Spring To Summer Transition
As winter draws to a close, spring time habits begin to emerge. Longer high pressure cycles and warming water temperatures produce overcast mornings (May Gray and June Gloom) leading into windy afternoons with clear sunny skies.
Spring also initiates mating season for baitfish and gamefish alike, which is why the bite around this time of year is so sought after. With baitfish like Grunion coming in to spawn on the king tides, or Top Smelt filling the bays and lagoons, bay bass to barracuda and everything in between will be foraging on these spawning species.
When water temps rise, fish begin to emerge from their winter hideouts and can be found in a variety of different locations ambushing prey. From the typical structure locations like docks and rock piles, to grass flats, and even mid water column, (for those using fish finders) some seemingly lifeless areas during the colder months come alive this time of year. In the winter months you may have noticed that fish were feeding on a slower presentation, now is the time to pick up the tempo. Fish will be more active and even travel in search of food.
From May to August the spawn will begin, typically aligning with the lunar cycle (moon phase) these fish will begin to congregate and breed. Leading up to this event they will enter a feasting phase and a much more aggressive feeding pattern.
Targeting these patterns will lead to setting PB’s (Personal Best). Changing to larger bait presentations and a faster retrieve will help you weed out the “cookie cutter” fish and step up your class of fish.
Practicing a tactic know as "search bait" fishing will allow you to key in on a zone holding fish. The idea is to cover water and keep casting and retrieving until you find where the fish are congregating. Once that’s established you can scale bait size up to attract a larger grade fish.
During the spawn these fish (Salt Water Bass i.e. Spotties, Calicos, and Sandies) will be found mid water column spreading their seed into the incoming tide (typically around leading edges of bays and harbors in heavy current). The eggs will drift in to the inner waterways and hatch into fry in about a month's time.
Keying in on this event will allow you the opportunity to swing on a fish of a life time! Focus your efforts in areas mentioned and set the hook like it's the one, because it might be!! Good luck!