The 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series season is set to commence with the FXR Pro Fish Bassmaster Elite at the St. Johns River in Palatka, Florida, February 20-23. This marks the Elite Series’ 10th visit to this renowned tidal fishery. The timing of this event in late February will have anglers encountering a mix of pre-spawn, spawning, and some post-spawn fish throughout the vast fishery. Throw a looming cold front in the mix, and this tournament is definitely setting up to be an early season wildcard.
Bucket A
Based on historical performance, skill sets, and experience with Florida fisheries, I would choose Cory Johnston and Patrick Walters as two anglers who are likely to do well at the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series event at the St. Johns River from Bucket A.
Cory Johnston
Cory Johnston has a strong track record in Florida, particularly in tidal fisheries like the St. Johns River, and is the defending champion. He is an expert in targeting big sight fish with forward facing sonar, but his versatility allows him to excel whether bass are in pre-spawn, spawn, or post-spawn patterns. Johnston has had multiple top finishes in Florida events throughout the year, showcasing his ability to adapt to changing conditions, which are definitely on tap this week. Whether the bite is dominated by flipping, sight fishing, or targeting staging bass, expect him to be a serious contender.
Patrick Walters
Walters is one of the most consistent anglers in recent years, with a history of top-tier performances at the St. Johns River. He cut his teeth on tidal fisheries in his native South Carolina, and is adept at running and understanding the tide and how to make the most out of it throughout the day. Walters has demonstrated dominance when bass are transitioning and holding on specific structure, giving him a strategic edge in reading the fishery. His prowess with FFS is second to none in the Elite Series field.
Bucket B
For me these two anglers stand out like a sore thumb in Bucket B based on a myriad of factors. I’d pick John Cox and Drew Benton as two anglers who have a strong chance of doing well, and here’s why:
John Cox
John is a Florida local, and St. Johns River is familiar territory for him. His vast experience on Florida lakes gives him an edge in understanding the conditions, patterns, and seasonal behavior of bass in this region. He’s a shallow water guru, having a lifetime of knowledge on how Florida strain bass react to cold fronts, which could give him an advantage in knowing how to approach the river’s unique challenges this week.
Drew Benton
Drew is another Florida-based angler with significant experience in southern waters. His knowledge of fishing in Florida’s rivers and the subtleties of local bass behavior, especially in tidal waters, makes him a strong contender. He typically gets off to a strong start during the early season events that fit his strengths, and is low key one of if not the best sight fisherman on the Bassmaster Elite Series.
Bucket C
For this group, I’d select Greg Hackney and Brandon Palaniuk as solid picks for the St. Johns River event:
Greg Hackney
Hackney is known for his skills in shallow-water fishing, and St. Johns River’s unique mix of shallow, grassy, and backwater areas fits his strengths. We’ve watched him year after year excel on this fishery and I don’t think this time will be the exception to the rule.
Brandon Palaniuk
Brandon’s versatility will be a key factor, as St. Johns River can present multipole scenarios depending on how the weather plays out this week. Palaniuk’s adaptability and experience in tournaments like this one make him a solid pick. He is equally as comfortable targeting main river shell beds as he is punching heavy cover in one of the multiple lakes accessible from the river.
Bucket D
Jason Christie and Brandon Cobb are strong choices for Bucket D.
Jason Christie
Jason Christie has a solid record in river-based tournaments and has been in Florida on a tune up tour for most of February. With its combination of shallow, grassy, and structure-rich areas, pretty much all of the St. Johns River suits Christie’s strengths. With windy conditions predicted, it would not be a shocker to see JC go to work with a moving bait and bring a big bag to the scales during this event.
Brandon Cobb
Brandon Cobb has self admittedly fished more this off season than he ever has in his career. The time on the water getting dialed in with FFS, particularly utilizing it in shallow water scenarios just might pay huge dividends for Cobb this week.
Bucket E
Although both of these anglers are high percentage picks in the E bucket I don’t suggest passing them up this week in Palatka.
Scott Martin
Scott Martin has extensive experience fishing the St. Johns River, however it has not shown in his recent events on the fishery. This time around I believe his deep knowledge of the local waters, coupled with his expertise in fishing shallow, grassy areas, makes him an excellent choice. His familiarity with how Florida fish react in cold front conditionscould give him a big advantage in this event.
Dakota Ebare
Dakota is a rising star in the bass fishing world and has shown a knack for adapting to different types of waters, including rivers. His ability to fish effectively in diverse conditions, including lowland rivers like the St. Johns, puts him in a good position to perform well. His competitive edge and adaptability will make him a strong contender.
All Photos Courtesy of Bassmaster