The Top 8 Places to Visit Along the St. Johns River

Local fishing captains will be the first to tell you of their preference for North Central Florida. “There’s no place in the country that’s better for boating and fishing than along the St. Johns River in Florida,” says Capt. Steve Niemoeller of Central Florida Fishing. Follow our guide to the top eight best places to visit along the St. Johns River.

best places to visit Florida — Lake George near Astor, Florida is a great spot for boating and fishing.

Lake George

Lake George near Astor, Florida is a great spot for boating and fishing. Lake George is fed from the northern flow of the St. Johns River and is the state’s second largest lake behind Lake Okeechobee. Lake George is full of bass and a great place to plan the perfect day trip.

Silver Glen Springs

You have to visit a Florida freshwater spring while you are traveling the St. Johns River. The crystal clear water that stays a constant 72 degrees year-round is a great place to do some snorkeling and swimming. The most popular spring with the clearest water is Silver Glen Springs. Plan the perfect day at Silver Glen Springs to take full advantage of the area.

Blackwater Inn Restaurant & Lounge

Stop for lunch or dinner directly on the banks of the St. Johns River by docking the boat at Blackwater Inn Restaurant and Lounge. The St. Johns River waterfront restaurant has outdoor seating within the shade of large trees and offers fantastic views of the river. Arrive and depart by boat to maximize your boating time. Try these other must stop dining spots along the St. Johns River too.

best places to visit Florida pin — Follow our guide to the top eight best places to visit along the St. Johns River.

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Are you a boater that likes to camp too? You can have the best of both worlds along the St. Johns River. The Juniper Springs Recreation Area is one of the oldest recreation areas in the country and offers an onsite campground and hiking trails.

Blue Springs State Park

Head to Blue Springs State Park to enjoy beautiful scenery and to spot manatees, the state’s large and lovable sea cows. Manatees love to hang out in the springs through the end of March because the water stays a constant 72 degrees, keeping their body temperatures warmer in the winter. The park also has fishing, canoeing and snorkeling opportunities.

De Leon Springs

Are you looking for a place with boat ramps and canoe and kayak rentals? De Leon Springs State Park has all that and more. The 525-acre park produces 19 millions of clear fresh spring water daily. It also offers picnic tables, grills and a playground area for the kids.

Make sure you stop for breakfast at the Sugar Mill Restaurant to get some of the best pancakes you’ll ever eat, made by you right at your table.

Rodman Reservoir

Just a 45-minute ride from Astor, Florida, Capt. Steve Niemoeller’s favorite place to go boating and take people fishing is Rodman Reservoir. Also known as Lake Ocklawaha, the man-made reservoir acts as both a dam reservoir and a bass fishery heaven for anglers.

“There’s no better spot that Rodman Reservoir to do some boating and fishing,” Niemoeller said. Niemoeller said he take fishing charter customers to Rodman Reservoir to catch bass, crappie and catfish year-round.

st. johns river aerial — The St. Johns River in North Central Florida is one of the best places in Florida to visit.

Rent a Cottage Along the River

You’re coming to North Central Florida to enjoy as much of the St. Johns River as you can. When you stay at Castaways on the River, you can enjoy quaint cottages and motel rooms right along the banks of the river.

Rent a Boat

Al of these eight spots to visit along the St. Johns River are accessible by boat. Rent a boat today at Castaways on the River along the St. Johns River. Guests of Castaways on the River receive a 10 percent discount on Capt. Steve Niemoeller fishing charters, which leave directly from the marina. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental and St. Johns River experience today!

Daytona Bike Week Fans: Plan Your Florida Backroads Trip

Enjoying the open road on your motorcycle is a beautiful thing. For motorcycle enthusiasts, Daytona Bike Week in Florida is the best time of year. Bikers seeking an experience on true Florida backroads need to drive through Astor, Florida and take advantage of an area that opens its doors to bikers.

State Road 40 Caters to Daytona Bike Week Crowd

The mostly two-lane State Road 40 cuts through North Central Florida and provides you a direct route to Daytona Beach for Bike Week. The road is a popular spot for bikers on the weekend and gives motorcycle enthusiasts a breathtaking view of Old Florida.

