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Rodman Reservoir Fishing Guide

Florida

A stump-filled impoundment of the Ocklawaha River known for giant bass.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Rodman Reservoir for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. The best months overall are Jan to Mar, Nov. In October, largemouth bass is in season, and Soft Stick Bait, Bass Jig and Spinnerbait are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Friends of Satsuma Bait And Tackle in Satsuma, 9 mi away. St. Johns River is 15 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Jan to Mar, Nov

In October

Largemouth Bass

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

What You'll Catch

Rodman Reservoir Species

Largemouth Bass

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Jan to Apr, Oct to Nov

Crappie

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Nov to Mar

Bluegill

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: May to Aug

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

10 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Crappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz

    Lure

    Jig · Bluegill, Crappie

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  • Soft Stick Bait 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Largemouth Bass

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  • Bass Jig 3/8 to 1 oz

    Lure

    Jig · Largemouth Bass

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  • Spinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz

    Lure

    Moving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Stained water.

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  • Bladed Jig 3/8 to 1/2 oz

    Lure

    Moving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Around grass.

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  • Squarebill Crankbait 1.5 to 2.5 in

    Lure

    Crankbait · Largemouth Bass

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  • Lipless Crankbait 1/2 to 3/4 oz

    Lure

    Crankbait · Largemouth Bass

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  • Walking Topwater 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Topwater · Largemouth Bass · Low light.

    Shop This Lure

  • Live Minnows 1 to 3 in

    Bait

    Live Bait · Crappie, Largemouth Bass · Under a slip float.

  • Nightcrawlers Whole or half

    Bait

    Live Bait · Bluegill

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Largemouth Bass

Fly 9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.

Crappie

Fly 8.5 ft 4 wt rod, floating line, small jig flies and minnow patterns.

Spin / Cast 10 to 12 ft jigging pole or 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 4 to 6 lb hi-vis line.

Bluegill

Fly 7.5 to 8 ft 3 or 4 wt rod, floating line, foam spiders and small poppers.

Spin / Cast 5 ft ultralight spinning rod, 1000 reel, 4 lb line with a small bobber.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Rodman Reservoir

Reels

Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel

A reliable baitcaster for jigs, Texas rigs, and moving baits.

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Panfish Lures

Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jigs

A go-to crappie plastic on a light jighead, under a float or vertical.

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Reels

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Ultralight Spinning Combo

Light enough to feel crappie bites and cast small spinners for trout.

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Line

Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament

Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.

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Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.

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Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

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Within 45 Miles

Shops Near Rodman Reservoir

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Rivers & Streams · Florida · 15 mi

St. Johns River

Florida's longest river. Bass from Lake Monroe to Welaka, reds and occasional snook near the mouth.

Largemouth bass · Redfish

Saltwater & Coast · Florida · 75 mi

Mosquito Lagoon

A shallow, clear lagoon famous for sight-fishing to tailing and schooling redfish.

Redfish · Speckled Trout