October is one of my favorite months of the year to fish. It’s a wonderful transition from a long hot summer to the beginning of fall. As the first north winds begin to cool the water down, it excites the fisherman and the fish. With cooler water temperatures the Bass and Speckled Perch begin their feeding and fattening in preparation for the spawning periods that occur several times throughout the season.

     Bass will be more active this month, and wild river shiners are a great live bait that will almost always produce this time of year. October provides excellent top water action as well. The Devils Horse is a proven bait in the dark tannic stained water of the great St. Johns River and connecting Lakes. Another fall favorite is the Buzz Bait, it is one of the easiest lures to use, you can’t go wrong. Just cast and retrieve over many types of vegetation.

     October is also month that kicks off the Speck season. With water temperatures cooling down, specks or (Speckled Perch) start to feed. Early in the season you can use a variety of different fishing methods. Open water fishing usually is the best early on in the season. Drifting live minnows or slow trolling 1/32 oz hard heads or plastic jigs are a local favorite here at Highland Park and on Lake Woodruff. Last years best colors were yellow, chartreuse and pink. The use of light line, 10 pound or less, is essential. Last year Lake Woodruff a 2,200 acre shallow round bowl  produce some of the biggest Specks we’ve seen in our 48 years of establishment here at Highland Park Fish Camp. We are looking forward to another great Speck season starting this month. Come in and ask for a free fishing map and our friendly staff will show you right where you need to be.