News Release

June 8, 2010
Contact: Gabriella B. Ferraro, 772-215-9459
Coleen Curran (SMI Cold Therapy), 704-900-7275

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has teamed up with the “Wounded Warrior Project” to recognize the service of our nation’s injured war veterans. The FWC presented war veterans with five-year fishing-license bonus packages containing items donated by the freshwater fishing industry.

The FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management presented the promotional package of tackle samples, fishing publications and discount coupons to each of the Wounded Warrior Project veterans as part of its current promotion of 5-year freshwater fishing licenses. For information on that, visit MyFWC.com/License.

The Wounded Warrior Project is taking U.S. war veterans on fishing excursions on Lake Okeechobee. A pair of Iraqi war veterans went fishing June 7 and 8, guided by a professional bass angler, and caught more than 60 bass. During a two-day excursion last month, another pair of Iraqi war veterans caught approximately 50 bass.  Two more fishing trips are planned for August and October.

The trip was sponsored by SMI Cold Therapy of Butler, Pa., a manufacturer of cold-therapy products and services for post-operative patient care in hospitals and surgery centers, and byBassOnline.com, Florida’s largest freshwater guide service and outfitter for bass fishing on Florida lakes, canals and rivers.

BassOnline.com is Florida’s Largest Freshwater Guide Service and Outfitter, specializing in Florida bass fishing on Florida lakes, canals and rivers.
To learn more about Florida bass fishing, visit Bass Fishing Blog. Also visit or sister website Florida Bass Fishing, Lake Okeechobee Fishing, Bass Fishing Florida, Florida Peacock Bass, Everglades Fishing

What a day on Lake Okeechobee, the weather was pretty good a little windy but the fish were biting. Today I fished with Mitch Lohnert and Mike Downey I had great time with them they are good fishermen.

Today we got to enjoy some site fishing, we also caught bass on swim baits and flipping craws. With lots 1 to 3lb bass and some big ones it was a great day on the lake.

I sure hope to fish with them again some time.

We got alot of good fishing to do this year and alot of adventures back into the back country with the high water. will I hope to see soon.

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From ProStaff Writer Capt Mark Shepard  marks@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

Well the fish are starting to come back to the grass from the main lake. All ready having some spawning action starting but the best is yet to come. Fishing this month had its highs and lows, with a couple of cold fronts those days were tough but the rest month made up for it.

 We had signs of schooling fish and some good old worming opportunities. I sure enjoyed all the people I fished with this month, we did a little of every thing from live bait, topwater, worming even some flippin. The next couple of months will bring some good fishing opportunities with the spawn getting better every month. All the big catches last year of 2 to 5 ponders, we should see a lot bigger and better catches this year.

 Water levels this year will be a little different and can make for better fishing opportunities than last year. All of these changes should make for some great Okeechobee fishing adventures this year. The spawn success over the last couple of years has brought this fishery back, super strong and with all the new vegitation it will get stronger.

I’m sure looking forward to seeing everybody this season and meeting some new folks to enjoy Okeechobee with!

Customers Testimonial for November:

Excellent day on the water with Mark on Nov. 22^nd.

Thanks for your assistance.

Bill

William H. McCoy III, M.D.

_________________________________________-

Thanks Doc!

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer Capt Mark Shepard
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

 Wow what a month of fishing on the big O (Lake Okeechobee) with huge numbers fish of all sizes some on the beds during the full moon phases,  some schooling bass and cruising bass every were. This month started with my friend Allen of Hilton head, SC… he fished 6 days in a row and has fished with me for many years. Allen has been on many adventures with me and tells me often that Lake Okeechobee is the best he has ever seen it in the many years he has been fishing it. We averaged 50 to 100 plus fish a day on top water baits,  crank baits, frogs and plastics of all kinds. We also were flipping and site fishing on days that permitted it. This years spawn was awesome, with all the new grass on the lake, it has kept the water very clear and you can see fish all over and of all kinds.

This month has made fishing fun for everybody of all ages and skill levels. We  have used no live bait, 100% artificial lures on our guide trips. It has made for some good opportunities to teach the basics to many, while it has let others learn new techniques to add to there angling talent. I would like to thank the Alderman family Pete Scilla and friends Ed Romanoz and all the others for having the opportunity be part of there fishing adventures.

Good fishing and God bless,

From Staff Writer Capt Mark Shepard (marks@bassonline.com )
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS