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Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report
For real time lake level: Click Here
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
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
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
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
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
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