(Left) Duck hunters will find plenty of action in and around Okeechobee, and they may be able to check a few species off their life list. (Right) Large black crappies are another big draw for both local and visiting anglers. (Bottom) A number of outfitters offer hunting for gators, and huge ones can often be seen sunning themselves on the shore. (Photos courtesy of Florida Fish & Wildlife and © Steven Oehlenschlager/Dreamstime)
April 14, 2025
By Steve Wayne
Longing for a visit to a sportsman’s wonderland where fishing, hunting and all things outdoors are ingrained in the local culture? Then I submit for your consideration the town of Okeechobee, Fla., on the north end of the famous lake by the same name.
The small town of just over 5,000 residents is the gateway to numerous exciting opportunities both on the water and on land. Aside from the quantity and the size of the largemouth bass for which the “Big O” is renowned, fishing in and around the lake also yields plenty of bluegills and black crappies. In addition, the area offers superb hunting for a wide range of species, from large, toothy reptiles to waterfowl...
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