10/19/2024 Weekly Okeechobee Fishing Report 

Howdy, fellow fishing fanatics! Captain Joe here, your trusty guide to the ins and outs of Lake Okeechobee. 

Now, let's talk about the lake's current situation. As of right now, Lake Okeechobee sits at a respectable **15.98 feet NGVD**.  Now, that's a bit higher than last year's 16.28 feet during the same time frame.  Even more interesting is that it's higher than the 2-year average of 15.40 feet!  This shows that the lake is definitely on the higher side compared to recent history. 

But how does all this affect our fishing? Well, I've been out on the water, and here's the lowdown for the week:

**The Weather:**

The coming week looks like a mixed bag.  We're expecting [Collection] on [Collection], [Collection] on [Collection], [Collection] on [Collection] , [Collection] on [Collection], [Collection] on [Collection], [Collection] on [Collection] and [Collection] on [Collection].  There's a chance of some wind, [Collection] on [Collection], [Collection] on [Collection], [Collection] on [Collection] , [Collection] on [Collection], [Collection] on [Collection], [Collection] on [Collection] and [Collection] on [Collection].  Now, remember, these are just general predictions, and things can change quickly on the lake.  Always check the latest forecasts before heading out.

**The Fishing:**

With the lake being a bit higher than average for this time of year and the expected weather conditions, here's what I'm seeing: 

* **Bass:**  Those bigmouths are loving the higher water levels and can be found in those shallow, weedy areas.  Try using topwater lures like poppers and frogs early in the morning and evening, especially if we see some calmer days.

* **Speckled Perch (Crappie):**  The crappie are still scattered throughout the lake, but I'm seeing some good catches in deeper water around submerged brush piles and fallen trees.  Try a live minnow or a jig under a bobber.

* **Bluegill and Catfish:**  These fish are always a good bet, no matter the time of year.  Try your luck with worms or crickets around bridges, docks, and lily pads. 

**Pro Tips:**

* **Stay in the shallows:**  The warmer weather and higher water levels are bringing fish closer to the surface. If you're looking for action, stick to those shallow, weedy areas. 

* **Be patient:** Fish can be a bit more finicky during this time of year. Don't get discouraged if the action isn't fast and furious. Keep moving around and try different techniques until you find what works.

* **Don't forget your sunscreen:** The Florida sun is strong, even on cloudy days. Protect yourself with sunscreen and a hat. 

**As Always:**

Remember, always check the latest regulations and fishing guidelines before heading out.  And most importantly, enjoy the beauty of Lake Okeechobee!  We're lucky to have such a fantastic fishery right here in our backyard. 

Tight lines, and happy fishing! 

Captain Joe