FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Brought to you by

Check them out, the only way to wade.

**For a super deal on your Wade Right use promo code FCT15 and get 15% off on your online order!**

Today instead of fishing, it looked like some rain on the way this afternoon,  (Wednesday)  and the wind is blowing out of the north, so I did a few responsible things.  In fact it has already dropped 5 degrees since getting up this morning.  So first up it was making some gumbo, and boy is that smelling good.  As soon as I finish this, and the gumbo, time to do a little work on boats and stuff.  It never hurts to do a walk around occasionally, you never know what you will find.  Tomorrow it will be off to the lake fairly early to try to lay the smack down on a big bass.  My biggest ever came on a November evening right before dark as the north wind howled so hopes are high.

*****************************************

Weather

66/49  Cloudy skies early then partial clearing late.  Wind N 10 – 15 mph.

Lake Level

11/1  97.50 msl     Today   97.41   (The slow  falls continues.)

Solunar Times

Good  9:17 am to 11:17 am   Best  3:32 pm to 5:32 pm.

Great Day

The only other fisherman I saw all day.

It wasn’t all that great a day as far as catching went, but it sure was nice out there.  Funny saying that since the wind was blowing 15+ straight out of the north and it was struggling to break 50 degrees when I dropped the skiff in the lake.  It was definitely a good thing I was prepared in the clothing department as I ran all the way up lake to re-fish the bank where I caught the big one the other day.  It felt great to be out on a fall day, had me thinking about all the winter fishing I used to do in Arkansas.

On the way up there was an osprey chasing a bald eagle and they were going at it as they passed over me.  Not sure why they have such a contentious relationship but I have seen that plenty of times on the lake.  The wind was blowing right down the lake when I arrived and it was only 15 minutes before one blew up on the buzzbait.  Unfortunately it would only be 3 more on it he rest of the day, and they were not much.

The  fishing was tough, and it was another great fishing trip.

The great thing about today, I only saw one boat all afternoon.  And other than the occasional shot in the distance it was really peaceful having the lake to myself.  The wind blowing in the trees gave me a Lord of the Rings moment as they groaned and moaned fighting the breeze.  And the deer, they really showed up in the afternoon, and were on the banks with the wind in their face.  One was even bedded down literally right on the bank and was pretty surprised when I snuck up on her.  I wondered if they were using the lake as cover with the hunting going on here and there.

After staying with the buzzbait it was time for spinnerbait.  With the wind blowing and water fairly clear they should be on it right now, and they were, all both of them.  Working my way down lake fishing the wind it just was not happening.  Next up was a big cove with little wind to give the Bang O Lure a go.  It really comes into it’s own on Coleto in the winter and I was interested in seeing if they were not willing to chase maybe I could finesse them.  I stopped on the point about 3:30 when the phone rang and it was my buddy Jeffish.  He asked what was I doing and where was I.  When I told him at Coleto he said great, we are stuck.  They were doing a job about a half mile from the lake and the truck wouldn’t start.  So with the fishing sketchy at best I was more than happy to give my best friend a hand, so I put it on the trailer and went and gave them a jump.

The last 2 times out have been great, like having my own personal water.  The experience is so much more when things are quiet.  No motors running everywhere, empty ramps, all I can say is hunting season is my favorite time of year.  I look forward to it every year and try to take advantage by being on the water every day I can.  Today was what being outdoors is all about, and if they had not called in spite of the poor fishing I would still be out there.

****************

This is a fishing rant.  At times I really do consider ending the blog.  Part of keeping relevant and growing is sharing and posting on internet fishing sites, mostly facebook pages.  And while I have gotten a few readers from that I am constantly amazed at what fishing has become.  What started this was a post that said the following: “If you aren’t fishing with braided line then you are not doing it right.”  I get so tired of “experts” who, as in this case, are purely a shill for a manufacturer.  I am well aware that it comes with the territory, I say nice things about Wade Right, Controlled Descent Lures, and Bagleys all the time, they are good stuff.  But saying something like this is freakin’ stupid.  I sure do not tell you if you do not use them you are wrong.  Some folks swear by braid, and some hate it.  Some applications are great for braid, some not so much.  But to state it that way is a testament to engaging mouth before engaging brain.  Just because  this guy says so does not make it so, and it ignores the thousands of fishermen who have never had it on the reel, or the cane pole.  Somehow we have gotten to the point where a big boat and fancy clothes have become the “required” equipment, totally ignoring the large populations of fishermen who could give a rats ass.

********************

I want to take a minute to thank Clyde and boys for almost getting killed when the steering failed, that could have been so ugly.  It has reminded me how quickly it happens.  And having had a pontoon on my head, literally, I can tell you that is just how it happens, in an instant.  Since that happened to them I have started wearing my life jacket every time the boat gets on plane.  I have taken to leaving it in the truck so I am forced to carry it to the boat and then I wear it.  So thanks, glad no one got hurt and we all can learn a lesson from your experience.

********************

And one final word.  About an hour ago I heard something on the porch and when I checked there was one of those coolers from Omaha Steaks.  On the packing slip I was able to figure out who sent it.  It was totally unnecessary, but highly appreciated.  In fact I just had one of the apple tarts for a snack.  So thanks, you know who you are, and like I said last time I saw you, the offer remains open for you and the boys anytime.  Just let me know.

********************

It is late as I finish this.  Not sure what the plan is in the morning but the Boss is on the late late shift, so I will be up and gone in the morning.  Where?  Not sure yet, think I will surprise myself.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines