What would you recommend to anglers fishing in South Bay, Florida for the first time?

Learn the techniques more than focusing on all the flashy bait. Learn and know the types of poles that are best for fishing largemouth bass. Always come with a beginner's mindset and you will leave happy.

Get Captain William Wood as your guide! He is very good with folks like us that have a lot to learn. He showed us fishing tips we’ll not forget because he reviewed everything and let us do it till we ‘got it’. Thanks Captain!!

Don’t expect to go fully into Lake Okeechobee, as water levels run low in May, making it so you’re forced to fish the islands and canals on the perimeter of the lake. While you may not catch trophy fish, the bite is still extremely hot and you will put plenty of good fighting and good sized fish in the boat.

Talk to the operators of Slims Fish Camp. They are very knowledgeable and friendly. Great fresh bait and ready to serve you and offer advice. If you are going for the first time , it would be advisable to have a guide as the reeds and catlails could easily get you turned around. Our guide Captain William was fantastic.

According to Captain Wood we couldn’t go far into the lake due to controlled water levels. So where you can go may be limited if they are letting water out like this season.

I think it depends on your guide and Capt. William Wood knows where they hide and how to draw them out and how to get them to the boat.

First is to call “Bass Whisper” Capt JP! Even if you are not an expert fisherman (inexperienced as I) Capt will accommodate you and make you better!

Certain times of the year are better than others. We went during a slower time and still caught plenty of quality fish

Catch may be better between Dec-May. Also review water levels at the lake. Higher levels increase the surface area for the fish to disperse.

Leave your fishing gear in your vehicle. Captain Wood provides all the gear and boat, and will teach you how to fish like a professional.

Listen to your Captain. He is your lifeline and guide to having an adventure of a lifetime. Don't forget your sunscreen!

A cold front had just gone through so the fish weren’t biting. I would recommend planning a trip from the middle of March through May, if possible.

Bass have already spawned and the larger fish may be more difficult. However we caught some really nice peacock bass at Lake Osbourne.

Go out with william, he will help you with everything you need and will go out of his way to make sure you catch fish

It’s hot, but there’s a good breeze and we still caught a good amount of fish.

Know how to cast if you want to get into the areas where the big ones are hiding.

Water is fairly shallow so it does not get rough. Few weeds and obstructions. Easy fishing.

Slim’s Bait and Tackle- great place to stop in before/after your charter. Ally was super nice!

This is where you want to go and if you are smart you will book Captain William Wood!!!

Sunscreen and wind protection. It was warm and windy for sure. But, on the upside, no bugs !

Yes, I think the spraying had an effect on the fishing. The experience was fantastic.

Shiners were good to use. First time in ages I used them and they were very effective.

Use fishingbooker.com and use a seasoned guide that knows the lake like Capt William Wood

Yes it was my kids first time and had tons of success! Patient with kids and first time fishers!