Lake Okeechobee means “big water” in the Seminole Indian language, an appropriate name for a water body whose opposite shore can’t be seen from the water’s edge. With a surface area of 730 square miles, it is the largest lake in the southeastern United States. Despite its impressive size, the lake is shallow, with an average depth of only 9 feet. Lake Okeechobee and its wetlands are at the center of a much larger watershed, the Greater Everglades, that stretches from the Kissimmee River through the Everglades and finally into Florida Bay. Lake Okeechobee is also a key component of South Florida’s water supply and flood control systems.
The big O is famous to bass anglers all over the world. When most people think of Okeechobee they think flipping our vast grass mats and abundance of vegetation. The lake is well known for producing huge limits and monster bass. For people that don’t know the lake that well it can be a very hazardous and very challenging adventure. With our lake level so low numerous sand bars and the infamous rock reef and the sunken barges are all waiting to kill anglers lower units.
So with this in mind you might want to pick up a map and some of these bait stores.
Fast Break Inc
1505 Florida 78
Okeechobee, FL 34974
(863) 763-0973
Slim’s Fish Camp
215 Marina Drive
Belle Glade, FL 33493
(also have a very nice boat ramp located in the south end of the lake)
Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort
920 E Del Monte Ave
Clewiston, FL 33440
Relocated from
Relocated to
Hours
Send to car
(863) 983-3151
With that in mind on the big O matter fact all of Florida’s bass really only have to phases. Spawning and schooling. When there not spawning there schooling. So always be on the watch. Some places to try that always produce are; Kings Bar, Tin House Cove, The Monkey Box, Pelican Bay, Rita Island, The Pass, The East and West Walls, and anywhere in the rim ditch these spots will constantly produce through November. Early march the fish will be spawning so focus on areas like the Crystal Clear monkey box or the east and west walls and several spots in the rim ditch. The bass will be very aggressive and sight fishing will play huge roles in tournaments. From Mid march- June they are schooling hard fatting up from the spawn try open water areas like the rim ditch and the Clewiston Water tower. Work Crankbaits, swimbaits and topwaters on schooling bass. From June to July the fish will be in the heavy stuff punch a 1oz tungsten with any black and blue creature bait or work a red shad ribbon tail 7″ along the weed lines. September to November focus on ledges with worms, swimbaits,crankbaits.
