FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

A Knockin Tail Beatdown

When I decided where I was going there was actually no question: The creek.  There are a few days a year when I know they are going to bite big time, and they sure did.  It was a perfect set of conditions that came together to make the trout cooperate, cold front, water temp dropping like a rock, and the tide going out all day.

Weather

41/54.  Cloudy and cool with a 25% chance of rain.  Wind   NNE 10 – 21 mph.

Tides

 High 2:03 pm +1.3 feet.

Bite Times

Minor   1:24 pm to 2:24 pm.   Major 6:34 am to 8:34 am.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

It was heavy clouds when I dropped in, and the air temp was 43 degrees.  Definitely a big boy pants day.  The water temp at the creek has gone down 20 degrees into the mid 50’s, perfect for creeks and rivers on the Texas Coast as long as the water is clear, which it is.  The wind was blowing a straight 15 mph right out of the north, which made it a little tough to fish, especially the lighter jig head, it put a big bow in the line.  But what it did was continue to blow the water out so it was falling all day, so the conditions made it a perfect storm just like I thought it would.  The Knockin Tail showed out today.  Fished on a jig head, the 4″ Honeydew and Mansfield Magic caught them.  And the 3 1/2″ Purple Lime on a 1/16th did the rest of the damage.  If it was not so windy it would have really shown out.

The best of 3 reds.

From the minute I dropped the trolling motor until I quit at 2:3o it was a catching fest.  There was 2 patterns, one points, but the rest of them came off the banks, most in a foot of water or less.  They were smoking the small Knockin Tail, most coming on the first drop or the second.  The trout bit all morning, mostly small but things are looking up for next year.  With the number of 13 – 15″ trout it should be good to go back to the old limit next summer.

It was trout after trout.

This is just a few of the trout.  I did not manage to catch a bigger one today, but you can bet that will change.  So here is the punch line:  It is all about the water temp, it has to drop like a rock to get the fish and the bait to move into tributaries on the coast.  They generally prefer a softer bottom, a direct result of the dropping water temp.  Lots of things have to work together and today it all came together.  I am not even going to guess how many trout I caught but my elbow is swollen and my shoulder is killing me.  A small price to pay.

One for 2 on the 3 1/2″ Purple Lime Knockin Tail was the ticket for all of them, it was just tough to fish with the wind.

And I bumped into a wad of small Black Drum.

It really is interesting that the fish were shallow, as most of them were in 2′ or less.  It would seem counter intuitive that with the water temp dropping 20 degrees and it being colder than hell with a north wind that they would be shallow, but that is where they go.  So light line and light jig heads is the way to go.  As I have repeatedly said this is my favorite time of year to fish.  Often the set of conditions leading to great fishing is fleeting so it is a go when the time is right.  It is just a question of how bad you want it.

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

And I wanted to pass along this comment from Steve about my floundering around when trying to hook a flounder.

Good evening Doug. I would bet that the flounder are never getting the Hook only biting the lure with their teeth and holding on, then they open their mouth and gone. I read a post years ago from the gentleman who created chicken boy Lurers, his advice was when you feel the flounder bit put your rod down smoke a cigarette then set the hook. His advice was to wait five seconds before you set the hook. Thank you very much for all your years of stories. Steve from Seadrift formerly from Waco.

You are so right about what is happening and now that I think about it I have realized part of my problem.  Since I am trout fishing and flounder have always been a bi-catch for me.  Since I am trout fishing, I am setting the hook the second I feel the bite, which explains why so many come off.  Guess if I was actively targeting flounder my catch rate would go up.

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

I will be giving the weather a serious look/see.  The lake is calling, and the conditions look right, and the bay fishing should be heating up.  It will be later tonight before I make up my mind on where I headed tomorrow.  Just have to play the weather and max out the winter opportunities.  But the boat is still hooked up so that decision is made.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Off Topic – Politics

The majority of the races have been called.  So here is my suggestion:  Win or lose, never seen a bigger bunch of sore ass losers on both sides, shut up and move on.  (There is even a candidate who says their own party screwed them.  If that is the case and they hate you that much guess the rest of us should too.) How about our government get back to the job of governing?  Try working together.  I know they could really give a rat’s ass about us, but that is what the rest of us do at work – we work together to solve problems.  So, try it.  I thought that is what we pay the whole bunch of you for.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

After looking at the weather report decided to head back to the creek, not enough clouds for the lake.  But looking at what is to come the lake will be back in play with the weather change that is coming.  But until then I have some unfinished business, fixing that “Poor Execution” of yesterday.  So it will be up early and off first thing.  And as a side note still having a little trouble wrapping my head around the tide times.  Guess I should use the easy method:  Print up the tables and once you put the boat in toss them in the creek and see which way they go.

Weather

69/83.  Partial sunshine with an 8% chance of rain.  Wind   ESE 10 – 25 mph.

Tides

 Low 9:06 am – 0.32 feet.   High 8:49 pm +1.41 feet.

Bite Times

Minor   7:48 am to 8:48 am.   Major 1:08 pm to 3:08 pm.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

One of the good things about the blog is the ability to look back to see how it was going in years past.  When I looked back yesterday I just got the new color from Knockin Tail, the Honeydew.  I took one look at it then and knew it would catch them fresh or salt.  And it also made me realize that it was the color of choice for me last winter so why not give it a go.  Good choice.  So the blog really is a fishing log and history can and does repeat itself.

I finally landed one today.  To bad it was 1 for 3.

 I wish I could say it was all unicorns and fairytales, but it wasn’t.  Not sure what my flounder issue is, but I managed to lose 2, both like the one above.  Once the tide started falling they moved to the edge of the grassy shoreline, and the bites came on the first or second fall.  I tried reeling really slow on one without putting any real pressure on it, then the other setting the hook like I was bass fishing, but they still came off.  But I got one in the boat so it was not a total loss.

The 4″ Honeydew Knockin Tail did the serious work today.

It was really foggy this morning and the water temp is still in the mid 70’s.  I started on a point first thing and they were there.  Most of them in less than 2 foot of water and smoking it.  There is just something about the Honeydew color but when they are on it they eat.  After boating several I made a move.

It was a solid bite this morning.  Can you say points?

I headed to another point where I have been getting topwater bites and caught a small right away.  Then it seemed to be deja vu all over again.  I ended up missing 3 more including a couple that it sure looked like they smoked it.  Then on the bank across from it 2 more took a run at it and just did not come over the side.  Unfortunately, the topwater bite completely stalled when the sun was full out as it has been.  If you want a topwater bite, get out at daylight, and I mean before sunrise.  But…………a while later I tossed it over a big flat point and a big red crashed behind it.  Being the rookie I am I pulled it away from him.  Dumb.

The tide was moving out when they bit and once it stagnated the bite slowed way down.  I managed some more small trout but also missed my share.  It was really apparent when the bite was on, they were smacking it.  Once the tide quit moving you could get a reaction halfhearted bite or two, but once it was over it was over.  So around 1:00 I called it a good day.  Now we just need some cold weather to get them moving in the creeks and rivers.   And if it rains which it supposed to as long as it is slow and steady and not a gulley washer the fishing should remain good.

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

I did want to let those of you know who are not regular readers that unless I say otherwise every single fish you see here is Catch Photo and Released, CPR.  Unless it is something a little different, like the Chandeleur trip, you will not see any of those dead fish bragging pictures.  I try to take just enough pics to let you know how the day went.  I can fill up the deck of the boat too, but for what purpose?  Share more info, keep less fish unless you are going to eat them soon.  If you have freezer burn on your fish you are keeping to many.

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

I almost forgot to tell you about my new favorite swimbait hook when you have grass – The Penetrator from Slayer Lures.  I picked up a few at Waterloo Rods in Victoria before we made our trip to the Chandeliers Islands and they made a big hit and were just the right weight to fish over what is serious grass on the islands.  Without them it would have been tough to get through it once the tide started moving and the grass began to float.  Tim, from Wade Right, really liked them so I stopped by and bought him a couple of examples so he can have something to go on when he orders them.  Whether a bull red or trout they did the job.  Will be headed to the Upper Laguna for a couple of days soon and when combined with a Knockin Tail it should do the job.

Hooks – Slayer Inc. Lure Companyhttps://slayerinc.com/product-category/hooks/

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

That will be it for me until Monday.  Off to see my mom and brother for the weekend.  Looks like we have what may be some serious weather on the way.  Unless it is stupid ugly it will only help the fishing fresh and salt.  As I have repeatedly said this is my favorite time to fish and I will keep after it.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.’

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

I was really disappointed to see the water temp at the lake had come up, and unfortunately, I expect the same on the creek.  The whole country is warmer this fall but looking ahead there might be a cool down next week.  Until it really cools the bay off the rivers and creeks will not be as good as they can.  But with that said will be on the creek first thing in the morning.  Time to feed them a Knockin Tail or two.

Weather

68/86.  Partial sunshine with a 25% chance of rain.  Wind   ESE 9 – 20 mph.

Tides

 Low 8:13 am – 0.06 feet.   High 6:27 pm +1.19 feet.

Bite Times

Major      11:32 am to 1:32 pm.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

A nice fattie.

The fishing was the best I have had on the creek yet.  But there is a difference in a good day and a really great day.  Today it was simply a matter of execution, or in my case not.  It really was one of those “the good ones got away.”

I got to the creek late this morning and it was definitely up.  The water temp was 76 degrees, which does not help matters at all.  First up was a flat point that has had a few on it and one jumped on the topwater first cast.  He was a small but was glad to have him.  A couple of casts later a real one just jumped all over the topwater, I had it on, and it pulled off.  Poor execution #1.  Next a nice red followed it and did not eat.  A few casts later another good red smashed it the minute I twitched it.  Unfortunately he pulled off.  Poor execution #2.  I stayed with the  topwater for a little while but that was the size of it.

It was good for a while.

But since a couple of reds made a pass at it got out the spinnerbait.  Of course, I could not get a red to eat it, but a really nice flounder did and with my superior skill managed to pull him off by reeling to fast.  Poor execution #3.   At this point the wind was coming up so I headed to a flat point with the wind right on it and the trout were there.  They were in barely a foot of water and for a half hour the bite was on.  I was tossing a 4″ Blue Ice Knockin Tail on at 1/8 jig head and fishing it aggressively.

Most came on the Blue Ice Knockin Tail.  The first one on the Nuked Glow.

The wind was perfect, and I was able to make 3 or 4 passes catching fish each time.  But were we done with Poor Execution?  Oh no.  I lifted up on the Blue Ice and it was a really big flounder.  So, what could go wrong?  Already have the net out, fighting him nice and steady, and when he got close the Blue Ice was not visible.  And then the unthinkable happened:  He opened his mouth as I slid him towards the net and the bait swam right out.  Poor Execution #4 for the morning.  It always amazes me that they can have a big hook jig head in their mouth and then out it comes.  But that aside I had 2 really nice ones today and neither made the net.  Combine that with losing the 2 on topwater it really was an ambivalent morning.

Don’t get me wrong, it was nice to have a good run this morning.  With cooler weather coming this weekend things should start picking up.  Right now, they are not everywhere.  The way it has been the last couple of trips was here and there with no real bunch.  Today it was classic speckled trout fishing, once I found them it was game on.  Definitely give the day a B and if I had done my part it would have been an A.  Keep feeding them a Knockin Tail, you can’t go wrong.

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

I have had my good Simms waders for almost 7 years, and they finally are headed back to Bozeman Montana for some repair work.  They had a small pin hole which I fixed 2 years ago but now it looks like it has a leak in the bootie.  Not sure how much it will cost, or how long it will take but neither will be short.  But if I get another 7 years out of them where I am going no complaints.  Good thing it is about time for the boot foot neoprene for winter wading.  Assuming we have some winter weather they will do until I get the Simms back.

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

Have something to do tomorrow then back on the water Wednesday.  Where will be totally weather dependent but I cannot wait no matter where it is.  Fall is coming believe it or not and the fish will bite, it happens every year and it will again.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The bite I live for!  She blasted it!

It was still dark when I got to the ramp.  The wind was light, the water temp remains in the mid 70’s though the watercolor had deteriorated somewhat down lake.  While I normally do not fish the weekend we had a big front coming through yesterday evening and I was banking on it staying cloudy for a while, which it did.  And the fishing was definitely better than the other 2 days this week.

Weather

56/79.  Not as warm with times of clouds and sun with a 6% chance of rain.  Wind   NE  7 – 15 mph.

Lake Level

 Two days ago 95.99 msl.    Today 95.95 msl.  (The slow declines resumes.)

Bite Times

Major      11:01 am to 1:01 pm.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

About the only pattern that seems to have held is big stumps with some water over them and deep water close.  I headed to a bank that is exactly that, and the one above was my second bite.  What made that bite so amazing is how it happened.  She came out of a stump in over 5 foot of water, and literally smashed it with 5 feet of line out right beside the boat.  It was the classic bite that I love so much on buzzbait.  Big fish like this don’t screw around, they usually kill it, and she sure did.

Love it when they are eating a buzzbait.

I stuck with buzzbait until around 9:00 when it slowed down and the sun started peaking through the clouds.  But until then they were on it.  The buzzbait put 8 or so in the boat the first couple of hours.  Then the one above added to the good bite as she smashed it.  No matter who many I catch on buzzbait there is just something about a bigger fish eating it with gusto.  It keeps me fishing it.

From that point on I threw several other baits.  The spinnerbait might have accounted for 2 or 3, a jerk bait a couple, and a few on the swim jig.  A couple probably measured though on the small side, but at least they were biting.  As the clouds slowly went away so did the bite.  But things are looking up as far as numbers.  But at this point I don’t have a pattern, and I am not sure but both of the good ones today could have probably been caught on other baits.  It really is a matter of timing, get up early and be ready because it does no last long but there is a chance to catch a real one.

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

Now I am not exactly looking but if a good 14 – 16′ Lund or equivalent came up I would sure consider it.  Basically wanting something light with a V, a small motor is preferred, with a trailer for fishing the small lakes around South Fork.  Of course it all has to be titled, not interested in wading through that mess.  Does not have to be anything special or even a late model, I can handle locators and trolling motors etc.  No hurry but I will be spending quite a bit of time out there and there are plenty of lakes within an hour of town.  But with most on gravel light and not to pretty fits the bill.

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

When the bite quit it was good timing.  I got home in time to watch the second half of the A&M game and it sure was ugly.  Not sure what is going on there but wonder if they feel like they are getting their $90,000,000 worth.  They have now lost 5 in a row, the first time since 1980.  Ouch.  His record is now worse than Sumlin’s and they rode him out of town on a rail.  So only time will tell how long Aggie fans can take it.

I do not wish them any ill will but hope this is a warning to all teams, fork out the big bucks with much/all guaranteed and I have no sympathy for you.  If memory serves they even gave him a contract extension last year.  Not sure what for but there just might be a real expensive lesson here.

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

Arkansas, and I called the A&M game ugly.  There is not much to say but we played terrible.  Could not block, tackle, pass, run, in fact not sure we could do anything.  But on a side note can see why Liberty is rated in the top 25, but that is no excuse.  This was our worst effort of the year.  It has been a long time since I have heard boo’s in Razorback stadium.

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

Not sure what or where is next but it will be on the water for a few days.  Then a quick trip to Arkansas to see my mom and hopefully the grandbabies.  But no matter what I am ready for winter and it sure would help the lake fishing.  The creek and the river could use some cold weather to move more fish in, hopefully making it a better fall/winter than last year.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

VOTE

Go vote, it is your civic duty.  When voting the people speak.  Our elected officials from county commissioner to president need hearing aids at times as they forget to listen to we the people.  But unless your voice is heard by voting they will continue to do as they please, often not in our best interest.  Plus, you can’t whine if you do not vote, you relinquished that right.  And once it is over it is over, we all need to accept the results and move on.  God bless America the greatest country in the history of civilization.

Weather

72/85.  Partly sunny and warmer; breezy in the afternoon with a 25% chance of rain.  Wind   SSE  12 – 30mph.

Lake Level

Yesterday 95.98 msl.  Today 95.99.  (Will just see if it is a slow rise.)

Bite Times

Major      9:28 am to 11:28 am.  (I can live with that, hope the fish read the book!.)

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

No pictures, unless you want to look at a bunch of smalls. But this is what happens in the fall, tough conditions and scattered fish.  And scattered they are, catching can simply be a matter of zigging when you should have zagged.  The only change in conditions was the water warmed a couple of degrees (So wrong in the fall when we want the drop to get us to winter fishing.)  nor did it help matters that the sun was out most of the day after the fog cleared.

I fished close to the ramp area as it was really foggy, it was 9:30 before it started to clear.  The Whopper Plopper was a good choice and while I caught 3 none even came close to making the grade.  As it cleared, I made my way up lake fishing points, some deep and some shallow but it was just plain slow.  The only good fish actually came on a swim jig and managed to make an escape when I tried to boat flip.  The most bites came on the chartreuse square bill, but they were all smalls.  At best I boated 10 this morning, it was tough with absolutely no pattern or bait preference to home in on.

The wind was forecast to blow up to and past 20mph, and until almost noon it did not blow at all.  I kept hoping that once it started there might be a spinnerbait bite.  So once the wind came up, I switched and 2 jumped the spinnerbait in miles of bank, from flat shallow to deeper channels it took a big stump to scare one up.  At this point I was not feeling it and although I caught one on my last cast, I decided to call it a day.  I was a little frustrated and feeling clueless but there was a reason I quit at that minute.

As I got close to the ramp there was a boat out in the middle of the lake and it looked like they are having motor trouble, so I motored over.  They were paddling their rear end off but getting further away from the ramp as the wind picked up.  There is no way they would have made it.  They had been paddling a while and were losing ground fast, the wind was picking up and they were just about to give out.

So, I grabbed a rope and towed them to the ramp.  They were both 80 years old and with only one other truck at the ramp, who I never saw anywhere, they would have probably been stranded.  Once I loaded my boat on the trailer, I noticed they were still sitting in the boat, and I asked if they had help coming.  He said he was just resting and was just too tired to do anything.  He finally headed for his truck, so I parked and went down and helped them get it on the trailer.  Though the fishing sucked there was a reason I was out there, it could not have worked out any better.

Over the years I have been fortunate enough to only be towed in once but have towed a bunch of folks.  It always disturbs (Pisses me off!) when I see folks drive right by someone in obvious distress.  I will always repeat the POC story as the worst example of really mean behavior. Watching all the high dollar boats full of sanctimonious rear ends drive right by a boat obviously have trouble really irritated me, when I stopped to check on them they had paddled all the way from the island.  It was fairly busy that day and they said lots of folks just went right on by.  Do not do that please.  It could happen to any of us but in the end stopping and checking on our fellow fishermen is simply the right thing to do.

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

Some absolute slime ball shot a Desert Bighorn in western Colorado and left it laying there.  They did not even take the horns; it was a 3/4 curl.  And they did not take any of the meat.  People spend years and tens of thousands of dollars just to get a chance of taking a Bighorn.  Only 4 permits are drawn in the 2 units in the area where the sheep was poached.  Because some of the act is a felony serious jail time is possible.  Fine/restitution can top $25,000 along with a lifetime hunting ban.  If/when they catch this fool the book should be thrown at him.  I have no problem with sheep hunting, it is a bucket list hunt of a lifetime for anyone.  Though I have no chance of drawing a sheep tag, I will apply for it all.  What a waste of a magnificent animal.

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

I am going to do something I rarely do any more, fish the lake on Saturday.  Saturday happens to be the opening of deer and turkey season and while there will be folks fishing it will not be as busy.   And if you are hunting, please be careful as you enjoy the weekend.  Plus, I get to the ramp early and generally beat the crowd, but I am not sure being on the water exactly at daylight has been helping but I keep hoping.  Now if the clouds will hang around and the wind will blow it should be a better day.  So, keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

It has been over 3 weeks since I fished the lake.  Lots has happened in that 3 weeks but things should settle down, at least until it is back to Colorado.  The good thing is the next couple of months are my favorite fishing time of the year and I will be taking full advantage of it.  And with deer hunting in full swing next week traffic will be down, the one time of year we can say that.

I have no clue what to expect tomorrow.  Good clouds will definitely help as will a little drizzle.  So tied on is a Whopper Plopper, Band O Lure, swim jig, crankbait and several plastics.  No guess what will work, and there will be a short stop to see if our white bass are up lake.  It will be one of my favorite days to fish, just have to figure it out.

Weather

68/78.  Warmer with sun and areas of low clouds with a 25% chance of rain.  Wind   ENE  8-15 mph.

Lake Level

Today 95.98 msl.  Twenty One days ago   96.26 msl.  (Still a slow steady decline.  But when I got home the lake had come up to 95.99 so it is a slow rise.)

Bite Times

Major      8:38 am to 10:38 am.  (That is perfect.)

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

First bite.  Smashed a Whopper Plopper.

• Todays Totals:
• 6 bass on spinnerbait
• 3 white bass
• 4 bass on crankbaits
• 2 bass on Whopper Plopper.

It was an interesting morning.  The weather was right, my only concern was whether the water was off color, but it was not too bad.  Most of the lake was 73 degrees and the wind was blowing a little out of the North and would stay that way until I quit at 1:30. The Boss ordered supper, so the pressure was on to bring home the bacon.  Funny how when she wants a fry I feel more pressure than when I was tournament fishing or guiding.

Right off the bat the one above smashed the Whopper Plopper, and unfortunately it ended up fooling me a little, so I stayed with it way to long.  One more small jumped on and another missed it but they were clearly not having it.  But for the amount of time I threw it it ended up being rather disappointing.  With that result and the water having some color up lake I figured the chartreuse Sixth Sense crankbait would catch them, and it did.  All 4 on it were small or right at 14″.

One thing I wanted to do was check on the white bass up lake so I trolled one up but then could not get another bite.  With it being slow at least for the better fish I headed down lake to my white bass flat and ended up boating several more, so at least I had a fish fry.  But there was one more thing to try and turned out I should have been throwing the spinnerbait all morning.

The first place I tried 3 jumped on, then 3 more on the last bank before I called it a day to get home and head to happy hour with the Boss.  They were all on the small side, though 2 would have measured if I was hurting in a tournament.  Banks with wind on it was where they were, and I should have known better.  But it was a good thing in the long run, as of first thing in the morning at least I know what I will be doing.

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

It will be back to the lake in the morning to see if I can work on the spinnerbait bite.   Coleto has its moments when they are eating it and maybe it will be a good day.  Rusty is fishing the river today so unless he has a stellar report I will stick with the plan.  And with the wind forecast to blow 12 – 30 mph the lake is definitely the better choice, at least as far as the wind goes.  The 1 1/2″ of rain we got yesterday was a slow steady soaker.  The ditch in my front yard is a good measuring stick, if there is no water in it then it was a soaker and not a gully washer.  But according to the weather dude some areas got 3 – 4″ so only time will tell what affect that has one the area creeks and rivers.

But I do not look a gift horse in the mouth.  15 is not a bad total for the morning, hopefully I can add some serious size tomorrow.  Not much else to say except get up and get out, it is good for the soul.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Will get up and gone early in the morning.  Really want to give the topwater a good go before the sun comes up.  Have not decided where yet, will do that when I pull out of the driveway.  Head to where I know some are or a completely different place where they should be.  No matter what it will be fishing on a nice fall day.  It does not get a whole lot better than so we shall see how it goes when it is all said and done.

This says it all about the great outdoors.

Weather

58/78.  Intervals of clouds and sunshine with a 55% chance of a passing shower in the afternoon.  Wind   E 8 – 15 mph.

Tides

High 2:21 am – 1.56ft   Low 2:22 pm – 0.19ft

Bite Times

Major   6:45 am to 8:45 am.    Minor   2:04 pm to 3:04 pm.   (The tides and bite times combine to make it good day, I hope.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

As I write this it is raining fairly hard this morning and from the forecast it might rain off and on for several more days.  Good thing I decided to head back to the creek as we have had this same scenario in the past, and the creek and river fishing was ended before it got started.  To much fresh water, not to mention the color is not good trout water so it will be the week before we know how bad it gets.

The weather was perfect when I headed down river.  Catching a couple (Or a dozen!) on topwater was the plan.  And though a couple did jump on fishing was slow as far as numbers go.  But since I was pushing it, it is early and still warm, it is not surprising that they are not in there big time yet.

Nice size but just not enough of them.  Salt and Pepper Knockin Tail and topwater.

There was 3 bites on topwater, and I managed to hook up with 2 of them.  The rest, if you can call 10 or so the rest, came on plastics.  Whether the 4″ Salt and Pepper on a heavy 1/8th jig head or the 3 1/2′ Nuked Glow on a light 1/8th screw lock, there was no difference in the bites with both being about equal.  The only real difference was they tended to eat the Nuked Glow as it fell slower so the hookup ratio was better.  Since I wanted to keep after the trout I did no real red fishing but did lose a big one on a topwater and had another halfhearted boil.

One here and one there.

I added the 4″ Pearl Knockin Tail under a popping cork and while I had 2 bites neither came to the net.  The water was not moving, and when it seemed like it was going out just a hair it did not last long. And the fact it was sunny and nice with no wind did not seem to help matters either.

The only red and one of 2 flounder.  Most today on the 3 1/2″ Nuked Glow Knockin Tail on a 1/8th screw lock jig head.

I did catch a couple quite a bit farther up river and it seems they are coming in, but it will depend on what happens the next week.  To much fresh will stop that in it’s tracks.  I can’t blame it all on the fish, I had a few more bites that should have made the net, but all in all a nice day on the water, hope it is not over before it gets started.

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

As you know I have complained repeatedly about the potential for chronic wasting disease (CWD) from captive deer breeding facilities to our wild herd.  We should have a clearer picture of the threat following this season.  So, if this applies to you be sure to have your deer checked, our herd may depend on it, or I can shut up about it.

TPWD reminds hunters that agency wildlife biologists and animal health officials are collecting and testing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) samples from hunter-harvested deer to get a clearer picture of the prevalence and distribution of the disease across Texas. Proactive monitoring improves the state’s response time to CWD detection and can greatly reduce the risk of the disease further spreading to neighboring captive and free-ranging populations.

Hunters in surveillance and containment zones must meet submission requirements of harvested CWD susceptible species. Additionally, hunters outside of established surveillance and containment zones are encouraged to voluntarily submit their harvest for testing at a check station, for free, before heading home from the field. Hunters can find a map of TPWD check stations  for all CWD zones on the TPWD website. Hunters can also contact their local biologist to submit a sample.

Thanks TPWD for this.  Hope this answers lots of questions.  And it would be nice if the preliminary numbers were released as soon as possible, before the issue fades from the public conversation.  So, get your deer checked no matter where you shoot it in the state, it is the responsible thing to do.

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

Just how much is a real piece of junk in my yard worth?

we have boat that was left on our property with its trailer with no title bill of sale will be given I dont know anything about it just it has been seating here for 7 years asking $800 obo on it

I just chose $800 because I need a new smart tv.

The rest of the boat is great.

15′ Bass Boat with out a motor. Has a bad transom. The rest of the boat is solid

Except for the part that holds that motor thingy.

Great price on a 1977.

Don’t have title, just bill of sale. Needs some work; bought as a project but don’t have the time, unfortunately. Many extras! $8,300 /OBO

If it say “project” and no title run as fast as you can.

Just fish a couple of hours it will be fine.

Boat with trailer has small leaked about a cup an hour. 14 foot long and 5 foot wide . No title

Course you can’t get it licensed.

What is a little rot?

Project boat, needs stringers replaced. Water got in the boat in the past causing rot in some places. Started working on it but can’t finish.

A really simple project to finish.

It happens to the best of them.

Has been sitting up for over 2 years since it has been run. Needs work.

Whether it is just neglected or sitting in a garage not being run is never good on an engine.  Why the skiff had to go.

Buying a used boat can be an adventure.  Some are diamonds in the rough, many are just rough.  So take your time, ask plenty of questions.  If it is one of the late model boats in the $50k+ market if they cannot produce maintenance records including compression numbers walk away.  Anybody selling an expensive boat should be more than happy to document it all or let you talk to their mechanic.  Remember it is your money and they are not being nice letting you buy their boat.

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

This buying a house thing is a pain in the ass.  Colorado makes it more complicted than it needs to be.  But the Boss keeps telling it is just a process which is no conselation but at least it looks like everything on our end is done so closing should go on January 5.  Can’t wait.  Can you say ice fishing?

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

Tomorrow will be the lake.  The weather looks promising for bass fishing so it will be up and gone first thing.  Then later in the week if it is not raining POC is in my future.  Colton (The best young fisherman on the coast and Saltwater Legends winner.) in his Facebook report says he has been tearing trout up for 3 days.  The best news, plenty of 15″s, which is a sure sign the 17′ 3 fish post freeze limit is working.  Hard as it might be for some folks to believe fishing pressure matters, even on the coast.  And speaking of Colton and the Everlast fishing team, Everlast just announced that they will be sponsoring another team, which will include his dad, Pat.  All I have to say about that, other teams need to be scared.  Good luck to them it is coming up fast.

And here is a scary number – this is my 1,500 post!  No wonder I get tired of it at times.  It has been a labor of love which will continue, until who knows when.  But I can not tell youo how much I appreciate all the support.  Thanks.

That about covers it for today.  The fishing will continue and with deer season right around the corner the best time of the year to be on the water is now.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

I often say you never know until you go.  And with that thought in mind time to maybe jump the season a little and head to the creek.  There should be a few reds if nothing else, and the trout who knows.  It was a slow season on creeks and rivers last year probably due to the winter kill.  One thing that should be on the plus side is there should not be to much fresh water as you get close to the bay.  The weather looks good, and my anticipation is high.  This is my favorite time of the year, and I am ready for winter saltwater fishing.

This one put up an epic fight.  The Salt and Pepper KTL was definitely the ticket today.

Weather

80/47.  Pleasant with plenty of sunshine with a 0% chance of rain.  Wind   E 8 – 15 mph.

Tides

High 2:10 am – 1.12ft   Low 10:19 am – 0.17ft   High 9:21 pm – 1.24ft

(I generally take the tides from the Matagorda entrance and noticed last year that the rivers are generally the exact opposite so will try to take notice and see if that is the norm.  Looking at the water the low was really about 2:30.)

Bite Times

Minor         8:44 am to 9:44 am.    Major   2:16 pm to 4:16 pm.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The water color is good but the temp seems to be in the low 70’s so the time is not quite right.  That does not mean I did not catch some but we need more nights in the 40’s like last night.  It will happen, I am jjust happy with the number of small trout.  Last year it was tough but the number of small fish is definitely a good thing after the freeze.

This is what all 15 or so looked like except for 1, which I managed to delete.  But they were not much.

There are 2 baits which worked great last year from now through real winter:  the Mansfield Magic for the reds and the Salt and Pepper for the trout.  So while I did fish some different colors they worked best.  Nothing hit the topwater but I was a little late and it was dead calm with a mile high sky.  The “problem” if you can call it that was, they were definitely not bunched up.  Most of the bites came less than 10′ from the bank.  There was a flurry with 5 or 6 sand trout, but that was the size of the trout bite.  Once the bottom dropped out time to throw the spinnerbait.

A spinnerbait with the Mansfield Magic Knockin Tail trailer.  A solid fall and winter bait.

It was dead low but I found some reds tailing on their bellies.   I had 3 shots and trailers and only managed to make the perfect cast.  Rolled it an inch of the bank and he blasted it.  The other two, no bueno.  Make a terrible cast and get a terrible result.

So not a bad day.  Nice to be back in a boat with a trolling motor and locator.  I fished shallow banks, deep channel banks, and points.  While they all produced a fish, that literally is what would happen.  Catch a fish or two or miss one and that would be the size of it.  Then a mile later and it would happen again.  But the future looks bright, it is time to get after it.

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

Things I forgot yesterday.

The first day I literally threw everything in the box.  I kept after it until it was clear the twitch bait was the ticket for us.  Then the Clearwater KTL put them in the boat.

Tim the co-oner of Wade Right actually got a text from another captain on the islands wanting to know how we did it as they struggled.  In fact, apparently all the other boats out there had a hard time.  Our success was a tribute to having 11 good fishermen helping each other to get it done.  Far to many fishermen do not share, like they are something.  Try sharing information some time, it will not kill you.

And I definitely should have told you that the number 1 bait as far as numbers went was the 4″ Knockin Tail in Blue Ice.  Tim had a bag and shared them with everyone.  It caught pompano, blue fish, jumped a tarpon, caught big reds and jacks in the surf, and was the number 1 trout producer.  Guess I need to add some to my arsenal.

We are set for May 2024 as the few dates the Backdraft had available did not line up with everyone.  So, it might be a little wait but as usual it is worth the wait.  In fact, that is the same time as our best trip when we smashed big trout in the surf so it can’t come soon enough.

As far as us talking to other fishermen and ruining their day none of this group is like that.  None of us would want to make their trip worse and in fact would have helped anyone who asked.  These guys are good fishermen and a credit to our sport.  Why I like them, not a horse’s butt in the group.

And I hope I made it clear, with 6 boats the post yesterday was just a sample of what was caught.  We only kept 7 slot reds, and it was probably 3 times that at least as far as bull reds went.

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

And here is a couple of comments from regulars.

Hurry up and get the house in Colorado. We all need a place to crash while skiing !!!!!  6 months is crazy !!!!!!   You planning on moving or is that a summer house?

Joe In San Antonio

The Boss has a couple of years till she retires but we will use it all 4 seasons.  We have looked off and on for a couple of years for just this house.  When it came up we jumped on it as it checked all our boxes and would not be around long.  She has worked hard, and this is her reward, I am just lucky enough to have her for a wife.  And as far as visitors we are taking reservations starting in 2030 so be sure to sign up!  Good to hear from you.

And this from Ed.

Man, sounds like a great trip. One that I’m trying to convince my fishing buddy to take with me. The limits in Louisiana are just unbelievable. But if they can grow em that quickly then I guess it’s every man for themselves!! Thanks for sharing this it just makes me want it that much more! I didn’t see the info on the outfit that you use so if possible send it out there again please! Glad you’re safe and had such a great time. Time for you to get back to the salt here in POC so I can see what the pattern is around there.

Our annual trip is one of the few times I participate in the meat haul and it sure is fun.  And as not everyone is from the area we are happy to send them on with a bag full.  And I am getting a few good local reports from the salt and will be back at it soon.  My buddies Todd and David had a nice string out of POC the other day and Rusty shared a good report.

As nighttime temps are headed to the 40’s and the good fall fishing will kick off.  I actually spent the day getting my saltwater stuff organized and cleaned because it will be on soon.

We did meet some guys on another boat who got screwed by their boat.  When they got there the captain upped the price by $200 a head and added a $200 fuel charged that he never mentioned when they booked.  Be sure to get it in writing and if there is a problem complain to everyone from the BBB to fish and game.  So going with the old hands is the way to go as there are some sketchy guides working the islands.  Here is their links, and trust me they book fast with very few open dates for next year.  Thanks for the comment.

https://fishsouthernbelle.com/

Captain Howie, a really good trip for 6 guys and the food is off the chart.

https://www.dmjcharters.com/

This is the Backdraft with Captain Denny.  Great big boat with plenty of room for 12.  But book early because he fills up fast.  He only had a few dates left for next year so we reserved time in 2024.

This trip is really a bucket list trip.  The fishing can be great, or tough, fishing is fishing no matter where you are.  But if you work together to establish a pattern like we did this year there will be fish in the boat.  So good luck on organizing a trip.  It is just plain fun.

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

For a guy who is allegedly winding down I am still pretty windy.  But I have really had a good year the last few months and it has only gotten better.  So I will keep it up.  I have meet so many good folks and like today shared a brew and a couple of stories at the ramp.  If you see me stop and say hi.  Keep on stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Chandeleur Islands

The Wade Right Fishing Crew.  My wife says I am color blind but my outfit matches to a tee!

This was my 5th year when I it was my pleasure to fish the Islands with the boys from Wade Right and their loose nit band of really good fishermen and all-around crazy boys.  We fished, ate, drank and bullshitted for 4 nights and 3 days.  And it was nothing short of another great time.

One thing about that trip is every year the fishing conditions are different.  This year was literally the Running of the Bulls.  The big fish were on the chew, the trout were tough.  Now take that statement with a grain of salt.  Since we boxed 171 in 3 days tough is a relative term.  With Louisiana having that ridiculous 12″ trout limit most of us have a hard time keeping those smaller trout or we could have easily inflated our numbers.  But in the final analysis it was another great trip I would not miss for anything.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

So without further ado let’s look at a few of the many big ass redfish that came to the boga.  If you like 35 – 40+ inch redfish this would be the trip for you.  And just for your information we only kept 7 slot reds so no bulls were harmed in the making of these pictures.  But a few shoulders and backs paid the price!

This one as a little on the small side.  It was insane.

The beach was just plain off the chain this year.

Wading on the beach was great, in the bay drifting was the ticket.

With the wind being perfect we all headed to the beach the first morning and it was absolutely awesome.  Big bulls in the 35 – 45″ range were cruising the surf and every time you looked around someone was hooked up and the battle was on. I did not land one that morning but when my spool got down to about 6-line wraps left I had to break mine off.  They were some bigheaded monsters.  For total on the big fish, who knows, but it was something.

Home away from home, the Backdraft.  100″ of luxury accommodations.  Check out captain Jimmie on his website, a first class operation.

https://www.dmjcharters.com

We switched to the Backdraft from the Southern Belle after Capt. Howie went to only 6 pack trips.  The Backdraft has a great salon, plenty of bathrooms with showers and fed us 3 meals a day and to which we added plenty of cold brews.  The skiffs have a 15hp electric start motor and are quick enough to cover what basically is a 10-mile stretch of the big island.  The mates were great, and I think the Captain is starting to warm up to our motley crew.

Hauling back for supper.

The back deck where we spent plenty of time.  I would hate to estimate the bucks spent on tackle and equipment!

After the beach slowed down the first morning Jason and I headed out to the bay and he ended up figuring it out, which served all of us well on the rest of the trip.  Every trip to faraway places the fishing is always different from the last trip.  This time the trout were not schooled up.  So, while we caught a few wading, drifting was the ticket.

The trout were in the potholes scattered throughout the extensive grass beds.  While we caught some wading the holes were scattered far enough apart that wade fishing was not the way to go.  The key was drifting with the wind, which is acceptable for any trip to the islands.  Jason figured it out – drift and make a long cast to the potholes with a small hard twitch bait, twitch it through the pothole and get ready.  While not fast by any means it ended up being the pattern.  Very similar to a bass pattern where they are positioned on certain stuff and you just need to cast, work it and reel it in and do it again.

And of course, on the beach there was a jack attack.  Probably what spooled me on day 1.

 Just a small sample of the beach fish.  The boys smacked them stupid day 1 and 2.

I never went back to the beach after the first morning.  I have caught my share of big reds and am just more interested in catching the trout.  By the end of day 3 there were plenty of sore backs and shoulders.  I believe it was the afternoon of day 1 when the boys went back to the beach and sight casted the big reds as they cruised the beach.  If you like em’ big this would have been the trip for you.

The trout were tough, but that is a relative term when we kept 164 over 3 days.  It was more of each boat catching 3 or 4 in the morning then more in the afternoon.  I was lucky enough to fish with 3 different folks, so my partners and I ended up adding 50 to the total over the 3 days, which is the legal limit on the islands for 2 people.  There were a few cases of woe with lost big trout and if memory serves me right there was only a couple over 3, but the rest were fat and sassy.  I had my bite which would have been big trout when she came up yellow mouth open, wallowing like a hog, then spitting the twitch bait.  When I lost that one I knew it was my big chance.

My boat partner on day 2 with a big one from the flats.  Larry stopped reeling right by the boat and turned his head to say something to me when this one blasted it with 5′ of line out.  What a freakin’ bite!

You always learn every trip and this time Larry taught me something.  We both were fishing twitch baits and he schooled me on technique.  With the trout basically one to a pot hole we would cast past it, jerk it through and then go ahead and reel it in.  The grass was tough at times so it was just pinpoint cast and twitch it some.  I was fishing with mono so my jerk bait would sink pretty fast while Larry was fishing braid with a 2-foot fluorocarbon leader.  Once he worked it to the pothole he would stop and his twitch bait would just suspend in the hole and they would eat.  Really cool.  I did get to go a little paramedic on him when he got hooked.  A small trout in the net tangled to beat the band in the trebles ends up sticking one in his finger.  A little “hook out”, see video on the left, and back in business.  No harm no foul.

A small one for the big ones we were catching.

It was really interesting how well the hard twitch baits were working.  Plastics worked, but in the heavy grass were a little tougher to fish.  Most of my trout came on the 4″ Clearwater Knockin Tail on a swim bait hook to keep it as grass free as possible.  What happened on this trip the fish were feeding on small Pogies, which were a perfect size match with a small twitch bait.  It was definitely a match the hatch.  To highlight the point. I had multiple huge reds follow a 5″ Knockin Tail almost to the boat and then not eat.  Small was the way to go, as usual, listen to the fish.

Of course, there were a few happenings.  One of the Iowa boys jumped a really big tarpon on the beach, a first in my trips there.  He said it went nuts then spooled him as it headed to Mexico.  We caught a few big jacks, one barracuda, a couple of spanish, and a few other assorted fish.  You just never knew.  With the weather on the cool side there were not near the sharks like last year, but there were plenty of big sea turtles and some really huge rays.  Though the boat traffic has increased every year since I started fishing there it is still a wonderful wild place to fish.  The real worry, like all places in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast the islands are disappearing.  Our Captain has fished if for decades and hearing how it was is almost depressing.  We need to save the coast, the woods, and water.    They are not making any more.

Of course we had multiple pools based on this and that. but there was a new one this year, which set the bar on totally cool.

Billy the new title holder with his belt.  The bar is set and next year the battle will be on.  Funny how a bunch of grown men want that belt!  (Including me!)

When Jason revealed the belt, it was an immediate hit.  To win it took a combo of the biggest slot red and trout, and Billy got it done though it was a close race.  It was amazing no matter what anyone says, we all want to be the champ.  So, it will be engraved with his name and date of the trip.  By time we all got home it was on his mantel over the fireplace.  He will hold the belt for the year, but we are all coming for it.  So enjoy it now brother, it will be the last time you hold it!  Like they say on TV wrestling he will be the undefeated, undisputed champion of our world.  What a great idea.

Jason also had another cool contest.  The last day we all drew from a bag of freshwater baits.  Biggest fish of any sort wins the money.  I drew a Rattle Trap so was not feeling too bad about it and ended up catching a 17 1/2″ trout.  But Jason ended up winning with an 18 3/4″ on a Bettle Spin.  Other than those 2 nothing else of note on the freshwater baits, though not sure most of the guys gave them a serious workout.  I was with Tim, and he had a torpedo which he did produce some bites, but nothing made the grade.  One comment on our topwater fishing, it was really slow.  (Looking back on it now should have fished the smallest one in the box to try and match the hatch.  Nothing like hindsight.) Though a few were caught it was definitely not the way to go, which was too bad as it is usually a good choice in the islands.

Of course, I have forgot plenty and there are tons of pictures out there of giant big-headed reds.  Funny how we only kept 7 slot reds.  In the pat it was plenty of slots and few giants.  This trip they were on the beach and in the flats.  There was definitely more sight fishing this trip as the water was gin clear.  Though the day Jason and I sacked 18 trout they were in an area that was off color, soaking up the sunlight and the temp on day 1, which was a high-pressure clear sky front following their first cold front of the year.  In fact, we got very lucky as a big front had just blown through and it ended up warming all 3 days.

I really enjoyed fishing with Tim and Jason from Wade Right for a day each, and then Larry.  There was plenty of switching of boat partners daily letting us all spend the day with someone different.  And as an example of how good this group of fishermen really is:  the charter boat docked near the Backdraft spoke with our captain.  When he told him our total he asked how as his charter fished all over and did not have a good trip.  He said don’t let you guys talk to my guys.  Thanks to Jason we got the pattern down, and if we had added the 12″ as a group it would have been a lot bigger total, but we just can’t keep those babies.  And when they called us home on the radio to call it a day they were really biting.  Isn’t that the way!

I could keep adding things as I reread this, but you get the point.  Things will get back to normal here as it is back to the real world.  Spending today cleaning and organizing, and then probably the lake in the morning as long as it is not storming.  Even if I moved to Colorado tomorrow this is a trip I will go on until I physically can’t, or they get tired of me.  It is not all about the fishing, on my 5 trips the fishing has been anywhere from great to really tough but it has never been a “bad” trip.  We really enjoy the Backdraft and are already looking at setting a new date for next year as they already have tons of bookings and few open dates.  I have repeatedly said it is the best deal in fishing, bar none.  So, figure out your adventure and make it happen.  Hope you enjoyed this quick overview of our trip.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

I am literally just killing time.  Leaving Tuesday, it will be the annual 3 days of fishing in the Chandelier Islands with a boat full of good fisherman who happen to be first class bullshitters.  Never a dull moment it is still about the fishing.  (And the money I intend to win off these bumpkins!) We have had great fishing, terrible fishing, sank 3 boats, drank a truck load of beer, and I learned that just letting sharks come all the way to the stringer and then smashing them on the head works.  It is all in the timing as last year both were an easy 6 foot plus.   And when it is good the fishing can be something.  No matter what it will be a good time.

As the year winds down, I realize how fortunate I am.  Alaska, the Everglades, Colorado twice and now the Chandelier Islands.  That qualifies as a good year.  Looking back on it I realize how these types of trips affect my “real life.”  The anticipation of what is to come can outweigh the “regular” fishing.  So, at times it is hard to get up and go with some of these types of trips looming on the horizon.  Not a complaint, just an observation.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

My best last year.

The weather moved in this morning, so I never did hit the water.  All worked out as I spent the morning sending off financial paperwork for the house.  It sure is a lot of stuff but it is one of those things that has to be done.  No paperwork no house.  But at least we got some good rain today and hopefully this front will be blown by Louisiana by time we actually start fishing on Thursday.  I am starting to get excited.

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

KARMA

The 2 knuckleheads who cheated in the walleye tournament are about to pay the piper.  Leadbelly and his partner in slime are charged with multiple crimes, felony and misdemeanors, for stuffing the walleye.  Then Karma really reared its ugly head:  The police served a search warrant at the partner’s house and towed his Ranger walleye boat off.  It was seized as it was used in the commission of various crimes.  That warms my heart!  And if I were guessing as a retired defense attorney, they are probably going to make an example of them, which they should.  So we all hope at least a little jail time and permanent suspension of any fishing or hunting licenses plus a big hit on the wallet.  They are the lowest of scum and have earned whatever they get.

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

While it is exciting to be buying our dream home in Colorado the paperwork is a real hassle.  After buying 5 previous houses this is by far the most complicated process yet.  But the Boss spoke with our buddy who owns a house there and before it was over it took him almost 6 months to close.  At least we are hoping for 3 months, I am ready to sit by the stove with a toddy and warm my soul in the mountains.  Funny what you think about.  We are going to finally get another dog, and we have always had a doggy door so ours could go in and out whenever.  So, with plenty of bears, coyotes and other critters it may not be that great of an idea.

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

It will be a week before you hear from me again, but will have a story, of some sort.  The Chandeliers rarely fails to come across with the goods.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

You Have Been Warned

If you are getting closer to retirement age you should be very concerned.  The Republicans are planning on cutting Social Security and Medicare if they retake the house next year.  They keep referring to these as “entitlement” programs.  Every time I hear one of these pompous ass’s say that it makes my blood boil.  Last I looked I have paid in for over 5 decades and now they want to start cutting something we all paid for.  Ok boys I have a deal for you, ANY cuts to the programs we paid for should be offset with the same percentage or higher to your benefits.  No more double retirement or life long medical for you entitled rear ends.  We are being screwed every day, they are the “entitled” and time has come to end unlimited terms and ridiculous benefits none of us can claim.  If you do not think they are screwing us you might want to actually look at their benefits.

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