Withlacoochee River fishing charters

My name is Capt Jim Klopfer and I run Withlacoochee River fishing charters. The Withlacooche River meanders for 141 miles through west central Florida. It is a gorgeous river with spectacular scenery and is relatively undeveloped, though there are houses in some stretches. It gets a lot of recreational traffic from kayakers, boaters and airboats, especially on weekends. However, it does not get a lot of fishing pressure.

Panfish are abundant in the Withlacoochee River. Bluegill and stumpknocker (spotted sunfish) are both the most aggressive and most numerous. Anglers can also catch redear sunfish (shellcracker), warmough, rock bass, and crappie. Largemouth bass are also found in good numbers. Many are around a pound or so, but there are definitely larger fish as well.

Fishing charters on the Withlacoochee River

While the Withlacoochee River is long, there are a few sections that I like to fish the most. My favorite stretch of river is near Turner Camp Road. I like to launch, go upriver, then fish my way back with the tide. The scenery is terrific and the fishing is good with decent water depth. The stretch near the SR 48 bridge near Floral City is productive as well, with several lakes to fish. I will also fish the stretch near Lake Panasoffkee out of Marsh Bend Park.

I was a saltwater fishing guide in Sarasota from 1991 to 2023. At the age of 62, we moved to Inverness in large part for the terrific freshwater fishing. I really enjoy the less hectic pace that freshwater fishing offers. Angers can fly fish as well as casting lures with spinning and baitcasting tackle. I rarely use live bait, but will in certain situations.

This is an excellent situation for fly anglers. I use a 4wt for panfish and an 8wt for bass. Floating lines are used on both. Long casts are not required. I use poppers and surface flies most of the time, resulting in some exciting strikes. Anglers can easily switch back and forth as desired. If bass fishing is tough, the panfish tackle will surely produce.

Spinning and baitcasting outfits can certainly be used as well. I always start bass fishing with topwater baits such as poppers, prop baits, Whopper Ploppers, and such. They are effective with all of the aquatic vegetation. If they won’t take it, a switch to spinnerbaits or soft plastic lures is in order. For panfish, I use 1/16 ounce Beetle spin lures most of the time, I will fish a worm under a float for kids or anglers who don’t want to cast as much.

I use a 15′ Siesta Skiff for my Withlacoochee River fishing charters. It has a 6′ beam and is very stable. The boat has a large front deck and a deck in the rear as well. It does well when the water levels get low in the winter and larger boats are unable to launch or get around.

Withlacoochee River fishing techniques

The Withlacoochee River is really pretty easy to fish. It is basic river fishing where almost all of the cover is on the banks. The most important aspect is water depth; fish will usually prefer at least a few feet of water. Seldom will they be found in water that is very shallow. Outside bends in the river are prime spots as deep holes are gouged out by the current. Cover tends to collect there as well.

The Withlacoocke River has a lot of grass, sometimes to the point where fishing and even navigating around are a problem. However, this grass holds bait and fish, so it can be a catch 22. There are some lily pad fields as well, particularly where the river opens up into little lakes.

In most cases, drifting with the current is the best approach. This allows for a more realistic presentation. When going against the current, a bow immediately forms in the line. This is particularly true with fly fishing, but affects conventional anglers as well. Therefore, I usually idle upriver a ways then fish our way back to the dock.

Fly fishing the Withlacoochee River

Fly fishing is my favorite fishing technique, especially in the Withlacoochee River. It is really pretty easy and is very effective. For the most part, poppers and surface flies are used. This eliminates most snags, other than casts in the trees! Anglers also get to experience a surface bite, which is always exciting. Short, easy casts are the norm.

When targeting bass, I use an 8wt outfit with a floating line and 7 1/2 foot leader with a 14 lb tippet. The water is dark and long leaders are not required. It also makes casting the bulkier poppers and deer hair bugs easier. I like the deer hair bugs as the bass tend to hold onto them a bit longer. These flies also have terrific action in the water. Foam poppers are my second choice. I will use black wooly buggers in size 1 if the bass won’t hit on the surface.

When chasing bluegill and panfish, I use a 4wt outfit with a floating line and a 9′ 4x leader. Anglers could go lighter, but I like a 4wt as it gives anglers a chance if a bass is hooked yet is light enough for the panfish to give a good account of themselves. Again, poppers and foam rubber insects are mostly used, though we will go with wooly buggers and baitfish patterns if necessary.

Fishing the river with conventional tackle

While I personally enjoy fly fishing, many anglers choose to use spinning and baitcasting tackle. This is a more conventional approach, but many of the same techniques apply. I still like to drift with the current and use topwater baits. When spin fishing, I opt for a 7′ nedium action rod and 2500 series reel. Right now I am using St Croix rods and Daiwa Black gold reels spooled with 20 lb braided line.

The Rapala Skitter Pop is my favorite topwater plug. I will also use Whopper Ploppers, Rapala Skitter Props, and Heddon Torpedo baits. When fishing below the surface, a spinnerbait or chatterbait is tough to beat. We will slow it down and use a Zoom rick worm rigged Texas style as well.

When targeting panfish, I use a 1/16 ounce black Beetle spin the majority of the time. Occasionally I will use a tiny jig, though they hang up more often. If the clients prefer, I will get worms and fish them under a float. The biggest issue is the small panfish can drive you nuts. In all honesty, lures and flies often out produce live bait and in my opinion are more fun to fish.

In conclusion, this article of Withlacoochee River fishing charters will hopefully encourage anglers to give this a try