If the hint of spring weather isn't enough to get you primed for fishing, consider buying one of the many excellent videos out there.

During the past month, I've had the chance to view three such products:

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"Prime Time Smallmouth Bass" — One of several exceptional DVDs produced by Lindner's Angling Edge, this video contains information bass anglers can quickly put to use this season.Included in the list of chapters are features on river smallmouth bass and the use of "glass minnows."Flowing water smallmouths are one of our area's greatest treasures, with outstanding fishing available on the nearby Allegheny River. There also is largely untapped smallmouth fishing on many of the larger tributaries that feed the Allegheny.Area smallmouth anglers will relate to the low-water crankbait and topwater tactics provided by James Lindner.The segment on glass minnows takes a look at a new twist in the world of suspending jerkbaits. It won't be long until smallmouth bass will be up cruising the flats of inland and the rocky shallows of Lake Erie.This chapter, featuring Al and Ron Lindner, provides the viewer with fresh ideas on jerkbait fishing.Lindner's Angling Edge also has produced videos on panfish, largemouth bass, muskies, walleyes and ice fishing.Its latest effort delves into the use of soft baits for catching a variety of species. The past four of its 13-episode seasons also are available.Visit www.anglingedge.com for information or to order.•

"The Next Bite, Seasons 1 and 2" — I'm guessing it's been about 15 years since professional walleye angler Keith Kavajecz joined me for an icy winter day of walleye fishing on the Allegheny River.In the years that followed, Kavajecz and business partner Gary Parsons have been among the most successful of walleye pros.About three years ago, Kavajecz and Parsons joined forces with renowned muskie angler Pete Maina to begin the production of the television series "The Next Bite." The first two seasons are now available on DVD.The premise of the show is the pursuit of "fish with teeth." While the odd tangent includes a visit to Alaskan king salmon waters, the primary focus is on walleye, muskies and northern pike.The three anglers are not only adept at catching their chosen quarry, they are equally skilled in passing along those tips that can help a good angler become a great one.Walleye anglers can expect to learn nuances of structure trolling and open water trolling, livebait rigging and jigging and the latest in soft baits. These are items easily employeed by area anglers, who can use them from the depths of Lake Erie to an inland water, such as Lake Arthur or Glendale Lake.When it comes to muskie fishing education, Maina is simply one of the finest out there. The former Wisconsin-northwoods muskie guide has an accomplished ability to explain how and why he is doing what he's doing.Visit www.thenextbite.com.•

"Just Big Muskies, Volume 3" — Even if you are not a muskie angler, if you're looking for a video that also could have been named "Adrenaline Rush," this one's it.The third and latest effort produced by a couple of Minnesota muskie experts, the video takes a seasonal look at muskie fishing on waters of the Canadian Shield.The Precambrian Shield, which contains such fabled lakes ase Lake of the Woods, attracts thousands of anglers.Erik Jacobson and Brian Hanson aren't professional anglers or guides. They are simply two experienced guys very good at catching bubba-sized muskies."Just Big Muskies 3" contains video of 30 such fish, 13 of them 50 inches or longer. Jacobson and Hanson introduce each of the seasonally based chapters with an explanation of the lures and tactics they use.This is a blue-collar video, so don't expect fancy video work or computer-generated graphics. It does, however, supply nuts-and-bolts tips on both casting and trolling for mega-sized muskies.While shot on the waters of western Ontario, the duo's tactics can be applied to many Western Pennsylvania waters.For information or to order, log on to www.justbigmuskies.com.