Every day as I drive around, I see more anglers on and in the water. They’re fishing from boats, some are wading, and some are fishing from docks or shore. As usual, some anglers are catching fish frequently, others infrequently. If you’ll be fishing in the next couple of days or weeks, the following fishing thoughts might help you be one of those frequent catchers.

Early in the season, it’s very helpful to understand a little bit about the fish you’re chasing. Depending on where you live, you can chase several species of fish on the same body of water. In the Midwest, we have lots of opportunities to catch a variety of fish species. Northern pike are early spawners. They’ve probably completed spawning or are at least close to doing so, walleyes are probably spawning, and bass and panfish are getting ready to spawn. While you might want to catch walleyes, you will be better off trying for pike or panfish.

When fish are spawning, that’s what they have on their mind. They aren’t real interested in eating, so, although some males might be willing to take your bait, if you want to feel a tug on your line, you’ll increase your chances for that if you try for pike or panfish.

Also, keep in mind that the water is still cool, and many fish don’t want to chase a bait in cold water. A slow presentation is often best. If walleyes are the target, try crawling a stand-up jig tipped with a minnow across the bottom. Give it plenty of stops as you drag it. The stand-up head is better this time of year, as it “stands up” when you stop it. The fish can see the minnow better with the stand-up head, which increases your odds for getting bit.

The same thing is true for most other species. A spinnerbait that’s retrieved slowly will be good for pike, but a KVD Caffeine Shad Jerkbait rigged weedless and weightless will be even better. It can be retrieved slower than the spinnerbait, and early in the year, pike like that. So do most bass.

When crappies are the target, try a small minnow on a Shoo Shiner Jig under a slip-bobber. The slip-bobber allows you to suspend a bait at a certain level, and that’s a big deal this time of year. You’ll need to experiment a bit to determine what the proper level is, but once you do, you’ll be able to get fish to bite that may have gone uncaught. Remember that most fish see up better than they see down, so set your bobber stop so the bait is at the fish’s eye-level or just a tad higher. Baits that are below a fish rarely get eaten.

When you’re fishing with a slip-bobber for panfish, remember that because the bait is almost motionless, the fish are going to be able to get a good look at it. Many anglers go with less-visible line to reduce the chances of spooking the fish. Also, tiny jigs perform better on light line. Four- or 6-pound test will usually be a very good choice. It handles well and the fish have a hard time seeing it.

Keep these ideas in mind and you’ll increase your chances for early season fishing success.

For more insight and tips for fishing throughout the year, check out the articles in every issue of MidWest Outdoors, available by subscribing on our website.