Just typing the number 2015 is still just weird, but it is here and time is still ticking. The good thing is the fish are doing exactly as they should for this time of year! January had some brutally cold days but February promises to mix it up with some milder temperatures and longer days.

The fish are feeding heavily to fatten up for the upcoming spawn this Spring. The key is to fish the days before an approaching front or weather event. Any stretch of mild weather for more than two or three days will get the bite going also. This winter has produced some impressive catches for my clients with many fish over 10 pounds and even a few pushing the 20 pound mark.

Stripers and Hybrids are in search of warm water, and as luck would have it this is just what the bait fish are doing as well. I am finding the fish in shallow water in big coves and pockets around creek mouths and areas exposed to the evening sun. With a majority of the lake stained, search for clear water and you will be in the right areas.

Some days the best bite has been on down-lined shad at 16 to 40 feet deep, and the next day they will only eat free-lines or bait fished on planer boards. Be versital on the water always keeping an eye out for nature to give clues to what is happening. No matter what season it is every day can be different! The Great Blue Herron is always a sure sign that fish are near. Some of my best catches recently have came from areas where a single Sea Gull was lurking or a Herron stalking the shore-line. Good luck out there and please release the big ones for a future catch!!

Stop Wishing and Start Fishing