FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  planet

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Bend

Our first stop on the Oregon trip was Bend.  Surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest and BLM land it has plenty to do if you love the outdoors.  Our primary reason for starting  there was to take a fly fishing lesson, and that worked out just like I thought it would.  (Or hoped it would for the Boss.)

The Boss getting it done!

Of all the choices in fishing in the area I settled on River Borne Outfitters located in Madras.  We met up with the owner at the Deschutes River Fly Shop and Camp for our lesson and for 2 hours he covered all the basics with knots, equipment, and casting.  Then off to the river right down the road for 3 hours of fishing.  They supplied everything needed to fish so other than our lunch nothing else was needed.  Check them out, they did it right.

https://deschutesriverflyshop.com/

Matt, our guide, puts one in the net.

Matt the guide then took us to the Deschutes.  An interesting river it only has the resident wild Rednose rainbow trout, a native whitefish, and summer run steelhead.  The fish are native and no stocking is done to keep the genetics pure.  In an interesting aside, while you can drift or float the river you have to get out of the boat to actually fish.  A pissing match between competing interests, seems we have seen that most places we have fished, resulted in this unusual rule.  But in the long run there are trout in that river who never see a bait.

2 happy fisherpersons – The Deschutes River.

And the fishing went exactly as I figured, the Boss got the hang of it and I sucked.  She managed to get 4 out of the 6 she hooked to the net, though all did not make it in.  I had 4 good bites and hooked 2, but with my well known superior fly fishing skills I managed to screw it up.  There was only one small hitch when the Boss slipped and filled her waders, but she took it like a trooper.

Guess that power fishing I do so much does not lend itself well to barbless hooks smaller than mosquito.  I did not have my readers so I could barely see it but I guess you call that a “hook”.  But the day was a rip roaring success.  The guys were great and I could not recommend them any more highly.  (Nice trip when you hire 2 different guides in 2 different places and both are great.)  Matt was patient trying to help me remove head from rear end, but as far as I was concerned getting the Boss into it was the ulterior motive.  And the Boss took to it immediately and is wanting more,  so another trip to fly water is in the planning stage.

*****************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Look for it this winter.

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Lava from Crater Lake – 60 miles away!  Muley.

We did some hiking and lots of driving.  As we further explore the mountains in different states I am continually surprised at the amount of available places to fish.  Bass, trout, seaonal salmon, pike, walleye, they are all available somewhere.  I was surprised when we checked the records for Oregon and the largemouth was over 12lbs!  And even though it was the holiday weekend stopping at several lakes most had maybe a couple of boats.  And miles and miles of trout water.  There was also a large area for 4 wheelers to go nuts.  Plenty of room for all.

Cool streams everywhere.  And forest as far as you could see.

These guys were everywhere.  And kids with their spots.

We did not see that many animals other than the pictures but that was just locational on our part.  And the frog thing was crazy.  Of course it is some kind of endangered frog.  The lake where we saw them had some knucklehead put bullheads in the lake which ate all the frogs.  No problem now, the picture does not do them justice, there were millions.  My bigger questions – What would prompt someone to put bullheads in a beautiful mountain lake with bass and trout.  No fixing stupid.

I had no clue they had antelope there.  We were almost a mile away and they hit the road!

The town of Bend was not quite what I was expecting.  The Boss does the planning, I just follow along.  I was expecting a little mountain town, but Bend is a town of 89,000 that is also a big weekend place.  Good eats, walk to most anywhere, the Deschutes running right through the middle of town, it was situated in the middle of untold acres of forest land with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy.

Ponderosa Pine – One big ass tree.

There are both lodge pole pine and ponderosa pines.  Most of the areas had been logged over and re-growth, which is still going on, but there were some awesome trees.  Even though we kept after it there are millions of acres open to the public and we only saw a small piece of it.  If you like to do anything outside Bend has plenty to offer.  And when combined with Astoria on the coast and Portland it was a cool trip.

A beautiful lake surrounded by cool mountains.

Folks fishing the tail race.  Sorry this is not clearer but these are frogs, thousands of them.

Of course I have forgotten plenty of stuff, but I have slept since then, but suffice to say a great area.  One interesting thing, the owner of the fly shop is starting to think about a “winter” type place and he has been looking at the Texas coast.  When he reads this the offer is still open, email on the way.

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Portland

We finished our trip in Portland.  An interesting big city.  We had one of the better Greek meals ever at Eleni’s Philoxenia.  After a couple of visits to Greece we love the food and this place filled the bill.  Authentic food the way it should be, we told out waiter to compliment the Chef who turned out to be the owner.  And surprise, he came to our table and told us exactly how he prepared the food.  He was personable and you could tell he appreciated the comment and was happy to share his love of Greek food.  If you are ever in Portland put it on the menu, you will not be dissapointed.

We did lots of walking downtown and it is as safe as big city can be.  But one thing, the homeless.  Portland is a progressive city and the homeless, there are lots of them, are basically given a free pass.  Of couurse with that comes a few problems, they camp literally anywhere and everywhere.  And with that comes piles of garbage, little huts in doorways, and just a general mess in places.  It was funny how we were never panhandled, unusual considering.  Of course the businesses do not all appreciate them, nothing like finding a couple of dudes setting up camp in your doorway and leaving a mess.  And of course the occasional mentally ill walking down the street screaming.  But like so many places – Welcome to the big city.

But folks ride bikes, run, walk, enjoying a healthy life style.  And the bookstore, oh the book store.  A square block and 4 stories tall, it is a thing of beauty for readers like me.  While I kept it to a dull roar the book I am reading right now on the Bluefin Tuna came from there and it is a good thing I do not live close!

So after a couple of days we packed up, grabbed the salmon and home we went.  It was a good trip that went as well as it could be.  And to see the Boss fly fishing, much less smacking the salmon, put a cherry on top of that sunday.  Oregon is a great state to visit and I would recommend it to anyone.  Next up on the major travel scene, who knows.  (I am lobbying for fly fishing in Colorado.)   But no matter where it is if it goes as smoothly as this trip I can’t wait.

Good Luck and Tight Lines.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  planet

Worth getting up for!

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Weather

95/71.  Mostly sunny and hot with a 13% chance of rain.  Wind ENE 8 -14 mph.

Lake Level

Wednesday  95.77 msl.  Today  95.79 msl.   (Just might have gotten a little water after yesterdays rain.)

Solunar Times

No relevant period when I was fishing.

******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Look for it this winter.

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I was on the water at daylight and there were several things that were different than they have been.  First, the water did not go down, a plus.  But it was just a little more off color here and there, probably from yesterdays rain.  Second, the wind was out of the East and it had just a little touch of fall in it.  Of course that did not last.  By time I quit it was dead flat calm and humid as heck.

They were eating the Bang O Lure this morning.  The first and last topwater bass.

Today I stuck with the Bang O Lure and the stick worm all morning.  Changing it up a little it was down lake first, then up lake.  Wanted to give the sun time to come out and maybe push the fish to the wood or brush.  And it worked out to an extent.

The first bank, the deepest main lake bank there is gave up 4 on the Bang O Lure.  One thing that is interesting about using a topwater right now is that they are right on the bank, and I mean no later than the second jerk.  Normally I can finesse them to chase the Bang O Lure, but unless it is on their face they are not chasing.  Must be why the buzzbait bite has stopped.  And when you combine the way they are eating the plastic, biting but not eating if that makes sense, they really are not aggressive.

I stuck with deeper banks everywhere today, and like it has been 1 here, 2 there.  And the plastic bite continues to be hinky.  Up lake I stuck with channel banks and that is where most of the bites came.  I used a little more patience today, and boated 7, but you really had to let them have it and I still missed a few.  And like the topwater, all were basically really shallow, even on a ledge leading to really deep water they were in a couple of feet off the drop.  It was a matter of lifting up and if you felt anything, or nothing, holding until you could feel them before setting the hook.  And they were not quite the size, though what is right now, of the topwater fish.

On the other hand 6 were landed on the topwater, and I missed several.  Probably 3 or 4 of them hit it the minute it hit the water, the others on the second jerk.  Topwater is definitely better down lake in the clearer water and I did not have a bite on it up lake.

The plan was to stick it out a while but around 11:00 big clouds with lots of thunder was coming over the hill.  There were only 3 trailers at the ramp and when I hit idle at the buoy and looked back here came the other 2 boats.  Not sure if it got there but looked like it on the radar when I got home.  No matter what not doing that thunder and lightning thing.

When it was all said and done it was 13 boated and I missed at least half that many.  I am starting to see just a slow improvement in the lake.  Numbers are slowly coming up and at least a couple were not flat out dinks.  There are still fish breaking on shad in lots of places, but again putting it right on them is the only way I have gotten any of them to eat.  If we can get at least enough rain to stabilize the fall, then a break in this heat, maybe the fish will get a little more motivated.  I know i will.  But as tough as it has been it is improving.  Hope springs eternal.

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I am really looking forward to the Controlled Descent Knockin’ Tail lure when it comes out this winter.  it will actually be perfect timing, but not for the reason you might think.  Hopefully we will be seeing it near the end of the year which is perfect Alabama rig time.  Take all those swimming baits on the rig, and add in the rattles, and it has the potential to be a big bass killer.  Seems like winter fishing  will never come.

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Still waiting on the Mako.  So that is the priority now, and as soon as the tune up is done it will off to the fiberglass dude to get the plate installed and then I am back in “real” action.  The skiff is an awesome fishing boat, but big runs in this sketchy weather are out of the question. But any chance I have to facilitate the Mako getting down will take priority.  But hey, the skiff has had everything from tarpon to bluegill, the Everglades to Arkansas, and it keeps me on the water.

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So that is it for today.  The fishing will continue and several trips are in the works.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

A Day Of Reflection

My wife and I were both paramedics in our past, and this time of year we pause and remember 9/11.  So many people senselessly murdered, both innocent civilians, and those brave firefighters, police, and medics who responded to the Twin Towers.  Duty called and they answered.

They answered the call!

We actually had a trip scheduled to New York City 2 months after 9/11 but instead of cancelling like so many visitors were doing, we decided to go anyway.  It was one of the best decisions we ever made.  We should never let them win.  This was not: “Somebody did something.”  This was wanton murder done in the name of Allah.  I am not the one saying that, they did.  We should never forget what happened or who did it.

Never ever forget!  This is the “Something somebody did!”

Our trip to Ground Zero is forever etched in my mind.  The buildings were still smoking.  And seeing a large digger against the pile of rubble was like a small Tonka toy next to a mountain.  The size was so massive, beyond what I imagened.  And the smell was something I will never forget.  The walls surrounding the area, if memory serves me correct it was 19 square blocks, were covered with pictures of the missing, flowers, and expressions of grief and remorse.  It was so moving as people stood on the sidewalks clapping as first responders entered and left Ground Zero.  But it was so heartbreaking to see family members walking the streets carrying pictures of their loved ones.

This is what it is all about.  So sad.

As we walked, we came upon a store front that someone rented and was selling pictures of what happened to raise funds for people that suffered that day.  These pictures were donated by anyone who was there.  Walking through that old store, the walls were covered with pictures that left me mad, hurt, but yet so proud. That little store was a shrine to the events of that day and the many others that followed.  It was a moving time and one I will never forget.  So if you get a chance in the next couple of days, if you see a cop, a medic, or a fireman, stop and thank them.  Every day they put on the uniform and head out, willing to lay it all on the line for us, and they deserve our thanks.

God Bless America.

(I comment on this often.  And today going through online pictures I used above really reminded me why we should never forget.  At least the government finally renewed the money for folks who are directly sick from their duty at Ground Zero.  I was appalled when I found out the Taliban was coming to our soil, while still killing our brave soldiers.  Disgusting.  Sad that the world has gone nuts but I for one will never forget and we can not let this happen again.)

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  planet

A big hand squishing the Michelin Man.

The usual Monday morning trip to Coleto was just about exactly like it has been as far as numbers and size.  The lake is dropping like a rock (A trend I hope slows down.) and the water is clear as a bell on the lower end.  The upper end is clear enough, but fishing out of the skiff today not sure on the water temp other than hot!

Weather

96/76  (Heat index 104)  Partly cloudy with a 60% chance of a thunderstorm.  Wind  SE  10 – 25 mph.

Lake Level

16 days ago  96.15 msl.  Today  95.77 msl.   (It continues to drop.)

******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Look for it this winter.

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I was fishing by daylight way up river and today there were more bites than usual, but the hookups were tough on plastics.  Another day of them eating the plastic off the hook when I tried to stick them, should have used more patience but it is hard when they are swimming with it.  They were on wood and I was just pitching to visible cover and getting a bite here or there.  Before the morning was over 10, give or take a couple, hit the stick worm, a beaver style plastic, and a smaller worm, all watermelon red.   And most of the bites were shallow.

The best of the morning, and what the rest of them looked like.

I ended up fishing from one end of the lake to the other before I quit, and most areas produced a bite or two.  And it was nice that I also caught one on a crankbait, a Bang O Lure, and buzzbait.  No real pattern to it on those baits, though they are still schooling in some of the coves.  They are tough to catch as they are not in big bunches, but I did get the one on a crankbait out of a school.  And of course my nemesis made an appearance.

He smacked it and actually jumped.

Catching catfish while bass fishing has become a regular thing on Coleto.  I do not know what to think of that.  Is there such a thing as to many catfish?  Might be.  The lake continues to be in transition, and I am withholding my judgement on the fishing until we actually get into “real” fall.

But not a bad morning, lots of bites and I caught on 6 different baits.  Of course that does beg the question:  What is the “right’ bait?  I will hopefully answer that as we have rain coming, we so need it, and with that improved fishing.  Tomorrow is some Honey Do things with the Boss off, then it will be another lake day and a bay day before the week is out.  But realistically I am in a semi holding pattern waiting for that first norther to blow in and signal fall.

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But the crappie on Coleto are still biting like mad for those chasing them.  I saw Mr. Crappie and stopped and asked how it was going.  His response: 50!  Now he has been fishing them weekly for as long as the lake has been in existence, but the fact remains they have been biting all year and some are real slabs.  So if you like a fresh crappie fry get some minnows, tight line them on deep trees, there were lots at this level, and catch em’ up.

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Football Chat

It was a big football weekend and being both a college and pro fan I enjoyed every minute of it.  First up was the Army/Michigan game, and it was a dandy.  Losing in overtime, Army has nothing to be ashamed of.  I personally like they way they play, smash mouth so stop us or we eat up the clock.  They fought till the end but it was not to be.  But one great football game.

I was excited to watch A&M/Syracuse, to bad it was awful.  Not sure how the Aggies got ranked so high but they looked out of joint, untimely penalties, and Mond looked pedestrian at best.  Historically A&M is 2 – 14 versus teams ranked #1 and they were clearly outclassed.  They definitely have some work to do.

Next was the Nebraska/Colorado game and it was another dandy.  Colorado was down 17 in the second half and it ended up in OT at 31 all.  Colorado showed some real heart winning in OT.  And congratulations to their new head coach, what a win.

On the other hand Arkansas sucks, plain and simple.  And the switching with 2 quarterbacks is a recipe for disaster.  When was the last time a team doing that worked.  There was a little defense but an unispiring offense.  I project 2 – 9 if they are lucky.  Texas on the other hand looked ok against LSU, who made significant strides in their offense thanks to a new offensive coordinator.  Their prospects look good.  Texas is not out of it but they have some work to do.

And last – “How about those Cowboys!”  Dak has taken a lot of criticism but Sunday he was really solid with 400 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no INTs.  Even Zeke got in on the act.  All the usual Cowboy drama aside, it looks like they are going to be a real handful.  Jerry Jones said in an interview last year that we would not believe the size of the check he would write for another Super Bowl.  And he has done/is doing just that.  They have all the tools on both defense and offense to get it done.  The rest of the league better watch out, they are loaded and the time is now.  I really like football, can you tell?

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Are You Kidding Me!

I went to Ground Zero shortly after 9/11.  It was still smoldering and folks were walking around with pictures of loved ones.  It was a moving trip, and as a former medic and an American it touched my deeply.  So freakin’ sad.  And now the Taliban have been invited to the US this week!  Not sure how our longest war will end, but they supported Bin Laden and let him launch the attack from there.  And our brave men and women have given their lives fighting them.  There is no scenario where any Taliban should ever set one foot on American soil, and if they do a double tap is appropriate.  They are still killing us.  Sorry to get off topic but sometimes I just can not help myself.

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Still waiting on the Mako so I can get it fixed for good and get it back on the water.  Funny how you get used to, and rely on, the electronics.  GPS, downs can, temp, all common these days, so fishing without it takes me back a decade or two.  But at least with the skiff I am still mobile and there is one upside, it had not been used like it should so the next couple of weeks will fix that.  And I appreciate hearing from any of you, good, bad, or indifferent, I love all your comments.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  planet

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Astoria Oregon

How could you not like this?

Our limits of Chinook Salmon.

******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Look for it this winter.

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Though our trip to Oregon involved 3 completely different places I wanted to start with Astoria.  (More to come on fly fishing and Portland.)  The plan was to stay there a couple of days and maybe catch a few salmon, and boy did that work out.

Astoria is at the mouth of the ocean where the Columbia River dumps into the Pacific.  And that is where the famous Columbia Bar stretches for several miles at the mouth.  It is where the US Coast Guard trains in the winter, braving swells that can reach 30 feet.  Many a mariner has been taken by the ocean, and the memorial is a sobering place testifying to the danger of “crossing the Bar.”

The Boss putting one in the boat.

The town itself is my kinda town.  It is all about the fishing as it has been for a couple of hundred years, and still is to this day.  (And the food and eats, much less the craft beer, are top notch.)  So we hired a guide to take us out, and it was one of the best choices I have ever made in a guide.

From the Great Barrier Reef to the Texas coast I have had the pleasure of fishing with some good, and some terrible guides, but right off the bat I want to compliment our guide, Capt. Mark Charlton of Charlton Deep Sea Charters.  There are guides, and then there are fishermen, and the Capt. is the real deal.  No one trick pony like so many others, he gets it all done and I could not recommend him any more highly.

2 things I did not expect to see today.

With a legitimate 30 years (And that is low!) of experience he crabs in the winter, and yes it is just like the tv show.  He fishes for tuna, crabs, salmon, sturgeon, bottom fish, and halibut to name a few.  He started on this father’s boats when he was 6 y/o and has been at it ever since.  I could tell you more but enough said.  He and his mate Nick went above and beyond and it is the best money I have ever spent on a guide.

The Cape Meares Lighthouse. 

He fishes out of a 50 foot commercial fishing boat, the Ruby Sea, the boat he uses for all his pursuits.  We booked it because it had a head, one of the Boss’s requirements.  He can fish up to 20 but when we got to the dock it was just us.  Nothing like a 50′ boat to yourself!  I am so impressed he took us out with no other fisherman.  Most would have cancelled, but he took us and it was a blast.

There were tons of boats fishing as it was the holiday weekend, including a pontoon boat  (Nuts!) on the ocean.  We started at the mouth of the river and like so many first time experiences we had a few hitches in our git along, all angler inexperience.  I lost the first one, right at the net, then the Boss had an interesting experience.  You have to reel them in at top speed because of the seals and sea lions.  As she reeled in a nice one you could see a big sea lion tracking it and unfortunately it ate.  It was a big one that only got her salmon, it was hooked up.  What a struggle until the mate finally broke it off.  We finally managed to land a keeper, and Nancy did land a wild salmon (Only hatchery fish are taken to preserve the genetics.)  which was immediately released, then the Capt. said lets head to the ocean.  And that is exactly what I am talking about, we were getting some action but the Capt. was willing to load up and run that big boat several miles outside the Bar to get better fishing, and we did.

Our hotel.  Love the early morning walks along the Columbia River.

We were tolling a 3 hook rig with an anchovie following a big dodger and a dipsy style diver, which most were caught in the 25 foot range.  It is interesting to me that they rig the bait to spin, so different from most techniques.  And from then it was game on.  We lost a few, boated a limit, had a few moments of mayhem with potential doubles, short strikes, we had it all.  Capt. Mark and Nick were great, fun, competent, both a credit to the profession.  And to Nick, you could have given us more crap for our start and it was all in good fun.  The dude can handle 20 fishermen at once if that tells you anything about his abilities.  If you ever get out there, and I highly recommend the whole Astoria experience, they are the real deal.

https://www.ifish.net/charlton.html

Astoria was all about the old canneries. 

We stayed on the river and most of Astoria is an easy walk.  I ate clams, crabs, shrimp, and who knows what else.  The breweries were great, everyone we met was friendly, and I really do hope to get back to do it again.

This may sound crazy but I want to come back when they are commercial fishing and act as a deck hand for a day or two.  As a boy growing up in the corn fields of Iowa the ocean was a thing other folks did.  But I have always been drawn to it, and fishing with them only peaked my interest.  So Nick, I really meant it!  (In fact if the incompetent counselor I had in high school who told me I would never got to college had told me if you join the Coast Guard you get a boat and a gun I would have signed up that day.)

Want to see what the Bar is all about.  Cpat. Mark sent me this and it says it all.  And Capt. Mark is interviewed while commercial fishing during the show.  Some crazy stuff!

My kind of town – all about the fish!

The Seafarer Memorial.  Sobering.

Tribute to brave rescuers of the Coast Guard.

The memorial, listing folks who have made the area their life, was a humbling experience.  I went back twice just to take in the hundreds of names.  It really touched me in that fishing place that exists deep in my soul.  So many lost, but all doing what they loved.  It does not get any more sobering, or uplifting, than that.

Paella.  Seafood, followed by seafood, then some more seafood.

And the finishing touch – We had our filets vacuum packed and kept them on ice for 36 hours for the trip home, then TSA took all my ice packs as they were not totally frozen.  But a kind bartender (He got a nice fat filet for his kindness.) filled our bag with fresh ice after getting through security and they made it home as fresh as they came out of the ocean.  It was our first meal at home and we are good for months.  Great fish and great memories, what it is all about.  Thanks guys!

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I could go on and on, and there will be more on our trip in the next day or two, but you get the picture.  But life goes on and it is back to reality.  Still waiting on the service to get done on the Mako, then to New Braunfuls to get the part for the tunnel and hopefully it will be back on the water soon.  With clouds and rain coming I will definitely be hitting the water in the skiff.  It is still hot but with the clouds and drizzle it is definitely fishable on the bay or lake.  I appreciate you sticking with me on this little break but fall is coming and with it back to the serious fishing.  So keeps stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  planet

******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Look for it this winter.

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I have one great wish for when we get back, that this weather to have settled some, at least as far as the heat goes.  As I get older it gets tougher to handle that 1o5+ heat index.  Cold?  No problem.  Sometimes I get trapped in the old I can go anytime so not today.  When you can go whenever you want it seems easier to blow it off, waiting for the perfect conditions.  But one thing that can be said for that plan, it does work.  Cloudy, drizzle, light rain?  Whether bay or lake it is time to go.  So weather dude, want to see that forecast when I get back.  Who knows, the Mako might be close to ready to go.  And speaking of that, the part is in New Braunfels waiting to be picked up so one more step and good to go.  But the best made plans………….

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RIP Theophile Bourgeois

He was one of the great Louisiana fishing guides and from all reports an even better human being.  He was often on fishing shows, some with Bill Dance, where he flew his float plane to the Chandeleur Islands and they jacked them up.  He was an accomplished pilot and well known guide.  In fact, watching him fishing there made it a bucket list trip for me, one I am fortunate enough to have fulfilled thanks to him.  He left us to young but his memory will live on, all it finally comes down to.  My condolences to his family and friends.

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After Mac’s comment the other day I heard from SA Joe on his early lure.

Doug,
When stationed in Dayton Ohio, my neighbor across the street was talking about the Shyster. I said YEAH right your a Shyster. Don’t hold it against me, Now this was from Google definition, =a person, especially a lawyer, who uses unscrupulous, fraudulent, or Deceptive methods in business. Thought he was pulling my leg

He got me one and it has so much action compared to a rooster tail. Good lure…

Funny you should say that about attorneys, “unfortunately” I don’t take offense.  Watching the disciplinary actions of both the Texas and Arkansas BAR some in the profession leave a little something to be desired.

I have caught tons of trout on the White and North Fork on Rooster Tails, but don’t remember ever owning a Shyster.  One thing about the Rooster Tail, it catches trout, but they sure do not hold up worth a darn.

Lures have come a long way but we often “forget” about the old stuff that still works just fine.  A couple of perfect examples:  Rapala balsa minnow, Hula Popper, and the Jitterbug.  In fact, if you think about it so many baits are simply a variation/improvement on those 3.  Those examples:  Bang O Lure and jerkbaits, Chug Bugs, Pop R’s, and the like, and finally my favorite, buzzbait.   Thanks for the comment.  And if anybody else has a favorite old lure would love to hear it.

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I can’t say it make me want to cry at times, but occasionally I do tend to whine some.  But the picture really does say it all.  As an example over the last couple of years I have spent big bucks to get the Mako just like I like it.  Then the plate falls off and here we go.  At times I think the KISS rule is the way to go.  The more complicated the more issues, it comes with the territory.  Why I have kept the skiff for what is going on 20 years.  Simple, easy to clean and tow, small efficient engine, it is basically jump in and go almost anywhere there is most any kind of water.  And other than engine checkups no need to take it to someone else to do stuff.  And unless we can figure out a way to walk on water  (That is already taken!)  it comes with the territory.  Better have a good wife!

