Anyone fished with a guide on Okeechobee in February or March? I'm thinking about going that time of year and was wondering what to expect.

Don't know what to expect in March; but babbaque is your man. This is what he is doing right now on Stick Mash.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...hs#Post12504905

If weather patterns are typical, a lot of fish have spawned by March, though fishing is still good for longer as they've moved inshore (relative term on Oke.) and don't leave immediately. The problem with February is that if a bad cold front lands on your fishing days, it shuts down BAD. Those are full-blooded Florida bass, no "hybrid" to it. February may provide more hungry pre-spawn fish to chase, but the March weather is generally less volatile than February's in South Florida. I lived there for 20 years and enjoyed fishing both months, just not when a cold front had them shut down.

I have to make a trip to West Virginia, and around the first of March is best weather wise for that. I was looking at doing a little visiting on the way home and then a bucket list trip to Okeechobee. Would be around March 7 or so. I know the weather is very unpredictable that time, but it's then or later in the spring.

Do March 7, then. It should be awesome unless a bad cold front hits March 5 or later. Those are better odds than in February. My BD is 3/9, and I can remember some banner BD trips around that date. We flipped a lot with the Gambler Crawdaddy. It has a little less action, which is great for cooler water, and no flat flapping claws that slap and hold onto vegetation. Grab some in a local tackle shop.

You don't really need a guide unless your not taking your boat. If your dead set on March you better call now and book. Roland Martins marine have several excellent guides. Remember that Jan - April is prime season in Florida and finding a place to stay can be almost impossible.

If you need some more info message me. I lived in Florida for 11 years and know alot of people around Okeechobee and the lake really well.

Thanks Don, one piece of advice, Okeechobee has all kinds of tournaments at that time, FLW and all local clubs, hope you can flip grass. Check out Stickmarsh we go to a connecting lake which holds fish that have never seen a human

Rooster is correct. There are places that are in such demand that booking a room for desired dates nearly a year ahead of time is advisable.