As a life-long resident and Okeechobee fishing guide, I see people from all different walks of life and I am routinely asked questions about the lake, the fish, the biggest fish I ever caught and so forth. Some questions are thoughtful and some are down-right goofy.
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is, “When is the best time to fish Okeechobee?”
That can be a tough question to answer since we catch fish all year long, but if I must answer the question, it would be the summer time. Bass fishing on Lake Okeechobee in the summertime is incredible, the winter cold fronts will be in the distant past and lake temperatures will have stabilized allowing the bass to maintain consistent feeding patterns.
This creates a world class fishery whether you prefer topwater baits, spinner baits, soft plastics, or live bait. Naturally fishing with Big ‘O’ wild shiners will offer you the best opportunity to land a trophy bass, but during the summer, you can catch quality sized fish no matter what you preference in bait is.
For pan fish anglers, Black Crappie, known as Specks or Speckled Perch in these parts, are mostly offshore and dispersed, but Bluegill and Redear Sunfish, known locally as Shellcrackers, are in full swing and will last for most of the summer. Though in many parts of the country fishing for panfish seems child’s play, here on Lake Okeechobee, it’s a full time passion and a way of life.
Another question I am often asked is, “what else is there to do if I come to Okeechobee to fish?” Well there is plenty to do. For those who like to hunt, we have several hunting outfitters in the area that can take you hog hunting or to one of the many private preserves to hunt deer, varmint and other wild game. For those wishing to double up, that is, fishing for trophy bass in the morning and hunting for hogs in the afternoon, for outdoor minded folk, that makes for a great day and as many of my customers would say “it doesn’t get better than that.”
For naturalists, Lake Okeechobee offers an unmatched look into our untamed Florida. You don’t have to be a fisherman or a hunter to enjoy this great lake; alligators, birds, bobcats and even a deer or two can be seen on this great lake. Bald eagles soar the skies; ospreys, snail kites, spoonbills, blue herons, and great egrets stalk the marshlands, waterfowl fill the flyways, and all call Lake Okeechobee home.
In addition to the lake and the wildlife, the city of Okeechobee offers great hospitality with its many locally owned and operated small businesses that treat all people like family. Here in Okeechobee you get a fair deal for a fair price. So for your summer plans, come and visit Okeechobee, enjoy the sunrises and sunsets and leave family.
