What Is Fishing? A Winter Report

This is an update to my fishing reports over the summer and fall. 

Bottom line: Fish don't bite during cold weather, at least not in bayous, more specifically, the bayou behind my house. Not a nibble all winter. Not in blowing cold winds. Not during the rain. Not on overcast days. Not on sunny days. Not even during warm weather kind of days (we have those in Louisiana).

However the change-over is coming. It is, after all, February. If Phil sees his shadow, we have more winter. If not, spring is not far behind (or vice-versa--I can never remember which is which for ol' Phil!) Anyway, a few days ago, I started getting little jumping nibbles, actually more hopping than jumping. The cork kind of hops. I've hooked him/her twice, but s/he lets go before surfacing. I thought at first it was a turtle, but turtles are more resolute. They grab a worm and don't let go until they get good and ready. I'll think I'm hung up, but eventually the cork is set free.

Oh, I am so eager for the fish to swim out of their dark lairs and come closer to shore for spring catching!