DECEMBER
Yellow Bass -- Caddo Lake
Yellow bass aren't big, but they're as much fun to catch on ultralight tackle as are bluegills, and just about as good to eat. Don't expect to catch many yellow bass weighing more than a pound or so, but do expect to catch a lot of them in December at Caddo Lake, the only lake in Texas developed naturally (two manmade dams have been constructed since its natural impoundment). This cypress-studded gem lies northeast of Marshall on the Texas-Louisiana border and has great fisheries for largemouth bass, bream and channel catfish, too.

In December, large schools of yellow bass move along with white bass into the channels of the Sabine River, where the fish can be caught on a variety of lures. For yellow bass, go with something small, such as the smallest jigging spoon, soft-plastic minnow, leadhead jig or tailspinner that your tackle can handle. Or, go with live minnows.

When you locate a school of yellow bass, expect to catch 100 before you tire out; they're just that plentiful at Caddo. And don't forget to bring along a fillet knife -- you won't be disappointed with their flavor.