Author: Castaways on the River

How to Plan a Company Fishing Trip

Are you planning a company fishing trip with your team to celebrate the past year or prepare for the new one? As the New Year approaches, there is no better time to get out on a boat in the St. Johns River and forge lasting bonds with your co-workers to make the upcoming year a great one for your company. Follow our step-by-step guide to plan a company fishing trip.

company fishing trip
Host a company fishing trip and get out on a boat in the St. Johns River.

Count Your Anglers

You need a head count first and foremost when you are planning a company holiday fishing trip. This allows you to figure out how many boats you need to rent and how big the boats should be.

Find Days that Work For Your Employees

Timing is difficult when you are booking a company fishing trip. You need to plan ahead of time so everyone has a free schedule on the days you will be fishing. Map out the trip ahead of time and keep the calendars of your co-workers free on those days.

Are you planning a New Year’s Eve trip or a trip right after the New Year to motivate morale for the coming year? Plan ahead to make sure the schedule is solidified. Check with Castaways on the River too to plan your boat rental needs in advance.

company fishing trip rods and reels
Plan ahead so you know how many boats rentals and fishing rods and reels you need.

Connect with a Charter Captain

Find some experienced fishing charter captains to make your job easier. Charter captains know the St. Johns River better than anyone and can help you find fish easily. This will allow your team to enjoy a great day of fishing without stressing over the lack of fish they are catching.

Pick Your Spot

Choosing a great fishing spot location in a beautiful natural setting is one of the most important parts of planning a company fishing trip. Allowing your co-workers to unwind and enjoy the trip is crucial and can set the tone for a great first quarter for the New Year. We already have the perfect spot for you along the St. Johns River in Astor, Florida, where you will find a tranquil fishing backdrop and enjoy every minute of your company fishing adventure. Try these hidden gems on the St. Johns River while you are here.

company fishing trip pin
The St. Johns River is the perfect spot for your company fishing trip adventure.

Reserve Some Rooms

Your company fishing trip should be a minimum two- to three-day experience. Book a stay at Castaways on the River to enjoy your fishing trip in a setting with comfortable cottages and motel rooms that sit right along the St. Johns River.

Reserve Your Company Fishing Trip Boat Rentals

Castaways on the River can handle all of your boat rental and fishing needs. The marina offers a fleet of rental boats along the St. Johns River right next to cottages and motel rooms that have barbecue grills and fire pits. It is a great place to bring your catch back to shore and enjoy a meal that you caught straight from the river! Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rentals and your company fishing trip today!

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9 Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Anglers

It can be a daunting task to buy the perfect holiday gift for the angler or boating enthusiast in your life. There is no need to panic. Utilize these nine holiday gift ideas for the anglers in your life this year.

Gift ideas anglers
Utilize these nine holiday gift ideas for the anglers in your life this year.

Waders

Fishers that love to fish in rivers like the St. Johns River always need some new waders. Waders protect anglers that wade into flats and knee-deep areas to find the perfect fishing spots. The angler in your life will thank you every time their new waders keep them dry.

Rods and Reels

Anglers can always use a new rod and reel to improve their fishing skills. Which one should you pick? Here are a few to choose from these days:

  • Shimano is one of the leading manufacturers of high quality fishing rods reels. They make surf and spinning reels and trolling and muskie rods.
  • Loomis has a line of high-performance graphite rods and features conventional and fly fishing rods for serious anglers.
  • Umpqua is the largest producer of quality hand-tied flies. The company also makes high-quality fishing packs, bags and vests that are backed by a lifetime guarantee.
  • Dan James Rod Company makes what many fishers claim are the best custom rods in the world. The company offers an adjustment of the balance of their rods, making it more comfortable for anglers to cast with more distance and accuracy.

Here are 10 other must have items for a St. Johns River fishing trip.

Fishing Books

Does your fisher love to pick up a good book? Impress him or her by picking up some of the classics like “The Old Man and the Sea” or “Moby Dick” to show that you care about the hobby they love so much.

Fishing Magazines

Does your partner like to read up on the latest and greatest fishing equipment and trends? Consider getting your loved one a fishing magazine subscription that will cover all the bases on a monthly basis.

