Professional Angler:

Fishing the BASS WBT and Guiding on Lake Okeechobee

 

Lake Okeechobee Professional Guide Service:

 

Professional Guide, Angie Douthit, when not traveling on Tour,

she is guiding anglers on the waters of Lake Okeechobee. World famous for the quality of the bass fishing, Okeechobee is an expanse  of water covering 735 square miles.  When most anglers see this small ocean for the first time, they are immediately notice that it all looks the same. Needless to say, that is not true in the case of the huge bass that ply the waters in search of golden shiners or other baits. The fish select certain areas of the lake, based on season and weather conditions. In order to have the trip of a lifetime, a professional guide can save you days of wandering around just looking for that secret area.

 

Angie loves the sport of bass fishing and even more, loves to help others to learn how much fun it can be. Whether its artificial lures or live-bait used, Angie will see to it that you have a great day on the water. Check out these happy clients.

 

 

Contact Information

Captain Angie Douthit's Telephone: 


Home: 863-902-9471
Cell:
863-228-7263
Backup Cell Phone:  863-228-0347
Fax: 863-963-2514

 

E-mail Captain Angie here:

angie@southfloridabassfishing.com

or

douthita@embarqmail.com

 

 

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report

by Captain Angie Douthit

Check out Capt. Angie's Lake Okeechobee fishing report in the "Outdoor Florida" free monthly magazine.

 

Angie also does a call in radio show for the Reel Animal Fishing Show

 

 

August 18th, 2008

 

Lake Okeechobee (south-end) fishing report submitted to the “Outdoor Florida” monthly magazine for September, 2008 by Capt. Angie Douthit.

 

The current Lake Okeechobee water is 11.26 ft.  Tropical storm Fay is heading our way and should add another couple inches (if not more) to the already rising lake level which is great news because we are still on the low side of catching up to our normal water level for this time of year.

The pan fish anglers are still catching some bluegill on and around the beds during the full and new moon phases.  The lure of choice seems to be the beetle spin in yellow w/ black and live crickets.  Some areas to try on the south-end of Okeechobee are:  Observation Island (middle to north-end); East wall/Coot bay area; West wall, Bare beach (channel) and along the Clewiston channel (spoil islands) going out into the lake.  Bass fishing on the big O has been good early in the morning but as the day progresses and the temperature heats up the bite can slow way down and mixed with no wind, can be a challenge at times.  When booking guide trips this time of year (especially July/August months), I mention to my customers, this is the best time to take advantage of both the morning and late afternoon bite and won’t have to experience the intense sun and humidity and still enjoy our day on the water and get a full-day of fishing in. 

As the water level keeps rising, we’re able to reach some areas of the south-end that have GRASS which we haven’t been able to do for quite some time and gives me the feeling of being on a whole different lake…..but this is a good thing J and gives us anglers something new to look at and fish.

On the south-end of Okeechobee you may want to try these areas that are easily accessible to everyone wanting to enjoy a day of bass fishing:  The rocks along the Clewiston channel; East wall/Coot bay area; Uncle Joe’s cut and ditch (runs out into the lake) and Bare beach ditch.  If you’re not familiar with running the lake, these areas are the safest to reach and are fishable.  There are other places on the south-end that are producing but I do not recommend anyone running to these areas despite the water level slowly rising unless you have knowledge of the lake and how to run it.  If you want to fish these other areas of the lake and experience some grass fishing, I would be happy to be your professional/knowledgeable guide for the day.

Here are some lures to take with you next time your out on the big O.  For the morning bite, try tying on a Zara spook (with rattles) in colors either bluegill, shad, clear/w lemon back.  A slow rolling buzz bait with skirt colors in white or black will work, as well as a Rapala skitter prop in shad worked very slowly.  I’ve also had success lately with a Lonnie Stanley ribbit in colors watermelon red and white.  As the morning bite slows and the sun continues to get hotter, you’ll want to slow your presentation way down, especially if there is no wind present.  When this happens, I down-size in line and weight but stick to the bigger baits, like a Gene Larew 11” worm in colors red shad, june bug and watermelon.  Keep in mind that the bluegill are still bedding at times, so I keep a rod rigged with a tube tied on, usually in colors, pumpkin pepper/chartreuse or watermelon/w green flake, both are rigged with no more than an 1/8 oz. weight and 12 lb. BPS fluorocarbon line.  I’ve also been using a Gene Larew floating lizard lately in your basic colors such as:  greens; red shads and june bug.

