Spring anglers spend their time really close to surface vegitation.

Our trip demonstrated why Rodman annually ranks among Florida’s best bass lakes. The reservoir is unique as an example of how a folly of human progress sometimes results in a vital, if unintended, boon to nature. A portion of the Oklawaha River was dammed and flooded in 1968, as part of construction of the Cross-Florida Barge Canal. Work on the canal halted in the 1970s, tangled in litigation and legislation, perceived by many as an unneccessary expense and environmental injustice. The canal idea was eventually scuttled, but the lake that remained has flourished as a bass fishery and wildlife refuge. The 9,600-acre reservoir represented new habitat for some 115 species of water birds, including ospreys, hawks, bald eagles, white ibis, sandhill cranes and a variety of egrets and herons. The vegetation on Rodman—cabbage weeds, water lilies, dollar weeds, hydrilla, hyacinth and more—shelters a variety of aquatic forage, including grass shrimp, mosquito minnows and crawfish. Alligators, turtles, raccoons, muskrat and otters have also found a home in the weedy reservoir.

Up to 38 species of fish have been documented in Rodman Reservoir, including largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, bowfin, chain pickerel and speckled perch. The reservoir once harbored a nice stock of striped bass, which have since relocated to the river’s headwaters at the dam.

There is ongoing debate as to the lake’s future—discussion that goes back decades. A few vocal groups calling for the removal of the dam and restoration of the old Oklawaha River have garnered political support, but so far the lake’s many advocates have kept the fishery intact. The feisty Save Rodman Reservoir Inc., headed by tireless Palatka resident Ed Taylor, continues to press for a state bill to protect the status of the reservoir. State Sen. Rod Smith and Rep. Joe Picken were pressed for a new Rodman Reservoir Bill this year, outlining the environmental and recreational benefits of the lake, plus news about its potential value to the state drinking water supply.

For now at least, Florida is committed to keeping Rodman in optimal condition for fish and wildlife. Every three years the Department of Environmental Protection lowers the water level—from about 18 feet to 11 feet—for a number of weeks in midwinter. Mimicking natural fluctuations in wetlands, these drawdowns help thin out non-native vegetation, and clear the lake bottom for growth of desirable plant species. Birds and other wildlife also enjoy the drawdowns—but perhaps not nearly so much as fishermen.

As many anglers anticipated, the drawdown of 2004-’05 saw excellent fishing in Rodman Reservoir. With hungry bass concentrated in narrow channels, the state implemented a special all-release regulation for the lake, from December 1, 2004 to April 1, 2005. Temporary boat ramps were cleared to make way for boaters. The Web site rodmanreservoir.com and other sources helped explain changes in navigation. As the water level began rising following the drawdown, Taylor and other lake advocates expected excellent spawning conditions for largemouth bass.

In general, “Bass fishing is the best it has been for many years on Rodman,” claims Jim Allen, who normally guides on the main lake portion of Rodman Reservoir and the old river channel that runs west from Kenwood Landing. Allen does a lot of shiner fishing, but he also throws plastic worms and crankbaits on light tackle. One of his favorite lures is an 8-inch black plastic worm with a blue curly tail. The worm is rigged on a 5/0 hook and weighted with a 1⁄4-ounce black bullet weight, fished on 12-pound-test line. Allen also casts a gold Rapala Shad Rap when the bass are deep, and black buzzbaits when the fish are feeding close to the surface.

“During the warmer months, I target the edges of the deep river channels and portions of the dam and open lake, where we often freeline big shiners under floating weedbeds,” said Allen. “In winter, I look for the three days prior to a full moon during the month of January and three days following the full moon to produce some of the best fishing of the year on shallow bays. However, I don’t like to fish right on the day of the full moon.”

Allen said there used to be some 20 guides working Rodman Reservoir, but for one reason or another there are only around five full-time guides. “However, with the way the bass fishing has improved during the last few years, I expect there will be more people fishing and guiding here.”