January 24th, 2023
Tim and I took a full-day fishing charter with Captain Austin Sawchuk of Monster Bass Fishing Charters. Austin took us out on Lake Griffin in central Florida. It’s part of the Harris Chain of Lakes. Lake Griffin is about seven miles long with a maximum depth of 19 feet.
We got to the main lake through a beautiful canal. Here is a little snapshot of our trip to the lake.
Once we got to the lake, Captain Austin got us set up along some weeds and within the first few minutes Tim caught a nearly 7 pound bass!
It was chilly when we started out at 8am, but it warmed up nicely and we peeled off the layers as the sun came out and warmed things up.
Tim caught two more nice bass and we pulled in about 20 pounds of bowfin (we call them dog fish in Wisconsin) and I got a beautiful shad, that Captain Austin called a stinky fish. I found out why when I picked it up for a picture!
Captain Austin is a US Coast Guard licensed guide. He has Merchant Marine & Homeland Security TWIC credentials. Austin has lived on the Harris chain of lakes for more than 15 years. He took us out on a 26 foot Tri-toon Pontoon Boat. We loved having more room than a standard bass boat provides.
He was very helpful, but also willing to let this old gal try casting and replacing bait herself too! His casts were ten times the distance of mine and MUCH more accurate, so I let him help often!
The marina he launches from is in a lovely little mobile home park/marina that has ample parking and comfortable, clean bathrooms! Yea for us old folks!
If you are in the central Florida area, we would highly recommend giving him a call!
