By Kevin and Amanda Mims

As Florida’s largest and most famous lake, Lake Okeechobee is known for excellent largemouth bass fishing. Here’s your itinerary for a two-day fishing trip to Lake Okeechobee with iOutdoors.

Day One

Wake up early, sit down for coffee or a hot breakfast at the hotel, and be ready for your captain to pick you up from the lobby of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clewiston. After a short ride to Lake Okeechobee, you’ll embark on an eight-hour fishing trip in pursuit of largemouth bass. At 730 square miles, Lake Okeechobee is the largest lake in the southeastern United States. It’s so vast that its shore can’t be seen from the opposite shore, so there are plenty of places to fish. With your captain as your guide, reel in largemouth bass and enjoy the sights of Florida’s most famous lake, watching for all kinds of birds, alligators, and a variety of turtles.

Afterward, your captain will drop you off back at your hotel, where you can get some rest or relax by the pool before heading out to dinner. Try nearby Sunrise Restaurant for some fresh, authentic Mexican food.

Day Two

Like yesterday, you’ll be picked up from the hotel in the morning and spend the day fishing on Lake Okeechobee. You and your captain can decide whether to fish the same spots as before or head out into new areas. When you’re finished, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Spend some time relaxing there or go out and explore the town.

Time Allowance

This itinerary takes two full days and three nights to complete.

Distance from Population Centers

Clewiston is about 90 minutes west of West Palm Beach and an hour and 15 minutes east of Fort Myers.

Walking/Driving Distance Between Things to Do

The boat ramp where you’ll launch at Lake Okeechobee is a six-minute drive from the hotel.

What to Bring

Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes suitable for a long day on the water and comfortable shoes such as sneakers or flip-flops. For most of the year, shorts are typical attire. You’ll need to bring your Florida fishing license, live bait, if desired, and food for the fishing trip. Alcohol is not provided but you are welcome to bring it. The boat will have coolers and ice. Fishing gear and bottled water will be provided.

What to Expect

This trip includes two full days of fishing for largemouth bass on Lake Okeechobee, which means a lot of time outside in the sun and heat, especially during the warmer months.

Physical Demands

This activity is generally not strenuous. Guests will need to be able to climb into and out of the boat.

Accessibility Enhancements/Inclusion Highlights

The boats do not have wheelchair lifts, but iOutdoors frequently takes anglers with disabilities on its fishing trips. Inquire before booking to confirm accessibility.

Trip Highlights

Fishing on the famed Lake Okeechobee is a bucket-list item for any Florida freshwater angler.

Lodging and Accommodations

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clewiston is recommended for this trip. Clewiston and Hendry County offer a variety of accommodations, including RV campgrounds, marinas and fish camps, hotels, and motels.

Culinary Adventures

Dining options in Clewiston and Hendry County range from Southern-style comfort food to Cuban cuisine to seafood. Several chain restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel.

When to Visit and Seasonal Differences

High season is from January to May. Off season is from June to December. Rain and thunderstorms happen more frequently in the summer, especially in the afternoons.

Surprises/Bonuses

Prior to checking in the day before your fishing trip, or after checking out, use your time to explore some of the surrounding areas. Both the Clewiston Museum and Skydive Spaceland Florida are close to the hotel, and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation is about 40 minutes away and Seminole Casino Brighton in Okeechobee is about 45 minutes away.

Rules

A valid Florida fishing license is required to participate.

Advice

Keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for unexpected changes in the weather.

How to Book

Get more information and this trip with iOutdoors online.

Places to Remember