Florida Fishing Reports

Your Florida Fishing Experience

Welcome to the Southern Fried Charters fishing report for Rodman Reservoir, your go-to source for the latest updates on the hottest fishing action in Florida. Stay tuned as we provide real-time insights and observations, sharing Captain Chris Davy's expertise to guide you through the ever-changing conditions of Rodman Reservoir. Whether you're an avid angler or a newcomer to the sport, our fishing report is designed to keep you informed and excited about the exceptional opportunities awaiting you on these legendary waters. Join us on this dynamic journey as we navigate the Rodman Reservoir and share the thrilling stories of successful fishing adventures with Southern Fried Charters.

We get these questions often. Is Florida the fishing capital of the world? What is the best fish to catch in Florida? What fish are running in Florida now? Well, Yes, Florida is often regarded as the "Fishing Capital of the World" due to its extensive coastline, diverse ecosystems, and abundant freshwater resources. The state attracts anglers from around the globe, offering unparalleled opportunities for both saltwater and freshwater fishing adventures. Explore our fishing reports to discover the firsthand experiences of our guests as they reel in these incredible fish! Captain Chris also offers Saltwater Fishing on the grass flats and creeks of Florida's beautiful West Coast in Steinhatchee, FL. Go to the bottom on the Home Page for a look at our Steinhatchee Fishing.

Southern Fried Charters at Rodman Reservoir offers fishing trips ranging from 4 to 8 hours, allowing you to tailor your experience based on your preferred adventure type and the amount of time you wish to spend on the water. Recognizing the myriad resources available for planning your upcoming fishing excursion, we are delighted that you've found our insights valuable. At Southern Fried Charters - Rodman Reservoir, we are enthusiastic about imparting our expertise on this remarkable waterway to fellow passionate anglers like yourself, and we look forward to the prospect of fishing with you!

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Special days fishing report coverpicture

July 27, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 27th Jul, 2026

The day was hot the fishing was not. So what's so special? I had to honor of taking 2 brothers out. One is still recovering from a stroke. We had good conversation and laughs while enjoying the experience of watching this man catch the biggest fish of his life. That friends and neighbors is what it's all about!

Keeper trout, a 23-inch catch, sea bass, and blacktip sharks made this birthday trip one to remember. Book your trip today! fishing report coverpicture

June 10, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 10th Jun, 2026 - 1

Had a crew of 4 out for a birthday outing. We had a lot of short trout along with 5 keepers including a sweet 23 inch trout. A mixed bag of other fish with sea bass and for fun 4 bonus sharks including a black tip. If you're ready to start fishing in Steinhatchee, look no further than Southern Fried Charters. Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Chris can tell you all about the local fishery and it's beautiful grass flats. Book now

A fun day with anglers from Tennessee brought flounder, whiting, sea bass, mangrove snapper, and plenty of action throughout the morning. fishing report coverpicture

June 19, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 19th Jun, 2026 - 2

Had some fine folks for Tennessee today for the day. Fishing Palm Coast was fun and the company was good. Fish totals for the cooler were a whiting , 3 flounder, sea bass, and mangrove snapper. Had a steady bite all morning with the tide change in the morning. It died off for a while then turned back on late. One flounder had the scar of a previous close call in life making it unique. Too many shorts in a mixed bag to count.

More than 75 fish caught, with big trout, sea bass, and exciting shark fights making for an unforgettable summer trip. fishing report coverpicture

June 30, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 30th Jun, 2026 - 3

These guys were the best, caught over 75 fish out of Steinhatchee Florida despite 89 degree water. Yes many short trout. Hey it's summer. The bite was strong early with a couple big trout and some solid sea bass for the skillet. The sharks gave us some fun drag rippin fights too.

Logan and family enjoyed their first Crystal River scallop trip, making memories and filling the cooler. Book your trip today: 386-986-7914. fishing report coverpicture

July 8, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 8th Jul, 2026 - 4

Scallop season is in full swing Crystal River and Steinhatchee FL. To me it's more about the time with family and friends than the catch. ( Not that loading the cooler isn't the goal) Took Logan and family out in Crystal River for a first time scallop trip. Had a short learning curve and away they went. book now 386-986-7914

Buckeye bass bustin on Rodman fishing report coverpicture

May 4, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 4th May, 2026

Had the good fortune to have these football players from Ohio State out enjoying a bit of time off on Rodman. Man can they make big fish look small. Well they make everything look small. The pre front morning had the bass going off with over 20 fish up to 6.5lbs. on a 4 hour trip. Class act guys.

End of drawdown trip fishing report coverpicture

March 10, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 10th Mar, 2026

It took a few days in a row to pull off a picture worthy post. It happens and thanks to old friends that understand fishing isn't always on fire. Rodman is being filled again so the bass are moving and can be a bit difficult to locate. We fished to no avail for an hour and moved a few times then....... racked off about 8 fish fast then kept it going with some sweet 8 pounders!

Rodman Reservoir went off! fishing report coverpicture

March 5, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 5th Mar, 2026

Bass fishing Rodman Reservoir was hot today! These guys from Virginia Finished up with a top fish at 8LBS (7.99) Many 3-5 pounders for a quality fishing trip.

Father and son 2 day trip fishing report coverpicture

March 3, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 3rd Mar, 2026

I had 2 days with these repeat clients bass fishing on Rodman Reservoir the last 2 days. Day 1 was OK and we had a few fish with an 8. Most were smaller but fun. Day 2 was a miserable start without a bite till till almost 10. It sucks but happens. Then after some moves and the sun broke through the fog..... BOOM! We blew up a hole with a 9.33 as the fish of the day. Great to see these guys again.

It's a family affair fishing report coverpicture

February 25, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 25th Feb, 2026

It's a family affair. Today I had Dad and wife after the last post of Cody and wife. Once again the lady had the hot hand bass fishing on Rodman Reservoir in Florida. Another trophy 8.3LB and it was caught immediately on the first cast. Ha Ha that's just another great story to tell. Great folks from PA.

Great Scott it was cold and windy! fishing report coverpicture

February 24, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 24th Feb, 2026 - 1

Some days are oddly special. What I mean is all odds are against you. The water temp dropped 10 degrees as a cold front came a callin'. I had a pucker factor for sure when I looked at the electronics. Then this gal busted her first fish ever, I mean never caught a fish, trophy 8 pounder. Crazy, and she was a natural! The bite was as frosty as the weather and freezing wind but what we caught was all solid big fish. Great day with this young couple from PA on Rodman.

Sunday fishing fishing report coverpicture

February 24, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 24th Feb, 2026 - 2

The competition was on for the Moore family and you can see the winner. I love the fun and games of this work. The pre cold front on Sunday kicked em off. Landed 15 bass and 3 big crappie/speck by 9:30. Great morning with repeat guests. Look forward to seeing you folks again.

Some Wisconsin boys with lots of bass fishing report coverpicture

February 19, 2026

Ocklawaha River - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 19th Feb, 2026

Had a Father and Son-N-Law trip with these gentlemen from Wisconsin. Lots of quality bass early but the big hawgs evaded us. Fishing has more ups and downs these days than a ride at the state fair

Chilly morning fish fishing report coverpicture

February 9, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 9th Feb, 2026

Day 2 with Mike and family started at 28 degrees! That's stupid for Florida. It was an odd foggy morning and Jr. just wacked em with 12 fish by 9AM. Oddly Rodman has been shutting down around 9 or 9:30 the last few days. I think the changing moon phase and warmer weather will change this pattern.

Day 2 on Rodman Reservoir with Danny and his daughter. fishing report coverpicture

January 12, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 12th Jan, 2026

Slow start this morning with odd water conditions in the first area we fished. Usually a good spot only managed 3 or 4 small bass. After a few moves the bass graced us with their presence. Had 3 5's and a 7lb fish for the biggest bass on the day. The fishing will remain outstanding through March accept for an occasional 1 off day. That's nature. Florida bass fishing is never better than right now.

Pre spawn big girls fishing report coverpicture

January 9, 2026

Lake Ocklawaha - Putnam, FL Lake Report on 9th Jan, 2026

The big girls chewed today on Rodman Reservoir (day 1) with long time client and friend Danny. An 8 and 9.30 maxed out our morning. Florida bass fishing is world class and on the drawn down it's even better. I have a few dates open for now but they go fast.