We will be close to Lake Okeechobee over Christmas. Does anyone have a guide there they would recommend?

For non - Shiner fishing, Steve Daniel is a great guide. Also, call Koby Kreiger at Roland Martin's Marina and he can hook you up with one of their guides.

I'm still shocked when I hear that so many guides force you to fish with shiners out there. Don't get me wrong I have been known to soak some minnows in the back yard while drinking by the fireplace but now way in hell am I going to the Big O and fishing with live bait.

I went a couple years back in January and went through Roland Martin marina. They have a lot of guides hooked on with them. None FORCE you to use shiners. They all ask if you want to since its famous for shiner fishing but none force you.

With that said if you get there and a cold front hits, I would suggest shiners. Those bass will lock up tight at the slightest hint of cold weather.

I went a few years ago and the guides try hard to push them on you. I think they get a cut of the money. I forced the issue and had a very slow day. All we three were swim jigs all day. 2 bites and none in the boat. I was disappointed.

Have you checked on the lake lately? I thought they had a huge algae bloom that killed off a lot of fish and went all the way out to the coast killing fish and reef.

This is what I have heard from several guys. Never heard about the guides getting a cut but i had heard they really try to push you to buy shiners.

Steve Daniels is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. Fished with him as a co angler on Falcon. He got his five then tried to help me all he could.

Check this guy out
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKHXSFHn_eptnwB6AeUzoCQ

If I was in need of a guide, this would be my choice.