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We've Made It

If you've looked outside lately, it seems that big yellow thing in the sky -the Sun-is making an appearance more often these days. And this means one thing-it's time to start fishing. As winter releases its grip on America, this means the land and waters are warming--seriously. (Yes Al Gore, it is a global thing, and it happens every SPRING!) Fish that have hunkered down and drifted idly all winter in frigid waters are feeling the warmth, and they're ready to bite. But where will you cast?

Much like deer, fish are creatures of habitat. You'll need to reread if you think I wrote habit-NOT! What small fish like is a place to hide from bigger fish, and bigger fish like something they can hide under or around to quickly dash out and grab any unsuspecting small fish that fins near. It's a fish eat fish world, and habitat is often the key.

One way to find habitat is to study the terrain on the bank. A sharply dropping ridge means there could be a steep cliff under the surface just ahead, and any rocks or old trees down there could hold fish. The same holds true for cattails, a place where lunker bass like to lurk. (Are they the original stalkers?)And the obvious place where most fishing pros cast is under and around boat docks and piers. Hey, fish are hiding under those to escape the growing number of eagles and ospreys in the sky.

They also hide under piers to avoid anglers, so cast carefully.
Maps and sonar gear can also help you discover hidden bumps in the underwater world. Sharp drop offs, old river channels, and structures like abandoned bridges or farm fence lines that are submerged can also be places where fish spend time in waiting. You should run your lure over, beside and around any habitat that you discover or suspect under the water's surface. Much like deer hunting, habitat is the key to catching fish. You owe it to yourself to find the habitat in the waters where you fish if you want to winch in a big fish. That's where the fish will be.