We often have this image of fishing as just a wonderful spring and summer pastime.

There is nothing quite like holding that cane pole with your toes in the water. And we have all had those days when the only thing biting are the mosquitoes. With such charming images in our minds, it is hard for some of us to think about wetting a line when there is ice on the edge on the pond.

Who says fishing is for warm weather

Fish don't burn as much energy nor consume as much food in the winter months. However, they still eat. Catching a mess of bluegill on their spawning beds can be done very easily with almost any bait or lure. With a little more thought and patience, catching fish for fun and supper can be done in January as if it were July:

• Stick to live and natural bait.  Fish are more likely to feed more because of scent than action or color.
• Use smaller baits. A little natural scent goes a long way and fish aren't going to consume anything that takes too much effort.
• If lures are preferred or the only option, skip the surface action varieties in favor of jigs, sinking flies, and plugs.
• Retrieve the lure (or bait) slowly. Most fish aren't up to chasing stuff when the water is almost freezing.
• Dress appropriately and be careful around the water (especially boaters and with small children). Hypothermia is dangerous. 

Bass, bluegill, and crappie are active year-round in York River State Park's Woodstock Pond. Boat rental season is closed. But, anglers have found the piers and shoreline very productive. Adults, make sure your fishing license is up to date. Even a cold day is a good day to take a kid fishing.

Father, son, and winter fishing fun

Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.