FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

The Bite

67 years ago on the bank of the Vermillion River under a mulberry tree in Pontiac Illinois I caught the disease.  My dad took me to the river and there we joined a large black lady fishing her cane pole under that tree.  I remember putting on worms and from that point on catching what I thought was hundreds of bluegills and sunfish.  She meanwhile was catching nice carp on the mulberries that were falling in the river.  The anticipation of the bite was mesmerizing and watching her catch those giant carp had me, from that point on I was a fisherman.

When I got this from my buddy Michael it reminded me of a comment I made in the past about the Livescope.  After 67 years of fishing from the Great Barrier Reef to the creek on my grandparents farm, I have been chasing the bite.  The anticipation of what might happen on every single cast enthralled me no matter where was.  Hoping one is there, then out of nowhere the bite.  The bite is the moment when fishing comes full circle.  It is what we get up early for, spend way to much money on, and bore people when we talk about it.

Now we have Livescope.  It seems to me that Livescope takes the anticipation and wonder of fishing that attracted us in the very beginning out of the equation.  We spend enough time staring at screens and this seems to reduce fishing to an industrial level.  Like a fishing game at a casino.  As one pro said on a TV tournament, he was going to have a sore neck from staring at it for days.  That is not fishing as far as I am concerned, it is a video game.  I understand why the pro’s use it, and I am sure the application for crappie guiding is tremendous.   But in my case I am not the least ambivalent about Livescope, I do not like the whole idea.  The cartoon above is spot on.

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

Colorado

As  I got closer to South Fork yesterday started seeing more deer, Sandhills, a coyote, the things that we love about the house.  When I drove up there was 4 deer in the yard, and would be a good dozen as the evening went on and of course dozens of turkey.  Then last night something triggered the motion lights in front of the garage and as it was garbage day probably the local bear cruising for cans.  Then this morning the neighborhood was covered up with the works.  In fact makes it hard to not spend time just staring out of the window waiting to see what is next.

Though it is not cold, in fact the weather is stunning, but I had to crank up the stove and enjoy the warm heat it gives off, my favorite feature of the house.

Love the fireplace.

Though we are basically a year away from the full time move nothing says the final decision more than this.

Done it now!

The slow steady moves continues.  And as soon as I finish this it will be off to the river to see what that holds.  But it was clear driving in the water is down.  But with the temp reaching the high 50’s low 60’s should be plenty of fishing until I head to Arkansas.  The forecast looks like snow this weekend and winter will start.  Boy we love it here.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

I headed to the river to see what was up and shallow is what was up.  It is going to make for some interesting fly fishing this week.  Of course stopped at my favorite hole and tossed a couple of jigs and like that place does the fish were there.  It is nice to catch them on hand tied stuff and they really like the olive color.

Talk about well fed this guy was a fattie.

Even though I waited until it warmed to head to the river there was still a fine layer of ice on the shallow side.  My good spot has a deep-water pool with a protected shallow side so it tends to have ice earlier than the swifter places.  So this will definitely be a learning curve with the river so low.  And I will be heading to a couple of close lakes before they start to freeze and the snow comes.

The other nice one of the 4 I caught.

I stopped at another place and  a guy was just starting so I watched him a while.  He was fishing a 2 handed cast.  Other than that I just cruised the various accesses and saw a couple of places that look promising.  And with the weather looking good it should put a few on the end of the line this week.

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

Rusty our Fayette guru with a good one.

Rusty says the fishing on Fayette is finally improving some after a tough fall and the subsequent turnover.  He reports they were scattered but seeing a few of his other pictures the last day or so it is about to be on.  Fayette the last few years is like the little girl, when she is good she is very good, when she is bad she is very bad.  So nice job and will be watching from afar.  And for the rest of you Rusty is an accomplished fly tier and fisherman and knows his way around a trout stream.

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

Football News

Well A&M is about to pay big time for one of the dumbest choices in the history of college football, giving Jimbo a guaranteed contract worth a stupid amount of money.  It looks like it will cost them 10’s of millions to get rid of him.  And the funny thing they fired Kevin S. over his record when Jimbo could not even do that, the writing was on the wall.  The grass is always greener on the other side, but money appears to be no object to A&M so good luck with the search.  If college football does not learn from this the big payouts will continue.  And I was a little surprised that they did not elevate Petrino, so he should be looking at other options as nothing says “it is not you” like being passed over.

And only 2 words to say about my Razorbacks:  They suck, end of story.  The last game was the worst they have played in my memory, it was ugly.

Speaking of paying college coaches to much money Penn State comes to mind.  The call near the end of the game was stupid, and I mean flat dumb.  Down by 15 they scored and instead of taking the extra point to be down by 8 they went for 2 and did not make it with 4 minutes left.  Think about just how stupid that was from someone who makes millions.  If you kick the extra point you are down by 8, or one score, and if you get the ball back you have an outside chance to score and go for 2 and tie the game.  But once you do not make the 2 point try you are down by 9, or 2 scores, with no chance to win.  Just how dumb is that?

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

Not sure what exactly is next but it will be outside.  And can’t wait for the snow that will come and put the sheep in good photo distance.  The elk will follow at the same time and the wildlife viewing will only get better.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

I have declared war on critters.

One of the reasons I ended up not fishing as much as I would have liked was the truck.  (And a bout of the flu.)  There was no way I was heading back to Colorado without a real grille guard, and not just some yuppie looking bull bar but a bonafide deer killer and the ARB fit the bill.  Due to several unforeseen things it ended up taking almost a week so I was without the truck until yesterday but it was well worth the wait.  And it was a big job to get it perfect, which they did.

