FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

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******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Look for it this winter.

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I have one great wish for when we get back, that this weather to have settled some, at least as far as the heat goes.  As I get older it gets tougher to handle that 1o5+ heat index.  Cold?  No problem.  Sometimes I get trapped in the old I can go anytime so not today.  When you can go whenever you want it seems easier to blow it off, waiting for the perfect conditions.  But one thing that can be said for that plan, it does work.  Cloudy, drizzle, light rain?  Whether bay or lake it is time to go.  So weather dude, want to see that forecast when I get back.  Who knows, the Mako might be close to ready to go.  And speaking of that, the part is in New Braunfels waiting to be picked up so one more step and good to go.  But the best made plans………….

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RIP Theophile Bourgeois

He was one of the great Louisiana fishing guides and from all reports an even better human being.  He was often on fishing shows, some with Bill Dance, where he flew his float plane to the Chandeleur Islands and they jacked them up.  He was an accomplished pilot and well known guide.  In fact, watching him fishing there made it a bucket list trip for me, one I am fortunate enough to have fulfilled thanks to him.  He left us to young but his memory will live on, all it finally comes down to.  My condolences to his family and friends.

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After Mac’s comment the other day I heard from SA Joe on his early lure.

Doug,
When stationed in Dayton Ohio, my neighbor across the street was talking about the Shyster. I said YEAH right your a Shyster. Don’t hold it against me, Now this was from Google definition, =a person, especially a lawyer, who uses unscrupulous, fraudulent, or Deceptive methods in business. Thought he was pulling my leg

He got me one and it has so much action compared to a rooster tail. Good lure…

Funny you should say that about attorneys, “unfortunately” I don’t take offense.  Watching the disciplinary actions of both the Texas and Arkansas BAR some in the profession leave a little something to be desired.

I have caught tons of trout on the White and North Fork on Rooster Tails, but don’t remember ever owning a Shyster.  One thing about the Rooster Tail, it catches trout, but they sure do not hold up worth a darn.

Lures have come a long way but we often “forget” about the old stuff that still works just fine.  A couple of perfect examples:  Rapala balsa minnow, Hula Popper, and the Jitterbug.  In fact, if you think about it so many baits are simply a variation/improvement on those 3.  Those examples:  Bang O Lure and jerkbaits, Chug Bugs, Pop R’s, and the like, and finally my favorite, buzzbait.   Thanks for the comment.  And if anybody else has a favorite old lure would love to hear it.

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I can’t say it make me want to cry at times, but occasionally I do tend to whine some.  But the picture really does say it all.  As an example over the last couple of years I have spent big bucks to get the Mako just like I like it.  Then the plate falls off and here we go.  At times I think the KISS rule is the way to go.  The more complicated the more issues, it comes with the territory.  Why I have kept the skiff for what is going on 20 years.  Simple, easy to clean and tow, small efficient engine, it is basically jump in and go almost anywhere there is most any kind of water.  And other than engine checkups no need to take it to someone else to do stuff.  And unless we can figure out a way to walk on water  (That is already taken!)  it comes with the territory.  Better have a good wife!

I was living in Arkansas in 2000 when I bought the Carolina Skiff.  At the time you just did not see them up north.  Folks often commented at the ramp that it was a “real” fishing boat.  And it has been.  From tarpon to bluegill it has caught it all.  And no matter how poorly I treated it the hull is still going strong.  In fact it has had 3 engines on it and it will probably outlast this one.  Selling it has come up more often as I slow down in the fishing department.  But then stuff breaks on the Mako and I am still fishing.  Think I will keep it just a little longer as we start getting serious about a place where we will retire.  The diabolical plan, leave it there so until we make the move I have a boat.  Back to ease of use, it is always ready to go.

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And a couple of other comments on fishing lures.  Gulp has always been a hassle for lots of reasons, but Berkley’s new Power Bait MaxScent looks like it is worth a shot.  Unlike Gulp they can stay on the rod without drying out.  They say fish hold on to it 18x longer than regular plastics.  And to prove it they dropped a scent infused cotton ball in the tanks with a bass, and a bluegill, and  they ate it in a second.   Then they dropped the exact same cotton ball without scent in the tank and they did not give it a second look.  (Who knows maybe after the clip the bass, the bluegill, and the Berkley guy sit around having a brew and a good laugh.) If you are a soft plastic guy you might give it a look.  Anything to make them hold on that one second longer has something to be said for it.  And no mess!

I love the Bagley Knocker B topwater and have had good luck with it on both fresh and saltwater.  They also have a saltwater topwater, the Rattlin’ Finger Mullet.  It comes in 2 sizes and 9 cool colors.  Made out of a tougher  material specifically for saltwater fish, it is the tried and true walking the dog style bait.  When I order Bang O Lures this fall will have to add a couple to the list.  Their stuff works and I expect nothing less with the Rattlin’ Finger Mullet.  And the Glass Minnow color looks like a sure thing.

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Finally got the right boat for the Boss when we are in Oregon, she had a bathroom requirement.  (Girls!  That what the transom is for.)  So we will do some salmon fishing on the Columbia River, one of the only fishing things on her bucket list.  The timing is good as a bizzilion salmon are about to enter the river, the Captain’s comment;  “We will get her a salmon.”   Nice to have her going to both the fly fishing class with trout fishing along with the salmon.   And a couple of comments on her fishing ability.  No one I have ever been around mastered a bait caster quicker than she did, a natural.  Though she hates spinning and “those worm” things.  She has whipped sails, marlin, and host of others.  And she has never ever bitched about my fishing.  The perfect wife.  Glad we could add the fishing, along with the mountains and some hiking, things are shaping up quite nicely.

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That is all for now.  Really am excited about Oregon, see what all the fuss is about.  And when we catch a few fish it will be all good.  Remember your kill switch, it starts in a few days.  Time to buy a self inflating jacket, hook it to the switch, and you are good to go.  The life you save may be your own.  And if you get to hit the water this week catch em’ up.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines