Numerous small creeks, coves and the submerged points connecting them to the main lake provide additional options for the fish.

There are plenty of places for largemouths to hide. But that changes in March and April.

"Unlike a lot of the lakes in the southern part of the state, Talquin has a very compressed spawn and pre-spawn period," explained veteran guide, Mike Mercuri. "Everything pretty much happens in two months -- March and April. And this is a great time to fish this lake."

Bass spend the winter months in the deeper main channel areas. But by late February, they're thinking about spawning and begin to make short movements towards the sheltered creeks where they bed.

By March, those movements are much stronger. "During March," Mercuri agreed, "you want to be looking at the main-lake creek channel points that connect with the smaller creeks. The bass want to get into those creeks to spawn, and move into them when the water temperature reaches about 65 degrees. But we don't normally have that temperature in March, so the fish tend to stack on those creek channel points."

There are several ways to tap into those point-hugging bass. Carolina or Do Nothing worm rigs are local favorites. Since the water is normally stained, dark-colored worms in black, blue-and-black glitter and June-bug are generally better bets.

Rigging with a floating worm or 5-inch lizard is sometimes more effective than traditional worms.

Rat-L-Trap style baits in red crawfish or blue chrome are other options. These can be cast to the deeper portion of the drop and banged along the bottom, from deep to shallow. Or if active fish are seen, just zip it across the point. But be aware that largemouths share these points with striped bass, and that both fish love crankbaits.

During warming trends or on any sunny afternoons, bass frequently move all the way up the point to the wooded shorelines. This is especially true on those points with the wind blowing directly onto them. In such shallows, hard-plastic jerkbaits like the Bomber Long A or Rapala Minnow can be deadly. Highly visible colors like chrome-and-blue or white-and-chartreuse are top choices.

The same holds true for spinnerbaits worked right to the shoreline wood. But on this lake, the traditional colors aren't always best.

"These fish like a big, gaudy bait that produces a lot of vibration," Mercuri offered. "It's easier for them to find. I like skirts in chartreuse-and-orange or straight chartreuse, and rig them with gold Colorado blades in size 7 or 8. Subtle spinnerbaits aren't nearly as effective."