Last weekend, between the best lunar phases for this type of springtime fishing, Dad and I hit some favorite Everglades honey holes and got into good numbers of schoolie largemouth bass and a variety of panfish, including big bluegill bream. 

We weren't fishing that hard. Mostly it was a scouting expedition, in anticipation of calendar dates that produce the year's biggest stringers of panfish. Diehard panfish fishermen know that the fish "bed" on the full and new moons roughly from mid-April through July, and even into August. They are in spawning mode, and these adult fish sweep off areas to create nests where they fertilize eggs and guard them. These beds make visible targets.

Bluegills and shellcrackers are the primary target and they get BIG by panfish standards. The full moons of May and June hands down produce the biggest stringers. Fish well over a pound aren't uncommon.

"Fishing the beds" is a Gibson family tradition, and a spring and summer tradition for a lot of local and visiting families. Given the season's stable weather patterns, and the predictability of the spawn thanks to the moon phases, it's easy to plan a little vacation time well in advance to take advantage of this unique opportunity to catch a mess of fish.

It's an exciting situation to fish, or I should say, sight-fish. Fly anglers work them with popping bugs, sinking spider patterns and small Wolly Buggers. Swimming a Beetle Spin across the beds is a classic approach for spin tackle anglers with ultralight tackle. Or, go low-tech with a cane pole, bobber and crickets or worms for bait.

This spawning activity is a statewide occurence and it occurs virtually simultaneously throughout the state. All you need to do is pick a favorite lake and check the lunar calendar for the full and/or new moon dates. Usually, the bedding activity is more intense around the full moon phases.

Some really productive waters include Water Conservation Areas II and III, in western Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties. Lake Okeechobee is always a top contender. Lake Kissimmee has been outstanding. The Butler Chain of Lakes around Orlando will produce big stringers, as will the Harris Chain, which is accessible from Apopka, Leesburg and other lakeside towns.

Wherever you hit, make sure you bring a big cooler and fixin's for a fish fry.

Set for Saturday, July 14, the concert and "offbeat" underwater reality show includes participants costumed as contestants and judges from “Underwater Idol,” “Dancing with the Starfish” and “Subsea Survivor.” Festival attendees might spot iconic former “Idol” judge “Simon Coral” and current judge “J. Lo Tide” or previous “Survivor” winner “Richard Hatchery.”

Only in the Keys . . .

The playlist typically includes "ballads" from humpback whale recordings, as well as ocean-themed songs such as Jimmy Buffett’s “Fins,” Donovan’s “Atlantis” and the Beatles’ “Octopus’s Garden.”

The festival also broadcasets serious message of reef preservation. It incorporates diver awareness announcements emphasizing ways to enjoy the reef while minimizing impacts on the underwater environment.

For more information, visit www.lowerkeyschamber.com.

Last weekend, between the best lunar phases for this type of springtime fishing, Dad and I hit some favorite Everglades honey holes and got into good numbers of schoolie largemouth bass and a variety of panfish, including big bluegill bream. 

We weren't fishing that hard. Mostly it was a scouting expedition, in anticipation of calendar dates that produce the year's biggest stringers of panfish. Diehard panfish fishermen know that the fish "bed" on the full and new moons roughly from mid-April through July, and even into August. They are in spawning mode, and these adult fish sweep off areas to create nests where they fertilize eggs and guard them. These beds make visible targets.

Bluegills and shellcrackers are the primary target and they get BIG by panfish standards. The full moons of May and June hands down produce the biggest stringers. Fish well over a pound aren't uncommon.

"Fishing the beds" is a Gibson family tradition, and a spring and summer tradition for a lot of local and visiting families. Given the season's stable weather patterns, and the predictability of the spawn thanks to the moon phases, it's easy to plan a little vacation time well in advance to take advantage of this unique opportunity to catch a mess of fish.

It's an exciting situation to fish, or I should say, sight-fish. Fly anglers work them with popping bugs, sinking spider patterns and small Wolly Buggers. Swimming a Beetle Spin across the beds is a classic approach for spin tackle anglers with ultralight tackle. Or, go low-tech with a cane pole, bobber and crickets or worms for bait.

This spawning activity is a statewide occurence and it occurs virtually simultaneously throughout the state. All you need to do is pick a favorite lake and check the lunar calendar for the full and/or new moon dates. Usually, the bedding activity is more intense around the full moon phases.

Some really productive waters include Water Conservation Areas II and III, in western Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties. Lake Okeechobee is always a top contender. Lake Kissimmee has been outstanding. The Butler Chain of Lakes around Orlando will produce big stringers, as will the Harris Chain, which is accessible from Apopka, Leesburg and other lakeside towns.

Wherever you hit, make sure you bring a big cooler and fixin's for a fish fry.