As the month of February flies by here on Okeechobee the bass fishing has been best described as awesome. Catching thirty to forty bass a day on wild shiners is no problem and the artificial bite has been almost as good. Most of the bass seem to be still on the outside grass close to the main lake, with a few bass in different areas moving in to spawn and than moving right back out to the outside. My clients have been having the time of there life catching bass and I can't even begin to tell you how many have caught the largest bass they have ever caught in their life right here on the lake in our back yard.
I have been targeting the outside grass line from Cochran's Pass to Pelican Bay with the deciding factor being the wind. Areas like the East Wall, Ritta Island, and Long Point have been really good places to fish. When fishing with the shiners try to pick a point out on the main lake and anchor up, be sure to take a lot of bait because you will use up at least a dozen an hour if not more. The artificial bite has been a little slow some days and really good others. I have been using the Charlie's Worms Zipper Dipper and fishing it slow like a worm along the outside grass line and back in, about a good pitch into the grass. I have also caught bass really well on a one ounce Medlock jig fished in most of the same areas that I'm fishing wild shiners. This jig has a double weed guard that resists getting caught up in the weeds and the one ounce size has just the right fall. You will need to fish a trailer on this jig to make it work right, the bigger the better. When the wind is blowing a spinnerbait has been working just outside the grass on the main lake but if the wind blows too hard the water dirties up to much to fish a spinnerbait. I just can't tell you in words how great Lake Okeechobee is fishing right now, if you have ever had the desire to come to South Florida bass fishing then now would be the time to make it happen.
The crappie fishing is still hit and miss with limits being pretty hard to catch right now. I have heard of a few bluegills being caught but it will be another month or so before it really kicks in. As most folks know I guide in the Florida Keys for tarpon during the season from mid April through June so if anyone is looking to catch a giant tarpon get a hold of me soon as dates are filling up quick. I will also be heading to the Venice Louisiana area this fall for redfish season and will also start booking trips for big redfish on fly and conventional tackle. Fishing is my life and if you would like a trip of a lifetime just give me a call and I can make it happen. Until next report 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, Okuma Fishing, 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 and www.tarponinthekeys.com
Captain Mark King's company Reel Dreams also offers Angling Adventures in locations worldwide on www.reeldreamsadventures.com
Find out more at www.facebook.com/reeldreamsfishing or on Twitter @ReelDreamsTrav
