We are having record hot weather over here on Florida’s most famous river, and it looks like September will hold more of the same. But not to worry, fish early and late or straight through day for some real good catches of largemouth bass or Bluegill and Bream. For Bream local guide Capt. Tom Hodges says to fish the outside edges of lily pads with crickets or try mouths of creeks and float crickets with small tapered bobber, use light line, small lead and a #6 hook. If Bluegills are bedding try drifting over shell beds until you locate the hot spots, then anchor over them and try for your limit of 50 per person.
    The dog days of summer have not prevented the lunker Bass from biting. We have reported many Bass 10 pounds and over coming from Lake Woodruff in the last month. For largemouth Bass, a favorite lure is the buzz bait, because they are weed less. Throw them over pads, grass, tree tops or anywhere you think might hold bass. If you get a follow up or short strike don’t slow your retrieve. Throw back over and over to try the same spot. If you don’t get a hit then throw a dark colored plastic worm or a swim bait.

     Wild river shiners are always your best bet to catch a trophy Bass in Florida waters. Fish them against cover. The staff at Highland Park Fish Camp will give you a free fishing map and point you in the right direction.