The dog days of summer are in full swing. Tough fishing is an understatement for trying to describe the South Winter Haven chain. As a matter of fact it’s tougher than I have ever seen it before. It’s hard enough just trying to get around, much less catch a fish. Most canals can barely be navigated, some cannot. Use extreme caution when idling through the canals as some of them have lots of submerged objects that can damage props or entire lower units. Also sand, mud, and other debris can be sucked up and damage water pumps and over heat engines, so remember to trim up and take your time.
 Very low and hot water have the bass in a lethargic state for the moment. They have become mostly nocturnal, preferring to feed at night when conditions are more favorable. As most of us have daytime jobs, busy schedules, and families, night fishing just isn’t a option. We have to go when we can. For those that can fish the night shift, some great action awaits you. As for the rest of us, all is not lost. Get out early as there is still a good morning bite. After that you will have to work hard for mid-day bites. Start out early with topwaters, spinnerbaits, rattlebaits, and jerkbaits around some type of submerged grass. Use shad imitating colors in clear water lakes and chartreuse/shad colors in greener water. Try fishing 5 – 10 ft in green water and 8 – 15 ft in clear water. Keep in mind fish are feeding early, so don’t waste too much time in an area where you’re not getting bites, keep moving. After that patience and good electronics are a must.
 Find some type of cover such as submerged grass or brushpiles on or near offshore structure. These areas will hold fish as long as there is food present. Look for signs of baitfish, both on your electronics and on the surface of the water. Birds diving under water and garfish hanging around in a particular area are both great signs. Try bouncing shad or chartreuse deep diving crankbaits off submerged cover to trigger reaction strikes or slow way down with Texas/Carolina rigged soft plastics to tease fish into biting. Junebug, redbug, blueberry, and watermelon are all good color choices. Sometimes when you get one fish to bite, the competition instinct of bass takes over and the whole school can become active for a few minutes. After you catch one, get right back in there before the area and bass have time to settle back down.
Kissimmee Chain

Ever heard the saying “early bird gets the worm”? Well that saying definitely applies to the Kissimmee Chain during the heat of summer. There’s been a great early bite then around 9′oclock, especially if it’s sunny, the switch flips into the off position. As the dredging continues in the river between Kissimmee and Hatchineah the silt is being washed into Lake Kissimmee making the water muddier there. In the rest of the chain, rains have the creeks flowing a little which always clears up the water somewhat. Toho and Cypress have plenty of hydrilla which filters and clears the water up as well. The water level in all of the lakes is on the rise, but still below normal pool.
 Bass are biting a variety of lures in the morning. Spinnerbaits, topwaters, swimbaits, jerkbaits, and swimming jigs will all produce early along outside Kissimmee grass edges or over submerged hydrilla beds. Flipping outside grass, reed, or pad edges with 1/2 – 1 oz Texas rigged craws, creature baits, and other soft plastics along with 3/8 – 3/4 oz jigs are good early as well. Stay on the move, you don’t have long before it gets much tougher. Finding areas with bait is the key. Look for signs of bluegill and shiners feeding on blind mosquitoes along grasslines. Areas with high concentrations of egrets are a good sign of shad schools being present. Cormorants and Anhingas diving in open water is always a great indication of the presence of some type of bait fish.  
 As the day progresses either fish in thicker cover or move to deeper offshore structure/cover. Bass will move far beneath thick, matted, cover or to deeper haunts to escape the heat. Just as during a cold front, the fish will be lethargic and inactive, so don’t expect non-stop action. Flip further back into the thickest grass, reeds, pads, or mats you can find with 1 – 1 1/2 oz Texas rigged craws or creature baits. Be ready as most bites will occur on the initial drop. Try ripping a rattlebait or slow-rolling spinnerbaits and bladed jigs through submerged hydrilla from 4 – 8 ft. Also deep diving crankbaits bounced off submerged brushpiles will produce some reaction strikes as well. Shad or bream imitating colors are usually best. For less aggressive fish, try a Texas/Carolina rigged worm or other soft plastic. Junebug. black/blue, and watermelon are always good colors. Don’t forget to check mouths of rivers and creeks for schoolers after rains.

Central Florida is where you’ll find beautiful lakes, great bass fishing and Monte Goodman. Monte has made a career of doing what he enjoys and does best as a professional bass guide and successful tournament angler. Guiding and fishing competitively for the past 15 years has given him the experience, skill and knowledge it takes to be a great fisherman. Monte is also a vocal advocate of Florida’s habitat and conservation efforts, supports and practices “catch and release” himself and encourages others to do the same. A member of tournament trails such as FLW, FOMNTT, BFL, and B.A.S.S just to name a few. Credited with well over a hundred local tournament wins, was back to back Angler of the Year in the largest B.A.S.S. affiliated club in the world, and has won numerous Big Bass honors. Monte’s ability to adapt, his versatility and lengthy resume has earned him a reputation anyone would be proud of.

Fantasy of Flight not only provides day-long excursions through themed immersion experiences, backlot and restoration tours, hands-on exhibits, and vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection, but the attraction now offers special children’s activities for the summer in its Fun with Flight center. Guests may refer to a published daily schedule available at the attraction for more information.

The Florida Resident BOGO Free offer is good on both adult and children’s general admission tickets.  Fantasy of Flight general admission is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax.  Children 5 and younger are free.  The offer cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount.  

  For details, call 863-984-3500 or go to www.fantasyofflight.com for more information.

Friday, June 10 vs. Daytona Cubs @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.):
Victor Martinez Kids Backpack Giveaway
The Flying Tigers will be giving away Victor Martinez backpacks to the first 750 paid kids ages 14 and younger.

Chick-fil-A Night
Look for special promotions, contests and giveaways throughout the game from Chick-fil-A.

Scout Night
Special group ticket and food packages for Boy and Cub Scouts and their families.

Saturday, June 11 vs. Brevard County Manatees (Brewers) @ 4:00 p.m. (Gates open at 2:30 p.m.):
The Ledger Customer Appreciation Day
The first 2,000 fans will receive a free grocery tote compliments of The Ledger Media Group. The first 100 new Ledger subscribers will be given Ledger Media Group t-shirts.  Fans can register to win great prizes including travel trips, gift baskets, gift cards and more throughout the game.  A fan will also have a chance to win a Fiat if a Flying Tigers player hits a grand slam in the seventh inning.  The Flying Tigers will be wearing special tropical jerseys during the game and fans are encouraged to dress for the occasion as well wearing flip-flops and tropical shirts.

Sunset Celebration Sponsored by The Ledger Media Group and Budweiser
Following the game the Flying Tigers will be turning the berm into a Key West themed party.  There will be live island-themed music by Captain Josh as well as street performers, frisbee dogs, a pig roast and much more.  There will be drink and food specials on the berm all night.  Polk County’s Parrot Head Club, Pirates on the Ridge, will be helping to get the party started.

 Fireworks Extravaganza at dark (weather permitting).

 Post-Game Party at Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill
The fun keeps going at Natalie’s following the fireworks show.  Natalie’s is located at 3120 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland.

For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com or call (863) 686-8075.

Friday, June 10 & Saturday, June 11- Legends & Legacies Series
“The Pacific War: Power and Pursuit”
Guests will receive the rare opportunity to hear from some of the few living World War II veterans who participated in this portion of the war, which began Dec. 7, 1941 with the attack on Pearl Harbor. The speakers include: Lt. Col. Doug Canning, who was hand-picked for a mission to take down the number-one top military strategist of the Japanese Imperial forces; Ray Albritton,  a radar operator with the Naval Seaplane Squadron; and Bruce Gamble, featured historian in documentaries produced by The History Channel and four-time author. All symposiums are included with daily general admission and are free for all Annual Pass holders

June 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.- The Military Collector’s Show
Collectibles from the Civil War to the Vietnam War, including medals, insignia, war relics, and other memorabilia, will be featured on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Former Command Pilot and career Air Force officer, Joe Kittinger II, will also be available for book signings. Kittinger holds world records for the highest, fastest and longest skydive, and for being the first man to make a solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in a gas balloon.
Admission to the Military Collector’s Show is complimentary with Fantasy of Flight admission. To attend  the show only, admission will cost $6 per person (including tax).

Thursday, June 16-Sunday, June 19- Father’s Day Special
In honor of Father’s Day, Fantasy of Flight is offering fathers free admission when accompanied by any paid youth or adult. The offer is not valid with any other offers or discounts.

For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit  www.fantasyofflight.com.

The new Downtown Lakeland App is FREE, and available for both Apple and Android mobile devices. More than half of all cell phone users will have smart phones this year, and those that download this app will be available to keep you up to date on all events and activities without having to be at your computer desk.

Mobile media apps are proving to be a strong marketing tool in reaching demographics and this technology is becoming more popular. DLP members can use the app to keep in touch with ther existing customers and reach new ones by posting information about events and activities.

This app is great for visitors also, as “it’s a great way to quickly find out where to eat, shop and what to do,” says Julie Townsend, Executive Director of the DLP.

This FREE Downtown Lakeland app is now available and keyword search is: DLPAPP.

Wednesday, May 18 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Wednesday is All-You-Can-Eat Night sponsored by Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill
Tickets are just $10 and includes admission to the game and all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, pizza, cracker jacks, popcorn, pretzels and chips as well as food from Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill from 6:00-9:00 p.m. or while supplies last. 

Thursday, May 19 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
Thirsty Thursday
Fans can enjoy $1 beer and soda every Thursday home game.  Beer sales begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at the conclusion of the 7th inning.

Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours
The Flying Tigers will be hosting the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours from 5:30-7:30 p.m. sponsored by Lakeland Electric. 
There will be great food, drinks and live music along the 1st base concourse.  For more information please contact the Lakeland Chamber at (863) 688-8551.

Friday, May 20 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Camo T-Shirt Giveaway Sponsored by Team Hammer
The Flying Tigers will be giving away camo t-shirts to the first 350 paid adults ages 15 and older sponsored by Team Hammer.

Royal Rangers Night
Special group ticket packages for Royal Rangers and their families.

Saturday, May 21 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins) @ 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 4:30 p.m.)
Armed Forces Day Celebration
The Flying Tigers will be honoring current and former members of the military for their service to the country. The Polk County Veterans’ Council, along with more than 40 other organizations, will conduct a Salute to Veterans and a Welcome Home to those in our community recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Activities will begin at 3:00 PM.
Veterans also will receive FREE admission.  Military personnel from the Polk County area who have recently returned from deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan will be honored at the game.  In addition, an enlistment ceremony will induct local recruits into the military.

Fireworks Extravaganza following the game (weather permitting).

Hope Hospice “Night of Hope” Night

Sunday, May 22 vs. Bradenton Marauders (Pirates) @ 1:00 p.m. (Gates open at Noon)
Sunday is Kids Day. 
All kids 14 and under will receive free admission to the game.  Kids can play catch on the field beginning at noon (weather permitting).  Kids can also run the bases just like the Flying Tigers following the game (weather permitting).  All fans will receive a voucher for a free sundae compliments of Dairy Queen.

Monday, May 23 vs. Bradenton Marauders (Pirates) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Monday is $1 hot dog night.
  Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs all night.  Also, check The Ledger for a special two-for-one ticket offer compliments of the Ledger Media Group.

Tuesday, May 24 vs. Bradenton Marauders (Pirates) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Baseball Wingo Sponsored by Hooters
Fans can play Baseball Bingo during the game for a chance to wings from Hooters and prizes from the Flying Tigers.

