Lake Okeechobee

Capt. Mark King, Professional Guide & Tournament Angler
Submitted February 5, 2012

When I hear the words world famous the first thing that comes to mind is this awesome lake that is in my back yard called Lake Okeechobee. Do you want to catch a lot of bass or if you are looking for that trophy bass for bragging rights then Lake Okeechobee is the place to come fishing now. Catching fifty bass a day is not uncommon and most of them are from three to seven pounds. While live bait fishing the past few weeks with wild shiners we have been using up over six dozen shiners in as little as four hours. And if catching bass on artificial lures is your thing than what it has been taking to win a one day tournament should catch your attention, thirty five pounds in just five fish to get a first place finish. If catching bass is a passion of your then now is the time to plan a trip to Lake Okeechobee where the weather is hot and so is the fishing.

As I mentioned above the live bait fishing has been crazy and the lake is fishing so big right now, meaning you can catch bass almost anywhere. I have been fishing areas like Long Point, Bay Bottom, East Wall, West Wall, and up around Turner Cove area. If the wind will let you fish on the outside grass closest to the main lake then that is where I would be fishing. When fishing windy days just move in off the main lake far enough to be able to fish and where the water is clean. With the full moon almost upon us the bass are making a push toward spawning areas. We have been catching a lot of buck bass and the big females should be close behind moving in to spawning areas. I’m not sure how far back in off the main lake these bass will move but as of now they are not back in to far off the main lake. The FLW tournament this week should be awesome with hopes of breaking last year’s record of over 106 pound of bass with a limit each day of five bass for four days. Charlie’s Worms Zipper Dipper has been my bait of choice for my artificial trips with a Charlie’s Flippin’ Bug being my next choice.  Make sure you are using braided line and a good heavy action rod to get these fish out of the heavy cover.

The crappie fishing is still about the same with most just catching a few a day. I have started to fill up my calendar for tarpon fishing in the Keys during May and June, if you are looking to catch a giant tarpon give me a call and we can get a trip of a lifetime set up. Until next week good luck, tight lines, and hope to see everyone on the water soon.

Captain Mark King is a full time guide and tournament angler guiding out of the world famous Roland Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston Florida and also in the Florida Keys out of Marathon area. Mark is an IGFA Certified Captain, active member of the Florida Guide Association and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. Captain Mark is sponsored by Ranger Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Roland Martin's Marine Center, Power-Pole, Minn Kota trolling motors, Charlie’s Worms, AFTCO clothing, Smartshield Sun Protection Products, RMR Industries, Fuel Medic Ethanol Treatment, and Yeti coolers.

Mark can be contacted to book a guide trip, seminars, personal appearances, test rides in his Evinrude powered Ranger or to fish a tournament with him at 863-677-0983 or at www.markkingfishing.com

*********************************************************************