No bugs, no water skiers, no jet boats and a pristine lake all to yourself.
Add in fish that have not seen a lure in months, their movements very predictable and willing to bite, and it's no surprise some of the hottest fishing action is during the early spring season.

Ice off usually occurs in late March or early April in the Kawarthas. The species you are allowed to target at this point are sunfish, yellow perch, black crappie and northern pike, all of which are open year-round in our neck of the woods -- Fisheries Management Zone 17, loosely known as the Kawarthas.

Before you venture out on the water, take some time now to prepare for that opening trip.

While I wait for the ice to melt, I can often be found doing homework on new lakes and spots to try. There are plenty of chat forums dedicated to fishing on the internet. Asking questions online or doing a quick search through prior posts can be extremely helpful.

After you complete your online search, try to locate a hydrographic map of a lake you want to fish so you can plan your day on the water. A good starting point early in the season for panfish and northern pike are shallow dark-bottomed bays and river inlets that have deep water nearby. Northern sections of the lake that face the sun are the quickest to warm so that is where early season activity is best.

For panfish, try small inline spinners (Mepps Black Fury in #1 or #2 sizes), small minnow-imitation crankbaits (two-inch Rapala Original Floating black and silver) or micro tube jigs under a slip float.

A bright coloured jerk bait is one of my favorite baits for early season pike success (Firetiger Rapala Husky Jerk HJ12 or HJ14). Other great pike lures are spinner baits, large inline spinners, spoons and soft-plastic swim baits.

Vary your retrieves fast and slow to determine what the fish prefer. Be sure to add a wire leader to avoid a toothy pike breaking your line.

Lastly, before you head out, pick up a copy of the Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary for 2012. There have not been any significant regulation changes relative to 2011 but numerous fishing sanctuaries exist before walleye season starts on the second Saturday in May and some sanctuaries exist for one week after. It is better to learn about these regulations now in the comfort of your home rather than out on the water with a conservation officer looming over you.