Florida has long established itself as a paradise for sports fishermen. In particularly, every weekend people surrounding Ocala Florida get up before daylight to head for one of the area’s world class lakes to relax and try their hand at landing a championship bass. But Ocala is not only the chosen destination for weekend warriors. It is where sport fisherman head for one of the areas sport fishing tournaments.
A little planning will make your trip more enjoyable whether you are a spectator or coming down for that once in a lifetime fishing experience. Many come south looking for that trophy bass, a ten-pounder to hang on the wall. While the fishing is fantastic in the Sunshine state, give yourself enough time to enjoy the experience and get that special fishing. If you set off one day will you have the experience you want? The Florida Game and Fish commission provide information on creel surveys on bass lakes in the area. Many of these lakes local to international tournament over the course of the season. 

Bass fishing tournaments in Ocala Florida are common in the spring and late winter. If you want to see how the pros do it, these lakes near Ocala are worth a stop. 

LAKE GEORGE

East of Ocala, about a half-hour drive, is Lake George. It is the second largest lake in the state and maybe the best lake for largemouth bass. Near many other lakes connected by the St. John’s River, high vegetation allows all kinds of fishing opportunities with artificial lures. Fishing is especially good in the spring along spots like Juniper, Salt and Silver Glen on the western shoreline. In winter the bass move to the south end of the lake. The northeast shore and off Drayton Island can also be productive for deep-diving casting.

STICK MARSH/FARM 13 RESERVOIR

The Stick Marsh/Farm 13 Reservoir has been a mecca for trophy bass since its creation over a century ago. West of Vero Beach, the reservoir is a favorite for bass fishing tournaments in Ocala Florida. This area is part of the St. Johns Blue Cypress Management Unit which contains a variety of largemouth bass habitats including stump fields, underwater canals and hydrilla. All artificial lures seem to be effective in the reservoir with spinners being a consensus favorite. Regulation for largemouth bass is catch-and-release. The facilities at the area are fisher friendly, including a two-lane boat ramp and paved parking lot with picnic areas and rest rooms. Stock up before you get to the reservoir as there are no facilities for gas or food 

These two recreational sites are open to the public and are also sites for bass tournaments in Ocala Florida. Whether you plan to partake or just watch, get down a day or so earlier so you can get a feel for the lake and be ahead of the crowd.