FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

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Strange week this one was.  First the motor issue, then a couple of days of literally howling winds.  One day a trip to Katy to pick up a couple of combos, another to Corpus to pick up the Boss’s waders.  She now has her own fly rod and waders, and with all the Sims shirts and coats she has she will  by styling like a fly fisherwoman.

So while some of the week involved fishing stuff, the plan is to have next week really involve some fishing.  Today would have been great, they got the forecast so wrong, and if the lake was open it would have been a killing.  (I just can not fathom with what we saw today that the lake is not opening.  What’s the freakin’ diff!) But we were in Corpus then Rockport and man was it busy.  Folks were shopping, eating, and we saw tons of them fishing on the road out to the island.

And a last word on today, if you ever get to Rockport as you come in to  on 35 there is that big gas station on the right, immediately look to your left and you will see a little green food truck directly across the street.  He is a Cuban, and he makes Cubans, and they are great.  We got indoctrinated into Cuban food in South Florida and his Cuban is a real Cuban.  And we love Cuban coffee so that was a bonus.  He also has a daily special which he gave me sample while I waited on the sandwich and it was delicious.  So if you get by there stop in and get you one, you won’t be disappointed.  (Not sure what that has to do with fishing.)

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The new Knockin Tail is now available in Victoria!  Stop in the Waterloo Pro Shop at 703 N. Main and pick up a couple of bags and a new rod all in one stop.

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First up is picture from Jess Rotherham owner of Texas Crappie Fishing Service LLC.  Folks he catches crappie, and I mean boat loads.  And looks like he catches the occasional bass.

A Lake Travis Hoss!  Nice job.

Just kidding about the bass, if it swims he catches it.  And watching him the last couple of years I always like seeing the bonus big catfish his customers catch along with some real slabs.  For over 16 years he has fished the Austin area lakes for a lack of a better description.  And he is definitely family friendly.  So if you want an enjoyable day, and a sack full of tasty crappie filets, keep him in mind.  And to top it off he and his customers own several lake records.

Check out Facebook for his latest reports:

https://www.facebook.com/Texas-Crappie-Fishing-Service-LLC-1687596168182257/

Or on his website:

www.texascrappiefishingservice.com/

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And as usual it is good to get a report from Rusty,

Good morning Doug!
Fishing reports: Fished Bastrop Lake 5/7/20. Started early and using the swim jig boated 15 or so by 8 am. Black/ blue was the best color. Then switched over to smokin shad fluke on a short Carolina rig to catch another 8. All the fish were 1-2 lbs with one fish maybe around 4 lbs. Wind finally ran us off the lake by 11 am
Fished Fayette Lake yesterday, first think I noticed was not as many boats. Started at daylight on a point with the black/knocking Tail trailer swim jig and caught several good fish in the next hour! My cousin was fishing the same jig with a different trailer and I was catching 3 fish to his one. He finally had to ask if I would share a Knocking Tail with him to put on his swim jig. He immediately started catching as many as me. That rattle does make a difference!! Fishing is very good at Fayette right now if the weather is good. Tight lines, Rusty
PS: As a Victoria Memorial High School alumni (1970), I’m very excited about the bass fishing club. Count me in!

Great report.  The Knockin Tail as a trailer, or by itself, is simply a no brainer.  As you have fished it more than some, as I have, you learn real quick how well it does work.  It does not have a downside no matter how you use it.  Numbers on Bastrop and better fish on Fayette, seems to be the rule right now.  I meanwhile am patiently waiting on the Coleto  opening.  Until then the salt is calling if this ongoing wind will lay down some.

Did not know you were a Victoria graduate but love your offer “to count you in” though the club will be at Saint Josephs.  As the boys work on the project I will keep everyone updated.  If  they get it going it will be a popular club, it has become one of the ways to not only pursue a pro career, but there are scholarship opportunities with college teams and it sure beats choir.  (No offense to you choir folks.  When you can not sing or dance you hate choir.)  Wish it had been around in my day.  So the rest of you, if you can lend a hand one way or other as this moves along let me know.  I will keep yammering on about it.

And as far as less folks out, looks like some folks will finally be headed back to work.  On that note I have noticed the last few trips that there were lots of kids fishing with their folks at POC, fishing was as good a social distancing thing as anything.  When we were fishing for trout at a lake in Colorado we even heard a kid tell his mom he got his homework done before they came to the lake, and they were from Utah.  There has been a lot more folks spending time outside in many different ways, that is one of the few good things that have come out of this mess.  Keep it up folks, it beats the tv by a mile.

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To go along with starting the club I have a little story.  I prefer to shop at local tackle stores though with the Bass Pro points I spend them there after they add up.  They had a fabulous deal on a Lew’s Inshore Mach Combo – $79 for a $169 combo, $90 off.  I even looked it up on Lew’s to be sure it, and the price, was right and it was, great deal.  Without boring you the sale flyer not only mislabeled the combo, they put the wrong skew number so you could not look it up.  As I knew it would sell out fast the Boss and I spent 2 hours finally getting a store pickup in Katy.  Suffice to say Bass Pro often can not find their ass with both hands and feet and today was no different.  It long ago abandoned being a tackle store in favor of being a department store.  But thanks to James in the Katy store that saved me a couple, man are they nice.  And now the real reason for that little story.

When I got them home there was an attachment on the rod and inside was what Lew’s does in support of high school bass fishing.  I had no idea.  What an interesting time to have that on the rod.  They have resources for fund raising, getting new members, and tackle help.  So I sent that along to the boys and it should be very helpful.  There will be some work putting it all together but from what I know of the folks behind this it will happen.  I would have been a member in the day and know there are boys out there who just need a little hand to get involved.  My dad did not have a boat, only rich kids had one in those days,  a Zebco was all I could afford, and all I could do was dream.  What a gift the club could be for some young man.

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And on the tackle store front sad to report that Angler’s Arsenal in Victoria will be closing.  Really unfortunate that their timing was all wrong and totally out of their control.  Having owned a tackle store it is a tough business.  In my day it was just Bass Pro and that was about the size of it other than smaller stores like mine.  Now the mom and pop store has to compete with Dick’s, Academy, Cabela’s, and on and on.  And that also makes it tough on local manufacturers who want to enter the market but the economy of scale is to overwhelming for most start ups to handle an Academy.  A perfect example is the rods I bought above, there is no way in hell a regular store could sell it for that little.  But good luck to them whatever is next, nice folks and I wish them the best.

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I can not help it but there is something about big strings of dead trout and reds on the deck, especially when it is the same folks multiple days in a row, that seems not right.  I know there is no home possession limit in Texas and keeping them day after day is legal, but it always gives me pause hoping that all of them get eaten and none are wasted.  It may have more to do with my long practiced catch and release bass fishing, not that we do not eat the occasional bass.  Over the years the big stringers of bass pictures went by the wayside with bass fishermen.  That has not happened in the saltwater world.

But hey, it is legal and as long as the law is followed, it is not right to criticize the individual.  On issues like this not only would it take a change of some sort in the law, it requires a change in angler attitudes, and that is not happening anytime soon.   Adding to my ambivalent feelings, for some reason I do not mind the stringer over the shoulder pic.  Nor do I mind the big pile of crappie pic, that is what it is supposed to be.  Guess the pile of dead fish strung out on the deck seems like simply bragging, the over the shoulder wading pic outdoor action, if any of that makes sense.  But either way, if it is legal have at it.

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On our drive to Corpus, out on the island, then over to Rockport, it was a full house in the fishing department.  Waders, shoreline, boat, kayak, there were literally folks fishing everywhere. It has not been like that since last year and it was nice to see.  It seemed like a holiday weekend there were that many folks fishing.  So I will let folks get it out of their system tomorrow then off to fish with the new rods.  And I have to admit I put braid on them.  It has not been on any rod at my house for the last several years but there was a spool of 20lb and one of 15b so guess I will give it a go.  Since the bite on the Knockin Tail is not usually subtle it will feel like they are pounding it.  Monday here I come.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

Random Fish Pic.  A big ass Costa Rican mahi!

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Attention Area Bass Fishermen

I got this comment from Chago and it actually involves something I have actually thought about in the past.  It might have changed my life.

Doug,

Now for some much-needed help from you and your readers. The Covid situation has been complex but brought forth many silver linings. My boys have fished every body of water within a fifty mile radius from Victoria. They have practiced social distancing and remain Covid free, but they have caught a severe case of bass fever. My two high schoolers have decided they want to start a bass fishing team. Of course, I’m excited and encourage their efforts, but unfortunately, we are blind to the process. They are willing to learn and, more importantly, accept the uphill challenge. Any advice would be most appreciated.

Thank you.
Chago

I sent him some links to various High School bass fishing organizations.  He reports his sons, along with some friends and fathers, are looking at starting a club at Victoria High School.  It is a wonderful project for Victoria, which is a fishing town.  This is so worth while and I will be keeping in contact with them as they move through the process.  This is a great opportunity to mentor some young guys and share our love of the sport.  So all you local bass fishermen here is a chance to give back in some ways to the sport we all love.  And maybe put your money where your mouth is.  Think about it, what can you do?  Though I don’t have a bass boat count me in.  Would love to spend the day with a couple of kids watching as they grow as fishermen.  So count me in.

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The new Knockin Tail is available in many places on the Texas coast.  So stop in at your local tackle store and ask for the new Knockin Tail.  And it will be available in Victoria this week, will let you know!

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I am sure those of you who read this stuff are getting sick of me touting the Knockin Tail.  But from the day Michael started working on it there was no doubt in my mind that it was going to be a hit.  And after a ton of work to get it “right” it is spreading up and down the coast and selling like hot cakes.  All because the fishing results are bearing out my original thoughts – that thing works!  So congratulations to Michael and his family, he earned it.  And if you have not tried them yet, your loss!

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Ed tossed in his .02 worth on the Colorado trip.

Very Cool!! Great pics and descriptions, almost being there.
Thank you, what an experience. Gonna have to get my wife convinced to try it one day.

Thanks

I appreciate you kind comments.  For the money it really is a cheap trip for a world class destination.  And with gas at this price it is even cheaper.  There are plenty of reasonable places to stay in the Pagosa Springs area and from there just the Colorado topographical map and some planning and you are good to go.  From that point whether you have a 4×4 is the main issue, but it really is not necessary to explore, but it does open up some awesomely crazy drives.  Add coming arounnd the corner and having an elk cross the road, or a herd of mule deer feeding, turkeys, it is the “zoo” we call the great outdoors.

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And the HardheadKing, the best name on the net, sent along this comment.

Congrats on a good time in Big Bayou. Hope to make it down there soon. Regarding the alarm, it probably is the float level switch inside that tank and unfortunately the only solution I’ve heard of is to replace the tank. Ouch!

My ’99 merc is holding up. I keep threatening to go back to premix so I can avoid oil pump failure, pump problems, and simple oil hose plumbing problems but so far I’ve been lucky. I can’t say enough about how much better she runs on the ethanol free gas.

My last trip still sticks in my craw.  They were on the chew and I had not even touched a small portion of the area.  It had epic written all over it.  But stuff happens, there will be other days.

As far as the engine funny yours is a 99.  Mine is a 2010 Opti with 1000 hours on it and it has done yeoman work.  Bob said that the oil tank failures start around 10 years of age, and unless it is the alarm it will be the tank.  But with the cost of a new motor the occasional repair on an older engine comes with the territory.  (Not that I am happy about it!)  As long as the compression stays equal on all cylinders I will run it till it croaks.  So I just made sure the skiff was ready to go and it will be back on the water soon.  Plus, every time I think about selling the skiff the Mako goes in for whatever and I am still fishing.   I really do have a fishing problem.  Thanks for the comments and good to hear from you.

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And last a rant from SA Joe.

OH IM VENTING. THIS COUNTRY IS screwed. I can understand closing a park because it got full of people to allow distancing. (ARKANSAS BEND) Lake Travis. But what does closing the boat ramp do when the park is open???. During the weeks there isnt anyone there. I launch my bass boat and off i go by myself….im in the water in 10 minutes and away from people. If others want to tie off to other boats and party. Then let them dumb a’s catch the virus together…problem solved. Why cant fisherpeople get together and have a voice to the stupidity above us????

Believe me I have ranted the same way, I feel your pain.  It is so stupid to close the ramps.  Coleto is a perfect example, those of us with an annual pass could just drive in, unload, fish, load and hit the road without any contact with anyone.  It seems to me you have a better chance of getting it at the grocery store, Walmart, or wherever else you might happen to be.  I get the feeling that in some cases they just don’t want to fool with it as not sure what medical justification they could have for it.  Since Coleto has cancelled all prior reservations for camping until June 1 I am concerned it might stay closed until then.   Free The Ramps!

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Tim from Wade Right spoke with Capt. Howie of the Southern Belle and it is looking good.  They just got back from his first 3 day trip with a 10 man party to the Chandeleurs.  The report – a 250 fish trout limit!  I was worried that we might not be able to go in early June but it looks like it is game on.  So with less than a month to go it is time to get excited.

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And speaking of big trips, Muskie Bay Resort in Canada just reported that the border will remain closed to nonessential travel until late June.  That is really a tough blow for them, they are good people and that is a big part of their season.  Folks are suffering everywhere.

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That is it for today.  Still waiting to hear from the redfish fly guy which should be happening soon.  Today I am trying to decide if I am going to get my lazy butt up in the morning early and head to the bay.  We have a chance for some thunderstorms and showers and the wind is going to get up in the afternoon.  (Like that is a surprise.)  I will just keep watching today and see how it looks.  Not interested in another short trip.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines 

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

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Let the fishing begin.  I have been as good as I can be, and will continue to use good practices but the water is calling.  After fishing only a couple of times the last 2 months it is time to get back to work.  We are entering a period where the croaker soakers are out in force, and lures take a back seat at times.  But with the rattle calling Knockin Tail it puts it on a more level playing field with the live bait.  Only one way to prove it to you – catch some fish!  So it will be an early morning and on the water at daylight.

Weather

61/85.  Partly cloudy with a 15% chance of rain.  Wind ESE 12 – 18mph.

Tides

Low  12:00 am  – 0.37 feet.  High  12:34 pm – +1.4 feet.

Activity Times

Minor  10:23 am to 11:23 am.  (Only relevant time.)

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The new Knockin Tail is available in many places on the Texas coast.  So stop in at your local tackle store and ask for the new Knockin Tail.  And it will be available in Victoria this week, will let you know!

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The Joys of Boat Ownership

Perfect!

It was partly cloudy at daybreak when I dropped the boat in the water.  The wind was blowing right down the pike, and the water temp was 75 degrees.  The wind had obviously muddied the water up a little, but it was not totally ugly.  The plan was to do some wading but first I wanted to stop in Big Bayou and fish my 2 favorite banks in the bay.  First for topwater reds, the second Knockin Tail for trout

Just flushed the topwater.

My topwater bank had a nice chop but was a little out of the wind.  The first couple missed it, then I went 3 in a row.  Just using the walk the dog retrieve at a moderate speed and they stopped it.  They were really shallow, had to tilt the motor up and was stirring up some mud and just able to reach the bank with a big cast.

The third one was a rat, but thing were looking up.

The water was moving and the wind was blowing with the tide so time for a Knockin Tail pass so I headed to the trout place.  And on maybe my second cast slow rolling the Red Shad Knockin Tail on a 1/8th jig head as it got right by the trolling motor a big red just materialized out of no where and smoked it.  One of those shit did that just happen moments!  So I committed the cardinal sin, not setting the hook.  When it came up it was not a red but a really stout trout!  It tossed the jig and off she went.

This was a real one!

The stretch that holds these little better trout is small, but it has been consistent for me.  This one above slack lined the Red Shad Knockin Tail.  The wind was blowing right down the bank so I went back up to make another pass an another good one jumped on and broke my line.  Why you ask, I just put all new on yesterday.  How about I did not check it after catching a big lady fish who as usual went absolutely nuts.  Always, always check your line after one of those.  They have some teeth.

So I went back up and did it again, and picked up a couple of smalls.  I idled back up to re-fish it when the low oil alarm went off.  No big deal.  I always have at least a 1/2 gallon on board so I filled it up.  And it went off again.  Hummm…….  So l tried idling, running wide open, half throttle, and everywhere in between but it kept going off.  On the Mercs the low oil beeps 4 times like every 2 minutes.  It was peeing fine, and wasn’t getting hot, but the alarm just kept doing it.

Rats.  While it might have been a sensor no time to take any chances so back to the ramp, on the trailer, and off to the shop.  It never missed a beat, got hot, nothing, so it was not “broke”, which is a good thing.  Bob thinks it is probably the oil tank which generally has a 10 year life span.  So no big deal.  Having the annual service done while he is at it so should be good to go next week.  And there is always the skiff.

I really hated to quit.  I had 3 big trout on today and it was looking like it had potential to be epic.  After not fishing much it was nice to catch some good ones so no harm no foul.  It was one of those things where you can get pissed off, or just take it like comes.  But the good fish were biting.

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They flat eat the Knockin Tail.

One thing I have learned with the Knockin Tail, they definitely like to hit it on a steady slow roll, much better than any other plastic I have used on the bay.  They hit it fairly hard, no problem detecting a bite, and like the one above, they eat it.  Of course in really shallow water a light jig head keeps it up, but on the deeper banks a heavier one will get it down there.  In fact, on the really deep banks, 6 foot+ I even let it hit bottom and then start cranking.  But no matter how you do it add the Knockin Tail to your arsenal.  Feel the thump!

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With no Mako for a bit time to go over the skiff and fish out of it for a while.  I lose some range, but being able to go beats not.  And really hoping to see something out of GBRA as far as Coleto goes.  I am having serious bass withdrawal.  Will also hear from the fly fishing guide and be heading to the Rockport area any day now.  Time to fish, but like I did today, observe good practice coming and going.   So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

With the last day looming we were up real early and on the road as it barely cracked daylight.  The plan, head up to see if the road to Chago’s place was open.  If it was we would take a high mountain road through a beautiful aspen area and finish the day at the lake.  What a decision!

Just Stunning!

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Stop in and pick up a couple of bags of the Knockin Tails at Anglers Anonymous in Katy.  Tackle Town in Rockport.  Fishermans Place in Corpus.  Serious Tackle in LaMarue.

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On the way up the mountains the mule deer were out in force and we saw several large bunches of elk.  This trip we have seen literally hundreds of elk, but it was hard to tell bull vs. cow, today that changed.  The large bunches have been a little lower in altitude but as we climbed today there were lots of big elk in groups of 2 -4, and they were the big boys.  Don’t know much about the migration but it would be interesting to know if the cows calve a little lower, while the bulls head up earlier.  Not matter what it was cool.

Once we got up to the road to Chago’s the forest service had opened it.  We checked out his house and million dollar view of the Continental Divide.  All looked good so time to hit the high road.  On the way to the turn this guy crossed in front of us, little did we know that it was mating time for the Dusky Grouse, or as Jeff Todd a former resident called them, Spruce Grouse.

He was big boy.  And in full strut.  The Boss said he looked like a tiny turkey.

With spring in full bloom the Aspen were beautiful.

We went for the Aspen bloom and ran right into a “lek.”  That is the area, often in the Aspen, where the grouse gather every mating season to display and drum, and boy were they doing it.  They were spead along the road doing their thing and our timing could not have been better.

What a cool thing to see.

Not only did they let us get some great pics we were able to just watch and enjoy.  Funny how we only saw males.  It was much like turkeys strutting in a meadow, in this case they were on the gravel road.  They would strut with tail up, then stop and drum, exposing the red patch on the neck.  So thankful for our good fortune.  The reward for getting up and gone before daylight.

Showing the goods.

A unforgettable experience.

One would think this would be the highlight of the day, it was, but we had a couple of experiences to top off the trip.  Once we got to the lake it was apparent the river had gone down just a little, and the water was just a tiny bit clearer.  So we hiked across the dam and down to the river so I could give fly fishing one more try.  When we got to the river we witnessed behavior I have seen on Coleto a lot, an osprey giving an eagle a hard time.  Cool bird fight.

Mutual Combat for the spillway hole.

This guy was sunning on a warm rock.  But he was not near as big as his cousin.

As I was landing my last trout this guy was at my feet.

When I noticed this guy I touched him with my rod tip and he did not want to move as it was still cool out there.  So I pushed him to the waters edge and he stuck his head in and turned around and hit the road.  Obviously that cold run off was not to his liking.

It is real apparent my fly fishing skills are sorely lacking.  While the river was clearer it was still moving right along.  And it did not take me long to realize I needed a new leader as enough of it had been cut off the last couple of trips.  As the water was hauling I needed some spit shot to get the fly down some.  Suffice to say I did not get a bite.  Time for some reading and research to be better prepared next time.  Time to really learn a new way to catch fish.  I did catch the last trout of the trip on the Rooster Tail and we called it a day.

Turn out the lights the party is over except it will live in my dreams!

This was my favorite mountain trip yet.  The wildlife was moving and every day was something new.  The mountains call to us more and more.  The beauty, the wildlife, the solitude, all so timeless and stunning.

One of the joys/pain in our life has been change.  From guiding, then both of us medics kicking butt and taking names, then the big change moving to law school and then a practice, followed by the Boss to PA school and moving again.  Change has been constant in our lives and it has really has been a nonstop adventure.  I have always said you only get one run at this life.  You can squat in your warm and fuzzy spot or you can get after it. So the discussion begins.  Where it leads is to be determined, but change may be on the horizon.

On the home front it will be back to the bay in several contexts.  Looks like the guided redfish fly fishing trip will be on, and a day or two out of POC.  Time to go put stuff away from this adventure and start dreaming about the next.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading our stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

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

Growing up there were 2 things that I just could not get enough of.  One was The Wild World of Sports and any marlin show with Kurt Goudy.   The other, Outdoor Life and stories about sheep hunting.  Well I have caught some marlin, and in the last couple of years I have been lucky enough to have seen some sheep, and this trip did not disappoint.

