Winter relents. Spring creeps in. Ice has finished melting, and we have open water once again. While most anglers haven’t yet fired up their outboards, a longing for big smallmouths excitedly energizes the first trip of the year. Mid April has chilly days, but the ensuing hook sets and singing of the drag is warmth. First time out, the old Evinrude cranks effortlessly to begin its 26th season. With smallmouths on our minds for months, we sail off into the lake’s chilly 44-degree waters. Less than a week ago, majority of the lake was covered with ice. Slowly but surely, it is warming. Right now the best smallmouth fishing of spring is beginning, and we could have up to a month before they spawn. Locating them this early depends on your temperature gauge and intricate knowledge of the lake’s locations as they relate to seasons. Be mindful that smallmouths are sensitive to water temperature changes. Any trickle of warmth is a trigger. The best bites for early spring smallmouths tend to occur in shallow, warming bays. But fish can also suspend and be in transit between wintering areas and spring locations. Typical of early spring, they will also concentrate