Rich enough to support both commercial and
game fishing
, Lake Okeechobee boasts the best bass fishing in the world You can also catch what the locals call “panfish,” or bream and black crappie (speck), as well as sunfish, catfish, pickerel, bowfin, and gar.
What is the best time of year to fish Lake Okeechobee?
Lake Okeechobee is one of the most popular lakes for trophy bass fishing. Knowing the best times to fish this premier lake can make a
big difference
in your catch rates and success. The best time to fish Lake Okeechobee is November through June for the best combination of great fishing and reduced crowds.
Where can I fish on Lake Okeechobee?
-
south bay
. Known for its large hayfields composed of wiregrass, South Bay is the
largest area
highlighted here - The Shoal. Halfway up the west side of Lake Okeechobee is the Shoal
- Monkey Box. The Monkey Box has been noted for years as an Okeechobee hot spot
- Harney Pond
- The North Shore
- Clewiston.
What is the
best bait
to use on Lake Okeechobee?
A fishing report on Lake Okeechobee for Texas Rigging (worming) recommends a Hot Bait of the Strike King Rage Cut-R-Worm in black and blue flake Accompanying products for this technique include the Picasso Lures Pro Metal Worm Weight in 1/8 oz black.
Can you eat fish from Lake Okeechobee?
With toxic blue-green algae bloom, don’t eat Lake Okeechobee fish , Audubon biologist says. People shouldn’t eat fish caught anywhere in Lake Okeechobee after a blue-green algae bloom near the center tested positive for hazardous toxin levels, an Audubon Florida biologist said Monday.
Are there sharks in Lake Okeechobee?
It is not uncommon to see a shark within 10 yards of the shore break anywhere in the state. They are even seen and caught in inshore estuaries, lagoons and rivers. There has even been a bull shark in Lake Okeechobee For many anglers, a popular version of big game fishing is to catch a shark from a beach.
Are there alligators in Lake Okeechobee?
Lake Okeechobee supports over 3,800 different arthropods, including insects and arachnids, along with around 400 species of nematodes. But what’s more interesting is that the lake has at least 30,000 alligators due to its size and availability of suitable habitats.
What is the best month to fish in Florida?
The best time to fish in the state of Florida in saltwater is normally April through September whereas the best times to fish freshwater are spring through November. Each species of Florida gamefish will have its peak high seasons.
What is the best time to go fishing?
Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the bright midday rays. In midday, the surface temperature of the water is also hotter, forcing the fish to move deeper.
Can you swim in Lake Okeechobee?
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water. Keep pets away from the area.
Does Lake Okeechobee have pike?
“ Lake Okeechobee has quite a few chain pickerel ,” Shepard said. He added, “We catch them when fishing with live wild shiners and when fishing artificials I’ve noticed they like flashy lures more than soft plastics.
Are there catfish in Lake Okeechobee?
Fishing At Lake Okeechobee. Largemouth bass – big bass are the primary draw for fishermen. The lake is also a favorite of crappie, bluegill, catfish, pickerel, bowfin, gar and sunfish anglers And with 135 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of places to wet a line.
Is Lake Okeechobee saltwater or freshwater?
Lake Okeechobee is Florida’s largest lake and the second largest body of fresh water in the contiguous United States. The word Okeechobee comes from the Seminole Indian language “Oki” (water) and “Chubi” (big) and means “big water.” These early Floridians chose the name well.
Where is the Monkey Box on Lake Okeechobee?
The Monkey Box, located on the west side of the lake , has always been one of the better fishing areas on Okeechobee. The area features hard bottom, plenty of vegetation and clear water, making it a magnet for spawning bass in the spring.
What is the best place to fish in Florida?
- Jacksonville / St. Augustine
- Daytona Beach
- Sarasota
- Naples
- Fort Myers / Cape Coral
- Miami
- Tampa Bay
- Panama City Beach.
What is the biggest bass caught in Lake Okeechobee?
The bass rarely exceed 12 pounds, but it is not impossible to catch a larger one! In fact, the lake record for biggest bass caught on Lake Okeechobee is 15 pounds and 5 ounces and the world record for largest largemouth bass caught is 22 pounds and 4 ounces.
What is the best bait for peacock bass?
Tackle and Bait: Butterfly peacocks prefer live fish or fish-imitating lures, rather than plastic worms commonly used for largemouth bass. The best bait for butterfly peacocks is live shiners , but artificial lures also work well, including topwater plugs, jigs and crankbaits.
Where can I catch bluegill in Lake Okeechobee?
Best areas will be the rim canals for Lake Okeechobee bluegill fishing, the numerous canals leading to the lake. Kissimmee River and areas mentioned above for Redear. Beetle spins and crickets are the preferred baits for bluegill fishing although fly fishing can be a lot of fun as well.
How do you catch bass in Lake Okeechobee?
In order to be successful at fishing Lake Okeechobee during the summer, you have to find schools of active baitfish Largemouth bass will often chase schools of shad, shiners, or bluegill during this time of year, so keep a sharp eye out for activity on the surface of the water.
What is the best time to go bass fishing?
In general, the best time of day to fish for bass is either early morning or later in the evening (dawn or dusk) , because bass tend to bite in low light environments where they are adapted to hunt and feed. This also means you can have some luck catching bass in the middle of a rainy day when clouds cover up the sun.
Do manatees live in Lake Okeechobee?
Hundreds of Florida’s iconic manatees are starving to death and threatened with extinction. Decades of pollution and toxic discharges from Lake Okeechobee have turned the manatees’ home, the 165-mile Indian River Lagoon, into an algae-infested cesspool.
Are there flathead catfish in Lake Okeechobee?
Lake Okeechobee Fish – Flathead Catfish.
How much does it cost to fish Lake Okeechobee?
The going rate for Lake Okeechobee fishing guides starts at around $300 for 4 hours, $375 for 6 hours, and $425 for 8 hours for two people With experience and high demand from tourists, most of your top guides are booked well in advance and never discount.
Where can I catch crappie on Lake Okeechobee?
The best fishing on the lake is along the southeastern, western, and northern areas of the lake Try to stick within a mile of the shore for the most success. Crappie like to spend time along the marsh edge and in and around vegetation and plants such as hyacinths and hydrilla.
Is there peacock bass in Lake Okeechobee?
We specialize in South Florida fishing on Lake Okeechobee, the Florida Everglades and peacock bass Everyone knows Lake Okeechobee is world famous for largemouth bass as well as one of the greatest lakes in the country for panfish.
Is it safe to eat crappie from Lake Okeechobee?
Some warnings have been issued for recreational contact and swimming (the alligators will prevent that for most). However, few warnings have been posted with respect to eating fish out of the lake. The Florida Department of Health advises against it , according to its website.
How toxic is Lake Okeechobee?
According to the Department of Environmental Protection, samples taken on June 21st measured 130 microcystin toxins (micrograms per liter) , more than 16 times higher than what the DEP recommends any person or pet come into contact with. At Port Mayaca, water from the lake flows into the C44 canal and then into the St.
Can you drink from Lake Okeechobee?
The submerged vegetation in the lake that was destroyed by high water is now growing back. It reduces the size and intensity of toxic algae blooms. Those blooms damage the environment and are a public health problem for people. You can’t drink toxic water.
Is Lake Okeechobee good bass fishing?
Lake Okeechobee has always been home to the most popular species of fish. One of such is the largemouth bass fish According to the locals, this fish is one of the reasons Lake Okeechobee gained prominence. The famous largemouth bass fish inhabits almost all corners of the lake.
Can you keep a shark if you catch it in Florida?
Many species of sharks are prohibited from harvest, possession, or landing in Florida waters Prohibited shark species must remain in the water with the gills submerged when fishing from shore or from a vessel.
Is Lake Okeechobee a man made lake?
Welcome to the Lake Okeechobee Lake Okeechobee is the second largest fresh water lake in the US. The lake covers over 730 square miles and is connected to both of Florida’s coasts via the man made Okeechobee Waterway The Lake is 33 miles wide from north to south, and 30 miles wide from east to west.
What is the most alligator infested lake in Florida?
You can rest assured that each one is home to gators. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George near the St. Johns River in northwest Florida has the most, with more than 2,300.
What to do if an alligator chases you?
- If the crocodilian merely bites you at first and lets go, this is probably a defensive attack. Don’t wait or try to attack it, just run away as quickly as you can.
- If the animal seizes hold of you, however, it will likely try to drag you into the water.
Which city in Florida has the most alligators?
The largest population of gators live in Gainesville, FL They live in freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern U.S. with a quarter of the alligator population in Florida.
Are there sinkholes in Okeechobee FL?
Found on the far western end of the Preserve, there exists a unique feature in the state of Florida, with an equally unique history. This 90-foot-deep naturally occurring sinkhole lake is the deepest lake south of Lake Okeechobee, and one of the deepest in the entire state.
Why is Okeechobee so shallow?
It is believed that the ocean waters receded and left shallow waters covering a big part of Florida The name itself, when translated from the Hitchiti language, means “big water” (oki for water and chubi for big). Despite being shallow, this lake is the source of the Everglades.
What fish are biting in Florida now?
Yellowtail, mutton, grouper, kingfish, sailfish, tuna, and even red snapper are all active and ready to catch. Making June a great month if you are looking for unique varieties and not really into typical fish.
Are snook good eating?
Snook (Family Centropomidae) Snook are a highly prized game fish due to it’s aggressive fighting ability and delicious white flesh. Snook are excellent eating and fun to catch but do have strict catch limits and closures Snook can grow as large as 44 pounds and feed on small fish, shrimp and an occasional crab.
Which key is best for fishing?
- Islamorada. Billing itself as the “sport fishing capital of the world,” Islamorada promises picture-worthy catches
- Marathon. Situated in the heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon is one of the region’s most historic—and hopping—areas
- Big Pine Key
- Key Largo.
References
https://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/sites-forecasts/s/lake-okeechobee/