By Gary Miller
I remember the last time I came back from a river-fishing trip with a friend. It was a beautiful morning to be on the water.
The early morning, during the summer, is usually the best because the heat really picks up about mid-morning. That day was no different. By 10:30, our hopes were fried, along with our back and neck.
But even before that, the action was minimal at best. We caught a few small ones, but never really got into the smallmouth population we had hoped for.
The last few times we had gone, we left with the same results. We had fun. We loved the comradery. The outdoors was beautiful. But the fishing was disappointing. After three times on the same float, discouraging. The thoughts of doing it again? Depressing.
And that is the way it works in other parts of our lives as well. More important parts.
All of us get disappointed. To be disappointed means that an appointment has been missed or lost. This simply means that some things we expected to happen, didn’t.
As long as we have any expectations whatsoever, we all will have disappointments. Being disappointed continually can lead to a deeper problem. Discouragement. It is the loss of courage. It’s saying, since I have been disappointed so much, I am no longer confident in anything good happening. I have lost the courage to continue down the same path I’ve been going. If one remains without courage long enough, he becomes depressed. Depression is when life has seemingly been squeezed out. Life has been pressed from us.
Many of us know what each of these feels like. Some linger longer in discouragement and depression. Some suffer in ways that the rest of us cannot imagine. That’s why it is so important for us to encourage one another. Because, while disappointments are universal and even come from strong faith, discouragement comes from its lack.
That’s why throughout the scriptures, we are continually told to “be of good courage.” And that is also why we are to be people of “encouragement.” The “en” means to cause. It simply means we are to cause courage in other people.
The temptation to lose courage can come from a lot of things, but it always starts with fear of the unknown. It can be the unknown about a job, a sickness, a death, or the next move. This is the predicament of everyone around us. And while I may not have the answer they need, I can choose to cause courage to come into their lives by my words and actions.
When you think of the favorite people of your past – the teachers, friends, family members, neighbors; they are your favorite because they believed you could do anything. They instilled courage. They didn’t ignore your problems or difficulties, they just believed the greatest partnership known to man was you and God.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for more than 20 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
I remember the last time I came back from a river-fishing trip with a friend. It was a beautiful morning to be on the water.
The early morning, during the summer, is usually the best because the heat really picks up about mid-morning. That day was no different. By 10:30, our hopes were fried, along with our back and neck.
But even before that, the action was minimal at best. We caught a few small ones, but never really got into the smallmouth population we had hoped for.
The last few times we had gone, we left with the same results. We had fun. We loved the comradery. The outdoors was beautiful. But the fishing was disappointing. After three times on the same float, discouraging. The thoughts of doing it again? Depressing.
And that is the way it works in other parts of our lives as well. More important parts.
All of us get disappointed. To be disappointed means that an appointment has been missed or lost. This simply means that some things we expected to happen, didn’t.
As long as we have any expectations whatsoever, we all will have disappointments. Being disappointed continually can lead to a deeper problem. Discouragement. It is the loss of courage. It’s saying, since I have been disappointed so much, I am no longer confident in anything good happening. I have lost the courage to continue down the same path I’ve been going. If one remains without courage long enough, he becomes depressed. Depression is when life has seemingly been squeezed out. Life has been pressed from us.
Many of us know what each of these feels like. Some linger longer in discouragement and depression. Some suffer in ways that the rest of us cannot imagine. That’s why it is so important for us to encourage one another. Because, while disappointments are universal and even come from strong faith, discouragement comes from its lack.
That’s why throughout the scriptures, we are continually told to “be of good courage.” And that is also why we are to be people of “encouragement.” The “en” means to cause. It simply means we are to cause courage in other people.
The temptation to lose courage can come from a lot of things, but it always starts with fear of the unknown. It can be the unknown about a job, a sickness, a death, or the next move. This is the predicament of everyone around us. And while I may not have the answer they need, I can choose to cause courage to come into their lives by my words and actions.
When you think of the favorite people of your past – the teachers, friends, family members, neighbors; they are your favorite because they believed you could do anything. They instilled courage. They didn’t ignore your problems or difficulties, they just believed the greatest partnership known to man was you and God.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for more than 20 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
Garden Longer with Less Strain, Fatigue
Kneeler pads provide comfort and protection for knees.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
By Melinda Myers
That first full day in the garden may find you tired, sunburned, and stiff. Whether you are a young or young-at-heart gardener, include some strategies to help extend your enjoyment and reduce fatigue and muscle strain so you can keep gardening longer each day and for years to come.
No matter your age, it’s important to protect your joints when gardening. Use a kneeler pad or knee pads to protect your knees. Knee pads secured to your legs allow you to conveniently and comfortably protect your knees as you move from one garden bed to another.
If you need help kneeling, consider a garden kneeler with handles. The handles provide needed support when kneeling and standing up. The ones that can be flipped over and used as a garden bench provide double the benefit. The seating position reduces bending and helps minimize the need to kneel.
Elevating your garden can also help. It is a great way to save space and eliminate the need to bend when planting, weeding, and harvesting. Elevated gardens and raised beds also offer a place to garden where planting space is limited or nonexistent. You’ll enjoy planting and harvesting with minimal weeding needed. Just be sure to monitor soil moisture and water as needed. Use self-watering containers, add irrigation or employ water-extending products to help lengthen the time between watering.
Further expand planting options by dressing up walls, fences, and more with vertical gardens. Monitor soil moisture in wall-mounted gardens regularly as many have limited soil that dries out quickly.
Clean and sharpen your tools, including pruning equipment, digging and weeding tools. This allows you to make cuts more easily and dig into the soil and weed with less effort.
Consider investing in ergonomic tools designed for comfort to help prolong your time in the garden. Select lightweight tools with non-slip comfortable grip handles aligned to keep your wrist extension straight, which helps reduce muscle strain.
Use pruners with ratcheting, compound, or Dual Link action for more cutting power with less effort. You’ll be able to spend more time pruning with less muscle strain and fatigue. Consider investing in shovels with an anti-skid plate above the blade, providing more foot support for more digging power. Or retrofit an existing shovel with a commercially available anti-skid foot plate.
Don’t overlook the importance of protecting your hands as well when gardening. Quality gardening gloves provide support and protection when digging, planting, pruning, and more.
Start with some preseason training. Every gardener knows gardening is a workout and often involves different motions and muscles than other exercises. Always warm up your muscles and do a bit of stretching before getting out in the garden.
Enlist the help of wheeled carts and wagons to move plants, mulch, soil, and other heavy loads. Don’t be afraid to break heavy loads into smaller batches or ask for help. You’ll spare your muscles and probably save time in the long run.
Wear a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes and don’t forget the sunscreen. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
Preseason planning and preparation can help reduce muscle strain as the garden season begins. You’ll boost your enjoyment and be able to garden longer.
—————
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, Revised Edition, and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
That first full day in the garden may find you tired, sunburned, and stiff. Whether you are a young or young-at-heart gardener, include some strategies to help extend your enjoyment and reduce fatigue and muscle strain so you can keep gardening longer each day and for years to come.
No matter your age, it’s important to protect your joints when gardening. Use a kneeler pad or knee pads to protect your knees. Knee pads secured to your legs allow you to conveniently and comfortably protect your knees as you move from one garden bed to another.
If you need help kneeling, consider a garden kneeler with handles. The handles provide needed support when kneeling and standing up. The ones that can be flipped over and used as a garden bench provide double the benefit. The seating position reduces bending and helps minimize the need to kneel.
Elevating your garden can also help. It is a great way to save space and eliminate the need to bend when planting, weeding, and harvesting. Elevated gardens and raised beds also offer a place to garden where planting space is limited or nonexistent. You’ll enjoy planting and harvesting with minimal weeding needed. Just be sure to monitor soil moisture and water as needed. Use self-watering containers, add irrigation or employ water-extending products to help lengthen the time between watering.
Further expand planting options by dressing up walls, fences, and more with vertical gardens. Monitor soil moisture in wall-mounted gardens regularly as many have limited soil that dries out quickly.
