March is finally here, we are all glad that February is over with here in East Texas. It’s time to get the water temps back into the 50’s and we are all looking for that great 60 degree mark. With the weather being so cold last month it has really backed everything up on the fishing side of things here on Big Sam. We are going to start off fishing the first of March like the middle of February. The water temp as been holding in the low 50’s to start the morning off and getting up into the mid 50’s by the end of the day. It will be best to start off with your PTC73 rigged with a lipless bait on the edge of the grass or over the top of the grass. The best depth has been 9 to 12 feet. The best color has really been changing with the color of the water, if the water is clear then use your red, orange or chrome. If you are in stain or muddy water I like copper, gold and chartreuse colors. You can also use your PG-104 with a 1/2oz. spinnerbait with gold and silver willow blades and white/chart color squirt in these same area with your lipless bait. By the first or second week of March we should have water temp in the mid 50’s at daylight and getting into the mid 60’s by the end of the day. This is when you can pick up your PG-144 with a TX rigged lizard or brush hog and cast it around the flooded bushes. Also in the same area pick up you PG-104 with a Senk-O and work around the bushes and flooded hay grass. I like to use dark colors for both these baits early in the day and go to brighter colors later. Make sure to always put a little chartreuse mark on the tails of all your baits this time of the year. Then it’s time to move in the bushes and pick up your PG-104.5 with the big braid and start fishing in the bushes. If the water gets over three feet in the bushes that’s when I pick up my PG-105, with your 105 you have more back bone to get those bigger fish out of the deeper bushes. Best to use a lizard, tube or craw worm while fishing the bushes. March should be one of the best months we have had on BIG SAM in many years, have fun and be safe!

Stephen Johnston

Johnston's Guide Service

234 Beechwood Loop

Hemphill, Texas 75948

(409)579-4213; home

(409)670-5856; mobile

www.JohnstonFishing.com