I was living in Arkansas in 2000 when I bought the Carolina Skiff.  At the time you just did not see them up north.  Folks often commented at the ramp that it was a “real” fishing boat.  And it has been.  From tarpon to bluegill it has caught it all.  And no matter how poorly I treated it the hull is still going strong.  In fact it has had 3 engines on it and it will probably outlast this one.  Selling it has come up more often as I slow down in the fishing department.  But then stuff breaks on the Mako and I am still fishing.  Think I will keep it just a little longer as we start getting serious about a place where we will retire.  The diabolical plan, leave it there so until we make the move I have a boat.  Back to ease of use, it is always ready to go.

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

And a couple of other comments on fishing lures.  Gulp has always been a hassle for lots of reasons, but Berkley’s new Power Bait MaxScent looks like it is worth a shot.  Unlike Gulp they can stay on the rod without drying out.  They say fish hold on to it 18x longer than regular plastics.  And to prove it they dropped a scent infused cotton ball in the tanks with a bass, and a bluegill, and  they ate it in a second.   Then they dropped the exact same cotton ball without scent in the tank and they did not give it a second look.  (Who knows maybe after the clip the bass, the bluegill, and the Berkley guy sit around having a brew and a good laugh.) If you are a soft plastic guy you might give it a look.  Anything to make them hold on that one second longer has something to be said for it.  And no mess!

I love the Bagley Knocker B topwater and have had good luck with it on both fresh and saltwater.  They also have a saltwater topwater, the Rattlin’ Finger Mullet.  It comes in 2 sizes and 9 cool colors.  Made out of a tougher  material specifically for saltwater fish, it is the tried and true walking the dog style bait.  When I order Bang O Lures this fall will have to add a couple to the list.  Their stuff works and I expect nothing less with the Rattlin’ Finger Mullet.  And the Glass Minnow color looks like a sure thing.

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

Finally got the right boat for the Boss when we are in Oregon, she had a bathroom requirement.  (Girls!  That what the transom is for.)  So we will do some salmon fishing on the Columbia River, one of the only fishing things on her bucket list.  The timing is good as a bizzilion salmon are about to enter the river, the Captain’s comment;  “We will get her a salmon.”   Nice to have her going to both the fly fishing class with trout fishing along with the salmon.   And a couple of comments on her fishing ability.  No one I have ever been around mastered a bait caster quicker than she did, a natural.  Though she hates spinning and “those worm” things.  She has whipped sails, marlin, and host of others.  And she has never ever bitched about my fishing.  The perfect wife.  Glad we could add the fishing, along with the mountains and some hiking, things are shaping up quite nicely.

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

That is all for now.  Really am excited about Oregon, see what all the fuss is about.  And when we catch a few fish it will be all good.  Remember your kill switch, it starts in a few days.  Time to buy a self inflating jacket, hook it to the switch, and you are good to go.  The life you save may be your own.  And if you get to hit the water this week catch em’ up.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  planet

I was not really planning on fishing today but wanted to be sure the Carolina Skiff was running ok.  It would not circulate water no matter how I tried at the house.  So yesterday I was headed to the shop when I decided to stop by Coleto and just back the trailer in and see if it would pee.  I started it up and it was not peeing when all of a sudden it started.  Yahoo!  Bob thought it might be the thermostat and maybe it was.  As it had not be run for 3 months it proves the old adage –  The worst thing for a boat is sitting.  Won’t let that happen again.  But to the fishing………

Come on clouds!  No such luck but it sure was spectacular!

******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Look for it this winter.

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

Weather

Smoking hot and pool table flat.

Lake Level

Today   96.15 msl.     2 days ago  96.21 msl.

Solunar Times

Major  7:12 am to 9:12 am.   Minor  2:03 pm to 3:03 am.

It was just cracking daylight when I got to the lake.  It is clearly still falling pretty fast and the lower end is clear as all get out.  The color is a little better up lake, and since in the skiff no water temp today, but I do know one thing, it is hot.

The motor was acting right so my first stop was the main lake cove where they have been schooling.  Right off the bat I hooked what I thought was a good one on the Bang O Lure.  After a tussle no wonder, small enough that it was hooked in the mouth and the tail and came in U shaped.  For the first hour I fished that cove but they were not breaking and not another bite so time to get up lake and fish a couple of brushy banks.

The 2 best of the 5 that came over the side this morning.

As I knew it was going to be a short morning I went right to the 2 places that have been consistent and threw the watermelon red stick worm.  The first place 2 jumped on and I missed 2 or 3 more.  One of those deals where you set the hook and there is nothing there and your worm is gone.  Most of the time they are just picking it up by the trail and not actually eating it so when you set the hook off it comes.

The next place 3 came pretty quickly.  Again on the worm.  From that point on not a bite so at 11:00 I called it a morning, happy.  A good feeling to know I was not going to have 2 boats at the shop at the same time.  It would have been a OMG moment if both were down at the same time.  But with the Mako part coming it is going to be back to some serious fishing.

I had another one spit up a small bluegill while I was reeling it in.  The plan was to fish the bluegill swim jig as often as that has been happening but I just can not get them to eat it.  Of course it is a better grass bait, but still I have caught a ton of them over the years on it when the bluegill are spawning and it is a little surprising.  Who knows, maybe should be throwing a bluegill square bill.  The buzzbait got a chance on one bank, and other than a half hearted swirl not a bite, it was just to calm.

Around 9:30 time to fish a couple of deeper points and a ledge in the dam area.  Other than a worm eater that did not hook up the next 1 1/2 hours resulted in not a bite.  It still puzzles me why I can not catch them on a couple of good deep points with serious depth where I have historically caught them.  While fishing those old reliable places changes with conditions, there is no good reason those couple of places do not have any fish on them.   So with it hotter than hell, humid, and not a breath of wind, it time to head to the barn.

The same morning, just a different location.  What a beautiful morning!

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

The Mako

A big thank you to Ivory H of customer service and and Shannon R, Pars Adminstrator .  I was getting worried that somehow the part might be hard to find and was having little luck on several fronts.  But within 2 days of speaking with her problem solved.  As you all know I love the boat for the flexibility to fish fresh and salt, along with the easy tow.  And since I just got it rigged exactly the way I want it sure is nice to know it will be back on the water soon.  So hats off to Mako Customer Service, you really do get customer service!

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

“Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.”

“And to lose the chance to see frigate birds soaring in circles above the storm, or a file of pelicans winging their way homeward across the crimson afterglow of the sunset, or a myriad terns flashing in the bright light of midday as they hover in a shifting maze above the beach — why, the loss is like the loss of a gallery of the masterpieces of the artists of old time.”

President Theodore Roosevelt.

Hundreds of square miles of floating trash in the ocean, algae blooms killing millions of fish, sea life choking to death on plastics, the clock is ticking and if we do not take a stand disaster is on the horizon.  While we may not live long enough to see the end, we do our children and others who follow a great disservice.  Roosevelt was the greatest presidential conservationist in the history of the US.  He gave us the park system, and knew the value of what is a finite resource, one we should be protecting and expanding.  Sportsmen of all ilk have a sacred duty to participate in conservation.  We have no right to use it without paying it forward.  Each of us needs to give back in some way, no matter how small.  So do “something”, it is not that hard.

This is not to toot our horn, but to show how easy it is to do something small, too at least do something.  In the last year we have gone to all biodegradable cleaning products, no harder than grabbing a different product on the shelf, and we have quit watering the lawn.  My neighbors may not like it all that much but tough, water quality and quantity is fast becoming a huge issue in America and we have decided to not waste it.  And we try to use canvas bags at the store, the last thing the world needs is more plastic Wal Mart bags flying around.  The last thing I am going to do is ween myself from plastic water bottles.  Seeing the water bottle from the stomach of a redfish is enough for me.  It can not go on like this.  And one thing saltwater fishermen should do is help out on the Beach Cleanup next month.  There is no more “outdoors’ being made, help preserve it.

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

Our hear wave goes on and we are doing something about that – Going to the mountains of Oregon.  A fly fishing lesson which the Boss is going to do, then fishing on the Deschutes River.  We will be doing some hiking, then to the coast for a couple of days, finishing up in Portland to do the big city thing.  If my diabolical plan comes to fruition the heat wave will be gone, the Mako will be back in play, and I will be hitting it hard.  So thanks for sticking with me during this slow period I promise there is lots of fishing to come.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  planet.

(Sorry for the post/cancel yesterday.  Not sure why I did that but I was not done.)

I do have the skiff so am not totally boatless.  But my interaction with Mako continues.  The part I need is a plate, about 24″ long and 5″ wide and 1/4″ thick.  It could be starboard or plexiglass, but it ain’t much.  Suffice to say I still have not heard back from them, the 2cnd time a promised call has not materialized.  So after 5 days still no answer.  And they are still telling me my hull number is not in the system.  Which of course is stupid, you sold it to me and all the paperwork from you agrees.  So with that in mind, and the 100+ degrees forecast for the week, I decided it is a good time to take it in for the annual motor checkup since it is to dangerous to operate.  I figure at the rate I am going it will be a couple of weeks before I get that plate in my hands.  But I have made one decision, if I do not hear something soon I will just have the fiberglass repair dude make one and glass it in.  Trust me cutting the plate and glassing it seems a small job.  And who knows with Mako, when they tell me the plate is some ridiculous thing like $200 or some such nonsense I might just tell them to forget it.

And to go along with that the dealer who Mako told me to get the part from did not have a clue what I was talking about so he had me send a picture so he would know.  When I spoke with him yesterday he went and looked at one on the lot and said well yours was screwed on.  Nope, nothing but sealant.  Remember this is the boat where they forgot to screw the console down, not surprising they didn’t anchor the plate to the hull.  He said he thought he found one in Palm Beach Fl.  Huh?  I am not asking for warranty, not even sure if it is still in, don’t care – just get me the plate.  So then I contacted Mako Customer Care and hopefully the young lady I spoke with can help me.  I sent her a set of pictures and am just waiting to hear from her.  So with Oregon coming next week it seemed no better time to take the Mako in for the annual and hopefully the plate will appear out of thin air by time they are done with it.  Boy I love owning boats.

Not so Fast….….

I am trying to avoid jumping off a bridge.  Not only is the part not ordered yet, but it gets stranger by the minute.  So since no Mako anyway, had the skiff serviced a couple of months ago (including impeller)  so went outside today just to make sure it was good to go.  Check batteries, starting, etc.  Not so much.  Put the muffs on, no pee, and then it overheated.  Great.  Have not had it out since the work was done.  It never ends………………

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This is my happy face! Trying to keep a good outlook today.

******************** 

On the way to the shop I stopped in at Coleto to do a quick repair on the trailer bunks.  They have been rubbing the carpet off at the ends so I put a couple of the slick sticks at the end of the bunks.  Then I made sure the boat would not auto slide off the trailer like some do and it was fine.  As I load off and on by myself don’t want it getting away from me.  But here is the point of this comment:  the lake level.

1 week ago  96.61 msl.   Today  96.21 msl.

The lake is dropping like a rock.  Funny.  Why?  Because on one of the fishing Texas fishing shows a dude said the lake was way up and the fishing was good.  Not sure what lake he was talking about but it could not be Coleto.  It was up, but the water is slowly getting to the end of the pier.  If this does not slow down some it may be another winter of tough launching.  This has been one crazy year on Coleto.  Actually I am happy from one standpoint, it will make for some good winter fishing.  Hope springs eternal.  Man we need some rain, we are 11 inches down and my yard is a ugly shade of brown.  As I type this it is raining a little, hope it keeps up.

  *****************

As usual good to hear from Mac.  As we get older the memories are all we have left.

Doug–Too hot to fish, golf, too early to dove and teal hunt, Pre season football sucks, so I just got through reading your words on kids and their fishing. Memories of my youth really popped up. My brothers and I were lucky to live on Mary’s Creek, a small stream where we caught grasshoppers and caught mostly so called perch and small catfish. We were barefoot most of the time and cut off bluejeans was what we had on. Life was very simple then until one July day, one of my brothers came home with a 5 pound bass. Before , we had never seen a bass in this small creek. His tackle consisted of a steel made rod equipped with a Zebco 33 reel and a red and white Lazy Ike lure.
My other brothers and I turned at that point to become die hard bait cast anglers.
We worked one summer for a farmer who thought fishing was a waste of time, but he paid us good to help bale his hay. Our money went to purchase fishing equipment

Brother’s Steve and Tim went with Zebcos and I thought different. I went with a Heddon Baitcast reel. BAd DECISION It took over a year to get over the “birds nests” caused when casting. The only line in those days was black braided cotton line.

We all agreed on certain baits. A spinner bait called a Shyster was used more than any other bait that was not a top water. Top water bait of choice was a black Jitterbug . We all played around with a rubber frog whose legs moved back and forth. We never caught anything on these but they were fun to watch. Baits were overall expensive and we did everything not to lose any. I just remembered Steve creeping out on a tree limb trying to retrieve a Lucky 13 prized plug only to encounter a so called water moccasin . He hit the water fast. I bet that bait is still there today.

WE has no video games, cell phones, or fancy cars. Our mode to the fishing holes were bicycles or foot. If asked then what a serial killer was, we probably would have remarked Tony the Tiger!!!!!!

One thing I will always never forget. Rubber worms were just beginning to appear in the seventies and my Dad found out a brilliant way to fish with them in the hot summer. We went to different lakes and slowly drifted over the middle of the lake with a weighted rubber worm dragging on the bottom in the deepest areas. We did well! I haven’t done this in years, Maybe I should try it again. -hot as it is – One thing is for certain. I can’t go back to fish Mary’s creek anymore – it is polluted and there are no more perch or catfish there. Mac

Love it!  It was the way we rolled in those days.  Reminded me of when I saw my first “rubber worm.”  I was in high school (1971) when stopping at a sporting goods store there was a jar on the counter full of all different colors, no bags back then.  So I bought 5 for .50.  Took them to a pond and threw one out and they just kept “ticking” it, but none ate.  Not knowing then they were inhaling it and all I had to do was set the hook.  But I learned and my love of lure fishing was set and has lasted a lifetime.

You know us old guys talk about the good ole days.  Maybe they weren’t all that good at times but it sure was simpler and a hell of a lot safer.  But you comments and others over the years have me thinking about writing a book.  These memories need to be taken down before they are lost.  It is not the big fancy boat, or all the cool gear, that makes  someone a real fisherman.  One way to tell a “real” fisherman is are they a one trick pony?  Facebook is full of that.   It is about the love of the sport and not a pissing contest.  To many have forgotten the real reason we all fish.  There is something that touched us as kids, being outdoors, seeing the topwater bite, fishing with friends, or the simple love of the anticipation.  And access has become one of my pet peeves.  In those “Good Ole Days” a kid on a bike could fish the creeks and ponds, usually without a problem.  That is a lot bigger issue today, just try wading some creeks or getting access to a pond and see what that gets you.

And last your comment on the condition of Mary’s creek.  When I was young we waded Big Creek.  It was beautiful.  Hard bottom, holes, riffles, and grass beds.  It was really good bass fishing and wading.  Then came the straightening of many of the creeks in Iowa to expand field size.  Now nothing more than a mudhole.  We are losing our water at an alarming rate and I feel for the kids to come.  Thanks for sharing.

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The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Look for it this winter.

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

So here I am, 2 boats and no fishing.  Some days I just want to give up on this fishing thing.  Keep 2 so you always have one, and then when you need it a recently serviced motor overheats.  When you do it all by the book and then it doesn’t work out it is kind of disheartening.  But there is no cure for the fishing disease no matter how irritated I am.  At least if this all is happening all at once when we are going to hit 107 heat index today, not the best weather to be fishing in.  Not sure how this is all going to work out but maybe a little mountain air will cure what ails me.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  planet.

Got these from my buddy Clyde.  I may be taking a small break this summer but Clyde is getting it done in Iowa.  Talk about yummy!

A couple of good ones for an old perch jerker!

He was kayaking on a small river in Iowa using crankbaits.  Not sure which river but looks like a pretty good walleye fishing hole.  Nice job.  Didn’t know he was a yak guy.

*******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Look for it this winter.

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

The first thing I did after buying my fishing license was to look in the new book for the specific rule on the kill switch.  And from page 29 word for word:

“The engine cut off switch must be worn by the operator on any vessel under 26′ in length that is equipped with the ECOS, and the vessel is being operated at greater than head way speed.”

So there you have it.  Looks like not when loading the boat or at idle, etc.  But better get in the routine.  Start the motor, put the kill switch on.  Trust me if you do not get in the routine of attaching it ever time you start the motor you will forget.  Nothing could be simpler.

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

I have been watching fishing shows since I was a kid.  Virgil Ward, Jerry McKinnis, and anything else that was on.  In those days most of them fished public waters, today not as much.

Today so many of the shows are done on private waters, waters you and I have no access to.  And of course they catch the snot out of them.  Clearly they are trying to sell baits, no problem with that, it is their goal.  I have noticed over the years that many of these shows take place on these super waters are dedicated to showing how well this or that bait works.  After seeing the same places in different shows it all boils down to one thing, anyone could catch them there, on anything, no problem.  What they do is one show with this bait, then one with that, when in reality you could throw a buzzbait made out of a hot dog and catch them.  So take them for what they are worth, but realize they are not real and just because this do-dad works there is not real life.

The other thing is how often these bass fishing shows are smallmouth shows.  In many of the places they fish it is not a indicator of their succes with a particular bait, it is just an indication of how good it is there.  When I see the ones out of Canada and the Great Lakes it is fun to watch, but for most of us they are not real life.  So take them for what they are, entertainment.  But catching fish in a barrel is not real.

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

I saw a great Facebook post today.  A guy was at Walmart when he encountered a young man looking at fishing rods.  It turned out he did not have enough money for that Ugly Stik and so he bought it for him.  As you know if you read this stuff I have repeatedly complained about where fishing has gone.  $100,000 bay boats, $500 reels, $300 rods, crankbaits that push $30, all crazy.  I spend more on oil for the motor than it would cost to make one kid happy.  So what it boils down to in many cases is who your family is.  I see it every day, spoiled kids (parents) who can afford this stuff bragging on Facebook.  So sad,  I never set foot in a boat until I was 20 years old.  My reels, $2.99 Zebco 202, cheap rods, and maybe a Mepps spinner or Hula Popper if I was lucky.  Then we were able to ride our bikes and fish local ponds thanks to the landowners.  Unfortunately those days are gone and I feel bad for those kids.  So if you get a chance to do something, do it.  You never know what one small act of kindness for a kid who was not born in the “right” circumstances will mean.  Makes me happy to see the post, but sad to realize that kid was me.

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To highlight the point above, 2 times this week something has come up that illustrates my point.  Both involve tackle reps who get free stuff.  They are both selling their “used” stuff that they were given to make way for the new free stuff.  Now I realize that is a side benefit in the industry.  But how about taking a small portion of that and gifting it to some deserving kids.  You will get way more than money out of the deal.

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And one last sad point.  NASA is monitoring the retreating ice in Greenland.  It is melting at an alarming rate.  I am not here to argue climate change, it does not matter which side of the argument you are on, but something is happening.  According to NASA there is enough ice in Greenland that if it continues to melt at the current rate it will cause the oceans to rise over 7 meters, which is 29 feet.  If it continues at that rate Bloomington will be ocean front property.  Something to think about.

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Ahh Mako Boats.  My LTs has a tunnel like area with a plate in the middle of it to help plane, and it works.  It forces water over the top and keeps bow rise down.  The only problem, the plate fell off last week and now water comes over the transom and actually on to the deck.  A small problem!  I contacted the corporate office and they said I have to talk to a local dealer.  So I call them – that serial number does not exist.  Bullshit.  So I actually go out to the boat and read it off the hull, nope.  So I check original paperwork, title, etc – Yes it is.  The dealer said he would call me back Friday, nope.  So I call him back this morning and he says sorry, will get right on  it.  Calls me back a minute later and he talked to the parts department at Mako, they don’t know what that part is.  HUH?  For the love of God.  So outside I go and take a couple of pictures so they can see “their part on their boat they manufactured”.  Stay tuned – apparently my boat does not exist and no one there ever looked at the ass end of the boat they sell.  Stay tuned.

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That is it for today.  I am still in the taking it easy mode, but fall is coming and with it no “heat index”, which is 107 degrees for Victoria today.  The good news – Oregon is a little over a week away.  And I am really excited that the Boss is going to take the fly fishing class with me then fish the Deschutes River.  Glad she is doing that so when we make the bucket list trip to Alaska she will be armed and dangerous.  (Plus she will need new high dollar Sims waders with the zipper.  The fact that we wear the same size has nothing to do with it.  Wink.)  And the boat is leaving the garage this week, I can only take so much of this “taking it easy” thing.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  planet.

Should have been perfect timing.

Today Gave Hot a New Meaning – And it was not the Fishing!

Weather

78/100.  Times of clouds and sun with a 60% chance of afternoon showers.  Wind NE 5 – 10mph.

Lake Level

As I have no clue what is normal who cares!  As long as there is water it is all good.

Solunar Times

Major   1:02 pm to 3:02 pm.   Minor  6:02 am to 7:02 am.

*******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Look for it this winter.

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

Aaron had a day off so we headed to Fayette County.  It was just cracking daylight when we fished the first spot and they were basically gone.  So what is new!  When you think about it that is what makes fishing special to those of us with the disease.  If it were the same it would not be any fun.  So we soldiered on checking multiple places.  This is not an excuse, but this was a day when the weather did not help us out.

If you just catch 3 at least one was like this.  A chunk.

After a little wind, and I use the term loosely, it went dead flat.  It was pool table flat and by 10:00 was hotter than hades.  Whether it was plastics or crankbait, it was a bite here and a bite there.  We could have called it a day but we soldiered on until it was just unbearable without a breeze.

Aaron with his biggest of the morning on the Strike King 6XD in the Ghost Shad.

We were able to find a few deep bunches on the electronics, but at most a half hearted bite or two, and then nothing.  The only good thing there appears to be some grass left, and as short as some looked on the graph it might be growing again.  One can only hope.  The day was not all we hoped for, but we were fishing.   And anytime I can boat one like the one above I am happy.

So at noon we put it on the trailer.  The truck said 100 degrees, and it was all that.  Once I got home it was 102 and the heat index was 110!  My yard is burning up and we are over 10″ down in rainfall this year.  It is really a case of South Texas summer doldrums and until this breaks I am just not in any big hurry .  Plus, hunting season is right around the corner, school is back in, and the traffic on our waters, and the temps, will be coming down and my fishing time will be rising.

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You regular readers know I love looking at boats for sale, and then making fun of some of them.  But just like my first one 40 years ago, boats have always had a place in my heart and I am a top window shopping boat lover.  Well I found the “perfect” boat for me.  Probably the best buy I have seen in a good bit and perfect for fresh and salt.  Of course I am not going to buy it, I just got mine in the shape I want it.  But all fisherman are dreamers, why we keep casting.

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Life has consequences – At least it used to.

Free college for all, wipe out your student loans, you don’t have to pay off your credit cards, and you can negotiate your tax bill down.  Here is my comment – None of this is FREE!  Somebody has to “pay”, and those of us who lived up to our responsibilities will be paying for your debt one way or the other.  A perfect example is the law student who graduated and said he did not realize what borrowing all that money meant.  Huh?  If you are that stupid you are going to make one bad attorney.  How we have gotten to this point makes no sense to me.  I am always puzzled by the sense of entitlement and lack of responsibility.  And I understand that things can be tough, tell me about it, been there and done that several times in my life.  But you keep pushing and work your way out of it.  Oh well, lets just make everything free!  Sorry for this off topic rant but this trend is driving me crazy.

And a side note on student loans.  I read a report this week with a chart detailing current repayment trends on student loans and it is sad.  Since this kind of talk has been proposed the repayment rate has dropped dramatically.  Hey, why pay when they are going to give it to me.  Like the old rock and roll song says –  “Get your money for nothing and your chicks for free.”

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The bay continues to produced from what I am seeing online.  Steve and his friend put the smack down on them this week.

I stole this from his Facebook.  Nice job boys.

There are lots of good reports from the bay for those fishing.  Croaker is still reining supreme but I have seen some good plastic reports and even a topwater or two reports.  As soon as I get off my hot old ass it will be back at it.

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

But Most Importantly!

We fishermen think catching a big one, or a ton of them is all that.  In the grand scheme of things it is just a blip on the screen.  There are more important things than fishing and here is living proof.

“The Beast”  Baby Wren on her first day of school.  She was so proud.  You are no longer “Baby” Wren.   

Wren and Mia.  I am a proud Grandpa.

And we all need a friend to hold our hand as we make our way through life.

The kids called the day before and Wren told us all about her big day, she was so excited.  And Mia told me she gave “The Beast” a sage piece of advice – Don’t get sent to the principles office.  I should have listened to that advice myself. And congratulations to Carrie and Leigh, you are doing a great job raising my grandkids.  So good luck girls – I hope the best for your futures and that the world will be a better place.

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Time to head out.  First renew the trailer plates, then a new fishing license, then spend some more money on fishing.  It never ends.  So what or where next is up in the air, but it will involve a rod in my hand.  I appreciate you all sticking with me.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines