Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
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Editor's Note: We would like to share photos of you with your big catch! If you have tips or photos you care to share, please email them directly to [email protected]. Low water on area lakes due to the very dry winter have resulted in some hazards for area fishermen, especially on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. On Lake Hatchineha, rumor says shell crackers are starting to show up, so try using red worms in the pads. Speck fisherman are catching fish around scattered hyd...
If your kids enjoy the outdoors, here's a great way to let them have fun, and perhaps win a college scholarship at the same time. Florida State Parks and the Florida Prepaid College program are partnering to encourage families to get outside and explore Florida's award-winning state parks through the Junior Ranger Program as well as prepare for their little ranger's future with a risk-free college savings plan. As part of the promotion, ten Florida children will receive a...
Editor's Note: We would like to share photos of you with your big catch! f you have tips or photos you care to share, please email them directly to [email protected]. Here's what's happening this week on area lakes" On Walk-in-the-Water, speck fisherman are limiting out drifting minnows offshore. Bass fishing is slow, but a local tournament took only `2 pounds to win, with a big fish of 5.68 pounds. The Lake Hatchineha "Hour Glass" area is loaded with boats drifting...
Anglers are starting to limit out at night on Lake Wales-in=the=Water by drifting minnows under lights. Get out there and give it a try. Bass fishing has been slow with the lake being low, but they should be moving up to spawn this week. On Lake Hatchineha, specks can be found in lily pads by marker 10. Try using a jig tipped with Bobby Garland. On Lake Kissimmee, fisherman are finding speckled Perch on deeper grass lines early. As the day goes on try moving inside to the gras...
Dequita Voncille Manns, age 47, of Winter Haven, FL, died Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Advent Heath in Kissimmee, FL. She was born December 16, 1974, the daughter of Lanier Manns, Mulberry, FL and Sylvia Dyer, Lake Wales, FL. She is survived by two Daughters: Latavia Gammon, Winter Haven, FL, Yasmond Manns, Bartow, FL; one Son: Victor Manns; three Sisters: Wanda Manns, Mulberry, FL, Yalonda Glover, Bartow, FL, Tiffany Reed, Winter Haven, FL; two Brothers: Alnozo Glover,...
With the recent rains and changing temperatures, fish are on the move around southeast Polk. Lakes large and small are seeing good activity. On Lake Kissimmee, always a hot spot, Bass have moved in shallow. When you think you're shallow, go a little bit shallower, into the pads and flags. Throw an Ol' Monster or Junebug for good reactions. On Walk-in-the-Water, Speck fishing is heating up at night using minnows. Drift with a light until you draw their attention. Bass are up...
The latest reports from area lakes are solid evidence that it's time to break out the tackle and head out. On Lake Walk-in-the-Water, specks being caught in the grass and around the lily pads on jigs. Bass are moving up into shallow water, and getting ready to spawn. Try throwing a "Boy howdy" top-water lure in the morning around isolated cover, switching over to a black blue Senko later in the day. On Lake Hatchineha you should try drifting with minnows out in the middle of...
It's that time of year when big bass are starting to come out to play. The current hot-spot seems to be Lake Walk-in-the-water, where several giants have been caught on shiners at mouth of the canal. Specks are also being caught by drifting minnows across the middle of lake. On Lake Hatchineha some of the local anglers are catching a few limits of speck in the "hour glass," but bass fishing has still been spotty at best. Folks are catching a few on swim baits in bluegill...
There's some action to be found on area lakes despite the unseasonable warmth this holiday period. Start your New Year out right with a fun advneture in pursuit of the perfect catch. Here are some of the specific lures that area fishermen are using with success around southeast Polk waters. On Lake Walk-in-the-water try trolling with a "shinee hinee" in orange and chartreuse in 6ft of water for the big specks. The bass are starting to move up into the shallows. Try keying in...
Changing weather and unseasonable warmth has made the fishing a bit unpredictable this season, but there's still plenty of action if you know where to look. On big Lake Walk-in-water, specks are moving into the grass first thing in the morning and late in evening. Go after them with minnows and a slip bobber. Bass are starting to move up into shallow water. Key in on pads and reeds throwing a spinnerbait or a watermelon red senko. For Lake Hatchineha try drifting jigs and...
The fish are biting in area lakes if you know where to go. At Bridgemaster Fishing Products, also known as the Fisherman's Candy Store, we've got a few tips for you. At Lake Walk-in-water, try drifting minnows for speck (crappie). With cooler temperatures bass are starting to move up into shallow cover water, Try a moving bait such as a Ultravibe speed worm, swim jig, or swim bait. For Lake Hatchineha you may do best using Midsouth jigs on outside grass and pads for speck....
Area boaters and fishers using the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes east of Lake Wales may wish to speak up as plans are made for the future management of the public waters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking public input on their draft Lake Management Plans for the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. The plans cover management activities within the FWC's jurisdiction, including habitat protection, restoration and enhancement, fish management, and invasive...
Lake Wales isn't known as a fishing capital for nothing. The wide variety of lakes, each with unique habitats for a wide range of species, make our part of Florida a magnet for those seeking a trophy bass, or the limit of other fish. The Lake Kissimmee chain, including Lakes Hatchineha and Rosalie, or the big water of Lake Walk-in-the-Water, offer plenty of opportunity, as do other area waters, such as Crooked Lake. Whether fishing from a boat, or just casting from a pier of...
Hundreds of bass fishers, both men and women, are expected to descend on the Lake Wales area this weekend as Camp Mack Resort hosts the Bobby Lane Cup. Some of the top names in national competition will be present for the event, The Guy Harvey resort, located on Lake Kissimmee at 14900 Camp Mack Road will be hosting the 10th annual rendition of the tournament that draws top competitive bass stalkers from across the nation. The tournament will also see a drawing for a new...
The inspiration of hard-working parents who wanted their children to have a better life has led their son to "pay it forward" by leading others to higher callings through Polk State College. Dr. Andy Oguntola is the Director of the college's Lake Wales campus in the JD Alexander Center on Central Avenue downtown. He also serves as Dean of Workforce Development for the multi-campus institution. Under his five-year watch enrollment at the local campus has grown from 600 to...
A crumbling former gasoline station and convenience store that has proven to be a stubborn eyesore may be subject to foreclosure action as City-imposed fines of $500 a day are mounting rapidly and surpassing the value of the property by some estimates. The property is prominently situated at the busy intersection of Scenic Highway and Polk Avenue, Fourth Street also flanks the site at the corner familiarly known as "Five Points." Once a Shell outlet, the business closed long...
In a tribute to the very concept of restoration, a portion of Florida's Kissimmee River that was once reduced to a single canal carrying contaminated water has been approved for status as a Wild and Scenic River under legislation passed by the US Congress. The river fell victim to a misguided flood control effort by the US Army Corps of Engineers following repeated floods after hurricanes dumped record rains across central Florida. The project turned a 103-mile meandering rive...
The Lake Wales High School Cross Country athletes ran in competition at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs on Saturday, October 30 in the FHSAA 3A District 3 Championship 2021. Three boys and three girls participated, so all had to run as individuals because they did not have five to complete a team. Cristal Gomez, a senior, finished 2nd place overall female with a time of 18:39.02 which is a personal record. She was the 1st place non-team finisher qualifying to run at...
Wrapping up their District 7 play with a flourish, the Lake Wales Highlanders overwhelmed Kissimmee Gateway by a score of 58-0 Friday night. The win assures the local eleven a place in the playoffs with a 3-1 record in district play, their only loss coming to Auburndale by a 14-8 score. Multiple turnovers led to quick scores for the Highlanders this week, who built a 30-0 halftime lead after a scoreless first frame. Standout RB Marquish Seabon racked up another 200+ yard...
After seeing their District title hopes dashed in a 14-8 loss to Auburndale two weeks ago, the Highlanders came back to best the Palm Bay Heritage Panthers last week by a 37-30 score, setting up a final District 7 battle with Kissimmee Gateway for a possible ticket to the playoffs. Lake Wales is favored over the 2-6 Gateway, confusingly also nicknamed Panthers, who are winless in the tough District 7. The game will kick off at 7:30 pm. this Friday night in Kissimmee. The...
Hopes for a District 6A-7 championship faded Friday night for the Lake Wales Highlanders football squad lost a defensive battle, falling to the undefeated Auburndale Bloodhounds by a 14-8 score at Legion Field. Auburndale is now in control of the district race, sitting comfortably atop the standings at 3-0. The Highlanders fall to 1-1, with two important games remaining. The local team still has hopes of a playoff berth in the Region based upon final standings and scores...
In what is likely to be the deciding contest of the 2021 football regular season, the Lake Wales Highlanders will face off against the undefeated Auburndale Bloodhounds Friday night at Legion Field. The Bloodhounds have already dominated district rival Heritage Palm Bay by a 20-0 score, and Kissimmee Gateway 47-7. Lake Wales has yet to face either of those teams. The Highlanders have played only a single district game, a 43-27 victory over Melbourne Eau Gallie. There has been...
Returning to the form that marked the early games of the season, the Lake Wales Highlanders struck early and often against the Hardee Wildcats, running up a score of 21-0 barely halfway through the first quarter in a Friday night contest in Wauchula that was never in doubt. Hardee, a non-conference 5-A foe, came into the game with a 3-2 record. The Highlanders' first two touchdowns came on the strength of their explosive ground game led by running back Marquish Seabon, who...
With their District 7 title hopes still riding high, the Lake Wales Highlanders notched their first important win against a conference rival by defeating Melbourne Eau Gallie 43-27 ay Legion Field in Lake Wales Friday night. For the second week in a row the local team started slowly, leading only 8-6 at the half after giving up a fumble in their own end zone. The Highlander points came on a Trent Grotjan pass to Carlos Mitchell that covered 30 yards. The second half was a diff...
Riding on their 3-1 season record and seeking to repeat as district champs in their new higher classification, the Lake Wales Highlanders football squad will face the Melbourne Eau Gallie Commodores this week. It will be their first district game of the year. Lake Wales enters the game with its powerful ground game intact, with a triple threat of quarterbacks Trent Grotjan and Nick Young and an explosive running back in Marquish Seabon. Corey Harris, Devin Hardy and Carlos...
