Spring has finally arrived. We were very lucky here on Long Island to have a mild winter. Mild winters usually have a good effect on fishing because the migratory species of fish usually arrive earlier.

Many anglers have been fishing throughout the winter. Some went either upstate or north to do some ice fishing (which I hear is alot of fun). If anyone has seen the movie "Grumpy Old Men", you get an idea of what ice fishing is all about. We're attempting to schedule filming ice fishing for our television show, ADVENTURES IN FISHING WITH CAPT. RAY KELLY. I usually travel to Florida and fish down there during the winter. There is great fishing in Florida -- but there is also great fishing on Long Island.

Springtime is when the flounder start biting. Although the wind can make it very chilly, it is still great to get out there after the long cold winter and throw in a line. Last week I went to the Shinnecock Bay area and caught two flounder using worms. I'd have to say it was cold, but it was also fun. In April, the fishing picks up. In May, striped bass and bluefish make their appearance in Long Island waters. In June, shark fishing starts off-shore. This is going to be a fantastic year for fishing so get your rods out!

In April , most anglers will get their fishing tackle ready. And this is a good thing, too. I know many anglers who don't bother to keep their gear in good order, and guess what -- it doesn't last. The anglers that wash their rods and reels after a day's fishing will find that their equipment lasts many, many years. I still have a reel that my uncle, Richard Brennan, gave me when I was thirteen years of age. I'm now 46 years old and the reel still works fine. Remember to wash your reels because the salt from the line gets on them and you don't even realize it. Just make it a habit.

Also make sure to get your tackle box organized. This is very important since we have all probably missed out on catching fish because we had a tackle box that was unorganized and when the fish were there, we were not ready to cast or change lures. As far as fishing from a boat is concerned, remember to keep you boat in good running condition. Have it serviced or service it yourself. It is a good idea to have two batteries on board your boat. Someday, I will tell you a story about batteries and my first boat. If you a going fishing, remember to give a float plan to someone. A float plan is nothing more than telling someone where you intend to be fishing that day or days. Tell them what port you will be departing from and the course you will be taking to get to the fishing grounds. Weather can always change and can be deadly to anglers fishing from boats -- especially if you 50-100 miles off shore. Many fishermen have been lost at sea because they have been caught in bad weather. Don't take chances! If the weather is changing, get in from off-shore! Inlets can be especially teacherous and many boats go down while attempting to get back in. Do not take chances!!!

Here are some flounder fishing tips.

• Read about flounder fishing in different books. You can learn alot. Talk with your local tackle shop. When you are purchasing your bait, ask the shop owner where the best places to fish are located. Many will give you a copy of a chart and mark the area for you. If the shop owner does not do this, take your business elsewhere.
• Remember -- winter flounder have small mouths, so use small flounder hooks. You cannot catch flounder using BIG hooks. Spreaders work really well and you may even catch two at a time.
• Flounder fishing is also a good way to introduce children to fishing. Take a child with you the next time you go.
• As far as bait, worms, mussels, clams are great bait for flounder. Whole corn kernels also work well and does small pieces of squid.

And remember- "Let's get kids hooked on Fishing...NOT on drugs!"

Visit Capt. Ray at his website http://www.adventure-fishing.com or drop him a line at [email protected]