The # 1
Bass Fishing
destination
in the world.

 Nov. 1st, 2007
          Lake Okeechobee water levels are lower this year but the fish catching is still very high. Lake Okeechobee is in a draw down and this is great news for the lake and its habitat. The fishing is very good when the water levels are down on the Big "O", because it concentrates the fish in certain areas where there is deeper water. The grass habitat is growing strong all over the lake and will be awesome when the lake comes up a few feet. Fisherman on the lake are reporting high numbers of bass (30-50 per day) being caught on lures and shiners daily, with 8-10lb bass common most days.

 

          Low water is nothing new to Lake Okeechobee or the bass that live it, about every 6-9 years we experience a draw-down or drought. the last one being in 2000 where the lake went down to 8.96 ft. above sea level. This low water provides the anglers with a high catch ratio and no shortage of big bass. When the water is too shallow on the huge grass flats for the millions of bass to live on, they all move to the deeper channels and holes in the lake. The fishing in the areas can be simply awesome when you find the schools of bass.

Lure fishing as well as shiner (live bait) fishing works well in low the water stage. Top-waters, rattle traps and big worms are all you need for a great day on the lake and if you want to shiner fish make sure you take enough. You don't want to leave them biting if you need to get more bait.

The lake is a little tricky. If you are wanting to run far across the lake to find a fishing spot, you will need a good map and a GPS w/map to navigate safely. The Rim canal and Clewiston Channel as well as many other deep water areas around the Clewiston area has provided the best fishing on the lake and is very safe to navigate without a GPS. The average depth is 6-12 ft. in all the channels.

The last time the lake was low (2000 - 2001) the grass habitat came back very well and we expect the same outcome after this low water. All lakes and rivers need water fluctuation over time to help clean the bottom and build back good cover for the bass and the bait. We are looking forward to the long term benefits from the low water stage that we are currently in. We are alive and well, and looking forward to a great year. Hope to see you guys soon.

Bass Wishes,
The Martin Family