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 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”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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!

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.”

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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.

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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