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!

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

Just Stunning!

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

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

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

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

With spring in full bloom the Aspen were beautiful.

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

What a cool thing to see.

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

Showing the goods.

A unforgettable experience.

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

Mutual Combat for the spillway hole.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

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

A Bighorn Ewe.

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

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

They were haulin’ butt.

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

The Boss.

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

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

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Easy pickings. 

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

We could not identify this bird.  Any ideas.

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

It never ceases to amaze me.

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

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This Says It All

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

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

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

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

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

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

They were out in force.

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

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

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

I think this is the first Brook trout for me.

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

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

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

The Boss with her first rainbow.

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

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

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And this comment from Ed.

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

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

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

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

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

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

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

We love antelope, and we have seen a bunch.

And we have seen absolutely tons of mule deer.

And it is beautiful every where you look.

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

The view from the back deck where we are staying.

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

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

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

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Day 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

My honey at Williams Lake.

The morning’s plan.

If this does not move you what would?

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

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new CFG Madre Sling!

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Notice

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

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Random Fish Picture  –  A nice Everglades Snook.

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

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

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

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

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

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Captain Experiences

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

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

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

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

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

Check out their new sling!

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Todays Irony

$1 gas – and no where to go!

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

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

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

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Knockin Tail!  It catches fish!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holy crappie Batman!

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

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

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

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

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

“SAVE OUR WATERS”

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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.

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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