FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

Talk about a sob story I have one.  I get up at 5:30 on Saturday morning to go fishing and felt a little bit woozy.  15 minutes later I am praying to the porcelain god and dizzy as heck.  The rest of the weekend dizzy on the couch with a jaw ache to boot.  Monday morning eating breakfast the lymph nodes in my neck swelled up in a minute, man I was getting tired of all that.

But I had things to do, including head to the bank and get them to explain why they ok’d a $110 debit transaction on our card that was used in California.  Definitely no satisfaction in that department but the money is being returned.  I reminded them they had declined me at several gas stations, once when buying my grandkids Christmas, and even the tackle store down the street.  And when we spoke with the fraud folks Saturday the record on Nancy’s phone was totally different from what they said when we could see with our own eyes that they sent us.  All I can say is man I miss Bank of America.  At least I am feeling better today so it will be another go at Coleto first thing.

WEATHER

86/73.  Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 86F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.  (Of course after days of light winds here we go.)

LAKE LEVEL

Today     94.78 msl     9 days ago   94.86 msl.

BITES TIMES

Major     2:47pm to 4:47pm.   Minor   3:17pm to 4:17pm.     (As you all know I have kept track of times fairly consistently for a decade and I checked this twice.  First time I have ever seen the minor in the major.  Interesting.)

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

For all your wading needs.

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

It was flat ugly.  I got to the ramp at 7:30 and you can easily see the lake is continuing to fall.  The color on the main body is clearing, and it slowly gets increasingly off color as you go up lake.  The wind was already blowing some, but that was about to change and not for the better.

The most exciting thing this morning and is also how hard up I was before I quit.

There is a late shad spawn which has had an affect at least the couple times I have been out in the last 2 weeks.  Starting on the same old point with a buzzbait, only 2 jumped on but the wind was blowing right on the point where shad were flipping when I  caught the big one last trip.  After that I just place hopped and kept track, 8 total most exactly 13″.  2 on buzzbait and 6 pitching plastics to wood.  The wind could not have come out of a worse direction if it tried and continued to increase until it was a solid 20+ and just a real hassle.

So at noon I decided to call it a day and on the way in stopped at the discharge.  I rarely fish there but the wind was blowing right in on it and they were running quite a bit of water.  I let the wind blow me against the bouys and ended up catching probably 25 white and black bass.  The Honeydew Knockin Tail and Rapala crankbait got bit constantly and besides 1 white bass not a good one in the whole bunch.  All I have to say about that is that the numbers and size of the fish bodes well for the future.  And there is always tomorrow and there will be a tomorrow on the water somewhere.

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

Remember When I Said They Can Not Be Trusted – Here You Go.

SpaceX and Boring Co. to dump wastewater in Central Texas (mysanantonio.com)

SpaceX proposal aims to dump treated wastewater into the bay (krgv.com)

Get real folks, you trust Musk?  140,000 gallons a day into the Colorado River!  200,000 gallons a day into South Bay!  This is nuts.  Simple on South Bay – 200,000 gallons a day of fresh water into South Bay – what lunatic thinks that much fresh water daily will not change the bay?   Here we go again.  “A preliminary review by TCEQ did not find that plans for wastewater would affect water quality.”  Bullshit!  Whether TPWD, TCEQ, or a host of other Texas governmental agencies they are not to be trusted any more than Elon Musk.  The relationship of state agencies in Texas with the rich is just plain wrong.  There is no freakin’ scenario that dumping that much effluent into any river or bay will not have lasting changes.  And are you deluded enough to believe it will all be properly treated and no accidents will occur, much less the simple adding this quantity of water will not have a lasting environmental affect?  There are no words.

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

Fun Boat Buying

I have basically decided to not buy a Colorado boat until spring unless the perfect boat pops up.  But as usual I check boats for sale daily and still love some of the sales pitches.

At least this guy is honest.

No titles for anything.

Wow have been looking for that motor.

Ran when parked 10+ yrs ago.  As is where is. You haul.  Fiberglass outboard.

OMG.

Lost title, bad engine, could be used as a water trough.

Hmmmm……

interior needs replaced, don’t know if engine is good.

Just needs one of them there thingy’s.

Runs fine but will not run full speed, my mechanic said it needs a new flywheel.

You do mean free don’t you?

Great deal! Needs a lot of work it’s been sitting open outside for over 5 years.  Also haven’t started the motor for over 5 years.

Multi Use Boat.

parked for about 5 years but was good then. It is just storing camping gear now.

There is no end to some really silly ads.  Of course these are the lower end but many of the higher end boats do not have nearly enough information.  But no matter, I just get a kick out of these and wonder how many really end up getting sold for real money.  And remember if it says project run away as fast as possible and rare means nothing.

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

If it had not blown so hard the pitching to any visible wood gets you bit.  Fall is always tough and today was surely that.  When I texted the Boss I was home she texted back everyone is grumpy today, and so were the fish.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Everybody is a Tough Guy………..

The crap is hitting the fan, and in my extensive experience with plea bargains (That would be hundreds.) it comes as no surprise.  Sidney ( of “Release the Kracken” evidence only living in my imagination.)  Powell who is either a freakin’ nut case or a flat out liar, and definitely a pile of dog doo on the profession got a great misdemeanor deal.  And Chesboro, who I know nothing about but some say was a good attorney, pled to 1 felony, neither got any jail time.  Both are required to testify in “trials”, which I would guess means in Trump’s trials.  They will be on probation and required to turn over relevant material.  If that is the case he is in real trouble and it will only get worse.  Before I could even publish this another attorney has pled guilty, Jenna Ellis.  She was bawling and directly implicated Rudy saying they directly lied to the Georgia legislature.  Trust me, it is going to get even uglier.  (And to the dude who said he would not read me for getting on Rudy’s case please send some of your retirement to him, he is going to need it when he gets to the pokey.  And by the way – told you so.)

The day always comes when any defendant has to make a decision, you can give them information and opinion but in the end they decided to take a deal or not.  In this case three white, rich, and experienced fancy attorneys took the plea deal because they were toast, end of story.  And once the plea parade begins it will only cascade.  These folks are “soft” and ending up in a Georgia prison, which is right there with having your eyes gouged out with a hot poker, left the rats nothing else to do but abandon the sinking ship.  So, talk tough all you want but in the end it is put up or shut up.  Or maybe just squeal.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

 I have been dealing with a jaw issue that has left me unable to eat, which is a hassle I might add.  So for the last couple of days I have been existing on fluid, which is not near satisfying enough.  Then today I got to spend a couple of hours at the dentist in 2 visits but unfortunately it did not resolve the problem yet, so I am a little cranky and ended up sleeping the rest of the afternoon.  Think I will sleep in tomorrow and try a winter place, that I am sure is just too early due to the weather but it is hard to wait.

WEATHER

90/57.  Sunny.  0% chance rain.  Wind SW 5-10mph.

TIDES

Low   3:12 pm.

BITE  TIMES

Minor   11:49 to 12:49.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

Where I went shall remain nameless as it is not time yet.  Those of you who read this can probably figure it out, but the specific place is irrelevant.  Basically it is a winter pattern and requires some cold weather.  But to my displeasure it is still Texas weather so until it changes there will be no improvement in this type of place.

Here is the proof I was actually fishing.  2 of the 20 or so for the afternoon.

I knew it was just to early but looking back it is usually really getting good about this time, but conditions are sure different.  On dropping the boat in the water the temp was 79 degree and off color.  Though the water seemed to be slowly dropping it was not really moving.

The first couple of hours I caught 3 on my Honeydew Knockin Tail, which is a flat killer in the fall/winter.  I could not buy a bite on a corky style jerk bait and was beginning to think it was totally too early for this area.  But 1 took a pass at the topwater so it kept me interested.  Stops at the “old good spots” did not produce a bite until I decided to head in.  The first of those places produced 3, see the size above, but then could not buy a bite so I moved on.

The next spot the water was at least moving out, and it was a cove with baitfish flipping everywhere.  The mouth is really shallow with a channel bend drop in front of it, but the fish were in the cove, basically in 2 – 3 foot of water around the baitfish.  With it that shallow I switched to the 1/16th Knockin Tail jig head with a 4″ Pearl/Limetreuse with a red head.  (Note: Instead of paying bigger $$ for the fancy paint jobs I just got a packet of permanent markers at Hobby Lobby and basically paint the pearl baits with a hot head and maybe a gill or two.)  And instead of the usual Texas 2 step hop and drop a steady retrieve through the bait schools got bit and it seemed like once they did there was no missing them.  Keeping with my intention to reduce pictures of small fish the 2 above are perfect examples.  Over the next half hour while the water was moving it was bite after bite of 12″s.  Now normally that is a downer for me but in this case it is a sign of things to come, there were lots of them and they looked fat and sassy.

In my unqualified opinion I sure hope that this is the direct result of the 17″ limit.  Not sure whether that is the case or not but no matter, there were tons of them, and they were willing.  As far as the trip went, I did miss one flounder if I was guessing from the bite and did not even touch a redfish.  But no complaints, you cannot rush them this time of year.  All I have to say is how about some cold weather before I head back to Colorado.

**************   

Next up in the fishing department will be a day on the lake with Aaron, after that it will definitely be weather dependent.  Looks like a good front may be on the way with rain, perfect fall conditions and I will take advantage of it every chance I get.  It does not help there are still a couple of jobs to be done, one will be time consuming plus getting the cow catcher and winch on the truck.  Hopefully the timing will fall in place all the way around.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Way Off Topic – Potential to get your panties in a wad!

 I have a suggestion.  Since the Islamic world and countries are blaming us for Israel in spite of the truth time to cut them off, end of story.  Whatever aid we are giving Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan to name a few should be subtracted and given to Israel to fight Hamas.  Plus, the Saudis leaving Blinken waiting all day then just not showing up, or the presidents of those countries refusing to meet with Biden are happy to take our money then disrespect our honest efforts to find a solution is unacceptable.

And to those who are refusing to condemn Hamas I say “blank” off.  This slaughter was not a political statement; it was a blood thirsty massacre by monsters.  The apologists for this want a cease fire which is nuts.  So, they want to let the animals that raped women, killed babies, slaughtered families in each other’s arms, threw grenades at defenseless kids, took hostages, along with untold multiple atrocities, to just get away with it?  Nonsense.  It was not your mother who was gang raped in front of the kids and husband before they were all murdered.  I have actually been surprised at the restraint Israel has shown by not immediately invading Gaza.  Time to wipe Hamas off the face o the earth.  No mercy.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

It will be off to the lake in the morning.  It looks like I have a battery going out so time to see how long it lasts.  No trolling motor, no bass fishing.  Plus I need to go to the dentist and will call first thing and if they can fir me in I will call it a day and head there.  And the Boss has requested some fish so if all fails it will be trolling for supper.  No matter what I am finally shook at least some lose but still have some things that are getting in the road.  If I am lucky things will finally quiet down and I can start fishing like “usual.”  And definitely will be back on the salt no matter what.  So this week is finally headed back to normal.  Who knows might even catch a few though the weather does not exactly have bass fishing success written all over it.

Weather

Mainly sunny. High 74F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph.

Lake Level

Today    94.86       A week ago     94.85.

Bite Times

Minor   7:43 am to 8:43 am.    Major 12:52 pm to 2:52 pm.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

First up was my favorite big fish point on the lake and as it is want to do it did not dissapoint.  There were shad flipping and 4 jumped on the buzzbait in nothing flat.  Then this big girl did what they tend to do when they commit on the buzzbait, she smoked it.  Not sure what she might have weighed but she was heavy.

This girl just blasted the buzzbait.  Still my favorite bass bite.

The wind was just starting to blow when I got out.  The watercolor is poor over most of the lake and the temp was around 80 give or take over most of the lake.  After fishing the first point I did not have another bite on buzzbait which surprised me a little, but it was bright sun post old front and the wind was out of the north.  But beggars can’t be choosey.



A couple of the better ones of the dozen or so.

From that point on I literally threw the book at them.  Several came on the bluegill swim jig with a Rage Craw trailer, pitching a watermelon red stick worm to wood produced by far the most bites, and for some reason crankbait only produced one bite.  I did catch 6 or 7 smalls on a Honeydew Knockin Tail but that is a story for another day.  With the wind and the off-color water, it seemed crankbait was a no brainer and I kept after it way to long.

Unfortunately, before noon the trolling motor started to weaken, which is a real problem with the wind blowing.  They are AGMs that are 4 years old.  When I put the first one on the charger it was about 60%, not horrible, but the second one was 1%, which means it is toast.  They both got damaged sitting twice when the boat was in the shop for a long period.  I had used it those days and looking back on it should have taken it home and charged them then taken the boat back, but lesson learned.  So while the dentist did not shorten the day the trolling motor finally did.  So far I have not gotten to fish “normally” as stuff keeps getting in the way.  So tomorrow I get to shell out some more money.  At least I caught a few this morning.

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

A Real One

Really wide, lots of stickers and big eye guards compared to most mule deer!

The Boss said she had a shot of a big boy the last week she was in Colorado on her walk, and she was not kidding.  We both forgot about it until she found it last night on her phone.  Nothing to add to the photo, this is a good one and I sure would prefer not to have him as a hood ornament.  I love our neighborhood.

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

Reader Comments.

Glad you are back (In Texas) and am really enjoying all your Colorado experiences. Looks like a good haul in POC. Give me some details on the boat your selling. I sold my last one a couple of years ago and thinking of getting another one.
Thanks

Good to hear from you.  The boat is a 2010 Mako 18LTS with a 90hp Merc Optimax and I added a McClain trailer a couple of years ago.  But it is not quite for sale yet as I will be fishing another 6 weeks before heading back.  Then I will be back in January to fish for another couple of months.  It has 1360 hours but the compression is good and it still runs fine, a tribute to a minimum of yearly maintenance.  As my mechanic told some customers in the shop one day:  This is Doug and he does not let small problems become big ones.  But there is still fishing to be done.  It will be for sale for real next April give or take a month, actually when we have ice out on the Colorado lakes.  And you are correct on POC the other day, fishing the corky style baits is always fun.  I admit I was getting a little burned-out fishing here but a few days like that always gets my blood going.

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

Well if your moving to Colorado. Might as well get the SNOWPLOW addition to the 4runner….it will at least help with those crazy deer. Wish they ran around Texas like that and not in gated property, have to pay 4k or more to have venison in the freezer.

The snowplow thing is already taken care of.  I bought their high dollar self propelled beast of a snowblower and after last winter I can tell you it does the job.  Basically follow it around is the size of it.

The deer and wildlife along with the endless public land played a role in our decision to finally live there.  In fact, I am licensing the truck in Colorado and will get a resident DL this spring, then start applying for a hunting license.  If things go right, I will get a little revenge on the mule deer, and while I am not a trophy hunter the guy above will do. And I am with you, a freezer full of venison is a good thing.  Good to hear from you.

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

You are right! Two terms for senators and three terms for congressmen!

If what is going on right now is not a clear indication that we need to limit length of terms I don’t know what is.  Time to revert back to government “service” and end all the retirement and health care benefits after service.  And I hate to say it but now that I have reached the 70’s the old folks on both sides need to hit the road.  The government almost reached total grid lock and the only one’s suffering are the rest of us.

On the spending front the only way these self-entitled morons can ever head towards a balance budget is easy:  Cuts across the board to every program, salary, staff, department, etc.  Simply tell them all your budget is cut some number, how about 10%, so you figure it out.  Something tells me there is not an area of the federal government that could not find fat. And for the love of God we have to quit letting departments spend money at the end of the budget period just because they have it left.

And here is my favorite personal example:  When I was living at the boat dock and guiding Ivan had a boat mechanic shop in the cove. The Corp of Engineers came and asked him to order a motor and rig a work style boat.  When he gave them the estimate, they said keep adding stuff, we have to spend the money so have at it.  There are no words.  I fear what awaits my grandkids.

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

I am still trying to catch up not only with the honey do list, but other things that have been lingering.  New glasses, phone, front end on truck, trip to the dentist and doctor to make sure I am good as I feel, and the list goes on.  At least when I put my pants on my wallet is sure lighter.  Need to get back to the mountains before I go broke.

 ***************

Oh football.  My teams are flat awful.  The Hogs just can not finish, and the Cowboys cannot even get started.  We got a gift when Philly lost but they could not even come close to getting a first down on the first possession, in fact they gave it back and the Chargers scored in nothing flat.  Not sure what is going on with my teams, but they “almost” suck, end of story.

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

Tomorrow it is solve the battery issue, then Wednesday the dentist.  Now if I can get my physical and flue shot I will actually be caught up with a good month before I head back.  Next up is the salt if I can have a day without something interfering.  But unfortunately I have a big issue that requires some work, funny how being gone and then having 2 houses is twice the work.  But hey the countdown is beginning to our permanent move.  Until then keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

It was raining when I got up early this morning.  But I decided to make the drive anyway and it turned out to be a good decision.  They were biting when I got there and biting when I left.  Considering it has been literally months since I was on the salt but it is like walking, you never forget.

Weather

Constant rain.  68 degrees.  Wind ENE 5 – 15 mph.

Tides

High 8:10 am.    Low  12:24 pm.

Bite Times

Major   10:07 am to 12:07 pm.

They were smoking the Coastal Marsh soft bait.

The water was almost over the fingers at Froggie’s ramp at daylight.  The wind was blowing a little harder than advertised and the water temp was 80 degrees.  I started on a shallow flat mud bank that is a consistent fall redfish bank with the water was way up in the grass.  Topwater was my first choice but the wind was to strong but I had the Coastal Marsh Hot Head tied on so gave it a toss and it was game on.  There are a few pictures but finally the camera got to wet but it was a steady bite.

The wanted it in a walk the dog pattern on a steady retrieve.  Not only nice reds but there were also rats and trout.  While it was not a “killing” it was really steady and I got bites everywhere I tried until I quit.  And since I started throwing the Coastal Marsh baits, or any other corky style, I finally broke down and went to braid.  Not all about losing $15+ baits and the good ones love the Coastal Marsh.

A 21″ on the Honeydew, my favorite Knockin Tail.

Of course, I threw the Knockin Tail, and it was working like it always done.  But it was so much fun fishing the Hot Head I stuck with it until I quit.

I kept throwing it and they kept eating it.

My last bite before I called it a morning was a really nice trout who jumped off when I tried to put down the Power Pole.  Just a friendly reminder, keep your attention on your business.  Not messing around with a big trout on is a no brainer.

So my first trip back on the salt was a success and I have to give the clouds and rain a little of the credit.  It was fun to see the majority of the mornings fish eat it.  And while a couple did not hook up they were the outlier.  And whether shallow mud or channel type bank it did not matter.  One of those days were keeping the bait in the water was the ticket.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

If any of you have tried me the last few days my phone is toast, and it will be a couple of days until I get it rectified.  Hope my contacts and info are not gone, just have to see.  With the Boss working 12 shifts it might be the weekend.  In our house when I need a phone she gets a the latest one and I get her old one.  That’s how it works in my house!  But not sure I am qualified to have the latest and greatest anyway.

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines

That is it for the today.  The first minute I can get back to the salt I will be there.  Like all falls the redfish bite is on and I would like a few to take back to the mountains when I go.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

After trying to get a ton of stuff done the last 2 days, and there was a “do or else” list, I managed to wash the boat and get ready to hit the lake in the morning for a quick simple test run.  Now I will fish some of course but the real reason is to make sure the boat starts and runs.  I got it back from the shop the day before I headed out so had no chance to run it.  And with the salt on the menu before I head back to Colorado to get the truck licensed just want to be sure all is good before heading to the bay.  Nothing like driving to POC and then having boat troubles.

Water Level

Today   94.85   Pool    98.28  (I could not figure out when I was there last but it has been a while, but looks like it was 96.30 msl.  We shall see.)

The lake was clearly down, as low as it has been in a while.  I have to give GBRA a little credit for at least resurfacing some of the road in the park as it was a mess.  After I complained about the increased price of the annual because it affected the elderly and vets, their response was it was needed for improvements, and by golly they did a little, years later.  So I stopped in and gave them the $250 for the annual and off I went.

Fortunately, the boat ran just fine.  It may have 1,370 hours on the engine, but it has been maintained at a minimum annually so no surprise.  Plenty of little things need some easy work, but it runs like the day it was new.  I intend to use it some before it is up for sale, which is coming soon.  Someone will get a good deal as it will be sold simply to get the small boat needed for the Colorado lakes.  Though I fished about an hour or two at most, the rest of the time was making long runs at assorted RPM to be sure no hiccups with the service.

All out of the same mold.

The water temp was 80 degrees or so over most of the lake.  Since I was test driving I got to see the color and take the water temp over most of the lake.  The main arm way up had plenty of color, the area near the dam then up the plant arm is relatively clear.  The weather was cloudy with just a few showers and there was almost now wind.  Sure wish I could have stayed longer.  2 or 3 came on spinnerbait, with 5 or 6 on buzzbait.  The only other things I threw, jerkbait was no bites, and swim jig which produced a couple of bites but no hookups.

If I had to say what might be the start of a pattern, it would be points, deeper banks, and wood.  That was the pattern for the small fish for sure.  I believe that next trip concentration on pitching plastics to deeper wood should be productive, at least for bites.  It is probably a deeper pattern with the lake down and on the fall.  Classic bass reaction to fall and falling water.  There were plenty of shad flipping here and there so those areas would deserve a little attention.  Wish I could have fished a little longer but still plenty to do to catch up but unless the world collapses it will be POC at daylight in the morning.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

Have I ever said I love Vermont?  A knucklehead who shot a deer with a crossbow at night from his car was convicted of multiple offenses.  Big fine, 3-year loss of privileges, restitution, surrender of the crossbow, and confiscation of his car!  He fled the scene which I am sure went into taking his car but game violators are thieves, they steal from the rest of us.  If you want to deter stupid behavior in our poachers, make it costly to violate.  (Though the behavior in our parks concerning bears, elk, bison, along with anything else that idiot’s approach might deserve the exact opposite treatment.  Let people do whatever they want and natural selection will take over as the animals get a crack at folks.)  In this case it could not have happened to a better candidate.

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

Trout Regs

On your comment “My only real comment is why TPWD is doing this AFTER they returned to the previous limit. It would seem that why not keep it at the 3 fish- 17″ limit and let the public air their opinions?” As a former TPW wildlife guy, it’s complicated. Please go to my friend Shane Bonnot’s article on the CCA website explaining the Emergency Rule on Spotted Seatrout at:
https://ccatexas.org/the-spotted-seatrout-situation/
To read an excellent explanation of the complex rulemaking situation. Kind’a makes lawyering look simple?!

Hope Rusty, Larry, Chef Mike, Brent and I see you on Creek as soon as you make it down! Glad you are safe!

Thanks for the comment and I enjoyed the read.  Guess in my case it is just a real serious case of distrust concerning TPWD.  Starting with the giving of the ShareLunker fry to a really rich guy who charges $3k a weekend to fish, (Then signing that incredibly stupid agreement that they could have them back.) then the failure to hold anyone accountable for the big fish kill when the bridge over the Velano was built.  And now the refusal to ban (At least put on hold for the moment until we know more.) deer breeding in spite of the rising number of CWD which according to them is spreading all make me wary of some of the choices.  Maybe I should give them more of a break at times, but it is what it is.  In this case the reason for the move in trout regulation is easy to understand due to Texas regulations.  It is actually easy lawyering.  Thanks for the information which sets the record straight.

I admit it was just another preconceived judgment on my part and I appreciate the chance to learn.  But as far as I am concerned as long as TPWD remains in bed with the rich their credibility at times will remain questionable.   So, to the rest of you please read the article above and make up your own mind.  But just a reminder ……….here is an abbreviated history of some the commissioners.

• Oil business
• Railroad
• Oil business
• Labor relations/Oil business history
• Industry/automotive
• Oil business
• Oil business
• Capital
• Unsure reading the bio
• Unsure
• Diverse business

First off this is basically a perk as they are appointed by the governor.  (If you want to really delve into it a cross reference with campaign donations might be enlightening.  Though what Texas does as far as appointments is generally how it goes in other states.)  Second not a “regular” person on the board though I do note last time I looked it was even more dominated with oil interests.  Do you honestly think any of them have trouble with a place to fish or hunt?   Really?  Think you can knock on their door and get permission to hunt or fish?  Sure.  Man I would love to be proven wrong.

But in their defense, I am sure they are all fine folks who would be fun at a barbeque.  Nor do I question their motives.  But we all come to the table with our own experiences, friends and notions.  So until I see Bubba from Podunk Texas on the commission, along with a few that have wildlife biology degrees I will remain skeptical.

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

Good to be back in Texas.  Random shootings and stabbings here in Victoria continue right along.  You don’t notice the constant violence until you are not here for 5 months and then on return it is in the local news every night.  WTF is wrong with people?

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

I am very happy that the boat seems to be ready to go.  Still a little to do on it but to the bay I go.  There are bass, walleye and pike amongst other fish in Colorado so just like here bass will remain on my plate whenever I feel the need.  But there is no bay and I want to catch a “few” trout and reds before finally leaving.  There are great bites in the fishing world and a big trout blowing up on a topwater is one of them, along with a big tailing red thumping a spinnerbait.  Time to get it while the getting is good.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Rims

When the Boss got her new 4Runner she immediately bought fancy rims.  Consequently, we have a set of 4 brand new 17″ rims off a 4Runner. If you are interested the first $200 takes the whole set of 4.  Hollar if interested.

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

Off Topic Rant – And it is a rant!

(Do not read this if no matter what it says it will offend your sensibilities.)

Allahu Akbar – Same tune, same result.

I hope we do not get embroiled in the Israel/Hamas hassle, not our fight.  Those folks have been killing each other for all time and both have legitimate and ugly complaints.  But when Hamas drug that young woman out of Israel and into the West Bank and then paraded her around in her bloody underwear and spit on the body they rose to a new low.  In one small town of 400 only 140 people were left alive.  Going house to house gunning down families, children, grandparents, indiscriminate murder.  So Hamas, you say you enjoy the moral high ground then why this?  Then the complete pieces of shit who paraded that young girl then used her debit card.  Her debit card?  Sick.  Nothing but thieving rapist murderers.  Freedom fighters do not gun down 250 kids doing nothing more than dancing, only monsters do that.  Paraphrasing Curt Russel in Tombstone:  You tell them Israel is coming and hell is coming with them.  Israel is justified in wiping you off the face of the earth.

And a special note to the Palestinian scum who spit on the body of that poor girl.  I hope they find out who you are, cut out your tongue then let you loose in the sex offender wing of the Israel prison where they hold the rest of the animals.  Hope you suffer a lifetime like her family will.  There is no justification.

And now they have discovered over 30 murdered children, some with their heads cut off.  These piece of shit thugs are not brave enough to attack soldiers, now the time for negotiations is over, the time for total destruction is here.   And we need a clear warning if you harm another hair on an American citizen hostages Seal Team 6 will hunt you down no matter where you are and double tap you and anyone with you.  This is insane.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

Stunning

My photographic skill could never due justice to the beauty that is Colorado fall.  We took a wonderful hike yesterday afternoon and no words can describe what it looks like right now.

9000 feet on the Lake Fork Trail.

This was the first time we hiked this trail.  Not far from the house it goes through a crazy beautiful canyon and while we just hiked some of it next year we will hike the whole 7 miles round trip.  Today was just wanted to get back to real life.  And as I said there is no way to describe just how amazing it is right now.  The Aspens and Willows are in full fall display and everywhere you look it is stunning.

The small mountain creeks/springs running with our recent rain.

Not sure how to edit it smaller but here is my best freind way up there!

It is read, yellow, green and all coolers in between.

Yesterday, Monday we headed out on a 4Runner search.  We found several that fit the bill and our first and last stop was Pueblo Toyota.  I had specific requirements for the suspension as it will be the mountain truck and it also needs to able to deal with big snows which are coming soon.  While replacing my truck was the last thing on the agenda there is something about new.

White Ice Blackout TRD Offroad Premium.  If you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly.  This thing is a beast.

This 4Runner is now our 5th and this one has all the bells and whistles.  It is top of the line and will last me the rest of my life.  With the Boss also owning one we are now a 2 4Runner family.  The Trail Edition’s response to the wreck just solidified our long term love of the vehicles and in spite of the wreck we feel safe in them, just a hard way to discover they are all that.  The only modification needed is the grille protector which will be added as soon as I get back to Texas in a couple of days.

Once we made a deal we decided to license it in Colorado, so the real move has started.  Here you pay the dealer the sales tax and they end up forwarding it and the loan agreement to the county seat, in our case Rio Grande.  Once they send it we will be notified and then come in and pay the registration and get plates.  The downside (Sort of!) is the temporary plates are only good until December 1st so I will be returning before that to get it done, and maybe go ahead and take the Colorado DL plunge.  Since I feel like this is home the reality of the impending move is happening.  The only downside is I will not get to fish for 2 full months, but it is what it is and you just have to roll with the punches.   But hey, if the worst thing that ends up coming out of the wreck is I have to suffer in the Rockies so be it!  And there will still be open fishable water.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

Spotted Sea Trout – Speak Now Or Forever Hold Your Peace

TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff will host several public scoping meetings on the coast to gather input from stakeholders and constituents concerning spotted seatrout management options.

The public is encouraged to attend and provide comment at the following public meetings:

• Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Bauer Community Center, 2300 Texas Highway 35, Port Lavaca, TX, 77979
• Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Saltwater Pavilion at Rockport Beach Park, 210 Seabreeze Dr., Rockport, TX, 78382
• Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Natural Resources Building, 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX, 78412
• Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Port Isabel Event and Cultural Center, 309 Railroad St., Port Isabel, TX, 78578
• Thursday, Oct. 19 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Bob Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center, Port Arthur, TX, 77642
• Thursday, Oct. 19 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Ave., Galveston, TX, 77550

For more information, call or email the TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division at 512-389-8575 or cfish@tpwd.texas.gov

My only real comment is why TPWD is doing this AFTER they returned to the previous limit.  It would seem that why not keep it at the 3 fish- 17″ limit and let the public air their opinions?  But no matter, if you care about the fish speak your peace.  As I continue to say if you do not voice your opinion, you have no complaint. And just as important TWPD will continue to do as it pleases with minimal oversight if fishermen do not participate.

And one last word on TPWD and Chronic Wasting Disease.  They have now created another zone that has CWD and instituted specific requirements when you kill a whitetail.  So be sure to review those zones in case you are hunting in one.  It is important to monitor the spread.  Just remember a couple of years from now I told you so, it is coming, and it is probably to late to stop the spread to the whole herd.  Sad.

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

Can You Say the Rut is On?

Saturday we just stayed at the house and digested what happened to us the day before.  The after affects were much more traumatic than I would have suspected.  (I would not exactly be described as a sensitive kind of guy.)  It left us feeling sad, concerned about what could have been, about the future, generally apprehensive, but so happy to be alive.  In my case it was the old maybe I could have done something, which while stupid was very hard to kick.  The instant that doe and buck appeared, and he and the front end exploded, will live in my memory forever.  The world literally just exploded.  Since you can’t buy a truck on Sunday we decided to head over to Durango and hit the casino, not for big bucks, just a complete mindless diversion from thinking about it, and the few aches and pains that appeared today.

Of course when we headed out of the neighborhood there was a big bunch of does with 2 bucks acting a fool.  The biggest was chasing does, running in circles, does crossing the road, it was a mini mayhem of hormones.  Then on the way and back there were more dead deer on the road than I have seen the whole time I have been here.  It actually made us feel some better, the mule deer are flat nuts right now and the roads around here are a little frisky.  But in the end, it is just part of the learning process about living here.  And we sure love it here.  And this says it all…….

I just want to know where I can get the shirt!

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

And this comment from a reader.

Glad you’re both ok.. that could have been much worse if he tried to jump. Trucks can be replaced, God smiled on you both….

Thanks for your kind thoughts.  Looking back on it as I lifted the truck about 4″ probably kept him from coming through the windshield.  So yesterday went and bought the new 4Runner and as soon as I get back to Texas I will get a “real” grille guard installed.  It will not only keep us safer but should reduce future damage if it happens again.  The whole thing was one big eye opener.  I hate to imagine if it was an elk or a moose.

************* 

The next couple of months is up in the air but one consideration is the Texas fall deer hunt.  After living in Texas for 15 years I finally got an invite to hunt, from a Texan I met here.  In his words:  Can you come to our ranch and help thin the does?  You bet, they all taste good to me.  I will be fishing next week on the lake and bay and many other days until I head back here.  And thanks to all who come here basically for the fishing for sticking with me.  With the last couple of weeks events I have not been on the water much, but that is about to change.  We shall see if I remember a dam thing about the coast and the lake.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Off Topic Rant

Poverty doesn’t create criminals, lack of a moral compass, a lack of character, and thinking the world owes you something you haven’t earned does.

TRUTH – WE HAVE TO QUIT MAKING EXCUSES.

• Time to make carjacking a 20 year no parole crime.  (Noone is carjacking to feed their family.)
• Time to lower the age of responsibility to 15 y/o with no need to file to transfer to adult court.  (That comes from my brief time in juvenile court and then seeing the same punks in adult court just a short time later.)
• Time to bring back bond conditions that have teeth, violate conditions back in the slammer you go.  I can tell you from experience no bond is the worst idea in the history of criminal law.
• Time to permanently place folks on the no-fly list if they are kicked off an airplane.  If you fly you know the quality of flyers and their behavior is in sad decline.
• Time to ban any idiot “touron” who harasses wildlife or violates the rules in our national parks.
• And last, bring back 3 strikes you’re out if any involve an act of violence or the use of a firearm.

What brought this on, the kidnapping of the 9y/o girl who thankfully was rescued.  That animal needs to be locked up forever and the key thrown away.  Disagree?  Folks do until it is their family.  Having represented the worst of the worst we are kidding ourselves that all can redeemed – that is absolutely nonsense.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

We have been on several hikes the last few days as fall descends on Colorado.  From a high mountain hike on an old closed logging road at 11,000 feet to a nice hike along Big Meadow lake the weather here is stunning.  With the Aspens in full bloom and getting more stunning every day it makes for perfect hiking weather.

Fall is in full bloom in the mountains.

50 minutes on the treadmill or 50 minutes at 10,000+ with my best friend.  This is above the level of the Aspens and you can see the tree line in the background.  That is when you know you are high.

They just started in the last couple days and it is only going to get better.  Our route north to Montana is going to be through the mountains with no interstate.  Should be spectacular.

This particular drive was an extension of my favorite drive and takes us through some stunning terrain.  As bow season comes to a close this weekend there are a lot less hunters in the woods.  This particular drive ends near Beaver Lake so we stopped in so I could catch our supper.  While there I spoke with a couple of hunters doing the same thing, catch supper and then head out for an evening hunt.  They said they had seen a few and heard the occasional bugle but had not gotten one on the ground yet.

Can’t wait to see our Aspens in the front yard when we get back, it should be on.

Nancy was sitting in her lawn chair reading a book when I headed back to the truck with supper.  When I got to the truck she asked if I heard the bull elk bugle, which I didn’t.  To bad but with the elk in full rut in Yellowstone that should be happening regularly.  So the last few days have been not only getting organized for our trip, but planning on closing the house and making sure it is ready to hang out for a couple of months until I get back from Texas.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

Our morning hike.  How far back to the truck?

Our last hike before heading out was to Big Meadow.  There was a small fire started by lightning on the mountain which you can see in the picture below.  Luckily it was in an area they could get to and had it under control.  A plane was circling, and a helicopter was on the way to scoop up water out of the lake and drop on the fire.  South Fork may be a small town but it has a really amazing fire department which not only deals with local fires, there have been 3 or 4 this summer, but they also deploy to other areas so it provides a certain level of comfort just in case.  And of course, they work closely with the Forest Service.

The old fire with the new in the background.

It is hard to describe just how beautiful it is right now.

We have been having such a good time enjoying the woods and mountains.  As I have said before it is an honor and privilege to be here and I do not forget just how lucky I am.

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

Tourist + Moron = Touron.

As we start to pack and organize for our Yellowstone trip the upsurge of idiots deserves comment.  I am sure by now most of you know the term.  A recent addition to the English language the use has come out of Yellowstone in the last couple of years.  The meaning is simple and all you need to do is Google the term and see what pops up.  A shirtless pinhead chasing a bear, completely clueless fools wanting to pet bison or elk, or the dumbest f’r around using a cow elk call to a rutting big bull only feet away.  And then just this week a photo from Yellowstone of a knucklehead lying on the ground with a bison using his head as a pillow.  I have yet to figure out if it is just a lack of knowledge or have we become a nation of idiots?  Are folks just that stupid?

Part of the issue in the parks is the animals are habituated to traffic and people.  (I hate to use that term, let us just say they tolerate us.)  It has nothing to do with the fact they are “less” wild, it is simply most of the time people and wildlife rarely “closely” interact.  Unfortunately, the inexplicable rise of the touron has changed that interaction.  While the park’s wildlife tolerate us, they are not having anyone getting close.  Part of the problem may be folks think the parks are zoos without a fence.  I hate to say it but you are dumb as a rock if you think you can outrun a bear or pet an animal that weighs 1000lbs with horns.  Bison are not just fuzzy cows and bull elk are not pretty little deer in a petting zoo.

Much of it, but clearly not all, would be reduced if folks would get a zoom camera.  It does not have to be fancy or expensive, anything to keep folks further away from the wildlife.  One thing we have learned chasing stuff, sometimes just put down the camera and see what is in front of you.  And it never crossed our mind to get close enough to anything for a stupid selfie.  Do you want memories or clicks?  Your stupid face in the picture is not the real outdoors.

The term itself will soon be applied to other tourists in other places.  How about the touron  caught etching his initials in the Roman Coliseum, how disrespectful is that.   Or the out-of-town visitor telling the local that is “not the way we do it” in Texas, Illinois, Arkansas, just a few of the states I have heard that spouted.  As the world shrinks folks easily or inadvertently offend the people and animals they visit often without a clue they are doing it.  If the same behavior was happening in their front yard they would blow a gasket.  In the end it is common sense, to bad the country seems to be in short supply.

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

We are headed out early in the morning for our drive through Colorado into Wyoming and then Montana.  With fall in full bloom the drive will be stunning and we will see some territory we have not seen yet.  The next week will be great, then it will be back to Texas and real life.  But as our permanent move gets closer there are things to do in Texas in preperation for what is coming for us.  And for you fishermen keep stopping in as soon as I get back the fishing will begin and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

The Boss is Back

Miner Creek Road trail, where we took our hike today.

Glad to have my best buddy here.  It has been a while.

We took a great hike today and the weather was stunning.  After I picked her up at the airport on Saturday there was a free town pig roast right down the street.  Last year they buried 3 hogs and ended up running out so this year they cooked 6 with all the fixings.  It was delicious and basically the whole town was there with some music to boot.  One of the things I love about this “small town” atmosphere, when was the last time your town had free food for all, and everybody showed up?

Fall is here and with it the migration of folks back to their homes, most from Texas but they are from all over.  There are plenty of hunters and the hard core fly fishermen still here but that will also change shortly, then it is a quiet mountain town with a few hundred people and a ton of snow.  We have worked hard to get things the way we want them so when I return in January it will be good to go and I can just enjoy the winter, which is spectacular.

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

Our Backyard Rocks

Was making the morning coffee and he and his mate were right out my back window.  One beautiful animal.

Dead still as they watched the turkeys down the hill.  To bad the other pics of the mate were just too fuzzy.

The object of their affection.  There are just tons of them passing through the yard every day. 

Turkeys, mule deer, coyotes, and it won’t be long before the bear makes an appearance.  As the Boss said when I sent her the coyote pictures we live in a zoo.

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

For all your wading needs.

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

On the way back from out hide we spotted these guys.  I never get tired of seeing sheep.  And as soon as the big snow comes they will be down in force and I will be chasing them for the perfect pic.

It really helps to have my wingman with me.  I would have missed these.

Watching me watching you.

Junior.

No big rams, but they are getting there.

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

One of the 2 big boys who have been migrating up the hill behind the house every morning.

You can just see his buddy’s horns in the center of the picture.  He is a hoss.

The rut is not quite in full swing, but it is coming.  For now, we are still seeing bucks hanging out together in peace, but that is about to change.  We are so privileged to live here due to our love of all things wild.  While the mule deer were not as prevalent this summer they are back.  And the turkeys were flat gone until this month but are now here in force, this morning we saw maybe 50 give or take a wad.  Our backyard makes our breakfast an adventure every morning.

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

The Boss worked a couple of long stretches to be able to come out here for the next 2 weeks.  Today we will be doing some responsible stuff, including making a batch of fresh Bighorn chili.  While I was unsure how a 10 1/2 old ram would taste he is great.  Not gamey at all his backstrap was great, we pan fried some yesterday and today chili.  Tomorrow will head to the lake and catch some trout for her required fish fry.

And we have mapped out our route to Yellowstone with a couple of stops on the way it will basically be through the mountains the whole trip.  Past of our original thought process when we were looking was easy access to the west.  And then 4 full days in the park, where it has been snowing and will probably not be above 50 degrees.  Perfect.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines