Okeechobee Trip Next Week

[johnnylots]

A buddy and I are going to Roland Martin's marina next week.  We hired a guide for 3 days and hear they have been having a stellar season so far.  We're both...intermediate-level fishermen from Bucks County PA looking to advance skillset and have some fun - out of this northeast weather.  First question, is this an opportunity to learn on a baitcaster or should I just do that on my own time?  Second, anyone know if the rooms are clean or should we stay elsewhere?  I dont need the Ritz but cant take filthy.  Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated from all.  Thanks

[Fishmaster10]

I don't know anything about the resort, but I would experiment with a baitcaster on your own time. It takes a little while to learn how to use a breaking system and then cast with it. Wouldn't want you to miss out on any lunkers while trying to figure out a new reel. 

[salmicropterus]

I don't know anything about the resort, but I would experiment with a baitcaster on your own time. It takes a little while to learn how to use a breaking system and then cast with it. Wouldn't want you to miss out on any lunkers while trying to figure out a new reel.

Agree on that. Roland's is fine and clean. You should see if the trailers are available. They are clean and just marginally more expensive than the rooms but much more amenities. I stay about 30+ nights a year up there and no problems yet

[South FLA]

First and foremost you are in CLEWISTON! So the best it gets is Roland's Marina and Resort.   

Who did you hire as your guide?

[Bassn Blvd]

Let's see, you're staying at a resort of a world class angler so I would imagine the pillows smell like fish and the sheets are full of scales.

This is definitely the time to NOT try and learn the b/c. 

[GLADES]

I hope you have a successful trip to the lake. You are very wise to hire a guide. The lake is huge.

From what I have heard (never stayed there), the rooms are adequate but nothing fancy.

[flyboy]

You can go to Roland Martins and be confident that the accommodations will meet your expectations. If you like good food get one of their units with a kitchen. In the last few years choices of restaurants in Clewiston has declined. They still have a number of bars with bar food--there is a Tiki Bar at the marina with some food. There's a pizza place, fast food, Sonny's Barbecue and good supermarkets to buy things to cook.

As for the bait caster, it may be a little frustrating but in three days you should become pretty good with one. Get a practice plug and practice a lot before you go fishing. Be sure to teach yourself how to pitch. You will need that skill on Okeechobee.

I just remembered one good restaurant in town. The Clewiston Inn has a good restaurant and a really neat cocktail lounge with old Florida murals on the wall.

Have a great trip; your timing could not be better.

[flyboy]

Be sure to let all know how the trip went.

[johnnylots]

Thanks All.  The trip was excellent.  We had a condo that was clean and all we needed.  They screwed up booking the guide that was initially recommended so we had guide from...Slim's Marina who fills-in often.  He was a really nice guy but was dead set on sticking to shiners when we really wanted to learn more about fishing artificials.  Im not sure what his deal was - it was really windy and maybe he wanted to just ensure we caught fish and didnt spend the day untangling line.  It bacame a joke as he blew me off every time I mentioned plastics. 

The lake is huge - 35 miles across from the marina - and you cant see the other side. At the same time, its probably 3 feet deep on average.  We were there to catch bass but were excited when anything hit the line.  I caught a lot of mud fish on the first day - I hooked one that the guide thought had to be 15 pounds.  It was just a huge nasty fish.  He told me not to bragg about it at the marina since everyone hates them.  I didnt care, I just wanted to catch some fish.  Aligator gar were awsome to catch just because I never saw one in person.  We did catch a lot of bass that ranged from 3.5 pounds to 6 pounds and were very happy with that.

We fished from about 6 am until noon then from about 3 to dark.  So by the end of the day, I was sun burnt, tired and ready for a few cocktails at the tiki bar.  Food was fine for the two days but I really had enough burgers and fries for a while. 

I would recommend the Martin Marina to anyone and I cant wait to go back.  Next time I will ensure we get the right guide who will let us use artificials.  Again, thanks to everyone and keep me up-to-date on other experiences there.  Picture attached is one of the larger guys I caught.

[Shane Procell]

Glad to hear the trip was a success. But a guide who won't let you, the client, fish arties? I got a problem with that. Great picture!

[flyboy]

Johnnylots wrote, "He was a really nice guy but was dead set on sticking to shiners when we really wanted to learn more about fishing artificials."

I feel bad that your guide got switched. Next time you come get on the bulletin board and ask about guides in the area you are visiting, then talk directly with several and make certain of your dates and what you want to learn.  There are many guides that specialize in teaching.

It looks like you did catch some nice fish, sample some of our critters and see how majestic Okeechobee is.  Good luck.

[salmicropterus]

It is a shame that happened to you but I am glad it hasn't soured you on the Lake and the Guide Service there at Roland's. They truly do have some world class guides who will teach you and respect your wishes as the paying customer. I'll echo what has been said:next time PM some of us and make suggestions or in some cases pull a string to get you situated.