FISH CATCHING TRAVEL
Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors
It never ceases to amaze me how stunning it is here.
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It has been a little cold and snowy around here, as in almost 20″ in a couple of days. Since then it has been a flurry or 2 but the forecast for the next 10 days is sunny and the low 40’s. The critters in the neighborhood are having to work a little harder but thanks to a couple of folks they are well fed. In the morning the turkey and deer have a route, and it goes through my back yard. At times I see all of them hassling first thing in the morning in the neighbor’s yard.
A big tom right outside the window.
The snow is deep but I was hoping it would bring out the wildlife a little better but other than getting closer to the elk, the sheep were just not out, at least where I could see them.
Still got his hat but it won’t be long.
There is still a ton of mule deer around, but the bucks are a lot more skittish now that the rut is over. So every day I am on my walk I carry the camera, you never know. There was a smaller buck short half his antlers yesterday, so the shedding is in full swing. Will be interested in to see if I find one on my walks.
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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.
For all your wading needs.
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The morning of the Super Bowl I got up early and headed north to see what was out. After a day with no additional snow, at least down low it seemed like a good time to see what was out. But being at the right place at the right time is a learning experience, and I learned something.
Wintering Elk.
Everybody keep in line.
It was 12 degrees at the house heading out, and that turned out to be the warmest it would be for quite a while. The roads were so so, but almost clear and once I got going the temp varied from -7 to zero for quite a while. The sun was out and the expectations to see some sheep was high, but it did not happen. Not sure whether they were waiting for a warmer sun, or they have just moved. There was little roadside evidence they had been down. But next time will wait until mid afternoon and see if that improves my chances.
There was an elk or two in the valley.
After passing the sheep area the valley where the elk winter was loaded with elk. Last time they were way off but this time closer to the road and in 2 bunches. If you notice on the pic above it is easy to see where they are feeding. And while I was not real close I did manage to get a couple of better pictures.
Hanging with my posse.
I spent some time watching in the binocs and you could tell they were getting ready to head back to the tree line. Winter is the time to see big herds and it last until it really warms and they head way up to the real woods. While we see a few here or there on our explorations it is rare to see a herd not related to the migration, either coming or going. But I enjoy seeing them whenever or wherever they happen to be. And we will get better at finding them, so many roads to explore and you never know what might cross your path.
And that happened this morning as I headed back to the house. I rounded a corner and a big coyote crossed the road at a full run. I sped up to try to catch him for a picture and he jumped in the ditch and literally disappeared. Must have been a good 3 feet of snow. I am trying to get the camera, slow down and open the window. Meanwhile he is having to jump to get through the snow. He crossed the fence and hit some trees right when I got there. While no picture he was beautiful standing in the tree line watching me. The kind of thing that led us here and keeps us exploring.
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Congrats to the Chiefs, what a finish. All I have to say about that is the decision by the 49ers to take the football first in overtime might be one of the worst decisions in the history of the Super Bowl. Never ever give Patrick the chance to win any game by giving him last chance to score and win. Reminds me of Elway, Farve, Manning and a few others. Once he got the ball it was over. Headed to being one of the best, maybe the best, of all time.
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Too bad it did not work out this year to attend the Houston Fishing Show and work the booth with Michael. And it is always great to see Jason and Tim at the Wade Right booth. (And get pump up on the Chandelier trip that they were kind enough to include me 5 years ago.) I have been a loyal supporter of both their products and cannot recommend them any higher. There will be some new stuff and Michael always has a deal. So stop and get a new wading belt, load up with Knockin Tails and head to the bay. They are both proven winners.
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It has been fun but looking forward to the Boss getting here in 2 weeks. She will be here for a little over a week before we head back. At this point I am starting to get boat excited and as soon as I get back I will finish the rigging and the fishing will begin. The plan is staying in Texas until after the Chandelier trip in early May, taking advantage of spring fishing, then back here which is perfect timing for ice out. I really am looking forward to the new fishing adventure. The prospects for catching Kokane, Lake Trout and pike has my fishing juice flowing. So hang in there the fishing will return in less than a month with a vengence. So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.
Good Luck and Tight Lines
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