FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new sling!

My initial plan was to head out early and wade, but the Boss said she wanted some sun so change of plans.  The nice thing, did not have to get up early, which I have become really good at it since this all started.  So around 10:00 we headed to POC.

Of course we stayed with the social distancing plan but there was a huge violation, if inanimate objects can violate.  There were trucks and trailers filling the whole lot and much of the field.  It was very much like a Saturday in the summer.  Lots of folks fishing, but with the perfect weather and so many folks off it was not surprising.   When we dropped the boat in the water temp as 74, and we found some as high as 78 during the 3 hours we fished, and the water had cleared.  So off to Big Bayou to see if we might catch a red.

Weather

63/81.  Partly sunny with 2% chance of rain.  Wind ESE 7 – 12mph.

Tides

High  3:03 am  0.89.     Low  9:20 am  0.61.     High 2:44 pm  0.83.

Activity Times

Major  11:54 am to 1:54 pm.

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

Knockin Tail!  Can’t wait to get back to my old ways and sack them up!  It catches fish.

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

The KTL Pearl Limetreuse getting it done.

The Boss kept with her popping cork and I kept with the jig head.  We (me) only caught 4, 2 reds and 2 trout on my best places.  So instead of keep fishing there time to head to the Oil Cut and see if the trout were still on the same spot.

The Knockin Tail is in his crushers.    The KTL Red Shad put 6 trout in the boat in the Oil Cut.

At this point one would think that your fishing partner would want to get after it where she put the hurt on them the other day, but no.  Not very  often my fishing partner is laid out on a lawn chair soaking up the sun in her swim shit.  (And to the rest of my fishing partners spare me the Speedo!)  So the Boss didn’t fish for the next hour and half.

It was interesting when I hopped it along on the bottom and started reeling it in for the next cast and one smoked it.  So then it was 3 hops along the bottom then start reeling, which ended up putting another 5 in the boat, and one rat redfish.  As she was about ready to hit the road it was back to Big Bayou and make one more pass for a redfish.

I love catching them on spinnerbait.  Changing from a regular paddle tail to a Pumpkinseed Knockin Tail got it done.

On the first bank one smoked that spinnerbait in Big Bayou, and it sure felt good.  I will always be impressed with how redfish hit a spinnerbait, with gusto.  They seem to hit it one of 2 ways, smoke it like this one, or all of a sudden your line goes slack.  Either way is fine with me.

Since the Knockin Tail came out I have wanted to put it on the spinnerbait, it had to work.  When you add the vibration of the spinner blade with the tail rattle, it should be a real killer.  And since I only fished one short bank with it and caught the one above that clears that up.  And the good thing, just buy a pack of gold blades on wires in most tackle stores, then just add your jig head with a Knockin Tail and you have what is a $4 spinnerbait for less than half that.   And for me, a good reminder of a technique that I have ignored the last couple of years, but that is about to change.  I am already running through a list of banks in my head, and they are about to get a visit.

We hit one more bank and disaster struck, sort of.  (Don’t count your picture before its taken.)  On my last cast with the Knockin Tail as soon as it hit bottom I was hung up.  So with the trolling motor on high I head that way and when I got there it moved.  Moved?  What?  And then it took off, and it was big, I don’t mean 20lbs big, I mean ginormous and on 1olb line!  And the fight was on, that bulldog big black drum tussle.  Having boated a few real monsters over the years it was a no brainer that this was really big.  The fight went on for quite a while, it would come to the  boat, and then just swim away against the drag, repeatedly.  I did everything perfect but it pulled off about the time it seemed like I was winning.  If I was guessing, and I am, I never really set the hook, so my bad.  But the Boss said quit whining, what a fight.  Good point, it was an epic battle while it lasted

So a fine 3 hours of fishing.  The Boss didn’t catch any, but when you are flat on your back in your swim suit it happens.  It was not quite as good as I hoped, but hey, a dozen.  If I average that every 3 hours all day I am good with it.  And the Boss got her sun.  And I will admit it has been fine to have her in the boat.

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

Jeramie sent along this question.

Any word on when coleto is opening?

I check their website daily and it still says it is closed along with the TPWD park closures until April 30th.  It looks like Abbot is going to reduce restrictions and my guess is GBRA will follow along with the state parks as far as opening.  And today the state announced the state parks will reopen on Monday.  So hopefully the rest of the ramps in the state will follow.

Of course today the rising lake along with no wind and a nice drizzle is making me crazy, can you say buzzbait?  So as soon as it is open I will post that immediately, on my way to the lake!  Till then as I get out more it will be the Gulf for the time being.  As a side note I am watching Falcon as it is still closed, including private ramps, which I do not get.  If it opens soon, and we have a good weather window, I am out of here!  Keep in touch.

Since I wrote this the state parks opened which means you can launch at the state park on Falcon.  But you have to go to the state park website and get a pass and read the rules.  But hey, you can fish.  I just checked Coleto and it is still closed until the 30th.  Those fish are gonna be dumb when it happens.  Hope it is a sign of things to come.

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

And a word to the Russians who are spamming the heck out of my site:  F’ off!  Since I can not read Russian save your efforts, even if I could you have nothing I would ever be interested in.  So I fixed it, have a good Comrade.

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

I have commented before on how watching MLF is good for the regular guy who gets out when he can.  There may be 10 of the best bass fisherman in the world fishing, but there is always one or two who just have an awful day while others are smacking them.  It does not matter how good you are, or how many times you see someone’s bragging pictures online, everyone has tough days, often no matter how good the fishing is.  So take heart and remember, there is a lot more to being outdoors than how many fish you caught that day.

The thing I was personally glad to see was multiple guys breaking their rod setting the hook, I am not alone.  That has happened to me dozens of times over my fishing habit, including twice in the last year.  You hear lots of reasons it happens, I don’t have a clue why, it just happens.  Unfortunately the last one I broke was one of my favorites.  At least it happens to the best of them, and the worst of us.

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

As I get more comfortable with the social distancing, and can get to the water without any interaction, time for more fishing,  I almost headed to Keller Bay today, and now that I caught one on the spinnerbait time to head that way.  There is miles of good spinnerbait water there, and a very good wading bank.  So as soon as this wind and front pass it will back on the water.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.  Stay safe.

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!

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

Will Wonders Ever Cease?

I was still sleeping at 7:00 when the door flew open and the Boss said time to go to the Gulf!  (Easy to tell she is bored!)  That is the best offer I have had in a while.  So we hitched up and headed to Froggie’s.  I did not look at the weather or the tides, we just hit the road.  She has not fished the bay in years so it was time to cut to the chase and get right to the fish.

The White Ice Knockin Tail was the ticket.

The wind was blowing a good 15 – 20, the water temp was 68 to 72 degrees, and much of it was off color due to the high winds the last few days.  It was definitely better where it was above 70 degrees and clearer.  We went right to the Oil Cut and fished the first place and I caught a fattie, but that area was really to let her practice casting as she had never used a popping cork.  She only tossed a couple up in the mangroves, but props to her, with the wind it was not easy.  She got the hang of it so time to get on them.  From that point on she caught them right along.

She easily caught her limit.

