Drew Benton has a bright outlook for Day 2 on the St. Johns River.
That sentiment describes both his optimism and the substantiating variable — sky conditions.
With the week’s ill-time cold front passing through on Day 1, the second round began with what’s typically considered the death knell of Florida bass fishing hope. Bright “bluebird” skies, high barometric pressure and a big temperature drop (34 degrees at takeoff, compared to Thursday’s 48) — your basic nightmare.
Or is it?
The day will likely see a significant downturn across the field and, in fairness, Benton’s not immune to the reality of the utter disdain Florida Bass hold for cold fronts. However, he started his second day with what may, by conventional wisdom, seem like a far-fetched game plan.
Benton fished his way into fourth place on Day 1 with 21 pounds, 2 ounces. When asked what comprised a good spot, the Florida stick responded: “They had to be on a bed.”
Okay, yesterday’s sight fishing success was a little unexpected for a cold front kinda day, but surely that plan would fizzle under today’s post-frontal conditions, right?
Not if you’re Drew Benton, or anyone who understands what the second round’s complexion, combined with a fishery fed by the Florida aquifer might offer.
Regarded as one of the sport’s premier sight fishermen, Benton has achieved his status through consistent performance rooted in a deep understanding of the technique’s many determining factors. Not surprisingly, the first hour of Bass Live saw Benton share a concise dose of seasoned insight.
“I’m just gonna be patient and let the sun get on them,” he said. “Sun is the X factor down here. You can have a cold night, but if you have sun the next day, big things can happen.
“I’m fishing in a spring, which keeps the water temperature warmer than it would on the main river or in any other (backwater) that doesn’t have spring water flowing into it.”
Benton’s word’s likely prompted a lot of mental note taking, but how do you know you’ve dropped a legit wisdom bomb? When one of the sport’s living legends publicly tips his hat.
Rick Clunn, the 4-time Bassmaster Classic champion with two Elite wins at the St. Johns (2016 and 2019), retired in 2024, after an astounding 50 years of tournament competition. This week, he joins the Bass Live team for tournament commentary.
Suffice to say, it takes a lot to impress the man renowned for his highly intellectual approach to bass fishing, so a nod from Clunn spoke volumes about Benton’s strategy.
Benton said the afternoon of Day 1 brought his better action, as the cloudy morning gave way to a brighter, warmer scenario. With a full day of sunshine on tap for Day 2, the premise has time to develop.
About two hours into his day, with no fish in the boat, Benton said he was considering a change in tactics. That was no lack of confidence; rather, it was a time management decision. Spend a couple of hours looking for a more active bite, while allowing that solar space heater to warm up the honeymoon suite.
“I’ve seen some big ones in here just sunning,” Benton said. “That’s what they do, they’re in here to warm up so they can dump those eggs.”
Look for big things to happen — for Benton and possibly others — in the day’s second half.
