Title: Tackle Okeechobee's Dropping Levels and Land Lunker Bass This New Year

Happy New Year, folks If you're planning to hit Lake Okeechobee today, here’s what you need to know.

First off, the lake level is sitting at about 15.12 feet above sea level, which is lower than last year this time. This lower water level means the bass, especially those big females, are heading for deeper water[1].

Weather-wise, January is typically cool, with water temperatures averaging around 59°F. Expect some chilly mornings, but it should warm up as the day goes on[2].

Sunrise today is at about 7:10 AM, and sunset will be around 5:30 PM. These times are perfect for catching some early morning and late afternoon bites.

Yesterday's fishing was pretty good despite the challenging conditions. Captain Brian Brown and his crew caught over 15 largemouth bass, with some weighing up to 3 pounds, using wild-caught live shiners. This bait has been the go-to for tough fishing conditions[5].

For lures, soft plastics like Zoom, Culprit, and Charlie’s Worms, along with fishing lures like Heddon and Rattle Traps, are always good choices. But if you want to catch those huge largemouth bass, live shiners are your best bet[3][5].

If you're looking for hot spots, Clewiston on the Southwest shore is a great place to fish from shore or by boat. The monkey box area is notorious for largemouth bass, and you might just catch the fish of a lifetime there. Another good spot is the Belle Glade area, known as bay bottom, which is excellent for black crappie and has calm waters perfect for shoreline fishing[4].

So, grab your gear, bundle up for the cool morning, and head out to Lake Okeechobee. With the right bait and a bit of patience, you're in for a great day of fishing. Tight lines