FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

A Dream Come True

The word epic is often thrown around a little to loosely.  But trips like that do happen, and 2 of my buddy’s both achieved flat epic as my buddy Rusty described his fishing trip.  But first we get to my buddy Randy who I have fished with in the past.  All I have to say is freakin’ awesome, congratulations this is definitely epic.

This is what persistence is all about.

Randy has applied for the Bighorn draw in Montana for 26 years and finally built up enough points and drew.  He is an experienced big game hunter whether deer, antelope, bear, lion, elk he has harvested plenty of trophy animals.  But this hunt was the top of the food chain.  He hunted with an outfitter who he has been hunting with for decades and has put him on trophy elk, mule deer, and lions.

Look at the mass.  It scored 180+ and will make the book.  A ram of a lifetime.

He said by far this is the toughest hunt of his life.  But the guide helped drive him on as they hunted the high mountains.  They saw plenty of sheep including other shooters but were not able to seal the deal.  And then it happened.

What an old warrior.  And the ram was no spring chicken either!

A true trophy for the “book.”

So get out and make your bucket list happen, your dream can come true.

This is what happens when you chase your dream.  Keeping up with the points, planning, and just making the dream happen.  I was a little worried when he got out here as he is very selective in what he harvests.  But in the end it all came together.  Congratulations, and now we are headed to the garage to dress and package some meat.  And tonight – Bighorn backstrap.

*************

And now Rusty’s trip to the Bighorn River which he so rightly called Epic.  They fished out of Ft. Smith on the Crow Reservation and visited Custer’s Last Stand while they were at it.  So no need for any further comment from me.  If you do not think his trip was epic time to take up knitting.

Rusty with one beautiful Brown. And here is the rest of the story!

It is hard to say much else other than that is flat ridiculous!  They used a double nymph rig below an indicator all week with most of the fish averaging 15-21″.  That is world class fishing anywhere.  There is only one downside, how to figure out how to do that myself.  So thanks for the pictures and congratulations on what was truly and EPIC trip.

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

For all your wading needs.

************

Today’s Boat Buying Favorite:  “40 hoarse mercury motor.”  Better take it to the doctor.

While I have decided to not buy the “Colorado boat” yet as I will be in Texas much of the fall and not back here until January.  And with ice out on many of the lakes not until late April/early May I will just wait unless the perfect boat comes along.  But of course, looking at boats is an everyday occurrence, and I am constantly amazed at folk’s feeble attempt to sell theirs.  I found one online that I would definitely look at, it checked all the boxes accept the most important 1:  Title Lost.  For the love of God if you really own it get a copy, it is not rocket science.  Just apply to whatever the agency in your state is and file for a new one.  Basically, it seems lots of folks buy a boat and then either do not register it in their name, or toss the title in a drawer or the trash, or both.

One thing I have learned in my search is my requirements are definitely set in stone.  No longer than 16′, a newer 25hp 4 stroke engine as there will be plenty of trolling, (Electric start.)  and a trailer with no rust.  As many of the lakes have gravel access need to keep the weight down as much as possible. Simple enough.  Not interested in a fancy interior and want easy access to batteries and gas tank.  Trolling motor and GPS are irrelevant and replaceable but would be nice if fairly new.  One thing that is really popular out here is the power drive type trolling motors.  I hate those foot controls and would definitely replace it with a hand controlled which I have been using for over 20 years.  It really does lesson a ton of potential problems and I can operate it in my sleep.  The search goes on.

**************

CWD

I sure hope their inaction turns out to be correct and not the decimation of our wild deer herd.

Straight from TPWD.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received confirmation of a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer-breeding facility in Kimble County, marking the second such detection in a deer-breeding facility located in the county.

CWD has an incubation period that can span years.

I can gripe about this until I am blue in the face but what do I know?  Another positive at a captive breeding facility, the second in this county but there have been more throughout the state.  They admit incubation can take years.  So, why the wait?  Just hang out and let it potentially spread when they cannot guarantee there is no problem letting captive breeding continue.  What else do they need to recognize the real danger to our wild herd.  10 more positives, 100, a thousand?   Oh I forgot, the $$$$.  Guess protection of the common man’s deer is not as important as the rich side of Texas deer hunting.  Nero fiddles while Rome burns.  I just do not get it.

**************

Guess I will leave it at that today.  As soon as we get the ram processed it will be time for a ride to show him the sights.  And while we are at it maybe I can show him our local sheep.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

**************

Off Topic Rant

PRIME

As a big college football fan, it has been so entertaining being in Colorado.  Love him or hate him it is hard to quantify what he has done.  Not only elevate the program but he is smart enough to recognize the new college football landscape.  While I am not sure that the changes to the rules is a good thing, Prime has turned the college football world on its head and any criticism of his actions is completely unwarranted.  He has played legally within the rules so do not give the player a hard time, it is the rules.  And in the long run it is jealousy.  The NIL may not be good for college football but any coach who does not take advantage of ANY rule that can help his team is a loser.  Welcome to the new world.

**************