The Transition Month

We had some unprecedented weather events here on the Upper Texas Coast this winter that included uncommonly cold temperatures and a record snowfall. For the first time in my life I was able to build a snowman (and a pretty decent one at that) while also having a full-blown snowball fight with coworkers in the parking lot. I guess no matter how old you get you still revert back to being a kid. As of now, though, we are on the tail end of winter, but not fully out of it yet. Typically this time of the year the weather pattern is starting to warm up but still capable of delivering another serious cold front or two. It’s like Mother Nature’s way of keeping us on our toes and reminding us that she’s still the boss.

My buddy and I had a conversation recently about fishing this time of year and naturally we discussed the prevailing migration and feeding patterns. Of course, like any other season, these are strongly influenced by the weather. If winter seems to be dragging on and Mother Nature keeps throwing us late cold fronts, this will keep us locked in winter patterns. Likewise, a string of warm, sunny days will hasten the arrival of springtime patterns. After considerable discussion we agreed that March can be an odd ball month filled with highly variable weather, perhaps best described as the transition month.

What I mean by transition is that winter is still lingering around while spring is not quite here yet. I believe that fish are still hanging around deeper water just in case that another cold front comes through. They can also be found moving onto nearby flats and into some marsh ponds on warmer days. The thing is, though, regardless of where they might be found, they are never too far from seeking deep water refuge.

When it comes to targeting these fish, I like to look at what the weather has been for the week or so prior before making any decisions. If there seems to have been a warming trend I will probably start shallow and see if I can find some fish hanging around in the marsh. Once the sun comes up, it usually doesn’t take too long to figure out if the fish are there or not. From what I have observed, you usually won’t find them tailing at this time of year but you should hear or see them crashing bait along the shoreline. By now, there should be balls of small shad coming into our bay systems and every gamefish is taking advantage of the easy meal. Since these shad are so small, the only efficient way for a large fish to feed on them is by swimming into the school with their mouth wide open. This is usually a dead giveaway of the location of a fish and it doesn’t take long to figure out what’s going on when you see it.

If I don’t see any signs of fish being in the shallows and marsh ponds I will revert back to the channels and bayous that feed that backwater area. A lot of times these fish can be found near the entrances of the ponds or main lake. Once again though, I will be looking for baitfish in the channel and will be keeping an eye out for the balls of shad. There are a lot of times that you will see fish crashing the shorelines of the channels, getting an easy meal and then sinking back down into deeper water. If everything looks right and there are signs of fish, then I typically like to focus on fishing the drop-offs of the bayous. Fish will often stage just off the edge of the shallower edge as it makes for a good ambush point for a hungry fish.

Moving on to lure selection, I typically like to downsize my offerings and throw something a little smaller during this early spring period. Whether it might be GULP, Keitech plastics, or Saltwater Assassins; I will stick with their 3” lures and have noticed that it helps when redfish tend to be keying on smaller prey. If I am fishing in the bayou or sight-casting, I will rig it with a 1/8-ounce jighead. If I’m in the marsh or backwater ponds I will likely have my soft plastics rigged under a popping cork.

Locating fish this time of year isn’t always easy but the good part is that if you find one or two there will likely be plenty more in the same area. Just keep in mind that if you’re not getting bites they’re probably not there. Keep moving and trying different areas. Remember that the weather is changing almost daily right now, and so are the fish. Wintertime is nearly over and it is important that you make the transition as well.