You can almost smell spring in the air, but don’t be gullible – winter is still here.
That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to catch when you hit the water.
Black sea bass action has been fantastic during the February season. Anglers are having little trouble getting their allowed bag limit when the weather permits they to get out to offshore wrecks.
But remember, there are only a couple of days left to get in on the catch.
Tautog catches have been kind of slow, but anglers targeting them are still bring home some of these tasty bottom dwellers.
If you care for tuna, boats leaving out of the Outer Banks are your best bet. Some are returning to the docks by lunchtime.
Speckled trout and some puppy drum are a good alternative and that action will get better with every warming day.
That leaves the freshwater scene and this can be some of the best time of the year.
Right now, yellow perch and crappie are the species to target, especially when we get a few days of sunny, warmer-than-average days.
Both species are available in good numbers at just about all lakes, ponds and tidal waters.
A variety of artificial lures and jigs are always a good bet, but it’s hard to discount live minnows and pieces of nightcrawlers worked under bobbers. Bottom bouncing live bait can enhance the chance of success, but as waters warm, fish begin to work schools of bait in various depth ranges.
Remember, crappie have eyes that make them top feeders – meaning them look up for something to eat.
Largemouth bass also are starting to move from the depths because of additional daylight as we migrate towards spring.
Whatever action you prefer, this is a really good time to start organizing your tackle so that the last-minute phone call to go fishing isn’t turned down.
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