I am looking for some advice on fishing lake Okeechobee. I will be renting a small skiff from the Jolly Rodger Marina in Clewiston. How should I go about fishing the Big O? Should I stay near the edges of the lake or venture into open water?  I live in Miami so it is only about a 1 1/2 hour drive for me.  I went to the L-67 in the Everglades yesterday on a boat and all we caught were some Oscars, is this a bad time of year to be fishing for Largemouth in SoFlo? 

If you really want have a high % chance to catch fish I would recommend a guide for the first time out on a new lake as massive as Okeechobee. 

Since you are renting a rent a skiff that cost would partially be invested in the guide somewhat easing the overall cost. 

 

But hey there may be someone here that lives out that way that may help. 

I agree with S Sass. The lake can be tough with the ever changing conditions. The skiff will get you out there, but you will be limited.

Book a guide and get on the fish.

You got good advise. 

If you're set on going out anyway, check the wind as soon as you get out of bed.

You can find some protected areas,  but DON'T go into the lake itself if its blowing. 

I'd stay in the rim canal close to the ramp. 

 

Have fun and be safe

 

 

Mike

The canal in front of the jolly roger holds some good fish

Years ago several tournaments were won in the canals among the Buckhead residential community, lots of docks and canal walls.  When big winds hit, you can always find protected areas to fish.

If launching from Jolly Rogers go straight out the gate and go towards the left side you'll see like a sunken boat kinda thing when you go to the left if i recall its like a small boat of some sort. Any ways if you go up that canal where that boat is sitting and shoot up there that whole canal holds fish. Frogs, Swimsuits, Senkos, Manns 10in jelly worms you'll be on fish. My uncle caught a few 3lbers and a big 5 lber up there.