FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

I am totally packed and ready to leave for the Chandeliers on Tuesday.  It really does take some thought in what to take as you never know what conditions will be or what they will eat.  Every year is different depending on wind, whether we get to fish the surf, drift or wade.  There reaches a certain point where it is time to put it to rest.  I got organized so that I can fish Monday without thinking about what I have to do to get ready, it will simply be throwing it all in the truck and hitting the road.  The weather tomorrow looks fine, and I don’t mind a little rain and clouds as long as no lightning.  It will be up and gone in the morning, great way to spend the day instead of sitting around waiting to go.

The only reason this was the big for the day was operator error.

Weather

72/87.  Showers in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Lake Level

Wednesday 97.68.   Today 97.61.   (On the 11th 98.32.)

Bite Times

Minor 10:19 a. to 11:19 am.

**********The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The water was real dingy this morning, probably the result of the last 3 days of high winds.  The water temp was 77 give or take and you can really see how far it has dropped.

First up was the shad spawn bank and it was an easy 10+ but they weren’t much.  As the water recedes it was necessary to throw it all the way in the trash and slow roll it out.  The brown swim jig with a Rage Menace was the bait of choice, at least until the first disaster struck.

A long cast into real shallow cover produced a great bite really close to the boat.  She smoked it and went right under a tree.  It was one of those she was stuck and jumped and would have easily made the day.  I tried everything from letting it go slack to sticking my rod in the trash and finally got it unhung, only to learn she went under a completely different tree.  Finally the only option was to break her off.  It was not really operator error, it just was where she bit.

They bit from the first bank to the last.

There is one place no matter where on the lake you are that is a sure thing:  Any flat point with stuff on it and deeper water nearby.  Just throw the swim jig across it and reel it pretty quick and if there is a good one they will usually jump it.  And that is where number 2 jumped off.  The minute she bit it was easy to know it was a good one.  She kept trying to jump and I managed to keep her down a couple of times before she made the big jump.  It was not a giant, but would have been big for the day until she spit the swim jig back at me.  Oh well it happens, just usually not twice in 1 day.

The swim jig did the damage and a couple on pitching a creature bait.

Again today the numbers were good, but the real big ones have eluded me.  I keep thinking there is a better bait but when you are catching lots all day it is hard to imagine what.  So I have been stuck in a rut with the swim jig but it is hard to put it down.

What puzzles me is today there was only 2 other boats out and only 3 trucks at the ramp.  It is a little depressing as it was not that long ago there was a crowd most days and big fish were not uncommon.  (Funny to hear me complaining there is not enough traffic, definitely a symptom.) Unfortunately, the fishing is not all that great, at least for big fish.  The loss of our grass has made a long-term big impact, on not only the fish but the fishermen.  No more wondering if there was good parking left, or if someone else fished the bank before you did.  It is still a mystery how this happened.  From a natural brown out following a big spring flood 5 or 6 years ago, to GBRA actually sprayed and killed the grass.  That question will never be answered, it is what it is.  But Coleto has gone from one of the great big bass lakes to what it is today.  Too bad, it sure was fun while it lasted.

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And this question from a reader.

– “I noticed you recommend a 10 lb test line for trout fishing. Have you ever tried using a lighter line, and if so, how did it affect your success rate?”

Great question and the answer on salt is yes, I have fished 8lb quite a bit and even 6lb on occasion.  To go along with that I paired it with a 1/32-ounce jig head and it worked like a charm.  (Big Hint:  There is some really big trout being caught right now on dart style plastics with the 1/32 jig heads.  Keep it moving.)  If you think about it the majority of the time once you hook a trout there is not that much to get hung up on and it is just a matter of taking it easy.  And big trout help you out by coming up and showing that yellow mouth.  That is why they put drags on reels.  And the lighter line is perfect when you are finding them in sand holes on the grass flats.  You can work it quick over the potholes and it is so cool to see them materialize and eat it.  In my younger days I put many stripers up to 20lbs in the boat on 4 or 6lb test while crappie fishing, the rule is no big hurry.  The combination is perfect for clear shallow water but not really needed most of the time.  It is just a fun way to fish.

Now if you are talking freshwater rainbows, browns, or cutties I rarely, as in never, go heavier than 4lb test.  More than saltwater it is almost mandatory on small streams and lakes.  Nothing like hooking a good brown in big current, it will test your skill as a fisherman.   Fishing should be fun and the lighter the line the more fun it is.  Lose the occasional fish, then you have a good story to tell.  Thanks for your question.

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CWD

2 more deer in a captive breeding facility have tested positive for CWD according to TPWD.  As the fiddler fiddles the state had decided to ignore the potential of full-blown spread of CWD.  As you watch what happens remember this, taken directly from their website:  “CWD has an incubation period that can span years.”  If that is the case then can they say definitely that every animal in those facilities are not already infected?  So seems like they are playing with fire.

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For years I have been telling you NOT to buy any boat without a title for the motor, trailer, and hull.  Period, full stop.  In spite of what the sellers try to say there is NO WAY for you to fix almost any of it.  And if anyone tells you just go to TPWD and they will help you fix it they are full of shit.  (At least what they told me the last 2 times I asked while doing some business at my local office.)  Either the seller fixes it or walk.  For fun if it is an engine ask the seller if you can call the cops and have them run the serial number.  That could be interesting.  And here is proof of the trouble that can ensue.

In that vein props to the wardens of TPWD who just conducted a check at the ramp during a big bass tournament in Texas.  They confiscated over $100,00o worth of stuff just in one day.  Good, hope they throw the book at some of them.  We will have to wait and see what the final specific totals are on what and the amount of stuff confiscated.  Save yourself a ton of trouble and look at any boat without all 3 titles with skepticism.  Almost impossible to fix at best, stolen at worst.

(And do not ever think that my criticism of some of TPWD decisions have one thing to do with our wardens.  They do not make policy they just do their job.  Every interaction I have had with a Texas game warden has been positive and I appreciate what they do for us.  Wish I could say that was the case with the Coast Guard at POC.  I hate when folks lie to me and they lied like a dog.)

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I am no football guru though it has been a part of my life since early childhood.  Suffice to say the draft is similar to going to a casino, boom or bust.  But I have to say the Cowboy’s decisions were a little hard to understand and watching the first day and most of the second their ineptitude was on full display.  According to Jerry the Texas running back was their top choice so why not trade up and come out with the one player you want instead of broadcasting to the whole world what you think, and then losing him?  Hey, I like Zeke and he will have a role but that will not get them there.  Folks dog on Jerry all the time and unfortunately, he deserves most of it.

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BYE

That will do it for a week.  Tomorrow is head to the Chandeliers.  It will be 3 days of hard core fishing with the Wade Right boys.  It is a fun group and it will be year 2 of the battle for the belt.

Billy with the belt.  9 others in a Battle Royal are coming for you!

The trash talking has already begun for such a prestigious belt.  These guys are trash talking great fishermen and it will be the usual barrel of fun.  The weather looks like it is going to cooperate and the Captain reports good trout fishing.  And if the stars align we will be able to fish the beach on the ocean side.  When it works out the trout are big and the reds are bigger.  It will be a week before I get a chance to report but I will be back.  Nice to spend a little time without phone or internet, just good company, a cold one, and good fishing.  It does not get any better than that.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

To say it is early when I am hitting the water is an understatement.

