FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

An interesting thing happened on the way to fish Thursday morning.  I have my pattern before heading out, hit the starter, check the tires, and make sure that the lights are in good working order.  So I head to the lake, drop in and head up.  On getting to my starting bank I drop the trolling motor in and nothing.  Now I don’t mean weak, so nothing it would not even light anything.  Jumped across post to post and not even a spark.  The battery was as dead as any I have ever experienced, I mean totally done.  So back to the house and on the charger and the code – internal short, bad battery.  I have had lots of battery problems over the decades but this was something new, completely dead out of the clear blue.  Turned out it was under warranty so I picked up a new one, in the boat it went, and off to the lake for another run at it in the morning.   (Friday)

Not sure what to expect tomorrow but I will be on the water before the sun comes up, it is going to be hot.  And then go by the mechanic and see what the hell is going on with the LTS.  This is getting ridiculous.

Weather

77/93.  Partly sunny, hot and humid; possible danger of dehydration and heat stroke while doing strenuous activities with a 25% chance of rain.  Wind SSE 12 – 16 mph.

Lake Level

8 days ago  98.49 msl.    Today  98.39 msl.

Solunar Times

Minor  7:17 am to  8:17 am.   Minor  2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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The fishing might be slow but the sunrise was worth getting up for!

It was almost dead calm as the sun started to rise and of course I was the first one there.  Looks like the lake is still about the same level, and a guy I spoke with at the ramp later said they are letting  some out.  The color is still crap over much of the lake and the water temp was 85 to 90 degrees depending on where you were.  To make a long story short, 4 bites, none after 10:00, 3 boated counting a gar who got his mouth tangled in the line.

First up was a point, no bites.  Next up went half way back in a cove and fished out with the buzzbait.  At the point one just blasted it the second it hit the water, why it is so important to have that thing moving when it hits the water.

Same results, different day, but no complaints with this one.

I actually got the net out before taking off and was glad I did as she was doing some jumping.  From there it was working up lake for the next couple of hours with absolutely no bites.  The farther up you go the dirtier it gets so I turned around and headed back down and managed to get a small on a real flat main lake point.

The last one of the morning.

Though I basically stayed with the buzzbait, I alternated with a frog, swim bait, and swim jig.  Intentionally covering miles of the green grass produced one gar who jumped on the frog and got tangled, but I saved the frog.  Then on a flat point with the channel close 2 took a run at the frog and did not hook up.  Probably at least one should have but it takes a little while to get the hang of the frog when you have not fished it in a while.  If the fish would just come to the cover it could be fun.

So where are they, or just as important, why have they not come to the shallow stuff?  I really expected it to pick up, but after miles and miles of great looking stuff, every bite came on a point, which says something.   And there was some deeper water close so that is probably the pattern.  I sure know where they aren’t!  If forced to fish a tournament right now on Coleto it would be senko style plastics on points with water and cover.  Might be one of those just point hop and catch one here and there.  And just maybe like has been happening to me the last month, catch a big one.  That is where they are.  Right now covering the miles is not the ticket.  The only thing I do know, go early.

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When I got to the ramp at noon there was a jon boat taking out and I thought I heard him say something.  Then I did:  “Did you get the Mako back yet?”  I did not recognize the gentleman and am sorry I did not get his name.  So I whined some about it and then he said he reads the blog which explains his question.  I always like meeting folks on the water, lets me know there are folks out there who read this stuff.  So thanks for hollering at me this morning, hope I get your name next time.  But there was a punch line, they did not catch a crappie all morning.  So whatever is going on at the lake is affecting all the fish.

And guess what else?  Surprise!  The boat is done.  I don’t know what to  say except the old saying you don’t know what you have until it is gone applies here.  Picking it up later and already looking forward to Monday.

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Did you all see the photo or video of the boat that almost went over a dam in Austin?  Crazy!  It was an electric rental that according to reports had 4 women in it.  Once it got to close to the dam the current almost pulled it over before it was pulled out of harms way.  That could have been ugly.  So Austin.

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Now that the Mako is back in action time to hit the salt.  So look for next week to be several days of bay fishing.  Since I have seen lots of conflicting reports not sure what to expect, except zipping across the bay at sunrise.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Hope you all had a great weekend no matter what you did.  Other than a little kayak research in Houston for the Boss we had a quiet weekend.  So tomorrow it will be back at it.  Of course it will be the lake but from this point on it is a holding pattern waiting to get the LTS back and smack some bay fish.  As far what I expect to find at the lake tomorrow – not a clue.  I have some thoughts, and a new secret bait to try, so it will be on the water as the sun cracks and thrashing until I can thrash no more.

Monday

So this morning I get up really early and as I headed to make coffee I wondered why the AC as so  loud, then I woke up, it was flat pouring with thunder and lightning.  Hoping to wait it out but 9:00 it was still raining and according to the future radar track it was going to stay.  We ended up getting 1.3″ in a couple of hours, like we need it.  Of course here I sit at 1:00 after doing some errands and it has not rained a drop.  Just have to wait and see about tomorrow.

Tuesday

I was on the water before the sun came up and the lake is definitely up.  The color is poor over most of the lake, the water temp was 82 – 84, and it is definitely bigger.  It was partly cloudy and barely a breeze and I had high hopes.  Well so much for that.

Weather

76/84. Mostly cloudy and humid with a couple of thunderstorms with a 61% chance of rain.  Wind ENE 8 – 12 mph.

Lake Level

Today  98.49 msl.    7 days ago  98.19 msl.

Solunar Times

Major  7:52 am to  9:52 am.   Minor  1:41 pm to 2:41 pm.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Today I fished a buzzbait, swim bait, swim jig, popping perch, and a creature bait.  The creature bait produced this little guy, and other than that it was a complete bust.  And that fish came on one of my go to places for deep pitching.  Other than that whether it was main lake, up or down, shallow or deep, they are either just not there, or I am so far off the pattern it is not funny.

Obviously what I should have been fishing.

One thing I noticed when going under the bridge there was about a 5′ strip of off color water on the locator, which started around 6 or 8 feet and went down about 5 more feet.  As I do not have the LTS better electronics to see if it is maybe the affect of the flood.  If it is it could have something to do with the bite.  The few that did bite, 5 or 6, were definitely half hearted and probably small.

An interesting note talked to some hard core crappie fisherman, including Mr. Crappie, and they only caught 2.  They were having boat problems and did not venture as far as normal, but when Mr. Crappie can only get a couple it is tough.  I have seen him for years, and now that he is getting up in years he does not get out much, but in the day he and his buddy were the only people on the lake as much as me.  So wondering if there is a stretch of water that is like a dirty thermocline that is not holding fish, so maybe they are below that.  Just a thought.

The only bright spot of the day was testing a new bait from Controlled Descent.  It looks absolutely killer in the water and I can not wait to toss it on the bay next week.  (Of course depending on whether I get the boat back.)  And with the way the lake is going time for a break, for my mental health.  I fished some great places today, and some not so great, and you could not tell the difference.  Everywhere sucked.  So far it really is a waste of a good raise, but as the lake still has not stabilized, or really started to clear, might just take a while to settle down.   There is to much good cover for them to not end up in it at some point.

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First this from Ross

Have been meaning to tell you that I booked Chandeleur trip with Southern Belle. He is doing 6 pack charters only now, which makes it easier to put a trip together. We are going in October. Thank you for the recommendation and hope it goes well. I’m sure it will take some figuring out as we have never been there, but it will be an adventure!

Also, just finished a 3 day trip to the POC area. Caught a lot of reds and some trout. Can definitely see the effects of the freeze in San Antonio Bay and Espiritu. West Matagorda looked and fished as healthy as normal though. We caught most fish on top waters and a few on jigs, both Knockin Tail and DSL. Wind was blowing to hard to fish shell much, so we stuck to shorelines. Bait and moving water was key. Never waded anything over waist deep.

 I hope you enjoy your trip with Capt. Howie as much as I have.  And because he is not doing the long trip like we have done with him Tim of Wade Right has booked another boat, also in October.  Not sure which one.  Looks like this trip we will be fishing at least 3 1/2 days.  Of course I am really looking forward to it being that long.  But will miss the time with Howie so tell him I said hey.

As far as the fishing it is very similar to our coast.  If he goes to his usual area there is a big island with lots of points, coves, flats, grass, and everything else you could want.  A short walk across the island and you are fishing the ocean, so the options are many.  But basically it fishes just like any other area from the Keys to Mexico.  So go do what you know and you should be fine.  And do not forget, we had a really tough trip last year, it is still fishing and they do have fins and a tail.

Love your bay report as I get ready to start up again after a long absence.  And your report is similar to others I have heard, and of course what report would be complete without the wind?  Nice you boated a few on the Knockin Tail, but nothing beats a topwater bite.  And as to variety, as we all know trout are really sensitive environmentally, redfish could live in a bucket of dirt with a spoonful of water.  As long as folks use some discretion, especially the guides, the trout will come back in nothing flat.  Thanks for your report and good luck on the trip.  Will be looking forward to the report.

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And SA Joe had this comment on parts.

Doug,
Sorry about not getting your part sooner. Its just crappy customer service. Those parts are here in the states, but people don’t want to look for them or let them go.

Bought a scooter, needed and ordered parts. Big Order, 1 part was online, but never got the call when they credited me back cuz they didnt have the part. the idiot i dealt with said if its online WE have the part. Yeah someone is updating the site everytime a part is out…NOPE.. I had to find when i looked at credit card site. Waited a month for a filter and 2 hoses. Finally cancelled the order and went to O’Reillys to get the the parts and scooter sold…

That is similar to what I/Bob experienced trying to get the part.  Basically it boiled down to the same thing, incorrect info and no update or help.  In fact, as you probably read Bob found one in Florida so the problem is solved, but not with the help of the distributor or Mercury Outboards.

But in the spirit of fairness Mercury did contact me yesterday and offer to help, but after I bitched.  Sad to say but the squeaky wheel gets the grease, not the way customer service is supposed to work.  But even though it is now water under the bridge, it will give me pause when it is time to re-power.   As usual good to hear from you.

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Last from Winfred.

Thanks for keeping on keeping on. Really enjoy your advice and comments.

Always love to hear from first time readers.  Really appreciate your kind comments.  The blog has become one of those what would I do if I did not do it?  I sure am not going to stop fishing.  Glad to know you are out there.

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And a hearty congratulations to the Arkansas Razorbacks who won the SEC regular season and the conference baseball tournament.  As I said earlier they should head to the College Word Series as the number 1 seed.  They have the pitching and bats, have come back from 3 down to win 12 times, and are 36 – 0 when leading by 3 runs.  They are as tough as they come and just maybe can make it all the way.  It sure has been fun to watch.  WPS!

And though the women’s softball team got beat, they ran fairly deep in the tournament and are going to be a force in the years to come.  Great to see my alma mater doing so well in all sports.  And with football only 100 days away life is good.

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Scam Alert

One of the fishing shows I watched this weekend had one of the less than reputable tackle company presidents.  He is one of those who were putting ads up on Facebook saying they were taking 50 folks to add to their pro staff, which is complete nonsense.  First, no company has 50 “Pro Staff.”  Second, real Pro Staff do not pay for baits.  Pro Staff are there to sell baits and not to simply post the occasional picture on Facebook.  Last, tackle companies have tons of folks who are trying to get free stuff all day long, they have no need to advertise for fishermen to give tackle to.   It is nothing more that an effort to sell product and has nothing to do with your fishing ability.  Get serious folks, if a company is running that type of add it is basically nothing more than an effort to sell you baits.  Do not fall for it.

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TPWD is coming under scrutiny for it’s handling of what looks to be a major outbreak of chronic wasting disease. which appears to have originated on 3 breeding ranches, 2 owned by the same entity.  If it is breeder spread not sure why this was not addressed immediately as a real threat that it is to our deer population.   They should be shut down and a real examination of not only their facilities but their practices.  As I usually do it is hard to not suspect that commercial interests are once again more important to the commission than the average Joe’s.  If they are going to regulate deer, then regulate and step in on any breeder spreading the disease, inaction is not the answer.   And if it is not them then say so and go on, they and us need to know how this happened.  If that is not possible then they need to come up with a way to get it done.  Again they seem to forget who they work for, which in the end is the WILD deer.

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And this from my trolling boats for sale – We Have a Winner!  A used  bass boat with 57 hours, ONLY  $86,500!  Looks like one serious case of buyer remorse.  That is freakin’ nuts.  Plus if you can afford this one buy new for God’s sake.

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With the lake as it is, and no LTS,  going to make a quick trip to see my mom and brother.  And if the stars align next Monday I just might be on the bay, but not sure I want to get my hopes up.  But at this point will just take the skiff as long was the wind is down.  Time to cacth some fish.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

This weekend will be the busiest since the real onset of the pandemic.  Over or not, folks are “over” it and itching to get back to normal life.  With that comes a big holiday weekend which looks like it will be real busy.  And the weather in South Texas is looking good so please be careful and have a great weekend.

1.  Kill switch attached, the law now on fresh and salt water.
2. Kids (And the rest of you,) in life jackets.  And have your throwable cushion easily available.
3. Walk around the boat trailer if you are headed to the lake, make sure you can make it and your freakin’ lights work.
4. Be the bigger man.  No sense in getting in some kind of pissing match on the water or at the ramp that could ruin your day.  Yield the right of way when in doubt, assume the other guy just got the boat out for the year and has had to many cold ones.
5. Be sure you are ready to back in and out quickly, get it together before you get on the ramp.
6. And be sure to take out your drain plug and empty the bilge, not only is it the law but we don’t need to spread stuff around.
7. Party like a rockstar, as long as you are not driving, and I mean anything with a motor.  Drink yourself senseless for all I care, but stay off the water or roads.
8. Remember doing something stupid on the water on a holiday weekend when law enforcement is out in force is like driving drunk on New Years Eve, amateur hour.
9.  So be careful and have a great time no matter what you do.  There is a whole summer ahead of us with life returning to normal.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Boat

Well my mood has improved dramatically since I finally got some good news on the boat.  Bob went above and beyond to find the part that seemed to not exist.  It was at a place in Florida and while they did not give him a break on it, he paid tax and shipping, I could not be happier.  All I know is it should be here some time next week.  Man I am ready to have the boat back.  After this little fiasco I learned quite a bit.

Mercury basically blamed it on the pandemic, combined with what has been a real surge in outdoor stuff whether it is boats, campers, and other assorted gear.  That it has come to this is crazy.  It is even hard to find some new boats and used prices have exploded. Michael at Controlled Descent has also had some issues in the past getting product.  Bob is experiencing this with other parts, and the old have it overnight no matter what it was is over, at least temporarily.  But my thanks to him for finding it. the thought of not having the boat for at least another month was making me nuts.

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MLF

I really think all tournament anglers and wannabes should watch Major League Fishing.  Watching 10 pros fish on different lakes, including some they have fished in the past,  can put results in perspective.  So often we are not all that happy unless we catch the big one, or smack a ton of them.  But as happened this one I watched this weekend 6 of the 10 did not even catch over 7lbs, and that is weighing anything over 1lb.  It really has changed the face of fishing, and more accurately reflects what most of us face in a day of fishing.

It has helped me maintain perspective.  After catching tons of big bass your view of things can get a little unrealistic.  As an example, last time out while only 4 jumped on, it really wasn’t that bad considering.  When you can fish all you want, basically whenever you want, that alone is a blessing, and should be kept in perspective.  My moto has always been it is in the doing, and with that the result will take care of itself.

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One great thing about having a relationship with Michael and his Knockin Tail Lure is getting to throw some new stuff, and after getting some in the mail I am impressed.  The word awesome comes to mind.  Unfortunately being unable to talk about it is tough on a guy who likes to talk.  But trust me, if they perform anything like they look it is going to be something.  And getting the LTS back it will be off to the bay the next day.  More on that as time goes on.

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And this from TPWD, which goes along with my/their “Be Safe” advice.

The guidance comes at a critical moment: in 2020, boating accidents were at a 30-year all-time high. Fatalities on Texas waterways increased 45 percent in 2020 from 2019, while fatal accidents on the water rose by 61 percent. Overall, accidents on the water were up 67 percent, and injuries were up by 64 percent. More than 70 percent of boating accidents that occurred in 2020 were on open motorboats or personal watercraft.  The months of May through August traditionally have the highest numbers of injuries and fatalities statewide, with weekends seeing the peak figures.

This year alone — from January through April 2021 — Texas experienced a 40 percent increase in open water-oriented fatalities, including boating and swimming incidents, compared to the same period in 2020. Overall, in 2020, 55 boating fatalities and multiple boat accidents and injuries occurred on Texas waters.

See it is getting more dangerous on the water.  Don’t be a statistic!

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Just wanted to say a few things before the weekend starts.  The Boss is off a couple of days, something new and different. and we will be hitting the road a couple of times just hanging out.  And as soon as the weekend is over it will be Coleto for a few days and maybe just maybe a light at the end of the tunnel on the LTS.  (Of course I was planning on parting with the skiff but after this will probably hold on to it a little longer.  Do not want to think about what would have happened if I did not have a boat for 3 months!)

And a last word of thanks to all of you.  It has been a long road since the first post on August 17, 2011.  I have posted 1,419 times, some of you have been here since the beginning, and this is number 1.420.   Guess I should take the good stuff and put it together, there is a book there somewhere.  But whatever I can not thank you all enough for reading this blog.  I never forget you are out there and appreciate all the comments over the years.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

When the Boss called me at 9:30 to let me know she was on her way to work she said the following after asking me how it was going:  Guess it did not go like you thought.  That about covers it.  Not sure what is going on, but the new cover produced 4 fish, all small and I covered some miles.

Weather

75/88.  Partly sunny and humid with a thunderstorm in spots from late morning on with a 40% chance of rain.  Wind SE 10 – 16 mph.

Lake Level

Monday  98.70 msl.    Today  98.19 msl.

Solunar Times

Major  1:44 pm to 3:44 pm.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

I was on the water as it cracked daylight.  And on a completely different note:  The freakin’ mosquitos are terrible here right now.  They chased me around as I mowed the grass and until the boat was underway from the ramp it was a swarm around me.  With the amount of water here they are only going to get worse.  When I crossed the Guadalupe it was as high as it has been yet, running wild with tons of trash.  As usual, where is water when you need it?

The lake is basically stabilized and the color is deteriorating as the dirt makes it way down lake.  In fact one cove even smelled like dirt, suffice to say no bites there.  I specifically put the trolling motor on and covered some miles, many places I have not fished, and manged 4 smalls.

All 4 looked like this.

Monday the few that bit blew up on it, today they were just nipping it under.  They were not aggressive in the least.  It was literally one here, then a mile later one there.  2 did jump on it on a real flat shallow point with cover, and that was it for the morning.

Around 9:00 I switched to a frog and the Controlled Descent Pearl Jerk Shad.  Both real go to baits with this much grass and brush in the water.  But other than a couple of half hearted hits on the frog, they might not have been big enough to eat it, could not buy a bite on the Jerk Shad.  I really concentered on making good casts and dragging it by cover, but folks, they are just not there.   And as I have experienced lately, not another bite after 9:00.

The color seems to be coming down lake and it gets pretty off color right around the corner from the ramp.  The water temp is from 80 – 84 depending on where you are.  Whether it was coves, main lake, deep banks, flat banks, grass, brush, it did not matter.  So the question is:  Are they coming?  Will it get better as the lake clears?  And when the panfish start spawning, which should be soon, will the bass come after them?  Only time will tell.  While I am somewhat disheartened, until things settle down and the water clears not time for despair yet.  It just looks so good.

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Thinking of buying a new Mercury Outboard?

And one last thing, after 40 years  of being a Mercury man that is going to change.  Here is the punch line:  The boat has been down since early March and Mercury Customer Service  says to bad, so sad.  After having a part on order for literally months they now say it will be late June, maybe.  That is after the supplier saying it would be shipped in 2 weeks, then another 2 weeks, then it arrived and will be shipped in 2 weeks, now late June.  3 months at least?   (At some point the “supply chain” excuse is nothing more than that.  Is the pandemic excuse going to linger for ever?) If it was one of their sponsored tourney Boys that would not be their response.  When I spoke with Mercury no let me see if I can help, get back to you, maybe try here, nothing.  Just to bad.  So when it comes down to it Mercury could give a crap about the fact my boat has been down all spring.  Sad.

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With the holiday weekend coming not sure when I will get back on the water.  The crowds start on Friday and keep it up until Monday and I prefer to leave it to folks.  Missing the ramp at Froggie’s this weekend is no great loss.  But that is going to be next, just not sure when it will be.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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Since the weather is a little sketchy will go ahead and post these ramp pictures today in case it is a while before I get out.  (Like it won’t be tomorrow.)

Water, Water, Everywhere!

It has rained, and rained, and then rained some more.  They are saying it might slow down some by Thursday!  In fact, it is Sunday morning and it is pouring.  We heard it was raining while we were in Colorado but this is amazing.  Nothing like clearing up the drought in a few short days.  While watching fishing this morning I just could not take it, had to go look at the ramp.  So here was the Coleto ramp in September.

September 2020.  The lake level was 93.16 msl.

I was dying to see what the lake looked like.  The rain is supposed to keep coming so not sure I would be able to fish tomorrow so we drove out to the lake and here it is.

Today.  Wow.  The lake level is 97.75 msl.  Up over 4 1/2 feet!

Folks, a 4+ feet rise on Coleto is a bunch, it will cover plenty of new stuff.  It would be absolutely lunacy to even try to guess what is coming.  But some questions will definitely be answered.  Will the fish come with all the new cover?  Are the fish numbers really down or will they “show” back up at the new level?  Will the fishing explode as it settles down?  So if any of you who read this fish the lake drop a note on what you find, and I will keep reporting on my trips.  If nothing it will be a real study on Coleto and the state of the bass.  Can’t wait to start my own study.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

And this to add to my comment the other day on used bass boat prices.  Here is a perfect example of what the problem will be when it comes time to sell.  This is a Z19 which is a 2017, in other words 4 years old and he wants $50k.  Why?  It has $16,000 in additional electronics and power poles.  Good luck with getting $50k on a 4 year old Nitro.  My opinion, put it all on it when rigging if you want, but do not expect that to some how over come the age of the boat.  Only time will tell.

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From TPWD

Free Fishing Day: Saturday, June 5, 2021

On the first Saturday in June of each year, everyone can fish recreationally without licenses or endorsements. This opportunity exists so that more people can try fishing for the first time. If you already have your license, thank you for your support! Please consider inviting a friend or family member to join you.

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Wooo Pig!

Congratulations to the Arkansas Razorback baseball team on winning the SEC.  During the year they overcame a 3 run deficit 12 times.  That is playing some ball.  Now they will be the Number 1 seed in the College World Series.  Their final series against Florida over 33,000 folks showed up.  Great time to be a Hog fan.  Good luck. Just maybe they will win it all.

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As so much of life is, we needed the rain, and after a couple of dry years now it won’t stop.  All of the area fishing will feel some affect, what remains to be seen.  So in the interest of scientific knowledge I will attempt to answer some of those questions with a fishing rod in my hands.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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Echo Canyon Lake  –  My go to spot if needing a fish fry.

It was one beautiful morning here in Pagosa Springs.  The Boss when to get her hair done so I headed to the lake.  After fishing there several times over the years I have a good idea where to start.  And they did not disappoint.  They bit for the couple of hours I was there once I figured out the pattern.

It was an easy 25 first thing this morning, all rainbows.

What I have learned the last few trips is paying off and putting fish on the end of my line.  Using mostly small spoons and Rooster Tails it is easy to figure them out, and using this technique has not failed me.

One thing about these lakes is they are deep, and the best way for a shore bound angler to figure things out is simple –  Make a cast as far as you can and start reeling.  No bite?  Do it again and let it sink to a count of 5.  No bite?  Do it to a count of 10, and keep doing it until you get bit, and from that point on, like this morning, it can be fast and furious.

Yesterday the fish at Beaver Lake were actually shallower and a 10 count was all you needed, and many were right on shore by big boulders.  This morning it was a 20 – 25 count to get bit, but once I found the depth it was easy.  Of course I am using small baits, so the count will obviously vary related to bait weight.  And if they slow down change lures, they will start again.

And a word to the wise, if you are not going to keep a few for a fish fry try smashing the barb down.  Makes it easy to pull them out of the water and grab the hooks with a hemostat and drop them right back in without touching them.  Much easier on them, rainbows are not the hardiest fish on the planet and can not tolerate much squeezing.

Last, this morning was the 2 old folks with their chairs all set up to fish across from me.  I looked up and 6 mule  deer crossed right behind them and they did not notice.  The wildlife out here is just insane, like the 4 or 5 on the hillside below the house this morning.  We never get tired of watching them.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

After lunch we made one last hike.  To 8,400 feet, it was a great way to finish the trip.  It was 3 miles around the loop and was not to tough on an old man.

The Boss in front of the wildflowers which were in full bloom.

We took one last minute to take it all in.

Overall another great trip.  The only hitch was the water level on the streams, but it was not totally unexpected this time of year.  So while I did not fly fish this trip we found several new places and I am already scheduling some time this fall to come back and hit it hard.

Of all the places we have been this is still the best mix/amount of access to the outdoors.  Very few places have this kind of options from the Continental Divide, the National Forest, Forest Service land,  Wilderness areas, tons of lakes, rivers, creeks, most with public access and some great drives.  If you love the outdoors this is the place.  We sure do.

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Here is a blast from the past.  Not sure when this was but probably real early 60’s.

My brothers, me, and Dad.  Great white hunters at the farm.

My brothers and sisters with my grandpa George and grandma Rebecca.

My grandparents raised a family on an 80 acre farm.  Milked cows by hand, used big draft horses for the hard work, and it was a big deal when they got indoor plumbing.  And yes, the Sears catalog was real if you get my drift.  My Granpa had false teeth but never wore them, and I never understood a word he said.  And he almost never in his adult life left the farm. My favorite memory was hitching the big draft horses to the sleigh with bells on, loading up the milk cans, then taking it to the cheese factory in the snow.  A real Norman Rockwell time in life.  I thought those horses were 10 foot tall!  Oh and I almost forgot, the hand crank party line phone.  A time I am glad I experienced.

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Most of you who read this have a problem, most of us tend to have.  Here is a picture of my old buddy Ray,  one of the great spinnerbait fisherman alive.  And just as it was in the 70’s, here he is having at it.    What do you see?

You think you have a few rods? 

Clyde says he has invented a cool spinnerbait that he has been working on for 10 years.  Hope I get one and will share it with you when I do.  Ray can catch em’!

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So that about clears things up except for one problem, still no Mako.  I have been cool about the whole thing, but that is about to change.  Not sure what I can do, but it is time for them to fix the freakin’ thing.  Thank God for the skiff.

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Really amazed at the amount of rain while we were gone.  Will head to the lake and check out the ramp, but it is up 2.65 feet since I fished 10 days ago.  It has not had this much water in it  for several years.  The only question to be answered:  Did the fish come with it and set up on all the new cover?  Can’t wait to find out Monday.

And I really need a salt fix.  A couple of the Austin forks are POC this weekend so will reach out to them and see how it has gone.  Just as with the lake, it will be interesting to see how all that fresh water affected the fishing, and will continue to affect for a while to come.  And of course, more gators that comes with it.

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Resting up today, getting things done, except the yard which is sopping wet.  Monday I will be on the water at daylight.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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A beautiful early morning drive.

The Boss had her meeting this morning so I headed out to Williams Lake to do a little fishing before she shook lose.  It was chilly, in fact 24 degrees in the low valley on the way to the lake.  But the day started out a little dicey.  On the way out of town there is a stretch which is just loaded with mule deer, and today they almost got me.  As I went around a tight corner a buck jumped right in front of the truck.  I slammed on the brakes and literally missed him by a hair.  I had the camera on the console ready in case and it launched, so did the coffee and whatever else was there and it actually cracked the protective lens over the camera lens.  What a save all the way around, those kinds of things make the trip what it is

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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The fishing was slow at Williams but this is good for the soul.

The drive up to the lake is 26 miles and there is always something to see.  From creek bottom valley to big hills, it is nice in and of itself.  As you can see it was beautiful when I got there.  The fishing was not any better than the other day and I only ended up catching one rainbow and missing a few more.  But other than another person or two it was solitude.  It may no be the best but it will always be on the list every trip.

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After we ate lunch it was time for a hike.  So we headed to Jackson Mountain Road to hike the trail when it started to rain.  Not wet like warm rain, but little balls like you get crossing the divide.  We ended up driving up to the trail head and back and decided to head down to Southfork and check out a new road down there.  We picked Beaver Road to Beaver Lake.  It was the second of three lakes on that road.   When we got there the Boss took her walk down the lake while I fished.

Beaver Lake

After just a little bit I figured it out, which with rainbows in lakes is speed and depth.  Once you figure it out the bite is usually on.  Guess catching all those trout on the White River did teach me something.  They preferred a red Rooster Tail and after I caught several the Boss came back and started fishing,  One thing that often happens with any fish, catch and release several and they slow down.  The trick is to change lures and you can always put more in the net.  Roostertail, spoon, and a small crankbait all caught fish, which was a good dozen or so.  A great end to another good day in the mountains.

        The Boss laying the smack down on them.

They were all rainbows and all got to swim another day.  I really like how there is some ridiculous number of lakes, as in 20 in this area alone.  They all have fish and really good access.   In fact we stopped at a couple of others and I made a few casts and with no bite just moved on.  There is that much water.  And spreading folks out you see a few here and there but it does not detract from the experience.  The side benefit of that drive was in and out it ran along a creek which is running heavy like most are now, but it is definitely a candidate for some fly fishing.   All in all a great day to by hanging with my best friend.

You just have to stop and look around occasionally.  

Not sure what the agenda is in the morning.  The Boss is getting her hair blown up, or something like that, in the morning so with a few hours to mess around will probably make the early morning wildlife drive, or who knows, might just head back to Echo Lake and wear them out some.  But no matter what we will get our moneys worth the last day.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

There are lots of mule deer, including these 20 feet away from me while I drink coffee on the back deck.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Real Estate Insanity!

Well Tuesday turned out to be a rather informative day.  As we kick around coming this way we have noticed the prices are much higher than even last year.  (How high?  Here is an example – How about an old trailer house across the street from a junk yard for $260K and there is nothing else cheaper.) And it sure seems like there is not really that much for sale.  Now we know the reason why.

It was raining pretty good so we headed west to the town of Bayfield, which is a little over half way to Durango from Pagosa, to check it out.  We putted around town, the old part was really cool and has not yet been gentrified like some old downtowns have been.  So after our general drive by, seeing no real estate signs, we stopped at a real estate office.  Us:  Hi we are thinking about coming this way.  Her:  Sorry I have no houses for sale.  I mean literally nothing under basically a million, and they sold 25 of that size last year.  And to give us an example one of the brokers who works there made a bid on a house in Durango that was $525,000.  His bid – asking plus $100k and paying all costs and taxes.  He did not get it!   And the last old, and they are old, houses in that old area sold for over $400k.  I am talking stuff that should not bring much over $100k.  So what is the freakin’ deal?

That is what I say:  What’s the deal?

She said the biggest factor is everything in sight has  been bought up, mostly by city folks from all over the country fleeing the virus.  And to add to it is the number of those who can now work remotely.   She said it has been crazy, folks are flocking to this area and price has not been an object and now, nothing left.  A literal feeding frenzy.  Folks who normally might sell with prices skyrocketing can’t, they would then have no where to live.  So when she said there is nothing much out there she was not kidding.  So there you have it, we will not be moving to Bayfield anytime in the future.  (As a side note wish I had gotten her name, her husband is from Seadrift, she from Aggieland.  Small world.)

And one side affect of that is we have heard from a couple of younger folks that they are leaving.  Basically the only jobs in the area are service related, which do not pay much.  Definitely not enough to live here much less trying to find a place to live.  Times have really changed fast, who would have seen that coming.  But as we know many of the folks who could flee did, and it looks like every single one of them has come to southern Colorado.  This is not deterring us at all, like many things in life, want it bad enough then figure it out.

Everybody is looking a little ragged as they shed the winter coat.

So today has been a rest up day.  I am sitting on the deck, the Boss is doing her shopping thing.  It leads to one question:  How can she shop and not buy something?  Always has puzzled me.

Tomorrow the Boss has a Zoom meeting in the morning so I will be up and gone at daylight back to the woods.  First chasing animals, then another go at Williams.  That was a nice brown I caught yesterday and who knows, maybe I will catch a bigger one.  And  one last thing – the elk medallions are marinating to go along with the asparagus.  Great way to finish the day.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines