Two years ago the St. Johns River was my second-ever Bassmaster Elite Series event. I had just begun my education at this level, and it is interesting to look back on where my thoughts were going into events in 2014. My preview article going into that one mentioned a lipless crankbait. Now that I have been there and fished an event I have a much better idea of how to fish it.
Two years ago the event was won by Chris Lane fishing soft plastics in Lake Dexter. Based on the weather down there, I am going to say that won’t happen again. My best guess is that this year will be a sight fishing derby. It is not my favorite way to fish but not every event can be fished your favorite way. Fishing only in your comfort zone can get you a one-way ticket home on Friday night.
The two Elite events on the St. Johns prior to 2014 were won sight fishing – Edwin Evers and Alton Jones. The winner may not look at 100 percent of his fish, but it’s definitely going to be a major pattern this week. The weather looks beautiful so everyone will be looking at a lot of big bass this week. We will also get to watch our competitors catching fish around us, which is always a mental challenge.
When I am sight fishing I like to use a regular-sized Zoom Brush Hog in the Sprayed Grass color. It mimics a bluegill, and Florida bass get really upset at bluegill messing around their nests. If that doesn’t work then I like to dropshot a 6-inch Roboworm.
Fishing in Florida, I have learned you always have to be ready for a giant. Ten-pound bass swim around down there, and those can really add to an angler’s weight. For that reason I will use heavier line on my dropshot rig. I use 10-pound braid tied to 10-pound fluorocarbon and hang on when the big ones bite. The MHX rod I built for dropshotting is the EPS 81MXF. Hopefully I will find one of those big girls and get a picture for you guys.
For the Brush Hog I spool up 20-pound fluorocarbon on my trusty FS904 rod. I like my chances when I am flipping that bait into beds on a 3/0 or 4/0 Mustad Grip Pin Max hook.
I’m excited to get the year going, and I’m looking forward to sunny Florida weather. B.A.S.S. and Tulsa did such a great job organizing the Bassmaster Classic, and that has all of us excited for a great 2016 season.