Florida's "Big O" Ranked Second In Nation For Bass Fishing

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – If you're itchin' to go freshwater fishin' this summer and wonder where you'll have the best luck? Just head to the "Big O".

Lake Okeechobee came in second on Bassmaster magazine's 2012  list of "100 Best Bass Lakes." Falcon Lake in Texas came in first.

In order to come up with their list, the magazine asked each state's Department of Natural Resources to rank their best lakes for bass fishing.

They then asked the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation state presidents to rank the lakes in their states based on tournament results. Federation Nation conservation directors were asked to rank their state's lakes based on access, stocking practices and current health of the fish.

Finally, they asked outdoor writers, fishermen and fishing industry leaders for their top picks.

Those at the the top of the list, according to the magazine, are lakes where you will catch giant bass, and plenty of 'em, in a beautiful setting.

A top spot for Lake Okeechobee was no surprise for those in the know because of the size and quantity of bass in the lake which covers 730 square miles (it's the second biggest freshwater lake contained entirely in the lower 48 states).

Other Florida lakes which made the list are:

Kissimmee Chain Of Lakes (21)
Florida Everglades (36)
Lake Seminole on the Georgia/Florida border (40)
Lake Tarpon (57)
Harris Chain Of Lakes in Central Florida (73)