Doctors Inlet, St. Johns River, and Black Creek

This is a great time of year to fish for Florida bass and panfish in the St. Johns River and its tributaries. Bass anglers will want to fish over eelgrass beds, around ledges, and under floating vegetation. Docks, bridge pilings, and snags are also worth a look. Current reports suggest live-caught shrimp are making excellent baits. With the shrimp run still strong, catching your bait should be easy (more on the shrimp run below). Another favorite area is Julington Creek and its side creeks and canals. This section of the St. Johns River is tidally influenced, so bass tends to move where cover is optimal for feeding. Look for structure that allows fish to rest in the current, while feeding on passing items carried by the rising or falling tides. Black Creek is another great spot to fish for bass, panfish, and black crappie. The spatterdock edges that line Black Creek provide great cover and attract fish to the shallower areas. Common artificial baits are great for pulling in bass, while live bait, such as worms and crickets, is very effective for panfish, especially redbreast sunfish. Try using live minnows or grass shrimp in the same habitats for increased chances of black crappie. Shrimp are still in the river, and they are growing. The depth of the shrimp may change frequently throughout the day. Be patient and try tossing your net at varying depths until you find shrimp. Once found, keep on them while the catch is good.