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Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
Les Marsh (Fishcairns)
New member
Username: Fishcairns
Post Number: 9
Registered: 1-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 12:05 am: | |
Dear Fishing Friends,
US Bound:
On 20th May I boarded a Qantas flight bound for Florida, US of A! I had to pinch myself to see if this was really happening to me but after seeing the sun set twice on the same day (crossing the International Date Line) I knew it was real. It’s a bloody long way from Cairns (Australia) to Sydney, LA, Charlotte and Fort Myers, South West Florida.
Fast forward to Florida:
I stayed on Sanibel Island, approx. 40 minutes from Fort Myers International Airport………from the beach we could see the high rise of Naples (not the Italian one). It’s a holiday island full of condo’s………no high rise which is great. Only about 40 houses on the 8 km long island and they are all on canals, most with their own private wharf area. The house I stayed at with friends (John & Jennifer Oatley) was a lovely 4 story home and I had my own private ensuite.
The highlight of the trip was the bass fishing…….it is very similar to our barra fishing but in non tidal waters. We had planned to fish Lake Okeechobee but it was too low, Florida was in drought when I was there. So we ended up fishing the channel country. These massive channels were dug / blasted in the 30’s to help drain the Everglades. Realizing this was a huge mistake, the relative authorities have installed levee banks and weirs to control these canals and they now offer unbelievable bass fishing. Tearing along a narrow channel, 5 metres wide and only 5 – 12 ft deep, doing over 100ks an hour in a bass boat dodging alligators is a real buzz! Better than a ride at Disneyland our guide mused.
The first day saw us concentrate out efforts in some small channels near power line access points that ran at right angles to the main highway. Skinny water bas fishing is not for everybody but I can assure you I had a ball. Using a light spinning outfit we cast rubber grub and eel imitations to deeper pools and weed covered gutters. Just let it slowly sing said my guide, and when you feel the tension just give it a bit before sinking the hook with an almighty strike. It was a bit strange at first, it’s a totally different to my barra catching methods, but I was a keen learner and soon had a handle on this new technique.
It sure was effective though and I soon had my score of bass mounting……….my first ever American large mouth bass was landed after about 5 minutes fishing. I whooped and hollered around like I had just won the lottery. Well, I might as well have! I had dreamt of catching one of these “iconic” fish for over twenty years and thanks to my very dear friend, John Oatley from Sanibel Island, I had achieved it at last. Boy was I excited, I had read heaps of magazines, watched countless video’s and spoken to numerous American clients who had all talked fondly about their bass. And now I could hold my head up high and say to them, Yep!........I’ve done that.
Now I would be the first to add that, even though I class myself as a pretty good angler and know how to cast a lure, if it had not been for my expert guide Mark Shepard of Bass Online, I would not have had such outstanding results. Techniques required to fish for these channel bass were subtly different to that used back home in or tidal rivers and estuaries. His soft plastic rigging and hook placement was all new to me but nothing had prepared me for the next offering from Mark.
After landing about 20 or so bass each (that’s my mate John, guide and myself) Mark decided that we were “good enough” to go to the tiger country and fish the larger bass in the trees. Yes, I said IN THE TREES, and that’s exactly what we did. We cast weed-less, heavy craw dad patters right amongst the green overhanging branches and has bass crash them on impact with the water. Sometimes we had to leave the baitcaster in free spool and jig the lures down through the branches to the water level. But the results were the same……crash, bang, “I’m on someone would yell”. Then it was tug of war between and angry bass, green flexible branches, 60 lb brain and a heavy action rod………usually we won and the catch rates soared again. This was demanding fishing but the enjoyment factor was high I must add.
On my first ever bas fishing outing in the States I landed 44 bass to 7lb………I was stoked. How’s that for a beginner.
The second day saw us fish another set of channels called “Holiday Park”. These waters were a bit deeper and wider than the “Power Pole” country fished the day before and Mark reckoned we would catch larger specimens here – he was spot on.
We literally went flat our for 30ks (dodging dozens of alligators on the way) and then started fishing ….using the electric to position the boat we fished all day in one straight line – no worries about tides, current, wind etc. We just cast to the lilies, water weeds and backside vegetation. Amazing – back home we have to contend with 3 metres of tide, curving banks with constantly changing depth, and varying bank-side vegetation etc. This day was a real gem! We landed probably 15 bass between 6 – 8lb and saw heaps more larger fish that were just too lazy, or too well fed to show any interest in our offerings. Sometimes we cast to several fish clumped together under the broad lily pads, watch them cruise about totally ignoring our lures and have a more energetic specimen come from several metres away, crashing through the weeds to slam my floating frog lure like it was its last feed.
Sometimes the hooks would not grab, sometimes my timing was a bit astray, sometimes the fish was too cunning………but the catch rate climbed steadily and the day was one I will savor forever. We probably landed about 60 bass for the boat. Thank you Mark for two memorable days of “fishing heaven”.
The essence of my Florida trip was to spend quality time with my mate John Oatley. You see John used to live in Thailand, used to come to Cairns (Australia) quite regularly on recreation leave and as luck would have it, fished with me and his lovely wife Jennifer, on numerous occasions. We had built a rapport, a common understanding, shared a quality of life we enjoy, and of course we both loved out fishing. Now fishing is not only typified by the single minded pursuit of those scaly critters that inhabit waterways, its also about the enjoyment of sharing something we are passionate about with great company. John & Jen are great company and I always looked forward to there frequent visits.
When John retired back to his home on Sanibel Island I jumped at the chance to renew our friendship and to fish in “his own backyard”.
We did spend a couple of days chasing tarpon. I hooked up to a 100lb fish one morning on the sandy flats on the southern side of the Island but lost her right at the boat after a spirited 20 minute fight, five jumps and a 200 metre dash for freedom – all for the hook to fall out right at the boat. Oh well…….at least I had one on. The guide, Pat, tells me that he boated on average 4 tarpon per day shortly after my visit, but that’s fishing.
We spend a couple of days playing among the many mangrove lined bays and estuaries near his home. We tossed DOA’s and plastics for snook out on the flats for red fish, sea trout and lady fish etc but the snook were away spawning somewhere else. The red fish had moved offshore and the rest, well I had some fun on the light spin gear and saw some magic country with heaps of potential. Hell, I had to leave some challenges so that I could come back again. I hope its soon!
Oh by the way, I did manage to spend a few frustrating hours in the Bass Pro Shop at Fort Myers……..man, what a store. Why was I frustrated – well because we only had a couple of hours to shop (John had arranged for us to spend a lovely evening dining with his sister and brother-in-law) back on Sanibel and I was only getting started when John mentioned that we had better get going. The sheer size of this store, the product range and stock variety has to be seen to be believed. Every conceivable lure, plastic, jig, rod, reel and fishing tool, along with a superb range of clothing and fishing accessories was on display – and I only covered about ¼ of the area. I didn’t even get to see other parts of the store to even know what goodies laid on the shelves. Oh! Well……..I’ll be back (sorry Arnie).
Now if anyone wants to go to a boaties paradise, to visit a charming island situated off the balmy Florida coast, to stay in a condo right on the junction of a palm lined navigation channel and the calm open waters of the Florida flats, to fish for giant tarpon, snook and red fish OR get hooked up with one of the best bass fisherman in Florida (Yeah, I’m biased) then drop me a line……….have I got a deal for you.
Catch you on the water?
Regards, Les |
Capt K (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 03, 2005 - 2:19 pm: | |
Although the north end is severely changed after the past three hurricanes, Harney Pond is producing several large fish as well as the mouth of the canal. Mostly taken on Wacky Worms early in the AM |
Capt. Harry Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 07, 2002 - 12:47 am: | |
Subject: Fishin' Report, Lake Okeechobee, May 6, 2002
Fishin' Report
Lake Okeechobee
Florida Freshwater Fishing Report for:
Lake Okeechobee, Lake Istokpoga and Stick Marsh/Farm 13.
Updated: May 6, 2002
The Bass are on their summer feed and coming to the surface in low light conditions. Crappie/Specks are in the deeper water. The Mayan Cichlids are really feeding as the water gets warmer. Shellcrackers are hitting on both the full and new moon.
Give me a call or send an e-mail for your reservations. Get some suntan before you arrive, as it is getting pretty warm. See you soon.
Weather note:
Water temperature has been around 78 to 89 degrees f.
Having air temperature with lows of around 70 with days of 93.
The big lake is just under 13.0 feet above sea level. Make sure you know the water when driving your boat. There are a lot of shoals in what looks like open water.
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 minnows drifted in open water and around the edges 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:
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’.
