Coleto Creek 2/1/17.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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I knew conditions, sunny and warm without a cloud in the sky, was far from perfect for bass fishing, but I was still confident I could catch a big one.  Unfortunately that did not happen.  But the fishing is still very consistent.  I should have know how the day would go when I got the boat out to get ready to go and I had a flat tire.  Dang it!  It seems like I am messing with tires way to much.  Since the last flat last spring the trailer tires are not the same age.  So time to buy a new set and make the good one the spare, and then the old spare will be spare 2, no such things as to many spares.  But I digress.

It does not do this lizard justice.  He was a monster! Be afraid!

There were 7 or 8 trucks at the ramp when I got there, and interestingly, only 3 when I quit at 4:00.  It was nice out with a medium breeze out of the west, sunny and warm without a cloud in the sky.  The water at the ramp was 63, up a couple of degrees from the day before.  And the lake is slowly clearing.

I decided to start in the creek where I caught them the other day, and surprise (or not!) I only had one bite, and boated a small one.  The fish were not on the creek channel bank, and the one I did catch was on wood.  From there I worked back down lake hitting multiple places on the main lake and in coves.  It was interesting that I could get them to roll on the topwater, but they did not want to eat.  I think I missed maybe 8 in a row, just a little frustrating.  So it was time for the fall back position, up lake.

The water color is still dingy up the river so I settled down with the bluegill/watermelon red flake Rage Craw.  It was almost noon when it started, and like it has been the afternoon bite is still the best.  I would catch one here, 3 there.  What was different, they wanted a slow steady retrieve and some were knocking slack in the line, an easy catch.

Best I could muster today.

I did have a “dang it” moment.  I tossed the Bang O Lure next to a big stump and a really big fish rolled on it and flat missed.  I freaked out, it was the one I was looking for, so instead of taking my time and getting it right I grabbed the swim jig and tossed it in.  He rolled on it in a big boil, and I flat missed him.  Funny how after all the years I still get as excited as I always have and I just blew it.

                         This was his little buddy a ways down the bank.

Though that was “the bite” I knew I would get, the rest of the day was like it has been the last few trips, plenty of bites.  The 14″ to 17″ are out in force, and with a couple of spots on the lake in the high 60’s in the afternoon it is full on pre-spawn.

                                                     This size is on the move.

It was not quite as good as Monday, and the morning bite was even slower than it has been.  And they were not as willing to commit early, but as usual this time of year, the sun warmed the water a bunch and the fishing got a lot steadier in the afternoon.  The size above are almost everywhere.  It is the time of year to just keep your bait in the water, and they will come.  I boated in the 15 – 20 range today, and had my shot.  With some clouds on the way the next couple of days the big bite is coming.  A nice warm night followed by clouds will keep the water temp up over night and make them a lot more active.

The swim jig was best today, the Bang O Lure caught a them as the day wore on.  Spinnerbait and crankbait were a bust.  And here is the Tip Of The Day!  If you want to catch them they are on the wood, be it main lake or coves, especially the spawning coves.  Just hit a spot like that and flip and pitch your favorite jig or plastic and you will catch fish.  They are there, I am just willing to get a few less bites to see them roll up and eat the Bang O Lure.  As far as days go it was flat out lovely and stuff was out moving around.  And being able to actually fish all day without feeling it says I am over the flu from hell.

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I got this interesting observation from Colby Sorrels.

Hey Doug,
Since you like to fish both freshwater Largemouth bass and coastal speckled trout I was wondering why you never mention fishing a Corky for freshwater bass. If there ever was a big bass lure it is the Corky. Try it. It will catch big bass. Colby S.

I wish I could take credit for trying it, but my brother has actually fished it in both his pond and in Canada, catching bass in both places.  Now that you have brought it up I will grab a couple out of the saltwater box and toss them in the freshwater box.  Stay tuned for that.  As usual good to hear from you.

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Today is my least favorite day of the year…….Tax Day.  Time to sit down and get everything together and take it to the tax man.  This is the time of the year where I either hate the government to the core, or we got it right and I don’t get quite as mad.  It is time for the government to quit spending more than they take in, we can’t, but unfortunately it looks like this will continue.  I just know that when we pay more in taxes in a year than our first house cost the world has gone insane.   I don’t know about you, but I am not getting my moneys worth, no matter who is in charge.  I am a vote out every last one of them guy, no matter what party.

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Joe Bass sent me a note on the white bass run taking place on the Nueces River at George West.  It is famous in this part of the state for the big white bass run.  He had a tough day but reports that there are lots of fish being caught.  With the fishing in full swing it can be crowded.  My question is how is the parking at the ramps?  Tempting.

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As we all know B.reak O.out A.nother T.housand is so true.  It is interesting how my Michelins last 65,000 on the truck, and they tell me that trailer tires are only good for 3 years.  In fact, the guy at Discount Tire told me that they are actually good for around 8,000 miles or so, and I use steel belted radials.  8,000 miles is a drop in the bucket for me in a year, so I guess I should be happy they last 2 years?  So it is no freakin’ wonder I am replacing tires every couple of years.  At least they stand behind their warranty.  So I am changing brands to see if they last any longer.  And the bad thing is the other boat is needing tires also.  It never ends.

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I will be fishing, and fishing, and fishing.  Where who knows, but the boat basically stays attached to the truck for the next couple of months.  I am just watching for a low wind day to hit the bay, and full clouds to hit the lake.  Decisions, decisions, decisions.  This retirement thing is hard work.  And if any of you have anything to say send it along, we love to get your comments.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

About Redfishlaw

I am a retired attorney who just loves to fish. I was a freshwater guide for about 20 years and now have moved to the salt. I am not the greatest fisherman, but I am committed. So if you love fishing, and want to learn what little I have to offer, stop by anytime.
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