A common question among anglers is when is the best time to fish? It seems like a simple enough question. The answer is more complicated. Lots of variables are taken into consideration. For one, what are your expectations? The type and size of fish, your tolerance to adverse weather conditions, fishing patterns, weather patterns, seasonal changes and more dictate fishing conditions and affect the anglers choice of days and times to fish.

Winter
The rule of thumb is the colder the water the bigger the fish. If you are out for a trophy fish during the winter. The drawback of fishing in winter months is you might only get a few bites during the whole day of fishing. The other downside of winter fishing is you need the weather tolerance of a polar bear. Weather conditions in December and January can be harsh. Prepare for the worst. Wear several layers of clothing topping it off with weatherproof outerwear.

Spring
Bass, like me, are fair-weather fishers. As the weather warms to around 65 degrees in the spring bass, and most other species of fish, begin to spawn. You still have a good chance of catching large fish in early spring. Late spring is best for topwater fishing, and numbers. This is the best time to introduce new anglers to the sport. Watching huge schools of the striped bass boil on the surface is exciting.

Summer
Night fishing is preferred by many anglers during the hottest months of the year because the water temperature drops considerably. Fishing very deep or very shallow during this time is common practice.

Fall
Fish get hungry in the fall just like we do. As the water temperature drops the fish go into a feeding frenzy similar to the warming trend in spring that marks the spawning season. The temperature range is usually 60 - 75 degrees.
There are so many other factors involved in catching fish. Some of the most adhered to rules are:

• Fishing is best at the first light of day and the last hour, or twilight. This is true for all seasons.
• Fish like consistency. Fish bite best when the weather is consistent. They also bite well just before a big change in weather. Dropping water levels have a negative effect on fishing, too. Wait a day after a big change in the water level.
• Consider using solunar tables. This method of fishing has been around longer than we have. It might be worth a look.
• Warm sunny days without a cloud in the sky are perfect but not for fishing. Plan a barbeque instead.