Get ready for a full day of chasing monster largemouth bass on one of Florida's top fishing spots. Our 8-hour trip on Rodman Reservoir is all about putting you on big fish and giving you the best shot at landing that bucket-list bass. We'll hit the water at dawn when the bite is hot and keep at it until mid-afternoon. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our guides know every nook and cranny of this lake and will put that local knowledge to work for you.
We kick things off bright and early at 7 AM, when the bass are most active and ready to smash topwater lures. You'll be fishing from a fully-rigged bass boat, decked out with all the latest electronics to help us find those honey holes. Our guides are pros at reading the water and adjusting tactics as the day goes on. We'll hit a mix of spots - from submerged timber to grass beds and drop-offs. As the sun climbs, we might switch to deeper presentations like Texas-rigged worms or crankbaits. With a full 8 hours on the water, we've got time to thoroughly work productive areas and try different approaches until we dial in what the fish want that day.
Rodman is known for its diverse structure, so we'll use a variety of techniques to target those trophy bass. Early on, we might throw buzzbaits or walking topwaters along grass lines. When the sun gets high, we'll often switch to flipping heavy jigs into thick cover or slow-rolling big swimbaits near submerged timber. Our guides are always happy to give you pointers on perfecting your technique - whether that's working a frog through lily pads or properly presenting a Texas-rigged worm. We've got all the top-end gear on board, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got a lucky stick. The key is staying versatile and adapting to what the fish are telling us on any given day.
Rodman has a well-earned reputation as a big bass factory. The reservoir's unique history - it was created in the 1960s when the Ocklawaha River was dammed - means there's tons of submerged timber and structure that bass love. The nutrient-rich water grows some real giants, with 10+ pounders caught here every year. But it's not just about the chance at a wall-hanger. Our guests rave about the peaceful beauty of fishing cypress-lined coves as ospreys soar overhead. Whether you're here to check "double-digit bass" off your bucket list or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, Rodman delivers.
Largemouth Bass: These are the undisputed kings of Rodman Reservoir. The lake record stands at a whopping 17.2 pounds, and fish in the 8-10 pound range are caught regularly. Rodman's largemouth are known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. They'll test your gear and your skills, especially when they dive for cover in the reservoir's abundant vegetation and submerged timber. Spring is prime time for big pre-spawn females, but the action stays hot through summer and fall. These bass grow big on a diet of shad and bream, so matching the hatch with your lure choice can lead to some heart-stopping topwater blow-ups.
While we primarily target largemouth, Rodman also holds some impressive panfish. Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcrackers) can reach bull-sized proportions here. If the bass bite slows, we might switch gears and try for a mess of these tasty panfish. Crappie fishing can also be phenomenal, especially in the cooler months. These "speckled perch" as the locals call them, school up and can provide fast action once you locate them.
For those who like a challenge, Rodman's chain pickerel shouldn't be overlooked. These toothy predators ambush their prey from weed edges and can put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're not as sought-after as bass, but hooking into a good-sized "jackfish" can definitely liven up your day.
Look, if you're serious about putting yourself in the best position to land a trophy Florida largemouth, this is the trip for you. We've got the local know-how, the right gear, and access to some of the best bass water in the state. Whether you're looking to scratch that big bass itch or just want to spend a day soaking up Florida's natural beauty, we've got you covered. Remember, the big ones don't bite if your line isn't in the water - so don't wait! Get in touch with us to lock in your date and let's get after those Rodman giants. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and come ready to fish!
Largemouth bass are the rock stars of Florida freshwater fishing. These aggressive predators usually run 2-5 pounds but can top 10 pounds in our lakes and rivers. Look for them around vegetation, fallen trees, and dock pilings - they love ambushing prey from cover. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass move shallow to feed. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting nature and spectacular topwater strikes. There's nothing like seeing a big bucket mouth explode on your lure! While they're not known as table fare, catch-and-release keeps the fishery strong. To up your odds, try working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom on hot summer days. The bass can't resist that wiggling action when other lures get ignored. Whether you're a seasoned pro or first-timer, hooking into one of these bulldogs will get your heart racing.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Honda
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90