Like an elevator weather goes up and down

So far this winter, there can't be too many complaints about our weather around SE Michigan. Cross country skiers will have to go north of Standish to find any decent skiing, and ice anglers probably a bit further.
But those that detest shoveling snow or getting the snow blower out don't have a lot of squawk about. How about living in southern California this past week?
This part of the country has been inundated with rain, turning streets into rivers with sinkholes, and dried up rivers overflowing banks and dams.
Consider California hasn't seen any rain to speak of for several years, it looks like they will get that much and more in a couple of days. What they need is a nice shower over a week or more. These downpours created more problems in the form of mudslides, stranded motorists and many citizens needing to be relocated.
Around here we get our paybacks too. The weather folks say the next week will be above normal temperatures.
But down the road when we think we've ducked winter for a year, the next big snowfall will change all of that thinking.
Mother Nature doesn't give a whit about those spring flowers poking their pretty, colorful heads up through cold, wet soil.
Ww could experience freezing cold days along with heavy snow even in early spring just when the garden is calling us to till the soil in preparation to plant some seeds.
I think local anglers have given up on ice fishing and are putting their efforts in to getting boats and equipment ready for open water.
Kayak friends are chomping at the bit to slide their yaks into local lakes to try out those new square bill crank baits Santa left for them in their stockings.
But like all good things, patience is key. It's going to take a bit more time for local lakes to unlock what ice is left making waters fishable for another year.
If you haven't given in on not ice fishing anymore this year, better pack it up. There definitely is no such thing as safe ice.

Why kayak tournament fish for bass

Why not, indeed. First, you have the opportunity to meet people with similar interests and it's not necessarily competition.

However, it is about fishing water for bass, pike, panfish or anything else you care to hook into. 

-It's about adhering strictly to safety when on the water. That means wearing your PFD, carrying a first aid kit, mirror or while for signaling, and some sort of direction finder to get you back to the launch.

-It's about what others take on the water for fishing. Some roll up with an entire Bass Pro loaded into their boats. There are rods for this and that, line for this kind of weather, doubles on baits in case one gets lots and so forth.

-You learn how to secure everything in the event you roll over or "turtle." As you plan to lay your equipment out remember everything needs to be somehow secured to the boat or made to float.

-You'll see some boats outfitted with enough electronics to land a 757 at Metro Airport in zero visibility. Others sport no electronics, rather depending on lake area maps and satellite views.

-What baits to use when and where? Some go without saying: dark barks on overcast days and lighter colors on sunny days. It actually comes down to what your are comfortable with.

-Which rod do you use? The one you are the most comfortable. I throw bait casters and spinning but prefer spinning gear on a yak. It probably has something to do with sitting so close to the water.

-Clothing is always an issue. In the summer, wear something on your feet. Crocks, tennis shoes or other water shoes protect your feet in the event you need to get out of your boat for whatever reason. Around the ramp, foot coverings are essential due to rocks, discarded cans broken bottles and the like. In the boat, I sometimes slip my crocks off for a bit. But I keep that cockpit picked up with no loose plugs or hooks lying about.
-Finally, you're sure to have more questions than answers if you are a beginner. Check out Michigan Kayak Trail or Michigan Kayak Fishing on Facebook. Google kayak fishing or for specific questions about equipment head for You Tube.
With launch day about six weeks off now is a good time to do your homework, ask questions and be prepared for that first trip.

Spring on Otsego Lake. Note the Frogg Togg pants, crocks, long sleeve shirt and PFD. By Beukema