I am coming down to fish Okeechobee as a non boater in the Bass Southern Open next week. I will be flying and limited on what tackle I can bring. Is there any must have baits for Okeechobee?  If it is something that you don't want out on the forum, just PM me.

Thanks, Dow

A solid starting point for Florida baits:

   

      Various plastics in dark colors

      4/0 Offset Worm Hook (We Prefer Gamakatsu)

      Small Barrel Swivels For Carolina Rigs

      Bullet Weights (3/8 Ounce for Carolina Rigs)

      Storm Rattlin' Chug Bug 3.5" 3/8oz (Chrome & Blue, And  Your Other Favorite Colors)

      Any Of  Your Favorite Top Water Lures

      Bill Lewis 1/2 Ounce Rat-L-Taps (Chrome Blue w/ Orange Belly, Craw Dad, And Fire Tiger etc:)

      Buzz Baits (White, White And Chartreuse etc:)

      Spinner Baits (Fire Tiger, White, etc:) We Use Terminator T1 1/2oz With Thumper Blades

      Flukes (Watermelon, Salt And Pepper, )

      Hard Jerk Baits (Bomber Long A (B15A) 4 1/2" Shiner Pattern)

Also - some of your favorite TN lures will work well here.

everything mr. welcome said will get 'em. i have been crushing them on dippers. all of the areas i have been fishing are HEAVILY vegetated, so any treble hooked bait will not work. big spooks, any size junebug worm will work. i know you are under the mercy of your angler, but the east wall, monkey box are hot right now. most of the fish have moved shallow. i have a tourney out of clewiston on saturday, i will let you know how i do. the last 3 trips i had at the lake have resulted in averaging 20 pounds per. i hope that trend continues.

We are in the midst of what will likely be 10 day cold snap. Water temp at Clewiston yesterday was 58 and even colder in the shallower spawning areas. It will go down lower than that.  I would confirm the Dipperz for a reaction strike and a weighted 7 or 10" worm fished as close as possible to hyacinth or pencil reeds. You might also consider a swim jig. it is also likely your pro may flip and pitch heavy vegetation so you will need to be prepared for that.