Distance is a factor for me no matter where I fish - fuel, trailer wear, traffic conditions. However, I will make a 1-1.5 hr trip to Crescent just with the thought that I may catch
some 2lb + fish. The amount of fish I catch isn't a reason for me as I don't keep that many, sometimes I throw them all back. The quality of fish that I catch is important, just makes you feel accomplished even if they are returned to the water. With that being said the St.Johns river & connecting lakes are no comparison to the Harris Chain for crappie fishing to me. Keep in mind that I have only fished the Harris Chain a few times but had to really work hard for the few fish that I caught and after making the journey for a few fish is hard for me especially when I have to drive past the St.Johns. The fish in the Harris Chain seem to be thinner & lighter colored - is that from pollution, fertilizer run off - not sure. I really enjoy the seclusion & natural, untouched feeling you get from the St.Johns - I have always loved this river since I was a kid & was first introduced to it. I fear that 1 day most of these places will not be the same as the state is overpopulating itself faster than we can do anything about it. I am not trying to put down your lake or river system these are my opinions only and as of right now I would not travel over there to fish unless a special event or celebrity was present.
I.E - slabfest or billbob sighting