FISH CATCHING TRAVEL
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Time to get back in the saddle. Not having fished for a couple of weeks here it will be interesting to see what the conditions are after this pretty serious cold front. After getting some stuff done to get back to real life I will be heading to the lake this morning. Then next week it will be giving the trout and reds a serious go after the weather warms. Here is a few loose ends before I head out the door.
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One thing I forgot to mention is where we stayed. 2 years ago some great kids, at least to me, a couple and their friend, bought a condemned old style motel and worked it back into shape. Folks the Hyatt it is not, it is bare bones, which was great. No TV, close to town, a light breakfast, and a happy hour that included a big campfire most nights. You might even toss a hatchet or two. And if you really are feeling tough just attend one of Chris’ work outs. At night folks carried on early, and then went to sleep. When you are there you need the room for sleep, otherwise it is out you go to take advantage of Pagosa Springs. One of the unusual things was this guy – Known as Grandpaw.
This guy was a freak! Really great stickers.
They had bird feeders outside of the bar/breakfast area and this big muley would come up and ravage the feeders. He was maybe 5 feet from the window. One night while the Boss and I were sitting around the fire he snuck right past us and was eating the bird seed and could have cared less we were there. We enjoyed our stay and the folks who hang there are an interesting, well traveled (Austin owners.), eclectic bunch who treat you like friends the minute you step on the property. And thanks SoCo, I stole the picture off your web site. You can whip me when I see you next!
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Santiago sent along this comment with a question.
Excellent write up. Our family echoes your every sentiment about Pagosa. It’s a true gem which will continue to provide vivid memories past my lifetime.
What type of gloves were you wearing? Waterproof?
Thanks,
Santiago
Of all things the gloves are the Hardy brand of work gloves available at Harbor Freight. They are thin enough to fish when it is cold, and have a material on the palm and fingers that helps hold on to the rods when your hands get cold. And if you fish in the winter your hands get cold, period. They are like $5 and I carry a couple of pairs when one gets wet on goes another pair. That day I had a pair of wool fingerless gloves over them for warmth, which works great. Of all the gloves I have used for winter fishing I like these the best. They do not water log to quickly and you have good feel with them.
And big thanks to you for telling the Boss about Pagosa, we so enjoyed the trip. In fact, it may actually be my big fishing trip this year. I really enjoyed it there and the number of big trout makes it interesting. And it looks like you had a good trip to Florida, saw a few of your pics, and love the Peacock Bass. Thanks for keeping in touch and the offer to you or the boys is open anytime. The good bass fishing is right around the corner, I hope!
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After putting me the big rainbow Aaron sent along this picture from the ranch.
First great to see you and your son fishing together. Not only is that a nice trout, but folks take a look at the background, this is what makes the Pagosa Springs area so beautiful. Who would not like fishing with that background!
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And speaking of Pagosa Springs………….
Thank you for the narrative of the trip! The Pics are incredible. I am glad you both had such an awesome time. I look forward to your blog every day! Stay well!Thank you for the narrative of the trip! The Pics are incredible. I am glad you both had such an awesome time. I look forward to your blog every day! Stay well!
Elaine sent along this comment and it is the kind that warms my black heart. Nothing makes it easier to write than hearing there are actually warm bodies out there reading this. Thanks for your support.
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While I was gone Jesse the Neighbor sent a comment about going fishing, and of course I was gone, but looks like it did not slow him down any.
Congrats on the nice fish, the first one is a stud. And not to hard to figure out where you were. He had a couple of good trips the last week and it is nice to see the results. So hope to get with you soon and put the hurt on them. Thanks for the pics.
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And always good to hear from Rick.
What a great recap on a great year! I don’t get to go fishing very often so I live out my dreams about fishing through your blog. Here’s to good health to you and your family in 2018 and hopes that you continue with the amazing adventures of Fish Catching Travel.
Thanks a lot for hanging with me. My health this year should be a whole freakin’ lot better than last year. Missing 2 months last summer, then another month to get my feet back under me, can be summed up in 2 words – It Sucked! So there is no where to go but up. So if I have to keep fishing I guess I will put on my big boy pants and carry on!
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A MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours.
Here’s to a fresh start in 2018.FISH ON!!!
Thanks Billy, our resident Head Banger, same to you and your family. This new year is a fresh start and I am excited about getting with the program. I am with you – FISH ON!!
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And I got this after posting the year’s pictures.
Hi Doug
No Catfish, lol
Thanks Catfish Tom. And mark it on your calendar, we are going to the Nueces River in a month or so, and we are going to load the boat with white bass. Who knows, we may even let Jeffish and Korbin tag along. See you for the back porch Happy Hour next week. And one final word, the Boss says I am the worst catfisherman alive, and she might be right!
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It is 44 degrees as I type this and there are some pretty serious concerns on the coast after the cold weather. The game wardens and professional animal rescue folks have been saving and warming hundreds of sea turtles who are stunned. Several estimates say 10,000,000 fish have been killed, which includes baitfish. So the question is what will the effects be? The photo I saw today of ice in Seadrift is concerning. In the coming days the real extent will be know, it will not be to bad. With that I am out the door to see if it is possible to catch a bass, the TV report said the lake was “slow”. Can you say jerk bait? So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.
Good Luck and Tight Lines
