Fishing Fishing By Capt. Michael Shellen
on Lake Okeechobee By Capt. Michael Shellen
A
s the years have drifted past, I have developed an appreciation for each season of the year. I have grown to love what we have here in Florida, and particularly Lake Okeechobee in the spring. The weather is mild, with warm days and beautiful, mild nights. Everything in the world around us seems to be awakening: the many species of birds are chirping their happy songs, the alligators are bellowing out their territorial challenges, and all of nature seems fresh and new. The trees, bushes and flowers are blossoming, saturating the air with an intoxicating aroma. An abundance of flowers can be found blooming in the marsh areas that surround massive Lake Okeechobee. The water temperatures have warmed, and the native vegetation is again growing and producing oxygen for all of the creatures that inhabit the lake.
Serving Okeechobee Since 1993 JOHNSON • EVINRUDE • YAMAHA • MERCRUISER I/O POWER POLES • MINNKOTA TROLLING MOTORS KEY WEST BOATS • LANDAU PONTOONS • MAGIC TILT TRAILERS BOAT STORAGE - WINTERIZE - SUMMERIZE INSURANCE REPAIRS - ELECTRONIC SALES & INSTALLATION FIBERGLASS REPAIRS - BOAT HAUL OUT / TRANSPORT
1365 US Hwy 441 SE - Okeechobee, FL 34974 (Next to the bowling alley)
863-763-4080 70 | Spring 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Lake Okeechobee provides anglers with fishing that is second to none, every day. Springtime also offers a smorgasbord of fishing opportunities. The Big “O” gives anglers a chance to catch the largest bass of their life, as well as the chance to catch more bass in one day than they have ever caught before. For those that like catching bass on artificial baits there are many choices that will draw strikes from hungry bass. Top-water baits worked along the edges of heavy cover will draw fish up to viciously strike your lure, the bite may only last a short time, so getting on the water early is key. Soft plastics of all types and sizes will garner bites, rig your senko, either Texas or wacky-style, and the fish will let you