Most cabin rentals mention a pond the way they mention a porch swing—nice to look at, not much more. Whispering Pines is different.

Our private 7.6-acre pond is actively managed for fishing and reserved exclusively for you during your stay. There are no shared docks, no competing anglers, and no wondering whether someone else already fished your favorite spot that morning.

Whether you're introducing your kids to fishing for the first time or hoping to land a serious bass, the pond delivers both experiences. Bluegill are abundant and easy to catch right off the dock, making it fun for children and first-time anglers to get quick action. Watching families celebrate a child's first fish is one of the best parts of having this pond on the property.

Feed the Fish Right From the Dock

We've added a new experience that's quickly becoming one of the most fun things to do at the pond—even if you never pick up a fishing rod.

A waterproof feed box is located right at the dock, stocked with fish food for guests to use. Scoop out a little feed, toss it onto the water, and watch what happens. The pond erupts!

Fish rush to the surface from every direction, splashing and competing for the food just a few feet away. It's an especially fun experience for families with children and a great way for kids to see the pond come alive up close.

Try it while you're fishing, make it part of an afternoon at the dock, or simply walk down with the kids to feed the fish. Sometimes the simplest experiences end up being the ones everyone remembers.

Why the Fishing Is So Good

This is not a decorative pond with a few fish in it. It is a private, actively managed fishery.

Fish are fed daily by an automatic feeder at the dock around 2:30 PM, helping support healthy growth and consistent activity. In 2024, the pond underwent a professional electrofishing survey that confirmed a healthy population of mature largemouth bass. To keep the fishery thriving, we restocked it in summer 2026 with additional bass, forage minnows, and grass carp for natural vegetation management.

  • Private 7.6-acre pond with no shared access
  • Professionally electrofishing-surveyed in 2024
  • Restocked in summer 2026 with bass, forage minnows, and grass carp
  • Fish fed daily at the dock by automatic feeder
  • Guest fish-feeding station right on the dock
  • Managed specifically for bass and bluegill — no catfish

What's in the Pond

  • Florida largemouth bass
  • Bluegill
  • Forage minnows to support bass growth
  • Grass carp for natural vegetation control

Fish from the dock, shoreline, or canoe—or just grab a scoop of feed and enjoy the show.

Fishing with Kids

Bluegill are the easiest place to start. They bite quickly, especially around the dock, making them perfect for kids, first-time anglers, or anyone who wants the fun of catching fish without needing much technique.

We provide corn for bluegill near the tackle box, and it works better than most guests expect. You can also start by tossing a small scoop of fish feed from the dock and watching the water come alive before dropping a line.

For many families, fishing becomes one of the most memorable parts of the stay — kids on the dock, poles in hand, waiting for the bobber to disappear.

Bass Fishing

While bluegill offer fast action, largemouth bass are the real challenge. Guests have caught bass from the dock, shoreline, and canoe, including larger fish that make the patience worthwhile.

Bass behavior changes with the season, weather, water temperature, and time of day, so don't be discouraged if the first hour is quiet. Like any good bass pond, success depends on timing and technique — but the fish are here, and they're worth chasing.

For your best chance:

  • Fish early in the morning or near sunset.
  • Try a weightless plastic lizard or swimbait.
  • Work slowly along the shoreline and around structure.
  • Stay patient — the biggest bass are rarely the easiest to fool.

Whispering Pines Retreat was absolutely incredible. The attention to detail was unmatched—from multiple high-end coffee makers to choose from, to the big-ticket comforts like the hot tub and fire pit overlooking a beautifully stocked pond. The space was spotless, thoughtfully designed, and fully equipped with everything you could possibly need. The perfect balance between luxury and comfort. An unforgettable stay that exceeded every expectation. We can’t wait to return!

— Kari

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Gear & Getting Started

Leave your tackle box at home if you want — we have the basics covered.

Fishing poles and basic tackle are available in the utility room and ready to use. If you're after bluegill, use the corn stored near the tackle box. You'll also find everything needed to clean your catch in the outdoor kitchen.

  • Fishing poles and basic tackle provided
  • Corn available for bluegill
  • Outdoor sink, fillet knife, and cutting board
  • Keep up to 5 bass per stay to help maintain a healthy fishery
  • No harvest limit on bluegill

More Than a Fishing Pond

Even if you never make a cast, the water is one of the best places to slow down.

Take out the canoe, kayak, flat-bottom boat, or pedal boat, watch the fish feeding in the afternoon, or simply sit on the dock as the sun drops behind the pines. Life jackets are provided and required whenever you're on the water.

What's included

Everything you need is already here.

Hot tub
6-person, open year-round under the stars
Private pond
Bass fishing, kayak, canoe, pedal boat
300 acres
Trails, wildflowers, deer, hidden spring
Premium coffee bar
Nespresso, espresso, French press & more
Ranger EV
Polaris UTV to explore the property
Firepit
S'mores kit included · string lights
Stargazing
Celestron telescope · astronomy binoculars · guides
Fully-equipped kitchen
Cookware, spices, baking tools, dishwasher
Outdoor kitchen
Gas grill, prep space, dining area
Stay connected
Fiber Wi-Fi, workspace, Apple TV
Comfort included
Washer, dryer, central heat & air
Family ready
Crib, high chair, games & books
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