Crappie

Crappie fishing around Belle Glade centers on Lake Okeechobee, where these tasty panfish are abundant. Look for them schooling near submerged vegetation, docks, and brush piles, especially in the canals and cuts leading into the lake. The winter months (December-February) are typically the best time to target crappie, as they congregate in these areas to spawn. Minnows and small jigs are the go-to baits. A local trick is to use a slip bobber rig to present your bait at the right depth, especially when fishing around deeper structure. Access is available through several boat ramps around the lake, but the South Bay and Clewiston areas are popular starting points. Be mindful of wind conditions, as Okeechobee can get rough quickly. The crappie here are known for their good size, making for a rewarding fishing experience.