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and sheepshead year-round as well. If you’re on a kayak, you can really position yourself very close to the structure and cast parallel down it to maximize your cast to bite ratio. I feel like kayak fishing bridges you have an advantage because you can bump up against the structure and not ruin your vessel. I like to constantly move around and cover lots of water until I find fish. I will often catch 2-4 fish in the same location once my first bite locates them. I like to fish with a 20-30lb fluorocarbon leader, but you can go up to 50-60lb if you want to have less break-offs. I personally enjoy fishing light tackle, but it’s a preference thing. I highly recommend checking out the Memorial Bridge if you are on a kayak and want to fish at night. This is such a well-lit bridge you will not need a head lamp. I can navigate all night long and feel safe. Make sure to always have a PFD with you and a dry bag because this time of year it rains frequently without warning. Hope you have an awesome trip if you make it out there. Tight Lines!

BlakE aBBEy

Follow his social media: @blake_jay_abbey

August is no doubt one of the hottest months of the year, but that shouldn’t stop you from fishing. Change up your pattern to accommodate you and the fish. Start out early before daylight and be at your location by the time the sun comes up. Those first 3 to 4 hours are going to be your best fishing time, once it starts getting hot the bass usually retreat to deeper cooler water. Dark colored plastic worms, top water lures and wild river shiners are your best bet to landing a nice size large mouth bass.

Lake Woodruff is a great place to start, only 2,200 acres, it is a very easy lake to fish; there is very little depth variation so target cover. White or chartreuse spinner baits and dark colored plastic worms will account for most of your catch. In the midday heat, try the main St. Johns River fishing drop offs where the bass retreat for cooler water temperatures. Crank baits like a fire tiger are a great method to use. With July bringing high water levels, that produces more tannic acid in our water, making conditions not ideal. Try fishing near springs to get fresh water and better water quality.

Last month we started to see some Speckled Perch coming in from Lake Woodruff. It is unusual to see Specks during the summer months, but fishermen have been productive in Lake Woodruff using the vertical jigging method.

Bluegill will continue to go strong through out August. Pitching crickets along the edge of cover and tree tops early in the morning and late afternoon will be most productive. The norris Dead River is a great 3 mile stretch with not a lot of boat traffic; perfect for bluegill fishing. Come into Highland Park Fish Camp and we will mark an up-to-date free fishing map.

capt. Bryn adaMS Highland Park Fish Camp 1-800-525-3477

www.highlandparkfishcamp.com