Freshwater Fishing Reports » Ocklawaha

Central Florida’s Bass Bite Continues

Captain Nick of Slick Charters — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:12:31 +0000

Bass fishing on the Ocklawaha River near Ocala has continued to improve over the past few weeks. Although we haven’t seen many Bass over 10 lbs. this year, several of the fish caught have been over 3 or 4 lbs., with the occasional 6 to 8 pounder.

Low water levels due to the Rodman Reservoir draw down have the Largemouths confined to the original river channel between the Kenwood and Orange Springs boat ramps, including Rodman. During the draw down all Largemouth Bass must be released. Use extreme caution if you decide to fish this stretch of the River, and be prepared for plenty of company. The drawdown is scheduled to end on March 1, and water levels back to normal by April 15th.

Pictured below are several examples of fish caught on our most recent trips.

Til next time…see you on the River!

Central Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick Bozman

This Ocklawaha Fishing Report Is From Ocala Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick Of Slick Charters

Beautiful Morning With Low Fog And An Ocklawaha Bass

Larry from South Carolina With An Ocklawaha Bass

More Freshwater Fishing Photos

It’s Football Season And … Football Size Largemouth Season !

Captain Nick of Slick Charters — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:41:12 +0000

2012 is upon us, and so is the year’s first Largemouth Bass spawn on the Ocklawaha River.

Over the past few weeks the size, weight and even the shape of fish caught has increased. This time of year we typically catch what I refer to as “footballs”. They’re real “girthy” Bass.

One of our most recent clients caught a 9 lb. Bass that was only 22 inches long. The girth was 18 inches! What a pig!

Now is the time bass fish in the Ocklawaha. The spawn is on and the wall hangers are schooling up.

Recently the best Bass bite has been early in the a.m. and as always, the best bait is wild Shiners, the bigger the better. Thanks to Dave and Liz at Fat Daddy’s for some great bait. The Spec, Crappie, Croppie action is hot and heavy on the Ocklawaha River near Orange Springs.

The Rodman drawdown has the fish concentrated in and around the Old River Channel. For best result use Missouri minnows on #12 wire hook fished around the deeper pockets. Strike indicators and bobbers are optional.

‘Til next time…see you on the Rivers!

Central Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick Bozman

This Ocklawaha Fishing Report Is From Ocala Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick Of Slick Charters

Roc With An Ocklawaha Football, aka Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Spawn is On In Central Florida

Captain Nick of Slick Charters — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:41:59 +0000

The Bass bite on the Ocklawaha River near Ocala has continued to improve over the past couple of weeks. We’ve caught our limit of “keeper” Largemouths on the last few trips, as well as several huge females fat with roe, and I expect the bite to improve as we approach the first spawn of 2012.

The St. Johns River Management officials are conducting a drawdown at the Rodman Reservoir. Expect extreme low water levels on the Ocklawaha River, from Lake Griffin to Rodman Dam, until the draw down is complete. As always exercise extreme caution when boating, especially during these low water conditions.

I expect the Largemouths to be in full spawn mode by our next full moon, around the 10th of January. Don’t miss the action.

Pictured below are a few examples of our most recent outings.

‘Til next time…Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Central Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick Bozman

This Ocklawaha Fishing Report Is From Ocala Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick Of Slick Charters

Chris Ballina with a Keeper Ocklawaha River Bass

Ray Wooten with a 9lb. Ocklawaha Wallhanger

Ocklawaha’s World Class Bass Fishing

Captain Nick of Slick Charters — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:33:15 +0000

The Largemouth Bass bite on Central Florida’s Ocklawaha River has been good throughout the month of November. We’ve consistently caught limits of “keeper” fish, typically between 3 and 5 lbs., with the occasional 7 to 9 lb. lunker.

Several of the Bass we’ve caught and released over the past few weeks were fat with roe. A good sign that our first spawn of the season is not far off. I’ve also spotted several beds with just the male fish present. Expect these pre-spawn Largemouth to really turn on sometime in December.

Some of the best Largemouth Bass fishing in the world takes place right here in Central Florida. The Ocklawaha River from Ocala to the Rodman Reservoir produces more “Trophy Bass” per square mile of water than anywhere I’ve ever fished. Although you might not catch 100 fish in one day, it’s your best bet for that “Bass of a lifetime”.

Until next time…see you on the River!

Central Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick Bozman

This Ocklawaha Fishing Report Is From Ocala Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick Of Slick Charters

Huge Ocklawaha River Largemouths Are Schooling Up

Captain Nick of Slick Charters — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:15:12 +0000

Over the past week or so, we’ve had several trips that netted good numbers of huge Ocklawaha River Largemouths. Many of the Bass caught recently have been over 5 lbs..

On Saturday afternoon, I had the pleasure of taking Kevin C., and his sons Mason (11) and Konnor (13), on one of our Sunrise/Sunset Special Bass Charters. These trips are only 2 hours in duration, and depart the dock either very early in the a.m., or late in the afternoon. An excellent choice for our young anglers. Kevin informed me before the trip that neither he nor the kids had much experience fishing. I think he was pulling my leg.

They fished from 3 to 5 p.m., and wound up catching and releasing 7 Largemouths. Total weight-35 lbs.! To top it off, each one had hauled in a Tophy Largemouth weighing nearly 8 lbs.. Way to go guys! I live to see these young guns get their first Bass.

Wednesday (10/26) we had similar results while fishing with Bill Andrews, Mike, and Hully. Again Bill caught and released the fish of the day, a huge Ocklawaha Largemouth tipping the scales at nearly 9 pounds. Thanks guys, hope to see you again soon.

Yes, fishing is good and the wall hangers are schooling up. Check out the pics!

Until next time…see you on the River!

Central Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick Bozman

This Ocklawaha Fishing Report Is From Ocala Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick Of Slick Charters

Konner with a fine Ocklawaha Largemouth Bass

Mason with a fine Ocklawaha Largemouth Bass

Ocklawaha Largemouth Bass, Caught By Bill A.