Lake Okeechobee Fishing Forecast – February 2024

Fishing on the big O has been nothing short of wonderful, with customers catching their personal best bass and limits of good-sized crappie. The bigger bass have, for the most part, been caught fishing with live shiners. Customers who enjoy throwing lures to catch their PB have been successful with plastics such as worms and flipping-style lures like a Gene Larew salt craw or tube. Customers often ask when wanting to book a trip “can we fish with live bait and throw some artificial lures in the same trip”? The answer is yes, this type of fishing day accomplishes several things…customers can fish with live bait if they have never tried it before and lure fishing, which gives the customers opportunities to ask questions and learn some new techniques. Typically, when young kids are involved, I often suggest live-bait fishing which can offer more action on the water and something the kids will remember having fun fishing Lake Okeechobee.

When it comes to crappie trips, jigging for them in the shallows around the beds yields limits. Customers who book a “speck” trip will learn a new technique and go home with one of the best tasting freshwater fish you can eat so don’t wait to book. The season to fish for crappies is now until around mid-April, then it will be bluegill time moving into the summer months. New crappie anglers to Lake Okeechobee who are looking for a good place to start, try Harney Pond canal. Work the edge of the canal on a slow troll with minnows or jig slowly along the edge. HP canal offers cover from the wind when you just can’t get out on the big lake. Plastic colors for crappie: chartreuse; green; white/blue; orange; black or white colored jig head.

If you need help, just ask! To book your fun-filled, productive day fishing Lake Okeechobee call/text me at 863-228-7263. www.southfloridabassfishing.com For all your tackle and live bait needs stop by Big Water Bait & Tackle in Lakeport just West of Harney Pond canal and see Jack or Kathy.