FISH CATCHING TRAVEL
“SAVE OUR WATERS”
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The Wade Right Fishing Belt
Brought to you by
The Best Wading System on the Planet.
The folks at Coastal Fishing Gear have added a new floating landing net to the line up.
The net is a strong aluminum frame coated in lightweight foam so it floats by your side. The mesh netting is coated in rubber to prevent hook snags. Included in the handle is a bungee cord with a clip to connect to your Wade Right.
So check it out, and if you get to the Houston Fishing Show in 3 weeks you can pick one up. And tell them I said hi!
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Michael reports that the mold in on the way and they will be available soon. The Knockin’ Tail catches fish
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Knockin’ Tail
My buddy Rusty just got back from Mexico and they put the hurt on them. He reports 100 bass on the Knockin’ Tail! I should have more to put up later but it sounds like one great trip.
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Shopping at Academy, not my first choice, can be interesting. I needed some Opti oil and some 5200 adhesive for a repair and while I was there they were having a big sale. With no intention of buying anything else but when I walked by the electronics aisle there was one last locator on clearance. And my pea brain finally registered that since it was clearance it was another 50% off the clearance price. So I picked up a Lowrance for the skiff, and instead of $300 it was $86, so in the cart it went. Definitely a step up from the 10 year old barely readable piece of crap that was on there. (It was one of those that had the little fish icons that you could not get rid of. And Bobby, if you are reading this, it lasted longer than I would have ever guessed!)
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And Speaking of Buying Stuff
It is always fun to see what new products will be available at the Houston Fishing Show. Every year there is a couple of things that peak my interest and I always look forward to going. There is always something there that a fisherman can not live without. So if you attend be sure to stop by the Wade Right booth and pick up a net, then head over to the My Coast Outdoor booth for of few bags of the new Knockin’ Tail, and last the Marker 54 booth and get the best “fake” shrimp lure money can buy. Who knows, you might even have some money left for that new rod and reel you can’t live without. It never ends!
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The Good Old Days.
Just wanted to show you this picture I found online. That is basically the view from the front porch of the house at the boat dock where I lived, guided, and worked.
Watching MLF this weekend it was the championship round on Bull Shoals lake. While I was doing a little pre-trip research for March I came across this picture. It reminded me how nice it was to walk to the dock, hop in the boat, and I was fishing. The majority of my fishing time in March will be on Norfork, though several days will be on Bull Shoals, letting the lakes tell me which one gets the most attention. Only a few short weeks away I am getting excited. It will be fun to fish the old stomping grounds.
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VMC Bladed Treble
Speaking of something new I really like the looks of the VMC treble hook with a small spinner hanging off the back of it. Reading the reviews on Cabela’s website there was one complaint of the spinner falling off but other than that folks like it. I think it has real seatrout application on the Spook Jr. when they want it stopped and sitting there. It does not have to spin, just flash erratically when you stop it. My buddy Aaron sure taught me a difference the Spook Jr. with the feathers on the rear treble made under that same circumstance. So as soon as I get somewhere some are some will be coming home with me.
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Fayette Lake
From TPWD – (I do not know anything other than the following and I am not speculating on who, what, where, or how. My comment is on the rule and nothing else.)
Texas Game Warden along with Lower Colorado River Authority Rangers are searching for 3 missing boaters who were on a boat last night that capsized on Fayette Lake. A total of 5 adult male subjects were on the boat. Two were able to swim to shore.
I hate to comment at this time, but if not now, when? It was great when Texas put the kill switch rule into place. Not sure how many more lives will be lost before we finally go to life jackets on everyone when the boat is at more than headway, or idle speed. Give me one good reason that this would not be a good thing. Really, what is the downside? I did not follow that rule for most of my life. A few years ago I started wearing my jacket when driving the boat, and it just may save my life some day. Am I perfect? No, but I am getting better. (But remember I was driving a pontoon boat when it was hit by a tornado and a life jacket saved me life, so I know what I am talking about.)
But here is the most important reason for the rule:
- Where cause of death was known, 80% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 83% were not wearing a life jacket. Eight out of every ten boaters who drowned were using vessels less than 21 feet in length.
American Boating Association
And for all of us who fish, “21 feet in length” about says it all for most of us. There is no other reason for me to comment, the numbers are all that needs to be said.
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I have spent the last couple of days doing boat stuff. Mounted the locator and now re-wiring the running lights on the skiff, along with a general going over of both boats. Greased some hubs, aired all 6 tires to specs, tightened some screws, drilled some holes, and on and on. But doing all that is a good thing, get in either one and you are ready to go without having some hassle on, or to and from, the water.
And one thing we all need to do if you fish the salt- When is the last time you checked the date on your flares? And along with that the fire extinguisher, paperwork, and anything else the Coast Guard or Game Warden will ask for. Sure makes the encounter pleasant, and I have even had both a Game Warden and the Coast Guard thank me for having my shit together. Way better than a ticket.
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One last off topic ramble. A couple of local physicians started a 50/100 mile challenge. It was for 2 months and you set your goal. As one is a friend how could I refuse. It ended yesterday and I surprised myself. My original goal was 50 miles, but about halfway through I was at 50 so I changed to 100 miles, and I finished yesterday. Think I will take a nap, drink a beer, and not work out today. But working out on the tread mill the last couple of years I end up feeling guilty if I don’t trudge. “Trudge” – might give you a little idea on how I feel about working out.
After not fishing for several days I will be heading to the water tomorrow, weather dependent. According to the forecast we will be having rain off and on all week. Since we are still in drought conditions we need the rain. The plus side is that is prime fish catching conditions. So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.
Good Luck and Tight Lines
