Thank goodness it’s March! I think we are all grateful for the abundant rainfall we had at the end of January and into February which got our rivers and lakes back to full pool, just in time to wet the first fishing line of the season. I believe that March is a transition month for bass.
As the days get longer, we set our clocks ahead an hour. The sun will be higher in the sky which will cause water temperatures to rise. Bass will respond by leaving their wintering holes and heading toward shallower waters. This transition doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a couple of months for the bass to end-up where they want to be… on a bed where the spawn will take place.
As the water temperatures begin to rise bass will respond by feeding more. So, I would begin fishing near wintering holes during the first part of the month. I would target these fish with crankbaits, jerk baits, and big jigs with a chunk trailer. As we get into mid and late March, bass will be in more of a shallow pattern. I would target these with spinnerbaits, square bill cranks, and chatter baits. Look for shallow areas that have some kind of structure, such as wood, rocks or even grass.
We all know from living in the Shenandoah Valley that the weather in March can change day to day. We will have cold fronts, storms, and most likely a lot of windy days. These conditions will have a big effect on all the things I just talked about.
So, get all your gear ready, get out on the water and if you hit the right day, you just might catch the bass of a lifetime. Be safe and remember to watch out for each other on the water.
Easter comes early this year, on March 31st. Families will gather for dinner, children will be hunting easter eggs, and it’s the time of year when church’s will be full. I hope you will attend one of them. Easter brings to my mind and heart one of the most powerful verses God placed in the bible.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to pay the penalty of sin, so that we who believe in him can be with Jesus forever. Because of what the bible says and what Jesus did for us, we can live in full confidence that he wants us and loves us. How will you respond to Jesus this Easter?
Happy Easter and God Bless you all!
Mike
