 hp
Last year several entries had large motors including myself and we use trolling
motors to move around.
Should you run into trouble on lake, someone will help you....
FCC tournaments - everyone looks out for everyone else...........

Two years in row, some of the biggest fish came within 1/4 mile of ramp in plain
view of ramp..........
Have seen 2 1/2 pounds come out of this lake...............

THANKS, If i can get everything together in time for this weekend i will be there! I left from lake Talquin and was on my way home last night and my transmission went out just north of Cheifland. Luckly I have a real good friend who came and got me he pulled my truck and boat home for me. I have another truck so I should be able to make it.

Also how do i get signed up and know about fees and times??

No problem.
come on down, sign in day of tournament at park - launch & weigh in site.

Park is located approx 7 mi east of I-75 on highway 64..............
Park is gated, does not open till 7 am...............
Upon arrival at Gate - call me Harold McGhee 813 215-9759 and i will give you code to get in.

ok sounds good.

What is the best way to fish this lake live bait or jigs ?

call me on cell 813 215-9759
Harold McGhee

Was able to stop by and scout the park and talked a bit with the gate keepers........ very nice folks with information to spare.

Hope to get out Friday to scout a bit then hit it hard on Saturday. LOOK OUT HAROLD..............crazy sob heading your way :) FISH ON!!!

Bring it on "baby".....................
com-on down..............as they say................

Wow how lucky that is!!! Been to Lake Manatee 2 times before once on canoe rental, very good deal for people that dont have a boat!!! And I recently got a 12 foot john boat. Neither time no depth finder and caught very few fish. Just got a brand new humming bird and minn kota today. All raring to go !!! I come to the forum to see if there is any reports and you our putting on a tourney where I was headed. Dont know the lake at all but Im in.
Is there an official start and finish time??
Is it 7 fish per boat or per person, will be bringing someone with??
Whats legal live, artificial, castnetts, dynamite!! J/K lol!!
Cant wait to meet you there!!

Steve

steve, call and/or send me your e-mail address -
i'll send you a tournament and rules schedule.

call me and i can fill you in on almost averything about tournament and i will
also try and help you on locating fish in lake manatee
Thanks
Harold McGhee 813 215 - 9759

hey Harold I'm Not going to be able to make it tomorrow. I am being pulled away by family. I will try for the next one.