Lake Okeechobee fishing report for July, 2023 submitted by Capt. Angie Douthit

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Fishing early morning and some early evening timeframes has been best to beat the heat and afternoon rains and thunderstorms. Live bait and artificial lures have been catching some nice quality bass on the outside grass line, shallow water areas around active bream beds. When fishing for bass popping frogs, swim baits, slow working top water lures, worms, senkos and swim jigs in colors white; Junebug; red shad; watermelon red; tilapia and black has been producing bites. Fishing with live-shiners on a free line tipped with just a pegged bobber has been producing some great fast action around the bluegill beds and outside grass lines. For bluegill fishing, both live red worms and crickets will work crickets vs. worms only because I seem to catch less catfish; gar and etc. If you’re targeting shell crackers, time it with the moon phase and use lively worms. Areas on the west and north side has been the areas to fish, the water may be to stained on the outside/middle areas so try the middle to inside where you’ll find the break in the color line, that is a good starting point then work some inside key areas then on out in other key areas like Lilly pads mixed with Kissimmee grass or reeds. When looking for bream they like a sandier type bottom and shell crackers prefer a harder, rockier bottom area such as shell rock. Areas to try are can be: the shoal; south/west sides of Dupree Bar; some areas in the Monkey Box; edges leading into the Monkey Box, islands and etc., Harney Pond Canal; Dyess Ditch; Worm Cove; Horse Island; parts of Indian Praire; parts of Tin House; 2nd-4th points and a few scattered areas on Kings Bar and some areas around Grassy. The Kissimmee River is producing both bass and bream bites and Crappie is still being caught early around the bridge pilings and on out towards the mouth of the River. To book your next fun-filled productive day fishing the big O call me at 863-228-7263. I have a new Caymas bass boat this is fully rigged, top of the line rods/reels, all artificial lures we’ll need for your next fun day on the water. Check out my website www.southfloridabassfishing.com for past fishing reports, hotel recommendations and discount on rooms, up-to-date pictures of customers and their catches, toll free number to purchase your fishing license, guide rates and etc. My sponsors include: Toho Marine (St. Cloud Florida); Mercury Marine; G-Loomis; Bullet Weights; Gene Larew; Real Magic; Lews; Maui Jim; Rapala; Gill; Tru-Turn hooks; Trilene; BnM Poles; Mid South Tackle and Navionics.

 

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