By Jerry Neeley
The fish have been in somewhat of a holding pattern for most of the winter. They are deep and hard to catch. There will be a few days toward the end of this month where the NIGHTS stay into the 40 degree range and the day time temperature moves up into the 60 degree range. That’s when Mother Nature says, ok, its time to move toward the creeks and get ready for spawning. So, you began to fish along the mouths of creeks and points. As a rule they are not ready to chase baits just yet, but they can be had!
If I were bass fishing, I would use a slow presentation bait such as a jig or worm on a c-rig. Please don’t fish too fast. Most beginners do this, so slow down and enjoy the moment. Fish everything, stumps, rocks, docks and laydowns. My favorite time to spinnerbait fish is early spring in dingy or muddy water. You can catch some very big bass during this time of year. They are full of eggs and hungary. I like to fish trees and docks with a spinnerbait on the sunnyside of the lake. A few degrees can make the difference between just getting out for a while and catching a few nice fish. You may pull up on a point or cove and bam, there they are, on everything in the area. Thats when its fun.
Crappie fishing has been good all winter. I fish deep during the winter months. Tight linning is my favorite way to fish. I use a single gold #6 hook tipped with a minnow and an half ounce egg sinker. I run about .3MPH or anchor over the fish. Here is the trick. I turn on My H2 to the frenzy setting and drop the speaker over into the water. In a few minutes here comes the fish. Lots of time I’ll have my limit in less than two hours. The crappie will move all over the creeks at the end of the month. You can shoot docks, fish brush and long line during this time.
I have caught a bunch of crappie in 6-10 feet of water in February.
Catfishing is fun. Trolling in the mouths of creeks and in main lake will catch a few. Find the white perch and the catfish will be nearby. Trolling on .5 MPH using cut perch will catch some nice fish.
White perch fishing is fun for kids. I use a two hook minnow rig and troll right down the middle of the creeks. Big Allison is a good place to do this. Remember what I said? Keep a diary and you will catch more fish.
It’s time to check out your boat, trailer and motor before the fishing season swings into full gear. Grease your trailer bearings now, before it’s too late. Tighten up any loose screws and check your batteries and running lights. Don’t forget your fire extinguisher and life jackets.
When I take clients out for a days fishing this is what I tell them.
These are the things that require zero talent:
1. Be on time
2. Be prepared
3. Have energy
4. Have passion
5. Be coachable
Take a kid fishing, someday when you get old, he may come by and take you fishing.
Jerry Neeley – Writes the Wylie forecast
www.carolinasfishing.com ~ 704-678-1043
Jerry’s Fishing Guide Service is a service that has more than forty years of fishing experience. They guide on Wylie and Norman. If you are looking for Bass, Crappie or Catfishing they can provide this service at a reasonable price. Their goal is to make your outing fun and enjoyable. They make fishing fun!