Best 5 Spots for Catching Catfish Along Florida’s St. Johns River
Are you headed to Florida this year? While there, you may want to consider going fishing. The St. Johns River, its tributaries and surrounding lakes are known to have some great fishing holes. I happen to know of a few that are superlative sites for catching catfish. Here they are:
Dunn's Creek
Dunn's Creek is located in Pomona Park, just past a bend in the St. Johns River. Boaters can find it in the area between mile markers 15 and 16. Based on my experience, the area seems to be highly influenced by the lunar calendar. The tides also tend to play a role, so I'd recommend checking on those things while planning your fishing trip. I'd also recommend stopping off at the Georgia Boys Fish Camp. It is located in the area and offers anglers a chance to fuel up, grab some bait and fry their latest catch for a quick lunch.
Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake is a freshwater lake that is situated between Putnam and Flagler Counties. It connects to Dunn's Creek and Haw Creek. The lake is also affected by the tides and lunar calendar. The lake features a lot of great drop-offs where the fish tend to congregate in the summer. Anglers will find a public boat ramp on Central Avenue in Crescent City. The fishing is so good there that the Rotary Club of Crescent City holds a Catfish Festival every spring.
Murphy's Creek
Murphy's Creek is located just north of Satsuma. It feeds into Dunn's Creek and the St. John's River. Anglers that are so inclined may want to set up camp on Murphy's Island. It's only accessible by boat and there is a public boat ramp nearby called Browns Landing. It is located on Lundy Road in Palatka. Those that do decide to spend the night on the island should be prepared to rough it. A nautical map of the area may be accessed through the NOAA's website.
Buffalo Bluff Bridge
The Buffalo Buff Bridge is located south of Palatka near Satsuma. Even though it may not appear so at first, the area is strongly affected by the tides. As such, anglers would do well to check the tidal charts before heading out onto the water. In my opinion, the best spot to fish is near the sinkhole. The only downfall about the sink hole is that it's notorious for claiming fishing hooks. At least I know that I have lost more hooks there on the submerged vegetation, rocks and sand bar than I care to admit.
Croaker Hole Spring
Croaker Hole Spring is a deep, saltwater spring that is known to hold ample amounts of catfish, blue crab and striper. Like the sink hole at Buffalo Bluff Bridge, it will also swallow an unsuspecting angler's hooks and sinkers. In addition, the water is traditionally very tannic, so anglers should plan accordingly. It is located south of Jacksonville in Little Lake George. The nearest town is Welaka. It features a public boat launch and dock located on the western end of Elm Street.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys fishing with her family and has traveled extensively.
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