FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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From TPWD on this holiday weekend.

We are expecting another boost in Texans enjoying the outdoors during the Labor Day weekend so Texas Game Wardens will be out in force to ensure that everyone exercises proper safety protocols on the water,” said Cody Jones, TPWD Assistant Commander for Marine Enforcement. “We want to ensure water-related activities are handled in a responsible manner. While you are on a boat, wear a life jacket, closely supervise any children with you, use the engine kill switch, and abstain from driving a boat if you are drinking alcohol.”

As they say about New Years Eve, amateur night.  Well the same can be said for the holiday weekends on the water in Texas.  Be safe, there is no more dangerous time to be on the water in Texas.

So here are my rules from last year.

1.  Just because you are correct does not make it right.  Assume your fellow boaters know nothing, or have been drinking, so give way.
2. Other than saying hi do not get into it with some knucklehead on the water for any reason.
3. Get you stuff together before you even approach the ramp.  Then unload, and if you have help you should not even get on the ramp until the driver is in the boat and ready to go. Then drop it in, float it off, and pull out.
4. Then move out of the way.  Don’t be a Froggie’s idiot  (A daily happening.) and pull off on the side in front of the ramp to clean fish while 10 people are trying to get out.
5. Drink like a fish if you want, when you get home, especially if you are the captain.  You are responsible for your passengers safety.  I mean who wants to be cuffed and stuffed in front of family and friends?
6. Remember the kill switch and mandatory life jackets on the kiddos.
7. Be sure to check everything out on the boat and trailer before leaving the house.  The ramp is not the place to find out your battery is dead, or end up sitting on the side of the road instead of in the water because your hub blows out.
8. And last – have a great time with your family and friends.  2020  (And 2021 is trying to keep it going.) has been a dumpster fire and the last thing you need is trouble on your weekend.

Think I am exaggerating?   Last years (2020) numbers.                   

And from my post last year on TPWD  holiday weekend numbers.

AUSTIN— Texas Game Wardens closed the summer boating season with water safety checks and boating safety patrols on the lakes, rivers and bays in Texas over the extended Labor Day weekend. Between Friday and Monday, water safety checks were conducted on more than 3,800 vessels statewide. Additionally, 267 citations and 412 warnings were issued for various boating safety law violations.

Four individuals were also arrested for Boating While Intoxicated, three others were arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and 21 others were arrested on other charges.

Over the holiday weekend, game wardens also responded to 26 boating accidents across the state.

Do the math, over 700 incidents, say 2 to a boat, means almost 1 out of 10 are not in compliance in one way or another.  And a big thanks to our wardens, we respect you and the job you do.  So for God’s sake, and your loved ones, be freakin’ careful!

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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And now the bad news.  Chronic Wasting Disease has been found in another commercial deer breeding operation.  TPWD has instituted plenty of new restrictions but it is starting to feel like the cat is out of the bag.  The very last thing Texas needs is for that to get into the wild population, if it has not already.  We are playing with fire.  Time to stop the transfer of all captive deer until there is no chance of it spreading.  But since that will not happen, see how long it takes to become an issue.  Any bets?  And since our government agencies are usually a little to close to private commercial interests I have no faith in what is going to happen.

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I am about to take a really big mental health break.  This will be the last you hear from me until sometime in Colorado.  Until I leave I am taking a break from the blog, and once I leave from the news, Facebook, TV, and anything else I can think of.  This country has gone insane, from the right wing nut cases who quote the constitution like they can spell it, to the completely clueless radical leftist who wants to give it all away.  We have stopped working together, turning the other cheek, and compromise is for the other guy. It seems like there is no center.  Science is suspect by both the stupid and the educated, and the law is being used as a weapon against those with the least.  And somehow Facebook has become folks go to for knowledge and information, no matter how stupid or incorrect.  Think about how screwed up that is.  So the fix?  I have no clue other than quit bombarding ourselves every second of the day.  Put down your phone!  The world will go on without it, and you.  But I do know how to fix me.

Daybreak on the top of a mountain listening for the eerie cry of a bugling elk with a chill in the air.  A small stream I can cast across with my 3wt, hopefully without a soul in sight.  Watching a trout ease his head out and engulf a hopper.  Fishing a high mountain lake and taking only what I need for my supper.  Hiking a trail with bear spray on my belt, hoping, and dreading, coming across a lion or bear.  And being absolutely exhilarated at the very thought.  Glassing a high ridge hoping to see a full curl, or maybe seeing a couple of mule deer locked in mortal combat for the future of the species.  Switching to 4 wheel when the road deteriorates as the Continental Divide comes into full view.  Then getting out of the truck, dining on a delicious bologna sandwich and honey bun, listening to the wind through the trees, and really “seeing.”

Please be so careful this weekend.  Enjoy whatever you do, but respect the rights of others.  And be nice, it is actually a lot easier than being an asshole.  Now I am going to work on the pile of stuff and the list, I can not wait.  So keep stopping in, I will be back, and thanks for 11 great years.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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One cool sunrise!

It was a beautiful morning.  The lake has definitely gone down a foot, the water temp was still in the low 90’s, and the color has deteriorated just a little in some places.  I wish the picture above was better, it was something.  The clouds on the right and a line where the red started, which I think is the dust thing we have been experiencing lately.

Since it was still basically dark when I started it was the buzzbait on the best place, which definitely has been affected by the drop in water level.  In fact, after fishing all morning and catching 7 bass it appears the better fish must have backed off some as I did not have a big bite all morning, and the spoon and Knockin Tail got the only good bites.

The spoon and Knockin Tail saved the morning.

Like the other day when they bit it was one after the other.  On the first place 4 smalls jumped on the buzzbait, 3 on about 5 casts.  On the next place 3, including the ones above, jumped the spoon and Pearl Knockin Tail, in about 5 casts.  Other than that it was a few half hearted bites here and there but it has definitely slowed down.  Around 10:00 the wind started just a little, where they came up with 20 – 30 mph for a high wind today I do not know as it did not ever start really blowing before quitting.  So just for the morning finish I trolled to the ramp area before calling it a morning.

A couple of catfish trolling back to the ramp.

Besides these 2 catfish a couple of small bass hooked up, and one good one pulled off.  Most of the stuff I saw this morning seemed to be in the 15′ range, and the shad seem to have broken up some, what appeared to be small schools tended to be right on the bottom.  So after catching a total of 11 time to call it day.  On getting in the truck it was already showing 90 degrees, no wonder I was hot.

The morning was not a complete bust, the falling water had them a little off from what it has been.  We can only hope that whatever led to that stops and the water level stabilizes.  And on the way in saw several folks crappie fishing, including one boat that caught 2 in just the time it took to pass them.  Folks are fishing straight up and down with minnows, and it has been good the last month from folks I talked to or have seen putting them in the boat.  All I have to say about the lake, bring on fall.

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I did want to mention that by putting a high quality small swivel on the front of the spoon, with the clip removed,  did not hurt anything and it comes through the stuff just fine.  A split ring on both ends solved the twist problem, still a little but not something to worry about.  And another trick is to tear off a small piece from a old plastic and thread it on the hook so that it gets right to the bend.  Then put the Knockin Tail on and it will keep it from sliding down the hook, and it runs much better.  The punch line, keep the plastic straight with the spoon and you will get more bites.

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Things are sure tough in Louisiana, and the videos today of the damage at Grand Isle are heart breaking.  The motel is basically gone.  The dock and store, while standing, are trashed and the fuel tanks are gone.  There is a fresh video driving down the main drag which is stunning in the amount of damage.  And if you think about it the damage runs for 60 miles north of there.  This is going to take months and years to fix, and who knows how many folks will just give up in Grand Isle, it is ugly.  So all the best to Buggie and his wife Dodie, along with the rest of the Bridgeside family, folks are pulling for you.

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Basically I am just treading water until I hit the road to Colorado in a week or so.  Starting to really get excited about the fishing, and the cooler weather.  Visions of being on top of the mountain at daylight listening for elk and searching for the elusive Bighorn.  Not sure why I get so obsessed with sheep, it probably came from watching World Wide Sportsman back when there were really no other outdoor shows.  Every week I hoped for sheep and marlin.  I got the marlin, the sheep will just have to be with a camera, but that is fine by me.  Will be back on the water sometime but until then I am dreaming of the afternoon hatch and trout blowing up on a hopper.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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As mentioned in the past my webmaster skills are sorely lacking.  So while working on this I did a test run to see if there were any issues and of course there were.  Clicking on the Knockin Tail or Wade Right logos did not take you there, I am clueless as to why they disappeared.  But got them fixed so you can visit their site and buy some of their great products.  Somehow things like that get fixed, but why or how, who knows.  I am a fisherman not a computer dude.

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I should have gotten up this morning  (Friday) and went fishing but I slept in.  The Boss is headed to Houston for a trauma class so I decided to stick around and start the Colorado list and the serious piling up of the stuff.  The plan now is to leave the Tuesday after the holiday and stay the month.  As there has already been a little snow, and the temps could vary from 20 – 80 degrees will just take it all.  You can always take it off, but if you do not have it you sure can not put it on.

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As Michael works his way through new additions to the Knockin Tail line it is amazing to me how things have gotten in much of industry, including the fishing industry.  Getting some “parts”, no matter the industry, is still a hassle.  The months long wait for my boat part, no cars on the lots because of some sort of problem producing chips, the list is long of industries struggling with the effects of the pandemic on the supply chain.  The pandemic has turned into the gift that keeps on giving and I for one are ready for it to end.   But I may be sick of it, and so might you, but trust me, the Boss and her cohorts in ERs and ICUs all over this country are the ones really sick of it.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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And this from Wade Right and Grinder Terminal Tackle.

Mike Dickey   Grind Terminal Tackle

June 15  · 

Grind is glad to now be on Coastal Fishing Gears web site AKA Wade Right. This provides a one stop shopping experience for the avid wade fishermen and women. If you are looking for the ultimate wading set up, you have come to the right place. The combination of the Wade Right Gear and the Grind stringer are the Cadillac of the industry. Be sure and check out Coastal Fishing Gear’s web site for their great assortment of gear. We will put their link on our site for your convenience. Don’t hesitate to contact us or Tim and Jason if you need more information or questions. We are excited to be able to offer this combination or wade gear. Tight lines and happy fishing!!

Congrats to both of you.  Can’t wait to try the stringer.  I do actually use one at times!

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And this from Travis.

I think I saw you Wednesday morning at the ramp. I was launching the big ugly flat bottom and catfishing. Enjoy the reports.

Thanks for reading and nice to hear from folks for the first time.  And there is no such thing as an “ugly” boat if it floats and catches fish.  So next time you see me say hello, love meeting folks and would love to hear about your catfishing.  Anytime you want to drop a report good or bad feel free, we love to hear from all of you.

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The Angler Video Magazine is really interesting this month and worth a look.  It has a review of many of the products from this years ICAST.  So check it out and see all the new fishing stuff.

The Angler Video Magazine August 2021 ICAST Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine – Issuu  

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You can tell some folks are “over’ our freeze last winter by the number of dead fish pictures on the net.  They have slowly been making a return.   TPWD had not yet, and probably won’t, have any forthcoming changes in regulations which might mean things are ok, at least one might make that assumption.  For the time being I will continue to practice catch and release on the bay other than the occasional couple to eat.  My time on the bay increases dramatically after the mid October trip to the Chandeleur Islands.  Fishmas with the Austin Boys on their annual get together kicks winter fishing off for me, and then time to chase the big one.  Really looking forward to this winter, have had enough of summer.  And how knows, might even keep a sack full myself before the year is out.

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And to the guy on Facebook who told folks about the Academy 50% off on clearance price today, thanks.  I picked up a sweet G Loomis rod and Lew’s spinning reel for basically 75% off.  Great deal, and of course there is always room for one more rod and reel.

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Got some stuff done today and am now shook lose for the rest of the week.  Tomorrow it is back out on the water, probably the lake, but still have not made up my mind.  No matter what I will be on the water.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

They were blowing up on it this morning.

I was still tossing the Johnson Silver Minnow trailing a Pearl Knockin Tail.  I learned a couple of things this morning, and the first one was they would smoke that thing right on the edge of the cover, they were not on the flat parts of the bank.  That foot drop in the lake level had them backed off.  Tossing it just a little ways in the cover, then shaking it over the cover until it got to the edge provoked some great strikes.  The second place produced about 10, most within a 30 foot stretch of bank.  The last couple of trips it has been when you find them they are bunched up.

Lots of this size this morning.

Though a bite or two would come away from the main bite area, where they were is where they were, if that makes sense.  They were definitely schooled up and I caught 4 or 5 without moving the boat.  After working them over I headed to the “good” place from the other day.  And though I did boat a couple of smalls, they were clearly not biting.  But that turned out to not be particular to that bank.  At 9:00 they just plain quit.  From then until 11:oo I fished 3 other what appeared to be perfect water without success.

If you find them they are really schooled up.

One point had a big school of 8″ bass follow it to the boat a couple of times.  And last a good one followed it to the boat but was definitely not interested in eating.  Basically when it was over it was done.  But in reality that is not all that uncommon this time of year.  It is summer.  No wind did not help matters, either with the bite, or with me, as it got oppressive hot.  When I got back to the ramp where I had parked with the truck in the shade it was 91 degrees in the truck.

Today I had a little more trouble with line twist so I am going to try to attach the smallest swivel I can get away with.  And will use just a split ring to the line without a clip, which would definitely be a problem.  When you are pulling it through really heavy stuff any more hardware just gives it a place to hang up.  Bringing it over and through heavy cover the last thing you want to do is hang up and have to go get it.  Which in really shallow water is the last thing you want to do.

Not sure how long this is going to last, especially if the water keeps dropping.  If it keeps dropping they just might move back onto the wood, which is what they were doing last year at this time.  So only time will tell, it is just nice to get a few bites.

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And speaking of Knockin Tails, Michael posted online that the new 3.5″ Knockin Tails are coming soon.  Amazing how tough it is to get a bait out, right now everything is slow, but maybe it will get done.  The 3.5 should not only catch the crap out of trout, it would be a great trailer on the spoon or swim jig, and should catch some really big crappie.  So can’t wait to get some in my grubby little hands.

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After posting about fishing the spoon and Knockin Tail trailer for bass I got a message on Facebook asking for a little more information so here goes.  As far as rigging the bait it is simple, make sure the Knockin Tail is as straight up and down as you can get it.   And if it starts to tear put on a new one.  The balance is critical to making it run right.  You want the Johnson Silver minnow to still wobble side to side/back and forth, and not spin, but let the tail swim naturally.  Be sure it runs as straight as possible, when the rigging is right it will act properly.  Do NOT use a swivel with a clip.  A little line twist comes with the territory, but remember where you are using it.  If you look at the eye tie on the spoon some are twisted for a reason, and one of them is to go through heavy cover, the whole point of using it.

The places to fish it have one thing in common, cover, lots of cover.  The advantage of the spoon, as long as you have the weed guard a little higher and straight over the barb, it will go through most anything.  As the spoon holds the bait up in the water column it can be thrown literally to the bank and reeled back.  I try to keep it just in sight, fun to watch them eat.  And since you are fishing heavy cover 15 – 20lb fluorocarbon is my preference.  As far as speed, that is up to the fish, but I have found if you miss them it is generally because you are reeling a little fast and they hit the trailer.  Get the speed just right and they eat it.  Last, see the perfect chunk of cover in front of the rest of the trash?  Get ready, it is about to be on.

(Note:  It also has redfish written all over it.)

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I guess whatever they are doing on the dam at Coleto is causing the lake to continue to drop like a rock.  It has lost 1/2 foot in the last 24, after losing a foot a couple of days ago.  I hate to whine but after the lake, and the fishing, finally begin to stabilize it is now dropping.  The last thing we need is a big drop in water level.  Guess we shall see Monday morning.  Seems like the poor lake can just not get a break.  Since I wrote this 3 days ago it is inching back up.  Only eyes on will let me know where we are at.  (Definitely down.)

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And I am happy to report TPWD says the dove season should be good, especially in the South zone.  All you dove hunters, get out the guns and put up the boat.  We will take care of the water for you until spring.  So go hunting.

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And for you bowhunters Coleto Creek is now taking registrations for the annual deer hunt.  You can do it at the park or online.  One thing the park has is tons of deer.

2021 GBRA Bowhunt at Coleto Creek Park Registration – Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority

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Tomorrow is the start of getting ready for Colorado.  Tire rotation, inspection at Toyota, and go over all the stuff for mountain driving.  Looking for cool stream water and wildlife I cover the miles and nothing beats being as ready as you can be.  I am really starting to get excited, especially when I saw the picture from the high mountains in Colorado with a light dusting of snow, and in Rocky Mountain National Park they had a white out.  While it will not be “cold”, it will sure be nice to have those crisps mornings watching as a brown trout takes the indicator down.  Time to think about those clothes I have not had on in 6 months.

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Will be back on some water Wednesday, possibly some clouds with a little lower temps, just have to see how the week shakes out.  I really appreciate everyone who has read the blog over the last 11 years.  This is the 1,447 time I have written.  It is hard to keep it fresh, and periods like the last couple of months have been as boring for me as it has been for you.  I appreciate you sticking with me.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Weather

96/78. Humid with intervals of clouds and sunshine with an 18% chance of rain, will feel like 108 degrees.  Wind  SSE 10 – 16 mph.

Lake Level

Today  97.18 msl.   Monday   98.13 msl.  (Not sure if I have missed something otherwise that lake has dropped a foot in 4 days.  Only know when I see it.)

Bite Time

Major  10:59 am to 12:59 pm.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Got there before daylight and was surprised that 2 other boats were there.  The water temp is still around 90+ depending on where you were, the color looks like what it might be from now on, and the water was definitely down some.  Before I get to the fishing on my way back in a giant crane was working on the dam, and it makes sense that whatever drop we did have was related to the work.  Hope they do not drop it any more, the fishing is just starting to stabilize.  But enough of that.

This one blasted the buzzbait to finish the day.

It was just cracking daylight when I started on the first grass bank.  The plan, throw the bigger Whopper Plopper buzzbait to see if it was possible to provoke a big one.  That turned out to be bad thing, 4 misses, and a good thing, time to switch.  The last few trips have definitely shown me there are fish in the grass, it just depends on which grass.

The Pearl Knockin Tail on a silver spoon did some damage this morning.

I changed to the regular buzzbait and finally caught one.  And he taught me a little something, he puked up a 1 1/2″ shad, they are definitely on shad which explains some of the half hearted buzzbait bites.  It is just a little to big.  The important part though was at least 5 or 6 just did not seem to want it, but they were where they were supposed to be.  A couple of trips ago I caught 4 on the spoon with a Pearl Knockin Tail trailer and it made sense.

Just throw it as far back in the stuff as you can then set the hook quick!

First cast on a grassy point one blasted it on top, it was in maybe 6″ of water.  As I worked the point and the grass I missed a couple on the spoon and Knocking Tail then I got the hang of the bite.  Reeling it slow enough to just be barely in sight your line is not tight and you had to be on your toes.  But for the next hour on that spot they bit really well and I fished it 3 times and caught several each pass..  The big one above was the last fish in that place, and she smoked the buzzzbait.

The first one on buzzbait clued me in.  Listen to the fish.

Before I quit I headed back to re-fish the first 2 places where they were not eating it, and managed to catch a couple on each place in spite of the fact it was sunny, hot, and getting late in the morning.  The bite really slowed down, but the last thing I learned today was something important.  The fish were green, real green.  They did not just show up from somewhere offshore, they have been in that green stuff a while to get that dark.  So that begs several questions.

Obviously they like the spoon and Knockin Tail, but what else might they like?  Today 2 fish puked up shad and they were both the same size, 1 1/2″.  And as a rule, even the smalls that did not make the pictures, were nice and solid, they have not been starving by any stretch.  So it would make sense that a white swim jig and Pearl Knockin Tail might just be the ticket.  Trim the skirt some to reduce the profile and hold on.  Another possibility would be a trick worm.  They are not interested in chasing anything,

And last, if that is the pattern, green grass, not to much of that stuff that is like a vine, just nice green grass, stick with it.  A good main lake point with grass helps.  There is lots of that stuff here and there, and it does not all have fish on it, but find 4 or 5 good spots and it just might be a good day.  Today was fun, plenty of bites and some good fish.  It has been a while and I can not wait to get back out there and do it again.

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This from Rick.

Well, continuing our habit of following your Fish Catching Travel destinations, the wife and I along with 4 high school football buddies booked a 3 days of fishing trip with DMJ Charters out of Pass Christian. DMJ was great, mother ship was the 120 ft Backdraft. Food and acommodations were great. Weather and wind good.The first two days really slow fishing. Of the 8 people fishing 4 or 5 were good fisherman, just could’nt find the “chew”. not even 5 shades of knocking tails. On the last morning the deckhand Chris had all us follow him about 8 miles to a little 2 acre island and he caught finger mullet in his cast net. The six of us got about 8 reds and 5 trout in about 2 1/2 hours…pretty decent. Then the last afternoon more of the same. One boat started using real small jigs and caught 8 trout but every other boat 1-2 fish. So the fishing was a little disappointing but a great time was had by all and the Chandeleur Islands is a very unique and beautiful place. I enjoy your blog and reading your”stuff”, so keep it up….please!

First, sorry the fishing wasn’t so hot, but that trip it is not all abou the fishing.  Of the 3 times I have made that trip the fishing has been: great, so-so, and tough.  As I have said in the past, it is still fishing.  This year will be my first trip in the fall so I will be interested in how the fishing is that time of year.

For every great trip, there has been a dud.  For every cool place, there has been disappointment.  Fishing travel is always an adventure one way or the other.  But if someone asked me to really give them advice on the best chance to have a successful trip there is only one answer:  Canada.  It is the best fishing hole on the face of the earth, end of story.  Even a slow trip is good, and a great trip is off the chain.  Great scenery, lots of different fish, and a lot cheaper than some far off destination, it offers the best bang for your buck.

But glad the boat was good and the mate helped you out some.  That should be part of it.  And I did look at the boat, wow definitely first class. After our wind experience last year nice to have the wind down.  Nothing will screw up a trip faster than high wind, no matter what water you are on.  So thanks for the report and good to hear from you.

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It is Biden’s fault, Trump’s fault, Hillary’s fault, Bozo’s fault, or My Little Pony’s fault, for what happened in Afghanistan.  I get so tired of the blame game.  The problem is they would not fight for their own country, end of story.  They cut and ran, and there is no way one more American life, or dollar, is worth any one of them.  We spent literally billions and billions of dollars and what did we get, the same radical Islamic country it was 20 years ago.  Watching the Taliban beating men, children, and women in the street, they are stone age animals.  Time to stay out of this kind of stuff.  They are apparently fine being under the rule of the Taliban, they seem to have loved killing each other for generations, so good luck, this is not our fight.

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More from SA Joe on his motor issues.

I’m off the water in the boat for awhile. That simple $400 repair didn’t work. The small crack around the sleeve of the piston is allowing water to get into the piston.

So its going to cost $8500 for a reman job on a 200 Merc EFI. Compared to $35k for a decent used boat and up and not knowing what you get. To $30k for a new motor. Bass Pro said its up to $150 a horse…..Im getting a deal from my mechanic that I trust.

Others online are asking $6500 for a motor, but have to travel back up to Chicago for it….
Thoughts?

Ah the joys of boat ownership.  I feel your pain.

The crack top left.  So little, so expensive.

So the question: Different boat, buy a new motor, or fix what I have?  Have had that dilemma several times in my life, and every time I went the new motor route.   But times were totally different, last time when the 50hp on the skiff crapped out it was $2500 to fix, and I found a new one for $5000.  And when I needed a new engine for my Champion 16’8″ in the 80’s a new Black Max 150 was $4000 complete.  (Think about that.  In the 80’s a 150hp Black max was $4000 and then $5k for a 50, and now $30k plus.  Wow.)   The reason for the 50hp story is I found a link on the Bass Pro boat site that referred to discontinued motors, and low and behold there was a 2 year old, brand new, 50hp in the crate in San Antonio.  Paid cash and took it to my mechanic who mounted it.  That was about 10 years ago and I doubt they have that link anymore, in fact not sure how I found it.  Now it is a different story.  (As mine now has 1000 hours it could happen anytime.  Maintenance is the key to glory, ignore it at your peril.)

And I am with you on the used, when looking at a good used if there is no documented annual/hourly work done with a print out of the compression at the last check, no sale.  If it involves serious money, an SCB as an example, I would want/demand the print out on fault codes and rpm use.  They exist and a serious boat owner can provide them, or the mechanic’s name so you can check it out.  We are not talking a few grand these days, this is serious business. Some folks take care of their stuff, others abuse it, and you can not tell by looking at the boat or them.  You can not imagine how many folks I have fished with over the years who had no idea how to use, or take care of, their engine.  A couple of times I was amazed we got it off the trailer!

As far as having it rebuilt, if you trust your mechanic, and he will stand behind his work, go for it, not that it won’t hurt for a minute.  My big question would be to him – If I buy a new one when can you mount it?  And then, if you rebuild it when might I see it?  And last, are we talking you building it, or is it a a bolt on power head?  (I do not know how that works.)  After having one in the shop for almost 4 months this is a difficult time for parts.  My job was held up over 1 small part, which if my mechanic had not found in Florida would still not be repaired.

But the most important question:  How much is it worth to you to fish?  Those of us who have been doing it for a lifetime that is not a hard question.  So no matter what you choose, hope you get back on the water soon.

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Wonder if there is anyone interested in starting a fishing club at our 2 other area high schools?  Or just starting an outdoor program?  East and West might seem to be a candidate for a TWPD program.

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is now accepting grant applications for the Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP).  CO-OP provides grant funding to tax-exempt organizations for programs that engage under-represented populations in TPWD mission-oriented activities.  These grants support community-based conservation and outdoor recreation activities such as archery, fishing, camping,, hiking, hunting, nature education and more.

Here is the link with everything you need to know if anyone cares.  My reading of it folks from the YMCA to church youth programs are potentially candidates.  It is free money for a good cause.  Get a kid outdoors and off the evil computer.  It you are a nonprofit it is worth a look.  (Hey Jamie, maybe something for the Vine School?)

News Release: Aug. 16, 2021: TPWD Community Outdoor Outreach Program Grant Accepting Applications – TPWD (texas.gov)

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That was the best bite in a while.  I know I have whined about the fish not being in the grass but looks like I might just be figuring it out.  For a summer morning with a 90+ degree water temp it was a good bite, and if the pattern holds it might get better.  Just hope they do not drop the water any further, the lake was just starting to stabilize.  But hope springs eternal and now I can not wait to do some serious pattern fishing.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

It was almost good fishing this morning.

The first one blasted it on a grassy point, and then I missed a couple .  It stayed that way until they quit at 10:00.  A couple of things were real clear this morning – points and grass.  They did not seem to be on other types of stuff on the shore line.  But find a point with grass and it was good for a bite or two.

If it was MLF fishing I would have been winning.

One point had a bunch of the size above, nothing big and about half measured, but they were smoking it.  3 made it to the boat, and I missed at least that many, in about 2 minutes.  By fishing the points, and then down the bank, it sure seemed like the points were the ticket, the farther you got from the points the bites declined.  As usual it was the Lunker Lure, the first and still the best buzzbait by a mile.  I have thrown lots of brans at different times, but none produce like the Lunker Lure, it makes a slightly different sound which they like.

I stayed up lake until they quit and it was sure an improvement.  It has been a while since I caught any up there, today it was an easy 10, and I lost several including one that might have made 3 lbs.  The ones that bit were very aggressive and the ones that came off were operator error.  By 10:00 it was dead slick and getting hot, the kind of hot where the sunglasses kept fogging up.  So headed back down lake to troll an hour before calling it a day.

And a catfish to end the morning.

One thing that happens when you troll long distances you get a real feel for where the baitfish are, and then where the rest of the fish are.  They had both been in the 12 – 15ft range but that has really changed over the last 2 weeks.  Today most of everything on the graph was out in 20ft plus, and there are tons of fish randomly suspended over deep water.   The catfish and 2 small bass that did hook up were nowhere near where they have been.  Things change and it is starting to look like maybe, just maybe, things are looking up.  And the very best thing this morning, you could feel just a hint of fall with the light north wind.  Come on fall!

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Wow!  You never know.

Got this from my brother.  This is from Terry’s trail cam near a food plot they hunt.  He was just working on the plot before this cat came through.  What makes it particularly interesting, it was taken in Eastern Nebraska, not what you would normally think as lion country.  But they are showing up more and more these days.  So congrats on the cool encounter.  It really has me dreaming of Colorado.

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The first report from our Fayette Guru Rusty in Canada, his bunch caught literally hundreds of walleye and pike on day 1.  Can’t wait to hear the final tally.  There is just no fishing hole like Canada.

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Go get your Texas Fishing and Hunting License before you forget.  They went on sale August 15.  And a final word, be really, really, really, careful if you get it from Academy.  They screwed mine up 2 years ago, and even sold my buddy Chris a license for the year ending the next week.  To be sure it is correct head to your local TPWD office and be sure it is right.  But remember they only take cash and check, no cards.  In my opinion the license is one of the great deals left from our government, worth every penny.  An example of getting ripped off by government:  The insane property tax levels  in Victoria, they spend money like it is not theirs, which it isn’t.  (Sorry for the rant but compared to anywhere we have ever lived, and the places we are currently looking at when she retires, the property taxes here are out of control.)

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Not sure when I will make it out again, but if we get a day that is not a 100+ heat and humid, and like today with rain coming in off the coast, will be heading to the bay.  But with rain in the forecast the next 3 days might have to head back out and buzzbait some more.  I am so hopeful it is the start of improved fishing on the lake.  There has been no reason the fish have not gone to all the great cover.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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Weather

93/77.  Partly sunny and humid with a 40% chance of a thunderstorm in parts of the area.  Wind  ESE 7 – 13 mph.

Lake Level

Today  98.18 msl.  A week ago   98.33 msl.

Bite Time

Major  5:27 am to 7:27 am.  Minor  11:51 am to 12:51 pm.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The sun was not up when I made the first cast, of course with the buzzbait.  Over the next hour 4 took a really weak pass at it and did not come anywhere near hooking up.  So headed up lake and was happy to see the color is rapidly improving.  Stopped at one of my favorite buzzbait banks and finally boated one.  Then another small, which turned out to be unfortunate as I stuck with it to long, not another bite.

Square bill and Buzzbait.

Spent the next hour throwing plastics at wood, one bite but no hook up.  But most of it was cranking the chartreuse square bill, which still gets bites.  I casted until around 10:30 and caught 4 and one big perch.  And on that note, lots of the perch were following the square bill to the boat.  There are definitely more in the lake than there has been.

It may be slow but at least you can catch a few.

So at 10:30 decided to make an hours worth of trolling and then call it a morning.  That ended up putting 7 or 8 small bass in the boat.  It was funny though, not a white bass or catfish, and I worked that area over pretty good.  Most of the stuff I was seeing on the graph was a little deeper, on breaks falling from 10 foot on down.  So with a light rumbling in the distance I called it a morning.

There were a couple of interesting observations on a fairly busy morning at the lake.  First, there are obviously some fish on the drop and structure in front of the big island as there ended up being 4 boats on it.  One of the signs I am getting old, in the “good old days” that just did not happen.  If you were on it another boat would never come over, but times change but I am just not interested in fighting that kind of crowd.  Must be a club tournament this weekend of some sort.

Second, there were several folks fishing way up lake, which is a good sign.  Looks like the fish are biting up there some as I have not seen anyone up there in a while. And I did catch 2 up there this morning.

And last, when I headed back down lake I went by 3 different boats crappie fishing.  Of all things 2 of them were actually hauling one in, and the one looked real big.   So they are still biting if the number of folks chasing them is any indication.

As far as results it is still slow, but it is possible to catch some fish, actually several ways.  The Boss wants to give her Yak a try one day next week and while she paddles I am going to catch a few catfish for a fish fry.  Picked up a couple of walleye crawler rigs with a small spinner, which should do the job.

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And this from Rusty on his way to the promise land.

Sitting in Minneapolis airport waiting on next flight to International Falls on the US/Canadian border. Tomorrow, driving across the border and 5 hour drive north to Nunguesser Lake Lodge. So pumped to wet a hook and some cool weather. Got a sack of KnockinTails as well as some of the new prototypes to try on walleye and northern pike. Not a doubt in my mind they will hammer them. Hope to get some good photos!
Bay Sport Marine in Victoria did a good job on my 130 hr maintenance as well as fixing a few odd and ends that needed done. Fair price too
Fayette lake is good early in the morning ( bass chasing shad) for about two hours then bite is extremely slow. Have a good trip to Colorado!
Tight lines
Rusty

Not a bad report on Fayette, it is the heart of summer.  At least there the average rarely disappoints.  And good news on the maintenance report by Bay Sports, especially the fair price.  Over the years it has been hit or miss, and occasionally basically a rip, so it is good to find a regular mechanic.  One of the Boss’s friends at work has his done somewhere where they have a 5 hour minimum.  That is nuts.

But best of all, you are almost there and I could not be any more jealous.  I can visualize the smallmouth smacking the snot out of the Knockin Tail, seeing the line jump!  How it goes with the Knockin Tail and the walleye will be real interesting.  I managed a couple in Arkansas so it should be good.  And I assume the fish where you are going have basically not be harassed to any great extent, hopefully it will be your usual killing.  So stay safe and can’t wait to hear your report.

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And this from SA Joe.

The one trip I just did not get done this year, mostly due to the boat being in the shop almost 4 months, was Grand Isle, La

While your in Colorado, I’ll take out your boat to Grand Isle to keep it warm, for you, ….hahahahaaaaaa. Had to put mine in shop Merc200, 1 cylinder down to 75 compression, found out it was just the rings—WHEW..Glad i didnt blow it up..

Also NICE KAYAK, care to share the price on that. Never thought they make one that can stand up to a beating….Type? Website?

Thanks

Speaking of motors sounds like one of those good news bad news things.  The bad, it’s  going to cost a buck or two, the really good, it is still together.  Plus, as long as they are in there if there is something up they might find it, saving money in the long run.

The kayak is a Star Pro 1.  It was under a grand and seems to be quite well made.  It has 2 main chambers and then the separate floor.  The bottom of the yak has holes, is not inflated, and is self draining.  How it works it you inflate the floor, which is separate, and it really makes the yak rigid and keeps you rear end out of the water.  It comes with a big pump, gauge, and it not a real killer to inflate.  We have a pump that runs off the truck so it will be a breeze.  We just will have to wait and see how durable it is, but it comes with a repair kit just in case.  It is definitely not a cheap inflatable.

The funny thing was they had one lower model left in the store in Fayetteville, and a guy from Mtn. Home, my old stomping grounds, was coming to pick it up.  The owner was telling us he has a good relationship with the main distributor and there was one on the way on a boat, and his name was on it.  When it got here he told us it was the only one in the country right now, so guess we lucked out.  As you will see when you look, they are on backorder everywhere.  He was telling us that his last year he sold kayaks like never before.  Good to hear from you and hope you are back on the water.

STAR Raven I Pro Inflatable Kayak | NRS

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Unfortunately I am going to miss out on a trip to the Sabine.  My buddy called and is planning on the weekend near the end of September when of course I am going to be in Colorado.  To bad, I have not fished that area and would have loved to give it a go.  But it was not all bad, we have a weekend in November for FishMass with the Austin boys.  So fall is really beginning to shape up.

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So even though I thought I was taking a break, I did not make it a week.  And next week planning on a couple of days out of POC.  At least the fresh water should be mixing a lot better, and with it better fishing.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

I am actually taking a little weather break for a few days.  As the heat index exceeds 100 degree plus everyday it is hard to get motivated.  If the fishing was a little better it would help, but for the time being it is just to humid and hot for me much after 10:00 or so.  But that is not going to last, and neither is my break.  So who knows when that will be, it might even be tomorrow,  (May be clouding in the morning.) just wanted to let you all know we are alive and well, upright, and taking nourishment.  (Which includes air conditioned happy hour!)

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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From Colby this on Colorado.

Hey Doug,
Here’s a tip for your upcoming Colorado trip. Fish Lake Navajo for smallmouth and pike! A close friend just got back. He had 35-40 smallmouth in one day and several nice pike. Fished with a local guide and had a blast. Guide said it was a bit off that day. You can fish the lake one day and then go below the dam and fish for coldwater trout the next. Great combo day. Just like I used to have on the White and Norfolk. 4 species of trout and then largemouth bass and sunfish right after lunch on topwater poppers in Otter Creek. When we got lucky we could add a walleye. Have fun. Colby S.

First for you folks that have never fished Arkansas there is no better place than the Twin Lake area.  From stripers to trout, smallmouth to walleye, it has it all in about a 50 mile radius.  I fished it all for 25 years and it is a world class destination with options few places can top.

I have looked at Navajo Lake several times, online and with my own eyes.  It is famous for its smallmouth and big pike, much less trout.  So I will definitely consider it this trip if my trout waters are not conducive to catching.  You never know in September what the conditions will be, but one thing I plan to do is fish some private waters.  So we shall see how it all shakes out, but if I do not end up spending my $$$ on private waters a guided trip on the Navajo will be a great alternative.  Thanks for the information and as usual appreciate your comments.

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And another tough day at the boat ramp.  A woman in Michigan shot another woman after a dispute over a boat ramp.  It did not have many details but apparently the woman was upset as she tried to take her boat out and the other party was loading jet skis on the same ramp.  You know that I have long said, be nice, be the bigger guy, give the right of way, just do not be a horses ass and things should be just fine.  Act a fool out there and trust me, there is another fool just looking for a fight.  (And after representing idiots like this they are always crying for their mama when they head to the pen.  Everybody is a tough guy until the door slams, their cell mate choked a child to death, and the meat in the soup has hair on it.)

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The one trip I just did not get done this year, mostly due to the boat being in the shop almost 4 months, was Grand Isle, La.  And since I am headed out soon for almost a month in Colorado it will not happen until next year. The reports from Bridgeside Marina have been nuts.  Most limits are done by 9:00 am, and that would be 25 per person.  Though I generally just redfish when I am there no way I would pass up trout fishing like that.  At least once.  But on the bright side, it is the Chandeleur Islands in mid October, so Louisiana is not a complete loss this year.  And on a side note:  I have never had a trip to Grand Isle that did not produce the fish, best place for numbers I have ever fished.

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The Boss got a taste of the kayaking, and now off she goes around the kitchen.

I was a little skeptical of an inflatable but she bought a Pro model, and after going through the process it makes perfect sense for her needs.  It is not the Academy blow up type, (Did I just say cheap and good for a swimming pool!) and it is actually the only one in the US as it just arrived.  It folds up in a bag, is easy to transport, and put together by yourself.  It will fit in her trunk, and easily in the 4Runner when we head out west.  She wants it specifically for when we are fishing the many lakes in Colorado, I can fish and she can paddle, perfect.  The Colorado trip is starting to really take shape!  And who knows, I might actually get in that thing before she gets out there, though I am still a fan of motors on boats.

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And speaking of the Boss, the covid is really running rampant in Victoria.  We are back to masks, but not for us, for you.  But more importantly for the children.  As the numbers rise dramatically the number of children hospitalized, some on ventilators, is climbing.  The last thing in this world we would ever want to do is infect a child.  The Delta variant is killing folks, many younger, with a huge rise in the number of 20 and 30 year old’s.  So do as you will, all the talking in the world has not changed some folks, and I am done ranting.  Just remember, the little ones have their whole life ahead of them and they did nothing to deserve this.  So keep  taking your advice from the knuckleheads on Facebook with a GED.

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Reservations made for the first part of the Colorado trip.  Will be between South Fork and Creed on the Rio Grande River.  From there it is easy to fish a full 7 days, and never re-fish anything.  Of course if I hit the jackpot will fish that place again, but part of the fun is different places which also increases you chances at seeing major wildlife.  And getting to see elk, deer, and rams is just as important as catching fish.  But just fishing the local lakes full of trout is days worth, most of them with easy bank fishing access.  And I added a 7’6″ 3 weight flyrod for the small streams where even a rookie like me can cast across the creek.  Then a couple of days over in Pagosa checking it out before I pick up the Boss in Durango. Even though it is weeks away will start making piles.  Preparation is the fun part, the drive is not.  But the results are worth it all.

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That is it for today, just wanted to touch base.  Summer is coming to an end, the kids are headed back to school, and folks are getting the guns out.  With that comes my favorite time of year to fish, as it never gets any less crowded than that.  As an example, one of  the Falcon trips we scheduled during the first week of deer season resulted in us having the place to ourselves, and we smoked them.  As the fishing pressure/traffic increases on our waters any minute of solitude is welcome.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The plan was to buzzbait and crankbait the “best” place where I have been catching them first.  2 hours later not a bite.  So time for a change.  A bait I used to use in the old days is a Johnson Spoon with a trailer, in this case it was a Pearl Knockin Tail.  And of course one jumped on the first place I threw it.

It smoked the spoon and Knockin Tail.

Basically I tried places with heavy grass and good water near by.  I ended up catching 2 more on the spoon, one in the grass, another when it came up behind me chasing.  Both were like the one above.   Unfortunately the sky cleared and the wind died.  I did stop at one deep timber point with plastics but no bites out  to 20′.  So after another hour of fishing different places I decided to finish the morning and troll to the ramp.  It is possible that the spoon/Knockin Tail combo just might catch them on a better weather day.  Yesterday once the worst passed it stayed cloudy all day, today the exact opposite, by 8:00 it cleared.  Just can not get a weather break.

Only the occasional white bass the last few trips, but they are a little bigger than usual.  And a nice bass, this was actually a double.

I trolled several miles on the way to the ramp.  Today it was small bass and for some reasons no catfish.  Of the 7 or 8 bites all came in 15 foot of water, and close to points and main lake flats appear to be the best.  It seems like when you get shallower than 10 feet you quit seeing shad and getting bites.  But what is a little puzzling is way up lake where it is dirty there are literally clouds of shad right on the surface.  To bad the water color is not clearer, in other words quit freakin’ raining.  But it would be simple to net buckets full, and go to whacking the crappie and catfish.  But that is another story for another day.

I hope you all have a great weekend.  We are headed to Arkansas for a quick trip to pick up a new kayak for the Boss.  She wanted one that was inflatable for the lakes around Pagosa while I am fishing, but not a cheezie one.  We found it in Fayetteville but there were none in the country but we got lucky as the store was promised 1 for August and it came.  Next week I hope it will be more salt, the lake is just not cutting it.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines