We are truly hitting the doldrums of late summer. The forecast is for hot, and then hotter. The forecast for Tuesday: “caution advised if outside for extended periods of time.” While that is a tough forecast, it is not all that unusual for South Texas as summer winds down. So will stick with the lake a little longer, and wait out the holiday weekend. Plus, I am anxious to fish the spoon/Knockin Tail combo in the morning, and have 3 or 4 places that are on the list.
Weather
96/78. Mostly sunny and very warm with a 9% chance of rain, will feel like 106 degrees. “, Wind ESE 8 – 14 mph.
Lake Level
Today 97.95 msl. Last Thursday 98.13 msl. (It actually has come up just a hair. Must be done working on the dam.)
Bite Time
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It was still dark when I got to the ramp. The water has definitely gone down a foot or so, it has cleared a whole lot, and the temp hovers around 90+ over most of the lake. Dead calm when I put in, it stayed that way this morning. In fact, I quit at 11:00 because it was smoking hot and I had no bites after 9:00, but until then when I found them it was a good bite.
I decided to fish stuff in a little different order this morning. On the first place, where there has been lot of fish, I only had 2 bites and boated a small who was on the outside edge of the stuff. It did not sink in at the time, but today they were not “in” the stuff. With the water falling they were right on the edge of the weedy banks.
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
Sad to report our heat continues. The weather dude even said it looks like it will warm up next week. Summer’s last gasp. I will slip out in the morning for another round of buzzbait fishing, there are a couple of places that are calling me. After that it will depend, but with school back in session things should have calmed down a little at POC.
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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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?)
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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
As I write this Sunday afternoon it is thundering and raining here and there. The forecast is for it to continue with the heat index getting to 106 degrees tomorrow. So it will be up before daylight and off to the lake for a few hours. Not sure what to expect but I do have a semblance of a plan. But I am still in my not serious fishing mode, it just gets a little to hot and there are many more days to fish.
Weather
93/76. Clouds and sun with a thunderstorm in parts of the area in the afternoon will feel like 106 degrees. Wind E 6 – 12 mph.
Lake Level
4 days ago 98.18 msl. Today 98.13 msl.
Bite Time
Major 8:02 am to 10:02 am.
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I was out first thing this morning before the sun was up. It was calm, the water temps remains in the 88 – 92 degree range, and is clearing quite nicely. So with that set of conditions up the lake I went, way up. Finally the water has cleared some and catching one on the first point was an indication of how it would go.
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
This has actually been a good year to be the weather dude. His forecasts for rain have been right on, but it has been pretty easy. Today was no different. As the sun came up it was beautiful. It was steamy, the lake was down a hair, the color getting better especially way up, and it was 90 – 92 degree surface temp. And when I took out at 11:30 it you could hear it coming, and by time I made it to the house it was flat pouring. So as far as that goes it was good timing this morning.
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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 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
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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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
It was cloudy and almost dead calm when I dropped it in the water this morning. The temp was up a couple of degrees, 92 in most places, and the color remains the same except once you get way up lake it deteriorates to an ugly brown.
Weather
77/91. Times of sun and clouds with a 50% chance of thunderstorms. Wind SE 5 – 10 mph.
Lake Level
Yesterday 98.45 msl. Today 98.33 msl.
Bite Times
Major 12:02 pm to 2:02 pm.
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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
I had hoped to be on the water Wednesday (Yesterday) but when I got up early it was thundering and carrying on. A look at the radar ended that plan, but since it ended up amounting to not much I will be going in the morning no matter what. But while we have not had much at the house it was over an inch locally yesterday. It was enough to raise the lake some, but at this point I do not have a clue what that means. So will be on the water at daylight and see if I can catch a bass.
Weather
75/88. Mostly cloudy with a thunderstorm in the area and a 53 chance of rain. Wind E 5 – 10mph.
Lake Level
Today 98.45 msl. 3 days ago 98.37 msl.
Bite Times
Major 11:09 am to 1:09 pm.
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Yesterday it blew through and was fishable after a while. So of course the same thing would happen today, right? Nope. It is now 10:30 and I am back from the lake after fishing a total of an hour. Big storms, lightning, and a little rain at the lake, it was just to sketchy to stand up in a boat and hold a fiberglass lightning rod. And on the way home major power lines down, traffic stalled and re-routed, the Boss said we got 2″ at the house, and the thunder is still rumbling as I finish this.
First place, things were looking up.
The weather was perfect when I got to the lake. Almost calm, water temp 92, and the color about the same as it has been. It was drizzling a little and way off I could barely hear thunder. (On a side note losing hearing in one ear I have a real problem telling which way a sound is coming from. Which was a little problem today.)
First up was a main lake point leading into a big cove and the one above blasted that buzzbait. So at this point I am feeling pretty good. So a quick move to the same type place and though it did not hook up, a real one jumped it and flat missed. So now I am excited, 2 good bites shallow in places they should be, perfect.
But of course it was not to be. Then lightning off in the distance. It was within my lightning rule, if you can see it and it looks like it is heading down, time to head to the ramp. I go back and sit for a good while, then it looks like it might be slacking off, so time to head back out. Of course as soon as I get back to the next place the lightning starts up again. This time ugly and on both sides of me, definitely time to quit.
To bad, but live to fish another day. The lake is definitely up a little, and when crossing the Guadalupe on the way it was back to really high and dirty. Funny but we missed that rain the last 2 days, but today more than made up for it. It is basically the same forecast tomorrow and I will definitely give it another go. If it will just cloud up and stay that way minus the lightning it might be a good day, and I do not mind fishing in the rain. I still expect the fish to keep coming to the cover, and that little touch of a rise might just be a good thing.
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I read a great tip for cleaning rods. Wipe them down with Pledge. Really makes sense. Not only does it clean the blank but it leave a light protective coating. I admit I rarely “clean” my rods other than the spray down, so I just might do a few and see how it goes. But not a bad idea, and they sure should look better. So after just doing it to my fly rods (Prepping for Colorado in September.) not only was I surprised at the amount of dirt that came off, but how nice they ended up looking. Guess it is time to do the other dozens in the tackle room!
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This year the ShareLunker program produced 270,000 offspring from donated fish. Most were returned to their home waters and the big fish survival rate according to TPWD was 91%. While that is a big number, the program at times has had its share of detractors for not living up to the initial projections. If you will remember there was talk of producing a new world record. All I know is that Coleto could use a bunch of them, but most are headed back to the lake that produced the ShareLunker. Maybe someday the program will produce the state record, but so far it has failed to do so. Has it produced some big fish? Of course. But the real way to grow big ones is great habitat, end of story.
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I do have a question for you died in the wool Texans. Why is a state that is so proud of itself such a roadside dump. Again this week we saw a car toss a bunch of trash out the window. (I wrote this yesterday and then on the way home today a POS tosses a wrapper out his window. What is up with that?) When I see someone do that it just amazes me, do you not care at all? Hate to see inside your house. Just look at any roadside that has been recently mowed, there is trash everywhere. The more we travel the more it is apparent that some folks in Texas do not care. (Maybe Oregon’s approach: Fines to $6000 might help. Cleanest roadsides we have ever seen.) And this from the state where Lady Bird led the charge on littering. Guess the state needs another push. But it is just as easy to simply quit littering.
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And last congrats to the Boss on finishing the rehab on her knee. It was interesting to watch as a medical professional do exactly what she was told to do, including here self rehab at the house. She was a good patient but did whine some like most of us do. By time we hit Colorado and the mountains she will be good to go. And speaking of Colorado, I will be going out weeks in advance and just driving around fishing and animal watching. Hard not to get excited about that.
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Will try again in the morning. Really it is kind of a holding pattern around here as I wait out summer. I am ready for fall and some cool mornings. Maybe a little elk bugling, rams on a hillside, and a big brown smoking a hopper. So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.
Good Luck and Tight Lines
Tomorrow is going to be the lake and a quick meat haul. Rarely do I just go on a meat haul, but the Boss is wanting a fish fry and that should not be to hard to get done. Hopefully a couple of nice catfish will hit the ice in the morning. If anything tells you that shad in the lake are the number 1 forage by a mile is how many catfish I catch on crankbait. Guess we will see in the morning, but it will be a quick trip. The yard needs mowing, (We might get rained on the next 4 days. I thought this was South Texas!) have some stuff to do online, and need to get some beer. And in the words of Justice Kavanaugh in the craziest Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing ever: I like beer!
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Weather
78/93. Partly sunny and humid with a 25% chance of rain. Wind WSW 5 – 10mph.
Lake Level
Today 98.28 msl. 10 days ago 98.37 msl.
Bite Times
Major 8:41 am to 10:41 am.
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This was a short trip, exactly what needed to happen so I could be responsible the rest of the day. Since the Boss only likes them fresh time to put a few on ice.
There is the meat! This is as close to a dead fish picture you will see here.
When I got to the ramp at 8:00 the water was down a couple of inches, the color was just a little bit better, and the water temp was 89 degrees. The wind was barely blowing with patchy clouds and you could tell rain is coming at some point today.
First up was the main lake bank in sight of the ramp where they have been, and amazingly enough not a bite. So kept going, heading to where the catfish have been on the edge of a big flat on the main lake. It took a little bit, but one finally jumped on the Shad Rap, which by far has been the bait of choice. Then another, and also missed a couple. So I headed back to the ramp trolling and caught a couple of bass and another small catfish. A good one did manage to pull off, but at that point 3 were on ice so time to go mow the lawn.
Today most of the shad were in the 10′ range give or take, and just because there was bait did not mean a bite was coming. But if you saw good hooks below them that would get you bit. When it only takes an hour to catch supper who knows what the day would have brought. In fact, it took longer to put in and take out as it did to catch them. Consistently catching catfish like this is just plain interesting. Over the years I have caught lots of them but only the last 2 summers on Coleto has it been possible to actually target them trolling. It would be no surprise if taking a walleye spinner rig and slow bottom bouncing with a crawler in that area would smoke them. Every day there is a way to catch fish, you just have to figure it out and not be a species snob.
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You can not miss it.
We spent the weekend in Shreveport and had a good time. It had been over 25 years since we visited and the city has not changed all the much, other than there are more casinos. But that was not the highlight of the weekend. (If you go be sure to eat at the Blind Tiger downtown, you will not be disappointed.) Those of you who read this know when out of town I generally search out tackle stores just to see what is up in that area. This time it was a home run.
Looking online there was a place called “The Crappie Shop” which is also “Gray Wolf Fly Shop”. What fisherman could resist that? So we headed over there and what a good time. The owner was there and greeted us warmly and said come on in. What a cool store. If you are a fly tier this is the store for you. A complete selection of anything you might need, including rods, reels, and waders to name a little. Much of his products come from a company, Wapsi, that still exists in Mtn Home Arkansas. Tad’s Fishin’ Machine Lure company where I worked got our jig material there. But of all things the Boss worked there many moons ago as did her mom, so they knew some of the same folks. Small world.
The owner Wm. Howard Malpass was a hoot and the fishing stories flowed. He has fished around the world and does casting and tying classes. And he is very knowledgeable on the fishing industry. One of his regulars was there, Scotty, a former fighter pilot who had fished some of the areas we have. Of all the stores I have visited around the country this is by far my favorite. We will be going back, the Boss is wanting more lessons and I just might start tying a fly or two. Seriously, if you are ever in Shreveport stop in and say hi. Plus if you ever need a bag of fuzzy hair off a ring tailed thing-a-ma-bob from the Himalayan mountains give him a call, he just might have a bag, or know where to get it. Check out his website, a interesting guy doing it right.
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Like most kids who were teenagers in the 60’s I have been going to concerts for 55 years now and have been fortunate enough to see some of the great ones. But I would be remiss if not giving Green Day their due after seeing them again Thursday night. No band, and I mean not one I have seen, can literally get 30,000 people up on their feet singing and dancing from the moment it starts until the moment they quit. So when I hear musicians and other wanna b’s critiquing them my question: When was the last time 30,000 folks paid you a $100 each and then danced for you?
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If there is one good side effect to Covid, it is folks are getting outdoors in record numbers. If there is one bad side affect to Covid, it is folks are getting outdoors in record numbers. We have seen it in the national parks, Yellowstone is swamped like never before, and that same thing is happening where I fished the Snake River in Wyoming. There is record numbers of folks fishing, and of course with that comes not only tighter regulations but pissed off guides. As in most places in the words of my old friend Carmine: There are so many guides they need to wear badges so they do not guide each other. Now it means you paid your bucks, and maybe took the Coast Guard test, then bought a boat.
And of course, as is happening on the Snake, guides feel that they are most entitled to the water, including over some other guides. So they are fighting with the county, each other, and anyone else that sticks their nose in it. (And of course the county, like all government, is spending $20k to administer the use, and taking in $80k, transferring the bulk of it to county general fund. I wish many government entities and other public interest groups would remember who paid, and continues to pay, for most of the recovery of wildlife.) We all need to remember the water belongs to ALL of us, guides should thank each and every taxpayer for the right to earn money on the public’s resource. (I have always said guides should pay a whole lot more when I was guiding which should be put to the resource, this is not a new position.)
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Having caught thousands of white bass over 25 years in Arkansas, but until I moved to this part of the world did I ever heard of folks using this contraption. For those of you who are not familiar either this is called a thumper, and this one can be had with a remote. Apparently it works to draw white bass to the boat when deep jigging. Other folks just use a rubber mallet to pound on the floor of the boat. It is a big wide world of fishing out there and you just never know.
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As you know I look at boats for sale in Texas constantly. And the most important thing to me if you are going to buy a used boat and motor is not the number of hours, but the number of service trips. Many online sales say only 350 hours as an example. If this is the cases the next question, how many times has it been serviced. As mine approaches 1000 hours it has been serviced every 100 hours, or yearly, whichever happens first. And if they have serviced it as they should have they will know the number of hours, and if they do not they should have no problem with you speaking with their service provider. That should come with every service. I just saw an used X3 that they want $155K for (That in and of itself is nuts.) and they should be able to tell you any and everything. So when you are looking if they can not tell you those answers be wary.
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The weather dude said we could see up to 3″ of rain in the next couple of days, and we do not need it. But by the same token clouds will keep it from being so dang hot, when it starts getting over a 100 heat index I start wishing for the AC. But I will be fishing some this week, where will be dictated by the weather. So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.
Good Luck and Tight Lines
It was flat amazing this morning!
I was off before daylight and it was really nice, but hot. As it was yesterday there was very little wind. The water color is still poor in some places, as in the closer to Port O’Connor the worse it is. And the water is a balmy 86 degrees. So I headed to Big Bayou for some boat fishing. It would end up defining the day, and not in a good way.
Weather
80/89. Mostly sunny with a 14% chance of rain. Wind ENE 7 – 12 mph.
Tides
High 11:18 am 1.05. Low 1:46 pm 1.0. High 4:13 pm 1.06 (The same flat top mountain.)
Bite Times
Minor 10:14 am to 11:14 am. Major 4:42 pm to 6:42 pm.
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In the first hour 3 big redfish just exploded on the One Knocker and just did not hook up. Probably need to have a rod on the deck with a Knockin Tail to throw back on them, but that takes a certain amount of organization, which I was not this morning. The bites were few and far between but they were real ones. I even caught a couple of small trout on top, and missed several. So things were looking up, some. But here is a couple of trout, perfect examples of the 8 or 10 I caught today.
The Knockin Tail Chicken on a Chain was the best bait. One on the One Knocker. Louisiana Specials. This size is the way it went both days.
One thing that is puzzling is my favorite trout bank, which is a no brainer and always has some nice ones on it, did not produce a fish, I ended up fishing it 4 times the last 2 days, which is how confident I am there. And with it being 5 foot deep they have the protection of good water. But they are gone.
This drum smoked a Chicken on a Chain Knockin Tail.
The plan was to boat fish a while, then wade, the opposite of yesterday. But one problem, left the stuff in the truck. So instead went to the Oil Cut where I caught 4 or 5 small trout, a sand trout, and this black drum. And then the first of the oh shit moments. I picked up the spinnerbait and on a cast when it got off the bank I reeled it quickly back and out of nowhere a huge trout hit it right at the boat. She did not stop it but hit it from the side and just moved it. I did not set the hook, in fact it was one of those did that really happen moments? It was the biggest trout I have seen in a while, and it was in a weird place. You never know, and you can not ever give up on a cast. Operator error.
I decided to finish up the day and throw spinnerbait for reds and then oh shit number 2. A big one just smoked it and started ripping off line kicking up a mud trail as she went. The water was trolling motor deep and when it took off, I tried to turn the boat and for some reason it just pulled off, rare on the spinnerbait. It was definitely a horse and I should have just forgot the trolling motor and made sure I boated it. The best bite of the 2 days.
They like the gold blade/Pink Ice Knockin Tail combination.
This one ate the spinnerbait and kept on coming. The last few trips I have been working on a couple of combinations for the Knockin Tail and spinnerbait. When fall gets here it is going to be a killing. So on that note I called it a day. it was hotter than hell and there was almost no wind. The water had just started coming up, which is probably why the fishing was slow first thing. I do know I had my chances today, it could have been 2 big fish, operator error both times. Plus I missed several nice reds on the topwater early, which did not help matters. I do admit to not knowing much right now, the fresh water combined with whatever affects the freeze had has definitely moved my fish, to where I do not know.
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And this from SA Joe.
Doug,
What were you talking about the “Alligator” guy? I’m lost…was he trying to keep you away from a spot? And why did the others guys go help him??? Was there any gators?
Sorry guess it was not as clear as it could be. I did not see a gator but no doubt they were there. He actually said he saw a big one and a small one. I think he was just an old guy who was just trying to be helpful or nice, but was definitely excited. Probably the first ones he has seen on the bay. He also said he caught 2 big sting rays, which is not surprising, there are lots of them. Why I always wear my shin guards. So sorry, it was just a weird happening that day,
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So it was about like I expected it to be. There is definitely a change in San Antonio Bay. The first order of business, no more rain, the freshwater has an effect. Second, TPWD needs to finish the net studies, and what ever else is at their disposal, and make sure we do not need reduced trout limits. At least the net studies will give us a reference. But no matter what I had a big time, and as I have said for the last 10 years, I can not wait for school to get back in, hunting to start, and with it the redfish run. Next up Green Day. So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.
Good Luck and Tight Lines
