FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  Planet.

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Great to meet you today at the Houston Fishing Show and get some of the Controlled Descent Lures. I want to try that floating tail on a Carolina rig for bass at Fayette county Lake. Here is the photo I took at Zion while 3 Rams were fighting over about 30 girls and I’ve enclosed a 6 pounder one of my grand-daughters caught at Fayette. I look forward to wetting a line with you some time. Well I spoke too soon. I don’t see how to post a picture. John

What a picture!!

John sent me this.  He laid up for hours to get this shot near Zion National Park.  It does not get any better than this!  Thanks for sharing and great to meet you at the show.  And for the rest of you if you want to post a picture or report just drop me a comment and I will get back to you with my email for the pictures.  We love getting your stuff.

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Where did the week go?  As I write this I am in middle of getting ready for the trip to Arkansas.  Trips like this are a lot of work to be sure it goes well.  First is the boat, went over the whole thing front to back, tires, trailer, boat, tools, making sure it is good to go for a 12 hour tow.  Then tackle.  I am taking a dozen rods and reels, plenty, and all the tackle I need, which basically means getting it all out and leaving some and taking the rest, getting as organized as possible.  Plus with the possibility of stripers, bass, trout, (Wading the White River.) walleye, you never know.  Then clothes, and since it may not reach 60 degrees often, and there is a good chance of rain next week, so it requires taking the works.  The  best rule – You can always take it off but if you don’t have it you sure can’t put it on.  Finally food, beer, coffee, munchies, and on and on.  Not having a particular return date, pack it all.

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 It has arrived!  Get the new Knockin’ Tail, it catches fish!  

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The Show

I just had a dandy time working the Fishing Show with Michael at the Controlled Descent booth.  There is one thing I was completely confident in, the Knockin’ Tail was going to knock them out, and boy did it.  It was the hit it should be and if the first couple of days are any indication it will be a banner show.  Not only folks walking by, but as the word spread folks/exhibiters started coming by and getting some.  It was really exciting to see the success, Michael worked hard on this bait and he deserves it.  There is nothing like it in the swim bait market for you bass guys, much less it is a trout killer.  Please, if you have a local tackle store stop in and ask for them.  Of course you can get yours online, but he would appreciate if you like them spread the news, it catches fish.

Of course met some great new folks.  I will get up some of the interesting stuff I learned as soon as I have a minute.  And it was really good to see several readers, including a couple I had not met before.  One of the real pleasures of doing the blog.

The Wade Right Boys have a great new sling style wading belt and it is cool.  For those of you who are not interested in the big harness this thing is simple and cool.  So check out their website to see the Sling.  The Knockin’ Tail and the Sling are both a perfect example of simple, one of those why didn’t I think of that things.  Plus we couldn’t stop talking about the Chandeleur trip.  This year their buddy who is a videographer is coming with us so we should have some good footage, much less the usual rip roaring good time.

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louslures

I have been following “louslures” on Facebook at “gethooked” for a while and through a meshing of interests we came together.  So I ordered a couple of custom jerk baits and they look awesome.  I can feel the thump just looking at them!

He custom paints assorted hard baits, from jerk baits, to topwater, and crankbaits.  He uses high quality paint for long lasting durability.  I specifically ordered these the way I wanted them for the trip to Bull Shoals and Norfork next week.  According to the current water temps it should be jerk bait time, and nothing like testing these out on some of the many fish that area has to offer in the pre-spawn period.  So between the Knockin’ Tail and these beautiful jerk baits I have plenty to work on while I am there.  And Lou, the baits look great!

Check out his website with not only clothing and baits, but he has an interactive blog where folks share stories and information that is a good read.  He is always looking for folks to share and it is easy.  And if you need a special or an old favorite paint job contact him and he will work with you.  He even reconditions those old favorite baits.  One area I see for any company that has, or is involved in the fishing business, is to get custom baits for your clients.  Heck he can probably add a logo making them totally awesome.  Just a thought.

https://www.louslures.com/

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Speaking of North Arkansas I just watched one of the better guides report and it looks like things are going to be setting up just fine for next week.  He found water temps as high as 49 and the fish are starting to move back and out of their deep haunts.  And guess what?  He is catching on jerk baits and swim baits!  So if the creek don’t rise and the boat starts it will be all up to me.  It has been a while since I fished there, but 25 years of experience will be there to help me, and then it is on me.  And I could not be more excited.

And one last thing about this trip, I am taking the waders and fly rod.  With the White River right there, and depending on the rest of the fishing, I hope to do that at least once or twice.  One of the great trout rivers even a novice like me should be able to catch a couple!  And who knows, if the stripers are biting at night that will definitely be on the menu.

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Coleto Creek put out the map of the newly built fish habitat structures.  In fact I saw them adding to the ones at the lower end yesterday.  I have not bothered to fish any of them yet but wanted to share the link.  It is posted on the GBRA Coleto site.  While it is spring they are not something I will be hitting unless I just happen by, but as soon as the spawn is over and we enter our summer pattern they should be real fish magnates.

https://www.gbra.org/documents/maps/coletocreek-fishing-structures.pdf

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As I always say about color for bass fishing plastics, any color is fine as long as it is watermelon red.  Not to say of course that this color or that doesn’t have its moments, but it has been my go-to color for years.  That is from my years of experience in different places, it works everywhere.  And after reading an article which was basically a journal research review on bass eye sight now I know why.  Apparently bass only actually see 2 colors, and guess what they are.  Red and green.  (Most others are seen as a shade of dark.) So there you have it.  I could have saved them the effort!

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That will do it for today.  Heading out to wash the truck, pick up some stuff, and try to get organized today to leave Sunday early.  Best to do it 2 days early so you can review the last day before you leave to be sure you have what you want.  Have learned the the hard way.  Plus we are headed to Rockport tomorrow for oyster fest, we can pack them away.  If I have internet, a question right now,  I will post regularly as soon as I start 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

The Best Wading System on the  Planet.

Green heron.

Sorry for the dearth of reports last week but we had the big mid-week cold front with high winds, and then I realized that we were going out of town.  Shouldn’t have to  have a calendar when you are retired.  But it was a good trip to Louisiana where we had the pleasure of hearing Kenny Wayne Shepherd in concert.  When he was only 13 (mid 90’s) he was a guitar prodigy and is now a master and bad to the bone.  Great show.  With a week before I head to Arkansas time to start getting excited.  Along with the Houston Fishing Show this week it is going to be all about the fishing.  And looking at the weather tomorrow has potential to be epic.  Can you say Bang O Lure?

Weather

79/68.  Cloudy, warm, with a 21% chance of rain.  Wind S  10 – 20 mph.

Lake Level

Last Monday 94.34 msl.  Today  94.26 msl.   ( We need some rain!)

Bite Times

Major  6:09 am to 8:09 am.  Minor  11:37 am to 12:37 pm.  

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 It has arrived!  Get the new Knockin’ Tail, it catches fish!  

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The gators have been so active the last month.  Love them.

Fooled Myself!

When I was thinking Bang O Lure when I prepared part of this last night I should have listened.  But in my haste to catch some fish, and it was an easy 15 in the first 2 places, just went straight to the money shot.  But it sure could have been different.

Dead calm and really cloudy when I dropped the boat in at 7:15 it looked perfect.  The lake is clear, and though the numbers don’t seem to bear it out, on the fall again.  But I will give GBRA at least a little credit, they put posts at the end of the ramp to let you know when you are going to drop off.  It is getting that low.  The water temp varied between 62 and 65 all day, being just a little warmer up lake.

This was it in the size department today.  Guess I never threw it in front of a real one.

As it has been the bluegill color swim jig and the Pit Boss around cover are still working to beat the band.  I think it was one on my third cast and it went from there.  And of course some nice crappie jumped on.  Man is it good if you chase them.  Shallow brush and there is one there, and some are bruisers.

To bad for these guys.  It is fish fry Tuesday!

It stayed calm, when I should have been throwing the Bang O Lure, until 10:00 and then it went straight to 20 mph.  Anywhere it could get a head of steam it was blowing.  I ducked into a protected backside of a point and immediately caught 2 on Bang O Lure.  That is when I knew I messed up, should have been doing it when it was dead calm, and there was not much of that left.  But where it was you could get a bite.  Love watching them materialize out of nowhere and eat it.

Just wanted to show you the first Bang O Lure bass, the time is here for some topwater on the lake.

So where it was possible the Bang O Lure and in the wind spinnerbait.  And they  bit right along, just most were on the small side.  The best bass of the day smoked the spinnerbait and in the cooler he went.  Oh the horror!  We are going to eat a bass.  And they kept biting until I quit at 2:00.  One good thing about the 5 or 6 on spinnerbait is most were taking it off the bank, in other words, chasing it, a good sign.  I was in the skiff but wish I had the Mako as when it is that windy the skiff blows right along making it hard to fish properly.

First though, good optics are critical right now.  Any dark looking spot might have one, along with the cover you can see.  Whether pitching the Pit Boss, tossing the Bang O Lure, buzzing the spinnerbait, or the swim jig, it is important to throw it at something.  The coves still tend to be a little better but with the wind I did catch some on the main like.  But no matter what catching fish on 4 different baits is a good time.  In fact, fish whatever you like to fish and you will get bit.  Love spring!

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The New Knockin’ Tail Colors

The new Knockin’ Tail is finally available from My Coast Outdoors.  They look awesome and I know they catch fish so take a look and order some, or if you make it to the Houston Fishing Show pick up a few bags.

https://my-site-101717.square.site/

Can’t wait to get my grubby little hands on a couple of bags myself!

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While I was in Lake Charles of course I stopped at Lake Charles Tackle.  A really well stocked tackle store it had most of what you need for fresh or saltwater.  I met the owner’s son, of course I am bad with names so my apologies, and we had a great chat about all things fishing.  He also fishes fresh and salt when the time is right, and knows his stuff.  While I was plugging the Knockin’ Tail I learned something new.  He said that swim baits like the Knockin’ Tail have been a hot bait for his bass fishermen.  So hopefully he will add them to his line, which is extensive.  Probably the best tackle store I have been in for a while.

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Nothing like a 30lb day!

And my buddy Aaron is up to his usual tricks in NE Texas.

                             The boy can catch them!

He is back at home in Longview waiting on his next assignment as a landman.  He has fished the area waters his whole life, and has fished tournaments on most of them.  Good to hear from you and looks like a great fishing partner.

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I did forget to mention in my last report about the snakes.  As I slid by a by an overhanging tree one slithered off into the water, and then one fell out from higher up and nearly landed in the boat.  It has been a while since I had one in the boat, it happened at least twice in Arkansas, once while guiding.  We were night fishing with a Moon Glo when the customer’s son on the rear deck said where did that snake come from.  It had crawled up and coiled around the light for what little heat it gave off.  Crazy.

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After a really slow year it has been a good run this spring.  I know I have not been to the salt lately, but catching 25 – 35 a day is hard to ignore.  And now they will eat almost anything you throw at them.  So what is not to like!  It comes down to one thing when it is all said and done, are you catching them?  And boy am I.  Wednesday I head to Houston to hook up with Michael from Controlled Descent and work the booth a little and much of Thursday.  I really like doing that as there is one common language spoken, fishing.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  Planet.

The gators love a sunny bank out of the wind.

Weather

79/46.  Partly sunny and warm with a 8% chance of rain.  Wind SSW  5 – 15 mph.

Lake Level

Friday 94.34 msl.  Today 94.34 msl.  (Hanging in there.  We need some rain!)

Bite Times

Major  1:33 pm to 2:33 pm.  

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 It has arrived!  Get the new Knockin’ Tail, it catches fish!  

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Say Goodbye to a Friend.

A fish finally bit the tail off my Knockin’ Tail.  That thing should hang in my hall of fame.  Well over 50 fish before one finally bit the tail off.  Not sure if I will ever have, or have had, a plastic last that many fish.  So bye buddy, you were one good bait.

The last 2 fish on that one Knockin’ Tail.

And notice on the crappie, fins all messed up, and it was a lot blacker than the photo shows.  It was either on the bed or just off.  And with the water temp back in the mid 60’s it will only continue.  I keep saying it, they are on.  And here is couple of more from this morning.

One on a swim jig and one on the Pit Boss.

First cast about 9:30, last cast at 3:30.  The wind stayed down for the most part, the water color is getting a lot clearer, and it was sunny all day.  There is nothing much to say except read the last 6 or 8 reports, lots of fish, and lots of bites.  But there was one small problem, and still not sure why it happened.

Like I have been doing, I pitched the Pit Boss to the perfect stump and one thumped it and the line went slack.  Perfect bite.  I laid the wood to her and up she came.  Now I am pitching with 20lb line, using a Trokar hook, and a heavy action rod, it should not have come off.  She was only 15′ from me and should have stayed on.  It made a pretty impressive jump/wallow and out came the hook.  Stuff happens but that was a big fish.

Just like it has been, lots of these.

When you are catching lots of these there is usually a good bite or two, and today was no different, I just did not get the job done.  But the action was like it has been, very consistent.  Up lake pitching and swim jig around cover, down lake, swimming the Knockin’ Tail.  6 or 7 in the first place, same in the next, it really does not seem to matter a whole lot.  Find cover in a warmer cove and the fish are there.

