FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

It does not get any better than this.

We try to get to Terlingua and spend a few days in the parks at least yearly.  Such a quirky place.  We stay in a shipping container, one upscale shipping container, in Terlingua.  It is on a hill outside of town and takes a beast of a vehicle to get there.  As with most of the roads we drive searching for wildlife don’t drive your Corvette, or your Prius.  So, we were out first thing both days and as usual a good time was had by all.

***************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

************** 

Big Bend National Park – Day 1

Our day started off with the drive to the hot spring on the Rio Grande.  It is near the crossing into Mexico where folks visit the town of Boquillas.  Of course, since Covid struck things have changed.

Our first morning hike on the Rio Grande and a test run on the knee surgery.  All good.

We took a short hike to test the knee and she ain’t broke down yet.  The weather was beautiful on this trip, except for that evening.  I have been in some wind in my life, including have a boat overturned on my head but that evening was special.  If I were guessing it blew somewhere around 60 – 70 mph plus.  From our place we watched a big yurt type tent bite the dust.  And the folks staying in the bus across the hill abandoned ship at some point.

It is a new day on the border.

These folks were right across the river from the hot springs.  Since the border has closed at the town of Boquilla being out in the desert in the middle of nowhere have lost their income from folks using the legal crossing.  They were selling lots of stuff, including tacos and would bring them across for you.  At several places across from the border you see hand made goods for sale.  Separate families had their own stuff, and it was all on the honor system.

Of course, they are not “allowed” to do it, and in the past, it was just one or two spots.  Now it is a lot more, but I appreciate the Park Service not being a pain in the ass about this.   These folks are suffering, and we sure hope they get the crossing open soon.  They are just trying to feed their kids.  And of course, we did not buy anything, we made a few “donations” and they gave us a “token of their appreciation”.   From there it was off for our real ride.

Plenty of history in the park.  Not sure why but folks place coins on the cross.  This was also an omen for one tough road.

Searching for wildlife in Big Bend is no easy task.  Not only is it a rough and tough landscape that can only support so many animals, with folks basically concentrated on the main roads stuff is in the way back.  As we do and will be doing in a couple of days in the Great Smokey Mountains next week, we get out there.  Time in the outdoors translates to encounters no matter which park you visit; it is just a matter of how bad you want it.  I wanted to drive a back road we had not driven before, Old Ore Road , which is 25 miles of some really narly stuff.

As we started down the road there were 3 folks behind us when we stopped at the grave, and then another truck came from the other way.  Apparently, he gave them the scoop on what they faced and they chickened out.  And with what they were driving that was a great choice.  So how narly?  It took us over 5 hours to drive 25 miles!  Can you say high ground clearance?  And then it paid off.

The Boss made a great spot.  Think he was the lookout.

We see you.

My favorite shot of the trip.

All of a sudden, the scream – Stop the truck!  She spotted 2 sentries on a big rock quite a way off.  Turned out they were the lookouts watching over a big group off Audads, one cool animal.  If you are not familiar with them, they are known as Barbery Sheep a native of North Aftica.  Basically, brought here for hunting ranches of course they escaped and now inhabit lots of the deserts of South Texas.   The parks consider them invasive, and in the state park when they do the Bighorn Sheep count via helicopter, they shoot them.  Another tell-tale warning on importing species that do not live here.  But they sure are cool animals.

Mom was wary!

See the baby?

As we moved forward around the rock another – Stop the truck!.  Momma was feeding her baby.  By time I got the truck stopped the baby hid, and momma gave us the hairy eyeball.  This is why we bought a long lens camera and why we spend as much time as we can on our search.  The desert is not Yellowstone, so it takes work to score, and today we did.

Everything is armed and dangerous.  It is a tough unforgiving life in the desert.

The first bunch of Javelinas run amok!

And then on the way back to the abode for filets on the grill that evening we spotted our first Javelinas.  Then we saw another bunch, they were definitely on the feed.  Some folks call them pigs, some call them skunk pigs, though they are far from a real pig.  They are actually of the Peccary of the Tayassuidae family.  (New World Pig)  There are 4 kinds ranging from South Texas into northern South America, and interesingly enough the island of Trinidad.  Tough little critters and cool to see.

We called day 1 a success and looked forward to tomorrow, though I was threatened with a whooping if I took her on anything near as tough as Old Ore Road.  But that is why I bought the Trail Edition 4Runner and the beast gets it done.

Day 2 – Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Always on the list when on the border.

It is about an hour from Terlingua and on the way we spotted a couple of buck Mule Deer which still had their horns.  For some reason they were not willing to stop and pose.  Last year we saw a big buck in the park, this year the viewing was a little tougher.

Hand and fingerprint petroglyphs in a rock shelter.

I have always been infatuated with the writings of the ancients.  It is too bad that there is not a better way to preserve so much of it.  Those of you who read this know I was adamantly opposed when the government started to cut funding to parks and wanting to sell our public lands.  That was so shortsighted and obviously proposed by folks who consider the outdoors to be a city park.

As we have traveled the outdoors extensively in the last 5 years and continue to do so, we could see it coming.  On this trip there was more people in the park than on our other 4 prior tips, combined!  The line waiting to get in the Starlight was around the building with a 2 hour plus wait.  We need to preserve every inch, they are not making any more land.  Plus look at the couple of pictures below.

The park is big as all outdoors.

What was the end game, filling lands as old as time with condos?  Maybe a mall? To improve the view?  We still need places where we can connect with our genetic heritage.  The lands and the animals are part of us and can never be replaced.  While solitude is getting harder to find we love seeing the “kids”, who’s numbers have really increased.  Camping, hiking, biking, and just hanging out, they will be the defenders of the public lands in the future, and I am hopeful for the future.

Everything in the desert will bite, sting, or scratch you, just ask my truck.

What do you see?

We took a hike into a canyon, spent some time at a watering hole, and just enjoyed the park.  The only thing was saw was these Javelinas crossing the road.  Behind #2 in line is her baby.  Look really closely.  As small as it was it could not have been that old.  As it got to the berm created by the road grader it was too small to make it and piled up and the next one stepped on it.  As they made the bush, I tried to get another pic as momma picked the baby up and took off to keep up with the others.  It is a hard world out there and these little guys are some of the toughest.

While we did not see much else, other than the sheer beauty of the desert we did stop at the ranger station and get some good advice for the next trip.  There is a one-way road to deep in the State Park that leads to a big valley with no other access which is now on the list.  Great petroglyphs, ruins, and home to most of the park’s bears, sounds spectacular.  The ranger said his wife thought the drive was a little sketchy so obviously we will be on it next trip.

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

So let us review where we have been the last couple of months.  Moab, Arches, Aransas Wildlife Refuge, Big Band National and State Park, and will be headed to Great Smokey National Park in a couple of days.  Of all things we met some folks from North Carolina on a trail in the park who gave us some great tips on the area where we can hopefully see black bears, the purpose for the trip.  Since the covid our travel has changed, and we have kept most of it in country, which has been great.  Our first real big trip coming is Alaska, but I just learned that the Boss has reserved a train ride across Canada while I am at the Chandeliers in October.  She really has a travel habit for which there is no cure.

And last, today is the Boss’s birthday.  I cannot put into words how I feel about her.  Our life together has been full of adventure, she opened my eyes to the world of travel.  The memories it has given us, and those to come are priceless.  Get outdoors and see all this great country has to offer.  I love this country and the freedoms we enjoy.  Keep stopping in, will have more soon, and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

I had a list to do before heading to the desert and it was wonderful, everything went fast and easy.  Of course, it is now noon, and I am wishing I was at the lake.  But there are a couple of other things I can knock off before heading out tomorrow.  There is a front coming tonight and we go from a high in the 70’s to the 50’s.  I really don’t care about that, what is important – clouds.  Not happy about the north wind but at least it is not 30+.  When I got home and watched our local weather we had gusts of 37 – 40 mph Wednesday.  No wonder it was such a hassle but tomorrow is a whole new day and hope springs eternal.

***************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

************** 

I actually put on my big boy pants this morning.  Heavy and flannel lined, they are warm, but not for a while this morning.  It was 37 degrees (18 windchill.)  when I put in at daylight and the wind was straight out of the north at a good 20+.  When I say it was cold, I am not kidding.  But off I went and considering the conditions it was a pretty good day, though my feet are stil cold.

The only spinnerbait fish.

It hardly needs saying, they were not where they were 2 days ago.  The wind was out of the exact opposite direction and cold.  When you combine that with the 43 degree temperature drop and it was no wonder.  At least the lake held a liitle of the temperature increase with most everywhere at least 60 degrees.  Since I did not expect them to chase a spinnerbait started with the A Rig and Pearl Knockin Tails and ended up catching maybe 8 or so.

The 2 best on the A Rig today.

What I did figure out was there was no real pattern today, or any particular place.  And that was the case with baits also.  Other than the A Rig it was 1 on spinnerbait and 3 on swim jig.  The swim jig bites came by reeling a 1/4-ounce bluegill color with a Greenback Knockin Tail trailer. All 3 I managed to catch hit it when I reeled through an outside bush.  Not sure it is the right color for that, may go back to the spoon and Knockin Tail when it warms back up.

A swim jig fish.  And I have no idea how many doubles I have caught on the Alabama Rig.

The one on spinnerbait came on a real spring type flat bank somewhat protected from the wind.  It hit on the first cast, and then not another bite on a long stretch.  Like Wednesday they were just not on the calmer places.   A little wind was needed even today.  I kept going back to the spinnerbait but with conditions it was not happening.  The A Rig fish came on banks going into coves, but nothing in the back ends.  The cove that was full of bedding tilapia was empty.  It was just a big cold front that had them a little off their feed but no complaints today, it was just a slow bite but one would jump on just enough to keep fishing.  Ended up calling it a day at 2:00.

As ugly as it was there was more and more bass boats.  Not sure if they were spawning or not, probably an out-of-town group with a tournament.  Ended up being the most boats I have seen on the lake this winter.  With spring on the way, and some fairly consistent fishing the traffic will increase but no big deal.  Everyone be nice and it will all work out.  Remember to be the bigger guy at the ramp and on the water, it is about to get busy.

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

Michael was on the One Last Podcast which airs every other Wednesday on Facebook.  It is all things saltwater fishing and worth a listen.  He announced that the 5″ Knockin Tail in 7 colors is coming in the next week or so, keep checking.  As the 5″ bags are still stuck in the supply chain, boy we are all tired of that one, they will only be available online until the bags come in and can hit the stores.  It was really informative, and I learned a thing or two about the 5″ that I did not know.  Bigger rattles and a dimple under the head.  The dimple is for the weight to go in when you set the hook using a weighted swim bait hook.  It allows the hook to extend from the slot for an improved hook set.  So order some, I cannot wait to get my grubby little hands on some for some trout fishing, it should be a killer for shallow water winter trout.

And the 3 1/2″ is not far behind and will be available online and in stores soon.   I think initially it will also come in 7 colors.  The one I really like the looks of is the Glass Minnow, which as soon as that hatch starts should put the hurt on them.  At times when they are spawning it can be tough and this should help.  And there probably is a crappie or two in my future.  It will be complete line for all conditions, with a new product or two yet to be announced.  Getting these done in this environment is a credit to Michael’s efforts.

And I intend to attend ICAST this summer, and the Houston Show in March.  I really enjoy the shows, if you like talking about fishing they are the place to be.

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

Not sure if this question is real or not, I get tons of spam but here you go.

Thanks – Enjoyed this post, how can I make is so that I get an email sent to me whenever you publish a new update?

Simple.  Just go on the right side of the page, put in your email and the post will be sent to you.  I appreciate any of you who sign up.  Thanks for the question.

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

The new speckled trout record was set in North Carolina, breaking a decades long record.  It weighed 12.6lbs, one big trout.  But it is not close to Texas where the record has stood at 15.60 for almost 20 years.   As hard as folks have chased them over the last 20 years, and continue to do so, it just might be a record that is never broken.

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

Next up is the desert.  Some animal watching, hiking, and sitting around a campfire with a hot toddy.  It is the start of a busy travel stretch.  At least Travis and then Ashville for the Smokey Mountains and some bear watching.  Not sure how I am going to fit Arkansas in the mix but if there is a will there is a way.  And it sure would be nice if the wind would take a little rest, really want to chase some trout.  We have a friend who is kind enough to let me stay in his place on North Padre, just a stones throw from the ramp.  It is going to be busy around here for a while, so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

After looking at the weather again I decided to be on the water at daylight and see if I could beat the wind, in other words how long I could take it.  The wind was blowing right along and there was occasional sprinkles.  The water temp was still in the low 60’s and has not warmed up as much as it might have, but the biggest jump was way up lake where it was up 3 degrees.  In some areas the color was poor, in others it is real clear.  How close are we to spring?  The tilapia hit the beds big time and the bass will not be far behind.  If you are a bow fisherman the time is now.

***************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

************** 

One of my favorite bites!

My plan and hope were to smash some on spinnerbait.  And fortunately, several cooperated.  They wanted it buzzed fast right below the surface.  There was only one problem, they were in the shallow bushes on points.  So great a pattern right?  It was if you could take it.

I cannot emphasize how hard the wind started blowing.  It was an easy 15mph+ increasing as the morning wore on.  They would not hit the spinnerbait in a cove with little wind.  Once I figured it out the wind was starting to howl.  It was freakin’ blowing a good 30mph.

Twins!

The bite started about 9:00, until then it was slow.  Several jumped on the A Rig with Pearl Knockin Tails but that bite is about over as it warms.  I could not buy a bite on a swim jig or the crankbait, so I finally toughed it out and headed for the wind.  It had to be moving the minute it hit the water, when fish this size and up hit a waked spinnerbait it is one ferocious bite.

I am using my last Buzz King from the lure company I worked for in the late 70’s.  It just so happened on one of my trips back to Mtn Home that I found a dozen, and alas, this is the last one.  It actually won $50k for a guy Tad sponsored.  The reason it is so successful waking is the wire is just a little finer than most and with a #5 willow it makes a huge wake, which the better ones like.

I did lose one other good one and had another make a pass at it and just miss.  But seeing them come out of nowhere and stop that bait is a thing of beauty.  It is so important to have it moving when it hits the water, why I switch hands on the rod while it is in the air.  Often they are right on the bank and if it is not waking they are not having it.  Additionally, it has to run straight up and down.  Rember it is a fleeing “gizzard shad”.  When there is little brush like Travis or Norfork I use a trailer hook, but on Coleto you have to throw it in the trash so no trailer hook.

Best I could manage on the A Rig.

While the A Rig will still catch them you can’t throw it to the bank or move it near quick enough.  The 3 or 4 that did jump on today were small and there is no way you could fish it properly after the wind really came up.  By 11:00 it was howling, and I mean whitecaps on the whitecaps.  Where the good bites came it was like standing on a beach ball while you fished.  The wind would take your bait wherever it felt like, making accurate casts tough.  And it was almost impossible to get more than a couple of casts before you were blown by. But the hour that they bit it was on, and while wishing will not get you much, I sure wish it had stayed at 20mph, it would have been a beat down.  But no complaints, anytime this size smokes a waked spinnerbait I am all in.

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

Here is the Coleto Bassmaster Tournament schedule for the rest of 2022.

• March 19   Choke Canyon
• April 23   Coleto
• May 21   Choke Canyon
• June 25   Mathis
• July 16   Coleto
• August 27   Sommerville
• September 24   Coleto
• October 22   Choke Canyon
• November 19   Fayette
• December 10   Coleto

Good luck to all.  I remember what that was like.  Monthly club, 4 winter month Bass A Thons, the Federation Championship one year, and then the occasional random tournament.  I was really “mad” at those fish back then.  So the only question is there any talk about resuming the Wednesday pot tournament.  If any of you hear anything let me know would definitely fish a couple.

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

Props to Montana wildlife officers.  Some fool killed a 56″ moose, which is a good one, then cut its head off and left him to rot.  Long story short they caught him 2 years later.  Then the court came through and fined him $12k, a 3-year fishing ban, plus a lifetime hunting ban in Montana.  That is exactly the behavior that is used by antihunters and fishers to justify the increased restrictions on our outdoor sports.  It is the behavior of folks like this, and knuckleheads on the water, that lead to further restrictions which we have to guard against at all times.  So good on Montana, he earned it.

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

Looking at the weather it will be Friday before I get back on the water.  It looks like the wind will be much more tolerable and it will be cloudy.  Look out, the kind of great day I have had on Coleto in the past.  At least that is the plan. We are headed to the desert for a few days and I have several things to do to get ready for that.  There is no such thing as over prepared when messing around down there.   Our last trip down we saw folks walking out of the desert in a place where the highway is not that far from the border.  Always an adventure.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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

That was a bite, and a pretty good tussle.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

************** 

I had a plan today.  With the temps to be in the 70’s and a wind that was tolerable I decided to head out later and fish later.  Not sure whether that was a good idea or not, but I caught an easy 15 so no complaints.  It was 9:00 when I started and 4:00 when I quit so definitely gave it the old college try.

First up was a deeper cove bank and right off the bat one smoked the A Rig and Knockin Tail.  Funny how it only took about 5 seconds and I knew it was a catfish.  Coleto is so full of catfish and catching them occasionally on lures is normal.  It was kind of a good thing/bad thing experience.  At first you think it is a big bass, and then let down a little when you realize it is a catfish.  But that one above was a good one and I will be happy to catch that size any day.

It was definitely a A Rig day.  They like the both the White Ice and Pearl Knockin Tail trailers.

I spent the day hitting lots of new places, places that will have fish soon.  The water temp was in the low 60’s in the main arm until right above the discharge cove.  The rest of the lake struggled to get to 60 in spite of the warm day.  The wind was fairly steady and was not what I would call warm, and the coves just did not warm up today.

The A Rig was the ticket all day.  I gave the swim jig a serious go in places that should produce and not a bite.  And one bank with tons of trash cranked the spoon and Knockin Tail and that did not produce a bite.  But keeping the A Rig in the water kept the bites coming.  On one point 4 jumped on and I only managed to boat one, 2 of them opened the clip at the end of the arm, not sure what that is about but made sure after that things were correct.  A couple did the old slack line thing, which is so weird on the A Rig, you would think they would drop it.  That one has caught a ton of fish and it won’t be long until an arm or two breaks off, it is one messed up bent bait.

And the best I could do looking for the white bass.

Trying to find the white bass blew a good hour.  Right off the bat the one above jumped on a shad color crankbait.  After not getting a bite on a chartreuse I switched over to a Rapala shallow running Shad Rap and caught a bass right after changing, but then not a bite.  There were definitely more shad up the river than there has been but I am just not finding the white bass.  Not really sure if it is to late, or they are going to come soon.  The water temp remains 59 up lake and the color is not the best.  But with the sunshine and warm temps to come it should heat up rapidly and then we will know.

And speaking of that thinking about heading to the Hwy 59 bridge at George West to fish the river.  When it is good it can be some great white bass fishing.  Travis is definitely on the calendar, probably the first week of March after getting back from Asheville.  As you can guess I like catching them.

I give the day a B.  It would have been a little better if there had been a little better warming, but it is coming.  Definitely hard to complain when the fish bit in most everywhere I fished, just not the big one.  But hopes springs eternal and I will be out there everyday it is tolerable.

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

There was some kind of dispute online, big surprise, involving a couple of lure companies.  Not sure what it was all about but representation, bait usage, and some kind of shade being thrown.  Here at fishcatchingtravel we have never actively recruited or attempted to get any lure company or product to come on board or give us anything, it has just happened in the course of things.  It has never been for profit.  (Trust me on that one!)  And using Michael as an example he has never said don’t use other folks’ stuff or else.  I use the Knockin Tails a lot for one reason, they catch fish.   (It is my blog and I can say and be whatever I want and owe no one lip service.  Like I always say, if you do not like it don’t read it.)  One thing those of you who read this know, anybody can send me anything they want, but if it is crap, not something I would use, or where I stayed that sucked, it will not get a mention.  I have tried over the years to not denigrate or comment on some of the crap I have encountered.  But there is always an exception.  Now that I think about there is something you can send, money!  Do that and I promise to talk nice about you.

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

And I got this nice comment from Randy.

Doug, I have enjoyed your posts a lot since I retired 8 years ago. I’ve learned a lot and will continue to do so. I don’t know what I did or what my iPad did but in order to see your photos, I have to hit (see comments ) at the bottom of you post and the photos appear. Any ideas why? I only fish salt water at POC. Keep doing what you’re doing. Your anonymous reader, fishing buddy. Randy

Glad you are actually learning a little something, that is my hope.  We all just hope that the fishing at POC will be ok this year.  I know some folks are not happy about the new rules, but it should lead to a banner year next summer.  As far as the picture issue not sure what the problem is.  The only other comment about that same thing came from a reader in Iowa.  It probably has something to do with the way I do it, or the program and the interface with the Ipad.  But trust me I know just enough to be dangerous, and any technical issues is beyond my abilities.  Sorry I could not be more help on that one, I have been pleasantly surprised I have not screwed the blog up.  But I really appreciate hearing from you and hope it maybe helped you catch a fish or two .  And like I tell folks, if you see me down there hollar.  For those that don’t know it will be a grey 4 Runner and an 18′ Mako with a 90hp merc.  Just look for the Wade Right and Knockin Tail stickers on the console and the Hog on the engine.

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

Victoria had its own civil disobedience march this week, and it was peaceful and really kind of sad.  I have long been a proponent of sharing our outdoor wealth and all stake holders deserve to not only their piece of the pie but also the right to be heard.  Oyster men came from all over the coast to picket and march in protest at the local TPWD office over the closure of oyster season on area bays.  They cannot make a living under the current rules and shortened season.  By the same token we can only hope and assume that TPWD is making their decisions based on the health of the resource.  It is unfortunate that the simple and tough lifestyle of the individual commercial guy is slowly becoming a thing of the past.  Never forget that these folks have families to feed.  So how this will this come out over the next few years remains to be seen, but it is sad to see that lifestyle slowly waning.  They are hardworking good folks who just want to earn an honest living.

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

The only thing I currently know about future plans, the wind is going to howl.  Up to 36mph tomorrow, 46mph Wednesday, 30mph Thrusday, and only the high 20’2 on Friday.  So it will be day to day on where and when I fish.  Last a Happy Valentines Day to the Boss, I could have not gotten any luckier.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

It was cold and clear at daylight and it sure was pretty.

I crawled out of my warm bed at 4:30, which is not my favorite thing to do by a long shot.  But there was a method to my madness, and it worked out great.  The tide was going to be going out at daylight then a slow up most of the day, not my favorite tide.  I am a good trout fisherman on the falling tide and wanted to be on my old stomping grounds as it started to run, and my timing was perfect.  It was falling fast and for a while I smacked the snot out of them.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

************** 

This was a real solid.

How early did I get to Froggie’s this morning?  I was the second truck in the lot after dropping the boat in.  It was really nippy but with no wind it was tolerable.  The water temp was 54 and it was dead slick.  On the way out I knew I was going to smack the snot out of them.  Every bird in POC was on the wing and feeding.  And not all in one spot but everywhere.

Starting with the Honeydew Knockin Tail on a 3/16th screw lock jig head got an immediate response.  (You can take the Honeydew from fresh to salt and not miss a beat.)  They were biting right along but I was missing as many as I was catching.  Now we are talking like a dozen over the side.  The bite was a sharp whack, and lots spit it before I could get a hook in them.  Here is a pay attention moment:  There is one thing I do know, when the hits are like that downsize the jig head.

It was a good run on the Knockin Tails.  You have fished the rest now fish the best.

So I dropped down to a 1/8th on a Purple Deamon Limestreuse Knockin Tail and it was game on.  Being calm it was the bite I love, sometimes it just did not sink, other times I could see the line twitch when they bit, and those are coming over the side.  Now the color may have had something to do with it, but I was not stopping though I did occasionally throw the Honeydew and they were still hitting it. If I were guessing, and I am, with their little brains at 55 degrees they were not that aggressive and just wanted to suck it in.

Good thing for them I was not needing a fish fry.  CPR on the whole bunch.

I really want to empathize the downsizing the weight trick which I learned wading really shallow water.  Once I got started fishing the 1/32 jig head I learned real quick that if they are smacking an 1/8th or 1/16th and not hooking up, go down a size.  Once I did that today they ate it and I missed very few.  You have to be easy releasing some of them, they just suck it in like a bass.

I

I know they are small but hey it was a “little” slam.

After catching plenty I tried 3 other places as the tide really got low and started to stagnate.  On one bar 3 rats jumped on, that was it for the redfish.  It really is easy to tell when they are taking a break and once the tide dropped out they were done, probably until later in the day when the water comes back up.  As it got low, I started to see lots of mullet on the shallow spots with the sun shining on them so it was beginning to heat some.  I am sure the fish would follow them to flatter places once the water comes up.

Called it a day at 1:00, happy with the results as I have not been To POC in a while.  Catching a couple of dozen qualifies as good in my book.  (And I did not lose my original Honeydew or Purple Deamon, or get them torn up in spite of having lots of bites.)  But that is what makes this time of year what it is, the fishing can be good and consistent both fresh and salt.  This time of year is great to not be a one trick pony.

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

And this from SA Joe.

Ive seen some BIG SHAD, big catfish and bigger bass eating them….

CRAP 75K for a study, STATE RUN offices are idiots….for that much can have billy bob put in a ramp……..same fiasco with i-10 closed down when it got cold. divert traffic to one lane on the other side of highway with both lanes open….Idiots !!!!

Have fun fishing, might make that run this week or beginning of next. Havent been on coleto in alot of year. 19ft Bass Cat, white. Grey 1500 Dodge hauling it

The fishing has been fun, now I am getting greedy.  Just waiting for “that” day.  Cloudy, drizzling, following a warm trend, and that day will happen anytime in the next couple of weeks.  The only downside, it is that same day I will be looking for on the bay.  Tough choice.  And the ramp thing should be a no brainer.  Here is my feasibility study results:  Falcon needs more ramps period, much less at this low level.  Just build it.  Falcon has been a little off for a few years, but when it comes back, and it will, there is no such thing as to many ramps.  If you fished it during the heyday you know what I am talking about.

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

Tomorrow I have the pleasure of taking the Boss’s car to Cedar Park for service.  Not sure that is a day of rest or not but it will not involve fishing and will give my trashed hands a break.  Driving through Austin the long way can have its moments, but since we are less than impressed with the Toyota dealer in Victoria it is worth the drive.  In spite of that I will be thinking about fishing and where or what is next but there will be more trout in my future.  Time for a little wading.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Today was a double-edged sword.  It is absolutely beautiful out there, sun shining, warmed quickly, and not a breath of wind.  The no wind thing really slowed the fishing down, I saw multiple fish turn off on the A Rig today, it was a little much without the wind.  But the good part?  Today and the next 4 or 5 are going to heat the heck out of the lake, and the spawn will be on.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

************** 

It was just a little nippy at 38 degrees when dropping the boat in.  There was not a breath of wind, and it stayed that way all day.  As far as water temperature it was 56 at the ramp and later I found a creek with 60 degree water.  The water color is everything from clear to dingy depending on where you are.

Still catching them 2 at a time.

I stuck with the A Rig and Knockin Tails basically all day.  The plan was to get the big bite and I gave it the old  college try but just could not get it done.  For that ball of bait thing at least a little breeze helps.  They did bite some, but the 3 pictures today is the size of it.  The other 5  or 6 were small.

What is interesting is how rough this fish, and several others the last week look.

Besides where I have been catching them I fished 4 or 5 new places, and maybe a bite here or there but that was it.  One of the places is one of my favorite spring places, and I did not have a bite.  What makes that place special is it is a bend in a small creek, but the last 2 years there just was not enough water.  Hopefully that will not be a problem this spring.

This poor guy was all strung up.

So what did not work?  1 small on a jerk bait. zip on the swim jig, towater minnow. maybe 3 or 4 on the Honeydew, none on the spoon and Knockin Tail.  I really did fish correctly if that makes any sense.  Maybe right place wrong time, but as an example where I caught 7 yesterday not a bite, flat gone.  It was just tough.

And boy did I cover water, ended up fishing my spring places in both arms.  The fish were flat gone out of any grass or cover, at least what I fished.  It would have been better to just toss plastic to wood, but I was determined to get the big bite.  I am willing to fish hours on end this time of year for that bite, just watch me.

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

It may be the law but it is more than that, it might save your life.  If you have not seen the video from the Rockport area of the runaway boat doing circles at high speed after tossing the owner click here

Empty boat does donuts around owner after he’s thrown overboard, Texas video shows (yahoo.com)

At least he had his inflatable life jacket on, which probably saved his life.  Please wear your life jacket and kill switch.  It is really simple, get the light inflatable, and leave it attached on the seat when you fish and it will remind you to put it on.  Those of us who grew up in the wear your seatbelt change would not now drive without a seatbelt.  That is an area that bass fishing is way ahead of saltwater fishermen, but it is changing.  If not for you then for the folks who love you.

And to go along with that a woman was found on Lake Texoma after drifting 2 days on a inflatable.  It was during the front we just had, which was a lot tougher up there.  There is nothing more to say but:  Really!

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

I forgot to mention that once I caught the catfish for the Boss I needed one more fish so I kept a 15″ bass, which we both like to eat on occasion.  Both it and the catfish were full of shad, and not midgets.  They were about the size of a Rattle Trap.  And I saw one struggling on the suface this morning, it was a gizzard shad about 4 ” long.  So take that for what it is worth.  Coleto is a shad lake.

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

I read the guy at Falcon Lake Tackle, who can be a hoot at times.  He reports TPWD has allocated $75K for a feasibility study on putting a ramp at the state park on the lower end of Falcon.  Feasibility study?  $75K!   Forget the study and put the ramp in right now, the lake is really low and there is no ramp there as folks launch off the bank.  No need for a study, just build the dang thing before the water comes back up.  It will not get any cheaper and my guess is you can put one in for that price.  Simple.

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

Not sure what is up for tomorrow but it will involve fishing in some form.  The weather is great, but a little more wind would sure be appreciated.  (Whoever heard a fisherman say that?)  Might just get up first thing and head to the Gulf.  It has been a while and a change of scene might be just what I need.  No matter what keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Preparing this Sunday afternoon I am so interested in how the fishing will be.  It warmed up a little more than they predicted today and will stay in the 40’s overnight.  That will probably not be enough to recover whatever water temp the lake lost the last couple of days but it is a start.  But with the forecast for high of 60 into the 70’s this week the fishing will improve, and the time to catch a big bass continues.  No better time to catch a real fattie than pre-spawn.  Here is my prediction, jerk bait.  So let’s see how that works out.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

So much for predictions.  Alabama Rig with Pearl Knockin Tails 10, Honeydew Knockin Tail on a jig head 8, and jerk bait 1.  So there you go.  It was almost a put on your big boy pants today, it was not particularly pleasant.  The wind was straight out of the north at 15+ and the water temp was down to 56 degrees in most places, which is a good 10 degree drop.  And with not a cloud in the sky I was not filled with confidence, and then they bit until I quit at 2:00.

Waylaid the Alabama Rig with Pearl Knockin Tail trailers.

I started in the cove which has been my best spot with a jerk bait and fished about half the bank without a bite.  Picked up the Honeydew and caught 2 and missed a couple.  After that I headed to a point that has not been producing and caught the one above.  So things were looking up.  From there it was the area where I was smacking them last month that had dissapeared but lo and behold they were back.  When I fished some of the point with the A Rig and did not get a bite time for the Honeydew on 1/8th jig head.  I can honestly say I have been pleasantly surprised at how much the fish like it.

2 of the 7 on one point with the Honeydew Knockin Tail.  That bass was beat up and ready to pop.

The Boss was hoping for some fish and a good catfish decided to join the party.  A really bad choice.  They were lining the point in about 5 foot of water and while the wind was tough you just had to be careful when you lifted up.  7 stayed buttoned and I missed at least that many, but it was a good little run.  Next up to a point with wind on it where I have been catching them and that was when the trouble started.

They would not let go of the Honeydew.  And the last one on the Alabama Rig.

My A Rig had already lost one arm, it was down to 4.  One slammed it, and now it was down to 3 arms.  I picked up one on the next cast, but that was it for that place.  Next up was the back end of a big cove.  I did not expect to really catch any there but ended up catching 3 on the A Rig, a real sign of things to come if they did not desert the back end after a front like that.

Let me say right now, they want to spawn, end of story.  While I did not catch any big fish today that it not surprising.  Conditions today were tough, and they kept biting.  With the sun shining this afternoon and getting to the mid 60’s, then the 70’s as the week goes on they should bite great all week.

I fished a couple of other places and caught a small on the Honeydew and a really small one on the jerk bait.  The next place another one smacked it and my A Rig was down to 2 arms and totally trashed.  It would be hard to guess how many I caught on that one but it was a bunch.  Good thing some arrived in the mail today.

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

Saturday, we went to West Columbia for the one-year anniversary of the new Line Cutterz store.  There was lots of stuff going on with bands, suppliers, food, raffles, and some stuff for the kids.  Of course, Michael was there, as they sell plenty of Knockin Tails.  And it was good to finally meet his wife and kids.  The only thing I ended up buying was the actual Line Cutter that attaches to the console, being ceramic no rust.  And it sure was nice to be in a real tackle store.  That is always on the agenda when I fish somewhere.  Whether buying or not just learning the local best sellers will point you in the right direction.

Last, I got to put my hands on the new baits, which are being poured as I speak.  The smaller 3″ looks to be an absolute killer, especially for folks like me who like using the light line.  And there is a 5″ for those of you who like a bigger bait.  As it is at the shows plenty of folks stopped by to buy baits and talk fishing.  The growth of the company and how folks feel about the Knockin Tail is no surprise to me.  If it has fins, they eat it.  See above.

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

And this from Lacy on my question about the old hotel in Seadrift.

ie: sea drift hotel . I checked Houston chronicle historical archives via infoweb news bank courtesy of the Houston public library and only mention of la fitte hotel was one built in galvetraz 1927-28.
You would get a kick out of looking at those old newspapers .
The editorials alone .

Well after I read this I really looked instead of being lazy when I asked you all to and I hit the jackpot.  (Like the kids say “Just Goggle it”.)  The history is so interesting, and I would highly recommend if you like the history of this area that you read this post.  What a cool place it must have been.  The story pre-dates my coming this way by about 5 years, plus another 100.  Cool story.

Spirit Inn of Mission Valley – The History – Where is Seadrift’s landmark Lafitte Hotel?

Thanks for taking a look.  Worth the read.

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

I give the day an A-.  It could have really been tough but I got to catch fish.  Today is an indication of things to come.  It should get better and better, and unless I am in the hospital or jail the day we get that warm, cloudy, drizzly day hang on, it might be epic.  All that aside it is where I will be at daylight tomorrow.  There are times to get while the getting is good and that time is now.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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

I told you about meeting Jake at the lake the other day and I wanted to share a little more information with you.  He is a custom lure painter who has just moved to the area from Louisiana.  We met on the upper end of Coleto, he was exploring the lake before his first tournament.

Turbeau’s Lures | Facebook

He is a bass fisherman who fishes’ tournaments, joining the Coleto club.  It was so interesting speaking with him, he was commenting on our “clear” water color as compared to what he called the mudhole he fished in Louisiana.  He drives a Champ so he can not be all bad.  He was kind enough to share a couple of his hand painted baits and they have something I have never seen before, the top placement on the rear treble.  Can’t wait to give them a go.

Great paint job and interesting hook placement.  Jake says it reduces some hang-ups.  The red/yellow will get the bill cranked off it in Arkansas.  And if they get hung up less Falcon here they come.

And I got this straight from the horses mouth.

I do custom color request for different styles of crankbaits ,  trolling baits ,jerk baits , top water ploppers , spooks , lipless cranks , most any hard plastic  , I also do recolor of classics , I typically paint per order , I do shipping,  offer mustad , Gamagatsu,  owner and trokor hooks….. I’m going to try and broaden myself to other things , like smaller vehicle interior or boat parts n panels.

Thanks.  So if you have a special request get ahold of him and let him know and see if he can help you out.  He has multiple outlets for the body you want.  And when I order will share it with you all.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

I was really looking forward to watching Big Water Adventures with Mark Davis and it did not disappoint.  (I love his show, he catches them in the best places.)  He was fishing Coastal Carolina out of Charleston using the Knockin Tails and the name of the show was “Trout After Trout”, if that tells you anything.  I can tell you all I want how great they are, but nothing like confirmation from a pro.  It warmed my heart to see them coming over the side and then him showing the baits.  I feel just like a pro, I have a Knockin Tail box just like Mark, and other than hard baits it is all I take to the bay.  Michael already has a presence in some areas on the east coast and hopefully this show will spread the word.   If you get a chance watch it this Saturday at 9:30am on the Outdoor Channel.  Next month will be 4 shows out of Delacroix LA.

And on that note My Coast Outdoors is getting closer every day to 2 new sizes in the Knockin Tail.  Pretty easy to guess, one bigger and one smaller.  Both have their time and I can’t wait to give the small on on the A Rig a go on the bay.  Interesting experiment.

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

At their January meeting TPWD commissioners approved new trout regulations from the Sargent area down the rest of the coast.  The limit will be reduced from 5 down to 3 and only 17″ – 23″ can be kept, with no overs.  It is temporarily set to start March 10 and go until August 31, 2023.  Be advised the dates are subject to change so keep watching.  That will keep it in place for 2 spawn cycles to rebuild the population.  I of course have no problem with it, the Boss and I only eat 3 at a time anyway.  Hope it does not hurt the guides and coastal businesses to much, it is why many folks hire guides on the coast, to sack a few for the freezer.  So it will be interesting this year to see how easy, or hard, it is to get them to fit in the slot.  Or it may be a yearlong dink fest, only time will tell.  And as long as we are on the subject it is getting cold and will plunge into the 20’s the next couple of nights, the last thing we need on the bay.

*************** 

We have all experienced this:  Thinking about it and something happens.

Hope you keep writing ;the truth is uncomfortable for some ;don’t look up what dates for Arkansas?

I actually opened the computer to look at my last trip 2 years ago to see when it was and I got this from my buddy Clyde.  Great minds think alike.  The preliminary dates are around the week of March 21st give or take a day.  Of course will keep you informed.  As a side note will be watching the generation on the White and lake levels, hope to do a little fly fishing while I am there.

One thing you learn really quick at trial:  The truth never changes, and facts are facts.  And of course, my degree is in journalism and as a member of the Journalism Honor Society, makes it hard for me to keep to the keep my mouth shut at times.  But no worries, one thing about reading, whether a book or the blog, if it does not interest you or makes you mad, don’t read it.  Life is too short.  Good to hear from you, will hollar when I get a little better idea of when.

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

And this from SA Joe.

Doug,

A good fisherman would have had 5 bass on the A-rig. Not 3, with the so called”4th” coming off at the boat !!! Had to give ya some ball bustin, cuz that is 4 more than i ever caught on my A-rig. Still chucking mine once in a while and still haven’t gotten a one on it….i get tired from throwing that weight !!!!!
Joe in San Antonio…

It was by far my best ever little flurry on the A Rig.  If it had not been so good right then would probably have netted them for the picture, but I was in too big a hurry as they were on the chew.  (Interesting that I caught 2 on one crankbait the day before, neither a common occurrence.)  As far as weight of the A Rig it is not to heavy right now.  Coleto is not a deep lake, I am able to get away with using a light 1/8th on the jig heads.  I am using it like a spinnerbait with a medium to slow retrieve.  When you are a big cast from the bank and only in 10′ of water if they want it they will come after it.  I ordered some smaller ones which should make it even easier.

Not to happy we are having this front right now.  I have seen them come to the bank during pre-spawn many times on other bodies of water but this one took the cake.  They came in a day, and you could really tell when the points I was catching them on were deserted.  The girls are big and fat, and in the back of 2 coves the tilapia were there, a sure sign the spawn is getting ready to take off.  It will be wait and see what changes await, but Monday I will be throwing lots of jerk bait on secondary points and the first deep bend in any cove.  Gets my blood going just thinking about it, but it will be different as we will definitely lose the gains we made in the water temp.  Good to hear from you.

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

I cannot help but comment on a local story.  A kind woman found a loose dog and with the weather like it is picked it up and took it to the local pound, and as we are so often encounter this took place.  Here is the short version.  Nice Lady:  Here is a dog I saved from the freeze.  Your Public Servant:  No room at the inn so you keep it.  Nice:  It is not my dog I have more at home and cannot take it so I will have to let it go,  Servant:  To bad.  It is now your responsibility and you can’t let it go you have to keep it.  Nice:  Really so it is my dog now.  Servant:  Yes.  Nice:  Ok then I surrender it, euthanize it.  (Thinking quickly.) Servant:  You can’t do that it is not your dog.  There are no words.

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

And last I found a cool old postcard in a used book I bought.  It was of the LaFitte Hotel in Seadrift.  Having never heard of or seen it could anyone send along whatever you know.  It looks like it was a cool old place.  Thanks for any help.

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

It is cold, flat cold.  With windhchill it is in the teens but it could have been a lot worse.  From the Gulf Coast to the East Coast things are mess.  I10 is closed as people have been stalled for 12 hours with no immediate relief in sight.  So what a mess, my brother in North Arkansas has not left the house for 4 days, but it is winter.  Luckily the weather looks like it will straighten up fairly soon and I should be back on the water Monday.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

This one absolutely smoked it!

I can honestly say it was exactly like I knew it would be.  Warm, light wind, water clearing, and the coves really warming.  The plan was simple, stick with coves and feed them spring time stuff, and it worked like a charm.  There were a couple of operator errors and just plain bad luck today.  But believe me no complaints.  The fish may be another matter.  They went to the coves today, that springtime urge is so strong, unfortunately they are going to get smacked with the big cold front.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

As you can see I started with the Alabama Rig and the Pearl Knockin Tail trailers.  First thing the fish were migrating back in a big cove. and there was bait.  I only took a few pictures early, it was way to good to mess around with that.  After catching the big one another one the same size jumped on, and then jumped off.  Lots of jumping fish today, they were full of piss and vinegar.  It would be the first of 3 big fish I would lose today.

How many do you see?  It is 3 and would have been 4 but did not want to put this mess in the net.

One thing about fishing, keep at it long enough and you see something new, and today was that.  As I was reeling the A Rig along I had a pretty good bite, turned out it was 4 on at once.  I managed to get them all to the boat but did not use the net to avoid the tangle.  So when I lifted up one fell off, but who cares?  I caught 4 on 1 cast.  One of the few advantages of not having grass right now is you can throw the A Rig.  It really is fun, and right now productive.

You get the point.

5 wire Alabama Rig with Pearl Knockin Tail trailers with a Honeydew on the center wire.  They finally bent it all up and then broke a wire off.

As shallow and far back in the cove the first bunch was time to get out the topwater minnow and the silver spoon with a Pearl Knockin Tail, like I was fishing a couple of months ago.  Today the fish were in the trash, and a few even on stumps in a big flat cove.  It was a little tough fishing the topwater in the grass but the spoon and Knockin Tail picked up the slack.  It was a springtime pattern and the fish are ready to get after it.

Just wanted to show you a few, it was like this all day.

The first place with plenty of old grass had several on it.  And I had to learn several lessons.  I was getting lots of bites reeling it right along, you could see them eat.  And it allowed you to throw it way back in the trash.  Initially I had a little trouble getting the hook in them.  And then I had number 2 big fish jump off.  It was a good one, I just did not get the hook in her.  I finally figured out instead of striking right on the bite I had to reel just a little and then the rod would load.

From that point on I just concentrated on a few coves that I would fish in full on spring.  One shallow one has lots of wood and I caught several off stomps and logs on the topwater minnow.  But I stayed with the spoon and Knockin Tail, it got me bit everywhere I went.  Then of course it can’t all go perfect.  Another big fish waylaid the spoon, I got a good hook set, and then brain fart.  I decided to boat flip one that might have been 6lbs.  Dumb.  Led her just right and she was coming when off she flopped.  Dang it, went 1 for 4 on big fish, but no big deal.  The fishing was great, now we wait and see what this front brings.  My guess, back to the jerk bait until the water temp gets back up.  But no matter when that is looks like we just might have some good spring fishing.

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

I really enjoyed meeting Jake on the lake the other day and got this comment.

Sure was great meeting you today , thanks for the tips.  Great meeting you and having conversation, maybe one day we can take a trip to the muddy bayou I’m used to lol. Was a great day with me literally leaving them biting at 3:45
Turbeau.

Good to meet you too.  One thing about a real geographic change it is always something different and plenty learn.  But it won’t take you long, and the good fishing is just around the corner.  Great to hear from you and we will definitely keep in touch.

And folks there is more to this and will fill you in this weekend while I am sitting around waiting for the cold front to hit the road.  Beautiful lures.  Stay tuned.

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

Got this interesting comment, it does come up at times.

Might want to try a little harder to “keep politics out of the blog”. I would surmise that way over half your readership is solid red conservative. I always look forward to your posts on the blog, but I get more politics than I can stand with the main stream media.

Guess I should have been a little more specific.  I don’t think I have actually commented on politics it is always legal related.  And as far as my readers being red, don’t assume where I stand politically.  The last comment was not on politics, but on the law.  Folks go to jail for assaulting police, and rightly so.  There is no excuse in the law for what they did.  Period.

No matter how you shake a stick at it I was an attorney and happen to be proud of accomplishing that so will still comment on random legal issues that piss me off.  One thing about getting old, you get to speak your mind, just happens I have a vehicle for that.  I will take your comment to heart and try to restrain myself.

And on a related note, that is why I have never had, solicited, or attempted to get paid sponsors or ads.  I owe zip to nobody.  The blog is on its last legs, it is a ton of work and sure is not free.  It has been a good 12 years, just trying to make one more.

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

Michael reports the Houston show was initially slow but Saturday he had a great day.  It was so interesting to see how many folks are now using the Knockin Tail.  The shows are a great way to see how your product is being viewed, and there were plenty of compliments.

And in that vein, I met a gentleman at the ramp last month, sorry I forgot his name, but I gave him a couple of the Honeydew Knockin Tails,  I saw him today and he told me he was catching lots of fish on them and had just ordered some more.  Telling you folks, they like that Honeydew fresh or salt.  I have always strived to give you what I know in hopes that you might catch another fish or two.  It was nice to get some feedback.

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

 Like I said, today was “almost” epic.  I knew it would be good, which made me wake up 4 or 5 times to look at the clock.  As I have told you all in the past, get a cloudy warm day with some drizzle and light winds and hang on.  That is the Coleto I love.  It would be impossible to guess how many jumped on today, but it was flat fun.  If I had fished just a little bit better, it would have been a heavy top 5.  The afternoon was particularly interesting.  Make the perfect cast and reel the spoon along and they smacked it, many off the cover.  One of those days that gets me up in the morning.

My hands are trashed and my back is sore.  Nothing a couple of cold ones and some shrimp won’t cure.  Then hang out a couple of days until the front is through and back at it.  Spring is here and the bay is also calling.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

 Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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

It is Monday as I prep this for tomorrow’s fishing.  It is raining and it looks like the leading edge of the front will blow through later this afternoon and things look good for tomorrow and Wednesday.  From there it takes an ugly turn with a couple of days in the low 40’s with nighttime temps in the 20’s.  Let’s hope the powers that be have removed their head from their ass and we do not have another black out like last year.  I have read plenty and the verdict is still out on whether the system can handle another big freeze.  Funny how no one was responsible for last year.

It got warm and the gators were out and about today.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Let’s see.  Caught some on swim jig, crankbait, Knockin Tail on a jig head, Alabama Rig with Pearl Knockin Tail, jerkbait, topwater minnow, and probably something else I just can’t remember.  10 came over the side in the first hour and 4 came over the side on the last bank 7 hours later, it was one of those days.  So what is the problem?  I cannot pattern them, other than points.  But when you find them it is usually several in one spot but most are small.

The good news the water temp was up at least 5 degrees to the mid 60’s and even more in some places.  One thing it did was move one bunch I have been fishing from the point to the middle of a big cove on a secondary point.  Can you say pre-spawn?

This will do!

First, I have no idea how many I caught but it was a bunch, it helps when you catch 10 in the first hour.  The best bait today was clearly the jerk bait.  For some reason they actually wanted it paused longer today and the one above train wrecked it.  And I had one more bite that was in the same category, but with my superior skill I broke it off and lost my jerk bait.  It was actually weird, the Boss called while I was twitching it, and I stopped and went to the console to get the phone when one smashed it while I was going the other way and broke me off.

2 on crankbait and a jerkbait fish.

I wish I could be more specific but it really is a matter of keeping it in the water, no matter what you choice of baits.  It will all work right now.  And where?  Just depends.

First one is the last topwater fish.  There are tons this size right now, keeps it interesting.

It was cloudy with a light breeze out of the north until after noon.  It really was perfect for a late winter fishing day.  But as usual, we fishermen can never get the perfect conditions.  Around 1:00 it literally slicked off and cleared up.  There was barely a ripple and I was getting ready to quit when I removed head from rear end and remembered that it is topwater time.  So it was off to a cove with deep water and some brush way off the bank.

It was tough making a good cast with the balsa minnow but 2 jumped on in the first cove, and 2 more in the next.  The Bang O Lure pattern in winter into full on spring has always been good on Coleto, and the warming water temp put them back on the bank.  Which brings up tomorrow.  We have a huge front coming and from Thursday into Sunday it is going to be in the 40’s during the day and into the 20’s at night.  It will slow this thing down a little but at least there is fish to be caught.  You will have to wade thru plenty of little guys, but it is possible to get a big bite right now, and I cannot wait for tomorrow morning.

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

I try my best to keep politics out of the blog, but I will never shut up on things like this.  The ex-President at his rally said he would pardon the folks from the violent assault of the Capital on 1/6.  Are you freakin kidding me?  You would pardon violent criminals convicted of assaulting and fighting with law enforcement? I do not want to ever hear out  of anyone’s mouth who support pardons for violent criminals who assault the police that they Back the Blue.  This is a simple either or, you support your police, or you don’t.  As I told my criminal defendants, assault the police and you will go to jail.  So now it is okay to assault and beat police officers and get a free pass?  I just do not get it.

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

Don’t forget to watch Mark catch a slam on the Knockin Tail!

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

I was lucky enough to meet Jake today out on the water.  Next time I will tell you a little more about him and a very interesting thing he does.  Suffice to say he makes a mean bait.  It was all about the fishing and will get the link up soon.

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

See this.  It has saved me $100’s and $100 over the years.

The reason I am showing you this is how well it works.  There is very little this will not get out including A Rigs and crankbaits stuck on wood.  I have probably got that chartreuse crankbait out a good dozen times alone.  The point is why it is on a reel?  By using a reel, you can keep the line tight to the snag and then just clip the retriever on the line and ease it down and start to shake.  Without the reel it is just line and can be a mess, especially in the wind.  And the reel seems to hold enough line to reach most snags.  If it wasn’t for breaking them off on the bite I would lose very little tackle.

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

Today was fun, tomorrow could be epic.  Big front coming, water warmed considerably with wind and clouds.  No excuses tomorrow.  And will add more topwater fishing in those places with little wind.  Then the bottom falls out and it will be in the house for several days.  But it is winter so no big deal.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines