Doctors Inlet, St. Johns River, and Black Creek

This is a great time of year to fish for bass and panfish in the St. Johns River and its tributaries.  Bass anglers will want to fish over eel grass beds, around ledges, and under floating vegetation in search of feeding fish.  Docks, bridge pilings, and snags are also worth a look.  With bass seek deeper, cooler water in the heat of summer and anglers should pay special attention to any springs or deep holes that may provide thermal refugia.  Another favorite area is Julington Creek and its side creeks and canals.  This section of the St. Johns River is tidally influenced, so bass tend to move where cover is optimal for feeding.  Black Creek is another great spot to fish for bass and panfish. 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.  Artificial lures like small spinners, crankbaits, jigs, and flies can also be effectively used for panfish.  Shrimp should be making their annual run up the river in good numbers in late July and August.  If heavy rains hold off, good shrimping could be had into September and even October.