FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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Tomorrow will be the lake.  The day will start out cold with some good warming in the afternoon.  I am a little puzzled that the lake is dropping with all the flooding around.  Not sure if they are letting some out in anticipation of more, or if we just did not get much at the lake, which I doubt.  And with the cold front that came through who knows what the water temp will be.  As usual, you only know if you go.  And I got my Controlled Descent pearl Jerk Shad supply replenished so it will get a serious go.  Hope they bite.

Weather

37/67.  Sunny with some afternoon clouds and a 10% chance of rain.  Wind S 10 – 20.

Lake Level

Today  98.05 msl.   5 days ago  98.16 msl.   (Interesting.  Dropping with the rivers flooding, who knows what I will find.)

Solunar Times

Good  7:39 am to 9:39 am.  Best  1:51 pm to 3:51 pm.

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So much for hope, they did not bite!

So let us get right to the punch line, it sucked.  The water color is back to ugly, really bad up lake, but definitely a real deterioration down lake.  The temp has dropped from 6 – 12 degrees depending on where you are, but the whole lake temps are down significantly.

I was on the water at 9:30 hoping to catch some daytime warming.  The forecast was just plain wrong, it was basically cloudy all day and I never did find any area that warmed up.  Of course checked way up lake and it was back to dirty and the water temp was down 12 degrees.  Mid lake is all in the high 50s to low 60’s.

I fished where I had been catching them, and probably  4 places I have not fished lately, and nothing was worth a hoot.  The ugly totals, 1 about the size of the Bang O Lure and another took a pass at it and missed.  2 made a half hearted attempt at the Controlled Descent Jerk Shad, basically a grab the tail but not eat it.  No buzzbait, swim jig, or crankbait bites, they just were not having any of it.  At 4:00 I finally called no mas.  That is the day in a nut shell.

The lake will be going through the same pattern for the 3rd time in the last month.  Cold rain dropping temps and mudding thing up.  It will be another week, without rain, for it to settle back down again.  Unfortunately there is more rain coming, followed by a cold front.  So time to put the lake to bed for a while.  It just is not worth the effort right now.

Tomorrow it will be off to POC.  The wind might get up to 20mph but an early start will have me across the bay before it gets cranking.  Then the wind should be at my back as I wade places on the island, and with clouds who knows, the day has potential but you never know.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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How in the Sam Hell does a retired guy have so much to do today that he does not go fishing?  Seriously.  And how in the world did we get all the “stuff” done while we were working?  But my AGM batteries finally came in so I had to take out the others and then head to the store, get the new ones, and put them back in.  And a shout out to the Interstate Battery store here in Victoria.  Since they did not have them in stock they let me have a pair of wet cell to get me through the couple of weeks until the AGM’s came in.  Great customer service.  The reason I finally went there is they are a battery store and this is their battery so if there is a warranty issue it is easy to address.  Now the question – Will they last longer than the 3 year full replacement warranty?  They will get a real workout and only time will tell.

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

It was nice to join my buddy Todd and his family and a few of the Austin Boys for their annual Fishmas.  Some of the Austin Boys were there and we gorged on a great fish fry, and maybe a few adult beverages.  (We had a great time in cold and windy Austin!)  And it gave me a chance to visit Cabela’s to get a re-arming kit for my self inflating life jacket.  I fish by myself often and as I get older I wear it more and more, always attached to the kill switch.  Having a pontoon boat on my head at one point in my life reminds me it can, and did, happen in the blink of an eye.  So if you do not want to wear it for you, wear it for those that love you.

 This was  on my head and when it hit me in the nose it hurt.  And there are the 2 life jackets that saved my life.

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

I thought it was interesting that when I fished Wednesday and Thursday there was one common denominator, everyone out there, which was only 3 boats at most, was old.  Mr Crappie 1 and 2 were out, (They are both in their 80’s.) and when I got to the ramp that evening the only other boat on the lake was taking out and it was a couple of old guys.  And Thursday the only guy I saw fishing, and chatted with at the ramp, was older than dirt.  Old guys rule – or more relevant, it is great to be retired.

