Even though the weather wasn’t consistent in January we still saw good catches of Speckled Perch brought in and February should be no different. In fact it could be the best month of the season. This is an excellent month for Speck fishing and all methods of fishing will work to catch these sought after fish. Trolling, jigging and drifting with minnows are some of the most productive methods used depending on weather conditions, moon phase and water temperatures. Some of the best jig colors for February will be yellow, blue and silver and pink. Make sure to use lighter test line while trolling. Find the best speed for trolling and then shorten or lengthen your line as needed. When Specks move to more shallow water to spawn, vertical jigging and pitching a cork and jig or live minnow against the bank will produce the most fish. When the fish aren’t good against the bank, try drifting or trolling in the open waters of one of the many lakes that connect to the St. Johns River. Lake Woodruff has long been rated one of the top lakes in Florida for both largemouth Bass and Speckled Perch.
     February is also a great month for Bass. Many Bass will spawn this month, but not all of them. Wild river shiners are a great bait for these largemouth Bass. Fish these shiners against floating vegetation under a egg shaped float with a weedless hook. For artificial lures, try top water plugs, spinner baits or a 9 inch trick worm with no weight. Remember the colder the water temperature the slower the retrieve.