Researching retirement around Welaka

[Fisch]

Hi Crappie Folk,
Lookin' into retirement in the Welaka (between St. John's & Crescent Lake)
area. I spent a couple years in FL at the "Space Coast" in the 70's so I'm familiar with FL in general, wondering how Speck & Bream fishing is on the river and Crescent. Lot of people in the area and I'm wondering if you have to "take a number" to find a place to fish? I know there are peak times to catch both species but can a person pick up enough fish for a meal in the off season? I know a lot depends on ability, I'm no Roland Martin but I have done ok in the past any opinions or local info will be appreciated.

Fisch

[huntinslabs]

You will have zero problems catching fish all year in this area. Just gotta change tactics and maybe even chase a lil brine once in a while. The last few years Crescent has been the hottest lake in the state for Crappie. The St.Johns river from Welaka to Harney is no slouch either. Summertime gills and crackers are very good.Lake George has a resident population of stripers as well as a variety of saltwater fish coming through chasing shad, shrimp and crabs from Lake George all the way to inlet.

[huntinslabs]

Go back in the pages and find the reports from October through February. Plenty stargazing to be done.

[Fisch]

Thanks Huntin, you mention salt water fish, is it worthwhile targeting flounder? Would love some fresh broiled flounder I know they're in the intercostal but never heard they came that far down the St.Johns.

[huntinslabs]

If you want to target flounder you would be better off going either to the Matanzas inlet area or Amelia Island area. They do come into Crescent and are caught while fishing for Crappie occasionally. Not sure if enough to actually target them in Crescent or George.

[TnT]

Crescent, George or Astor would all be close to the Welaka area and you would be in a prime location for any species you wanted for any time of the year. My wife and I are tossing the idea about moving down that way when we retire....Or at least it is on the list!!!

[Fisch]

Thanks guys, looks like we're headin for Putnum County!

[huntinslabs]

Good luck on your relocation and retirement.

[Liberty hound]

I have a place in Welaka on the river and love it
We are leaving Jax for good in a couple of years and retiring there.
You have crescent and dead lake are real close and you can go thru the locks to rodman.
Striper fishing is awesome in the spring and shrimping in the late summer was off the chain last year .
If you want to fish the fla crappie club tournaments you will be less than hour from a lot of them .
The oklawaha river joins the St. John's there , salt springs is about 12 miles and silver glen is about 16.
If your in the area let me know and I'll show you around. Usually there every week.

[Fisch]

Wow Liberty hound! I'll definitely take you up on that offer. I knew of Rodman but had no idea the locks were functional I fished lake Rouseau quite a bit years back so I have an idea of what might work on Rodman, and I'm up for some stump bumpin' :-) !! With all that water available I'll be busy for years looks like! Thanks again fellas I'm all worked up now!:-)