May Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing Forecast
May brings the perfect time of year to get out and experience Lake Okeechobee. It is a hidden treasure to many people even though you could not miss it on the map. Largemouth bass are king on the Lake with its massive numbers of healthy schools of quality fish. Here is your May Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing Forecast with Captain Mark Shepard.
Water levels play a major factor in the health of the fishery here in Florida. The water level is above sea level at about 12.5 foot. The levels of the lakes being down or a “drought” will give time for the grass to grow. It promotes growth of the vegetation that the bass reside and resort to for protection and breeding. As the grass grows, the grass shrimp will also breed and reproduce. Grass shrimp help with water clarity and the lake should and hopefully be clear this summer.
Running around can be very dangerous if you do not know exactly where to run. You must run the outside grass lines, where there is more water and less rock formations. Rocks are scared around the lake as they are very important to the structure of the lake. I have seen many lower units torn up and ripped off due to poor navigation. If you need some help running around, hire a guide and we will be able to show you the correct routes to run. Stay off the grass beds and make sure to idle in zones that is appropriate or of concern.
Due to the low water levels and just because Lake Okeechobee is the bass factory of the world, the fishing has been amazing. As the sun begins to warm and the fish become more active, the artificial bite becomes sweeter. Moving into the flats they are crushing top water baits like the Bass Assassin “Logger Toad” or any hollow body frog. Some of the most exciting fishing comes from this time of year.
The numbers and quality have been at an all time high. Lake Okeechobee has been producing fish within the range of 5 to 8 pounds daily. On most days you can catch 50 to 100 fish of the quality you are looking for. Those are the best days to be fishing because it provides an incredible amount of pleasure to your clients.
Warmer months push in and draw massive migrations of pan fish. Largemouth bass are not the only species on the Lake. Pan fish are incredibly delicious and if you like to eat what you catch, these are the freshwater fish you want to hunt. Their exceptional table fare draws people to the state of Florida and fishing every month. As the grass grows and the shrimp grow with it, the shell crackers and soon after blue gills will. Grab some light tackle and catch yours today!
The fishing has been exceptional this season and will continue to get better. This May Lake Okeechobee Bass Fishing Forecast should help guide you in the right direction when fishing the Lake. Do not miss out on an opportunity of a life-time setting the hook into a fish of your dreams.
Come Catch Yours with Captain Mark Shepard on Lake Okeechobee.
If you enjoyed this post with Captain Mark Shepard, you might also enjoy this fishing report from the same area.
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Captain Mark Shepard is a full-time guide and touring professional. Experience includes BASS Master, FLW Tours, Everstart, BFL tournaments and many others. Mark has a list of accomplishments in the fishing industry a mile long including a Everstart WIN on Lake Eufaula, AL. Mark originally from Florida moved to Ohio to sharpen him northern skills and moved back from Ohio years ago to master guiding on world famous Lake Okeechobee for over 10 years now.
