The first event of the Florida swing on Harris Chain definitely shook things up in the AOY standings for several anglers and now we head upstream to a Florida tidal fishery. The Bassmaster Elite Series is no stranger to Palatka, but there is not much national tournament data for the St. Johns River in April. I expect that we will see more ups and downs in the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year race and in the Rapala Fantasy Fishing standings.
The Harris Chain definitely was the most diverse Bassmaster Live event of the young 2024 season so far and I think we will see more of that at Palatka this week as well. Expect off-shore current related fish, late spawners, bass on hard cover and a mix of heavy vegetation from the anglers on Bassmaster Live.
Due to a weather delay, anglers will only have two official days of practice so possibly lean on anglers with more St. Johns River tournament experience. On the other hand, maybe look to the rookies that spent more time scouting the venue during the pre-practice.
I think we will see a slightly larger percentage of veterans have success in Florida, so finding that perfect mix of young and experienced will be key in Florida for Fantasy Fishing.
BUCKET A: WALTERS
Patrick Walters had a rough Day 2 on the Harris Chain, causing a slight bump in the road in my AOY prediction for 2024. This little hiccup had me second guessing my strategy of hitching my Bucket A Fantasy wagon to Walters. On the other hand, in four Bassmaster events, Walters has averaged a 7th place in Palatka and with a short practice I am confident in Patrick Walters this week.
Flip a Coin
Whenever both Johnston brothers are in the same bucket, it is a tricky situation to land on the correct Johnston. Cory Johnston is having a solid 2024 season and has been rock solid in Palatka. Most of that success was much closer to full on spawn events, but Cory has always been solid in largemouth grass fisheries.
BUCKET B: LESTER
After a mild start to Brandon Lester’s 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series, he may have regained his groove at the Harris Chain. With a quick turnaround, Lester should be fishing confidently heading into Palatka where he has a solid resume of cashing checks.
Experienced Veteran
It was a coin toss on which veteran I wanted to take for Bucket B. Both Lester and Matt Arey have been uber consistent making weekend cuts on the St. Johns River. Arey just missed the top 50 cut at Harris Chain and should bounce back at Palatka.
BUCKET C: COX
John Cox is no stranger to the St. Johns River and has a lot of experience fishing local team events on this tidal fishery for decades. Look for Cox to find some sneaky stuff and go against the grain on the St. Johns.
What’s Old is New Again?
Bryan New won his very first Bassmaster Elite event he ever fished out of Palatka and had a very respectable 22nd in his only other visit. Look for New to mix up some new and old school fishing for a solid event.
BUCKET D: PALANIUK
Brandon Palaniuk is not known for his Florida dominance over the years, but he has been out for cut ice cream in his last four appearances on the St. Johns River. Palaniuk is veteran enough to not be derailed by a tough event at the Harris Chain.
Is it a pattern?
Mark Menendez has a pattern going back for years where he flip flops between a very strong Top 10 tournament and missing the cut in his Bassmaster Elite Series event out of Palatka. Last year, Menendez finished in the 60’s.
BUCKET E: PRINCE
Picking the local favorite has not really worked well in Fantasy Fishing this season, but I am stubborn and fishing later in the season on a short practice should play into Cliff Prince’s strengths on his home waters.
Back on track
Bucket E is full of anglers looking to get back on track. John Crews has a win and many other solid events and this will be his 11th visit to Palatka with Bassmaster. If Crews is going to be able to launch his season in a new direction, this is a pretty likely place to do it.
Falcon Rods Bassmaster Drain the Lake Challenge
We are well into season four of the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Drain the Lake Challenge. This additional Fantasy Fishing game not only offers a fresh way to play the game, but a completely separate prize pool. Drain the Lake is an elimination or survivor style game where you can only use an angler once all season.
In 2024 we will have 10 events and 104 anglers. You will need to use up 80 of the 104 anglers. Hopefully you have saved a few favorites for the Florida Swing.
Here is my St. Johns River Drain the Lake roster:
John Cox
Cliff Prince
Bryan Schmitt
Drew Cook
Steve Kennedy
John Crews
Wes Logan
Mark Menendez