A Bighorn Ewe.

What made her really interesting she had a radio tracking collar.  She was feeding on a grass patch close to the road as we crossed the Great Divide.  She never bolted, but she was wary.  Seeing a sheep is one of my favorite outdoor experiences and luckily I have managed to see them here the last 2 trips.

We were on our way to a super high lake, unfortunately the road was closed.  Stuff near the top is just starting to open but there is enough to keep you busy.  So we headed back down and tried another road, but it too was still closed.  On the way out we saw a couple of herds of elk and a few deer.  Then it was 2 places I have been wanting to check out, the West Fork and the East Fork of the San Juan for my next trip when the water is down.

They were haulin’ butt.

We spent quite a bit of time driving miles along both rivers and found lots of access when the water is down.  There was no fishing it today, but this fall it will be killer.  There was plenty of get out of the truck and hop in places, and some how bad to you want it?  Can’t wait.  As we learn the area we keep finding more to like.

The Boss.

Our hike was around 10,000 feet.  It was a series of meadows and it was dead quiet.  It was just great to be outdoors in perfect weather.  We (As in mostly me.) have been getting better at enjoying the moment.  Learning to just stop and look around, take it all in.  After our hike my choice was Echo Lake.  We have driven by it a lot and it has trout, bass, crappie, etc.

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Stop in and pick up a couple of bags of the Knockin Tails at Anglers Anonymous in Katy.  Tackle Town in Rockport.  Fishermans Place in Corpus.  Serious Tackle in LaMarue.

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Easy pickings. 

It is close to Pagosa and full of fish.  I have a feeling the hatchery truck stops by regularly because there was lots of them and they were biting.  The water was crystal clear and you could see the trout cruise by.  The dam had folks on it and we caught 6 or 7 there, then we walked out on a big point and I got 4 or 5 more.  We caught them in nothing flat.  They wanted the rooster tail slow rolled, and we missed or lost as many as we caught.  And then something happened that surprised me and I did not see coming.   Made a cast, tightened the line to start the spinner and out of nowhere an osprey dive bombed my rooster tail  Wow.  Thank goodness he did not get it but it sure was something.

We could not identify this bird.  Any ideas.

Along with that we saw about a 5lb bass getting ready to bed and her buddy hanging around.  The water was so clear we also saw catfish, rock bass, trout, and largemouth.  Great little fishing hole for dropping by and smacking a quick fish dinner.

It never ceases to amaze me.

Tomorrow we will head back up the mountains to see if the road Chago’s place is open.  There is a trail up there we have been meaning to walk at least a little of, will just have to see how it plays out.  As usual the trip is over to fast.  The last day is tomorrow, then the long haul back to Victoria.  But until then we will make every minute count.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

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This Says It All

There’s such a weighted history to nature. When you stand in a place that looked much the same way hundreds of years ago, it’s suddenly clear that we are a part of a story that’s been going on much longer than our selves. It’s hard not to feel a deep connection with nature. There is clarity and peace in the isolation when our beautiful natural earth surrounds us. Enjoy the wonderment, and thank you for the update. Now get a line wet.

Chago says it much more eloquently than I can.  It is such an experience to be outdoors in a place as awesome as this.  And one thing I can say about the Pegosa Springs area, if you like the woods this is the place.  The amount of government access is wonderful.  And it is fair for hikers, atv, horses, campers, hunters, there is a way to do it all you just have to figure it out.

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Stop in and pick up a couple of bags of the Knockin Tails at Anglers Anonymous in Katy.  Tackle Town in Rockport.  Fishermans Place in Corpus.  Serious Tackle in LaMarue.

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The plan was to head back to William’s Creek and maybe get in a little fly fishing or shore fishing for a fish fry.  We were on the road at daylight so at 6:00 and it was worth the drive.  The amount of mule deer is amazing, and they look like crap as they are shedding their winter coat.  This is the only mule deer photo today, but they are from town to the lake and anywhere in-between.

These mule deer were a mile off at the very peak of a hill.

And the elk, it has been something.  Today we saw another 75 on our drive.  They are in the midst of their migration back to the high country.  So just where it really starts to go up there are big bunches.

They were out in force.

We saw one herd on a hillside that had more than 50.  I can really attest to  buying good optics.  Being able to see long distances really aids to looking for them.  And while many of my pics are not that close, with the 600mm at least it can reach out enough to capture at least some of what we are seeing.

Once we got to the lake as we headed to the river we stopped at a couple of spots on the lake and tossed lures.  We both missed a couple and I landed one rainbow.  So that accomplished what I wanted to know, which was can you catch them from the bank.

We hiked across the dam and then down the trail to the Piedra River.  The water was running even harder then yesterday, it was roaring.  My fly fishing skills are limited, and I definitely needed some split shot but suffice to say I did not get a bite on a fly.  So I tossed the old reliable Rooster Tail, which put hundreds of trout in the boat when I was fishing the White.

I think this is the first Brook trout for me.

It was the only trout I managed on the river, and I was glad to get that bite.  But when the time is right what a place to fly fish.  The river is catch and release only.  (Rusty:  A long email coming when I get back.)  So we hiked back up to the lake to catch some supper.  Some of it straight up hill, but worth the walk.

Williams Creek Lake out flow into the river.  The Boss in the valley along the river.

We ended up catching 6 and had 4 for supper.  2 were rainbows and the other 2 were Kokanee salmon.  They are just little guys, obvious from the liberal limit they need some weeding out.  The Boss did catch a nice Brook trout, but it was an over.  You can only keep them under 8″.  But who cares, we were catching fish at the base of the Rockies, in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

The Boss with her first rainbow.

By time we quit at 2:20 for the slow ride home we had covered some territory and seen some good stuff.  We were out 10 hours total, and feeling it.  But the hiking is part of it, and when you are alone it is a pleasure.  What’s that thing going around?  The mountains gives out a peace.  You are so right Chago, and we are loving it.

The ducks have been particularly entertaining.  They are mating up and starting to nest and we have seen some ferocious fighting.  And the geese the same way, walk anywhere near the nest and you are going to hear about it.  So another great day and we just started working on tomorrow, definitely a new lake, checking out a couple of river accesses to add for the next trip.  It should be fun.

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And this comment from Ed.

Doug
Glad y’all are getting out. The boss sounds she really needs this! Hope y’all stay safe and can’t wait for the pics.
Thanks for the stuff.
Ed

Thanks, and you can see how it is working out.  And it was today the Boss said it has been nice to not think about covid19.  In fact haven’t seen the news in days.  Not much else to say about that.

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Hope this finds you and yours doing fine.  Folks out here are acting right, but it sure helps to have the great outdoors.  So tomorrow back at it and can’t wait to see what is next.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

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This will be short and sweet, just got back from being out basically 12 hours.  And loving it every minute.

We love Colorado – if seeing lots of animals, driving remote forest roads on the edge of the Continental Divide, and fishing a little is on your list this is the place.  We drove to Walensburg the first day, which is a good hump, but then it is a short hop to Pagosa Springs.  So we took our time Saturday and made a few stops to check out the water and visit a couple of places.  And the animals did not disappoint.

In the little town of LaVita.  Still had the antlers, the only one we saw with them.

We would normally eat our breakfast there, cool place, but like so many places it is shut down.  Colorado just opened, and it is where Texas was, and folks are being pretty good about it here.  And that little town is full of deer.

We love antelope, and we have seen a bunch.

And we have seen absolutely tons of mule deer.

And it is beautiful every where you look.

And this is the knee deep river I fished last fall.  Good floating, not much for the fishing.

The view from the back deck where we are staying.

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Stop in and pick up a couple of bags of the Knockin Tails, or head to the website for a great deal.  Once you use them you will be hooked!  Ask for the Knockin Tail at your local store or pick some up at these fine stores:

Anglers Anonymous in Katy.  Tackle Town in Rockport.  Fishermans Place in Corpus.  Serious Tackle in LaMarue  

(And here is a hot tip. Chicken On A Chain has been putting fish in the boat on the coast!)

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Day 2

So all in all real successful Day 1, and we were excited about heading out in the morning to visit our friend Chago’s place.  And what a place he has on the Divide with a view to die for.  Unfortunately the forest service road to his house is still closed, as some are in the area, but it should be open soon.  But on the way there, boy was stuff out.

A really nice bunch of elk, first we have seen here.

Chago, these were in the big pasture where you leaves his off road stuff when the road is closed.  They were a long way off, probably 50 elk.

Coyote.  Even with a 600mm this guy was a long way off.  One of 3 we saw this morning.

Things were really moving this morning.  So on the drive to Chago’s we saw about 60 elk, 3 coyotes, and so many freakin’ mule deer I did not even take on pick.   We also saw on bunch of about 7 turkeys who were hauling ass.  But as we later learned and saw, season is on and they were not bothering to stop for a picture.  But as morning drives go it was the perfect drive.

So after we could not get up the forest road we decided to make the drive to Williams Lake.  With the rivers high and muddy from the run off, I figured once we got to fishing we could fish from the bank.  And I hoped there was some clear water below the dam, and there was.  Though it was hauling we found a couple of perfect pools, and will be fly fishing there in the morning right at daylight.

My honey at Williams Lake.

The morning’s plan.

If this does not move you what would?

We came back early and then made one last drive, literally out in the middle of nowhere.  I wanted to see if there was a feeder creek we have seen before that might be fishable, but nope.  The snow is melting and things are just blown out.  But it was a cool drive.  The road has just been opened and it was a mess.  12 miles, and it took an hour one way.  Boulders here and there that fell off the mountain, trees down, big ruts, all running along a canyon with a massive drop.  Seriously, what could be better than that!

Though we didn’t see anything on the drive in and out to the creek, it is really in the rough mountains, on the way back in to town we saw untold mule deer, and one pretty big herd of elk.  So another successful day.  And tomorrow it will be some stream and lake fishing, and depending on how that goes we will see.  This part of the world is to our liking.  Hard to describe but the more we come the more we like it.  Maybe we just won’t come home.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

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Notice

GBRA just announced that Coleto Creek will remain closed for the time being.  SMH!

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Random Fish Picture  –  A nice Everglades Snook.

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We have done the best we can with staying home and following all the guidelines.  I have not fished much, simply because I did not want to catch it, or spread it if I was not symptomatic.  And the Boss has more than done her part, it has been very stressful, but she has handled it like a trooper.  But now with many places are opening in various limited forms things will change.  Not sure if it is time yet, but I will play along.  We will keep up social distancing, wear a mask, and not cough in your face.  But she has really been suffering with not being able to go anywhere, she is addicted to travel, so we made a simple plan  – Colorado!

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Stop in and pick up a couple of bags of the Knockin Tails, or head to the website for a great deal.  Once you use them you will be hooked!  Ask for the Knockin Tail at your local store or pick some up at these fine stores:

Anglers Anonymous in Katy.  Tackle Town in Rockport.  Fishermans Place in Corpus.  Serious Tackle in LaMarue  

(And here is a hot tip. Chicken On A Chain has been putting fish in the boat on the coast!)

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Colorado announced yesterday that it was starting to re-open.  Yahoo.  So first up I contacted a fly shop in Pagosa Springs and asked if fishing was on, it is.  But with their warm weather the main rivers will be blown out with run off, it just means maybe a lake or two, plus headwaters way up in the Rockies.  Just have to find those creek accesses.  And since we spend our whole time out there in the woods no problem with that.  We love chasing wildlife and hiking in literally the middle of nowhere.  In fact, a big hike into the Rockies definitely hits the social distancing part of this mess, the very reason we love it out there.  Come hell or high water I will be wetting a line.  So finally something to get excited about.  This has been a long hard road for all of us and there just might be light at the end of the tunnel.

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Captain Experiences

A couple of things on these good folks.  First – enter! It is their Bucket List Giveaway.  You could win $500 towards your bucket list fishing trip.  That is as good a prize as you can imagine.  So enter, I am, and let the dream begin.  They have fabulous trips, a blog, and other cool stuff on their site.  Nothing but sweet dreams there.

http://captainexperiences-7040480.hs-sites.com/giveaway?fbclid=IwAR1dxal8ejOPitCEEPVKLBtzELKp6b7EoUJ8Yg_Ux3opPTh5Jy7n0I9uCXo

And an important word on the company.  I booked a fly fishing trip for reds with Capt. Jeff for Thursday through the site.  Of course the weather is going to complete crap, so much for that.  I really was looking forward to that.  Both Capt. Jeff and Jonathan the owner are so easy to work with.  No problem with being flexible on both parts, great customer service.  No bullshit from the guide, the old we can do it, fishing if fabulous, or other pressure, just sure no problem.  Personal service is their creed and they lived up to it.  After being totally let down by Fishing Booker, a complete joke that you should never use, it is refreshing to deal with folks who have a clue. So as soon as I get back from Colorado the redfish trip will be back on.  Might even take the Boss.

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The forecast ended up making me re-schedule the redfish fly fishing trip, but now that we are sort of “open’ I am going to get back at it when we return.  And if lucky the lake should be open on May 1st.  (I must admit I am missing my bass fishing.)  With May comes decreased winds and the bay becomes a much more regular option.  The fishing just had to take a back seat to what really needed to be done, stay home and not fish.  Not right to give folks a hard time about not really following the guidelines, or telling you to protect my wife, if I was out there mingling.   We all still need to take it slow, it is not over yet.  So stay safe, it would suck to get sick on the downside.

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So today the packing begins, and in 3 days we will be in Colorado.  The anticipation and the packing are all part of going somewhere great.  Taking the fly stuff, waders, and a couple of spinning rods, hard to tell what our options will be.  Since we will be observing the rules we have a small house with cooking facilities and will keep social distancing for the whole trip.  (And it was nice to know that our check in time is a little later as the house will be disinfected.)  And my hope that the lake would be open are dashed as GBRA will keep it closed.  Really hoped that it would be open when I get back.  So we shall see how long that lasts, but I sure miss it.  At least a few trout can lesson the pain.  Have a great week, I will be posting regularly from the mountains, hopefully there will be some great pics.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new sling!

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Todays Irony

$1 gas – and no where to go!

The Boss was feeling down so time to get her to the bay for a little sun, and away from all of it for a little while so we hit the road at 11:00.  After looking at the weather I thought with a 15 mph NE wind it might be ok on one specific bank in Keller Bay.  There is a little hook with lots of grass and reds, and it just might not be to windy for a quick trip.  Nope.

On the way the wind kept blowing harder, and harder, much harder than the 15 mph forecast, and unfortunately it was directly out of the north and blowing like a mofo.  Of course the water was muddy, and it was 80 degrees.   When we got to Oliva there was a bunch of trailers and trucks, and people fishing from the bank.  Not sure where they all were, but Keller was not it as it was white cap city.

I gave it a go for about an hour and a 1/2, long enough for her to get some sun, but it was just to tough.  I did have one bite on a Knockin Tail spinnerbait and promptly broke it off.  Oh well.  But that was not the reason we were out, it was just a matter of getting out of the house for a few hours.  She has let me fish for 10 years as I blog, and there is plenty of time for serious fishing as soon as this runs its course.  It is important to keep moving and not let this thing get you down.  I can not imagine how folks who have lost their job must feel.

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Knockin Tail!  It catches fish!

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I got this from the Boss yesterday.  The fun never ends in the old ER.

A bonus from the Boss’s employer.  A toilet paper cookie.  A thoughtful gift!  

But on a serious note, these brave folks risk their lives everyday to keep us healthy.  The stress is tough on all of them.  As you look at the picture above realize this is how they dress the whole 12 hours, and when actually seeing patients they add more.  The daily grind when working, which it has become for them, is tough when you just don’t know what is next.  Then to get off and come home, and have to stay there just leads to more stress.  It is tough.  Especially when another of their “gang’ test positive.

Now unfortunately one of the brave first responders in Victoria has been diagnosed with the virus.  And to make it even tougher, we have 8 new cases yesterday after a little lull, plus another death.  So when it crosses your mind that it is safer than it was, forget it.  We are still in the midst of it so if you don’t care about yourself please care about the folks above.  They deserve our support.  And I could not be more proud of the Boss, and I worry for her every day.  Like I have said before – Some folks talk the talk, these folks walk the walk.

And since I wrote this the 5:00 numbers came out today and another 10 people in Victoria have covid.  When I just wrote that it was not safer than it was, it was not a guess.  Please folks act right or it might get worse.  Our local politicians seemed to be stuck on the fact that the first 40+ were from the same place and we were doing ok.  Since then it is over 110 and rising.  Nothing else to say, this is tough on this country.

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OMG!  You have seen Tommy on the blog in the past with some really big bass.  Well guess what?  He is no one trick pony.

Holy crappie Batman!

Got my crappie fix at lake Conroe…good friend of mine wanted to get on some crappie,  so thats what we did.  15 to 20ft of water using jigs.  blue ice I believe is what the color was.  Chartreuse jig head. Hitting brushpiles and submerged timber.  Brought 50 keepers for a fry,  after this covid clears up.  Be safe,  hope everything is doing well.    Tommy Vinas

All I can say is wow!  Now that is getting it done with great slabs.  Thanks for the report and that is some mighty fine eating.  And the rest of you please share a report if you have one.  Lots of folks are not getting out right now and at least we can share a little fishing with them until they are back on the water.  And it is all fine as can be at my house considering, thanks for asking.

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Of course a string like that brings back one of my fondest fishing encounters ever.  I was guiding quite a bit and making mince meat out of Lake Norfork crappie.  We built 27 brush piles that winter.  I was cleaning a wad at the resort where I picked up my customers when a little old man (Me now!) came over and asked if he could tell me something.  Of course.  And his exact words: “I have been cutting meat for 30 years and you sir are an artist.”  I demurred and told him it just comes with the territory.  When you fish all day and then have 50 to clean you get good and fast or you will never get home.  I think that was one of the nicest things anyone ever said to me about fishing.

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So that is todays rambling.  There will be more, because if I not fishing, I am thinking about fishing, or reading about fishing, or writing about fishing. So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new sling!

While social distancing and safe practices are still in place things are changing in the outdoor world.  Parks and ramps are opening daily so here is a little area info.

And I am chomping at the bit for some fishcatchingtravel.  In a week it will be fly fishing for reds with a guide.  Hope to land that first redfish and learn a little more about the sport.  And the Chandeleurs is coming up in a little over a month, and I can not wait for that.  I have said it before and I will say it again:  A trip on the Southern Belle with Capt. Howie and the boys is the best bang for you money in all of fishing!  They take care of you from the minute you step aboard until you return to the dock.  And Howie can really cook!  Check them out, it is a bucket list trip.

https://fishsouthernbelle.com/

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Knockin Tail!  It catches fish!

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The Knockin Tail is now available in Corpus and Rockport.  So all you folks down there ask for them, pick up a bag, once you try them you will keep coming back for more.  And along with that Michael and his son whacked some nice reds and trout the other day.  I actually emailed him asking the specific technique.

Slow Roll!

I do this a lot and it all started with the CDL paddle tail.  I generally fish shallow so say 2.5 or maybe 3 feet and less I slow roll very often.  With the CDL I pause more often than I do with the KTL.  As a matter of fact I caught a few flounder and a 4 pound trout today slow rolling the pumpkinseed KTL in knee deep water over scattered grass and holes.  I typically throw 30 pound braid with a 20 pound mono leader.  Big Game

After catching a few slow rolling it the other day myself it seems to me that the rattle is really the ticket on the slow roll.  Can’t wait to get back out and give it another go.  Thanks for the tip.

And on another note, over the last few years I have gone to clear Big Game exclusively.  I keep spools of 8 – 50lb as I change line often, dependent on where and what fish I am after.  And since it is a little “heavier” than rated it allows me to use lighter line as a rule.  The minute it starts getting a set, more in salt water than fresh, or even remotely gets nicked or kinked due to over runs, off it comes.  Saves big bucks and it is easy to keep fresh line on.  It works for me.  And I finally after all these years bought one of those line removers, which is really slick.  You can teach an old dog new tricks.

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Ramps

(Things are looking up area wide.  Be sure to check before you go and stay safe.)

From GBRA when I checked today:

GBRA Parks Remain Closed

GBRA parks, including Coleto Creek, Lake Wood, and Nolte Island will remain closed at this time to allow GBRA to review the governor’s executive order to assess requirements for reopening parks to ensure the safety of guests and staff. Additionally, local county orders remain in place and are set to expire at the end of April. Updates will be posted on GBRA’s website and social media platforms.

I am so itching to get back to the lake.  Looks like it won’t be long.

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Our Fayette lake guru Rusty finally reports that Fayette County has opened back up.  The  fishing report was good when he went the other day.  He also reported the same thing I noted at Froggie’s,  (That ramp is open.) a ton of folks were fishing.  I know we are all getting sick of staying at home but at least the fishing opportunities are increasing.  In fact, a few folks may actually have to go back to work but for the time being be ready for the traffic!  And if you go, use your freakin’ brain going and coming, protect yourself and the rest of us.

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And on the ramp front Falcon is back in action and the fishing report is really good.  It is a catch em’ like you like to.  Spinnerbait, plastics, pitching, points, wood, the bite is on.  Whenever you are thinking of heading that way always check this website.  Good reports and fishing information, and he can never be accused of being afraid to state his opinion.

http://www.tackleandrods.com/lake/flash.htm

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If you fish in the Austin area things are looking up.  Not sure where they are located but I just saw that some of the ramps operated by LRCA opened on Wednesday.  Here is today’s link for information on that area.

https://www.lcra.org/Pages/Park-Alerts.aspx

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And as far as state parks here is the rules, be sure to check the specific park you are visiting.  This is from the Falcon Lake State Park website.

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So that is it for today.  Just wanted to get a little info out to you if you are planning on hitting the water or parks this weekend.  We are definitely headed somewhere to do something.  And the fishing will continue.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines