"Quest For Adventure" takes Flip Pallot and Glen
Lau back to the place where Glen has spent thousands of hours
filming a documentary called Bigmouth Forever. A
film that uncovered many secrets of the habits of the largemouth
bass and the methods to catch them.
Rainbow River, the river where Glen Lau filmed Bigmouth Forever and
the Beneath The Rainbow program of Quest For Adventure, is crystal
clear and abundant with fish and vegetation throughout its five mile
journey to the Withlacoochee River. Due to clarity and year round 68
to 72 degree water temperatures the Rainbow River is a popular
destination to swim, snorkel, canoe or just relax and enjoy the many
plants and animals that abound. Located north of Dunnellon, Florida
(southwest of Ocala).
Rainbow Springs State Park located 3 miles north of Dunnellon on the
east side of U.S. Hwy 41. The state park encompasses 1000 acres
which includes a full service camping area and eleven different
natural plant communities. The headspring basin produces
approximately 500,000 gallons of exceptionally clear, clean water
each day. This spring system creates the majestic Rainbow River
which has been designated a National Landmark. No diving,
snorkeling, swimming or boating is allowed at the headwaters. This
area is clearly marked for those traveling upstream.
Please note: When you are canoeing/boating the Rainbow River, you
are not allowed to have in your possession any disposable products
no cans, plastic sandwich wrappers, not even candy bar wrappers are
allow. Therefore sandwiches have to go in tupperware type
containers, drinks in a thermos. Also no styrofoam coolers are
allowed.
Camping, fishing, and tube and canoe rental are available at the
campgrounds (352) 489-5201. The campground entrance is located 2.5
miles north of C.R. 484 off S.W. 180th Ave. Road. Canoes require a
$25 deposit and drivers license with a $3.00 per hour fee. In
addition there is a $3.25 entrance fee per car. Hours of operation
are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last canoe rental is 2 p.m. All rentals
must be back by 4 p.m. Hours are extended by two hours in the summer
beginning sometime in May.
Another area of access and place to rent canoes and tubes is the
Marion county KP Hole Park located at 9435 S.W. 190th Ave. Road. For
more information call (352) 489-3055.
Anglers Resort (352) 489-2397 located on U.S. Hwy 41 in downtown
Dunnellon is another place to rent canoes $15 for four hours/$25 all
day. Motorized boats can be rented for $38 for 4 hours/$48 all day
motorized boats cannot be taken all the way to the headwaters of the
springs. They also have motel rooms, have a good supply of bait and
tackle and are very knowledgeable about both the Rainbow and
Withlacoochee River. Where Rainbow River empties into the
Withlachoochee is one of the best places to catch bass over 8
pounds. Anglers Resort is located on the Withlachoochee just down
from the Rainbow. They open at 6:30 a.m. and canoes/boats have to be
back by 5:30 p.m.
Due to the clarity of the water, Glen Lau recommends using no more
than 6 pound test line using small 4" or 5" worms, tub
jigs, artificial crawfish, and/or small jigs with rubber skirts.
Fishing at night with topwater lures can also be exciting. Green and
brown are the best colors for plastic worms or grubs.
