With A Menu seafood ,

I recommend getting out as early as possible in these summer months. When the skinny water starts boiling, the fishing has a tendency to slow down. The morning and evening bite has been fire for me so far this summer and I’ve had my best bites on the outgoing tide. I’ve also been the most productive with live bait in the summer months. I traditionally stick to using light tackle in the backwaters and try to keep my bait moving with the tide to get the bites I’m looking for.

If you are looking to get out and enjoy a day on the water and catch some fish, give Yellow Dog Bait and Tackle a call at (386) 278-6208 and set up a fishing trip that will be one to remember. Always take a life jacket with you and be alert when paddling in the main channel.

Tight lines!

BlaKE aBBEy

Follow his social media: @blake_jay_abbey

The month of July is known for trophy largemouth bass, bluegill, warmouth and some of the hottest days of summer. With high temperatures it will be most productive to fish early mornings and late evenings. For live bait try fishing Lake Woodruff using wild River shiners. Place your bait against vegetation or open waters of spring fed creeks.

Artificial baits can also work, try top water lures in the early hours and when the water temperatures heat up head to the main river using a Carolina rig with a dark colored plastic worm. Black with blue tail is a proven bait. Since you are fishing a relatively clean bottom, it is not necessary to Texas rig the worm. You can leave the hook exposed for an easier hook up. Use a very sharp hook like a gamagatsu. Use a weight just large enough to resist the current that could sweep your line too quickly. When fishing the drop offs, you will usually anchor in 5 to 6 feet of water and cast out to the channel that will be 13 to 20 feet. Work the worm rig slowly up the slope. Many hits are very light, so keep positive pressure on your line even as you are reeling down. Drop off fishing is always a proven method during hot weather on the St. Johns.

For pan fish use crickets, worms and beetle spins against shoreline cover and tree tops. A few days before the full moon and new moon, check open water areas for fish to be bedding. At this time of the month you can target your fish, while they are feeding, preparing for the spawn. Always check with the fishing camp staff for an up to date report.