Florida · Palm Beach County · southeast shore of Lake Okeechobee

Belle Glade fishing charters

Bass and crappie on the southeast corner of Lake Okeechobee.

Book a local guide for largemouth bass or crappie from Belle Glade, on the southeast shore of Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest lake. Trips run 4, 6 or 8 hours, and the guide brings the boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures.

★ 5.0 · 520 Google reviews ★ 5.0 · 6,549 guest reviews
Boat, fuel & tackle includedBoat & tackle included Free weather reschedule
Angler in a small boat on a freshwater channel near Belle Glade at sunset

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Trip details: Belle Glade bass fishing · Belle Glade crappie fishing · Lake Okeechobee

Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.

Quick answer

What fishing charters can you book in Belle Glade?

iOutdoors books guided largemouth bass trips from Belle Glade, on the southeast shore of Lake Okeechobee, in 4, 6 or 8 hours, with live online booking. Crappie trips in 4, 6 or 8 hours book online too. The guide provides the bass boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license.

Prices come from the live booking calendar.

Reviews from Belle Glade trips

5.085 reviews

★★★★★

What an awesome trip. The entire day was smooth and enjoyable, and the fishing didn’t disappoint! We had solid action all morning and even pulled in a couple of personal bests. The guide was attentive and kept the mood upbeat and fun. Whether you’re there for serious fishing or a relaxing day on…

Joshua Carter · April 2025 · Google

★★★★★

The trip was even better than we hoped. From the moment we left the dock, everything ran smoothly. The guide was energetic and informative, making sure everyone on board got a chance to reel something in. We ended up with a solid haul and some incredible memories. The entire trip had a laid-back…

Lily Bell · April 2025 · Google

★★★★★

This was our first charter fishing experience and it definitely won’t be our last. The trip was easy to book and very well organized. Our guide took the time to explain everything and made sure everyone was comfortable. The boat was clean, and the equipment was in excellent shape. We caught several…

Sawyer Whitaker · April 2025 · Google

★★★★★

One of the most enjoyable fishing charters I’ve ever experienced. The day was organized, relaxed, and full of action. The guide handled everything smoothly, and we felt comfortable from the moment we stepped on board. The fish were biting, the weather was perfect, and the vibe on the boat was just…

Xavier Reed · April 2025 · Google

★★★★★

Best fishing experience we’ve ever had! The guide was professional, fun, and extremely knowledgeable. We caught more fish than expected and even learned a few new techniques. Everything was well-organized, and we’re already planning our next trip.

Damian Bennett · March 2025 · Google

★★★★★

Mark Rose

Did a afternoon trip with Mark Rose today, we got right on the fish, caught 20+ in a short afternoon session, had a chance at something huge, but missed it. It was a great time, and I learned a lot. Mark is a very patient Charter Captain, and the boat is very comfortable. All in all it was a great…

Mark DeAngelis · March 2025

★★★★★

Fishing

Mark was extremely accommodating. Was constantly putting us on fish & also alligator encounters. Best of the best. Worked hard for the entire expedition. Top notch

Amanda grady · March 2025

★★★★★

Fishing, island hopping, and adventure in one day! After an action-packed morning of fishing, we explored a few remote islands, where we relaxed and swam in crystal-clear waters. It was like two trips in one—an incredible fishing adventure followed by a tropical escape. The guide knew all the best hidden spots!

Samuel Miller · March 2025 · Google

★★★★★

Great experience overall! The guide was very knowledgeable about local fish species and kept the day lighthearted while still making sure we were learning. We caught several different fish, and it was just a wonderful day out on the water. I’ll definitely book again next time I’m in the area!

Joshua Gray · March 2025 · Google

★★★★★

Awesome job! Booked 8 hrs in late July and still got the fish! Outstanding, fun, great time!

Toby Shearer · July 2024 · Google

★★★★★

Okeechobee Bass Trip Dec ‘23

Booked a trip for the wife and I with Capt Mark Rose out of Belle Glade. Awesome time and Capt Mark always puts us on the fish. He does so well the wife outfishes me.

Greg Haddix · December 2023

★★★★★

Bass Fishing

Excellent Bass Fishing is Great but boat ramp in perfect condition. Bathroom very clean, Staff is at bait shop very helpful and friendly.

Hector Condis · December 2023

What's included and what's not

Included in the price
  • Professional local fishing guide
  • Boat, fuel and life jackets
  • Rods, reels, tackle and artificial lures
Not included
  • Florida freshwater fishing license (most anglers 16 and older)
  • Live bait, such as wild shiners for bass (optional, extra cost)
  • Guide tip (10–20% is customary)

What's biting by season in Belle Glade

Florida bass fishing

Winter Dec–Feb

  • Bass: Spawn season and the best shot at a big fish
  • Crappie: Peak season; specks school in open water and along grass

Spring Mar–May

  • Bass: Late spawn and post-spawn bass
  • Panfish: Bluegill and shellcracker on beds; crappie early in the season

Summer Jun–Aug

  • Bass: Early-morning topwater, then deeper grass edges as it heats up
  • Panfish: Bluegill are a better bet than crappie

Fall Sep–Nov

  • Bass: Bass feed up as the water cools
  • Crappie: Start to school as the water cools, usually by November

What types of fish can you catch in Belle Glade?

Belle Glade sits on the southeast shore of Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest freshwater lake. On a guided trip from Belle Glade you'll mostly fish for largemouth bass and crappie, but the lake holds more than that:

  • Largemouth bass: the main target, all year. The biggest fish move shallow to spawn in winter and early spring.
  • Black crappie (speckled perch, or "specks"): best in the cooler months, about November to March.
  • Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker): spring and summer around shallow beds and grass.
  • Bowfin and catfish: often a bonus catch while fishing for bass or crappie.

Shore fishing: many anglers fish Lake Okeechobee from the bank at public access points, including along the rim canal. A guided boat trip gets you out to the grass beds and open water where bigger bass and schools of crappie hold.

Types of fish in West Palm Beach: Belle Glade is in western Palm Beach County, about an hour's drive from West Palm Beach. Lake Okeechobee is freshwater. The coast around West Palm Beach is saltwater, with sailfish, mahi-mahi, kingfish, snapper and snook. For saltwater trips, see Palm Beach fishing charters.

Illustration of a largemouth bass
Bass trips

Largemouth bass

Florida bass

Year-round in the grass and marsh. Big fish move shallow to spawn from about December to March.

Illustration of a black crappie
Crappie trips

Black crappie

Speckled perch

The cool-season favorite. Specks school in the open lake and marsh from about November to March.

Illustration of a bluegill
Panfish

Bluegill

Bream

Spring and summer on shallow beds. Steady action for kids.

Illustration of a redear sunfish
Panfish

Redear sunfish

Shellcracker

Spring around the full moons, when they bed in the shallows.

Illustration of a bowfin
Bonus catch

Bowfin

Mudfish

Hard-fighting fish of the marsh and grass. Usually released.

Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.

Where you'll fish

Open in Google Maps: Belle Glade · Lake Okeechobee

Meeting point: your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. Belle Glade trips launch on the southeast shore of Lake Okeechobee.

The water: the southeast corner of the lake, with marsh, grass flats and the rim canal near Torry Island.

Getting here: Belle Glade is on the Palm Beach County side of the lake.

Belle Glade captains

Capt. Mark Shepard

Capt. Mark Shepard

Belle Glade, Clewiston and Pahokee, Florida

★ 5.0 from 214 reviews

Bass fishing
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Planning a fishing trip in Belle Glade

Belle Glade sits on the southeast shore of Lake Okeechobee, a shallow lake of about 730 square miles. The marsh and grass at this end of the lake hold largemouth bass all year.

How the trips work

Trips run from a bass boat with a trolling motor. Your guide provides rods, reels and artificial lures, and can set you up with live wild shiners, which is often the best way to catch a big bass. Shiners are optional and cost extra. Most bass are photographed and released.

The best time of year

Lake Okeechobee fishes well all year. Winter and early spring bring the bass spawn and the best shot at a trophy, and the cooler months are crappie season. Spring is good for bluegill and shellcracker on beds. In summer, go early for topwater action before the heat and afternoon storms. Fall brings cooler water and active bass.

Where the trips go

The south-end marsh has reeds, cattails and lily pads. Grass flats of eelgrass and hydrilla hold feeding bass most of the year, and the rim canal gives protected water on windy days.

Good to know before you book

  • Bring a license. Freshwater trips don't include one. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
  • Group size: bass boats are small, so ask about the guest limit when you book.
  • Weather: if the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
  • Wind matters. Lake Okeechobee is big and shallow, so your guide may adjust the plan on windy days.

Belle Glade fishing questions

How much does a fishing charter in Belle Glade cost?

Prices depend on the trip and its length (4, 6 or 8 hours) and are shown in the booking calendar when you pick a trip.

What's included in a Lake Okeechobee fishing charter?

Your local guide provides the bass boat and fuel, rods, reels and tackle, artificial lures and life jackets. Not included: your Florida freshwater fishing license, live wild shiners (optional, extra cost), the guide tip, and food and drinks.

Bass or crappie: which trip should I book?

Bass trips target largemouth bass all year and book online. Crappie trips from Belle Glade also book online; they're best from about November to March and are a good fit for kids and anglers who want fish for dinner.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. Freshwater guides don't carry a license that covers guests, so each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. You can buy one online before the trip.

Where do trips meet?

Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. Belle Glade trips launch on the southeast shore of Lake Okeechobee.

Should I use live shiners?

Live wild shiners are often the best way to catch a big bass and give kids steady action. They're optional and cost extra; ask your guide when you book.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. A 4-hour trip with live shiners, or a crappie trip, is a good fit for families.

Can I keep my fish?

Most guides release bass after photos. You may keep fish within FWC limits (black bass: 5 per day, only 1 may be 16 inches or longer; crappie: 25 per day, 10-inch minimum), and crappie are popular to keep.

What if the weather is bad?

If the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.

When is the best time to fish Belle Glade?

Bass fish well all year, with the best shot at a big fish in winter and early spring. Crappie are best from about November to March.

Can you fish from shore on Lake Okeechobee?

Yes. Many anglers fish from the bank at public access points around the lake, including along the rim canal. A guided boat trip reaches the grass beds and open water where bigger bass and crappie schools hold.

Nearby Lake Okeechobee destinations

Lake Okeechobee has launch towns all around its shore. Each one has its own guides and trips.

Marsh and open water on Lake Okeechobee near Okeechobee CityNorth shore

Okeechobee City

Grass flats, marsh and the Kissimmee River area on the north end.

Bass & crappie trips · 4, 6 or 8 hr

Cypress trees and marsh on the Lake Okeechobee shore at Lake Port at sunsetNorthwest shore

Lake Port

Grass flats, reeds and marsh on the northwest side of the lake.

Bass & crappie trips · 4, 6 or 8 hr

Lake Okeechobee at sunset from the shore at PahokeeEast shore

Pahokee

Grass, reeds and the rim canal on the east side of the lake.

Bass trips · 4, 6 or 8 hr

Small boat on Lake Okeechobee near Clewiston at sunsetSouthwest shore

Clewiston

Wide grass flats, marsh and the rim canal on the south end.

Bass & crappie trips · 4, 6 or 8 hr

More Florida fishing nearby: Palm Beach · Fort Lauderdale · Miami

From $350Bass & crappie · 4, 6 or 8 hours