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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

The Wade Right Fishing Belt

Brought to you by

The Best Wading System on the  planet.

A Short Friday Coleto Trip

Been out of town a couple of days on an impromptu trip so did not get this quick report up.  When you are having to much fun it is a little hard to keep up.  There is one comment I do have to make on travel.  I really like Grand Isle, La and fishing in Florida.  Currently thinking about a big trip this fall to both places on the same trip, and then I drive through Houston today.  What a mess, rarely do we make it all the way to Louisiana without some kind of delay, and this time was no different.  Besides construction there was a big semi wreck, that is the fourth we have seen wrecked lately, and it turned into an hour delay.  Thinking about the drive, which is probably a total of 18 hours, the only thing that worries me is making it through Houston with my life and the boat intact.  At least there is something to be said, it is still better than Austin.  But back to the reason we are here.

Weather

78/100  (Heat Index 109)  Partly cloudy and very warm, breezy in afternoon 10% chance of a shower.  Wind S 15 – 25 mph.

Lake Level

Today  96.61 msl.   Wednesday  96.66 msl.

Solunar Times

Major 8:50 am to 10:50 am.

When I got to the ramp before daylight guess I did not get the memo.  There were 6 boats in various stages of unloading.  Some bass fishermen and some crappie, guess everyone had the same idea.  So I dropped in and decided to head to the cove where the fish were breaking the other day and there was already a boat there.  Dang it, I wanted to hit them up at daylight.  So up the lake I went.

To make a long story short it was a lot slower.  Not a bite on the Whopper Plopper, missed one on a Bang O Lure, and caught 7, all amazingly small, on plastics.  No pictures of that. There was no rhyme or reason to where I got bites other than wood.  And not a bite after 9:00 when I headed down lake to try a couple of places.  Probably should have stayed up lake, the water color is a little darker and there is quite a bit of wood cover.

By 11:00 it was getting  hot, 94 when I pulled the boat out, and the truck was in the shade.  And the forecast was right on, the wind picked up quite a bit and either the fish really quit biting or I made poor bank selections, which is highly possible.  One interesting note, it rained on me for 2 minutes.  It was literally raining on an area about the size of my yard. While it was slow, that is not all out of line with summer on the lake.

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

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And How About the Solunar Tables?

Spoke with Mr. Crappie on the lake the Friday and of course he is still catching them.  He probably knows more about crappie on Coleto than any man alive.  What was interesting he caught 32 on Wednesday, the same day I caught 18 bass, but Friday only 13, and I only caught 7 bass.  Maybe a comment on how active they were today.  But to the rest of the wildlife I saw the biggest flock of turkeys I have ever seen, a nice heavy 10 point buck, and then a whole wad of deer.  So stuff was moving around, just not the fish.  It seems like over the years just because it is the major period does not mean you are going to catch them.  But many of my memorable catches came during the major.  So what does all that mean?  Who the hell knows!

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Get Your New Fishing License

There are several rule changes for bass on lots of lakes in Texas, along with a change in the rule on kings in saltwater.  Here is a quick link to the TWPD with the changes that will take effect on Sept. 1.  And remember to buy your new license for the year, sale begins on the 15th.   After my last experience at Academy think I will just hit up the local TPWD office to get mine.  Before you leave, no matter where you buy it, look at it and be sure it is right just in case.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/new-this-year-fishing

And last, use your kills switch, it is going to be the law.  It has to become habit.  Save yourself a potential ticket, and maybe a life.

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The heat wave is still ongoing here in Texas.  The car said it was a 100 both going and coming.  100 at noon in Houston is freakin’ hot and the car said 100 when we got home.  Next up it is Fayette in the morning with my buddy Aaron.  He hollered at me today itching to try a couple of other places to see if we can find some bigger fish Fayette has to offer. One thing about Fayette, we will catch some nice fish, at least that is the plan.  Who knows, might even be a few for the camera.  So time to get ready for that dreaded early morning start.   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.

Order Up!

                          It does not get any more beautiful than this morning!                              (Note: I never manipulate any pics, they are what they are.)

As you can see it was flat out beautiful this morning as the sun rose.  I was out early as you can see because the Boss placed an order – 1 fish fry coming up.  Rarely do any fish hit the freezer in this house, consequently I rarely keep many.  We like them fresh so I headed out to put a couple in the boat, and barely pulled it out.