The ARB Summit bumper is made for animal strikes, and after hitting a big mule deer at 65mph and totaling the truck I wanted something solid, and this fits the bill.  It requires a custom mounting and it is not flimsy by any stretch of the imagination.  This thing is a beast but mounts flush enough to the truck that it does not significantly extend out from the truck and looks great.  Since it allows for mounting of a winch I went ahead and added a 10,000lb Warn winch while I was at it.  Spend enough time in the mountains it will come in to play at some point.  And with the slight wrap around fit it protects the headlights in case of a glancing blow.  All I have to say is if this collapses nothing will save you.  A big thanks to Outlaw Offroad 0f Victoria.  Click on the link below and take a look.

Custom Off-road Builds, Rims and Tires | Victoria, TX | Outlaw Offroad of Texas

Right before we smacked the deer I had just put a new set of shocks that lifted the old 4Runner just a few inches, which I loved for 4 wheeling in the mountains.  Outlaw Offroad did the shocks and I was really pleased with their work, so I decided to have them do this job, just like last time they did a bang-up job.  To offset the increased weight, they added bigger front shocks to handle it and while at it added some cool running boards with steps.  The kept me informed throughout the whole process and when small hitch in the git along happened, they got me right in and fixed it on the spot.  So if you want to upgrade your ride I could not recommend them any more highly.  (And as you might remember when I used another service here in Victoria they could not even get seat covers on properly.)

So all is right in the 4Runner world, they have been our go to for almost 35 years and have never let us down.  Next up is back to Colorado and getting my Colorado plates.  The move is a slow and steady process and licensing it in Colorado is part of the process that will go on over the next year as we finally hit the road.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Being a nice guy and not wanting to cancel a meeting I had set today I did not cancel yesterday in spite of wanting to be on the lake at daylight.  It looked perfect this morning so I wrote the above post and then of all things he got sick and called off about 10:00.  I ran out and hooked up the boat and headed to the lake.  Fished 2 places missed one big one and lost 2 smalls then here it came.  It flat dumped on me.  So back to the ramp and home after missing what was probably the best 4 hours of the day.  Should have cancelled yesterday.  Oh well.

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

I am really excited to be heading back to the mountains, the weather has been great and there is still water to fish.  While unfortunately the fishing did not work out here as well as planned I will be back in January after heading to Arkansas for my mother’s 90th birthday.  How she made it this long after her and dad struggled to raise 5 kids during the 60’s is testament to her strength.  The next time you hear from me I will be riverside on the San Juan catching brown trout and chasing sheep.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Habba Boob a Do

It is malpractice to take on a case you have no business taking, and Miss Habba Boob a Do the parking lot attorney is way out of her league in the New York financial trial.  And when she whined like a little baby that the judge yelled at her and was mean to her you get a picture of how unqualified she is.  No one, and I mean no one that is a “real” trial attorney has not been “yelled at” and got into a hassle with a judge.  You do your part and move on, it comes with the territory.  She should spend more time working on legal issues instead of complaining.

It reminded me of the murder case we tried that was very contentious and every little thing was hassled over.  But after the trial the judge actually told the jury that they were fortunate to see real professional lawyering by both sides.  Act like a pro and you will be treated like one.  Raising your voice and stomping your feet is not that.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Aaron with an over who sucked the bone Spook under in a cool eat.

Weather

60/83.  Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 83F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tides

High  9:16am   0.66 ft.    Low  6:49 pm  0.33 ft.

Bite Times

Minor  2:12 pm.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

It was just a little foggy when we headed out.  The water was 65 degrees, down 14 degrees from when I fished there last week.  The color was good, the tide moved out all morning and certain areas had plenty of bait.  Wish I could tell you we smoked some good trout but other than one slightly over 17″ none made the grade.  Now if we were in Louisiana, it would have been a different story, the cooler would have been stuffed.

Sorry it is backlight but this one ate a corky.  

It would be hard to say which bait was the most productive but the Honeydew Knockin Tail caught the most trout by a good bit.  We caught 6 -8 our first stop and it just went from there.  Points and more moderately sloping banks were the better areas.  In several places where we would catch 4 or 5 several ate it on the fall right after the cast.  The rest on plastics came on the first little drop on the sloping banks.  We saw a few reds on the bank moving around but it never got quite low enough to get them tailing and we did not catch a flounder. While the better fish came on the topwater and corky the action was with plastics.  All I have to say is look out next year because that is the most 13 – 15″ trout I have caught in a long  time.

Don’t get me wrong not a real complaint, that past front really helped the creek and river fishing and we did catch a bunch of fish.  And since folks are duck hunting there was plenty of gunfire early.  Never occured to me until we got to the ramp as it was barely cracking daylight and there was already 4 trucks at the ramp.  Fall fishing and hunting is on but I hate to see it warming back up, we will just have to wait and see how the fish react.

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

TPWD announced that another case of Chronic Wasting Disease has been found in another commercial deer breeding facility.  Guess it must be no big deal and I stand corrected.  If TPWD thinks continuing captive deer breeding is not a big threat to the wild population so be it.  We pay them to make decisions so until proven otherwise they get the benefit of the doubt.  But still not sure what part of “Wildlife” captive deer being sold are.

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

I got the weirdest call today from someone at the Katy Bass Pro shop where we bought the LTS.  Apparently, something I wrote about the boat ended up coming to him and he was told to call me and see if he could help in some way.  Guess he thought what I had written was new but was likely years old.   When we bought the boat in 2010 it had multiple rigging issues that I have detailed on occasion here on the blog.

(Just some little things like the console not attached to the floor, the nose of the boat hitting and then resting on a  cross member on loading, it leaks and has since day 1 even though they told me it did not after having it for weeks, improper mounting of the trolling motor and protective breaker, a large scratch on the hull that messed up the decal, the plate in the tunnel falling off,  you know, small stuff like that.  And I almost forgot a newer one:  The boat started rattling on the right side so I took the rub rail off to see why it was getting worse.  The cap and hull are connected with pop rivets which were not all in properly down the whole right side and the boat was starting to shake apart.)

I will never quit commenting when the mood strikes on the LTS.  First, I love the boat and it is why after almost 15 years it is still in the driveway.  It really is a good multi species boat for salt and fresh.  So, whoever sent that to Bass Pro thanks, but the early complaints should have been handled up front no questions asked, that is the way it was supposed to go. On the plus side they have made significant design and rigging changes making the LTS a better boat.  Three folks in my fishing life now have them and love them so don’t shy away from one, just be sure to hold their feet to the fire if issues arise.  So, thanks for the call because good or bad I love talking about the boat.  But I sure as hell would never buy a boat from them again!

  *************

I am currently truckless as it is still in the shop.  Part of the job requires a precise cut to remove part of the front end to place the grille guard in and that guy has the covi.  What would have been 2 days is going to be a week which not having your vehicle a hassle.  But I want it to be done right by a healthy human.  It is going to be hanging on the front end of the 4Runner for the rest of my life, so measure twice cut once.  But keep stopping in and I will be fishing the next 2 weeks and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Just a reminder these are my comments and not a discussion.  If you do not like them quit reading them.  Anytime you want to pay the bill then help yourself.

I have no clue why folks think we should tell Israel how to prosecute their war.  They have a right and moral duty to wipe Hamas off the face of the earth.  Not sure why we separate Hamas from the citizens.  They elected them, they support them, and unfortunately, they get to reap the whirlwind.  And speaking of that, after traveling many places on this planet I am dumb founded when I see US citizens wanting out of Gaza.  You chose to go to a place run by a terrorist organization, and now you are surprised and expecting us to bail you out.  Give me a break.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

Being a weatherman is a tough job.  Today would be a perfect example.  I did not go today as last night he was saying it was going to rain, maybe heavy.  Well so much for that.  It finally sprinkled this afternoon and other than that the wind is down and this morning would have been perfect.  But hope springs eternal and I will be on the bay first thing in the morning.  Just see how it goes.

Weather

85/72.  Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High around 85F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

Tides

Low   11:01 am.

Bites Times

Major   4:32 pm to 6:42 pm.   Minor   5:02 pm to 6:02 pm.  (While I will not be out then it is still that interesting minor within the major.)

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

For all your wading needs.

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

After cooking the Boss breakfast I headed to the creek.  The tide was just starting to fall, the color is better than it has been, but the water temp was 80 degrees, not exactly a winter pattern.  But that did not stop me, I love fishing that type of water.

The size of the days excitement.

First up was the good spot from the other day, and a total of 2 smalls jumped on the Honeydew Knockin Tail.  But no matter how much I threw it today it was maybe 2 more smalls.  Back to the headline, you cannot make them be where they are not.  I did spend time throwing a hot head corky and it at least provoked some interest, but only a couple of hook ups.

I did lose a good one, and saw a couple more making a pass below it but refused to eat.  I met a friend and they ran in to the same thing, just not hooking up.  They did have a couple of reds hit the popping cork, so my buddy switched to a topwater and of course could not get a bite.  So while there was a few fish here and there it will be at least a week and probably more before it gets right.  The big factor will be whether we get a “real” cold front, the kind that drives the fish deeper and puts them where I want them.  But no big deal, it is seriously jumping the gun but hey I was fishing.

It rained cats and dogs on me for about 5 minutes all morning, but on the way home once I got close to town it rained like mad.  Nice to get the boat washed, if it would have flushed the motor it would have been perfect.  And looking at the weather winter is on the way, and it might even snow at the other house.  I can honestly say I am ready to go back to the mountains.

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

And speaking of the mountains Outlaw called and my parts are in for the front end job.  Heavier duty shocks, serious cow catcher with winch and mount, it is going to be a big job.  They did such a good job on the wrecked 4Runner that thought I would give them another go at it.  (And after using another company that could not even get my seat covers on properly, their actual response was our guys are idiots, Outlaw is a major improvement.)  It will get dropped off Thursday and should have it back on Friday.  Really looking forward to seeing it, and the added protection that apparently I need living in paradise.  Plus the elk are coming down and they are just a little harder then a mule deer!

Not sure when I will be back on the water.  The weather will be the big decider on that.  But I did want to thank you all for continuing to visit,  it keeps me writing knowing that someone out there gives a crap.  The world is a messed up place, but a quiet day with a rod in my hand cures many ills and lets you give your mind a rest.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

WEATHER

87/75.  Considerable cloudiness. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 87F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph.

TIDES

Major

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

For all your wading needs.

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

Today had it all.  Rain, high winds, tide staying super high, it turned into work.  In fact the wind was blowing so hard that it just kept blowing in and the tide never went down a lick.  And the wind made it tough for sure but my time here is getting shorter so I toughed it out and had an interesting morning.

I put in at 9:30, the water was high, the water temp was 79 degrees, and the weather was sketchy.  But I chose the salt over the lake and it worked out just fine.

A solid 19″ headed for the pan.

For over 2 hours I did not have a bite of any sort.  The wind just kept blowing and making it tough but since I was there I toughed it out.  For some reason I could not get a bite on plastics, any color or any size jig head.  Finally a big storm blew in so I headed for a sheltered area close to the ramp hung in there during the wind and downpour and made a change that worked out.

There was a small drain and bait was flipping and it just looked to good.  So I picked up a gold twitch bait and the bite was on.  They wanted it right below the surface and I saw several of them eat it.

The only rat red of the trip and the first keeper trout.

They wanted the twitch bait moving right along in a walk the dog pattern then stopped.  The bites were not real thumps, they were just there.  I made a couple of passes and maybe boated 10 or so, but nice to have the size this trip.  And since ice and cooler was on board I was hoping for some fresh fish and so was the Boss.  Mission accomplished.

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

From a reader.

I have to comment on the wastewater. The Colorado River in Bastrop is currently flowing (in drought conditions) 108,000 gallons per minute. They proposing dumping less than 100 gallons per minute into the river. It sounds like big numbers, but it’s less than 0.10%. Plus it’s treated and monitored (as it should be).

There are less details in the news report of the 200,000 gallons, but it appears to be launch water. Still not a significant amount in terms of flow rates and the TCEQ will require it be treated and tested.

I really appreciate your informed comment and so appreciate this response to my occasional rant.  I stand corrected and have definitely learned something.  So we shall see how it proceeds, but I will never be any less suspicious.  We currently have over 1,800 Superfund sites in the US give or take a hundred.  Many were monitored by assorted federal and state agencies and still polluted the crap out of the land and water with many of those folks escaped financial responsibility.  So I will remain skeptical but maybe in this case it will work out.  Again, thanks for filling us in on the reality.  We all learned something.

And this from a long-time reader.

I do have a decent 12ft jon boat that can be sold to you??

Appreciate the offer but have basically decided on a 16′ Lund so that while it will mostly be used on smaller lakes it can still take bigger water as I hope to make one more trip to Canada and other places out west.  But thanks.

***********

My computer is acting all crazy and getting worried it is on it’s last legs.  Like I said a while ago need to get back to Colorado before I go broke.  So if there are more errors than usual it is the computer.  But broke or computer less the fishing will continue.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

Talk about a sob story I have one.  I get up at 5:30 on Saturday morning to go fishing and felt a little bit woozy.  15 minutes later I am praying to the porcelain god and dizzy as heck.  The rest of the weekend dizzy on the couch with a jaw ache to boot.  Monday morning eating breakfast the lymph nodes in my neck swelled up in a minute, man I was getting tired of all that.

But I had things to do, including head to the bank and get them to explain why they ok’d a $110 debit transaction on our card that was used in California.  Definitely no satisfaction in that department but the money is being returned.  I reminded them they had declined me at several gas stations, once when buying my grandkids Christmas, and even the tackle store down the street.  And when we spoke with the fraud folks Saturday the record on Nancy’s phone was totally different from what they said when we could see with our own eyes that they sent us.  All I can say is man I miss Bank of America.  At least I am feeling better today so it will be another go at Coleto first thing.

WEATHER

86/73.  Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 86F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.  (Of course after days of light winds here we go.)

LAKE LEVEL

Today     94.78 msl     9 days ago   94.86 msl.

BITES TIMES

Major     2:47pm to 4:47pm.   Minor   3:17pm to 4:17pm.     (As you all know I have kept track of times fairly consistently for a decade and I checked this twice.  First time I have ever seen the minor in the major.  Interesting.)

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

For all your wading needs.

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

It was flat ugly.  I got to the ramp at 7:30 and you can easily see the lake is continuing to fall.  The color on the main body is clearing, and it slowly gets increasingly off color as you go up lake.  The wind was already blowing some, but that was about to change and not for the better.

The most exciting thing this morning and is also how hard up I was before I quit.

There is a late shad spawn which has had an affect at least the couple times I have been out in the last 2 weeks.  Starting on the same old point with a buzzbait, only 2 jumped on but the wind was blowing right on the point where shad were flipping when I  caught the big one last trip.  After that I just place hopped and kept track, 8 total most exactly 13″.  2 on buzzbait and 6 pitching plastics to wood.  The wind could not have come out of a worse direction if it tried and continued to increase until it was a solid 20+ and just a real hassle.

So at noon I decided to call it a day and on the way in stopped at the discharge.  I rarely fish there but the wind was blowing right in on it and they were running quite a bit of water.  I let the wind blow me against the bouys and ended up catching probably 25 white and black bass.  The Honeydew Knockin Tail and Rapala crankbait got bit constantly and besides 1 white bass not a good one in the whole bunch.  All I have to say about that is that the numbers and size of the fish bodes well for the future.  And there is always tomorrow and there will be a tomorrow on the water somewhere.

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

Remember When I Said They Can Not Be Trusted – Here You Go.

SpaceX and Boring Co. to dump wastewater in Central Texas (mysanantonio.com)

SpaceX proposal aims to dump treated wastewater into the bay (krgv.com)

Get real folks, you trust Musk?  140,000 gallons a day into the Colorado River!  200,000 gallons a day into South Bay!  This is nuts.  Simple on South Bay – 200,000 gallons a day of fresh water into South Bay – what lunatic thinks that much fresh water daily will not change the bay?   Here we go again.  “A preliminary review by TCEQ did not find that plans for wastewater would affect water quality.”  Bullshit!  Whether TPWD, TCEQ, or a host of other Texas governmental agencies they are not to be trusted any more than Elon Musk.  The relationship of state agencies in Texas with the rich is just plain wrong.  There is no freakin’ scenario that dumping that much effluent into any river or bay will not have lasting changes.  And are you deluded enough to believe it will all be properly treated and no accidents will occur, much less the simple adding this quantity of water will not have a lasting environmental affect?  There are no words.

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

Fun Boat Buying

I have basically decided to not buy a Colorado boat until spring unless the perfect boat pops up.  But as usual I check boats for sale daily and still love some of the sales pitches.

At least this guy is honest.

No titles for anything.

Wow have been looking for that motor.

Ran when parked 10+ yrs ago.  As is where is. You haul.  Fiberglass outboard.

OMG.

Lost title, bad engine, could be used as a water trough.

Hmmmm……

interior needs replaced, don’t know if engine is good.

Just needs one of them there thingy’s.

Runs fine but will not run full speed, my mechanic said it needs a new flywheel.

You do mean free don’t you?

Great deal! Needs a lot of work it’s been sitting open outside for over 5 years.  Also haven’t started the motor for over 5 years.

Multi Use Boat.

parked for about 5 years but was good then. It is just storing camping gear now.

There is no end to some really silly ads.  Of course these are the lower end but many of the higher end boats do not have nearly enough information.  But no matter, I just get a kick out of these and wonder how many really end up getting sold for real money.  And remember if it says project run away as fast as possible and rare means nothing.

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

If it had not blown so hard the pitching to any visible wood gets you bit.  Fall is always tough and today was surely that.  When I texted the Boss I was home she texted back everyone is grumpy today, and so were the fish.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Everybody is a Tough Guy………..

The crap is hitting the fan, and in my extensive experience with plea bargains (That would be hundreds.) it comes as no surprise.  Sidney ( of “Release the Kracken” evidence only living in my imagination.)  Powell who is either a freakin’ nut case or a flat out liar, and definitely a pile of dog doo on the profession got a great misdemeanor deal.  And Chesboro, who I know nothing about but some say was a good attorney, pled to 1 felony, neither got any jail time.  Both are required to testify in “trials”, which I would guess means in Trump’s trials.  They will be on probation and required to turn over relevant material.  If that is the case he is in real trouble and it will only get worse.  Before I could even publish this another attorney has pled guilty, Jenna Ellis.  She was bawling and directly implicated Rudy saying they directly lied to the Georgia legislature.  Trust me, it is going to get even uglier.  (And to the dude who said he would not read me for getting on Rudy’s case please send some of your retirement to him, he is going to need it when he gets to the pokey.  And by the way – told you so.)

The day always comes when any defendant has to make a decision, you can give them information and opinion but in the end they decided to take a deal or not.  In this case three white, rich, and experienced fancy attorneys took the plea deal because they were toast, end of story.  And once the plea parade begins it will only cascade.  These folks are “soft” and ending up in a Georgia prison, which is right there with having your eyes gouged out with a hot poker, left the rats nothing else to do but abandon the sinking ship.  So, talk tough all you want but in the end it is put up or shut up.  Or maybe just squeal.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

 I have been dealing with a jaw issue that has left me unable to eat, which is a hassle I might add.  So for the last couple of days I have been existing on fluid, which is not near satisfying enough.  Then today I got to spend a couple of hours at the dentist in 2 visits but unfortunately it did not resolve the problem yet, so I am a little cranky and ended up sleeping the rest of the afternoon.  Think I will sleep in tomorrow and try a winter place, that I am sure is just too early due to the weather but it is hard to wait.

WEATHER

90/57.  Sunny.  0% chance rain.  Wind SW 5-10mph.

TIDES

Low   3:12 pm.

BITE  TIMES

Minor   11:49 to 12:49.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

Where I went shall remain nameless as it is not time yet.  Those of you who read this can probably figure it out, but the specific place is irrelevant.  Basically it is a winter pattern and requires some cold weather.  But to my displeasure it is still Texas weather so until it changes there will be no improvement in this type of place.

Here is the proof I was actually fishing.  2 of the 20 or so for the afternoon.

I knew it was just to early but looking back it is usually really getting good about this time, but conditions are sure different.  On dropping the boat in the water the temp was 79 degree and off color.  Though the water seemed to be slowly dropping it was not really moving.

The first couple of hours I caught 3 on my Honeydew Knockin Tail, which is a flat killer in the fall/winter.  I could not buy a bite on a corky style jerk bait and was beginning to think it was totally too early for this area.  But 1 took a pass at the topwater so it kept me interested.  Stops at the “old good spots” did not produce a bite until I decided to head in.  The first of those places produced 3, see the size above, but then could not buy a bite so I moved on.

The next spot the water was at least moving out, and it was a cove with baitfish flipping everywhere.  The mouth is really shallow with a channel bend drop in front of it, but the fish were in the cove, basically in 2 – 3 foot of water around the baitfish.  With it that shallow I switched to the 1/16th Knockin Tail jig head with a 4″ Pearl/Limetreuse with a red head.  (Note: Instead of paying bigger $$ for the fancy paint jobs I just got a packet of permanent markers at Hobby Lobby and basically paint the pearl baits with a hot head and maybe a gill or two.)  And instead of the usual Texas 2 step hop and drop a steady retrieve through the bait schools got bit and it seemed like once they did there was no missing them.  Keeping with my intention to reduce pictures of small fish the 2 above are perfect examples.  Over the next half hour while the water was moving it was bite after bite of 12″s.  Now normally that is a downer for me but in this case it is a sign of things to come, there were lots of them and they looked fat and sassy.

In my unqualified opinion I sure hope that this is the direct result of the 17″ limit.  Not sure whether that is the case or not but no matter, there were tons of them, and they were willing.  As far as the trip went, I did miss one flounder if I was guessing from the bite and did not even touch a redfish.  But no complaints, you cannot rush them this time of year.  All I have to say is how about some cold weather before I head back to Colorado.

**************   

Next up in the fishing department will be a day on the lake with Aaron, after that it will definitely be weather dependent.  Looks like a good front may be on the way with rain, perfect fall conditions and I will take advantage of it every chance I get.  It does not help there are still a couple of jobs to be done, one will be time consuming plus getting the cow catcher and winch on the truck.  Hopefully the timing will fall in place all the way around.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Way Off Topic – Potential to get your panties in a wad!

 I have a suggestion.  Since the Islamic world and countries are blaming us for Israel in spite of the truth time to cut them off, end of story.  Whatever aid we are giving Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan to name a few should be subtracted and given to Israel to fight Hamas.  Plus, the Saudis leaving Blinken waiting all day then just not showing up, or the presidents of those countries refusing to meet with Biden are happy to take our money then disrespect our honest efforts to find a solution is unacceptable.

And to those who are refusing to condemn Hamas I say “blank” off.  This slaughter was not a political statement; it was a blood thirsty massacre by monsters.  The apologists for this want a cease fire which is nuts.  So, they want to let the animals that raped women, killed babies, slaughtered families in each other’s arms, threw grenades at defenseless kids, took hostages, along with untold multiple atrocities, to just get away with it?  Nonsense.  It was not your mother who was gang raped in front of the kids and husband before they were all murdered.  I have actually been surprised at the restraint Israel has shown by not immediately invading Gaza.  Time to wipe Hamas off the face o the earth.  No mercy.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

It will be off to the lake in the morning.  It looks like I have a battery going out so time to see how long it lasts.  No trolling motor, no bass fishing.  Plus I need to go to the dentist and will call first thing and if they can fir me in I will call it a day and head there.  And the Boss has requested some fish so if all fails it will be trolling for supper.  No matter what I am finally shook at least some lose but still have some things that are getting in the road.  If I am lucky things will finally quiet down and I can start fishing like “usual.”  And definitely will be back on the salt no matter what.  So this week is finally headed back to normal.  Who knows might even catch a few though the weather does not exactly have bass fishing success written all over it.

Weather

Mainly sunny. High 74F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph.

Lake Level

Today    94.86       A week ago     94.85.

Bite Times

Minor   7:43 am to 8:43 am.    Major 12:52 pm to 2:52 pm.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

First up was my favorite big fish point on the lake and as it is want to do it did not dissapoint.  There were shad flipping and 4 jumped on the buzzbait in nothing flat.  Then this big girl did what they tend to do when they commit on the buzzbait, she smoked it.  Not sure what she might have weighed but she was heavy.

This girl just blasted the buzzbait.  Still my favorite bass bite.

The wind was just starting to blow when I got out.  The watercolor is poor over most of the lake and the temp was around 80 give or take over most of the lake.  After fishing the first point I did not have another bite on buzzbait which surprised me a little, but it was bright sun post old front and the wind was out of the north.  But beggars can’t be choosey.



A couple of the better ones of the dozen or so.

From that point on I literally threw the book at them.  Several came on the bluegill swim jig with a Rage Craw trailer, pitching a watermelon red stick worm to wood produced by far the most bites, and for some reason crankbait only produced one bite.  I did catch 6 or 7 smalls on a Honeydew Knockin Tail but that is a story for another day.  With the wind and the off-color water, it seemed crankbait was a no brainer and I kept after it way to long.

Unfortunately, before noon the trolling motor started to weaken, which is a real problem with the wind blowing.  They are AGMs that are 4 years old.  When I put the first one on the charger it was about 60%, not horrible, but the second one was 1%, which means it is toast.  They both got damaged sitting twice when the boat was in the shop for a long period.  I had used it those days and looking back on it should have taken it home and charged them then taken the boat back, but lesson learned.  So while the dentist did not shorten the day the trolling motor finally did.  So far I have not gotten to fish “normally” as stuff keeps getting in the way.  So tomorrow I get to shell out some more money.  At least I caught a few this morning.

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

A Real One

Really wide, lots of stickers and big eye guards compared to most mule deer!

The Boss said she had a shot of a big boy the last week she was in Colorado on her walk, and she was not kidding.  We both forgot about it until she found it last night on her phone.  Nothing to add to the photo, this is a good one and I sure would prefer not to have him as a hood ornament.  I love our neighborhood.

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

Reader Comments.

Glad you are back (In Texas) and am really enjoying all your Colorado experiences. Looks like a good haul in POC. Give me some details on the boat your selling. I sold my last one a couple of years ago and thinking of getting another one.
Thanks

Good to hear from you.  The boat is a 2010 Mako 18LTS with a 90hp Merc Optimax and I added a McClain trailer a couple of years ago.  But it is not quite for sale yet as I will be fishing another 6 weeks before heading back.  Then I will be back in January to fish for another couple of months.  It has 1360 hours but the compression is good and it still runs fine, a tribute to a minimum of yearly maintenance.  As my mechanic told some customers in the shop one day:  This is Doug and he does not let small problems become big ones.  But there is still fishing to be done.  It will be for sale for real next April give or take a month, actually when we have ice out on the Colorado lakes.  And you are correct on POC the other day, fishing the corky style baits is always fun.  I admit I was getting a little burned-out fishing here but a few days like that always gets my blood going.

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

Well if your moving to Colorado. Might as well get the SNOWPLOW addition to the 4runner….it will at least help with those crazy deer. Wish they ran around Texas like that and not in gated property, have to pay 4k or more to have venison in the freezer.

The snowplow thing is already taken care of.  I bought their high dollar self propelled beast of a snowblower and after last winter I can tell you it does the job.  Basically follow it around is the size of it.

The deer and wildlife along with the endless public land played a role in our decision to finally live there.  In fact, I am licensing the truck in Colorado and will get a resident DL this spring, then start applying for a hunting license.  If things go right, I will get a little revenge on the mule deer, and while I am not a trophy hunter the guy above will do. And I am with you, a freezer full of venison is a good thing.  Good to hear from you.

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

You are right! Two terms for senators and three terms for congressmen!

If what is going on right now is not a clear indication that we need to limit length of terms I don’t know what is.  Time to revert back to government “service” and end all the retirement and health care benefits after service.  And I hate to say it but now that I have reached the 70’s the old folks on both sides need to hit the road.  The government almost reached total grid lock and the only one’s suffering are the rest of us.

On the spending front the only way these self-entitled morons can ever head towards a balance budget is easy:  Cuts across the board to every program, salary, staff, department, etc.  Simply tell them all your budget is cut some number, how about 10%, so you figure it out.  Something tells me there is not an area of the federal government that could not find fat. And for the love of God we have to quit letting departments spend money at the end of the budget period just because they have it left.

And here is my favorite personal example:  When I was living at the boat dock and guiding Ivan had a boat mechanic shop in the cove. The Corp of Engineers came and asked him to order a motor and rig a work style boat.  When he gave them the estimate, they said keep adding stuff, we have to spend the money so have at it.  There are no words.  I fear what awaits my grandkids.

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

I am still trying to catch up not only with the honey do list, but other things that have been lingering.  New glasses, phone, front end on truck, trip to the dentist and doctor to make sure I am good as I feel, and the list goes on.  At least when I put my pants on my wallet is sure lighter.  Need to get back to the mountains before I go broke.

 ***************

Oh football.  My teams are flat awful.  The Hogs just can not finish, and the Cowboys cannot even get started.  We got a gift when Philly lost but they could not even come close to getting a first down on the first possession, in fact they gave it back and the Chargers scored in nothing flat.  Not sure what is going on with my teams, but they “almost” suck, end of story.

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

Tomorrow it is solve the battery issue, then Wednesday the dentist.  Now if I can get my physical and flue shot I will actually be caught up with a good month before I head back.  Next up is the salt if I can have a day without something interfering.  But unfortunately I have a big issue that requires some work, funny how being gone and then having 2 houses is twice the work.  But hey the countdown is beginning to our permanent move.  Until then keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

It was raining when I got up early this morning.  But I decided to make the drive anyway and it turned out to be a good decision.  They were biting when I got there and biting when I left.  Considering it has been literally months since I was on the salt but it is like walking, you never forget.

Weather

Constant rain.  68 degrees.  Wind ENE 5 – 15 mph.

Tides

High 8:10 am.    Low  12:24 pm.

Bite Times

Major   10:07 am to 12:07 pm.

They were smoking the Coastal Marsh soft bait.

The water was almost over the fingers at Froggie’s ramp at daylight.  The wind was blowing a little harder than advertised and the water temp was 80 degrees.  I started on a shallow flat mud bank that is a consistent fall redfish bank with the water was way up in the grass.  Topwater was my first choice but the wind was to strong but I had the Coastal Marsh Hot Head tied on so gave it a toss and it was game on.  There are a few pictures but finally the camera got to wet but it was a steady bite.

The wanted it in a walk the dog pattern on a steady retrieve.  Not only nice reds but there were also rats and trout.  While it was not a “killing” it was really steady and I got bites everywhere I tried until I quit.  And since I started throwing the Coastal Marsh baits, or any other corky style, I finally broke down and went to braid.  Not all about losing $15+ baits and the good ones love the Coastal Marsh.

A 21″ on the Honeydew, my favorite Knockin Tail.

Of course, I threw the Knockin Tail, and it was working like it always done.  But it was so much fun fishing the Hot Head I stuck with it until I quit.

I kept throwing it and they kept eating it.

My last bite before I called it a morning was a really nice trout who jumped off when I tried to put down the Power Pole.  Just a friendly reminder, keep your attention on your business.  Not messing around with a big trout on is a no brainer.

So my first trip back on the salt was a success and I have to give the clouds and rain a little of the credit.  It was fun to see the majority of the mornings fish eat it.  And while a couple did not hook up they were the outlier.  And whether shallow mud or channel type bank it did not matter.  One of those days were keeping the bait in the water was the ticket.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

If any of you have tried me the last few days my phone is toast, and it will be a couple of days until I get it rectified.  Hope my contacts and info are not gone, just have to see.  With the Boss working 12 shifts it might be the weekend.  In our house when I need a phone she gets a the latest one and I get her old one.  That’s how it works in my house!  But not sure I am qualified to have the latest and greatest anyway.

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines

That is it for the today.  The first minute I can get back to the salt I will be there.  Like all falls the redfish bite is on and I would like a few to take back to the mountains when I go.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

After trying to get a ton of stuff done the last 2 days, and there was a “do or else” list, I managed to wash the boat and get ready to hit the lake in the morning for a quick simple test run.  Now I will fish some of course but the real reason is to make sure the boat starts and runs.  I got it back from the shop the day before I headed out so had no chance to run it.  And with the salt on the menu before I head back to Colorado to get the truck licensed just want to be sure all is good before heading to the bay.  Nothing like driving to POC and then having boat troubles.

Water Level

Today   94.85   Pool    98.28  (I could not figure out when I was there last but it has been a while, but looks like it was 96.30 msl.  We shall see.)

The lake was clearly down, as low as it has been in a while.  I have to give GBRA a little credit for at least resurfacing some of the road in the park as it was a mess.  After I complained about the increased price of the annual because it affected the elderly and vets, their response was it was needed for improvements, and by golly they did a little, years later.  So I stopped in and gave them the $250 for the annual and off I went.

Fortunately, the boat ran just fine.  It may have 1,370 hours on the engine, but it has been maintained at a minimum annually so no surprise.  Plenty of little things need some easy work, but it runs like the day it was new.  I intend to use it some before it is up for sale, which is coming soon.  Someone will get a good deal as it will be sold simply to get the small boat needed for the Colorado lakes.  Though I fished about an hour or two at most, the rest of the time was making long runs at assorted RPM to be sure no hiccups with the service.

All out of the same mold.

The water temp was 80 degrees or so over most of the lake.  Since I was test driving I got to see the color and take the water temp over most of the lake.  The main arm way up had plenty of color, the area near the dam then up the plant arm is relatively clear.  The weather was cloudy with just a few showers and there was almost now wind.  Sure wish I could have stayed longer.  2 or 3 came on spinnerbait, with 5 or 6 on buzzbait.  The only other things I threw, jerkbait was no bites, and swim jig which produced a couple of bites but no hookups.

If I had to say what might be the start of a pattern, it would be points, deeper banks, and wood.  That was the pattern for the small fish for sure.  I believe that next trip concentration on pitching plastics to deeper wood should be productive, at least for bites.  It is probably a deeper pattern with the lake down and on the fall.  Classic bass reaction to fall and falling water.  There were plenty of shad flipping here and there so those areas would deserve a little attention.  Wish I could have fished a little longer but still plenty to do to catch up but unless the world collapses it will be POC at daylight in the morning.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

Have I ever said I love Vermont?  A knucklehead who shot a deer with a crossbow at night from his car was convicted of multiple offenses.  Big fine, 3-year loss of privileges, restitution, surrender of the crossbow, and confiscation of his car!  He fled the scene which I am sure went into taking his car but game violators are thieves, they steal from the rest of us.  If you want to deter stupid behavior in our poachers, make it costly to violate.  (Though the behavior in our parks concerning bears, elk, bison, along with anything else that idiot’s approach might deserve the exact opposite treatment.  Let people do whatever they want and natural selection will take over as the animals get a crack at folks.)  In this case it could not have happened to a better candidate.

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

Trout Regs

On your comment “My only real comment is why TPWD is doing this AFTER they returned to the previous limit. It would seem that why not keep it at the 3 fish- 17″ limit and let the public air their opinions?” As a former TPW wildlife guy, it’s complicated. Please go to my friend Shane Bonnot’s article on the CCA website explaining the Emergency Rule on Spotted Seatrout at:
https://ccatexas.org/the-spotted-seatrout-situation/
To read an excellent explanation of the complex rulemaking situation. Kind’a makes lawyering look simple?!

Hope Rusty, Larry, Chef Mike, Brent and I see you on Creek as soon as you make it down! Glad you are safe!

Thanks for the comment and I enjoyed the read.  Guess in my case it is just a real serious case of distrust concerning TPWD.  Starting with the giving of the ShareLunker fry to a really rich guy who charges $3k a weekend to fish, (Then signing that incredibly stupid agreement that they could have them back.) then the failure to hold anyone accountable for the big fish kill when the bridge over the Velano was built.  And now the refusal to ban (At least put on hold for the moment until we know more.) deer breeding in spite of the rising number of CWD which according to them is spreading all make me wary of some of the choices.  Maybe I should give them more of a break at times, but it is what it is.  In this case the reason for the move in trout regulation is easy to understand due to Texas regulations.  It is actually easy lawyering.  Thanks for the information which sets the record straight.

I admit it was just another preconceived judgment on my part and I appreciate the chance to learn.  But as far as I am concerned as long as TPWD remains in bed with the rich their credibility at times will remain questionable.   So, to the rest of you please read the article above and make up your own mind.  But just a reminder ……….here is an abbreviated history of some the commissioners.

• Oil business
• Railroad
• Oil business
• Labor relations/Oil business history
• Industry/automotive
• Oil business
• Oil business
• Capital
• Unsure reading the bio
• Unsure
• Diverse business

First off this is basically a perk as they are appointed by the governor.  (If you want to really delve into it a cross reference with campaign donations might be enlightening.  Though what Texas does as far as appointments is generally how it goes in other states.)  Second not a “regular” person on the board though I do note last time I looked it was even more dominated with oil interests.  Do you honestly think any of them have trouble with a place to fish or hunt?   Really?  Think you can knock on their door and get permission to hunt or fish?  Sure.  Man I would love to be proven wrong.

But in their defense, I am sure they are all fine folks who would be fun at a barbeque.  Nor do I question their motives.  But we all come to the table with our own experiences, friends and notions.  So until I see Bubba from Podunk Texas on the commission, along with a few that have wildlife biology degrees I will remain skeptical.

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

Good to be back in Texas.  Random shootings and stabbings here in Victoria continue right along.  You don’t notice the constant violence until you are not here for 5 months and then on return it is in the local news every night.  WTF is wrong with people?

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

I am very happy that the boat seems to be ready to go.  Still a little to do on it but to the bay I go.  There are bass, walleye and pike amongst other fish in Colorado so just like here bass will remain on my plate whenever I feel the need.  But there is no bay and I want to catch a “few” trout and reds before finally leaving.  There are great bites in the fishing world and a big trout blowing up on a topwater is one of them, along with a big tailing red thumping a spinnerbait.  Time to get it while the getting is good.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Rims

When the Boss got her new 4Runner she immediately bought fancy rims.  Consequently, we have a set of 4 brand new 17″ rims off a 4Runner. If you are interested the first $200 takes the whole set of 4.  Hollar if interested.

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

Off Topic Rant – And it is a rant!

(Do not read this if no matter what it says it will offend your sensibilities.)

Allahu Akbar – Same tune, same result.

I hope we do not get embroiled in the Israel/Hamas hassle, not our fight.  Those folks have been killing each other for all time and both have legitimate and ugly complaints.  But when Hamas drug that young woman out of Israel and into the West Bank and then paraded her around in her bloody underwear and spit on the body they rose to a new low.  In one small town of 400 only 140 people were left alive.  Going house to house gunning down families, children, grandparents, indiscriminate murder.  So Hamas, you say you enjoy the moral high ground then why this?  Then the complete pieces of shit who paraded that young girl then used her debit card.  Her debit card?  Sick.  Nothing but thieving rapist murderers.  Freedom fighters do not gun down 250 kids doing nothing more than dancing, only monsters do that.  Paraphrasing Curt Russel in Tombstone:  You tell them Israel is coming and hell is coming with them.  Israel is justified in wiping you off the face of the earth.

And a special note to the Palestinian scum who spit on the body of that poor girl.  I hope they find out who you are, cut out your tongue then let you loose in the sex offender wing of the Israel prison where they hold the rest of the animals.  Hope you suffer a lifetime like her family will.  There is no justification.

And now they have discovered over 30 murdered children, some with their heads cut off.  These piece of shit thugs are not brave enough to attack soldiers, now the time for negotiations is over, the time for total destruction is here.   And we need a clear warning if you harm another hair on an American citizen hostages Seal Team 6 will hunt you down no matter where you are and double tap you and anyone with you.  This is insane.

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