Fish Catching Travel
Our weather still leaves something to be desired. It was well over a 100, humid, and the wind was blowing 25+ yesterday. Consequently I have not fished the last couple of days. It looks like the temperature is not going to change, our forecast is for over a 100 at least for the next week with no real rain or relief in sight. While it will remain like that for the foreseeable future, it will be off to catch a few redfish tomorrow, wind or not. One of the advantages of being able to fish when you want is that you can pick and choose, but right now there is no other option, so on with the big boy pants if I want to catch a couple.
With all that said, today is catch up day. I want your comments, stories, and suggestions, and I have gotten some interesting comments from you. One word here, if you do not want me to post them, let me know in your comment and I will withhold them, or not mention the specific place you are catching them. Some of the comments are great, some wacky, but all are appreciated. So as soon as I address TWPD we will get to a gaggle of comments for your reading pleasure.
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Great News!
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department generates ongoing comment and consternation at times. While we all have our opinions on their decisions regarding regulations and practices, it is time to give them their due.
Working with other organizations TPWD just purchased the Powderhorn Ranch (17,000+ acres) that lies south of Indianola, with the shoreline stretching along the south side of Powderhorn Lake, into the bay, and then most of the way to POC. The plan is to open it up as a state park, and according to the news, even allow hunting. Way to go guys! The owners wanted the property to be public use and not just owned by a commercial interest, even taking the lower bid to make this happen. So a big thumbs up to them. It will preserve that significant ecological niche forever. And the hunting thing has my interest peaked. Over the years I have seen all kinds of great animals there, and when the dust settles and there is an application process to hunt, I will be first in line. What a place.
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I received this comment from Jim and I wanted to share it with you to potentially keep this from happening to you. I actually have a friend who is caught up in the same insanity. His DWI was years ago, in fact he has not had a drink in years, but he is still banned from Canada. This is a tough story and I feel his pain.
“Jim again, as stated pseviourly, my son and I made plans a month ago to go fishing/camping in canada. I got a DUI some 33 years ago when I was 18, and foolish. I went fishing for years and was always waived through checkpoints. 10 years ago I was not so lucky. They saw my MISTAKE (DUI) and said no, I could not go fishing and was turned around. I am 52 years old now, not an immature 18 year old drinking and drivinmg. I have a family and NO more troublesome issues. The Canadian government IS as bad if not WORSE than the stinking USA government, a bunch of self centered rich do nothing I.D.I.O.T’s! To hold something against me from 33 yearts ago,yes, MY MISTAKE which I take FULL RESPONSIBILITY for, is keeping me from what I enjoy most, fishing in Canada coz you guys got the best fishing there is!!! I see Morses Line has minimal security but don’t know if they have a computer and run ID’s??? Is it a safe place to cross? Is there ANYPLACE to cross the border where they are unlikely to run my name??? I just want to take my son on a fishing trip that he will remember for life!!! I’m not looking to break any laws so , Is There ANYPLACE where we can cross into Canada from VT or NY? Want to go to Bay of Quinte off Lake OIntario as its absolutely fabulous fishing because your wildlife management IS BETTER THAN HERE!!! Hope someone can help us do this DREAM TRIP and GOD BLESS IF YOU DO/CAN HELP, and, GOD BLESS IF YOU DON’T! RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Jim & SonSorry about the Canadian Government comment. But I said no better of mine, I just don’t believe they should judge me for something i did 33 years ago, and THEY DO, and ITS NOT RIGHT! So, with that said I’ve also tryed to get my record cleared and, DENIED!!Yes, denied, and its been 33 years so why would I have anything good to say about somebody who judges people for a mistake made 33 years ago! Also, I have a private email address for anyone who has any ideas and wants to contact me privately at .I will give my private phone number if someone can help me out here upon receipt of your email request for it. THANK YOU!Regards to all, JWQ”
That flat out sucks! (This is one of my very few political comments: Our border policy is crazy. We are actually allowing unaccompanied minors, some real gang bangers in, and we are not immediately deporting any illegal with a criminal offense. So you can sneak into the US, commit crimes, and not be immediately deported? And Canada did not let Jim in with a 33 year old misdemeanor conviction? What is wrong with this picture?) Jim I hope the following helps you. It is straight off the Muskie Bay Resort website, and I hope it helps. It is long but well worth the read.
“Canada is so close and accessible, it’s easy to forget it’s a foreign country. And, being a foreign country, it has its share of border crossing regulations. Not to worry-crossing the border is a smooth procedure if you’re able to follow directions. Scan this page before you head North, and contact Canada Customs, 1-800-461-9999, if you need more information.
New border rules – What does it mean for guests?
There is still a lot of confusion over the announcement made by Immigration Minister, Jason Kenny and MP Greg Rickford regarding relaxed admission procedures for guests who have minor criminal records, such as DUIs. We are aware that a number of operators have circulated notices to their guests that indicate that these past offenses are no longer a barrier to admission. We believe that this greatly overstates the nature of the actual change that has been made, and have been confirming details in original documents and with our sources in the Canada Border Services Agency.
Finally, the Operational Bulletin for this initiative has been posted outlining the details of the initiative and its application.
This change does not make all formerly inadmissible guests admissible!Although it is an important step forward, it does not significantly change the rules for admissibility. It does not replace or change the existing procedure for applying for Criminal Rehabilitation, and really only applies to the process of obtaining a Temporary Residency Permit (TRP) – the traditional $200 one-time admission that is granted at the border.
This initiative does not change the fact that front-line border officials have very broad discretionary authority. Although this initiative reflects a policy direction from the political leadership, final decisions will continue to be made on the spot as you cross the border.
What Changes? •The normal $200 fee can be waived. •A TRP can be granted even for a recent offense – guest with a single DUI a year ago may now be admitted.
What Stays the Same? •The rules and process for criminal admissibility have not changed. •It is still a one-time admission. Guests will still be expected to use the Criminal Rehabilitation process if they want to come back in the future. •It is not being offered to guests with more than one offense. As before, the guest with several DUIs from many years ago still needs to apply for rehabilitation. •Guests with a single offense that is more than ten years old were already eligible to be considered Deemed Rehabilitated and admitted. This does not change. •A guest who would appear to qualify for Criminal Rehabilitation but who has not yet completed the process can still be admitted with a TRP. This was already the case and has not changed.
These changes are a very positive step forward and will make life easier for many guests. They are not, however, a “magic bullet”. We urge you to advise your guests to check carefully the details of their individual situation, and, of course, to call NOTO for individual advice.
The full bulletin can be found at:
New Border Rules Operational Bulletin You may apply for a Letter of Rehabilitation to either office of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. In Thunder Bay call (807) 624-2158 or Fort Frances call (807) 274-3655. Either office will forward a kit that has been slightly modified from the one available on the ministry website. The processing time is expected to be approximately 4-6 weeks. Those individuals with a more serious offense must go through the Canadian Consulate.
The border crossings are staffed with an Immigration Officer In Fort Frances, Sunday through Saturday from 8 am – 12 am. In Rainy River, Tuesday through Saturday from 8 am – 4 pm.
If you have any questions or if you require any further information contact the Canada Immigration Centre Thunder Bay (807) 624-2158 Fort Frances (807) 274-3655.
Border Crossing Wait Times – http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html
Firearms Information – http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/
Non-Residents Guide to Pre-Arrival Processing of Non-Resident Firearms – http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm
Info for Non-Residents with Minor Criminal Offences (DUI) – http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/rehabil.asp
Questions regarding US passport requirements please visit the US Department of State website – http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_2223.html. We are sure that the information will answer any of your questions.
If you have any questions regarding admissibility, below are the telephone and fax numbers for the Canadian Consulates:Detroit: Phone: 313-567-2340 – FAX: 313-567-2164 Minneapolis: Phone: 612-332-7486 – FAX: 612-332-4061″
So there you go Jim. I hope this helps, or maybe points the way to let you and your son make that trip of a lifetime. And thanks to Muskie Bay. As I have said here repeatedly, if you ever want to make that dream trip contact Paul, Chris, Jake and the rest of the gang. Of all the fishing destinations here and abroad I have been lucky enough to visit, they are number 1 on my list.
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I also heard from Even with a comment on whether the Nebraska buck was a shooter:
“I find myself becoming more willing to comment on your posts. I enjoy your writing style, and the content always keeps me ready to hit the road, fight the Austin traffic and find some salt water. But this post has me fired up the most! Not only are you talking about fishing with frogs (my favorite LMB lure!), but you’ve added my first love to your post: Hunting. Pictures of hogs, deer, and another reader commenting on the teal on the coast…. Dang I am definitely ready for some cooler weather! The wife and I make a bi-annual trip to Nebraska for some high quality deer hunting. That deer is a baby up there. Texas – definitely a shooter! Not everything in Texas is bigger. 
As always – thanks for taking the time to post your adventures. Tight Lines to you sir.”
Comments like this warm my little heart. Past of what I hoped to accomplish when I started this was to share, to take you along with me the best my limited writing skills will allow. So thanks Evan, and as fall creeps up you can look forward to the occasional hunting story. While fishing is my passion, it is not beyond me to head to the woods with a gun in my hand.
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I heard from Danute and this one brings tears to my eyes:
“Just found your site, great! reminds me of my chlhdiood learning about fishing in UK. Minnows, baby perch, gudgeon and bleak were the main prey with home made rods rarely over 6ft long; the line was a single strand of white horse hair from a suffok punch cart horse float was a chicken quill and the hook a penny size 16 from a shop in the market town. all this was almost 70 years ago but still very fresh in my memory.In the garden I have a stand of bamboo and a light rod could easily be made to catch the local smelt and inanga . second chlhdiood roll on!!!”
Wow. As I get older my appreciation for things past grows stronger. Thanks for your memories Danute, cut that cane and head to the water, times a wastin”.
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The following comment from Charles brings up some interesting questions:
“Doug,
Hello, my name is Charles. I am friends with Todd from Austin, and I am also Ro’s brother-in-law. I just wanted to reach out and thank you for this website. It is refreshing to get a good honest perspective on current fishing conditions. Not to mention for those of us that can’t get out as much, it’s great to have someone to follow. Bottom line is the blog is genius. Hopefully soon I will run in to you and be able to say hello in person.
The only question I have for you about fishing is why don’t you use braid in the salt? It flat out works and will outfish mono every time, but especially when the bite is light. Obviously either way works, but there is difference.
With as popular as your blog is, I bet Waterloo would give you a few rods to try with the braid. Rods have also come a long way. All-Stars are Castaways are like cane poles compared to high end rods like Waterloo’s. I don’t know if you have tried any high end rods before, but if not you are in for a treat.
New line and rods might be a neat experiment for the blog, but for now just a fun discussion topic
Thanks again for the blog, Charles”
My first experience with braid on the coast, I use it occasionally in freshwater, was with a popping cork. The assumption was I could cast further (yep) and it would be much easier to set the hook (yep). That part worked out great, it was a lot easier to get a hook in them with the cork. The problem that ended the experiment was that the line kept wrapping on the rod tip, and was a real hassle to get off, so I gave up on that.
Tying that in with your question about using high-end rods, I recently learned something that will spur me on to use braid more in the salt. When my buddy Chris made me that custom 3 ounce rod, which is real high-end and I love, he educated me by showing me the new style tip that is specifically for braid. It has nothing for the line to catch on allowing the loop to slide off and not wrap around the tip. I am an old dog, and change does not often come easy, but now I know. So braid will be back on my salt plate, though I am still petrified I will break that fancy rod.
One of the reasons I have not been a real fan of expensive rods is my proclivity for breaking rods. Over the last 40 years I have managed to break lots of them, many while setting the hook (2 in the last year alone), pulling fish out of heavy cover, and of course just doing something stupid. And of course cost has always been a factor, especially now.
To fish 3 days a week involves driving hundreds of miles, it is over 100 mile round trip to the Gulf alone. Baits, gas, ice, munchies, boat maintenance, tackle, it all adds up. As my only sponsor has been Team Nancy, I strive to keep the costs down so I can fish those 150 days, including major travel, this year Canada and soon to Costa Rica for some offshore fishing. While Strike King was kind enough to help me out with baits which I really appreciated, I bear the cost of the website and everything that comes with it.
One of my goals was to keep telling like it is, which includes what I am catching them on, no matter who the manufacturer is. And to go along with that, to keep the site add free. That is about to change. I have no clue how to market the site, but am researching that right now. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think it would grow like it has, we hit over 92,000 visits for the year today. fishcatchingtravel.com has reached a tipping point and it is time for expansion and with that comes more $$$$$ out of my pocket. So to deal with that I will be soliciting some real sponsors, specifically those that I believe make the stuff that works.
With that little bit of whining out of the way expect me to let you know how the braid thing works out for me. As far was Waterloo, I am going to have to get over my reticence to contact companies and ask for help or mutual partnership. So if any of you know them send them my site, it just might be beneficial for both parties. And if anyone else has some suggestions in the marketing department drop me a line. Thanks for commenting Charles, your ideas are good ones. And when you see Ro tell him I said hi and I will be seeing him at the end of this year. (At least with my one good eye.)
And speaking of our mutual buddy Todd, how is the western sabbatical thing going? When am I going to get the “beaner” shot. Now before some of you get your politically correct back up, that is what we in Arkansas called the arrival of the first fly fishing enthusiasts when they started appearing on the White River back in the 70’s. You know, L.L. Bean, wading with the fancy equipment, cool clothes, and funny hats. It was a culture shock to all the good old boys who grew up on the river fishing from the long jon boats. So Todd so send me the trout pictures, I know you have them!
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The world is a big place and I got this comment from Syed. I am not sure where he is but this is cool.
“Yesterday I took my tenkara rod (12ft) with some 2 lb mono a 2 4 pole float a size 18 hook to 1lb nylon which is 0.008mm and some paste made to a Japanese rcepie and tried my luck in an old silted up canal. What fun for a morning, I fished in amongst the reeds and rush beds and caught 3 Inanga ( a small native fish) and 5 small rudd all under 4 inches on a classic autumn morning. I also saw Canada geese flighting in from the high country for their winter by the sea and my second cattle egret ever. All so very different from my usual trout fly fishing.RECIPE for PASTE1 tea spoon std white flour1 tea spoon gluten flour4 drops of cod liver oilBoiling waterMethod: Mix dry ingredients, add oil and mix in. Now add the boiling water to make a smooth dough. Cool and use. The paste will be very elastic and stays on the hook for ages. I guess that this rcepie would last a full day with wheat grain size baits.”
Folks it ain’t all screaming flats boats, $300 rod and reels, and so much tackle most of us can’t take it all with us. Fishing is a world-wide passion, and as his comment, and the one above from Danute above, reminds us it is in the doing, sharing our love of fishing, and the experiences we get every time we hit the water. We who love the sport of fishing will fish for whatever fish is close to us, with whatever we have, to get the job done. Thanks to both of them for reminding me of the love of the sport and not the material aspect of the game we all play. Thanks Syed.
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Speaking of foreign readers I got this questions from Yuuki:
“Great bug! Have ya experimented with lips on flies for a Rapala like aoticn? I’m always watching what the spin guys are doing. And the Rapala aoticn has eluded me for years now. I’ve tried a ton of differant styles from foam bodies, strategic weighting, differant types of plastics for the lip, just can’t get a true, consistant swimming bug.”
Well Yuuki there actually is a way to make a swimming bug. This lure will allow you to have that vibrating crankbait like action with a fly or jig, it is called the Scrounger and is made by Luck-e-Strike. It works.
This is from the Tackle Warehouse website:
“The Luck E Strike Scrounger is easy to fish, practically snag-free. For professional use, or the weekend angler. The Scrounger creates vibration and an incredible realistic action. Each Scrounger is backed with a sticky sharp Gamakatsu hook.
Rig your favorite plastic baitfish, shad, crawdad or grub, etc. The Luck E Strike Srounger works on ALL species of gamefish!
The short bill style allows the bait to be worked fast, burned over shallow structure or flats, without washing out. The medium bill can be worked at a range of speeds. The long bill can be fished deeper, and at slower speeds than the medium or short bill without sacrificing action.”
Having a bare hook will allow you to add any soft plastic, or if you prefer to tie feathers to make a fly, so either way this is the ticket. I am unsure where you are but this will allow you to have that vibrating crankbait like action on a fly. So thanks for the question, just google them or Tackle Warehouse to lean more, I hope this helps.
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And every so often I get a comment like this:
“I did a little finhisg Sunday morning, caught a few bream, nothin to brag about.We went to Tennessee and got some fireworks(they are illegal in georgia, and set them off.I got very drunk on Friday night, but didn’t drink the rest of the weekend.”
Huh? I appreciate you reading my stuff Autentica, but I am not really sure what to say about your weekend. (Though in my younger days this might have happened a time or two.)
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And as you all know I advocate taking kids fishing and introducing them to the sport.
“Went to northern Pa retned a cabin, fished and relaxed all weekend. My little girl hauled in bluegills, catfish, several nice smallmouth (about 14 inches), rockbass, and other assorted fish. Everything we hooked we gave her to reel in, plus she caught a bunch on her own. I almost stepped on a huge Copperhead lying in the water, damn thing got away. I hate snakes.”
Introducing kids to fishing requires patience on our part with results to keep them happy and wanting more. Anderson sent me this, it is a perfect way to not only build memories, but to keep a kid wanting more. We have a responsibility to pass it along so the sport will survive. There are a bunch of nuts out there who would ban fishing in a minute if they could. Who knows, when you are old and grey, and she is no longer your “little girl”, you just may share a boat together and reminisce about your time at that cabin Pennsylvania.
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I got a couple of comments from Evan:
“I enjoy reading your blog. I get the emails when they come out and I pretty much stop what I’m doing and take a minute to live vicariously through your daily fishing life.
A buddy and I are headed (in a few hours) for a day trip in POC. (From Austin) Not sure if tomorrow (08/16) will be a good day of fishing, but it’s what we have so we’re going to take it. We will be giving it a go from our kayaks. I’m really excited. I’ve never been to POC, much less fished it… so I’m not sure if I’ll be sleeping between now and 2:30am when we leave.
Since we will be visiting your “stomping grounds”, just thought I’d send a note and say thanks. Thank you for taking the time and energy to tell us about your fishing adventures – or lack thereof sometimes!
God Bless and may the fish always find your hook!”
I have the same disease Evan. No matter how many times I have fished a place, or how many times I have been that week, I always get excited and have trouble sleeping the night before. And after 40 years of it I have an alarm clock in my head and rarely do I sleep until the real one rings. The anticipation is a sweet part of it. And that anticipation was one thing I always kept in mind when I was guiding in the 70’s and 80’s. I knew my customers were lying awake at night, in whatever state they were, visions of big strings with the guide keeping them awake. I tried never to forget that, and strived to make their day a memorable one.
Also, I keep throwing that frog, and as that big girl last week attests, it will catch big fish. And even if they are not so big who does not like that bite?
“I have a place thick with Lilly pads and running a frog over them always gets some excitement going! Frog fishing is the best! Just got from POC. Don’t have much to report since we were throwing all artificials. Lots of bait fish out there. Lots of dang jellyfish too. Hate those things. We were paddling the very sound end of Barroom and I saw a sea turtle! My buddy didn’t believe me either! I didn’t think they were around there?
As always – thanks for the update looking forward to the next one!
Evan”
Evan I have seen more sea turtles this year than ever before, there is just something cool and primal about them. And I feel your pain with the artificials This time of year bait, specifically croakers, is the bait of choice. But we lure slingers love our baits, and as you said, the frog bite is awesome. There is just something about fooling a fish on artificial, and there is nothing like watching him explode on it! It is that same feeling when the teal come screaming in, that big buck materializes out of nowhere, or a muskie eats a jerk bait at boat side. So keep trying the salt, it grows on you.
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One last note to Jeremy, I have not forgot your kind offer to take me poling on your flats boat. I will be taking a lesson in casting with the fly rod when I visit South Padre at the end of September. Hopefully I will at least achieve beginner status, and maybe not sink a fly in your head.
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I am so humbled by the comments I have been getting from you all. Your comments, tales, and questions are so appreciated. Whether fishing from an SCB with all the latest and greatest stuff, or catching smelt on horse hair, we are not that far apart. Fishing is a world-wide language that connects us all, and something can be gleaned from everyone. The thrill of the bite, from Marlin to bream, elicits that same primeval response in all of us. FISH ON! Thanks for reading my stuff.
Good Luck and Tight Lines
