Lake Okeechobee Preview
2016 Walmart FLW Tour Preview
Clewiston, Fla.
Feb. 4-7, 2016
Hosted by Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort
Presented by Ranger Boats
About the Fishery
Lake Okeechobee, or the “Big O,” as it’s commonly known, is one of the most famed bass fisheries on the planet. Sprawling over more than 450,000 acres of prime largemouth habitat, the massive lake is relatively clear and sports an abundance of aquatic vegetation – hydrilla, eelgrass, peppergrass, hyacinth, reeds, cattails, lily pads – that holds loads of baitfish and bass. For its size, the lake is actually quite shallow, with an average depth of only 9 feet. The abundance of shallow cover and ample supply of food are what makes this place a bass fishing Mecca.
Last Time
The last time the Tour visited the Big O was in 2014, close to the same dates as 2016’s event is scheduled. Brett Hite ran away with the title by more than 6 pounds ahead of second place after smashing nearly 35 pounds on the first day. He carried that momentum all the way to the end by fishing a vibrating jig on outside grass lines almost exclusively. The Arizona pro mixed in some flipping as conditions changed, but he largely took advantage of schools of fish packed in hard-bottom areas around a variety of vegetation.
What to Expect this Time
The 2016 event might be a reasonable facsimile of 2014. Lots of anglers will be flipping thick matted grass or reed clumps where the big girls tend to hunker down while recovering from or preparing to spawn. Fan-casting peppergrass flats with swim jigs or swimbaits will definitely be a pattern to watch too. Either way, fishing shallow water will be the name of the game.
Because it’s Okeechobee, land of the giants, a slugfest is never out of the question. However, it really comes down to the timing of new waves of fish coming in to spawn and whether Mother Nature throws anglers a curve in the form of high winds or cold fronts.
Baits and Techniques
- Flipping baits – Without a doubt, the top finishers will employ a flipping bait of some sort during the event, whether it be a Texas-rigged Yamamoto Senko or beaver-style bait such as a Gambler Why Not.
- Horizontal presentations – Swim jigs or vibrating jigs will also be major factors to help anglers cover the massive grass flats around the lake. A Texas-rigged soft-plastic “grass swimbait” such as the Gambler Big EZ will be a favorite as well.
3 Critical Factors
1. Cold front – This is probably the biggest negative anglers can face in Florida. Nothing can kill the bite quicker than a major cold snap. Those who are truly dialed in and can slow down usually do OK.
2. Dirty water – For whatever reason, Florida bass aren’t big fans of dirty water. Since Okeechobee is essentially a giant circle-shaped bowl, with open water in its middle, nearly any wind direction can rile up the lake and create pockets of dirty water. Avoiding dirty water and finding clean areas is the key to locating a good bite.
3. Crowds – Despite its massive size, Okeechobee tends to fish small during early spring. “Community areas” such the Monkey Box, Harney Pond and South Bay tend to receive a lot of attention, so anyone fishing there can expect company. However, higher water conditions this year could help disperse anglers farther back into the grass than usual, allowing for more breathing room.
Fantasy Fishing Pick
Picking flipping experts is usually the obvious choice for Okeechobee, but you’re better off picking anglers who are experts at fishing grass in general, no matter the technique. During the last few trips to Okeechobee, flipping has been a player, but it hasn’t dominated. Guys who understand how bass relate to different types of grass and how they move within it consistently do well at Okeechobee. Fortune favors anglers with ample experience on Okeechobee – or at least in Florida – or with a track record of success there. Our picks: Brandon McMillan, John Cox and Scott Martin.