Doug Wynn

Hey y’all from the Skeeter. As I type this, we are in the midst of another Arctic blast. These seem weekly and they no doubt have an effect on fishing for several days. The temperature has dropped from 65 degrees this morning to 50 degrees 3 hours later. The forecast rain should start soon. Forecast low is 32. I’ve already cut all my above ground asparagus shoots and will cover the bed tonight. April can’t get here soon enough but fishing has been great on those sunny days with warmer temps.

Even though this kind of weather front causes cancellations of my guide trips, it is prolonging the onset of gamefish spawning. We need some rain to stain up the water and get the lake levels up to at least summer pool before the spawn starts full-blast. Surface temps have been approaching 60 degrees many sunny afternoons.

The amazing size of the average crappie being caught right now is a direct result of a couple of awesome spawns 3-4 years ago. We have already caught several crappie over 15 inches long. I’ve had numerous client personal best crappie caught already. There are still lots of undersized crappie being caught that show successful spawns more recently.

I have been pulling Crappie Magnet Fin Spins with Crappie Magnet plastics. The last trip saw us break out the Pico INT Crankbaits. Wind and wave action have made trolling a lot of choice areas a challenge.

Livescopers have been doing very well when wind allows. I still see several boats pushing jigs and minnows so the older reliable tactics still work.

The Skeeter has been fitted with equipment and electronics suitable for all the different types of fish chasing I do. Some trips have shown issues with my rigging that have to be redone. Thankfully not too many.

I’m seeing some photos on social media of nice catches of bluegills and Redears. We normally think of the beginning of those bites to kick off with the April full moon.

I try each spring to remind folks to get their boats in running order and to refrain from tying up ramps by waiting till your boat is sitting at the waterline on the ramp to get all your tackle and gear out of your tow vehicle.

I witnessed such one morning recently with some choice words being thrown around by those waiting in line to put their boats in. Everybody is in a hurry to take advantage of nice weather and good fishing. Sitting in line while Mr. Inconsiderate is taking 30 minutes to get his junker started or his junk out of his truck is not their idea of how they want to start their day. Don’t be that person! With the lake rising, more ramps can be safely utilized.

A big shout-out goes to the Marshall County Fiscal Court and Road Department for their excellent work on extending the Buckhorn Bay launch ramp at Buckhorn Bay Park. This ramp has been the death of multiple boat trailers over the years in low-water conditions. The new extended concrete should end all those dragging axles when the drop-off at the bottom was reached. Don’t ask me how I know!

Be careful out there. With Easter coming, we will begin to see more fishing traffic to go along with recreational traffic. Sometimes those two groups tend to be like oil and water. The lakes are there for all groups but a bit of courtesy goes a long way. Keep your head on a swivel when others are around. Wear your PFDs and make sure all your required safety gear is on board and working.

Welcome to our slice of Heaven.