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Your First Fish: A New Angler’s Checklist to Fishing on the St. Johns River

child in orange shirt fishing_Welaka National Fish Hatchery pond__Putnam County_Brandy Jo Hastings

Beginner Fishing Guide, License-Free Days, Local Bait Shops, and Fishing Charters

If you’re headed to Putnam County, you’ve probably heard about our legendary fishing scene. The area has become known as the “Bass Capital of the World” because of the St. Johns River and other local waterways such as Crescent Lake, Lake George, and Rodman Reservoir. While we get the bragging rights for bass, it’s not uncommon to reel in crappie, bream, catfish, and more. 

Many professional anglers fish these waters, but don’t let that intimidate you. With abundant fish throughout the St. Johns River and its connected
waterways, this is an excellent spot to try out fishing and catch your first fish. Here are a few of our tips on how to get started.

fishing line recycling bin_Crescent Lake_Putnam County_Brandy Jo Hastings

  • Try Out Fishing on One of the Days You Can Go Freshwater Fishing in Florida Without a License 

In most instances, unless you’re under 16 or a Florida resident over 64, you’ll need a Florida Freshwater Fishing License if you plan to fish on the St. Johns River, or any freshwater body of water within the state. Separate licenses are available for Florida residents and non-residents, and there are even short duration licenses available for those that are just in town visiting. 

However, there are four days each year that you don’t need a license. This offers an excellent opportunity to try fishing for the first time, without having to spend money on a license. You can test the waters, literally, and try to catch your first fish. 

Florida’s license-free freshwater fishing days are: 

  • First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April
  • Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June

Bass regulation sign_Crescent City_Putnam County_Brandy Hastings

Learn About Fish Species 

There are regulations that you have to follow when freshwater fishing in Florida, and some of these apply to limits and size requirements for various fish. Learn to identify the local freshwater fish that can be found in Florida so that you’re aware of what you’re catching and can make sure you’re following the rules. 

A great way to learn how to identify local fish is to visit the Welaka National Fish

Hatchery’s free aquarium. When you visit, you’ll find bass, pickerel, bluegill, catfish, and more. Each tank is well-labeled, so you can easily know what type of fish you are seeing. There are also QR codes that you can scan to learn more about each species. The aquarium is open every day from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. and is a wonderful family-friendly activity. 

  • Check Out a Local Bait Shop 

Before you head out to catch your first fish, make sure you stop at a local bait and tackle shop. Sure, you’ll need to make sure you’re geared up with the appropriate fishing gear, but there’s one important thing you can get from a local bait shop in Putnam County other than hooks and worms – advice. Knowledge is power when it comes to fishing, and while you can study online, there’s just so much value that comes from hearing tips directly from a local angler who’s been fishing the waters here for years. 

If you want to know what’s biting, and where, this is one of the best places to get that coveted information. Engage in conversation with the employees at the shop, and even the other customers. While everyone may not tell you about all of their secret fishing holes, they’ll likely at least help you get started. Let them know you’re a newbie, and you may just find them even more willing to take you under their wing and give you a few tips.

 

Here are a few of the local bait and tackle shops in Putnam County:


Book a Fishing Guide 

You’re more than welcome to drop a line in the water on your own – and there are plenty of places to do that around here. However, if you want to fast-track your learning curve, you may want to book a local fishing guide for the St. Johns River, Crescent Lake, Lake George, or Rodman Reservoir. Local guides fish these waters often and can increase your chances of catching your first fish.

 

Here are a few local fishing guides in Putnam County: 


Recycle Your Fishing Line

At some point, you’ll end up cutting your fishing line. Maybe you’re breaking free from a snag, or perhaps you’re trying out a new lure. Cutting your line is just part of fishing, but what matters is where that line ends up. In the wrong place, it can drift, settle, and eventually tangle around birds, turtles, or fish. It’s a quiet hazard that often goes unseen. However, you’ll find multiple places around Putnam County where you can recycle your fishing line.

St Johns River Map at Bait Store_Renegades on the River_Putnam County_Brandy Jo Hastings

Some of the local fishing line recycling bin locations in Putnam County: 

  • Elgin Grove Boat Ramp
  • Palmetto Bluff Road Boat Ramp
  • Crystal Cove Boat Ramp
  • East Palatka Boat Ramp
  • Brown’s Landing
  • Kenwood Boat Ramp
  • Rodman Campground Boat Ramp
  • Shell Harbor Boat Ramp
  • Hide-A-Way Cove
  • Crescent City Boat Ramp
  • Welaka Boat Ramp
  • Drayton Island Ferry Landing

If you’re out in a boat, make sure you put your line somewhere secure until you get to a bin so that it doesn’t blow away and end up in the water.

Kids Can Catch Their First Fish, Too

The love of fishing can start at any age. If you’re old enough to hold a fishing pole, you’re old enough to catch your first fish. Getting children hooked on fishing at a young age plants the seeds for a lifetime of outdoor recreation. Fishing is also a great way to create shared family memories. Here in Putnam County, we have a couple of events where children can learn the ins and outs of fishing from professionals. 

  • Fishing 101 at Dunns Creek State Park 

320 Sisco Road Pomona Park, FL 32181

Children ages 6-12 are invited to come out and learn about fishing. Free fishing poles and tackle will be provided. Space is limited to 10 children, and RSVP is required. Up-to-date information will be posted on the Friends of Dunns Creek Facebook page.  

  • Kids Fishing Rodeo

1011 County Road 309 Crescent City, FL 32112

On the last Saturday in October, the Welaka National Fish Hatchery hosts a free Kids Fishing Rodeo. This is an opportunity for children to learn about fishing from the biologists at the hatchery as they fish in the stocked ponds onsite. Up-to-date information on the Welaka National Fish Hatchery’s Facebook page. 

Once you catch your first fish, you’ll be hooked on fishing. Lucky for you, there are plenty of great places to fish in Putnam County. This is the best place to fish on the St. Johns River and its connected waterways. Plan to stay at least a few days so that you have enough time to explore all of our fishing holes. You’ll find a variety of accommodations where you can lay your head, including many local fish camps that make it easy to get out on the water and drop a line. Download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to learn more.

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