FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday.  Spending time with the Boss over Christmas is a new thing for me as it is the first time in a long time I did not fish Christmas Day.  But it has been a good time, other than she is making me take long walks, but I will admit they are a little more fun than the tread mill.  Now it is time to move on from the dumpster fire that was 2020.  The Year in Review will be up in a few days, and there were definitely plenty of highs, and lows, and my only comment: Bring on 2021!

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Here are some interesting photos one of the folks who works in the ER gave the Boss that were taken walking the beach near POC.

They found this flounder boat in February.

And here it is in May.  

I am actually surprised that it lasted this long,  But I am somewhat puzzled why no one came back and tried to save it.  Can you say insurance claim?

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And speaking of boats, my buddy Todd sent me a picture of his “new to him” poling skiff which he will be picking up in a couple of weeks.  Can’t wait to go for a ride!

East Cape Skiffs Fury.  That is one sweet ride!

A big change from a Shallow Sport but you all know how it is:  “The proper boat for the job.”  And I assume this one will be getting its first work out in POC soon.

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Sad to report that Buchanan Lake is now “infested” with Zebra Mussels.  No matter how hard folks try the infestation is spreading and even with the best intentions it continues.  Even with the drain rules for boats it marches on and is coming to a lake near you.

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Got a few of the Austin boys thinking about an Amistad trip.  It has been few years since I have been there but I always enjoy it.  It really is like “home’ for me.  Much of it reminds me of Bull Shoals – deep and clear without homes surrounding it.  In the 5 or 6 trips there only once was it a disappointment.  It fishes to my strength and there is always a smallmouth or 2 to top things off.  So with pre-spawn right around the corner in South Texas I can’t wait.  Plus, you never know what kind of critters you will see while fishing.

And my trip to Falcon is also in the works.  I love fishing it during the week when the crowds are down.  Since the bass there are known to spawn from January thru April, and some folks who have fished it for decades say there has even been a second spawn some years, the good time to go is when you can.  But no matter what it is right around the corner.  When I go there it is not about the numbers, it is about “the bite.”  I love slow rolling a spinnerbait deep there, and there seems to always be a bite or two that smashes the wire flat, those are the good ones.  Means it had the whole thing in his mouth.  Makes me want to head out right now.

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And Rusty sent along this report and Christmas wishes.

Merry Christmas to the Coppernoll’s!
After chasing redfish and trout last 3 months, I have elected to stay close to home and fish Fayette lake. My 90+ years old parents need my help.
So the last three trips on the lake as been almost the same. Water temp 65-68. If the wind doesn’t blow you off the lake, fishing has been fairly good in 17’-24’ of water using a black/ blue craw or senko on 3/4 oz football jig or Tokyo rig. I have never seen so many boats during the week as I am seeing. This time of year I’m used to seeing 2-4 boats on the water now it’s like 20-30 boats. Did everyone retire at the same time? And don’t get me started on the cast netters who are catching and keeping any and everything that’s in their nets. Legal or not.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.  I can relate to the parents issues, my dad is over 90 and mom is about there.  They are doing everything possible to stay in their home, but it gets tougher every year.

(Since I initially started working on this I am sad to report that Rusty’s father passed away on Christmas.  There is really nothing to say but how sorry I am for his loss.  But his father made it to a ripe old 90+, which is a good life by any standard.  It is a reminder to live your life to its fullest, remember there is not “always tomorrow.”  So call your folks and tell them you love them!)

As far as Fayette, it is the exact opposite on Coleto, with just a couple of boats on the water everyday.  I think with the way Covid has affected the economy more folks are fishing and RV sales are booming.  The outdoors is one of the few places “safe” right now.  And sad to hear of the ongoing problem with the netters on Fayette.   You are far from the only one who is talking about how bad it is getting.  It seems the problem is growing and it is unfortunate that our overworked Game Wardens are left rowing against the tide.  My suggestion, a season and a daily time period where netting is legal so there is a way for the Wardens to really monitor it.  Just a thought.

I am sure if you asked most biologists involved in the stocking of tilapia, and other non-native species, in the “old” days, many would say they regret it.  So many things seemed like a good idea, and they have backfired.  From tilapia here and there, grass carp, cichlids, peacock bass, Nile perch, and on and on, many have had unintended consequences:  See Lake Austin, ruined in nothing flat.  Time to stop it, and the importation of any kind of non-native species, they do not live here, nor do they belong here.  To bad it has made Fayette a busier and more dangerous place.  As usual good to hear from you.

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Watching football and thinking about where next.  But after the better part of the week at home starting to get the fishing itch again.  Where it will get scratched remains to be seen, but it will be back at it Monday and then Lake Travis for a couple of days at the first of the year.  Going to be nice to have the boat in the water and a dock, so much easier.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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A Great Deal From Four Horseman Tackle

If you fish a popping cork and have not tried the Four Horseman popping cork, or even if you are currently using them, here is a GREAT DEAL.  They have been kind enough to give my readers a discount. It will be a 20% discount so get them while the getting is good.  What a deal.  Use the code 4H6 at check out to save some serious bucks.  No better time to stock up.  (I will leave this up for the time being, you never know when you will need some new corks.  Plus fishing season is on the way and a 3″ Armor will last you a season or more.)

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