April 2010 forecast

   Spring is finally here, and we are finally starting to thaw out along the Gulf Coast.  It's been a long, cold, lonely winter.  The first two days of April have been promising.  Fish are actually showing up in the areas where they should be.  So far, this year, everything has been a little late due to the unusually cold water temperatures.  With the arrival of warm air temperatures, the water should follow suit.

   Our speckled trout (my favorite species) in this area are affected by many factors as far as where they are at a given time.  The transition to the spring time locations is affected more by water temperature than anything, though.  The extremely cold winter that we experienced has delayed the timing of warmer water as compared to time of year.  However, it's getting better everyday.  I expect that by the end of the upcoming week, the speckled trout bite will be in full force! 

    The full moon at the end of the month will be the major spawning period for many of our inshore species.  The large females will be spending the month getting ready to spawn.  When I say getting ready, I mean getting getting fattened up.  This is an excellent month to target trophy sized specks and reds.  Along with outstanding weather conditions, April provides wonderful fishing on the Alabama coast.  I couldn't be more excited.  I LOVE SPRING!!!