After a cold winter in Southeastern North Carolina, with several bouts of snow and ice, spring is just around the corner. Itâs that time of year when the days are getting a little longer and the urges to get out on the water grow stronger, and rightfully so. Although those cold March winds may blow today, tomorrow brings calm winds and mild sunny afternoons. The water is warming and the fish are starting to feed in preparation for the spawn. The bass are beginning to frequent the shallows more often, gorging on baitfish and crawdads to fuel the energy required for egg production and the rigors of nest protection. An angler can pick up the pace after more frequent warming trends, reintroducing spinner baits and crank baits to cover water a little faster, as opposed to the slow crawl of deep wintertime. The fish are still in or close to the same areas they were in January and February, but are usually a little more active. The warmer temps at Sutton Lake will even present the opportunity for topwater and all-out bedding tactics. The bass in Lake Waccamaw will be heading towards the shallows, holding on deeper docks, grass beds and shoals with pad roots that havenât come to the surface yet.
The bass fishing can be outstanding this month, no doubt, but the crappie fishing really shines. Targeting schools of crappie can certainly make for a fun day of fishing and a platter full of tasty fillets at suppertime. Expect to locate the largest schools in six to eight feet of water, suspended over 10-15 feet. Eddies in creeks and near drop-offs in lakes and ponds have the most potential for holding slab-sized crappie. Live minnows fished on an Aberdeen hook, split shot and slip cork with six- to eight-pound test Berkley Trilene 100% fluorocarbon are mainstays for a successful outing. I am obsessed with catching whatever I am fishing for with artificial lures, therefore a light spinning or bait casting outfit with a 2.5â suspending or sinking jerk bait, grub or roadrunner style jig are my lures of choice. There is something about fooling a fish with a piece of metal, plastic or wood that canât be equaled in my mind. Both techniques can be employed at the same time with good results from each, just trail the live bait rigs behind the boat as you fan cast or jig the artificials up front. Crappie fishing presents the perfect opportunity for a relaxed fishing trip, especially with the kids, and an excellent chance for a successful day on the water.
Capt. Mike Lanier Ranger Boats Pro Staff, Yamaha, Pure Fishing, Collins Inc., SENC Pro Bass Guide Service / (910)-253-8115 / laniermnl@atmc.net.