FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

I had a list to do before heading to the desert and it was wonderful, everything went fast and easy.  Of course, it is now noon, and I am wishing I was at the lake.  But there are a couple of other things I can knock off before heading out tomorrow.  There is a front coming tonight and we go from a high in the 70’s to the 50’s.  I really don’t care about that, what is important – clouds.  Not happy about the north wind but at least it is not 30+.  When I got home and watched our local weather we had gusts of 37 – 40 mph Wednesday.  No wonder it was such a hassle but tomorrow is a whole new day and hope springs eternal.

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

For all your wading needs.

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I actually put on my big boy pants this morning.  Heavy and flannel lined, they are warm, but not for a while this morning.  It was 37 degrees (18 windchill.)  when I put in at daylight and the wind was straight out of the north at a good 20+.  When I say it was cold, I am not kidding.  But off I went and considering the conditions it was a pretty good day, though my feet are stil cold.

The only spinnerbait fish.

It hardly needs saying, they were not where they were 2 days ago.  The wind was out of the exact opposite direction and cold.  When you combine that with the 43 degree temperature drop and it was no wonder.  At least the lake held a liitle of the temperature increase with most everywhere at least 60 degrees.  Since I did not expect them to chase a spinnerbait started with the A Rig and Pearl Knockin Tails and ended up catching maybe 8 or so.

The 2 best on the A Rig today.

What I did figure out was there was no real pattern today, or any particular place.  And that was the case with baits also.  Other than the A Rig it was 1 on spinnerbait and 3 on swim jig.  The swim jig bites came by reeling a 1/4-ounce bluegill color with a Greenback Knockin Tail trailer. All 3 I managed to catch hit it when I reeled through an outside bush.  Not sure it is the right color for that, may go back to the spoon and Knockin Tail when it warms back up.

A swim jig fish.  And I have no idea how many doubles I have caught on the Alabama Rig.

The one on spinnerbait came on a real spring type flat bank somewhat protected from the wind.  It hit on the first cast, and then not another bite on a long stretch.  Like Wednesday they were just not on the calmer places.   A little wind was needed even today.  I kept going back to the spinnerbait but with conditions it was not happening.  The A Rig fish came on banks going into coves, but nothing in the back ends.  The cove that was full of bedding tilapia was empty.  It was just a big cold front that had them a little off their feed but no complaints today, it was just a slow bite but one would jump on just enough to keep fishing.  Ended up calling it a day at 2:00.

As ugly as it was there was more and more bass boats.  Not sure if they were spawning or not, probably an out-of-town group with a tournament.  Ended up being the most boats I have seen on the lake this winter.  With spring on the way, and some fairly consistent fishing the traffic will increase but no big deal.  Everyone be nice and it will all work out.  Remember to be the bigger guy at the ramp and on the water, it is about to get busy.

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Michael was on the One Last Podcast which airs every other Wednesday on Facebook.  It is all things saltwater fishing and worth a listen.  He announced that the 5″ Knockin Tail in 7 colors is coming in the next week or so, keep checking.  As the 5″ bags are still stuck in the supply chain, boy we are all tired of that one, they will only be available online until the bags come in and can hit the stores.  It was really informative, and I learned a thing or two about the 5″ that I did not know.  Bigger rattles and a dimple under the head.  The dimple is for the weight to go in when you set the hook using a weighted swim bait hook.  It allows the hook to extend from the slot for an improved hook set.  So order some, I cannot wait to get my grubby little hands on some for some trout fishing, it should be a killer for shallow water winter trout.

And the 3 1/2″ is not far behind and will be available online and in stores soon.   I think initially it will also come in 7 colors.  The one I really like the looks of is the Glass Minnow, which as soon as that hatch starts should put the hurt on them.  At times when they are spawning it can be tough and this should help.  And there probably is a crappie or two in my future.  It will be complete line for all conditions, with a new product or two yet to be announced.  Getting these done in this environment is a credit to Michael’s efforts.

And I intend to attend ICAST this summer, and the Houston Show in March.  I really enjoy the shows, if you like talking about fishing they are the place to be.

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Not sure if this question is real or not, I get tons of spam but here you go.

Thanks – Enjoyed this post, how can I make is so that I get an email sent to me whenever you publish a new update?

Simple.  Just go on the right side of the page, put in your email and the post will be sent to you.  I appreciate any of you who sign up.  Thanks for the question.

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The new speckled trout record was set in North Carolina, breaking a decades long record.  It weighed 12.6lbs, one big trout.  But it is not close to Texas where the record has stood at 15.60 for almost 20 years.   As hard as folks have chased them over the last 20 years, and continue to do so, it just might be a record that is never broken.

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Next up is the desert.  Some animal watching, hiking, and sitting around a campfire with a hot toddy.  It is the start of a busy travel stretch.  At least Travis and then Ashville for the Smokey Mountains and some bear watching.  Not sure how I am going to fit Arkansas in the mix but if there is a will there is a way.  And it sure would be nice if the wind would take a little rest, really want to chase some trout.  We have a friend who is kind enough to let me stay in his place on North Padre, just a stones throw from the ramp.  It is going to be busy around here for a while, so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines