Freshwater Fishing Near Ormond Beach, Florida
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Freshwater fishing in waters fed by St. John's RiverWinter crappie and yearround bass fishing opportunities availableSmall group experience with maximum two guest capacity
Looking for some serious freshwater action just inland from Ormond Beach? You've found the right crew. Com'N'Getit Fishing Charters runs intimate trips for up to 2 anglers on some of Florida's most productive freshwater systems. We're talking about waters fed by the legendary St. John's River - Lake George, Lake Dexter, and Lake Woodruff - all sitting pretty next to the Ocala National Forest. This isn't your typical saltwater grind. Out here, you'll find yourself surrounded by cypress trees and Spanish moss instead of seagulls, chasing bass that'll make your drag scream and crappie that stack up like cordwood when the bite's on.
Your day starts early - that's when these fish are most active and the lakes are glass-calm. We keep our groups small at just 2 anglers max, so you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn at the hot spots. The Ocala National Forest backdrop makes for some pretty spectacular scenery, but trust me, you'll be too busy working your rod to take many photos. These connected waterways create a diverse fishery where you might pull a chunky largemouth from a grass line, then drift over to some timber and load up on crappie. The water clarity varies depending on recent rains and wind, but that just means we adjust our tactics accordingly. Some days we're sight fishing in gin-clear shallows, other days we're working structure in stained water where the fish feel more comfortable feeding.
We run light to medium tackle out here - no need for the heavy offshore gear. Spinning reels spooled with 10-15 lb test handle most situations, though we'll bump up to baitcasters with 20 lb braid when we're working heavy cover for bass. Live bait plays huge on these systems. Shiners are absolute magic for largemouth, especially around the grass edges and timber. For crappie, nothing beats a live minnow under a slip bobber around brush piles and downed trees. Artificial wise, we throw everything from topwater frogs in the thick stuff to deep-diving crankbaits when fish are holding on channel drops. Soft plastics like Texas-rigged worms and creature baits produce year-round, but really shine during the cooler months when bass are less aggressive. The key is reading the water and adjusting to what the fish want that particular day.
**Largemouth Bass** - These are the stars of the show, and Florida strain largemouth don't mess around. We're seeing fish in the 3-8 pound range regularly, with occasional giants pushing double digits. Spring is absolute money when water temps hit that 65-75 degree sweet spot and bass move shallow to spawn. They're aggressive, territorial, and will crush just about anything you throw at them. Outside of spawn season, focus on grass lines, timber, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. The fight in these fish is legendary - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw your hook.
**Crappie** - Winter is crappie time, and these lakes deliver some of the best slab fishing in Central Florida. We target brush piles, standing timber, and channel edges in 8-15 feet of water. These fish school tight, so when you find one, there's usually a dozen more underneath. They're not the hardest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. A good day might put 20-30 keeper crappie in the boat, all running 10-14 inches.
**Warmouth** - Often overlooked but absolutely fun to catch, warmouth are like small bass with big attitudes. They hang around the same structure as largemouth but are way more aggressive. Kids love catching these guys because they'll hit almost anything and put up a decent scrap on light tackle. They're also excellent table fare if you're looking to take a few home.
**White Bass** - When the white bass are running, it's game on. These schooling fish will absolutely destroy shad-pattern lures and provide non-stop action. They're not huge - most run 1-2 pounds - but they make up for size with pure aggression. Watch for birds working the surface; that's usually your ticket to finding feeding schools.
**Longnose Gar** - The prehistoric looking longnose gar adds some variety to your day. These ancient fish are surprisingly fun on light tackle and provide a totally different fight than anything else you'll hook. They're ambush predators that hang near the surface, especially around grass beds and shallow flats. Don't expect to eat them, but they make for some great photos and stories.
This freshwater fishery offers something special that you won't find in the saltwater scene. The diversity of species, the peaceful setting, and the consistent action make it a customer favorite for good reason. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something different or new to the sport and want a more relaxed environment, these waters deliver. The small group size means personalized attention and instruction, plus you're not dealing with seasickness or rough weather that can mess up offshore trips. Spring bass fishing is world-class, winter crappie action is top-rated, and the year-round variety keeps things interesting. Ready to experience some of Florida's best freshwater fishing? Give Com'N'Getit Fishing Charters a call and let's get you on the water where the bass are fat and the crappie are stacked.
This motorboat is perfectly rigged for freshwater fishing the productive waters around Ormond Beach. With an onboard fish finder, you'll easily locate those winter crappie schools and year-round bass holding spots in Lake George, Lake Dexter, and the other St. John's River system lakes. The GPS keeps you on course to your favorite fishing holes, while the ice box ensures your catch stays fresh all day. Built for two anglers, there's plenty of room to work lures and land fish without crowding each other. These waters connected to the Ocala National Forest are known for spectacular spring bass fishing, and this boat gets you right where the action is. Whether you're targeting structure for bass or working the deeper water for crappie, you'll have everything needed for a productive day on these fish-rich Florida lakes.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie fishing is what really shines during our winter months here. These slab-sided panfish run 8-12 inches and travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find plenty more. They love deeper brush piles and standing timber, especially during cooler weather when they stack up tight. Black crappie prefer cleaner water while whites handle murkier conditions better. What guests appreciate most is the steady action once you locate a school, plus they're absolutely delicious - some of the best eating fish we have. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times, but winter fishing can be hot all day long. Spring spawning brings them shallow for some sight-fishing action too. My best advice: use a slip bobber rig with live minnows, and when you catch one, drop your anchor immediately. Mark that spot because they'll likely be there tomorrow too.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the crown jewel of our freshwater fishing here. These green giants average 12-24 inches and put up the kind of fight that makes every trip memorable. They love our weedy shallows, especially around fallen timber and vegetation edges where they can ambush prey. Spring is absolutely prime time when they move shallow for spawning - that's when you'll see the biggest fish of the year. What guests love most is that explosive strike and the acrobatic fight that follows. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled right. Year-round action keeps things interesting, but those spring trips near the Ocala National Forest waters are something special. My go-to tip: when fishing thick grass, don't be afraid to throw a big weedless frog right into the nastiest stuff. That's where the big girls live, and they can't resist a frog splashing on top.
Lepisosteus OsseusLongnose gar are prehistoric-looking fish that'll give you a fight you won't forget. These torpedo-shaped ambush hunters run 2-4 feet on average, with that distinctive narrow snout packed full of needle-sharp teeth. They cruise shallow vegetated areas and backwater sloughs, especially at night when they're most active. What makes them special is their ancient lineage - they can breathe air and water, making them tough survivors in our sometimes challenging conditions. Guests get hooked on their raw power and unique appearance. They're excellent eating too, with white meat that tastes like chicken but flakier. Summer evenings produce the best action when they're actively hunting near the surface. Here's the trick most folks don't know: forget traditional hooks. Use an unbraided rope lure instead - their teeth tangle in the fibers, giving you a solid hookup every time.
Lepomis GulosusWarmouths go by about sixteen different names, but most folks around here call them "stump knockers" - and for good reason. These chunky sunfish love hanging around fallen trees, stumps, and thick vegetation in our shallow backwaters. They're built tough, running 6-10 inches typically, with that big mouth and mottled brown coloring that blends right into muddy cover. What sets them apart is their ability to thrive in low-oxygen water where other sunfish can't survive. Spring through fall fishing is best, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters and surprisingly good eating - sweet, white meat. Here's my tip: when you're fishing heavy cover for bass, don't overlook that smaller tug. Warmouths will hammer the same baits, just downsize to small jigs or live crickets and work them slow around structure.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are schooling fish that'll wear out your arm once you get into them. These silver-sided fighters typically run 10-12 inches and are known for their aggressive feeding habits. They roam open water and river channels, often pushing baitfish to the surface where you can spot the action from a distance. Spring through early summer is prime time, especially during their spawning runs when they move into tributaries. What makes them special is their willingness to hit just about any small lure and their reputation as scrappy fighters that don't give up easy. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish fries. When conditions are right, you can catch limits pretty quickly. Look for diving birds - that's usually your best sign of feeding schools below. Once you find them, small white or chartreuse jigs worked fast through the school will produce non-stop action.
Daytona Beach, FL