If you can believe the severe cold weather has passed, then you can imagine that the fishing conditions are such, that you can catch big fish now, with less effort than during the past few months.   Not to say the past later part of 2013 was poor, I am a little more likely to enjoy fishing with temperatures in the high 50s to the 70s.   The water temperatures are in the high 50s, and everyone seems to be catching a lot of fish.   I can say without a doubt it is time to book that fishing trip with your favorite guide and get some stripers.   I am trying new methods, in light of the fact, we have lost our primary source of bait, shad, and if you like to fish live bait, I would think artificial will be dominant for a while, especially if you like to catch big fish.   In my opinion, artificial catches more bigger fish, the reason I am sticking to it right now.   The trees are turning green, everyone is out spring cleaning, and although the lake is down some 10 feet, we are in great shape, as long as you know what to watch for in low water areas. There is lots of work being done by many of the marinas to make things attractable, and the places of lodging are gearing up for a busy season.   Most guides are getting all booked on weekends, so it is important to get the date you need for you trip, and start planning everything.   Anyway I know, blab blab, good fishing....JD Dorsey