Episodios

  • Bumper Crappie and Trophy Largemouth Haul on Lake Okeechobee
    May 18 2025
    Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure bringing you your May 18th Lake Okeechobee fishing report. We are waking up to a beautiful morning on the Big O with temperatures heading for the low 80s by midday. Winds are light so you can expect calm water across most of the lake.

    Sunrise hit at 6:47 AM and you will have fishing light until sunset at 8:03 PM. Water levels are still slowly falling and are now just above 11 feet, which is lower than average for May. This has pulled both bass and crappie into tighter groups, and the bite has been nothing short of outstanding all week long.

    Bass fishing is red hot right now. Reports are showing steady catches of 5 to 8 pound largemouths, with some trophy fish over 8 pounds landed in the last few days. Some boats are seeing up to 100 fish in a day. The FWC TrophyCatch program has tallied up over 400 lunker bass already this season. If you are looking for numbers and size, you will not be disappointed.

    Crappie anglers are grinning ear to ear with 100 to 150 fish days and plenty of big slabs in the 12 to 14 inch range, some pushing two pounds. This is top notch crappie fishing and a great chance to fill your cooler for a fish fry.

    For best results on bass, go with soft plastics like watermelon red or junebug worms, flukes or creature baits fished in and around hydrilla and reed patches. Early in the day, try topwater frogs and spooks for explosive strikes. Live wild shiners are always a slam dunk if you want to hook into the biggest fish of the day.

    Crappie are biting best on live minnows under the bobber and small jigs in white or chartreuse colors. Hit the edges of the grass lines or the mouths of canals, especially where moving water is bringing in bait.

    A couple of hot spots this week are the Tin House Cove area and the rim canal near Harney Pond. These places have both been producing big numbers and quality fish for bass and crappie alike.

    Tides are not a huge factor on Lake O, but wind-driven current around the lake edges can really stack the fish, so keep an eye out for moving water.

    All in all, weather and fishing conditions could not be better for a day on the water. Tight lines and good luck out there, folks.
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • Big O Fishing Report - Stellar Bass, Crappie & Bluegill Action on Lake Okeechobee
    May 17 2025
    Hey there, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Saturday morning fishing report for the Big O on May 17th, 2025.

    We're looking at another beautiful day on Lake Okeechobee with temperatures expected to hit the low 80s by afternoon. The sun rose at 6:45 AM, and you'll have good fishing light until sunset at 8:07 PM. Winds are staying light today at around 5-7 mph, creating near-perfect conditions across the lake.

    Water levels have been steadily falling for months now, currently sitting just above 11 feet, which is below our typical May average. This drop has concentrated the fish into predictable areas, and let me tell you, the fishing has been absolutely phenomenal!

    The bass bite remains red hot! We're consistently seeing 5-8 pounders coming to the boat, with many anglers reporting 50-100 fish days. Several trophy largemouths over 8 pounds were landed this past week. Your best bet for these chunky bass has been flipping heavy cover with creature baits or working topwater frogs early morning along the edges of hydrilla and peppergrass. The Rim Canal and Grassy Island have been particularly productive for bass.

    The crappie fishing has been on fire too! We've had reports of 100-150 fish days with some beautiful slabs in the 12-14 inch range weighing up to two pounds. Small minnows and jigs in chartreuse or white have been the ticket. Focus on the deeper holes in the Kissimmee River or around the submerged brush piles near Harney Pond for your best shot at filling the cooler.

    For you bluegill enthusiasts, the action is heating up too, with crickets and red wigglers producing limits of hand-sized fish along the north shore vegetation lines.

    Hot spots this week include Observation Shoal for those monster bass, especially during the first few hours after sunrise. Eagle Bay has been producing consistent numbers as well. For crappie, head to King's Bar or the mouth of the Kissimmee River where the deeper channels are holding schools of these tasty panfish.

    Remember, with water levels down, be extra cautious navigating the lake, especially in the western and southern sections where some underwater hazards might be lurking closer to the surface than usual.

    That's the report for today, May 17th. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines, wet nets, and I'll see you on the water!
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report - Epic Bass & Crappie Bite on the Big O
    May 16 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 16, 2025.

    We've got another gorgeous day shaping up on the Big O with temperatures expected to climb into the mid-80s by afternoon. Water levels have been slowly falling for months, which has concentrated the fish in certain areas and made for some fantastic action lately.

    The bass fishing has been nothing short of spectacular! Many anglers have been reporting excellent catches, with some lunkers in the 7-pound range being landed. Just last week, we had a gentleman catch the biggest bass of his life - a whopping 7-pounder! The bass are hitting hard on plastic worms and topwater lures early in the morning, especially around the vegetation edges.

    The crappie bite has been absolutely on fire in recent weeks! We've seen many 100-150 fish days with some really nice 12-14 inch specimens weighing up to two pounds. If you're targeting these tasty panfish, try using small jigs or minnows around deeper structure.

    For those looking for hot spots, I'd recommend checking out the areas around Observation Shoal and the Kissimmee River mouth. The vegetation edges near Harney Pond Canal have also been producing consistently good numbers of bass. For crappie, focus on the deeper channels and structure.

    Sunrise today was around 6:40 AM and sunset will be approximately 8:10 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water. The early morning and evening hours have been most productive, so plan accordingly.

    Best baits right now include wild shiners for those trophy bass, while artificial lure enthusiasts should focus on spinner baits, plastic worms in june bug or watermelon red colors, and topwater frogs around vegetation. For crappie, small jigs in chartreuse or white have been working wonders.

    The guides have been keeping busy, with Captains Mike and Bill putting clients on fish consistently. If you're new to the lake, booking a trip with a local guide can really help you dial in on the action.

    Remember folks, the fishing pressure has been relatively light during weekdays, so if you can swing it, try to get out there before the weekend crowds arrive. The fish are biting, the weather is perfect, and Lake Okeechobee is showing why it's known as the bass fishing capital of the South!

    This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, y'all!
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Largemouth and Crappie Bonanza in the Big O
    May 14 2025
    Good morning from the Big O. This is Artificial Lure with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report for Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

    Sunrise came up bright at 6:47 AM today, and you will have good light all the way through sunset at 8:03 PM. Weather is just about perfect for a day on the water with light winds and temperatures peaking in the low 80s. Water levels keep dropping, sitting just above 11 feet now. That has pushed the fish into tighter areas, so once you find them, it’s action-packed.

    Bass fishing is as hot as it gets this week. Most days, boats are pulling in 50 to 100 quality largemouth bass, with a lot in the 5 to 8 pound range and plenty of trophy fish over 8 pounds landed recently. Reports show the FWC TrophyCatch program already has over 400 “Lunker Club” entries so far this season, so it is a banner spring for big bass[2][5].

    Crappie fishing is just as strong. Anglers are reporting 100-150 fish days with slab crappie up to 14 inches and pushing 2 pounds. The bite is especially good around the edges of the grass and in the open patches in the morning before the sun gets too high[2][3].

    For bait, you can’t go wrong with live wild shiners if you’re after big bass. If you prefer artificials, try white or chartreuse spinnerbaits and swimbaits along the grass lines, or pitch a black and blue jig into the thicker cover. For crappie, small jigs tipped with minnows or straight live minnows are both working well, especially around Kissimmee grass and bulrush edges[5][1].

    Two of my go-to hot spots right now are the South Bay area for both bass and crappie, and the Tin House Cove section on the northern rim. Both have concentrated fish thanks to dropping water and healthy grass beds. The outside grass lines are holding strong schools of bass, and the open pockets are loaded with crappie this week[4][5].

    Tide isn’t a factor here on the lake itself, but wind direction can push bait and muddy up certain areas, so pay attention if it picks up.

    If you are heading out, be cautious running the lake with water this low. Stick to known routes and outside grass lines to avoid rocks.

    That’s the scoop from Lake Okeechobee today. Tight lines and good luck from Artificial Lure.
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report: Bass, Crappie, and Ideal Conditions on May 12th, 2025
    May 12 2025
    Hey there, folks. It's me, Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on Lake Okeechobee fishing for today, May 12th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the water levels. They've been slowly dropping over the past few months, which is good news for us fishermen because it lets the grass grow, providing more habitats for fish[1]. Currently, the water level is around 12.5 feet above sea level[5].

    The weather today is looking pretty nice, with clear skies and a gentle breeze - perfect conditions for a day on the lake. Sunrise was at about 6:30 AM, giving us a full day of fishing ahead. Sunset is around 8:00 PM, so we've got plenty of light.

    When it comes to fish activity, Lake Okeechobee is always a winner. Lately, we've seen some epic bass catches, with fish ranging from 5 to 8 pounds[5]. Crappie fishing has also been on fire, with days yielding 100 to 150 fish, including some nice ones up to two pounds[4].

    For lures, soft plastics like plastic worms and curly tail grubs are always popular for bass. For crappie, jigs or small minnows are the way to go. The best bait for bass remains live shad or shiners, while crappie also love minnows.

    Some of the hot spots right now are the north end of the lake around the Kissimmee River and the Harney Pond Canal. These areas offer plenty of vegetation and structure for fish to hide in. Another spot is the outside grass lines where the water is a bit deeper and safer for navigation[5].

    Overall, Lake Okeechobee is living up to its reputation as a fisherman's paradise, especially in May. So grab your gear and get ready to reel in some big ones. Good luck out there, and tight lines
    Más Menos
    2 m
  • Massive Bass & Crappie Bonanza on Lake Okeechobee - Perfect Conditions for Trophy Fishing
    May 11 2025
    Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report for Sunday, May 11, 2025

    Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report for today, Sunday, May 11.

    Sunrise was at 6:47 AM and you'll have until about 8:03 PM to reel in those trophies. Weather's looking mighty fine today with clear skies continuing from yesterday, temperatures climbing into the low 80s by midday, and just a light breeze to keep things comfortable. Perfect May conditions for a day on the Big O!

    Water levels are running low, sitting just above 11 feet, which is below normal for May. This has concentrated both bass and crappie in the remaining vegetation. The lake's vegetation is in excellent shape, and water clarity is good across most areas of the lake.

    Let me tell you folks, the fishing has been absolutely on fire this past week! We're in the middle of what I'd call a genuine bonanza bite. Largemouth bass fishing has been exceptional, with many anglers reporting 50-100 fish days. Plenty of quality bass in the 4-6 pound class are being caught consistently, and there's been a steady stream of trophies over 8 pounds coming to the boat. The FWC TrophyCatch program has recorded over 400 lunkers of 8+ pounds from the lake this season alone!

    The crappie bite has been equally spectacular, with reports of 100-150 fish days becoming common. Some real slabs in the 12-14 inch range weighing up to two pounds are making their way to the fish coolers.

    For bass, your best bet is working the edges of hydrilla, cattails, and pepper grass, especially along the eastern and southern shorelines. Topwater baits like Zara Spooks and poppers are producing early, while weightless Senkos and swim jigs are the ticket once the sun gets higher. For live bait, you can't go wrong with wild shiners right now.

    Crappie are holding tight to vegetation in the dropping water levels. Small jigs in chartreuse and white are producing well, as are live minnows fished around the edges of vegetation.

    Hot spots this week include the areas around Observation Shoal, Harney Pond, and the Kissimmee River mouth. The dynamite bite has also extended to the rim canal between Clewiston and Moore Haven.

    Local guides like Capt. Mike have been putting clients on limits of bass and crappie consistently, with many folks reporting their personal best catches this past week.

    Y'all better get out there while this bite is hot! The conditions are perfect, the fish are hungry, and the Big O is showing why it's still the bass fishing capital of the world. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, friends!
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • Fishing Report Lake Okeechobee: Bass and Crappie Bite On Fire, Perfect Conditions Await Anglers
    May 10 2025
    This is Artificial Lure with your Lake Okeechobee fishing report for Saturday, May 10, 2025.

    Good morning, anglers! We're looking at another gorgeous day on the Big O. Sunrise was about 40 minutes ago at 6:48 AM, and you'll have plenty of time on the water with sunset not until 8:02 PM tonight.

    Weather-wise, we're blessed with near-perfect conditions today. Clear skies, light winds, and temperatures climbing into the low 80s by midday. Water levels continue their steady decline, now sitting just above 11 feet, which is considerably below our normal May average. This dropping water has concentrated our fish into predictable areas, making for some exceptional fishing opportunities.

    Folks, the bite has been absolutely on fire this past week! Bass fishing has been nothing short of spectacular, with many boats reporting 50 to 100 fish days. Most catches are healthy 4 to 6 pounders, but we've seen numerous trophies over 8 pounds coming to the boat. The Florida Wildlife Commission's TrophyCatch program has already recorded more than 400 "Lunker Club" bass over 8 pounds this season from our waters.

    The crappie bite has been equally impressive. Many guides are reporting 100-150 fish days with some real slabs in the 12 to 14 inch range, weighing up to two pounds. That's dinner and then some!

    For bass, early morning topwater action has been the ticket. Throw frogs or buzzbaits around vegetation edges for explosive strikes. As the sun gets higher, switch to swimbaits, soft plastics, or weighted worms. Focus on the thriving edges of hydrilla, pepper grass, and cattails where these big girls are setting up ambush points.

    For crappie, live minnows are always productive, but mini-jigs in chartreuse and white have been getting plenty of attention too.

    Hot spots this weekend: The western shore from Harney Pond Canal up toward Dyess Ditch has been producing consistently. Also check the southeastern edge near Clewiston where the falling water has concentrated fish around the remaining deeper vegetation.

    Don't overlook the areas around Bird Island and Observation Shoal if you're after those trophy bass. Several guides have pulled 7+ pounders from these areas in the past few days.

    Remember to stay hydrated out there and apply that sunscreen liberally. With these perfect conditions, you might lose track of time while the fish are biting.

    This is Artificial Lure signing off. Tight lines, y'all, and I'll see you on the water!
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • Big Bass and Slabs on Fire at Lake Okeechobee
    May 9 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your May 9th, 2025 Lake Okeechobee fishing report. The Big O is living up to its reputation this week, and the stars are lining up for another top-notch day on the water.

    First, let’s talk conditions. Sunrise was at 6:48 AM and sunset is set for 8:02 PM, so you’ve got a full day of fishing ahead. Weather is picture-perfect: clear skies, light breezes, and highs reaching the low 80s. The water level continues its slow drop and, as of Monday, is sitting around 11.17 feet—well below the usual for this time of year. That means fish are stacking up tighter around cover and predictable ambush points, really concentrating the action[1][2][5].

    Bass fishing is on fire right now. Anglers are consistently catching healthy largemouth bass, with plenty in the 4 to 6-pound range. There’s also been a miniature lunker parade, with several bass topping 8 pounds and a few real trophies reported, including some in the 10 to 12-pound club. The FWC TrophyCatch program is seeing a solid number of big fish from the lake these past weeks[4][5].

    Crappie fishing is just as hot. Folks are pulling in limits, with some days seeing catches of 100 to 150 fish. Average slabs are a solid 12 to 14 inches, and there’s no shortage of two-pounders being landed[3][4]. The crappie bite has especially favored the early mornings and late afternoon windows.

    For those wondering what’s working, here’s the scoop. For bass, go with soft plastics—Senko-style worms in junebug and black and blue have been dynamite around Kissimmee grass and reeds. Topwater frogs are getting explosive strikes early and late in the day. If you like a moving bait, try a chatterbait or a lipless crankbait along the outside edges. For crappie, you can’t go wrong with live minnows under a slip cork, or toss white and chartreuse jigs around deeper holes and submerged brush.

    Now, if you’re looking for hotspots, give the Harney Pond Canal and the Monkey Box a visit for bass. Tin House Cove and around Indian Prairie are producing solid crappie numbers. The low water has bunched fish up, so keep moving until you find that sweet spot.

    In short, Lake Okeechobee is cooking this week. Whether you’re hunting buckets of crappie or chasing your next big bass, the bite is on and the lake is ready. Keep your bait moving, keep an eye on the weather, and most of all, enjoy the Big O show. Good luck and tight lines[1][2][3][4][5].
    Más Menos
    3 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup