Was wondering what the earliest you long liners start having success in the coves and flats. I'd assume water temp has a lot to do with it. While stationed in sc we always started on New Years day. didn't get a chance to fish much last year, but year before had great success starting in mid December. Just itching to slap my rod holders on the boat and get fishing as soon as possible. Did notice two years ago there had to be schools of shad somewhere nearby.