Weather

59/79.  A mix of clouds and sun early, then becoming cloudy later in the day. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph.

Lake Level

Today 97.68.   Yesterday 97.72.  (Still on the slow steady decline.)

Bite Times

Major  12:21  pm to 2:21 pm.

**********The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

If this was not the biggest numbers day I have had on Coleto it was close.  Fish on from the first bank to the last.  In fact, I only fished one short stretch without a bite, but the rest of the day it was a constant bite.  What made it sort of interesting is they all looked like the ones below.  And other than swim jig only caught one other on buzzbait.  That bite is coming just not today.

They don’t get any fatter than this.  Definitely had not spawned. 

Normally when I catch that many on the swim jig I get the big bite but other than missing one here and there not a hint of a big fish.  The best places are still the long flatter stretches with bushes and grass.  And like yesterday throw it to the edge of the grass and slowly reel it out and hold on.  (I generally try to keep it about a foot of the bottom.)  First thing several came rushing it inside the grass and you could see the grass shake.  They were definitely biting.  It was an easy 20+ before noon, all slow rolling the swim jig.  I finally caught 3 on a spot that is a slam dunk spring place that just has not produced a fish this spring.

From almost the first cast till the last, one after another that looked just like this.

I fished up the main creek arm in the morning then headed to the plant arm after noon and caught 3 or 4 here and there, then finally got on the long stretch with a couple of pockets and the bite was on.  They definitely wanted it twitched and even dropped to the bottom on a slack line.  Bass often track the swim jig and a little movement, maybe a big hop or just letting it hit the bottom might trigger a strike.  Though in the afternoon they were not tight to the real shallow grass but off the bank on stuff in the 2′ to 3′ of water.

The watercolor is still clearing but it is not going to be long until most of the cover is out of the water so get it while you can.  I have not had the Bang O Lure balsa minnow out yet this spring but it should be time for that.  The only question is will I get a chance to give it a serious go.  It works best with really clear water, and we are not quite there yet.  I do have a theory about today, the fish that have not spawned, and it is lots of them, headed to the beds.  The falling water level might mess that up some but hopefully they will all spawn.  It was nice to catch a lot of fish, but I kept expecting at least one big girl to jump on, thus my guess on where they went with this moon.  Only time will tell.

After being responsible today it is a close call whether there is any fishing tomorrow.  They are calling for winds sustained at 22 up to 30 mph out of the SSE.  One thing Coleto does offer is a place or two to get out of it, but that means a bunch of it you want to get to are way to rough.  Guess I will go and work on my tackle and mull it over.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

I have seen some great sunrises on Coleto and this morning was no different.  Though I was tired and not feeling it this changed my whole attitude and then the fish cooperated.  

Weather

51/76.  Sunshine and clouds mixed. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph.

Lake Level

Wednesday 97.77.   Today 97.72.  (Still on the slow steady decline.)

Bite Times

Major  11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

**********The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Things are still changing on the lake as the water drops.  The color is staying marginal and after the front the temp dropped back down to the low 70’s.  But the wind was perfect and I almost outsmarted myself.

As the water has dropped I am still just not finding bunches in some of the coves.  But one thing I watch for is a shad spawn.  It seems they like banks out of the wind, and the bite seems to last just a little longer if it is on a shady bank.  I started in a cove where I caught the big fish last week and it was a bust.  But as I moved out the shad were there and the bite was on.

Love the thump of a good one on the swim jig.

They have not been on the real green grassy banks but were there this morning.  Seing them flip on the edge of the grass I picked up the bluegill swim jig with a Rage Menace trailer and the bite was on.  I do not think color was important, just had to do it right to trigger a bite.  (Do not discount the swim jig this month as soon as the bluegill start to spawn it can be a killer for big fish.)  It was the last thing I expected but sometime the blind hog thing happens, and then it is what you make of it.

It was a little cool this morning but the bite was on.

It turned out to be easy to trigger them.  I would toss it about a foot or two in the grass and reel and shake it and as soon as it hit the edge they would eat.  Some took it right off the top as it popped off the outside edge.  From there just a slow and steady retrieve would produce the occasional bite off the edge.  One interesting thing today is I could not get them to eat a white one so just stuck with the bluegill color.

It was 5 or 6 like the ones above.

The best bite was on the main lake and not in the coves, though I caught a couple there it was definitely main lake.  And they were in that really green grass, at least the bait had them there.  During the morning I added the buzzbait which produced 3 or 4 smalls but that does not dissuade me as that bite is coming.

And one for the Boss and the fish fry tonight.  Have to give the blue cats credit, when they hit a swim jig they smoke it.  

One thing about the shad spawn is it last an hour or two depending on conditions, this morning it went until almost 9:00.  Much of the time I was sitting in 3 foot throwing really shallow.  I had one break my line, probably another cat as it was close but who knows.  What was irritating about that is I was being a good fisherman and had retied. I kept a couple of bass and the cat for supper and when I cleaned them none had spawned.  (And the 3 or 4 we ate last week had not spawned.) As all of you who bass fish the south this is way late.  Hopefully it will start right now, who knows if it is too late but we shall see.  I do know that I will be up and gone at daylight, anytime I can catch 15+ before quitting at 11:00 it is good.

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This morning there was a happening.  A couple of foxes were walking down a field and all of a sudden one did the jump thing, probably getting a mouse.  The other went a little way and then turned around and tried to horn in.  They finally trotted off and I lost sight of them.  Reminded me of the coyotes we saw hunting last time in Colorado.  But there is one thing I forgot to tell you about that happened 2 weeks ago, and it was a once in a lifetime happening.

As I was going down the bank in about 6 foot of water I looked down at the locator and thought, when did that log get there?  Well it was no log.  It was moving and went right below the trolling motor and as I watched I saw his back feet and tail like it was drawn on a piece of paper.  That big gator swam right under the boat without a care and with the water that off color as it was then I had no clue.  Boy I like those things and will miss seeing them.

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CWD

While I have given commenting on TPWD’s allowing commercial deer breeders to continue to operate in spite of finding chronic wasting disease in some of them, an infected deer was found at another facility.  I just let it go, though I still am really concerned it might end up being a real disaster in Texas.  Now a couple of articles published lately are very concerning.  While it is still up in the air read the following link and see what you think.  It is a bet how it is going to go, hope we don’t lose that one.

Chronic wasting disease: Death of 2 hunters in US raises fear of ‘zombie deer’ (yahoo.com)

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Sunday, we took a drive just to take the ferry over to Port A.  It was one of those guess we will do that one last time before hitting the road.  Little did we know it was the sandcastle weekend and it was really busy.  It only took a couple of minutes to get on the island and once we crossed over the line leaving was massive and bound to get worse.  We decided to just drive down the island to Corpus on the way home.  Roy’s of course was then on the schedule and we managed to get out of there without spending any money, which rarely happens.  When we left I saw the Simmons with 2 300 Mercs.  If you have read me for any length of time you know my feelings on that.  Must make potential owners all giddy they know they can outrun a kayak.

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This morning was flat fun.  It is what I hoped it would be for my last spring and I will keep at it.  Since I am leaving next Tuesday for the Louisiana trip time to get in the last couple of weeks before heading back to the mountains.  Colorado is calling me and it is hard not to get excited thinking about a whole new fishing adventure.  But until them keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Random Thoughts –  Weird Stuff

If you are required to wear glasses when you get your DL then why do they make you remove them for the picture?

Do you think the TXDOT guys laugh when they put those concrete barriers 6″ next to the roads on construction sites so the rest of us pulling a boat will be terrorized driving side by side with semi-trucks?

What makes people think they can just approach bears, bison, and elk for a selfie?

The fact that McDonald’s prices have risen due to increased “costs” would not have anything to do with the CEO making $18 million plus a year, would it?

And last do you think since HEB installed the electronic stopper on the their shopping carts the homeless will be more homeless?

Suckers  

Guess we are just big suckers.  We thought if we worked hard, went to school, borrowed money we would pay it back.  By time we were both done we were seriously broke.  We did without for several years as we worked on paying them back as fast as we could.  And now it looks like the government will be forgiving a bunch of student loans.  So now you can even get your tax debt forgiven or reduced, same with your credit cards.  It is all a big problem and it looks like we will clean up other folks mess.  But in the long run it comes down to one thing, personal responsibility and accountability which seem to be going out of style.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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This girl absolutely smashed the big topwater.  This picture does not do her justice, a whooper. 

Today was interesting for several reasons.  All the signs were there for a good bite.  The water is really clearing over the whole lake and there is plenty of stuff still in the water.  The temp has gone up to the high 70’s and the wind was not to bad.   Before I forget to tell you but today most of the fish had not spawned.  There is a possibility that they are going to and the fishing should remain fairly good.

**********The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Weather

73/85.  Overcast.  Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph.  (Today has fish written all over it.)

Lake Level

Today 97.77.   Monday 97.96.    (The fall continues.)

Bite Times

Major 8:08 am to 10:08 am.  Minor 1:58 pm to 2:58 pm.

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

It was basically dark when I started on the bank up lake with a daily shad spawn.  It is shallow and covered with stuff, so spinnerbait was bait of choice, and the bite was on.  5 jumped on, maybe 2 measured and several just plan missed.  As shallow as it was if I wanted to catch a big fish it was time for a move and calmer water.  I decided to take my own advice and give the spook style topwater a go.

I said in my last post topwaters should be on and I got a few great bites today.

Then I made a good choice and for the rest of day it was consistent.  The big one above came out of 3 feet of water with stumps.  She hit halfway back, and it was a monster flush.  Once I figured that out the rest of the day was fishing coves and if the wind was blowing the spinnerbait was the choice.  If it was calm the topwater was up.  I ended up having 4 big bites on it and boated 2.

And at least 10 came on spinnerbait today.

It comes down to covering the miles.  The topwater can be a real hassle with the cover and it takes a good cast right to the edge to get a bite.  The spinnerbait is a better choice in the green grass.  And I did comment the other day that what was not happening was the bite of a big fish halfway back and this morning it happened.

Why this little guy?  It is a Kentucky bass which is not that comment on Coleto and just wanted to tell you a little about them.

I caught the one above on the topwater,  Kentucky’s are not prevalent on the lake buy any means but I have caught a dozen or more the last couple of years.  This one was way down lake, so who knows they may be expanding their range.  Having caught hundreds in Arkansas I recognize them immediately but the ragged lateral line, the smaller mouth, and until they start getting up above a couple of pounds they tend to be slimmer.  But the absolute way to tell, open their mouth and feel their tongue, they have a patch like sandpaper that largemouth do not have.  On this particular one you could easily see it.  So if you are not sure just check the tongue.

A weird day in some respects.  A white bass on spinnerbait and a couple of gar on the topwater.

Part of the weird today was another white bass on spinnerbait and a couple of gar on the topwater.  There were only a place or two where I did not catch at least one.  And boy were the snakes out.  I did make on stupid thing, not retying.  Another really good fish jumped a spinnerbait right on a little grassy point, jumped and broke off.  Stupid since earlier I thought I should retie and when I reeled my line in it was at the knot.  As much cover as I am wallowing through it should be done repeatedly.  Another lesson learned so after writing this will retie everything.

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Blast From the Past 

This is my dad (Center) and his 2 brothers with one cool car.

No one is quite sure when this was taken but my guess is before he went off to colllege and ROTC.  This was probably taken at the farm.  My grandparents had 80 acres of prime farmland in Northern Illinois.  They milked cows by hand, did much of the work with giant Belgian draft horses and raised most of their own food in a huge garden.

I have great memories of grandpa milking the cows by hand and then putting the milk cans in the horse trough to keep them cold.  In the winter he would hitch those huge horses up with bells on a sleigh and we would head a few miles to the cheese factory.  The dude would come out in a big, tall white chefs style hat and then the empty cans would be filled with whey, the left over by product which was feed to the hogs.  And on that small piece of land he sent the majority of the kids to college.

Those days are long gone, and while the overall change is for the better that way of life was simpler.  We listened to football and fights on the radio.  And he never missed Gun Smoke, Lawrence Welk, and Art Linkletter.  It was bed by 9:00 and that old man was up way before daylight to head to the back pasture and bring in the cows.  He left the farm maybe a couple of times after getting back from WW1 and never wore his teeth.  I can honestly say I never understood a thing he said.  Hard work was a way of life and I am glad I got to live a little piece of that.

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Today was encouraging.  I am looking forward to next week and just maybe the bite is on the up stroke.  With bascially a week to fish until I hit the road will try to get out as much as I can.  But I am so ready to head back to the mountains and our new adventure.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Best Buy Sucks

I bought a computer there 2 days ago.  Then get an email from the Geek Squad saying thanks for buying a $400 dollar maintenance plan.  Sure, on a $350 computer.  Suspected a scam but the retired attorney in me came out so I called the numbers provided and was connected to some foreign piece of shit.  I said you are on tape and tell me you are Geek Squad and of course he immediately hung up.

So trying to help Best Buy I called the number for customer service on their website and offered to send the email and was told by an English as a second language phone worker (Same accent as the scammer) there is no way to send it and no way other than talking to her, totally clueless, and no one else to speak with.  Be aware you might be scammed in their name from information that could have come from them in some manner and they could care less.  I told no one I bought a computer, the bank told no one, so ……  Obviously, they have been breached or how could the scammer know I made a purchase there?  That is what I get for trying to be helpful.  And of course no more shopping at Best Buy.

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WTF?

I just watched the foreign minister of Iran basically threaten us while at the UN.  UN or not why is that POS allowed on US soil.  The middle east continues to bring nothing but trouble to the US.  More and more I believe after this episode between Iran/Hamas/Palestine and Israel we need to quit trying to fix any part of it.  They are all religious zealots who have caused nothing but trouble and we might all be better off if we just let them kill each other.  They deserve each other.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

This girl just came off the beds.

Weather

69/81.  Cloudy with gusty winds developing during the afternoon. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.  (Here we got again but that is not going to stop me.)

Lake Level

Friday 97.99.      Today 97.96.   (On a slow steady decline.)

Bite Times

Major 6:31 am to 8:31 am.    Minor 11:59 am 12:59 pm.  (Even if it gets ugly will get in both periods tomorrow.)

**********The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Things are finally changing on the lake and the bite will definitely get better.  The water clearing is a big factor, especially for what I am doing which is buzzing a spinnerbait making a wake.   The water temp is creeping up and is in the mid 70’s in some places.  And the wind was perfect today for spinnerbait.

I have to confess there is no doubt there are some other ways to catch them but it this technique has been part of my fishing life for 50 years.  And while of course I will do more bass fishing after I leave time to take advantage of the bite which is coming right now.  Before giving it up at 1:30 it was an easy dozen and missed a few and jumped 2 off so not bad for a short trip.

This is the size I was beginning to wonder about.

Points with grass/cover with a breeze was the best spot but even boated 2 in the last cove without a breath of wind.  But one thing consistent about the bite, most still come right on the bank as soon as the bait moves.  And several jumped it when if flipped out of some stuff.  It is precise work to put it right on the bank and have it moving and making a wake.  The watercolor has depressed the waking bite as the bigger fish usually come off the bank, they just have to be able to see it and react.  Trust me time are changing, and with it a big one is coming.

No giants today but it was a good bite.

If anything was learned today it is topwater is coming.  It will require some precise casting with all the stuff in the water, but it is doable.  You can use a frog, and that bite will get better as the water clears.  Another bait that would definitely get the bites is a pink trick worm.  The watercolor is just right for that and it is a fun way to fish.  Just keep it right where you can see it and when it disappears set the hook.  And if it continues to clear and you are feeling brave a spook or a Bang O Lure will also catch them.

My guess is it is about to get good.  Though the lake is coming down there is still plenty of stuff in the water and as long as it is there the fish will use it, just a matter of timing.  Which really means get up and get out there early.  While I caught one here and there all day, the morning bite was the best.  I can honestly say it was getting worrisome, but it really seems the fish and the conditions are coming together.  And though the water is on a slow decline it will be while before all the cover in the lake is gone.  So if you fish Coleto good luck, they are there to be caught.

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Next up will be Wednesday.  The weather looks perfect and there are several places I want to add to the program.  And while spinnerbait will be the primary lure of choice a look in the topwater box will give me some inspiration.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

WEDNESDAY

Weather

63/79.  Some clouds early. Mostly sunny along with windy conditions during the afternoon. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.  (It blew every bit of that and more at times.)

Lake Level

Today  97.99.      Monday 98.01.   (On a slow steady decline.)

Bite Times

Major 2:14 pm t0 4:14 pm.    Minor 7:37 am to 8:37 am.

**********The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

They definitely got the wind right.  I should have stayed home but it actually was a good thing in some ways.  I have been wondering how the Lund, which is 15′ would handle high winds and Coleto obliged.  It was white capping in several directions and just basically being a pain in the rear, but the little boat did just fine.  Normally I would not have gone so it will be dandy in Colorado.  As far as fishing it was an early morning thing again only even slower.

The wind was howling, and it only got worse, it really riled up the color on the lake and to help matters it is dropping noticeably.  Right after daylight all the clouds blew off and it turned into a bluebird sky.  Add in a major cold front with the water temp down a degree and you had a recipe for a bad day, and it did not disappoint.

I caught 4 total from daylight to 2:00 all on spinnerbait.  The first 3 right off the bat, the last one right before I quit.  They were definitely not interested in the swim jig so things are a changing.  The Boss was wanting a fish fry and we had 4 small catfish filets, so I kept one 15″ bass.  With the water temp in the low 70’s it seems lots of fish have not spawned including the one I cleaned.  Do not ask me why other than the water cooler sucks.  But every year is a new year and things changed why fishing keeps our interest.  My last fishing call on Coleto has been slow, and the biggest bass I have caught was the first one since I came back.  Normally this time of year there are plenty of bigs.  With a couple of weeks left before I leave it just might improve.  Of course, that will not stop me, and it will be gone before daylight and back at it.

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

FRIDAY

Weather

54/82.  Partly cloudy. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph.

Lake Level

Wednesday 97.99.      Today 98.02.   (On the slow steady decline.)

Bite Times

Major 4:10 pm t0 6:10 pm.    Minor 9:06 am to 10:06 am.

One thing is clear  – either I suck, or the fishing does.  And blaming it on the fish is what the fishless do.

Worth getting up for.

It was a beautiful morning as I headed to the first spot.  I admit to feeling somewhat melancholy about my last spring fishing and it brought back so many memories.  It has been a real good run on Coleto, and on the bay for that matter.  I will miss it but times change and so do all of us.  It really has been tough, and I admit that I am really clueless right now.  It is time for a change but just not sure what that might be.

The only real condition was the water was as clear as it has been in while.  The temp still hovers in the low 70’s and today the wind did not appear until quitting at 2:00.

Finally caught a few on buzzbait.

There are still fish that have not spawned and some that are done.  A look at this girl, she had done her duty and time for a little rest.  Hate to see the water falling right now, it would be nice if it was stable until they are done.

Even managed a white bass on the buzzbait.

These is still a shad spawn going on at daylight and this morning they were having at it in an inch of water way the hell back in the flat stuff.  I wanted to fish buzzbait and I managed 3 or 4 but it just is not as good as it has been in years past.  My guess is that with the watercolor like it has been it is not the best choice and neither is the spinnerbait.  One thing about both those baits the really big fish are usually way off the bank and smoke it over halfway back.  The color just might affect that as both are reaction baits and the big ones just don’t see it clearly in time to just react like normal.

I should probably be catfishing.  Coleto has tons of blue cats.

I did try just a little pitching with a beaver style bait and caught 2 smalls pretty quickly.  Probably should have stuck with that the rest of the day but the swim jig kept calling me.  Unfortunately, that bite has really quieted down, which with the amount of cover makes no sense.  And it is even a little more puzzling that it seems you cannot catch them consistently in the same spot the next day.  Some of the best spring coves in the lake just do not have the fish, which may have more to do with my fishing methods.

There are a couple of interesting things going on right now, one example is the number of snakes I am seeing.  There have been years that you would see very few but not this spring.  Think about it, if the big fish were shallow like usual you would not see so many.  The small ones would have a hard time making it very far before being unloaded on.  Another example is when trolling up lake like I do every spring I am catching NO small bass.  Usually it is a problem keeping them off when searching for white bass.  But the blue cats are cooperating on trolled crankbait and I am seeing some really nice results in the can at the cleaning table.  The catfish are on the chew.

So, I am going to reset and be back at it Monday.  Good or bad it is still fishing and maybe if I make some better choices things will improve.  No matter what I will enjoy the last couple of weeks before my spring on Coleto is over.

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

It has been a while but here is a little taste of boats for sale in Texas.

Time for another episode of fun with boat buying.  Or are you out of your ever lovin’ mind?

******

Needs stringer work finished and some interior.

The hull is not usable, and I could not figure out how to do it.  The interior is trashed, in other words the perfect boat.

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DOES RUN BUT NEEDS WORK

Me to.  Run away.

*****

 PROJECT BOAT and needs work.  Please do not ask me any technical questions or what is wrong with the boat because I do not know.

I am selling something I know absolutely nothing about so don’t ask, just fork over the dough.

*****

 Boat does not run. Needs a good amount of work.

So come on down and get it out of my yard and put it in yours.

*****

Yamaha was stolen and therefor requires a buyer with some know-how

You know, like know how to spend money.

*****

 If you can move it, you can have it. No tires on trailer and boat is pretty much just a hollow hull.

At least it is priced right.

*****

 JUST NEEDS A NEW STARTER. NEEDS UPHOLSTERY WORK INSIDE, ETC.. AND CLEANED UP.

And once you can start it and then sit in it boy will that be fun.

*****

Sold as its

Huh?

*****

last time motor would not start to load up on trailer, so I used the trolling motor. May be the choke or carb. This is a project

It has a trailer and loading a boat with a trolling motor is easy peasy.  Plus if you ever see “carb” in the ad or “project” or “rare” run away.

*****

TIRES WILL NOT HOLD AIR 14″ BUT DO HAVE ALL THREE RIMS

In other words you don’t need that rubber part.  Just tow it home.

*****

boat is useable on the water, however needs work to make it safer and legal to operate.

Or not.   Just have at it and don’t worry about safety and that “legal” stuff.  Much more fun that way.

• As a side note have you ever noticed that the same yards with these boats usually have a camper or two that “needs work”?

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

And I appreciate this comment from a reader.

Thanks for the years of Coleto reports! I live in Corpus, but have been doing a little freshwater fishing the past year or so just to do something different. I’m die-hard saltwater all my life, but grew up fishing in a creek and catching crappie and bass. Maybe just re-living my childhood? Lake Corpus is always LOW, Coleto seems to “stabilize” quicker and is fairly quiet. My kids and I have had the most success trolling the main channel with crankbaits for crappie and have caught a lot of catfish (surprise) while doing it. We can’t ever seem to find the crappie shallow spawning and usually resort to finding some along the main channel. Even got into a mess of bass last December along the rocks at the outlet, outflow, not sure what it’s called. Anyways, always wanted to drop in and say thanks for the reports. They’ve been a big help learning a lake I’ve never fished. Best of luck in Colorado, it’s a beautiful place.

The thing I most appreciate is your thanks for helping learn the lake.  There is way to much secrecy, lying, and just plain being a rear end about fishing.  In the grand scheme of things it is just fishing, helping others with it is a good thing.  When we meet our maker if you think he is going to ask if you were all that with a rod and reel, or what kind of wrap was on your boat you are delusional.  I have tons of stickers from all over on my rod box, and it continually hooks me up with other fishermen asking about them.  From that point on we talk fishing.  From cane pole to 65′ offshore big game fishing boat it is all the same.  It would be a better place if everyone fished for love of the sport and shared it with others.  A perfect example is your enjoyment trolling with your kids.  It is not the result but in the doing and sharing.  So, thanks for the comment and keep reading, it will just be a new fishing adventure in a new place when we move for good.

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

Watching the Texas Game Wardens on TV today just pissed me off.  They were on Falcon Lake and of course found an illegal net that the criminals from Mexico use to rape the lake.  This one had some really nice crappie along with lots of other fish.  Interesting as the guy on his Falcon Lake blog just commented on what has happed to the crappie.  There is plenty of talk and opinion about the border, but it is porous enough that Falcon can be flat dangerous along with them raping the fish.  The lenient attitude to the border for years has gotten us here.  Time to do something real about the border instead of both sides acting the fool and getting nothing done for decades.  If criminals can go across our border and string a long gill net and then harvest without real fear we have a problem.

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

And speaking of Colorado fishing I just got the last (At least that is what I always tell the Boss!) piece of the trolling stuff.  After doing plenty of research and reading I decided instead of downriggers, also been there done that for stripers, to go with lead core line which will definitely be a first for me.  With the Kokane and Lake Trout depth will be an issue in the summer and you need a way to get your lures deep.  As the line is color coded every 10 yards it lets you know when you are close to where you need to be.  For me the trolling thing will be a way I can continue to fish until I can’t back the trailer.  (I will be hitting 71 y/o soon and it reminds me I have continually owned boats for over 50 years now.)  Plus, can’t wait to catch either one of those without hiring a guide or having someone show me.  (With a little help from the internet.) For me it has always been in the doing.

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

Unfortunately got the pleasure of buying a new laptop so I can continue with the blog.  As the blog is paid for until summer 26′ I took the plunge.  If that was not the case it would have been different.  But on we go.  I will continue to fish until heading to the Chandeliers then pack it all up and hit the road.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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

Beware;  This might get your panties in a wad so don’t read it or live with it.

The Crumbleys

I got a little PTSD (Trust me you never know what a defendant will do at sentencing.) watching the sentencing of Jennifer Crumbley the mother of the school shooter who murdered 4 beautiful high school kids, and her husband.  What a stupid horse’s ass.  She blamed the school.  WTF!  Then the husband got up there and said the truth was not presented and requested probation.  It may be the worst sentencing plea in the history of stupid defendants.  They are clueless and very lucky I am not the judge, because they would get every day and any sentences would be stacked.  She acted like she was a victim and really played no part in the whole thing.  Ignoring the fact you all bought a 15 y/o kid a gun and ignored all the warning signs.  Good luck in the pen, you earned it.  It is POS like you who make it hard on all responsible gun owners.  We need more of these types of prosecutions.

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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

Coleto Monday

Weather

70/81.  Cloudy. Periods of light rain early.  Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%.

Lake Level

A week ago, 98.11.      Today 98.01.   (On a slow steady decline.)

Bite Times

Major 12:26 pm t0 2:46 pm.    Minor 6:27 am to 7:27 am.

**********The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

This is how it looked in Oklahoma City but not here.  I was really surprised that while I was fishing you could not tell it happened.  Weird.

I was hoping it was going to be good today, but it is becoming ground hog day.  I continue to catch a dozen give or take a few and just cannot get over the hump.  It was really cloudy, it drizzled off and on, and the wind was not near as high as they forecast.  The water temp was up to 72 – 74 degrees in most places but dang it will not clear and I am sure the falling water level is not helping any.

Swim jig.

First up was a bank in the plant arm, and only 2 jumped on.  But one thing that was apparent today, they were pounding the swim jig.  There was none of that nipping or taking a swipe at it, when they bit, they committed.  This bank should be way better than it was, but that seems to be the case all over the lake.  It is still hit or miss, and it seems when they are not there it is barren.

As it has been the swim jig continues to be the bait of choice.

This morning I tried to expand my presentations some, including the buzzbait and I added a frog.  Normally this time of year the buzzbait is primo but for some reason it is not working and the frog was worthless.  The best I can tell it must have something to do with the off-color water.  (It could not possibly be my fishing abilities!)  It would seem logical to expect the lake to be clearing but it just is not really happening.  And in some places the color has seemed to return.

The rest of the best.

And I continue to try other places, which maybe would produce 1 or 2 bites, but it seems there is tons of places that just do not have fish.  I put 9 in the boat in the first and third place, with a channel bank in a big cove producing 5 all on swim jig.  From there on it was one here or there, often nothing in some places.  With the weather projected to get rough I limited where I went until it became clear it was not really going to storm.

The Boss had requested a fish fry, so I went way up lake to troll up some supper when a weird thing happened.  Coleto is full of blue cats and over the years I have caught hundreds trolling.  While it is a rare occurrence in many lakes it seems to work fairly consistently on Coleto.  I chose way up hoping to maybe intercept a few whites on the way back from their spawn but that did not happen.  But on the first pass 2 small keeper blue cats jumped on so good start.  1 1/2 hours later not another bite.  I even went down lake and trolled the summertime areas without a bite.

I can honestly say that I can not figure out if it is me.  Though I try different places and techniques it is tough to figure it out.  With the amount of cover in the lake it just might be time to start flipping the tress and bushes up lake that have plenty of water on them.  If they are unwilling to chase it just might require putting it right on their nose.  But I am not giving up and it will be back at it in the morning.

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

What a year for big bass in Texas.  This from TPWD.

ATHENS – O.H. Ivie added another Legacy Class ShareLunker during the final week of the 2024 Toyota ShareLunker collection season. Angler Tery Lewis of Lubbock reeled in 13.99-pound ShareLunker 669 Thursday to push O.H. Ivie’s season total to 12 and the statewide tally to 19. It proved to be the final Legacy Class entry for the 2024 collection season.

That is insane.  O.H.Ivie is on a run, and it appears that the chance of catching a 13lb plus is real.  Congrats to TPWD for introducing the stocking program that has produced these monsters.  And nothing gets nutty bass fisherman in a bigger frenzy to hitch the boat and travel than big bass.  So get it while it is hot as it will go the way of many lakes like Falcon and Amistad where the lots and ramps have gone from jammed full to empty.

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

But the day would not be perfect without then ragging on TPWD.  I am so against exotics being introduced into the state in any form, of course basically speaking of high fence hunting.  So do not get your panties in a wad before reading this, I have no complaint with the owners of high fence.  They are following the law and deserve no criticism for importing exotics as long as the law is followed.  Same with the hunters if it is done legally it is none of our business.   There are plenty of folks who have disparate opinions on high fence hunting but as long as it is legal have at it.

My complaint is TPWD not ending the practice of exotic introduction.  A perfect example would be the Audad.  Introduced in Texas years ago for hunting they are now all over the place.  TPWD now actually flies over Big Bend and shoots them, and of course anytime they do the Bighorn sheep count on state lands some also get smoked.  If you have to fly over and shoot them then the introduction was a mistake, end of story.  You never know what the true consequences of any introduction of an exotic species might bring whether it runs, flies or swims.  We do not need any other exotics introduced into the state.

Now I am waiting to see if there will be any consequences to anyone who bought and imported the genetic freak rams that the guy in Montana sold here.   He is going to prison and getting fined a pile.  My contention is if you violate federal law like he did and use the results of that violation to produce the very thing the statute is designed to address then why is the state not hunting down each and every buyer?  Or at least the rams.  What next, they get loose and interbreed with our resident herd.  And don’t give me that bullshit nonsense it can’t happen and then in the same sentence tell me we have to shoot Audads.  The Audads just take up great sheep habitat, the genetics freaks could irreparably harm the Big Horn sheep herd in Texas forever.  I know this might not be clearly stated but I hope you get the point.  What next TPWD – rhinoceros?

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

I had an interesting chat with a local guy who has lived with 10 miles of Victoria his whole life.  While talking about the new trout regs he immediately brought up croaker.  He could not have been anymore against fishing with them if he tried.  He said when he was a kid there were plenty of big ones they actually targeted for supper.  While part of his argument was that it is to “easy” to fish that way his real complaint was the use of them as bait has decimated the adult population.  I have heard that off and on for a while and often it is accompanied by the proposal to make them a game fish.  Interesting to see if that ever comes to anything.  And he also was not all that happy with the flounder rules.  For me anything that increases stocks and access is great.

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

Razorbacks

There is a lot of things that I might have seen when I read the news before heading out this morning, but this was a shocker.  After the Arkansas coach headed to USC in a surprise move the Hogs announced that John Calipari would be leaving Kentucky for Arkansas.  His run was over and while Kentucky announced he would be back it was not working so him leaving saved them the $33 million buyout.  So what will happen how knows but with Arkansas not having any players on the roster only time will tell.  But it sure will be intersting.

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

Today I have the pleasure of dealing with the Texas bureaucracy, time to renew the DL.  I have to prove I am me, though my DL is current and they were happy to give it to me 15 years ago.  First up is the lock box to get my passport and I already submitted my SSI number so that is done.  I have no hope it will go easy, nothing worse than the DL lady with an attitude.  So please surprise me and restore my faith in the bureaucracy but I am not holding my breath.  Sad when I have little faith in the people we pay to help us.

Other than that things are fine around here.  Love the new little boat, the $3-4  for all day gas is wonderful.  The Chandeliers are looming, and then back to Colorado and a completely new way to fish for me.  I am excited for the change, goes along with my what appears to be a 10 year attention span.  From the great Barrier Reef to the creek behind Grannie’s I have been there done that and am really looking forward to a new adventure.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

What a great way to spend our 35th anniversary.  We love the parks and Big Bend is a special place in it’s own way.  Desert, mountains, a eclectic group of folks, it is our kind of place and we have always liked it there.  We wanted to be sure to get back before we moved and as usual it was worth the drive.

My home girl waiting.  Always good to be first in line at the Starlight, the food is actually good.

The Starlight restaurant is a must do in the ghost town of Terlingua and you have to get there early if you want to get in before starving to death.  They open at 5 and close at 10 and usually have some music.  But the porch above is a gathering place for watching the sunset, and if you are lucky the locals will be playing on the porch in the early afternoon.  Grab a cold Lone Star and enjoy just being alive.

We love staying in the container house.

The place we rented the last few trips is amazing.  He has built 4 container houses on the hill above the ghost town that are flat innovative.  The view is spectacular and when he built these he went first class for the desert.  There is one little issue, you better have a high clearance vehicle and  4 wheel can be nice.  The road is nothing but rocks and I mean rough, but the houses are at the end of the drive.  And at night watching the mountains as the sun sets is part of the draw.  Of all the places we have stayed in Big Bend this is top of the line.

The view from the house.

There is no way my limited talent can portray the awesome landscape.  It goes on forever.

We love Big Bend for what it is, the middle of nowhere that has stood the sands of time.  It is rugged, starkly beautiful, and old in a timeless way.  Whether the old inshore ocean in the east or the rugged and scenic mountains of the west it is massive.  It seems it is a crazy 50 miles by 50 miles.  Whether 4 wheeling the back roads or taking the paved stuff to the old towns or ruins there is a timeless history to these badlands.  (Note:  It drives me nuts when folks speed there.  You are not “going somewhere” you are there, and the sights of the geology is part of what makes this place what it is.)  Almost all the backroads are rough as cobs and if the maps say unimproved stay off, just saying.  I can only say a good suspension is a plus and leave your Tesla at the house unless you stay on pavement.

It totally depends on the rainfall what plants are in bloom.  We just missed it this year.

A few of the cactus had flowers and they are sure pretty.

While you think it is desert it holds a ton of cool plant life.  It is a tough world out there and only the strong survive.  But if you take the time to get out of the truck and walk a litte you never know what you will see.  There are tons of trails from easy to really tough but there are well marked.  One of the best we have done did not make this years list.  It is not on any map but it is where the bears hang in an oasis.  We were told that it is not on the map to hold down the foot traffic.  What appears to be so unforgiving, and it can be, is as sensitive as any place on the planet so tread lightly.

The deer sure are scraggly.  But the wildlife is a small part of the reason for visiting the park.

Tough shot as this coyote beat feet through the scrub.

As you all know we love chasing wildlife but the park is not know for the big stuff.  But this year we saw a road runner with a lizard in his beak, rabbits, a coyote and a couple of deer.  Unfortunately no peccary or as we call them is South Texas the Javelina or Audads.  (We learned from a ranger that the Feds have given the state permission to do helicopter fly overs and shoot them.)  We usual see some but not this trip, every trip is different and it is no more than a matter of timing and watching, as our trip out of the park at daylight revealed.  We also saw a couple of wild horses on our first days walk but they were spooky and hit the road.

We left the park after 6:00 or so and almost totaled another truck.  Of all things we come around the corner a few miles out of the park and there is a couple of bunches of wild donkeys on the road.  It was not all that close a call but was a reminder of what can happen traveling at that time of day, we are a little gun shy.  Then we saw a bunch of elk.  We knew they were transplanted back in the area a few years ago but today we saw a couple of dozen as the sun rose.

If half a mountain falls off does it make a sound if no one is there to hear it?

The park has been changing for eons and the change continues.  This huge chunk of the hillside just decided to slough off.  A testament to what made this place what it is and continues to be.  It is a geological happening for folks into rocks.  And they have put in a new fossil exhibit of stuff found in the park and it is well worth the stop.  There were some big ass dinosaurs, a couple found nowhere else.  But alike everything else in the park do not remove anything, and that is a hard rule.  As I said it is fragile and deserves respect.

Hanging out at the fossil exhibit watching the tourists.

Our last hike in the desert when we realize we only have half the water we should have had, it happens.  That is the old dang it looks like.

This is one of the easier hikes in the park, flat with a good trail.  When we left the truck I asked if she had the other water and got a yup back.  Water is the staff of life here and the plan, half in half out.  Luckily we had enough but lesson learned.  Use a check list when you head out, it is the desert and by time we got back to the truck it was 78, after the day started off a cool 48.  Trust me 78 degrees on the desert floor is hot.  But as long as you are prepared hiking is a trip back in time and the ground tells you a lot.  I am still looking for my first rattlesnake, just not that hard.

It is not possible to tell you everything you need to know about the park, there is a bunch to do and see, not to mention Terlingua and all that the freak zone is.  And you can visit the river and hot springs, or go across to the Mexican town.  So, if you have ever thought about going do your research, the trip is well worth the time.  But it is changing as more is built and the crowds grow.  It is so worth the trip but like many of the cool places in this world it is getting loved to death.  Show it the respect it deserves.

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LAST MONDAY – COLETO

Weather

70/82.  Cloudy and windy. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

Lake Level

Today 98.11.      Last Friday 98.13.   (Definitely dropping and there is a big crane working on the dam so who knows.) 

Bite Times

Major 6:03 am t0 8:03 am.    Minor 11:23 am to 12:23 pm.

**********The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Make this quick as I just got back from above.  There was almost no change in the fishing or the lake.  Lots of off color water and a real inconsistent pattern.

A nice swim jig fish on my second pass.

The swim jig continues to be the bait of choice at least for me.  The numbers today were ok compared to the last few trips.  It was a good dozen but I am stuck on a couple of places that seem to have a concentration, but others that normally this time of year have fish just don’t, and not sure why.

The best on spinnerbait for the morning.

But the good news is the majority of the fish have not spawned, at least their body size says there is still more to go.  I have a suspicion that they are not all that interested in the dirt banks right now, which means they have not moved to the new grassy areas yet.

So I am excited about fishing Monday, after a week off hopefully it has cleared some.  It just might be the best lake fishing is yet to come, only time will tell.

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

The Boss and I both grew up in Iowa and have been watching the tournament religiously.  They won last night and while the call was a little sketchy it is never one call that beats you.  So good luck girls it has been a trip.

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

As far as the eclipse it just might be to cloudy which will ruin it for lots of folks who really care.  How many?  As we drove left Fort Stockton on I10 to return home it was an endless stream of campers, most out of California.  It was so many we just could not figure out why until we got to Junction and everyone exited.  Turns out there is a big watch party there.  Hope it is not as cloudy as they forecast as it could be a big all about nothing.  I on the other hand will be fishing Coleto hoping for clouds but it not will just not look at it.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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

MONDAY

Weather

69/81.  Showers in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Thunder possible. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

Lake Level

Current 98.21.      Friday 98.30.   (Hope they are not dropping it.)

Bite Times

Major 12:51pm to 2:51pm.       Minor 7:04am to 8:04am.

Long story short it sucked.  In fact from 7:30 until I quit at 2:00 exactly 4 came over the side, all on spinnerbait.  I knew the day was trouble when it started off cloudy first thing and in the first cove a big one came out and ate right at the boat.  It ended up being one of those not setting the hook because it all happened in an instant and she pulled off.  And during the day 2 good ones took a run at it when it went over a bush and flipped sideways and they just did not eat.  Unfortunately, it cleared off and blew out of the north and seemed to put a stop to the bite.

So at that point why not the Controlled Descent Jerk Shad, which did not produce a bite.  That was totally surprising, I figured slow and in their face.  To compound the days complete lack of aggression on their part I could not buy a bite on the swim jig.  Crazy as it has been the go to bait the last couple of weeks.  I ended up fishing plenty of “good” spots and several coves I have not fished in while with little success.  Maybe if I had stayed longer it would have improved but it was just time to give it up.

The water is still way off color in some areas, it definitely follows the wind and they just do not seem to really like it.  The temp is stuck in that 67 – 70 range and has changed little the last 2 weeks.  And there are plenty of fish who have not gone on the beds yet so we have them in all phases of the spawn right now.

And looking at Wednesday we should have at least some clouds at least of a while.  I am just not on them right now and will try a few new places and techniques to see if I can figure it out.  It is spring.  So tomorrow morning it will be back at it bright and early, they better look out, I will fish better.

**************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

WEDNESDAY

Weather

50/70.  Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.  (Sure wish we were out of the north wind pattern.)

Lake Level

Monday 98.21.      Wednesday 98.21.

Bite Times

Major 2:13 pm to 4:13 pm.       Minor 7:54am to 8:54am.

At least it was a little bit better today.  It was cool and wind was definitely blowing out of the north and it was a biting wind.  And as it has been the water was colored up anywhere the wind blew right on it.  The water temp continues to hover in the high 60’s with little change over the last 2 weeks.

It was a pretty morning.

At least today the numbers were up but that wind was still keeping them to a dull roar.  But the first bank gave up 5 so the day was off to a good start.  Early it was a mix of spinnerbait and swim jig but after the really cold front blew through about 12:00 it was all swim jig.

This one ate the swim jig.

I did miss one big one on the swim jig when it did what a big fish will do, smacked it and charged the boat.  I never got a good hookset and she pulled off.  One thing was real clear today, the dozen plus that came over the side today and the ones I missed and lost all came right on the edge of cover.  Not back in it, not on isolated cover or weed patches.  They were scattered and right on the edge, the wind was so cold today, and last night was not warm, they just did not move real shallow today.

First and last.  They basically all looked like this.

One thing is real clear, they are not really interested in chasing.  Not sure what that is about but I will blame it on conditions and watercolor.  I did fish the Controlled Descent Jerk Shad some today but without them in the shallow cover no luck calling them up, but will not give up on that the next month.  The day was ok, at least I caught a few.  It would be nice if the water would clear just a little more, it just seems they do not like it.  As far as coves go some have a few and others seem flat barren.

But hope springs eternal and it should start really picking up with this warming trend.  And if will clear more they should move to the shallow cover.  I intended to flip some today but the wind was just a little to much of a hassle.  Thinking about it now maybe one or two was all that came out of windy banks.  There is a lot to learn right now and Friday will be back at it.

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It Begins

The new trout regs begin on 3/26/24.

• Three fish daily bag limit per angler
• A minimum size of 15 inches and a maximum size limit of 20 inches
• One oversized trout greater than 30 inches allowed as part of daily bag limit

It will be interesting to see how it affects populations in the long run.  But it sure will get those internet warriors going.  Just think, catch 3 trout and you too will be a star.  But it is a good thing, only time will really tell.

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Starting to get excited about heading to Big Bend next week for one last trip before we leave Texas.  Just like the fishing there is a thing or two we want to be sure to experience.  You always think you will come back after moving but in our case we are being realistic.  With our love of the outdoors there is so much in the west we have not explored, much of it a day’s drive away along with tons of new fishing.  We love the parks in this country and like so much in life, so many parks so little time, and we intend to make the most of ours.

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The new boat is working fine but of course there are quirks.  First it will only go so far so fast and after years of hauling booty that has taken a little getting use to.  And putting it on the trailer is so like the old Carolina Skiff, it takes a little practice.  So while that has been a little hassle in the wind which has been blowing right on the ramp the last few days it has been good for learning how it handles.  If that is as tough as it gets no problem.  Can’t wait to get it out to Colorado and put some fish in the boat.

I have most of the month to fish before heading to the Chandeliers with the Wade Right boys.  The Championship belt will be back on the line and it is an honor to whoever wins, it is not an easy crowd.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

As I prepared this for tomorrow I almost loaded up and went to the lake this afternoon but there were still storms around so stayed at the house.  It would have been nice to fish one more time before the weather cleared and the wind starts to blow out of the north.  But as all fishermen know the weather never seems to cooperate.  So I expect big changes tomorrow will just have to see how it goes.  But I will be fishing.

Weather

62/80.  Sun and a few passing clouds. Areas of patchy fog. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.

Lake Level 

Today   98.30.      Wednesday 98.28.  (full pool)

Bite Times

Major   10:53 am to 12:53 pm.

**************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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The best for a short morning.

It was about as good as I thought it would be, slow.  After yesterday’s front and rain the water temp was 67, a 3 degree drop.  The wind was light out of the northwest and the color did not improve except for one area.  More on that in a bit.  The sun came out pretty quickly and did not help matters.

To make a short story shorter I started on my best bank and had 4 bites and only boated 2.  They were far from aggressive so time to hit my other good bank from this week and exactly the same result.  Caught 2 and missed a couple.  All were small and the swim jig was the bait of preference.  At this point in the morning the sun was out so I made an executive decision to head way up lake and check out the white bass.

One thing about way up, the water is clear.  Going all the way to the bridge and slow trolling back produced one big crappie, it was hooked deep so in the live well it went.  Now I needed a fish to go with it so I picked a likely looking bank with good cover and the fish above just smoked it.  To bad for him as he is the guest for dinner during the Iowa girls game.  I trolled a little longer and finally called it a day around 1:00.  After a good week of clouds and wind it was the exact opposite but there is hope.  Monday is looking like cloudy and light rain, and it will be back at it.

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Unfortunately, TPWD reports that Amistad is now “infested” with Zebra mussels.  Hard to not blame, I hate to use that term, bass fishermen.  It is not so much blame but as I and many have done is fish the hot lakes, or the good lakes wherever we could possibly get to because we can trailer.  Unless care is taken things get transferred, it just is what it is.  Though Texas has the same clean, drain, and dry program it is a toothless tiger as I found out when fishing Colorado.

Colorado has an invasive sticker fee so all boaters pay to reduce the spread of invasive species, and many of the lakes have an inspection station both putting in and taking out.  If the boat is not properly taken care of, they will be “happy” to clean it for a fee.  And when I take the Lund out there in May it will have to be inspected before it is even dropped in any water in the state.  So I am trying to practice it every time I take it out of the water, it will be standard operating procedure from now on.

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The only freshwater regret is I never got to OH Ivie.  It had 4 bass over 13 in 4 days last week.  That is amazing and it won’t last forever, speaking of bass fishermen from all over the country trailering their boats.  Ivie is a tribute to TPWD stocking programs, and they are to be commended for what they have done.

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After that guy out west imported Marco Polo sheep genetics against federal law looks like he is going to prison for developing a hybrid I wonder if there will be repercussions in Texas?  According to the article he admitted he sold some of the sheep in Texas.  TPWD should be investigating any ranch or ranches that bought the genetic sheep for high fence hunting.  If the first guy is a felon for his actions what level of accountability does the buyer of the sheep have?  Does Texas consider it ok to import these animals?  I have been critical of their handling of the CWD and private deer breeders, and this is disturbing.  These are illegal genetic freaks.  So, my guess is due to the money interests in Texas having inordinate power and influence nothing will be done.  So please correct me if I am wrong but I have no faith anything will come of it.  I still do not understand what part of their duty to “wildlife” has to do with genetic freaks and commercial interests.

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FFS

What makes bass tournaments what they are is the quest to figure it out.  A bunch of guys on water where they have to find a way to catch fish, and they do and the interesting part is who figures out the bait, location, and the way to catch them.  Forward facing sonar while amazing changes the game and not for the better.  It seems there is finally a slow movement to ban forward facing sonar in tournaments.  Want to use it yourself for pleasure fishing, fine.  But as I said when you have the top 10 all using it in a major tournament one week and then next week when you have be versatile to catch them NOT 1 of those guys from the prior week are in the top 10.  And folks are finally saying it quietly – real one trick ponies.  Sorry big-time pros are saying it, not just me.  Being rich and sponsored enough to put $50k in electronics on your boat does not make you a fisherman.  What next, daddy buying it for high school kids so they can us it?  What about the kid from a single parent who is eaten up with bass fishing and is priced out of the sport?  Is it going to turn tournament fishing into nothing more than the rich guy wins?  Folks buying it to win $100 in a club tournament?  It is headed that way.  I have said if before and will say it again, the cost of fishing has gotten insane.

And this nonsense argument it is just progress does not do justice to what made the sport.  NASCAR slowed them down, baseball and golf have regulations on the contents of the balls, football even tells you how many pounds or air pressure in the ball along with a host of other rules in sports.  These decisions are made with spectators and participants in mind to level the playing field and to keep the sport popular.  Forward facing sonar is the worst development in tournament fishing in my lifetime.

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I intend to hit the lake in the morning, and while the forecast is for a few showers in the morning that will not stop me unless it is thundering.  But I will be hooked up and ready to go as soon as it is safe.  The fishing will be ongoing as much as possible the next 6 weeks so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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