| I consider Florida to be the Mecca of | | | | a fast retrieve is required to catch very |
| Largemouth Bass fishing in the United States. | | | | active fish. On other days you need a much |
| There are many places to fish in Florida. In | | | | slower presentation. |
| this article I will describe one place that | | | | |
| is well known and one little known place that | | | | The key thing you need to do is be able to |
| offers great fishing opportunities as well. | | | | read the water. In a large lake like |
| I want to stress that there are many | | | | Okeechobee much of the water does not hold |
| different lakes to fish in Florida. When I | | | | many fish. You need to first take notice of |
| talk about Lake Okeechobee for instance | | | | your surrounding and look for areas likely to |
| understand that there are hundreds of lakes | | | | hold fish. You can often do this by simply |
| that fit the same description throughout | | | | looking at the surface of the water for |
| South Florida. | | | | action. If you see schools of shiners and |
| | | | other smaller fish constantly breaking the |
| Lake Okeechobee is perhaps the most famous | | | | surface of the water you can be sure |
| Largemouth Bass lake in the United States; It | | | | Largemouth Bass are around as well. |
| has earned that reputation by continuously | | | | |
| producing large numbers of very large bass. | | | | Look for ambush points and other areas likely |
| It is a very large lake, over 50,000 square | | | | to hold fish. As with any kind of fishing |
| miles! It is also a very shallow Lake. A | | | | you need to think like a bass. Look for |
| large portion of this lake is less than 6 | | | | areas that make sense for the bass to |
| feet deep. These in fact are the areas that | | | | inhabit. The key is not to spend too much |
| often hold the largest bass. I would venture | | | | time in any one area that is not producing. |
| to guess than over half of the ten pound or | | | | |
| larger bass I have caught have come from | | | | Once you find areas you should use lures like |
| water that was 306 foot deep. | | | | spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and other topwater |
| | | | baits. Sound is very important in these |
| Fishing Lake Okeechobee can be a challenge | | | | conditions, I prefer the spinnerbaits with |
| but very rewarding. You will of course want | | | | round blades that emit vibration and attract |
| to find the shallow weedy areas of the lake. | | | | the Largemouth Bass through sound as well as |
| If your only concern is boating a huge | | | | sight. A jig and pig combo is also very |
| Largemouth Bass then you might want to | | | | effective in this lake. You can bounce this |
| consider fishing with livebait. The specific | | | | artificial along the bottom of the lake with |
| livebait of choice in this lake is the wild | | | | great success. |
| Florida Shiner. They are available at most | | | | |
| marinas/bait shops in the area. If you are | | | | I would recommend using a guide the first |
| going to target huge Largemouth Bass you will | | | | time you visit this lake. Pay attention to |
| need to use large bait. An eight to ten inch | | | | where he takes you to fish and ask questions. |
| long shiner allowed to swim freely under a | | | | You do not solely hire a guide to help you |
| float, or free lined, is an awesome | | | | catch fish. You should strive to learn and |
| presentation. Understand that with large | | | | become a better fisherman by learning and |
| bait you need to use a very large hook. Make | | | | understanding the principles the guide uses |
| sure your hook is well sharpened as it must | | | | in making your trip productive. |
| penetrate the tough mouth of a very large | | | | |
| fish. You need to use a stout heavy action | | | | Southern Florida has many lakes that are |
| rod that has enough backbone to set that hook | | | | smaller versions of Lake Okeechobee. They |
| deep inside the mouth of your quarry. | | | | all can be fished in a similar manner. |
| | | | |
| If you prefer the more sporting method of | | | | For a different place to fish for Largemouth |
| using artificial baits then you need to gear | | | | Bass I am going to throw out the canal/lake |
| your arsenal to fishing in heavy weeds. | | | | system of Cape Coral, Florida. Cape Coral, |
| Spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and other topwater | | | | Florida is known for its extensive system of |
| offering are much more important to have in | | | | both fresh and saltwater canals and lakes. |
| your box than crankbaits and spoons. You | | | | You can literally jump right out of your car |
| need to be able to retrieve your lure through | | | | and hook into a several hundred pound Bull |
| the heavy cover where the bass lie. Again | | | | Shark on one canal and less than a mile away |
| make sure your hooks are sharp. Vary your | | | | hook into a huge Largemouth Bass in a |
| retrieve until you find the proper | | | | freshwater canal. |
| presentations. You will find some days where | | | | |