FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Sorry this is late but there was a little snafu around here the last couple of days and it has taken a little while to straighten it all out.  But nobody died and hopefully that is that.  So there is no weather or conditions in the report, I am just not feeling it.  I admit I am burned out right now.  It is probably time for another break, including from the internet.  It helped me get readers, but at times it is nothing more than nonsense.  So this will be the last post for a while.

The plan was to fish with a couple of gentlemen who I had not fished with but it ended up not happening.  They had some trailer problems and I bowed out and headed to the lake.  When I left the house it was really cloudy and blowing, perfect.  When I dropped the trolling motor in at 10:30 it completely cleared and the wind died, which defeated the whole purpose of trying to hit the front.

A good one off my Magic Tree.

To make a short story shorter I fished about 4 hours and actually had a bite or too.  The one above came off my Magic Tree.  Over the years that thing has coughed up quite a few like the one above and bigger.  When the stick worm hit the water it just started going sideways and when I stuck her she was there.  So that alone made the day, but a couple of other things happened of note.

Hope this is a sign of things to come.

Being way up lake, and after fishing a couple of banks without any real success, I decided to make a trolling pass through white bass country.  Now this is definitely early, and with the water temp still in the mid 70’s, we have a little ways to go.  But the good thing, these are big white bass for Coleto.  Until the bite is in full swing it remains to be seen if we have a run of these, but I hope so.  Get ready December.

When I decided to head back down lake I stopped on a steep channel turn and threw the Rapala Shad Rap, which when they are on shad, which they are, it will catch them.  I did catch 2 smalls and lost a pretty nice one on a couple of banks before I quit.  Which put me on today’s pattern.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Friday

The lake has dropped just a little and the color sucks.  As a whole they have deserted the grass, at least it is not a sure thing.  Think that means as the water cools the shad deserted the shallow water.  Now that does not mean you can not catch one out of the perfect isolated bush, but fishing it off and on today it was not the place to be.

When you got a bite they smoked it!

Starting on a brushy point I missed one on the spoon and Knockin Tail so I switched to a crankbait.  As the water color is marginal I used a squarebill in a shad color to get a wider wobble, the Shad Rap is very tight.  Fishing near points and rocks it was a steady bite. I quite counting at 12 or 13, and would have had a small limit.  I had one even a little better than these but she was bleeding bad so I tossed her right back in.  One of those where it was not hooked in the gills but once I took the hook out here it came.

Not fast but consistent on this size.  And one on the spoon and Pearl Knockin Tail.

There was absolutely no wind, which with a crankbait does not help.  Had one fairly good one grab it right at the boat, which is often a sign you are fishing just a little to fast.  So settled on a medium retrieve with a 5:1 reel, and most of them smacked it.  They were just scattered here and there.

Around noon I wanted to try a bank in the plant arm so cranked up and made the run to my favorite bank up there.  Alternating with the Shad Rap and squarebill I would get an occasional bite, but it was mid day and as calm as I have seen in a long time.  So happy with the results I called it a day.

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

Only in Texas

I just can not help but comment on the Texas piss ant who allegedly decided to blow exhaust out of his truck all over a group of cyclists who were preparing for a triathlon, then hitting 6 of them, injuring some seriously.  At the scene for some “inexplicable” reason the police did not arrest him, preserve the area as a crime scene, or even notify prosecutors that it had happened.  I definitely have my suspicions on why he was not arrested:  How many 16 year old kids own an expensive dually truck?  (Note:  Police chief says the officers not arresting him had nothing to do with the families local prominence.  Sure…..  If you can not say something smart don’t say anything.)

At least the local prosecutor followed through in spite of what appears to be lazy and shoddy police work,  (The prosecutors words not mine.)  and he has now been charged with 6 felonies.  He will initially be treated as a juvenile, but at his age easily transferred to adult court and treated as such.  But if his family is that connected it probably will not happen.  I do not know him, or any other particulars other than what I read on the news, but if it is as simple as it appears he needs some jail time.

Strangely enough my very first case was a transfer hearing in juvenile court.  I lost, he was transferred,  I appealed, and he was transferred back and placed on probation.  Not sure what should happen to this kid, but this is no high school stunt, or simple kid prank.  Folks were seriously hurt when they were run over by a big truck.  The time I spent in juvenile court left me wondering how kids can be so disrespectful to folks, it does not happen in a vacuum.  What happened in their raising to let them think treating people like this is ok?  So entitled.  Will be watching to see how this comes out.

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

Steve Bannon 

He is now indicted for contempt for just plain ignoring a congressional subpoena.  There were several ways to handle this outside of just sticking your middle finger up and saying f’ off.  It does not matter the party, the reason, none of that, you answer a subpoena, end of story.  At least you do if you are a law abiding citizen.  Try ignoring one yourself and see how that works out for you.  When folks start that nonsense about the committee it cracks me up.  That is irrelevant to whether or not you answer.  Our system does not allow any of us to decide which law we follow.  That would be chaos!  Seems like that is being slowly forgotten.

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

TPWD is at Coleto this weekend working on restoring our grass.  I will not apologies for giving them the business in the past, and where credit is due it is given.  This is an amazing project and it will be so interesting to follow the progress.  I will take a few photos of the project and keep you all informed.  But a big thanks to TPWD, and the fish thank you too.  Now if they would just mark the structure they put in it would sure help.  Make it so folks without a depth finder can locate them, not just bass fishermen.  Just a thought.

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

To complicate things have to be in Dripping Springs, or somewhere like that, for a big wedding.  I am not good at get togethers, but this is a big deal so off I go.  They are family and a great couple and I would not miss it for nothing.  Not sure when I will be back, but keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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

What are the odds?

I spent the last couple of days fishing with my buddy Todd.  It is the annual Austin Boys trip, but like all groups this one is slowly changing.  I have fished with lots of groups over the years, and after time things change.  Folks can not make it one trip, others head to different places and this year was no different.

The Purple Demon Limetreuse did the job today.

I was really looking forward to fishing in Todd’s new to him East Cape poling skiff.  He has not started the process of learning to pole as he has only had the boat for a short while.  I was just interested in how it ran and handled rough water.  Well the rough water part never came up, it was the nicest, calmest, flat water for both days.  But it was a “softer” ride than some I have been in, and we were able to get in everywhere we tried.

Purple Demon does it again.

Todd has basically quit wading and now sticks to drifting for redfish.  This trip, other than the occasional small trout, we fished for reds.  And while the action was not fast and furious either day, we caught them both days, though for some reason while we caught a few nicer ones, we just did not hit the mother load.  But I try not to look a gift fish in the mouth and remain glad for every one we caught.  This was a lot more laid back than the usual trip, took it easy in the morning, and quit nice and early for happy hour  The highlight of the trip:  What are the odds.

The only other good fish I caught today.

Todd with a red on the Wedge Tail.

Yesterday we decided to fish the Lagoon on a short day.  Fishing was slow at first, until the tide started moving just a little.  On a side note, both days the tides was flat and never did get humping, just a slow creep up, and creep down.  They reds started moving around when the tide started up.  They came out of the “deeper” middle area of the Lagoon and invaded the flats and for an hour we caught fish, most smalls, and a couple of trout.  Funny how catching 18″ reds is catching “small” fish.  They still pull like a tank.

One on the Purple Demon Lmestruese Knockin Tail.

There was another poling skiff on the shoreline fly fishing, we saw then catch at least one.  As we were drifting back and forth across the Lagoon they yelled out they were not trying to cut us off, and we told the the same thing.  So unlike many of the horse’s ass that we all see acting the fool at POC, these were polite folks, as we were, just working together to share the water.  And boy did that turn out to be a good thing.

And on a Mansfield Magic spinnerbait.

Todd wanted to call it an early day so around 2:00 he hits the key, but no, it doesn’t start.  We try it again, no go.  This engine had 12 hours on it when Todd bought it, and maybe 25 hours now, so no reason it would not start.  (I have to take a minute to comment on motors.  I have been a Mercury guy for almost 50 years.  His engine is an E-Tech, which interestingly enough so were the last 2 engines that either left us unable to leave the ramp, or kept acting up, overheating, stopping, and generally being a pain in the ass.  Maybe why OMC is toast?  But that is another discussion.)  

So now here we are, no other boat in sight other than the poling skiff.  Todd has Sea Tow, so we were not going to be stranded, but he thought we should trolling motor over to the other skiff, see if they had any thoughts, and make sure if we had to call Sea Tow someone else knew where we were.

The key and the kill switch seemed to be loose, but since he had a couple of other times where he had a little trouble starting, we were just unsure of what the issue might be.  So when we get over there they were 2 buddies from Houston and when we got close to the boat it had Florida numbers so I asked where they were from.  The owner has a house in Florida, his skiff was high dollar, actually a stunning looking boat.

Todd asked for some input and of all things it turned out the boat owner personally knew the owner of East Cape, who Todd had spoken with several times prior to buying his boat.  (On another side note, the owner of East Cape actually posts his phone number so folks can contact him about his boats.  Think about that, do you think Johnny Morris does that, or even gives a crap when you are stuck out there?  East Cape, what a great company.)  So anyway he calls him and they talk about what the issue might be while Todd messes with the kill switch configuration.  As the gauge tells us we are about to loose enough battery juice to start it somehow fires up and off we go.  I want to thank those guys for being real gentlemen and a credit to our sport.

Mid Story Rant 

After a POC trip where as I headed in to Froggies and found 3 folks, with one paddle and one board, paddling to get back so I stopped to see if they needed help .  There was lots of traffic that day, I met several boats alone heading in and out, who just plain ignored them.  How many boats passed them?  They came all the way from the island taking hours to get back, and boat after boat did not stop.  Karma can be a bitch, and if you were one of those who did not stop a pox on you.  You are not a sportsman, and I will leave it at that.  So I towed them in shaking my head at the quality of the “fishermen” that inhabit POC.

For the way it is supposed to work the best example I can think of is Lake of the Woods.  My buddy Clyde’s old motor would stop and start before deciding to run, which it always did.  As he headed out from the ramp on LOW it did its usual thing, and the next 2 boats that left stopped to check on him, and none passed him by.  Those folks are an example of real sportsmenship and just plain good folks.

