FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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I was at the river Monday as it just started to get light.  It was 45 degrees and the wind was blowing pretty good right down the river.  There were a few trout rising, nothing spectacular, but the ones that did were popping it.  On the 3wt was a dry with a dropper, the 5wt had a streamer.

After about 15 minutes I knew they were not wanting the dry, at least one that looked like mine, so time to switch to the streamer, and boy was that a good choice.  On maybe the second cast the minute I straightened it out one smoked it, leaving a big boil while it was at it.  Really a cool bite.

This was the first one.

A couple of quick pics and back in she went.  They were so aggressive that the minute you moved the streamer they were rolling on it.  The bite was on, I had the right bait.  I ended up catching 4, and then Oops.

Number 2, looking good.

I had a pretty good one on when I took a step and fell right on my face.  The water was not that deep, but it was 45 degree out and the water 50 at best.  Of course I had a jacket on, which one arm got completely soaked along with everything in the pockets.  It made it down the front of my jacket and into the waders enough that my shirt was wet.  One of those you hope no one is looking.  At least I did not break my rod.  The sun had not even made it over the mountain, the wind is blowing, and it is time to head back to the cabin and put on some dry clothes. It was cold.  So I called it day for wading and ended up cruising a couple of lakes and the tackle store of course.

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      At the lakes it was 5 0r 6 browns, 2 little rainbows, and this little brookie.

At Williams I caught 4 browns and one rainbow, and it was small.  The browns all look like the one above.  It ended up taking a spoon, casting it out, then doing a 20 count.  They wanted the one in the mouth of the brookie above, but of course the next rainbow broke the 4lb test and took off with it.  The wind was definitely up today and was really blowing by 4:00.  I managed 3 or 4 at the second lake but the wind had the grass floating and making it a hassle.  It was pretty slow on both lakes but I never spent a ton of time on either place.

There are so many hunters and I ended up meeting some folks from Clarksville, Arkansas.  They are here hunting, and have done so here since the 70’s.  They are strictly bow hunters, and he has called in lots of bulls in the past, including a 360 for his daughter.  They were taking a break and fishing for their supper and were absolutely smacking them.  How?  Powerbait of course.  It is a staple for trout and they basically fish it just like catfish.  Looked like about a 1/4 ounce sinker and single Powerball on a small hook just tossed on the bottom.

Actually reminded me of fishing trout on the White in the old days.  When guiding lots of those bottled salmon eggs, maybe a red wiggler, or corn.  Of course I prefer lures but if I wanted a fry today no problem, with Powerball you can cut that down to about 5 minutes.  Good to chat with some real Arkie’s, hope they get an elk.

So in the morning we restart the plan minus the getting wet.  It was basically my fault, no reason to move my feet when I have a fish on.  Will be out at daylight and starting off with the streamer and this time spend some time fishing the whole area.  Can’ wait.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Tuesday

It was almost cold this morning.  The wind was not as bad but it was blowing right down the river.  I got to my spot before the sun came up and got organized.  Seems funny to have to put so many clothes on, I can get used to this.

I started with a streamer and while they were not biting as strong as yesterday morning I ended up having a good morning.  I think it was only 2 on the streamer, the rest came on a small minnow bait, rooster tails, and went ahead and caught another on the 3.3 Pearl  Knockin Tail just to confirm that they do like it.

This one slammed the Pearl Knockin Tail.

If I have learned one thing is that the browns are on the prowl at first light, and I mean no sun.  They are scattered in this big hole, which used to have a beaver damn.  Only 2 hooked up on the streamer, but it was not their fault,  I had several bites the I just did not get the hook in them.

The first one on the streamer and 1 on the minnow bait.

I will give them this, when using lures they are so aggressive and  just plain stop it.  As the sun started to come out the only benefit was warming up my wet hands.  The only wildlife this morning was a totally black mink who was working hard across the river.  Cool little creature.

Rooster Tail and Minnow bait.  

I wanted to try a couple of new places so the first one was down the river from where I was.  It looked great but I could not get a bite on a dry with a nymph dropper.  One did jump on the spinner but it was small, though it was a rainbow which the first one in the river.  Following an access road I tried one more place and caught only a small brown.  If I have learned one thing, I have a ways to go when fishing really shallow water.  I quit at 11:00 and consider the morning a success.

Time to do some laundry and clean up my own act.  Today I will hang around the cabin and head out for an evening drive to see if I can find some more sheep.  It is a different zone from the other area with all the hunters which is an over the counter bow and muzzle loader zone.  And while for some reason I never see a bear one did get on top of the dumpster here in the camp ground last night so there is hope.  Not much else to say today other than having a great time.  There are lots of folks fishing and getting out at daylight is the ticket.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Saturday

I knew it was going to be busy, but folks were sure out and about in massive numbers.  I did not plan on any real hardcore fishing today, like always leave the weekends to folks.  But I wanted to head up to Poage Lake, which my buddy Rusty said was a good dry fly lake.  It is quite a drive into the mountains ending at 11,000 feet.  On the way there were trucks parked here and there so when a guy in front of me stopped I did too.  When asking him what was up, it is bow season for elk and the muzzle loader opening, which explains everything.

One beautiful lake, almost to the tree line.

When I got to the lake there was a couple of guys from Alabama who were about to head out after driving all night.  The plan was to hike to a high mesa and camp a couple of nights.  As the weather has been so nice the elk are still way up, and I have not heard a bugle yet.

Sitting on a rock eating a bologna sandwich for lunch with just the sounds of the water.  Bologna never tasted so good.

So after hiking in to the lake there were trout rising everywhere and it was just me.  Man it looked to good to be true, but alas it was.  Suffice to say I ended up catching 4, all about 5″, and did not have a bite even on lures from a real one.  About the time I was headed back a couple came, him carrying a belly boat, her just to enjoy the day.  Last week on TV they were seeding high mountain lakes with stocker trout, and there were literally hundreds of them.  He immediately went to the middle of the lake where she told me the fish were.  What had happened is the lake turned over along with the addition of thousands of small trout.  And that is why the fishing was so tough but no complaints.

When I got back to the truck there were folks everywhere headed to fish, all packing belly boats.  There were a couple of guys who visit this area every year and were amazed at how many people were there, usually they rarely saw anyone else.  I talked fishing with several folks and again was so happy to see folks sharing info, baits etc.  What a refreshing attitude.  From there I stopped at Williams Lake and it was slammed busy.  A couple of smalls jumped on the Rooster Tail so I headed to one more lake on the way down and while no fish, there was a couple of interesting happenings.

Last stop of the afternoon.

First I saw 3 snakes, one water snake and 2 garter snakes.   As I was standing on a big boulder casting I looked down and there between my feet was a big fat ground squirrel who had not figured out yet I was a human.  After eating my lunch beside a high mountain stream I called it a  day.  Sunday I am going to take it easy, change cabins, and watch a little football and let it clear out for a hard week of fishing.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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I never get tired of the top of the world!

The morning went just like it is supposed to.  Getting fish and wildlife to cooperate is not always easy, but this morning was a great start to South Fork.  Smashing some brown trout early, then getting so lucky and coming across a herd of Bighorn Sheep.  All I can say is get up early and get out there.  Go where the sheep are and you just might get your reward.  First up was a quick stop at a place where I have caught plenty of browns to just check the water conditions, and the whipping began.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

First up was the Rio Grande between South Fork and Creede.  I was still tired after a hard day of wading so all I wanted to do on my way to look for critters was stop at the beaver damn where I had my first great day on brown trout with a fly rod.  Using small minnow baits and a spinning rod just to see if they were there, they were, and the beat down began.  (One comment, bending the barbs down sure makes releasing easier.)

That hole was loaded with them.

8 or 10 jumped on but I did not want to stay to long, there was animals to chase, but there was one more thing to try.  If I told you that it was time to do a little test with the coming soon 3.5 Knockin Tail guess I might have to kill you, but this was a good place to try it.

Of course it caught brown trout.  As I have said, if it has a tail and gills it will eat the Knockin Tail.

Brown trout are animals, and can be aggressive when on the chew.  The plan was to test it on the trout in the lakes, and normally would not throw it on a small stream, but the browns were there so why not?  All I have to say about the smaller Knockin Tail is it should whip their butt on the lakes, and tomorrow it will get a real go.  So after an hour I was worried it was getting to late so headed to Pool Table road, where I saw the giant Bighorn 2 years ago.

(As a side note it sure is refreshing talking to fly fishermen.  Most are so helpful, and the ones I have met pointed me in the right direction with a couple of new places  and recommended the right fly.  None of that freakin’ nonsense on the Texas coast, where everything is a big secret, like it is life or death.  They are just fish folks.  Sharing information makes us all better fishermen.)

Want sheep?  How about 11,000 feet!  It was 41 degrees up there.

Pool Table road has been heavily logged and I assume it got the name from the huge logged over areas that are now pasture at over 10,000 feet.  It is a wonderful drive and I followed the road until it was nothing more than a pig trail without seeing a thing, not even a mule deer.  So I turned around and topping a hill there was what looked like a herd of mule deer coming off a ridge into the pasture.  So I headed that way and unbelievably it was a herd of Bighorns.  All ewes and babies, I got close enough to get a few pictures before they spooked.  It is tough to hold still when they are that far away but the long lens did the job.  This is never tripod shooting as it happens in an instant.  So here they are in no particular order.

I love Bighorns! There was 16 of them and they were kind enough not to totally spook.

Nothing more to say but what cool animals.  This will not be my last drive on the Pool Table Road.  And on the way down finally saw a couple of mule deer which finished off the morning.  This is not Yellowstone or Estes, the animals are not habituated and it all has to go right, and today it did.

Mule deer will just look at you until they decide if you are a threat.  Whitetails they are not.

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And from Rick.

Nothing to do with fishing, but just so you know….HOOKEM HORNS!!

I will be watching so we shall see about that.  Go Hogs!  WPS!  And on a side note that game last night between the Cowboys and Tampa was a great start to the season.  Since I leave the weekends to the rest of the folks (Except when here.)  I am ready for some football.

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When I got back to the cabin at noon time to get organized.  Needed to wash truck, get gas and groceries, and of course stop in the fly shop.  After living out of the truck for 4 days time to settle in and put stuff in the cabin.  And a shower probably would be good thing.  Going to rest up the rest of the day and then in morning gone before daylight and headed to a couple of high mountain lakes and first a great small stream and work over some brookies.  Then stop at a couple of lakes and do a little spin fishing, and give the Knockin Tail another go.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

First one, the rest basically stayed in the net.  And very easy to get off using barbless.

You know what was my favorite part of the day?  The way I ended up catching them.  Dry fly, San Juan worm with an indicator, and stripping a Wooley Bugger.  Before I finally gave out wading around 15 give or take a couple jumped on and I got sunburned.  It does not get any better than that.

The ranch is basically an island, which is weird, but the North and South arms of the Rio Grande go around the property, and with it you have a mile of water basically to yourself.  And I met the owner on the way in, great guy who is keeping the homestead alive as his great (I think.) Grandads legacy, it has been continually owned by the family for over 100 years.  And best of all, the water was perfect and wading conditions not to bad for an old man.

Most were like this and only a couple small  like the second one out of over a dozen.

I met Ian yesterday who gave me a tip, which turned out to be the only thing I could not catch them on, a nymph.  Now mind you I am so a beginner but I made a good choice early, totally by accident.  He said the dry fishing was poor but starting with a dry and a nymph dropper (Listen to me talking all fly fishing!) turned out to be perfect.  My second cast one blew up all over the dry fly, which our resident Fayette guru Rusty tied for me.

Of course totally out of practice I missed at least 4 before I started hooking up.  Unfortunately I lost a pretty big one trying to get my stuff together, trying to get the on the reel to fast, but at least 4 or 5 actually made the net.  Then I could not buy a bite on a dry or the nymph so time for an old standby, the Wooley Bugger.  I was stripping it, twitch, twitch, and when they hit it they stopped it.  Have never used it that way and it was fun.  And that put 4 or 5 in the net.

Hard to take pictures of them and manage the fly rod.  Still a new thing for me.

When it slowed down I used another old favorite the San Juan worm with 2 beads and a foam indicator.   And about the same amount of trout jumped on that.   When they stopped the worm they were on, I missed far less on the worm.  The couple of big ones that did jump off today were good fish, I attribute that to being rusty.  But nice to break in the 3 wt, perfect for that stream.  If at the end of this trip I fished that same river again it would be another story.  So all in all a good day.  I will fill you in the next day or two on the company I used to book the ranch, so you can check them out.

I am tired  and watching the game, hope I make the end, so this is the short version.  In South Fork now and already have the map out.  It will be few lakes and rivers I have fished before and lots of new.  Probably tomorrow head out early for a place on the river where I have had some luck in the past.  With the weekend coming will probably hit the lakes some and wait for the rest of the fly guys to go home or back to work and back at the fly fishing on Monday.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

At the top.  There were bathrooms, places to picnic, and trails.

This is what it looked like half way up, beautiful.

None of it was 4 wheel drive, but would not want to tackle it without it depending on the weather.  But it is a cool drive.  And this what we love about Colorado, beside the fishing, is lots of access to the real woods.  Can’t wait to hit a trail or two this week.

What an interesting tunnel.

4 of the 6 from a bachelor mule deer group.  Still in velvet and still liking each other.

I came around a corner and there were 6 mule deer, all bucks crossing a pasture.  They were still a long way off even for the long lens, and they were very interested in why I stopped.  Other than these guys I only saw 2 does.  But all around a get drive and great way to start the next few weeks.  And I saw lots of antelope yesterday and a couple today.  Can’t wait to get to elk country.  And speaking of the next few weeks………

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Will start the serious fishing tomorrow.  I decided to try something I have not done before, and that is use a company that provides access to private waters.  One of those places happens to be close to South Fork where I will be headed tomorrow for the next 11 days.  I scoped it out today to make sure I could find it, it took a little, but the prospects look amazing.  Access will be all day with a mile of the North Fork of the Rio Grande on a private ranch.  And actually met a guy today who fished the other arm a few hours and caught 12 and gave me a couple of tips, so I just might catch a couple.  Plus the water looks great.

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Got this question from a reader.

How does one find out how to become a blogger, or how much a blogger makes?

How to Blog. | Fish Catching Travel

All I know is how I did this one and why it is around almost 12 years later.  And I knew absolutely NOTHING and am computer illiterate so if I can do it anyone can.  Since I wrote this cost has gone up, but are still reasonable.  The only question:  How bad do you want it?

As far as money that has never been an issue here, but making money from a blog is totally related to readers/visit counts and nothing else.  In my case I might get a bait or two, or some equipment, but that is a side benefit.  When you do it for money there are a few practical considerations.  As an example if I want to insult everyone so what, it is mine and I will do as I please, not so if you want to make money,  But if that is what you want there is lots of stuff to read on the internet.  But no matter commit to it or forget it, it can be most rewarding, and can really suck when you are not feeling it.  Good Luck.

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Doubt  I will get a report up tomorrow but who knows.  I intend to get my days worth, and some good casting practice to go along with a few fish.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff,

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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From TPWD on this holiday weekend.

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

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

So here are my rules from last year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

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

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

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

One cool sunrise!

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

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

The spoon and Knockin Tail saved the morning.

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

A couple of catfish trolling back to the ramp.

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

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

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

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

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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

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

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

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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And this from Wade Right and Grinder Terminal Tackle.

Mike Dickey   Grind Terminal Tackle

June 15  · 

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

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

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And this from Travis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

They were blowing up on it this morning.

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

Lots of this size this morning.

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

If you find them they are really schooled up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines