Deep Thoughts

SAY “OFFSHORE” IN Florida and most anglers envision 8 to 12 feet of water. Not incorrect, as the Sunshine State’s bass fisheries mostly comprise the shallow, weedy, bowl-type lakes that have historically dominated its competitive fishing scene. However, lakes like Kingsley, Placid, June-In-Winter and Santa Fe have significant elevation variances, creating lakes with depths of 30-plus feet (some over twice that deep).

Deep sinkhole lakes also account for some of the plunging fisheries, but across the board, this unsung facet of Florida’s big-bass bonanza brings a mix of opportunity and consideration. Because depths much greater than average completely change the way anglers approach the offshore game — especially during summer and winter — bait selections often look more like those we’d carry onto a TVA reservoir.

For Bassmaster Elite Series angler Jesse Tacoronte, of Orlando,