I did not intend to turn this post into a rant, so please bear with me.  I just do not get the continued decline of civility and sportsmanship in the fishing community, and of the hundreds of places I have fished from Canada to Key West, POC is right up there with the worst.  The sport seems to be a boat “fashion” show.  How the sport has morphed into owning a boat that cost more than a house somehow makes you a fisherman, and better than 3 folks in a beater boat paddling for all they are worth, makes me sad.  So you spent $75k on a boat and you just ride by folks who are in trouble?  And as you read this you are getting defensive, you might want to think about it.  And if that was you that day might be time to look inward.  Sorry, but finding real gentlemen on the water at POC seems like finding a unicorn.

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

So we called it a good couple of days and headed back in.  This will be my last trip with that bunch, times change.  Next will head back down for a couple of more days with some new folks who are down this week.  The blog has helped me meet so many good folks, and I am really looking forward to spending a couple of day with them.  And thanks Todd, as usual enjoyed it.

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

I caught this one 5 years ago on this date.  I happened to be fishing with Todd in his boat, which I will be doing the next couple of days.  It reminded me of why I have long quit weighing them.

Why would I want to know?  Would it add anything to the memory? When you think about it there is only one question – Was it a big one?  It does not matter what fish it is, marlin, bass, trout, or the rest of them.  They are either big, or not.  So just getting your hands on one like this for quick CPR should make your day.  Ounces are irrelevant, they are only a method to brag to other fishermen.  I was just as guilty until it finally dawned on me what our sport is really about.  The bite, the fight, and then the wonder at the sight of our quarry.  That is what first attracted us and it is easy to lose sight of why we fish.

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

Today is going to be a day of rest, then back at it.  Have not decided the plan yet, but might slide out to the creek then head to POC.  And when that is done it is off to Dripping Springs for a wedding this weekend.  I really would like to slip a day at the lake in while I am at it, but looks like that will have to wait until next week.  But I will keep fishing as much as I can, this is my favorite time of the year and time to get it while the getting is good.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Today  98.26 msl.  5 days ago  98.26

Activity Periods

Major  1:03 pm to 3:03 pm.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The lake looked just like it has since it came up.  The water temp was in the low 70’s everywhere and the color is fishable, though hardly clear.  It was cloudy and the wind was blowing 15+ straight out of the north.  Perfect……..

Second cast with the spoon and Pearl Knockin Tail.

I decided to head directly to places I have been catching them.  Up lake the wind was blowing basically down lake and around every corner.  On my second cast on blasted the spoon and Knockin Tail.  It came out of an isolated bush when the spoon went over it.  Turned out only 3 more bites on it, caught one little one, all coming after ticking a bush.  It was a little tough to fish it perfectly as the wind was humping.  After fishing 4 places I was headed down lake, had a moment, and took a right.

Plastics.

I can count the number of times I have fished the hot water discharge over the last 12 years on one hand.  Fishing discharges is not something I care to do, though it obviously works.  But today it made real sense:  First major cold front of the year and folks turning on their heat, getting the plant working so they should be running water.  At least it made sense and they were. So I whipped in and proceeded to catch 8, most on the stick worm with a 3/8th tungsten Texas rigged.

They were right on the edge or seam where the water was coming out and meeting slightly slack water.  I had plenty of bites and probably stayed about an hour, if that.  Some jumped it but with the current most felt “soft” and if you got in to much of a feeling contest you lost.  So while it was productive, I have the attention span of a fly and sitting there just casting at the same spot is not my thing.

I fished one more place and called it an afternoon.  Considering conditions not to bad, it sure beat sitting in the house.  Fall is my favorite time to fish, they are biting fresh and salt, and the traffic is way down.  Today, not another boat.   And did I say everyone keep hunting.

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

Got this comment from Winfred, which says it all about what I strive to do with the blog and my interactions with other fishermen.

Thanks Doug, Always enjoy your stuff. Thanks for being above board. Its refreshing to read real first hand advice and not the BS that most of the guides post.

It is not only guides, plenty of posturing by folks who confuse their ability to catch a few fish with curing cancer.  There is very little real sharing online which is sad.  Fishing is a sport and pastime that should bring folks together, not separate us into the big shots and the rest of the world.  If most folks think about it, our love of fishing comes with the memories of fishing with family and friends and somewhere along the line that changes.  I appreciate your comment and will continue to share in the hope that maybe somebody will catch another fish or two.

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

And speaking of guides I have fished with the best, Belize, Costa Rica, Australia, and the worst, Baffin and Peru, and everything else in between.  But for me it has always been in the doing.  I only use a guide when I can not get a particular thing done, like offshore fishing, a drift boat, or getting access to a fishing hole somewhere.  There is a great personal satisfaction in doing it myself, but after guiding I know and understand why folks hire guides.   But as Carmine used to say:  There are so many guides at POC that they have to wear badges so they do not guide each other.

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

And last a very important question from Charles.

This is the 10year older than you that wants to try 3or4 knocktin tails in the Lavaca river.
Which ones should I order? Enjoyed our visit.

Here is my suggestions, then a little about rigging and how to use them.

• Mansfield Magic
• Purple Demon Limetreuse
• Pink Ice
• and either the Pearl or the Pearl Limetreuse

The reason to get the Pearl color is for use on a popping cork.  Just use a jig head and put it a couple of feet below the popping cork, 4 Horsemen is best, and hold on.  And the Pearl Limetreuse was a consistent producer last winter without a cork.

