By MARK COOK

A few minor cool fronts have moved through the past couple of weeks, giving hope that summer will soon release its grip. Water temperatures have dropped to the low 80s, and bass and speckled perch are starting to respond.

As nights get longer, bass have a natural urge to start gorging again after slowing down during the warmer months. Bass eat during the summer, but they are a little more particular and less likely to expend energy chasing fast-moving baits. Instinctively, they are preparing for the spawn, which can begin as early as December, especially down south.

On Lake Kissimmee, bass catches have been outstanding, although most fish have been less than 5 pounds. Many anglers are getting 25-35 fish per trip, but most are too small to keep. Larger bass should soon be on the prowl as the females try to fatten up before spawning. Shad and shiners are the favorite of pre-spawn bass. Moving water has still been the key to finding bass, and the creeks and canals have been providing excellent ambush points.

Speckled perch limits are becoming common, even this early in the season. Drifting minnows around North Cove, Philadelphia Point and Grassy Island has been putting good numbers of these tasty panfish in the bucket.

Locally, Medard Reservoir fishermen are picking up a few specks, mainly in the deep dropoffs by bouncing minnows close to the bottom. Reports are that the reservoir repairs on the west wall are set for later this month, and the water level will drop possibly to the point where the ramps will be unusable.

For more information, contact Mark Cook at tribfishing@aol.com.