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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Hiking near the Continental Divide.  It was way up there.

It was downright cool this morning so we made a drive up a road we had not been on yet.  On the way we saw plenty of elk and deer, though stuff did not seem to be moving like it was yesterday. At the very end of that road, and on the border of the Weminuche Wilderness, was a trail we decided to try.  The wilderness area is around a half a million acres, accessible by foot or horse, and it truly wilderness.  We hiked some of the Poison Trail and it was definite workout, as we hiked we were deeper and deeper in the real woods.  But until we were almost back after 3 hours we did not see or hear another soul.  I can not stress enough how much I like that, makes so much of life seem extraneous.  Good for the soul.  After being in several national parks that are flat crowded, here you have a chance to really get away from it all.

But the trail was great.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

I chased this drumming grouse down and got real close, unfortunately the rest of the pictures were really out of focus due to the undergrowth.

On they way we saw this guy and a chase ensued.  He started out on a big rock drumming to beat the band.  Crazy when they inflate their neck.  I finally got a real shot, but he was not going to let me get any closer.  We have not seen any others this trip, but they may just be starting to drum.  Cool bird.

A limit of trout headed to the pan.

We ended up stopping at Williams Lake and I caught a nice brown trout, but was to lazy to go get the camera out of the truck.  Other than a couple of half hearted bites they were not having it.  So on the way to another lake we stopped at the creek and it was running high and dirty, as everything is right now.  One little brown jumped on, but it was enough to tell me that creeks and rivers are out of the picture.  But the Boss was wanting a fish fry so the easy fix, Echo Canyon, a state lake just south of Pagosa.  It is stocked with trout and they are not all that hard to catch.  Just take a Rooster Tail, toss it as far as you can, and then a steady crank, and the smoke it.  So with 4 for the fish fry in hand we called it a day.

And they tasted even better than they looked.

After cooking tons of shore lunches on the side of the White River I can cook some trout if I do say so myself.  So trout, green beans, and slow roasted sweet potato’s hit the spot.  I do not care if it is catfish, bass, trout, or anything else, from the water into the grease is the key to great fried fish.

Tomorrow we are headed on a drive to a lake about half way to Durango, and to check out the area and a couple of small towns.  When I say this is our happy place I am not kidding.  The people, weather, and endless outdoors seem to fit us.  So we shall see.  But I will keep posting so keep stopping in and  thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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Today was our first day in Colorado, and as usual we had a big time.  We took 2 hikes and made a long drive way up and  saw some great animals.  It was 43 degrees in the mountains at daylight and ended up a nice 66.  So here is today’s great adventure.

The aspen are in bloom.  Cool trees generally found at 6000′ feet and above.

The Boss and our first hike along the Piedra River.

We saw a few elk we were able to get pictures and more we could not.  Seemed that some were already higher up in the mountains.  

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Piedra Falls.  Hard to describe how loud it was, and not a bad hike.

As usual mule deer everywhere.

The find of the day.  This was one big cow elk.

Lots of turkey in the area.  And this is the flow, probably no fly fishing the creeks this trip, but there is tons of lakes and trout will be on the plate tomorrow night.

 Today it was our “sure thing” drive, as long as you are up and gone at daylight there is a great chance of seeing stuff.  Today was the usual suspects, elk, mule deer, turkeys, and one cool coyote.  Along with that we have also seen quite a few Antelope on the way in.  They all are looking a little rough as the winter coat sheds.   We dropped by our friends house in the mountains and it looked all good.  Hard to describe how truly stunning the view of the Continental Divide is from his house.

First we made the creek hike, not a soul in sight or sound, then the falls hike.  We finished off the day heading up to the lake, and then checking out some potential fishing spots, which will get a cast or two after our hike tomorrow.  Whether it will be the fly or or spinning remains to be seen, the runoff is moving right along.  The Boss has a trail she has been wanting to try since we started coming here so that will get marked off the list.

As a side note we are, and have been, kicking around the idea of maybe a little real estate, that will be explored a little more as we expand our search area.  This really is our happy place and we do not get tired of the outdoors.  What makes this area our favorite of all the west we have visited is the sheer amount of public land and fishing opportunities.  There are so many awesome roads.  Access is the key and we make the most of it.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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After I filled out the survey from Mercury imagine my surprise when I actually got a personal response.  It said all the right things except this one – I looked in to it and your part is on the way.  The response basically said what we already know, we will get to it in a couple of weeks give or take.  I appreciate the response but the customer service aspect is still sorely lacking.

And on that note the LTS should be ready to go when I get back from Pagosa.  I hope so, time to start fishing the bay.  And the trout reports from Grand Isle are off the chain and it is calling my name.  The skiff is fine for a back up, but time to get back to it.

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I see some interesting things in boats for sale and this one is unusual.

engine run but have gas leak by the propeller

Not sure about this, is it even possible?

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And the usual with a twist.

Needs works and have to file for lost title. Doesn’t run but will.

I promise.

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I almost went blind.

What u see is what u get. No titles.

Just don’t look for you own mental health.

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Now this about covers it.

.unknown working condition.

That is a sales pitch.

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At least it looks good from across the street.

mostly shiny outside
bad inside
clear texas title in hand for boat
nothing for trailer

Run away.

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And I should buy this why?

MOTOR BOAT NEEDS A NEW FLOOR BOARD
no papers on any item

Seriously?  Just a floor board.  No one will give you anything, give it away and it might go away.

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Here is perfect example of something that will never sell.  (And there is a joke here somewhere but I will leave that to you.)

boat abandoned 15 yrs ago. Don’t know if the motor runs but the body is in good shape.

No title. Asking $150 obo

One look and the last comment any of us will have  –  Nice body.

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At least this one is realistic, free.

We lost the title but can do a bull of sale or something like that.

TPWD will be fine with “something like that.”

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And last this guy is a real peach.

 (no, it has no motor now; you don’t see one; there isn’t one)

And quit freakin asking!  In fact, never mind don’t even try to buy it.

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As I peruse boat for sale regularly I have noticed a couple of trends.  There is currently a “boat shortage”, both used and new, at least in some brands.  Consequently used high quality bay boats are bringing stupid high prices, which is fine if it is the boat you want and you intend to keep it for a while. But at these prices you will be upside down something awful.  And a trend in bass boats is all the high dollar electronics, with $5000 worth becoming common and twice that not uncommon, adding to the cost of a used boat.  But here is the future rub.  The electronics are improved every year, with this years latest and greatest becoming last years old news.  Fishermen love the latest and greatest, but when it is time to sell it will be dang hard to get the kind of sale price that will recoup some of that cost.  When I see used bass boat bring $60 – 70K it would seem that we are approaching critical mass.  So shop wisely.

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And last from Nicholas.

Hello, amazing article! I have been to Caye Caulker 3 times, but will be there again this June and for the first time I am bringing my fishing gear. I have spooked countless tarpon in my day, but never landed one. I hope to fish the split every night during my stay. Can you elaborate on how to catch these beautiful tarpon around the island? Also, I need to take a look at regulations but was also hoping to do some night time shark fishing if its allowed (always catch and release) if the tarpon bite is slow.

Also, how did you acquire a fishing license?

First the license, never did get one but should have.  (Guide told us don’t worry about it.) There is a municipal office that I believe has them, think they are $50.  As far as tarpon they come most nights to the lights of the Lazy Lizard, which as you know is on the split.  Get several sabiki rigs, you will need them, and some weights depending on the current.  Once the bar closes you could fish off the bulkhead, which is where the sardines were, the edge of the light.  You will need a bucket.  I had the best luck on the old pier at the head of the split for the tarpon, if it is still there, but it was concrete so it should be.  After it calms down seemed to be when the tarpon showed, and you can see them rolling in the lights of the bar.  From there toss the sardines as far as you can with the lightest weight you can and it is usually nothing more than a tic.  I did not use circle hooks, but it might be better.  And the sardines are not that big, 3 or 4 inches so easy on the hook size so they can swim.  Plus the tarpon there are generally residents in the 20 – 40lb range, though the big ones come in the summer so you never know.  From that point on good luck.  If I was headed back there would take a bag of Knockin Tail in the Pearl on a 1/4 – 3/8th jig head and toss that some, they just might inhale it!

And if you want to catch a bonefish the flat right there by the split holds them.   I had the best luck on 4lb fluro land a light brown 1/16th jig head.  Buggs makes a close one.  I think though you can only fish the area after 6 pm for the bones.  Wade out quietly to knee deep and just wait and watch, they are there,  Just a thought.   And one other thought, use a piece of chicken on a string around the docks on the back side and catch a few small crabs, they not only live longer, but the occasional big permit comes to the split and tarpon love them.  Thanks for the comments and good luck, love fishing there.

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Outdoor gear ready to go, fishing gear packed, along with the rest of it, and off to Pagosa and the mountains we go.  It will be our usual, some fly fishing, chasing animals, a daily hike, and maybe an adult beverage or two with the fish fry.  We burn the candle at both ends, up early, back late.  But putting in the effort gives us a great chance to see wildlife, and after seeing the lion last year maybe we can finally knock off the Colorado bear.  Will post a time or two so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

This does not do the morning justice.

Weather

78/88. Mainly cloudy and humid with 10% chance of rain.  Wind SE 12 – 20 mph.

Lake Level

Today  95.12 msl.    5 days ago  95.15 msl.

Solunar Times

Minor  6:06 a, to 7:06 am.  Major  12:39 pm to 2:39 pm.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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I started on my buzzbait spot and low and behold it came through.  When getting to the ramp at 6:00 it was fairly calm, the water temp was in the low 80’s over most of the lake, and the color varies depending on where you are.  But one thing remains consistent, throw it in front of a big one before the sun is up and get a smashing, and this one did exactly that.

Sorry for the fuzzy but it was humid as hell this morning.  But the buzzbait came through.

I stuck with the buzzbait until the sun was full up, catching a couple of smalls and losing another pretty good fish.  All of the bigger fish bites are coming on points, and it really helps if there is some cover to go along with it.  But after a while it died like is has so since I was up lake I tossed the blue/blue swim jig, catching a couple of smalls in the off color water.  But I kept going back to the pattern that has not worked but should, a Pearl Silver Jerk Shad in the grass, so time to give it a good go.

And the Controlled Descent Pearl Silver Jerk Shad came on as I found a few more fish in the new grass.  They were eating it.

I was fishing the Pearl Silver Jerk Shad with a 4/0 VMC hook, swimming it in a walk the dog pattern, targeting grass and newly flooded cover.  While they were not on all grassy cover, a few places had some, definitely an improvement.  The ones that were hitting it were eating it.  They wanted it right on the edge of cover, after throwing it over the grass to the bank.  I did miss several off the cover, it was tough to see with the wind, but the point, they were biting.  The one above was back in the stuff and smoked it.  Why this pattern/bite is so late I do not know, but time to hit it hard.  Most were small but with all the cover there is a sweet spot out there somewhere.

As long as the water stays stable there will be more fish moving into the grass.  And along with the Jerk Shad we should have a good frog bite coming.  But right now there is a shad spawn going on in the morning in some places, and there is tons of fry.  Soon the panfish will start spawning, and all of it should move into the grass off and on.  There are lots of areas that have potential, and it should be a good pattern going forth.

Not a bad morning, not great numbers, maybe 10 or so, but at least another good one and a new pattern.  Things are looking up on the lake, it is just late this year for some reason.  How long the really shallow bite will last will be mostly water level dependent.  But for the time being worth getting up for.

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And this from Lacy.

Enjoy reading your adventures & pics and keep them coming so be sure to Test your kill switch to make sure it works, & keep it attached.

Funny you should say that.  I wear the self inflating vest and keep it attached to the kill switch and on the drivers seat no matter the boat and put it on anytime I am going above an idle.  When I load the boat after each trip I disconnect the kill switch from the jacket and run it through the steering wheel so it does not flop all over the place on the road.  One side light to that is when I back the boat in next time and forget to unhook it I find out how well it works when turning the wheel.  Everyone needs to listen to that piece of advice, check your kill switch to be sure it is functioning properly, it may save your life.  As I have said many times, do it for those that love you, it is the least you can do.  Thanks for the comment and should have another photo dump when we get back from Colorado.

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Every once in while folks have a great run tournament fishing whether fresh or salt, and Colton Knipling and his crew are literally taking the salt by storm.  A real credit to their ability to find and catch fish.  Winning regularly is no easy feat and they are on one big roll.  Congratulations.

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Of all crazy things the Boss got a survey from Mercury motors last week.  Funny it came right now since the part on order is still not here after over 6 weeks.  It asked for comments and of course how could I refuse.  But what was interesting was the list of all the Mercury motors I have owned, and here it is.  3hp, 10hp, 25hp, 60hp, 50hp,  90hp,  2-115s, 135, and a 150 Black Max.  At least that is all I am able to recall.  And I used the living crap out of the whole bunch of them.

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Watching the weather last night it was a reminder, April winds have not left us yet.  The Dude was  talking 30 to 40mph gusts the next few days.  Maybe later this summer I will be missing it standing waist deep in the Gulf, but for now please go away.  But at least we had some rain and are expecting more.

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Tomorrow the truck goes in for maintenance prior to hitting the road for Colorado so I will be without wheels tomorrow.  I believe in keeping stuff  up, really reduces breakdown chances, especially when we will be in the high mountains for a few days.  Hopefully it will be back on the water Wednesday, it looks like it might rain, and as long as the wind does not blow it should be a Jerk Shad beatdown.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

It is 9:00 Thursday night and I have decided to get up really early and be at the gate when the lake opens at 6:00.  If I am having trouble catching fish later in the day the only answer is go as early as possible.  The weather is going to be a little to nice, but maybe one more big fish, worth getting up for.

Weather

69/85. Periods of clouds and sun with 0% chance of rain.  Wind ESE 10 – 20 mph.

Lake Level

Wednesday  95.18 msl.    Today  95.15 msl.

Solunar Times

Major  10:37 am to 12:37 pm.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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It was dark when I got to the ramp.  No real change in the lake conditions other than there was not a cloud in the sky.  As I got my stuff together I decided to retie the buzzbait.  Usually I just grab and go and think about it way to late.  Then it was off to the good place.

Not quite what I was looking for.

I made on pass on the point without a bite.  So turned around and refished it and caught a short.  Then the one above.  What makes me happy about this one is the size.  I have caught very few in this mid size, so was good to see one.  Two casts later it happened.  The bait was about half way back and one just literally blasted it.  I went to set the hook and nothing, including no bait.  The line was broken clean, not an untie, and there is no reason in this world that it would break.  Obviously somewhere on the 2 prior fish something happened to the line.  Ouch!  And what made it so weird is I actually retied before starting and since I rarely do it, kind of a reverse karma thing.

From that point on fished way up lake, and caught a couple flipping wood on the watermelon stick worm, but it is still almost muddy the farther up you go.  Then like I have been doing it was a variety of places, some I have not fished, some I have, with the same result.  2 in this cove, 1 on that bank, never any more, no better fish.  Specifically went to the clearest cover I could find and threw the Controlled Descent Pearl Jerk Shad and could not raise a fish.  Actually threw it on a couple of other spots without one even taking a pass at it.  If there are shallow fish they will always take at least a swipe at it.   And so far the new grass does not have them, at least none I have fished.

A couple more fell to the buzzbait, but they were small.  The swim jig continues to put fish in the boat, and if was going to tournament fish would buzzbait 1 or 2 places early, then the swim jig the rest of the day.  But even that is slow.  Just can not figure out a specific pattern.   But no complaints on my part, caught some nice fish this week.  When a big fish blows up on the buzzbait it is a thing of beauty!

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The Lunker Lure

You have heard me rant on folks who say things like this lure is a copy of that lure.  That misses the point, and shows their complete lack of historical lure making.  The Lunker Lure is a perfect example.  I do not know who was the original designer/maker, but it was used the first time by a pro winning a BASS tournament, I believe in 1975.  In fact I had my tackle store at the time so I  ordered a dozen, immediately hit the lake, smoked the bass, and have been hooked ever since.  Since then everybody who makes spinnerbaits makes a buzzbait.  But in my opinion, and I have used many different brands, nothing beats the original Lunker Lure.  They all make different sounds, but none have improved on the original.

A buzzbait is a great big fish bait.  It is by far one of my favorite ways to fish.  What it imitates is open to interpretation, which is exactly what you want the fish to do.  Is it a duck, bird, shad, it really does not matter, you just need to put it in front of one and hold on.  It shines from post spawn  all the way into whatever winter your area has, water temp 65 degrees and above seems to be the ticket.  And the best thing, it really is simple to use.  Cast and reel.  The key is speed, a steady medium retrieve is usually fine, and lure placement.  Good casts make for big fish, and it should be moving when it hits the water.  I generally point the rod straight at the bait, which will increase hooking percentage.  Big bass often hit it way off the bank, and will come quite a way for it at times, so do not give up on it to soon.  And like they are doing right now, they will smash it.  Little fish will pull it under, nip it, but once a big fish commits she is going to eat.

And one thing you hear all the time is it should squeal.  Folks go so far as to put them on the car antenna or console so it will spin on the way to the lake, just to get them to make “that” noise.  Now companies have added clackers and such, which I have found to be of no help.  When you throw one as much as I have you learn that they will wear out fast, usually the spacer at the end of the blade, they only have so many rotations in them.  It needs to spin freely so it makes the perfect sound at slow to medium speed.  Cast, get it up,  and keep with it.  So with the Lunker Lure, take it out of the package, tie it on, and go to fishing.  Do not complicate something as simple as fishing it.  And when they are eating like they are right now it will hook you, and them.

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And this question from SA Joe.

Doug, I wonder if those big ladies are smashing the baits even earlier than when your getting on the lake?…

Believe me that question has crossed my mind a bunch.  The problem?  The gate does not open until 6:00.  And it closes at midnight.  Now you can get out anytime but I would try it around 4:00 if I could get in,  Not sure I want to go at midnight and stay all night.  But who knows, it might be the trip of a lifetime. especially with this moon.

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Get ready all of you with an outboard that has a drinking problem.  Oil has hit over $62 a barrel and is projected to go even higher.  And just today in Victoria gas went up almost .20 depending on where you shop.  Of course the rise in gas prices would not have anything to do with the reopening of the economy and what looks to be big summer travel on the way now would it?  But either way get ready, it is about to get expensive to feed the beast.

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And did I mention that I actually had the net out?  I rarely use one but for the first time in a couple of months there was actually a few fish that could not be boat flipped.  Plus, it really is easier on them if you have the rubber one.  Easier to get the hook out of the net, and it keeps the fish wet.  So here is hoping there is some more of that in my future.

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We all need a little reminding occasionally, the internet is a dangerous place so do not trust anyone, period.  My sister-in-law and her husband are selling their camper.  They put it on an internet selling site and got a quick response.  The guy,  or shall I saw a piece of excrement, set up an appointment, then a little while later texted wanting a copy of the title.  The answer is not only no but f’n no!  Of course they have not heard from him since.  The easiest way to transverse the internet is NEVER provide any information to ANYONE.  End of story,  One thing you learn as a defense attorney is there are lots of criminals out there who want your stuff.  Probably the same guy from Nigeria who is holding her 100 bazzillian $$$$ inheritance.

And on that note saw a picture of a tournament fisherman with his trophy and check, and he had blockked out the amount.  Smart guy.  See way to many guys flashing the check, which, get real, how often is that reported as income?  Okay to brag, but why exposure yourself to thieves or the IRS.

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And on the LTS the mess continues.  Mercury finally sent the parts last week, only problem one of the bushings for the lower motor mount was for a 4 stroke and not the Opti.  They contacted them, so sorry our fault, and we will get the right part out, in 2 weeks.  I have been a Mercury guy for the last 40 years but this is getting ridiculous, we all know if I was somebody the part would be overnighted and my boat would be long fixed.  So talking nice about them is over.  Try getting your crap together, it should not take almost 6 weeks to get the parts from the factory.  Who do they think they are with poor customers sevrice, Bass Pro.  So the skiff party goes on.

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On the travel front back out west we go in a weeks or two.  Headed back to Pagosa Springs, which is one of our happy places.  Last year at this time the elk migration was in full swing, we ran into the grouse doing their thing, and the rivers were to blown out for wading.  So who knows what to expect from this trip.  But we will be covering the miles, doing some hiking, and putting some fresh trout in the pan.  May even do a little real estate looking.  And Chago will go by the house and makes sure it is still standing.  And isn’t it about time for you to get out there yourself?  They say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, jsut saying.

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Hope you all have a good weekend.  Of course I will leave it to all of you have to work, hope you get out and catch a few fish.  Now unless it is perfect time to do a little bay fishing, hope we get a day or two with light winds, but rain is coming again, so we shall see.  No matter what I will be fishing so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

All I have to say, I have a  bad case of the big bass.  So tomorrow I will be on the water before the sun is up and looking for that big bite.  Not sure where I will start, figure that out when I leave the ramp cove.  And more grass cover is going to get a work over, maybe with sun they will move in it as the day progresses.  The only way to know is to go, and I will not have any trouble getting up.

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Weather

75/84. Pleasant, sunny with patchy clouds and 0% chance of rain.  Wind NNE 10 – 16mph.  (Wrong, it was mile high sky and blowing almost 20 at daylight.)

Lake Level

Yesterday  95.18 msl.    Today  95.20 msl.

Solunar Times

Major  9:10 am to 11:10  am.   

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Worth Getting Up For!

I do not know what to say.  It was early as you can see, and when this girl smoked it she hit with some serious bad intentions.  This was one of my top 5 bites bass fishing ever.  It was dead quiet and it sounded like s gunshot, POW.  And then reality set back in.  This is one of the weirdest patterns I have ever encountered.  Smash it at daylight, and then they are gone.

The wind was out of the NE blowing right on the ramp.  It was cool, see sweatshirt, but the water temp remains in the high 70’s and the color seems to be getting a little worse.  With the pounding wind I started on a bank out of the wind with a good point where there has been a shad spawn.  It was a little bit before I got a bite, then wham.  And what came next?  Exactly what I have been seeing, it was another 7 or 8 smalls the rest of the morning.

Half came on the buzzbait, and half on the swim jig.  Try as I might fishing the grassy areas with a Controlled Descent Jerk Shad, they should be blowing up on that thing but they were not having it.  And occasionally the plopper when the cover was not to bad, but no body was interested.  I have a thought on that, the water is still coming up some and the color is working it’s way down lake.  As a side note when I cross the Quad on the way to the lake it is still as high as it has been, muddy, with lots of trash, which is an indication what is coming down lake.

Again today I fished some of my old spring favorites I have not fished in a while, and as usual it was one here, 2 there, all smalls.  In fact did not have another big bite all morning.  But with a cool north wind and mile high sky it was not surprising,  Monday when I got 2, it was cloudy all day and light wind, the next two days as soon as it cleared off in the morning they slowed way down.  In my wildest dreams we will have a day or two coming up with clouds, drizzle, and a light breeze.  Then it will be all day.  The big girls are up, it is all a matter of timing.

Tomorrow will be a honey-do day, which includes mowing the lawn.  This is one of those neighborhoods where once someone mows it turns into a mow-a-rama.  Fishing will be all weather dependent now.  Good light wind day will head to the bay, otherwise it will be back to the lake.  If the wind would give it a rest actually thinking about night fishing,  who knows, that may be the ticket.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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