Other Hotspots
For a limit of 1 1/2- to 2-pound crappie at Millers Ferry, target hard-bottomed sloughs in Bogue Chitto, Rum and Gee creeks using minnows or ultralight jigs. Meanwhile, as temperatures rise, migrating cobia are following cigar minnows all along our inshore Gulf of Mexico waters.

APRIL
Cobia/Orange Beach
When you spot a large cobia cruising near the surface, make an accurate cast, and the dark brown bruiser may turn to take the bait; time will seem to stand still. If you forget to breathe while waiting for the strike, the ensuing battle will have you gulping air.

The best fishing for cobia, which average 20 to 40 pounds, is near shore during their migratory run. Depending on the weather, cobia arrive in mid-March, but the fishing is as unpredictable as the weather. April is the best month to plan a trip. Sight-fish for cobia with crabs, eels, or small baitfish rigged weightless on 30-pound-test monofilament. Retrieve the bait in front of a cruising fish for heart stopping action.

To book a guided trip, call Captain Don McPherson at (251) 981-8047, or visit www.getawaygulffishing. com.

Other Hotspots
When water temperatures on the Coosa River climb pass 60 degrees, fish for hybrid bass in the tailrace below the Neely Henry Dam. At Aliceville Lake, it's time to target crappie in the weeds next to the bank.

MAY
Bluegills/State PFLs
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources intensively manages 23 public fishing lakes throughout the state that provide good bream fishing. Of these, some offer fishing so exceptional, it's as good as the best private lakes'. At Escambia County Lake, for example, anglers routinely catch limits of pound-size bluegills, with big fish weighing more than 2 pounds. Other lakes around the state with great bream fishing are in Barbour, Clay and Lamar counties.

One of the best times to fish is during May's full moon, when -- provided water temperatures are in the high 70s or low 80s -- 'gills spawn. Lively earthworms fished on the bottom catch the biggest bedding fish.

For current fishing information, call the lake manager nearest you. Their phone numbers are available on the DCNR Web site.

Other Hotspots
For a fight with a flathead catfish, head to the creeks off the Alabama River for the first couple of hours after dark. Fish live bream next to bluffs. This is also an excellent month for Smith Lake's striped bass.

JUNE
Spotted Bass/Lake Jordan
With this month summer arrives, but it's still possible to catch 3- to 5-pound spotted bass at Lake Jordan. These spots are aggressive feeders and fight hard -- plus, they'll strike on back-to-back casts.

In June, spots hold on long tapering points that meet the river channel. Look for humps or cover on the points at depths of 8 to 12 feet. The lower lake has an abundance of long points that are easy to find with sonar.

Since the big spots are in loose groups feeding on shad, deep-diving crankbaits are perfect to trigger a strike. Retrieve the lure parallel to the points. Often, spots feed throughout the day.

For current fishing conditions, visit Big Fish Bait & Tackle in Wetumpka, or call (334) 567-7509.

Other Hotspots
Another hot fishing spot in June is Lake Martin. Anglers there catch good numbers of striped bass at depths of 35 to 40 feet on the upper lake above U.S. Highway 280. Also, fly-fishing for bluegills is excellent on Wheeler Lake as mayflies hatch.