Story: Welaka: A Slice of "Old Florida"

WELAKA: A SLICE OF “OLD FLORIDA”

Welaka, which means "river of lakes," is a town that time seems to have forgotten. Situated on the steep banks of the St. Johns River, this charming berg is shaded by majestic Spanish-covered oaks. Located just a few hours from the closest large cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Orlando this one-stop light community lies sleepily tucked away, largely escaping much of the hustle bustle of its larger neighbors.

Welaka, and the surrounding community, are perhaps best known as the Bass Capital of the World, and deservedly so, as the area is covered with waterways including the northern flowing St. Johns River, Lake George, Bear and Dunn Creeks, Crescent Lake, the Oklawahaa River as well as numerous other cold watered springs fed directly from the Florida aquifer. Not suprisingly, Welaka is 'fish central' for anglers from around the globe who migrate there just for the opportunity to catch trophy-size largemouth and striped bass, brim, shellcrackers and the occassional redfish or tarpon. In the late summer, when the shrimp start their run, tossing a cast net from your boat or dock can fill a 5-pound bucket with large “white shrimp” in no time.

In addition to some classic Victorian and period architecture, the river’s shore is dotted with rustic fish camps like Bass World, Georgetown Marina, Lunker Lodge, the Florida Sportsman Lodge, Georgia Boys Fish Camp, all of which cater to the visiting anglers. The lodging ranges from the basic to the barely luxurious and can include meals, boat rentals, bait, groceries, boat ramps, fuel and all of the fishing accessories that any guest might need during their stay. Prices for lodging and guide services range from relatively inexpensive to moderately pricey. Restaurants do vary somewhat but are down home in style and cost with the general cuisine simple and Southern and the menus loaded with fresh seafood selections. Inerestingly, Welaka does offer the exception of the one fine dining experience at Café Bleau located in central downtown.

True to form, Welaka is also the home of the Welaka National Fish Hatchery which operates an Aquarium open to the public 7 days a week. The primary purpose of the hatchery is to raise humdreds of thousands of bass and bluegills which ar some point duing the year are released into the St. Johns River and the Gulf of Mexico.

But Welaka isn’t all about fishing. For the non-angler, there is plenty to see and do. Bring your camera if you're interested in capturing photos of some of the most beautiful scenery in Florida. And while you’re at it, don't forget to take a picture of the osprey, bald eagles, manatees, alligators, otters, egrets, black bears, deer, blue herons and the many other species of wildlife that frequent the area.

For the active types, there's also numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking and picnicking at the dozen or more state and national parks in the area, many of which are build around natural springs as are found in the Ocala National Forest. If you're particularly adventuresome, take the Fort Gates 2-car ferry ride across the river to the national forest which houses a number of springs and trailheads.

So take a step back in time and visit "old Florida," the Florida of years ago. And don't wait as we know that time will eventually catch up with Welaka, and many of the treasures of this sleepy little town will be lost forever.