Clean and sharpen your tools, including pruning equipment, digging and weeding tools. This allows you to make cuts more easily and dig into the soil and weed with less effort.
Consider investing in ergonomic tools designed for comfort to help prolong your time in the garden. Select lightweight tools with non-slip comfortable grip handles aligned to keep your wrist extension straight, which helps reduce muscle strain.
Use pruners with ratcheting, compound, or Dual Link action for more cutting power with less effort. You’ll be able to spend more time pruning with less muscle strain and fatigue. Consider investing in shovels with an anti-skid plate above the blade, providing more foot support for more digging power. Or retrofit an existing shovel with a commercially available anti-skid foot plate.
Don’t overlook the importance of protecting your hands as well when gardening. Quality gardening gloves provide support and protection when digging, planting, pruning, and more.
Start with some preseason training. Every gardener knows gardening is a workout and often involves different motions and muscles than other exercises. Always warm up your muscles and do a bit of stretching before getting out in the garden.
Enlist the help of wheeled carts and wagons to move plants, mulch, soil, and other heavy loads. Don’t be afraid to break heavy loads into smaller batches or ask for help. You’ll spare your muscles and probably save time in the long run.
Wear a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes and don’t forget the sunscreen. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
Preseason planning and preparation can help reduce muscle strain as the garden season begins. You’ll boost your enjoyment and be able to garden longer.
—————
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, Revised Edition, and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Enrollment Open for MiCorps Monitoring Program
The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps), a network of volunteer monitoring programs that collect and share surface water quality data statewide, is accepting enrollments for the 2025 Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP) season. Trainings in 2025 will be offered in person in Muskegon and online via Zoom.
CLMP volunteers monitor water quality, invasive species, and habitat conditions in Michigan lakes. Volunteers receive detailed instructions, training, and equipment, and the data they collect are added to the MiCorps Data Exchange, a public database that includes CLMP lake information dating back to 1974.
Interested volunteers are encouraged to enroll early, as some program options have early spring enrollment deadlines. Other options allow enrollment into May and into the summer. Details can be found on the CLMP Enrollment webpage.
MiCorps is happy to announce two opportunities for CLMP volunteers to attend our official training program:
• In person in Muskegon on April 25-26, 2025.
• Online on April 30, 2025.
There is no cost to attend these training events. Training is required for new volunteers, and experienced volunteers are encouraged to attend. Anyone interested in learning more about the CLMP is invited to participate regardless of their intent to enroll a lake and conduct monitoring this year. Registration for each training is required.
Questions about the CLMP should be directed to Erick Elgin, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, at (218) 340-5731 or ElginEri@MSU.edu; or Tamara Lipsey, Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), at (517) 342-4372 or LipseyT@Michigan.gov.
—————
MiCorps is sponsored by EGLE and is administered in partnership with Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, and the Huron River Watershed Council.
CLMP volunteers monitor water quality, invasive species, and habitat conditions in Michigan lakes. Volunteers receive detailed instructions, training, and equipment, and the data they collect are added to the MiCorps Data Exchange, a public database that includes CLMP lake information dating back to 1974.
Interested volunteers are encouraged to enroll early, as some program options have early spring enrollment deadlines. Other options allow enrollment into May and into the summer. Details can be found on the CLMP Enrollment webpage.
MiCorps is happy to announce two opportunities for CLMP volunteers to attend our official training program:
• In person in Muskegon on April 25-26, 2025.
• Online on April 30, 2025.
There is no cost to attend these training events. Training is required for new volunteers, and experienced volunteers are encouraged to attend. Anyone interested in learning more about the CLMP is invited to participate regardless of their intent to enroll a lake and conduct monitoring this year. Registration for each training is required.
Questions about the CLMP should be directed to Erick Elgin, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, at (218) 340-5731 or ElginEri@MSU.edu; or Tamara Lipsey, Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), at (517) 342-4372 or LipseyT@Michigan.gov.
—————
MiCorps is sponsored by EGLE and is administered in partnership with Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, and the Huron River Watershed Council.
Huizenga Introduces Bill to Strengthen Great Lakes Fisheries
U.S. Reps. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, and Mike Quigley, D-Ill., have introduced the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Fishery Research program, set to expire at the end of September, for another five years through FY 2030.
This program has provided the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center dedicated funding to conduct critical research supporting the approximately multi-billion-dollar sport and commercial fishing industry in the Great Lakes. The bill maintains the current research program authorization level at $15 million each year.
“Recreational fishing in Michigan accounts for over $3.9 billion in economic output. As an angler myself, I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act,” said Huizenga, Co-Chairman of the House Great Lakes Task Force. “This bill will strengthen our vital fisheries with the research and technology needed to continue benefiting the ecology of the Great Lakes and the small business economy of Southwest Michigan.”
"The Great Lakes are the pride of the region and one of the finest natural wonders of the world, but their native species and ecosystems face complex challenges. To protect the Great Lakes from threats like invasive species and habitat degradation, Congress must reauthorize this program," said Quigley, co-chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and a member of the House Great Lakes Task Force. "It's on us to preserve our natural resources for future generations."
"History tells us that solid, scientific understanding of what is happening in the Great Lakes is essential to managing this multi-billion-dollar resource," said Ethan Baker, chairman of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. "Effective fishery management starts and ends with accurate data, which is why the Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act is the foundation for the decisions taken by state and Tribal fishery managers.
“The bipartisan authors and sponsors of this bill are Great Lakes champions, and I commend them for the work they are doing on behalf of everyone working and living in the Great Lakes Basin."
This program has provided the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center dedicated funding to conduct critical research supporting the approximately multi-billion-dollar sport and commercial fishing industry in the Great Lakes. The bill maintains the current research program authorization level at $15 million each year.
“Recreational fishing in Michigan accounts for over $3.9 billion in economic output. As an angler myself, I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act,” said Huizenga, Co-Chairman of the House Great Lakes Task Force. “This bill will strengthen our vital fisheries with the research and technology needed to continue benefiting the ecology of the Great Lakes and the small business economy of Southwest Michigan.”
"The Great Lakes are the pride of the region and one of the finest natural wonders of the world, but their native species and ecosystems face complex challenges. To protect the Great Lakes from threats like invasive species and habitat degradation, Congress must reauthorize this program," said Quigley, co-chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and a member of the House Great Lakes Task Force. "It's on us to preserve our natural resources for future generations."
"History tells us that solid, scientific understanding of what is happening in the Great Lakes is essential to managing this multi-billion-dollar resource," said Ethan Baker, chairman of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. "Effective fishery management starts and ends with accurate data, which is why the Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act is the foundation for the decisions taken by state and Tribal fishery managers.
“The bipartisan authors and sponsors of this bill are Great Lakes champions, and I commend them for the work they are doing on behalf of everyone working and living in the Great Lakes Basin."
Michigan Fishing Licenses Now Available
Fishing licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and purchasing your license through the app. The 2025 fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2026.
Photos courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
With Michigan's new fishing license and regulation season beginning Tuesday, April 1, anglers wanting to hit the water will need to purchase a new fishing license. The 2025 fishing licenses are available for purchase now and are valid through March 31, 2026.
All anglers ages 17 and older are required to purchase a fishing license to fish in Michigan. These licenses are good for all species, though additional reporting requirements apply to some species and fishing methods. Anglers can purchase:
• An annual fishing license at $26 for Michigan residents or $76 for nonresidents (both carry an additional $1 surcharge).
• A daily fishing license for $10 per day.
• An optional youth fishing license, which is available for only $2 for anglers ages 16 and younger.
Fishing licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and purchasing through the app.
Make future online fishing license purchases even more convenient by selecting auto-renew at online checkout or in the Auto Renewals section of the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to automatically buy future licenses as they become available.
The statewide trout opener and the Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons all open Saturday, April 26.
In Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye and northern pike seasons open Thursday, May 15.
Michigan’s muskellunge possession season on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers opens Saturday, June 7. (Remember that catch-and-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year.)
The catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open all year on nearly all waters (unless otherwise closed to fishing — check the current Michigan Fishing Regulations for specifics).
The possession season for bass opens statewide Saturday, May 24, except for Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers, which open Saturday, June 21.
The 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations and Inland Trout & Salmon Maps are available online, along with other helpful resources, including fishing locations, “how-to” tips and species identification.
Visit the DNR website at Michigan.gov/Fishing to access these resources and the most up-to-date information. For fishing license questions, contact DNR licensing staff at MDNR-E-License@Michigan.gov or call (517) 284-6057.
All anglers ages 17 and older are required to purchase a fishing license to fish in Michigan. These licenses are good for all species, though additional reporting requirements apply to some species and fishing methods. Anglers can purchase:
• An annual fishing license at $26 for Michigan residents or $76 for nonresidents (both carry an additional $1 surcharge).
• A daily fishing license for $10 per day.
• An optional youth fishing license, which is available for only $2 for anglers ages 16 and younger.
Fishing licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and purchasing through the app.
Make future online fishing license purchases even more convenient by selecting auto-renew at online checkout or in the Auto Renewals section of the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to automatically buy future licenses as they become available.
The statewide trout opener and the Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons all open Saturday, April 26.
In Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye and northern pike seasons open Thursday, May 15.
Michigan’s muskellunge possession season on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers opens Saturday, June 7. (Remember that catch-and-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year.)
The catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open all year on nearly all waters (unless otherwise closed to fishing — check the current Michigan Fishing Regulations for specifics).
The possession season for bass opens statewide Saturday, May 24, except for Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers, which open Saturday, June 21.
The 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations and Inland Trout & Salmon Maps are available online, along with other helpful resources, including fishing locations, “how-to” tips and species identification.
Visit the DNR website at Michigan.gov/Fishing to access these resources and the most up-to-date information. For fishing license questions, contact DNR licensing staff at MDNR-E-License@Michigan.gov or call (517) 284-6057.
Crappie and Perch Like Warmer Water at Ice-Out
By Jack Payne
One minute, the mini-float was there, and the next, it was gone.
At ice-out, you need the smallest float and a very delicate presentation. You also need warmer water.
Warmer water means water a few degrees warmer than the main lake. This can be accomplished by fishing the water receiving the most sun. The northeast shoreline is a prime example.
My first pick would be a manmade canal or a channel. Many times, these two locations have a muddy bottom that warms up quickly. Just a few degrees warmer than the main lake will draw in minnows and crappies.
Look for decayed vegetation, brush, or any type of wood. This can be logs, bushes, or a wooden dock. Docks can be a huge draw, especially when other warm-water structures are not found. Another clue would include areas where geese, turtles, or muskrats are found.
One other hot location would be marinas with wood upright supports. Also, look for areas where rain run-off dumps into the lake. This could be a ditch or culvert. These two sources of water bring in warmer water and insects.
We set one float 6 to 10 inches from the surface and a second float an inch or two above the bottom. If perch are present, which often happens at this time of the year, we usually have a bait sitting on the bottom.
We give each location 10 minutes, and then we move along if they are not biting.
The smallest and lightest float would be the style in which an elastic rubber band holds it in place. Fishing a small glow-in-the-dark teardrop should balance this lightweight float perfectly. Some of these style floats are designed to lie on their side and will stand vertically when a fish starts mouthing the bait. This style of float is my favorite and the most sensitive.
Next up would be a very small clip-on or pencil-shaped float. Just make sure that the float is very small. This style float should sink by 60 percent when adding one number seven split shot.
At this time of the year, the perch are very aggressive. Place the correct morsel in front of them and they will bite. But perch can be finicky. Many times I witnessed perch pounding only one bait. Minnows and spikes work equally well on crappie and perch during this cold water period. Crappie will gobble up the minnows and the wigglers.
Wigglers often times will surprise you. I use wigglers only when the other baits fail. Basically, this is due to the fact they can be stolen quite easily. A secret bait to carry along would be raw shrimp cut into very small pieces soaked in anise oil.
When fishing depths of 1-to-say-6 feet, we use teardrops tipped with bait. Perch like glow baits and they love bright colors. A hands-down favorite for us is the Moon Jig Glitter and Glow. One side has the glitter and the other side the glow. Use size 6 when using a minnow. I carry sizes 6, 8, and 10. We use the teardrops on all panfish all season long.
We call them perch flies and basically they are small maribou and flashabou mixed flies. They work exceedingly well and add flash and flutter.
This is the basic panfish rig that we use all season. The other item to consider is the Perch Pounder Rigs. They work equally as well on crappies. Two choice perch flies are already rigged up and ready to attach to your main line. Just add the meat of your choice.
Double hook rigs, perch rigs, or crappie rigs work best when the fish are in depths starting at three or four feet. Pinch on one split shot and cast it out. Keep a tight line move it six inches and pause.
Keep moving until you find some fish. At this time of the year, the fish can and will be in specific spots. Search for the warmest water and remember you can sleep in on these early spring days. Visit Grand Valley Sport Shop for your spring outdoor products.
One minute, the mini-float was there, and the next, it was gone.
At ice-out, you need the smallest float and a very delicate presentation. You also need warmer water.
Warmer water means water a few degrees warmer than the main lake. This can be accomplished by fishing the water receiving the most sun. The northeast shoreline is a prime example.
My first pick would be a manmade canal or a channel. Many times, these two locations have a muddy bottom that warms up quickly. Just a few degrees warmer than the main lake will draw in minnows and crappies.
Look for decayed vegetation, brush, or any type of wood. This can be logs, bushes, or a wooden dock. Docks can be a huge draw, especially when other warm-water structures are not found. Another clue would include areas where geese, turtles, or muskrats are found.
One other hot location would be marinas with wood upright supports. Also, look for areas where rain run-off dumps into the lake. This could be a ditch or culvert. These two sources of water bring in warmer water and insects.
We set one float 6 to 10 inches from the surface and a second float an inch or two above the bottom. If perch are present, which often happens at this time of the year, we usually have a bait sitting on the bottom.
We give each location 10 minutes, and then we move along if they are not biting.
The smallest and lightest float would be the style in which an elastic rubber band holds it in place. Fishing a small glow-in-the-dark teardrop should balance this lightweight float perfectly. Some of these style floats are designed to lie on their side and will stand vertically when a fish starts mouthing the bait. This style of float is my favorite and the most sensitive.
Next up would be a very small clip-on or pencil-shaped float. Just make sure that the float is very small. This style float should sink by 60 percent when adding one number seven split shot.
At this time of the year, the perch are very aggressive. Place the correct morsel in front of them and they will bite. But perch can be finicky. Many times I witnessed perch pounding only one bait. Minnows and spikes work equally well on crappie and perch during this cold water period. Crappie will gobble up the minnows and the wigglers.
Wigglers often times will surprise you. I use wigglers only when the other baits fail. Basically, this is due to the fact they can be stolen quite easily. A secret bait to carry along would be raw shrimp cut into very small pieces soaked in anise oil.
When fishing depths of 1-to-say-6 feet, we use teardrops tipped with bait. Perch like glow baits and they love bright colors. A hands-down favorite for us is the Moon Jig Glitter and Glow. One side has the glitter and the other side the glow. Use size 6 when using a minnow. I carry sizes 6, 8, and 10. We use the teardrops on all panfish all season long.
We call them perch flies and basically they are small maribou and flashabou mixed flies. They work exceedingly well and add flash and flutter.
This is the basic panfish rig that we use all season. The other item to consider is the Perch Pounder Rigs. They work equally as well on crappies. Two choice perch flies are already rigged up and ready to attach to your main line. Just add the meat of your choice.
Double hook rigs, perch rigs, or crappie rigs work best when the fish are in depths starting at three or four feet. Pinch on one split shot and cast it out. Keep a tight line move it six inches and pause.
Keep moving until you find some fish. At this time of the year, the fish can and will be in specific spots. Search for the warmest water and remember you can sleep in on these early spring days. Visit Grand Valley Sport Shop for your spring outdoor products.
