[dropcap]F[/dropcap]or those of you heading out to area freshwater lakes in April, here are a couple of things to look for: If you want to fish Lake Talquin, located on the Gadsden County/Leon County border, you’re going to want to fish shallow. Not so different than most years, but 2014 has seen its share of cold rain and lower than average temperatures, which slows down the spawning process. And that could change with a couple of bursts of 80 degree days and warm spring nights. Look for most fishing to be done or should I say “catching” to be done in and around the backs of creeks. Throughout the month of April, Largemouth bass will move up and down to their spawning areas. The best places to look is where you find a hard bottom, like sand or clay. Another key to look for is deep water nearby. Lots of predators roam the banks in early spring looking for a quick meal. Ole’ Mr. Bass likes to be able to move quickly to the safe zone, and in this case, is deeper water. The deep water also serves as a staging point for Mrs. Bass. She’ll wait in the dark edges for the perfect time to come sit on her nest. If someone or something disturbs that, she can simply move a few feet or yards away to safety. Techniques for the shallow bass include top water stick baits like a Rapala or Devil’s Horse. My favorite for plucking nesting pigs is a Jigdinger made by Humdinger Baits. I tip that with a soft plastic crawfish or lizard, then pitch it near the bedding bass and hold on!
If it’s crappie you’re after, youâve come to the right lake. Lake Talquin is one of the most productive crappie fishing lakes in the country. It still holds the State record, and is known for its giant population of Black Crappie (aka âspeckled perchâ or âspecksâ- and in Louisiana theyâre called Sac-A-lait). Lake Talquin not only produces daily limits (25 per day), but also produces nice sizes! 13″ to 15″ crappie are common, and if you’re lucky you might even land one in the 20″ range. Trolling is the preferred method for catching crappie on Lake Talquin, but April is prime for pulling them out of the lily pads. Simply tie a hook on the end of a line, put a minnow on it, and fish in and around the lily pads in the backs of creeks until you find them. Once located, the biggest problem you might encounter is running out of bait! Good luck, be safe, have fun, and ALWAYS wear a life jacket while boating. Letâs go âcatchingâ!