Okeechobee Midday Update Day 1
The fishing is heating up with the weather
Things started out a little slow this morning on day one of the Costa FLW Series Southeastern Division event presented by Power-Pole, but by noon time, the Big O was starting to do what it does best – push bass up out of the main lake into the clear-water spawning flats of the northwest quadrant of the lake.
Those who raced up to the North Shore this morning were a little disappointed by the number of unanswered casts made in the first hour. Clusters of boats honed in on small, specific areas hoping to get an early jump on the competition but things were not exactly fast and furious right off the bat. However, as the sun got up a little higher a few more fish were being heaved over the gunnel. A lot of anglers started with moving baits early to catch small limits, but by 10 o’ clock they were poling down and needling areas of mixed hydrilla and eelgrass a little more thoroughly for culling potential.
“Now the waiting game begins,” says Okeechobee ace JT Kenney, who has a limit in the boat, which includes a 5-pounder. “Later this afternoon bigger ones will be moving up. Being at the right place during the witching hour later today can make you well in hurry on this lake.”
Others starting to put together limits were Barry Wilson who had 12 or 13 pounds. Dean Boruff had a small limit secured. Matt Baty reported having four keepers early. Tim Arnold had a nice limit, including a few 3-pounders. And Clint Brown was moving up the leaderboard with a limit including a 4-pounder and 6-pounder.
The weather for the day is quite pleasant, with a mix of sun and clouds, temperatures in the high 70’s and a SW breeze to about 15 mph. As it continues to warm, the fishing should get even better as the afternoon draws on.
Tournament details
Format: All 250 boaters and co-anglers will compete for two days. The top 10 boaters and co-anglers based on cumulative weight after two days of competition will advance to the third and final round, with the winner determined by the heaviest cumulative three-day weight.
Takeoff Time: 7:00 a.m. ET
Takeoff Location: Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort, 920 East Del Monte Ave., Clewiston, FL 33440
Weigh-In Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Weigh-In Location: Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort, 920 East Del Monte Ave., Clewiston, FL 33440