Gift ideas anglers
Anglers can always use a new rod and reel to improve their fishing skills.

Monthly Tackle Subscription

Even better than a monthly magazine? Many fishers will love a monthly package of fishing lures that are delivered straight to your home. You can find subscriptions that meet your freshwater fishing needs for the St. Johns River.

Read up on the best live fishing freshwater fishing bait to take with you on the river to impress your partner too.

Polarized Sunglasses

If your angler doesn’t have a great pair of polarized sunglasses, they are missing out. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare and help you find fish trying to hind under water. Give the gift of super fish vision to your loved one this holiday season.

Fishing Tools

Is there anything missing from your loved ones tacklebox? Impress them this holiday season by finding out from a friend what they need. Put some stocking stuffers in their stocking like needle-nose pliers, a filet knife, a new net and a pocketknife.

YETI Coolers and Tumblers

YETI coolers have become the new “must have” item for anglers and boaters. They are indestructible and can keep ice intact for days. Find a complete line of YETI coolers, tumblers and other accessories from which to choose.

hooking a present
Hook the perfect gift for your angler this holiday season.

Book a Fishing Trip Stay

Book a stay at Castaways on the River and surprise your partner with a holiday fishing trip on the St. Johns River! We offer cozy cottages and motel rooms so you can stay awhile along the river.

Rent a Boat

Just when you thought we thought of everything we have one more gift idea for you. When you visit Castaways on the in Astor, Florida, rent a boat at the marina and surprise your loved one with a fishing trip that comes complete with fishing advice from you marina operator. The marina on the St. Johns River can accommodate all of your boating needs. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental today!

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How to Find the Perfect Christmas Tree in the Ocala National Forest

Oh Christmas tree! Thy leaves are so unchanging. If you have never experienced the fun and excitement of finding the perfect live Christmas tree as a family, we urge you to find and cut down the perfect tree in the Ocala National Forest in North Central Florida. It’s legal as long as you follow these guidelines.

Christmas tree Ocala National Forest
You can find the perfect Christmas tree in the Ocala National Forest near Astor, Florida.

Ocala National Forest Permits

The Ocala National Forest is a great place to find and cut down your perfect Christmas tree. The Ocala National Forest is protected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service. Special forest permits to cut down a Christmas tree can be obtained at the Lake George Ranger District Station or the Seminole Ranger District Station. Permits are $7 and are available from Thanksgiving Day through Dec. 23 each year.

Finding the Perfect Tree Takes Time

The Ocala National Forest has more than 380,000 acres of protected land. It takes a longer period of time to find the perfect tree in a forest full of native plants and wildlife. Rangers will provide you with a map for three Christmas tree harvesting areas that help narrow down your search parameters. Make sure your tree will fit in your living room before you cut it down. Trees in the forest can look deceiving.

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Choose a Healthy Tree

A freshly cut Christmas tree will last longer than a tree that was cut down weeks ago and transported to a tree lot. Look for trees that do not have a lot of dead or browning needles. Gently stroke branches to make sure the needles bend and don’t fall off the tree.

Check for Live Animals

Before you begin the process of cutting down your tree, shake it and inspect it for live animals that may have made your Christmas tree their home. The last thing you want to do is place your new tree inside your home and discover there is a squirrel inside it.

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Take a Tarp

Place a tarp on the ground on the location where you anticipate your tree will fall when you cut it down. This will help your tree from falling into dirt and grass in the forest, which makes bringing the tree home much less messy.

Christmas tree Ocala National Forest
Make sure you take the proper tools to cut down your Christmas tree.

Bring Tools

Don’t pull a Clark W. Griswold and forget to bring something to cut down your tree. You don’t want to dig up a tree and its root system. Take one of the following with you to make your job much easier.

  • Battery-operated handsaw
  • Battery-powered chainsaw
  • Hatchet
  • Bow saw
  • Handsaw

Remember to bring along a pair of work gloves and some rope to secure the tree to your vehicle.

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Do Not Create Trunk Base Friction

Refrain from using reciprocal saws or any blade that moves so fast it creates friction. Too much blade friction causes the truck to get too hot, which seals the trunk up with hot sap that acts like a permanent glue to prevent your tree from absorbing water.