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Weather

79/99  Heat Index 110.  Sunny and very hot.  Wind  S 10 – 20mph.  (As I type this the weather dude says it is hot and just going to get hotter!  100 to 102 for the next 7 days!)

Lake Level

Today  96.66 msl.   Monday  96.66 msl.

Solunar Times

Major 7:09 am to 9:09 am.   (Definitely the best bite.)

*******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Coming to a store near you!

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The water temp was still in the high 80’s to low 90’s depending on where you are.  And the color is as good as it has been in quite a while.  It was hot and humid even at daylight as I headed up lake.  I just needed 2 keepers, which at times lately on Coleto takes some work and a little luck.  (Note:  Sparing you pictures of fish today, there was not a 1 worth a hoot.  I am sure you are bored looking at small ones, just as bored as I am catching them.)

The last 2 weeks what good fish I have caught have come on a buzzbait, Bang O Lure, or Whopper Plopper.  Today they just did not want the Whopper Plopper.  (I did miss a nice one on the Bang O Lure.)  I stuck with it for over an hour and finally broke out the watermelon stick worm on a 3/16th slip sinker, and they were definitely biting.  Unfortunately only one barely made 15″ and went in the box.

Basically during the major period I put 13 (1 keeper.) in the boat on plastics, missed a couple, and broke one off setting the hook.  Most were on a little steeper stuff with cover, and 6 came off one place.  If the number of 13″ or so is any indication that was quite a year class last year.  They are fat and sassy.  And today they were hitting it and holding on.  Again, most 5 foot or less.  Around 10:00 they quit.  So with 1 not enough, I needed one more for supper, so time to head down lake and do a little crankbait trolling and call it a day.

I ended up catching another 5, 1 catfish, 3 bass, and a great big Tilapia.  The white bass have definitely deserted their long time summer haunts this year, and not a one jumped on.  The last few years that spot has been a no brainer, and occasionally I would stop by and catch a few for the fun of it.  The Tilapia stopped that shad colored crankbait.  Almost every tilapia I have  caught on lures, and it has been a few, are big and knock the snot out of it.  With as many in the lake I am surprised it is not more.

One interesting thing today was when I cleaned the bass it had a bluegill in his belly.  That is the second fish in 2 trips that has been eating bluegill.  Guess that should tell me something.  Have to think about that a little before next time.  Today I again give a B,  anytime you can catch 18 by 12:30 is a good day.  Hoping this is a sign of what are fall fishing will be when the bigger fish show up.

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Just One More?

Game and Fish officers spread out over a large area of the gulf the last week, paying particular attention to areas around POC, like Sunday Beach and the barge canal.  It resulted in a number of arrests on multiple charges including 8 BWI.  Time to use the same designated driver rule in the boat that people use with the car if you want to get loaded.  Your choice to get smashed, but it is not the choice of the rest of us to be hurt or have to deal with you.  If no one is sober enough to drive then you have no place on the water.  Just saying.  Thanks to the TPWD wardens.

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And speaking of wardens, the new kill switch rule goes into effect next month.  Now is the time to start getting used to it.  No matter how you do to it there needs to be routine so that every time you take off you are in compliance.  Since I wear a auto inflate jacket I just take it off and put it on the seat so I have to pick it up so it always stays attached to the kill switch.  The side benefit of course is wearing the jacket all the time.  The way I did it before was to keep it on my wrist and when I stopped the boat I wrapped it on the steering wheel.  Again, forcing me to do it.  So whatever you choose to do about it, it has to be like the seatbelt, most of us never even think about putting it on.  So figure it out, the life you save may be your own.  Plus it may be the “ticket of the day” for a while.

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More Fun With Boat Buying or You Expect to Sell that?

I am sorry but I just can’t resist.  I check the boat ads most days and some of them just crack me up.

Everything working as it should
motor runs but needs power head

Hey no big deal, just $4 grand and it will be good as new.

*****

This would be a great floating dock. There is no title. Come and get it.

In other words I can’t figure out how to get it out of my yard.

*****

One motor runs perfect the other needs a little work.

If it is so little why not fix it?

*****

Motor does not work but it’s fixable.

Anything is “fixable” but making me taller.

*****

Tires should hold air enough to haul it away (I have a compressor we can use).  I do not have titles for anything.

What more could a buyer want?

*****

351 motor needs rebuild.  No title. Had it but lost it during a move before I could change it to my name.

No big deal other than it does not run and has no title.

*****

The guy took the motor out to be replaced but didn’t. All parts in boat

Just a screw driver and it is all good.

*****

needs motor heads which we have, just needs a little TLC.

You do it, only needs the “motor heads’ glued back on.   Whatever they are.

*****

in need of a little TLC, seat tops need replacement, tires are dry rotted, Evinrude motor spins freely but has not been started in years.

Other than that a great boat.

*****

Title was never transfer (no title) couldn’t find it.

Run away from any title issues.

*****

There is a bad coil so the motor will crank and only run for a few seconds then it’ll die. But its an easy fix.

 It is so easy you could have done it in your sleep.  Sure……….

If it says “needs work” or “project” or “easy fix”, run.  If it has no titles, run.  If they can not tell you where and how often it was serviced, run.  If there is grass grown up around it in the picture, run.  If it has not been run “in years”, run.  I guess what cracks me up about the ads is the ones who meet all the criteria above.  At least every once in a while someone gets it over with and says free.

***************** 

Guess it is time for me to quit whining about the heat and head to the bay next week.  One of the side effects of being able to fish when and where I want is the occasional  waiting for the “perfect” conditions, which rarely exist.  Watching my Facebook  buddies Michael, the owner of Controlled Descent and his sons catching some good fish, Steven did some damage wading, and Jesse the neighbor putting them on the stringer has me wanting some salt time.  So time to suck it up, put on my big boy pants and head to the bay.  The video of the feeding frenzy Michael posted got my blood going.  And it won’t be long until hunting season starts and folks hang up the rods and get out the guns.  (I am pretty spoiled – I just want it all to myself. LOL.)  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.

With it looking like it was going to be real hot, and it was, I dropped it in the water when it was still dark.  Right away the drop was evident, amazing how fast it has dropped almost 2 feet.  And the water temp was 90 at the ramp, 93 in front of the discharge cove, and 88 way up lake.  Sitting at the ramp I re-rigged my plastics and tied on the smaller Whooper Plooper and it was deja vu all over again.  I flipped it out and one jumped all over it, and I missed it.  Funny, that is the second time I have had that happen at the ramp in the last 2 trips and with my superior skill I missed it.  As soon as it was cracking daylight I headed up lake.

Weather

76/94.  Parly cloudy, very warm, heat index to 107, with a 25% chance of a shower.  Wind  SSE 5 – 15 mph.

Lake Level

Today  96.66 msl.   1 week ago  98.86 msl.  (Holy mackerel, a big drop in a week.)

Solunar Period

Major  5:29 am to 7:29 am.  Minor  11:45 am to 12:45 pm.

*******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Coming to a store near you!

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

How hot and humid was it?  For the first hour after the sun came up my sunglasses continually fogged up.  The plan was to stick to the smaller bone Whopper Plopper and I stuck with it.  Early it was slow and I missed the first 3 that hit it.  One looked pretty good and when it missed it the first time I threw back in and missed it again.  (Think I will go to a stiffer rod for this bait.)  I finally boated a small one, and since I was up lake I hit my consistent brush filled bank and like it has been I ended up putting 5 in the boat there on the watermelon red senko.  There is a bunch of fish there, I just have not found that big fish area.   As they were the same size so it was back to the Whopper Plopper.

I saw this one coming from 5 feet away.

The one above came back to back after catching a small one on the cast before.  Today most of the bites came near some kind of a point.  It did not have to be some big point, as long as it stuck out.  And like it has been every bite came right on the bank.  From about 8:00 until 10:30 I probably had 8 bites and boated 4 of them.

This is what the other 10 looked like on both the Whooper Plooper and plastics.  The last bite.

There was a bank down lake I wanted to fish but I only picked up one more, again right on the bank.  Today 2 actually hit it the minute it landed before I could even move it.  One of them took me right in some brush and managed to pull off.  It was a total of 6 on the Whopper Plopper today.

One did not come on the bank, in fact he was nowhere near it.  There are several big coves on the lake right now with schooling activity.  One had several wads of them chasing shad, but most looked small, and the one I caught out of them was small.  And as a side note, one of the plastics bass puked up a small bluegill in the boat.  Maybe they are spawning right now, and if that is the case might be time for the bluegill colored swim jig.

I give the day a B.  After seeing how far it had dropped, and how flat out hot it got, 11 bass for the morning is not a bad summer short trip.  (I quit at 11:30.)  And fishing the Whopper Plopper is fun, but I love topwater no matter what fish I am chasing.

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

Over the last year or longer I have been using 4 Lew’s SLP casting reels and I could not be happier.  (Not in the salt.)  They have held up well, cast far, and the drag is fine.  When I had my tackle store in 1974 – 75 the Lew’s Speed Spool came out.  It was $50, which was a lot at the time, but I bought a couple and used them for years until no one would fix them.  If memory serves me it was the first low profile reel.  Amazing how much lighter these are, easier to use but how long they last remains to be seen.  Back then combined with the new Fenwick graphite hand tied blanks I was styling.  I am currently using the SLP on different rods and line weights.  From as low as 8lb to 20lb (As high as I would go with the SLP.) they work with all the different baits I use and the price is right.  Good stuff helps but none of it catches fish all by itself.

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

I hate to sound like a broken record but the forecast this week is just plain ugly.  The next 4 days the heat index will be 107, 109, 110, and 110.  We did manage a short shower today, probably just enough to wet the grass but that was about it.  Tomorrow is do some responsible things and then back on the water Wednesday.  Where just depends on how early I want to get up.  Hard to justify spending $30 on gas and who knows how much on baits and ice etc to end up fishing for 4 hours on the bay.  I prefer to fish a lot longer than that when I head to POC.  Sorry but no way I am going to fish in the afternoons this week.  Might be time to do a night trip on the lake, and if it stays this way maybe the same on the bay when the moon comes around next week.  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.

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

After fishing a couple of days early last week we did the usual and went out of town for a few days.  (See below.)  Of course this weekend I am leaving it to the rest of the folks who do not get to fish and play on the water during the week.  Tomorrow it will be back on the water.

Roughing it in Mexico

To Bad Chago – Somebody has work!

While Chago is slaving away his kids have been catching fish on the Pacific coast near Manzanillo Mexico.  All the boys boated a nice rooster.  Even when Mom, they were there on her 40th (I know what is good for me.) birthday, and the ladies did the sunset cruise thing, the boys kept fishing and it was one of those reels screaming, bowed up, kinda trips.  Chago said it was a little rough getting one picture at a time with no explanation, that would have drove me nuts.

Beautiful!  

They reported the weather and conditions were just right for rooster fishing.  According to local legend roosters are hard to catch, something my experience revealed.  And there is yet another legend – but as far as the virginity of someone in the Norris family will have to let that one pass.  They were caught trolling the shoreline out of a Panga, though they can be caught there from the beach.  Sounds like a good place to cross one off the bucket list.

All the boys got in on the act.  Really one cool looking fish.

The biggest of the trip.  A 50lb. What a fish!

The bay they fished was Bahia de Santiago, which is calm, which also turned out to be good snorkeling and jet skiing.  The boys took 3 fishing trips and worked the roosters and blackfin over, along with a few bonita and nominal snapper.  All the way around a good trip by most travel standards.  Nice one boys, you can fill Dad in when you get home!

*****************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Coming to a store near you!

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

We were looking for somewhere to go out of town for the night and I happened to look up Gruene Hall and lo and behold Bill Bob Thornton and his band the Boxmasters were playing.  Now I have always been a big Billy Bob fan, Sling Blade, which he wrote, directed, and starred in is one of my favorite movies.  Knowing what he “really’ looks like, his ability to play that character was amazing.  Not knowing he had a band, nor that he was a country singer when he was young, we decided why not.

Billy Bob Thorton and his band.  Looking good for 64.

I really did not expect all that much, it could have been a gimmick, but I was pleasantly surprised.  The place was not quite packed, but there were lots of folks there.  Add that to 99 degrees it was just a little warm.  But they were good and it was rock and roll.  He told a few stories and was generally a wild and crazy guy.  If you know anything about him that is his reputation.

See…. there is something good about an iPhone that cost 3x’s more than my first car!

The Boss was up early for a walk, I was sawing logs.  She took this picture with her new iPhone, which of course I have given her plenty of grief over.  I mean who could not like a 7 year old flip phone?  I love mine, just don’t send me any of those emogi thingies.

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

Every month I look forward to the TPWD Game Warden Field Notes, you just never know……

This month they found a couple having drunken sex on a boat at night without running lights, and another boat where folks were singing at the top of their lungs.  The real punch line, lots of folks were legally drunk and the drivers got arrested  It is a good reminder that just like on the highway, it is finally up to you to keep yourself safe.  Never assume the other boat has a clue or what he might do, if you have spent any time on the water you know that is the case.

And my usual rant about posting stuff on social media turned up.  This knucklehead posted an alligator in his bath tub, which also led to additional poaching charges.  Smooth move.  I can not say it enough, be carefull.  Folks are watching.  To go along with that there just might be a business out there.  Spend time cruising social media looking for folks violating assorted laws, there is often rewards available from various sources.  If memory serves me the IRS will give you a percentage if you turn someone in.  Just a thought.

And as usual, buy a freakin’ license.  Almost every month what could have been nothing more than a quick license check and on your way turns into arrests for completely unrelated things.  But hey, if you have other issues why would you care a whit for following game laws?

But my favorite this month- A caller on I35 reported a Toyota Prius driving on the interstate with 2 whitetail fawns sitting in the back seat.  They were stolen and charges were filed.  But that is just crazy.  I did not know the Prius had enough room in the back seat for a couple of folks, or in this case Bambi and her sister.

So a big thanks to our wardens out there protecting us and our wildlife.  I have had contact with quite a few over the last 50 years (50? OMG that is sad.) and almost to a man I have found them to be great.  And have even been complimented several times on having my stuff together or doing the right thing, like wearing my life jacket.  Trust me, the last thing the warden wants to do is mess around with your violations.  Nothing makes them happier than NOT giving a ticket or arresting someone.  Thanks ladies and gentlemen, we appreciate what you do.

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

As usual I was watching Major League Fishing this weekend and they were on Lake of the Ozarks.  I have had the pleasure of fishing it several times and it is a great bass lake.  Tons of arms and coves with lots of cover it is a really consistent fishing hole.  But it actually may be a better crappie lake.  A buddy of mine fished it hard for years, specifically for crappie, and he literally hammered them.  There are hundreds of brush piles around the multitude of docks holding some big crappie.

It is also the lake we had the most interesting game warden encounter of the many I have had over the years.  Randy and I were fishing in a blizzard, and I mean it was freakin’ coming down.  When out of the blinding snow comes a game warden!  Are you kidding me?  Everything was fine with us and I give him credit for dedication.  We really had no business out there and he could have been home by the fire.

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

There were several tournaments locally on both the bay and lake this weekend.  I will be particularly interested in the couple on Coleto as the fishing seems to be improving some.  My results the last few trips means somebody just might catch a nice mess.

Watching the weather for the week looks like it will be really ugly as the week goes on.  But it is August in South Texas and it comes with the territory, but it does get old as the summer wears on.  And like the last month has been for me not sure what is next.  At least in the morning there will be some clouds with the possibility of rain, which we need desperately.  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.

Fayette Does Not Dissapoint! 

If the fish are not biting on your home lake there is only one thing to do – go somewhere else.  Aaron is working in the area and we have been trying to get together for a Fayette morning and today we finally did.  And as Fayette so often does, it spit out some nice fatties.

Fayette bass give a new meaning to the term stud.

*******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Coming to a store near you!

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

(No weather or solunar times today, I just went fishing.  I did not even look at the water temp when we were fishing.)

And they tug hard.

We were on the water at daylight and stuck to the plan.  Fish deep rock and points and it turned out to be the perfect plan.  Nice to pull up on them right off the bat.  Aaron has been using the Strike King Jointed Structure Jig head with a Rage Tail Structure Bug lately, and they ate that thing up.  I stayed with my old tried and true 5′ watermelon stick worm.  I held my own but he definitely caught the most this morning.

A couple of nice ones.  The one on the left was a good 7lbs.

One day I will learn how to take a picture of Aaron and fish.  He is a big guy and they never look that big when he holds them.  Suffice to say there was some serious weight on these 2.

Strike King Rage Tail Structure Bug – Moon Juice.

The fish were in that 12 – 20 foot plus range and we were just crawling it on the bottom.  And they were forgiving, seemed like when they locked on they were there.  Several just started swimming away before we even felt the bite.  But once you set the hook it was the usual Fayette Fattie struggle.  Those fish are mean in that warm water.

I did catch one on the Strike King 6XD but they were hitting the plastics to good to quit them!

Aaron had to make it an early morning but I went back out after dropping him off.  I wanted to throw the pearl Controlled Descent Jerk Shad on the same fish.  Right off the bat a couple jumped on, but they were definitely not as big as we were catching.  So back to the stick worm and though I boated another 3 or 4, it was clear the big girls had all they wanted of us.  Wish I had tried the Jerk Shad earlier.  Oh well, good reason to go back.  So with that I called it a successful morning.

It has been a while since I fished there, but it will not be the last as it is one of my favorite all time lakes.  Of the many lakes I have fished it is one of the most consistent producer of good fish and when they are on the chew it can be awesome.  The fish are solid, and rarely does the lake let you down.  It happens of course, but it is usually a matter of finding what they want and then hold on.  Nice to put some good bass in the boat after struggling some this summer.  How many, not a clue but the pictures are just a few of the better ones we put in the boat this morning.  And as usual fishing with Aaron teaches me something every time.

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

The Boss sent me this picture and it is a dandy.  This is our friend Chago’s oldest with a real rooster.  I believe they are in Mexico and from the looks of things fishing is ok.

Nice Rooster!  Congrats!

A Rooster is on my bucket list.  Unfortunately I did not catch one in Costa Rica, but there is always another trip and another chance.  Good job.

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

I am not all that big of fan of getting up in the middle of the night, in other words, before daylight, but some fishing requires it, especially in the summer.  So guess I need to quit whining  get up and make a bay trip.  Hopefully there is a cloudy day coming, makes a huge  difference right now as the heat index creeps up above 105 degrees.  It is not so much how hot it gets, but it leads to shorter fishing time.  But fall is right around the corner in the grand scheme of things and with it those longer fishing days.  Not sure where next but it will be somewhere.  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 wanted to get a really early start so that I could give the Whooper Plooper a serious go after the big bite the other morning.  Since it was going to be a really early quit time I was out early hoping to have a big bite, which did not happen.  The wind was blowing out of the south at a pretty good clip once I dropped the trolling motor in the water up lake but I had hope.

Weather

76/96.  (Heat index 108 degrees.) Partly cloudy with a 41% chance of a thunderstorm.  Wind  S 10 – 20mph.

Lake Level

Today  96.86 msl.      4 days ago   96.95      (The steady decline continues.)

Solunar Time

None relevant to today.

An early start! A beautiful way to start the day.

*******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Coming to a store near you!

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

Right off the bat one about the size of the Whooper Plooper jumped on, one thing you have to give small bass, they will have a go at just about anything.  I stuck with the plan, but after 2 hours with just 2 bites I finally succumbed to plastics.  Still throwing the 5″ watermelon red stick worm with a 3/8ths tungsten on 15lb mono.  And like they have been, I caught 4 in the same areas where I have been catching them.  Again they were all shallow, with 3 coming off one place.  It might be possible to squeak out a limit on plastics, but they would not be all that heavy.

The plastic is still the most consistent for the smaller ones.

Around 9:30 I headed back down lake and caught 2 on the Bang O Lure.  There are still fish chasing shad in some coves, and both came on a major point near the mouth.  The better one actually came half way back while I was jerking it under the water, using it more like a jerk bait.

The Bang O Lure will put a nice one in the boat every once in a while.

From then on it was no bites as the wind picked up.  As it has been for me, it seems after 10:00 it gets pretty tough.  And with it hot as it has been (see 108 heat index today)  hard to keep motivated when the bite slows.  Now normally I would have stayed a while longer as it might get cloudy, but with a long day tomorrow I put it on the trailer.

A water snake.  As an aside, over the years when we had tons of grass seeing snakes was rare.  If they were swimming they did not live long but not the case now and I see lots more.

The fishing is not fast by any means, but it is nice to finally have a little better fishing.  Tossing the plastic is still the way to go for the most bites, but the better fish are still coming on buzzbait and Bang O Lure.  Makes for an interesting scenario/question, keep catching smalls hoping to get a better one, or stick with the other stuff and hope to put some weight in the boat.  All I have to say about that is hopefully this is a sign of things to come after a tough year.  We shall see.

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

I got this from Mac after my little whine the other day.

Please “Keep on Truckin” Doug, By this long ago phrase you can guess my age . I grew up fishing and hunting and worked my way through college by guiding others. Now that I am older, I do not get the chance to fish and hunt as often. You do it now for me. Most of my fishing now happens in Sept, Oct, Nov. The rest of the year I rely on your stories to keep me abreast of whats happening. Outdoor Life and Field and Stream Magazines, years ago was my ‘Redfish Law’ informant of the out of doors. Friend. over the last 9 years you have been my Outdoor Writer to keep me involved in the love of the outdoors. Thank You for your interest from all who look for your blogs every day.

The day you ever stop, even though I have never met you, I will feel the loss of a true friend. I, however, know that the day will come, when you give it up but” boy howdy” not for a good while.

All who read your work, fish and hunt with you even if we are not by your side.
My wife now even reads your words. Because of your stories on Colorado, we are soon going to Pagosa Springs.

In closing–There is a man in a nursing home in Smithville who is blind but asks me often if I have heard from you. He lights up when I visit him to read one of your experiences. You make a difference to all who read your words

Mac

I am so humbled by your kind words.  And you reading it to your blind friend is all the motivation I need to keep going.  You faithful readership, along with the rest of you who also keep up, has kept me sharing with the hope that folks will get something out of this.  So thanks again, you made my day!

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

With 2 tournaments on the lake this coming weekend there were several bass fisherman out.  And the crappie fishermen are still hard at it.  It has been a good year for crappie and one of these days I will catch a couple for the pan.  And to the lazy fool who replaced his bunk boards at the parking lot and left the old ones laying in the grass, shame on you.  If they were left in your yard you might feel differently.  Plus there are 2 big dumpsters and it would have only taken a minute to toss them in.  Sad.

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

Tomorrow it will be up real early to meet Aaron for a morning of fishing on Fayette.  One of my favorite bass lakes, it has been a while, but he is on a good bite so I am looking forward to that.  One thing about Fayette, she is like the little girl with curl in the middle of her forehead – When she is good she is very good, and with any luck we will put the hurt on them.  After that who knows what is next, maybe if it gets below a 100 the bay will be on tap.  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.

Times a wastin’!

Of course after having a pretty good day Tuesday, finally, on the lake I was interested in seeing how it would go with conditions completely different than Tuesday.  I would have gone Wednesday but the Boss and I spent the day at the beach on PINS.  And wonder of wonders I only spent $9 at Roys, I must be slowing down.  Tuesday was perfect, clouds, drizzle, and low wind, it does not get any better than that for bass fishing.  Thursday was completely different.  High sky and light wind, much more a summer time pattern.  The water temp was 89 near the dam and as low as 84 way up both arms.  Today there are only 2 fish pictures, neither of them worth a hoot, but they do have a purpose.

Weather

62/93.  Sunny with 0% chance of rain.  Wind NE 5 – 15.

Lake Level

Today   96.95 msl.  2 days ago  97.08  msl.  (The steady decline continues.)

Solunar Time

Best 8:28 am to 10:28 am.  (Right on today.)

*******************The Knockin Tail Lure with a built in tail rattle!   Coming to a store near you!

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

There is a reason for the stunned look on my face, other than I am an old man and it is to early to be alive!

Dawn was cracking when I got to the ramp.  The plan today was simple, fish the Bang O Lure, plastics, and throw the Whopper Plopper some to see if I could coax a big one, and I stuck to it.  (Intentionally did not throw the buzzbait today.) As I was to lazy to put the running lights in I decided to go ahead and retie today’s baits waiting for a little more daylight.  There was a clip on the Bang O Lure so I cut it off, it works better without additional hardware.  So after retying I flipped it out next to the boat, gave it a jerk and kaboom, one smoked it 5 feet from the boat.  Interesting start.  (It has me planning a night trip next week.)

First up was the bank that has held some nice fish, and while they were biting, none were any bigger than the one above.  In fact of the 10 I did catch today they all looked the same.  And like it was 2 days ago all of them came right on the bank, a little different from the normal Bang O Lure bites, which often come off the bank.  Of the 6 on Bang O Lure none came later than the first couple of twitches, they do not seem to be in the chasing mode.  The water is so clear down lake that it is perfect for the Bang O Lure and as you move up lake the color increases.  There just might be several topwaters that will catch fish right now.

After fishing a couple of down lake banks I headed up lake to throw the Whopper Plopper and see if I could get a real bite.  On the first place I had “the” bite.  Not sure how big she was but she literally exploded on it, one of the best topwater bites I have had in while. Unfortunately she missed it by a mile but trust me, it was a big fish.  So I kept after it for a couple of  hours off and on without another bite.  Probably started throwing it to late.   I was throwing the big Plopper, and when I went to change to the smaller one I realized they were in the saltwater box.  And as side note it was my favorite color – Monkey Butt, just the name alone makes it cool.

This is the size that is eating the plastics.

So while up lake I hit a deep place with cover with the stick worm, and like it has it produced.  It should have been more, I broke one off, missed a couple and caught 3 there.  I picked up one more later on the plastics but the bite slowed, as in done.  I did fish way up lake on a couple of places I have not fished in a while without a bite.  The water color way up is milky and no matter how hard I tried I could not coax another one on the Plopper.  By now, around 10:00, with the sun up the last of the shady banks were gone and so was the bite.  I kept after it until noon but did not have another bite.

So today was about what I expected, and really was not a disappointment for a summer morning considering how it has been.  What was surprising was it was only 62 degrees as I headed to the lake, a new record low for the date, and it was actually cool running, what a pleasure!

It seems counter intuitive that the fish are finally biting the more the water drops.  Hopefully it was just a perfect storm of conditions that kept the fishing down for the last few months.  The clearing seems to be the primary factor in the bite finally returning, but that is nothing more than a wild guess.  While the big fish are still few and far between the last few trips hold the promise of better fishing to come on the lake.  I am still worried about the changes over the last couple of years but at least I am not a complete pessimist.

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

Sorry to all you hard core salt guys for the dearth of bay trips, I have just not been feeling it.  The getting up at 4:00 to make it on the water by daylight for what has been the best bite has kept me from going more often, of course that will change as the days shorten.  Being able to fish when and where I want can actually be a curse in some respects.  Trying to fish the best what and when for each “fish” can lead to the “wait” for the perfect time or conditions.  As an example if I was a bait fisherman it would be croaker mania right now, but I am a lure guy and always will be.  Plus with hunting season coming the bay empties compared to this month.  So hang in there some salt is on the way.  Plus with the new Knockin Tail Lure on the horizon it will be time to wear them out.  (As soon as it is out and the hotel price goes down after the holiday it will be a 3 day trip to Baffin to give it a real go.)

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

My Whine For The Day

With the blog entering its ninth year, it and I, are getting older.  The costs and efforts to keep it up lead me to continually evaluate its future.  As far as what has been accomplished it far surpasses anything I would have imagined when starting this simply for the heck of it.  The people I have met, and the adventures I have been lucky enough to share with you, have been worth every penny.  So that has led me to the following conclusion.  Even though occasionally I want to quit, and it shows at times, I will soldier on.  It may not be what it was but I still enjoy the telling of the story.  To the hundreds of thousands who have read this you have humbled me.  It is a labor of love for the sport.  If you keep coming I will keep writing.

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

Today is some things on the Honey Do list, a stop for some Merc oil, and then Angler’s Arsenal for a new buzzbait.  Wait, not sure any of these is on The Boss’s Honey Do list!  It is important for local fishermen to support your local store if you want the stuff you really need.  Try getting Academy to order you a rainbow colored 5″ wobbling fat bodied whatchamacallit when the fish are eating it up and see what that gets you.  As I have said before Wal Mart and Academy are not a tackle store.  I will be watching the weather and if we get some of the rain in the forecast I might even fish the lake on Saturday or Sunday.  From that point on who knows but it will involve a rod in my hand.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines