Name:	Mountain Man -	Reply
Subject:	Tuesday report
Date:	2/14/2017 9:16:10 PM

Went out trolling today from 7:30-1:30 with my buddy, Jim.  We worked it hard, but only managed one lonesome spot early morning. From then on it was study the graph and scratch our heads and asses trying to make sense of what we saw. What was different from last Saturday?

1) The water was flat, clearing and bumping 59 degrees at the surface plus the sky was virtually cloudless.

2) We never marked a group of fish large enough to be called a school, just a couple of pods with 4-5 members.

3) Here's where it gets interesting: we were in the same area as last weekend, but there were fewer fish marked than just three days ago and those we did see were generally deeper (30-35').

So, what's the deal? I don't have a degree in marine biology or write articles for Alabama Game & Fish, but based on twenty years of fishing Martin, here's my best guess: The slight elevation in water temp has gotten some of the early spawners up and into their staging areas. I'll test that theory later this week and get into the backs of a few favorite sloughs. Long points should be prime. Unless we get another sustained cold spell, we will likely see some great spawning activity for the next two-three weeks. Magic happens once the water reaches 60 and keeps rising. So, get out there and let us know how you're doing!

Name:	Mountain Man -	Reply
Subject:	Tuesday report
Date:	2/20/2017 8:18:07 AM

Sunday update: Spent the first couple hours north of Kowaliga Marina testing the theory that the spots have moved up. Nothing, Judging by the way the bass boats were running and gunning, the bank beaters weren't tearing them up either. Back in deeper water we started seeing marks around 25 feet and put six in the box between 10:00-12:00. The females were bulging with eggs so we returned them to take care of business. Water temp was 58 at the surfarce by noon. Clarity is improving and looking good. Get out there. :0)

Name:	LakeTracker -	Reply
Subject:	Tuesday report
Date:	2/21/2017 1:32:51 PM (updated 2/21/2017 1:51:33 PM)

I agree and noted the same in Manoy. Spots were deep and picked them off with c-rigs 1ounce weight. Anything shallower didn't have much size to them.

Name:	luv2fish -	Reply
Subject:	Tuesday report
Date:	2/21/2017 3:10:02 PM

I coached a team of high schoolers out of my boat Saturday and they fished up past the 280 bridge and the train trussel. They had four in the boat in no time (all largemouth) but from there it was run and gun. We finally came back down near Paces (launch) and they picked up a cull and another spotted bass on squarebill (red craw). Most of the high schoolers had their 5 fish limits but the weights were nothing to write home about. I believe 11.46 won it with a 5lb largemouth as their kicker. The fish are spread out more than normal becuase we didn't have a cold winter and shad kill. Normally the spots would be in large schools but the baitfish are spread out and the bass are doing the same thing from what I've seen.

Name:	Mountain Man -	Reply
Subject:	Tuesday report
Date:	2/22/2017 7:51:47 AM

You make some great points, especially about the warmer than usual winter and the resulting lack of a shad die off. Thanks.

Name:	Mountain Man -	Reply
Subject:	Tuesday report
Date:	2/22/2017 7:58:12 AM

Thanks for posting LT. Sharing our observations should be helpful for anyone reading the forum. Its a big lake and there are plenty of fish for everybody.