Silver Sluggers
Flying Tigers Silver Sluggers Tuesday presented by Humana.  Silver Sluggers members will receive free admission to the game as well as a complimentary soda.  For more
information on the Silver Sluggers program please contact the Flying Tigers at (863) 686-8075 or visit LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

KRAFT Singles Tuesday Tickets
KRAFT Singles Tuesday Tickets.  Fans receive a special buy one, get one free ticket offer by bringing a KRAFT Singles package wrapper to the ticket office.

Wednesday, May 25 vs. Bradenton Marauders (Pirates) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Wednesday is All-You-Can-Eat Night sponsored by Oktoberfest German Cafe.
Tickets are just $10 and includes admission to the game and all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages,
pizza, cracker jacks, popcorn, pretzels and chips as well as food from Oktoberfest from 6:00-9:00 p.m. or while supplies last. 
The Flying Tigers are a Class A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.  For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com or call (863) 686-8075.

 The free admission offer includes May 13-14 Legends & Legacies Symposium, “D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy” where guests will have the rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the aviation experience in a time of war as they listen to World War II heroes share personal recollections and firsthand experiences of the D-Day invasion.

Fantasy of Flight is one of the only attractions in the country to bring together legendary World War II heroes to share their stories for this unique event.

The “Legends & Legacies Symposium Series” features six topics scheduled for 2011:
-D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy: May 13-14
-The Pacific War: Power and Pursuit: June 10-11
-The Great Escape: Heroes Underground: Oct. 14-15

 All symposiums are included with daily general admission and are free for Annual Pass holders, so celebrate National Miliatary Appreciation Month with Fantasy of Flight and the heroes of WWII!

For more information, visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

The water level is higher than it’s been in a while, but still down about 2 feet. All canals except to lake Mirror are accessible. Water temperature is on the rise and Bass have finished spawning and have started to make way towards deeper water. In clear water lakes, outside edges of submerged grassbeds, brushpiles, and any other offshore cover will begin to hold more fish. Look for cover situated on or near breaklines from 8 – 12 ft deep. Try shad colored topwaters or jerkbaits in the shallows very early then move deeper as the sun rises higher. Deep diving Crankbaits along with Texas/Carolina rigged soft plastics should be top producers for the remainder of the day. Use shad or bream imitating crankbaits that dive deep enough to make contact with the cover you are fishing. As for worms and other soft plastics use 6 – 10 inch baits with good tail action such as ribbontails, vibes, or paddletails. Junebug, blueberry, and watermelon are always good color choices for clear water. In the dirtier water lakes Bass tend to stay around shoreline cover a little longer after they have finished spawning, so fish shallower. Try 3/8 – 1/2 oz chartreuse or white spinnerbaits early over submerged grassbeds from 3 – 6 ft deep. Tandems provide the best combination of flash and vibration. Also lipless and square billed crankbaits are great in these areas. Chrome, gold, and chartreuse are all great colors to try as bass will be feeding on a little bit of everything from shiners to bream. As the sun rises and the fish pull tighter to cover switch over to a flippin’ stick armed with 3/8 – 3/4 oz Texas rigged craw or creature bait in Black and blue, junebug, or redbug. Flip grass, cattails, reeds, and pads from 2 – 6 ft. Boat docks are also worth checking especially on the bright, still days.

Kissimmee Chain

Overall the Kissimmee chain looks and is fishing great considering it’s postspawn. The water level is good in all lakes throughout the chain. In most areas the water is from clean to stained. Lake Cypress is muddy due to hydrilla treatments and wind. The river between Hatchineha and Kissimmee is also muddy due to dredging. Try topwaters and swimbaits early inside of grasslines and in boat trails. Propbaits, stickbaits, poppers, buzzbaits and all types of frog imitating baits will all work. Use shiner, frog, or bream imitating colors. Most days the topwater bite is short lived so get out early. Also check outside grasslines early as the shad spawn will begin anytime now. This activity only lasts for an hour or so after first light then the schools of shad move offshore. Look and listen for fish schooling in and along outside edges of kissimmee grass. White spinnerbaits slow rolled along grass edges can be deadly when this occurs. Pull out the flippin’ stick as the sun gets higher. Find the bream beds and you’ll find the Bass. Flip pods or inside lines of grass, reeds, or pads with 3/8 – 1 oz jigs or Texas rigged craws and creature baits. Junebug, black and blue, or watermelon colored baits are always good. Also try flipping matted vegetation during bright, still conditions as Bass and their prey will use these mats as a refuge from the hot sun. Use 1 – 1 & 1/2 oz weights to punch through the mats. Look for offshore submerged grassbeds to start holding more fish. Try slow rolling a 3/8 – 1/2 oz white/chartreuse spinnerbait or bladed jig through the grass. Also try burning a shad colored lipless crankbait over and through the grass. Check river and creek mouths after periods of hard rain for flowing water and feeding fish. Shad colored lipless and billed crankbaits are usually best at locating fish in flowing water. Try Texas/Carolina rigged soft plastics to tempt less aggressive fish into biting. Junebug, blueberry, and redbug are all great colors to try.

Central Florida is where you’ll find beautiful lakes, great bass fishing and Monte Goodman. Monte has made a career of doing what he enjoys and does best as a professional bass guide and successful tournament angler. Guiding and fishing competitively for the past 15 years has given him the experience, skill and knowledge it takes to be a great fisherman. Monte is also a vocal advocate of Florida’s habitat and conservation efforts, supports and practices “catch and release” himself and encourages others to do the same. A member of tournament trails such as FLW, FOMNTT, BFL, and B.A.S.S just to name a few. Credited with well over a hundred local tournament wins, was back to back Angler of the Year in the largest B.A.S.S. affiliated club in the world, and has won numerous Big Bass honors. Monte’s ability to adapt, his versatility and lengthy resume has earned him a reputation anyone would be proud of.

Post spawn is upon us. Most Bass have finished spawning and are in rest and recuperate mode. Others are rested and starting to feed veraciously as their appetite increases with the rising water temp. Although post spawn is considered to be one of the toughest periods of the year, it can also be a very rewarding period as well. Bass will congregate in large schools. They can be hard to locate, but once you find them, they are usually more than willing to bite.
 Springtime is the number one time to be throwing top water baits. Walking baits, chuggers and prop baits will all work, but usually one or the other will be best on a given day. Stick to shiner and bream imitating colors for best results. Soft and hard jerkbaits can be deadly in clear water as well. Fish these baits over submerged grassbeds during low light conditions.
 In stained to muddy water use noisier, vibrating subsurface lures such as spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, or rattlebaits. Slow roll or rip these lures through the grass. Chartreuse, white, or combinations of both are hard to beat. Also try flipping the deepest shoreline cover available to coax late spawners into biting. Junebug or watermelon colored craws and creature baits Texas rigged with 3/8 – 3/4 oz weights should do the trick.

Kissimmee Chain

There’s just no better place to be this month than Bass fishing on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. The spawn is mostly over and the fish are hungry. All types of topwaters along with spinnerbaits, swimbaits, bladed jigs, or jerkbaits will all produce quality fish. The hardest part as always is finding the fish. Once located, these post spawners, should be fairly easy to catch. Chances are where there’s one there’s more, sometimes a whole lot more.
 Use topwaters early around trails and pockets to pick off the most aggressive fish. After that try flipping outside grasslines with junebug or black/blue craws or creature baits. Areas just outside spawning flats are a great place to start. On bright, sunny, days flip floating mats with 1 – 1 & 1/2 oz weighted craws.
 More and more fish will be moving towards offshore structure and cover. Try slow rolling a 3/8 – 1/2 oz spinnerbait or bladed jig through submerged hydrilla beds. Rattle baits ripped free from the grass can also be productive. Stick with shiner or bream colored lures. Carolina/Texas rigged soft plastics are also worth a shot in these areas. Junebug, black/blue, and watermelon are always good color choices.