August is no doubt one of the hottest months of the year! That being said, it is important to start out early. The first 3 to 4 hours after sun up are going to be the most productive time during the day.
   Once it starts getting hot bass will retreat to deeper cooler water and the St. Johns River is a great place to find largemouth bass. The main channel of the St. Johns River between marker 46 to marker 26 hold lots of great bass cover such as downed trees and large areas of spadderdock lily pads with a good average depth around 13 feet. Try this area using crank baits and dark colored plastic worms.
     Panfish like bluegill, warmouth and shellcracker will continue throughout the month of August. Depending on the moon phase and bedding partners, you will find the fish in lakes or along the banks of the river. Try pitching crickets along the edge of cover and tree tops early in the morning and late afternoon. The Norris Dead River is a great stretch perfect for this method.