October’s high water from the hurricane has since subsided – water levels are low, low, low. Although dangerous for the lower unit of your boat, low water means fish have less area to hide. Bass, bluegill, shellcracker, catfish, and bow fishing should round out May’s offerings in the St Johns River and Lakes Harney, Monroe, and Jessup.
Look for post spawn largemouth bass lurking in the drop off next to sandy bottom – they are feeding heavily after they come off the beds. Target bass with big swim baits, top water ‘walk the dog’ lures, crankbaits, and rattling crankbaits. Early morning fishing and late evenings will become important toward the end of the month as the water temperature warms up. Best baits: live wild shiners, Rattle Traps (black/chrome), Heddon Spook Jr. (bone color), Gambler EZ Swimmer and Big EZ in Copperfield color. May signals the panfish spawn – they will be bedding just about anywhere you find shell and or sand bottom in 1-4 feet of water, look where there is not that much flow/current. This is a great fishery for youth anglers – take a kid fishing! Red worms and crickets will be the bait of choice. Grab your cane pole, and/or ultralight fishing gear and have some fun. The best areas will smell ‘fishy’ – the odor will tell you where to set the anchor and catch fish.
Catfish will be found in the deeper holes and will bite like crazy a day or two following a heavy rain. They will be looking to fatten up for their spawn and will congregate in the river bends where it’s deep and the water is moving. Best baits: Fresh dead peeled shrimp works great, red worms and nightcrawlers, and small shiners from the bait store too. Bowfishing for tilapia along the shallow banks of Jessup, Monroe, and Harney will yield plenty for those equipped. It is easy to add a fishing kit to your hunting bow if you have yet to try it. charlie@coastalanglermagazine.com