We caught a bunch of smalls and finally got into the keepers.  They were right off the drop in about 3 foot of water.  If I were guessing, and I am, we easily caught a good 20+ in 3 hours.  And the way there were positioned we could have easily re-fished them several times as the wind was blowing us past them fairly quickly.

Nothing big, just solid little fatties.  And yes I did catch a fish or two.

She stuck with the White Ice, I threw all the Knockin tail colors, and as far as I can tell the fish did not give a hoot which one it was.  So after 3 hours she called it a day and we headed to the ramp.  So not a bad short trip, the trout are definitely biting and I can only imagine how good some of my other favorite places are right now.  But as you learn guiding, it is not about you.  It is all about putting your customer where they can catch fish as easily as possible.  Keep it fun and easy and everyone is happy.  The Boss has always been a good fisherman, and today just reinforced that.  She caught a bunch and we had several doubles.  Today it went just like I hoped it would.

(On the way I practiced good social distancing, gloves on during the gas fill, got near nobody, and went in no store or station.  So fish your butt off, it is easy to be safe so why not do it?  It would suck to get it after fishing.  And with the number of folks at the ramp folks are fishing.)

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

The Boss and I went on a hike in the Aransas Wildlife Refuge Wednesday.  Not many folks around so the social distancing thing was easy.  We saw snakes, deer, hogs, gators, and enough birds to fill a book.  So here are a few pics.

He is eyeing you like a snack!

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

Knockin Tail!  Can’t wait to get back to my old ways and sack them up!  It catches fish.

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

It was good to hear from Lee again, and glad I am not the only one with the “problem.”

Tell the Boss we appreciate her efforts. Masks have been mandated where I work and I’ve never had more respect for those in the medical field. To put it simply, I hate them. Any key she has for keeping her glasses from fogging up? Maybe it’s just that I breathe like Darth Vader but it’s super annoying. As always, I appreciate the read whether it be fishing report or life report. And, I just re-wired a small Harbor Freight trailer. Finally figured out the ground wasn’t getting through to the lights due to it being foldable (though it’s always worked in the past, but not this time). Let me tell you, if I’d been wearing a mask and having to figure that out at the same time, some beers would have been lost. Not to mention the words my wife had to protect our children from. Any sort of wiring gives me great respect for electricians as well.

The Boss thanks you and has this comment on the mask fit as she gets the same fog at times on her protective gear.  It is all about having it tight on the top and high side of your nose.  And to complicate hers, she wears one on top of another.

Now as far as electrical stuff on trailers and boats, I have rewired dozens of times over the years and it is still a struggle for me.  It goes back to one of my old sayings about who should be doing what, as an example –  I promise not to do any mechanic work on my car if you promise not to practice law.  Funny, I could do a major felony trial in front of jury but when it comes to 5 stinking wires I can barely find my ass with both hands.  We all have our “thing” we are good at.  And thanks for your kind words, guess I will keep writing with all this spare time on my hands.

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

Aaron Martens one of the great bass pros collapsed last week and it was found he had a couple of lessions/tumors on his brain.  Monday he had successful brain surgery and the report is he doing great and will be home in a few days.  Lets all hope that he will have a complete recovery.  In this tough times it is important to remember how lucky we are to have whatever we have, it can be taken in a minute.  Stay safe.

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

And speaking of bass fishing.  Just watched the MLF that was on Shearon Harris Lake in Raleigh, North Carolina and it was something.  The average size of fish was on the big side and was topped off with an 8+.  That is good fishing anywhere, to bad it is so dang far from here or it would be on the list!

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

Nice to get out the last couple of days.  Other than the wind, it has been absolutely beautiful.  And now that we might start having an easing of the guidelines time to get back to it.  Just maybe Coleto, and everywhere else, will reopen.  So the end is near and I appreciate all of you who have keep reading during this pain in the rear.  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!

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

Hope this finds you all safe and sound.  Unfortunately Victoria’s numbers continue to rise daily and now top 80.  There seems to be some consensus that we will peak in a couple of weeks.  So other than slipping out just a time or two to wet a line I will keep this  self confinement up.  If we are lucky the end is near but it is not here yet.  So do the best you can with the rules, if not for your sake then for your friends and neighbors.

Lots of us get dressed in our fishing shirts, hats, and other totally unnecessary paraphernalia to hit the water.  Well here is what the Boss is wearing during this tough time.  Thanks to Detar and VEA for keeping her protected at work.

I was her partner for a while when we were both paramedics, a career she did for 25 years prior to PA school.  Tough, brave, smart, she can tote the note.  In these tough times I could not be any prouder.  Some folks talk the talk, the folks in ERs everywhere walk the walk.

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

Knockin Tail!  Can’t wait to get back to my old ways and sack them up!  It catches fish.

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

And from a repeat Knockin Tail customer.

The KTL has been a true game changer for us! The bait is a welcomed change to the baits already on the market. The rattle built into the tail is a great addition to great body style. The action from the tail is incredible on a  1/16th oz Jig head or rigged weedless. Even on the lightest of jigs the bait has tremendous action and the durability is great. The color schemes are deadly especially the Magic Grass and Chicken on a Chain. Overall this bait has earned a spot on my boat and is here to stay.

And when he says it has earned a spot on his boat I know the feeling.  If you can reel it something will get on, and the trout really like it.  If you are not fishing it you are missing out.  The Knockin Tail catches fish!

Random Trout Pic

A good one from the King Ranch Shoreline.  The weather was perfect.

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

Coleto Creek

Today  94.79 msl.    Last time I fished March 2cnd it was 94.34 msl.

GBRA announced that they are keeping Coleto closed until at least April 30th, following the lead of the TPWD closure of state parks for the month.  Since it has now been over a month since I have fished there it is not surprising that I have a serious case of withdrawal.  At this point in the staying home thing I am making a completely flexible but solid post covid13 fishing plan.  As soon as this is over I am going somewhere and catch something.

******************* 

And I got this comment on one of my videos.

Loved your video and I love red fish to eat them as well as catch him but some of us are beginner Fisherman please take in Consideration that some are beginners and it’s important and interesting to show them just how you like to tie exactly where you like to tie and how U tie education for the Younghans beginners grow the game just like you do golf everything else I’ll give you a 10 out of 10, regards Ben:)

Thanks Ben.  In my case I would much rather catch reds than eat them.  And I sure hope that beginners, and old timers, learn something here.  That is enough for me.  Good to hear from the occasional random reader.

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

Today I spent some time under the console of the skiff.  The wiring is a complete mess and consequently the running lights are not working.  Shocker!  First the way they were originally connected is crazy and involves more than the lights.  And the fuse panel looks like crap.  But I guess after 6 or 7 locators, assorted switch additions, bilge pumps, etc. it is amazing any of it works.  So what started out as a simple switch replacement looks like it might turn into a complete rewiring and fuse panel replacement.  After 20 years things like that end up needing attention.  But one thing for sure, it is, and has been, a fish catching machine, and every time I think about selling it I break out in a sweat.  That boat is an old faithful friend who has never let me down.

***************** 

You could really tell that much of  the fishing world is closed right now, especially this weekend, with the dearth of reports.  There were a couple of nice stringers of trout and reds, and an assortment of other stuff from Facebook friends in different locales, but it has been slim pickings.  I on the other hand will get in a little fishing as the Boss is so sick of hanging out that she is going to maybe fish a little if she gets some sun.  Boat time.  Actually when she first started fishing with me she picked up the baitcaster in nothing flat.  A good spinnerbait fisherman she has caught marlin, sails, mahi, and few exotic fish.  She is not so much for those “wormy things”, or as normal people call them, plastics.   Who knows, get her around some trout with the Knockin Tail and maybe she can be cured.

******************* 

That about covers the ramblings for today.  I am so ready to resume my life, there are fish to be caught, and at my age you don’t want to many of these lockdowns.  But I appreciate you all sticking with me, hope I can catch a few fish and share it with those of you who can’t get out.  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!

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

I have put myself in the position of having to walk the walk after talking the talk.  Telling folks to stay home and to follow the guidelines so we are all protected made me realize I have to do the same.  So for the time being I am not fishing.  Not saying I won’t anytime soon would be a lie, but I intend to stay at home.  Hard for me to ask you to comply for all our good, and then go fishing.  It is tough but there will be an end.  The more folks keep it up the earlier it will be over.  So stay safe and do what you can.

Random fish pic.  Australian Queenfish.  Talk about a jumper.

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

Knockin Tail – Swim bait with a jig head or swim bait hook, a swim jig trailer, on the Alabama Rig, all will rattle your way to more fish!

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

The Closings Continue

All state parks in Texas are closing as of today.  Riverside Park in Victoria is closed at least for the weekend.  And now the county ramp on Falcon has closed.  (And before I could even finish this the county has now closed ALL ramps, public or private.)  Ok, but if it is necessary these closing, and many others, should have happened over a month ago.  It still confuses me why a ramp being open is a problem.  (I understand that keeping people indoors and not spreading the virus is the main goal.)  We are not going to be exchanging bodily fluids or some other nonsense.  Closing other facilities that surround them makes sense, but just dropping your boat in and going fishing is one of the safer things you can do as long as you exercise good practice going and coming.  (And unfortunately that is where the problem lies.)  Makes no sense when at the same time some jurisdictions are allowing folks to congregate in large numbers at church.  No possible spread there! But in true Texas style at least you can get some liquor with that to go sandwich to help take the edge off.  We all know booze is an essential activity.  What a long strange trip this is becoming.

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

More fun with boat buying.  You can not make this stuff up.

gonna need some work but doable.
make me an offer……….as is where is …..not running ……

How about you pay me to take it off your hands?

needs new battery fuel tank and key switch because the key is lost

No big deal, it runs, trust me.

Boat is gutted and ready to put back together. The twin engines it has do not run.

Other than that it is a great boat.

I dont have a title for it …but other than that it’s a great deal cain’t beat it

I can’t prove ownership but it is a great deal.

Needs some work but good hull.

And the rest of it is a piece of crap.

No motor, just hull and trailer.  I do not have titles to either.

Same old story.

Needs complete interior. Had planned to fix up, haven’t had time.

Man there are a million “plans” out there.

But boat been sitting a little while but I can provide a video of motor running.

That is reassuring.

(15 hours on new power head)

No thanks on that one.

motor starts just needs to be rebuilt, low compression on all cylinders

In other words it is junk.

Boat is no good but engine should be good. started engine last year pouring gas in carb

Comes with a gas can, a pack of smokes, and a lighter.  You can do both at the same time!

I am not given it away so don’t waste my time if you don’t have money !

Take a chill pill bro.  After looking at the pictures you might have to pay to get someone to take it away.

Good boat and trailer n condition no motor are no paper work for good use only

Huh?

I always wonder if folks even read what they posted.  Of course I admit my editorial skills often leave something to be desired but I am not trying to sell you something.  Over the last few months more ads feature haul off your old boat, and there seems to be less junk available than there was.  The examples above are at best junk.  And the usual words of caution – Project, Rare, Easy to Fix, No Title, etc, are red flags.  When used in the same ad it is run as fast as you can.

My last comment on my daily review of boats for sale – There are a ton of what appears to be buyer’s remorse.  Expensive and fancy, often priced above $60k, they must be kidding.  If you can buy a used boat at that price buy new.  And on a year or two old boat if the add says “new power head” or “only x hours on new lower unit” be highly skeptical.  Either the motor was a lemon or it has been abused.  I have a feeling post virus there will be lots of high dollar boats entering the market.

Going nuts offshore in Costa Rica.  It went on for miles.

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

Of course with all this at home time watching fishing has taken up some of every day.  And watching it this morning cemented  an opinion I have had for a while.  Shop your local tackle manufacturer.  Zona was fishing the La Perla Ranch Lake where a weekend of fishing is $4000. That is nuts!  You might have heard about it after TPWD decided to give a rich rancher a couple of thousand of our Share A Lunker fry.  It was not anything nefarious, just a collective brain fart on the part of TPWD.  But I digress.

The reason I wrote this is to continue to call on all of us to support your local guy who is just trying to make a living providing us with the stuff we need for a day on the water.  So every time I see someone fishing private waters (Strike King is the worst.)  who has tons of sponsors it reminds me, when you buy their stuff you are supporting their fishing places only the select few can fish.  A lifestyle that is out of most of our price range.  And when they pander to us, telling us how they do this for us, I can only laugh.  (And my favorite, when HUK bought an awesome offshore boat and said we did it for you.  Sure you did, and I assume my invitation is in the mail.)  I am not mad at them, just take what you see on the fishing shows with a grain of salt.  Turn anybody lose on those waters and they will smack them.  And you know what?  A bait from them will not work any better than one from you local guy.  So keep that in mind as you shop.  Easy.  Read the package, where is it made?

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

And here are a few of the comments after my last post.

Doug,
Tell your lovely wife Thankyou from my family and myself. Thanks for the words that remind us all that we can’t and shouldn’t take life and our surroundings for granted. Keep on keepin’ on and I wait for the next post. Hopefully with some trout and red pics included. lol.
Thanks,
Ed

And from Joe.

Thank your wife for her service to Victoria.

And SA Joe had plenty to say.

Hey buddy !!! Your last comments hit that nail right on the head. People bust on me for having a flip fone. Its high for $85 and two phones on the account. Just lazy to switch to Consumer Cellular and cut it to $45. But they dont pay my bills and with smart phones they will rope you in with the data plans. So their bills are over $200 a month, plus paying for years on those new phones. I grew up poor and saw my mom struggle with bills, food, the house. Dad was a drunk. Joined the military(20Yrs) because I never took the ACT/SAT=no money. Bought my 1st house at 25 in 1993, then a duplex, then another house by 1996 from saving money. These houses got paid off from renters and in 2008-2011. Turned them around and selling=owner financed. So if a poor kid like me can do this and retire at 47 some will never learn. I married a great woman that saved liked me and invested. When she went to heaven she has taken care of me and her 2 boys. SO when its time to fish again. We need to do so because we’ll come out of this fine with our planning. Prayers and thanks to your wife for going out in these times. Joe Gest

Nancy appreciates your kind words and asks that you pray for those in the high density areas who are really risking their own lives, much less their families.  But we will get through this, what our world will be like remains to be seen.  And Joe, there are lots of folks who have learned a hard lesson with the virus, glad you are doing fine.   So everybody stay safe and help someone if you get the chance.

