How to Find the Perfect Fishing Spot

“Many go fishing all their lives without knowing it’s not the fish they are after.” – Henry David Thoreau

The St. Johns River is calm, peaceful and full of wildlife and natural beauty. You can spend time by yourself fishing and reflecting on the sparkling fresh water river or head out on the river with friends. However you like to fish, we’ve got the 5 tips you need to find the perfect fishing spot on the St. Johns River.

perfect fishing spot for bass fish — We’ve got the tips you need to find the perfect fishing spot for catching bass in the St. Johns River.

Planning is Key

If this is your first time to the St. Johns River, spend some time on the Internet looking for top fishing spots. Browse local fishing forums to see where the best places to bite are and what’s biting. It doesn’t hurt to jot down a few good spots other anglers have found to give you a leg up when you get out on the water. Need some help? Here’s a St. Johns River fishing report and a local forum to get you started.

Talk to the Locals

At the end of the day, who knows the best fishing spots better than the locals? Once you get to the St. Johns River, don’t be afraid to start asking the locals and your marina rental operator where you should go to find fish. Local guides and the person behind the counter selling you live bait are good sources to help you find the best spots. Don’t be discouraged when some hardcore locals don’t give up their fishing holes though. Many of them don’t want their favorite spots overrun by visitors. Just give them a tip of your hat, move on and respect an angler who cherishes his or her sacred perfect fishing spot.

Take a Topographic Map

An easy Internet search can help you get your hands on a topographic map of the area you plan on fishing. Look for places where a topographic line intersects with the St. Johns River and another body of water like a lake or an inlet. There’s likely a drop in elevation there, which is code for: Fish Party Hangout. Drops in elevations or depressions in bodies of water are also known as honey holes. Now take that honey hole location and match it up with a site like Google Earth. Write down the coordinates, punch them into your GPS and voila, you’re off and running to the exact coordinates of your own perfect fishing spot.

osprey holding a fish — When you see an osprey pluck a fish out of the water, you just found yourself a fishing spot.

Watch the Birds

When you’re out on the water, watch those birds. Why should you stare at birds on a fishing trip you ask? When you see birds diving in the water and coming up with a fish, you can thank those birds for finding you a great fishing spot.

Patience = Perfect Fishing Spot

Finding the perfect fishing spot takes patience, a skill you should be used to as a lover of fishing. So remember to wait it out, switch spots when all else fails and try new bait. At the end of the day, planning the perfect fishing day is a game of patience you must learn to master.

man catching bass — Finding the perfect fishing spot is easy if you have patience and follow a few simple steps.

Plan Your Trip

It’s time to plan your trip to the river. Rent a hotel room or book a cottage at Castaways on the River. Once you step outside with your rod and reel, you’re just steps away from a variety of rental boats docked at a marina right on the St. John’s River. Call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 to plan your fishing trip on river today.

Know the Boating Signs on the St. Johns River

Do you know the boating signs on the St. Johns River to navigate safely and effectively? As you’re enjoying the pristine water and the beautiful natural surroundings, be aware of these important signs along the way. Understanding these signs will help preserve the natural habitat as well as make for a peaceful visit for everyone.

Idle Speed No Wake Signs

This sign means the area you’re approaching requires boats to move extremely slow and not create wakes that come from boat motors going too fast. So back off on that throttle and move slowly here. Basically, an Idle Speed No Wake sign means that you should not be accelerating at all to create any wake. Maintaining steerage and headway is key here until you coast out of the no wake zone.

Slow Speed, Minimum Wake Signs

Here, boaters can create small wakes. Code: You can go a bit faster than idle speed here but move cautiously.

Maximum 25 MPH and 35 MPH Speed Zone Signs

These are controlled areas. Bottom line: Don’t go faster than the posted speed limits in these areas. Translation: It’s the boat version of a school zone on the water here.

Vessel Exclusion Area Signs

This sign is marked with a vertical diamond shape with a cross in the center and indicates boats aren’t permitted here. Typically, these are posted to let boaters know it’s a swimming area. For the St. Johns River, these signs are posted to let boaters know where people are swimming in places like Silver Glen Springs and other crystal clear water spots created by natural springs.

Manatee Zone Signs

Manatee signs alert boaters to slow down in areas where the revered and endangered manatees congregate. The words “Manatee Zone” are typically placed above a Slow Speed, Minimum Wake sign to let boaters know to look out for the big lovable sea cows. Sometimes there are stand-alone signs warning boaters to watch for manatees.

Navigation Tips

There are some other navigation tips you’ll want to know when traversing the St. Johns River.
Don’t:

Anchor your vessel in the river’s navigation channel because you’ll block boat traffic.
Moor or attach your boat to a buoy or navigational aid or sign.
Move, displace or tamper with any navigational aid or sign.
Obstruct a pier, wharf, boat ramp or access to any public facility.

Plan Your Boating Trip

Now that you know how to maneuver that rental boat like a pro on the St. Johns River, it’s time to plan a trip. Rent a hotel room or book a cottage at Castaways on the River to make your trip perfect. Once you step outside your room and see that sparkling river, you’re only steps away from rental boats that are sitting in the marina just waiting for you to cruise the river or go fishing. Call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 to plan your fishing trip on the river today.

How to Plan the Perfect Fishing Day

“Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers.” – Herbert Hoover

The St. Johns River is full of fish this time of year. There you can spend time with good companions and enjoy wildlife on the crystal clear freshwater river. Here are 6 tips you need to plan the perfect fishing day.

Decide Who You’re Inviting on the Trip

Planning the perfect fishing day revolves around who you feel most comfortable with on the water all day.

Maybe the perfect fishing day is spent with your significant other or your closest friends. Or maybe it’s spent with your most loyal companion, so you’re planning a fishing trip with your dog. Or just maybe the ideal fishing trip is just getting out on the water alone, decompressing and reflecting while fishing. Decide ahead of time so you know your trip involves the perfect number of invited guests or maybe no guests at all.

Gear Up for Your Fishing Day

Be aware of what’s biting on the St. John’s River before you go. Right now, bass is plentiful in a river that’s still enjoying more bites than usual. Make sure you pick the right fishing bait, rod, reel, flies and whatever else you need in that tackle box to make the trip go smoothly.

Bring Polarized Sunglasses

This is not a fashion tip. Polarized sunglasses help you catch more fish. Polarized sunglasses allow you to see down deep in the water to find fish that are hiding. The glasses will also protect your eyes from the bright Florida sun.

Fisherman sitting in a boat fishing. — When you’re fishing on the river on your boat or a rental boat, be patient before picking up your anchor.

Maneuver Your Boat Wisely

When you’re fishing on the river on your boat or a rental boat, be patient before picking up your anchor. A big mistake people make while bass fishing is moving from one part of the river to another part too quickly. Remember boats are loud and scare fish. Cast in different spots in the same location before giving up and moving the boat. Patience makes for a perfect fishing day.

Check the Weather

Know the forecast before leaving for your fishing trip as the weather affects the mood and behavior of fish. Overcast days make fish more likely to move and grab your bait.

Hint: The best time to catch bass in the St. Johns River is in the early morning hours.

You also want to check the weather for your own benefit too. A surprise rain that leaves you soaked for the rest of the day on the boat can dampen both the boat and your mood. There’s nothing perfect about walking around in wet clothes all day.

men on a boat fishing — Planning the perfect fishing day revolves around who you feel most comfortable with on the water all day.

Practice and Plan

Have a goal before you head out for your perfect fishing day. Are you looking for the big one or do you have a certain amount of regular sized fish you’re looking to catch and bring home? Having a goal before you go gives you a better chance of success and allows you to focus.

Grab your rod and reel and practice your casting in the backyard so you’re on your game for the trip.

Rent a hotel room or book a cottage, rent a boat and head to Castaways on the River to truly make this fishing trip perfect. Call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 today to plan your fishing trip on the river.

How to Take Your Dog Fishing

Do you have a loyal fishing partner who always shows up for your fishing trips, stays by your side to keep you company and keeps quiet while you fish? If so, that loyal companion is quite possibly your dog.

If you’ve never taken your dog fishing with you, you’ll want to train your dog properly before your first venture. Training will take time and several fishing outings before your dog becomes a fishing companion pro. Here’s how to take your dog fishing on the St. Johns River.

dog on a boat — Make sure your dog has a canine life jacket for your fishing trip.

Pay Close Attention to Fishing Safety

Dogs are curious and they’ll gravitate toward interesting objects and the curious items sticking out of your tackle box. Avoid hooks getting stuck in your dog’s mouth by keeping all your fishing equipment and hooks stowed away and inside the tackle box.

Keep a Water Bowl Handy

Whether on a boat or dry land, one common mistake anglers with pups forget is a supply of fresh water. Water bowls ensure your dog stays hydrated during a long day of fishing. Make sure your dog has some shade to sit in too during the hot afternoon hours.

how to fish with a dog on a boat — Make sure your dog has some shade to sit under during your fishing trip.

Pups Need Bathroom Breaks Too

Don’t forget that Fido has to go to the bathroom too. To avoid fishing trip interruptions from a dog that’s got to go, let your dog off the boat once or twice during the day to go to the bathroom. If they run off into a wooded area to do their business, you might want to follow them in case they stumble upon a snake or other wild animal.

Boating: Backing Up Protocol

Before you start backing up the boat during a fishing trip, make sure you know where your dog is located. While an experienced fishing dog knows to stay put and stay out of the way, novice fishing pups can jump off the boat right in the path of your boat when the boat changes direction.

girl fishing with a dog — Do you have a loyal fishing partner who always shows up for your fishing trips, stays by your side to keep you company and keeps quiet while you fish?

Life Jackets for Everyone

Even dogs can get scared if they fall or jump off the boat and hear you screaming, “Dog Overboard!” Make sure you get your companion a canine life jacket to avoid any incidents. Plus, your dog will feel just like one of the crew with a life jacket.

Remember the Leash

You probably won’t need the leash for most of the fishing trip while your dog roams the boat. That leash, though, will be valuable when your dog needs to be tied to the dock while you unload the boat.

dog and a tackle box — Avoid hooks getting stuck in your dog’s mouth by keeping hooks stowed away and inside the tackle box.

Treats for Good Behavior

The fishing trip is now over and you might get a beer or a pat on the back for catching the Big One. But what about Fido? You dog deserves multiple treats for staying by your side and following the rules throughout the fishing trip. Treats also come in handy to reinforce good behavior as you train your dog to become the perfect fishing trip companion on your adventures.

At Castaways on the River, we offer everything you need for the perfect fishing trip in a pet-friendly environment on the St. Johns River. Our cottages are pet friendly and our boats welcome pets. Call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 to plan your perfect fishing trip with your favorite canine on the river.

5 Tips for a Romantic River Trip

If you’re looking for something different to do with someone who loves the outdoors as much as you do, we have just the trip for you.

Below are 5 tips for a romantic river trip on the St. Johns River for Couples Appreciation Month that will have you coming back again and again to enjoy the natural beauty of the St. Johns River in Central Florida.

couple fishing on the river — Catching fish and enjoying each other’s company on the St. Johns River is a great idea for Couples Appreciation Month.

Lure your Partner With a Fishing Trip

Imagine the peace and serenity of a quiet day on the river, catching fish and enjoying each other’s company on the crystal clear water of the St. Johns River. Spring is a great time to catch fish. If your loved one isn’t an angler but is interested in taking up your hobby, you’re in luck. This weekend you can take advantage of Florida freshwater license free fishing days. So grab the tackle boxes and rods and get moving.

Boating on the River

You don’t have to enjoy fishing to enjoy the St. Johns River together. Rent a boat and spend the day on the river enjoying the wildlife and each other’s company. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your surroundings as you and your loved one spend quality time on the river.

Rent a Cottage

Stay awhile and enjoy a romantic weekend on the St. Johns River. There are plenty of quaint cottages and motel room options, including our cottage and motel room options, that allow couples to settle in for the weekend, relax in the evenings and even fry up that day’s catch from your fishing adventure.

couple on the river — Enjoying the beauty of the St. Johns River and looking for wildlife is a great way to spend quality time with your loved one.

Wildlife Watching

You’ll see more species of wildlife on the St. Johns River than you will at the beach. Enjoy a day on the boat with your special someone looking for manatees, alligators catching some sun along the river shoreline and blue crabs. If you’re adventurous, get off the boat and head inland where you may see some deerr even a Florida black bear in the Ocala National Forest.

This is also a great time of year for bird watching on the St. Johns River as birds migrate north. You’re likely to see bald eagles, white pelicans, sandhill cranes, wood ducks and other species enjoying the river.

Soothing Springs will Relax You

Did you know that you’re near some of Florida’s most beautiful warm water natural springs when you visit the St. Johns River in Central Florida? The constant 72-degree water springs disperse crystal clear water for those couples looking to unwind. Grab a raft or a tube and enjoy the water and serenity of the area’s freshwater springs.

couple on a romantic river trip at sunset — Enjoying a sunset on the St. Johns River is a great way to enjoy the river’s natural beauty.

Watch the Sun Rise and Set Over the River

The beach isn’t the only place to see a beautiful sunset in Florida. The sun rising and setting over the St. Johns River is a site to behold with the natural beauty of the area reflected in the river while the sky turns hues of orange and pink. If watching the sunset together is on your “romantic to do list” you won’t want to miss this.

At Castaways on the River, we offer everything you need to plan the perfect romantic trip on the St. Johns River. We offer cottages with access to all of the features on the river. You can also rent a boat or a Jet ski. Pick up the phone and call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 to plan your perfect romantic getaway on the river.

How to Choose the Best Boat Rental

There’s a well known saying for those that live near the water when it comes to boating. “The best boat to have is your neighbor’s boat.” We all love boats but they’re expensive to maintain.

That’s why renting a boat on the St. Johns River this spring to enjoy the sparkling water, whether it’s for a lazy river cruise or for your next fishing trip, is a GREAT idea. We’ll show you how to choose the best boat rental for your next river adventure at Castaways on the River.

Pontoon Boat Cruising is Fun

kids on a pontoon boat rental — Pontoon boats can comfortably fit a family and their belongings for a river cruise.

We know what you’re thinking. Grandpa made his own pontoon boat with a plywood deck, some steel pontoons and a metal fence wrapped around it. But these aren’t your grandfather’s pontoon boats.

A 22-foot cruising pontoon boat with a 50 horsepower motor can pack passengers in the double digits for a river cruise party. You can fit a dozen people on one of these river cruisers. They include a plush interior, a radio with an iPod connection to play some tunes for guests and even two fishing seats in the rear of the boat for your angler friends.

Try a Pontoon Fishing Experience

Pontoon boats aren’t just for cruising the river either. If you select a 22-foot fishing pontoon boat, you’ve just rented a comfortable fishing boat that can hold a dozen of your fishing friends and all of their tackle boxes and coolers comfortably.

Pontoon boats are great freshwater boats and some of them are outfitted to pull skiers, wake boarders and tubers.

Looking for a smaller alternative? A 20-foot Harris pontoon boat seats up to eight people, has a 40 horsepower motor and still has plenty of room for fishing.

Don’t be deceived by their size either. Pontoon boats are known for being able to turn on a dime and are easy to maneuver down the river. Grandpa would be shocked to see what today’s pontoon boats can do.

Deck Boats are a Family Alternative

family fishing on a boat — Deck boats are a comfortable rental boat alternative for families looking for a sportier alternative.

Looking for a sportier boat with a little more style and speed? A 23-foot deck boat still gives you a lot of seating and room, while giving you a boat with a flatter bottom and less bow rise (lifting of the boat during acceleration). The 23-foot Azure deck boat, for instance, can seat 12 people, has a Bimini top and padded sundeck and comes with a 150 horsepower Yamaha motor. Deck boats are also a comfortable alternative for families with young children.

Try a Fishing Boat Classic

Looking for a more low-key fishing experience? The Mako fishing boat has a reputation for durable boats that fishermen love. A 19-foot center console Mako comes equipped with a 140 horsepower four-stroke motor. It can hold seven fishermen, has two fishing seats off the rear of the boat and comes fully equipped with fishing rod holders. All you need to bring is the rods and tackle boxes.

man fishing on the river — Rent a boat on the St. Johns River this spring to enjoy the sparkling water, whether it’s for a lazy river cruise or for your next fishing trip.

Time to Rent a Boat

All of the above mentioned boats can be found for rent at the perfect spot on the St. Johns River for your river cruise and fishing trip. Castaways on the River offers half day and full day boat rentals that fit all your boating needs. We also offer cabins so you can stay awhile and enjoy all this Florida paradise has to offer. Pick up the phone and call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 to book your boat rental adventure.

How to Use Florida License Free Fishing Days

Fellow freshwater anglers and non-anglers unite! Florida license free fishing days on the St. Johns River will be held the first Saturday and Sunday in April this year and you’ll want to be prepared. License free fishing weekends this year fall on the weekends of April 2-3 and June 11-12.

We have the scoop on how to use Florida license free fishing days on the St. Johns River and why these days are important for both experienced fishermen and those seeking to try freshwater fishing for the first time.

Teach New Anglers the Ropes

Dad and son fishing outdoors — Florida license free fishing days are the best time to teach both your children and your buddies seeking freshwater fishing lessons.

Florida license free fishing days are the best time to teach both your children and your buddies seeking freshwater fishing lessons. Parents can use these days to teach teenagers 16 and over the ins and outs of fishing to see if they become addicted before purchasing a license. Those under the age of 16 don’t need a license but could be required to provide proof of their age while fishing. Anglers can also introduce their friends to the sport to see if they become hooked. #seewhatwedidthere?

These license free days are useful, as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) requires Florida residents and visitors to have a freshwater fishing license on all other days you are catching fish. Annual freshwater fishing licenses are $17 and five-year licenses are $79. You can purchase licenses at your local tax collector’s office.

How to take freshwater fish

Game fish, which include bass and black crappie that are abundant in the St. Johns River, can only be caught using a fishing pole and line or with a road and reel. There’s no limit on the number of poles fishermen can use to catch game fish. Unlike saltwater fishing, you can’t catch freshwater fish by underwater swimming or diving. It’s also illegal to use a spear gun, firearm or any other weapon with ammunition to catch freshwater fish. Cast nets with mandatory stretched mesh sizes, though, can be used. Non-game fish, which is everything that isn’t labeled as game fish by the FWC, are well, fair game.

Fish you can catch and keep

Unrecognizable fisherman, How to use Florida License Free Fishing Days — Remember that license free fishing weekends this year fall on the weekends of April 2-3 and June 11-12.

While non-game fish have no limits placed on them, there are special bag and length limits for game fish. For the St. Johns River, those requirements include just one to remember: Black bass must be released immediately. The possession limit for game fish is a two days’ bag limit that includes:

50 Panfish
25 Black Crappie
20 striped, white or sunshine bass (six of those may be 24 inches or longer in total length)
2 Butterfly peacock bass (one of those may be 17 inches or longer in length)
25 American eels (must be 9 inches or greater in length)

couple taking advantage of Florida license free fishing days on the St. Johns River — Grab a partner and take advantage of Florida license free fishing days on the St. Johns River next month.

Now all that’s left to do is grab a partner and take advantage of Florida license free fishing days on the St. Johns River. Remember that license free fishing weekends this year fall on the weekends of April 2-3 and June 11-12.

Need a perfect place to stay for your fishing trip? We offer cabins right on the river and boat rentals. Grab the phone and call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 to plan your perfect fishing trip on the river.

Bird Watching on the St. Johns River

If you’re into bird watching, the place to be is the St. Johns River. The river is teaming with wading birds during the day and thousands of birds returning to their nests by evening. Spring is also the time of year that birds descend back north, making this the opportune time to observe their migration.

We would love to educate you about various bird species, along with other wildlife and the crucial role that Florida plays to migration patterns and the ecosystem so you’re ready for bird watching on the St. Johns River.

Birds to Watch for on the St. Johns River

white pelicans on the river — Your’e likely to spot white pelicans when you’re bird watching on the St. Johns River.

If it’s birds that brought you to the St. Johns River, it’s birds you’re going to see. Bird watching is best during the fall, winter and spring and the St. Johns River also serves as an incredible backdrop, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

This time of year, you’re likely to see:

Bald Eagles
White Pelicans
Northern Harriers
Sandhill Cranes
Mottled Ducks
Blue-Winged and Green-Winged Teal Wood Stork
Moorhens
Night Herons
Roseate Spoonbills
Marlins
Peregrine Falcons
Wild Turkeys Limpkins
Wood Ducks
Crested Caracaras
Black Skimmers
Sedge Wrens

Florida: The International Bird Hub

bird watching migration on the river — Florida is a major rest stop for birds migrating north to their nesting sites for the summer.

The bi-annual cycle of birds migrating is in full swing during the months of March and April. Florida is a major rest stop for birds upon crossing the Florida Straits channeling from Cuba, South America and the Caribbean; until they proceed north to stake out prime breeding territories. Make sure you check them out while bird watching on the St. Johns River while you can.

I’m Bird Watching on a Boat!

A egret on a boat in the river — You never know who will drop in to captain your boat when you’re bird watching on the St. Johns River.

You can do plenty of bird watching while hiking or walking the various conservation areas and reserves that line the St. Johns River. Now it’s time to think out of the box though. Imagine the envy of your bird watching buddies when you return to tell them about bird watching on a boat or a kayak.

Watching wildlife while bird watching on the St. Johns River is a panoramic view of nature. There’s a lot more to see than just birds. The area is also home to manatee, deer, otter, bobcat, gators coasting along the river banks and sometimes the occasional Florida panther. Don’t forget to reserve some time to fish!

Need a place to stay? We offer cabins right on the river and boat rentals. Pick up the phone and call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 to plan your perfect bird watching experience on the river.

Top 7 Fishing Tips and Tricks on the St. Johns River

When you’re fishing the pristine freshwater of St. Johns River and Lake George for large mouth bass, specs (crappie) and catfish, you want to be prepared. Even the most experienced love to learn a trick or two from their fellow anglers if it will help them reel in the big one. So sit back, relax and take the bait we feed you that will help you come home with quite the catch on your next St. Johns River fishing excursion. We have the top 7 fishing tips and tricks on the St. Johns River.

Take the Bait

fishing tackle on a wooden table — The better the bait and lures are, the better fish you will catch.

Live bait is always more effective than fake or static baits. Widely used live baits include worms and smaller fish. The better the bait, the better fish you will catch. And if you need tackle box help for freshwater fishing, we have you covered with our tackle box guide.

Follow the Fish

Even the most hardcore fishermen have succumbed to technology if they want to find out where the fish are biting. An electronic fish finder is a sure bet to finding fish, including the spawning grounds where they procreate and the areas where they hunt for smaller fish. If it’s your first visit to the St. Johns River, an electronic fish finder can be your best friend. You’ll also want to use a topographical map that shows you how deep the water is.

Watch the Weather

Group of Heavy duty fishing reel set to catch a big game fish — When it’s sunny out like it usually is here in Florida, head to darker waters where fish are more likely to snag your line.

The weather affects the mood and behavior of fish. Overcast days make fish more likely to move and be fooled by your enticing bait. Sunrise and sunset times are also great times to fish for the same reason. And if it’s sunny out like it usually is here in Florida, head to darker waters where fish are more likely to snag your line. When you need a break for lunch, do it during the noon hour when fish can see better and are more hesitant to take your bait.

Practice Safety First

Fishing is fun but safety is an important part of the process that shouldn’t be overlooked. Make sure you know how to tie knots and bait a sharp hook before you set out for the day. This way you’ll avoid equipment-related injuries that will otherwise cut your fishing trip short.

Trust the Moon

The moon and its phases are keys to a good fishing trip. A full moon is a great time to go fishing, while moonless nights keep the fish at bay. The brighter the moon, the better you can see the fish too.

to 7 fishing tips and tricks Pinterest pin — Rent a cabin and a boat and head to Castaways on the River for a fishing trip.

Know your Fish

Want to know how to hook the most popular freshwater fish on the sparkling water of the St. Johns River? Here’s your guide:

Bass: The best time to catch largemouth bass is in the spring in the early morning hours when the water temperatures begin to rise. If lures aren’t producing a catch, don’t be afraid to try some live bait.
Specs (crappie): Small 1/8 ounce artificial bait jigs work best. Your best live bait bet is using a small split shot, a live minnow and a slip bobber.
Catfish: Catfish hunt with their whiskers and most catfish artificial bait is stinky and oily but has proven effective in reeling in big ones. Use circle hooks that make it hard for catfish to shake off the hook. Chicken liver is the live bait of choice for catfish and should be placed on a treble hook that keeps the squirmy liver in place on the hook when casting your line.

Make your Own Fish Hook Remover

Here’s a great tool you can make yourself to remove a hook from the mouth of a fish easily. Lock the handle of a slim flathead screwdriver (at least 10-inches in length) in vice grips with the metal shank vertical and the blade tip in a horizontal position. Set the sharp edge of a three corner metal file on the center point of the screwdriver and the blade tip perpendicular to it. Cut down the blade to 3/16 inches deep and file the sharp tips off the inside corners. Wrap the handle with rubber electrical tape to make it slip resistant. Now you have an easy tool that will remove hooks that are stuck in a fish’s mouth with a quick push and twist action.

Now all that’s left for you to do is rent a cabin and a boat and head to Castaways on the River for a fishing trip you won’t forget. Call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 today to plan your perfect fishing trip on the river.

Planning the Perfect Spring Break in Florida

Girl tubing on the river — Spring break isn’t spring break unless you’re near the water.

Are you planning your perfect spring break in Florida but craving something different? Look no further than the St. Johns River. It’s the perfect spot to get away from typical spring breakers infiltrating Florida coastlines. Plus, it has natural amenities that beach towns offer, minus the crowds.

We’ll fill you in on why this Old Florida location should be your next spring break destination.

Spring Break on the Water

Spring break isn’t spring break unless you’re near the water. You’re just mixing it up this year by trading the salt water for fresh water on the St. John’s River. Spend your break boating, kayaking, snorkeling and fishing while enjoying a change of spring break scenery.

Fun fact: The St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida at 310 miles long and is one of only three rivers in the country that flows from south to north.

We Put the Spring in Spring Break

Bird on the river. — You’re likely to spot wildlife you won’t find at the beach.

Why not celebrate spring break by enjoying an area known for its natural springs? Your spring break destination spot puts you near some of Florida’s most beautiful warm water natural springs to help you unwind and relax. Bonus perk? You’re likely to spot wildlife you won’t find at the beach. Plus, you might spot manatees in the crystal clear water.

The Sun Rises and Sets Here Too

Sunset on the river — Watching the sun pop up and down over the St. John’s River will rival any sunrise or sunset you’ve seen at the beach.

Who says you have to have your toes in the sand to watch the sun rise and set on spring break week? Mix it up this year. We would a hedge a bet that watching the sun pop up and down over the St. Johns River will rival any sunrise or sunset you’ve seen at the beach.

We offer cabins with access to all of the above, including boat and Jet ski rentals! Pick up the phone and call Castaways on the River at (352) 759-3422 to plan your perfect spring break on the river.