Motorcycleroads.com ranks the State Road 40 drive through the Ocala Forest as the 15^th best Florida motorcycle route, calling it “a mixture of forest, lakes and wetlands, the route is popular with local riders.” Come check the route out for yourselves!

Visit Astor, Florida Dining Spots

Looking for some motorcycle-friendly restaurants? Look no further than Astor, Florida along the St. Johns River. There are five must-stop dining spots that offer a variety of fresh seafood and waterfront dining options. Many of these are popular motorcycle spot for bikers that have parking spaces ready to accommodate large biker groups.

Visit the Ocala National Forest

While you are here, take a hike through the Ocala National Forest and do some hunting in a nationally protected forest that covers 607 square miles.

motorcycle sunset — Sunsets along Florida’s backroads and near the St. Johns River are a sight to behold.

Look for Bears and Wildlife on the Scenic Byway

The nationally-designated Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway in North Central Florida is a great place for bikers to catch a glimpse of Florida black bears, deer and other Florida wildlife. The east-west segment of the byway takes bikers along State Road 40 near the St. Johns River.

Use an app to find black bears and learn how to improve your black bear spotting skills.

Enjoy a Lake George Outing

Do you like to fish? Lake George and the St. Johns River near Astor are full of bass. Enjoy some Lake George fishing, boating and a stunning sunset on beautiful Lake George.

Look for Manatees in the Natural Springs

The St. Johns River near Astor is home to some of the state’s most popular freshwater springs, which stay at a constant 72-degrees year-round. Make sure you look for manatees while you visit the spring.

Hike the Florida National Scenic Trail

Hike the central portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail in Astor to search for wildlife and enjoy the peacefulness of the nearby St. Johns River. This nationally protected trail carves a path right through North Central Florida.

daytona bike week pin — Enjoy the serenity of a backroads motorcycle trip on your way to Daytona Bike Week.

Rent a Cottage on the River

Are you looking for some peace and quiet before you head to Bike Week? Castaways on the River in Astor offers comfortable cottages and motel rooms overlooking the serene St. Johns River.

Rent a Boat

Who says you can only ride your motorcycle during Bike Week? Just 40 minutes from Daytona Beach are rental boats waiting for you to go boating and fishing on the St. Johns River. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book you boat rental and your Daytona Bike Week accommodations today!

How to Plan the Perfect Day at Silver Glen Springs

Florida natural freshwater springs that stay a constant 72 degrees all year long are some of the state’s most important natural treasures. A short hour boat ride from Castaways lies Silver Glen Springs. The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service monitors the springs in northwest Florida. It’s one of the most popular springs for residents and tourists each year. To embark on an adventure at Silver Glen Springs, don’t forget that a reservation is required, ensuring you secure your spot for the perfect day of exploration and relaxation. Here’s how to plan the perfect day at Silver Glen Springs.

Enjoy the Water

Many residents and visitors claim Silver Glen Springs has the clearest water of all the springs in Northwest Florida. You can actually see rainbows shine across the bottom of the spring when the sun hits the clear water just right. The turquoise water also makes it excellent for swimming and snorkeling.

Look for fish and other marine life in the water and make sure you take your goggles to truly appreciate the water from down below. Scuba diving, though, is not permitted in the spring. Silver Glen Springs is also shallower than most other springs, making it a great spring for children to enjoy too. Utilize our seven tips for swimming in freshwater springs.

Utilize the Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area

The Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area makes up a protected swimming area that doesn’t allow boats and adjacent uplands that are used for trails and picnic areas.

The upland area forest consists of several trees and places to see birds. Those that love photography should bring their camera to take pictures of the area with Silver Glen Springs in the background.

Traverse the Spring Boils Trail and take a walk on the Lake George Trail too to see the beautiful cypress shoreline of the second largest lake in Florida: Lake George.

Look for Manatees

During the cooler winter months, manatee sightings are frequent in Silver Glen Springs as manatees seek warmer spring waters in the middle of the state. Follow our guide to learn how to spot manatees.

girl swimming in silver glen springs — Take your goggles to truly appreciate the clear water.

Explore the Ocala National Forest

Silver Glen sits within the Ocala National Forest. Make sure you take some time to explore the forest and all that it has to offer during your visit. Visit the Ocala National Forest Hunting Season Guide to learn more.

Silver Glen Springs Fun Facts

There is so much to learn about Silver Glen. Here are some fun facts to get you excited about your trip to the springs:

The spring’s two vents produce an average of 65 million gallons of water daily.
The springhead is 200-feet in diameter
The spring and encompassing area encompass 22 acres of water.
The Spring Boils Trail near Silver Glen Springs leads to nearby Jody’s Spring, which is named for the spring described by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in her book, “The Yearling.”
Silver Glen Springs funnels and flows 3,300 feet into Lake George, the second largest lake in Florida behind Lake Okeechobee.
The spring is also an important archaeological site. Large mounds behind fences are marked and considered a sacred space for Native Americans.

Rent a Boat

Visiting the springs is fun and so is renting a boat on the St. Johns River. Castaways on the River offers rental boats for your trip. Your marina rental boat operators can provide you with tips and directions to captain your rental boat to Silver Glen Springs. Castaways on the River offers quaint cottages and motel rooms with views of the St. Johns River. Call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3442 to plan your trip to the area today!

How to Plan the Perfect Romantic Fishing Trip

The weather is warming up in North Central Florida and the fish are biting amidst a beautiful backdrop on the St. Johns River. Plan the perfect romantic fishing trip with your loved one this Valentine’s Day by following our lead.

Set the Right Mood

Whether you want to take a partner who is not an avid angler or is your fishing equal, you want to set the mood right with the invitation. Instead of talking about a trip that involves live bait and early trips to the river, paint the right picture by explaining your desire to spend the entire day in nature with the one you love amidst the peaceful and serene St. Johns River.

Pack Some Thoughtful Food

This is not your average fishing trip where you bring the standard six-pack and a bag of pretzels and beef jerky. Pack some fresh fruit, finger foods and pastries in a nice picnic basket that can be stored in a large cooler. Surprise your Valentine with the basket and a nice bottle of wine or champagne. Impress by remembering napkins and a corkscrew.

Pick the Perfect Romantic Fishing Spot

You are looking for the perfect romantic fishing spot that has peace and quiet, solitude and a great backdrop. Fortunately for you, it is hard not to find a beautiful fishing spot on the St. Johns River. Ask our charter fishing captains for advice for a romantic fishing spot where you can catch some fish and earn some bonus points from your valentine for your thoughtful spot.

Follow these tips too to help find the perfect fishing spot.

Do Not Push Fishing

At the end of the day, this is a Valentine’s Day romantic fishing trip to show your affection for the one you love. Don’t make it all about you by never putting down your fishing rod. Spend some time together in the boat at lunch and don’t push your partner to fish if he or she doesn’t feel like it. Bring along some reading material and some music and let the day unfold on your valentine’s terms.

Tell a Romantic Story

Swap the regular fishing stories with a story about how the two of you met while you are casting your line in a romantic fishing spot. Make your partner smile and feel more connected with you so he or she realizes how important it was that they agreed to come on this fishing trip with you.

romantic fishing trip couple — Make your partner realize how important this fishing trip is to you.

Be Spontaneous

We realize that anglers are usually set in their ways and go through their ritualistic motions on fishing trips because they know what works. Switch it up on this romantic fishing trip. Be spontaneous and surprise your loved one by pulling out a playlist of their favorite tunes, pull out a wild flower bouquet for her from underneath your seat or upload a photo of the two of you on your fishing trip to your partner’s Instagram account with a nice tribute to your loved one.

If you are looking for some more tips, check out these five tips for a romantic St. Johns River trip.

Rent a Romantic Cottage

Stay awhile and enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day romantic fishing trip on the St. Johns River. Castaways on the River has quaint cottages and motel rooms just steps from the marina that allow couples to relax for the weekend and truly enjoy their romantic fishing trip in a peaceful setting.

Rent a Boat

Make sure you rent a boat to enjoy the St. Johns River. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental and romantic fishing trip getaway accommodations today.

Top 7 Attractions to See Near Astor, Florida

North Central Florida in Astor, Florida near the St. Johns River is a must visit spot this time of year. There is so much to do in Astor and in nearby Ocala and Daytona Beach. The great part about Astor is it’s just a 45-minute drive to Ocala and 45 minutes to Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. Circle these seven attractions near Astor, Florida on your map to visit this year.

Lake George

Lake George near Astor, Florida is the state’s second largest lake behind Lake Okeechobee. It is a beautiful freshwater lake ripe full of bass and other fishing opportunities. At approximately six miles across and 11 miles around, Lake George is fed from the northern flow of the St. Johns River. Get out there and enjoy a sunset and do some boating on Lake George this year.

freshwater springs — The St. Johns River near Astor, Florida is home to some of the state’s most breathtaking natural springs.

Natural Springs

The St. Johns River near Astor is home to some of the state’s most breathtaking natural springs. The springs contain crystal-clear water that stays constant 72-degrees year-round. Make plans to go snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking. During the winter months, head to the springs to spot manatees that are staying warm in the springs until the coastal waters warm back up again.

Follow these tips for swimming and enjoying the local springs.

De Leon Springs State Park

De Leon Springs is a 525-acre park that produces 19 million gallons of water a day at 72 degrees year-round! The park consists of boat ramps, swimming areas and offers canoe and kayak rentals. Picnic tables, grills and a playground are also available for families.

While you are there, be sure to have one of the best breakfasts around at the Sugar Mill Restaurant, which is located in a 100-year-old 1830s sugar mill.

Ocala National Forest

The Ocala National Forest is a nationally protected forest of 607 square miles of nature exploration. Full of natural springs and hunting opportunities, you can spot manatees, bears, deer, birds and other wildlife at certain times of the year.

Learn how to camp along the St. Johns River and the forest’s hunting guidelines.

attractions astor, florida horse jumping — Less than an hour from Astor is Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, home to world-class golf courses and equestrian events .

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

Are you an equestrian lover or a golfer? Less than an hour from Astor sits the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, home to world-class golf courses and equestrian events that include the Ocala Breeders Sales, the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit and the Live Oak International among others.

Daytona Beach

One of the most popular beaches in the country, Daytona Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy spring break. It is also home to NASCAR’s Daytona 500 and Bike Week in February. In July, the speedway is home to the Coke Zero 400, a Biketoberfest in October and other racing events. The beach along the Atlantic Ocean is a Spring Break hotspot and a great place to visit year-round.

attractions astor, florida daytona 500 — Daytona Beach is home to NASCAR’s Daytona 500 The race track is a short drive from Astor.

Rent a Cottage

Need a place to stay that’s right in the center of all of the above attractions? Look no further than Castaways on the River in Astor. Guests can enjoy quaint cottages and motel rooms overlooking the St. Johns River. Enjoy the tranquility of the river in a setting that’s close to all the attractions and events in Central Florida you plan on attending this year.

Rent a Boat

While you are here, make sure you rent a boat to enjoy some boating and do some fishing on the St. Johns River. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental and your North Central Florida accommodations stay today.

How to Spot Manatees in North Central Florida

The St. Johns River and the crystal clear all-natural Florida freshwater springs are home to many species of marine life, including the Florida manatee, also known as the gentle sea cow. Follow these tips to find out how to spot manatees in North Central Florida.

How to Spot Manatees in the Water

Learning how to spot manatees in the water is your first step. Look for bubbles floating to the surface of the crystal clear water. The bubbles are the oxygen from manatees breathing and lurking beneath the water! They surface for air every five minutes, so be patient.

When to Spot Manatee in North Central Florida

The months of November through April are the best months to spot manatees in freshwater springs. Manatees are seeking refuge in the warmer inland waters during this time period and retreat back to the coastal waters in the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean during the summer months.

Listen for Manatees

You will likely hear a whoosh of air and water snorts at the same time. These are the sounds of the manatees surfacing for a large gasp of air that allows them to go back under water for up to five minutes before they resurface again.

Look For Manatees in the Vegetation

Manatees are herbivores that love to munch on vegetation. Look for manatees in and around freshwater plants, where they are likely grazing in flats and sea grasses enjoying a long snack.

Stay in Shallow Areas

Manatees do not like cold weather and cold water. You are likelier to find them in shallower water because it stays warmer and allows them to regulate their body temperatures better.

Search for Manatees in the St. Johns River

Manatees heading to the springs for the winter use the St. Johns River as their river highway to come inland. You will spot them swimming in the river to get to warmer spring water.

Get in the Water and Snorkel

If you are willing to brave the constant 72-degree temperatures of Florida freshwater springs in North Central Florida, snorkeling is the best way to get an up close and personal view of Florida manatees. They are docile creatures and will not harm you.

Follow these seven tips for swimming in freshwater springs and find out everything you need to know about wildlife near the St. Johns River.

Tips for Watching Manatees Safely

Manatees are gentle creatures but you can’t get too close to them. The general rule mandated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is “you can look but don’t touch.”

You must also never:

Pursue or chase a manatee seeking to avoid you
Poke, prod or stab a manatee with your hands, feet or any object
Attempt to ride a manatee
Enter a “No Entry Manatee Refuge” location.

The manatee is protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, making it illegal to harass, hunt or capture the species. Anyone violating federal or state manatee laws can face a $500 fine and/or up to 60 days in prison. Check out state-mandated viewing guidelines for more information.

Book Your Manatee Viewing Trip

North Central Florida’s freshwater springs and the manatees that are enjoying them are a sight to behold. There are great spots along the St. Johns River in Astor, Florida to enjoy sightseeing. Book your manatee viewing trip at Castaways on the River to spend some time along the river. Castaways on the River offers cozy cottages and motel rooms right along the St. Johns River near freshwater springs.

Rent a Boat

Make your manatee viewing experience even more memorable by renting a boat to enjoy the St. Johns River. Castaways on the River offers a variety of rental boat options. Our marina rental boat operators will provide you with the tips and navigation advice you need to spot manatees and find some good fishing spots. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental, a fishing charter and lodging accommodations today.

St. Johns River Bass Fishing: What You Need to Know

There is a reason the beautiful St. Johns River in North Central Florida has a nickname among anglers who call it a “bass fishing paradise.” The river and its many lakes and tributaries are home to thousands and thousands of fish. Study up on what you need to know to catch bass in and around the St. Johns River.

Take Your Time

The biggest piece of advice that many anglers have when bass fishing along the St. Johns River is to be patient.

“You have to be patient,” says Capt. Steve Niemoeller, a North Central Florida fishing charter captain that handles fishing charters from Castaways on the River.

Most people won’t sit in the same spot for 15 minutes but Niemoeller says patience pays off because bass will likely start biting if you stay put.

Use Shiners

Wild shiners and artificial lures like SteelShad lures get the attention of bass. Bass like anything that is shiny so do not be afraid to try some shiny lures on your line to get their attention.

Look for Bass in the Grass

Bass love to stay warm and hide in sea grasses, weeds and rocks. Vegetation produces oxygen and is a great spot for small fish that bass eat too. Make sure you look for bass in the grass and other hiding spots.

Utilize Lake George

Lake George, Florida’s second-largest lake after Lake Okeechobee, is a great largemouth bass fishing spot anglers should utilize. Bass congregate here because Lake George acts as the mouth for many smaller feeder streams. Search for bass near lily pads in the spring and drop your line in deep holes to lure them out of their hiding spots.

De Leon Springs State Park Attracts Bass

The 603-acre De Leon Springs State Park attracts a large amount of bass and pan fish. The park has a boat launch and picnic pavilions. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for anglers 16 years of age and older.

Crescent Lake Attracts Spawn-Ready Females

Females ready to lay their eggs use Crescent Lake because they like the seclusion of the eel beds for privacy. This makes Crescent Lake a great spot to find bass, particularly in the spring when the water temperature reaches 65 to 70 degrees.

fishing at sunset — Lake George is a great largemouth bass fishing spot anglers should utilize.

Book Your St. Johns River Bass Fishing Trip

There are so many great spots in Astor, Florida to go bass fishing that you need to plan a St. Johns River bass fishing trip. Book your stay at Castaways on the River to spend some time in North Central Florida. Castaways on the River offers comfortable cottages and motel rooms right along the St. Johns River. Guests of Castaways on the River receive a 10% discount on fishing charters with Captain Steve Niemoeller, which can be booked directly through Castaways on the River.

Rent a Boat

No boat of your own? Rent a boat to enjoy the natural beauty of the river and do some St. Johns River bass fishing using your new tips. The marina at Castaways on the River can accommodate all of your boat rental and fishing trip needs. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental, fishing charter and lodging accommodations today!

8 Must Visit Spots in Astor, Florida

North Central Florida is a treasure trove of natural beauty that you need to explore for yourself along the St. Johns River in Astor, Florida this year. You may only have a weekend to visit so we have done your homework for you. Here are the eight must visit spots in Astor you need to visit this year.

Plan a Trip to Lake George

Lake George calls recreational anglers and boaters alike to its haven of shimmering water and endless fishing opportunities. At approximately six-miles across and 11 miles around, Lake George is Florida’s second-largest lake behind Lake Okeechobee. Fed from the northern flow of the St. Johns River, Lake George is actually fed its water from the south of the lake. Lake George is a wonderful spot to do some fishing and enjoy some boating this year.

Read our Lake George guide to learn more about this popular lake.

Visit the Ocala National Forest

The Ocala National Forest is a nationally protected forest of 607 square miles of exploration. It contains more than 600 lakes, springs and rivers too. Depending on the time of year, you can see bears, deer, birds, manatees and other marine life in the forest.

Learn the ins and outs of camping along the St. Johns River, how to start a campfire and hunting guidelines in the Ocala National Forest.

Take a Dip in the Natural Springs

The St. Johns River area near Astor, Florida is home to some of the state’s most beautiful freshwater springs, which sit near the Ocala National Forest. The springs contain crystal-clear water that stays a constant 72-degrees year-round. Popular activities in the springs include swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking. During the cooler winter months, you are also likely to spot manatees that have made their way inland to stay warm in the spring waters.

Put these springs on your must-visit list this year:

Silver Glen Springs is a popular place to see manatee sightings in the winter.
Juniper Springs provides an access point to the Florida National Scenic Trail.
De Leon Springs is the former home of the Native Mayacca Indians.
Salt Springs is a haven for turtles, bass and Blue Crabs and is not accessible by motor boats.

what to do astor florida dining — Some restaurants have boat docking access from the St. Johns River.

Dine at Local Restaurants

Astor, Florida is also a very popular spot to grab a bite to eat at local restaurants nestled near the St. Johns River. There are five must-stop dining spots that offer a variety of fresh seafood and waterfront dining options. Some restaurants have boat docking access from the river. Other restaurants are popular hangouts for motorcyclists taking leisurely weekend drives on State Road 40, so share those spots with bikers and keep an eye out for them on the road! Make sure you check out the dining scene in Astor during your next visit.

Hike the Florida National Scenic Trail

If you are a hiker, the Florida National Scenic Trail is calling your name. The trail consists of 1,300 miles of federally designated recreation trail that crosses right near the St. Johns River in Astor, Florida.

Try tackling the central portion of the trail near Astor, where you can search for Florida black bears, birds and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings of the St. Johns River.

Find out how to hike the Florida National Scenic Trail and map your hiking trip today.

what to do astor florida — Plan a trip to the St. Johns River soon to relax and unwind.

See Bears on the Scenic Byway

The nationally-designated Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway in North Central Florida is the place to catch glimpses of the Florida Black Bear. The east-west segment of the byway takes motorists along State Road 40 near the St. Johns River and through the Ocala National Forest and the Lake George State Forest.

Use an app to find black bears and read up on our guide to improve your black bear spotting skills.

Book Your Next Visit

Will you not be able to visit every must visit spot in Astor in one trip? No worries. Plan another trip soon and book a stay at Castaways on the River to spend some time in North Central Florida this year! Castaways on the River offers cozy cottages and motel rooms so you can stay just steps away from the St. John River in Astor, Florida. You can also rent a fully-equipped RV spot near the St. Johns River too. Read up on the seven North Central Florida RV tips you need to know to be prepared too.

Rent a Boat

You have to rent a boat on the St. Johns River to fully appreciate the river’s beauty. The marina at Castaways on the River can accommodate all of your boat rental and fishing trip needs. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental and North Central Florida visit accommodations today.

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.

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!

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.

via GIPHY

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.

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.

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!