March is here and it already feels like spring. The bass are spawning just like they should. As the water temperatures warm, the bass will be spawning out in deeper water, up to 5 feet. Look for good sandy spawning areas. Put the trolling motor down, and start hunting for beds. The key is to go right back to where you were catching bass in early February and just move out until you see the beds. Polarized glasses are a must. Open water hydrilla patches are holding good numbers of bass that have already spawned. Bait of choice is live wild shiners for big bass. Artificial baits of choice will be rattle traps in chrome with black back, plastic baits in white, watermelon, and June bug has been hot. FWC put new fish attractors out on Lake Toho. Many anglers have been catching panfish around them especially keeper crappie.
Panfish – Specks (crappie) are still inside finishing up the spawn in shallow areas, making their way out to open water as warmer temperatures come in. Fish the pads and reeds that are clean with no hydrilla. Minnow on a gold hook works best in 3 feet of water. At the end of March start looking for shell cracker beds in 2 feet of water. Sandy areas are best. The blue gill will also start spawning on the full moon when the water temps are warming. Another good place to look will be the canals where there is running water. Walk along the banks and look down to find beds on the edges. Keep an eye open some times the bedding fish might be there just for a few days and then disappear. A good pair of polarized sunglasses is as important as the fishing rods you use.
