Lake okeechobee, "the big O" in central florida may hold the next world record largemouth bass, but catching a monster over 22 pounds is going to take alot more than the average bass lures provide. A good size bass can actually eat something that is 60% of its own size. So a 20 inch bass is looking to nail a 12 inch lure or baitfish.

California anglers have known this for a while, and they regularly hunt lunkers with 16 inch swimbaits that are great imitations of rainbow trout. These are monster baits that catch monster bass.

Febuary thru May are prime huge largemouth months in south florida, and the bait of choice for actually having a shot at landing a really good sized buckettmouth, are golden shiners in the 10-13 inch sizes fished freelined along weedy banks in some of the canals in the huge southern lake.

There are numerous guide services that can make your day out on the water all the more enjoyable and successful. Well known bass fishing professional Roland Martin has a marina located in clewiston florida and there a some great guide services in the area as well.

If it's a truly big bass your after, put away the lures and try golden shiner fishing in beautiful southern florida. Chances are you'll catch the bass of a lifetime. Don't forget the camera and remember your CPR.

Catch, Photograph & Release!

Happy hunting.

Mike Panek