Due to disastrous hurricanes in both 1926 and 1928, President Hoover built a dyke which skirts the outer shoreline almost ¾ of the way around the lake to protect the surrounding communities from future calamities. Locals call this the rim ditch, or rim canal. The rim canal is similar to a mote around a castle. This narrow channel allows boaters to navigate on calm water to a fishing spot which might normally require crossing rough water. There are many cuts between the rim canal and the main lake, making it convenient to enter the lake near an area you plan to fish.

The depth of Lake Okeechobee is controlled by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This means that each year the lake changes substantially in appearance, because different weed types boom at different water levels. Areas that once held submergent eel grass are now bulrush fields as far as the eye can see. Other areas that were bulrush fields are now thick hydrilla mats. It is very unique for a natural lake to experience drastic changes so frequently.

Most of the fishing occurs on Lake Okeechobee in six feet of water or less. A band of vegetation begins at the rim ditch and spans several hundred yards to several miles off shore depending on the area. Once you get to the outside edge of the weeds, there is very little cover in the main lake basin.

The largemouth bass fishing on Lake Okeechobee draws anglers around the country from November through April. In fact, November and December are my favorite months for fishing on the Big-O. Given stable weather, the fishing is very good at this time of year, and the crowds have not come down for the winter.

Bass on Okeechobee will actually begin spawning as early as October. The key to catching bass throughout the winter months is staying with the fish through the various stages of the spawn. This means keying on the outside grass lines at times, fishing holes in various vegetation or flipping matted vegetation. As my South Florida friend and mentor Jerry Ware says, "If you can't cast you aren't going to catch big fish down here on artificials". This is true, because big fish are in very specific spots. Of coarse, there are patterns and areas that do not require precision casting, but even within these areas, the better caster you are, the better your odds are of connecting with Mr. Big.

I fish artificials often from South Bay to the North Shore, depending on wind direction and water clarity. Water clarity is very important. A strong wind from any direction can muddy the windward shore, and destroy the fishing until things settle down. Should you find your best area became muddy, I would suggest searching out clearer water and more active fish.

Wild golden shiners are the great equalizer on Lake Okeechobee. Shiners are a perfect choice for beginners, as they do not require repetitive casting. Of coarse shiners are a great choice for more experienced fishermen as well, particularly those interested in a trophy. Shiner fishing requires waiting on prime spots until you can catch a few fish and turn on an entire school. This can really get exciting! Unless I have experienced shiner fishermen, I will coach my customers on when to set the hook with a shiner. Timing the hook set takes a little practice, but can usually be mastered after a few tries.

Most of my shiner fishing is done in the Southern half of the lake, although I will occasionally take customers to the north end of the lake if the weather dictates. I use various rigs while shiner fishing depending on the cover we are fishing. A sinker rig is commonly used when fishing a thick mat of vegetation, or a solid edge of weeds. In thin cover, I prefer an exposed hook float rig, and at times we will use drift socks to fish moderated cover with a weed less rig.

Lake Okeechobee is known as one of the finest lakes in the country. The opportunity exists for a trophy on any given cast. There are not many places that you can expect nice weather and great fishing during the mid winter across the entire country. Come down to Lake Okeechobee some time - you will enjoy your stay!