As of November 22, 2024, Lake Okeechobee is offering some exciting fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
First, let's talk about the conditions. The water level on Lake Okeechobee is actually rising, which is a bit unusual but seems to be benefiting the bass bite immensely[1][2].
The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s, making it a perfect day to be out on the lake. Sunrise was at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:20 PM.
Fish activity has been robust, particularly for largemouth bass. The bass bite has been on fire, with many anglers reporting multiple catches throughout the day. Bass are staging for their winter spawning, so they are starting to congregate around the outside fringes of inshore spawning grounds. Areas like the Observation Shoal, North shore, Dyess Ditch, and Tin House have been particularly active[1][2].
For crappie, the bite is still a bit iffy due to the warm water temperatures, but this is expected to improve in about three weeks as the water cools down. Currently, the best method for crappie is a slow troll or minimal wind drift in deeper water, targeting ledges and drop-offs. Use rods like the BnM Capps and Coleman 10ft trolling rod, and lures such as Road Runners in Chartreuse/Black, White, or Electric Chicken colors[1].
For bass, the most effective lures right now include popping frogs, swim baits/swim jigs, flipping/pitching worms, rattle traps, and top water lures worked slowly and methodically around cover. Areas around Uncle Joe’s, Blue Hole, Turners Cove, East Wall, Kramer Island, and Houseboat Cut on the south end, and Monkey Box/Dupree bar, Dyess Ditch/point of Horse, and areas around Indian Prairie and Tin House on the north end are hot spots[1].
Panfish action has also been good, especially in moving water areas like John Stretch Park in South Bay and the Rim Canal near the Moore Haven Lock, where worms, crickets, and minnows are working well for mixed bags of bream and crappie[2].
In terms of specific catches, yesterday saw a lot of bass in the 1-4 pound range, with some larger females showing up in the reeds and under mats. Crappie and bluegill were also caught in decent numbers, especially in the deeper waters and around aquatic vegetation like hydrilla and pepper grass[1][2].
For bait, live bait such as shiners and minnows are always a good choice for bass, while for crappie, the artificial lures mentioned earlier are working well.
If you're looking for hot spots, consider the areas around the mouth of the Kissimmee River, King’s Bar, Fisheating Bay off the Harney Pond Canal, and the hayfields of the Bay Bottom area. These spots have been producing good numbers of fish recently[2].
Remember to use boater courtesy and respect those around you while on the water. With the right gear and knowledge, you're set for a productive and enjoyable day on Lake Okeechobee.
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