blainedead

Ultimately, I booked a trip on Okeechobee with a guide who also fishes for peacocks on Ida and Osborne. We will evaluate the bite on each lake a few days before my scheduled trip, and decide where to go from there. A significant change from my original plan, but those peacocks are quite intriguing.

Have any of you used Hawghunter Guide Services out of central Florida? I haven't booked my trip quite yet, but have all but pulled the trigger on these guys. They use several of the guides that are often recommended on this and other forums. Their website is very informative and professional. I presented a parade of questions via Facebook messenger, and the communication was excellent. They even offered to let me book a trip to one lake, then check in with them a week or so ahead of the trip, and transfer to another location if the bite was better. I would love to hear of the experience of others with this group. Thanks in advance!

None of the lakes mentioned in the OP are chiseled in stone. I'm just looking for a good place to fish in the first half of November near(ish) Stuart. I figured that information gleaned from fellow bassers with local(ish) knowledge of the area and seasonal patterns would assist me with making a decision.

I'l be in Stuart, FL November 6-15 and want play a day or two of bass fishing. After striking out at the Stick Marsh in August, we have decided that wherever we go, a guide is in order. We are reasonably close to Okeechobee, as well as Stick March Blue Cypress, Garcia, etc. Before you ask whether we are looking for numbers or size, the answer is yes ? Any suggestions on which will be the best trip? Thanks in advance

This place is intimidating as you-know-what! We got out this afternoon, and were greeted by a ridiculous wind...basically relegating us to fishing the east bank of the marsh. We took the main divider canal out to it's end, but the sea was angry that day my friends. I tried to work my way up the west bank, but 'bumped" several stumps. Just turned around and fished the east bank with no luck. What is the safest route to get to the pump station (if they're running) in the morning? I sure wish the Navionics card had more info....I'm afraid I'm gonna tear up my dear father-in-law's gearcase LOL!!

It's hardly a trophy, but here is the first snook of the week

Is the pump area in the southeast corner?

Of course!!! That is on the agenda as well. That said, I always try to get a big ol' Florida LM whenever I'm down there...and we usually try a new body of water each trip.

Going to visit the in-laws later this week in Stuart, FL. We are planning to make our first trip to Stick Marsh/Pond 13. I realize that it's probably not the ideal time of year, but any hints as to areas to fish, as well as effective baits, would be greatly appreciated.