FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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Today is just a few random thoughts and comments.  One really peaked my interest and I somehow was able to figure out the proper answer.  (I hope.)  Sometimes I forget to go back to the basics, and for me that is map study.  I have a big basket full of maps from all over the US and Canada, and trust me, when planning a trip it never hurts to study.

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There is something innovative and new coming!  Stay tuned.

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I got this interesting question from Michael, which I think is his first time comment.

we rented a place in magnolia beach for 89 days this dec-mar we will be bringing our 18 ft crest liner and would like to know what our fishing opportunities will be we also have a 16 ft prince craft and are wondering if we will have more fishing opportunities with the smaller boat

Oh where to begin?  When I get questions like this it always makes me nervous, especially questions involving navigation.  At least I am somewhat familiar with both boats, I have done a little Yankee fishing in my time, and both would work.  First lets talk about the weather and Magnolia Beach’s location.  This is a great time to fish, but the winds can be a problem, like almost any day on the Texas coast.  The thing about Magnolia Beach is there is 1 ramp right on the beach in the open bay, and then Indianola Marina down the road.  So unless you are just planning on fishing Powderhorn you will have to deal with big water.

Obviously bigger is better due to where you will be.  Of course there are lots of shallow places but in either boat if you are not sure, idle in as you learn.  Easier to get off if you get stuck.  But if you stay with the marked channels, and then use caution to approach any bank or new area you should be good.  Trust me, you have enough time to take it easy and learn as you go.  And the nice thing about the bigger boat is you can head out to the big jetties, which is a pretty good run across open bay, or fish a couple of the rigs that are close but in the middle of the bay, but if you want to catch a big fish the jetties is the place.  If you have ever fished Lake of the Woods, or maybe some other big northern lake, you know how rough it can get and here is no different.  And also across from Magnolia Beach is Keller Bay, which can be rough running straight across the bay, but it can be worth the ride.

As far as Powderhorn Lake the 16′ would be fine, it has lots of shallow water, but it might not be enough to be comfortable running across the big water if you travel and the wind comes up.  (Plus there is not enough fishing there for 3 months.)  The smaller boat could limit your travels, or make for a rough ride.  But draft is important, and much of the water that holds fish is in the couple of feet range.  How shallow does each boat float?  We have thousands of miles of shallow shorelines.   And just how comfortable are you with big water?  But depending on the winds, and just for entertainment since you are here for 3 months, would be to put in at Port O’Connor at Froggie’s boat dock 20 miles away.  It tends to be a little easier to get around in that area when the wind is up.  But with the big boat you can run there, it is not that far from Magnolia Beach, and then be in quieter water without trailering.  Having 2 boats as you well know, there is a trade off with each.  Remember as you consider your choice that Texas boats tend to run and float in a foot, give or take a couple of inches.

Now I am not trying to scare you, the wind may not blow, and it might blow for weeks. This area is big, but the fishing opportunities are unlimited.  So  here is my best advice  –

https://hooknline.net/products/f108-matagorda-bay-hard-copy-fishing-map-with-gps

I rarely if ever fish a new place without a hard map.  This one will give you the skinny and a better understanding on what I just talked about.  Trust me, it will be the best $20 you ever spend as it sounds like this is your first trip here.  So start there, it says it way better than I can.

Now another word of advice if you are fishing with your freshwater boat.  Absolutely rinse and flush the works after every use, including any tackle and rods and reels.  If you do not have a flush attachement for the lower unit buy one.  Be sure to turn everything off because trust me, the salt conducts electricity and it is never fun to touch the boat and feel the current when charging if you used the trolling motor.  And rinse the trailer every single time, the salt will start working on your trailer immediately.

So that is enough of the warnings.  That time of year is my favorite, especially the schools of redfish in the bay and the bulls at the jetties.  One thing I have done in the past that really seems to help with a new place is to make a big run using the main channels and markers to get a good travel baseline by taking a big ride just to map a trail.  Say one to the Powderhorn, Keller Bay, then Port O’Connor, and the jetties.   Then you have the baseline to work off and you can expand as you go.  Keep the map with you and look at it while you lay your track.  There is miles and miles of stuff here and if you have never had the pleasure of catching redfish you are in for a treat.  So keep in touch and I hope this helps.  All I can say is “The Map!”  Good luck.

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Abd Ervin dropped this comment.

Sounds like a great day on the lake. I believe the birds you were seeing are Wood Storks. Should have had black wingtips and tail and black on the trailing edge of the wings. I sure enjoy reading your stuff.

Thanks for reminding me, that is exactly what they were.  I do not see them regularly but when they are here is seems there are always a big flock.  And it was so cool, it drove those turkeys absolutely nuts when they landed on the roost.  Great to hear from you and thanks for reading.

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It was a bummer when I broke my topwater rod on the coast the other day.  It was just one of those picked up at Academy that was stolen off a combo and for some reason it was perfect for topwater.  But all is not lost.  When I went bass fishing yesterday I found I had been using it’s twin so I will just get one of the others in the corner to use on the bass and switch out.  Not sure how it happens, and it has over the years repeatedly, I guess I am just hard on rods.

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The World Cup has been entertaining and I have a better appreciation for the sport.  And those fans, those crazy fans, have been part of the entertainment.  When your whole country gets behind one team it sure adds some excitement.  As we will be hosting it 4 years (I think.) from now I just might have to see a game, wear a funny hat, and blow some kind of horn.

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Not sure what is next as the insurance company finally got an adjuster who we will be hearing from I hope Monday.  Wanting to get this mess done, I will hang around close to be sure to get it done as soon as possible.  It looks to be no big deal but you never know.  As far as the fishing I am needing a little travel fix, just trying to decide fresh or salt, and I still have someone I want to fish with as soon as I am really free.  The show I watched to day on bass fishing the Stick March sure got me going!  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines