Kelley Jaye has over 17 pounds with an 9-pound (according to photog Shane Durrance) kicker in the livewell. Also on the Phoenix Big Bass scoreboard is a 6-pounder and a couple of 5s. Considering the weather wallop this place just endured that’s not too shabby.
Could it be a sign of things to come? Perhaps.
There are several things in play that indicate that it might. First, a warmup is underway. The current temp in Palatka is 60 degrees. Tomorrow it hits 72 and then 80 on Championship Monday. Next, there is a full moon. In Florida, that moon phase is an influencer for the spawn. Finally, the incoming tide should replenish the lakes to the south with much needed water. Add it all up and things could definitely change for the better soon.
Add it all up and tomorrow afternoon and certainly by Monday the catch rates should go up in size. And as we all know, by then the sport’s best anglers will have dialed into the bite as well as they could.
One prediction that has yet to pan out is the thought about local anglers picking it up due to the drastic change in weather. One of them is John Cox from DeBary, Fla. Photographer Andy Crawford just sent this photo of Cox as he exited a canal in Dexter Lake, which is not far from his home. Cox signaled a zero. That is not to say it could change — anytime — for Cox or Cliff Prince, the Palatka resident also considered a local favorite.
Andy said about a dozen boats are in that area, fishing on the outside edges of the vegetation lining the shoreline. That’s not surprising. Also not surprising is the BASSTrakk map shows boats spread out throughout the tournament waters.