Lake O Questions

[Fin-n-Feathers]

Today I acquired the final piece of my rig - '17 Boston Whaler w/ 90 hp Yamaha. The rest of my gear should be down from Mich. a little late - end of November - better late than never.

As most of you know, I intend to layout shoot for divers. After gathering information the last couple of months I have decided to begin hunting Lake O. Since I have not put the rig through its paces and I am not sure what the "kinks" will be, I thought it would be best to start on the Lake. Here's the kicker - I have never been on Lake O. Therefore, I would like your opinions, information, help etc. about the Lake - so I will just fire away with questions.

1. Am I making a mistake starting at the Lake? If so, why?

2. What is the best Lake map to obtain?

3. My game plan would be to adjust the area I hunt depending on the wind and hunt out from the lee shoreline (especially if a front is gusting through). This would allow me to travel and set up further into open water where I understand the ducks raft-up. Is this a mistake? Are there definite areas that the divers congregate regardless of wind direction and velocity?

4. Could someone tell me where I can get information on boat ramps around the lake? I would like to have a ramp option from the lee shore no matter what the wind direction is - if possible.

After I get the "kinks" out and the rig is set up right, I will hunt other areas - IRL, Mosquito Lagoon, possibly Tampa Bay etc. Duke, I haven't forgotten that mid to late season redhead hunt in the Gulf.

I would like to thank you guys for the help that you have provided to me so far. I hope that I am not being overbearing with my questions. I don't expect you guys to hand me the ducks but I do sincerely appreciate any info that you can offer.

By the way, most of my buddies down here (Miami) are fisherman but have no clue (or desire) to hunt ducks. There has to be at least 2 people to set up and hunt my layout rig (3 people is probably best). I was wondering if there is anybody in South Florida that is interested in layout shooting on a regular basis with me this season. I've got the gear - just looking for a SAFE, SAFE, SAFE and somewhat experienced person to hunt with.

Dan

[uncle D]

Fin n Feather,

I don't know lake O, but it wouldn't be a bad idea for you to learn it. Also, there are some parts of the glades that might afford layout hunting.

Maybe take the time and take an airboat tour.

A good source for satilite images is http://terraserver-usa.com/

I have also heard Charolette Harbor near Naples is good for blue bills.

Duke

[duckmanJR]

Dan,
I would take my rig to Moore haven before the season and get a feel for the lake... A weekend trip to explore the south around to the north east side up above buckhead ridge would be a best starting point. You need to learn the area navigation wise before you attempt an early morning excursion.
As far as would I start at lake O? maybe not.... I would make a road trip to O and look at what I previously said...then a trip north to Istokpoga..It could be a real sleeper this season depending on hydrilla and water level. My next spot would be lake Kissimee...again looking for that topped out hydrilla. last stop for the trip would be Weohyapca (SP) better known as walk in water. It too could be a sleeper! It all keys on water level and food(hydrilla).
As for IR lagoon & Mosquito lagoon.... Nothing here yet to shoot ( bluebills) but if you want to give it a go...I'll let you know when its time and you can come up and hunt with the A teamers.... We'll show you what you need to know in this area.

PS Duke...Charlotte harbor is not near Naples :p but there is some gunning there

[uncle D]

ooopps!

You can tell that I don't get to hunt down south.

Maybe this year.

Duke

[duckmanJR]

Not to worry Duke... I'm sure chet will tell fin that there are no ducks in charlotte harbor...now that he's getting squeezed out of Tampa bay!:D

[Fin-n-Feathers]

Thanks for the info guys. I know very well that I have to learn the "lay of land" for Lake O (and others) and I intend to put my time in. In general though, do you guys think my game plan is solid?

It seems that most of you vary your game plan based on water levels and toppped-out hydrilla. This is something totally new to me - in the Great Lakes water level was never an issue and I never ever saw any aquatic plants topped out on the surface. I know there were submerged weeds and the divers were able to feed on that. We hunted the same general areas every year and the ducks would always be there.

Do divers in Florida frequent the same areas each year or do they dramatically change their patterns based on food supply? I can see where this might be true as divers in Florida are no longer "migrating" but "wintering" until they begin to move back north. During their extended stay I'm sure food is a major factor - Do I have this right?

Also, how is Chet getting squeezed out of Tampa Bay - Are there hunting restrictions or are you referring to the possibility that I might hunt divers over there.:confused:

Dan

[duckmanJR]

The big lake can be a part of any sound plan....but flexibility is a key in long term success.

I was refering to the Tampa area slowly but surely being closed to hunting...Only careful local knowledge will keep you from trouble with the law in that area.

[FLAWaterfowler]

Our divers (esp. ringnecks) do quite a bit of moving from year to year -- primarily for food sources. The quantity/quality of food sources on lakes will vary from year to year... such as hydrilla, which will top out if the water levels are right...

While hydrilla may be great for ducks, its a pretty bad invasive species, so often DEP or the water management districts will spray for it... a lake that is great one year can be wasted the next if it is sprayed

You may want to start checking out some of the smaller lakes first, as close to the season as we are... Lake O is a lot of turf to cover in a couple of weeks.

Oh, and beware of the infamous moint on Lake O

[FLAWaterfowler]

As far as general maps go..get you a Delormes Atlas of the state...worth its weight in gold! The newer ones have GPS grids on em as well...

JM

[Converted]

The Okeechobee chart I've got is #334 by Kingfisher. They can be found at many Wal-marts for under $10.00. The chart is most helpful in finding the areas in the lake that folks are talking about. You'll hear about "slims", J&S, monkey box, okee-tantie, indian prarrie, harney pond etc. That chart also has all the public ramps and fish camps located.

Who knows how the hunting will be on Okeechobee this year... very high water and more of it coming because of the toho drawdown will make it interesting. Additionally, birds using the STA's had an impact last year and no doubt the same thing will happen this year.

Istokpoga is worth a look. There are usually divers over there later in the season. Layout equipment is needed, they are very shy and won't fly over the reed lines.

Don't overlook Holiday park. It's alot closer to home for you and you can certainly get into your share of ringers and teal down there. A weed rake for your outboard would help you in the marsh.

Good luck!

[Fin-n-Feathers]

Could someone please explain the relationship between water levels and good hunting. The best way I can put it all together is that you want the water as deep as possible that will let the hydrilla top-out on the surface. Am I correct?

Also, approx. how deep is that optimum depth?

If you don't have optimum water levels, is it better to have deeper or shallower water for hunting?

Thanks

Dan

[duckmanJR]

General rules....
Puddle ducks..18" or less with food on or near surface.

divers... water level on the lake that allows topped out hydrilla..this varies since you want it topped out but it needs to be the nice lush green shoots...not the slimy scummy stuff. If the water drops too low it lays on the surface and rots...not good. That is why it takes alot of scouting... you have to find the "right" hydrilla fields...the ducks will show you the favored areas... you have to go look for them.

[Fin-n-Feathers]

Thanks Duckman and everyone else for all your help - I think I'm finally starting to slowly put it all together.

I have a new mantra - Scouting, scouting, scouting, scouting.......................... :p

Dan

[duckmanJR]

The more you scout ... the "luckier" you'll get!:) Most days the hunting is over by 9 ish..but the scouting is a constant game of hide & seek :D :D