And so it is with me and a number of my guide friends. After fishing and working all year in saltwater, we simply need a change of pace. We need a break. We need to experience some other aspect of life that we rarely get to see.
For me, that change of pace took place in an area known as the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor in north central Florida. The area encompasses western Volusia County with the focal point being the St Johns River around the city of Deland.
The recreation opportunities are myriad and include virtually all outdoor activities. Fishing (freshwater), hunting, birding, hiking, and as I found out, eating, all contribute to an excellent getaway experience. The area is rich in Florida history and is honestly undiscovered by the crowds of tourists that travel farther south.
Fishing
I took advantage of some fishing while I was there. Our host and guide at Highland Park Fish Camp, Captain Rick Rawlins, took us fishing for trophy bass on the St Johns River. Live shiners became the bait of choice as we sat back and, this time, let someone else do all the work! It was a pleasure I rarely get to experience.In two days of soaking wild Florida shiners, we managed, in addition to many smaller bass, two lunker sized bass, one of which would be the envy of almost any bass angler.
The fishing in this area is as good as it gets for trophy size black bass. The reputation of Florida being a trophy bass location is alive and well here. Captain Rick or his brother Ron can put you into the action in short order. February and March are the two prime months for big fish, but they can be caught year round.
The Springs
The St Johns River is fed along its length by numerous springs, large and small. Most are on the river bottom and so small they are not noticeable on the surface. But there are a number if them that literally roil out of the ground, forming creeks and runs into the big river along its way north. One of these is DeLeon Springs.Named for explorer Ponce DeLeon, the spring is one of three State Parks in the area and a year round favorite for visitors and residents alike. Nineteen million gallons a day of 72 degree water makes the spring warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Swimming, hiking and fishing are all permitted.
The small city of DeLeon Springs is at the entrance to the park and offers nice accommodations at the Spring Waters Inn. Recently completely renovated, the inn provides a central location from which visitors can explore the entire Heritage Corridor.
The Food
The centerpiece of commerce in the area is the city of Deland. Home to Stetson University, it provides cultural and educational opportunities. It also has many fine dining opportunities. Main Street is a wonderfully lit night time gathering place with several fine restaurants, many offering sidewalk dining.One place that really got my attention was the Old Spanish Mill Restaurant located in the Deleon Springs State Park. This unique eatery is so popular that the wait time for a table of four is posted at the entrance to the park.
The Old Mill specializes in “cook it yourself” pancakes, and each table has an electric griddle built into its center. Pitchers of batter, and all the trimmings for pancakes make this eating experience a bit unusual, but certainly worth the trip!
Back to the Fishing
As a guide, even on a short vacation, I can’t stay away from the fishing! Even though we fished from a bass boat with big live shiners, I enjoyed every minute of it.Captain Rick took us to several of his favorite locations where we pitched shiners up against mats of pennywort. The floats kept us in touch with the shiner as it headed under the mat of vegetation to hide.
There was no mistaking a hit with this fishing. The mat almost erupted as a big black bass inhaled the shiner and headed away. Under Captain Rick’s instruction, we set the hook at his signal and fought a trophy bass back to the boat. An 8.5 pound black bass was the largest of the trip.
It wasn’t redfish or trout on the grass flats, but it was a wonderfully refreshing change of pace. It was the break that I really needed – something to recharge my batteries.
Bottom Line
Those visiting Florida to fish the fabulous saltwater opportunities will find that they can do both in this area. Located halfway between Daytona Beach and Orlando, it offers you a relatively quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and Ponce Inlet for saltwater fishing and an even easier access to that change of pace.When you take in all that the Heritage Corridor offers, it becomes obvious. When you consider that this is a relatively undiscovered piece of Florida with no crowds it should be as plain as the nose on your face. This is the place to get that change of pace.
If you want to visit the area, take advantage of that change of pace, and fish with Captain Rick, give him a call. He is at 386-734-2334. Or reach him at captrickrawlins@aol.com. Tell him I sent you. He will treat you right!
