The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Southern Division opener is set for this week (Wednesday through Friday) at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida.
“As long as the weather stays stable, we’re going to see big weights and a lot of big limits in this event,” said veteran Florida pro Terry Scroggins. “The fish are in all three stages, so we’re going to see a lot of prespawn and postspawn fish. That’s what makes this event so fun – the fish are moving. Pulling up, moving out – there are going to be several different ways to catch them.”
With the majority of Harris Chain waters in play for competitors, Scroggins said that he thinks the tournament could be won in any one of the lakes and that will have the anglers spread out.
“Some guys are going to catch them in the canals – the fish like to spawn there,” Scroggins said. “The offshore grass will be strong, and the mixed hydrilla and eelgrass. I’d have a vibrating jig tied on, and a lipless crankbait. I’d also have something to flip – a lot of those fish also spawn in the reeds and cattails, so you have to have something to flip.”
Scroggins went on to say that with ideal weather conditions, the winner might need a three-day total right around 75 pounds.
“If it’s good weather, I think it’ll take over 25 (pounds) a day,” Scroggins said. “If the weather is bad, it’ll still be good fishing – 18 to 20 pounds a day.”
Anglers will take off each day at 7 a.m. ET from the Venetian Gardens in Leesburg. Weigh-ins will be held at the Ski Beach at the Venetian Gardens and will begin at 3 p.m.
