It is hard to imagine a field of 400 anglers having to compete for elbow room on a water body the size of Lake Okeechobee in South Florida. But according to Boca Grande, Fla., pro Sandy Melvin, there is a good chance fishing space on the Big O will be limited when the Stren Series Southeast Division rolls into town for the 2006 season opener Jan. 4-7.

“I am expecting the lake to be high,” Melvin said. “Factor in the wind, and most of the water will probably be stirred up. It could fish larger than last year but not by much. My guess is a bunch of fishermen will be competing for what little clear water is available.”

That is precisely what happened during the Wal-Mart FLW Tour and EverStart Series events at Okeechobee last January.

While high water and ripping winds combined to turn much of Okeechobee into a muddy, sloppy mess, the famed Monkey Box area remained relatively clear, but it was hardly a secret. Anglers jockeyed for position in hopes of pinpointing a magical stretch of hydrilla, cattails, hyacinth or dollar pads.

Melvin is betting the Monkey Box will again be a mainstay for much of the field in 2006. He said spawn-related patterns are likely to account for the heavier sacks.

“It is going to be typical South Florida winter fishing – flipping with heavy sinkers and soft plastics in any available vegetation,” Melvin said. “Spinnerbaits and Rat-L-Traps also could come into play, depending on what the weather does just before and during the tournament.”

Melvin’s call: 30 to 40 pounds to make the cut; 34 to 40 pounds to win it.