This bass capital of the world is a must-stop for Florida freshwater fishing. When planning your central Florida vacation, out of all of Florida’s lakes, Lake Okeechobee provides the best fishing spot. Lake Okeechobee is the Best Freshwater Fishing in Florida
They also create a beautiful natural habitat for fish, wading birds, and other freshwater species. Its waters eventually end in the brackish estuary of the Everglades and provide flood drainage and water for the surrounding people and farms. The interconnected streams, rivers, and ponds that make up the Okeechobee basin are vital for Florida fish and wildlife. This amazing lake is known to be one of the best fisheries in the world and is host to a number of fishing tournaments for both professionals and the weekend angler.įed by rainfall and the Kissimmee River in the north, Lake Okeechobee is also referred to as Florida’s inland sea and plays an invaluable role in the local ecology. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in the continental United States after Lake Michigan. It covers 730 square miles, has 135 miles of shoreline, and an average depth of nine feet. Known at various times throughout history as Laguna del Espiritu Santo, and Mayaimi, Lake Okeechobee-from two Seminole Indian words meaning “big water”-is located in the center of Florida.