Rodman Reservoir fishing charters
Guided bass and crappie trips on Rodman Reservoir, near Palatka and within reach of Gainesville.
Rodman Reservoir bass fishing is known for big largemouth in flooded timber, grass and old river channels. The reservoir covers about 9,500 acres and runs about 15 miles west of Palatka. Fish with live wild shiners or artificial lures, and book bass or crappie trips online with live dates.
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Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
How do you book a Rodman Reservoir fishing charter?
iOutdoors books 4-, 6- and 8-hour guided bass trips and 4- and 6-hour crappie trips on Rodman Reservoir, near Palatka and within driving distance of Gainesville, with live dates online. The guide provides the boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license.
What's included and what's not
- Professional local fishing guide
- Boat and fuel
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Artificial lures
- Life jackets
- Florida freshwater fishing license (required for most anglers 16 and older)
- Live wild shiners (optional; ask your guide about the cost)
- Guide tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the boat ramp
What to bring
Rodman Reservoir
Rodman Reservoir, also called Lake Ocklawaha, runs about 15 miles west of Palatka. Every trip on this page fishes its flooded timber, floating grass and old river channels: largemouth bass all year, and crappie from about November to March.
Fish you can catch on Rodman Reservoir
Know your fish →
Largemouth bassLearn more
Black crappieLearn more
BluegillLearn more
Redear sunfishLearn more
BowfinLearn moreSize limits, bag limits and seasons change: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.
Reviews from Rodman Reservoir trips
5.0266 reviews
Had a great time with my grandson. Ken put us onto some nice fish. Thank you Ken
Keith Wilkes · October 2026 · Google
Great experience, beautiful day, plenty of fish.
Roy Melvin · September 2026 · Google
Great day , very relaxing & peaceful morning on the St.John’s river. Caught a bunch! Captain Robert is very easy going , patient & professional. Will repeat! 👊🏻🎣
Maggie Carames · September 2026 · Google
Bass Fishing with great capt. David
Great captain, David! fantastic trip, caught loads of bass, 17 plus in total, fun for all! Excellent value for money; would highly recommend.
Absent S · August 2026 · TripAdvisor
Excellent day on the water. Weather didn't cooperate, but we were able to get in enough fishing time. Guide was knowledgeable and very helpful. Recommend for anyone needing a charted day on the water. Will use again.
Bill · August 2026 · Google
Caption Ken Walker is great. We will be back. He knows exactly where the fish are and we were able to get a huge one.
Justin Miller · July 2026 · Google
Great experience on a comfortable boat. Ken was very patient with beginners. I would recommend to others.
Terry Parkman · July 2026 · Google
5 out of 5...YOU ARE IN EXPERT HANDS.
After booking a charter with David, it was on time, and the weather that day was perfect. I would recommend them any time. In fact, I can't wait to go again; they made me feel so welcome. My daughter came along on her 1st trip, and they made her feel very welcome and answered all her questions, and…
Jackson P · July 2026 · TripAdvisor
Another awesome trip with kenny. Our first fish, was ten pounds three ounces. We always seem to find the big ones.
Dave Wetherill · June 2026 · Google
Wonderful experience with Captain Walker! 100% recommended. We caught 4 different species and enjoyed lots of wildlife. Will definitely come back!
Diana Cortes Blanquicet · June 2026 · Google
Amazing time and a great captain! We will definitely be back again! Don’t let the picture fool you there were some big fish missed today.
Brandon Cottrell · June 2026 · Google
Captain Ken is an excellent guide. Was patient with my 13 year old grandson and taught him a lot. Caught plenty of nice bass!!
Richard Bankston · June 2026 · Google
Rodman Reservoir bass fishing: what you can catch
Rodman Reservoir bass fishing near Palatka is about big largemouth bass, which hold in the flooded timber, floating grass and old river channels of the reservoir. Crappie, bluegill and shellcracker round out the catch in season. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a trophy; in summer, the early-morning bite is best.
What's biting by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Bass spawn season and the best shot at a big fish
- Crappie at their best
Spring Mar–May
- Late spawn and post-spawn bass, bluegill and shellcracker on beds
Summer Jun–Aug
- Early-morning topwater bass, then deeper cover as it heats up
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bass feed up as the water cools
- Crappie start to school late in the season
- Every angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. Buy it online before the trip.
- Black bass: 5 per person per day, and only 1 may be 16" or longer. Some waters have special bass rules; your guide will tell you before the trip.
- Crappie: 25 per person per day, 10" minimum.
Source: FWC. Limits change; your guide has the current rules.
Rodman Reservoir fishing guide
Rodman Reservoir, also called Lake Ocklawaha, was created in 1968 and runs about 15 miles west of Palatka. Flooded timber, floating grass and old river channels hold largemouth bass all year, and crappie in the cooler months.
Where you'll fish
Rodman Reservoir covers about 9,500 acres of timber, grass and channels. Every trip on this page fishes the reservoir. Your guide confirms the boat ramp before the trip.
How the trips work
Trips run from a bass boat with a trolling motor. Your guide provides rods, reels and artificial lures, and can set you up with live wild shiners, which is often the best way to catch a big bass here. Shiners are optional and cost extra; ask your guide when you book. Most bass are photographed and released.
Best time to go
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish. In summer, go early before the heat and afternoon storms. Crappie are best from about November to March.
Coming from Gainesville
Rodman Reservoir is a drive east from Gainesville toward Palatka, so a half-day or full-day trip fits a visit to either town. Your guide sends the ramp location before the trip.
Questions about Rodman Reservoir trips
How much does a Rodman Reservoir fishing charter cost?
Bass trips start at $325 for 4 hours and crappie trips start at $350 for 4 hours. The live calendar shows the price for each trip length and date.
What is included?
Your guide, the bass boat and fuel, rods, reels and tackle, artificial lures and life jackets. The Florida freshwater license, live shiners and the guide's tip are not included.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Freshwater guides don't carry a license that covers guests, so each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. You can buy one online before the trip.
How many people can come?
Bass boats usually take 2 to 3 anglers. Choose your number of guests in the calendar.
Which trip length should I book?
A 4-hour trip is a good first trip and fits families. Book 6 or 8 hours for more time on the water and a better shot at a big bass. For crappie, book a 4- or 6-hour crappie trip.
Where do we meet?
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. Trips launch near Palatka.
What should I bring?
Your fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a light rain jacket, water and snacks, and a phone or camera in a dry bag.
What if the weather is bad?
If the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. A 4-hour trip, often with live shiners for steady action, is a good fit for families.
Can I keep my fish?
Most guides release bass after photos. You may keep fish within FWC limits; ask your guide before the trip.
When is the best time for bass fishing on Rodman Reservoir?
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish; in summer, go early in the morning.
Nearby lakes and rivers
More guided trips on the St. Johns River and nearby lakes.
