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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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,

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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

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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.

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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.

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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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

I have been in Illinois the last few days putting dad to rest at his old stomping grounds.  He was laid to rest at the old church where he spent his youth until he went off to college.  That small farming community was where we ran the hills and farm fields with my cousins, many who were there.   I had not seen my cousin Brad, who is the winningest coach in the history of Illinois high school basketball, or Jimmy, for decades.  It was one of those places you either knew everyone, or were related.

As dad was a Korean War vet, the honor guard was there and it was moving when my cousin’s son, who is still active military, requested to present mom with the flag.  (Thanks, it meant a lot.)  Then the 21 gun salute followed.  When we got to the cemetery we were surprised how many folks were there.  It was so good to see so many family and his friends from the small farming community where he grew up, all who came to pay their respects to one great man.  Friend of many, enemy of none, he was a gentleman.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Happy Birthday Joy

I want to wish my great mother-in-law Joy a Happy Birthday.  Hope you have a great day!

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I thought I might fish a minute or two before leaving Sunday but after being gone a month, then a few days, think I will rest up before the trip.  And since a week or two later the Austin Boys will be here and I will be gone for a few more days after I get back, then MOAB all in the next month.  Time to stay home and keep the Boss happy.  (Though I suspect she is happy to see me return, then happy to see me off!)  I am so fortunate to be able to fish and travel like a maniac, and I thank her every day for that.  But time to sit on my ass in my living room a day or two, and then start all over again.  Plus time to start thinking about packing and I am sure there must be something else I need to buy before we leave.  Tough life.

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Ahhh, TSA, keeping us safe.  So here is the deal, after the 21 gun salute we were handed the fired shell casings.  I kept 2 for my grand kids for their treasure chest I have been building over the years.  (Hey who would not like to score a treasure chest when Granpa kicks the bucket.)  After thinking it over I was unsure what TSA might do about them, so I had the motel where I stayed mail them to me in case they would be confiscated.  When I was headed in to the O’Hare airport there was a woman in the uniform outside so I thought I would ask her about it.  And as I have found on occasion, they can be rear ends but she took the cake.  The explanation was nonresponsive, bordering on stupid, and she acted like it was an imposition to even speak to me.  Not sure who peed in her Wheaties that morning, or if she is always a b*%@h, I just said thanks and went inside.  But either way I object to paying her salary.

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Our group will be meeting the DMJ Charter’s boat at Pass Christian Mississippi on Sunday afternoon to start our 3 1/2 days of fishing in the Chandeleur Islands.  The boat heads out at 1:00 am while we are sleeping and we will be fishing at daylight Monday.  As usual the BS is flying back and forth, the $1,000 pot has folks worked up.  (I told them to save the effort and just give me the bucks but for some reason that was voted down!)  With the good company, good food, and hopefully stellar fishing, a good time will be had by all no matter what.

In my case it is a little bittersweet that we will not be on board with Capt. Howie.  He is now doing 2 day 6 pack charters only, but I will always be thankful for the fishing trips on the  Southern Belle.  Howie was one of the original OG’s taking folks fishing to the Chandeleurs and I could see retirement around the corner for him.  Plus his offshore boat is awesome and I know he wants to spend more time doing that.  So check out the new boat, it is sweet.

http://dmjcharters.com/

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It looked like Louisiana and Texas have reciprocity for all waters for old farts like me.  So should be simple enough, call Louisiana and confirm.  Suffice to say it took 4 hours and I still could not get through to the site.  They had a feature just hang up and we will return your call, which they did, 17 hours later after I resolved the question.  So I called a local office and they confirmed, which was great as I was going to buy an annual for $90.  And now I can run wild in La all I want for zip.  As soon as Buggy gets Bridgeside Marina back in shape it will be off to Grand Isle.  And I want to try a couple of other places before summer comes.

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Joe Rogan the comedian, fight commentator, and pod cast dude is a total antivaxxer.  Here is my only comment:  If you are taking medical advice from Joe you might deserve whatever happens to you.  Think about it, his old show they ate sheep “rear ends”  (For lack of a “better” word.) and stuck ugly stuff up their noses.  How have we gotten to the place that the advice of a tatted up, dope smoking comedian beats your doctor?  He might be fun to go to dinner with but I will stick with my doctor for my medical advice.

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The packing is done.  Tackle and equipment gone through, wading stuff too.  Actually trips do accomplish a couple of things, preparing stuff gives you a chance to look things over and find out what you have, or don’t have.  Plus on a trip like this if you do not have it you will be SOL.  And since I have a jig head obsession there is no such thing as to many.  So let the Knockin Tail killin’ begin!

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This is the last from me until I return at the end of the week.  It seems weird to not have fished for over a week, but that is about to change.  Off to Louisiana first thing in the morning, then Monday the games begin.  The boys are wound up, as evidenced by my phone blowing up with assorted questionable texts, it is a tough crowd.  (How tough?  The Iowa Boys just sent a text asking if they were to bring the goat?) So a little Arkansas football to pass the time, like usual I am all kinds of ready to go.  So keep stopping in there will be a story of some sort to follow, and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

It is hard to stomach the forecast.  90 degrees and sunny, sure am looking forward to fall.  But of course that will not stop me from fishing though not sure I can last through the major period.  And as usual, out early to catch the daylight bite, hope to end up on the right bank for starters.  No guess on the water color but if it would clear just a little way up lake things would improve.  No way to know except to go.

Weather

64/9o.  Very warm with sunshine and 0% chance of rain.   Wind ESE  6 – 12 mph.

Lake Level

Today 97.53 msl.   Monday  97.62 msl.

Activity Times

Minor  9:08 am to 10:08 am.    Major  2:12 pm to 4:12 pm.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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A TRUE BEATDOWN!

It was barely daylight as I headed up lake.  First up my better bank for the spoon and Knockin Tail, and from that point until I quit at1:30 it was a real beatdown.  But there is a twist to how that happened.

This girl will be a real giant when she grows up.

From daylight until around 10:30 it was keep the spoon and Pearl Knockin Tail in the grass and be ready.  It was not quite as fast as the other day but I got bites everywhere I tried.  It was an easy 10 on the spoon and Knockin Tail and a couple on stick worm near wood.  In fact only threw it at 2 pieces of wood and caught fish on both.

A couple of good ones.

There was one small hitch in the git along this morning.  The fish are still not on long stretches just because grass is there.  I have fished a couple the last 2 trips when out of nowhere and real one smoked the spoon and Knockin Tail.  I thought I had a good hooks set, got her to the boat and was already taking the picture in my mind when disaster struck.  She just came off, no reason, just swam away.  But it really has me excited about what might be  to come this fall on the lake.

After fishing all up lake I decided to make a run and head up the plant arm and try a couple of places when on the way I decided to stop and troll, eat some honey buns and drink some coffee.  3 hours later my hands were tore up and I left them biting.

What was there?  Bass, white bass, and those nice catfish.  They were all related to big schools of shad, and once I  found the big bunch it was double after double, it was some great fishing.  So here is literally a few to give you an idea how it went.

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They were smacking the snot out of it.

Basically I stayed in 10 – 20 feet of water, with 14′ being the best, trolling balsa shad looking baits that run about 8 – 10′ deep back about 50′  at 2.5 mph.  It turned into one of those guess I will head out after this pass, and wham, 3 or 4 would jump on.

And the bass were there with them.

Once I really got the shad schools nailed down you could see them on the locator, start counting and wham, fish on.  And the just kept biting.

A couple of the better ones, along with a whole bunch of smaller ones.

The bass were right under the shad, and were just slamming it.  I kept fishing because the white bass  were also in the mix.

And there was a whole lot smaller than this. 

They were all mixed together, and since our grass disappeared it is definitely a shad based forage.  If you look at the catfish they are silver.  The white bass were what is good/normal size for Coleto.  Why the lake does not have a better population of big ones I have never been able to figure out.  But they were cooperating and I just could not leave and head to where I intended to earlier.

So how many?  Not a freakin clue, but I had 57 pictures and did not take one of over half of them.  This is the kind of day that makes all the time and effort worth it.  Catching some nice ones early shallow, having a shot at a big one, then smoking a bunch of all flavors trolling.  Really glad I did not bring the cooler today or I would still be cleaning fish.

So around 1:30 I was out of honey buns and coffee, my hands were flat trashed, so I left them biting as strong as when I found them at 110.  Today was about as fun as a day on the water can be.  Unfortunately I will be out of town for a few days until late next week so they will get a rest.

But if you are a bass fisherman when it clouds up and maybe rains a little it could get ugly.  And tossing a crankbait like a 6xd could really sack them up if you can get it below 10′ and keep it there.  Fall is going to break out and so will the fishing.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines