Please boating on area lakes will be heating up the next couple of weeks, and safety on the water needs to be everyone’s main priority.

I can’t tell you how many times I have seen the rules of the road be violated, on the water.

Most of the time when these violations occur, the boat operator doesn’t even know he made a mistake.

Please be careful out on the water but, more importantly, please avoid the people that are ignorant of the boating laws in Alabama.

You can refresh your knowledge of the laws at www.boat-ed.com/al/index

Fishing tips

Changing weather throughout the past few weeks has been the story when it comes to fishing. I have been able to catch fish on top water baits and the next day, after a cold front they are down in eight to 12 feet of water.

I would suggest spending more time early in the morning and late in the evening fishing.

As the water continues to warm into the mid 70-degree temperature — and warmer — the middle of the day bite have slowed.

Joseph Gallagher is the Outdoors Columnist for The Franklin County Times. He can be reached at naloutdoors@gmail.com.