Cutting Your Tree for the Base

Using a handsaw or one of the above methods to cut your tree trunk, cut approximately a half-inch off the bottom of the tree trunk before putting your tree in its base. This allows the tree to absorb more water.

Do not cut the trunk base at an angle or a V-shape and don’t drill a hole in the base. These methods actually make it more difficult for your tree to absorb water.

Mount Your Tree Within 8 Hours

A fresh tree can go without water for eight hours after you cut it down before further water absorption becomes more difficult. Place your tree in a safe stand that can hold a quart of water for every inch in trunk diameter.

Do not remove the bark of the tree to get the base to fit in the tree stand. The bark is the layer that absorbs the most water.

Christmas tree Ocala National Forest
Before you find the right Christmas tree, make sure you spend some time in nature along the St. Johns River.

Allow the Tree to Settle

Once the tree is safely and securely in the tree stand, allow it to settle into its shape or fall, for anywhere from an hour to overnight before you begin decorating the tree. This allows the branches to settle.

Ensure Christmas Tree Safety

Inspect light cords and make sure they are not frayed before you weave the lights into the tree. Keep your tree away from heat sources and also never leave your home unattended with the Christmas tree lights on.

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Plan a Holiday Trip Along the St. Johns River

Are you looking to get away for a holiday trip that culminates with finding the perfect Christmas tree in the Ocala National Forest? Before you find the right tree, make sure you spend some time in nature along the St. Johns River.

Castaways on the River offers comfortable cottages and motel rooms right along the St. Johns River near the Ocala National Forest. Castaways also has a fleet full of rental boats for your use. Call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3442 to book your Christmas tree adventure trip today!

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The 7 Best Live Freshwater Fishing Bait

Live bait will typically grab the attention of more fish than artificial bait. If you’re seeking to up your fishing game on the beautiful St. Johns River in North Central Florida, bring some of the best live fishing bait available to take home more than your fair share of fish.

best fishing bait st johns river
The tried and true worm is always great bait for freshwater fishers.

Minnows

It’s the circle of life. Big fish eat little fish. Minnows are essentially baby fish and are a popular freshwater fishing bait. Use large shiners to go along with your minnow bait when searching for bass.

Hook the minnow upside down using the same water they were captured in. Don’t puncture the minnow’s spinal cord so it can continue to move on its own while it is on your hook.

Clams and Mussels

Freshwater clams and mussels native to the St. Johns River make for great live bait. To keep them fresh, gather them from shallow water right before your fishing trip.

When you are ready to use them, crack the shell open and cut out the clam or mussel and allow the bait to harden in the sun before you put it on your hook. Try tying mussels on a hook with thread without pulling the thread too tight.

best fishing bait st johns river
Live freshwater bait tips can  help you target types of fish in the St. Johns River.

Crayfish

Crayfish are great for attracting smallmouth bass or panfish. Hook them through the tail to catch bass and use the pan mean from the crayfish’s pinchers to catch pan fish.

Insects

Beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars and crickets can be used as live fishing bait to catch panfish and trout. You can buy insects at a bait shop or try to catch them on your own. Have fun with the kids and send them searching for insects for your hooks.

Worms

The tried and true worm is always great bait for freshwater fishers. You can find them in the dirt of your garden or in local bait and tackle shops. Here are some worm tricks to help:

  • To attract trout, use smaller manure worms.
  • To prevent smaller fish from nibbling the worm without biting your hook, put just a piece of the worm on your hook. Thread the worm on the hook until it’s completely covered to avoid it from being stolen.
shrimp on a hook
Freshwater shrimp are great bait that work best in water below 70 degrees.

Shrimp

Freshwater shrimp are great bait that work best in water below 70 degrees. Looking to catch catfish? They enjoy snacking on a piece of frozen shrimp. Take off the shell and the tail before you place a shrimp on your hook.

Dough Balls

Okay, so are last recommendation isn’t exactly fresh bait. But if you’re looking to catch crappie in the St. Johns River, dough balls are your game. Dough balls are a homemade or commercially made bait treat that consists of flour, cornmeal and sugar mixed with a little bit of water. Here is a dough ball recipe the crappie will love.

Book Your Next Fishing Visit

You have the live freshwater bait tips you need to catch the most fish and target the types of fish you are looking for. Book a stay at Castaways on the River to do some fishing using your new bait tips. The marina can accommodate all of your boat rental needs. We also offer comfortable cottages and motel rooms so you can stay awhile along the St. Johns River. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental winter fishing trip today.

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Top 8 Florida Cold Weather Fishing Tips

Does Florida even have a winter season? The answer is yes. Lows in North Central Florida can dip into the 30s and 40s from November through March. The chilly mornings typically make way for warm afternoons with highs in the 60s and 70s. The fish in the St. Johns River adapt to the cooler weather, so we have the top eight Florida cold weather fishing tips to make your cold weather fishing experience a great one.

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Stay dry and warm with rain gear when you’re fishing as cold fronts approach.

Search in Deep Holes and Shallow Flats

Water temperatures are the main factor when you are looking for fish. When you are cold water fishing, look for fish congregating in the warmer waters they can find. The warmest spots are in deep holes and shallow flats. Use a depth finder to find these deeper spots on the bottom of the river.

Follow the Flow

The current always triggers how fish feed. Currents can come from strong winter winds and tides. Fish like to swim on the down tide and the wind side of a point that has a current sweeping across it. Position yourself accordingly to catch fish in cooler weather.

Take Rain Gear

It is not very rainy in Florida during the winter but you should still bring along your rain gear. Water spray and wave action on the river brings more water than usual into the boat this time of year on the St. Johns River. Cold days make the water spray feel even colder so stay dry and warm with your rain gear.

Monitor the Cold Fronts

Passing cold fronts come one after the other in the winter season in Florida, bringing with them a day of stormy weather followed by at least two days of windy conditions. Once the front’s storm and windy weather subsides, the fish become very active. Take advantage of that calm and warmer weather by getting out on the water and catching some fish before the next cold front comes through.

depth finder on a boat
Use a depth finder to find spots on the bottom of the river where fish are hiding to stay warm.

Rising Barometers = Good Cold Weather Fishing

Barometers measure atmospheric pressure. A rising barometer means it’s time to grab a rod and get on the St. Johns River. When the barometer goes up and down (pressure increasing and decreasing over the course of a few hours), that’s also a great time to go fishing. When the barometer stays steady or decreases, fishing becomes poor.

Hint: find a good barometer app for your smartphone to keep tabs on the atmospheric pressure.

Increase the Scent of Your Bait

You need to give fish that don’t like cooler weather more incentive to be attracted to your bait in the winter. Clip the tails of your live bait, which puts additional scent in the water and increases the chances of your fish taking your bait.

cold weather fishing
When you are cold weather fishing, attract fish with fresh bait.

Move Your Location

Be willing to move your boat and change up your fishing spots to adapt to the windy conditions that cold fronts bring to the area. Sometimes moving the boat from a shallow shoreline to grass flats can yield great fishing results.

Book Your Fishing Visit

You are now ready to handle Florida’s cold fronts and become a cold weather fishing pro. Book a stay at Castaways on the River to do some fishing. The marina can handle all of your boat rental needs. We also offer cozy cottages and motel rooms that are just steps from the beautiful St. Johns River. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental winter fishing trip today.

Tips for Building the Perfect Campfire

There is something about a roaring campfire that makes the campground perfect during cool evenings in the Ocala National Forest. Follow our tips as we teach you how to build the perfect campfire to enjoy with friends and family.

tips for building a campfire Ocala National Forest
Follow our tips as we teach you how to build the perfect campfire in the Ocala National Forest.

Create Your Fire Bed

Safety comes first when you create a campfire. Camping sites like those in the Ocala National Forest in North Central Florida have designated fire areas that you must use. Select a site away from trees, bushes and plants. Create a fire bed on bare earth with no live or dead grass around it. Dry grass, branches and bark catch fire easily so make sure you find a nice bare spot. If you can’t find a good bed area, make your own by digging and raking away all grass and plant material.

Once you’ve cleared a bed area, gather some dirt and place it in the center of your clean fire bed. Form the dirt into a firm platform that is 3- to 4-inches thick.

Hunt for Wood

Once your fire bed is ready, it’s time to gather your wood. You are looking for the following types of acceptable wood:

  • Tinder: Materials like dry bark, dry leaves, dead grass and wood shavings make up your tinder. Tinder catches fire easily and this is the wood you need to get that fire started.
  • Kindling: After the fire gets started with tinder wood, kindling helps to keep the fire going. Kindling consists of small twigs and branches that are laid on top of your tinder wood. Look for wood about the width of a pencil. Make sure it’s dry or it won’t burn easily.
  • Fuel wood: Fuel wood comes next on the pile and it keeps your fire hot and makes the fire stay consistent. Look for branches of wood that are about the width of your forearm or wrist to act as fuel wood.

When gathering wood for your fire, look for wood that snaps and breaks easily. If the wood bends, it’s too wet and your fire will become smoky. Dry wood always burns best.

Hint: Collect double the amount of tinder, kindling and fuel wood as you think you will need because you will go through a lot of kindling when you start your fire.

lighting a campfire
When gathering wood for your campfire, look for wood that snaps and breaks easily.

How to Lay Your Fire

There are many different ways to lay your fire. The most common types of fires include:

  • Teepee fires, which involve placing your tinder in a bundle in the middle of your campfire site and forming a teepee around it with your kindling.
  • Lean-to fires are created by sticking a long piece of kindling into the ground at a 30-degree angle with the end of the stick pointing into the wind. Then tinder is placed underneath the support stick and kindling is scattered around the fire.
  • Log cabin fires create a small teepee, with wood being stacked on top of it like a real-life version of Lincoln Logs being stacked on top of the teepee.

How to Put Out Your Fire

You’ve enjoyed the fire but now it’s time to extinguish it properly. Follow these steps:

  • Have a bucket of water near your campfire at all times for safety reasons. This bucket of water should be sprinkled around carefully to extinguish all the embers. Don’t dump it all in one spot.
  • Stir the embers with a stick or shovel as you sprinkle the water on the fire to completely extinguish the fire.
  • Keep adding water until you no longer feel heat coming from the ashes.
  • Scoop up the ashes and return the land as you found it, spreading the ashes around the campsite to dispose of them. Then replace the dirt and sod you dug up with a shovel.

Fire Extinguish Tip: It takes at least 20 minutes to put out and monitor a fire being extinguished before you can leave the campfire unattended, so plan your time accordingly.

tips for building a campfire Pinterest image
A roaring campfire makes the campground perfect during cool evenings.

Monitor and Adhere to Fire Restrictions

Always monitor state and local fire restrictions. When camping in North Central Florida in the Ocala National Forest, there is a risk of wildfires due to strong winds and drought conditions. Check if you are in an area with campfire restrictions, listed in the alerts and notices and forest orders.

Read the campfire restrictions that exist year-round in the Ocala National Forest so you know the approved and non-approved fires and where you can make a campfire. Always keep a watch on fire danger ratings too.

Plan a Trip Along the St. Johns River

Make sure to spend some time enjoying the St. Johns River when you visit North Central Florida. Embrace and enjoy the river by renting a boat at Castaways on the River. The marina on the river can handle all of your boat rental needs. We also offer comfortable cottages and motel rooms so you can stay awhile. Call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental adventure today.

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5 Must Stop Dining Spots Along the St. Johns River

The St. Johns River in North Central Florida is a beautiful place to enjoy nature and a nice meal along the river. The fall season and cooler temperatures make November a great time of year to experience the area. We have the five must-stop dining spots along the St. Johns River in Astor, Florida that should be on your list.

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We have the five must-stop dining spots along the St. Johns River in Astor, Florida that should be on your list.

Castaways Restaurant

Known as a quaint restaurant near the St. Johns River, Castaways Restaurant offers a great seafood menu selection. Castaways is known for its menu variety. The restaurant also offers a great salad bar, fresh seafood sandwiches, and drinks at the upstairs bar that longtime patrons say are “generous.” Make sure you head to the restaurant on Friday for live entertainment.

Menu selection tip: Try the bacon-wrapped shrimp and the lobster bisque.

Blackwater Inn Restaurant & Lounge

Another restaurant that sits directly on the banks of the St. Johns River, the Blackwater Inn Restaurant and Lounge has quaint outdoor seating areas that are built within the shade of big trees and offer spectacular views of the river. A haven for fresh seafood the Blackwater Inn offers everything from fresh seafood platters and catfish fillets to sirloin steaks on its menu. Longtime patrons rave about the Blackwater Inn’s hush puppies recipe too. Arrive by boat and take a seat at the bar or the restaurant. Looking for something different and unique to the North Central Florida area? Try the frog legs for an appetizer and the grilled quail or gator tail for an entree. Don’t leave the table without trying a piece of the Chocolate Drizzled Key Lime Pie for dessert. You won’t be disappointed.

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November is a great time of year to enjoy fresh seafood dining along the St. Johns River.

Old Sugar Mill & Griddle House

You’ve hit the breakfast jackpot when you visit Old Sugar Mill Restaurant & Bakery. Known as the Old Spanish Sugar Mill to locals, it’s a unique restaurant inside De Leon Springs State Park that has working griddles at each table to make your fresh pancakes. Servers bring you pitchers of homemade Early American pancake batters made from five fresh stone ground flour to pour on your hot griddle and flip right at your table. You can order an assortment of blueberries, bananas, chocolate chips, apples, and more to add to your special pancakes. The restaurant also serves up some tasty sausage, bacon, ham, and eggs. Don’t forget to take home some homemade bread and dessert treats at the homemade bakery before you leave.

The Old Sugar Mill also offers an assortment of salads and fresh sandwiches and burgers for lunch.

Arrival Tip: Unless you’re arriving by boat, entry to the Old Sugar Mill Restaurant & Bakery requires you to pay $14 per person for entry to De Leon State Park. Children under four are free. Before or after your meal, immerse yourself in the history of De Leon Springs State Park, which is thought to be the site where Ponce De Leon discovered his famous Fountain of Youth.

Sparky’s Place Restaurant

Sparky’s Place Restaurant on Highway 40 near the St. Johns River is known for serving the best pizza along the river. Sparky’s makes homemade sauces and fresh dough to serve up pizza that longtime patrons can’t live without. It’s a great place to visit and refuel after a day of swimming and exploring at Juniper Springs. If you’re a burger aficionado, you must order the Swamp Burge on the menu, which comes topped with fries topped with cheese, bacon, and special sauce.

Sparky’s is also known for its breakfast offerings. Celebrate the Florida Black Bears of the nearby Ocala National Forest by ordering some bear cakes (pancakes with berries and nuts) and red neck biscuits, which are served with sausage, fried eggs, and sausage gravy.

dining along st. johns river fish sandwich
The St. Johns River area near Astor, FL is known for its fresh seafood offerings.

Essex Seafood House

Essex House Seafood House is known for its fresh seafood menu offerings. Their most popular offering is their whole belly fried clams appetizer, which can also act as a meal. Many call their New England-style seafood the best you can find outside of New England.

Don’t forget to bring cash. Bikers are welcome here too.

Book Your St. Johns River Visit

Is your mouth watering now from all the fresh seafood and other menu offerings available to you along the St. Johns River? It’s time to book a stay at Castaways on the River to do some fishing and rent a boat. We offer comfortable cottages and motel rooms so you can enjoy the area and spend time on the river and at the local restaurants. Call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental and fishing adventure today.

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7 North Central Florida RV Campground Tips You Need to Know

Are you ready to do some RV camping in North Central Florida? The fall and winter months are the best time of year to take advantage of the RV Florida campgrounds and enjoy the cooler weather and amazing scenery along the St. Johns River. Load up the RV as we review an RV campground tip checklist for you.

rv campgrounds florida
The fall and winter months are the best time of year to take advantage of the RV Florida campgrounds and enjoy the cooler weather.

Reserve Camp Site Locations Now

January, February and March are the most popular months to find a campsite in North Central Florida. If you’re seeking a camp site for your RV, the time is now to book a reservation.

For Florida State Parks RV campsite reservations, call (800) 326-3521 or book a reservation online.

Book a RV Florida Campground Site in the Off-Season

Seeking to do some Florida RV camping in the off-season when it’s not as busy? There’s still time. October and November, as well as April through May, are good times to reserve an RV campsite and have some more peace and quiet in natural surroundings. You’re beating the snowbirds to the sites before they drive south for the winter and you’re taking advantage of the spots after they head back north after Easter.

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Load up the RV as we review an RV campground tip checklist for you.

Review and Know the RV Campground Rules

Whether you are staying in a Florida State Park or a private campground or RV park, it’s important you read the rules of the specific spot you are visiting ahead of time. This helps you know what you’re allowed to bring and allows you to set up your RV properly when you arrive.

Hookups May Be Limited

We know that the point of RVs is so you can camp without really roughing it. Know ahead of time, though, that if you’re seeking to park your RV at a North Central Florida location, you may not have access to certain amenities that regular RV parks do. This means that the following RV amenities may not be available to you:

  • Water Hookups
  • Sewer Service
  • Electric Service
  • Cable television connection

Make sure you review what your campground site offers before you book your trip so you can plan ahead of time. If your campground doesn’t offer these services, bring fresh water and have a generator with a full tank of gas to accommodate your RV.

RV at Florida campsite
Make sure you book a spot ahead of time that accommodates the length and width of your RV.

Plan Your RV Spot Carefully

Make sure you book a spot ahead of time that accommodates the length and width of your RV. Large RVS require proper planning. You should also inquire about the width of the campground trails and how smooth they are. Tree limbs and unpaved roads can be difficult to maneuver for RVs.

Ask for RV Assistance

Is this your first time in a North Central Florida RV campground?  Don’t be afraid to ask before check-in or during check-in if the campground provides an escort service for first-time visitors to your RV site. It’s likely a guide will accompany you to your site and help you get settled.

Bring Food and a Grill

If you’re not planning on hunting your food, bring coolers full of food to plan for meals while you’re camping. A portable grill with small propane tanks and an electric skillet can cook anything you need while you’re in the wilderness. Don’t forget your coffee and a coffee pot.

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Know the rules of the specific Florida RV camp site spot you are visiting ahead of time.

Plan a Florida RV Trip Along the St. Johns River

Are you an RV camper that enjoys an RV site close to the water? Castaways on the River offers two RV sites just steps away from the river with 30 amp and 50 amp electrical offerings that include cable, water and sewer hookups. The sites have access to barbecue grills on-site and are steps away from the St. Johns River and a marina full of rental boats so you can satisfy your river adventure and fishing cravings.

Embrace and enjoy the river by reserving an RV site along the river and renting a boat at Castaways on the River. We also offer cottages and motel rooms too. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to reserve your RV spot and plan your trip along the river today!

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8 Pontoon Boat Fishing Tips You Need to Know

Fishing on a pontoon boat is very popular. Fishers love the stability of the boat while they are fishing. Pontoon boats are also known for their ability to turn on a dime. Grab your fishing gear as we present you with 8 pontoon boat fishing tips to make your day on the St. Johns River a successful one.

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Most pontoon boats have removable Bimini tops to provide shade from the boat deck.

Usage of Anchors

If the wind picks up on your fishing adventure, it’s difficult to keep a pontoon boat in place with one anchor. Castaways on the River ensures to have a second anchor in place in all boats. The second anchor on pontoon boats is essential for providing increased stability and safety, especially in changing water conditions.

Bring Towels

Bring along lots of old towels to spread over seats and underneath coolers and bait storage containers. This will keep your seats clean and your pontoon boat deck safe and free of water.

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Castaways on the River can handle all of your boat rental needs on the St. Johns River.

Bring a Fish Container

Don’t forget a place for all the fish you are going to catch. Bring a separate container to act as a cooler that can hold the fish that you and your fishing friends catch.

Ladder Safety

At Castaways On The River, utilizing the ladder on pontoon boats is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable boating experience. The ladder serves as a key tool for easy and secure access to and from the water, whether it’s for swimming, snorkeling, or simply taking a refreshing dip.

fishing from a pontoon boat
Rent a pontoon boat at Castaways on the River and enjoy a pontoon boat fishing day.

Visit Silver Glen Springs

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day of swimming, snorkeling, or simply basking in the sun on the sandy shores, Silver Glen Springs offers a refreshing escape from the bustle of everyday life. Read our blog on How to Plan the Perfect Day at Silver Glen Springs to gain tips on creating an ideal day at the Silver Glen Springs.

Plan a Pontoon Boat Fishing Party

Twenty-two foot pontoon boats are a great boat to hold a fishing party of up to 10 people comfortably with enough room to hold all of your bait, tackleboxes and coolers. Equipped with everything from radios to stowaway storage, they are the perfect boat to both fish and hold a pontoon boat party at the same time.

Read our blog on how to plan a pontoon boat party on the St. Johns River to get some pontoon boat fishing party tips.

Rent a Pontoon Boat

Ready to hop aboard and enjoy some pontoon boat fishing on the St. Johns River? Rent a pontoon boat at Castaways on the River. We can handle all of your boat rental needs. We also offer cozy cottages and motel rooms so you can stay awhile and enjoy the peaceful St. Johns River. Pick up the phone and call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 to book your boat rental adventure today.

rentaboat

Fall Bass Fishing on the St. Johns River: 7 Tips for Success

Did you know that depending on the season, there are different tips and tricks to catch bass effectively? While autumn in Florida may be a bit warmer than most regions of the United States, here are 7 fall bass fishing tips for reeling in largemouth bass. Follow these fall bass fishing tips on the St. Johns River for a big-time catch in the Sunshine State.

fall bass fishing image
We have the 7 fall bass fishing tips for reeling in largemouth bass on the St. Johns River.

Look for Bait to Reel in the Bass

Look hard for smaller fish that bass are still feeding on in the St. Johns River, and that’s where you will find places to cast your line. As bass prepare for the winter and spawn, they are hungrier than ever and seek food sources wherever they can find them during this time of year.

Bass Hide in Shallow Beds

If you can’t see bass in the water, they are likely hiding in shallow shell beds and ledges in the fall. Target 3- to 6-foot range areas with your depth finder, and focus on casting your line close to river inlets where there are more hiding spots for bass.

fall bass fishing tips
Rent a boat and book a stay at a comfortable cottage or motel room at Castaways on the River. while you enjoy some fall bass fishing.

Find Baitfish in Grass Weeds and Rocks

Grass weeds are a hiding spot for bass in the fall. The weeds produce both oxygen and are also a hiding spot for baitfish, which are a great source of food for bass.

When the temperature drops, search for bass in rocky areas too. Rocks hold heat, and bass will cozy up to the rocks to stay warm and regulate their temperature as the water turns colder.

Casting is Key to Lure Bass from Hiding

Always remember to cast your line and lure beyond your underwater target area. The line will be at its deepest as you reel it in intermittently across the target area where you hope to lure bass from their hiding spots.

Anchor Away from Your Fall Bass Fishing Spot

To attract bass from their deep water hiding spots this time of year, it’s best to anchor your boat further away from your target fishing area. Make long casts toward the area, and reel your line in with a variety of fast and slow motions so the bass become intrigued by your line and not the shadow of your boat.

fall bass fishing tips
Rent a boat at Castaways on the River while you enjoy some fall bass fishing.

Lure Colors Matter

Make sure you use lures that match the color of the baitfish in the St. Johns River area where you are fishing for bass. If it’s hard to see the color of the baitfish, white or chrome colored lures will work. If the water is muddy or not clear, try gold, orange or red lures.

Make Reservations and Rent a Boat

You have all the fall bass fishing tips you need for a trip to the St. Johns River. Now it’s time to rent a boat and book a stay at a comfortable cottage or motel room at Castaways on the River. We have a fleet of rental boats ready for your fall bass fishing adventure. If these seven fall bass fishing tips aren’t enough to get a jaw dropping bass in your boat, contact Castaways Bass Fishing Capt. Steve Nemeiller at (800) 507-0058 and review his fishing guide information. Call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3442 to plan your fall fishing trip!