Lake Okeechobee — "the Big O" — is 730 square miles of shallow, grass-rimmed largemouth bass factory, consistently ranked among the best trophy-bass lakes in the country. Winter is prime time, when cold fronts push heavyweight fish into the hydrilla and pencil reeds along the western marsh.
Where charters launch for Lake Okeechobee — each town page lists every local guide.
The species our Florida write-ups mention most for this water.
Required for ages 16-65. Freshwater and saltwater licenses sold separately. Charter trips often include license. Typical cost: Resident: $17 | Non-Resident: $47. On a guided charter your license is often covered under the captain's permit — confirm when booking.
Official Florida licensing site →
