Bass World Lodge and Marina
Family-owned fishing lodge and marina on the St. Johns River at the northern tip of Lake George, a rustic Old Florida getaway two decades in the making.
Fishing & Boating
Bait shops, ramps, marinas, charters, eco-tours, and the people who know where the bass are.
All Fishing & Boating listings
Betcha Bass Bait Shack
Welaka bait shop with live wild shiners, minnows and worms, plus non-ethanol gas, tackle, snacks and drinks. One stop before you hit the water.
Brenner Marine Construction
Residential and commercial marine contractors in Satsuma, FL, specializing in docks, boathouses and bulkheads.
Bryant’s Wharf Kayak Launch
Public kayak launch in Welaka with a floating dock, restrooms, scenic viewing area, fishing and shrimping, and two-night overnight mooring.
Crescent Fish Camp
Family-friendly fishing camp and RV resort in Crescent City with cottages, tiny homes, a full marina, fueling station and live bait.
Eddie’s Trailers
Trailer sales in Welaka since 2006: enclosed, utility, motorcycle and car trailers.
Little Lake George Croaker Hole
A spring in Little Lake George 3.5 miles southwest of Welaka, named by the FWC as a thermal refuge where striped and sunshine bass gather.
Port Cove RV Resort and Marina
RV resort and marina in Georgetown, FL with colorful sunsets, warm weather, nearby attractions and a steady calendar of events.
Reel Florida Guide Service
Capt. Adam DeLaney, a fifth-generation Floridian and Georgetown dockmaster, guiding the Lake George region of the St. Johns River.
Renegades on the River
Riverside tiki bar, marina and lodging near the St. Johns in Crescent City, with live music, karaoke, bait and boat rentals.
S&A Leisure and More LLC
Authorized trolling motor and marine electronics service in Welaka, FL: Minn Kota, Lowrance, Garmin, Power-Pole and Rhodan. Sales, installs and repairs.
Shell Harbour Public Boat Ramp
Free FWC-managed public boat ramp on Shell Harbour Road in Satsuma, FL, with poured concrete, a dock for launching and staging, and parking.
St. Johns Paddle Co.
Stand-up paddle board rentals in Georgetown, FL on the St. Johns River. Single and tandem boards, suitable for all skill levels.
St. John’s Watersports
Watercraft rentals in Crescent City for a solo adventure or a day on the St. Johns River with family and friends.
The Lochside Restaurant, Bar & Marina
Waterfront dining with Scottish charm on Crescent Lake. Restaurant, bar, and full-service marina in Crescent City, FL. Tie up, drop in, and stay a while.
Trailboss RV and Marina
RV sites and boat slips by the day, week or month on the St. Johns River in Welaka, with gas and great bass fishing right out front.
Welaka Boat Ramp
Public boat ramp in Welaka with two lanes of poured concrete and a staging dock, open to all boaters.
Welaka Boat Rentals
Boat rentals in the heart of the St. Johns River, positioned for quick access in either direction so you don't lose a day getting there.
Welaka Fish, Crab And Bait
Welaka fixture for fresh fish, seafood and famous blue crabs, plus bait, with quality overseen by 25-year crabber Bruce 'Bull' Horning.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to bass-fish the St. Johns River near Welaka?
- You can catch bass year-round on the St. Johns. Local anglers rate mid-February through April, when the big largemouth move up to spawn, as the peak, with October and November quieter but still strong, and the first two hours after sunrise best in any month — that is local knowledge rather than a published season. For striped bass the FWC says the best fishing runs fall through spring, and that stripers gather at thermal refuges such as the Croaker Hole once the river warms.
- Where can I launch a boat in Welaka for free?
- Welaka Public Boat Ramp (9199 Elm Street) has two concrete lanes and a dock, and Bryant's Wharf (1A Palmetto Street) is best for kayaks and small craft. Both are free. The FWC-managed Shell Harbour Public Boat Ramp (141 Shell Harbour Rd) is also free, though it is in Satsuma rather than Welaka — a short drive north.
- Do I need a fishing license to fish in Welaka, Florida?
- Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license. You can buy one online from the FWC before your trip. Short-term licenses are affordable and cover most visitors.
- What fish species are caught in Lake George and Little Lake George?
- Largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, catfish (channel and blue), crappie, and crevalle jack. Croaker Hole Spring inside Little Lake George is a deep (~48 ft) spot that holds striped bass year-round.
- Are there bait shops in Welaka?
- Yes. Betcha Bass Bait Shack and Welaka Fish, Crab and Bait both serve the local angler crowd. Renegades on the River in Crescent City also stocks bait. Hours vary by season — call ahead, especially on weekdays.
- Is there parking for a boat trailer in Welaka?
- Trailer parking is limited. There is some space at Bryant's Wharf, and the public ramps have parking, but it fills up on good weekends. Launching itself is free at the public ramps — there is no launch fee.