FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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MONDAY

Weather

69/81.  Showers in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Thunder possible. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

Lake Level

Current 98.21.      Friday 98.30.   (Hope they are not dropping it.)

Bite Times

Major 12:51pm to 2:51pm.       Minor 7:04am to 8:04am.

Long story short it sucked.  In fact from 7:30 until I quit at 2:00 exactly 4 came over the side, all on spinnerbait.  I knew the day was trouble when it started off cloudy first thing and in the first cove a big one came out and ate right at the boat.  It ended up being one of those not setting the hook because it all happened in an instant and she pulled off.  And during the day 2 good ones took a run at it when it went over a bush and flipped sideways and they just did not eat.  Unfortunately, it cleared off and blew out of the north and seemed to put a stop to the bite.

So at that point why not the Controlled Descent Jerk Shad, which did not produce a bite.  That was totally surprising, I figured slow and in their face.  To compound the days complete lack of aggression on their part I could not buy a bite on the swim jig.  Crazy as it has been the go to bait the last couple of weeks.  I ended up fishing plenty of “good” spots and several coves I have not fished in while with little success.  Maybe if I had stayed longer it would have improved but it was just time to give it up.

The water is still way off color in some areas, it definitely follows the wind and they just do not seem to really like it.  The temp is stuck in that 67 – 70 range and has changed little the last 2 weeks.  And there are plenty of fish who have not gone on the beds yet so we have them in all phases of the spawn right now.

And looking at Wednesday we should have at least some clouds at least of a while.  I am just not on them right now and will try a few new places and techniques to see if I can figure it out.  It is spring.  So tomorrow morning it will be back at it bright and early, they better look out, I will fish better.

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

For all your wading needs.

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WEDNESDAY

Weather

50/70.  Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.  (Sure wish we were out of the north wind pattern.)

Lake Level

Monday 98.21.      Wednesday 98.21.

Bite Times

Major 2:13 pm to 4:13 pm.       Minor 7:54am to 8:54am.

At least it was a little bit better today.  It was cool and wind was definitely blowing out of the north and it was a biting wind.  And as it has been the water was colored up anywhere the wind blew right on it.  The water temp continues to hover in the high 60’s with little change over the last 2 weeks.

It was a pretty morning.

At least today the numbers were up but that wind was still keeping them to a dull roar.  But the first bank gave up 5 so the day was off to a good start.  Early it was a mix of spinnerbait and swim jig but after the really cold front blew through about 12:00 it was all swim jig.

This one ate the swim jig.

I did miss one big one on the swim jig when it did what a big fish will do, smacked it and charged the boat.  I never got a good hookset and she pulled off.  One thing was real clear today, the dozen plus that came over the side today and the ones I missed and lost all came right on the edge of cover.  Not back in it, not on isolated cover or weed patches.  They were scattered and right on the edge, the wind was so cold today, and last night was not warm, they just did not move real shallow today.

First and last.  They basically all looked like this.

One thing is real clear, they are not really interested in chasing.  Not sure what that is about but I will blame it on conditions and watercolor.  I did fish the Controlled Descent Jerk Shad some today but without them in the shallow cover no luck calling them up, but will not give up on that the next month.  The day was ok, at least I caught a few.  It would be nice if the water would clear just a little more, it just seems they do not like it.  As far as coves go some have a few and others seem flat barren.

But hope springs eternal and it should start really picking up with this warming trend.  And if will clear more they should move to the shallow cover.  I intended to flip some today but the wind was just a little to much of a hassle.  Thinking about it now maybe one or two was all that came out of windy banks.  There is a lot to learn right now and Friday will be back at it.

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It Begins

The new trout regs begin on 3/26/24.

• Three fish daily bag limit per angler
• A minimum size of 15 inches and a maximum size limit of 20 inches
• One oversized trout greater than 30 inches allowed as part of daily bag limit

It will be interesting to see how it affects populations in the long run.  But it sure will get those internet warriors going.  Just think, catch 3 trout and you too will be a star.  But it is a good thing, only time will really tell.

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Starting to get excited about heading to Big Bend next week for one last trip before we leave Texas.  Just like the fishing there is a thing or two we want to be sure to experience.  You always think you will come back after moving but in our case we are being realistic.  With our love of the outdoors there is so much in the west we have not explored, much of it a day’s drive away along with tons of new fishing.  We love the parks in this country and like so much in life, so many parks so little time, and we intend to make the most of ours.

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The new boat is working fine but of course there are quirks.  First it will only go so far so fast and after years of hauling booty that has taken a little getting use to.  And putting it on the trailer is so like the old Carolina Skiff, it takes a little practice.  So while that has been a little hassle in the wind which has been blowing right on the ramp the last few days it has been good for learning how it handles.  If that is as tough as it gets no problem.  Can’t wait to get it out to Colorado and put some fish in the boat.

I have most of the month to fish before heading to the Chandeliers with the Wade Right boys.  The Championship belt will be back on the line and it is an honor to whoever wins, it is not an easy crowd.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines