Complete Guide to the Villages of FL
The Villages in Central Florida is a census-designated place in Sumter County. The Villages is an age-restricted retirement community that only comprises homeowners 55 or older. The Villages’ age requirement is that at least one person living in the household must be over 55, and generally, no one under 19 years old can reside here permanently.
The Villages was initially developed from a buffalo farm. Sir Harold Schwartz established this place as a home for over 100 buffalo, following the government’s halt to all mail-based land transactions. The restriction left him with a huge parcel that he saw fit to benefit retirees. Harold figured out that retirees desired secluded, serene places with fun activities to engage in while resting with their families.
The Villages in Florida boast of their amenities and impressive sights. Various activities take place on this side of town, including some incredible year-round fishing, which makes it an ideal home for anglers. The Villages is renowned for its abundant fishing opportunities, situated near top trophy largemouth bass fisheries and renowned tarpon fishing locations. Both are conducive to year-round fishing.
Bass Fishing In The Villages
Bass fishing in the Villages is right up there in popularity with golfing in this neighborhood. Florida’s year-round warmth is ideal for excellent fishing during any season. The Villages is a perfect community to offer ample fishing opportunities for largemouths with its many water bodies. Bodies of water surround this massive village, and most of the village’s lakes are suitable for fishing.
This location offers numerous opportunities for a fantastic fishing experience. You can find over five fish types when fishing in these water bodies. Some fish in the area are catfish, sunfish, crappie, and bowfin, among others.
Fishing is allowed in Silver Lake, Golf View Lake, and Lake Mira Mar. Aside from lakes, there are also ponds. Some common ponds are Duval Pond and Summerhill Pond. Non-residents may not fish in these regions.
Some of the best spots near me include Lake Mira, located behind the La Hacienda Recreation Center, Lake Chula Vista along Bernardo Boulevard, and Silver Lake, situated by the Silver Lake Recreation Center.
Aside from the Villages’ water bodies, there are some incredible fisheries nearby that hold some of the best trophy largemouth fishing in the state. These include Rodman Reservoir, St. Johns River, and Lake George. Other, slightly closer high-quality bass fisheries include Lake Harris, Lake Weir, and Lake Griffin.
Taking a freshwater charter in these surrounding waters is the best way to up your angling skills and possibly catch your personal best trophy largemouth. Most of these waters are also thriving in panfish, especially black crappie.
Fishing Charters Near The Villages
Fishing charters are the best way to learn the area and catch fish, whether you are interested in freshwater or saltwater experience. Charters are comprised of captains who have vast experience in matters of sea or lake. They know all the safe places and the best time to visit each site.
If interested in catching a trophy largemouth or an abundance of black crappie, the best option is to take a charter in Rodman Reservoir. If you are looking for a saltwater experience or want to catch some acrobatic tarpon, then going to Crystal River with a guide is for you.
Both freshwater and saltwater charters will provide all the necessary equipment for a successful day on the water. If going on a saltwater charter, you do not need to purchase a license.
Saltwater Fishing near the Villages in Crystal River
The Villages is located only an hour from one of the world’s best tarpon fisheries, Crystal River.
This area has some of the best Florida Saltwater fishing in the state, where you can catch other species as well, including trout, redfish, shark, cobia, grouper, and Spanish mackerel. But overall, the inshore fishing charters here are most popular among anglers looking to hook a famous Crystal River tarpon.
These tarpons can be caught by fly fishing or using live bait such as blue crabs and pinfish. The Gulf Coast is the location for anyone in the Villages who wants to wet a hook into some saltwater action.
Fishing Clubs and Rod Loaner Program
One of the best aspects of this area, and a key reason fishing is so popular, is the abundance of fishing resources available. Thanks to a rod loaner program, you don’t need to own a rod or reel to fish. The Villages Freshwater Fishing Club and Recreation Department have put together this rod loaner program for anyone to borrow rods and reels from the regional recreation centers at La Hacienda or Lake Miona. Borrowing a rod and reel is free to villagers and their guests; show your Village or Guest ID. This program is ideal for newbies or travelers, ensuring an enjoyable fishing experience.
Fishing Clubs are a common occurrence in this area; they offer different clubs to cater to various preferences.
Some of the leading clubs here are
- Freshwater fishing club
- Deep-sea fishing club
- Fly-fishing club
- Bank fishing club
Local Villages FL Bass Fishing Guides
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Fun activities in The Villages
Aside from the magnificent scenery and calm winds, retirees and guests can also enjoy a wide range of activities, which makes the Villages a great place to visit. There are numerous areas for recreational activities and golf courses that surround the villages. Here, members enjoy full membership for free, as the costs are included in their monthly village premiums. Golf carts are the dominant mode of transport in these villages. People can hire them to run errands and attend regular concerts held in The Villages.
The hills that surround the villages, along with the golf cart bridge, are impressive sights to fathom. For people who love shopping, The Villages has some of the most amazing malls. Numerous areas within The Villages are ideal for family gatherings. One of them is Lake Miona Park, a popular spot that features a boat ramp, fishing pier, playground, grills, and picnic areas. Paradise Rec, El Santiago Rec, and Silver Lake Rec are all centers that offer a variety of activities, including tennis courts and other outdoor amenities.
Campgrounds Near The Villages
Central Florida is an ideal location for camping. There are almost 40 campsites in the area near the Villages. These come with full accommodation and serve sumptuous meals. Bands are often invited to play on various occasions in these camping areas as well.
Camping sites around the villages include
- Navarre Beach Camping Resort
- Trail Lake camping grounds
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Riverside Resort and Campgrounds
There are also public camping sites available. These can be in the forest or a reserved area within Florida. The environment of The Villages in Florida is beautiful and peaceful. It also features excellent amenities, numerous recreational activities to engage in, an abundance of retention ponds and lakes to cast your line, and areas suitable for boating.
Village Community Development Districts Fishing Rules and Regulations
Although they allow catching fish in most ponds and lakes, there are strict fishing regulations in place. For instance, the rules don’t permit outsiders to be aboard their boats across the golf courts. The Villages Community Development District and the Water Management District’s strict guidelines for fishing in this location are designed to ensure that the fisheries remain thriving for years to come. It’s essential to make sure all non-residents over 16 years of age have a fishing license.
All Florida residents between 16 and 65 also need a license. It’s essential to note that fishing is strictly enforced in the Villages, FL, to respect homeowner property and any other private property. Be cautious of prohibited areas; fishing is not permitted in Lake Sumter, Harmeswood, or the two water bodies by the Sumter County Annex on CR466. You also cannot fish anywhere with a “No Fishing” sign. Village Community Development Districts require fishermen to respect homeowner property and always practice catch-and-release.
Campgrounds Near The Villages
Central Florida is an ideal location for camping. There are almost 40 campsites in the area near the Villages. These come with full accommodation and serve sumptuous meals. Bands are often invited to play on various occasions in these camping areas as well.
Camping sites around the villages include
- Navarre Beach Camping Resort
- Trail Lake camping grounds
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Riverside Resort and Campgrounds
There are also public camping sites available. These can be in the forest or a reserved area within Florida. The environment of The Villages in Florida is beautiful and peaceful. It also features excellent amenities, numerous recreational activities to engage in, an abundance of retention ponds and lakes to cast your line, and areas suitable for boating.
Fishing in the Villages, FL, with great deals available in the following cities that match your search criteria.
