North Florida Crappie Fishing

Are you a freshwater fisherman that loves the outdoors? If you also enjoy a fresh catch to cook up, crappie or speck fishing might be the perfect activity for you. North Florida crappie fishing is a great way to experience the beautiful fisheries of Florida. During select times of the year, you can have a blast catching numbers of crappie with a variety of different methods.

December is a fantastic time of year to go fishing in Florida. Cooler weather and beautiful mornings make for a great day on the water. You never know what you will see when exploring out on one of the many fisheries up North.

Best North Florida Crappie Fishing Destinations:

The two best fisheries for crappie fishing in Florida are the Rodman Reservoir and Lake Santa Fe. If you are looking to strictly go crappie fishing, Lake Santa Fe is your best bet. When looking to experience one of the most unique fisheries in Florida for both crappie and largemouth bass, the Rodman Reservoir is your best bet.

Lake Santa Fe is quite unique. As you arrive at the meeting location, step out under a canopy of trees inside this small park. You will meander through a canal toward the entrance to the lake. Once you enter Lake Santa Fe, the open water consumes you. Left and right, you can witness big beautiful homes that make for a perfect touch.

Now, the Rodman Reservoir is by far one of my favorite fisheries to explore. There is just something about it. It is one destination that will explode your sensory receptors. This overwhelming rush makes the Rodman Reservoir an irresistible fishing experience for 2019 and 2020. Whether it is for crappie or trophy largemouth bass, plan on an adventure that you will never forget.

It is truly hard to put words to what it is like to explore the Rodman Reservoir. During this select period of time, the reservoir is in a drawdown phase. Rodman Reservoir drawdown fishing is just simply remarkable.

When you arrive at the boat ramp, feast your eyes on a gorgeous sunrise. Low light makes for an ambiance like no other. Once you step aboard, sit back and enjoy what you are about to experience.

Rodman Reservoir Crappie Fishing with Captain Ken Walker

Fishing with Dad

“One of the best parts about the Rodman Reservoir is that you can catch an abundance of different species in one fishing trip. I love being a guide because every cast, you just don’t know what the angler aboard is going to set the hook into. 

During this first fishing trip, I had the pleasure of fishing with my dad. We were scouting new waters on the Rodman Reservoir and found some great fish. The sunrise was breathtaking, making this a wonderful time with my dad.

On this fishing trip, we caught 14 largemouth bass weighing up to 6 pounds. As well, we found several schools of crappie landing a big one weighing in at 1 pound 13 ounces. Also, the action did not stop there. I caught a 4.5-foot alligator gar that added some excitement.

I love fishing with my Dad and I am looking forward to our next adventure. Always searching for his next trophy largemouth bass” – Capt Ken Walker

Fishing with Chuck Decker

“All of a sudden, the Reservoir went off. I had an awesome day of fishing with Chuck Decker. Chuck is a local native that loves to get out on the water with me on occasion. Crappie fishing was on his mind and they sure showed up for us today.

It is always nice to spend a day on the water with someone that you can fish with. Chuck and I caught over 50 crappies on this fishing trip. The best part was that 15 of them were over 2 pounds. The top two fish weighed in at 2 pounds 14 ounces and 2 pounds 9 ounces.

Catching crappie in Florida is not easy. You have to locate the structure and pods of bait in order to find the fish. The best methods to catch crappie or speck on this fishing trip were jigs and minnows. Both can really draw up some great fish.

Chuck really enjoyed this fishing trip. I am looking forward to our next adventure on the water!” – Captain Ken Walker

Lake Santa Fe Crappie Fishing with Captain David Lang

Another beautiful location to explore Crappie fishing is Lake Santa Fe. This fishery is located in Melrose, FL and is quite remote. Its remoteness makes for a very interesting fishing experience. During this time of year, you can catch both crappie and largemouth bass. Crappie fishing gets really strong throughout the winter months.

“Crappie fishing is something that I have recently started to focus more attention too. There is something about setting out 12 rods loaded with minnows waiting to see what is going to happen. Utilizing technology you can almost anticipate the strike.

BAM! Just like that, one of my Mr. Crappie rods was down. Shortly after that, another one went down too.

I had the pleasure of fishing with Capt Joe, who is on our team here at Bass Online. While he was traveling from South Florida, he wanted to get out crappie fishing after a bass fishing trip on the Rodman Reservoir.

As a result, Capt Joe and Capt Ken both came out to explore what Lake Santa Fe had to offer. We were able to experience almost every corner of Lake Santa Fe.

The use of my spider rigs and Humminbird gave allowed us to cover water quickly. All trip long we steadily caught crappie. After catching over 15 crappies in a short period of time and only keeping about 7, we called it a day.

Unfortunately, Capt Joe was getting in the car and heading home so he could not harvest the fish. We donated the fish to local fishing at the boat ramp dock with their kids. Everyone enjoys some specks and crappie for a nice meal!

It was a lot of fun fishing with Captain Joe and Ken! Looking forward to getting back out on the water soon!” – Captain David Lang

Come Visit Gainesville and Catch Yours Today

Whether it is for crappie or Florida largemouth bass, North Florida is the place to visit. It is a true freshwater fishing paradise for all your needs. Each adventure and fishing trip you embark on will leave a lasting imprint.

Our local experts work hard at showing you a fantastic time on the water. Take advantage of their time and ask them questions on how to become a better angler and what techniques you can apply back home. Years of experience can help you dial in tactics to help you have success wherever you enjoy fish.

We hope to have the opportunity to fish with you on your next North Florida vacation. See you on the water next time while Rodman Reservoir Fishing or on Lake Santa Fe!

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