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.

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

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.

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.

Castaways-cold-weather-fishing-1-11-14-16-compressor — 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.

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.

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.

rv campgrounds florida Pinterest image — 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.

Castaways-RV-2-10-20-16-compressor — 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!

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.

pontoon boat fishing image — 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.

pontoon boat fishing Pinterest image — 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.

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.

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!

How to Plan a Pontoon Boat Party on the St. Johns River

Summer is still in full swing on the St. Johns River. It’s a great time of year to plan a pontoon boat party while you enjoy the scenery and wildlife from the comfort of a boat. Follow us as we charter your path for the perfect party on the St. Johns River.

Pontoon River Party — Tips on how to plan a pontoon party on the St. Johns River.

Make a Pontoon Party Theme

Consider coming up with a theme for your cruise down the St. Johns River. If you’re planning an upcoming Labor Day weekend pontoon party, consider an American flag theme. Other theme suggestions include:

Nautical
Tropical
Fiesta
Pirate
Game day tailgate with your favorite sports team colors

Prepare a Meal

Pontoon boats are perfect for a lunch or dinner party because they can accommodate up to 12 people. There is enough seating and tables that make pontoon boats the perfect sit down dining boat. Prepare a meal in advance to bring on the boat in a cooler.

Finger foods work best so you have less cleanup to do. Always make sure you bring enough disposable napkins and any utensils you might need. Avoid using glass cups, trays and any other breakable items.

Play Some Games

Do you and your fellow boaters like to play board games or cards? Make sure you bring some games, playing cards and poker chips along. Your party can accommodate more than one game going on at a time because pontoon boats have multiple tables. Make it fun and host a card playing tournament.

boy fishing near a pontoon boat — Pontoon boats are also a great boat choice for fishing trips with large groups.

Make a Music List

The St. Johns River is a great place to listen to the sound of nature both in the water and in the canopy around the water. We understand though that sometimes a pontoon party needs some tunes.

A great perk of pontoon boat rentals at Castaways on the River is they come equipped with AM/FM radios that come with an iPod connection. So you can listen to your favorite radio station or prepare an iPod playlist before your pontoon party.

Go Swimming in the Springs

The great part about planning a pontoon party in the St. Johns River is you’re close to several natural freshwater springs that constantly spew fresh water at a constant 72 degrees. The fresh water is a great place to cool off and get refreshed during the warm summer months. Bring along some tubes and snorkel equipment to see the marine life up close and personal in the crystal clear water. Read our blog on 7 tips for swimming in freshwater springs to learn more. There are some springs that don’t allow boats to enter so watch the boating signs closely.

Plan a Pontoon Fishing Trip

Pontoon boats are also a great boat choice for fishing. Selecting a 22-foot pontoon boat for a fishing trip gives you and up to 12 fishing partners a comfortable boat with enough room for all of your bait, tackleboxes and coolers.

A 20-foot Harris pontoon boat can still fit up to eight people and works as a great fishing boat too. Those looking for the perfect fishing spot should know pontoon boats are known for their fantastic turning ability. They are easy to maneuver down the St. Johns River.

Pontoon party boat docked at the lake, ready for boarding. — Your last step is to rent a pontoon boat at Castaways on the River.

Rent a Pontoon Boat

You have all the tips you need now to plan a pontoon party trip on the St. Johns River. Your last step is to rent a pontoon boat at Castaways on the River. The marina can handle all of your boat rental needs. We also offer comfortable cottages and motel rooms so you can stay awhile and enjoy the peaceful St. Johns River. Pick up the phone today and call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 to book your boat rental adventure today.

Places to Camp Along the St. Johns River

Do you crave the great outdoors? Do you prefer staring at the stars at night rather than your ceiling? If you have an urge to be one with nature, it’s time to get outdoors and camp in North Central Florida along the St. Johns River. Known for its natural beauty and a variety of camping sites, the area is a must stop camping destination. Follow us to discover a list of places to camp along the river that will keep you coming back again and again.

camp along the river — Camp along the St. Johns River to enjoy fishing and boating in North Central Florida.

The Florida National Scenic Trail

The Florida National Scenic Trail is a must for you and your fellow campers. The trail consists of 1,300 miles of federally designated land that comes right across North Central Florida near the St. Johns River.

The central northern portion of the trail near Astor, FL is a great place for bird watching and beautiful views. Utilize this map of the Florida National Scenic Trail to plot the portion of the trail you want to hike. Use this designated campsite and trailhead location site to find your perfect camping spot.

Learn tips to hike the Florida National Scenic Trail in our blog.

The Ocala National Forest

You can’t find a better camping haven in North Central Florida than the Ocala National Forest. Brimming with 607 square miles of nationally protected forest that contains more than 600 lakes, springs and rivers, the forest is a great place to explore nature. Campers can see black bears, deer, birds, manatees and an abundance of other wildlife in the forest from their camp sites.

There are dozens of campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest that accommodate walk-in tent camping for 14 days or more, depending on the time of the year.

Read our blog on watching wildlife in the Ocala National Forest for wildlife viewing tips.

Castaways-Camping-PINTEREST-8-26-16-PIn — The St. Johns River is the main attraction while you’re camping in North Central Florida.

RV Campsites Near the River

Are you a camper that still likes to have the luxuries of home at your fingertips? Those that like a little bit of both worlds enjoy the recreational vehicle (RV) life.

Castaways on the River offers two RV sites just steps from the river with 30 amp or 50 amp offerings that include cable, water and sewer.

The Astor Landing RV Resort and the St. Johns River Campground offer campsites that can accommodate the size of any RV or motor home. The sites come equipped with open grills and fire rings for your late night scary stories by the fire with roasted marshmallows.

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

How does the sight of a crystal clear spring to cool off in sound on a hot summer day? Then the Juniper Springs Recreation Area is the campground you should seek out near the St. Johns River. Juniper Springs is one of the oldest recreation areas in the country. It has an onsite campground and hiking trails.

Read our blog to learn 7 tips for swimming in freshwater springs.

camp along the St. Johns River — Embrace and enjoy the river by renting a boat and enjoy some fishing and boating at Castaways on the River.

Enjoy the St. Johns River

The St. Johns River is the main attraction while you camp in North Central Florida. Embrace and enjoy the river by renting a boat and enjoy some fishing and boating at Castaways on the River. Are there some members of your camping entourage that prefer the comforts of home? We also offer cottages and motel rooms just steps from the river. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to plan your camping and river trip today!

Planning a Family Reunion River Trip

Summer is still in full swing in Florida and Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching. This is a popular time of year for annual family reunion trips. The best place to hold a summer family reunion adventure trip is in North Central Florida along the St. Johns River in Astor, FL. Follow our tips to plan the perfect family reunion river trip.

Survey The Family

If you’re in charge of pre-planning the family reunion, the first step is polling the family to get a consensus of where the majority of family members want to go this year and what they want to do. This allows you to pinpoint a location for your next family reunion trip.

Pick a Date

The most important and most time consuming part of planning a family reunion is picking a date that your entire family agrees upon. The larger the family you have the more difficult it is to find a date that works for everyone. The sooner you can pick a date, the better off you will be. Planning 12 months to 18 months out is not too early.

Remind Family Members

As the date draws near for your family reunion, make sure you send save the date notices and reminders to family members. Don’t be pressured to change the date if the majority of the family has already committed to the original date. Stay strong.

Castaways family reunion Pinterest pin — Make sure you pick a location that has things to do for both adults and children.

Make the Family Reunion Affordable

It’s important to plan a family reunion trip that’s affordable for everyone in the family. Not all of your family members and their families have the same income or financial resources. Places like Castaways on the River on the St. Johns River have affordable lodging and boat rental opportunities just steps away from the water in a relaxing spot. Make sure it’s a trip that won’t break the bank or force family members to decline the invitation.

Plan For Families

When you’re planning a family reunion, make sure you pick a location that has accommodations and things to do for both adults and children. Outdoor activities like boating, swimming and fishing are great summer family reunion activities that can keep both adults and children happy and spending quality time together.

summer fun boating — Enjoy the summer on the St. Johns River by planning a family reunion river trip.

Plan Activities You Can Do Together

Does your family enjoy the sport of fishing? Consider a location on the river that has amenities for lodging and boating opportunities. For those anglers that take the sport seriously, consider setting up competitive fishing tournament teams among family members. Have fun setting up fishing tournament rules and prizes. Guess what the best part of a family fishing tournament is for the winning team? Bragging rights in the family for the entire year!

Rent a Boat

It’s time to have some fun on the St. Johns River with your family! There’s not a better way to have fun on the river than by renting a boat at Castaways on the River. Your marina rental boat operator has all the fishing and swimming spot tips at freshwater springs you need for a great trip on the river. Castaways on the River also offers quaint cottages and motel rooms for your entire family during your family reunion stay. Call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3442 to plan your summer family reunion river trip today!

7 Tips for Swimming in Freshwater Springs

The St. Johns River is home to some of Florida’s most beautiful freshwater springs in the entire state. Crystal clear water regulated by Mother Nature at a cool 72 degrees is what you will enjoy when you visit North Central Florida. Follow these seven tips when you go swimming in the freshwater springs.

girl snorkeling in freshwater springs — We have the seven tips you need to enjoy crystal clear freshwater springs in Florida.

Use Designated Paths

When visiting a spring, use clearly marked and established trails, boardwalks and paths to access the springs and canoe launch ramps. Foot traffic can alter the native plants and protected areas.

Bring Proper Equipment

You can’t come to a Florida freshwater spring without taking advantage of the crystal clear water. Be sure to bring the following items to enhance the quality of your visit:

A good mask and snorkel
Water shoes
A tube to float in
A waterproof card case and bag to hold your belongings
Beach towels

Stay Clear of the Bottom

We know how clear the water is and how exciting it is to see the marine life and vegetation all the way on the bottom of the springs when you’re diving or snorkeling. Avoid trampling the vegetation and stirring up the sediment at the bottom of the springs though. You’ll damage the ecosystem and disrupt the marine life.

Dispose of Trash Properly

The freshwater springs near the St. Johns River are natural treasures that park rangers strive to protect. Please remember to dispose of your trash properly. Cans, bottles, cigarette butts, plastic bags and more harms the water quality and wildlife that make the springs so beautiful.

freshwater springs Pinterest pin — Avoid trampling the vegetation and stirring up sediment at the bottom of freshwater springs.

Use Caution When Anchoring

Are you taking a boat on a trip to a freshwater spring? Use caution when using boat ramps and anchoring near the springs. Anchors disrupt the vegetation and cloud the water so make sure you are anchoring in proper locations. Also be advised there are some springs that don’t allow boats to enter. Read our blog to get up to speed on the proper boating signs along the St. Johns River.

Look for Wildlife at Freshwater Springs

While fresh spring water almost seems like it comes from a water park because of its amazing clarity, always remember that you’re sharing the springs with wildlife besides fish and turtles. The springs are a popular manatee sighting spot in the winter and are home to many other forms of wildlife. Read our blog to find out everything you need to know about wildlife near the St. Johns River.

manatee swimming in a freshwater spring — The springs are a popular manatee sighting spot in the winter months.

Plan Your Trip to the Springs Properly

North Central Florida’s freshwater springs, which stay a constant 72 degrees all year long, are popular for tourists and residents of the area alike, especially when temperatures climb into the 90s in the summer. Be advised the springs can be quite popular on summer weekends and long holiday weekends. Plan your trip to the springs earlier in the day or take a weekday trip if you’re looking to take advantage of the solitude of the springs.

Read a firsthand account of visitors utilizing all that De Leon Springs State Park has to offer here.

Read up on the local spring sensations you should visit near the St. Johns River with our 6 Hidden Gems blog.

Rent a Boat

No trip to the area’s freshwater springs is complete without renting a boat on the St. Johns River. Castaways on the River offers a fleet of rental boat options for your trip. Your marina rental boat operator will provide you with the tips and direction you need to navigate your rental boat to some amazing freshwater springs. Castaways on the River also 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 summer trip on the river today!