Try Yankeetown For An “Old Florida” Fishing Experience

As winter comes to an end at Yankeetown and southern Levy County, game fish move from the confines and protection of the Withlacoochee River and it’s feeder creeks into the bays.  There, they await the first appearance of bait fish and pause to enjoy the warmth of the dark bottom of Waccasassa and Withlacoochee Bays.  With good boat launching options at the end of CR40 in Yankeetown, the up-river ramps near the Coast Guard Station or at Yankeetown Marina, there’s good access for most boats.  There are also nice facilities up the Waccasassa River to the north, or at Cedar Key to the west.  But Yankeetown has all you need, and it’s a short run to where the fish hang out.  This is the closest to “Old Florida” that you’re likely to find this close to the booming megalopolis of the Tampa Bay area.

If you don’t have a boat, consider hiring Capt. Rick Muldrow.  Rick’s been fishing the local waters for over 40 years and been guiding for more than 26.  Needless to say, he’s the guide to put you onto the fish.  And while redfish and seatrout are the common species here, you never know when you’ll hook a cobia, flounder or even a big tarpon while fishing out of Yankeetown.  Rick fishes out of B’s Campground in Yankeetown and can best be reached at (352) 629-3605.  All bait, tackle, licenses and fish cleaning is included in your day so it’s just a matter of showing up on the appointed day.

And if you’re in Yankeetown on a weekend, consider a meal at Ike’s Old Florida Kitchen in the historic Izaak Walton Lodge, on Riverside Drive!