A perfect trifecta – The sun is shining, the water is clear and the fish are feeling suicidal.
That’s how it was fishing on the Ocklawaha River last week. Twenty assorted brim ended up in the boat cooler and later sizzled in my cast iron skillet as stir fry dinner. My cats were delighted to share in the bounty. The dogs woofed down their portion and looked for more.
Capt. Tom holds a redbreast sunfish caught in the Ockalawaha River
Are we having fun yet? Oh yes.
Florida Rivers and Lakes loaded with fun and fish
Let the good times roll. Four hours cruising down the Ocklawaha River with Captain Tom of Captain Tom’s Custom Charters, had me floating along, admiring the scenery (no houses, just wild Florida), and becoming so de-stressed I felt like Gumby, all limp like putty, no joints, just totally relaxed.
Fishing on the Ocklawaha River
For me going fishing is a great excuse to get out of Dodge for a while. Actually catching fish is an added bonus.
Mother wood duck and her ducklings on Ocklawaha River
It is a novel concept. Getting away is so often packaged with salt water. Visitors are always inundated with beach brochures. Surely tourists go home think Florida is the coast, the beach and that’s it. That is fine. It means more play time on the fresh inland waters for those who live year round.
Getting ready to kayak on the Rainbow River
Here are the facts: Florida has some 7700 lakes with more than 10 acres. We have 27 first magnitude springs more than any other place in the world. Add to this some 11,000 miles of rivers and streams.
But, you say, you don’t have a pontoon boat or kayak. Join the crowd. Neither do I. Does that mean you stay home? Nope. Four hours of fishing with Capt. Tom cost $20 per person. He provides rod and reels, bait, and even cleans the fish. Compared to $87 for a day pass to Disney, going fishing is a cheap thrill. Or rent a kayak or canoe for your float time.
Canoes & kayaks for rent at KP Hole in Dunnellon
We were fishing away when Captain Nick Bozman of Slick Charters came alongside, telling some bass fishing stories. Captain Nick ([email protected]) does both salt and fresh water fishing.
Did I mention fishing is optional? I took pictures, just looked at scenery and got out the sketchbook too, all this in between dealing with fish that have a thing for worms.
So many rivers and streams, so many different ways to go. Lars Andersen has Adventure Outpost in High Springs, right in the heart of North Florida’s “Spring Country”.
Get on his “wanta go” list (free) and read about upcoming kayak and canoeing trips, including water trips at Crystal River to see manatees in season.
Tubing down the Rainbow River
Come summer, float down a river in a tube. Bring friends and neighbors. Wherever you are in Florida there is going to be some fresh water near you and at the very least, go sit on a bank and watch the water flow by. Leave the cell phone at home. Count this as valuable down time. We all need it.
Take a look at the Florida Outdoor Writers Association (yes, I am a member). Many of their members are also guides and see who is in your area.
Spring has decided to stay around for a while and even when summer simmers being out on the water is a cooling change.
The fish are calling. Or is it the river itself, flowing along, calling you? No matter, time to answer the call.
Kayaks from Marion County Parks & Recreation at Rainbow River
UPCOMING
You are invited to the Florida Museum of Women Artists in DeLand on Friday, May 13 from 5-7
Lucy Beebe Tobias, author of “50 Great Walks in Florida” will give a talk on “Seeing Florida with Fresh Eyes.” Presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. Starting at 5 p.m. there are hors de’oeuves by Chili’s Restaurant. Come early and see the new exhibit “Through the Collector’s Eye”. There will be copies of “50 Great Walks” available for signing in the Museum shop. The address is 100 N. Woodland Blvd., Suite 1, DeLand, FL, phone (386) 873-2976.
©2011 Lucy Beebe Tobias
More to Explore
Sholom Park in Ocala has peaceful paths