"Ocalapalooza"

 

Leave winter behind and come kickoff the 2025 season with "Ocalapalooza!" Ocala couldn't be more well suited for outdoor enthusiasts, especially bass anglers. Within an hour you can be fishing 3 of the top 11 ranked lakes in the Southeast, according to the top 25 Southeastern Lakes in the Bassmaster 2024 rankings. This includes the #1 ranked lake, Orange Lake, #8 Withlacoochee River/Lake Rousseau, #11 Lake Panasoffkee, and former top 10 ranked lakes who were just outside the 25 cut this year - Rodman/Ocklawaha River and Lake Griffin (Harris Chain). And, yes, they are all eligible water for you at Ocalapalooza! ​

​

On your way down, or up, make a quick stop on the Sante Fe River to catch one of the rare black bass species - the Suwannee Bass - to cross it off your bucket list! Most good sections are just about an hour away from Ocala.

 

On your way home you might want to consider taking a slight detour to Palatka, FL, on Sunday (23rd), to see some of your favorite Bassmaster Elite Series anglers at the final day weigh-in for the Bassmaster Elite Series being held on the St. Johns River that same weekend. Weigh-ins are held at Palatka Riverfront Park starting at 3pm, which is about an hour away from Ocala, FL. 

​

 

 

Hosted by Marion County, FL, which boast so much to offer anglers and the entire family. Whether you visit Silver Springs to see manatees, fish, rare birds, gators, monkeys (yes, wild monkeys!) on a kayak trip or take their glass bottom boat tour (highly recommended) you won't be disappointed. Other spring runs nearby suggested for kayaking or swimming - Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, Silver Glenn, and the Rainbow River. The beach on the west coast of Florida is just a little over an hour away as well so you might as well walk on some sand, in the sun, in February, and send pictures back home to rub it in just a little. 

 

Endless hiking and biking trails await in the Ocala National Forrest, and of course all the usual top restaurants, shopping and lodging is available in Ocala. The city is known as "The Horse Capital of the World" so if someone in the family likes horses, you won't have a hard time finding a stable or attractions to visit. ​​​

​

Our Closing Ceremony Festival complete with food, music, games, kayak demos, bounce house & kids zone, Toyota truck demos, etc will be held at Tuscawilla Park with the final Closing Ceremony Awards held at the adjacent Reilly Arts Center.