FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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In the last post we finally got some snow, and with that the first real big boy of the year.  While there are plenty of acceptable bucks in the neighborhood it seems to take a real winter turn to bring them off the mountains.  So when I looked out the door today there he was.  Sorry the pic is fuzzy, but it was shot through double pane glass and a good snow.

A little fuzzy but you get the point.  This guy is a bruiser!

You estimate the spread on this big boy.  He did not have tons of mass but as far as I am concerned this is a real one, at least in my experience the last few years.  There are plenty of small fry out and about so it will just be a wait and see on more this size.  Plenty of snow brings them out as winter looks like it has finally come to South Fork.

A Roman nose old warrior.  This is the size you do not want to hit with your truck.

Hopefully this new snow will bring the elk down to their big winter range north of Creede.  I don’t know if you saw the story about the elk that had to be brought down by ropes near Lake City where we were the other day but what a story.  That area is the home of the ice climbing festival on February 1st which we plan to attend.

Photos: Elk rescued from ice wall with help from Colorado climbers

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It is so amazing what happens here in the afternoons.  Today it was 10 degrees first thing but when we went for our walk the sun was shining bright and it was flat warm.  By time I got back a coat was not necessary as it was warm.  Love that here.  And here are a few of the residents hanging out in the warm sun.

Hard to hide with that rack.

The does are just plain girly.

I see this guy all around.  Not sure happened to his antlers but it sure is funny looking.

Having them around sure makes the daily walk better.  They are fairly tame and as long as you do not make any fast moves will tolerate you.  But like today where there was a dozen or so bedded down when momma got up everyone scattered.  Then you get to see the mule deer hop.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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This interesting question from Bob on Falcon Lake.

I am heading to Falcon Lake for the first time this February. Planning to launch at the state park. Any tips you can give an old man who only found his love of bass fishing ten years ago.

First and most important:  Falcon Lake Tackle – bass fishing tackle, marine supplies

There is no better resource than them, online or in person.  In fact, if you get there the day before you plan on fishing be sure to stop in the shop.  It is a no-nonsense no BS shop, they give it to you straight and don’t sugar coat it or sell you some bullshit that is not right for the time you are there.  And lots to be learned on the website so look it over.

And the fact you are going in February is prime time for big fish.  And one piece of advice I give everyone on a first-time travel to fish on a new lake, stay in your lane.  For me on Falcon it was always slow rolling a big Colorado bladed spinner bait which I am good at.  It was always about the big thump for me.  When you miss one and a big spinnerbait comes back smashed flat there is no doubt who did that.  I was willing to maybe not catch as many but that is not why I go there, it is all about catching your personal best.  Don’t try to learn some new technique, unless they are jumping in the boat on a blue green whatchamacallit, so apply what you do to what you learn from research and on the water.

Get a real map right now and study it.  Watch your locator constantly as there have been many brush piles added to the lake.  Be freakin’ careful and stay in the channel no matter where you go when running.  There are motor eating hardwoods that have stood the test of time and will end you trip in a minute.  There is no shame in idling to the bank, the shame comes when you knock a hole in the boat. The wind can be an issue so use good judgment; it gets ugly fast.  Tackle up just a hair on line weight but don’t get carried away with new stuff, yours will work fine.  If you find a net remember the spot and call TPWD.  And my final piece of advice, have a great time.  She can be a harsh mistress, my last trip very few, or she can be a goddess, my first trip was 3 PB in 24 hours.  Good luck and we cannot wait for your pics and report!

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I was not intending to post today but we are waiting for it to warm up a hair before we hit the road to chase some critters.  Then I got Bob’s question and could not help myself.  New fishing adventures in new places makes my blood run.  Hope all is good with you, we are loving life.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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