Many of the forest lakes are oligotrophic (low in nutrients) and clear. Their isolation from storm drains, yard fertilizer and farms makes this possible. Having grown up in Orlando, which sees its lakes as stormwater runoff, I got used to fishing in coffee. So I love being on clear water purely for the aesthetics of sight fishing, witnessing underwater strikes occasionally and seeing a battling bass many feet below me.

Younster takes the plunge to explore a spring.

Some people think fishing clear water requires advanced degrees in stealth. I never have found this to be the case. If anything, clear water fish seem the most ready strikers. And it does simplify finding the fish when you can actually see them. Of course my favorite method of fish locating is with mask and snorkel. It also is the most stealthy. You can get within touching range of big bass before they casually relinquish the space. This is a detailed education in fish hangouts. In the heat of the day when they’re not biting anyway, what better thing to do than go pick out a few for later?

For the fisherman looking to become immersed in the forest, nomadically stalking bass on foot from lake to lake, released from traffic, roads and the infernal combustion engine, there are 219 miles of trails with frequent access. Sixty-nine miles of it is Florida National Scenic Trail, connecting eight recreation areas, 60 lakes and many ponds. Camping is allowed everywhere in the forest except hunt-ing season November to January and in the bombing range. Outside of designated campgrounds there is no charge.

For a completely different wilderness fishing trip, a meandering network of streams in the lower Oklawaha River offers some of the least disturbed waters in the forest. These are relatively hard to approach, but difficult access almost always means great fishing. An access point in the Cedar Creek section requires a 2-mile 4-wheel-drive ride followed by a portage to the water. This water is best experienced from a muscle powered craft.

For great solitary fishing trips or just hanging out with family or friends off the grid, where life is really at, head for the forest. And check out the lightning bugs at Lake Dorr. It’s an amazing sight.

Ocala Details

Camping

Most enjoyable fall through spring. During this period deerflies fast, mosquitoes sharpen their mouths and water vapor travels elsewhere to practice forming thunderheads. Come summer, as we all know, they are ready.

For the backpacker, lightweight 2-man tents are available. The person who drives to his site might as well have a bigger one. We got a cabin style one for 30 dollars that sleeps me, Michele and our two boys. An independent tarp is a good idea for keeping your site dry and shady.

If you don’t succumb to bonfire mania, there’s always plenty of firewood for cooking meals, roasting marshmallows and the endlessly fascinating job of keeping the campfire supplied with fuel. Check at a visitors’ center or ranger station for the latest on fire advisories. Inexpensive, efficient fuel cookstoves come in handy, and minimize your “footprint” in the wilderness.

You can now make reservations for developed campsites at Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs and Clearwater Lake by calling (877) 444-6777. Fees range from $4 to $20. Primitive backcountry camping—especially popular along the Florida Trail and some lakes—is prohibited during general gun hunting season (Nov. 13-Jan. 23 this year).

Hunting

A Wildlife Management Area stamp ($26.50) is required, in addition to regular hunting licenses. Quota hunts are held in Ocala. Deer, turkey and small game are abundant. For more, visit myfwc.com.

Fishing

Freshwater fishing license required. Special regulations are in effect for certain lakes within the forest. The guidebook Fishing Opportunities in the Ocala National Forest is available at the visitors center; you can also find out specifics on regulations at myfwc.com.

Canoe Rentals

• Salt Springs Marina: (352) 685-2255
• Juniper Springs Marina: (352) 625-2808
• Alexander Springs Marina: (352) 669-3522
• Silver Glen Springs Marina: (352) 685-2799
• Clearmont Lake: (352) 669-0078.

Other Contacts

• Seminole Ranger district: (352) 669-3153
• Lake George Ranger district: (352) 625-2520
• Pittman Visitor Center: (352) 669-7495
• Oklawaha Visitor Center: (352) 235-0288
• Salt Springs Visitor Center: (352) 685-3070

Points of Interest

• Many lakes are reachable by 1-wheel-drive but many others must be walked to or driven to on 4-wheel-drive trails. Horseback works, too.
• Ocala Forest is the setting for the 1935 novel The Yearling.
• Mill Dam and Wildcat lakes are great swimming spots, easy access from main roads.
• Canoe rentals available at Salt, Juniper and Alexander springs.
• Scuba diving allowed in specified areas.
• The delightfully cordial scrub jay inhabits the world’s largest sand pine-scrub oak ecosystem.

FS