FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

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You can put what I really know about turkeys in a thimble.  Love them gobbling and strutting, they are good to eat and that is the size of my knowledge.  But that is fast changing as spring is coming.

As it warms the boys are getting all bowed up.

Since I got back out here a couple of weeks ago the weather has moderated and the turkeys are getting wound up.  Looking back on it the toms did not have the color around face and neck, and there was no strutting.  Well here you go, they are working themselves into a lather.

They may be getting all worked up but the girls are not having it yet.

The have stated to chase the girls around but they are not having it.  But the toms are getting there quick.  I am so looking forward to when the gobbling begins, it has potential to be something.  As soon as a little more snow melts the Boss and I will hike up the mountain behind the house and check out where they are roosting.  And if we are lucky add a shed or two, which with the number of bucks around the shed hunting should be good.

Tail up battle.

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Had not seen this guy cruising my back yard.

Every morning and evening the deer filter out of the woods and come right down behind the house.  I am starting to recognize some but there is always new bucks showing up.  There was 3 others with this guy and while not a monster is a nice one.  That is why there are 2 cameras and binos ready to go just in case, which seems to be everyday now.

As soon as I am done posting this it is time to put the garbage can back in the metal shed.  The first grizzly of the spring was spotted in Yellowstone this week and with this weather the black bears here will not be far behind.  Since this place has regular bear visits every year our turn is coming.  In fact the resort where I stayed in the past when fishing is right down the hill and they had constant bear visits so it won’t be long.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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I have to admit that this building project has me stressed out.  It was a stroke of luck that a recommendation from the real estate agent of someone that might be available worked out.  It would seem finding a builder would be easy, not so.  The majority in the area are 2 or 3 years out and are not taking any more work.  Basically, my guy does not do electric or plumbing so I decided to be the homeowner/contractor.  While it will save a buck or two, and Pete is a great help as he works in this neighborhood, it will be a relief when we are approved.

I filled out the paperwork in triplicate, did the drawings and submitted them yesterday.  As far as initial approval maybe next week, then inspection of the basic site then and let concrete pouring begin.  Of course, everybody has to have their fingers in the pie so there will be multiple inspections during the process.  And funny how the drafting class I took in high school has turned out to be useful.  Hope the plans are good enough.

That would be right out the living room window.

Of course, during this process, the old attorney in me came out.  So I read everything multiple times, found errors in the filing and the process and just generally obsessed with the whole thing.  (Reminded me what I hated about lawyering.)  My guy says don’t over think it so I kinda split the baby so we shall see.  A perfect example in the process is the pre-inspection by water and sewer with a written ok from them.   The Dude comes by hops out of the truck asks if the clean outs/sewer/water lines are covered with snow? I say yep, on the other side of the lot and requires neither for garage he says ok, bye.  I say what about the written approval, he gives a laugh and says you are good to go.  Love a small town, call and they come, and so far everyone at the local offices are like “nice.”  A definite improvement in that department.

To clear the site for inspection, and to remove snow to let the ground start to thaw, we took down a fence in the way and laid out the dimensions.   The former owners had it fenced for their dogs.  It was not 2 hours later and out of the corner of my eye I see a deer, on the patio.  Now that the fence is down it took exactly one day for the deer and turkeys to come even closer.  This project promises to go like clockwork, turn out to be a living hell, or somewhere in between.  Stay tuned for that.

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So yesterday after putting the baby (The application to the city.) to bed, time to hit happy hour and think about anything but that.  Long story short it has allowed me to meet lots of great locals.  Like the folks in the local offices they have been nice and welcoming.  When I go to leave there is a guy on the porch talking about the Colorado 600 which he is a part of.   He is telling a guy about saving the trails and keeping public land access open for all users.  Of course that is like throwing a steak to a dog and I am all in. I tell him I blog about it regularly on my fishing site.

He asks if I like St Croix rods, I tell him the favorite I own is one I only use here for super light line trout fishing.  His response, the founder is my best friend and their whole family have houses right down the road.  At this point I realize his hat and shirt are St Croix.  My life has been all about the fishing and this is a perfect example.  A gay friend laughingly called it gadar, in my case it is fishdar.  Then he tells me he will be here in 2 weeks and will introduce me.  Can’t wait to meet another legend.  Man I love my happy place.

The Colorado 600 is a nonprofit that advocates for motorcycles and 4-wheel riders being treated fairly as far as public land access goes.  Limited to 75 riders they head out everyday riding all kinds of trails, some with chain saws to keep the trails open and clean.  They get room and board and the majority of the money goes to the nonprofit.  One of my pet peeves as far as access goes is every user deserves their fair share.  These are OUR public lands, not the politicians, the bike riders, the hunters, tree huggers or fishing nuts.  It belongs to all of us.  As the outdoors shrinks preserving it and access for all is critical.  Here if you want to learn more.

Colorado 600 Trails Awareness Symposium

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Last my congratulations to Michael and his family on their successful Houston Fishing Show.  The first time I tossed the prototype Knockin Tail there was never a doubt it was a winner and would be a player in the plastics market.  The growth of the company has been fun to watch and it was a pleasure to be a small part of it.  Michael reports a record day at the show, and that other exhibitors reported a successful show.  Fishing is either #1 or #2 on the list of the most popular outdoor activities and it continues to grow and the results of this years show confirm that.  Sorry I missed it and all the folks who I would have seen.

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Time to get off my butt and do a few responsible things.  Then head back on the Beaver Creek road to see if there is a place or two on the creek to dunk a flie.  And looks like Saturday I will be ice fishing with Joe if it works out.  Plus, with spring break there are more folks in town and the next 2 weeks will be ski madness on the hill.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

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A Successful Sunday Afternoon.

Me and my shadow snowshoeing.

I just can not get over the weather here.  We had an idea when we started talking about moving here but it fits the bill.  It does get cold at night, it snows as the foot of snow in the yard shows.  But we are at 8.000 feet close to the mountain with the most snow in Colorado so no surprise.  Many days it warms above freezing and today it was 43 degrees and flat beautiful.

So I hit the road for a little hike then seeing if I could find sheep in a different area.  The walk was great, dead quiet and by time I turned around even the sweatshirt was plenty.  It was interesting how different it is snowshoeing on fresh powder than today’s hike.  It was crusty and it would break through and it was a foot deep.  After an hour I hit the road and then I got lucky.

Looks like this girl is about to become a momma.

It is tougher to see stuff driving without my wingman, especially how camouflaged they look.  This girl was way up on a small ridge and I just saw a glimpse of white.  She kept looking at me then she laid down and kept watching me until I hit the road.

I can still see you!

This is as far as the 600mm will reach.  And while I like to take their picture just getting to watch them is a treat.  One of the lessons learned in Africa – put the camera down and just watch and be happy that you got to see them.  Of course I am looking for the “perfect” picture but that will come with timing,  As soon as I get my wingman back it will be a lot easier to find and watch them.  Then on the way home I found these guys.

Sorry this is not in the best focus but that is not the point.  You want a nice “tall” buck with a good spread this is your guy.

I just happened to see a flash of horn on a sunny hillside so I turned around and there was 2 mice bucks bedded down.  It was the one below who I saw first, the guy above was a good 40 feet above this guy.  That is one good spread.

His buddy bedded down about 40 feet away.  Not the biggest spread but good mass.

I watched them for a while hoping they would get up and I could get a better shot but it did not happen.  Looking at the pictures they seem to be giving me the side eye.  Thanks guys for letting me invade your nap because when I see bucks like this it is a privilege,

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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It is Arkansas Time

Nothing like a double on the A Rig with 4″ Knockin Tail trailers.  The one on the right is a fattie.

My buddy Clyde is back in Arkansas for a few weeks to take advantage of the spring bite.  When I fished with him last spring we wore them out on the Knockin Tail.  We caught whites, stripers, hybrids, walleye, bass, and crappie all on the Knockin Tail.  As I have said many times in the past what is the downside to a rattle?  And when you get 5 on the A Rig you have a fish calling machine.  So if you are a freshwater guy add them to your A Rig, jig head, swim jig, spoon and anything else you can think of.  They catch fish.  Thanks and good to know you and your wife are doing well.

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Since 400 crab traps were removed from the bay this year I have a suggestion for TPWD on that and another similar situation.

Crab Traps – should be required that any trap has an indestructible tag that can be used to determine who placed them.  Then when the roundup is conducted every year the lazy party who left them can be fined enough to make it hurt.  If you think about it the irresponsible party who would not retrieve them is doing nothing more that littering and killing those things trapped.

Jugs/Trotlines – same rule and have a removal day.  Wardens have plenty to do so time to have a week just like the bay where any line or jug can be removed.  And again, the same indestructible tags so that when they are retrieved by volunteers, they can be fined enough to make it hurt.  Why folks have been allowed to trash our waterways and are not really held to account I do not understand.

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Looks like there will be no major changes to the duck hunting rules this year.  It you are a duck hunter here is the TPWD proposal for the coming season so take a look.

News Release: March 2, 2023: TPWD Seeks Input on Texas Migratory Game Bird Regulation Proposals for 2023-24 – TPWD

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Today begins the first day of site work on our future garage.  Getting things done is a little tougher than we are used to as the biggest store here is Dollar General and what many of us are used to from construction to shopping is a different proposition.  But we found the right guy and today will be getting the area prepped for construction as soon as the thaw begins.  Should be an interesting project but it sure will be nice having a vehicle out of the weather.  When done I will have a carport for my 4Runner and a garage for the Boss’s new one when she takes the plunge.  Hey it is only money.

Today went well, I am learning a lot about contracting as I am actually the contractor on this project.  Building permit, drawn plans, scheduling every inspector on this side of the Rockies but it is just a process. We got the site work laid out and hope we will see the inspector by next week for the initial ok, nothing but a process.  And there was one real benefit as we took the front fence down

This is what we paid the money for.

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Mexico is becoming nothing more than a cesspool of violence.  The folks killed or kidnapped the other day were there for a tummy tuck.  The whole country is corrupt from top to bottom.   When no one is safe in broad daylight why anyone would go there puzzles me.

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The last couple of days has been taken up with the garage but as soon as I turn in the completed permit tomorrow it will be off to the woods.  It was 46 degrees today and it was flat nice and the weather looks to stay that way for a while.  If we get lucky they could be pounding nails soon or winter will return, no telling.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff,

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

Beaver Lake.

Headed up to Beaver Lake Saturday to see what was up with ice fishing.  There were a few folks but for such a big lake full of trout it was not crowded by any means.  And the ice is clearly thick enough as a snowm0biler or two were running the lake.  Ice fishing will be on the list next year which as usual requires more new fishing stuff.  It never ends.  But one thing I will give the weather here is this above freezing almost every afternoon works for me.  The parking lot where I park when bank fishing was full of trucks and trailers out snowmobiling.  It did not look like the road was plowed on up but the area above the lake opens into a cool valley which I am sure looks awesome right now.  And I did get fortunate to see a guy pile it up, but no harm no foul.  It always seems when we do things like that lots of folks are watching.

One thing that surprised me was there was a few little open water stretches on the creek below the dam which runs along the road.  It is one of the places I will be fishing, especially if it opens early.  It is a small stream with not the best of access, brushy and rocky but I talked with a dude fishing it last year and it has fish.  But since they have plowed up to the lake you would have to jump a 5 foot snow bank roadside to get to it.  Can’t wait.

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The antlers on the bucks are looking a little worse for the wear.  They will soon be dropping like flies.

The toms behavior has changed a lot this week.  Starting to strut their stuff.

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And this on public access from SA Joe.

Yeah is BS they wanting to close the beaches. Same with access to the guadalupe river south of canyon dam. Have to pay to play or access. Further up private strip of land to access water is someones. Not big enough for a car to park but there are fences preventing people access. Its never gonna change. Further up north, other rivers are blocked also..

The problem with access is being fought all over the country, from landowners owning to the middle of the river like in Colorado, to really rich landowners out west who block access to our public lands so they can treat it like they own it.  To give you an interesting access issue lets go to Montana.  The landowners there are actually wanting the Game and Fish departments to solve their elk “problem”.  These same landowners want the problem solved with our tax dollars yet they do not allow hunting.  What cracks me up is much of this is brought by rich folks who have their own definition of what the outdoors “should” be by their definition.  All I have to say is I am glad I won’t be around to see the end results of many of these disputes.

When it comes down to it money and political connections will move the needle, but in the wrong direction.  Until State Game and Fish departments quit putting rich political donors on the commissions and start putting “real folks’ it will not get any better.  (Trust me they have no problem with a place to hunt or fish.)  Just a glance at the qualifications of TPWD commissioners to get an idea of who might be best served.  (I am sure they are fine folks but that is not the point.  They have their own interests just like I do.)  Thanks for the comment.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Makes my morning cereal much better.

And speaking of access I have spent this cold morning in Colorado with a brochure I picked up in Lake City on places to fish.  So out came the Colorado topo map and man oh man there is a world of lakes and rivers within 50 miles of the house.  Whether streams or small lakes there is tons of access for everyone.  Thank God for public lands.  It took me 3 hours to cross reference and mark just a few of the public fishing access in just this area.  Probably take the rest of my life to fish and travel to all of it.  And I intend to die trying!

I guess the thing that chaps my ass the most is the days of kids riding bikes or having mom take them to the creek or a pond is coming to an end.  How we have evolved with someone “owning” the river astounds me.  In Colorado you cannot anchor or wade on most streams and fish.  Why I am doing my research now before ice out.  So much for a kid on his bike headed to his local creek like I did growing up.

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There is not to many Mule deer in our neighborhood.

And one last word on TPWD stance on invasive species as it pertains to those of us who boat.  A great rule but totally hypocritical.  They have allowed landowners and hunting interests to import all kinds of non-native species, hell even saw a zebra in a high fence area.  Texas now has animals running wild from warthogs (Are you kidding me!) to Nigal and Audad, yet TPWD allows this to continue.  The park service even shoots audads from a helicopter to let the native sheep retake their home range.  Apparently if you have money ot are a corporate hunting interest TPWD lets them import “invasive species” and sell hunts.  Does that somehow make sense?  Just wondering.

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One beautiful animal.

Excuse me if I rant to occasionally on public lands but our travels and explorations the last few years really opened my eyes.  Visiting numerous parks, mountains and in my case different lakes and coasts, one thing has become clear, we are crowded.  The pandemic did not help matters, though in my opinion it did help by folks getting outside.  Getting outside is a good thing on many levels.  And the new bunch of “kids” are hitting the woods and waters harder than the proceeding generation.  But with that came traffic.

My main point, and I know at times you might be wondering what it might be, is that we need to protect access to public lands for everyone, and when possible add any that we can lay our hands on.  The Powderhorn Ranch is a perfect example.  It was so hard to believe when the last administration wanted to sell some.  Folks, they are not making any more land, no more waterfront, no more woods, what we have left is it.  It is incumbent on us, and those who follow to preserve and protect every inch of it.  We must remain vigilant whenever government wants to change, restrict or reduce access.  There will be a reason and they are not always in our best interest.  As usual follow the money.

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The garage project will be getting a real start this week and while I am not looking forward to the potential hassle it is great to be first in line.  They are building up a storm here and it will be good to get it finished before summer.  The Boss will be flying in a couple of weeks from now to spend a week, then we will head back to Texas and I will thrash the water for a few weeks.  Then I will head back here to start the fishing and then the Boss will actually be able to come out for 2 weeks.  So life is good.  And I really like the gas stove on those cool mornings.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

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Out and Out Theft

I did not intend to post today, or even soon until I had enough pictures but what you are about to read is one of the very reasons I am sitting in Colorado right now – access to the outdoors.  And now the state of Texas is about to kowtow to rich landowners again.  All I have to say is as more folks want to enjoy the outdoors these self-entitled assholes (I said it and I mean it.) want to restrict access to the beaches on the Gulf for the rest of us.  This is nothing more than a land grab by a small group who want to OWN your beaches that you have a statutory right to use.  So go ahead and sit back and let them take it, or educate yourself and take some action.  Or just stick your head in the sand as the rich are up to their usual activity – shamelessly taking from the rest of us.  (And before you hand over $$$ to CCA find out where they stand on this issue.  They are not known for standing up for beach anglers.)

Opinion: End of Texas’ open beaches might be near (yahoo.com)

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As if fixed my breakfast it was a major turkey happening out my window.  They came in droves so I ate my breakfast and watched them.  Really interesting as I get to observe all kinds of behavior and this morning was the first time since we bought the house I have seen this.

A large group of longbeards landed in the yard and went to fanning and strutting.  Cool stuff.

Sorry for the fence, it kept the former owners dogs in but I will take what I can get.  Today is stunning and maybe just maybe they are feeling some hint of spring.  Can’t wait until they start gobbling, guess I will buy a call and mess with them when they are in full gobbling mode.

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Yesterday after doing a little snow blowing I headed up to see if the sheep are still in the same area.  Minus any rams, at least I did not see any, the ewes were out and about.

She was in charge of watching out for everyone.  This was as far out as the 600mm will reach.

Not a ram in sight.

They blend in remarkably well.

There were more here than first glance.

Not so hard when they are on snow.

Today will be stunning and I am making up my mind where I will hike.  Along with that the serious research is starting on the fishing.  Which tailraces are open, where and how to access the tons of lakes withing an hour of here, and the estimated ice out on other bodies of water.  A little pre-fishing research will go a long way.  Can’t wait until the rods never leave the car.

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I ask that you read the above link and really think about the implications.  It it does not bother you ignore it, but if you want to try to preserve public access to what little public land in left in Texas contact you local pol and let them know how you feel.  Like all issues concerning the outdoors take action or wave it goodbye.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

Head to the Houston Fishing Show this weekend for some good deals at the Knockin Tail booth.  It will be the first year in a while I will not be working the booth and will miss it.  So go get some baits and hat and represent the best soft plastic paddle tail on the market.

I think it is the hat.

After fixing the Boss her birthday breakfast we did a little packing for Colorado then I headed to the lake and she went on to work.  The air temp was 25 degrees below yesterday and the wind was out of the North at about 15 mph.  And it clearly had an effect on the fish.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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It is the hat.  Stop by the Knockin Tail booth at the Houston Fishing Show and pick up a couple.

It was  tough but the same rules applied as yesterday.  In the coves, on the calm side, and definitely in a bush or brush mess.  The numbers were ok for a 4 hour trip but they were smaller and just would not chase.  So today it was a matter of throwing it right over the/in the stuff.  Buzzbait and swim jig continue to rule but it will be whatever floats your boat soon.  The spawn is on and it is time to catch a big one.  So hold down the fort and I will be back in April to lay the smack down on them.

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I drove most of the way to South Fork Sunday and it turned in to a little bit of an adventure.  By time I got to Amarillo it was blowing an easy 50mph, it was a literal dust storm and the tumbleweeds were running wild so I called it a day and hit a motel.

The next morning was beautiful and off I went.  To save myself some effort later on the way I grocery shopped, washed the truck and just made sure I had what I needed.

When I got to the house there was an easy foot of snow.  Now my 4Runner is a trail edition and is a beast.  It made it up the drive but just barely.  I called the snow dude and he came and did the circular driveway and I finished off the rest with the snow blower and shovel.

Beautiful Wednesday in the neighborhood.

We got about 5″ last night and it is fairly warm and quiet. With few folks here in the winter it is like having it all to myself and since I am somewhat of a hermit at times it fits the bill.

My morning coffee buddies at the mountain house.

This morning the turkeys were having at it in the backyard.  They make breakfast and morning coffee a joy.  And then later the deer came filtering out of the mountain behind the house.  Instead of taking pictures I just watched as tons of does and 4 or 5 bucks worked along the fence line.  Two were really tall and wide, nice big deer.  One was a 5×5 way past his ears, and I will get some pics of him soon.  Another one had a wanky rack, could not be sure if he was non-typical or broke off from the fall rut.  Can’t wait to start shed hunting.  That is one of the things that has brought us here and we never get tired of watching.

And on that point an Abert’s squirrel came strolling by and what a cool animal.   Hope we have a few living back there to go along with the rest of the menagerie.

Here is a picture of one.  He was not quite this dark but so interesting.

And then to top off the morning a flock of about 20 Stellar Jays came through.  Another cool animal. or in this case bird.

They are blue!

So without leaving the house it is off to a good start.  Time to head back and find a few sheep and elk.  Can’t wait until the Boss is able to get out here and join me, I almost feel guilty – But I will probably get over it!

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Here it is boys and girls – TPWD is now taking comment on the saltwater regs for the year.  So speak your piece or don’t whine.

News Release: Feb. 27, 2023: TPWD Seeking Public Input on Saltwater Fishing Regulation Proposals for 2023-24 – TPWD (texas.gov)

They work for you and any comment can be constructive.  If they do not hear from folks when given the opportunity you cannot blame them no matter what they do.

They also reported another 2 bass over 13 from Ivie.  Double WOW!

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And last head over to the Houston Fishing Show.  Michael has some deals and cool hats.  So buy a hat and you to can be a fish whisperer.  Be sure to stop at the Wade Right and Marker 54 booths and tell them I said hey.  I on the other hand will hit the woods as soon as the roads are clear.  It is so interesting here, plenty of snow but temps almost always get above freezing so the roads clear quickly. Time to head back and check out the sheep and see if I can find a big elk herd or coyote or two.  Hope you get on the water and catch a few fish as spring has finally sprung in South Texas.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

Happy Birthday to the Boss.  My best friend for 35 years, I could not have gotten any luckier.  

Weather

82/68.  Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. High 82F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.

Lake Level

Yesterday 96.43 msl.   Today 96.44 msl.

Bite Times

Major 2:41 pm to 4:41 pm.   Minor 8:42 am to 9:42 am.

It was just cracking daylight when I dropped the boat in the lake.  The water temp made some serious progress and was at least 65 degrees everywhere and then I found some 69, more on that later.  The plan was to fish the Controlled Descent Jerk Shand and the silver spoon with a 4″ Ice Knockin Tail, and I stuck with that all day until everything changed.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The Boss always wants a catfish so here you go.

They were biting from the moment I started but there was a problem, I could not catch a good one.  I hit all the “good” spots and caught them everywhere.  Whether the jerk shad, spoon and Knockin Tail or swim jig it was small after small.  I was starting to get a little frustrated.  Don’t get me wrong they were biting.  It seemed impossible that a real one did not jump either of those 2 baits way off the bank, which happens a lot with both those baits.  At least the catfish smoked the swim jig.   It was a little after noon and I had caught an easy 15  – 20 but just could not buy a big bite.  Then I got in a shallow cove with brush and finally decided to change up when I saw the water temp was almost 70.  Since the good ones were not cooperating it was time for a change so with the water temp like it was the buzzbait made sense.

This one absolutely jumped all over the buzzbait and the bite was on.

It was not more than 5 casts when the first one jumped it.  I was using a 1/8th with a gold blade (Jake) and a hand tied deer hair skirt.  It is easy to tie when the skirt needs replacing and last way longer than a regular skirt.  They wanted it at a moderate retrieve, and after my morning they were definitely not in the mood for a big chase.  But there was a couple of mandatories to make it work.

It was good for a couple of hours.

The bank had to be fairly shallow with isolated bushes, and several of the 10 or so hit way off the bank, (Where I kept expecting them to eat the other baits.) then a couple with the bait running right in a thick bit of cover.  Coves were the best and it is always a good omen when there are gators sunning, and the big one I saw today was a dinosaur.  Plus 2 little ones came out looking for the buzzbait so it was definitely warm.  The thing it could NOT be was windy.

Just to check them out I did fish a couple of banks where I catch giants at daylight, but the wind was on them.  They were not having it.  But a flat shallow bank in a cove with cover and out of the wind would get me bit.  This usually starts in March, but this heatwave has got them moving.  Of course, they are about to go nuts hitting the bank to spawn and I am headed out of town.  It is about to take off and there are lots of ways to catch them, one bait I would throw right now is a pink trick worm.  With them about to go on the beds but not wanting to chase the worm can be deadly.  Just twitch it along and then let it fall where you can just see it, dropping it by any cover.  And a good topwater or minnow bait will also catch them right now.  But no matter what you like to fish have at it, the bite is on.

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TPWD is seeking input on the  freshwater fishing regulations for 2023 – 2024.  There are plenty of proposed changes so here is your chance.  Whether they pertain to you or your specific fishing take a look, you just might have an opinion.  And if folks do not participate TPWD will do what it wants, which does not automatically make it right or the best thing to do.  When given the opportunity and we do not participate we have no complaint.

News Release: Feb. 21, 2023: TPWD Seeks Input on Texas Freshwater Fishing Regulation Proposals for 2023–24 – TPWD

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Since I am headed back to Colorado in a couple of days not sure if I will fish any tomorrow.  Have some packing and organizing to do along with the lawn and all that other stuff so it will be ok until I get back.  The Boss is going to join me for a week then back for some April fishing,  But who knows might get after my jobs in the morning and then give it one last go, depending on the wind.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

As I prep this it is Monday afternoon and we just got back from Austin.  The Boss was wanting to order a new 4 Runner but that did not go so well.  It looks like what she is wanting would be 12 months.  That from the number 1 dealer in the Gulf South.  They currently have a waiting list for the cool ones but she did give us potential close options and would let us know.  But no matter what it ain’t happening anytime soon.

Unfortunately have a meeting at 2:00 tomorrow so will at least get out at daylight and fish for 5 hours give or take.  Of course the wind is going to be blowing 25 – 30 and higher so would not want to miss that.  But it is spring so hoping for a good bite.  Looking back on last year this time it was big fish on spinnerbait but it will be hard to put down the swim jig,

Oops

Up early and out to hook up the boat Tuesday morning.  After hooking up went back to the boat and did my usual, turn the key, and not a sound.  Zip, nada, I am not going anywhere.  Not sure what was on but must have had the key turned and did not notice when I quit and then when I tried to start it.  With an appointment later decided to put the battery on charge then let it sit to be sure it was just a discharge and not a failure.  Looks good so off I go in the morning,  It happens, why I always turn the key before pulling out of the driveway.

Quite a few gators enjoying the weather.

Weather

88/66.  Sun and a few passing clouds. High 88F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph.

Lake Level

Today 96.43 msl.   Law Wednesday 96.41 msl.

Bite Times

Major  1:07 pm to 3:07 pm.   Minor  8:11 am to 9:11 am.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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I am going to start with 2 fish.  They are not particularly much but it sure was informative.  Sometimes it just take a minute to sink into my pea brain but tomorrow has real possibilities.

Silver spoon and 4″ White Ice Knockin Tail trailer.

My day started off just as bad as yesterday but at least the starting battery was ok.  Checked the trailer lights and great, no taillights.  Have brake and turn lights but could not get the taillights to work.  As it was already daylight I went ahead and went to the lake.  Leave the problem until tonight when I get home.  The wind was howling, the water temp was 65 to 68 everywhere.  But the color sucks in many places, probably the result of our winds the last week.

To make a long story short it was slow.  I fished spots that are go to and it was just slow.  4 on spinnerbait, 5 on swim jig, and 1 on crankbait.  They were just not where I thought they might be.  It went like that all morning, one small here, one small there.  I finally was going to give it up when I had a small epiphany and out came the silver spoon with a Knockin Tail trailer.  I wanted to check a couple of pockets that I fished this morning and caught 1.

They are small pockets with brush and I used it just like last year, throw it to the bank and over the crap and bang it through there where you can just see it.   Then keep it just below the surface letting it wobble on the way in.   In less than an hour in 2 small places on the way in 5 jumped on and I missed a couple of more.  One even blasted it right by the boat which was a cool bite.  They really liked it during this period last year and looks like it will be on.

The back ends of the cover are full of tilapia mudding up the joint.  I hate to see them up when the spawn is about to happen.  Not sure when the next full moon but expect the bass to start big time.  I will be heading out this weekend so will definitely bang away on them for the next couple of days.

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Congrats to Colton Knipling and his partners for a solid showing in the first tournament 0f the Saltwater Legends Series.  They place 5th which easily keeps them in the Team of the Year running.  Colton added a nice 7.7 lb trout on day 2 which was a big help.  (I am always impressed these guys can call up 7 -8lb trout when they need one.)  So good luck the rest of the way, successful tournament fishing is tough no matter the fish, and takes dedicated time, effort, and money.

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Lake OH Ivie just recorded its 9th ShareLunker over 13 pounds this spring.  All I have to say about that is a big WOW!

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On the way to the lake stopped at the light on Zack Lenz and Cuero highway.  The light was red and there is room for 2 cars on the other side of the track.  I pulled up to the line on the others side and waited as there was tons of traffic.  Then the dumbest thing I have seen in many moons.  A white Volkswagen with a lady driving and 3 kids in the car gets between me and the 2 other cars.  She is now literally on the tracks trapped.  Lady, I don’t care if you jump off a bridge or stick a bean up your nose, but stopping on a track which is used regularly with children in the car is irresponsible and stupid, you should be ashamed.  Definitely can tell you have never been to a train/car killing or you would never do such am ignorant thing.

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I will be up and gone first thing in the morning.  After that little flurry today I have a little confidence and look forward to giving it a serious go.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Legal News

I am happy to report that our felony indicted Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton has agreed to a settlement in the matter of the 4 attorneys from his office he verbally trashed and fired.  They reported possible illegal activity surrounding an affair and special treatment for a rich guy donor of his.  He has said he will pay them $3.3 million dollars of YOUR tax dollars to settle something “he did not do.”  He also has open felony fraud charges, and the investigation of the above matter has now been taken over by the Justice Department, and almost forgot he is also dealing with a complaint by the state bar.  Attorney General – you must be kidding me!  Congratulations Texas taxpayers we might be the biggest patsies alive.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

It feels strange to sit here thinking about tomorrow and the hope is the wind stays below 25mph.  Can’t wish for dead calm that is not the Texas way this time of year.  But in general conditons are the best I could hope for and as long as I am not to limited on where I can fish it could be one of those days.  Like all fishermen hope springs eternal.

Weather

Major 7:05 am to 9:04 am.  Minor.  12:29 pm to 1:29 am.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

What a difference a day makes.  2 days ago the bite was slower but I did put 2 big fish over the side, today was a different story.  The water temp was at least 65 over most of the lake and I did find one area where it was 66.  The wind was blowing but it was fishable and started off with a bang.

On the way to my first spot did an impromptu stop in a flat cove and the bite was on.  They are all small but I put 6 over the side in that first spot.  The bonus for me was 3 were on spinnerbait, the first this spring.  Before I quit I hit several little wolf packs of small guys.  It only took that place to realize that the sunny and warm day yesterday had them on the move.  From that point on other than a couple of places everywhere I fished they bit.

This was the best of the morning.

Basically, if there was a pocket slow rolling the swim jig and Rage Craw would get you bit.  Both big fish came in that type of place but today there might be a a couple of smaller fish.  The boys have hit the bank and as long as we don’t have to ugly a cold front, it is projected to potentially blow over 40 out of the north and be about 30 degrees cooler than today, it should stay good.  With the boys coming the good fishing is about to start.  After this little blow it will be back to southerly winds and warm temps, can you say spawning?

A few this size, the rest smaller but it was fun.

The first place this morning I was throwing a swim jig with the new Rogue color Knockin Tail trailer.  They seemed to just nip at it so went back to the Rage Craw and they definitely liked it better.  Bigger wide thump is a little more their speed right now but that will change.  They appear to be on crawdads as opposed to shad but I did run in to a few back in a cove and caught 2 bass out of them.  The tilapia have really moved to the coves and if you like bow fishing now is the time on Coleto.  In fact, please come and shoot a couple million of them.

Under normal circumstances I would be complaining but this time of year today was a good thing.  Once they get like this you can catch a bunch and still have a real good shot at a big one.  Time to get out the Bang O Lure and the Controlled Descent Pearl Jerk Shad.  The jerk shad has been consistent for me this time of year and a slow walk the dog right below the surface will get some big bites for those of you fluke guys.  It was an easy 20 today and one thing you can say when it is like that, it keeps you on your toes.

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For those of us that are bass fishermen this spring has been amazing as far as the ShareLunker program.  The big fish over 13 lbs have come in regularly and now the largest bass caught in Texas in the last 30 years, and I think Texas #2 all time, a 17.06 has been taken from O.H. Ivie.  It has been a steady stream of big fish from O.H. Ivie as fishermen from all over the country come hoping for a big one, and 17+ qualifies!  Lake Alan Henry joined O.H. Ivie and Nacogdoches producing a big fish.  What a year.

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A good start to my day was meeting Johnny at the ramp.  A steady tournament fisherman we have often traded info.  This morning he laid a bag of jerky on me, and like the last batch it was good stuff.  Thanks Johnny, it was a harbinger of a good day to come.

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Looking at the forecast it is not looking to good for tomorrow.  But depending on what I see in the morning who knows, hate to not go when they are biting like this.  I am a little sick of the wind but complaining changes nothing, it is what it is.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

Was not sure where I was fishing today until I saw the forecast which had bass written all over it.  When I dropped in at 8:00 it was almost dead calm, and the water temp was unchanged from Friday.  The highest I saw was 65 and the rest was in the low 60’s.  The watercolor just depends on where you were, but it is cloudier up lake than down, but once the wind started blowing it was here and there.

Weather

Minor.  10:55 am to 11:55 am.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

This girl just got on with no real “bite”,

I told the Boss it was going to be swim jig all day, and other than a couple of quick tosses with the A Rig and Knockin Tail, which produced 1 small bass and one pass with a crankbait I stuck with it.  The only place I tossed a crankbait a second blue cat smoked it.  From 8:00 until I quit at 2:00 I stayed with the jig, and though the numbers were not as good as Friday it was an easy dozen today, worth the effort.

This one smacked it.  Why I go every chance I get right now.  A real big one is in my future.

I wish I was able to give you a definitive pattern, but there is not one.  Points, coves, flat brush banks all produced a fish or two, but there was no real run today.  The one above came out of a shallow pocket with the wind blowing in it, the first one came on a classic pre-spawn secondary point, right where she was supposed to be.

There will be a few blues the next month or so, very aggressive.  This one slammed the swim jig.

The other day I met a guy at the cleaning table, and they are catching lots of cats on trotline and soap.  When they first start showing up they go shallow and are feeding up a storm.  That early spring pattern for cats has been consistent no matter where I have fished from Arkansas to Falcon.  So, if you are looking for a fish fry now is the time.  And to add to that they are catching crappie right now, so the bite is on.

And they are not shy about eating a crankbait.

You have to give the blue cats props, they hit hard and fight hard.  Today was a “get the net day”, I do not use one much but it did get a workout today.  Wish I had the cooler along, they would have made the grease.

N0t as many of these today.

I am using a 1/4oz pumpkin green looking swim jig, today with a watermelon red Rage Craw and reeling it at a steady speed on 12lb line.  Basically stopping it occasionally and letting it fall to the bottom just to be sure it is close.  It is not the fastest way to fish by any means, and of all the baits it requires the most concentration.  As they will track along with it occasionally a twitch may provoke a bite.  Right now just a steady retrieve and never taking my eyes off the line where it goes in the water, in case they slack line it or it starts moving sideways, which is a common happenstance.  When it is all said and done it will catch good fish from now through the spawn.

Not sure what or where is next.  Watching the weather as I write this the wind is forecast to blow 28mph out of the SE tonight and 30+ tomorrow, so guess will just see what is up in the morning.  Everything is ready to go in case it is fishable, but welcome to early spring on the coast.  No matter what I will keep after it, when you can catch this size and larger it makes getting up early a lot easier.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

There was no question it would blow, and it was tough to handle.  The kind of wind that gets around every corner and of course seriously limits where you can fish.  When I got to the ramp at 8:00 the wind was pounding right on the ramp, it was 41 degrees and there was not a truck in sight.  But there were a couple of good signs, it came up just a hair, and it was at least 3 – 4 degrees warmer than Monday.  So, on went the big boy pants and up lake I went,  At least I could fish my way back down because there was no going against the wind,

Weather

Minor.  9:22 am to 10:22 am.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

What pre-spawn fishing is all about.

The water color varies from off color to clear and was very wind dependent today.  But that made no difference to the bite, if you could get just a little out of the wind you would get bit.  Starting with the green swim jig and green craw I stuck with it all morning, and other than throwing a crankbait on one bank stuck with the jig all day.  But that is what they wanted and no reason to mess around.  They wanted it on a slow/steady retrieve and my guess it was running about 3 foot deep.  On the last place the fish tore off my craw, which was a Rage Menace.  I changed to a Rage Craw and did not get another bite.  Not sure that was the resason but the Menance has a tighter wiggle than the Craw, something to work on next trip,

With the wind bowing the line of the 17 boated this morning I actually felt maybe 3 or 4.  The rest just swam with it or even slacked it some.  One time all that swim jig fishing really paid off as I got the hook in several that never gave any indication of a bite.  Basically, muscle memory telling my mind to set the hook.  Bass love to track a swim jig, and today they were eating it while coming with it.  A tricky little bite but very consistent this time of year.

The one on the right is a good representative of size this morning.

But the very best thing, the boys are coming to the bank.  No doubt that yesterday’s warm temps really got them moving and unless we have some weather catastrophe the good fishing is on the way.  Not sure how many different places I fished but only 1 or 2 did not give up a fish.  They were positioned in classic pre-spawn places to bad I could not get to many of those places that I am sure would have had fish.

So the morning was a real success considering.  Things are about to bust loose on the lake and get one of those cloudy days with lighter winds and a person could have one of those days.  The next week’s fishing will be straight up dictated by the wind.  And that is what makes spring fishing what it is.  Pick you poison fresh or salt, go if you get the chance.  The next couple of months are prime time, and I go every chance I get.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.  Have a great weekend.

Good Luck and Tight Lines