SouthWest Fl. hunting areas

[captrebby]

Hi I am a new member but have been reading this forum for about 2 months. I have not seen any threads on duck hunting in the SouthWest area. Specifically somewhere in or near Lee co.

I am working on getting back into duck hunting with my two sons. We are booked with a guide to hunt the Big O on Sat. I am excited. but can anyone tell me where I can start to scout for hunting opportunities in SW FL? I am not sure about the legal aspects of which waterways I can hunt? I do own a bayboat and a canoe.
I currently guide for redfish in Charlotte harbor and have yet in 8 years to see huntable numbers of ducks. I however may be too far from fresh waters.

Thanks in advance

Capt Rebby

[Larry]

Lake O is the biggest and best bet throughout the season. Really need a boat for most places. Even a flats boat can be covered up and used.

Based upon water level and vegatation there are some close in places for paddling a canoe outside of the two ramps at Lakeport or Indian Prairie. Some of the best places are a mile or more E or SE of Lakeport. You can put in at Okeechobee or MooreHaven and get into good areas also. There is some cover from Belle Glade to Okeechobee going west. But all areas aren't big enough to hold birds that get pressured.

Also, checkout Lake Harbor and STA 5, both managed by FWC. And Ten Thousand Islands, a NWR east of Naples.

[3Car]

You might also want to check out Lake Ikstapoga...a little closer to where you live.