Lake Okeechobee fishing

Tharp Leads, McMillan close 2nd-Lake Okeechobee FLW Tour.

2012-02-10T06:21:00.001-08:00

CLEWISTON, Fla. (Feb. 9, 2012) – Does home-lake advantage play a role when 320 of the world’s best anglers gather to see who can find the heaviest four-day stringer of bass for a first-place cash prize of up to $125,000? Just look at the leaderboard of the season-opening FLW Tour bass fishing tournament on Lake Okeechobee.

Randall Tharp of Gardendale, Ala., crossed the stage Thursday with a five-bass limit weighing 33 pounds, 9 ounces to lead day one of the event. Tharp now holds a slim 2-ounce lead over Brandon McMillan of Clewiston, Fla., who caught five bass weighing 33-7. Add to the top-five anglers John Cox (third) of Debary, Fla., and freshly-out-of-retirement Roland Martin (fifth) of Naples, Fla., and you have a handful of anglers with intimate knowledge of Okeechobee leading the tournament’s full field of anglers from all across the United States, Canada, Spain and Japan.

“The wind blew 15 to 20 (miles per hour),” Tharp said. “So I adjusted. And that’s just something you know how to do from fishing here. A lot of the guys here have put all their eggs in one basket.”

Even though he’s not a Floridian, Tharp said his familiarity with the lake gave him an edge on the first day of competition.

“I was going out there to catch a 40-pound sack, to be honest,” Tharp said. “I probably had 20 bites today. Ten of them were big ones. And by big ones I mean 5 pounds or better.”

Tharp said his first bite didn’t come until about 9 a.m. but was well worth the wait. That bite came from a bass weighing almost 10 pounds. By 10 a.m. Tharp was culling his small fish.

Tharp said the wind would dictate where anglers would be able to fish on the second day of competition and it would continue to be a “game of adjustments” for the anglers.

“The weather made it horrible on me,” McMillan said. “It made it tough to flip through the mat and make the bait fall the way you need to make it fall.

“It wasn’t like the Okeechobee that I was used to fishing,” McMillan added. “I figured 20 or 24 pounds would be a good sack. I figured someone would bust 30, but I didn’t figure I would do it.”

Rounding out the top 10 pros after day one on Lake Okeechobee are:
            3rd:            John Cox, Debary, Fla., five bass, 27-10
            4th:            Art Ferguson III, St. Clair Shores, Mich., five bass, 26-12
            5th:            Roland Martin, Naples, Fla., five bass, 26-4
            6th:            Steve Kennedy, Auburn, Ala., five bass, 26-1
            7th:            Todd Auten, Lake Wylie, S.C., five bass, 24-4
            8th:            Glenn Browne, Ocala, Fla., five bass, 21-11
            9th:            Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 21-9
           10th:            Matt Peters, Cotter, Ark., five bass, 21-6

Tharp caught Thursday’s big bass weighing 9-8 on the pro side to win $500.

Overall there were 724 bass weighing 1,813 pounds, 12 ounces caught by pros Thursday. The catch included 121 five-bass limits.

Pros are competing for a top award of up to $125,000 this week plus valuable points in the hope of qualifying for the 2013 Forrest Wood Cup. The top five anglers in the point standings from the four Walmart FLW Tour Open tournaments will qualify.

Spiro Agouros of Peterborough, Ontario, leads the Co-angler Division with five bass weighing 20-2 followed by Ralph Myhlhousen of Council Bluffs, Iowa, in second place with five bass weighing 18-1.

Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers are:
            3rd:            Mike Daley, Springfield, Ill., five bass, 17-6
            4th:            Robert Gulley, Tupelo, Miss., five bass, 16-12
            5th:            Derek Savage, Port St. Lucie, Fla., five bass, 16-8
            6th:            Aymon Wilcox, Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., five bass, 16-5
            7th:            Wayne Lloyd, Lake Worth, Fla., five bass, 15-14
            8th:            John Hendry, Lakeland, Fla., five bass, 15-2
            9th:            Jeffrey Cummins, Marion, Ohio, five bass, 14-13
           10th:            Marlon Crowder, Tampa, Fla., five bass, 14-5

Daley and Agouros tied for Thursday’s big bass with fish weighing 8-1 in the co-angler division. They each received $125.

Overall there were 477 bass weighing 925 pounds, 7 ounces caught by co-anglers Thursday. The catch included 49 five-bass limits.

Co-anglers are fishing for a top award of $25,000 this week plus valuable points that could help them qualify for the 2013 Forrest Wood Cup. The top five co-anglers in the point standings from the four Walmart FLW Tour Open tournaments will qualify.

Bass Fishing February on LAKE Okeechobee

2012-02-07T10:33:00.001-08:00

Today on board is David and his son Kyle along with father-in- law Mike. The Joyce family caught over 30 Largemouth Bass up to 7lbs, which Kyle caught.Great time fishing with great customers.

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….

From Staff Writer Capt. Brett Isackson bretti@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

Massachusetts Group

2012-01-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

January our yearly group from Massachusetts the Mojo Team. They have been coming to us for about five years now every year & each year the group grows. They hired Brett, Tony and Mark Rogers they caught over sixty fish up to 7lbs.

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….

From Staff Writer Capt. Brett Isackson bretti@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

Bass Online Customer Testimonial

2012-01-21T13:55:00.001-08:00

I have to say that Mark Shepard is the hardest working guide, I have ever been with!! Things were a little tough on day 1, but we must have fished most of the NW part of the Big O, ,He didn't stop for a minute. We ended up catching some nice largemouth bass. The trip for me being I’m tournament angler was one of best because of what I learned from Mark that will improve my fishing for life. Marks knowledge of Lake Okeechobee and ability to teach techniques are unsurpassed. On day 2 he took me to his best spots and we caught a nice limit. I can't say enough about Mark Shepard. I will be booking soon for next spring.

Thanks again, Dave Swimm

Florida Bass Fishing the Lake

2012-01-19T13:21:00.000-08:00

My afternoon with Rodd my repeat customers. I get to spend the next three days with him 3 All day trips Today the afternoon we caught 25 Largemouth bass with two 7lbs & 6 lbs bass great start to 4 day trip.

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….

Capt. Brett

From Staff Writer Capt. Brett Isackson bretti@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing | The Freshwater Fishing Experts

2010-11-10T06:07:00.000-08:00

Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing "The Okeechobee Fishing Experts: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Lake Okeechobee Wounded Warriors

2010-06-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

SMI Cold Therapy of Butler, PA, sponsors a fishing trip for two vets on Lake Okeechobee.

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Capt Mark Shepard marks@bassonline.com

BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

BassOnline.com is Florida’s Largest Freshwater Guide Service and Outfitter, specializing in Florida bass fishing on Florida lakes, canals and rivers.

To learn more about Florida bass fishing, visit Bass Fishing Blog. Also visit or sister website Florida Bass Fishing, Lake Okeechobee Fishing, Bass Fishing Florida, Florida Peacock Bass, Everglades Fishing

Solution Matrix Wounded Warrior Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing Trip #1

2010-06-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Lake Okeechobee Bass Experience

2009-12-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks Mark, for the November bass fishing on Lake Okeechobee.

We fished on Lake Okeechobee , caught 5 really nice bass among others and we won’t talk of the two that got-away.

Nancy and I had a wonderful first time experience with Captain Mark Shepard.

We had just way to much fun and Mark was an excellent guide.

Bill Bushall and Nancy Tapp
Crystal River, FL

*****************************************

Thanks Bill & Nancy,

We appreciate your business and look forward to fishing with you in the future.

BASSonline Proffessional Guides work hard to give our customer a great fishing adventure. We appreciate customer commits and pictures.

Happy Holidays & Bass of a year for 2010!

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer BASSonline – fishing@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

BassOnline.com is Florida Fishing largest Freshwater Guide Service, specializing in Florida bass fishing in the Florida lakes, canals and rivers.
To learn more about Florida bass fishing, visit Bass Fishing Blog. Also visit or sister website Florida Bass Fishing, Lake Okeechobee Fishing, Bass Fishing Florida, Florida Peacock Bass

Lake Okeechobee with Newlyweds from Kansas

2009-10-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of taking out the honeymoon couple Ryan & Lauren White from Kansas .On October 2, 2009,

They had been down visiting the Keys and wanted to do some Largemouths or Peacock bass Fishing. So before they left Florida, they started North to do so Freshwater Bass Fishing.

When I started talking to them about bass fishing and all Florida’s fishery options they were surprised to learn how different each were and how many they actually had to choose from. After much deliberation, they decided on fishing world famous Lake Okeechobee. We confirmed our time and meeting location and I think after the phone conversation I was excited as they were!

When we got out on the water they where very surprised, “as most people are” about how big visually the lake really is. Then I tried to put it perspective by explaining to them that we where only fishing in a very small portion of the lake that extends 730 square miles. It really is breath taking!

The fishing was not fast it has been, the weather changed and it was high and bright blue bird skies most of the day. But they managed to catch this (7) seven pound bass pictured above and a couple of nice quality fish to go along with this kicker.

While on the water Ryan was very interested in our exotic Peacock bass, a much discussion he said, “Its a must do.”

We look forward to taken them out again, remember Lake Okeechobee fishing always makes for happy anglers!

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer Capt Brett Isackson (bretti@bassonline.com)
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

BASSonline.com is Florida largest freshwater Guide Service, specializing in Florida bass fishing on lakes, canals and rivers.
To learn more about Florida bass fishing, visit Bass Fishing Blogs. Also visit or sister website Florida Bass Fishing, Lake Okeechobee Fishing, Bass Fishing Florida, Florida Peacock Bass

Fishing on the Big "O" with Father and son Team!

2009-09-14T23:45:00.000-07:00

The weekend of September 12-13, I had the pleasure of taking out the Tom Brautigan with his father Richard. Tom is in the Military a few days to spend time with his father on a Central Florida Fishing Adventure. They got one of our Inclusive packages 3 nights the Clewiston Inn with 2 full days fishing. Tom and Richard fished 2 days on Lake Okeechobee and learn some new bass fishing techniques. By the end of their two day bass fishing, the Brautigan’s became avid fisherman even throwing bait-casters.

Lake Okeechobee fishing always makes for happy anglers.

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer Capt Brett Isackson (bretti@bassonline.com)
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

Lake Okeechobee Father & Son Fishing Adventure

2009-09-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

BASSonline Staff,

I just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful trip. My father and I just completed a 2 day bass fishing trip on the Sept 12-13 and we had a blast. Capt. Brett Isackson was our guide and he was outstanding. Brett had a great personality and was a joy to be around. Brett showed up on time, prepared, and with great equipment. He spared no time in getting us to our fishing spot and putting a fishing pole in our hands. Brett worked hard to put us on fish. We knew that we didn’t come at the greatest part of the season but Brett worked hard and taught us the techniques we needed and we landed several 5 pound bass and plenty 2-3 lbs bass. Thanks for such a great trip. You will be seeing us in the future.

Tom and Rich Brautigan
Lake Okeechobee Sept. 12-13, 2009

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer BASSonline) fishing@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

Pohl Family Bass Fishing on Lake Okeechobee!

2009-08-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Carl and his son Carl Jr traveling from Texas to go fishing on Lake Okeechobee on August 13, 2009.

I had the pleasure of fishing with this father and son for a half day on the Big O. I suggested early, so they arrived at 6:00 am ready to fish. We headed right out before the sun came up, when we got to my favorite fishing spot on the Big O everything was prefect. Carl was surprised by how big that world famous Lake Okeechobee really is, almost all of our customer are impacted like this.

We started the morning throwing top water and Carl senior missed some nice blow ups, but that happens to best of us. When the sun finally came up, we started throwing worms and Carl Jr. was on fire! He started reel’em in, he put a hurting on his dad, with catching one right after another. At the end of the trip, Jr had won catching more then dad, but the competition will be back on it March!

Thank you Pohl family for the good time, we looking forward to seeing you in March once again!

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer Capt Brett Isackson (bretti@bassonline.com)
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

BASSonline.com is Florida largest freshwater Guide Service, specializing in Florida bass fishing on lakes, canals and rivers.
To learn more about Florida bass fishing, visit Bass Fishing Blogs. Also visit or sister website Florida Bass Fishing, Lake Okeechobee Fishing, Bass Fishing Florida, Florida Peacock Bass

Lake Okeechobee Bassin 5-22-08

2008-05-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

The wind on the Lake Okeechobee slowed down today and was much easier to fish. Today I fished with Josh Webb from New York, a really good bass fisherman. We used swim baits, other plastics, top water plugs to capture over 50 bass in just 6 hours.

It was overcast most of the day and a good day for Florida bass fishing. The rain came about quiting time and it rained pretty hard, but we needed that!

The bluegills are on the beds all over the place and they are bitting good.

Come fish the “Big 0″ with me…Give me call, let’s go fishin!

Capt Mark Shepard
(863) 673-4966 cell
(888) 629-BASS
marks@bassonline.com
www.bassonline.com
www.flpeacockbass.com
www.hawghunter.net
www.basson-line.com
www.bassauthority.com

Florida's Lake Okeechobee Fishing Report

2008-05-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Today I fished with long time repeat customers, the Hunek brothers. They caught 40 fish by 9:00am. By the end of the day we had close to 100 Okeechobee bass.

All the fish were caught on artificial baits, most of then being a 7" worm in junebug color . The wind was 25 out of the west and the fish were bitting plastics and spinerbaits. No giants were caught today, but only caught a few small ones. Overall just real good quality Lake Okeechobee bass, which was a lot of fun and a good workout.

The big lake is doing great, low water, fires the fish are biting!
Give me call, let’s go fishin,

Capt Mark Shepark (863) 673-4966 cell
(888) 629-BASS
www.bassonline.com
www.flpeacockbass.com
www.hawghunter.net
www.basson-line.com
www.bassauthority.com

Lake Okeechobee fishing trip, day 2 of 3

2008-05-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Today Mike Sr & Jr decided to try there luck on world famous Lake Okeechobee. Day 2 brought on heavy winds, which on Okeechobee can be not so good. Lake Okeechobee is dealing with low water, but the fishing has been just short of fabulous. If you take the simple fact that the same number of fish living in half the amount of water…it’s a slug fest when you find them.

Today would be no different, although with the wind change it took us most of the morning to locate this group of bass. Once we did, the boys started putt’in a Louisiana spanking on them bass. Nothing giant in size today, although Dad did have one on late in the day that could have been in the 6 to 7 lb range that lead him all over the boat. Started at the front then headed to the rear of the boat before it went and wrapped around the outboard and got off. All I could say was…next time, maybe next time…

Most of the fish caught today were in the 3 to 4lb class and were caught in shallow water with a slow retrieve. Because of the clear water, extra long cast were really important. We ended the day with just under 30 fish!

Day two for the Juneau family was done, with one day to go as they headed for the Everglades!

If you are interested in experiencing Lake Okeechobee with a fun day of fishing, give me a call.

Tight Lines,
Capt Donny Biggs (561) 573-4914
donnyb@bassonline.com
(888) 629-BASS
www.bassonline.com
www.flpeacockbass.com
www.hawghunter.net
www.basson-line.com
www.bassauthority.com

Fishing Report for Okeechobee 10/5/2007

2007-10-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of guiding Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell from New York. They have used our guide service for 4 years and counting. The lake was not friendly with NE winds 15-20 making it difficult to fish many areas, however we were able to boat a lot of fish with the biggest going 6.5lb on the last cast of the day caught by Mrs. Mitchell. We had success on shiners, carolina rigged lizards and senkos. The windy weather made the topwater action very difficult. All in all it was another successful trip and they will be returning in January. The lake level is slowly movng up and the fishing will pick up even better with the upcoming full moons. For a trip of a lifetime check us out at www.bassonline.com or www.hawghunter.net, you can always call (888)628-BASS. See you on the water. U.S.C.G. Captain Juan Ruiz

Okeechobee Fishing Report (Clewiston) 10/4/2007

2007-10-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

The topwater bite and schooling fish are red hot all over the south end of the lake. Today we boated 25-30 bass up to 4lbs in a half of day all on artificial. The lake level is coming up and the water temperature is slowly coming down and the bass are really starting to bite. The crankbait bite has also been consistent. Artificial lures are out fishing shiners some days, but as it gets cooler I expect the shiner fishing to pick up and the big females to start showing up in good numbers.
Remember: On Okeechobee if the wind blows from the north you want to fish north and when the wind blows from the south fish south. For a great day of fishing action call 888-629-(BASS) or visit us at Bassonline.com. U.S.C.G Captain Juan Ruiz (561)628-2641 or visit our website for the most professional and customer service friendly guide service in the State of Florida. Children and Women always welcomed.

Lake Okeechobee finest guide service

2006-03-28T15:11:00.000-08:00

Lake Okeechobee is the most famous trophy bass lake in the world, well-known for the quantity and quality of bass it produces. This reputation on Lake Okeechobee has continued for many years as producing the biggest and best largemouth bass fishing in the country.
Our Florida bass fishing guides have been of the highest rated and most prestigious Lake Okeechobee bass fishing guides since our inception, written up in Forbes as "Florida's #1 Rated Urban Anglers" and now accredited as the official guide service of NASCAR. This is all due to the quality of the service and vast repeat customer base we attract. We have built our business on years of customer satisfaction, and we continue to achieve the highest standard in the Florida freshwater fishing industry. Our team has many, many years of combined experience in catching trophies on the Big O (Okeechobee), and we take great pride in ourselves on making sure that you get the trip YOU desire and deserve.
When you hire our fishing guides you don't just get a guide, you get whole hand picked team. Our group of top pro anglers work together as a team to ensure you have the best opportunity for success on the water. Coordination and sharing of information and resources are why our guides are so effective. It's a tremendous advantage that most services do not provide their customers. Our team of guides will share with you all the latest fishing techniques to assist you in becoming an even more experienced fisherman, and have fun while doing it!

Capt Todd Kersey
todd@bassonline.com
www.bassonline.com
888 629-BASS