The last few weeks have been a reminder of how quickly plans can change, and how valuable it is to slow down when you are given the opportunity.
I recently returned from a mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Grace Church, serving alongside the team at Casa Misionera. What was planned as a standard trip turned into a longer stay after winter weather delayed our return home by several days. While unexpected, the extra time added real depth to the experience. Getting to know the people there, hearing their stories, and seeing what God is doing through that ministry brought a perspective that stays with you long after you leave.
When you truly have to depend on God day to day just to get by, it puts things into a different light. That kind of reliance and simplicity is something most of us rarely experience, and it has a way of recalibrating what really matters.
I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to go down with such a solid group from Grace Church. When plans change, it is easy for frustration to creep in, but this group came together even more. Serving alongside the six others on the team was a blessing in itself, and the way everyone leaned in during the unexpected moments made the experience even more meaningful.
From mission trip to show season, fast
That perspective was tested immediately with a quick turnaround. After landing and then arriving back home around 3:00 a.m. on Friday, I was back on the road later that same day heading to Columbus for the Fishing Expo with FC Marine. It was a great stop, filled with familiar faces, new conversations, and time spent around some impressive 2026 Phoenix Boats.
One of the highlights was connecting with Josh Chrenko of Achigan, co-host of the new Great Lakes Smallie Talk podcast and the original Smallie Talk podcast. Josh and I had discussed the idea of launching something together for a while before finally deciding to move forward. Kicking things off by interviewing Lake Erie legend Steve Clapper was both humbling and exciting. Steve is someone I respect deeply, and having the opportunity to sit down and talk fishing with him was an honor.
The first episode is now live on YouTube and podcast platforms, and we have some exciting conversations coming up soon, including a future episode with two of the best Great Lakes smallmouth anglers north of the border.
Ice, change, and what it might mean
While all of this was happening, Lake Erie went from roughly three percent ice coverage to nearly fully locked up in a very short span of time. Ice fishing is back for many anglers, something we have not seen as consistently in recent winters.
Anytime Erie sees extended ice coverage, the conversation naturally turns to what that might mean for the upcoming spring and 2026 open water fishing season. While there are no guarantees, sustained ice can help stabilize water temperatures and protect water levels, both of which can play a role in setting the stage for strong fishing as things open back up.
More stops and upcoming events
The winter schedule keeps rolling. This Saturday, February 7th, I will be at Susquehanna Fishing Tackle in Columbia, Pennsylvania for Smallmouth Saturday. Mike and George Accord, along with the rest of the SFT crew, run an outstanding shop with a loyal customer base. It is always a pleasure spending time there and catching up with anglers during seminars.
There is a strong lineup of smallmouth speakers throughout the day, and I will be presenting at noon on lake fishing for smallmouth bass.
Later in February, I will be heading to the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo from February 19th through the 22nd with Doc’s Tackle. This event has grown tremendously and continues to impress. On Saturday the 21st, we will be part of two long form discussions. The first is at 9:30 a.m. on forward facing sonar (FFS) for walleye with NWT pros Craig Sleeman and Dylan Nussbaum. The second is a bass focused round table at 1:00 p.m., moderated by Todd Ceisner of BassFan, featuring Joe Fonzi, Brad Brodnicki, and myself. Both discussions will center heavily around Lake Erie and real world application.
Looking ahead to the open water season
As winter starts to loosen its grip, it is time to look ahead to spring on Lake Erie. March typically marks the start of open water fishing for us, beginning with jumbo perch staging to spawn in Presque Isle Bay. These fish group up tightly and are often aggressive after a long winter. This bite is something I personally enjoy and look forward to every year.
Perch fishing also serves as a great tune up for what follows. Late March and early April usher in prespawn smallmouth bass fishing, when things can change quickly and opportunities can be short lived. In April, there are only a few dates remaining, including the 1st, 16th, 20th, 24th, and 28-29th.
From there, May and June roll into some of the best bass fishing of the year, followed by prime casting opportunities for walleye through the summer and early fall. Planning ahead is key, especially when travel, weather windows, and preferred bites all factor into making the most of a trip.
A quick note on getting boats and electronics dialed in
The early spring season is also when many anglers are taking delivery of new boats or upgraded electronics. Getting everything set up properly before the season starts can make a huge difference once time on the water becomes more limited.
Spending focused time dialing in graphs, understanding interpretation, and learning how to apply what you are seeing can shorten the learning curve significantly. It is one of the most efficient ways to build confidence, especially heading into a busy season. I offer electronics focused trips on your boats, showing you how to dial in and interpret what you are seeing on the water. I’ve run all three major brands and have spend countless hours on the water doing just this. Let me help you take the next step with your electronics game.
Moving forward
Between travel, shows, ice, and the anticipation of spring, this stretch of the year is always a mix of reflection and preparation. The fishing season on Lake Erie is defined by windows, and those who are ready to capitalize on them tend to get the most out of each year.
As always, I appreciate everyone who continues to follow along, attend events, listen to the podcast, and support what I do. Spring will be here before we know it and that’s something to keep you going
Tight lines,
Captain Destin DeMarion
724-790-4232 (4BFB)
Big Fat Bass Guide Service
DestinDeMarion.com
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