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

Joe Exotic

Who was not amazed, confused, sickened, amused, or a 100 other descriptions that applied to watching the Tiger show.  So I wondered if my daughter had ever interviewed him.  She was a columnist and full time journalist on the state paper at the time.  And guess what?  She not only interviewed Joe, she interviewed Carole.

The punch line, she did not actually do a story after the interviews.  And this was her exact response as to why not.  “They were both bat shit crazy.”  I could not have said it better on just about everyone involved.

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

So sorry no fishing reports but it is what it is.  I hope this finds you and yours doing well.  If my ramblings are to off topic for you no problem.  It just gives this old man something to pass the time.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

On last Thursday afternoon, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it would suspend enforcement of bedrock clean air and water laws.  What in the Sam Hell does that have to do with the virus?  WTF?

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new sling!

Note:  Sorry there has been no new reports but I have decided to follow the stay at home recommendations.  Unfortunately while I am in good health I do have an underlying condition or two which makes me a good candidate to bite the big one if I get infected.  The Boss and I  are exercising great caution as the number of cases ballooned to 41 in our county this week, and it promises to go higher.  Several of the new cases are health care providers.

The Boss returns to her rotation in the ER today and of course that is worrisome.  As I write this she is taking off her wedding ring, other jewelry, watch, and putting on an old pair of glasses for the duration, removing anything that can bring the virus home.  But like all health care pros she is off to keep us safe in the face of the virus, and all of us can help them if we follow the guidelines.

This does not mean I will not fish a day, in fact it might be Thursday looking at the tide and weather.  But out of respect for my wife and her coworkers it will be one day a week for me, if at all, until things settle down.  If you talk the talk you must walk the walk, and just because I can go fishing does not mean I should.  Time to put on the big boy pants and NOT go fishing.  This is tough, but this too will pass and there will be plenty of time for fishing.  Just remember if you are one of those “it won’t be me” folks, or this is just “some trumped up deal”, you just might kill someone.  You do not have that right.  In times like this you are either part of the solution or you are the problem.  This, and the following, is so off the fishing  topic.  It is my opinion alone and not anyone else.

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

Knockin Tail – Swim bait with a jig head or swim bait hook, a swim jig trailer, on the Alabama Rig, all will rattle your way to more fish!

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

Random fish picture.  My first marlin.  San Juan Puerto Rico.

A Reflection 

One morning while sitting around drinking coffee in the break room before court I asked a friend who specialized in big time divorces a simple question:  How do your clients afford those big houses?  His response: “They can’t.  One hitch in their git along and they are toast.”  That answer could not have been any more timely today.  When this is all over the country, and the world, will be changed forever.

So what in the hell does divorce have to do with the virus?  It has exposed how close to the financial edge many folks live.  (I am not going to address the working poor, they are screwed.  Sad.)   Our society has “progressed” to the point where every member of the family must have a cell phone, 250 tv channels is the norm, and car payments are just part of being alive.  The baseline, or what we might think it is, has evolved into credit cards, streaming services, big houses, boat payments, and all the rest are the new “norm.”   The virus, just like a divorce, has exposed how many folks who make a good living are one small hiccup from financial ruin.  (And don’t even get me started on corporations that pay their execs a multi million dollar bonus who are now expecting the taxpayers to bail them out.  If their CEO was to stupid to make a realistic disaster plan he is to freakin’ stupid to receive that kind of a bonus.)

The thought that the world could be disrupted in this manner was just not an issue.  It never crossed our minds.  In this day and age how could we not be past all that?  Well here is the lesson learned:  We were horribly wrong across the board.  Just a couple of weeks has led to a world wide personal and financial disaster.  In just the blink of an eye families and businesses are on the verge of complete financial ruin.  This country is also on the brink and the effects of the virus extend to every corner of our country.  And we are all just as responsible as the virus for the current state of affairs

So What is Next? 

Time for folks to really think about what they are going to do moving forward.  The questions that need to be asked are simple.  Is a $200 a month cell phone bill smart?  How did we get to the point where a 10 y/o has some kind of constitutional right to a cell phone?  Why do I really need a new car when the one I own is serviceable?  Why am I spending a couple of hundred thousand more on this house than that one?  Does that 300 hp really say more about “look at me” than any practical reason?  Is my life so empty that I need a zillion tv channels to be complete?  All of these lead to the real question that each of us must answer:  What if?  Unfortunately it is here now!

What if this last longer?  How long can I last?  What if something happens to me?  And as a result of that, what happens to my family?  How am I going to pay for all that?  What is more important, food and safety, or Facebook?  Why am I really buying this or that?  So what if I buy a $500 rod and reel?  Does that make me a better person?  Will it replace my family?  Being able to make the payment is not the same as being able to afford it.  Are you so shallow and weak that your pride of owning all that stuff is that important?  Here are a couple of perfect examples of what I am talking about.

When I graduated from Law School we bought a house.  It was a cool house, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, deck, hot tub, pool room, it had it all.  It was well within our budget and if we were still in Fayetteville I would be living there today.  The day we closed the real estate agent said the following:  “This will do until you are a rich lawyer.”  How did it happen that a house became nothing more than a status symbol and not a home?  And if your “friends” like you more because of the house………. sad.

And probably my favorite.  A law school classmates of mine was the spoiled rich daughter of a big shot attorney and would not know work if it slapped her in her smug little privileged face.  We were chatting one day about kids and I said something about my daughter, who was in college at the time, not having a car.  Her response:   “You are not going to buy her a car, what a bastard.”  Another example of how the baseline has moved over the years from one of  simple hope, then to expectation, and finally to “I deserve it.”.

If this is not a wake up call I don’t know what is.

So when this is all said and done it is time to take stock on what is really important in this life.  Folks need to evaluate what is “necessary” and what is nothing more than window dressing.  We all need to plan for this kind of thing, it could be something else as soon as tomorrow.  10,ooo people have died so far, and countless millions may be ruined, with more to come.  So take a moment to think about what is important in life.  This is a wake up call and you can choose to answer, or as Oprah says:  “If you keep doing what you are doing you will keep getting what you have been getting.”

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

Another random fish pic.  A big Lake of the Woods pike.

Sorry for the rant, that will be the last of it.  So on a funny fishing note – Lefty Kreh to his boat partner who was all messed up.

Looks like you are having more trouble than a pregnant nun.

No disrespect to pregnant nuns!  And one final fishing joke.  Jimmy Houston.

You know what the difference is between me and God?  God never thinks he is me.

Never a truer word has been spoken about fishermen.

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

To those of you who are doing your best to keep us all safe – Thanks.  To those of you not getting it, what makes you so special you can act like you want?  Keep your distance, stay home when at all possible, read a book, take a nap, eat to much, wear a mask, organize your tackle, love your family, and just keep on keeping on.  There are finally small indications we might be seeing the peak in the US, but if we get complacent this will not end.  I don’t know about you but I am ready to resume my real life.  I hope you and yours are safe and sound.

God Bless America

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

On last Thursday afternoon, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it would suspend enforcement of bedrock clean air and water laws.  What in the Sam Hell does that have to do with the virus?  WTF?

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new sling!

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

Weather

68/74.  Sunny to partly cloudy with low humidity and a 5% chance of rain.  Wind  ESE 14 – 20 mph.

Tides

Low  3:15 am.  – 0.04.   High   4:07 pm.  +1.35.

Activity Periods

Major   7:42 am until 9:42 am.  Minor  1:00 pm until 2:00 pm.

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

Knockin Tail – Swim bait with a jig head or swim bait hook, a swim jig trailer, on the Alabama Rig, all will rattle your way to more fish!

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

What a Day

Good – Bad – Good -Bad – Bad – Good – Bad – Good – Good – Bad – Good – Good

Beautiful Sunrise and Sloppy Seas

Good –  It had been a week since I last fished and I was so excited to be on the water.  So I was at my favorite spot near South Pass as the sun came up.

Bad – Unfortunately the wind was blowing right on it when I got there, and while it is usually a good place I should have moved on.  But I was there so I made a wade anyway.

Good – Not a bite for quite a while when a really big trout smashed my topwater a foot in the air, then boiled it again.  I worked it all the way to right in front of me, stopped it 2 feet from me, and she smoked it!  A thing of beauty.

Bad – I pulled back, in other words did not set the hook, and she pulled off.  Ouch!  I also threw the Knockin Tail some but they just were not there.  No matter the bait, if they are not there they are not there.  So after an hour with 1 bite it was time for a move.

Bad – I make the wade back to the boat ready to change spots when low and behold, the Power Pole will not come back up!  Perfect.  It will go down, but nothing up.  At least I was smart enough to not put it down any farther.  I can tell it is some kind of switch issue and there was no way I could do anything about it.

Good – I had parked really shallow and also used the anchor so the pole was only a foot or so below the waterline so I could at least go.  So time to drag  it to deeper water, get on plane, and head to the ramp.

Bad – At least 2 boats waved at me due to the rooster tail the Power Pole was making.  I can hear them now – “Did you see that nut running with his Power Pole down?”  But I was moving, now to just figure out the getting it on the trailer thing.

Good – No problem, it goes right on the trailer and the spike is just a couple of inches from hitting the pavement.  So I pull the boat out, take the spike off which is no big deal, and head to the house with the bracket sticking straight out behind the boat.  Definitely a redneck look.

Good –  I call the mechanic and he says come on down, great, so I drop it off, tell them it is probably the switch and head to the house.

Bad – 5 more cases of the virus here in Victoria.  And they are talking  the old stay at home thing other than “essential” travel.  And it starts tonight at midnight.  So does that mean no fishing?  Haven’t read it yet but does pulling a boat around constitute essential?

Good – Mechanic calls, it was the switch and you can come and get it.  Hooray, with the new order I wondered if I was even going to be able to go out and pick it up tomorrow.  So now I have the boat back and am a happy camper.

Good – Gov. Abbott says fishing and hunting are essential activities.  So now we are back in business and not yet totally “shelter in place.”  YET!  So I can fish, as long as I follow the guidelines.

So there you have my day.  Up at 4:45, at the ramp before daylight, and  then most of my day went downhill from there.  Not even a fish, basically a 6 hour non-trip.  At least the day’s finish cheered me up.  (Some.)  And it was the cheapest stop at the mechanics I ever had.  Thanks Bob.

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

Surfs Up!

Tuesday the Boss wanted some beach time so we headed to PINS to see what was up and  check on the ramp.  The wind was howling as it has been but the temp was perfect.  There were a few folks scattered around hanging out with a few fishing.  So we set up and spent a couple of hours letting the calming sound of the waves wash some of the stress away.

A little tip on remaining careful.  Be sure you have wipes and cheap gloves when you pump gas.  Put on the gloves and the wipe off any buttons before you touch them.  Pump your gas, and when finished take off the gloves and wipe down your hands and anything else you might have touched with the gloves.  Then as soon as you get home do a thorough hand wash.  It may not take away all your exposure, but it is so important right now to do what you can.  If you are going out stay safe for yourself, your family, and the rest of us.

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

I have quite a few thoughts on this pandemic.  To many to add to this post.  But it looks like this is our reality for a while so there will be plenty of time to wax poetic about the whole thing.  Of course I am becoming more concerned about the Boss as our numbers will continue to climb until they level off, in our case it may be a while.

But I have to say one thing that is bothering me – I can not believe Dr. Fauci is getting death threats.  Are you fuckers nuts?  He is the voice of reason and this is not some conspiracy.  He is a good man who is working his ass off for YOU.  How many people have to die before that nonsense fades?  The feds need to come down hard on anyone making threats to anyone involved in fighting this virus.  5,ooo deaths, with thousands more to come, is no plot, no conspiracy.  This is our reality and the last thing we need is more nonsense.

So there you have it for today.  Stay strong, keep safe, practice good social distancing.  That is the only thing that will actually help at this point.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

God Bless America

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

On Thursday afternoon, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it would suspend enforcement of bedrock clean air and water laws.  WTF?

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  Planet

I guess that 1,200 posts is a milestone.  If I was not so lazy I would go back and see how many are actually fishing trips, but it is a bunch.  Hard to believe, as the Greatful Dead said, what a long strange trip it’s been.  And as long as I am upright and taking nourishment I will keep plugging along.   I intend to be on the water somewhere tomorrow, depending on lots of stuff, but the Boss wants a little social distancing on a beach.  So stay tuned for that.

Random wacky fish pic, this is a fishing blog.  Nothing like a carp on lures.

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

Knockin Tail – Swim bait with a jig head or swim bait hook, a swim jig trailer, on the Alabama Rig, all will rattle your way to more fish!

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

Anonymous commented on my last post on the Oil Cut.

Speaking of the Oil Cut. The area you are talking about at the end of it is Mule Slough. But you have got to be able to run real skinny and know what you are doing. Have fished it many a time, but I always got to it from the J-Hook. As you said, loaded with reds at times. I did catch one of the biggest trout of my life in there though. A 28 incher…in July…in the middle of the day…on a top water(there’s a shocker, huh?). She was released to fight another day.

Thanks, had not thought about that as when I have been in there a few times with my buddy and his Dargel when we did come in through the J Hook.  Otherwise I enter it with the trolling motor from the Oil Cut.  And you are so right on running skinny, at really low tides it is super shallow.  But when they are there it can be awfully good.

And as far as your big old trout, sure does seem like that is the way it happens at times.  No reason for it to happen then and there but it did.  And there is nothing like watching a big girl like that swim off, great memory.  On a trip to the Chandeleurs my buddy Jason of Wade Right caught a 7+ in the middle of the afternoon, sunny, mile high sky with not a breath of wind, on a topwater.  You just never know.  Thanks for commenting, nice to know you are out there.

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

And here is an interesting report from Gage, who I believe is a first time commentor.

The night action has turned on in are bay systems fish are feeding on 2 inch glass minnows when its to windy to fish during the day this is a good option what i’ve found of late you don’t get many bites but the ones you do get are keepers 15-18 in specks and 20-23in reds . nice way to put some fillets in the box when nothing else is working out.  Great report Thanks Gage

Night fishing is a really good option when the wind is blowing like it does every March.  Of course it reminds me of a story.  When I first met my buddy Todd at POC we fished most of the day with marginal results.  Then right before dark the glass minnows were everywhere and I smoked them on what really was a crappie plastic, ended up being a match the hatch deal.  So those of you who are off work right now, here you go.  Just remember to do your best at complying with the guidelines, then catch them up!  Just be extra cautious running at night, there is no big hurry, the bay is not going anywhere.  Appreciate you comments and feel free to comment at any time.

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

And Tommy sent along this comment on Fayette.

Mr. Doug,  just heard on the 610 outdoor show,  oak thicket ramp at fayette is closed but the other ramp is open …you may already know this but just wanted to give you a heads up….Tommy  Vinas…

Thanks.  Anyone been there lately?  If you have let us know so folks don’t get there and find out it is closed.

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

Virus Thoughts For the Day

NO politician from either party should have ANY say in how this is medically handled.  That is what the CDC and Health Departments are for.  Why the politicians, and some hospital administrators, have taken the decision making process out of the hands of educated medical professionals makes no sense.  Would you let your congressman or senator decide whether you needed a bypass, radiation for cancer, or some other major surgery?  (Their recommendation would probably depend on what stock they own and who they are beholden to.)  So why has that changed?  Just wondering when some of them attended medical school.

And props to HEB.  We went to the store this morning and they are doing everything right.  Nice to see a big company who gets it.  Just remember when you go, keep your hands off your face, use the wipes going in and going out, and then wash your hands when you get home.  Stay safe.  And thanks to the folks working there, it has to be a real pain in the rear, though most folks were actually acting right.

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

Know a college student interested in the outdoors or a career with TPWD?  They are taking applications for paid summer interns.  What a chance to get a foot in the door, or to learn whether it really is the career for them.  So if you know one send them this link that will fill them in on the program.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20200309a

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

Washington state has banned all fishing on any water anywhere.  So it is ok for folks to go to the store, or other areas where the 6 foot spacing is difficult, but a person fishing in a boat in the middle of a lake is at risk?  Seems like another decision from a government agency without a clear medical justification.  If this is the way it is going, and in Texas there are many closures like this, then maybe it is time to quarantine all of us.  Otherwise at least let us go fishing as long as we are in compliance with the guidelines.

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

And a little Africa.  Looking forward to visiting again in October.  Hope this is all resolved by then.

Just wanted to post today as it will be a day or two before I get back at it.  Today was the first time I have left the house in a week.  Like I told the Boss, about the only reason I would leave the house is with a fishing rod in my hands.  And if I am lucky tomorrow will be such a day.  So stay safe and do the best you can complying with the guidelines.  We are all not perfect but just maybe your life depends on it.  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

The Best Wading System on the  Planet.

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

This is kind of like staying home from school, only terrifying.  Fun a day or two, now oppressive.  I have tried to do a couple of projects but my heart is just not in it.  Basically I am hanging out until the Boss is done with this rotation and then we are going to practice some social distancing, I am sure she has had all the “social” she needs right now.  It will definitely involve saltwater, just tying to be sure we make the right choice with all the closures right now, but there will be fishing.  I have been staying in the house like a good boy, and if I am going out it will be with a rod in my hand.  Plus I have heard you can use a fishing rod like a light saber to ward off the virus.

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

There were a couple of things at the Houston Fishing Show that I have not mentioned and wanted to share with you.

LIVELIVEGEAR

https://actionhat.com/

I really enjoyed meeting and chatting with Rex, the owner of the company.  He makes a great hat specifically for those of you who love the GoPro.  What makes it cool is it floats with the GoPro on it, unless you are one of those nerds with a bunch of baits hanging off your hat.  (You know who you are.)

I am not going to go into all that he has available, but as far GoPro mounts and methods it is all a fisherman needs to be a facebook hero!  Along with the hat he has shirts, I bought a couple, hats, hoodies, and lots of other goodies on his site.

Rex is a yak maniac who is living the fishing dream.  From photography and filming to clothing, he is a real fishing entrepreneur.  So while you are hanging out take a look at his stuff.  Really like my shirts, styling in a T shirt, something the Boss just doesn’t get!  And we all should support our local guys.

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

Deathgrip JigHeads

http://www.ghostminnows.com/deathgrip-jigheads.html

I bought some of these last year and liked the way they work.  Interesting design, the bait stays on amazingly well.  And this year they introduced the XL, which I think means extra long. (See above.) The owner told me the XL, the bottom jig head above, was specifically designed for baits like the Knockin Tail.  The top one is your standard ball head jig and  I caught using both the other day.  (Note: Both are a 1/8th but obviously the ball jig head is lighter.)  What makes it interesting is the collar, it really does hold, and seems to hold better than a standard jig head after they pull it down a time or two.  I glue mine they hold, usually until I lose it.  As I fish a lot of 8lb line for trout the lighter the jig head based on conditions the better.  I checked out their site and it said the XL was coming soon, so if you decided to try then out contact Capt Zimmer at captlanezimmer@gmail.com.

Note:  Those of you who have read this for a while know I tell it like it is.  I am beholden to no one.  He does not know me and I got zip for this recommendation.  If things works I like it, if they don’t I will let you know.  Or if I get something to say nice things I will also let you know. Way to much of that in the fishing tackle business right now, everybody is a Pro Staffer.  As a side note in one article in a coastal saltwater mag there was 53 sponsor mentions in one article. Wow. Guess he was either getting paid by the word or changes baits every 5 minutes all day!  It all reminds me what Carmine told me about POC – “There are so many guides down here they have to wear a badge to keep from guiding each other!”  Love it.

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

It was good to hear from Ed.

Hey Doug, glad to still be reading your “stuff”. Got me a little excited getting to read about your Poc trip. Don’t want to be potlicking your spots But would like to know more about them. Hopefully be planning a trip to Poc to get some work done on the house and also get a little fishing in as well. Usually fish the jetties and coast guard flats, barroom and bayoucos areas. Are there certain lures or baits that would be better. We wade and fish out of the boat . Thanks and keep writing your stuff. It sure helps this stay home stuff!
Ed Soto

Potlick away!  I love sharing information and spots, it is not “my” water unlike some folks who feel their rights are more important than yours.  And before I get to a recommendation or two I have a couple of things to say about “potlicking.”  That term gets thrown around alot, often from guides when someone is fishing “their” spot.  Of course I understand their complaint, been there done that, but it is not that simple.

If someone sees you and stops and crowds, of course that is some BS.  But if you get to a spot early and someone is sitting there, tough luck.  They just got up earlier than you did.  One of the fallacies of using that term is you are not the first one to “find or fish” your spot, and you won’t be the last.  Our waters are crowded, in fact way overcrowded at times.  But we all have to get along, and when you are so self important that it is “your” spot it says a lot about you as a person.  And one last word, put all kinds of graphics and wraps on the boat and engine, and then you wonder why folks might fish somewhere they see you, and then complain when you are noticed?  Duh!  You don’t get to have it both ways.  And finally the GPS was the end of the secret spot, anyone can figure it out with just a little research and map study.  And here is a great reference for any traveling coastal fisherman.  Check them out, it is one of the most impressive sites for our coast.

Fishing The Texas Coast

https://www.coastalbendfishing.com/

If you fish the Coast Guard flats you are just right around the corner from the entrance to the Oil Cut.  So here is a little Oil Cut primer for those who might want to fish it.  First, it is a great place when the wind is howling, I have saved many a day in there.  It runs in the 5 – 6 foot depth in the main channel and there is always trout and reds in there somewhere.  It may not be the gold mine, but it is a good boat fishing area, and fishing the length of it with plastics usually will put a couple or more in the boat.  It might require a little heavier jig head – 1/8 to 1/4 to get your bait to fall right down the drop where they dug the channel.  The fish are usually from the edge of the bank to the bottom of the drop, and you need to hop it up and then let it fall until you hit bottom, and keep doing it until you are off the bank.  And a popping cork with a Knockin Tail is a great option for calling them up in the channel.

And some good black drum come out of there in the fall.

There are 2 cuts, one on the left half way in, and then one on the right way back on the kayak trail, both of those can be good and there is a little water in them, though not as deep as the main cut.  If  you can run real shallow the cut on the right leads to a nice back lake which has redfish most of the time, but it can get shallow. And as you come in watch on your right and you will see 2 areas on the that long bank that are flats and stick out a little, which depending on the water level might have reds and flounder on them.  It really is a place to add to your options, just take time to really look it over.  As far as what I fish with- Simple.

Here is where to get them.  And if you have a local tackle store let them know you would like some.

As far as what I am, and will be, fishing is topwater first thing, then the Knockin Tail Lure from My Coast Outdoors the rest of the day.  I was lucky enough to get to work on it for Michael as it was being developed, and I am more than sold on the final product.  I am sure you have read the list of what I have boated using it.  If it has fins and a rear end it will eat the Knockin Tail.  The Pumpkinseed has become my favorite plastic for any fish, fresh or salt, with the Chicken on a Chain being second.  But as I wrote the other day, I fished 5 of the 6 colors and caught on them all.  The rattle in the tail makes a difference, end of story.  When I said it was one of the top 5 innovations in quite a while I was not exaggerating.  Wading I would use a 1/8th jig head, and as high as a 1/4 if the water is over the 4 foot range or there is a real heavy running tide. And I am liking the Deathgrip Jigheads.  And if there is lots of that pesky grass time to use it on a swim bait hook like the VMC Dead Drop in a 3/0.

So there is the quick story, so knock yourself out.  I would like nothing better than to have you let me know you smoked them in the Oil Cut on the Knockin Tail.  Thanks for the comment and good luck when you get  down this way.

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

Hope this finds everyone safe and you are doing the best you can to comply with the recommendations.  This thing is real whether we like it or not.  And one last word, my compliments to the city of Victoria, folks are doing what they should and we have not had any new cases in spite of being surrounded by counties with several.  While we may get more if we keep doing our part it just might remain a dull roar.

So you will probably get more ramblings from me.  If I am not fishing at least we can talk about it.  So stay safe 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

The Best Wading System on the  Planet.

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

Hope this finds you all safe and sound.  We, like all of you, are adjusting to the current reality.  Now the Boss, in compliance with the CDC recommendations, has to have a dedicated entry to the house that I don’t get near so she can keep any exposure to me as low as possible.  I tried to just get her to crawl in a window in the shower but for some reason she is not having it.  On a good note Victoria after having 3 cases yesterday did not have another today.  There is hope, but times are still way tough in some places and this is going to last a while.  What a crazy world we are currently living in.  But enough of that, there is actually a little fishing going on.

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

Order some today!

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

The Knockin Tail at Work in Arkansas

My buddy Clyde, who I just fished with in Arkansas, is catching fish on the White Ice Knockin Tail Lure.  We fished it when I was there and caught some nice fish, and he is really getting into fishing the Knockin Tail.  He caught this big crappie and one thing that is consistent about the bite, they eat it, which I have been finding.  All you have left for a picture is the jig head sticking out.

A nice Bull Shoals Crappie on the White Ice.

He says the water temp was around 52 degrees and is coming up rapidly flooding the brush, some as deep as 15′ like the high water they had last year.  A couple of years of that and the fishing will get even better, and it sure isn’t to bad right now.  That place is a fish factory.

But what he wanted was to share it next to a “Kentucky” he caught on the White Ice that was 15 1/2″.  What he wants to know, and I am somewhat puzzled, is it a hybrid of some sort?

Kentucky?  And now you can appreciate the size of that crappie. 

If anything it looks like a smallmouth/Kentucky cross.  The upper mouth does not go past the eye so no largemouth.  It has the cool Kentucky lateral line markings with more of a brownish smallmouth color, along with a little slimmer form from the usual Kentucky shape.  A Kentucky that length is usually a fatso.  So I go with your vote for some kind of hybrid.  If you think about it you have seen how many Kentucky and smallmouth in the last 45 years?  Thousands?  Probably, as you passed hundreds sometime in the 80’s.  So thanks for the share, maybe another person or two will take a stab at it.  (If it came from down here I would almost think a Guadalupe Bass.)

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

Fishing may be 0ne of the best social distancing options out there, and Tommy sure took advantage of it.

Hey Mr,  Doug,    hope all is well.  I just wanted to say thanks for letting us know coleto creek closed.  I was actually heading there today,  but I went to Rayburn due to the closure.  Got on em today.  All fish were on crankbaits in about 5 to 7ft of water.  We had a total of 52 fish today.  Released all fish but 2 which died on us,  not much I could do.

Be safe,  Tommy Vinas.

That is the kind of fish we all have been hearing about coming from Sam Rayburn this year, and looks like you smacked them again.   Glad I saved you the trip over here and all is well, thanks.  And as far as losing a couple, no big deal.  Think about how many bass you caught and released this last year, much less your whole fishing career, you have done your part just as I do on a daily basis.  Plus, we like to eat a couple occasionally, and while catch and release should be the daily norm, there is nothing wrong with eating a few.  In fact most places need a few taken occasionally for a good balance, it does not hurt populations in the least.  So stay safe yourself, but no reason we all can’t keep on fishing.  Appreciate the pictures.

******************** 

Like said in my POC post I have always struggled a little on those  flat tide days.  Well take a look at the Matagordo Bay Entrance Channel (POC) tides for Friday.

It sure does nothing for a falling tide lover like me.  Heck you may not feel the water move at all Friday.  I keep trying to understand tides since I have moved to Texas but my knowledge is sorely lacking.  You take what you get when you can go, but for me falling tides are the easiest to figure out.

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

Damn Good Fishing Guides.

Besides my daily restrictions  (What do you mean I can’t wander around Bass Pro?)  the virus just scored its second hit on our travels.  First it was Phoenix to see Rage Against the Machine, and despite being born in Arizona I have never visited and was looking forward to it.  Now it is the brother and sister-in-law cancelling their plans to visit their son in South Texas and then us.  We had a house rented in Rockport next month and the big plan was the guided fly fishing trip for redfish.  I really wanted him to catch one.  Well we cancelled the house today, they were great about it, but I am not cancelling the guide trip.  It is a month from now and as long as I am not on a vent I am going.  Really looking forward to getting poled around all day.

And speaking of fishing guides, if you want to do a little day dreaming while you are hanging out check out Captain, just click on the logo.  A cool site, it is a wish list for the traveling fisherman.  Great site and a quality way to hire a guide, that is where I found the one in Rockport, and then Captain handled the rest.  It is a simple process.  Plus, they do reports on customers trips, live interviews with guides from all over, and lots of other cool fishing stuff.  And best of all it is a local Texas company.

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

I have been cruising the internet, which is keeping many of us company in some ways, looking for places we might visit and have found a hodge podge of regulations and closures.  Some lakes, most controlled by power plants and water districts with limited egress, are closed.  The Feds are keeping most parks open, even waiving the fees in many cases.  The ramp at Bird Island Basin is open as is Aransas Wildlife Refuge.  (But I did find a major federal exception, Amistad, and I mean the whole park and lake including ramps are closed.)  I appreciate that they have kept many of them open, in fact will be at one of them tomorrow.  And other than pumping gas, use gloves, you can take a day trip like that outdoors and keep within good practices.  So when you finally get fed up, and we all will at some point, get outdoors, it will do you good.  But if you do be sure to do a little research, it can save you a big surprise.

And here is a good resource concerning some parks and ramps in our area.  Looks like Fayette is open.  Should hear from Rusty at some point as he knows folks who fished it yesterday.

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

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

That is it for today.  The Boss and I are headed to a park for a long walk and some photography.  She had such a long stressful run the last couple of weeks in the ER and deserves a break before she is back at it.  Remember how stressful it is for your providers.  They keep going to work in spite the risk to them and their loved ones.  So no matter who you pray to keep them and everyone else working stores, restaraunts, truckers, first responders and a host of others safe.  We will get through this.  I will be back on the water next week, there are some hungry trout out there wanting a diet of the Knockin Tail.  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

The Best Wading System on the  Planet.

Tomorrow it is off to POC.  I do not even have the slightest clue what or where to do anything, which can be a good thing.  No real preconceived notions, but I will review the blog for this month years past, a great place to start.  One thing for sure is the new Knockin Tail will get a serious work out.  And I did add the VMC rear spinner treble to my favorite topwater and it will at least get tossed some.  So it will be good to be back on the salt, which looks like will be the place to be for a while, at least until this whole thing settles down some.

Weather 

67/79.  Humid with periods of sun and clouds with a 5% of rain.  Wind SSW 10 – 20mph.  (It was a hard 20!)

Tides

Low  10:55 am  +0.55.  High  4:16pm  +0.79.  (Those 2 flat tide days are not my favorite.)

Prime Times

Minor 7:20 am to 8:20 am.  Major  1:13 pm to 3:13.

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

Get you some of the New Knockin Tail – and get bit!

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

Having fun now!

I left Froggie’s at daylight with an open mind.  The wind was already blowing some and the water temp was 73 degrees and just a little murky.  As I rounded the curve in Mitchell’s Cut headed to a wade bank on the island my favorite topwater bank in Big Bayou caught my eye so I stopped.

Blasted it!

On one pass 3 reds jumped on, and another 3 or 4 missed it.  So I kind of got fooled and stayed with it a little to long.  I did have one that sure looked like a big trout do the blow up thing, knock it in the air, and miss it.  Not sure if the VMC spinner tail hook I added on the rear of the topwater helped, but it did not hurt anything.  So after a good hour of it, I was fishing out of the boat though I had my wading stuff, time to give the Knockin Tail a serious go.

One on the KTl Pumpkinseed and one on the KTL Magic Grass.

It was probably only 4 or 5 in Big Bayou, but with the wind it was a little tough.  But the Pumpkinseed was by far the preferred color today, but I wanted to fish them all and I caught fish on every color except the White Ice, which I did not get around to throwing.  So from there it was the Oil Cut.  It was somewhat protected from the wind, which by 10:00 was starting to run folks off.

One on the Chicken on a Chain and one on the Red Shad.

See the first one that has lost its tail?  Wanted to show you that because that was my fault.  I boat flipped him, then dropped him, and he went nuts flopping like they tend to do, and that is when the tail came off.  Other than that it was probably 25 or 30 today and I still have all the ones I fished and did not lose another tail.

I kept fishing the deeper banks in the Oil Cut and once I found them the bite was on.  (Interestingly, none came in a drain anywhere.)  Nothing big but since it has been a while since I fished the Bay it was nice to catch a wad of them.  They were right off the drop, most coming when it hit the bottom in around 3 feet.  And it took a heavy 8th jig head to get it down quick enough with the wind blowing hard down the bank.  A couple of rats also came over the side but nothing to write home about.

The Pumpkinseed Knockin Tail was the preferred color today.

I did pick up one here and there, but the main bunch was on a long deep stretch.  So after fooling around with them, including a couple of smalls on the Pearl Limetreuse, I decided to head back to Big Bayou around noon.  There are a couple of banks in there that are similar and it seemed like the thing to do.  Unfortunately I did not realize how hard the wind was actually blowing. When I got there it only took a couple of places to know that was a bad decision.  So with the wind really blowing I decided to call it a day.

So not bad.  If was fish hungry it would have been a small limit, it did not help I lost a couple of better ones early.  Clearly a function of not trout fishing for a while.  Looks like a big wind is in our future so not sure when I will get out again, but since the Boss has ordered me to have no contact with anyone, anywhere, guess I will have to keep on fishing.  Hard to find a good side to this virus.

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

Fayette, Coleto, along with a host of others are currently closed or access is severely limited.  And on that note this comment from SA Joe.

Doug,
Had to chime in about places closing to fish. I believe in the safety of people working there not catching the virus.

But it eliminates a source of food(fish) for fishing people like ourselves. Nowadays can buy passes online and go thru the gates….And i’m not eating fish i find in the local ponds or creeks unless I really have to…

Fishing is one of the few places that meet all the virus rules.  When they close ramps it does not make any sense.  And any attempt to make some kind of liability argument is pretty thin.  It would seem that opening them up with no fee would be helpful for folks attitude but what do I know.  But it is what it is and we will just have to make do.  Tough on lots of folks.

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

Stay Safe

Victoria just announced its first 3 cases of the virus, and the Boss has laid down the law.  So being an old guy I will exercise increased caution.  At least the gas pump is the size of it as far as interaction, so fishing it will be.  Notice how when you can’t go out it starts to get to you?  But folks, no matter what you are hearing this is not on the downslide and we all have to exercise increased caution.  If you don’t give a rats ass about yourself keep the rest of us in mind, especially the elderly.  Sad we even have to talk about this on a fishing blog, but like I said before, it is what it is.

So it will be fishing as much as possible, I am not all that good at sitting  around.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines