Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report

 

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     Lake Okeechobee           July 5, 2010    
 
 
    I have a personal situation with a family member that has kept me real busy for some time now but things are starting to get better. With that being said, here we go --  The bass fishing on the lake has been awesome, to say the least. The outside edge of the lake is where you want to be, and just about anywhere from the north shore, south to Pelican Bay. You will get plenty of rod bending with a variety of different lures. You might end up catching 50+ fish, mostly in the 1-3 lb. range. Using a larger bait, like a 10" Gambler blk. grp. green glitter worm, you can catch larger fish, but you'll have a longer period of time in between strikes. Take your time with that big worm. Otherwise, go with a rattle trap, 7" worm, and a top water of your choice.
   It gets hot out there, so protect your skin. Long sleeves and sun screen is recommended. Even with the sun up high, these fish will continue to bite, that really helps the mental attitude. As always, this time of the year, keep your eyes on the sky. These thunder storms can come up out of nowhere, and they can be dangerous. So, have a blast out there on the water, above all, be safe. Maybe we'll see you out there.
 
Capt. Bill



Lake Okeechobee May 3, 2010

Over the past couple weeks, the  bass have been on the move toward the outside edge of the vegetation. They
can now be located on the outside or just inside the outside edge. The shoal    water is still very dirty due to
all this wind we are having. Therefore I    have been doing most of my fishing south of Ritta, where you can get out
of the hard wind and find some cleaner water. Skinny Dipper and the worm have been working quite well on the
grass edge. I had a report of a good spinnerbait bite up around the point of the reef. On my last trip, with Jim, we had a
decent shiner bite as well as catching fish on artificial baits. There are bluegill to be caught, although we didn't do
that great for them this past weekend. The wind, again, played a roll in our not catching too many. I was
told that there was a real good spec bite going on at night in the dynamite holes. That's about it for now, so have a
great one and be safe.


Lake Okeechobee        April 21, 2010
 
   The bass fishing, on the whole, is still pretty good, especially if you are moving with artificial lures. With the high water, 15.78, the fish seem to be moving a lot. I'm sure they are trying to move to the outside, but that water is still pretty dirty. For that reason, the wild shiner bite has been tough to come by. Right now, I feel more confident fishing with artificial lures. I've been doing rather well with a new bait made by Mike Balan. It's a paddle tail swim bait, that I rig with a 3/8 oz. Gambler screw in bullet weight, then swim it about 6" to 1 ft. under water. Color choice - Black and blue or watermelon. Check out all of Mike's baits at Roland Martin's Anglers Marine Center. Always have that Gambler 7" blk. grp. grn glitter worm ready to cast into those pencil reed or bullrush heads. I'll be out on the water looking and testing different areas, for the next couple days, with both lures and shiners. If you're planning to come over in the near future, give me a call for the latest info.
   We had a real good shellcracker bite about a week ago. Even Maryanne Martin got into it by going out and catching over 70 slabs. The blugill are coming on. I've been catching them on beetle spins, but right now, the larger ones are coming with crickets and worms.
   Hope you all have good fishing days ahead. Above all, be safe.
 
Later,
Capt. Bill



Lake Okeechobee          March 23, 2010
 
 
   Here we are , toward the end of March, and this weather is still like a yo yo. I am sure that the fish have been on a confusing pattern also. They try to get on the bed, then get chased off by the weather change. I'm sure that one day, when the weather station reports winds will be 5-10 mph, it will be, and not 20-30, like it's been lately. All in all, the fishing has been very good.Ive been fishing wild shiners from Uncle Joe's cut back south to South Bay area, and doing well with several fish in the 7 - 9 lb. range. One of the keys to shiner fishing is having some wind, 5-10, not 20-30. Even with high winds, I have key places to fish. That high wind tends to dirty up the water in other areas. The artificial bite has been awsome.The fish haven't moved to the outside yet. Right now, I'm fishing very heavy grass cover. The speed worm and skinny dipper are my favorites. I will always have a Gambler  7" worm rigged up by my side. I will cast this into any small reed patch I might come across. Lots of these fish are in the 4-6 lb. range. Overall, the bass fishing has been and is great.
   If you want to catch fish all day in the 1-3 lb. range, head to the Everglades. You can use a variety of baits, including the shakyhead, wacky rigged worm, regular 7" worm with 1/8 oz. bullet weight. Usually on a multiple day trip, I will suggest one day in the Everglades. Hope to hear from some of you soon.
 
Happy fishing,
Capt. Bill



Lake Okeechobee        Feb. 22, 2010
 
   The fishing was very good up until about a week ago, a front hit us with cold temps and high winds again. We fished the Everglades a couple days, catching 70-90 fish per day. We were using a shakey head with a watermelon trick worm rigged on it. We caught as well using a watermelon/red weightless fluke. Just let it float down with slack line. Then take up the slack to find a fish on it. Our largest fish was only about 3#, but plenty of action. After those couple days, back up at the lake, things are again starting to pick up. The water temp. got up to a little above 60 degrees. The bite was slow, but they were beginning to take notice and eat. I did best with a Gambler blk. grp. 7" worm rigged with a 3/16 screw-in bullet weight, working it painfully slow. I was also pitching a brush hog into scattered pencil reeds along the inside trail up on the shoal. These methods were working anywhere from the North Shore down to Buzzard Roost. Tomorrow it's back out with wild shiners. I'm looking forward to having a great day with my friends from Canada. As always, while you're on the water, make safety first. See you soon.
 
Capt. Bill




Lake Okeechobee        Feb. 12, 20010
 
 
   The bass fishing has been very good with both shiners and artificial for the most part. If you catch the right days between these cold fronts, it can be awesome. We have spawning fish in the grass flats and open water schoolies chasing bait in the open water. The areas I concentrate on are from the Monkey Box on the north end, down to Bay Bottom on the south end . Back in the grass, I've produced most of the action on the Skinny Dipper and Gamblers Cane Toad. I will also have a Gambler Crawdad rigged with a 1/16 oz. weight ready to pitch into any open hole. When you come across any reed stands, while fishing that grass, cast a 7" Gambler blk. grp. grn. glitter into it. Out in that open water, I like to cast a rattle trap or a Bomber long A. The shiner fishing has been producing good numbers of fish, ranging up to 9 lbs. The artificial fishing down in the Everglades has been hot. You will catch upwards of 100 fish in a days fishing. I find a weightless super fluke works real well.
   I want to thank those of you that have fished with me so far this season and looking forward to seeing the rest of you. Lets go fishing!!
 
Capt. Bill



Lake Okeechobee            Jan. 17, 2010
 
 
   Wow!! What a blast of winter weather we had here. After waking up in the mornings with air temperatures in the 20's ( Yes, 20's in So, Fl. ), the weather is finally getting to what and where it should be. We have had a couple weeks of cold, windy weather. When you have cold windy conditions on the Big "O", the water temp. plummets. The water temp. was as low as 45 degrees over the past couple weeks. Yesterday, the water temp. was up to 58 degrees. If we can have some sunny days over the lake, that temp. will continue to climb. Being so shallow, it warms up as fast as it gets cold.
   Needless to say, the fishing has been very tough. Unfortunately, one of my trips was unable to re-schedule, due to special circumstances. Albert and Russ understood the conditions we were going to fish under. We managed to catch only 2 bass using wild shiners. I new it would be tough, and it was. But now that it is warming up again, I'm looking forward to better days.
   I have nothing to report about the spec fishing. I haven't had any luck finding any that would co-operate. No one I spoke with, has any good information either. I'll be out there looking again this week.
   Enjoy your fishing and be safe.
 
Capt. Bill

 



Lake Okeechobee          Jan. 10, 2010
 
 
   Here we go into another year. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. Weather wise , we sure are starting out with a bang. In my almost 40 years in south Florida, I can't remember it being this cold for this long a period of time. But we will come out of it, starting tomorrow. You may be tired of hearing it, but the fishing has been nothing short of fantastic. But then again, this is a good thing, and this is what we all want to hear. For me, the fishing has really been good from the north shore area all the way down to Ritta Island, including the Monkey Box. Just find the areas with the cleaner water. Top water baits, such as the Skinny Dipper and the Gambler Flappin Shad have been the baits of choice in the heavier grass areas. Always have a Gambler blk. grape/green glitter worm ready to cast to the scattered pencil reed patches or the outside bullrush line.
   If you are wild shiner fishing, again , find the clearer water and, wind permitting, anchor up on the outside grass or bullrush line. If too windy, just move inside and find a spot where you can place a couple shiners into, using a 4/0 weedless hook rigged with a 1/2 to 1 ounce weight to keep the bait in place. With the passing of this cold weather, I'm looking forward to the water temp. as well as the air temp. to warm up quite quickly. Keep in mind, this is a very shallow lake, the water gets cold fast and it warms up fast. I appreciate the inquiries and bookings to date. Feel free to call me directly or if you book through Roland Martin Marina, please request that you fish with Capt. Bill.
   There's not much to report about with the spec fishing. I'm going out tomorrow to try some different locations. After this cold snap, I expect it might just turn on. My next report will tell you.
   Good fishing to everyone, and remember, safety first.
 
 
Capt. Bill

 

 





Lake Okeechobee           Dec. 23, 2009
 
   The catching of fish slowed down some what, with the passing through of this cold front. Usually on the backside of a cold front, we will have bright sunny days. This front stayed stationary over us and has prevented little if any sunshine. What happens? The shallow water in Lake Okeechobee  gets cold fast and will warm back up fairly quick, providing we get sunshine. We haven't seen the sun for several days. Needless to say, yesterday was a kind of tuff day for fishing. The water temp. never got above 58.8 degrees in the Monkey Box area and the fish had "lock-jaw". We managed only a few small fish, on shiners, in the same area , the day before, was lit up with fish. Overall, the fishing has still been very good. Several reports of big fish taken with wild shiners, on the north shore and in the Monkey Box. The shoal is still producing well from Cochrans Pass back to Uncle Joes cut. If you're artificial fishing, alternate casting a Skinney Dipper, Gambler Horney Toad, Gambler Flappin Shad, and a 7" Gambler Blk. Grape, green glitter worm with a 3/16 screw-in bullet weight. Every once in a while, alternate that 7" worm with a 10' worm. Start on the outside early and work your way back in. One thing for sure, in a matter of a couple days, the air temp. and the water temp. will be up again. After all, this is South Florida!!
   Thanks again to those of you that have made contact with me, or Roland Martin Marina, and have requested my services. I want to wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be safe, whether on land or water.
 
Capt. Bill

 

 

 

 

Lake Okeechobee          Dec. 14, 2009
 
   Well, it was another great week of fishing on the big "O". I fished areas from the North Shore south to Ritta Island. Most of the fish we caught were from 2 - 5 lbs. on artificial baits. We fished the skinny dipper and flappin shad , early, in and around the open grass patches, especially in the Monkey Box area. Once the sun got up and starting to get hot ( upper 80's ) we went to pitching pencil reed patches that were mixed with grass. The baits of choice for that were Gamblers craw dad and a Brush Hog. We mixed it up with a Gambler 10' black grape worm. This pattern seemed to work just about every where we fished. Other areas we fished were Cochrans, Blue Hole, Coot Bay, East Wall and Ritta.
   The wild shiner fishing has also been very good though I've been doing mostly all artificial fishing, I've been getting good feedback from some of our other guides at Roland Martin Marina. Most of them are fishing the outside edge, from the north shore to the East Wall. Once it heats up, like it has been doing lately, I will move inside where most guides don't like to fish. Like a pencil reed head full of grass, with very small openings to pitch a shiner into. This has produced many big fish for me. I do whatever it takes.
   I haven't been getting much to report on about spec fishing. We need some cooler weather. According to reports, we're due to get some on the 20 -21.
   That's about it for this week. I would like to thank those who have booked and looking forward to seeing more of you. Don't forget, if you book through Roland Martin Marina, please ask to fish with Capt. Bill. Thank you.
 
Capt. Bill Nemec

 

 

Lake Okeechobee         Dec. 2, 2009         Lake level - 13.3 ft.
 
   The fishing has been nothing short of great, and I foresee it getting better as we go into winter. I've been working the north shore area, Monkey Box, and the shoal all the way south to Ritta Island. I"ve been working cuts and points up and down the shoal. I start by working the outside with a worm, 7" or 10" blk.grp./gr. glitter, preferably Gambler or Charlie's. If the wind picks up or you feel the water is a little too dirty ( depends where you are ) move back inside the reed line. You will find the water clears up fast.  Back there, I throw a Skinney Dipper, frog, or pitch craws into reed heads.
   On the other hand, wild shiner fishing has been very good, with lots of fish being caught and released, up to 8+ lbs. Again, fish the outside reed line, then move inside on the scattered reed heads. So, if you are planning a fishing trip this season, it's not too early to book. Either call me direct or call Roland Martin Marina and request Capt. Bill. Thank you and have fun preparing for the holidays.
 
Happy Fishing,
Capt. Bill



Lake Okeechobee            November 5, 1909
 
 
 
   Well, we made it back from the north country, leaving just ahead of some snow moving in. Couldn't wait to get back. At about the same time, we were having a cold snap here in south Fla. This apparently shut down the fishing somewhat. I got out on the water last week; the fish seemed to be starting to get active again. We caught several bass from 11/2 - 4 lb. range. The bass swam for the heavy cover, when that cold front came in, and that is where we caught them. We had most success running the Skinney Dipper over top of that thick grass and letting it pause ever so slightly in any open pockets of water. The other lure of choice was a 7" Gambler Blk. Grape worm. We were pitching it into open holes, in the thick grass, with a 3/16 screw in bullet weight. This grass can be located all up along the shoal from Uncle Joe's to the point of the reef. Just go back to the old boat trail and start fishing.
   I had a tough couple days when I first took some shiners out to field test. I got it figured out and this past Tuesday, my clients had a great 4 hours of shiner fishing. We boated 13 fish up to 6#, lots of action. I'm looking forward to some great fishing in the coming weeks. We just had a light front move through, pulling the air temp. down to more normal. I think we all have had enough of the mid 90's in Nov.
   This would be a good time to be thinking of booking a trip. I expect this to be a great season. You can call me direct ( 305-298-0162 ) or e-mail me at okeebass@earthlink.net and I will respond back to you. If you call Roland Martin Marina for a booking, please request Capt. Bill. Till the next time, good fishing and be safe.
 
Later
Capt. Bill Nemec



Lake Okeechobee       September 20, 2009
 
   The fishing is still on that predictable summer pattern, with early morning and late evening being the best time for that bite to turn on. Exception to the rule -- had a client hook up on a 6.8 lb. bass at mid-day on a cane toad! One thing I like about this lake is you never know what time of day, or conditions, you might hook up with a big fish. I've been doing most of my fishing the past couple weeks from Cochrans Pass back down to the Blue Hole area. The best 3 baits , that have been working for me, have been a 10" Gambler blk. grp./green glitter worm, rigged with 1/8 oz. screw-in weight, the Cane Toad, and the Skinny Dipper.
   The lake level is still over 14' , enabling you to travel almost anywhere you want. The water temp. is still up in the 80's. It won't be long before things cool down, giving you a longer day of consistent fishing. I'm looking forward to a real good winter of fishing. I'm receiving calls about the lake and obtaining some bookings for the upcoming season. If you call Roland Martin Marina to book, Please request Capt. Bill. My goal is to give you a fishing experience of a lifetime.
   I will be going out of state on Sept.25 and returning on Oct. 23. My next report will be shortly after my return. Good fishing and be safe.
 
Capt. Bill




Lake Okeechobee       Sept. 11, 2009
 
   The summertime bass fishing has really been good. I've been doing all my fishing from the point of the reef down to Kramer Island. We've been catching a lot of fish up to 5#. I will usually shut my boat down a couple hundred feet off the visible grass line. Then I fan-cast a rattle trap, as I work my way in. If there is some chop on the water, a spinner bait will work. Then, right along that edge of the grass, throw a top water hard bait - like a Rapala or Zara Spook. If you are catching fish, just stay out there until they quit. Some areas have cleaner water than others ( on the outside ). You just have to keep checking it. You will find as you move back inside, the water will clear up. On the shoal, I will move back to the first boat-trail and just zig-zag back and forth, throwing either a skinny dipper or a black 10" worm. Use an 1/8 oz. bullet weight, when you can get away with it, otherwise go with a 3/16. This method of starting out an area is pretty standard on this lake. Now, if you have a cloudy day with a little wind, you may be able to fish that outside edge all day. On the other hand, a bright day with no wind, you will have to go deep early.
   If you are going out with live bait for bass, the first 2-3 hours of daylight is best. The shiners are running on the small side, so don't forget to down size your tackle. Use 15 - 17 lb. test line with a #2 live bait hook. Trust me, it works.
   The lake condition is great and we are expecting a great winter season of fishing. Why don't you join me for a day or two? Call me direct at 305-298-0162 or I can be booked at Roland Martin Marina at 800-473-6766. To everyone out there - good fishing and safe boating.
 
Later,
Capt. Bill

 

 


July 3, 2009              Lake Okeechobee           Lake level  12.47 ft.
 
   The summertime bass fishing has been going strong. With the lake level steadily rising, the fish tend to be hanging around the grass edge, rather than having to go out to deep water with falling water. Another good thing is that all those juvenile fish have plenty of cover to bury up in. They call it survival, and this is all just another big + for what's going on with the lake. When looking for the bigger fish, move in and out of the grass until you locate them. They can be caught on a variety of different lures, a lipless crankbait in the open water, a top water in the thin scattered grass, and the worm in pockets that are located in the heavier grass. Use your confidence lure and color in the given situation.
   Remember, while using your trolling motor in the grass, keep it as low speed as you can, as they can really spook the fish. The shallower the water, the spookier the fish. Here is where my boat has the advantage. I cradle the trolling motor, and get out the push pole, and quietly move my 19' flats boat through the skinny water. This advantage has benefitted me over others many times. For those of you that have access to FLORIDA  SPORTSMAN magazine, get the July,2009 issue, page 28, and read this article about flats boats on our Florida lakes. This is a testimony to my beliefs of the past 5 years. Your next trip out, look around, and a good chance you will see a flats boat back in where you wish you could get. So, if you're ready to do some summertime bass fishing, give me a call at 305-298-0162 or call Roland Martin Marina ( 800-473-6766 ) and ask for Capt. Bill.



Lake Okeechobee        March 23,2009
 
   The Lake level is 12.3 and still dropping. Last week, the outside water was cleaning up and the fish were moving out. We caught several fish on the outside eel grass from Uncle Joes Cut up to Turners Cove. But then, the winds came again out of the East, dirtying up the water again. I've been doing most all my fishing in the Turner area. The bait of choice is the skinny dipper, flappin shad, and 7" Gambler black grape/green glitter worm. Once again, you have to get into the thickest of thick, and pitch that worm or lizzard into the open holes. Once these winds lay down again, the water will clean up again and the outside fishing will be great.
   I've been doing my shiner fishing back inside, in about 16" - 18" of water. I've been catching fish in the 6-8 lb. range, while catching 10-14 fish per trip.This doesn't happen every trip, but the odds are running in my favor. I expect to be back out on that eel grass in a few days, I'm starting to run out of water on the inside! The fish will have to follow suite.
   The Everglades bite has been awsum. It's nothing to catch a hundred bass per day. the majority of these fish are small, but they provide endless action. So if you want to jerk fish all day, just go to Holiday Park and drop your trolling motor and start fishing. It makes a great day for our youth population.
   Till the next time, great fishing and above all, be safe.
 
Capt. Bill


Lake Okeechobee           March 2, 2009
 
   The bass fishing seems to be on the upswing. For you artificial fishermen, the numbers of fish caught is greatly improving. The real key is finding the clear water. You will find this behind the bullrush line of the main lake. Find the clear water and the heaviest of cover and you will find fish. Soft plastics, such as Gamblers Flapp'in Shad and Cane Toad have been producing very well, providing you can fish in between all these cold fronts we've been having. When these fronts cease and the winds lay down, the outside edge should clear up and the fishing should be awesome. Right now, it's been hot from the Monkey Box all the way down to Kramer Island. Don't forget to pitch a 7" or 10" worm into those holes in the thick grass.
   Fishing with shiners has also improved. I've had some good days this past week, with numbers and fish up to 8lbs. There were a couple fish caught over 9 and 1 over 10 that I am aware of.
   The Everglades are producing a large number of fish, on worm and shakey heads, but are running small. Now is a good time to take your kids there, the action is awesome. That's about it for now. If you call Roland Martin Marina for a guide, please request Capt. Bill. Thank you.
 
Capt. Bill

 

 

 

November 14, 2008                 Lake Okeechobee
 
   Well, the action should start picking up again soon, especially with the full moon coming up. But, to say the least, the fishing has been real tough the past couple weeks. I had some good fish going in the Baybottom area last week, but just like someone pulled a switch, they were gone! It's been hard to figure out, since there was no evident change. In searching that area and other areas, the fish were hard to come by.I,m talking from Kramer up to the shoal. The water clarity has been fine, especially in the grass and inside the grass. There is all kinds of new grasses coming up, including eel grass, pepper grass, and some hydrilla. The one, and main ingredient, that is scarce, is the presence of bait fish. And we know that the bass follow the bait. The one thing that sticks in my mind is that I was told by a commercial fisherman ( yes, we have net boats out there on the lake ) that when they pull their nets, they are full of bass. Now, they have to be out at least 2 miles off the shore line. That seems to indicate that the bait is out there and so are the bass. By the way, these net boats release all bass unharmed. I really feel confident the bait and the bass will be moving inshore at any time now. This is only my theory of the present situation. After all, they have been living out there for over 2 years now before we got our water back a few months ago.
   Anyhow, look for that clean water in and beyond the grass. Start on the outside casting a lipless crankbait, working in with a weightless 10" worm, preferably in a blackgrape color. Pull this worm slowly over and through this grass. When you get to the backside of that grass and there is some open water with spotted vegetation, try a Pop-R or zara spook. The results might amaze you.
   I feel that one day soon, we are going to go out there and the inshore fishing is going to light up! I will immediately post a report as soon as things turn on. Till then, good fishing, no matter where you are.
 
Later,
Capt. Bill
 

 

 

Sept.19, 2008        Lake level --- 15.1 ft.

 
   As you can see, by the lake level, we now have our water ! It's been almost 3 years since Hurricane Wilma came through here and virtually tore this lake up. Then there was a drought up until now. Yes, we're back to fishing back in the grass and reeds. You can just about run your boat anywhere you want now. The fishing has been very good along the shoal, West Wall, Coots Bay, all the way down to Kramer. Look for something a little bit different in that grass line, like a point or a cove, or maybe there is some bullrush right up against that grass line. Start on the outside with a 10'" or longer worm, my preference in color is junebug, working your way back into the grass. At this time, you may want to switch to a frog or other favorite top water, depending on the thickness of the grass. I've been taking a watermelon-red flappin shad and putting an inverted cut on one side of the tail and swimming it like a buzzbait. You want to go back to your 20 - 25 lb. mono or a braided line for this type of fishing. The shiner fishing has been really good too. Fish the same areas, find some open water to place those baits, then hang on. I'm looking forward to a great winter of fishing.
   If you are going out on the lake in your own boat, even though there is plenty of water, be careful and safety first. If you are planning to go out with a guide this year, now is the time to start making plans. Hope we can fish together sometime.
 
Capt. Bill Nemec
 

 

Aug. 9th., 2008

 
   The bass fishing has been on the slow side recently, do mostly to the rising water on the big "O". The lake level is now at 11.02 ft. If you were here a few months ago, it was just above 9ft. We are certainly glad to see this event happening and hope it continues. On the other hand, it has the fish scattered and swimming all over. You have to do a lot of looking for the schools of bait. If you find them, start fishing. The bass should be somewhere nearby. Watch for some birds working or flying around a particular area, then there might be a school of shad under them. Use large swim baits and 10" worms, since these shad are usually large. Stick with the darker colors with your worms, and try to match the shad with your swimbaits. Use a silver gray or white colors. We're certainly in the summer pattern, so get out there early. Once that sun comes up, it really gets tough, to say the least. The evening fishing would also be good, but the return of p.m. thunderstorms just about every day , and it's been years coming again, will keep you off the lake. Once the lake maintains a constant level, the fish will start to settle down. I'm looking forward to a fantastic season. So, if you're planning a trip down, it's not too early to book your trip.
 
   The bluegill bite is still pretty good. Look for the active beds out Bear Beach channel or up on the shoal north of Uncle Joes cut.Live crickets under a float are your best bet. Beetle spins will also work well.
 
   Since I am now doing some Peacock Bass fishing, look for a report on that in the near future. Till then, good fishing and be safe.
 
Capt. Bill

 

 

 

Lake Okeechobee       June 11, 1908
 
   Well, the summer weather has sprung upon us. It's common to have mid to upper 90's with some p.m. showers, which is a good thing. The fishing has been pretty good, especially out on the lake proper. The rim canal has come to pretty much of a halt, but you can still come out with some fish, but not like it was. My last shiner trip was a successful 4 hour trip, with several bass up to 8 lbs. That was on Monday, the 9th. Both shiner fishing and artificial fishing is on the up-swing with the fish moving back into the deeper channels, such as the Clewiston channel, Norman channel, Uncle Joe's channel and the deeper water out around Rocky Reef. Fish the flats on either side of these channels early in the a.m., then go to a worm, working your way to the edge of these channels. I've done best with silver and black rattle trap and the 7" Gambler black grape green glitter, with 3/16 bullet weight.
   Something I would like to mention is when planning your fishing trip, come with an open mind. Come with the idea you are going to come and have a good time fishing. Trust me, that BIG fish doesn't come every day. But when it does, it's icing on the cake. As long as you catch fish, have a good time, and realize every effort was made to get that big one, you should be satisfied. I take pride in what I do and make all those efforts, as most guides do. So, come on and let's do some fishing.
   The bluegill fishing has been off and on. There are plenty of beds to be found on the pipeline, out in front of Clewiston, and down around Bear Beach channel. I know of catches exceeding 100, then a couple days later there might only be 20 out of the same area. Live crickets and beetle spins are the baits of choice.
   My next report will emphasize the Rocky Reef area. So, till then, be safe on the water, especially on the Big "O". The water is dropping. Later.
 
Capt. Bill Nemec

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 30, 2008
 
   There hasn't been a big change in where to fish and the methods used, except the artificial bite is now better than the shiner bite. The shiner fishing has been a little slow, although, if you make enough moves, you can still come up with some nice fish. It seems like I can always come up with a 7lb. + bass somewhere, providing you have the patience and confidence in your guide. Artificial lures on the other hand, are producing big numbers of fish, and you just don't know when that big bite will come. I am still using the 3/16 shakyhead jig with a Zoom trick worm in the color of black grape green glitter or the junebug. The rocky banks and the humps in the rim canal are still the hot area. Get a little wind, and a 1/4 oz. spinner bait with a white or chartruse skirt will work just fine. You have to give your favorite crankbait a fair chance too. I say favorite because I have had many customers pull out their favorite bait and start catching fish. I can put you on the fish, but sometimes it takes that little something different to get that strike. The main lake, like Coot Bay, the West Wall, and up the shoal can only get better as time passes. The water is clearing up very good. I was up the shoal the other day and caught some nice fish on a blue and silver 1/4 oz. Rattle Trap. When that slowed down. I threw a carolina rigged 7" Gambler worm, Junebug, and caught some more. You still must be very carefull  when you go up there. I shut down in about 3' of water and then give my trolling motor a good workout.
   The blugill fishing is picking up. Just find the beds in some clear water and have yourself a ball. Crickets are the live bait of choice and the beetle spin for artificial bait. Well, I hope everyone has a good timme fishing, no matter where you are, but above all be safe and curtious to others.
 
Capt. Bill
 

 

 

Lake Okeechobee                April 15, 2008

 
   Here it is, mid April, and wouldn't you know it, just when the weather is supposed to be leveled out, here comes a cold front. It's going down to the low 40's tonight. Now that is cold for this time of year. Didn't figure on wearing the cold weather gear any more this year, but we just can't take mother nature for granted. The fishing has been nothing short of fantastic. The numbers of largemouth bass, 25 - 50 per day, are being taken on artificial baits The number you catch on shiners has fallen off somewhat, but are still the choice for a larger fish. Since the lake level has risen about 5" over the past week, the fish seem to be on the move. I was up on the shoal ( main lake ) 2 days ago and the area where I was catching 3-5 lb. fish had nothing to yield but 2 lb. fish. So, the hunt will be on up there as soon as the winds let up after this front moves through. The baits of choice on the main lake have been silver and blue 1/4 oz. Rattletrap and a Bomber Long-A top water. Meanwhile, down in the rim ditch, the baits of choice are still the jiggy head jig with a zoom trick worm and a Bandit crankbait, chartreuse and blue in color. When the wind kicks up the water, don't be afraid to throw a 1/4 oz. spinner bait. One day last week, we caught 23 bass up to 7lb. on a spinnerbait. On those humps, off the shoreline, a Carolina rigged worm can produce surprises. Overall, the fishing has been fantastic, so make your plans now to come fishing.
   Although I have not yet been, I understand the bluegill are biting real good. Most have been coming out of the rim canal. More on that later.
  
   Slightly off the subject, I made a phone call to a relative in Pa. last night and the first thing out of his mouth was --- " I read where Lake Okeechobee is closed to all fishing ". For all of you out of state folks, believe nothing you read about this lake. I don't know where these writers get their information but they are confused. For straight information about Lake Okeechobee, call me, or a reputable guide, or a marina on this lake. Lets spread the truth about Lake " O ".
 
   Well, lets all have a safe and good time fishing, no matter where you are.
 
   Later,
   Capt. Bill

 

 

Lake Okeechobee           March 24, 2008

 

   The lake is having some of the best fishing going on , the best I've ever seen, you just have to fish it differently! The most popular areas are still the rim canal, dynamite holes, other canals in the lake, rivers connecting to the lake and  areas in the lake itself. These areas out in the lake are accessible to those who really know the bottom structure of this  vast, shallow water lake. I'm not saying for anyone to try and get there, but am telling you there are a lot of nice fish out there. The rim ditch is holding lots of fish, anywhere from Moore Haven to Belle Glade. Look for some kind of structure along the rocky edge of the dyke side or the ledges on the lake side. I've been doing very well with the 3/16 or 1/4 oz. Gambler Giggy Head loaded with a Zoom Trick Worm. If there is some wind chopping up the water, try a spinner bait or crankbait of your choice, just so the spinner is a gold willow leaf and the crankbait has some chartreuse on it! Don't get hung up on one bait though. One day they didn't seem to want to eat until I threw a Carolina rigged Gambler black grape worm. They ate it up. So if they don't seem to be biting, change it up.

   The wild shiner fishing is still holding up pretty good. I've been fishing them on under water tree structure in the rim canal and off some of the steep ledges in the dynamite holes. Been catching lots of fish, up to 7-8 lbs.

   The spec fishing is still going on in the canals from Uncle Joes cut to the Clewiston channel. Live minnows and jigs seem to be working equally good. Some word of bluegill being caught around Bear Beach area. The bluegill should pick up with the full moon in April.

   Now that the Easter week-end is over, you can resume your week-end fishing. Wherever you might be heading, be smart, be safe.

Capt. Bill Nemec

 

 

Lake Okeechobee -- Feb. 26, 2008

   The lake level is still around 10 ft. The bass fishing up on the shoal of the main lake is still very good. Using a silver and blue 1/2 oz. rattle trap will score some big fish out there. I STAY ABOUT 1/2 MILE OFF THE GRASS LINE IN A ROCKY AREA AND LOOK FOR A COLOR CHANGE IN THE WATER. Just work north and south along this break line. Be careful going up there, due to the shallow water.
   The rim canal is still very hot for bass, both with shiners and artificial lures. The shaky head with a Zoom trick worm works real good along with a carolina rigged 7" Gambler Junebug worm. When you have some wind, through a gold flash spinner bait up along the rocks. There are plenty of fish to be caught and RELEASED. The ditch is hot from Moore Haven to Belle Glade. Put that bottom machine to work for you. You might just be surprised to what you might find.
   The spec fishing has been good off and on. Uncle Joes cut, the main channel out of Clewiston, and the rim canal south of Clewiston seem to be the local areas. Of course you have Harney Pond Canal and the Kissimmee River to the north.
   There's not a whole lot going on down in the Everglades, due to the high water.
   Till the next time, good fishing and be careful out there.

   Capt. Bill
   www.bassnwithbill.com
 

 

 

Lake Okeechobee       January 29, 2008

 

   Well, our big tournament for January is over. The FLW Series was held out of Roland Martin Marina Jan. 23-26. What an impressive showing they put on  5 fish limits were more than common every day. There were several fish caught in the 7 - 9+ lb. range. Yes, this lake is still alive, contrary to what many are saying. Like the pros said, and what I've been saying, you just have to fish it differently. Most fish were caught using shaky heads, Carolina rigs, and crankbaits. Lots of those limits came from the rock banks of the rim canal, although it was won out on the main lake with over 60 lbs. Anyway, the artificial fishing has been great, of course the weather has been fantastic too. I've been fishing pretty much the same pattern - rim canal and some of the deeper spots on the lake. The cold fronts that are quite common this time of year, have been for the most part, mild and a lot of them aren't even getting down to us, therefore, keeping the fishing phenomenal.

   The shiner fishing has also been great. Again, the rim and the dynamite holes have been producing the most fish, mostly because that's where every one is fishing! I will be making a point to fish the main lake the next  5 days, with both artificial and shiners. I will give a report on fishing these areas next week so check back for the results about the 4-5 of Feb. Till then, safe fishing.

Captain Bill Nemec

 

 

 

January 7th, 2008

 

Lake Okeechobee  -  January 7, 2008

   Well, here we are into another year. Hope everyone out there had a safe and Happy New Year. Now it's time to start making those plans to come to the Big "O" and do some fishing. This new year certainly hit us with a big cold blast on the 2nd. of Jan., setting record low temperatures in south Florida, we're talking freezing. I had a trip, on the 2nd., with Thomas Coates and his son, Thomas Jr. from Virginia. Unfortunately, it was the only day they could go, slipping down from Disney World. Off we went to some of the deep holes with some shiners. Although we caught fish, it was very tough, with water temps around the 50 degree mark. Thomas did understand the conditions and said he "will be back". Four days later, the water temp. is still in the mid to upper 50's, depending on your location on the lake. I'm sure things will improve by the day, due to the air temps. are back in the 80's. As a testament to how rough conditions were, the BFL tournament on the 5th, was won with 12 lbs.( 100 boats ) On the 6th., I was fortunate enough to catch 6+ lbs. to win our club tournament, ( 21 fishermen ). There is no doubt in my mind, as I write this, the fishing is improving by the hour. The action here heats up as fast as the weather heats up. The heavy winds, that came in with that front, stirred the lake up a bit, but has already settled down in alot of the area, mostly inshore. Go out a mile or so , and it is still quite dirty. Before the front, the best baits to be tossing were lipless crankbaits and a carolina rigged 7" or 10" black or blackgrape worm. This past Sunday, I caught my fish on the crankbait, as cold as the water was. The next report should have a lot more information , due to more activity on the lake.

Everglades

   The fishing down there got real tough too, since that New Year front went down the whole state of Florida. About the only thing I can tell you at this time, is to fish the bridges along Alligator Alley ( I - 75 ) and look for the humps in the canals. Work these humps real good with a worm. Try with a Texas rigged , 3/16 screw on weight, 3/0 offset hook, and a worm of choice as long as it is blackgrape. Again, the weather has affected the fishing here, but is improving by the day. Hope to be able to tell more next time.

   Thanks to those of you that have already booked me for this season, and am looking forward to meeting more of you. Just remember -- The fishing is still great on Lake Okeechobee. Come see for yourself. You will not be disappointed. Be safe, be carefull, and catch em up!

   Captain Bill Nemec

   Fishing the Big " O " since 1972

 

 

 

December 14th, 2007



      As I sit here in front of my computer writing this, we are having a torrid rainfall over the lake and surrounding area. It's like music to my ears. we are supposed to have more over the next couple days. Every little bit can be appreciated here in the Lake area. Even though the Lake is low -- 10.1 feet -- the fishing has been rather great. there has been several bass over 9# caught , while using wild shiners, over the past couple weeks. The hot spots seem to be out in front of Coot Bay and the dynamite holes going south, all the way down to Belle Glade. The artificial fishing has also been hot. Several big fish, up to 11+ pounds have been caught and released. We're catching fish from up on the shoal down to Belle Glade, mostly on worm and crankbait. So, if you are reading articles written in some magazines, about how bad our Lake is hurting, think again. Sure, we have low water, so you have to change some of your ways and methods of fishing. If it gets too windy to fish the shallow open water, we have spoil banks to get behind, and still catch. If that doesn't work, we have channels, the rim canal, and dynamite holes to fish. And don't think for one second you can't get a trophy out of these locations. Oh yeh, by the way, Why would the FLW begin this coming year, January 23, 2008, on Lake Okeechobee if conditions were so bad? If you would like first hand information about the Lake or fishing conditions, just give me a call-- 863-983-8742 0r 305-298-0162.
      Then there is the Everglades -- If weather conditions get too rough here, we can be to the Everglades in 50 minutes where there is also some good fishing. More on fishing down there the next time.

       Have some good fishing days and a Merry Christmas,
       Capt. Bill
 

 

Sept. 13, 2007

 

Lake Okeechobee

  The big concern right now is rain. We sure could use a lot of it. The water level is now running about 9.5 ft. The bass fishing has been touch and go with me out there. At times, there are lots of smaller fish, 1-2 lbs., on the outside of the spoil banks along the Clewiston channel. These fish can be caught with a 4" gold and black floater Rapala and the good ole black grape/green glitter Gambler worm with an eighth ounce screw in weight. There are some better fish to be found on the N.E. side of rocky reef as well. Just be sure you know where you are going when you get out there. Then, of course you have the rim canal. The Uncle Joe's area is producing fish, especially along the rocky bank. Heading north, on the rim, I had some great success fishing the deep holes off the pump stations. I was Carolina rigging a Gambler worm using a 5/16 bullet weight. I worked the center of the rim canal VERY SLOW. Work your way up to the Moore Haven Lock and beyond fishing the holes and ledges the same way. We had a 7, 5, a couple 3-4s and lots of 1-2 lbers. That was a great morning of fishing. 2 days later, we fished the same pattern -- nothing but dinks and 1 - 1 1/2 lbers. But that's the rim canal for you. We'll see what happens tomorrow. In closing, lets all pray for more rain.

 

Everglades -   The bass fishing down there is still pretty good, even with the rising water level. There are lots of fish in the 2 -5 lb. range to be had. You may have to run a ways south, out of Holiday Park, to get them though. Fish the edges with a Zara spook and the ledge with a Carolina rigged worm. Concentrate on the points of the cuts running off the main canal. Always to your advantage, is finding that moving water, even if it's, what I call, a wind current. Find the moving water and you'll find fish. Till the next time, safe boating and catch em up.

Capt. Bill Nemec

 

 

 

Big "O" Fishing Report  

 

July 11, 2007

The bass fishing on the big "O" hasn't been all that bad, despite the lack of water. It's a little tricky getting around by boat, but can be done, to an extent. If you're not familiar with this lake, please don't try it. It could cost you upward of $400.00 for a tow not including any damage you might do to your boat. Even if you know the lake, be sure to wear that life jacket. There are a lot of isolated rock out there that your lower unit was never able to reach before.

The artificial fishing has been good early in the a.m., till about 10:00 or so, depending on whether there is any cloud cover or not. Once the sun is up and bright, it gets tough. The bait of choice for me has been the 7" blk. grp/green glitter Gambler worm with a 3/16 screw-in bullet weight. Crankbaits have been working fairly well too, like the rattle trap or Bomber shallow runner in the firetiger pattern. Some things just never seem to change. The shiner fishing has been real good, again, early in the a.m. is the best. My fellow guides have been coming in with real good catches, with fish up to 10 lbs. I personally had a 14 year old customer, along with his dad, catch a 10 lb bass. So if your in the area and want that shot at catching a big bass, give me a call at 305-298-0162  or call Roland Martin Marina 800-473-6766 .

The bass fishing down in the everglades has been real good. It can make an exciting day for catching fish. I have been doing real well  with lots of fish in the 1 - 2 lb. range with bigger fish in between them. The use of the flapping shad or the frog thrown tight to the bank along the lily pads, and worked back to the boat should do the trick. Again, once that sun comes up ( or if there is no breeze ), go with the worm and fish the ledge for the better fish. Just 2 days ago we caught several fish 3 - 5 lbs. doing just that. Work the bottom right to the boat. If you're interested in fishing the Everglades, call 305-298-0162 or 305-242-3004. You all have fun fishing, above all, be safe.

Capt. Bill

www.bassnwithbill.com

 

 

 

April 3,2007

   Well, here we are in April, the wind has finally laid down a little, making getting around on the lake a little more easier and safer. Now we need the water to clean up. It is pretty much stirred up from all the wind we have been having. the Lake water level is still constantly dropping. it is now at 10.3 ft. Now is when we are fishing mostly dynamite holes, channels, and off-shore. The off-shore structure consists mostly drop-offs, ledges, and rock piles. I look forward to fishing April & May. The weather finally settles down, the air and water temperature is more stable, and the artificial and shiner fishing is good. Don't let the low water keep you from coming and fishing. 2 weeks ago, it took 64 lbs. to win a 2 day, ( 5 fish per day ), tournament. This past week-end, the Clewiston Bass Anglers held their monthly tournament. it took 13+ pounds to win this 3 fish limit tourney.
   The Everglades fishing has been real good lately. anglers are catching 50-100 bass per day with some tipping the scale in the 6-8 lb. range. The cichlid action is really hot now too. So, if you're ready to do some fishing, whether it be the Big "0" or the Everglades, please give me a call and lets talk about it. Till then, happy fishing.
 
   Capt. Bill
 

 

Feb. 8, 2007

 

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report                 

The weather has been the topic of conversation just about every morning. Lots of wind and waves of cold fronts. But it's really nothing new, it happens every year since I can remember. You just have to deal with it. You just have to re-adjust some of your methods, you might have to change the area your fishing in, above all, have patience and listen to what your guide tells you. The past week, all my trips have been with wild shiners. The weather dictated the amount of fish caught, but there was always at least 1 fish from 6lbs. to 9.4lbs caught. If you're looking for that trophy fish, wild shiners is the way to go this time of year. Most of the shiner fishing has been taking place in the football field area, West Wall, and the shoal up to Cochran's Pass. There are lots of fish in these areas, just be sure you know how much water you have under you. You can run out of water fast.

On the artificial side of things, it's pretty much the same areas that are being fished. You might want to add Coot Bay to that list. Still, the worm and fluke, seem to be the favorite. The wind will have to dictate how you present them and the amount of weight you must use. If the weather gets too bad, you can always load up and head down to the Everglades. With the water dropping down there, the bigger fish are moving out off the flats into the deeper water. I have someone that fishes there every week-end and keeps me up to date on what's going on.

The spec fishing is still being done in the same areas -- Dynamite holes, Uncle Joe's, Harney Pond, and Kissimmee River. It's your choice, minnows or jigs. Or, you might want to try a jig with a minnow on it. Which ever way you prefer, good luck.

Till the next time, have a great time fishing, and be safe.

Capt. Bill Nemec

Professional Guide Service

 

 

 

January 23, 2007

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report                 January 23, 2007

Yes, the lake is low, and yes, the fish are biting. I have reports of a lot of action up on the North Shore as well as the shoal all the way back down to the Football Field south of Clewiston. There has been several fish caught and released this past week in the 8lb.+ range. Most of this action has taken place using wild shiners. Despite the wind we have been having, the water has stayed in good condition all up the shoal area. The West Wall got a little dirty, but still quite fishable. On the artificial bait side of things, the worm and fluke have still been producing fish by pitching back in the pockets of the joint grass. The 7" Gambler junebug and the watermelon/red Zoom fluke are the 2 choices I have confidence in.

According to the locals, there were a few days last week when the spec fishing was really hot down in the dynamite holes. There were several limits of nice fish coming out of there. Most of the spec action has been  the holes and Uncle Joes Cut, as well as Harney Pond and the Kissimmee River to the north.

Special Trip Report:

Sunday, 1/21:   After fishing with me the week before, Melvin and Becky Mann, from Colorado, returned to fish another day with me. On Sunday afternoon, we loaded up with some wild shiners and  left Roland Martin Marina to head up the Lake. Little did we know what was ahead of us. Our first fish was about 4lbs. After that, it was all about Melvin. By the end of the day, included in his catch were 5 largemouth bass weighing 8lbs., 8.2 lbs., 8.8lbs., 9.8lbs, and a whopping 12.8 lbs. You talk about a trip of a lifetime, I was there to share it with him. Great fishing, Melvin.

Photos of these fish and previous pictures should be installed by 1/25.

Capt. Bill Nemec

Professional guide service

 

 

 

 

           January 16, 2007

 

The past couple weeks of fishing has been pretty good except immediately after a cold front passed through last week. It got tough for a day or two. But as the water and air temperature warmed up, things got back to normal -- good fishing. Prior to that front, the wild shiner fishing was great. On one of my trips, I had 3 great people from the Nashville, Tn. area on board. Amongst their catch of several fish, each respectfully caught a 7.14, 8.0, and 8.2 fish. All fish were photographed and released. I had several successful trips over the past couple weeks. Most all my shiner fishing was done from the West Wall in Clewiston, north to Cochran's Pass. On the artificial lure side of things, we can catch some fish in Coot Bay and in the West Wall, without having to run up the shoal on those windy days. There is also a bite on the East Wall and Football Field area. Again , the choice of bait for me, has been the 7" Gambler, Junebug with a screw-in 7/16 bullet weight. The weight will vary with the wind conditions.

Apparently, that cold front last week triggered the speck action. I've been told of several daily limits of "slabs" being brought in by our visitors and locals alike. It seems like the hot spots are south of Clewiston around the dynamite holes. I need to go down there and try it for myself, but it's hard for me to fish that way when I know I could be pitching or casting that worm in anticipation of that "tap-tap". We'll see what happens. Later.

Capt. Bill Nemec

Professional guide

 

 

 

Big "O" Fishing report Jan. 2nd, 2007

My computer has been down for a few weeks, but we are now up and running. Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday. The past week was a pretty good week of fishing, despite all the wind and the cold front that came blasting in last Tues., 26th. My guide trips for that week were all shiner trips. We boated several fish up to 8 lbs. All fish were released alive and well, as we stress this policy to all of our clients. Pictures work fine and the replicas today are fantastic. I always have 2 cameras on board, in case you should forget one. We caught all our fish in the West Wall, along the old boat trails, and from Turners Cove up to Cochran's Pass area in the joint grass. The water stained up a little bit after the hard winds we had, so we didn't have to make the long casts, like when the water was so clear. But for me, they did have to be accurate, placing the bait within inches of the edge of the grass and where that grass patch formed a point. In the West Wall, we sat up along a boat trail and pitched our bait into open pockets along that trail. This worked for us. With the use of artificial, I find the 7" Gambler Junebug with a 3/16 screw on weight to be the ticket. I can consistently catch fish on this rig. We did catch some fish on a 1/4 ounce white Strike King spinner bait, mostly in the West wall area.

By the way, if you happened to catch the article of where to fish on Lake Okeechobee in this months Florida Sportsman, I strongly advise you to call a local marina or give me a call before you venture to some of the areas mentioned. Till the next time, you all be safe and happy fishing.

Capt. Bill Nemec

Professional Guide Service
 

 

Lake Okeechobee fishing report                               Lake level-- 12.2 ft.                                 Dec. 5th.

The bass fishing is getting better by the day! The water clarity seems to be just right in most areas I was in this past week. I had a wild shiner trip last week and we had fish up to 8 lbs. We were fishing the outside grass line north of Uncle Joes' Cut. We caught several smaller fish in the Coot Bay area on shiners.

I did several other days of artificial fishing, including a couple days with Troy Oliver, from Key Largo. We had 2 fantastic days of fishing. Day 1, we caught and released over 35 fish in the 2-4 lb. range, with Troy having one close to 6lbs. Day 2, we again ,had about 30 fish with Troy pulling the hook on a real hawg right at the boat. We were both using 7" Gambler June Bug with a 3/16 screw in weight. Staying out away from the grass line, we were making long casts about 1-3 feet into the grass line, then just wait for the bump. I worked the boat into the wind so as to move as slow as possible. We fished 1 particular 100 yard area between Turners Cove and Cochran's Pass. Good fish were caught north of Cochran's on artificial bait, for instance, Capt. Ron Stevens, a fellow friend who also guides out of Roland Martin Marina, caught several good fish using a Carolina rigged lizard  Yes, the fishing seems to be getting better by the day. The North Shore area, especially from Horse Island to Tin House Cove , is the area of choice up there. Harney Pond and  Uncle Joes' Cut are giving up some nice crappie right now but according to the locals, it will really get good as soon as we have a real serious cold front.

My wife and I spent 1 day fishing the Everglades out of Holiday Park. We had a pretty good fishing day, with several 1-3 lb. fish. No big fish. We'll go a different direction the next time and see what happens then. That's about it until the next time. Until then, good fishing.

Capt. Bill

Roland Martin Marina

 

 

 

November 22nd, 2006

 

Lake Level -- 12.3                  Water Temp. --- 65 - 70 degrees

 

Well, it looks like winter has arrived to south Florida a little early, with low temperature records falling. When you have temperatures in the low to mid 40's, figure in the wind chill, and being on the water, it's COLD. This should be great for two things. It will move those bigger bass back into tighter cover, coming in from the more open water areas. And, the cold should trigger the specs to bite pretty good. Try Uncle Joes Cut, Harney Pond Canal, and the Kissimmee River for those specs. The bass fishing is getting better by the day and will continue to do so. There were some nice fish caught this past week in the 2 to 8 lb. range. A couple of the more popular areas right now are Coot Bay and the West Wall, and rightfully so. Fish are being caught on artificial lures as well as with wild shiners. Of course the wild shiner is producing the larger fish. Working up the shoal, work back inside as much as you dare go. It's shallow and the water is clear. Using a Gambler 7.5 in. Junebug ribbon tail worm with little weight or a 6" Wave, watermelon/red worm  with no weight, make long casts to what appear to be open spots in the grass. Let it sit and then work it ever so slowly. This type of fishing takes a lot of patience, but is very productive. The North Shore area is starting to heat up now too. I've been told NOT to use the 7 mile canal from Moore Haven through the Monkey Box. To my understanding, a few boats have gotten stuck and had to be pulled out. You can take the Rim Canal all the way around and come out through Fisheating Bay. From Clewiston, run the Lake but stay out a couple hundred yards. Back to the North Shore, work those grass patches tight and inside the reeds. You can find variations of water clarity from the ditch all the way up to Buckhead Ridge. Again, cast and pitch the worm and have a blue/black Gambler craw handy. This coming week, I will be doing a lot of fishing from Turners Cove north including the North Shore. My next report should be very interesting. Let's see what happens.

Depending on when you read this, have a good Thanksgiving, or I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. Thanks for your time and come join me fishing out of Roland Martin Marina.

Thank You,

Capt. Bill

 

 

 

November 7th                        Lake level -- 12.6                     Water temp. -- 75 degrees

 

The wind has been the topic of discussion lately. Sustained 20-25 mph winds, especially out of the East, makes fishing pretty tough on the south and west side of the lake. The waters, for the most part, turned a little muddy. The water in Coot Bay, over by the wall, stayed rather clean and produced some nice fish up to about 2.5-3 lb. range. The bait of choice seemed to be the frog or the fluke in a watermelon/red color. Uncle Joe's Cut is still a popular spot to go as well as the cuts along the rim canal. The cuts were producing fair up until this past week-end.

 

They really got hammered on Thursday, Friday, & Saturday  by a good sized tournament out of Clewiston. It won't take long for things to get back to normal, once the winds lay down for a couple days. Another option, when it's too rough to be out on the lake, is to go through the lock at Moore Haven and fish the Caloosahatchee River. There is some great bass fishing down there. The snook fishing is good too. I was down there 2 weeks ago doing some bass fishing. I was flipping blown up hyacinth in the cuts off the main river. Caught fish, but nothing over 2 lbs. that day. A Gambler blue/black crawdad was the ticket.

 

Getting back to the main lake and windy conditions --- Keep in mind that this body of water is shallow and becomes very dangerous very quickly with high winds. Be sure you have an up-dated weather report before venturing out. This past week-end, I personally talked to two out of state fisherman, that were being dropped off at the dock by the FWC. They told me they were crossing the lake in high seas and split the hull of their boat. They were taking on more water than they could pump. They said their boat was being towed in although it was full with water. I guess you could say they were un-lucky, but I say they were very lucky.

 

Just be careful out there and have a great week of fishing

 

Hope to have a more informative report next week for you. Till then, happy fishing.

 

Capt. Bill

 

Oct. 23, 2006
 

The Lake is reported at being 13.0 ft. and falling ever so slowly every week. The first sight of Fall and some cooler weather is on its way. We're going to have air temperatures in the 50's.Hopefully, this will begin the cooling of the water. According to my temp. gauge, it's been around 85 degrees. The bigger fish, for the most part, are still hanging out in the deeper water but are slowly moving in. If you're going to try fishing that open water, look for anything different. Then work that area with a crankbait and worm. My choice of worm is a 10" Gambler, black grape/green glitter. Work it very methodically.

 

Be careful running in the early safe light, since there are patches of fog you will run into. If you're running out Uncle Joes Cut, be aware of the manatees that are hanging out there. I've seen a group of 4 in that area.

 

 I took a trip into the area known as Grassy Island, just to look at it. The water is very dirty with much of Hurricane Wilma's aftermath laying all over in that area. If you're running through that area, be extremely careful. I didn't even cast to that water, instead moved up to the Buzzard Roost. There are some fish being caught around the abandoned channel area, 1-3 lb. range. I've heard of some larger fish being caught in that area with wild shiners. Pretty much is the same for Ritta, the Football field, East Wall, and Coot Bay. The water quality in those areas appears to be good. Moving up the shoal, the fishing is spotty, with some fish being caught in the outside joint grass. Pitch a weightless worm, like a watermelon/red 6" Wave worm, into those open holes and let it sit there until you can't stand it any longer -- then leave it sit a little bit more! Depending on the wind, watch for that line movement.

 

The report I get on the North Shore from Harney Pond to Horse Island is that it can be hot one day and slow the next. Nothing to report on shiner fishing up there.

Don't forget, the water is shallow, so shut down a couple hundred feet off the grass line and use that trolling motor. This practice could save you a lot of money.

That's about all I have for now, so until next weeks updated report, have a safe and great day fishing on Lake Okeechobee.

                                                                                                                Capt. Bill Nemec

                                                                                                                 www.bassnwithbill.com