I've been fishing so long I've grown into never getting excited about spring fishing till I see 3 SIGNS.

1. Magnolia buds
2. Lilac buds
3. Belle Isle water temperature @ 40

Use to hit it the second sunny day after ice out. That doesn't work.

I'm talking about bay fishing not so much the eye bite, I know that's earlier.

What SIGNS do you look for?

h2o

This sign to.

I look for an old red ford truck with a weird looking boat sticking out of the back window heading down I696.  If I see it, i know the season is here

I will be watching.  Can't wait to get out there again.

yeah i look for at least two cars at the nearest bridge, this usually means the stealhead have found their way up the small stream near my place. oh i love locals!

but really for bass i start throwing bass jigs from my kayak once half of the ice is off the lake. getting traped in ice isnt fun tho 

That's an idea. I should buy a kayak. Cheap on gas & I don't have to worry about the motor breaking down.

Kayaks are cool.  We have one but I've never fished out of it.  I think it would be tough.  Doable, but tough.

I met a guy at Muskie Caster's seminar at GM & the guy fishes the DR in a 16' kayak. That's frick'n nutz.