Big Fish Time
by Captain Mike Gerry
I realize that most anglers prefer the warmer winter day; I certainly understand the more comfortable feeling of a better day when the temperature has warmed in the middle of winter. The problem is, if you’re after a trophy size bass, they are now in the feeding mode. We constantly change weather in the spring, and it always presents the chance of that trophy fish.
Sure, some days are a challenge in North Alabama, as the temperature changes, and weather pattern swings are constant for at least another month. The downside is, it’s hard to stay focused and continually work the proper depths and structure to find that trophy fish. The elements fight against you, your hands are cold, it’s hard to feel a bite, the wind challenges you many days in a row during this constant change. Steadying the boat enough to feel those slow methodical bites during this late pre-spawn is not easy.
Don’t waste time. Fish where the big fish should be in this type of weather. In my opinion, this is extended off the long deeper points. I find that in a bad, cold, winter day, the bigger fish extend themselves off under water points from the first break extending down to ten feet or more of water. The reason for this is there is generally still grass near the shallow top and stumps with muscle beds off the deeper points. These are all ideal locations for that big trophy bass, and with some patience and hard fishing, you just might find it.
It is also true that many of the big fish are in the shallows already, moving up to the hard bottom areas of the lake. Look for red clay banks and work them thoroughly.
Lastly, fish small baits. Work them slowly and make very precise casts. Use your Lowrance structure scan to find the structure where the big fish have the best chance to hide. Work those pieces of structure very thoroughly. Make several casts so you cover every angle. You won’t feel big bites, you’ll just feel a twitch or heavy rod tip, make a good hook set because it could be the fish you have been waiting for!
Our God Is Able
by Terry Broome
If we know anything about God whom we worship and serve, we know that He is able to know all (Omniscience); See all (Omnipresence); and do all (Omnipotence). He has proven to people in all ages that false gods are powerless – but that He alone is ABLE to do all things consistent with His nature and His Will. In Our Trying Circumstances Today, We Need to Cling to this Truth, Our God Is Able!
Consider the Three Hebrew young men of Daniel Chapter Three. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, made an image of gold that was 60 cubits (90 ft.) tall. At his dedication, he called for his princes, captains, governors, treasurers, and counselors, to worship the image. The three Hebrew young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to yield to the king or to an earthen image in worship: Daniel 3:16-18 (KJV) 16Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king,
O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17If it be so, OUR GOD WHOM WE SERVE IS ABLE TO DELIVER US from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” God was there for them and they lived through the fiery furnace heated seven times its normal heat.
God has promised us He will be with us today just as certainly as He was with these young men. “Yes,” some say, “but this was in the days of miracles. He works differently today.” We know that God doesn’t work miracles through men as He once did, but let us note from Scripture what He is able to do for us now:
Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Matthew 7:9-11 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
According to 2 Timothy 1:12 He Is Able to Be Trusted: 12 “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
The question is not whether he is able, but whether we believe it. I wish we all had the faith of Abraham. Suppose you were commanded to offer your child. Notice, Hebrews 11:17 17 “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.”
hy did Abraham do this? Hebrews 11:19 19 “Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” God didn’t want Isaac as a sacrifice. He wanted Abraham’s heart. When he saw that he had that through this act of submission, God accounted him as a righteous man, and provided a different offering for Abraham to sacrifice. God doesn’t want us to offer another person as a sacrifice. He wants us to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2) who walk by faith and submit to His Will!
John 14:23 (KJV) 23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
The author can be reached for comments at 256-574-2489.
Keeping Our Kids Safe During Emergencies
by Teresia Smith
As schools have closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countless parents are struggling to find childcare right now.
We must plan for the valleys
by Terry Broome
In recent months we have become aware of a deadly virus that has spread throughout the nations of our planet, COVID-19 Strain of the Corona Virus.
Non-stretch lines
by Mike Gerry
Often, on any lake, I find that the sensitivity of the line you’re fishing with can make a big difference in how many fish you can actually feel the bite and, hence, get to the boat.