Largemouth Bass Fishing on Lake Okeechobee

Here you can learn a little bit about Lake Okeechobee, as well as what you should know before your bass fishing charter trip!

About Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee, is an Indian name that means “Big Water“ and is the 2nd largest natural lake entirely within the continental U.S. at 730 sq. miles. Covering 450,000 surface acres it is the head waters of the Everglades. Despite its size it only averages 9 feet deep with the maximum depth of 12 feet. Its main water supply is the Kissimmee River. While the lake is in the center of the state it is connected to the west coast via the Caloosahatchee River and to the East coast by the St. Lucie Canal. The lake is home to large populations of world class largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill and bream. While Florida is called the “Bass Capital of the World,” the Big ‘O’ is the hub and bass central. It has been one of the most renowned bass lakes in the world and is a bucket list destination for many bass anglers .

About the Fish

My trips target the giant Florida strain largemouth that roam the grass flats and hydrilla beds with a variety of artificial lures and wild shiners. The largemouth feed on golden shiners, shad, bluegill, crappie and bream. Many fish are in the 7 to 9 lb. class with fish growing to over 10 lbs. and into the teens. One day tournaments often take 28+ lbs.to win . Most of the fish are in the 1 to 5 foot depths and use the grass, bulrushes and pencil reeds for cover. The growing season is 12 months a year and the prime spawning season is December through April when many giants are landed on rod and reel. Florida strain largemouth like the warm water and sunshine just like the people of the Sunshine state.

What to Expect

For the most part the air temps will be in the mid 70s to low 80s, with sunshine and gentle breezes. The largemouth will be in the grass and on the spawning flats for most of the winter and we will use heavy action rods and reels with strong braided line to pull these giants from their lair. They can be caught on a variety of lures when the conditions and temperature is right such as topwaters, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, speed worms and senkos but most of the giant bass come on large wild shiners fished with a float or free lined. Live wild shiner fishing can be enjoyed by the entire family or novice anglers regardless of the experience level .

Equipment

We’ll be fishing out of a 2016 – 21ft. Ranger bass boat powered by a Mercury 250 H.P. Optimax Pro XS and Lowrance electronics with side and structure scan. The boat is equipped with all the required safety gear and has been Coast Guard inspected. An on-board built-in cooler is provided for your snacks and drinks. You’ll be given top of the line fishing gear including all Enigma fishing rods paired with Shimano and Penn reels in both left and right hand spinning or baitcasters. Top brand name line, hooks, lures and baits like Berkley, Gambler, Yammamoto, Luckycraft, Rapala and Eagle Claw Trokar are the standard.

Booking a Trip

A $100 deposit will be required to hold your date. The balance is due at the ramp after the trip, gratuity is appreciated but optional, payments can be made by credit card or cash. Cancellation should be made 72 hours in advance. I will contact you 12 to 24 hours in advance of the trip to touch base and discuss any of your concerns and meeting time.

Meeting Place

Roland Martin Marina, 920 E. Del Monte Ave. Clewiston, Fla. 33440

Meeting time will be determined by the time of year based on sunrise.

Fishing License Requirements

Anyone 16 years of age and over will need a resident or non-resident FRESHWATER Florida fishing license. The license can be purchased online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) website or most Walmarts. You should purchase your license in advance as TACKLE SHOPS DO NOT SELL LICENSES.

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Sunglasses
  • Rain gear
  • Snacks and drinks .

Hotel Accommodations

  • Roland Martin Marina 920 E.Del Monte Ave. Clewiston , Fl 33440 863-983-3151
  • Holiday Inn Express 1024 W.Sugarland Hwy Clewiston , Fl. 33440 863-983-5100
  • Best Western 1020 W. Sugarland Hwy. Clewiston Fl 33440 863-983-3400
  • Clewiston Inn 108 Royal Palm Ave. Clewiston Fl 33440 863-983-8151

Restaurants

  • Roland Martin Tiki Bar & Grill 920 E. Del Monte Ave. Clewiston , Fl 33440
  • Sunrise Mexican Restaurant 842 W. Sugarland Hwy. Clewiston , Fl 33440
  • Beef O’Brady’s 892 W. Sugarland Hwy Clewiston Fl 33440
  • Sonny’s BBQ 1030 W. Sugarland Hwy. Clewiston Fl. 33440