In the real estate world the three factors that make a property great are location, location and location. A good spot is a good spot no matter how you cut it. Good spots also apply to the angling world, and location is still key. But savvy anglers also add timing.

A lake can be great, if you hit it at the right time, and merely good a month later. There aren't many veteran anglers who have not heard a fish camp or marina owner intone, "You should have been here last week." Many view that as a flimsy excuse, but there is a lot of truth in it. Time your arrival to a good location and you can have great fishing. Here's a look at 36 Florida angling options you can set your calendar by.

January
Largemouths: Rodman Reservoir
If you're looking to catch a 10-pound bass this month, few places offer a better opportunity than Rodman. The lake and its bass population are in excellent shape. The first wave of spawning bass hits the shallows this month. Research shows that the largest bass in the population normally spawn first, making January a top choice for trophy hunters.

The earliest spawn normally takes place on the Orange Springs flats. Early in the month, look for big pre-spawn females to be staging on vegetation cover along channel edges adjacent to the flats. As the month progresses, they move onto the shallow flats. Watch for bedding bass, and don't neglect to flip any overhead, matted cover during the midday.

Alternatives: Big black and red grouper are gathered along the reef line edge of the Florida Keys over any structure in 100 to 250 feet of water.

Southward migrating sailfish will be riding the Gulf Stream waves along the southeast Florida coast from Palm Beach to Miami. A live bait on the edge of the stream will connect with some.

February
Largemouths: Lake George
At 48,000 acres, this wide spot on the St. Johns River has always been one of the Sunshine State's best bass waters when eelgrass growth has been abundant. That can be cyclic, but for the last few years the grass has been lush, and local guides are reporting lots of trophy fish.

This month will see a major spawn that brings those big bass into the grass. Key areas are around the mouth of Silver Glenn Run, Salt Run and Pine Island. Spinnerbaits, topwater plugs and swimming plastic worms are top bets early, while savvy anglers find actively bedding fish later in the day.

For further information and guide service, contact Capt. Don Weaver at (386) 467-2526.

Alternatives: Kingfish of all sizes are running the Florida Keys reef line from Ocean Reef to the Dry Tortugas. Live blue runners are the top choice for big kings.

Lake Talquin is notorious for its outsized speckled perch. This month sees them actively feeding along submerged channel edges in the main pool.

March
Snook: Myakka River
From its junction with Port Charlotte Harbor, north to State Route 70, the Myakka River is prime winter snook habitat. As the weather warms in March, look for those fish to become active and begin moving south to the Charlotte Harbor.