Recent weather patterns are setting up what could be an explosive Bassmaster Elite Series tournament at Florida’s St. Johns River, scheduled for February 20-23, 2025. Elite Series pro Drew Benton believes the recent cold snap followed by warming trends could trigger a significant spawning event, potentially leading to exceptional fishing conditions.

The tournament, hosted at Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp, will see daily takeoffs at 7 a.m. ET, with weigh-ins at Palatka Riverfront Park at 3 p.m. Lower water levels this year are expected to improve water clarity and overall fishery health, despite past hurricane damage to the river’s vegetation.

“When we have a good, cold winter and it warms up, it makes these lakes explode,” says Benton, who predicts a winning total of 88 pounds over the four-day competition. Anglers will target both spawning bass and pre-spawn fish, with various techniques including sight fishing and working shellbeds with jerkbaits and Carolina rigs.

Tournament boundaries extend from Jacksonville’s Fuller Warren Bridge to DeLand’s State 44, offering anglers diverse fishing opportunities throughout the system. While Rodman Reservoir is off-limits this year, Benton expects anglers to find success throughout the entire fishable range.

Live coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com all four days, with additional coverage on FS1 during the weekend.

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Source: Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament Preview, February 13, 2025 https://thebasscast.com/2025/02/13/water-and-weather-foretell-favorable-fishing-for-bassmaster-elite-at-st-johns-river/