Episodes

  • Fishing Report Feb 7, 2025: Perfect Conditions at Lake Okeechobee for Bass, Crappie, and Catfish

    Fishing Report Feb 7, 2025: Perfect Conditions at Lake Okeechobee for Bass, Crappie, and Catfish
    Feb 7 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the latest fishing report for Lake Okeechobee as of February 7th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with a high of around 73 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle southeast wind blowing about 13 miles per hour. Sunrise was at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:04 PM, giving us a good long day to get out on the water. The conditions are just about perfect for some prime fishing.

    Lake Okeechobee is currently sitting at 14.32 feet above sea level, which is a bit lower than this time last year, but there's still plenty of water out there and the fish are biting. With the cooler water temperatures this time of year, the bass are moving up shallow looking for warmer spots. You'll find them around the edges of the grass beds and near any kind of cover they can find.

    For bass fishing, focus on areas like the Shoal from the Blue Hole up to just past the 2nd pole area and into the opening that leads into Moonshine Bay. The Monkey Box, Whidden's Pass, Dyess Ditch, Indian Prairie, and Tin House are also hot spots. If you're willing to make the run on a low-wind day, the east side around J&S is worth a try. Live golden shiners are a top choice, but artificial lures like plastic worms, spinner baits, and frog-style baits are also highly effective.

    Crappie fishing is also on fire right now. These tasty fellas are hanging out around brush piles and other structure, so keep an eye out for those. Areas like Dupree Bar on the north side, around Sportsman's, Indian Prairie, and the Kissimmee River are particularly productive. Jigs tipped with minnows or small jigs will do the trick.

    For you catfish lovers, Lake Okeechobee has plenty to offer. These bottom feeders can be found in the deeper holes and channels. Chicken livers, nightcrawlers, or cut bait will all entice a catfish to bite.

    Let's highlight a couple of hot spots for today. First, Moonshine Bay is a great area even on windy days and has seen some decent catches recently. Be prepared for variable results, but it's definitely worth a try. Second, Clewiston, located on the Southwest shore, offers great fishing from both shore and boat. The Monkey Box area here is notorious for largemouth bass, making it a prime spot for those looking to land a big catch.

    Remember, the lake has a 5-bass limit per angler, with only one of those bass allowed to be over 18 inches in length. Always be respectful of the lake and the creatures that call it home.

    So grab your gear, and let's get fishing The fish are active, and with the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you're set for a fantastic day on the water. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Report for Lake Okeechobee - February 2025 - Excellent Bass & Crappie Bite, Hot Spots Revealed

    Fishing Report for Lake Okeechobee - February 2025 - Excellent Bass & Crappie Bite, Hot Spots Revealed
    Feb 5 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure, and I'm excited to share with you the latest fishing report for Lake Okeechobee as of February 5, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at a partly cloudy sky with a high of around 73 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle breeze out of the southeast. Sunrise was at 7:05 AM, and sunset will be at 6:03 PM, giving us a good long day to get out on the water. There's also a slight chance of light rain, which can actually be beneficial for fishing as it cools the water and gets the fish biting.

    The lake level is currently at 14.38 feet NGVD, which is a bit lower than we've seen in recent years. This lower water level has concentrated the fish in certain areas, making them easier to find. For bass, you'll want to focus on the edges of the grass lines and up onto shallower flats. As the day heats up, they'll likely move deeper, so be prepared to adjust your tactics.

    Bass fishing has been excellent lately, with many anglers reporting catches using live golden shiners, plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and frog-style baits. Flipping these lures into the vegetation often produces the larger bass. Hot spots include the Monkey Box area in Clewiston, Whidden's Pass, Dyess Ditch, Indian Prairie, and the area from the Blue Hole up to just past the 2nd pole area leading into Moonshine Bay.

    Crappie fishing is also thriving, with schools of crappie congregating in deeper holes and around any structure they can find. Areas like Dupree Bar on the north side, around Sportsman's, Indian Prairie, and the Kissimmee River have been particularly productive. For crappie, jigs and minnows are your best bet.

    Given the current conditions, here are a couple of hot spots to consider:

    - **Moonshine Bay**: This area is fishable even on windy days and has seen some decent catches recently. The shallow waters and abundant vegetation make it an ideal spot for both bass and crappie.
    - **Clewiston**: Located on the Southwest shore, Clewiston offers great fishing from both shore and boat. The Monkey Box area here is notorious for largemouth bass, making it a prime spot for those looking to land a big catch.

    Remember, the lake has a 5-bass limit per angler, with only one of those bass allowed to be over 18 inches in length.

    In conclusion, Lake Okeechobee is buzzing with fish activity right now. With the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you're set for a fantastic day on the water. So grab your gear, and let's get fishing. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Lake Okeechobee in January 2025: Bass, Crappie, and Mayan Cichlids Galore!

    Fishing Lake Okeechobee in January 2025: Bass, Crappie, and Mayan Cichlids Galore!
    Jan 31 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on what's happening around Lake Okeechobee as of January 31, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. We're looking at temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s, which is just perfect for a day out on the water. Sunrise today is at 7:37 AM, and sunset will be at 5:45 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to catch those big ones.

    Now, although Lake Okeechobee is a freshwater lake and not directly affected by tides, it's worth noting that nearby coastal areas like Palm Beach are experiencing a falling tide. This might influence fish behavior in estuarine areas if you decide to venture there, but for now, let's focus on the lake.

    The fish activity on Lake Okeechobee has been robust lately. The bass and crappie spawn has been in full swing since last month, making this an ideal time to target these species. Anglers have been reporting a good number of largemouth bass catches, particularly in areas like the Shoal from the Blue Hole up to just past the 2nd pole area, and into Moonshine Bay. Crappie have also been abundant around Dupree bar, Sportsman’s, Indian Prairie, and the Kissimmee River.

    For bass, you'll want to use lures that mimic their natural prey. Live worms, crayfish, and insects on scented and colored lures work well. Drifting slowly along the surface or flicking your lure over dense vegetation can attract those hungry fish. For crappie, small jigs and minnows are usually the way to go.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, Clewiston is a great area to fish from shore or by boat. The monkey box area is notorious for largemouth bass, so if you're after that big catch, this might be the spot for you. Another good spot is Belle Glade, also known as bay bottom, which is calm and perfect for shoreline fishing, especially for black crappie.

    Remember to check the current water level, which was at 15.56 ft NGVD as of December 9, 2024, and boat with caution as levels may have changed since then.

    Additionally, keep an eye out for Mayan Cichlids, a non-native species that's becoming more prolific in the lake. They have no bag or size limit, and they can be targeted easily with live worms, crickets, or small artificial baits. The Indian Prairie canal and Harney Pond canal have been particularly productive for these.

    With the right bait and technique, you're set for a fantastic day of fishing on Lake Okeechobee. So grab your gear, head out, and good luck out there
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Lake Okeechobee: Chasing Bass, Crappie, and Mayan Cichlids in Ideal Conditions

    Fishing Lake Okeechobee: Chasing Bass, Crappie, and Mayan Cichlids in Ideal Conditions
    Jan 30 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing around Lake Okeechobee. As we head into the evening of January 30, 2025, I've got some exciting updates for you.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today has been quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s, making it an ideal day to be out on the water. Sunrise was at 7:37 AM, and sunset is expected at 5:45 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to catch those big ones.

    Although Lake Okeechobee is a freshwater lake and not directly affected by tides, it's worth noting that nearby coastal areas are experiencing a falling tide. However, this doesn't significantly impact fishing on the lake itself.

    The fish activity on Lake Okeechobee has been robust lately. The bass and crappie spawn has been in full swing since last month, so now is the perfect time to target these species. Recent reports indicate that anglers have been catching a good number of largemouth bass, particularly in areas like the Shoal from the Blue Hole up to just past the 2nd pole area, and into Moonshine Bay. Crappie have been abundant around Dupree bar, Sportsman’s, Indian Prairie, and the Kissimmee River.

    For bass, you'll want to use lures that mimic their natural prey. Live worms, crayfish, and insects on scented and colored lures work well. Drifting slowly along the surface or flicking your lure over dense vegetation can attract hungry fish. For crappie, small jigs and minnows are usually effective.

    If you're looking for hot spots, Clewiston is a great area to fish from shore or by boat. The monkey box area is notorious for largemouth bass, so this might be the spot for you if you’re looking to land a big one. Another excellent spot is Belle Glade, also known as bay bottom, which is calm and perfect for shoreline fishing, especially for black crappie.

    The southern end of the lake from Cochran’s Pass to Bay Bottom has also been producing good limits of crappie, especially when jigging near the edges of vegetation stands where specks will be spawning and foraging. Early and late in the day are the best times to fish, with night fishing becoming phenomenal this time of year.

    Remember to check the current water level, which was at 15.56 ft NGVD as of December 9, 2024, and boat with caution as levels may have changed since then.

    In addition to bass and crappie, Mayan Cichlids (Red Devils) are becoming more prolific in the lake. These non-native species have no bag or size limit, and they can be targeted easily with live worms, crickets, or small artificial baits.

    With the right bait and technique, you're set for a fantastic day of fishing on Lake Okeechobee. So grab your gear, head out to Clewiston or Belle Glade, and get ready to reel in some big catches. Good luck out there
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    3 mins
  • Lakeside Fishing Report: Crappie and Bass Abound on Lake Okeechobee

    Lakeside Fishing Report: Crappie and Bass Abound on Lake Okeechobee
    Jan 26 2025
    As of January 26, 2025, Lake Okeechobee is offering some excellent fishing conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

    First off, the current lake level is at 14.59 feet, which is a bit lower than the recent highs but still favorable for boating and fishing. The weather is looking great, with clear skies and a temperature of around 60°F, making it a perfect day to be out on the water.

    For those interested in tidal movements, although Lake Okeechobee is a freshwater lake and does not have significant tides like coastal areas, there are minor fluctuations. However, these are not typically a factor in fishing here.

    Sunrise today is at around 7:10 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:45 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to fish.

    Fish activity has been strong, especially for black crappie and largemouth bass. Yesterday saw a good number of crappie caught, particularly in the southern end of the lake from Cochran’s Pass to Bay Bottom. The Kissimmee River, Harney Pond Canal, and Indian Prairie Canal have also been productive spots for crappie, with many anglers reporting good limits.

    For largemouth bass, the Monkey Box area near Clewiston has been a hotspot. The bass are active early and late in the day, and night fishing has been phenomenal this time of year.

    When it comes to lures and bait, live bait is always a winner on Lake Okeechobee. Large wild shiners are the go-to for catching huge largemouth bass. For crappie, live worms, crickets, or small artificial baits like jigs work well. Soft plastics like Zoom and Culprit, along with lures like Heddon and Rattle Traps, are also effective for bass.

    If you're targeting Mayan Cichlids, which are becoming more abundant, live worms or crickets can be very effective, especially when fishing from the bank in the Indian Prairie and Harney Pond canals.

    Hot spots to check out include Belle Glade, also known as Bay Bottom, for calm waters and good crappie fishing, and Clewiston for both shoreline and boat fishing, especially in the Monkey Box area for largemouth bass.

    Overall, it's a great day to be on Lake Okeechobee, so grab your gear and head out to catch some of these fantastic fish.
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    3 mins
  • Okeechobee Fishing Forecast: Tides, Weather, and Hot Spots for Bass and Crappie Anglers

    Okeechobee Fishing Forecast: Tides, Weather, and Hot Spots for Bass and Crappie Anglers
    Jan 25 2025
    Today, January 25, 2025, Lake Okeechobee is buzzing with fishing activity, and the conditions are perfect for a memorable day on the water. First, let's look at the tides: we have a high tide at 6:04 AM with a height of 1.53 ft, a low tide at 12:25 PM with a height of 0.76 ft, and another high tide at 5:48 PM with a height of 1.33 ft. These gentle tidal changes won't disrupt your fishing plans.

    The weather is pleasant, with a sunrise at 7:08 AM and a sunset at 5:53 PM, providing ample daylight for your fishing trip. The bass and crappie spawn is in full swing, making this an ideal time to catch some big ones.

    Yesterday's fishing was excellent, with several anglers reporting catches of largemouth bass in the 4-7 pound range. Eric and Shannon, a couple from Missouri, had a fantastic morning catching multiple fish using shiners and artificial lures. The best areas to try are around the Shoal from the Blue Hole up to just past the 2nd pole area, Moonshine Bay, the Monkey Box, Whidden’s Pass, Dyess Ditch, Indian Prairie, and Tin House. For crappie, Dupree Bar, Sportsman’s, Indian Prairie, and the Kissimmee River are hot spots.

    For largemouth bass, live bait such as worms and crawfish are highly effective during this winter season. If you prefer lures, specialist Crappie jigs and live minnows work well for both bass and crappie. Fly fishing is also a popular technique, especially for more experienced anglers.

    If you're looking for specific locations, consider the southeast part of the lake around Belle Glade, known for its calm waters and excellent shoreline fishing. Clewiston, on the Southwest shore, is another great spot, particularly the Monkey Box area, which is notorious for largemouth bass.

    With the spawn in full swing and the right bait and lures, you're set for a fantastic day of fishing on Lake Okeechobee. Tight lines
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    2 mins
  • Lake Okeechobee Fishing Forecast: Prime Conditions for Bass and Crappie

    Lake Okeechobee Fishing Forecast: Prime Conditions for Bass and Crappie
    Jan 24 2025
    If you're heading out to Lake Okeechobee today, January 24, 2025, here's what you need to know. The weather is looking decent, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s, making it a good day for fishing. Sunrise is at 7:07 AM, and sunset will be at 5:37 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to catch some big ones.

    Although Lake Okeechobee is a freshwater lake and not directly affected by tides, it's worth noting that the water level is currently around 15.56 feet, which is manageable for boating and navigation. However, be cautious as levels can fluctuate.

    Yesterday was a great day for fishing, with many anglers reporting good catches of largemouth bass, black crappie, and some panfish. The black crappie, or "specks," were particularly active, especially in the early morning and late evening hours. Anglers had success in areas like the Harney Pond Canal, Indian Prairie Canal, and the southern end of the lake from Cochran’s Pass to Bay Bottom.

    For largemouth bass, live worms and crawfish were the go-to baits, especially during these cooler winter months. For crappie, live minnows and specialist crappie jigs on light spinning gear worked well. If you're targeting bass, consider using lures that mimic their natural prey, such as shad or baitfish patterns.

    As for the weather, expect north winds at 15 to 20 knots, diminishing to 5 to 10 knots in the afternoon, which might make the lake waters a bit choppy. Tonight, northeast winds will be at 10 to 15 knots with moderate chop on the lake.

    For hot spots, Belle Glade, also known as Bay Bottom, is renowned for its calm waters and excellent black crappie fishing. Another spot is Clewiston, particularly the Monkey Box area, which is famous for its largemouth bass. Fish near the edges of vegetation stands where specks will be spawning and foraging, and remember that early and late in the day are the best times, with night fishing also being highly productive this time of year.

    Before you head out, make sure to check the freshwater fishing regulations and length limits, and consider hiring a local guide to maximize your fishing experience. Happy fishing
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    3 mins
  • Lake Okeechobee's Winter Fishing Hotspots: Bass and Crappie Spawn in Full Swing

    Lake Okeechobee's Winter Fishing Hotspots: Bass and Crappie Spawn in Full Swing
    Jan 23 2025
    As of January 23, 2025, Lake Okeechobee is buzzing with fishing activity, especially with the bass and crappie spawn in full swing since last month. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, you can expect a high tide at 5:41 AM with a height of 1.51 feet, followed by a low tide at 12:02 PM at 0.75 feet, and another high tide at 5:25 PM at 1.31 feet. The sunrise is at around 7:10 AM, and the sunset will be at approximately 5:45 PM. Check the local weather forecast for any updates, but generally, January brings mild winter weather, ideal for fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    The bass and crappie are highly active, making this a prime time to catch some big ones. For bass, focus on areas like the Shoal from the Blue Hole up to just past the 2nd pole area, and into Moonshine Bay. The Monkey Box, Whidden’s Pass, Dyess Ditch, Indian Prairie, and Tin House are also hot spots. On the east side, around J&S, you can find bass on low-wind days. For crappie, try Dupree Bar on the north side, Sportsman’s, Indian Prairie, and the Kissimmee River.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For largemouth bass, live worms and crawfish are excellent choices during the winter season. These baits can attract bass up to 10 pounds. For crappie, live minnows and specialist crappie jigs on light spinning gear are your best bets.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Belle Glade**: Known as the bay bottom, this area between Grassy Island and Torry Island is calm and perfect for shoreline fishing, especially for black crappie.
    - **Clewiston**: Located on the Southwest shore, this area is great for both shoreline and boat fishing. The Monkey Box here is notorious for largemouth bass.

    Yesterday saw a decent catch in these areas, with several boats reporting good numbers of bass and crappie. Moonshine Bay had some days with better catches than others, but it remains a viable option, especially on windy days.

    Overall, Lake Okeechobee is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities right now. Make sure to book your trip and enjoy the beautiful fishery that this lake has to offer.
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    3 mins