When the schoolies show themselves, I’ll reach for my Rapala Original floater F13 or F11 in colors bleeding olive shiner or shad, twitch the lure once and they’ve got it.

I hope this information will help you to have an enjoyable day on the water.

Remember, be safe, have fun and always be respectful of your fellow boaters.

For all your travel needs at a discounted price, check out www.NetTrav.com/fl

To contact Angie call 863-228-7263 or email her at angie@southfloridabassfishing.com

Capt. Angie’s sponsors include:  Storm boats, Mercury marine, Motor Guide, Bass Pro Shops, Gene Larew soft plastics, Rapala, Bob’s Hi-Performance Machine Shop, Real Magic, Trilene and Navionics.

   

 

 

 

July 15th, 2008

Despite the almost daily afternoon rain showers south Florida has been receiving, the current Lake Okeechobee water level has remained around 10.00 ft., which is still 4-5 ft. below what it should be for this time of year.

For the pan fish anglers, the bluegill are still spawning around the full and new moon phrases and beds can be found out on the south-end of the lake in areas such as:  Bare Beach; East Wall (Pipeline area); Uncle Joes; Observation shoal; and parts of the West Wall area.

The good old Beetle Spin in colors chartreuse and yellow/black has always worked well for me.  I rig my Spin with Trilene 4lb test on a Bass Pro Shops Bill Dance pan fish combo.

For bass fishing, the same areas as for pan fish have been producing some quality catches mixed in with some big ones as well.  For the morning bite, I’ve had the best success throwing a Zara Spook in colors: clear and bluegill.  If its crank’n you like I’ve caught them on lipless crank bait in colors: green shiner, chrome/w blue back and blue shiner.

Rapala’s new DT Fat Sure Set (rigged with 2 VMC red hooks) and Fat series (more aggressive wobble) works well and both will run in depths ranging from 3”- 3ft.

Finesse fishing lately has really been producing both quality/quantity bass.  My finesse tackle consist of the Johnny Morris Elite 7ft. medium rod and Johnny Morris Elite bait cast reel or a Johnny Morris 7ft. spinning rod/reel combo.  My line of choice is Bass Pro Shops 10lb test Fluorocarbon rigged with a 3/16 or 1/8 oz. Bass Pro Shops round jig head.  For lure selection I like Gene Larew’s 5” Salty head shaky worm and Zoom’s finesse-style worms.  When choosing colors, I stick with the basics like:  June bug, black, red shad and watermelon w/red flake.

The big O has always been a big worm lake and my favorite #1 go-to lure has been the Gene Larew 11’ salty snake in colors: red shad, June bug and watermelon, depending on water clarity and cloud cover.

While fishing out on the lake, I always keep a rod/reel handy rigged with a mojo weight, which you can find them at your local Bass Pro Shop store.  This is nothing more than a skinny version of a Carolina rig.  It’s quick and easy and it requires no swivel.  Just slide the weight to the depth you want, peg it with a rubber stopper, tie your hook to the end and rig it with your favorite finesse-style lure. 

I hope this information will help you to have an enjoyable day on the water.

Remember, be safe, have fun and always be respectful of your fellow boaters.

For all your travel needs at a discounted price, check out www.NetTrav.com/fl

To contact Angie call 863-228-7263 or email her at angie@southfloridabassfishing.com

Capt. Angie’s sponsors include:  Storm boats, Mercury marine, Motor Guide, Bass Pro Shops, Gene Larew soft plastics, Rapala, Bob’s Hi-Performance Machine Shop, Real Magic, Trilene, Navionics, and Gambler.

 

 

 

 

 

March12th, 2008

Lake Okeechobee (south-end) fishing report submitted to the “Outdoor Florida” monthly magazine for April, 2008 by Capt. Angie Douthit.

 

The water level on Okeechobee has remained around the 10 ft. above sea level mark for the past months and is currently 10.16.

As a bass fishing guide on Lake Okeechobee, I’m constantly being asked by customers, “just how low is the lake for this time of year”….approx. 5 ft. and “will the lake eventually recover” ? 

My answer to these questions is very positive, and yes, I truly believe that Lake Okeechobee will recover and we’ll begin to see more vegetation and a stable, desirable lake level to meet a “happy medium” for everyone.

If you’re planning a day on the water, be sure to stop by Jolly Roger Marina in Clewiston for all your supplies and live-bait. 

Bass fishing on the big O has been excellent on wild-shiners and artificial lures. 

Some lures to keep handy in your boat next time your out fishing is a shad pattern Zara spook jr. and super spook; Rapala’s skitter-prop and Gene Larew’s three-legged frog in colors, black and watermelon pepper.  When the cooler air temp’s arrive from time-to-time be sure to keep a Rapala Husky Jerk close at hand which has produced some very good quality bass.

Other lures I’ve had success with has been Rapala’s 4, 6, and 10ft. DT series crank baits.  I stay with the shad, bass and chartreuse colors and switch according to the sky conditions.  If finesse style fishing is what you like, then the drop-shot and mojo rig will produce both quality/quantity.  Some great baits for finesse fishing are the centipede styles, trick worms and small craws in colors, june bug, red shad and watermelon.

It’s still our spawn time here on the big O, so with that in mind be sure to throw some tubes and lizards in your boat.  Gene Larew soft plastics at www.genelarew.com  makes an awesome “floating lizard” which comes in a wide variety of colors and offers a little different presentation. 

The rim canal area is “still” the hottest area to fish on the big O which has humps, drop-offs, points, ledges, rock, etc.  If you have the opportunity to fish the lake stay with the areas that you are confident in running/fishing for safety purposes.

During the recent annual Bass Pro Spring Fishing Classic held at the Dania Beach, Fl. location, I was asked to talk about the reasons/importance of knowing how to choose the correct rod/reel combination.  As I’ve mentioned in my previous articles, “in order to get the most out of your day on the water”, having the right equipment can be the difference between a so-so day vs. a great day.  If your not sure as to “what works best for the specific style of fishing that you’ll be doing I would be more than happy to answer any emails with questions.

The pan fish anglers are still catching good quality crappie and with the now-and-then cooler temperatures helps to kick it up a notch.  The choice of most anglers is live-minnows and jigs.

With April fast approaching, I’d like to take a moment and mention to all the women angler’s out there to check out the www.bassmaster.com/wbt website.  If you want to experience some top-quality tournament angling either as a boater or non-boater, what better way to get started than fishing BASS.  The 2008 season is composed of 5 tournaments which kick-off in early April in Texas.  For more information on these events check out the website or by calling 407-566-2277 and ask for the WBT department.

To contact Capt. Angie Douthit you can log onto www.southfloridabassfishing.com or by calling 863-228-7263

Until next time, be safe and kind to your fellow boaters.

Angie’s sponsors include:  Mercury Marine, Motor Guide, Bob’s Hi-Performance Machine Shop (Bob’s Jack plate), Navionics, Bass Pro Shop, Gene Larew, Rapala, Real Magic, Gambler lures, Trilene and Mega Strike.

 

 

February 18th, 2008

 

The current water level on Lake Okeechobee is 9.98 ft. above sea level.  Because the water level has been hovering around the 10 ft. mark for the past few months, the rim canal has been very busy with both pan/bass anglers along with some rented pontoon boats from Jolly Roger marina in Clewiston.

The pan fish anglers have been getting some great catches both in size and quantity, stemming from Sportsman’s canal all the way towards Pahokee, especially with the occasional cold front that passes through from time to time.  Choice of bait is live-minnows but artificial lures like the Bobby Garland soft plastic 2” baby shad in Bluegrass (LAM) or Cajun cricket and a 2” & 3” Slab Slay’r in Electric Chicken have been produced quite well.  These and bass lures can be viewed and purchased at www.genelarew.com or 1-800-yes-salt.

Here’s a question for the bass anglers that have some knowledge of real estate.  I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Location, Location, Location”.  Well, a somewhat similar term applies here on the big O.  For example, “Rim canal, Rim canal, Rim canal” especially as evidence from a recent major bass fishing event that stopped and fished the big O, “one of the country’s best fisheries” just a few weeks ago.

Yes, the rim canal area has been producing some awesome fishing lately, and for those of you who like the safety factor of finding some deeper water, that’s great news.  Along with the canal fishing of late, let’s not forgot what actually put the “big waters” on the map, the lake itself.  After the occasional cold front passes from time to time and wind dies down and settles the water clarity, if you truly know your body of water, you will experience a great day of fishing and you’ll probably have it all to yourself.  If you’re launching from the Clewiston city ramp, here are some areas to try:  the channel itself that runs out into the lake which has rock on both sides; Coot bay, which has been referred to lately as the pipeline area; East wall; Point of Kreamer Island; outside area of Pelican bay and Uncle Joe’s ditch.

For the morning bite, try your technique and “walk the dog” with a Zara super spook Jr. in colors, black shiner or bone.  After the morning bite slows, my favorite has been the trusty old favorite, the worm.  Gene Larew makes a great 11” salty snake floating worm, colors to try are the red shad (LAM) and black blue.  I’ve also had success with their new 12” El Salto Grande in jalapeņo pepper.  For finesse style fishing try throwing Gambler’s Giggy head rigged with the bumble bee colored floating worm or sweebo in pepper grass for clearer colored water and red bug in off-colored.  If crank’n  is your go to lure, Rapala has come out with some great shallow running lures, like the DT Fat SureSet Series rigged with VMC hooks and the aggressive wobble and square lip of the DT Fat Series.  Stick with your shad colors on clearer sky days and chartreuse colors on over-cast, cloudier days.

For line choice, I’m a big fan of Fluorocarbon and Bass Pro makes a great one with their XPS line for performance and price.  I use Fluorocarbon mainly for slower presentations like worming, Carolina rigging and jigging.  I do however use a Monofilament line for crank’n and top water such as Trilene XL smooth casting ranging from 8lb-17lb test.  

For all the women anglers out there who want to put their skills to test, check out the BASS website at www.bassmaster.com and look for the WBT (women’s bass master tour).  Once there, you’ll find all the information you need to sign up either as a boater or non-boater.  The season kicks off in early April at Lake Lewisville, Texas.  This upcoming season is one you don’t want to miss out on because the top female angler at years-end will earn a spot in the 2009 Bass master Classic!  How cool is that.

Until next time, be safe, have fun and be courteous to your fellow boaters.

As a current touring professional angler and Lake Okeechobee guide, sponsors play a very important role, without them I could not enjoy doing what I love most, which is FISHING.  My sponsors include:  Mercury Marine, Motor Guide, Bob’s Hi-Performance Machine Shop; Bass Pro Shops; Gene Larew Soft Plastics; Rapala; Navionics; Mega Strike; Trilene; Sure Life and Real Magic.

To contact Capt. Angie for a great day of fishing on the big O call 863-228-7263 or log onto www.southfloridabassfishing.com and send her an email at angie@southfloridabassfishing.com

 

 

December 26th, 2007

 

Lake Okeechobee water level is now 10.27 ft. above sea level.  Fishing has been great in both quality and quantity and the water temp. has been ranging from 66-70 degrees.  With the temp. hovering around the magic number of 68...the big females will constantly be on the move throughout the winter and into the early spring months.  The crappie bite has been good mixed in with some bigger ones.  The rim canal from South Bay to Moore Haven has been a favorite area lately as well as the Kissimmee river.  Tube jibs and live minnows have been working the best.
Areas on Okeechobee to try for bass are the rim canal (same areas as for crappie); dynamite holes on the lower-end; the waterway channel leading into the lake from Clewiston is still producing; the flats located on the east wall/coot bay; Norman's channel and Pelican bay area; Uncle Joe's cut leading out to the lake and Horney pond canal.
You can get an early morning bite on Buzz baits (work real slow) such as the Cavitron Buzz bait, the Zara Spook Jr. in white or shad colors and a Rapala Skitter Pop in shad.
As the morning bite slows down I switch to a search bait for the roaming big females moving in to spawn and schoolies.  A lure that always works for me is the Spro Aruka Shad lipless crankbait in Green shiner.  A Mann's baby minus -1 is shad or chartreuse works great (depending on water clarity) in 1-2 ft.  Switching to a mid-running crankbait such as the Rapala DT 6 in shad or bluegill for deeper crankin' areas works well.  As the day continues, I also throw a mojo rig, rigged with any finesse type bait (small senko or french fry) in the watermelon red and junebug colors.  An 11"inch red shad Gene Larew worm will work, as well as a Grape colored Producto worm on a Giggy head.
These particular lures have produced some quantity/quality bites.
As always, be safe, have fun and be courteous to your fellow boaters !!
Bass Wishes,

Capt. Angie

 

 

 

November 24th, 2007

The Lake Okeechobee lake level is maintaining at around 10.32 ft. above sea level.  Since the Florida rain season is now over, talks of starting to conserve the water are now being discussed (especially) southern Florida residences as mentioned in the Palm Beach Post.
Despite still low lake conditions, I'm seeing more boat activity in areas of the lake that haven't been fished since (almost) last year.  Just recently, I've been fishing the shoal and monkey box areas and have been finding bass in both places. Another area is Pelican bay and Norman's channel.
Some old favorites to try are the dynamite holes around the Clewiston and South bay area.  The rim canal itself and Pahokee rocks area is always a good place to fish especially when the wind kicks up.  Uncle Joe's cut on both ends are producing as well as the spoil islands going out Uncle Joe's into the lake.
Sportsman's cut/canal area is a good one to fish if your in the Lakeport area. 
If your on the north-end and your not sure as to where you can run and be safe, the Kissimmee river is always an option, once there you can find the crappie bite.  Harney Pond is starting to see quite a few crappie anglers as well.
Here are the lures that I've had success with:  For shallow-running cranking'; Mann's baby -1 in shad or chartreuse (depending on water clarity).  For mid-running cranking'; Rapala DT 4-6 ft. firetiger, bluegill or shad colors.  Carolina-rig for rim canal or dynamite hole fishing OR mojo-rig for shallower areas; try lizards, worms and flukes in the watermelon and junebug colors.  For top-water action try the Zara spook Jr. in shad or the Rapala pop-r.  A slow running buzzbait like the Cavitron will catch em' too.  I always catch bass on a worm, sometimes I mix it up between an 8 inch. or 11 inch. depending on weather conditions.  I stick to the old favorite colors such as the red shad's, junebugs and watermelon colors.  Since the cooler temp's are upon us and spawn time starting to kick up, I always keep my Smithwick jerkbait rigged and ready to go.
*All the above areas I've mentioned in my lake report can be accessed by everyone and safely.  If there is an area you'd like to fish but your not sure how to run it or even if its fishable/reachable, ask someone who you know for sure spends quality time on the lake !!
As always, be safe and courteous to your fellow boaters !!
 
Capt. Angie
 

 

 

October 26th, 2007

The big O lake level is now 10.23 ft.  With the rainy season almost to an end and with concerns regarding the levee that encircles the entire lake don't expect the water level to continue to rise much. 
Here's some areas that are reachable/fishable on the lake at this time:  Starting with the north-end area; you have access to the ramp at Okeechobee and can fish the Kissimmee river which contains humps, points and cuts.  Lures to use are the 10"inch junebug Gene Larew or Gambler worm; a Rapala DT 6 crankbait in bluegill or firetiger; carolina-rig a 10" worm or lizard (pumpkin pepper/chartreuse tail).
Taylor creek on the north-east side has been producing lately.  This channel contains some humps, points and a few flats.  Lures used are the same as for the Kissimmee river.  I have had some success with an early morning topwater bit in Taylor creek using a Rapala pop-r in a shad color and a Spook Jr. color perch.
If your fishing the south-end of the lake (Clewiston area) you can always catch fish in the channel.  Try throwing a shad colored jerk-bait such as a Rapala F-13.  A Mann's -1 in chartreuse works well on top of the reef area.  Keep your eyes/ears open for schooling bass.  The dynamite holes on the south-end are still producing bass along with an occasional catfish or two.  The rim canal itself contains rock piles (around the channel markers) and humps.  Just watch your depth finder and fish these areas with a mid-running crankbait or Carolina rig.
The east-side of the lake (Pelican Bay area) is starting to produce but I highly recommend running the rim canal to this particular area.  Once inside Pelican, if your not sure as to the depth....idle !! 
As always, be safe and show courtesy to fellow boaters !!
Bass Wishes, Capt. Angie Douthit

 

 

 

Sept 26, 2007

The water level is slowly rising on the big O and is just over 9.7 ft.  The areas on the lake that are reachable (safely) is the rim canal itself and some parts of the canal have deeper holes and rock piles.  A good place to try cranking a Spro lipless Aruka Shad in Blue Shiner are the channel markers themselves.  Once you find a deeper hole within the rim canal try Carolina Rigging a Gambler 10' junebug worm or Gene Larew black floating lizard.
The channel leading out into the lake via Clewiston lock always holds fish on both sides.  Early in the morning throw a Spro Dawg 100 in silver black or a Prime Popper 50 in silver blue.  As the morning bite slows down, slow your presentation down as well.  I've been having success catching bass on the follow lures/colors:  A Gambler tube in pumpkin pepper/chartreuse; Gene Larew green pumpkin or black floating lizard; Gambler 10' junebug worm or 7' EP's secret worm; and Gambler 5' Flapp'n Tail in red shad green and shadow blue glitter.
Uncle Joe's ditch (located between Moore Haven/Clewiston) is always a good place to fish.  Try throwing a Spro Fat Crank 20 in shad and any of the above plastics will work as well.  Be sure and fish the cuts heading into the lake between Clewiston/South Bay, especially if there is a east, south-east wind.  
I hope these tips helps you have more success on the water.
Until next time, be safe and courteous to others.
Bass Wishes, Capt. Angie  

 

 

 

August 28th, 2007

 

The current water level on the big O is just over 9.5 ft. and rising due to rainfall and water release from the Kissimmee River.
Most areas on the south-southeast are still not safely accessible to all boaters.
The areas that are fishable and producing is the waterway channel markers from the Clewiston lock out into the lake. 
The topwater bite is coming on strong in the a.m. and will continue to work pretty much all-day, just keep your eyes and ears open for schooling action.
Lures that are producing are the Zara Spook Jr. in baby bass and flitter shad; Rapala pop-r in shad and the Spro in Silver Black.  As the day progresses and heat intensifies the bite will slow down as well.  When this happens fish slower and try using finesse baits such as the Gambler Giggy head rigged with a Giggy stick in watermelon/red or an Ace in Green Pumpkin/red.
Others areas to try are the rim canal up around Moore Haven.  The same type baits/lures will work as mentioned above.  Also the dynamite holes located around the South Bay area, especially in the early morning around the edges using the topwater lures.
Also, if your fishing the channel markers out from Clewiston you can idle (with the Mercury motor and bob's hi-performance jack plate trimmed up) over to the spoil islands and fish those but use extreme caution.
The water leading into the Monkey box from the lake side is slowly rising but still not accessible. 
The bottom scraping of the Harney Pond, Fish Eating Bay area looks great and should give the bass a great place to spawn when the time comes.
Until next month, be safe, have fun, and be kind to your fellow boaters.
Bass Wishes, Capt. Angie

 

 

 

June 21st, 2007

The current water level on Lake Okeechobee, Fl -- Clewiston is approx. 8.50 ft. above sea level.  Due to almost daily rain and pumping water back into the lake the water will continue to rise.
If your launching at Clewiston please use the inside boat ramp located in the basin which is the public city ramp.  The basin is shallow but the canal to the lock has been dredged and holds plenty of water for idling out to the lake.  Once out to the lake fish the inter coastal waterway that takes you out to the lake.  Once there, you'll see other boats fishing that area.  This is a good place to start !!
Fish the drop off and the flat on both sides.  Keep your eyes open for the bluegill beds and that's where you'll catch the bass.  You'll catch many in numbers with average size 2-4 lbs. with a bigger bite mixed in. 
For the morning bite I suggest a Rapala pop-r in shad color or Zara spook w/rattles and a Spro Dog 100.  As the morning bite slows down try using a Gambler 10' inch junebug worm or red shad green.  I also suggest Spro's Aruka Shad lipless crankbait in Blue Shiner.  Along the top of the drop off try throwing Spro's Fat Crank 20 in shad and Fat Crank 25 in perch.  These lures will catch you bass. 
Other areas to try that are accessible for all to fish and launching from the Clewiston public boat ramp is the mouths of all the dynamite holes heading east (towards South Bay) via the rim canal...those areas will always hold bass. If you turn left out of the lock and head west (via rim canal) head up to Uncle Joe's cut (first idle zone) and fish the cut that will take you out to the lake.   
Both the dynamite hole areas and Uncle Joe's both hold bass and can all be caught on the same lures I mentioned above.
REMEMBER.....Summer is here, so wear your widest brim hat put the sunscreen on and drink plenty, plenty of water especially if your fishing the entire day.
ALSO ---- Since its hot the bass are going to be sluggish as the day progresses (gets hotter)...so if your not getting the bites slow your presentation down.
As always, be safe and courteous to your fellow boaters !!
Bass Wishes, Capt. Angie Douthit
863-228-7263 

 

 

May 21st, 2007

 

The Okeechobee water level is still coming down and its currently at 9.35 ft.  Certain areas of the main lake have been producing some great bass fishing both in numbers and big bass.  But due to the extreme low water conditions and safety here are a few places that is accessible for bass fishing and has produced some great fishing not located on the actual lake. 
Uncle Joe's channel which still holds 3-5 ft. of water.  Some lures to use are the Spro lipless crankbait Aruka Shad in Green Shiner, Spro's Fat crank 20 in shad or firetiger also Gambler's 10" junebug worm.  
The dynamite holes located between Clewiston and South Bay are producing some great fishing as well and can be easily accessible to everyone via the rim canal.  A Rapala Flat Series crankbait in Silver and Hot Mustard as well as Gambler's 10" inch junebug worm or Red Shad has been producing.  Fishing the rim canal itself can be rewarding as well, whether you choose to Carolina Rig a watermelon/chartreuse tail lizard, crank or throw a worm, fishing the canal is safe bet whether battling the wind or shallow, shallow fishing.
Important reminder:  The outside launch ramp at Clewiston has a deep drop off but can be used, just use extreme caution when launching/loading your boat, especially helpful if you have a 4x4.  The inside launch ramp at Clewiston is accessible but the canal itself is extremely low and can hit bottom when idling out to the lock.  
*** Tune in to 94.3 FM or 107.1 FM every Saturday morning around 7:15-7:30 a.m. as I give the most-up-to-date Lake Okeechobee fishing report !!
As always, be safe and have fun !!
Bass Wishes, Capt. Angie Douthit

 

 

April 23rd, 2007

 

Due to extremely low water levels on the big O the fishing areas are limited and what is fishable/reachable you must still use caution when running in your boat and coming off plane.  Some areas that have been producing are the dynamite holes on the south-end of the lake, lures to use are the Spro Aruka Shad rattletrap, colors are gold shiner and perch.  Also, a crawdad or worm in colors junebug or red shad.  Special tip :  Keep an eye on your depth finder and be sure and fish any litter difference you see in water level.
On the east-side of the lake try the Belle Glade- Pahokee area around the rim canal and look for rock and grass.  Lures to use are the Spro Bronzeye Frog in black early morning then switching to a mid running crankbait or Spro Aruka Shad/ Rattletrap after the morning bite stops.
If your on the south-west side of the lake try the shoal area around Observation Island or above.  In the morning throw a Cavitron buzzbait in chartreuse/white and 10" Gambler worm in junebug as the day progresses.
As always, be safe, be kind and courteous to others while out on the lake.
 

 

 

 

February 27th, 2007

 

Due to low lake levels, the big O is limited in areas that are fishable/reachable.
Some places to try are the rim canal which has some clean looking water and the Kissimmee river if your on the north part of the lake.  If your fishing down south try fishing the dynamite holes/rim canal which holds crappie and bass.
It seems the bite has been either very early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Baits to use that have been producing are the Spro's lipless crank bait, Aruka Shad in Golden Shiner and Perch colors.
Also the Gambler 10' inch junebug worm and Lonny Stanley's Ribbit, colors, black and chartreuse /white across the top in the Kissimmee grass early.
As always, be safe and have fun !!
Bass Wishes, Capt. Angie

 

 

January 17th, 2007

Well, the guide season is into full-swing.  Some of my fishing areas on the Lake Okeechobee that have produced well for my guide trips are still the south-end such as: outside/middle grass area of Pelican Bay; Clewiston-side of Rita Island; Dynamite holes of Bare-Beach and Football Field.
Heading towards the west-end such as the West Wall; outside grass around Uncle Joe's; Observation Island and the Shoal area.  If your fishing on the north-end of the big O try the North-Shore area; Indian Prairie Canal and Horse Island.
If your not sure where these areas are on Lake Okeechobee just go to a local tackle store or Wal-Mart and pick up a map and most-if not all, will be marked.
Some baits that have been producing are: Spro Crank 25 in colors: shad and perch; Gene Larew 11"inch junebug worm and junebug or black-blue hawg craw; Double-Willow Leaf gold/silver Spinnerbait; Chatterbait early a.m.; and lizards in colors watermelon; junebug and red-shad.
Please tune in every Sat. morning at 7:30 a.m. on 94.3 or 104.1 for my updated big O fishing report with Happy Henry from the Stuart Snook Nook.
As always, be safe, courteous to others and have fun !!
Capt. Angie
 

 

 

 

Nov 10th, 2006

Wind, Wind and more Wind has been blowing on the big O lately which has made the fishing a little tough. Mixed with some cooler temp's the bite on the big O's hotter spots on the south end such as Pelican Bay, Rita Island and the East Wall is somewhat of a challenge.  Despite mother nature's conditions for fishing, bass are still being caught on these hotter area's.   
If your up on the north end of the lake try fishing the Kissimmee River area.
Some lures to use while out on the big O are:  Spro's Akruka Shad in Golden Shiner color; also Spro's 3/8 oz. double willow leaf Spinner bait w/ chartreuse/white skirt; and Gene Larew's 11' junebug worm.
As always, be safe, have fun and catch some bass !!
Capt. Angie Douthit

 

 

 

September 25th, 2006

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report:
 
The south end of the big O is shaping up and is one of the hotter areas of the lake.
Some areas to try are Coot Bay, East Wall and Rita Island (north and south end).  Some baits to use are the Gene Larew 11" salty snake in watermelon and junebug.
I also had some topwater action on the new Spro  black Bronze Eye Frog  As the temperature continues to rise you may want to slow down your presentation of the worm.  Keep your eyes and ears tuned to what's happening around you and you'll hear/see them schooling.  
I always give myself the advantage by using Megastrike Fish Attractant...it definitely improves my chances of catching and landing more bass !!
Bass Wishes, Capt. Angie 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 10th, 2006

 

The west side of Okeechobee known as the Shoal is the hot area right now.  The shoal consist of the upper end of the west wall, Uncle Joe's, observation island and Cochran's pass.  All of these areas on the outside grass are full of bass, not just quantities but quality as well.  I've been having the best luck catching them on the Gene Larew 8' inch ring tail worm in colors, junebug, redshad and plum.  Also try the 11' inch worm in the same colors and white as well as the bass are feeding on real small white shad.  I haven't been having much success with a small spinnerbait but they will chase after topwater thrown just inside the grass line.  Lures to try are the High Roller 3.25 Poproller in bone, a Cavitron 3/4 gold blade w/transparent skirt and the Nemire Spoon in white.
Keep your eyes open and ears peeled, they will come up schooling !!
As the morning progresses the bass move back into the thicker grass but early morning they will be out in the open. 
Have fun, be safe and remember to always use caution when driving your boat up around the shoal area....its all rock so sit down approx. 200-300 yards out then idle your way in.
Bass Wishes, Capt. Angie

 

 

June 1st, 2006

 

 

 

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report

Now that summer is approaching and the spawn complete its time to check out some of the summer patterns on the big O.
A few places to try is the outside edge of West Wall, the Middle grass line of Coot Bay, Rocky Point on the East Wall both outside edge of the grass and down the boat trails.  If your out in the early mornings, keep your eyes and ears open, you'll hear them schooling.  Some of my favorite lures to use are the Cavitron Buzz Bait w/ chartreuse /white skirt; also the Spro Fat Crank 20 in shad; Spro Aruka Shad (rattle trap) Perch color.  When the feeding frenzy dies down on crankin' and topwater switch to the Gene Larew 11'inch junebug worm and Larew's 4'inch salt craw in watermelon green/green.  As the day goes on the bite has been slowing down so work your baits slower.
Have fun out there and remember, always use common courtesy towards your fellow angler !!
Bass Wishes, Capt. Angie Douthit

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Okeechobee:

 

Lake Okeechobee, world renowned bass fishing destination, is the second largest freshwater lake inside the US borders. It cover nearly 750 square miles in south central Florida and is the natural headwaters of the Everglades.

 

Copyright 2006 G&W Ent.