Ocala is finally having days with the temperatures back in the 60′s and 70′s, making for a more pleasant trip along the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers.
On recent trips we have seen just about everything. Our guests from Holland were finishing off their trip to Florida, and after being on the River, stated that this is why they came to Florida. We spotted the Rhesus Monkeys, many of the birds, the alligators, and several different types of fishes. The mullet jumping at the head spring put on quite a show.
Last week I saw a gator in the 14 foot range, one of the biggest I have ever seen. We saw male and female alligators hanging out together, with many females nesting.
Sitings of the Wood Stork and Black Crowned Night Heron are rare, but we spotted both. As always we saw the White Ibis and all kinds of Herons.
Water levels are down along the Ocklawaha River. Use care, and remember that when loading into a boat at the ramp the step off the ramp can be a doozy.
See you on the Rivers!
The high temps of summer are making way for a pleasant fall. Boat traffic on the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers are down a bit. On our last Silver River trip with a charming couple from Mississippi, we had the River entirely to ourselves, with a departure from the Ray Wayside Park at 3 in the afternoon. Along the way we saw two seperate troops of Rhesus Monkeys, each troop in close proximity to the Silver Springs Attraction.
Many of our guests who come to see the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers comment on how pleased they are to still be able to see the real Florida. Both Rivers have few of the trappings of mans development, and have been virtually perseved in their natural state. As many know, it is hard to stop the spread of concrete. The abundant wildlife that inhabitats the environment of the Rivers have remained intact and flourished only as a result of this lack of development. One of the few places left to enjoy the “Old Florida”.
Lately we have been fielding numerous questions about the no wake zones on the Rivers. The entire Silver River and the Ocklawaha Basin are no wake zones.
These no wake zones not only reduce signigicantly the amount of erosion of the River banks which in turn creates snags and obstructions, they additionally make it a much safer place to navigate. Maintaing no wake speed insures you a better chance not to sustain damage to your boat from submerged obstructions such as downed trees in the River.
A boaters responsibility for the wake he or she creates does not end until the wake dissipates. This rule applies no matter what body of water you are on. This responsibility includes damage along the banks, as well as kayakers or canoeists that maybe overturned or upset by the wake you make. Many kayakers/canoeists are amateurs, and your wake could spell catastrophe.
For the benefit of all, when the signs on the Ocklawaha River indicate “resume safe speed”, more often than not safe speed should be an idle.
Until next time, see you on the Rivers!
It has been a busy few weeks on the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers. Most of our trips have been Bass charters on the Ocklawaha, with Bass being caught between 4 and 10 lbs. This is unusual for this time of year, and is an added bonus for this summer heat.
Ray Wayside Park, which we all use to access both the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers, is for the time being selling annual parking permits at the Park on the weekends. This will save you a trip downtown if you need to get yours re-newed.
See you on the Rivers!
Most who come to see the Silver River want to be sure to see the Gators. Your are sure to find them soaking up the sunshine. As with all cold blooded animals, this sunning is intrinsic to their metabolism, and is as important as food to them.
One of the unique features of a spring fed river system is the constant 72 degree water temperature. For our cold blooded animals, it creates the exception to the rule. This environment creates a situation where they will breed year around.
This unique eco-system is also condusive to changing migratory behaviors in some of the wildlife that visits the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers. Once they discover the abundance of food, and the constant water temperature, they are prone to staying where life is good. An example of this is the Wood Ducks, a migratory bird.
We saw a huge Osprey this week. These birds are also known as Fishing Eagles. Well, there is plenty of fish to be found on these Rivers.
Large schools of Blue Shad and Mullet have been spotted recently. If you are curious about those beautiful blue fish you have been seeing, they are the Blue Shad, closely related to the Gizzard Shad.
The Silver River is one of the coolest places to be on a hot summer day. Hot is the word though, and it is best to be on the Rivers very early in the day, or after the sun starts to set.
See you on the Rivers!
When it’s hot, it’s HOT! The Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers are always a great place to get away from the heat, but be sure to go in the early morning or late afternoon. An early morning departure is always best, with the Rivers and the wildlife totally undisturbed.
Our guests Saturday were in all the way from Holland! It was a mid- day tour, and was it hot! Plenty of gators about, from 14 inches to 14 feet. The Rhesus Monkeys were easy to spot. Apparently the gators and the monkeys do not mind the high temperatures.
Our guests from Holland came to us through Ann Sternal with the Visitors and Convention Bureau. Their web site, www.ocalamarion.com, has a comprehensive listing of all the many ways to enjoy the outdoor and cultural activities in Marion County. From boating to museums, the information is a click away.
It is always special when you get to show off the Silver River to guests who have traveled such great distances. Mother Nature always puts on a show, and the one along the Silver River is one of her best.
Silver River Tour News | Captain Nick | 
January 28, 2011 1:59 pm | 
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