FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Though we are getting close to hitting the road and have plenty of stuff to do the Boss has to hit San Antonio to get her truck service so I will take the morning for a quick trip to the lake.  We had to be out of the house for 3 days while they smoked the termites so as soon as she gets back in the afternoon we have a ton of places to go and things to do.  But at least for a few hours I can fish.

Weather

65/83.  Sunshine and clouds mixed. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.

Lake Levels

10 days ago.   94.92 msl.   Today 95.97 msl.

Activity Times

Minor  8:12 AM-9:12 AM.   Major 12:49 PM-2:49 PM

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

For all your wading needs.

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

Before we get to the fishing one of my favorite rods in 50 years of fishing exploded on a hook set when I was pitching this morning.  It was not a big fish, but it snapped like nothing.  But folks this is not a complaint.

Temple Fork SWC 707-1 7′ Heavy.

This rod has been from Canada to Belize to the Glades.  It has caught stripers, big bass, snook, tarpon, muskie and who knows what else over the last 15 (Guess) years.  I have repaired eyes with everything from black tape to sewing thread.  It had a rough life, banging around in the boat over thousands of miles.  It has taken all the abuse I could give it.  And through it all it kept putting them in the boat.  When I say I lost an old friend I am not kidding.  It was my favorite rod over the last 50 years and has put hundreds and hundreds of fish in the boat.  Gonna miss her

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Coleto Creek

It was perfect this morning, it just took a while to cloud up some and for the wind to blow.  The water is dropping fast, the color is still good, and the water temp was 67 or so over most of the lake.  It was not fast by any means, but for a short morning trip it was great.  Not sure if it was my last one on Coleto but it was fun.

The Chartruese square bill put a couple in the boat.

As it has been wood with some deeper water was the ticket.  I managed to catch on all my old favorites today.  Swim jig, spinnerbait, square bill, and pitching.  I even trolled just a little bit up lake and managed 2 small white bass.  It will take a little more cold weather and as soon as there is a couple day front they will be there.

A square bill catfish for the Boss’s fish fry tonight.

Pitching the beaver style bait, but should have seen the one right after this that jumped off when tangled in wood.

I should have had another pretty good fish today.  She was all wrapped up in a pile of wood next to a stump.  We did the pull thing, let it go slack, when she came up and jumped on the other side of the trash off she came.  Hate it when that happens but still appreciate the bite.

One of 4 on spinnerbait, she blasted it.

As soon as we got a little breeze out came the spinnerbait.  Again they all came off wood.  It was nice to finish the morning with a spinnerbait bite.  No matter where or what I catch it is still my favorite way to catch them.  I had to quit early as we are up to our rear in alligators with the move but if this was the last day before we head to Colorado it sure was fun.

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The move takes precedance so time to be responsible.  Still have things to pack, a few big itens to sell and then the garage sale.  It looks like closing will be Monday a week from now and then off we go.  That realization hit me as I headed up lake, it has been fun and man did a bunch of big bass come over the side.  Now it will be trout, lake trout, pike, walleye and whatever else I can rustle up in Colorado.  And a big thanks to all of you for the last 15 years the blog has been up.  Your readership and comments keep me going, and to those of you who I got to fish with I love sharing our sport.  The blog will continue as there is plenty of fishing adventures to come.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

My buddy Rusty and a good day on the water.

Rusty has been a loyal reader and off and on collaborator and after all these years of communicating back and forth we finally ended up in the boat together.  Along with sharing information we often met on the water fishing the same area.  So I was glad when he invited me to fish with him .  Knowing I am out of the salt business he was kind enough to take me today and best I can say – We had a big time.

Weather

54/81.  Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.

Tides

High 3:41 am 0.5.   Low 10:29 am  0.1.

Activity Times

Major 8:00 to 10:00 am.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

We have several things in common and had a good day chatting and catching fish.  Rusty is my kind of fisherman; he is a multi-species guy.  From trout to bass to tarpon to salmon to name a few he has caught them all.  As he is widely traveled pursing fish his entire life we had much in common.  Plus he is an accomplished fly fisherman and fly tier who has shared his knowledge with me as I begin my fly-fishing journey.  Interestingly enough he has friends in our area of Colorado and visits often so we will not lose touch.

I sure will miss these guys, they stretch your string.  Redfish cannot resist a Knockin Tail.

As far as the fishing went it was consistent most of the day.  The trout bit here and there with a couple of good stretches.  While no real big ones came over the side there was no real lull in the bite.  It tended to be a couple 3 or 4 here or there.  Of course, it was Knockin Tails that did the damage.  Since this was maybe my last time on the salt I opened my last Salt Marsh corky style bait and caught several on that.

We caught around 25 trout, while most were small, I have 3 – 17″ in the smoker as I write this.

The redfish were slow but I managed to catch the one above to send me off to Colorado with the memory of just how hard they pull.  Looking back on it should have thrown a topwater some but hard to change when they are biting.  Several fell for Michael’s new bait but if I release that he would have to kill me.  Suffice to say when it is fully ready for production it will catch fish.  He is also working on other stuff coming to a store near you sometime next year.

It was a fun day and when 2 hardcore fishermen get together there is always plenty to talk about.  There is nothing wrong with being a one trick pony, but the fishing world is so vast and so amazing that those that explore it just become better fishermen.  Try to expand your fishing world if you can, the results are worth the effort.  And thanks Rusty, what a great day to be 2 old guys slinging lures.

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Today the appraiser comes and if all is good it looks like we could potentially close with perfect timing.  It has been a little bit of a struggle, but it is coming together and maybe just maybe things will go well and we will hit the road with no left-over Texas business.  The Boss has a couple of work parties with her coworkers and will be wrapping up her 40-year career in medicine in exactly 10 days and off to our mountain town we go.

We will be gone a couple of days while they kill some termites and then I hope to fish the salt maybe one more time and the lake one more time.  Then the serious packing begins.  So keep stopping in as I finish up my Texas fishing adventure.  There is so much more to come, it will just be different.  But as I said above different in the fishing game is the spice of life.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

This was one big fish.  

I admit to being completely stressed out with the house sale.  No reason at this point with things moving along, it is just me.  We are so done here and it sure would be nice to hit the road in 16 days with that taken care of.  But at least today I had a free day and the weather looked perfect.  One thing that is a constant on Coleto when the weather is like this it is big fish day, and it sure was.

Weather

59/55.  Cloudy skies.  Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph.  (Right on the button.)

Lake Levels

Today  94.92 msl.   10 days ago  95.10 msl.  (Clearly dropping and the ramp just might get interesting soon.)

Activity Times

Minor  11:13 am to 12:13pm.    (Only time I was out there.)

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

For all your wading needs.

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

Open wide.  That is a big square bill.

On getting to the lake the wind was blowing right along but the color is clear down lake and a little off color up lake.  The water temp was 67 at the ramp on quitting and 61 way up lake.  The plan of course was swim jig and spinner bait, and I stuck with it until I finally removed head from rear end and made a change.  Not a bite on a spinner bait and 5 on swim jig including one pretty good one that broke my line.  Being the prefect big fish day out came the square bill.  Nice to get it right once in a while.

5 minutes later.  And this was no small fry.

With the water falling like it is the places that have had a few for me, did.  But nothing to write home about and while I have a few pics they clearly do not make the blog today.  It was just to perfect so around noon it was the 6 Sense chartreuse square bill.  Then the right move, a channel bank with some deeper brush.  And then 2 bites within 5 minutes, and it was these 2.  Note the first one I had my cloves on but they got wet so did not have  them on when I caught the second one.

I was using 5 to 1 reel cranking at a moderate speed.  Neither one of them jumped it, it was just heavy.  The first one inhaled it and even though she tried to jump she was going nowhere.  The second was lip hooked and did the same wallowing thing but I managed to get her in the net without hooking the crankbait.  Sometimes it is good to be lucky.  It has been a while since I boated 2 real big fish in one day, but it happened, and I am thrilled.

Both came on deep laydowns on a bank where you would expect them to be with the water falling.  And by the same token early pre-spawn is right around the corner so big fish time is on.  I can not over emphasize how today was perfect.  Looking back on the last dozen plus years through high water and low, December and January with bad weather is prime time for big bass on Coleto and today was living proof.

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It looks like I have taken back control of the blog.  But one thing that has changed is it I can turn the comments back on.  If you are one of the folks who leaves the occasional comment, please just leave a hello so I can check it all out.  Some of you might have been put in a spam file so need to make sure you did not get blocked accidentally.  Plus always love hearing from all of you.  I have not been ignoring you, things were just out of joint.  A computer guru I am not.   Thanks.

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So why is it last call?  Hopefully I will get a couple more days on the lake but with a couple of salt trips with friends coming it is going to be close.  Today was the kind of day I live for and the weather did what it was supposed to.  So there is more fishing to come but the moving stuff will be keeping me busy.  But keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Michael with a real one on the 5″ Pearl KTL.  Use a big bait, catch a big fish!

This is the time of year for really big trout and Michael the owner and designer of Knockin Tail Lures getting it done.  This is a big trout anywhere anytime and caught on his own lure.  KTL’s catch all kinds of fish, all over the country in all conditions.  I cannot wait for next spring when I feed them to big lake trout.  And I have to admit I will miss fishing the salt and working with them.  I so appreciate the chance to work on his stuff.  It has been a good run, it is just going to be different, but there will never be a time the KTL is not in my arsenal, they catch fish end of st0ry.

Weather

58/66.  Cloudy with occasional light rain…mainly in the morning.  Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.  (Current radar gone by noon.)

Tides

Low 12:49 PM -0.1  High  5:29 PM (Fairly flat today.)

Activity Times

Major 1:33 pm to 3:33 pm.  (Always harder to judge related to tide times and where you are.)

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

For all your wading needs.

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

One thing I am really sad I have not done enough is share more of my knowledge with folks.  Today Michael came over and while we just had a few hours to fish it was my pleasure to turn him on to something a little different.  I do not need to teach him or many of you how to fish, you have that down, but there is plenty of “spots” and local knowledge that I just do not want to go to waste so he was able to sneak out.

While the fishing was just ok, that was not the point.  It was this is how you fish here, this is the swing, the point, the drains, the cuts and everything else that goes along with the real knowledge that can last a lifetime.  Today was enough to introduce him to my favorite place on the bay this time of year.

The kind that came over the side on our short trip.

If I was guessing and I am we probably boated about 5 or 6 trout and one red.  For me the real fun was fishing the prototype of his new idea and the trout liked it and so did I.  Hanging with him has been a pleasure as he is full of great ideas and this one should be a hit.  With his background in manufacturing and engineering it is not surprising he comes up with great ideas.  Are they all a hit, of course not, but the Knockin Tail is well on its way to becoming a staple and the new extravaganza should be t0.  At least as soon as I tell him how to make it better!  (Like he needs my help.)

My buddy Michael.

Aside from spending a short time on the water today I just wanted to share this picture and maybe give you a little piece of advice.  Over the last 7 years or longer we have been friends and at times collaborators.  It has been my pleasure to work with him and spend time at the shows from ICAST to the Houston fishing show.  But one thing we did not do was fish together as much as we should have.  As my time here is dwindling, and 19 days is sure dwindling, we should have fished together more.  You need to remember to share the boat as often as you can with friends, you never know for whatever reason when it will come to an end.  But thanks Michael it was my pleasure, and I look forward to all those great things you are working on and what the future will hold for My Coast Outdoors.

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Bill Dance

Everybody loves old Bill.  He has been a part of our fishing world for decades and who does not like Bill.  But I do have one comment on his saltwater show.  It starts out with “Anyone can do this.”  So to check out if that was true I went to the website of the guy he fishes with in Florida for trout and snook.  Those shows are amazing with some monster trout.  I thought it would be fun to fish with him next time I was in Florida.  Well sorry folks but anyone can do this, for $900 a day plus tip.  Same applies when he fishes Venice LA and catches all those big reds.  Same thing, a little out of my price range.  But we still love Ol’ Bill.

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I am now officially sick of this house selling thing.  It has not been as easy as we hoped and has just turned into a big hassle.  But this to will pass.  We hoped to close before we leave in 20 days but that probably will not happen.  But in this new world it can all be finished online, so see ya.

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I think I finally have a handle on the spam.  Nothing more $$$ can’t solve.  There have been 3 more attempts to hack the blog but that sems to be over so it looks like the blog will continue.  It had gotten so bad there was a real possibility that I would just give up and shut it down.  But there is still new fish to be caught, new places to see and lots of animals to chase.  You are not getting rid of me that easy.

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So with all that said I hope to ge on the lake Friday and then the salt on Monday.  The clock is ticking and I hope the farewell tour continues.  Then the serious packing happens followed by the garage sale and then out we go.  Until then keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Happy Turkey Day

We got a pretty good snow at the house and the neighbor lady sent me this yesterday.  We have lots and lots of turkeys and they winter behind the house.  Every morning they come down to get their breakfast.  Now it is illegal to feed them, but a couple of the neighbors have seed that mysteriously falls on the ground near their homes and the turkeys have a daily route.  We enjoy watching them all the way until full on summer when they disappear for a couple of months before they reappear in September.  As the clock winds down we are so ready to go.

HACKED

First thanks to family and friends who alerted me I was in the business of selling Chinese clothes for women.  There is plenty of things I might have tried to sell over the years but trash from China is not one.  And to those of you who did not see it you did not miss anything

Apparently I was able to defeat yesterday’s scammers without a ton of trouble.  It just amazes me how many attempts there has been to hack my blog as I don’t have all that many readers.  Over the years as I have slacked off the numbers have gone down but that is not the point, I do it for the love of writing and sharing.  But they are persistent.  It takes a little bit of work to crack the blog and once they did yesterday, they shared the password with others, thanks to you all I caught it before more damage was done.

How persistent have they been?  There have been over 1,100 attempts to hack into the blog.  And the spam has become a real hassle for me as it comes by the hundreds, most of it porn attempts but there is plenty of other stuff.  (Funny how I never had that much spam to deal with until my host started attempting to sell me a spam blocker addition.) Though hard to tell where it actually originated but since it was Chinese knockoff crap you can draw your own conclusion.

So sorry for the language yesterday but it just makes no sense why anyone would want to hack this blog.  Hard to believe of all the sites in the world this one would be a target for any reason.  While most of you know my political leanings I will admit Trump is right about one thing, China is not our friend.  They constantly attempt to infiltrate our government and steal our trade secrets, besides dumping crap products on our economy.  They cannot be trusted as far as you could throw them.  While I am sure tariffs is not the right way to punish them it is time to acknowledge they are our enemy because they are.  (As a side note Sam Walton is rolling over in his grave as Wal Mart is in bed with them bigtime.  I am sure you have noticed the quality of much of the stuff is just plain crap.  As it has led to so many small businesses in America going under they should be ashamed of themselves.  In fact, we had a friend who started a business and went to China to seal the deal.  They opened a factory and sold their product to Wal Mart.  And of course, what came next?  Wal Mart just cut them out of the loop after all their work like slime would do.)

So enough of that, hope they leave me alone for a while, but I am not hopeful.  With the big change coming in our life I am still mulling over giving it up.  That will probably not happen as long as I can type and get outdoors.

The Boss is working today and I am going to have a stay-at-home quiet day.  Football, a good book, and maybe a little sorting in the tackle room for the tons of stuff that needs to go.  I hope everyone has a great day and things will be returning to normal around here next time I post.  Thanks to all.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Weather

89/50.  Sunny. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.  (A basic carbon copy of last few days but finally some wind.  Nope did not happen.)

Lake Level

Last Friday 95.16.  Today 95.10 msl.  (The steady decline continues.  As the ramp continues to lose water I had hoped GBRA would go ahead and put the poles out to mark the end of the ramp.  Last time it got close to this folks did some serious trailer damage, the drop off is rough.)

Activity Times

Major 7:14 am to 9:14 am.

I managed to slip out a few hours Monday and the fishing was as slow as I have seen it in a while.  If I fish another day of no wind and high skies I will go berserk.  The plan was a fall and early winter of a farewell to Coleto but it just is not working out.  To top it all off the house sale things is off the rails and that continues to take time.  But oh well, you do what you have to do.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

One thing about fall is often it is consistently inconsistent.  They will move in a heartbeat and that is what the fish I have been catching have done.  Whether location or depth they have changed, and I need to next time out.

The future of the lake is bright but if I see another one like this I just might jump in the lake.

The other day they were on a big break around a tree, this morning they were gone, not a bite.  From that point on the rest of the morning before I finally called no mas it was 7 and they all looked like they came from the same mold.  One did fall to a spinnerbait otherwise it was one here and on there on the swim jig and the beaver bait.  It was surprising they were gone off the deep wood which is a great fall spot and the magic tree was barren.

I hope winter gets here before I leave to Colorado to find some winter.

Hate to whine but since my medical troubles and return to Texas things have just not gone like I hoped.  And the weather has been just to freakin’ nice, if that is possible.  Funny when the wish is for some really crappy weather, cold rain, high winds, big front.  But that is what gets fall on Coleto going and with a month left maybe just maybe it will happen.

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There is one last project on the boat trailer that will get done this weekend while you all are enjoying Thanksgiving.  The parts to put real fenders and step pads on the trailer will be here Friday and I can finally get that job out of the way.  All serious heavy duty they will not only be able to stand up to the rough roads of the high mountains along with long tows to Canada.  Plus, they will be able to stand the weight of anyone who wants to climb in the boat.  This project is going to be a one and done and hopefully last a lifetime.  But as you all know with boats that is asking a lot.

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Please be careful this weekend as you enjoy your holiday.  The projections on the number of folks traveling by car this year is stunning.  And if you are flying good luck, what could possibly go wrong?  The Boss will be working most of it and I will be working around the place and enjoying a good book.  So keep stopping in and have a great Thanksgiving.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Rudy – Rudy – Rudy

It is so sad to see what he has become.  When I commented on his legal affairs years ago some dude got all pissed off about me talking about him.  Well here we are, he is losing it all ($$$$$) and has a couple of criminal cases against him.  The 2 election workers who won his money at trial are trying to collect and he again in public repeated the lie they were fixing the election.  That is a complete fantasy, funny how it is fixed until you win then all is good, but he is about to be slapped down again, with maybe a little stay in the jailhouse.  And to top it off today he had an outburst where he accused the federal judge of being a radical democrat.  One problem wine boy he is a Trump appointee.  I take no joy in calling it right, but he continues to dig himself deeper and deeper and is getting exactly what he deserves.

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My only comment on this no bail option for criminals is it is nonsense.  While for first time nonviolent it might be ok but when they have priors, and it is a crime of violence they need to stay locked up for the safety of all of us.  When I see one of these crazy stabbers who was let out 8 TIMES in the last year with no bail I cannot believe it.  We as a society have decided to not fund mental health but that is no excuse.  If you have been arrested multiple times you need to be in a cage, what kind and where is up to society.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

It just did not work out that I was able to fish this week but will be on the water tomorrow.  I can not believe this weather will not break and give me a chance for some real winter fishing.  But that is the nature of the game, it is what it is and you go when you can.

Weather

79/44.  Mainly sunny. Winds light and variable. (A basic carbon copy of last Monday and Wednesday, a little cooler.  But you go when you can go.)

Lake Level

Today 95.16.  Wednesday 95.27 msl.

Activity Times

Major 5:12 am to 7:12 am.  Minor 12:27 PM-1:27 PM

A fat guy on the morning hunt.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

The numbers have stayed consistent as the weather.

It was flat cold when I launched at daylight but with proper clothes on no big deal.  The lake conditions remain the same other then the continued dropping level.  Color is clear down lake with some color way up the creek.  The water temp was 69 – 71 at daylight so is down a few degrees thanks to the cooler nights.

First up was the point up lake that produced the good fish last trip.  The buzzzbait did not produce a bite so moved to a big tree on the edge of the drop and the pattern for the day produced.  Wood and plastics or swim jig, but with either bait it was hardwood.

The best of 4 off the tree.

They ate the Berkely beaver style bait.  Circling the tree they were actually on a little clump of wood off to the side.  The other 3 looked like this.

I will take that for a morning start any day.

For the rest of the day it was one here and one there flipping visable wood.  It was not fast by any means and most of them were small.  But they are scattered on any wood you could find.  For me though I love the swim jig so stayed with that for much of the morning.

This guy thumped it.

Still staying with the pumpkin green jig and craw trailer on the swim jig.  Watermelon beaver style on the pitching bait.  Since being out of action, and out of state turned out there was only one of each for a spare but made it work the rest of the morning.  Hard to guess how much $$$ I have saved not buying stuff but going to have to head to the store and stock up.

It ended up being about 10 or so for the morning.  It started off plenty of clothes to a tee shirt by time I called it a day.  The fish are biting some and starting Monday clouds are coming and it is going to be a killing and I cannot wait.  There is plenty of shad in the lake and there will be a spinnerbait day if it will combine with a little wind.  So as our time here wears down it will probably be the last big hurrah on the lake as I plan to fish 3 days this week if the world will not get in the way.

And don’t tell anybody but there is prototype bait coming my way shortly and I cannot wait.  It if does what it looks like it might it could be something.  More on that later, depending on how much they will let me tell you.  Hopefully you will at least see the results.

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I have known David since he was in high school in Arkansas.  We fished together and he even killed his first deer with us.  He now is an outfitter in Montana and Idaho and can put you on deer, bear, or elk, along with a horse back pack in to high country fishing.  He and his son are great guys so if you have ever thought about it give them a look.  I have seen the results.  Congratulations David, we will see you in our travels.

David with a good one.  Want to kill a good one check out his site on the right.  Five Bear Outfitters gets it done!

I hope after this January being an official Colorado resident I can put some 4-legged creature on the ground and in the freezer.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

I have always enjoyed watching fishing on Sunday mornings but now when I see a bass fishing tournament where they are fishing forward facing sonar I turn it off immediately.  So big deal, any 10-year-old can catch them like that.  Tournament fishing used to be about who was the most versatile, could find and catch them in all conditions on all water.  Watching them fish on TV while they fish on TV is just plain stupid.  There has to be a better way to spend your time.

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I am sick of this selling the house thing and hope to get it wrapped up this week so we can close next week.  We are so ready to get out of here and hope nothing goes wrong but as we all know shit happens, so we shall see.  Really looking forward to a little time on the salt to come along with the rest of the fishing.  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

81/45.  Sunny skies.  Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. (A basic carbon copy of Monday and Wednesday, except the wind did not blow even a little.  How about cooling off?  Not a chance.)

Lake Level

Wednesday 95.31.  Today 95.27 msl.

Activity Times

Major 11:01 am to 1:01 pm.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

While still sick of the weather pattern I decided to go ahead and fish Friday morning.  The lake conditions are still the same, though the slow decline continues.  The water temp was down to 72 at daylight and it was a little brisk on the morning ride.  But again, it was dead calm, and I mean flat with not a breath of wind.

My day started off with a bang when a big one smashed the buzzbait on the first point I fished.  When going for a picture, oops, left the SD card in the computer so no picture.  Of course the minute I dropped him back in the lake my old brain went you have your phone.  But us oldsters are still learning to adapt to the new days so at least I got a couple of pics later.

One of 4 off a short stretch.

The buzzbait only produced one more halfhearted bite so time for the swim jig.  But the fishing was tough and it was a while before the next one.  My magic tree was empty, the deep brush that has had them was empty, so it was trolling motor down and just cover the miles.

One short flurry on the swim jig.

The surprise, the bite came on a flat mud bank in about 3′ of water.  They were pounding the swim jig and 5 jumped on and I missed a couple.  The best I can figure is it was a calm bank with the sun shining right on it.  Maybe the little cool evening slowed them down and there was some crawdads or shad warming on the sunny bank.  So that should have been a clue, right?  Nope.

For the next 2 hours not a bite.  In fact it was so slow finally headed back down to see if there were a few white bass feeling like cooperating.  Then the big surprise, in a couple of hours only one really small bass jumped on trolling shad crankbaits.  At that point the relator let us know the offer was accepted so I called it a day.  It might have been one of the overall slowest days in a long time.  But this weather pattern is not the best and obviously I do not have them cornered.  But I will keep after it until the trucks are loaded and we hit the road.  The memories made on Coleto will always be treasured and during the heyday I put untold big bass in the boat.  Just maybe there will be one more for the road.

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I love getting pictures and reports from readers and here is a perfect example of some good ones.  This band of oldsters has been putting the hurt on them and wanted to let you see.  But as my practice has been you send them and I don’t tell.  But suffice to say they had a good day.

That is a real one!

Did you say flounder?

As a side note my buddy had some trolling motor troubles, so he took it to Tejas Boat Works a Victoria company that is a certified Minn Kota service center and he had nothing but good things to say about them.  I will get by there and meet them and fill you in after I do.

The tug is the drug.

Last week my buddy had trolling motor troubles so he dropped it off for repair.  What makes that story interesting is he had a backup trolling motor which many of us do so he put that on the boat and fishing he went.  It looks like the same switch that failed on his other one locked in reverse, so they spent the day going backwards which he reported was “interesting”.  But that is the way with us who fish, we get it done one way or the other.  Hopefully I am progressing enough to join folks one day soon.   Good job and thanks for the pics it got my blood flowing this morning.

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And to you all who have sent additional well wishes thanks they are so appreciated.  I decided not to post them as it would seem self-serving but suffice to say they are humbling.  I am getting a little better but still not perfecct.  But I am thankful things are looking up.  Still a ways to go but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

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And I am happy to report we have one more thing off our plate. we accepted an offer on the house.  Now the usual inspection and assorted things to be done by the buyer and if all goes well we will close on December 18th, which is perfect.  Close, then the Boss works her last day and we are finally out of here.  So holding our breath it all works out as planned.

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Monday looks a little sketchy with some rain in the forecast with high winds as the front blows through.  But the plan is to be on the water early looking for the big bite.  So keep on stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

If I was not jonesing to fish it would not be happening tomorrow.  It is too nice if that is possible.  Fortunately, the week ahead looks perfect.  Some clouds with a little rain and wind, perfect for the fall bite and I will be hard at it.  But with the fishing being what it is who knows, maybe it will be a good day.  The swim jig will get the majority of the work tomorrow, just have to concentrate on cover.  One thing I am thinking of doing before I hit the road is share all “my spots” and what I have learned over the last 15 years, I hate to have it go to waste.  Not sure how I will do that but mulling it over.

Weather

89/53.  Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. Very warm. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.  (A basic carbon copy of Monday.  How about the wind blowing and cooling off?  Not a chance.)

Lake Level

Today 95.31  Yesterday 95.31 msl.

Activity Times

Major 9:10 am to 11:10 am.

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Other than a 3 – 5 degree drop in the water temp depending on where you were today was a carbon copy of Monday.  It was definitely cooler and I barely had enough shirt on for the ride, but it is a sign of things to come.  I hate to bitch about the weather when it is so nice but the picture below is the most wind I saw today.  But it sure was nice not to battle the fog.

When you are glad to be alive this makes your day!

Instead of starting down lake with the buzzbait I headed up to try it there which was obviously the wrong choice.  While 5 jumped on it was not as good as Monday.  The weather of lack of it could have had as much to do with a shorter morning bite.  I stayed with it a little to long but as the last hurrah is right around the corner I gave it the good go.

Best I could manage on the buzzbait.

After that it was the swim jig and it turned out to be almost a complete bust.  One smacked it fairly hard and did not hook up, but clearly my fault as I was late on the hook set.  It was a little surprising but oh well, it is fishing.

3 pitching plastics to wood.

It was getting later in the morning so time for the old standbys with mixed result.  My magic tree which produced 4 the other day was empty, surprising this time of year but with no wind and mile high sky you never know.  Other than my plans to troll back time for one of my most consistent banks, deep water with brush.  So pitched the beaver style bait and 3 jumped on in that short stretch.

His twin on back-to-back casts.

The claims made by many tackle companies are just hype, but not in the case of the Berkley beaver.  Their claim that fish hold on to it like some ridiculous 8x longer is actually the case.  When pitching it they often swim right out of the brush, maybe because they want to get away from their buddies, but they really do hold on to it longer.  You can actually let them swim just a little bit to make sure they have it than set the hook.  Often you do not feel the bite it just starts moving or goes slack and it is nice to be able to play a game of touchy feely that with other baits is often the kiss of death.

To finish off the day time for a little trolling to the ramp.  Today the rattle trap put 3 in the boat and only one small hit on the Bang O Lure.  One advantage of trolling is you get a feel where the fish are, and today it was 2o feet in areas where the channel dropped off.  No white bass but I did lose a big crappie and what was probably a catfish.  One area near the discharge cove gave up a bass both days, not a bank you would normally expect to catch them but they were visible on the locator.  You just never know.

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

For all your wading needs.

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So while it was slow it is not surprising.  As clear as the water is it needs either the wind or some clouds, and both at the same time sure helps.  Now the good news, next week looks totally perfect.  Cloudy with rain chances, some wind, Monday thru Wednesday looks fabulous.  I am going to give it a rest the next few days and do a little more packing, then Monday it is on and one of those days will be epic.  Coleto is setting up for some great fishing and it sure would be nice to end my time here with a couple of really good days.  But with a month to go it will happen, thats what makes us fishermen – tomorrow, one more cast, a different bait, we just keep on going.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Finally after weeks I will be heading to the lake in the morning.  While my eyelids are still not perfect it has been a major improvement.  Not sure if the fishing is worth a hoot but who cares.  And the Boss wants a fish fry so will end the day trolling up some supper.

Weather

88/56.  A few passing clouds, otherwise generally sunny. Continued very warm.  Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.

Lake Level

Today 95.31 msl.  last time I fished 6 weeks ago 96.23 msl.  (Almost a foot, can’t wait to see the ramp.)

Activity Times

Major 7:30 am to 9:30 am.  Minor 2:20 pm to 3:20.

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I am finally starting to get a little relief.  The medicine is starting to work, and while not perfect I can finally drive so I headed to the lake like a big boy.  It would be impossible to tell you how I feel but it looks like I am getting my life back with the least amount of hassle considering.  So the fish on Coleto better look out because we have 6 weeks to go and I intend to make them pay.

The lake is definitely down, but the color is awesome over most of the lake.  The water temp was 77 – 80 degrees and the wind was light and never did get over 5 mph.  It was foggy as all get out when I got there at daylight and it was a little bit before I could leave the ramp.  If the lake keeps dropping the ramp could be an issue at some point to come.

Love the early morning buzzbait bite.

Until the fog lifted at 9:30 5 jumped on the buzzbait including 3 that measured.  They were on steeper banks with wood and were pulling it under.  I preach all the time about holding the rod level and pointing it straight at the bait.  When they do that pull under thing you have a tight line which gives you the chance to stick em.  It was fun so next up time to throw some plastics.

I hit my magic tree and caught 4 off it in nothing flat, one of those was a keeper so things were looking up.  Since I was just wanting to see what was happening I switched to the swim jig and they liked that.

The swim jig did its part.

They were definitely eating the swim jig.  They hit it pretty good and I maybe missed one and boated 5 of which another couple were keepers.  While a big fish did not jump on considering no wind and high sky the results were promising.  As it was getting hot time to do a little trolling on the way to the ramp.  And that worked.

And the Bang O Lure added a couple on the way in.

4 jumped on, 2 on a shad crankbait and 2 on the Bang O Lure.  Trolling gave me a chance to see where the fish were in the water column, and most were shallower than 15′.     It was a little surprising to catch a couple as the Bang O Lure only runs about 5′.  The nice thing about the white bass, besides he is on the plate tonight is it was a little bigger than the average for Coleto.  It just might be a good year for them and the time is coming.

All I have to say about the fishing today is it was so good to be back.  Now it will be watching the weather for that cloudy rainy day, and it will be a killing.

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Jingle Bells

Home Sweet Home.

Thanks to Linda the neighbor across the street for this.  Winter had finally arrived in Colorado and we are so ready to head back for good.  We love our neighborhood walks in the snow, quiet and stunning.  With few folks around it is a winter wonderland but there will be plenty of snow to blow as soon as we get there.  But the snowblower is staged when the garage door opens and in no time flat the drive is clear.

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Wildlife News

Texas –  A new case of chronic wasting disease has been found in a new county in Texas.  I can rant and rave all I want but again TPWD continues to allow captive deer breeding.  Good luck to all you whitetail hunters the future is not a bright as you might think.  When the state says the incubation period might be years remember the inactivity if it goes to shit.

Colorado  –  A voter initiative on the state ballot to outlaw the hunting of mountain lions was soundly defeated.  It had no basis in scientific fact and deserved to lose.  There was never a dispute that there are plenty of lions in Colorado.  Sorry all you tree huggers but lions are not pretty kitties that you can pet when they appear on your porch.  In fact, pet is the operative word, it is your pet they are after.  I always come down on the side of all stake holders having a say, and the issue is dead in Colorado.

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Good Questions – Impossible to really answer.

I’m planning a fishing trip to Alaska next year—dream come true! Any advice on gear or spots I shouldn’t miss? The colder climate will be a new experience for me.

That is not something I can really answer for you but as far as gear there are 2 things I would not go without.  But do your research until you are blue in the face.

1.  A real rain suit.  And I do not mean Frogg Togs, a real heavy duty that will keep you dry and also act as an outer shell so when you layer you do not have to take a big ass coat.  Add a couple of good gloves maybe one heavier set another maybe the wool with open fingers.  And of course, some waterproof boots.  The weather can change in an instant and you can always take it off but wet and cold will spoil the day.  Chances are it will rain one or every day.
2. A quality point and shoot camera with a built-in telephoto lens.  Easy to fit in your pocket, preferably waterproof.  Easy for some quick CPR fish pics.  And be sure to buy a new SD card that you can save your trip on and after downloading to your computer you can save it just in case.  Be sure to label it.  And always have it on you, the wildlife is amazing including in town.
3. Not knowing your where and how plans as far as tackle if I had to cover as many bases as possible it would be a 4-piece 6 weight fly rod and would wait until I got there to buy flies depending on what you are after.  Then a 3-piece good quality spinning rod and reel that can hold 10 – 2olb line depending on what you are chasing.    As most of it is trout or salmon again buy your tackle there.  Might be a little more expensive but at least it will be based on local knowledge.  (Sharp hooks etc are not welcome on the plane.)
4. As far as where just go anywhere and do anything you can, the options are endless.  Big wild rainbows and dolly varden, or salmon depending on which one is on the run.  Do your research on what you want to catch, do, or see at the time you are there.  The fishing is endless depending on your willingness’ to travel or spend money on guides.  Only you can decide how you spend your time.  But no matter what it is a true bucket list trip, good luck.

Here is the link to our trip.  Flossing the Kenai 6/29/2022. | Fish Catching Travel

EASIER TO ANSWER

Nothing beats the taste of freshly caught fish cooked over an open fire It’s a real treat after a long…

You are so right.  I started cooking shore lunch when I guided in the 70’s and 80’s.  whether on an island in the White River when guiding for trou or at a campsite at lakeside I have cooked hundreds of shore lunches.  I always kept it simple, dredge in egg and then shake in a bag with cornmeal, flour, and whatever seasoning sounded good.  It tastes as good today as it did decades ago, as in the fish fry we had tonight.

These questions came from the following site, one of the best places on the planet to catch your fish of a lifetime.  In fact, when I fished that area I caught so many big Mahi I put the rod down and said let’s go back to the sailfish.   Thanks for the comments.

The Dream Girl Charters | Fishing Costa Rica | Puntarenas Province, Playa Herradura, Los Sueños, Costa Rica

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Aransas Wildlife Refuge

As part of the leaving Texas tour we headed to the refuge to see if the Whoopers were there yet.  At the gate they told us only a few were around and not in an area where the public can go.  But with the storms up north I figured they should be there and of all things a giant bunch showed up while we were there.  They should be easy to find now that it looks like the big body of them have arrived.

Here they come.  One of the great birds of North America.

There is very little water in the ponds and consequently nowhere near the number of gators we usually see.  But at least one big boy was in their usual sunning spot.

Not a giant but he had some shoulders.

The big lake is almost dry but the deer and hogs were loving it.

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Thanks

To all of you who commented or texted in my time of woe a big thanks.  I admit it was scary, and it was so hard not to always think the worst.  We are so lucky it has come out this way, not sure I deserve it but will take it.  So life goes on and today I am going to head to the garage and mess around with the boat.  And if all goes well I will be back on the water first of next week.  (Today.) Our life will be taking a big shift as will the blog and I so appreciate those of you who have read this stuff for the last 14 years.  All who know me will not be surprised that I won’t shut up until the bitter end.  Thanks it was good to know you are out there.

The best thing about this morning is the Boss will finally not have to drive me everywhere.  There is still some to go but as the medicine continues to work we are so hopeful.  Plus it is time to fish and by God I am going to fish until I drop which looks like may be later than sooner.  I can never tell you how appreciative I am for everything including you who follow the blog.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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