“Rodman isn’t just water — it’s tradition, it’s tourism, and it’s an anchor for our local communities.”
– Rep. Bobby Payne
Yet to bass anglers, Rodman Reservoir is a national treasure. Its complex habitat of submerged timber, hydrilla and winding channels has produced some of the biggest bass Florida has ever seen. The reservoir boasts a storied tournament history and has served as a prime example of how man-made fisheries can thrive when managed with care. For these anglers, removing the dam wouldn’t be ecological restoration — it would be a death sentence for one of the country’s best bass fisheries.
The latest threat to Rodman emerged quietly in Florida’s 2025 state budget, which initially included significant funding earmarked for dam removal studies and preliminary steps toward breaching the dam. It was a line item that could have sealed Rodman’s fate, unnoticed by the general public but keenly observed by those with skin in the game.
As news of the funding spread, an urgent alarm sounded across the bass fishing community. Leading that charge was B.A.S.S. Recognizing the existential threat to a fishery that has fueled memories, world-class catches and the economic engine of many small businesses in that region, B.A.S.S. swiftly mobilized its members, industry partners and conservation allies to defend Rodman.
“Rodman Reservoir is more than just water held back by a dam — it’s an irreplaceable fishery, an economic driver for the region and a cultural landmark for anglers everywhere,” said Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. “When the funding for its removal surfaced, we knew we had to act. This was an important cause for us because it wasn’t just about preserving a fishing spot — it was about protecting a resource that countless Floridians and visitors depend on for recreation, livelihood and identity.”
The advocacy efforts of B.A.S.S. were multipronged. Through digital campaigns, social media outreach, op-eds and direct lobbying, the organization galvanized anglers to write, call and email Florida governor Ron DeSantis, urging him to veto the funding. They weren’t alone. Conservation partners such as the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), local fishing guides, tournament organizers and regional economic stakeholders all joined the fight, forming a coalition of voices that proved too loud to ignore.
President of the Florida Senate Kathleen Passidomo, an outspoken advocate for the reservoir, stated, “Rodman Reservoir is a vital part of Florida’s fishing heritage and a driver of our outdoor economy. Removing the dam would irreversibly alter that landscape, and I support the governor’s decision to protect it.”
Rep. Bobby Payne, whose district includes the reservoir, also voiced his support: “Rodman isn’t just water — it’s tradition, it’s tourism, and it’s an anchor for our local communities. This is a win for the people who live, work and fish here.”
The timing was critical. As the budget bill neared DeSantis’ desk, the window for action narrowed. Anglers and advocates flooded the governor’s office with testimonies of Rodman’s value — both ecological and economic. They shared stories of generational fishing trips, highlighted the reservoir’s robust fish population and outlined the financial impact of fishing tourism in the region.
Meanwhile, B.A.S.S. leadership leveraged its national platform to shine a spotlight on the crisis. “Our mission at B.A.S.S. has always been to protect and promote bass fishing for future generations,” Anderson emphasized. “We couldn’t sit on the sidelines while one of the best bass fisheries in the country was put on the chopping block. We stood up, and, thankfully, so did passionate B.A.S.S. members.”
Then came the pivotal moment. As budget negotiations concluded and pressure mounted, Gov. DeSantis issued his line-item veto, striking the funding for the dam removal from the state budget. In that final hour, the noose was removed from Rodman’s neck — the death sentence was stayed.
The victory was celebrated across Florida’s fishing communities and by bass anglers nationwide. But it was also a sobering reminder that the fight for Rodman’s future is far from over. The ideological divide between restoring natural river systems and preserving man-made fisheries continues to simmer. Each legislative session, funding proposals and environmental pressures may once again target the Kirkpatrick Dam.
Still, this victory showcased the power of organized advocacy and the influence of the bass fishing community when unified under a common cause.
“What this win really proves,” Anderson reflected, “is that when anglers come together, our collective voice can preserve the waters we love. It’s a testament to our passion, our commitment and our responsibility to not just fish these waters, but to fight for them.”
In the wake of the veto, B.A.S.S. has pledged to remain vigilant. The organization continues to advocate for responsible fisheries management, habitat enhancement and data-driven conservation efforts that ensure Rodman remains a premier fishery while also addressing broader environmental concerns.
“We believe in conservation balanced with access,” Anderson said. “We’re committed to working with state agencies, local leaders and conservation groups to ensure Rodman thrives for future generations. This isn’t the end of the story — it’s just the beginning of a renewed effort to safeguard this fishery.”
For now, the waters of Rodman Reservoir remain still, its submerged forests teeming with bass and its channels echoing with the excitement of anglers who know just how close it all came to being lost. The noose may be gone, but the watch continues. And thanks to the timely intervention of B.A.S.S. and thousands of dedicated anglers, Rodman has been granted a stay of execution — one cast at a time. BT
Rodman Reservoir, the beloved and controversial impoundment nestled in Florida’s Putnam and Marion counties, has lived with a proverbial noose around its neck for decades. The man-made lake, born from the now-defunct Cross Florida Barge Canal project of the 1960s, has long been a battleground between conservationists, environmental purists, and the passionate bass fishing community that reveres its rich aquatic ecosystem. In 2025, that battle reached a fever pitch when Rodman once again found itself on death row, its fate dangling by a political thread.
For years, environmental groups have lobbied for the removal of the Kirkpatrick Dam, which impounds the Ocklawaha River to create Rodman Reservoir. Their argument hinges on restoring the river’s natural flow, reconnecting critical habitat and reviving the drowned floodplain forest lost beneath the reservoir’s waters. Those in favor of removal envision a free-flowing Ocklawaha River, a rebirth of native species like the Atlantic sturgeon and the restoration of migratory fish pathways blocked for over half a century.
“Rodman isn’t just water — it’s tradition, it’s tourism, and it’s an anchor for our local communities.”
– Rep. Bobby Payne
