46 Outdoors Prepare and Pursue Fishing Checklist for April

April is a month of shifting weather patterns.  Transition is a good description for this month as a whole. Rising air and water temps make it more enjoyable for the kayak angler and wade fisherman.  Weather changes make it interesting and many species are on the move.

Check out your 46 Outdoors Prepare & Pursue Checklist for April...

Largemouth: Largemouth Bass are spawning.  Target weeds and vegetation.  Catch these big females by sight casting to visible beds in shallow water.  This is a great time of year to practice CPR (catch, photo, release).  Let those big girls go back to the nest and stock your freezer some other time. In some places the spawn may be waning; as water temps rise, look for fish on ledges and points and other submerged structure.

Chris Castro with a King Mackerel
Photo: Chris Castro

Beyond The Breakers (BTB): Chris Castro of Next Level Fishing TV and sponsored by Malibu Kayaks says "The magic number is 70 degrees (water temp). This time of year the window of opportunity is always small due to chaotic fronts. Just last week, my bud TJ Batten and I ran into four penetrating species. Big King Mackerel are in and they are on the move as we caught a 39-42 inch king. Spanish Mackerel are also running super thick and we spotted them moving closer to shore. Jack Crevalle have pushed through around the legs of the rigs running in huge schools. Moving on to the Cobia, which is my personal favorite, have also been spotted. Two curious Cobia decided to swing near the tail end of my kayak, so the big ones should be showing up soon if not already."

Redfish: With Southeast winds moving the tide up onto the flats, and into back bays, look for reds in skinny water. Also, keep an eye out for gulls working over hatched shrimp.  I've already heard tales of schooling Redfish this year.

Trout: The "Gator Trout" bite is all but over, but look for trout in transition or in deeper waters or muddy bottoms when the wind shifts and blows from the north or west.

Cole with his first "Flatty"
Photo: Chris Carson

Flounder:  Flounder are back in the bays (if they ever really left).  We are already seeing good
numbers of Flounder.  Fish the bottom around docks and piers and along channels and passes.  Don't be too quick to set the hook.  Let them eat it and it will pay dividends.


Boat Maintenance:  Along with your routine engine maintenance, we suggest you spend a little extra time washing your boat this month.  Especially here in South Texas, oak leaves, tassels, and pollen in general can do a number to a white gel coat on your boat.  Use a good quality marine soap. Check your fire extinguishers and PFD's. Look for wear and rot on the PFD straps. Make sure you have enough for the capacity of your boat.






Kayak Maintenance:  Oscar Castillo (aka: Shimano Penn on Facebook), founder of the Fin Addict Angler Foundation and sponsored by Cowtown Kayaks, says "Check all your screws. and terminals. Tighten whatever is loose and spray those things down with something that prevents corrosion.  I use Corrosion X."


 As Spring patterns emerge, be nimble.  Check the forecast and always have a contingency plan.  Make sure you are personally prepared for whatever the weather brings.  The fish will move with the weather, so be ready to change your plan from one day to the next.  Many times, luck does not produce success, but confidence in a great plan of action will often spell difference on the water.

What are you doing to prepare and pursue? Comment below or on our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/46outdoors/