Since the recent spraying to kill all the veggies in the Stick Marsh, the Bass hit is slow. The water is a putrid yellow tan color. You need to wait till the water clears up before fishing the Stick Marsh
Mayan Cichlids:
We are catching these imports averaging one pound and bringing home 125 to 150 per trip. We are catching 450 to 500 per trip. They are also great eating and are great fighters.
Fun on the water: The Campbell brothers, Bob and Mark, Tom Steele And Gary Muncey with a bonanza Mayan Cichlid run, Derick and Rick with Bass to 7 lbs., Pete Harbin and his Son-in-law Hans with another great Mayan run.
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/ |
Hawghunter Guide Servic
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 06, 2002 - 10:15 pm: | |
Subject: Okeechobee Bassin'
On Sunday, it was a great day for Mark Escobar of Hollywood, FL. We fished the Southland of the Lake near Grassy Island. As soon as we arrived the action was steady, throwing Flappin' Shads over the grass. Most of the bass were in the 2-3 LB range, they were hitting the bait with force. Once the sun came up the action slower up, catching one every now and then. Trying other bait such as spinnerbait, spooks and worms, nothing seem to work, once we pick up the Flappin' Shad we would put another one in the boat. Then it happened, Mark made a long cast near a clump of grass, with one turn of the handle she exploded on the Flappin Shad. Mark expressing this feels like a bigger fish. After about 5mins. of getting caught up in the weed and making 3 runs under the boat, she finally surface enough to slip the net under this Okeechobee "HAWG." Looking at the picture you would think this is a new record, but she weigh-in at just 9lb. What a thrill catching a 9lb. monster bass on a top water Flappin Shad. Give "The Hawghunter" a call on your next fishing trip to Lake Okeechobee. Good Fishin', Capt. Frank Carbone
Hawg Hunter Guide Service
|
Capt. Harry Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 01, 2002 - 7:06 pm: | |
Fishin' Report
Lake Okeechobee
Florida Freshwater Fishing Report for:
Lake Okeechobee, Lake Istokpoga and Stick Marsh/Farm 13.
Updated: April 1, 2002
The Bass are really hitting and that is every time out. There are tons of big Crappie/Specks . Now the Mayan Cichlids are in the mood to eat. Shellcrackers are starting to hit.
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 81 degrees f.
Having air temperature with lows of around 64 with days of 85.
The big lake is just under 14.0 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’.
Since the recent spraying to kill all the veggies in the Stick Marsh, the Bass hit is slow. The water is a putrid yellow tan color. You need to wait till the water clears up before fishing the Stick Marsh
Mayan Cichlids:
We are catching these imports averaging one pound and bringing home 125 to 150 per trip. We are catching 250 to 400 per trip. They are also great eating and are great fighters.
Fun on the water this week: Becky Harrison and Momma Betty for a great Mayan run and Larry Swindle and Scot Ludick for some good Bass on Okeechobee but a tough hit day on the Stick Marsh
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/
--------------
Fishin' Report
Lake Okeechobee
Florida Freshwater Fishing Report for:
Lake Okeechobee, Lake Istokpoga and Stick Marsh/Farm 13.
Updated: Mar. 25, 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. Shellcrackers are starting to hit.
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 81 degrees f.
Having air temperature with lows of around 64 with days of 85.
The big lake is around 14.0 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: David Sanders for Bass and the Mayans, Rudy From Montreal, Capt. Mike Carroll’s group from Alcoa Aluminum, Doe Ellis and ‘The Sheik’, plus Johnny Johnson and Louis and Len for a bunch of Mayans.
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/ |
Capt. Harry Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | 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/ |
Capt. Harry Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 2:27 am: | |
Fishin' Report
Lake Okeechobee
Florida Freshwater Fishing Report for:
Lake Okeechobee, Lake Istokpoga and Stick Marsh/Farm 13.
Updated: Jan. 26, 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 68 to 76 degrees f.
Having air temperature with lows of around 70 with days of 85.
The big lake is still around 14.7 feet above sea level however we have had very little rain for a long time.
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.
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.
The Bass are really on a feed in the Stick Marsh and the water is really high.
The specks are hitting in the Stick Marsh. Try the deep channels for these fine-eating scrappers.
Fun on the water this week: Gene, Scotty, Jim, Dr. Markovitch and son-in-law Mark, plus Tommy and Mandy with the birthday guy, Buddy.