I finished up down near the dam fishing channels, points, and into the coves.  Today many were really small, but that is to be expected with the mile high sky.  But by far the most consistent numbers is slow rolling the Knockin’ Tail in clear water.  Giving it the occasional hop, or just stopping it is the best, and they like it.  The bigger fish are up lake in the water with a little more color to it around wood.  And I will say it again, stumps.  (I have not been throwing the Knockin’ Tail up there because I did not want to lose any.  But they are finally here so at least they can be replaced which will happen around cover.)  I actually saw a couple of small ones come out and hit the swim jig when I reeled it over a really shallow piece of cover.  Good optics definitely put fish in the boat.

So another numbers day.  All it will take is a warm day with drizzle and the Bang O Lure bite will be on.  So no matter what is happening if those conditions make an appearance it will be the lake.  There are only a few days like this every year and I am lucky enough to hopefully be able to take advantage of it.  When it happens it is something.

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And got this first time comment from Joe.

Really enjoy reading your blog, been trying to catch a crappie in the lake but haven’t had any luck. I read your blog and then I go to the lake (I’m 62, retired also so Monday thru Thursday) one of these days I will find them, so thanks for the blog.

Hollar if you see me out there.  Either in a white Mako with Power Pole or the old Carolina Skiff.  As far as the crappie go they are shallow and looking to bed.  There are more the farther up the lake you go.  Concentrate on brush with at least some water on it.  Do not spend long, they are either there or not.  A slip bobber set at 2′ with a small jig should catch them right now.  Of course same with minnows but with so many small bass around they won’t last long.  I appreciate your comment, always good to hear from someone new.

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More serious reasons to buy their boat.

. Boat needs total rehab. The tires need air.  No title on the boat or boat trailer.

So if you can just get it home…….

Started the motors about 6 months ago by pouring gas in carbs.

And one free Bic comes with it!

I do not know if the motors run or not. The boat sits on a homemade trailer. The trailer also has a new hand crank winch but no cable or strap.

May not run but it won’t be tied down when you take it home.

i do not have any titles for the boat or motors or the trailer.

These never end.  If was easy to get a title it would have been done a long time ago.

Old boat and trailer. Found on job site.

I am sure the owner does not care if you sell his boat.

runs great, but the upholstery, floor and trailer needs to be replace/repaired.

But it sure looks like crap.

Haven’t found the title yet but I have it somewhere. Wood Floor and stringers were rotten,

Rotten and no title, perfect.

motor will need a new powerhead or the new owner could swap the motor. Hours are unknown as the computer in not functioning. The boat is in good shape otherwise

Except for the part where you can’t go fishing.

And one last word of advice – if you see the words “Project” or “Rare” anywhere in the ad run away as fast as you can.

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TPWD is currently considering the annual changes to various game laws.  One is the complete closure of flounder from November 1 to December 15th.  Like all proposed changes if they affect you and you do not comment either online, or at the many meetings held throughout the state, you have no right  to complain if it does not go your way.  TWPD is not perfect and without the input of sportsman will do as they please, which I am not sure is not a predetermined outcome in many cases.  So check out the proposals and if you have something to say let them know.  They work for you and without input from the public they often forget that simple fact.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/

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Nancy sends her thanks for all the kind birthday wishes.  She seems to be handling 60 as well as possible.  As all us “older” folks know, it just sneaks up on you. So thanks all.

It really has been a good bite on the lake but time for a change.  We have a cold front coming with high north winds tomorrow, but Thursday looks possible for the bay.  So unless something changes time to give the Knockin’ Tail a go on some trout.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

I have been so lucky these last 32 years to share my life and love of the outdoors with the best woman on the face of the earth.  I have done nothing to deserve it and am thankful everyday for Nancy as my partner in life.  We have shared many adventures with many more to come.  Happy Birthday Nancy.

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6 floors underground in Turkey.

Her Belize Tarpon.

Peru

Hiking in Italy.

Eating our Mahi Mahi in Costa Rica.

In the jungle crossing from Panama into Costa Rica.

Fly fishing in Colorado.

Crossing the creek high in the Colorado mountains.

Salmon on the Columbia River.

Hiking in Zion.

Dog Sledding.

The Great Barrier Reef.

 New Mexico.

It does not get any better than this and I am one lucky guy!  So Happy Birthday Buster!  It is all not about the fishing but who we spend our life with!

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  Planet.

Is 10:00 am Friday as I prepare this for later.  2cnd day post cold front with a mile high bluebird sky, a brisk north wind, and the temp is struggling to reach 50 degree  The 50 mark is my sign to put on the big boy pants and head to the lake.  Hardly what could be called great fishing conditions.  But after sitting around the last couple of days time to go fishing.  Our forecast will finally improve a little in the next couple of days, but it is just about March – In like a lion and out like a lamb.  No guesses on what this afternoon will produce but you don’t know unless you go.

Weather

58/37.   Intervals of clouds and sun with a 2% chance of rain.  Wind NNE 10 – 20 mph.

Lake Level

Today 94.34 msl.  Monday 94.35 msl.  (Hanging in there.  We need some rain!)

Bite Times

Major  11:17 am to 1:17 am.  

Sunning on a cold windy day.

A quick word on gators.  Right past this one was the biggest I have ever seen by a mile.  It was a flat monster.  I went for the good camera and he took off in a huge boil.  This time of year they like banks out of the wind with the sun on it.  Just like the…………..

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 Get the new Knockin’ Tail, it catches fish!  

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The more I fish the more I realize how little we really know.

Pulling up the ramp at 11:30 it was 49 degrees and the north wind was blowing a good 20mph right in the cove.  It was white capping and basically colder than crap.  Mile high sky, I almost did not take it off the trailer.  It was not looking like a good day to fish.  But I reminded myself of the rule, about fishing and much of life, put on your big boy pants and suck it up.  Turned out I am really happy I did.

Look very closely – those are teeth marks.  But when you catch almost 50 on this one lure it should look like that.

With the wind pounding on much of the Coleto arm I headed up the plant arm where there would be a few more relatively calm places.  It took a while to get a bite on the swim jig but when I started reeling it fast to make another cast one chased it to the boat.   So I stuck with it and over the next couple of hours managed to catch one here and there.

The 2 best for the day.

It was definitely slow, and much of the lake is now 59 – 60, which is another big drop.  But I soldiered on.  There was lots of tail pullers and nippers and several also jumped off.  You can always tell when they are not that interested, they pull the claws off.  Typical post cold front fishing.  The wind finally started to slack just a little but I was still not getting the numbers.  But that was about to change.

There is a reason I am showing these 4.

Around 3:00 time to head to the coves around the lower end and try out a pattern that has worked for me on these very kind of days.  I picked a cove with the wind blowing down the main lake bank with a point that protected the inside of the point and the cove which was calm with the sun beating on it.  At this point I made another really good choice, time for the Knockin’ Tail.  And the ones above were part of 8 or 9 off the first point.  When it happened it was one of those bite after bite things, on maybe 15 casts in a row. They wanted it slow rolled across the point and were just getting on.  Then I started twitching it some and a couple hit a little more aggressively.  And a side note, points were the best today, not surprising with the water temp drop.

I am not going to tell you that your Knockin’ Tail will catch 50 fish, but that thing is still on the end of my rod and it keeps on catching them.  And it really says something about using super glue.  With some plastics that can result in the tail getting pulled off, but that has not happened to this one yet.  When they were hitting it on the first point it was just like catching those whites the other day.  Lots of bites and those 2 places accounted for 20 fish on that same bait alone.  And the bait is still together.  You can put all I know about swim bait fishing for bass in a thimble but it is definitely different from using the same bait on trout.

This is how all of them have been eating it.  And the crappie are still biting.

From there just fished the coves on the lower end and kept getting bites.  And when you would get one, it was usually 2 or 3.  If there was a little indention in the bank with the sun on it, or a flat secondary point, you got a bite, end of story.  I just adjusted the speed in those flat places to keep it off the bottom.  The 3/16th jig head is perfect when they are this shallow and a 1/8th would probably be fine right now.  Lots of the fish this afternoon were smaller, but that is not surprising.  But considering the conditions catching 25 plus in a short trip is a sign of just how good it is right now.  And now I am so looking forward to Monday.  A couple of warming days, then clouds and warm without the ugly wind – get ready, there is about to be a killing.

I had no confidence when I left the ramp.  There wasn’t even another boat and trailer at the ramp.  But the results speak to just how good the lake is right now.  Cold front be damned, we are shallow and biting.  An it was another lesson in not getting a mind set before the first cast.  I stuck with it, and ended up choosing the right bait, then the right place.  The Knockin’ Tail was the perfect for tough conditions, and I am still amazed how good it works and how long it lasts.  Can’t wait for Arkansas to add smallmouth and walleye to the mix.

So have a great weekend, it is going to be nice.  And keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  Planet.

Ok – I am bored.  After picking up the Boss at the airport Tuesday she is back to work and I am not fishing today.  Somebody had to go to the store and get some food!  Time to get a few things done so no feelings of guilt when I am fishing my ass off.  But with the front really roaring through here tomorrow with big north winds it will probably be Friday before I am back on the water.  So as usual can’t go fishing so thinking about fishing.

While I was in the area I hit the Bass Pro in Round Rock and picked up a few staples.  Swim jigs, plastics, and some 6lb fluorocarbon for slow rolling the Knockin’ Tail in the crystal clear waters of Bull Shoals and Norfork.  Also picked up the VMC Bladed Hybrid trebles with the dangling spinner to add to my saltwater topwaters.  Interested in seeing whether it makes a difference, I know the Spook Jr with the feathers sure does work.  And I can still be sucker for new stuff like all fishermen.

Also picked up a swivel locator mount for the skiff.  As the locator is mounted on the console this will let me turn it around and watch while fishing on the deck.  Kind of fancy for the tub, but I am getting it back in fishing shape.  Fishing out of it the last few trips is a nice reminder that there is a lot to be said for simple, it sure made no difference in the amount of catching.

Though I prefer to shop in tackle stores there is a reason I do some shopping Bass Pro and Cabela’s.  It is the only credit card we own and only put big purchases, travel, and then pay it off right away so I get the points.  Consequently I get lots of points to use for tackle.  My banker asked me why I did not have their card, my response, start giving tackle back and I will sign up tomorrow.  It may not be “totally free” but it sure is nice to sack up a bunch without shelling out any cash.

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 Get the new Knockin’ Tail, it catches fish!  

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I am happy to report that the Knockin’ Tail is finally in production.  Michael has expended tons of money and effort to get the job done, and in spite of a set back or two the Knockin’ Tail is on the way!  So you can pick them up at the Houston Fishing Show for sure and possibly as early as next Wednesday from his site, but first will be everyone who pre-ordered as it should be.  So if you do not make the show keep checking his website.  It is going to be the hot bait this year.  And here is the official color list.

Colors:

Pearl/Limetruese tail

Pumpkinseed

Magic Grass

Chicken on a Chain

Red Shad

White Ice

So no matter your fish of choice there is a color to do the job, fresh or salt.  Can’t wait for the smallmouth thump in Arkansas!

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Random Fish Pic

My Belize permit.  Another one off the bucket list.

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After seeing Keith on the lake the other day I wondered how it went for them.  Looks like it went fine!

Great seeing you on the water Monday…and like you said on your post Monday evening…they kept biting and biting…and biting.  We ended up staying until 5:30.  All I kept saying was WOW!  We caught so many we stopped counting.  Just wanted to drop you a note and say thanks again for the info.  The swim jig was the bait of the day for me…and if you are not ready they will take the jig and your rod.  Funny story…my buddy and I are in a cove and I’m reeling my jig by a big stump (dreaming about hamburgers)…its what my buddies and I call it when we aren’t paying attention…and WHAM!  Slams it, runs with it, rips the rod out of my hand, I catch it before it hits the lake…I manage to get a half-hearted hook set, and she’s on for a minute and then gone…WHAT JUST HAPPENDED!!! Meanwhile my partner is at the front of boat cracking up.  At least I didn’t lose the rod…lol.  It was an awesome day though and we left them biting.  We hope to get back down there within the next couple of weeks or so.  Maybe even sooner.  Oh, by the way, I got a couple of Bang O Lures I’m itching to try as well.  Maybe it will be time for it when we return.

Thanks again Doug

Til next time…tight lines

Congratulations on a great day, when I said they were biting I was not kidding.  And I want to say thanks for letting us know.  I try to help folks as often as  I can but so many then do not let me know anything after the fact.  This is the kind of response that warms my heart, sharing a little knowledge and adding to other’s success.

One thing about the swim jig, the occasional big one will flat smoke it, at least you held on to the rod.  I have been saying the last couple of weeks, stump like stuff, especially now that they are going to the beds.  And you are right about the Bang O Lure, the time is coming.  And all it takes is a good day on that thing to believe, it will catch big bass.  So keep in touch and hope to see you on the water next trip.

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

Rusty, our Fayette, Bastrop, fly tying, Mexican fishing guru is going to be sidelined a while after getting his second knee done.  I feel his pain after my operation and being put on the sidelines for a couple of months.  Nothing worse than not being able to go do to outside influences.  So wishing you the best and you will be back on the water soon enough.  I will try to hold done the fort for you.  Tough job but somebody has to do it.

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

And one of my Facebook buddies sent along this comment on “soft” baits.

You were talking about softness of soft plastics in there. The only benefit I can see to a softer plastic is action of the bait. As far as fish holding onto it or biting it better, the soft argument makes absolutely NO SENSE, IMO. Why??? If baits needed to be soft for fish to bite or hold onto them, what about the millions of fish caught on crankbaits? Were they just a fluke…. LOL!

Great comment Jay, which about covers it.  A little common sense goes a long way.  Maybe if fish had false teeth and needed to gum their food the softness would make a real difference.  I am convinced it is simply a way to basically sell more baits.  It is so irritating when after catching 1 fish the bait tears at the head and is basically unusable.  And at $6 a pack, or 0.75 a bite, it can get expensive.  So thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter and for your service.

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

Nothing important today.  It struggled all day to get to 50 degrees but every time I checked it was stuck on 49.  The wind was blowing 20mph out of the north and it sprinkled on and off  all day.  I wanted to go, but the wind was just a little to much.  So tomorrow will be a wait and see thing, but hopefully at least a little fishing late morning.  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.

You could not ask for better conditions for the lake in the morning.  As consistent as it has been I hope to have a real good day tomorrow.  Of course you never know but if I was in charge this would be the conditions.  So no excuses tomorrow.

Weather

78/67.   Mostly cloudy with a 25% chance of rain.  Wind S 10 – 20 mph.

Lake Level

Friday 94.34 msl.  Today 94.35 msl.  (Hanging in there.  We need some rain!)

Bite Times

Major  7:48 am to 9:48 am.  Minor  1:10 pm to 2:10 pm.

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

 They will be available soon.  The Knockin’ Tail catches fish.  

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

With the great forecast I was up early and on the water as it barely cracked daylight.  I wanted to be on the water and first to a couple of places.   And being a holiday figured there would be more traffic, and there was.  But the conditions were a no brainer, the fish were going to bite.  I got the new locator working properly on the skiff and the water temp was 61 at the ramp.  But that was the lowest, much of the lake is above 64, and the water color is great.  It was a little foggy but no problem heading up lake and anticipation was high.

So how good was it?  Let me put it this way, I was fishing at 7:30 and by 8:30 I had boated over 20!  And it just went on like that until I quit at 2:30.  Of course the early numbers were helped when the white bass come up right next to the boat.  They came up right after I idled over the point headed into the second cove.  The bite was cool as I reeled it right below the surface with the tail making a waked and they just smoked it.  I messed around with them for just a little while. catching around 10, but as the bass were on the chew time to get back at it.  It was that freakin’ good.  In fact, the best bass of the day came on the same Knockin’ Tail.  The one in the pic below has now caught at least 30 and is still catching fish!   That thing works, end of story.

The Knockin’ Tail.  And spinnerbait.

As a side note I met Keith and his fishing buddy who drove over from San Antonio.  He commented on the blog the other day and I tried to help point the way.  But he has fished Coleto in the past so he knows the lake.  They caught some smalls on the Pit Boss and had a few crappie bites on it I did.   Though I did not see them again hope they caught some more fish.  Nice to meet readers on the water, lets me know there is someone out there reading this.

Put a quick 10 or so in the boat in nothing flat.  Nice when they come up 20 feet from the boat!

From that point on it was bite after bite.  Crappie, whites, bass, all came to the party.  Today pitching the Pit Boss was the best bet.  They are going to the beds and have moved next to isolated cover in the coves.  Some came off stuff with less than 3 foot under the boat.  Pitch it close, get a bite.  Several rolled on the Pit Boss the minute it hit the water, they were shallow.  And it is worth saying again, they hold on to the Pit Boss longer than any other plastic, plenty of time to set the hook.  I honestly have not a clue how many I caught today, but there was not a stop that did not produce fish, it was often 7 or 8 depending on the cove.

And the  crappie keep on biting bass lures.

I decided to keep 2 for supper and that was easy.  The crappie are shallow and spawning.  If a person would take a slip bobber and jig or minnow and just dip around cover up lake it would be a no brainer to sack a wad.

Everybody came to the party today.

The swim jig produced it’s share but the Pit Boss really close to cover was still the best.   But I really do believe that you can catch them however you like, it is that good.  While more big fish will show, it would be hard for the bite to be any better.

A good indication that spring has actually sprung was all the critters moving around.  And in a couple of places the gators were stacked up.  I did not take the good camera as it was raining when I started, but at least there was a couple of things to show you.

Big and small, the gators were on the prowl.

3 jumped on the spinnerbait, and when one like above stops it while it is being buzzed it is just such a great bite.  I just threw it because I love it.  But the way to go is the swim jig and pitching to cover.  When pitching I am pegging the tungsten slip sinker and just working it around cover.  Like it has been the bass are there, and then the occasional bonus crappie.  Not sure how many crappie bites today but it was probably 6 or more that I did not catch.  Most of those I have caught the last couple of weeks have been good ones.

They were loving the Pit Boss.  No real big fish today, but it was flat awesome.

When conditions are like this early spring it rarely disappoints.  And they were so perfect this morning that there was not a doubt they were going to have at it.  Our forecast has warm days with clouds and occasional showers, and before the next couple of weeks there will be an epic day.  It is coming.

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

And as usual great to hear from Mac.

Doug, Keep doin’ what you do! When I turned seventy I was about to throw in the towel Life seemed in my the 4th quarter. I would soon be in a hospital., rest home or dead.

I even almost quit fishing the shallow water redfish pursuits. Then came the redfish on a fly. Rejuvenation !!! Spring is almost here and now my wife will have to live a lot without me. She knows this well, but I will always bringing her along for flounder fishing.
Our honeymoon found her cleaning up on the flat fish using the best live bait for them-Mud Minnows . Being a artificial advocate, the score that day– wife caught 12 and practiced ” catch and release”. Me zero. We ate ham sandwiches instead of
flounder on our wedding day!!!!!!!!!
Now Janet, a nurse, has been a personal trainer for me and Boy Howdy does she do a great job. She enrolled us in a fitness center . And things have really picked up.

Yesterday, I ran in the Austin half marathon. I have a new Doctor who has really made a difference . Her first words were ” Mac, try to kill yourself. Park far away wherever you are and if something tastes good spit the damn stuff out. You can eat some meat but used the example of cattle Grass fed beef is the best” I then asked her ” What do you want me to eat–Grass in my front yard .? Then she gave ne her recipe for a long life Magnesium pills, Vitamin
D3 and Vitamin C.  Since being on these, for 4 months ,I feel I can wrestle a bear.

In closing ” JUST DO IT” IRON MAC

So good to hear from you.  I feel your pain, it can be hell getting old.  But us “old guys” have to take the bull by the horns and do something about it, and looks like you are doing great.  And your doctor sounds like the Boss.  For me the tread mill and resistance training I started last year has made a real difference.  No more sore shoulder or back after fishing all day.  And congrats on running the half.  That just might be my next endeavor.  So keep it up, we just might out live a bunch of them!  And if you make it to the coast be sure to let us know how it goes.

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

All I have to say is WOW.  It has been a while since the fishing on Coleto has been this good.  If I did not have to get home to clean up the mess, you know guys, the one you have when the Boss is gone, it would have been until dark.  Tomorrow I pick the Boss up in Austin, then right back on the water.  When fishing is like this time to go.  I know I have not been to the bay lately, it is coming, but never look a gift horse in the mouth.  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.

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

A random fish picture from the last Arkansas fishing trip.  Getting close.

As usual it is Sunday morning and I am watching fishing, thinking about fishing, and about to go make sure I am ready to go in the morning.  Besides hoping to catch a few it will be interesting to see how the new locator on the skiff works.  Without the book the other day hard to know what was up.  So I looked the book up online, (Cheap ass companies have started not giving you a hard copy, great for folks computer savvy but hard on folks who are not online.) headed out to the boat and think I got it down.  Since I get good natured crap from folks as I have not taken the IPhone plunge there is a good point.  If I did I could have looked it up while out on the water and done it that way.  But my phone works and here is a little story on why I do not currently have a fancy phone.  (Besides my phone is military grade and no matter my best/worst efforts it keeps on working.)

The Boss got the new IPhone number whatever so I figured why not just use her old one.  So I go to ATT and see about switching it over.  Fine – except my bill would go up $45 a month!  What the hell is that all about?  Apparently it has to do with gigs.  I learned something, part of the monthly usage you are being charged for is the updates that they do to your phonoe.  Nice.  So screw that, it will continue to be the flip phone for me.

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

I wanted to share this comment from Keith with you.

Great morning to you sir,
Love reading your post and it looks like a friend and I may get out there next week. Haven’t fished Coleto in years and we are pretty excited to give her another try. Not sure where we will start as it use to be head toward the dam around the bend and up…lol Not sure if that is considered up the lake or not, but typically that’s the way we go. I’m gonna give the swim jig a try…love fishing the jig, just never a swimmer. Anyway, just wanted to let you know I appreciate the post and who knows, maybe we will see you out there. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am sure the lake has changed over the years. Til next time…tight lines and don’t ever stop posting.
Keith

First, email on the way with a little more info on the fishing part of your comment.  One thing for sure, without the grass Coleto fishing is not what it was.  But the point is this is one of the ways I am reminded of why I started this in the “second place.”  First, I started it more as a diary but quickly realized, second, that I liked sharing real information and do it with anyone I can.  One thing that I have tried to do is stay true to: telling it like it is.  The good days and bad, the big or little ones, the screw ups, and the strike outs, all of it.  There are lots of “good day” postings online, but no help from the same fishermen for others to catch a few, and not a peep from the same folks when it does not go all that well.  That is not fishing, just bragging.  So thanks for the reminder of why I do this.  The realization is I do this is for reason number 2.  Thanks for the reminder.

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

And one thing I wanted to clear up is uplake vs. downlake, which I have received several questions  on in the past.  Look at it this way.  When a lake is dammed from a river it is still the river, and there ends up being an up and down lake.  If it were still the river when you put the boat in you either head up river or down.  Simple, down lake is the dam and up lake is the river.  Hope that clears it up.

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

The next two comments came after my last post.

Noooooo, you can’t retire from the blog! Jk, I totally respect your decision.😡 But just know it means a lot to those who dream of your world. I look forward to your reports (and your thoughts on the world) every day and tell other fishing buddies about you. I am a husband and father who works three jobs to make ends meet and now hopes to fish a couple times a year. I truly enjoy your blog and it fires me until I can get another trip in. Thank you Doug for your time, effort, and guidance. And just know we are reading if that’s the concern. Thank you sir, and in whatever you decide and though we’ve never met, I hope to one day.  Lee.

Doug, after reading your last post, I truly hope that you will continue to “entertain “ me with your daily ventures. I really enjoy reading about the experiences that you so describe. Whether it be on the lake or the salt, in town or out of country. Your stories bring pictures that help me see the love of fishing you have and I hope that when I get to retire that I am able to do as you are now. I enjoy and envision the fish you catch, the break-offs, the boats and unfortunate mishaps. I myself have a small place in Port O Conner and even though I don’t get to get down there as much I would like to, I can’t wait to read what is biting or breaking off. I hope you continue your blog and travels.
Thanks
Ed

I hesitated to post these because it seems rather self serving.  But I am posting them for me.  At times I forget how lucky I really am.  It took the perfect storm, and wife, to have been lucky enough to retire early and fish my life away.  Hard to believe that I can forget and take it for granted.  These kind comments actually put me in my place if that makes sense.  So like I have said at times, put on your big boy pants or go home.

The last 3 days I have hung out and thought about this quite a bit.  Sometimes things need to be put back in perspective.  Instead of work, I am trying to look at this as  a duty I am more than happy to do.  When a guy is as lucky as I am, and loves fishing like I do, maybe it boils down to what I feel is a responsibility to our sport.  To share the love so to speak.  And at times to comment on the other side of things.  So with that renewed outlook on we go.

(A couple of  things I learned from re-reading my rant the other day  is there is no rule that I have to do the writing after I get home.  It is ok to grab a beer, put your feet up, and call it a day.  One thing I learned in the days when I was a paramedic,. there is nothing that won’t wait until tomorrow unless you are having a heart attack.  And I am trying to learn I do not have to fish certain ways just for the blog, better to go fish and take it like it comes.  Is actually probably a better story.)

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

 Coming Soon!  The Knockin’ Tail catches fish.  

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Soft Plastic?

One thing that has become a little clearer to me over the last 6 months, super soft plastics are overrated.  2 things have led me to that conclusion.  First, all the pitching I have been doing with beaver style baits.  I have primarily been using the Strike King and the Berkley Pit Boss.  The Pit Boss is a lot firmer and does not tear as easily.  The Strike King on the other hand does not last near as many fish, not even close.  And there seems to be no difference in the bites I get.  (But boy do they hold onto the Pit Boss longer just like the package says.)  

The companies would like you to think their super soft baits catch more fish.  Lets look at that.  First, what is the most important factor in catching fish?  Fishing where they are, and no amount of softer plastic can fix that.  Of course in some cases plastic might be to “hard” and restrict action, but that would be the rare exception.  There is a fine line and I understand that, but using both baits for the last 6 months if there is some benefit to the really soft bait the only one who is benefiting is the company.  Maybe if you are a pro fishing for big bucks it might make a one fish difference on some specific day.  I don’t know about you, but baits tearing up continually while I am tearing the fish up is a hassle and expensive.

And the second thing about softness I learned from working on the new Knockin’ Tail swim bait from Controlled Descent.  When working on the design Michael actually used  several densities of plastics and was able to find that fine line between to hard, or not enough action, or to soft, which like one popular plastic folks use that they are always biting the tail off.  But one thing about the Knockin’ Tail, no matter the plastic he used it catches fish.  When you can catch 20 fish on one plastic it does not get any better than that.

The punch line, super soft plastics are great, if the company gives them to you by the boat load.  I know that it is the little things at times that make the difference, but not sure super soft plastic is one of them for the average fisherman.  Just my take on that.

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

And along with deciding to keep plugin along I have decided to work with a new company.  But the role will be limited to some specific things, I want it to be seamlessly worked into the blog instead of being a full time something.  So as soon as that is worked out I will let you know.  But I am looking forward to something a little different for me in the fishing lure department.  More on that soon.

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

That is it for today.  Tomorrow it will be up early and off to the lake.  Looks like it will be cloudy, warm all day, and the wind won’t be to bad, the perfect storm for catching bass.  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.

This ladies and gentlemen is a real gator.

Weather

44/63.   Sunny to partly cloudy with a 3% chance of rain.  Wind ENE 5 – 15 mph.

Lake Level

Today 94.34 msl.  Wednesday 94.36 msl.  (Hanging in there.)

Bite Times

Minor  10:59 am to 11:59 am.  (Only time when I will be out there.

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

 They will be available soon.  The Knockin’ Tail catches fish.  

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

The ospreys were out and about and I did see an eagle.

It was almost 11:00 when the temp finally hit 50 and so off to the lake.  There was no doubt it would be tougher, and it was.  Still ok on the numbers today considering I only fished 5 1/2 hours today.  Part of the reason for fishing today was the skiff needed to be run.  This is the first time in 3 months, it just might be time to sell it as I hate to see it sit.  But of course as soon as I do the other boat will end up in the shop for a month.  Part of boat ownership.  And while I was at it I forgot the book on the new locator and so there is work to be done with that.  I have my moments with new electronics, but remember I am the guy without an iPhone.

This is becoming a regular thing.

With no water temp gauge not sure what it was, but it was cold today.  And combined with the bluebird sky and the cool nip with the north wind I wasn’t sure what was going to happen but I new it would be slower.  It was, but 6 or so jumped on the swim jig in the first place and a couple did the craw stealing thing.  And the lone catfish came next to brush on the swim jig.  I will give cats one thing, when they hit a swim jig they smack it. Though I caught a couple of bass pitching the Pit Boss, they were definitely the smalls for today.

The biggest bass for the afternoon.

Some of the coves had a little color and that was were the bites tended to come.  Even on a cooler day the water with a little color will tend to warm better with the sun on it than the clear stuff.  Later I switched to the Knockin’ Tail in a green color and it worked slow rolling.  It was the better choice in the clearer water down lake and the first 5 or 6 cooperated, but they were small.  Those were in the back of a couple of coves and the first crappie came from the very back in about 2 foot of water.  Then right before I quit another jumped on the Knockin’ Tail in a pocket with brush, again shallow.

If you like crappie they are biting.  The back ends of flatter coves and scattered brush is holding them.  That is where they are right now and they are catchable.   Just take a 1/16th crappie jig, or a roadrunner, and toss it in those places and keep after it and you just might clobber them.  You will lose a few jigs and sure will catch a lot of small bass.

And I did have one of those “God Will Get You For That” or Karma moments,  you call it.  After catching 5 or 6 on the Knockin’ Tail I was thinking how good they hit it, they eat it and stay hooked up.  A couple of casts later the best bass of the day smacks it, jumps and comes off.  Then 2 or 3 casts later the same thing.  That will teach me not count my fish before they  are caught.

Not a bad afternoon considering.  The skiff ran great, it was a good reminder why I have kept it all these years.  It is about as hardcore of a fishing machine as there is.  No frills, not pretty, but from tarpon to crappie, it has caught them all.    And one last word on the fishing, it is about to be full on spring bite, it will not get much better than that.

This guy has a way to go before being a “real” gator.  And you usually see the small guys on logs and rarely on the shoreline.  It is a dangerous world out there.

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Would You Like A Little Cancer With That Filet-of-Fish

Our waters are headed to crisis.

Good Morning Doug
Read this. Are we killing our self’s? I had no ideal it was this far reaching. Keep writing and i’ll keep reading.
Steve
https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/general-rules-regulations/fish-consumption-bans-and-advisories

I have been worried about our water for a while.  How a “fisherman” can read this list and then support the current efforts to roll back environmental protections on our waters is hard for me to understand.  As I have written  in the recent past, time for harsh penalties for folks who defile our waters.  And jail needs to be a viable penalty for intentionally dumping chemicals and other harmful junk.  Fines help, but obviously they do not deter squat.  All you have to do is read this list.  And finally, not sure who is responsible for enforcement in the state but obviously we are not getting our monies worth as they let it happen again and again.  As usual, follow the money.  And yes, we just might be killing ourselves.  Thanks for the link, if anyone needs any more reason to be concerned this would be it.

************************ 

I am really considering where this blog goes from here.  As I spend more time doing exactly what I like to do in the fishing realm I know it  can become stale for not only you the reader, but also for me at times.  The time and effort, not to mention the bucks, start to reach the point of diminishing return.  Lately there has been some soul searching going on here.  I find myself at times fishing for the “blog”, trying to catch them on this bait or that, this way or that, this place or that, all the while spending the big bucks in an effort to keep it interesting for you.  Not the “real” reason I fish.

I have been fortunate enough to fish some of the greatest place in this world, and that practice will continue of course.  The plan was always to retire and fish like a madman as long as I can, and so far that is what has happened thanks to my lovely wife.  But things change, they always do, and I find myself wondering if all the work and money on the blog is worth it.  I so appreciate those of you who have stuck with me all these years, you have kept me writing when I was tired or just not feeling it.  It gets hard to fish all day, then come home and mess with photos and write something interesting when at times I just want to put my feet up, drink a beer, and watch senseless tv.

Lately I have been thinking about just what I am doing or accomplishing.  As an example I have been in contact with a hard bait company interested in working something out, but I am just not sure I am up to it.  Guess what it all boils down to is I need a break.  Not from the fishing, that will never change, but from the blog side and all that comes with that part of this endeavor.  Who knows, maybe this is just a passing malaise.  It does happen occasionally.  But it is now 10:00 am and time to hitch up and head to the lake, and of course the above report followed.  But no matter what happens I can not thank you all enough.

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

Enjoying the sun.  In the little farther north climates turtles are a sure sign the fish are biting.

I am taking the Boss to the airport tomorrow so she can fly to Iowa and visit her mom for a few days.  And then being free I will head to the strip club, drink whiskey, and drive her car 100 mph.  Oh wait, I never drink whiskey and have not darkened the door of a strip club in 30 years, but no promises on the car!  What I will really do this weekend is  rewire the running lights on the skiff, watch the Daytona 500, and read a good book.  Not to exciting but it will do just fine until back on the water next week.  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.

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

It is 44 degrees this morning and raining off and on.  On the radar is huge bands of rain with much of it skirting the Victoria area,  The wind is 10 mph out of the NNE and it could not be called pleasant.  So though it is less than optimal as soon as I get off my ass I will be heading to the lake.  The little front will be passing today and into tomorrow, then a couple of cool days before the warmer weather returns.  Be that as it may I intend to drop it in the water by 9:00.  Just have to see how it goes.

Weather

44/61.   Clouds with a 70% chance of rain.  Wind NW 10 – 25 mph.

Lake Level

Monday  94.34 msl,  Today 94.36 msl.  (Hanging in there.)

Bite Times

Major  3:57 pm to 5:57 pm.  Minor  9:42 am to 10:42 am.

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

Michael reports that the mold in on the way and they will be available soon.  The Knockin’ Tail catches fish.  

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The water temp was 60 – 61 (Coolest in the plant arm.) more or less all over the lake.  The wind was out of the north and you could see your breath when I dropped it in at 9:30.  Real pleasant.  First up was the long channel bank in the plant arm.  The color was marginal, and it varied right around 60 degrees.  I fished a long stretch and other than a couple bites on the swim jig not much was happening.  When I got to the end where the big point sits right on the channel turns the first bite, but it just pulled a claw off the jig.  Like it was Monday, early the  bite was slow with lots of nibbling.  Bumping, ticking, pulling, none of it with gusto.

I sat way off the point and started catching them.  In fact, 6 or 7 which is a good thing, for 5 years from now.  They were really small.  A couple came on the stick worm, and then what has become a daily thing, a crappie.  And while we are at it lets just get the wacky stuff out of the way and add the catfish caught later on a jerk bait.

Just wanted to show you that the other fish are biting when you catch them on bass stuff.  Crazy!

If you want crappie now is the time.  They are shallow around brush, and if they are eating the 5″ stick worm they are up.  Not sure if they have spawned, are spawning, or just about to, but now is the time.  I have caught them in 4 different places right now, a good indication the spawn is on.

I am trying to fish at least a couple of new places everyday, which works some days, and like today, not so much.  But before giving it up in the plant arm a good 10 jumped on, but they were crazy small.  So time to head up to the area where I have been catching them.  On the way I decided to stop by the discharge to take a temp as the last time I went by that cove there was no change in the temp on the main lake.  There was basically no water coming through the discharge and the water temp was only 60.  Not sure why that is as I assume the plant is running with the  cold temps.  I made a few casts, caught a couple of small ones and headed on up.

The first good bite of the day off a big stump.

With the water temp now down from a high of 70 in the better coves down to 60 they were a little further out in the coves and actually more bunched up.  The first bite was off a big hardwood tree, right where a good one would make a nest.  Who knows, I am still not seeing any beds but that does not mean much.  Areas with no wind and cover was the place to be mid day.  The swim jig kept catching them, there sure is lots of boys waiting on the big girls right now.

There is plenty of this size around.

Like it has been, alternating between the swim jig and the stick worm was the way to go.  The jerk bait produced a catfish and no other bites though I gave it a go.  Around 4:00 the wind died and it looked like clearing was on the way.  There was the occasional shad flip so time to concentrate on what I learned earlier.  Which was they were not on the reel brushy stuff.  A good hardwood with little stuff on it seemed to be better.

That will work!

Switching to the Pit Boss I started pitching to the big wood and lost a good one.  The next piece the one above thumped it and immediately went around the stump.  But I managed to wait her out and get the boat around it and in she came.  Definitely the best one I have caught in a while.  There just happened to be a couple of similar hardwoods close so I hit 4  or 5.

On one of them I thought I was hung.  In fact I just kept reeling figuring it was a piece of cover, but unfortunately it was a fish.  A really big fish.  She did not fight, swim, twitch, nothing, just let me reel her right to the boat.   Of course no real hook set, I mean, it was wood.  She took one look at the boat, I was frozen like a rookie when I saw her, and she pulled off.  That was right after the one above.  The day finished  with a couple more of the usual size off the big wood and I called it a day.

It was an interesting day. Everything is up and eating, easy to see that with the random number of crappie and catfish adding to each day.  The deer and the hogs were moving around, but the cool weather had the gators buried up.  It was not pleasant by any means and never got comfortable with the drizzle and north wind.  But the numbers are still there, lots and lots of smaller bass, a good thing for times to come.  And if you can just put it in the right place a real bite is possible.

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I forgot to tell you something about Monday .  I boat flipped a white bass and when he hit the deck the Rapala popped out and like a rocket buried in my finger.  “Thunk.”  At least when it did it was so fast it ripped a little bit and made it easy to just back it out.  No harm no foul as I had an antibiotic wipe and bandaid.  My only comment, that is the 3rd time in a couple of years, after never really being stuck for decades.  It is hell getting old.

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It is a small world!

It is amazing what you find on Facebook.  While going through messages I guess I missed there was one from Wendell sent in June of last year.  (Shows how on the ball with this internet thing I am.)   Wendell was asking if I remembered him?  So time for a story.

In January of ???? this young guy  (My age probably.)  comes in my tackle store (Or met him at the dock, it was a long time ago.) and tells me this fantastic story about the giant walleyes he is catching on a river outside Pocahontas Arkansas.  Sure…..  Now this is a whopper!  His last trip I believe he said his best 6 went 72 pounds!  So of course  I am just a little bit skeptical, I mean come on.  So I ask him to take me.

My biggest to that point – It went 7 1/2.  (Nice aviators dude.)

We met in Pocahontas and headed to some little ass ramp in the middle of a corn field and put in on the river, wish I could remember which one.  It was small with lots of timber in the water.  Until that point I did not know that there was a native strain of walleye in those rivers and they get big, real big.

Basically using a 3/4 ounce hair jig with a fine wire hook, we drifted down river.  Being full of snags the fine wire allowed you to straighten the hook out or you would have needed dozens of jigs.  Before we quit we boated 5 with mine being the biggest.  At that time it was my biggest ever.  While it may not have been a real giant, it was clear he knew exactly what he was talking about.  If I remember right I promised to not tell anyone about where, and I never did, but I sure shared that story without the particulars.  Now I am to dam old to remember where!  It was really something different and a great trip that I have never forgotten to this day.  I knew exactly who it was when I read the message.

It was good to hear from him and of all things he is living in Midway Arkansas, right near Bull Shoals.  He is having a health problem but I will be sure to stop in and see him, and maybe we can get on the water for a few hours, or at least visit.  So thanks for the memory Wendell, I did not forget and will see you soon.

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It has really become weather watching time.  The dude at Falcon Lake Tackle has a blog, which is rather entertaining at times, on which he posts pictures.  Well the big fish are showing up now, I mean the 10’s, and the ones in the pictures have not spawned. According to him none have really gotten after the spawn yet this year so it might be about to get Falcon good.  Really hope I can make it, but lots of crap on the schedule right now.  But man those were some big fish.  I went the week after the Houston Fishing Show last year and did ok, but I will be in Arkansas then.  So much water, so little time.

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Even with the weather it is hard not to go to the lake right now.  Tough conditions but sticking with it gets you bit at some point.  A guy I met at the ramp, one of 3 of out today caught a 7 3/4 his last trip.  So the bite is on and I can not wait to get back out there.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines