I think Chaunc is correct. I have caught many in shallow water very early in the year but they did not spawn yet. A few weeks ago I was in southern Va and did very well. Keep 25 one day for table fair and they had not spawn. Yes the girls had eggs in them. Fish were very active in shallow water. Perhaps any day but not as of then. Did your friend keep any and have eggs? To me that is he only way to be sure. I only keep fish 1 or 2 times year and also put back 50 plus so I did no hurt the future fishery.