Lake Okeechobee

[JCasey]

I am planning a trip from the ICW on the west coast of Florida through the lake and out Ft Myers. I am wondering if anybody who has done this trip can tell me about how long it should take. Also, any words of advice would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Jim.

 

[skeeterboy]

Re: Lake Okeechobee

If you fish the big O fish the monkey box section of the lake lower left and right. Its shallow and full of vegitation. Senkos should be killer or large plastic creatures baits in the matted grass.

 

[blacktip18]

Re: Lake Okeechobee

I guess it depends on how fast you want to go. I've gone from downtown Ft. Myers to Moorehaven. Which is a little town on the west side of lake O. If I remeber it took around two/three hours. 18ft bay boat with two people. I have a buddy in Moorehaven who picked us up. (One way trip) There are idle zones through FM, power plant and Labelle. But a lot of the distance you can get up and go. Getting through the locks is rather unpredictable though. And you'll have a lot more than we did.

 

[JCasey]

Re: Lake Okeechobee

I have done the east side and most of it is there aren't any no wake zones. From Moorehaven on was my biggest concern since it is the longest leg and I have never even been by there by car let alone boat. I have a 23ft bowrider and there will just be 2 of us so I should make up some good speed. Your 2-3 hours fits in with my over all time of about 5-6 hours so I will plan on 7-8 because you never know.<br /><br />Thanks, <br /><br />Jim

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Lake Okeechobee

I live in St Pete area anbd have been thinking about trailering our 20 ft bowrider to Ft. Meyers and doing a day trip to the Lake and staying over night then returninbg next day. I think the locks would be cool experince....any advice and/or thoughts?

 

[DeliveryCaptain]

Re: Lake Okeechobee

YES sir, <br />I can help you.. Just did the trip on a 40' SeaRay, and Bringing same one BACK this OCT. It depends on How big of a boat?? Once you Clear Pt. Mayacha on Stuart Side, The Okeechobee is a Piece of Cake.. IT's the LOCKS that are the REAL issue.. On the Lake onroute to Clewiston, it is ONLY about 15.7NM.. and Once you get down to Moore haven Lock, it is quite a nice trip.. Plan on about 11-12 HOUR trip from Stuart To Ft. Myers.. That is based on 24kt. cruising.. Distance between Moore Haven and Ortonna Lock is Crucial, this time of Year is HEAVY rain,and Takes an Extra 2 hours to Drain it// There are quite a few NICE overnite Places in Moore haven, worth a LOOK>> If you want more INFO ON this SIDE of FLA> Ft. Myers, Just write Me/ I do about 8-9 trips per year.. Best of Luck on your Trip* Bill

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Lake Okeechobee

Bill, I can cruise comfortably at about 30mph, what is the trip like from ft. Meyers to the lake, thinking of staying at Roland Martins. Then back next day. Boat is bowrider so have to stay in hotel. (wife is not a camper)

 

[DeliveryCaptain]

Re: Lake Okeechobee

I would say MIKE, that If you get to MOORE HAVEN by 1:30p. in The day, you can still make it to Ft. Myers before DARK. Just did one ON SUN> with 41 LUHRS> but happened to hit ALL the Locks dead on! Figure, on 35-40min. at Moore Haven, Only spent 25min. at ORTONA, and another 30min. at Franklin Lock. THERE is a Real nice Hotel at Yacht Basin/ Ramada, and ALSO a Holiday Inn there by the Next Basin. The Boat we Ran was a 26kt. OR 33.5mph boat. We did Entire TRIP>> From Stuart in ONLY 8.25hours.. WE Did Not Push it, ONLY Across the LAKE, we did 28kt. but otherwise we had a Perfect RIDE** If you are Going, YOU might want to Stop at PT. LABELLE. Sort of OLD FLA> with a Bed and Breakfast, and CHEAP FUEL> wish you well on your Trip. Bill D. Ft. Myers

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Lake Okeechobee

I heard that the locks are down until June 22 or later because of water levels. One friend hit some rocks in Lake Okeechobee and busted both screws so be careful with water levels. They stated it was a beautiful trip.