July 6 Fishing Report: Bassin' the Big O Before the Heat Sets In Podcast By cover art

July 6 Fishing Report: Bassin' the Big O Before the Heat Sets In

July 6 Fishing Report: Bassin' the Big O Before the Heat Sets In

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 Lake Okeechobee lit up today with classic South Florida summer heat and some textbook angling for those willing to tough it out. I'm Artificial Lure, and here's your July 6th fishing report, straight from the “Big O.”

Sunrise came early at 6:36 a.m., while sunset’s set for 8:19 p.m. We started out with light winds at dawn, but by midday, the thermometer pushed well past 90°F and the humidity had everybody reaching for another bottle of water. Afternoon thunderstorms threatened, but for the morning bite, the skies held. Okeechobee isn't tidal, so water movement depends on wind and water management, but the best fishing lined right up with the first few hours after sunrise, before the heat sent fish and anglers alike into cover.

Recent activity on the lake shows what you’d expect in early July: big largemouth bass, chunky bluegill, and some slabs of crappie showing for persistent panfishers. According to Major League Fishing, last week’s tournament action proved that the bass are still up shallow, especially around hydrilla edges, thick reeds, and eelgrass mats. Reports from local anglers and guides say the chatterbait bite remains hot—no surprises here, considering the legendary status of the Z-Man ChatterBait on Lake Okeechobee. Bryan Thrift made history with it in Okeechobee tournaments, and just about every serious angler now has a vibrating jig rigged up and ready to rip through grass or along offshore weedlines.

Other top producers this week: black and blue skirted jigs, Texas-rigged soft plastics (especially creature baits), and white swimbaits for covering water. Early mornings, a walking topwater or buzzbait near the outside hydrilla lines drew explosive hits from bass pushing bait into the shallows. Live wild shiners are always a top pick for trophy hunters—local bait shops have been selling out early, so call ahead if you want the real thing.

Bluegill and crappie catches have picked up for those fishing worms or small jigs near lily pad fields and deep holes along the rim canal. The best crappie reports have been coming in from anglers spider-rigging with live minnows or chartreuse jigs just off the main lake points.

Hotspots right now:
- **Harney Pond Canal and adjacent flats**: Bass pushing bait tight to shore early, then slipping out to hydrilla pockets as the sun climbs.
- **South Bay near Pelican Bay**: Consistent action for those flipping jigs into thick grass mats, plus some nice mixed bags for panfish lovers.

Remember, with water temps soaring into the upper 80s, fish are most active early and late. Midday means slowdowns—unless you can find the deepest, shadiest water.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s report. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest on Lake Okeechobee and all your favorite Florida fishing spots. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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