There has been a lot of fishing and boating activity on Big Sam the past couple of weeks as 2013 fishing season is here. Good catches were reported this past week with anglers using both deep and shallow patterns. The Rat-L-Trap patterns have been good and improving as water tems warm to upper 50s. Some really big bass have been caught on the Trap the past few days. With moderate weather currently in place the shallow bite is really turning on with both lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Target drains and ditches with grass and work them completely and don't get in a hurry. In addition, weightless and light-weighted soft plastics are both catching fish in depths of 2 to 15 feet. Also, there are still bass in deep water and especially target where ridges and humps fall off into deep water from 10 to 30 feet or more. Work these with crankbaits, football jigs(Stanley Bug Eye) and Carolina Rigs. The drop shot rig is also still producing in 18 to 30 feet. I like Berkley Havoc's Bottom Hopper Jr (4.75 inches)for my drop shot. Guide Joe Joslin Email [email protected] Joe Joslin Outdoors Fishing Guide Service Visit Joe's Website at joejoslinoutdoors.com