Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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