    
Capt. Harry Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 | | Posted on Monday, March 25, 2002 - 7:32 pm: | |
Subject: Fishin' Report, Lake Okeechobee, Feb. 24
Fishin' Report
Lake Okeechobee
Florida Freshwater Fishing Report for:
Lake Okeechobee, Lake Istokpoga and Stick Marsh/Farm 13.
Updated: Feb. 24, 2002
The BIG Bass are really hitting and that is every time out. There are tons of big Crappie/Specks and that is every time out. Now the Mayan Cichlids are in the mood to eat.
We are catching Bass in both numbers and in quality. Give me a call or send an e-mail for your reservations. Get some suntan before you arrive, as it is still warm. See you soon.
Weather note:
Water temperature has been around 65 to 73 degrees f.
Having air temperature with lows of around 60 with days of 75.
The big lake is around 14.5 feet above sea level.
Check http://cyberangler.com/weather/, www.weather.com/, or www.gopbi.com /weather/, http://www.srh.noaa.gov/radar/loop/DS.p19r0/si.kmlb.shtml/ before you venture out on the water.
Lake Okeechobee:
Specks are hitting both Jigs and minnows in the grass all over the big lake. The big stringers are being taken at night.
For Bass, as usual, the Wild Golden Shiners are the bait of choice. Always keep a top water lure on deck. That includes your flyrod. Use the Pecks chartreuse #2 popper flies.
I am seeing too many top-water fisher-folks working the lures way too fast. Think of the ‘dying minnow’ as something to emulate and a dying minnow isn't racing across the water at breakneck speed. When you think you are going too slow, slow down some more.
Go with top water in low light conditions and then green glitter worms and crank baits in silver and blue and silver and black after the sun gets up. Use spinner baits in white or chartreuse when there is a breeze. Look for 2 kinds of veggies to toss your lure near. That’s where the Bass are located.
Lake Istokpoga and the Stick Marsh:
Water in both reservoirs is back up to a useable level. Use caution while boating in lake Istokpoga as the Hydrilla has all been poisoned and when there is a 20 mph wind the very shallow water becomes dangerous. Another case of ‘man’ messing with ‘Mother nature’.
The Bass are really on a feed in the Stick Marsh and the water is up.
The specks are also hitting in the Stick Marsh. Try the deep channels for these fine-eating scrappers.
Mayan Cichlids:
We are catching these imports averaging one pound and bringing home 125 to 200 per trip. We are catching 300 to 500 per trip. They are also great eating and are great fighters.
Fun on the water this week: John and DeWayne from Ontario, John Capps and Tom plus Jim and Sandi also from Kentucky, Jim Leathers and group, Bob Barney and Brian and Allen, Rudy Kuzsmarski from Montreal and friend Dan, Joe and Jim and first time fisherperson Darla Straka from New Mexico, Doug and Jon Levy from Boston with an 8 ½ pound Loudmouth Bass, and Ryan and 5 year old Tanner Harris from Arkansas bringing home 124 large Mayan Cichlids. The Jim Martin group with big and little Jasons and their friend Anthony. Local paint contractor Roger Moore with a 9 plus # Bass.
Congratulations go out to Mike Carroll on passing his U. S. Coast Guard Captain License.
Safety:
Please keep in mind SAFETY at all times. I may be in the next boat.
Capt. Harry Simmons
You can contact Capt. Harry Simmons at:
Renegade Guide Service
148 Chobee Street
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Toll-free: (877) 525-7380
Local: (863) 467-0039
Cell: (863) 634-1321
E-mail: renegade@ictransnet.com
Web Site: http://www.fishfla.com/renegade.html/ |