The Mansfield Magic has been a steady bait in the fall and winter, and can really catch the redfish.  The Purple Demon has been my favorite all year, and the Pink Ice will always catch fish.  I am using a 3/16 or 1/4 ounce jig head, screw locks work best, then just working it out in a hop and drop back to the boat.  Generally let it hit bottom, hop it up, and then just let it fall.  You will feel them bump it, which means they have it.  And any of them can be slowly reeled to catch them.  So hope this helps and thanks for reading.

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

The only reason I will not be fishing tomorrow is picking up the rod box.  I have tried to find one of these for over a year and it is finally going to happen.   It holds 8 rods with reels, and they can be spinning, casting, or fly, which fits my travel needs.  Other than that the fishing will continue.  So keep stopping and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Post number 1,475.

Thanks Michael for the new colors in the Knockin Tail.  The Salt and Pepper and Honeydew are new and deadly.  Order some today.  (See Below.)

Weather

53/79.  Sun and areas of high clouds in the morning, then mostly cloudy in the afternoon with a 75% chance of a couple of showers and a thunderstorm.  Wind E 7 – 12mph.

Tides

Low  8:58 am.  High 4:27 pm.

Activity Times

Major  12:10 pm to 2:10 pm.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

I Love It When a Plan Comes Together

It was barely daylight when I dropped the boat in.  With a big front coming, and no particular time of arrival other than afternoon it was time to get after it.  As I said when I got the new colors of Knockin Tails I was really looking forward to fishing them.  How confident was I in the new colors?  I decided to only fish them, other than a little topwater at daylight.  And I needed a limit for the Boss and her family next week so I stuck to the plan and it worked out just fine.

The best of 5 or 6 on the Bone Super Spook Jr.

They were not just smashing the topwater, in fact some of them hit it while it was just sitting.  While it was more misses than hook ups at least they hit it a little before it just got to sunny.  As soon as they slacked off it was time for the Salt and Pepper Knockin Tail, and the bite was on.  It was not fast by any means, but they did bite right along.

It was an easy limit on the Salt and Pepper Knockin Tail this morning.

And the Salt and Pepper added a slam while it was at it.

The tide was low and coming up, the opposite of the tide bar at POC, just like it was yesterday.  The water temp was down to 70, and it is still has some color to it.  And the fish were like they have been on both the creek and river, in little bunches and not really scattered.  I did little redfishing, just wanted to stick with the plan and get a limit.

So after sacking the limit time to give the new Honeydew Knockin Tail a go.

I will admit I was a little hesitant on the new Honeydew color, theybut  liked it just fine.  I was catching when I hooked the best trout of the morning.  But guess what?  Do not try to boat flip a 20″, it is not happening on 8lb line.  But no matter, they liked it just as much as the Salt and Pepper, and I do too.

My last 2 bites, including a catfish for the Boss.

A fun morning with a consistent bite.  Using only the new baits they were more than happy to eat them.  I have said it before and will say it again, they love the Knockin Tail, the only problem is settling in on the right color.  And if that is the only problem I have on the water I will gladly figure that one out.  Not sure how many came over the side but it was enough to keep me happy.  I love fishing new stuff and today was a big success.

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

I did want to let those of you know who are not regular readers that unless I say other wise every single fish you see here is Catch Photo and Released, CPR.  Unless it is something a little different, like the Chandeleur trip, you will not see any of those dead fish bragging pictures.  I try to take just enough to let you know how the day went.  I can fill up the deck of the boat too, but for what purpose?  Share more info, keep less fish unless you are going to eat them soon.  If you have freezer burn on your fish you are keeping to many.

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

I had another encounter that leaves me feeling good about the path I am on as far as sharing information on the blog and at the ramp, and not being a fishing snob.  After taking out the boat and getting stuff ready for the drive home and “old” man pulled up and asked how the fishing was.  So I told him exactly where and how, then showed him the baits and the rigging.  He was so appreciative, telling me how thankful he was I spoke with him since lots of folks will not talk to him at the ramp.  So help a brother out, it is even better than catching them!  (Unless it is how you make your money, why everything has to be a big secret is just nonsense.)

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

Also one rule I have here is I do not manipulate photos.  They are what they are, and as far as I am concerned when you manipulate them they are not “real”.  That probably comes from my undergrad in photography/journalism.  Most anyone can take a photo editor and “fix” things.  So when some of mine look a little sketchy it is what it is.

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

I have slowly but surely weened myself from Academy, and yesterday was another example why.  To make a long story short the bait was on the wrong hook with a clearance sign on it.  The punch line, when it comes down to trying to sort it out with a round tele-tubby with purple hair who does not know at DT7 from a bonbon it was going nowhere, so I took my bait and hit the road.  Where do they find these people.  I should have known better.

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

The front is here as I type this, and it is slated to be in the high 50’s all day tomorrow.  The plan is to take it easy in the morning then hit the lake some.  With trout on ice in the cooler I will clean them at the lake with whatever I add for the fish fry.  Then Friday it will be back on the salt.  This time of year is my favorite, fresh or salt, this is one of the most consistent times of the year and it gets my fishing zen going.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

I will be headed to the river in the morning.  This starts a couple week stretch of salt, with maybe a day on the lake thrown in.  I have friends coming next weekend and then more during the week, and it is all about the salt.  Time to make sure stuff is ready and new line on the works.  One thing about the river, it has coughed up my PB Texas snook and flounder.  So lets the games begin, it will be another stretch of fishing till you puke!

Weather

63/81.  Partly sunny with 0% chance of rain.  Wind ESE 7 – 12mph.

Tides

Low  8:39 am.  High  11:48 am  Low 7:55 pm.

Here is a really interesting thing today with the tides.  I got there at about 8:00 and it was way up.  At approximately noon it quit going out and was low.  Taking out at 2:00 it was coming in.  Almost the exact complete opposite, so will watch that the next few weeks.

Activity Times

Major  10:31 am to 12:31 pm.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

There was a little nip in the air, the water temp was 73 degrees, with not that great winter time river color.  After going above the bridge later it was really ugly coming out of the Lavaca.  First up I headed down river to my favorite area and started with a Mansfield Magic Knockin Tail on a  3/16th VMC twist lock jig head.   (I really like that jig head if you can find them.)  It did not take long to catch one, they bit off and on all morning.

They were eating the Knockin Tails!

The wind and tide were perfect and the boat drifted down river.  Just cast to the bank and hop it down the drops.  Most bites came in 3 – 4 feet of water, some were just there, others jumped it.  Every once in while one would finally chew up the body and I found that color was not all that today.  But they were in little pods, not scattered all down the river like it will be soon.

A bunch of these.  The Mansfield Magic did most of the damage today.

I also threw the 4 Horsemen popping cork with a pearl Knockin Tail and probably caught 4 or 5 doing that.  But the best method was just doing the Texas Two Step hop and drop, and you had to be quick.  Not only did some smack it, you really had to be a line watcher, you could see it do something weird so just setting the hook put a few in the boat.

The second bass and of course a catfish.  And the carp got off before I could lip it.

With the water temp still in the mid 70’s it is just a little to warm.  Catching 2 bass, one catfish, and a big carp is a sure indication it is neither cold or nearly salty enough.  But with the weather change that is coming things will only get better.  And no real complaints, If I was keeping them I did scratch out a limit, it was just a matter of working through a bunch of smalls.  It was surprising that no redfish jumped on, and one bite when I set the hook it was just gone, maybe a big flounder.   I give it a B, I love this time of year.

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

I filled the truck and the boat last week and busted a $100.  The good thing, fished 4 times on the boat so far, with well over a 1/2 tank left but the truck needs gas.  I can live with that.  All I have to say how is that $80k boat with a 300 hp working out for you at the pump?  It is about to get even uglier.  My prediction – Someone will be the last guy with a monster engine who has to give it away.  It is coming no matter what happens.

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

After the report on Boerne Lake SA Joe set along this comment.

Boerne Lake comment. IT SUCKS. Have to be blunt, the many times that i have fished it. Have never gotten any chunks out of it. Great lake to kayak, relax. But the creek channel in is about the only place for cover for the bass…Very hit and miss at all times of the year

Tell us how you really feel!  I knew nothing about Boerne and from what I am hearing no great loss.  Thanks for the comment, guess I will take it off my bucket list.

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

Every once in a while the mailman comes through, I am really excited to get to fish My Coast Outdoors’ 2 new Knockin Tail colors.

Honeydew on the top.

Salt and Pepper on the bottom.

I will admit that the Honeydew is “interesting” looking, the Salt and Pepper will absolutely be a killer.  (Though the Honeydew would tear up those Arkansas winter channel swing bass, the color is perfect.)  They are both very popular on the East Coast and I can not wait to give them a try, which will be Wednesday.  They look great and with my fishing schedule the next couple of weeks they will get an honest go.  So stayed tuned for that.

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

How about those Cowboys!   The Boss is off tomorrow for one day on what has, and is, a long stretch.  But MOAB is right around the corner so she will get her just reward.  (She would be happy with diamonds and jewels for a present, but buy her a plane ticket to anywhere and you have a lifelong friend.)  Then she is back to work and I will be fishing.  Unless something breaks, as in me, I will be hard at it.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

One of the things I love about hunting season is the reduced traffic on the water.  And for the second weekend in a row I have actually fished.  Today I was the second boat to the ramp and while there was moderate traffic it was no big deal.  Love fall and winter.

Weather

49/78.  Seasonably cool in the morning; otherwise, plenty of sun; a beautiful start to the weekend with a 0% chance of rain.   Wind W 5 – 7 mph.

Lake Level

Today  98.26 msl.   Tuesday 98.34 msl.

Activity Times

Major  8:55 am to 10:55 am.  Minor  3:43 pm to 4:43 pm.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

When I put in at daylight the air temp was 47 degreethe water temp was 73, which is a big drop.  The color still leaves a little something to be desired, and it was flat dead calm, staying that way until I quit at 1:30.

The biggest of 4 on the spoon and Knockin Tail.

The fish are definitely on the move.  What has changed is the grass pattern has changed to one here and one there.  Before when you found them it was game on.  Today the bites were few and far between.  And not a touch on the buzzbait.  So once the sun was really out decided to try the black/blue swim jig, and of course had a bite on my first cast.

I got fooled.

This one smoked it and swam about 5 foot to the side before I stuck her.  So one would think that a fish like this on the first cast is a good thing, and at times it is.  But today it lead to one other really small, and I missed 2 I probably should have caught.  With the water color the way it is the dark swim jig should be good, but hard to say based on today, but with conditions as they were probably had as much to do with it as anything.  And the little drop did not help if I were guessing.

It was a mile high sky with not a breath of wind, it was really  calm.  The bites would come randomly and while everywhere looked great, I just could not see what the difference was.  I kept after it until 1:30 and basically did not have a bite after 11:00 or so.  If all the ones that bit had hooked up it might have been an ok morning.  Their heart just was not in it today, but better fishing is on the way.

And then got checked by the Game Wardens.  They were good guys and after a quick check I was on my way.  I did  mention to them that I had heard more shooting than normal and they told me it was youth hunting, which explains that.  They were professional and I love seeing them out there reminding folks you can get checked any time.  And I also told them thanks for the grass program,

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

I got an interesting comment from a friend on their fishing trip to Boerne Lake yesterday (Wednesday), the same day I also struggled.  They reported they could barely buy a bite, and while I managed a few it was really tough on a day when you would think it would be game on.  Who knows for sure how conditions really affect fish?  In the end the have fins and tails and can move about, and when they do not want to eat they don’t, no matter what we think.

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

And this comment from Matt on TPWD and Coleto Creek.

That is great news. If we weren’t going to be out of town, I’d bring my kids out for this.

I can not tell you how excited I am about TPWD replanting Coleto.  Not sure how long it will take to really start growing and take hold but it sure is needed.  This is the kind of innovative program that really has a positive result for the common guy.  And it is the type of thinking we hope for when we pay our license fees.  At times I have been a harsh critic of TPWD, occasionally they deserve it.  In this case nothing but props to whoever got this off the ground.  So a tip of the hat to TPWD.

And I too will be out of town for a wedding that weekend, but I sure hope some of the younger guys take the chance to see TPWD at work.  If  you want to be a “big time” fisherman, or have a career in the industry, take this opportunity to give back, maybe learn a little something, plus add to the resume.  Thanks for the comment.

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

Monday will be the river or the creek, depending on which mood strikes me.  Now that we finally have some serious night time cooling it should be good and getting better right along.  This year it has been a little late, so it will probably not last as long as normal, so time to get while the getting is good.  And with several friends coming next week it is going to be a fish till you drop stretch.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

My buddy Chago sent me this and you could have knocked me over with a feather.  Since Coleto lost its “grass” it has not been the same lake.  It was sad to see the decline but maybe there is hope after all.

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

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

I have been surprised a time or two but this is one of the better ones in a while.  It can turn the lake around in a short time.  I have been critical of TPWD at times, but nothing but props for addressing what was is a real problem. So a big thanks to TPWD for addressing this in a big way.  And to the participants, Coleto Bassmaster and Bass Nation , your work is appreciated and will change the future of the lake.  For you younger guys who want a career in fishing or the outdoors here is your chance.  And to the rest of you, leave the stuff alone, the future of the fishing is at stake.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

So follow my thinking.  Tomorrow looks good with clouds, Wednesday it will be literally unfishable. Thursday off to Cedar Park for car service, then by Friday the weather will be settled down and it is going to hit the 40’s at night soon.  The day looks good for salt or fresh, but the river and creek can only get better as soon as we get cold nights.  It is the lake tomorrow and then salt on Friday.  We shall see if that is the right choice.

Weather

75/87.  Mostly cloudy and humid with a 11% chance of rain.   Wind SE  9 – 15 mph.

Lake Level

Sunday  98.35 msl.   Today  98.34 msl.

Activity Times

Minor  12:50 pm to 1:50 pm.    Major  6:00 pm to  8:00 pm.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

After catching them right along the last few weeks I was due to have a tough day, and today was it.  What makes that “interesting” is I could not have asked for better weather for bass fishing.  It was pretty foggy dropping the boat in before daylight.  But it worked out ok, as I idled up lake and got to a grassy point just right.  There was no real change in conditions other than the front that is bearing down and my hopes were high.

Today other than jumping one really nice bass that came unbottoned, and 2 or 3 smalls, they were not having the spoon and Knockin Tail.  Several rolled on it early and just did not eat, they were definitely not aggressive like they have been.  So picked up the buzzbait and had a great bite on a point.  But it became clear, the type of places I have been fishing just did not have them today.  The only thing I did notice is the bait was not in the grass for whatever reason.  I stayed with the buzzbait for a while an caught 2 more, and then it just seemed to quit.

This one crushed a buzzbait!

From that point on it was alternating between the buzzbait and the Knockin Tail and spoon, with neither doing to much.  The clouds began to clear just a little and the wind started blowing out of the south at a good 15.  At this point it is slow, just a bite every once in a while.  So time for a move.

And it went downhill after this one.

I headed back down and then up the plant arm, stopping and fishing what I thought was good places.  Swim jig, Bang O Lure, and spinnerbait all got a good go.  Fished deep banks and shallow, grass and wind, they just were not up.  Even pitched a deep bank with heavy cover, but either I choose wrong or they were just not there either.  So at 2:00 after fishing hard I called it a day.  At this point I have fished 7 out of the last 9 days and I am feeling it and though this was the toughest day, no complaints.

Trying to make sense of today is tough.  Perfect conditions, catching them right along in several places, it should have been a butt whipping.  The last couple of weeks I was having trouble even getting bit on buzzbait.  Guess looking back at the pictures it would have been a little better this morning if I had just threw the buzzbait, but no matter what I was just convinced it was going to happen somewhere on something.  That is what makes fishing what it is, you just never know.  Will be off a couple of days then back at it.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Weather

74/91.  Partly sunny, very warm and humid with a 3% chance of rain.  Wind  S 7 – 12 mph.

Tides

High  12:46 am  1.34 ft.   Low  12:09 pm  -0.12 ft.

Activity Periods

Minor   11:03 am to 12:03 pm.   Major  4:18 pm to 6:16 pm.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

I was not surprised that the creek was off color and the water temp was 75 degrees, way to hot for good winter fishing.  The tide was up and other than barely moving out, it never played a role today.  First up was my favorite bank and while it was slow, it was not a bust.   Being dead calm and foggy did not hurt anything.

This was a great bite!

On the way down I stopped at one spot and caught one and missed another on the Mansfield Magic Knockin Tail.  It was the hot bait last winter and will be so again.  Not sure why they like it in creeks and rivers in the winter, but I do not look a gift horse in the mouth.  The fishing was slow and it was clear they are not in there in mass yet.  I saw a red or two moving shallow so I basically fished topwater the first hour or so.

A spinnerbait red on a Clearwater Knockin Tail trailer.  And on one on the Mansifield Magic.

I stuck with the topwater early as it was dead calm.  It was not fast but occasionally one would take a run at it, including the best I could manage today.  Several reds came after the topwater, but if they did not get it within a foot or so of the bank they would not eat, so time to switch to a spinnerbait.  I love the Strike King Redfish Magic, but I change the body to a Clearwater Knockin Tail.  By gluing it on it stays on much better than the original and that particular Knockin Tail has additional flash to go with the rattle.  They just plain like it and it is still one of my favorite bites.

 This good trout smoked a topwater.  And what the rest looked like.

The topwater bite was over as soon as the sun came out.  So from that point on until quitting at 1:00 I just alternated between the spinnerbait and the Knockin Tail on a 1/8th jig head.  It was just one here and one there, mostly small.  But at least they were biting a little but it did not help that the water did not move.  Checking on a couple of other go-to spots would produce a bite or two, but I never did find the big bunch.  They were scattered on no particular type of bank.

It is not time yet, until we get a really cold night or a series of nights it will not be as good as it will get.  It is one of those things that when the time is right, go, it will be over soon. Just like all fishing patterns, fresh or salt, they do not last.  But I caught fish so no complaints.

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

And this comment from SA Joe on the Louisiana trip.

Keep me in mind if there is ever an opening with you guys let me know….Not sure about those sharks in the water. Will have to bring a knife with me, pistol????

Might be cheaper to get on the charter, than my dream trip of going to get some Peacock Bass in the Amazon…

I can guarantee it is a whole lot cheaper than the Amazon, the Boss actually looked at a houseboat trip there and it was not cheap.  All the boats that go to the islands are about the same price and it has ended up about a grand for 3 or 4 days of fishing with all meals and boats included.  I have said it before and will say it again, it is the best deal in fishing.  And what are a few pesky sharks?  Actually it is cool to see them cruising the flats.  While I am not sure they will all give up the way mine did, but as long as you can see them coming you should be able to keep your legs!  Thanks for commenting.

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

And he also dropped this comment on the river being so high.

You mentioned the Guadalupe Flooding… Well most of it came from Lake Placid up here draining. This is the 3rd lake to drain on the Guadalupe river. They let the gates down and couldnt get them back up when the rains came 2 weeks ago….

Well that must explain it, when I crossed it yesterday it was still high and muddy.  But in the bigger picture we needed the rain and the lake is at pool, so it is not all bad.  I am really looking forward to the lake this year if it stays up.  The bigger fish are much harder to come by but the numbers should be off the chain this spring.

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

Tomorrow will be the 7th day of fishing out of 9 days.  The weather looks really promising,  We will see temps in the 50’s Thursday night and the 40’s Friday night.  Give it a few days and there should be some real improvement in the fishing.  But Wednesday looks really sketchy, staight from the forecast: “storms can bring damaging winds and a tornado.”   Ok, guess I will not be fishing Wednesday.  So before I go to bed I will decide where I am fishing tomorrow.  The forecast is for clouds, so the lake is calling.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Thanks for the picture Nate!

I am rested up and chomping at the bit to get back on the water.  Tomorrow morning the cleaning lady is coming so I will actually be on the lake at daylight.  While fishing on the weekend is not my preferred fishing time I am so interested in the current water level and conditions so off I go.  This is my favorite time of the year and I intend to take advantage of it.

Weather

72/88.  Partly sunny, warm and humid with a 25% chance of rain.   Wind S  8 – 13 mph.

Lake Level

15 days ago 97.53 msl.   Today  98.35 msl.

Activity Times

Minor  11:03 am to 12:03 pm.    Major  4:18 pm to 6:18 pm.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Who Knew?

It was still dark when I got to the ramp.  You could easily tell the lake was up almost a foot.  The water color turned out to be less than optimal from the ramp to up lake.  The temp started out at 79 degrees and was 84 when I took out at 1:00′

Spoon and a Pearl Knockin Tail put the hurt on them this morning.

Since they have been eating that Knockin Tail and spoon in the grass seemed like the right thing to do, and it was.  I ended up boating 8 on the first bank, and it went from there.  It was dark when I started so time to throw buzzbait until it got light and 2 smalls jumped on.  I specifically fished that bank so I could turn around and re-fish it with the spoon and Knocking Tail.  And it worked like a charm.

Lots were smalls but the average was fine by me.

They are shallow, and I mean most that jumped on today were in a foot or so.  The advantage of that bait is you can throw it all the way to the bank no matter how shallow and get it back out without hanging up.  The most important thing I have found is the Knockin Tail needs to be trailing straight or slightly up.  If it is down it ruins the action of the spoon, which you want to wobble like it is supposed to.  Speed is just below the surface and hoping it over the occasional isolated bush so be ready.  Every once in a while it will simply disappear.  Once straight it is perfect with the Knockin Tail ratttling along, today they were eating it and the first couple of hours missed very few.

Several this size, the rest smaller.

I wish I could tell you exactly where they are but right now when you get bit it is either several, or not another.   Of course one will jump on near a point, but they want a little water close with big grass areas.  You can almost toss it on dirt and get bit.  They bit right along until around 10:00 when the sun came out and it slicked off.  Not sure how many I  caught (15 or 20.) but it was plenty good.  It was good fishing and bodes well for the rest of the week.

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

And here is the report from my readers trip with Capt. Howie which was the same time as ours.

Doug, I would give you a more detailed report but it would sound just like yours! Topwaters dominated for us with the Knocking Tail a close second. We swam the jigs as well. Like you, we found them in knee to thigh deep water and caught several trout over 20″ with the biggest going a touch over 26″. Reds up to 45″ as well! Just an awesome trip and already looking to book again next year.

We didn’t have any shark problems, but saw plenty of them! First trip and it was everything I had hoped it would be! Boxed our 150 trout and 30 reds in 2 days and spent the 3rd day just having fun.

By the way, Capt Howie and DT said to tell you and your crew “hello!”. Those were some top notch folks.

Anyone thinking about going, just go! It is one of my favorite trips I have taken and I have fished all over! Fished for a week in Alaska in August and believe this trip topped Alaska!

Thanks to your previous reports, Doug, I had a little bit of a clue of what, when, where, and how.

Glad y’all had a great trip as well! We could see y’alls boat anchored up to the south of us a ways. Not sure how far North y’all ever went, but we may have crossed paths a little while out on the water.

That was definitely us anchored South of you.  My partner and I fished near the boat in the Redfish Point area for 2 days, and when I  fished with David we were up past the Southern Belle.  From a couple of pockets south of the Red Can to the houseboat cove was the main group’s stomping grounds.  I am real glad you all had a great trip.  We actually already scheduled next Octobers before we left.  It is truly a remarkable place anyway, and when the fishing is like that it goes into the bucket list.  Of course over the years I have been around a shark or two, but at least the water was clear and I won those fights.  And last, so happy you had a good time with Howie and DT, great guys and definitely Chandeleur OG’s.  And if DT likes you, you are in.  So thanks for the report, hard to describe how good it can be.

Turn out the lights the party is over, but what a trip!

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

And my buddy Rusty said it best in his comment on the trip – Awesome!  He was so right.

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

I can not believe how the Guadalupe has flooded, it sure was not all that due to our rainfall.  The last thing the bay needs is another ton of fresh flood waters.  At least the lake should be as clear as normal since it should not have received that much influx.  (Though once I checked it is actually up 3/4 of a foot.)  I will be on all of them this week so will just have to see.

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

I spoke to a couple of guys from San Antonio who had only been here a couple of times.   They were working wood and basically struck out, catching 3.  So I showed them the pics and the bait and filled them in.  Remember, the spoon and Knockin Tail will work  anywhere, especially if the bass are on the shad like they are on Coleto right now, and of course if there is grass.

And when I was putting stuff away a boat was right across from me getting ready to put in and I had one of those encounters that says a lot about fishing.  He asked how I did, I told him, and then he said they must be deep by now.  I gave him the low down and it was clear he did not believe me, which says: I don’t believe other fisherman.  So I ended it by saying they must be deep, and he will head out and do exactly what he planned on.  Sad fishing and lying  (Or just not being totally truthful.) seem to go hand in hand.  For me it is more fun to help a brother out, just like folks did for me 45 years ago in Arkansas.

 ***************

So here is the punch line, I am not unhooking the boat this week.  The weather looks great, the fish are biting fresh and salt, and the Boss is on a long stretch.  The next couple of months is the best fishing in both fresh and salt, with creeks and rivers looking up, reds schooling up, and the bass getting that early pre-spawn urge.  Combine that with some clouds and drizzle and hold on.  It feels like I am about to get on a roll so those fish better look out.  Keep stopping in, there is going to be lots of fishing, and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines