Happy 33rd Anniversary.  Crossing from Costa Rica into Panama in the jungle.  I will follow her anywhere!  Love you buster.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Been out of town the last few days for our annivesary but I am ready to get back to fishing.  The forecast continues to be wind but as soon as I catch up this week it will be a day or two on the bay. Lately when you look at the wind forecast the bottom number is fine, but guess I am getting to old to fight 30 mph.  But like all seasonal patterns our winds will subside and will be fishing in 100 degree dead calm. Fishermen are rarely happy with the weather. But more importantly we desperately need some rain.  The fire warnings could not be any clearer.  Now the only thing to do is wait and see what idiot does some outdoor burning.  It never fails.  I was reminded of the danger from a friend in Colorado and they lost literally everything they owned and 4 dogs in one of the big fires.  Really sad.

Weather

48/80.   Plenty of sunshine; gusty winds and excessively dry weather result in a high fire threat.  Wind  N 12 – 29mph.  (Small craft warnings on the coast.  What else is new?)

Lake Level

12 days ago   97.01 msl.          Today   96.85 msl.

Bite Times

Minor    11:21 am to 12:21 pm.    Major   6:12 am to 8:12am.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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The Bang O Lure got it done.

The water temp was 75 at the ramp when dropping the boat in and from there on up to 80 degees over the whole lake.  The color is still spotty here and there but not to bad and the level is still on a slow fall.  And just as forecast the wind was out of the North at a good 15 – 20 mph depending on where it could get a head of steam.  But it was one of those mornings not only with the early bite, but there was a full on gobbling competition which went on during the bite.  It does not get any better than that.

First up was a bank that has been consistent for months and this morning they were there.  I started with a buzzbait but a few fish were surfacing chasing small bait and after a couple of weak bites I removed head from rear and out came the Bang O Lure and the bite was on.  They wanted it twitched right on top and it was bite after bite.

Another one of those Kentucky or Spotted Bass that are “not” in Coleto.

The shad spawn happens generally between the bass spawn and the bream spawn.  It happens first thing in the morning and usually lasts until the sun is completely up, which is what happened this morning.  They can be found in the back of some coves, flat shallow banks, and boat docks if the lake has them.  It is basically best when it is dead calm.  It only happens for a few days when it is on so it is one of those get it while the getting is good.  Last year about this time the one area I had would produce a 6 – 7lb fish every morning until the sun came out, then it was over but it sure was fun while it lasted.  The punch line, get up early and hope you choose the right place.

Before I moved on 11 came over the side and another bunch missed it or came off.  None were very big, but that is not uncommon.  Bang O Lure, white swim jig, spinnerbait, whatever as long as you can imitate a small silver fish.   Next up was my favorite swim jig cove, and at least I got a bit there.

A bluegill color swim jig with a Honeydew Knockin Tail trailer.

The next move was to a flat bank with the least amount of wind I could find.  It took a minute but I finally figured out they wanted it reeled fairly fast.  On that bank 4 made it over the side, and I missed a couple and lost a good one.  The problem?  I just got some new reels and had the right reel on the wrong rod which was a hair to soft.  As they often eat it swimming towards you for me a shorter rod with some backbone seems to work better.  Amazing how hard it can be to catch up to them at times.

A couple more on the swim jig and Honeydew Knockin Tail.

There was one unfortunate mishap in the next cove.  There are a couple of logs that historically hold big spawning fish so it looked promising.  It was protected and it was a no brainer, or in my case no brain.  Made the perfect cast, she jumped it and headed straight for me.  I got a half a hook set and  then she jumped and was gone.  I really does suck when something like that happens.  There really is no excuse for losing her when if I would just have changed rods she would have been in the boat.  Just a reminder it is always the little things.

It was now noon and from that point on the only other fish I boated was pitching to cover.  They just were not on the windy banks, preferring isolated sunny and calm areas.  But as far as the day went no complaints.  Mile high sky, high North winds, post cold front and still boated 17 and had a couple of shots at good ones, I will take it any day.

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Along with a really successful Houston Fishing Show the Knockin Tail Lure ended up on both the Texas and Florida Insider Fishing Report’s new products segment.  And with Mark Davis using them on the Big Waters Adventure! fishing show the Knockin Tail is getting some great press.  A good product sells itself because it catches fish, end of  story.  They’re a versatile bait only limited by your imagination.

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I have mixed feelings on the oyster reef issue.  When I first got to Texas and watched them literally tear up the reef area of South Pass I could not believe what I was seeing.  The only other oystering I had  seen was by hand with a basket on the panhandle of Florida.  Now that CCA has come out big time against the oyster harvest I really am conflicted.  Should it close or be significantly reduced real people, not folks in a Majek at their beach house, are going to be hurt.  Their boats, homes, and very livelihood that let them feed and clothe their children is at stake.

When Florida went through the upheaval from the net ban there was a significant effort to help the fishermen transition through assorted programs.  What I would like to see from the save the reefs folks, which I am one, is some substantive ideas put forth to figure out how to help the fishermen from buyback programs, to hiring some to rebuild the reefs, or maybe schooling options.  The health of the bay is the issue, not big money interests with their own selfish agenda.  We should never forget whatever the final outcome for the oyster men and their family is it is a way of life.

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Tomorrow it will be up and fishing at daylight.  Bank selection will be critical but the wind will be down some so there should be a few more options.  And I will definitely stop back and pitch to the big girl and put her in the boat this time.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines