How to use our fishing calendar
Planning your next fishing trip in Ocala, United States ? Today is a good day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular solunar tables, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...
- Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise solunar tables and the best moon phases.
- Use the forecast calendar section to sync bite times with major weather changes.
- Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
- Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.
Fishing in Ocala, Florida centers around the world‑famous bass waters of the Ocala National Forest, the Ocklawaha River system, and the spring-fed lakes scattered across Marion County. Anglers travel to Ocala for trophy largemouth bass, nonstop panfish action, and unique opportunities for bowfin, gar, and catfish in clear and tannic waters. With year‑round warm weather and diverse freshwater habitats, Ocala offers some of the most consistent inland fishing in Central Florida. read more...
Sun and Moon Times
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Nautical Twilight begins:Sunrise:
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Sunset:Nautical Twilight ends:
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Moonrise:
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Moonset:
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Moon over:
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Moon under:
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Visibility:20%
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Waning Crescent
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Distance to earth:365,214 kmProximity:95 %
Moon Phases for Ocala
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good Day
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minor Time:01:27 am - 03:27 am
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major Time:08:41 am - 10:41 am
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minor Time:03:55 pm - 05:55 pm
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major Time:09:07 pm - 11:07 pm
Current Fishing Weather
Wind Speed and Direction
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
Wind Direction and Speed are one of the most important aspects for choosing a fishing spot. An offshore wind can help land-based anglers with longer casting distances, while an onshore wind will make kayak fishing safer. Often fish will also move to certain feeding areas depending on the wind direction. Check out the long term wind forecast at the charts below.
Fishing Barometer
Atmospheric Pressure:
Change since midnight:
Trend for next 6 hours:
Atmospheric or Barometric Pressure affects fish activity. The best fishing can be had on a rising barometer and also the time just before it is falling. A steady barometer in the higher ranges can also mean good fishing. A falling or low barometer reading without much change is usually not a very good time for fishing.
UV Effect on Fishing
As a rule of thumb, the higher the UV index, the deeper fish will move. Shallow water fishing is best done at times with a low UV index. When the UV is high, stick to early mornings, late evenings and shaded areas. The effect is less noticable in deeper water, but often a higher UV index can produce good results in the deep.
7 Day Fishing Weather
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Fishing Overview Ocala
Ocala, Florida is a freshwater angler’s hub, anchored by the lakes and rivers of the Ocala National Forest, the Ocklawaha and Silver rivers, and dozens of clear, spring-fed pits and neighborhood lakes. This region is best known for trophy largemouth bass and dependable bluegill and crappie action, with fishable water in virtually every direction from town.
Seasonal patterns drive success here. From late winter through early spring, bass move shallow to spawn on Lake Kerr, Lake Eaton, Lake Bryant, Orange Lake (to the south), and the edges of the Ocklawaha backwaters. Look for beds in protected coves with sandy bottom and scattered pads, and target them with weightless soft plastics, floating worms, and suspending jerkbaits. As water warms into late spring and summer, bass push to outside grass lines, submerged brush, and deeper shell bars; Carolina rigs, Texas-rigged worms, and deep-diving crankbaits excel in 8–15 feet of water. Fall brings a strong shad and baitfish bite in open pockets and creek mouths—throw lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits when you see schooling activity.
For panfish, bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) peak around spring and early summer moon phases. In lakes like Bryant, Kerr, and smaller forest lakes, watch for bedding colonies in 2–5 feet of water. A simple float rig with a cricket or redworm and a small #6–#8 hook is the most consistent setup. Crappie (“specks”) are a cold‑weather staple in Marion County’s deeper lakes and slow river bends. In winter, slow troll (spider‑rig) with small jigs or minnows at varying depths until you mark fish on your electronics, then dial in speed and color.
Ocala’s habitat variety is a major advantage. The Ocklawaha River and its backwaters offer current seams, downed timber, and tannic, stained water. Here, pitch jigs, creature baits, or live shiners tight to laydowns for big bass and bowfin, and drift cut bait or nightcrawlers along the bottom for channel cats. The Silver River and spring-fed pits around Ocala feature clear water where stealth matters—long casts with fluorocarbon leaders, natural-colored finesse worms, and light line produce more bites. In grass-heavy lakes, frog fishing early and late in the day can draw explosive strikes; target eelgrass edges, maidencane, and lily pad fields.
Common techniques around Ocala include:
- Live shiners for trophy bass – Slow-troll or free-line large wild shiners along outside grass lines, points, and channel edges.
- Topwater at low light – Walk-the-dog baits, poppers, and hollow-body frogs early morning and evening around shoreline cover.
- Finesse plastics mid-day – Wacky rigs and shaky heads around docks, submerged brush, and spring runs when the sun is high.
- Float rigs for bream – Light spinning tackle, small floats, and live bait over shell beds and around pads.
- Slow trolling for crappie – Multiple rods with small jigs and minnows covering depth and color until you locate a school.
Tactically, focus on water clarity and temperature. After cold fronts, fish often slide off the bank into first breaklines or deeper holes; slow presentations on the bottom work best. In the heat of summer, prioritize early morning, late afternoon, and any moving water—spring runs, river bends, or windblown shorelines. Electronics help you find submerged structure in Ocala’s featureless-looking natural lakes, while polarized sunglasses are critical in the clear springs for spotting beds, grass clumps, and cruising fish. With year-round opportunity and diverse water, anglers around Ocala can tailor tactics to their preferred style and still find consistent action.
Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Ocala area
We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Ocala. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.
Caldwells Pond - 1.54341137862km , Palm Lake - 5.45671929683km , Peter Gibson Pond - 15.08180090656km , Silver River - 15.09765572114km , Brooks Branch - 15.24945942264km , Carter Pond - 15.42515220645km , Indian Lake Prairie - 15.44551509764km , Lake Sparkle - 15.45236650622km , Hopkins Pond - 15.96179134171km , Marshall Swamp - 17.06822780394km , Orange Drain - 17.57650438475km , Rayner Pond - 17.90748896694km , Mallard Lake - 18.36210384795km , Heather Island - 18.36398038974km , Gooski Prairie - 18.5265143957km , Meadowbrook Lake - 19.5038139279km , Coleman Pond - 19.61941077835km , Waldena Lake - 20.0206136312km , Adams Hammock - 20.08133259918km , Leroy Ponds - 20.09439664407km , Jude Pond - 20.6166485507km , Church Lake Prairie - 20.63528524696km , Camellia Lake - 20.71333390021km , Sanders Pond - 21.00513227716km , Little Pond - 21.41214258024km , Daisy Creek - 21.75257273472km , Black Sink Prairie - 22.00676757872km , Oakie Head - 22.06755064332km , Strouds Creek - 22.49362318471km , Shoesole Lake - 23.36007280571km , Lake Otting - 23.37470187293km , Tomahawk Lake - 23.54288948742km , Tiger Den - 23.63880228713km , Fore Lake - 23.74259139503km , Little Lake Bryant - 23.8607501699km , Bowers Lake - 24.01672947442km , Ross Pond - 24.30462230502km , Hawthorn Prairie - 24.31051766137km , Albritton Lake - 24.38619980819km , Lake Lynne - 24.46168003005km
Harbours and
Marinas
Beaches
Bays
Wharfs
Points,Reefs,etc
Latest Catches
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
uploaded by: Russell Gray
uploaded by: Russell Gray
uploaded by: John Matthews
uploaded by: MAD MUSKY WATER SPORTS RENTALS Stacy Ellard Owner
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
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