Florida Freshwater Fishing

Since 1985 Ron's Guide Service has been creating memorable fishing experiences.
Our fishing trips were one of the very first services we offered and we are proud to have anglers from all over the world come fish with us for over 25 years.
You can easily combine your hunting experience with a morning or afternoon of Florida fishing.

Fishing Locations
Choose from over 15 exciting fishing locations!
Fishing Hours
Ron’s Guide Service offers Florida freshwater fishing seven days a week year-round.
Fishing times are flexible and can be customized to fit your needs.
HALF DAY MORNING/AFTERNOON - 4 HOURS
FULL DAY - 8 HOURS
HALF OR FULL EVENING FISHING AVAILABLE FOR CRAPPIE
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH?
Anytime is a great time to fish in Florida!
Most crappie fishing efforts occur during the winter. Bass, Bluegill, and Shellcracker fishing is good all year.
Transportation
We use a variety of vessels depending on party size, fishing style, and preference.
For families with kids we recommend our pontoon boat. Experienced anglers will prefer bass boats which hold a maximum of three passengers and one captain per boat.
We specialize in large fishing parties that require multiple boats.
Fishing Types
GUIDED TROPHY BASS FISHING
Florida bass fishing on Lake Okeechobee with a USCG licensed guide service is an event every bass fishing angler dreams of doing in his lifetime.
Our affordable rates can make that dream a reality.
BEST TIME TO COME
"When is the best time to come?" Is the foremost question Ron's Guide Service is asked by every angler planning a trophy bass fishing trip on Lake Okeechobee. Ron's Guide Service has been providing fishing services since 1985 and we would honestly have to say that there really isn't a bad time to go fishing on Lake Okeechobee. The spawn (November - April) when the fish are bedding is considered to be better months to catch a Lake Okeechobee trophy bass.
FISHING WITH SHINERS METHOD
Fishing with shiners is by far the most productive way to land a Florida trophy bass. The beauty of shiner fishing is that you don't have to be a bass fishing "angler of the year" to really experience the thrill of fighting trophy size bass.
Fishing with shiners is a sure shot method of landing a Florida trophy bass.
Live bait cost is $12.00 - $16.00 depending on market.
A party can expect to use 4-5 Dozen for a half day and 6-8 Dozen for a full day of bass fishing.
SHINERS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH YOUR BASS FISHING TRIP.
THE COST OF SHINERS WILL BE CALCULATED ON THE DAY OF YOUR TRIP.
FISHING WITH ARTIFICIAL LURES METHOD
Fishing with artificial lures is by far the most economical way to bass fish.
A party may also combine some fishing with shiners while fishing with artificial lures
by purchasing a dozen or more shiners if they wish.
We provide artificial lures on a "you loose it, you replace it" basis.
You can bring your own plastic worms or purchase them locally.
Plastic worms 4 1/2 - 7 inch Senko style, Zoom Finesse Worm, and Trick Worms in june-bug, watermelon, black/red/blue glitter colors are popular on Lake Okeechobee.
FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR GUIDE AND PARTY WE ONLY OFFER ARTIFICIAL LURE FISHING
FOR PARTIES OF 2.
CATCH AND RELEASE POLICY
No bass for eating or mounting can be kept by anglers.
We would be happy to provide a angler with the length and girth measurements and a photo if they would like to have a replica mount made.
GUIDED CRAPPIE FISHING
The Florida crappie, "speckled perch", or "speck" as they are called throughout the State of Florida is the most sort after panfish on Lake Okeechobee.
Lake Okeechobee is called the speckled perch capital of the world.
This Huge lake holds the largest amount of crappie nationwide.
BEST TIME TO COME
Although the Florida crappie can be caught during the summer months, they really are at their best from late fall to early spring.
FISHING WITH LIVE BAIT METHOD
Minnows are the preferred live bait. Crickets and worms are also popular choices.
LIVE BAIT FOR CRAPPIE FISHING IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR TRIP.
BAG LIMIT
The bag limit for crappie is 25 per person per day.
The possession limit is two days bag limit per each licensed angler.
GUIDED BLUEGILL FISHING
Bluegill ounce for ounce, fight better than any other freshwater species of fish.
Bluegill are also fun to catch and are second to none in the frying pan.
Catching a mess of bluegill, 3/4 pounders and up, is a common event throughout the spring, summer and early fall on Lake Okeechobee.
The male bluegill, "bull", or "copper head" as they are called locally due to the copper band that runs across their dark head, are highly vulnerable of being caught during spawning months.
During spawning bluegill are also at full coloration. They have dark lateral bars down their sides and a deep red chest. A male bluegill will become very aggressive after he establishes his nesting area, which are usually the same spawning sites year after year.
They will strike at anything that intrudes into their nesting territory.
BEST TIME TO COME
Bluegill spawning occurs when the lake water is between 70-75 degrees which
typically happens in March and lasts until late September. The male bluegill begins building a dish shaped nest that is a round sandy depression 2-4 inches deep and 8-24 inches wide.
Bluegill gather in large colonies during the spawn. There are dozens of nests side by side in an area of 50-75 square feet. Bluegill spawning activities also cycle around the full moon periods. The 5 day period before and after the full moon is a great time to catch many bluegill.
FISHING WITH LIVE BAIT METHOD
Worms and crickets are the preferred live bait.
Crickets top the list as the best live bait for bluegill.
LIVE BAIT FOR BLUEGILL FISHING IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR TRIP.
GUIDED SHELLCRACKER FISHING
Red ear sunfish or "shellcracker" as they are called locally are a favorite among anglers.
They grow big and fight hard. Shellcracker fish are popular for frying.
BEST TIME TO COME
The spawning period for shellcracker fish is very similar to bluegill.
Both spawning periods occur when the lake water is between 70-75 degrees.
March until late September is a popular time for shellcracker fishing.
FISHING WITH LIVE BAIT METHOD
Worms and crickets are the preferred live bait.
LIVE BAIT FOR SHELLCRACKER FISHING IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR TRIP.
Particulars
DO I NEED A FLORIDA FISHING LICENSE?
A Florida fishing license is required.
Children under 16 years of age are exempt.
A nonresident three day freshwater fishing license is available for $17.00.
PURCHASE ONLINE
PURCHASE BY PHONE: 1 (888) 486-8356
ADDITIONAL PASSENGER RATE
Ron's Guide Service believes it makes no difference whether two people are fishing or three which is why we do not charge for a third passenger.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Ron's Guide Service welcomes all levels of experience.
Our guided fishing is perfect for first timers and advanced anglers.
Our guides are experienced and patient to ensure you have a memorable fishing experience.
THINGS TO BRING
Fishing requires no special type of clothing or color. Sandals, shorts, jeans, and t-shirts will work. Each passenger should bring extra clothing, bug spray, camera, water canteen, and rain gear.
THINGS NOT TO BRING
With the exception of beer, no other alcohol is allowed to be consumed on our fishing trips.
If you are unable to come sober, please don't come.
You will not fish and you will forfeit your reservation deposit.