Rodman Reservoir went “ Off” yesterday. Weather sucked, wind was 12-15 mph all day and it was only 42 degrees. Bass didn’t care, apparently. Mac McCoppin from The Villages was out for a 4 hour guided trip with shiners. And what a trip he had. He muscled several Rodman giants to the boat yesterday, including an 11 lb 14 oz giant! that was after landing a 9-0, 8-6 and several in to upper 7 pounders. Top 5 bass weighted slightly under 44 lbs. Will be sure to see several Elite Pro's in Rodman for there opener on the St Johns River next month 'Feb 10"

Thanks for sharing this. We need to get down there soon. Biggest bass I ever LOST was fishing a tournament there.

What a day!

Now that’s a dream day of fishing.

Cold front fishing at its best. 

Rodman is about a 45 minute drive from our home in Eustis.  I was lucky enough to fish it in the early eighties when it first became known as a great bass fishery.  Rodman is unique in Florida as it is a true reservoir created when the Ocklawaha River was damned in the sixties.   It is also unique in other ways.  Chemical weed spraying is not allowed in Rodman.  Hydrilla is very abundant. It's kept under control by draw downs.  The water flowing into Rodman comes from the Harris Chain mixed with water flowing out of Silver Springs.  Rodman water is extremely clear for a Florida lake.  Bass have always grown large in Rodman.  Recent bass have been caught in the 17 pound range. Rodman can be difficult to fish with artificial lures as the water is very clear and the bass are buried in abundant cover.  Fishing with large live native shiners is the most effective way to catch large Rodman bass. You will need a guide as these baits are not always available to the general public.  If your bucket list goal is to catch a big Florida bass, this is the place to go.  Rodman has been a political football for a number of years.  The battle between fishermen and conservationists over Rodman is ongoing.  

5 hours ago, Captain Phil said:

Rodman is about a 45 minute drive from our home in Eustis.  I was lucky enough to fish it in the early eighties when it first became known as a great bass fishery.  Rodman is unique in Florida as it is a true reservoir created when the Ocklawaha River was damned in the sixties.   It is also unique in other ways.  Chemical weed spraying is not allowed in Rodman.  Hydrilla is very abundant. It's kept under control by draw downs.  The water flowing into Rodman comes from the Harris Chain mixed with water flowing out of Silver Springs.  Rodman water is extremely clear for a Florida lake.  Bass have always grown large in Rodman.  Recent bass have been caught in the 17 pound range. Rodman can be difficult to fish with artificial lures as the water is very clear and the bass are buried in abundant cover.  Fishing with large live native shiners is the most effective way to catch large Rodman bass. You will need a guide as these baits are not always available to the general public.  If your bucket list goal is to catch a big Florida bass, this is the place to go.  Rodman has been a political football for a number of years.  The battle between fishermen and conservationists over Rodman is ongoing.  

Didn’t know you were in Eustis, Capt Phil. Off topic, but do you happen to have any good suggestions for a restaurant around Eustis? I’ve got an account down there and a handful north of Orlando - I’ll be down there sometime this year and would appreciate a recommendation. I’ll likely bring a rod or two and make a point to get out somewhere 

1 hour ago, bigspirit said:

Didn’t know you were in Eustis, Capt Phil. Off topic, but do you happen to have any good suggestions for a restaurant around Eustis? I’ve got an account down there and a handful north of Orlando - I’ll be down there sometime this year and would appreciate a recommendation. I’ll likely bring a rod or two and make a point to get out somewhere 

 

We have lived in Eustis since 1997.  There are a number of good restaurants in downtown Eustis depending upon your preference.  If you like real fancy and expensive, you will find all you want in Mount Dora.   Our favorite Eustis restaurant is Tillie's Tavern and Grill.  It's a favorite with locals.  An interesting small Eustis restaurant is The Crazy Gator on the waterfront. There is a small Mexican restaurant in downtown with great decor. There are a couple of good pizza and sub spots in the area as well.

57 minutes ago, Captain Phil said:

 

We have lived in Eustis since 1997.  There are a number of good restaurants in downtown Eustis depending upon your preference.  If you like real fancy and expensive, you will find all you want in Mount Dora.   Our favorite Eustis restaurant is Tillie's Tavern and Grill.  It's a favorite with locals.  An interesting small Eustis restaurant is The Crazy Gator on the waterfront. There is a small Mexican restaurant in downtown with great decor. There are a couple of good pizza and sub spots in the area as well.

Great, thanks for the info. I know I saw Tillie’s pop up on google maps earlier. Crazy Gator sounds like a place worth checking out too. Appreciate it

Those are some really nice bass. 

Rodman has always been in the top 5 lakes for reason. 
 

 

 

 

Mike