FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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I met Michael and Ethan at Froggies and we dropped the boat in at 6:30.  It was not real busy so we headed out with high hopes, at least I did.  Michael has struggled up coast the last trip or two and I was hoping to put them on some fish, but nooooooo.  One of my slowest days ever.

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Weather

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. Near record high temperatures. High 101F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.

Tides

High   1:06 pm  0.66.

Solunar Times

Major  1:48 to 3:48 pm.   Minor   6:58 am.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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After my trip with Brent last week I was fairly sure we could put some in the boat in my go to spots in Big Bayou but that could not have been any “wronger” if I tried.  We could not buy a bite where, while we did not spank them by any means Thursday they were nice trout.

The water was already up and seemed to be barely coming up until around noon.  So we decided to head to the island and do some wading.  The water temp was 88.6 degrees and was slowly starting to cloud up.  I finally caught these 2 when I went to a 1/32 lead head with a 3.25 Baby Trout Knockin  Tail.  But that was the size of my bites on the first wade, and I think they might have had one bite.

Before it was over I was glad to have this one.

This came in front of a big drain, but other than that not sure they even had a bite.  So next up was a drain near South Pass.  And it was even slower.

A little black drum, they are good fighters.  And other than the 2 above it was one other small trout and one hard head.  It was tough.

That is where the real trouble started.  It had been blowing some but it slowly started to increase.  Michael lost a small trout and I ended my morning with a small, and I mean small, hard head.  At this point it was starting to blow.  Nothing like a 25′ Outlaw with a 300hp for getting around, but on the way in even that boat got spray, happens when it blows from the side.

We stopped back at the deep bank on the way in, but it was too hard to fish, even with spot lock on the trolling motor.  So finally at 2:30 we called No Mas and headed to the ramp.  Clearly a case of me not being on the bay for 6 months now, and it is the dead of summer already this year.

I did not fish well by any means.  The old saying the more I fish the luckier I get is right on point today, I basically knew squat and our results proved the point.  And now with no boat I cannot get out there and square things up, I sure hope I get it back soon before I head out to Colorado.  But as usual I enjoyed fishing with Michael, the results were terrible, but we had our usual good time.  Maybe next trip.

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We have always liked to hit the sales at Roy’s in Corpus so when they had a Father’s Day sale this weekend, we headed that way.  There usually some Simms stuff and we have outfitted much of our wading stuff there.  I ended up buying another rod, like I need another one, and just a few jig heads.  There was some line in a sale bin and I thought it might be in the wrong place so I had the checkout lady scan it.  It was not on sale so I said no thanks and did not take it.  Forward to this morning.

There was a Facebook post about the sale and I liked it and shared it.  I did make one comment, be sure to check your receipt as they have made many mistakes on the sale stuff I bought over the years.  So this morning I check my receipt and who would have thunk it:  They charged me for the line she scanned.  Perfect. I did not even take my own advice.  It was no big deal as it was a little crazy in there like it gets for some of their sales. I called them and they fixed it no problem.  I appreciate the customer service; it was fast and fair.  But you would think by now I would know better thanks to my prior experience.

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As I slowly make my way through tons of fishing stuff I got a chance to help my brother-in-law who is headed on a kayak trip to the Boundry Waters.  (A bucket list trip I made 3 times in the long ago past.)  He has really getting into fishing so I was happy to make him a care package and information list for each bait, what and how to use it.  Since he will be around tons of pike some custom leaders for spinners, jerk baits, spoons, and crankbaits.  Add a few soft plastics and he will be good to go.  The most important item is the custom leaders.  Nothing like finding the perfect bait and have them eat it off 5 minutes after you get there.  So good luck Steve, buy some cheap jaw spreaders, a net and a pair of pliers, you will need them.  They are one toothy critter.

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Thanks all for the kind comments on my POC report.  Not sure how the next trip will go, I really learned very little the other day.  The tide looks almost the same only later in the morning but no real big change in the weather.  But Michael and his son are going to take me fishing Monday morning so by time you read this you will already have read the report above.  But I am grateful to be back on the water and figure a little something out.

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And I got this question from Shawn.

Where is twin lake located in Arkansas

There is no twin lake, the area around Mtn, Home with Bull Shoals on the west side and Norfork Lake on the east side is the Twin Lakes area of which Mountain Home is the biggest town.  Great fishing, good swimming, the water is clear and the lakes are deep.  Add the White River, the North Fork River, much less the Buffalo and Crooked Creek and there is a lifetime of fishing.  Great place to visit and if you ever wanted to add a big striper to your bucket list Norfork is the place.  Thanks for the question and if you want to know more just drop me a line.

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This post, #1650, is another milestone. Amazing how it has gone over the years and while my focus is slowly changing guess I will keep sharing with you all as long as someone is reading it.  The boat issue is a pain in the rear end and I am not happy about not being able to hit the bay and lake.  But there are things to do around the house, everything I get done right now is one less thing next year when we put the house on the market.  So as soon as the boat is done it will be back on the water.  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

Looks like I will be boatless for the time being.  This is one of those times when I miss having 2 boats, but oh well, stuff happens.  But it was needing the annual, so it had to go in sometime and as usual hope for the best prepare for the worst.  The joys of boat ownership.

But it has helped me get some stuff done that is needing it.  Work on the garage and house, tire rotation and alignment check, haircut, new bathroom fittings, the list goes on and on.  But a lot of it got knocked off the last 2 days and the plan is to get all of it done before I get the boat back and then it will be fishing until I drop, or decided to head back to Colorado.  (But if the fishing is as good as today no hurry, get it while it is hot.)

Tomorrow it will be POC with one of my Facebook friends, Brent, who I have not yet met.  The tides and prime period look good for tomorrow and it will be great to get back on the bay.  And I am really looking forward to coughing up the good spots, my old milk run.  Before I am out of here for good in 17 months, I fully intend to share those “spots” fresh and salt that I have told you all about, and will be happy to pass on to those who would like to have them.  (Thinking about drawing a Coleto map.)  It will be up early and gone in time to launch at daylight and hopefully put a few fish in the boat.

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Weather

A mix of clouds and sun. Hot. High 96F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph.

Tides

High   10:18 am  0.66.   Low    11:13 pm   -0.66.  (It was up when we started and did not go down.)

Solunar Times

Major  10:21 to 12:21.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Since we went to 17″ on the coast I have been saying wait until we see what happens next year.  Well next year is here and the average size is way up.  I have seen this over the years as they increased the length on bass and lowered limits several times in the last 45 years.  And it has happened on the coast a couple times since I have been in Texas.  There is almost always a rebound in size within a year or two, and from this morning’s results it is working big time.

Of course, the guides whine, they always do.  We are doomed, no need, along with other complaints but in the end it works out.  All you have to do is look at the number of registered guides much less the wanna be’s and it has not hurt the business at all and sure helps the fish.  And more and more we are seeing catch and release on the coast.  So my vote is to keep it 17″ and 3 and let’s catch big trout, never a bad thing.  Now having said that here is our 6:30 – 11:30 results.

The Knockin Tails Doing the Work

Brent with the first keeper on the 4″ Mansfield Magic Knockin Tail.

This trip was as much for Brent as it was for me.  And it was nice to be the passenger and not the driver.  Part of the morning was to show him my old go to spots as he is just learning and lay down some tracks.  As I wind down this part of my life the plan is to share what little I know with anyone who wants to know.

The only disappointment this morning was we started on my favorite topwater spot and they were just not having it.  The tide was high and coming in and that area is better on the fall.  From there we just hunted and pecked, and while it was slow, when we caught one it was a good one.

We

A solid 20″ and the 4″ Purple Demon Knockin Tail which has become my go to.

I showed him how to get around in Big Bayou and then went up to the Oil Cut.  Learn some red right returning kind of stuff, areas to watch out for, just whatever crossed my mind to make it a little easier to learn.  As a side note we saw plenty of black drum swimming around and did catch another small.  That is also where I caught a short trout.  I had hoped we might have picked up a redfish there but the tide was up and they were off in the pools and pockets.

Brent with the morning flounder on the 5″ Halloween Knockin Tail.  He caught several fish on it.

There were several air boats running around and once I left POC and I saw the trailer for some redfish tour which starts tomorrow.  So those guys were in those far back bays looking for reds.  And if the tide stays the same there will definitely be access to those places, at least until later in the afternoon, plenty of time to get as limit.

I think we might have caught 2 small trout today, the rest were boxers like this one but I had my 2 for supper so a few got lucky this morning.

The swimming by black drum of which we saw several in the Oil Cut, so Brent did the drop the Knockin Tail in their face and he followed it down and ate.

Brent’s last of the morning was 20″ on the board before back in he went.   This picture does not do this fish justice.

My last an 18″ with the Purple Demon Knockin Tail way down in his mouth.

It was hot, a tough kind of hot, and Brent called it a day at 11:30.  I had hoped the tide would really start dropping before we quit, it was going to be a good one but if you are too hot it is time to quit.  The Boss says folks are coming to the ER so be careful, it can go from bad to horrible in nothing flat.  Remember fishing is supposed to be fun and heat stroke is not on the fun list.

I enjoyed fishing with Brent today.  And here is my wrap it up comment:  I WANT MY BOAT BACK!!!!  If today was any indication it is good, maybe real good.  If today’s size was common some serious wading would be in the works and a trip to the Upper Laguna would already be booked.  Time to catch em!

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It will be hard but I will wait until Monday to call the mechanic and see where we are or might be.  Great to be back on the salt and I sure hope I can get back out there soon.  Looks like there are plenty of trout pushing 20″ and there are about 10 spots I want to fish.  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

We got back Thursday and so this morning it was off to the lake early.  It really was not a fishing expedition; it was a boat diagnosis run and unfortunately it did what it did the last time I fished.  So instead of calling I just took it straight from the lake to Bob to see what the deal is.  What it did was funny, but not funny ha ha.

Both days it did the same thing, after running all over it finally went to full on beeping when I accelerated above 4500 rpm.  I could slow down and it would stop.  Funny how it did it the same both days, after running like a top all morning.  Today I decided to troll some and see what would happen, which was no problem as it trolled fine.

A nice blue cat headed to the fry pan.

I caught a nice catfish and lost another, and added 4 or 5 bass in about a half hour.  Normally I would have kept on going but decided to take off and see if it did it again, which it did.  As soon as I got above 4000 rpm it started beeping and as soon as I backed off it ran fine.  It was peeing just fine and sounded normal.  Usually I have a guess but this time not a clue.  So it will be wait and see, hopefully an easy fix and back in my hands so I have a boat this month.

5 or 6 like this was the size of it.

As far as the lake goes all I can say is wow!!  The water was to the top of the pier at the ramp and was 86 degrees and off color over most of it.  Plus there was not a cloud in the sky or a ripple on the water, it was dead calm and hot.  Since I knew it was going to be a short morning I stuck with the “good” spots but all I could catch were smalls.

I threw the book at them; frog, buzzbait, spinnerbait. swim jig, spoon and Knockin Tail, and all I could catch was on the 5″ watermelon red stick worm.  There is tons of green stuff in the water and maybe I just did not stop at the right place.  But there will be a time and place where you can catch some nice ones shallow, especially if cloudy with the wind blowing, it will just take covering lots of water until you find them.  Those that did bite were on wood, which tells me not much this time of year.

At least I got to fish a little, and put a nice cat in the bag for the Boss.  Wish I could have worked them over but it did not work out.  Now it will be a waiting game until I hear from the mechanic, not having a boat is a pain in the butt but there is plenty to do around here so guess I will be responsible.  And to top it off I can’t find my phone.

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It was a gobble fest.

4 Toms with only 3 hens so the strut was on.  Of course I did not have the good camera today, it was still cool to see.  There was just not enough girls to go around.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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And the beat goes on in Canada.

A real nice pike.

And who does not like a muskie, one of the great bucket list fish.

Clyde and the boys are having a great trip to Canada.  It has been a literal beatdown, especially on smallmouth, but when fishing Lake of the Woods and Crow Lake you never know what is next.  They are catching from 50 – 100 easy a day on the works.

They always stay at Muskie Bay and if you have never made that bucket list trip to Canada Muskie Bay is the place to go.  Whether you man up and tow your boat, or fly in to International Falls and let them handle it all you cannot go wrong.  They are great folks that will help you all they can.  And if you want to muskie fish hire them, cut your learning curve and see what all the fuss is about.  Nothing like seeing a fish as long as your leg smoke it at the boat.  So check them out, maybe you will catch the fish of a lifetime.  I can not recommend them any higher.

https://muskiebayresort.com/

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I am keeping an open mind on the next presidential election, so I listened to Mike Pence’s announcement.  There will be no way I would vote for him under any circumstances after he said the following:  “I will open up our public lands to energy exploration.”  Sorry but that is a no go for me.  Every public land in this country needs to be preserved for our children, they are not making any more.

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On our way back we stayed in Fort Worth and when we hit the road the next morning I was reminded I was back in Texas;  it was hotter than most days at our house in Colorado and I could feel the humidity on my skin.  And today it is just plain hot.  So the jobs I have back here will be done early everyday, there is a list.  But fishing is coming 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

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Monday Morning Score

Sometimes things just work out.  We were not going on the daylight ride but at 5:00 am the Boss woke me up and said I changed my mind, lets go.  So we took off planning on taking a ride through mountains from Del Norte back through the mountians to Beaver Lake and when we got way up the road was closed.  Rats so change of plans.  The Boss found another road north that we had not taken in the past and it happened.

A huge black bear!

This was be far the biggest I have ever seen.

It was late in the morning, past when you usually see lots of wildlife.  Then we came around the corner following a high mountain valley and small stream there she was, a really big, beautiful cinnamon bear.  She was booking up the hill at full speed, we got to watch quite a way before it hit the woods.  Not sure how the Boss was able to get these but sometimes it happens just so.  Really a good example of just how fast one can run, trust me you are not that fast.  And of all the ones we have seen in the past she was way bigger by a mile.  Now it could have been a big boar or a female with cubs in the den, but either way she was not having it, we consider ourselves so lucky to have the honor and pleasure to experience it.

We love chasing stuff and this is the reason we get up and get gone.  Seeing a bear is a random occurrence and you can go your whole life without seeing one unless Yellowstone of Alaska.  So 3things had to happen just right, change of plans, closed road, and then the perfect pick on a new road.  All I have to say is I love Colorado.

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Trying to describe our Sunday morning ride would not do it justice.  This morning the Boss and I were out of the truck looking at a bone pile in the woods and when I got back in she recorded a stretch of the morning drive.  It was almost 10 miles of this, and the video is from one of the better parts, it was gnarly but awesome.  Here is a quick shot.

https://clipchamp.com/watch/ovkOEFftXKU

We are up and gone at daylight, by far the best animal viewing time.  The morning drive was at an easy 10,000 plus and we managed to see 9 elk.  One thing we have noticed is the farther into the back country the wilder the animals.  The elk were really skittish and wanted nothing to do with us or the truck, or there might have been a picture.  And the one big bunch of mule deer were saw were the same, not having us being there.  But it was a lovely day and after the drive we headed to Big Meadow to catch some lunch.

Big Meadow 

It was tough and for over an hour it was only one small brookie.  Then I figured it out and caught my 4 fish limit in 10 minutes and I can positively tell you they tasted great fresh out of the lake and in the pan.  (I meant to show the old, cooked fish plate, but we got in a hurry and were chowing down before I thought about it.)  And speaking of fishing – the water on the creeks and rivers is starting what looks like a slow fall, but most of it is still hauling and still off color.  But it won’t be long, and I should hit it just right for the rest of summer and fall when I get back in July.

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Randon Thoughts – or $$$$$ Talks

CWD

One thing I have been writing about the last year is chronic wasting disease.  It has been found in several captive deer breeding facilities across Texas and now it has been found in a free-range whitetail.  Big freakin’ surprise, it does not take a biology degree to see that coming.  Instead of stopping all captive breeding in the state and any transfer of deer from those facilities for any reason, the threat continues.  Now that it is documented in a free-range deer it does not bode well for the state’s deer herd.  Keep yourself informed.  Follow the $$$$.

Colorado Wading

Colorado is one of the few states where property owners own to the middle of the river.  Without getting to deep into the legal weeds the Supreme Court of the state has a case before it trying to decide what the law is.  It stems from a guy who to make a point waded into the river and of course a self-entitled property owner raised hell, called the cops and now the issue is before the court – Who owns the river?  The question is based on what the rivers were prior to and then becoming a state.  Hopefully the court will rule high water mark and open up all the rivers for wading.  But as with the above comment – follow the $$$$.

Boundry Dispute

A lot of the property lines in the west are actually squared off.  So, some guys figured out that they could be on public land and basically jump the corner to a landlocked public land without setting foot on the private land.  Of course the problem, see above, is the land/corner in dispute is owned by a really rich guy who blocks any access to the landlocked public land, on which he sells high dollar hunts.  It will be wait and see on all three of these issues before the courts but don’t bet on you and me.  Sorry I am getting that cynical in my old age but follow the $$$.  (Be real, you actually believe the common guy will win on these issues?)

The Award goes to Texas

As my search for the perfect 16ft aluminum v hull with a 15 – 25hp tiller steer motor for lakes out here continues, Texas is a dubious winner/loser.  While all states have different licensing requirements Texas requires titles on most boats, motors, and trailers.  As I search Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Oklahoma it is stunning how many Texas boats for sale are missing one or all titles.  Just how is that possible?  And that nonsense just go to TPWD and get some is not true.  So while I have seen a couple I am willing to drive and check out, without all 3 titles just not interested in messing with that.  But no matter the state if there is no trailer title run away.

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This is the 1647th time I have written.  The time sure has flown by.  From full on blog building, to waffling like I tend to do about whether to continue, it is still a labor of love so onward for the time being.  The photo work I have been doing in Colorado is a real motivator and here is a perfect example.

What a majestic animal!

Easy to get up and get out when this is possible.  (And our bear encounter this morning confirms that!)  Bighorns have always amazed me since I saw the first one on a hunting show when I was a kid.  Now I am here and it is just so cool to be able to realistically get close to them, or at least close enough for a long lens.

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Tomorrow is out last day here and it will be back to Texas.  I am looking forward to some bay fishing and a trip or two to the lake.  But the last week with the Boss has been a memorable one.  Moose, rams, deer, and now a bear, it is what we paid the money for.  I intend to never forget to look up and take it all in.  Now back to the coast for a change of pace and some fishing.  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.

I have been consumed with finishing the garage and it is on its last step, the final inspection of the electric.  Just when I thought it was over the last thing confused the crap out of me, the motion lights on the front of the garage would not work.  But with electric to the lights, along with everything else working, made no sense.  Turned out the sensor on BOTH lights are bad and once that was disconnected, they worked like a charm..  (China, what do you expect.)

I am picking the Boss up today at the airport and can’t wait to show her the work.  The garage was her mandatory and after tons of hurdles, it is ready for her inspection and I can finally get back to the Colorado lifestyle.  It has been a real job but time to put it to bed and have some real fun this week.  The area is full of festivals and activities and she has half the week already planned out.  And of course it will include fresh trout in the pan out of a high mountain lake I plan on taking her to.  Then back to Texas and another kind of trout beatdown.

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As we love to do we were out before daylight cracked for our morning drive.  The plan was to head up to the Rio Grand Reservior and see what we could see and suffice to say it was a home run.  And you all know I love me some Bighorns and they did not dissapoint.  The difference was we encontered 2 groups of rams, which had been missing in action the last month.  So without further ado here you go.

Our first spot of the morning which led to the big bunch of rams.

If that does not get your outdoor juices flowing not sure what will.  What a hoss!

Just a bunch of big boys eating breakfast.

Another big boy.

The Rio Grand Reservior at 10,000 ft on a cool Colorado morning.  And notice the snow pack, still plenty of snow in the high mountains.

Just cute.

And then we scored as I spotted a moose in the brush.  A little guy, he was by himself but moose are just plain cool.

Moose are not exactly rare, they are just quite a bit more solitary than other animals so it is a treat to see one.  We just feel privileged to live here and be able to see all that Colorado has to offer.  The morning was a big success and we will continue to keep it up in our quest for the perfect picture.

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A Knockin Tail Smallie

That is a world class Hog!

Clyde and my brother are up to their usual high jinks in Canada.  He sent this along as it was the biggest of the approximately 150 fish they caught today.  Jerkbait, spinnerbait, you name it they used it and the 3.25 Glass Minnow Knockin Tail produced the monster of the day.  Staying at Muskie Bay Resort on their annual trip it looks like their timing could not be any better.  When you travel that far you never know but Lake of the Woods never seems to disappoint. If you have never visited it is a true bucket list trip on world class water.  Can’t wait to see more pics.

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Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoy chasing them.  I will get some mule deer pics up soon as the bucks are just starting to spout their horns.  It will be interesting to watch the local herd in our block to see as the big boy horns start to show.  The next week will be burning the candle at both ends with the Boss before heading back to Texas.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

Thanks – Never Forget

As we all prepare for whatever activity the weekend holds never forget.  Often young kids are sent out to defend our freedom and come back grown men and women, or they make the ultimate sacrifice.  That sacrifice had kept us free and continues to do so.  So a big thanks to those men and women for keeping us safe, and to the families of those that made the ultimate sacrifice you have our respect, and we honor your loss.

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This is Beaver Creek that you can normally just walk across.

The rivers and creeks are swollen and muddy.  The runoff has really increased this week with warmer temps.  There is still plenty of snow in the high passes and combined with the little bit of rain we have gotten the runoff is in full swing.  But one of the things I really appreciate about this area is there is multiple lakes that are thawed and getting a few for the table is no big deal.  And of course the ulterior motive:  Old age is coming and the ability to hop in the truck and catch a few without a ton of effort will be nice in years to come.

Supper!  It took 30 minutes to get it done, if that!

These are stockers, which are specifically for folks to catch and eat.  So just after daylight I headed to Beaver Lake and it took all of a half hour to catch my limit.  I have found a nice grass bed in about 10′ of water and it usually holds them.  For entertainment the Super Duper spoon put 2 on the stringer (The 3.25 Knockin Tail is about to get a serious workout.) and then salmon eggs to fill out the limit and it was back to the house.  As I write this I can smell them sizzling in the pan!

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And speaking of fishing the boat search goes on.  The LTS will head to the shop when I get back next month for a full work up and then it just might be on the market soon.  (Somebody is going to get a great deal.)  The perfect boat out here is small, light, with a small motor.  The lakes are not big compared to most I have fished in my life, not even a real need to get on plane.  Plus with many on gravel roads aluminum is preferred and the lighter the better.  While fly fishing is going to come to the forefront shortly fishing out of the boat will always be part of the plan.  Not even sure I would know how to act without one.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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After getting approval on my electrical rough in on the garage it is the next to the last step to be finally finished.  Since I got up early, I decided to head up north to check out a lake or two and maybe see a little wildlife.

Stopped to check out the Rio Grand at the Collier Wildlife area and it is running high and off color.  Not much for fishing but a great float.

I will never get tired of the view.

A great morning.

Butts always give them away.

For some reason there was not much moving this morning.  Found these girls on the way home.

After not seeing much that morning a big red coyote crossed the road in front of me on the way home.  No time to grab the camera but it is the second cool looking coyote this week.  I stopped at a new lake for me and met a nice guy and we whacked a few trout.  I did not take any pictures but trust me the fishing was good.  The trout were fat and sassy and I will be heading back there to break out the fly rod.  So much water so little time, but the bank fishing access is everywhere and it will take the rest of my life to cover it all.  And with many of the high roads opening new water and high mountains are waiting.

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Today I finish the final phase of the electric in the garage.  It has been a long road, and a big learning experience.   Once that is done today the last thing is finding someone to add some gutters.  In the final analysis I am proud of the work we did under less than ideal conditions.  From blizzards, frozen ground, delays due to getting what we needed, we had it all.  But final inspection will be next week and then I can get back to enjoying our mountain home.  It has been stressful, it seemed the check writing was never going to end.  But from the reaction of all the neighborhood folks it is a job well done.  (As a side note the folks who are “summer folks” are arriving and our neighbors, all Texans, are great.  Some things are just supposed to be, and our house is one of those things and we could not be happier.  And to tell the truth I might be Texan in the legal sense but ask me where I live – the answer is Colorado.)

The Boss will be arriving next week, so I am very excited for her to see the final result.  She had a list of requirements, and we met each and every one of them.  The final result, it looks like it was built with the original house.  (How good does it look?  Pete our contactor has gotten 4 or 5 jobs just from folks in the neighborhood stopping by to check out the progress and introduce themselves.  It is a tight neighborhood who have made us feel welcome.) We will then spend the week in the outdoors before heading back to Texas.  Plenty of stuff to catch up on in Texas, and there are some fish calling my name on both bay and lake.

Last, please be careful this weekend.  Boat check out?  Saftey equipment all there?  A designated driver on both land and water?  And be nice, no reason to ruin your weekend.  I will be heading up to a high lake or two to catch a few fish and chase animals.  The dream continues 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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Here is how I started my day.

I was out first thing this morning for a re-run up to Groundhog Park.  17 miles up one way the last time we tried it the forest service guy was going to close the road further up so we turned around.  Today I made it all the way to the top, and as usual it was a wildlife adventure.  Plus, no waiting on crews or supplies, no painting or yard work so it is a good day.

Not sure what he was eating but he was not leaving it.

I happened to see this guy first thing.  Way out in a field he was muching on something and did not leave when I stopped.  And that he stayed in spite of me watching him told me how committed to eating he was.  So after hoping I could get a shot of him flying time to move on.  Next up was a “yote”.

The coyote was way out there and hit the road the minute I saw him.  Watched in binocs and then took a stab at it.  A really cool color.

If you want to see the Colorado coyotes, you must get up early.  We see them crossing big fields and valleys as they head to the bed after a night of hunting.  Of the tons I have seen in my life this one was one of the biggest and darkest.  When I first spotted him over 100 yards out he was laying down and almost looked like a bear as dark as he was.  If it was Yellowstone my first thought would have been wolf.  Once I stopped he took off and after watching him took this random shot and here it is.  It might be a little blurry but I have always told you they are what they are.  Seeing this one this color was a real treat.

Headed Up!

This particular road has tons of cool vistas and plenty of places to hike.  It ended up raining so the hike will be another day.  Can’t wait for the Boss so she can see how wonderful it is up there.

It is amazing how many mule deer I see every day.

I just took this because I thought it looked cool.  When I left first thing it was just cracking daylight and I almost made the stupid mistake.  The deer were running wild and I slowed down before one turned into a hood ornament.  You just never know when one will jump out, a common occurrence here.

Saw several grouse today.  It seems like they are in the same general altitude and a certain type of woods.

Funny how you see them in very specific places.  After looking at lots of picture I think this is a Dusky Grouse.  Looked a little different than the Blue Grouse but hard to tell for sure.  There is actually multiple grouse in Colorado so will be on the lookout for his relatives.

Getting high now!

Not sure how high this drive is but this will give you some idea.  I was just about above the clouds, something I still can not get over.  Such big wild country where you can get away from most folks.

The Top!

My tracks, not a soul in sight and dead silent.  A fresh snow, there is still lots on the high mountains.  It pays to be prepared for anything this high up.  Maybe someone will come by, and maybe not.  But that is what makes it what it is for me.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Saw this guy on the fence behind the house.  There were lots of birds that morning and this guy was the best of the bunch.  Turns out it is a Western Tanager in breeding plumage.

One beautiful bird.

It was a long way off but it sure is pretty.

Guess we need a bird book, lots of new ones for me.

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A good drive this morning it started raining once I got back down so I headed to the house for breakfast.  It is spotty now so next up will head to Beaver and maybe put supper on the stringer.  Now that the garage is almost finished it will be back to the retired Colorado lifestyle.  Really looking forward to the Boss getting back in 10 days.  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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FINALLY

I know there has been a lull in the pictures and reports but I have been outside, just not where I preferred.  On the other hand here is the result.  The house did not have a garage and the Boss had specific orders – Make it look like it was built at the same time and in the same style.  And in my opinion we got it just right.

Garage for her carport for me.

And the aspens are in full bloom.

It was not easy by any means.  But we are lucky that I found Pete who was able to start.  So how hard is it to find someone to build anything here?  Over the last 2 weeks just in our neighborhood it looks like he got 4 or more jobs just from folks walking by, and the summer folks are not even here yet.  One of jobs he got the folks came to look at his work and told me they had the foundation poured for a big garage – 5 years ago and could not find a framer.  I have heard that repeatedly.  Even one of the guys who has worked with Pete stopped by and Peter offered him work – His response – I am covered up for the next 3 years.

And there were practical issues that spring from building so far from most anything.  It was work but I was happy to participate and actually learned quite a bit.  Yesterday the painters finished, and Pete will be here this morning to pick up the rest of his tools and finish up a small thing or two and it is done.  The last thing is contacting the electrical inspector to do the inspection on the rough in then hopefully the electric can be finished and I can put the job to bed.  It was a real pain in the ass but it looks great and multiple folks have stopped in and introduced themselves and commented on how good it looks.  I have had enough of writing checks, but it is bought and paid for.  Finally, back to the woods I go!

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

These are from a ride up in the mountains to Cathedral Campground which is stunning.  That drive weaves in and out of the forest and private land.  You just have to be careful but there is a world of land out there to use, one of the big reasons we are here.

A bygone era.  Those were some tough folks.

Anywhere there is green grass there is mule deer.  Can’t wait to see some horns start to sprout.  Actually, did see a buck out my kitchen window this morning with small antlers.  Will be cool to watch them as they grow .

And when I say anywhere there is green grass includes my front yard.

These guys are one busy animal.  Fun watching them scurrying around their little towns.

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So today will be a winding down.  After several months of stress time to unwind.  I may vegetate today, read a book, watch TV, take a nap and generally enjoy a real day off.  Then back at it.  Tomorrow out at daybreak looking to see animals, maybe a stop at Beaver Lake and catch some trout for supper, a little hike and polish it all off with happy hour.  And as the month progresses more of the high mountain roads will open along with some spectacular hikes.  The river right now is high and running.  With our weather in the 70’s the serious high mountain runoff is in full swing.  No wading right now but it won’t be long.

The Boss will be here in 2 weeks and then we will head back to Texas.  While I am “constructed out” right now there are things needing doing on the Texas house so when time to sell it is not overwhelming.  Part of the reason I went all out on the Colorado house.  It should be good to go for the rest of my lifetime and we can spend our time traveling and enjoying the outdoors.  Home ownership is a good thing but it has its moments.

And I am mulling over selling the LTS as part of the downsizing plan, a 16′ v aluminum with a 25 hp or so will fit the bill for these lakes. Many of them are on gravel roads and are basically no wake type lakes and it will be nice to downsize after almost 50 years of boat ownership.  N0 tons of batteries, trolling motors that will tow a house, or stops at the gas station that involve having to take out a loan to fill truck and boat.  That part of it was a lifelong adventure and I would not change it for the world.  But it sure will be nice to simplify that part of my life.  Though it will be nice to be back for a month and hit the bay.  it has been a while.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

You never know what the morning will bring.  Tuesday.  And then all gone.

It sure is interesting building here in Colorado.  It is not like there is a Lowes or Home Depot around the corner and it sure has slowed things some.  As a perfect example I will be headed on a 45 mile one way trip to pick up paint.  But there is an upside, after painting the new garage I decided to have them paint the rest of the house while they are at it, which should happen this weekend.  Then we pour the garage Monday if we can get concrete, they said maybe, and then the building is almost done.  And later in the week they come and re-rock the driveway to make it perfect and just maybe it will be done.

It has been a real learning experience and I have enjoyed helping on most of it.  While initially it was just a garage I decided to go all the way on the project and it looks great.  At least I will not have to paint in the future and the house looks brand new.

But like many of you I have had to vicariously fish through my buddy Clyde as I have been too tired to go most evenings.  This building is tough work.  But here are a few to wet your whistle and mine.  And it sure did not help when a lake the Boss and I visited just last week put out a new state record 62lb lake trout.  Obviously that is on the schedule.

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My buddy Clyde has been beating them up pretty good in Northern Iowa.  He has been trolling small plastics on 4lb line.  As you can see both good fish and fish fry material have been coming over the side.  He even whined about losing a big muskie on 4lb, like that would have a good outcome!

A real tussle on 4lb. line.

This is what he is catching every trip out right now.  Can you say fish fry.

And nothing like a big northern smallmouth.

Next up he will be headed to Canada for his annual trip.  He and his wife (She is a big fisherwoman.) have had a tough go of it lately with both of them having serious medical issues.  But things are really going well and they are both are upbeat.  Please think a positive thought for them, good folks.  And good luck in Canada Pork Rind!

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

I just finished roughing in the electric, hopefully it is good.  After the rough-in inspection, a final one once the electric is connected.  As soon as I finish writing this it is back outside, shovel and wheelbarrow in hand as there is plenty of dirt to move.  It is probably good enough right now but as it has taken a month out of my fishing I am determined to get it right and when the end of the week comes it will look great.  It has been an adventure but one I sure do not want to repeat.

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As I type this there is a show on the history of Zane Grey and his fishing adventures.  He was the greatest pioneer fisherman to ever hold a rod.  They have been able to digitalized his old films and they are stunning.  Huge marlin, sharks, tarpon, tuna to giant trout, he pursued them all.  And to top it off he was the first man to break 1000lb marlin on rod and reel.  He explored the world, and his set of fishing books are an amazing read.  All of us who love the sport owe him a debt of gratitude, he opened up the world.  So, if you really care about the history of the sport look them up.  Derrydale Press published a leather bound set of 10 which I have read and re-read, but they are available by other publishers on Amazon.  A real fireside read.

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Sorry about the dearth of posts but that is about to change.  One more week of being responsible then back to the fishing, plus the high mountains roads will start to open and it will be back to hiking and chasing animals..  Then in a couple of weeks the Boss will be back for another week.  Toward the first of June we will head back and I will spend a month in Texas.  Watching the weather I sure hope the bay does not get inundated with freshwater, never a good thing as far as the fishing goes but an important part of bay health.  But as in all fishing far and wide, the weather rules and we take what we can get.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

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Good Morning!  Out our front door.

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Colorado Lesson 

With the boys here they plugged the compressor in the metal shed which also kept it out of the rain and snow, we just had 3″ a couple of nights ago.  So I pulled the trash can out and left it behind the house.  In the back of my mind I am thinking go put it away, the bears are out.  But hey it only had to make it 2 days until Monday morning.  And you know the rest.

He or she crawled over a 4 foot wire fence which the prior owners had to keep the dogs in.  It then had a big old time.  The bear did not like green beans, asparagus, basically any vegetable but loved any fruit and old chicken.  So lesson learned, like I did not know better.

The Boss on her first trip way up the mountain behind the house.  Note that is town straight ahead down the mountain,

Later that morning we headed up the mountain to see what we could find.  Of course scattered bones, showed her both the lion kill sites, and of course the bear left some “evidence.”  The day was stunning, and stuff is about to really start blooming.

Spring is really on the way to 8.600 feet, and with the weather slated to be in the high 60’s – 70’s it is about to get pretty.

We finished off the day checking out the water in a couple of places and I intend to go catch supper tomorrow.  The weather is nothing but stunning and will stay that way all week so we will be out taking advantage of it.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The garage has taken up lots of time the last couple of weeks but it is coming to a big conclusion this weekend.  Basically, setting windows and doors, wiring and then paint.  It has not been easy by any means, and sure is not cheap but welcome to the nearest Lowe’s or Home Depot 100 miles from here.  Just a small trade off to live here.  With the Boss headed back home shortly we were up and gone before daylight.

Headed up to the big mountains above 10,000 feet.  North of Del Norte.

We headed to the top of the world in the La Garita mountains.  On the way we literally saw hundreds of mule deer.  From a couple to herds of 20+ they were on the move.  We ended up going up to Groundhog campground, or at least we tried to make it all the way.  It is about 20 miles one way with no outlet, so you turn around and drive back down.  We hoped to see some elk and as we crossed through some cool old forest we spooked three who crossed right in front of us.  But since they were hauling booty no pictures but it made our morning, besides just being alive and out there.

We easily saw over a 100 mule deer this morning.  Great drive.

A lot of the high mountain roads are still closed and it was a fluke this one was open.  As we got close to the top a forest service guy came up behind so we talked to him.  I learned a couple of days ago one of the reasons they open some of the great roads late is they want them fairly dry so folks don’t wreck, and they do not rut the roads up.  Of all things that was what he was doing there, he said he was going to close the road right above where we were chatting so we headed back down.

Turns out he lives in South Fork and is an elk hunter.  He told me the elk winter in the area, which was easy to see with huge meadows at the base of the big hills, giving them easy access to the low country but just a short hop back up the mountain.  And we learned that folks do a lot of shed hunting in the area, again easy to understand why.  We also had a big grouse flush right in front of us, which is the first we have seen on this side of the pass.  Not growing up with these kinds of critters in Iowa we are always amazed at the wildlife in the west.

As far as the eye can see is the lands that belong to you and me.  They must be protected from any scumbag politician that wants to sell even one foot.

On the way back to town we saw some antelope but just a hair too far out, so those pictures were just too fuzzy.  But we keep taking them and occasionally one comes out great.  But as my buddy Ro told me about this camera before we bought it, real still due to the 600mm lens.  We have always loved the search and there is enough in this area to last us a lifetime.  A 4wheel drive and common sense opens up one of the great areas in the west.  As more roads open this spring the locals are telling us of the great drives, one I learned about today is a day trip, can’t wait.

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Now that is a Walleye!

This one came fishing off the bank on a local lake in Iowa where my buddy Clyde lives.  Next up he is fishing a walleye tournament then off to Canada.  So we should be getting some great photos in the coming weeks.  Clyde is really a multi-species angler, no one trick pony on his part.  The boy can catch them.

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Also got this interesting comment.

Your fisherman knowhows section has become my favorite read. It’s amazing to learn tips and tricks from experienced anglers. Thanks for sharing your expertise with.

I rarely look at the source of many of the comments I get but this one turned out to be not the usual nonsense spam.  Thanks for the comment, it just might be time to add a few more before I get too old to remember.

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The Boss heads home Sunday and the garage should be completely finished middle of next week as I want a little more work done on the driveway etc.  Then finally things will be back to normal around here and the fishing will begin.  It has been interesting building in this environment, we have had everything from high winds, snow, and frozen ground.  But it looks great.  So the adventure continues.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Off Topic

And one last comment on crime.  Over the last month with the boys here every night when done they have left their stuff, table saws, ladders, tools, the works.  Most of it is outside on the site and guess what?  Not a thing has gone missing.  Noone has come on my property and robbed me of the stuff in my garage while I was home like they did in Victoria.  I wake up every day not worrying and having to look outside and see if I have been robbed.  Ask yourself if you live in Victoria, if they left anything out not would it get stolen, but simply how quick would you be robbed?

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