Strange Warm Weather Changes Fish Patterns

Very strange weather for this time of the year and the fishing on Lake Martin is almost like spring time has arrived. On some days the fish group in very shallow water while on others they scatter out into deeper water. Very few fish are being caught in deep water as should be the pattern for this time frame of the year.

Schooling action has been reported at different areas from mid to upper lake all the way to the south end of the lake in general areas or creeks leading off the main lake. Stripers can be found where you see birds diving into the water. Not many locators can match the ability of the birds to locate schooling fish. Along with the stripers you will find a mix of white bass and spotted bass.

Many fishermen like to throw top water baits at schooling fish but there are times when they will not even look at any type top water bait. During these times small crank baits and in line spinner baits tend to take a lot of fish. Road Runner baits in the larger sizes are some new baits that have taken some huge stripers this year as well as last year. One thing that seems to help all baits is the bleeding hooks that are being put on a lot of new lures. The red color seems to get more bites and combined with some type of red hair skirt attached to the hooks really pump up these baits. A long time favorite the Rooster Tail also has produced some fine catches from schools of fish.

When all else fails on these schooling fish you can throw a lead head jig tipped with a sassy shad bait. This bait when thrown into schools of fish on or near the top of the water and swam slowly back to the boat is one bait they just can’t resist.

Of course any time of the year live bait will catch every thing from catfish to the largest stripers. Large minnows seem to work well during the colder months and of course the native spot tail minnow caught from Lake Martin has no equal when it come to live bait. Simple to use just squeeze a split shot on the line and tie on a hook and you are ready to fish. Each cast out with live bait is exciting because of the fact you never know just what will bite. Next week we will look at some of the ways to catch catfish on Lake Martin. Catching catfish can be done with every thing from a cane pole to wire traps. Great table fare these fish are fun and sure can bend a pole. Till next week I’ve gone fishing. 

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