Hey everyone, 

I just joined the site and recently moved to Jacksonville. I grew up in south Florida and use to slay bass down there, but in Jacksonville it seems to be a totally different game. The only thing I'm catching fish on is a Texas or Carolina rig worm. No luck on any other lures really. Anyways I live at the beach but can anyone recommend any good spots or lures/rigs they have luck with. I have caught some decent fish in some lakes in ponte vedra and at unf. Looking for some new spots to try out. 

18 minutes ago, dlamb said:

The only thing I'm catching fish on is a Texas or Carolina rig worm. No luck on any other lures really. 

I've only been fishing on westside Jacksonville for about a year, but I have the same experience. 80-90% of my small pond catches are from bottom contact plastics. I can't get moving baits to work consistently in small ponds (<25 acre), but they work fine in larger bodies of water while in my kayak. 

Drop shot w/ wacky senko or finesse worm seems to work well in weedless pond. For weedy ponds I usually use t-rig weightless senko, weightless fluke, or t-rig trickworm with 1/16oz weight.

 

Last poster is pretty spot on....big water get a war eagle Mike mclelland spinnerbait. That thing still gets bit in the ponds too by the way but by the bigger fish. You're on some good fish from what I've heard. Wade thru the dinks to find the one u want. Kinda like tournament fishin'....if u throw it, they will (eventually) bite. 

 

I agree.I grew up on the south side .Still live there.There are dozens of ponds and small lakes between the river and the beach.If you can get into old sawgrass there's some hawgs in there but its private.You could also try the public fish management area on AIA between Butler and Beach Blvd.The big pond in front of fccj is good also.If you don't mind a little drive, try the ponds at julington creek plantation.Just fish the common areas and stay out of yards and nobody should bother you.These ponds are stocked and some fish up to 12 pounds have been caught there.If you have a yak, try some of the creeks.And the saltwater fishing is excellent too!As for baits, see above .Its almost exactly what I use.Any soft plastic in watermelon seed or w.red works well.I have caught a few on a bass pattern crankbait also.Oh, and try the pond at baymeadows regional park.Caught some nice fish in there in the j. Boat.

Thanks guys, very useful tips. Killed it today on a t rig trick worm with 1/16 weight. Definitely starting to see what they like to bite here. getting the most luck on June bug colors and watermelon. Surprising I've fished t rig senkos for 2 different days and I'm not getting a single bite. 

I made a face book group called Jacksonville Bass Anglers you guys should join there's about 500 on there and we post our pics of catches daily.

 

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