Gear Up!

What does the month of March tell me? Well, the fishing new year or, the spring equinox, of course. I know you're thinking that New Year's was way back on the first of January, but some fisherman may not think of it that way. So why do you think that the spring equinox is thought of as the fishing new year? If you say anything like, regeneration of aquatic grasses or baitfish hatches you would probably be correct. It's also a new turn of seasons and weather patterns.

Additionally, this is a month that the seasons are trying to change. Therefore, the wind may be 20 mph out of the north one day, then 30 mph out of the south the next. This means trying times on the water. Who knows what will happen with the crazy Texas weather this March? So far in 2012, there hasn't really been a consistent weather pattern yet. I think this month will only be worse too. I really don't like fishing when the wind can't make up its mind which way it wants to blow, but like that's going to stop me? Spring break is just too tempting to not spend a few days on the water, wind or no wind. On the bright side, any time we can get a steady south or southeast wind for a few days, I believe the fishing will be glorious.

I'm going to go ahead and make a prediction about the fishing in the upcoming months, or "warming months." Last year was really dry, the water had super high salinity, and a lot of fish evacuated the bay waters to seek refuge in the surf. This year we have been blessed so far with a good amount of rain. This is balancing the salinity and will greatly help the marsh. In turn, this will help the bait hatches this spring. Also if you remember back, red tide in the mid-coast killed a lot of baitfish in the fall and early winter. The point I'm trying to make is that I think once all the shrimp and baitfish young grow to edible size for game species, the fishing will be on like Donkey Kong. I believe this will all fall into place around the first of May. You can always go out and catch a good share of fish, but I think this year is lining up to be exceptionally good. I could be wrong, but that's just my prediction.

As unpredictable as the March weather is, you should always plan on spending a few weekends sitting out when you thought the weather was going to be perfect. Hopefully this doesn't happen, but when it does, this would be a good opportunity to work on your fishing gear. Some of the best fishing of the year is right around the corner, and will be here before you know it. I already have a pretty good jumpstart on my gear and I will be 100% by the time it warms up enough to get out of waders. You and I both know there are some essentials in your fishing gear arsenal that needs some work, and maybe even a full-on upgrade.

Fishing gear is one thing that we expect to be nothing less than perfect. For years I have looked for the perfect lure, line, reel, rod, wading belt, tackle box, etc, some I have already found, some I have not. One thing is for sure, I will no longer search for the best rods on the Texas coast. I believe I have found them, and they are known as Bad Bull Fishsticks. They are well balanced, well aligned, but most importantly they sit so well in your hand it feels like a natural extension of the arm. You just won't understand unless you have used one. I have been fishing with mine for a year now, and I can't go back to any other rod. I am just too spoiled with this high quality fishing rod. As of now, the only store stocking them is The Treasure Chest in Port O'Connor. They are not a big name brand yet, but there is great potential for Bad Bull. Next time your in the area stop by The Treasure Chest and check them out. You won't be disappointed!