Warmer temps and longer days are a fisherman's friend

In all honesty this has to be one of my absolute most favorite times of the year, that transition from winter into spring when the weather starts to cooperate and the fishing gets a jump start. March is a true "transition" month as we begin to see some new patterns emerge and become more consistent.

As long as we don't get too many of those blustery spring winds the outlook for everything from the gulf to the Sabine river will be on the good side. The folks who have been dying to go down to the jetties and duel with wired up and fired up trout will get their first taste of that program this month as the green water and light winds will make for some outstanding days along the rocks.

Farther inland the folks who prefer to stay in the lake will be in for some sporadic fishing under the gulls for trout and roaming schools of redfish. The shad will also begin to gang up out in the bayous and open lake so keep an eye out for that to happen because the fish won't be far behind that floating buffet.

Still farther inland the folks who like to congregate in the deeper water along the rivers and ICW will also have their own little piece of heaven as long as we don't get too much rain. As long as that deeper water stays salty the fish will be there waiting on a good tide change to chow down on a variety of baits including shad, shrimp and mullet. Anchoring up on good secondary points and breaks as well as the mouths of the marsh drains will prove very effective for those who enjoy fishing at a little slower and more leisurely pace.

Perhaps one of the greatest joys of fishing is taking the kids along and daylight savings mean you have plenty of time after school to take advantage of the afternoon bite. One of the best methods we have for taking the kids out is live shad under a popping cork, this is just money in the bank. A #3 unweighted popping cork above a ½ ounce egg sinker and barrel swivel gets you started. Tie on a 3 foot leader to the swivel and use a #3 or #4 Kahle hook. Hook the shad or finger mullet through the eye socket and drift behind the boat giving the cork a good pop on a regular frequency.

This method has produced countless fish for us during the summer months and it will be extremely user friendly for the kids. Everybody loves to see the cork under I don't care who you are or what you say, you know you like it.

The longer days and warming temps will go a long way to really cranking up the fishing and opening up a whole host of different patterns and areas. The days of huddling in one protected spot with every other boat on the lake will soon enough be in the rear view mirror.

I for one will be glad to see it happen and I know I'm not alone.