Tour / Activity Description

COVID-19 Protocol Update

Facial coverings must be worn by all persons in public places where social distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines is not possible.  Fully vaccinated people can participate in outdoor activities and recreation without a facial covering or mask, except in certain crowded settings and venues where there is a decreased ability to maintain physical distance. 

Trip Length

This four hour "half day" trip is a good one for first-time anglers or people traveling on vacation, a business trip or just passing through the area - who have a limited amount of time for a fishing experience.

IMPORTANT - FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED

• If you are between the ages of 16 and 65, the State of Florida requires that you have a freshwater fishing license. Children under 16 and Seniors over 65 are not required to have one.
• In Florida, licenses can be purchased at Bass Pro Shops, Wal-Mart or many local tackle shops. You also may order a license on the internet - just search "Florida fishing license."
• A 3-day non-resident Fishing License is currently $17.00 plus tax. If you might want to do fishing for longer than a few days, one valid for the entire year is currently $34.00 plus tax. For Florida residents, an annual fishing license is required at a current cost of $17.00 plus tax. (Costs of fishing licenses are subject to change.)

Included

• Outstanding professional guide
• Fishing boat and fuel
• All Fishing Gear - spinning rods, baitcasting rods, left or right-handed rods, braid and mono line (or you can bring your own)
• Cooler, Ice and Bottled Water
• Photos taken by your guide and spread on social media

Not Included

• Fishing Licenses
• Hotel pick-up
• Food and additional beverages are permitted but not included (alcoholic beverages are permitted)
• Some optional live bait may require an additional fee and will be purchased the day of the tour
• Guide Gratuity (optional, but greatly appreciated)

Amenities & Equipment Basics

• Boats are 20+ feet, US Coast Guard certified and with a capacity of 4 guests
• Life jackets, fuel, all fishing equipment and some live bait are provided
• Boats have fishing chairs, GPS and Fishfinder
• Catch-and-release is allowed but keeping some fish is allowed within state laws (ask your captain/guide about which species)
• Disabled-Friendly

What to Bring/Wear

• Any required medications
• Comfortable shoes - deck shoes, tennis shoes or sandals are the most comfortable footwear
• Light colored shirt and during cooler months you should dress in layers
• Hat
• Rain gear
• Polarized fishing glasses are preferred, but regular sunglasses are fine
• Sunscreen
• Don't Forget Your Fishing License(s)!

Fishing Techniques

• Light tackle
• Heavy tackle
• Live bait
• Artificial lures
• Fly fishing (fly rods provided only on request, so if you want to use a fly rod provided by the guide, please specifically note that when ordering)

Clewiston Lake Okeechobee Fishing

The Clewiston area of Southwest Lake Okeechobee is a haven for largemouth bass and crappie fishing, though other species can be caught there as well.

Florida Largemouth Bass are like no other species in the state. They dominate the freshwater systems and lakes, creating the perfect opportunity to hunt down the trophy bass you are looking for. Your guide will have all the tackle from light to heavy to fight that big bass.

Crappie can be caught year-round in Lake Okeechobee but the late fall to early spring is the best time of year for this species. And the best crappie fishing is early or late in the day. Crappie like to spend time along the marsh edge and in and around vegetation and plants such as hyacinths and hydrilla.

Snook are seasonal in Florida waters. They can be found in inlets, backcountry mangroves and flats.  Snook on light tackle or a fly rod are favorite methods for serious anglers.  They like live bait best like shrimp, crabs and fingerlings but will take artificials and flies.

Other species found in the Clewiston area include speckled perch, blue gills and Okeechobee catfish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can there be on this fishing trip? -- The preferred and most comfortable is 1 or 2 persons, although 3 or 4 people per boat are often taken. 4 is the maximum. The limits are set by the US Coast Guard.

Can I bring my kids? -- Absolutely, freshwater fishing is perfect for kids. The action is consistent, the fish are plentiful. There are alligators, birds, snakes and other native species that can be seen. Restroom facilities are usually close by most fishing areas. The guides have no problem taking restroom breaks when needed and enjoy working with children and instructing them on various fishing techniques, so all family members are welcome. Children of all ages are welcome but they are considered part of the group size - so, for example, one adult and one child of any age would constitute a private tour of 2 persons.

Do I need any fishing experience? -- No, your guides have all the experience that is needed. They love teaching others about the sport and coaching you through it all. People may have never fished a day in their lives, but leave with a new understanding and an unforgettable experience.

What about the weather? -- In the summer it is hot and it can rain almost any day, but mostly in the afternoon. Be prepared. Put sunscreen on before the boat departs and bring rain gear if you have it. If not, the guides usually do. Watch the weather and be assured it is cooler on the water than land.

Is it rough out there? Will I get sea sick? -- No, you will never have to worry about sea sickness on this trip.

Does the guide fish? -- No, unless you specifically request it. Their job is to put you on the fish and give you the information you need to hook, fight and land your trophy fish. They've have done these thousands of times and know were the fish are, so there's no need for them to "test fish to locate them" on YOUR time!

48 Hours Minimum Advance Booking Required.  Tour does not include hotel pick-up; departure will be from a convenient location in Clewiston with directions to be specified on your E-Ticket - about 50 miles due west of Palm Beach and approximately 65 miles east of Fort Myers.  Private tour pricing is per-group for the specified number of persons, in US dollars.  Please order online or call us at 212-852-4822 to order or for more information.