Planning tips for your first winter bass vacation

Northern fishermen have it tough. The water turns to ice in December in some places and doesn't liquify again until March. Sure, there is ice fishing. But for die-hard bass fishermen, that doesn't really cut it.

And just as winter's grip is fully tightened around North Central, Northeastern, and Midwestern anglers, fish begin to think about heading in to spawn in southern climates. Not only does the warm weather kick spring off early (January in some places), it provides long growing seasons. And long growing seasons mean BIG BASS.

It's no wonder thousands of northern fishermen head south to Florida, Texas, and even Mexico for a dose of warm weather, open water, and bass. And if you're thinking of joining the exodus to destinations down south, you've picked the best time in history to make your move.

Why? The Internet. No longer are fishermen forced to go to winter outdoor shows and study the travel ads in the back of fishing magazines looking for a good bass fishing destination. The Web delivers tons of resources right to your computer screen and can help you find a place that may be a little more out of the way than the popular spots such as Lake Fork or Lake Okeechobee.

Obviously, you can find many resort and guide pages for lakes and rivers in your target area. But here are some other Internet tips for researching your getaway:

1. Start planning early...6 to 10 months in advance is best. The more time you have to do research, the better your chances of picking a great spot.
2. Visit state fisheries pages. Many state fisheries Web pages have annual reports that rank the various bodies of water. You may be able to compare different places on paper before you consider putting out the cash to visit one. You can also learn what you'll have to pay for a license and what license types are available.
3. Look at tournament results. Search for some tournament circuits that fish the water you're considering. Then look at the results for the time of year you plan to go. When half the field has limits and the winners have a 6-pound average, you know the fishing can be outstanding.
4. Register for fishing forums. Look for a message board (forum) that attracts fishermen from your target area. Read what they're saying about the fishing. Or post your own specific questions. Most local anglers are more than happy to give you general advice about where to fish and what baits to throw. They may not give up their secret spots, but then, what fisherman will ever do that?
5. Hunt down local fishing reports. Many resorts, lake association, and guide pages post regular fishing reports. Keep in mind that these sources are also trying to attract visitors, so it's best to confirm what you're reading with tournament results, forum postings, and fishery reports from the same time period.

If you're lucky, you may find a site like A Guide to Florida Bass FIshing. This is a good example of a site that covers many of the things you'll want to consider before planning a trip to unfamiliar waters.