10/30/2024 Weekly Okeechobee Fishing Report

Well, howdy, fellow fishin' fanatics! Captain Joe here, and let me tell you, things on the Big O are lookin' pretty good this week!  First off, the lake level is sittin' pretty at 16.10 feet, which might not seem like much, but it IS actually higher than last year's 16.21 feet and a whole lot higher than two years ago at 15.83 feet.  Now, I know what you're thinkin', "Captain Joe, higher water means less grass, right?" And you'd be right, most of the time.

But this week, the fish are spread out 'cause we've had some decent rains, so we're gonna see some real good action.  The weather this week is gonna be a mixed bag.  It's lookin' like we'll have partly cloudy skies [Collection] with a good breeze blowin' between 5 and 9 mph, which is just enough to keep things cool and comfy.  [Collection] we can expect some scattered thunderstorms, so be sure to keep an eye on the radar, y'all.  But don't let that scare you off, those storms will help to keep the water level up and the fish movin'!  




Now, let's talk about what's bitin'!  




**Bass:**  The bass are scattered, but if you're lookin' for some big ones, try workin' the edges of the lily pads and hydrilla.  They've been hittin' topwater baits good in the mornings and evenings this week.  Don't forget to try some jig worms and creature baits in the deeper channels, too. 




**Crappie:**  The crappie are doin' pretty well near the bridges and around the edges of the lily pads.  Use minnows or jigs to try and tempt 'em.  The shallow, clear water around the lily pad edges is where they're hangin' out this time of year.




**Bluegill:**  Ah, the good ol' bluegill!  They're always hungry and always ready to put up a good fight.  Try crickets, worms, or even those little tiny crappie jigs.  You'll find 'em in the shallows, near the shoreline, and around the cattails.




**Catfish:**  You'll find the channel and blue cats in the deeper water this week, so try drop-shot rigs with shrimp or worms.  Always make sure to use a big enough rod and reel to handle the big ones!




So, there you have it, folks! The fishing is good, the weather is cool, and the Big O is full of fish.  Get out there and get 'em!  And remember, every day is a good day to fish, just make sure you're respectful of the lake and the fish.  




Tight lines, and happy fishin'!




Captain Joe