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/ |
Hawhunter Guide Service
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 07, 2002 - 10:21 am: | |
Subject: Lake Okeechobee & Stick marsh
THE STICK MARSH
Today I took out repeat costomers Bruce & Diane Jezek of Maryland and friend and business assoicate of theirs Scott Gotoff from Melbourne. The fishing was a little tough on the Marsh on Tuesday,with the high pressure, bluebird skys, and nil to no breeze. We started out on the SW corner on the Farm where we found all the boats,but no rods bending. After an hour went by Diane caught the first 2lb. bass on a worm. With only seeing one other boat catching a fish I decide to move around to find what I came here for. Finally, we started to work the East/West canal from the spillway to the fishermans hut. The first 100 yds. with no bites ,I decided to try something with some more action the Flappin Shad within a few cast, caught a nice 3.5lb. bass less then 5min.. later landed a 7.4lb. then Bruce hit 1 then Diane and missimg another over 5lb. After the third pass and arm tired Diane decide to sit back an fling a shiner behind the boat along the hydrilla and landing a nice 4lb. bass. With time running out and 1/2 of the shiner left they crew wanted to anchor up relax, and shiner fish, so back to the SW corner we went. Within a short time Scott, not realizing he had one on, thinking he was just stuck on some grass, set up as told, the bent over like a horse shoe, and after a nice fight landed the big fish of the day a 7.7lber to end a great day . The total fish caught today was only 9, but two of them were 7 lbers and about 8-10 misses. "TheHawghunter" also guides Lake Okeechobee, The Everglades, and Miami for The Peacock Bass the hardest fighting bass from the Amazon. Visit my site for more information www.Hawghunterguideservice.com Good Fishin', Capt. Frank Carbone
Lake Okeechobee
Talk about Lady Luck, Kathy and Burl Scherler from Colorado,went out on their first Largemouth Bass trip, and Kathy started out on the right foot. We headed out on the North end of the lake, throwing, whatelse, Flappin Shads. After about an hour of casting, Kathy, shouts out OH! I got one, me thinking she's just hung up on some eel grass, until this nice 6lb. largemouth came busting out of the water. The Colorado couple had a great day caught some fish, took a lot of nice pictures and it was just a beautiful day on the water. The nices part of meeting these people was that they invited me as their guest on their 4,000 acre farm for some pheasent hunting and fishing for rainbow trout in the streams this fall.I think there was a catch to this, they also wanted to teach me to run a carbind,so I could harvest a field while I'm staying with them,"only kidding". Fun! that's what it's all about, so come out for some of what your missing,Call "The Hawghunter" for next trip to sunny florida this winter and get out of the cold. good Fishin', Capt. Frank Carbone
|
Hawghunter
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 13, 2002 - 11:52 pm: | |
Subject: Okeechobee largemouth
On Saturday, we started out on the southside of the Lake.The day started out on a wrong note,losing a 6lb.bass after a short fight on a Flappin Shad. It wasn't till about 11am before we put the first fish in the boat. I moved into Pelican Bay where the action started, noticing that the bass weren't chasing a fast moving bait I switched to a fluke and dead dropping into the holes triggering the strikes.The fish today were caught on Flappin Shads , Flukes, & Trick worms. After moving all around the southside of the Lake and a hard day of fish we ended up with 13 bass upto 7lbs. Chuck Westlake caught his big fish on a zoom trick worm. The top water action is still the ticket right now. So if your interested in a fine day on the water give "The Hawghunter", a call. Good Fishin' Capt.Frank Carbone
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"THE HAWGHUNTER"
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 22, 2001 - 11:48 pm: | |
Subject: Okeechobee topwater style
The top water action continues to improve as the weather gets a little cooler. The bass are more active, and hitting the bait hard. The most productive bait still remains the Flappin Shad & Super Flukes as a fallow up to the explosion if the bass should happen to miss the Flapper. It seems to be a mourning bite then steady through out the day and then again early afternoon. Scott had a very productive day using this method, boating over 15 bass up to 4.5 lb. If your down for the hoilday give "The Hawghunter" a call and join in on the fun and see why Okeechobee is considered "The Bass Captial of the World". Good Fishin' Cpat. Frank Carbone
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Hawghunter Guide Servic
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 - 12:39 am: | |
Subject: Okeechobee Bassin'
Date Fished: 12/9/01
Water Temperature: 72
Water Clarity: 2-3 feet
It was a beautiful weekend for fishing, on Saturday I was weigh master for a open team tournament with 39 boats. There were 19 limits 387lb. of bass and a winning bag of 23.61 lbs. with a big bass of 6.30lb. The avarage bass weighed in was 3lb.When asked, what the bass were caught on the majority said a top water soft bait called a Flappin Shad by Gambler(my favorite).For the most, the bass were very aggressive but wouldn't eat, the explosion were forceful,but the odds were 1-4 in the boat. I found that after they missed the flapper I would fallow with a worm or fluke,that they would eat. Most of the fish were caught on the south end of the lake.
On Sunday the Lake was flat,the weather beautiful and a light north wind, a perfect day.I headed out to a different location to find better results. Once there my partner struck first with a nice 4lb. on a,what else,Flappin Shad. We had a big bass over 6lb. that hit on a scum frog that I threw on top of a boil. I just let it sit, waited 5-10 seconds I saw her under the bait,one twitch and she was mine. There were a lot more big bass to be caught in this location, I feel when they settle down to spawn in the next few weeks they'll eat and I'll be there. Hawghunter Guide Service guides 7 days a week. Take advantage of the spawning season,NOW. Good Fishin' Capt. Frank Carbone
Hawg Hunter Guide Service
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Capt. Harry Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 07, 2001 - 11:55 pm: | |
Subject: Fishin' Report - Lake Okeechobee
Please note the new Toll Free Phone #. 877 525-7380
Fishin' Report
Lake Okeechobee
Florida Freshwater Fishing Report for:
Lake Okeechobee, Lake Istokpoga and Stick Marsh/Farm 13.
Updated: Dec. 7, 2001.
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.
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 71 to 76 degrees f.
Having air temperature with lows of around 68 f with days of 79 to 82.
The big lake is still around 14.9 feet above sea level however we have had virtually no rain for a long time.
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.
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.
The Bass are really on a feed in the Stick Marsh and the water is really high.
The specks are hitting in the Stick Marsh. Try the deep channels for these fine-eating scrappers.
Fun on the water this week: Bill and Chuck for Specks and then Bill and Luanne for more Specks. Then came the Barney Gang with 76 Bass in a two-boat group that included Capt Doyle. All fish were released.
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/ |
Hawghunter Guide Servic
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 24, 2001 - 8:25 pm: | |
Subject: Lake Okeechobee Largemouth
Water Temperature: 72
Water Clarity: 2-3 feet
What! a beautiful day for fishing today was. Clear skys with an occasional cloud 5-10 mph breeze 75 degrees and catching fish. Today I had the pleasure fishing with Gary Ekburg and Jim Morris from Ill. both have had some great trips in the past Peacock's in Miami over 100 fish day in The Everglades and now their first trip to Okeechobee. With an east wind I decided to fish the south end of the Lake.We started out at the top of Long Point,Gary and I were throwing topwater & spinners baits, Gary struck first with a nice hit on the spinnerbait then I landed two on old faithful (Flappin Shad). Jimbo at the time was fishing shiners and hooked up three fish biggest being 4lb. We then moved over to Pelican Bay were the action continued, all three were flinging Flappin Shads.Then the wind picked up so we headed for some cover in Bay Bottom and drifted to Grassey Island plowing through the thick cover where the fish were, blow up after expolsion,just can't beat a top water bite.By the end of the day the boys and I had over 30 strikes and a great day nothing big today, but a lot of solid Bass caught. So If your coming down for the Holidays give "The Hawghunter" a call for your next Lake Okeechobee trip. Good Fishin' Capt. Frank Carbone.
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Hawghunter
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2001 - 9:31 pm: | |
Subject: Lake okeechobee Largemouth
The fishing on the Lake has been great the last few months.Today I had a club tournament, but with the winds being 20+ mph made thing a little tough.The members caught fish,nothing of size, most fish were in the 2-3 lb. range. We fish the south end of the lake in bay bottom, long point and winnies cove.The fish were scatter and you had to move around a lot to pick up few in each spot.Most of the Bass were caught on Top water jerk baits ( Flappin Shads by Gambler) spinner baits and worms. So if you interested in some top water action Okeechobee is the spot.Good Fishin',"TheHawghunter"
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Capt. Harry Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2001 - 1:34 am: | |
Subject: Fishing Report - Lake Okeechobee
Please note the new Toll Free Phone #. 877 525-7380
Fishin' Report
Lake Okeechobee
Florida Freshwater Fishing Report for:
Lake Okeechobee, Lake Istokpoga and Stick Marsh/Farm 13.
Updated: Nov. 19, 2001.
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.
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 77 degrees f.
Having a low of around 60 f with days of 75 to 82 air temperatures.
The big lake is still around 14.9 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.
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.
'Gails Bait Pail' on hwy 441 south in Okeechobee has a great selection of fishing supplies and live bait. If you like a smile with your service make this your last stop before hitting the water.
Lake Istokpoga and the Stick Marsh:
Water in both reservoirs is back up to a useable level. Use caution while boating.
The Bass are really on a feed in the Stick Marsh and the water is really high.
The specks are hitting in the Stick Marsh. Try the deep channels for these fine-eating scrappers.
Fun on the water this week: Jim Martin with a fine Speck run and also a good Bream trip. Have trips planned for the greater Orlando area later this week.
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/
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Please note the new Toll Free Phone #. 877 525-7380
Fishin' Report
Lake Okeechobee
Florida Freshwater Fishing Report for:
Lake Okeechobee, Lake Istokpoga and Stick Marsh/Farm 13.
Updated: Nov. 10, 2001.
Like I’ve been saying, we are really tearing up the Bass as was proved again yesterday by long time Bass fisherman Bob Barney. He boated 29 Bass including a 24” 8#er and a 26” 10#er. All were released but the memories will last forever. This was the same Bass hole that Becky and her mom Betty caught the Bass in last week.
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 a low of around 60 f with days of 75 to 82 air temperatures.
The big lake is around 14.9 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.
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.
The Bass are really on a feed in the Stick Marsh and the water is really high.
The specks are hitting in the Stick Marsh. Try the deep channels for these fine-eating scrappers.
Fun on the water this week: Bob Barney with both a bunch and some really big Bass. The fish were caught in Capt. Doyle’s hole.
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/ |
Capt. Harry Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 08, 2001 - 11:41 pm: | |
Subject: Fishin' Report, Lake Okeechobee, Nov 6, 2001
Please note the new Toll Free Phone #.
Fishin' Report
Lake Okeechobee
Florida Freshwater Fishing Report for:
Lake Okeechobee, Lake Istokpoga and Stick Marsh/Farm 13.
Updated: Nov. 6, 2001.
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 75 degrees f.
Having a low of around 60 f with days of 75 to 82 air temperatures.
The big lake is around 14.8 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. Having a low of around 60 f with days of 75 to 82
Lake Okeechobee:
An airboat ride shows a few holes of 3-foot depth in the greater Moonshine area but there are no trails to get to the holes yet.
Specks are hitting both Jigs and minnows in the grass all over the big lake.
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. Go with top water in low light conditions and then green glitter worms and deep diving 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. The new cold front has the fish moving and the hole you catch fish in one day may not produce the next. 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.
The Bass are really on a feed in the Stick Marsh and the water is really high.
The specks are hitting in the Stick Marsh. Try the deep channels for these fine-eating scrappers.
Fun on the water this week: Becky Harrison and her fishergal mom, Betty with Bass to 8#. Bass are busting the Shiners at the Stick Marsh. John and Jackie plus the Steele’s, Tom and Twyla, from Ft. Wayne were in for a very nice pan fish run.
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/ |
Hawhhunter
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 03, 2001 - 12:16 am: | |
Subject: Okeechobee Bassin'
THE LAKE IS BACK and the fishing is great.Today I had taken out Jim & Lauren Adams from Ohio.Last winter Jim and his son was out with "The Hawghunter" for some Peacock Bass fishing, this time it was off to Okeechobee for the Largemouth. This was one of those late afternoon trips I often talk about which enables us to take advantage of that late bite as we did last time Jim was down.Lauren was fishing shiners while Jim & I were throwing topwater. The day started out a little slow with no wind in Pelican,so I decides to round the point to pick up a breeze and also the fishing.While Lauren bent her pole a few time,Jim had most of the action on "Old Faithful" Gambler's Flappin Shad. After the storm forced us go in for an hour, we back on the Lake by 6pm. At about 6:30 Jim was crushed by a 7.3lb Okeechobee Hawg on a Flappin Shad.Which had made for a memorable trip for Jim & his wife Lauren she's hooked and will be back in Feb. to beat Jim's 7.3. The couple were both amazed how hard these bass were hitting and how exciting a topwater bite is. So if your ready for an Okeechobee trip give "The Hawghunter" a call Good Fishin' Capt. Frank
Hawg Hunter Guide Service
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