As the weather begins to warm in the Racine area, being outdoors, after being cooped up for months, looks like an even better way to spend your time. Fishing is a great way to spend this time; being on Lake Michigan and catching your own dinner always makes for an exciting day. Your charter fishing trip, with the experienced captains at Jack’s Charter Service, is guaranteed to lead to results, but before you decide to tackle spring fishing, check out these charter fishing tips!
Pay attention to the weather: Spring fishing has the most variable weather, far more so than any other time of year. For this reason alone, it is important to plan around the weather and fish days that are warmer than normal, or days leading up to an approaching cold front for the best success.
Fish warm waters: Many of the best spring fishing locations are going to still have cold water. However, by finding areas with slightly warmer waters than the rest of the area, you may find you have better luck catching fish. Look for areas that are shallow and will warm faster in the sun. This will be the area that will draw more fish, and make for a more successful day.
Afternoons are best: Focusing on fishing in the afternoon tends to go hand in hand with looking for warmer waters. The best spring fishing will be in the afternoons, as this could cause a marginal temperature spike in the water, which could be cause enough for a late afternoon bite.
Variables in the water: With the shifting weather, you also get shifting waters. Water temperatures, clarity and depths tend to change throughout the spring. Some of the best fishing areas throughout the spring are where the water experiences changes in currents, water clarity, temperatures, etc. Some of the best spring fishing areas are near a riprap or breakwater (human-placed rock or other material used to protect shoreline structures against scour and water, wave, or ice erosion). The sun heats these areas and they will then cause the water to be warmer, which will attract more fish.
Use live bait: Live bait is the best to catch fish with during the spring months (be sure to use slow movements). Fish don’t need to think about attacking, unlike using artificial lures. Nightcrawlers and minnows tend to work best.
Wait to set the hook: Fish will be slow to bite, which means that they will also be slow to eat your fishing lure. Be sure to wait a moment after you feel a bite to set your hook. You also don’t need to be as deliberate as you do in other times of the year. Instead, you can just simply pull up and tighten your line, then begin to reel.
These are just a few tips to help you have a successful spring outing. When you head out with your captain, be sure to ask them for other tips or tricks to ensure a great experience. Contact us today to learn more about our spring fishing opportunities and book your next charter fishing trip in the Racine area!