Destination: Lake Okeechobee

EverStart Series Eastern Division, Jan. 5-8

The EverStart Series Eastern Division and Wal-Mart FLW Tour fields can expect to find high water and finicky largemouths at Lake Okeechobee this January following one of the most devastating hurricane seasons in years.

The lake could be as high as 16 to 18 feet by tournament time, and that could spell trouble when it comes to finding concentrations of fish and getting them to bite consistently throughout the events.

According to BFGoodrich Tires pro Scott Martin of Clewiston, Fla., the spawn will be in full swing. But because the lake will be high, it will fish differently than the fishermen are used to.

Martin predicts that slow-rolling 1/2-ounce spinnerbaits and ripping 1/2-ounce Rat-L-Traps above submerged hydrilla and eelgrass beds will be the tickets to heavy sacks. Top-waters also could be productive.