Fishing Adventures, Sumter Style

No fisherman’s trip to Sumter County is complete without a visit to the Florida Bass Conservation Center. This is one of the biggest freshwater fish hatcheries in the state. It supplies largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and sunshine bass to Florida waters.

The conservation center is open from Monday through Friday and is run by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Location: 3583 County Road 788, Webster, FL 33597

Phone Number: (352) 732-1225

This is another fantastic boat ramp option with an access dock to load up your fishing gear. It was recently renovated and provides a quality boating and fishing experience to anyone who visits the park.

Location: 61 County Road 514, Wildwood, FL 34785

Phone Number: (352) 689-4400

One of the best parts of visiting Sumter County is that you can relax at one of the many fishing lodges and cast your lines without ever leaving the property. Consider staying at Idlewild Lodge & RV Park, which has 10 cabins and 10 RV pads across three acres. It has a large boat dock and fishing pier right on Lake Panasoffkee, so you can head off on your fishing adventure. Gather with other fishermen at the end of the day and swap stories of your unique catches.

Location: 4110 NW 42nd Place, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538

Phone Number: (352) 793-7057

Start your day on Lake Panasoffkee, known as Lake Pan to the locals. The Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Management Area has nearly 10,000 acres of land to explore. There is ample space on the lake for fishing without feeling cramped by other visitors. This park opens 30 minutes before sunrise and stays open 30 minutes after sunset. This park also offers visitors opportunities for hiking, biking, birding, hunting, and overnight camping.

Location: 7519 NW 18th Way, Wildwood, FL 34785

If you’re ready to get out on the water, head to Marsh Bend Outlet Park. There are two boat ramps if you have your own boat, or you can rent a canoe, paddles, and life jackets at the Panasoffkee Community Library. Non-boating fishermen can still enjoy the pier and cast their lines into this lush lake. It also has disc golf and a beach volleyball court.

When you’re ready for a break, relax at one of the 16 picnic tables and prepare lunch at one of the seven grills.

Location: 3100 County Road 413, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538

Phone Number: (352) 689-4400

If you want an old-fashioned fish camp atmosphere, look no further than Pana Vista Lodge. Relax in one of the cottages and rent boats directly from the camp. This is a great option if you aren’t able to travel with your boat. This fish camp connects Lake Panasoffkee with the Withlacoochee River, providing multiple fishing options. The Pana Vista Lodge can also help you procure the right fishing licenses.

Location: 3417 CR 421, Lake Pan, FL 33538

Phone Number: (352) 793-2061

Shady Brook Greenway Park is another beautiful stop on your fishing adventure. This 84-acre park has a boat ramp if you’re ready to get back on the water, and opportunities to fish from the shoreline. There are ample canoes and a disc golf course. It is a quieter park, which is ideal if you want to get away from other people during your vacation and enjoy a moment alone in nature.

Location: 230 County Road 470 N, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538

Phone Number: (352) 689-4400

Another fantastic option for your fishing itinerary is a visit to Tracy’s Point Fishing Lodge. Stop by the freshly renovated bait shop to get the gear you need before heading out on the water. Stay in one of the eight lakefront cabins and enjoy the various sunrises and sunsets on the lake. The slogan of this fishing lodge is, “Relaxation is the Point,” and you will feel well-rested after your vacation on Lake Panasoffkee.

Location: 950 CR 437, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538

Phone Number: (352) 793-8060