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

Not may alligators out with this weather but I did have a pretty cool close encounter Thursday.  As my buzzbait plopped along out of a big grassy area a huge wake came charging out, apparently until it saw the boat.  Gators must think it is a duck, if I was guessing.  And they also like the frog, and I have had many smaller ones follow it to the boat.  Thank goodness I have never hooked one, but now that I have said that it will probably happen any time now.

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

If you are a snapper fisherman TPWD is taking public comments on setting seasons for 2019.  So put in your 2 cents worth if you are a snapper jerker.  All I know about it is from watching fishing shows, and one thing that has become abundantly clear, the snapper are back big time.  In fact some guides in the Gulf say some of the reefs are covered up and they do not catch other species that used to be there.  So it never hurts to check on their website to see what is in the works that affect all of us.  Plus they work for you, no matter how often they might forget, so if you do not express your opinion how would they know.

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Big Brother is Watching

And remember when I advised folks to quit flashing the money on Facebook.  On this month’s TPWD Warder encounters report 2 folks who were caught after posting on Facebook and Snap Chat.  Trust me folks, Wardens are watching the social media sites.  The next issue that might come up is folks with huge stringers on their back.  They might just be bragging pictures, or you just might get a visit from the warden.  So think before you hit post.  As I said before, the internet is a dangerous place.

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

A Rant – Totally off topic.

Since we left Fort Worth apparently my phone number is being shared by lots of folks to secure electricity from various online companies, at least 5 different times involving multiple companies.  Then they skip out on the bill.  It has been ongoing and has taken some time to correct.  One company alone had 4 different accounts all with my number, which lead to the ugly we are going to ruin your credit type messages.  Think about it, the company has 4 different residential accounts at 4 different addresses with my number and they don’t find that funny?  But after complaints to the BBB and the Attorney General’s Office they have seen the light.  Most of it has been cleared up, I don’t give up on shit like that.  Then today I get an email saying the “Grace” should reply and her electric would be turned on today.  So I got to the company right away and they canceled them, and will be sending me a fraud report and a police report that I will fill out and send back.   One thing I learned representing criminals – Once a thief always a thief.  Maybe they will catch this piece of crap.

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

After getting it all done, actually was pretty efficient today, it will be back on the water tomorrow.  The plan is the lake tomorrow and POC Wednesday.  With Wednesday forecast to be cloudy and warm, along with a falling tide all morning, it has real potential.  And with some new Controlled Descent pearl Jerk Shads they will get a work out both days.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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Weather

71/64.  Considerable cloudiness with 50% of occasional showers.  Wind SSE  10 – 15mph.

Lake Level

Today  98.16 msl.  Yesterday  98.16 msl.

Solunar Times

Best 9:11 am to 11:11 am.

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

Listen to the Fish!

This was one of those days I wait for all year.  Cloudy, off and on drizzle, light wind, water clearing fast, what more could a guy want.  It was 7:30 when I made my first cast.  The Bang O Lure was already on, and in the first little cove, 4, the next 6.  And the day went on from there.  Nothing big but they sure were willing.

They were eating the Bang O Lure.

Stayinig with the Bang O Lure, they kept biting so I kept throwing.  Most were small and came twitching it on top, or right below the surface.  As I exited a cove I made a cast right on the point, twitched it some, and then reeled it back to make another cast.  A really big fish followed it and blew up all over it at the boat and missed by a mile.  So hey, I didn’t just fall off the pumpkin truck, so I started twitching it about 1/3rd of the way back, and then just started reeling it.  And when they stopped it there was no doubt.  So I messed around with that a while and kept catching them but not the one I was looking for.  I finally headed way up lake.

There is a really flat point with grass on it and I worked one side of it with the Bang O Lure without a bite, and I knew they were there.  So I put down the power pole and grabbed another rod and picked up a buzzbait.  And caught one right off the bat.  Then another, and before I left to go back down lake caught another 5 or 6.  Then it was back down to fish the clear water.

They were barely pulling it under, you had to be quick.

So now I am in heaven.  Want to catch them on towater?  Go ahead.  Throw the buzzbait until your arm falls off?  Ok, I will.  For the rest of the afternoon I kept after it and they were on some really shallow stuff.  The buzzbait fish were bigger, but not as many bites.  But the couple above did blow up on it.  And then a funny thing happened.  It was around 3:00, I had kept the trolling motor on covering the miles hoping for a big fish, then nothing.  From then until I quit at 4:00 not another bite.  Wish I had started on the buzzbait earlier, but no complaints.  The fish told me what to do and so I kept doing it, always a good plan.  Just no big fish.

But I give the day a B+.  While I did not boat that big one, catching well over 30 on topwater and buzzbait, my 2 favorite baits, is my kind of day.  They basically bit for 8 hours almost everywhere I fished.  I still have no idea what the difference is from one cove to another, other than a big shallow side with cover and brush.   I never did throw the Jerk Shad today, they were eating and I was not looking a gift fish in the mouth.  But it would  have caught them right along.   And once I got on the buzzbait I basically threw my arm off.  Coleto is a good buzzbait lake, and with water temps in the mid 60’s it only made sense.  It was fun and this is my kind of weather.

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

When I got this question I had to really think about it.

I fish coleto about 3 to 4 times a year and have had some pretty good success i was wondering if you had any info on were i could wade or bank fish for speckled trout near Victoria. Thanks Gage

First would be the Indianola Marina area.  And the road runs along the beach leading to the marina and most of it is fishable.  There is another road that has some shore access around a back water, but seems to be strictly a redfish area.  The marina charges $5 I think, but you can fish quite a bit of shoreline near the campers, and of course the dock.  And the time to do that is now.  The big, and I mean hoss big black drum, will be caught this month, many at night.  Up to 50lbs which is a real fish.  Maybe an outgoing tide is better, but that is a guess, and crab is the preferred bait.  And a few big reds get added to the mix.  And occasionally they catch trout off the dock, though not as regular.

Other places are POC at the end of the road, people park there and wade.  And off Hwy 35 towards Rockport, the Aransas Wildlife Refuge road, o past Austwell, there is an old resort on the left,  sorry can’t remember the name.  You drive in to it and there is a little park at the end of the road.  Actually talked to a guy who was wading, and he catches fish.  And since it is pretty shallow there is lots of area to wade.

And last would be Olivia, off Hwy 35 right past the big plant at Port Comfort.  There is a park and several places you can drive to and fish off the bank.  And now that I think about it as you get to the end of the road some folks go off to the left somewhere, and wade out in the back end of that pocket.

That is about the size of it, but it is a start.  Most of the bank areas a popping cork is always a good choice, as you can toss it a mile.  So take a drive and scope them out and good luck.  Let us know if you catch a few.

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

And SA Joe had this question, I just do not know the answer.

Me again. Joe in San Antonio. You remember a story a little back that TPWD was having a big bass hatchery on someones private land and being fed prawns to beef them up.

The ranch charged alot of money to have people fish the other “ponds” but not the big bass ponds. Have you heard any more about them?.

Also do you think a group that gets injured vets “Heroes on the Water” onto kayaks and to fish would be able to have them fish those ponds? Give them a thrill to catch 8+ bass…

I don’t have a clue, but it never hurts to ask.  They and TWPD got it together and came up with a great plan that benefits us all.  In fact some of those fish were stocked in Falcon Lake.  Here is the link.  The worst they can say is no.  Good Luck.

http://www.laperlaranchresort.com/fishing1.html

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I knew they would bite and if I had got on the buzzbait earlier I might have boated the big one, less bites but a better average.  So the problem?  The weather forecast.  They are talking big rain, flooding, all kinds of mayhem.  It is the last thing the lake needs right now.  It has finally straightened out some and a big rise and mud will ruin it.  But if it is not to bad it should remain consistent.  And I will be looking for the exact same weather for a serious wading run.  These are the days fish bite, and I am grateful my life has worked out that I get to take advantage of it.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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It will be good to be back on the water tomorrow.  I decided to fish the lake and see how the fishing is.  If it is ok then it will be back on Thursday hoping to have that epic pre-frontal big fish day.  There is a method to my madness.  If it sucks then it will be a no brainer back to the bay or river, that choice will be dictated by the wind.  That is what I love about fishing this time of year, somebody is biting somewhere, you just have to make the right choice.  Not saying I always make the right choice, heck I suck some days just like everyone else, except that one dude who somehow never has a bad day, ask him.   But occasionally I do get it right, so let the weeks fishing begin.

Weather

63/50.  Partly cloudy with 0% chance of rain.  Wind  ENE 5 – 10 mph.

Lake Level

Today  98.18 msl.  Week ago  98.20 msl.

Solunar Times

Best  8:25 am to 10:25 am.  (Only relevant time but we shall see as the day heats up.)

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

Well it went about like I thought, and I am literally deciding where to go tomorrow as I type this.  The water temp is basically 61 – 64 degrees over the whole lake.  Up lake is clearing some and the rest of the lake is still slowly clearing.  First up was a cove they have stayed in the last couple of days, dropped the power pole to start rigging a Jerk Shad, and dang it.  The Controlled Descent pearl Jerk Shad box was not in the boat.  I look everywhere and finally it dawns on me, it is in the salt stuff from the Lavaca last week.  Having to much crap has its moments.   So must be time for the Bang O Lure.

2 best of the 10 or so.

Today the definitely wanted the Bang O Lure under the surface, which really makes it hard with the water color like it is.  I managed to miss the first 3 when I could not see them.  Before the day was out I got with the program some and started catching most of them.  They wanted it twitched pretty good and then pulled under about a foot.  They were still a little tough to see, and half I never did see.  It takes extra concentration on the Bang O Lure right now.

2 important things on fishing the Bang O Lure.  First, if you see a boil, or disturbance in the force, and they do not have it, let it pop up and then sweep it under.  Amazing how many will eat when you do that.  Second, if they flat miss it, toss right back in there and feed them how they want it, on top or under the surface.  Of all the lures over the years it is by far the best throw back lure I have ever used.

The best places continue to be the coves.  And once in the cove the calm side is clearly better.  That has stayed consistent.  They are shallow, at least the ones I am catching.  Today I threw spinnerbait some, which is just not working.  And none were interested in a senko style plastic pitched to wood.  Same results with a white swim jig.  Though several the last few trips have come out of wood, it really is more of a grass, shoreline bush pattern, than stumps or logs.

Fishing is about like it has been.  It did not help today that there was really no water warming, and about 4:00 it was over, unlike the other day they bit later as it warmed.   The air temp never did warm up much today.  With tomorrow hitting 70 degrees, and a good chance of rain the lake has potential.  And it sure would have helped if I would have had the Jerk Shad.  A much better bait in this color water right now, easier for me and the fish to see.  So I have just talked myself into hitting the lake again.  I am gonna catch a big one tomorrow!

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

I get very irritated when folks criticize others who are engaging in a legal activity in a legal way.  If you don’t like it change the rules but otherwise keep your trap shut.  They have done nothing wrong.  And the new marlin story online is a perfect example.

A boat recently caught a huge black marlin off Australia, well over 1400lbs!  As sadly happens sometimes they die during the fight and this one did.  No one wants this to happen.  Some folks are bitchin’ about it but it shows their true lack of knowledge about the sport.  Fishing and hunting is better now than it has ever been thanks to sportsmen toting the note.  Change takes time and marlin fishing is a perfect example, it is evolving  into catch and release world wide.  Fish are tagged and tracked adding to the knowledge and conservation of the fish.  Without those efforts, and fisherman dollars, nothing would be learned.  No individual or organization has done more for the fish than the participants.  So if it bothers you then work towards changing the rules, or start giving to research if the rare loss of a fish likes this bothers you.  But these guys did nothing wrong and deserve no criticism.  In fact, congrats guys, the fish of a lifetime.  If I was that lucky I just might retire to the rocking chair!

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A quick word on fish photos on the blog for some of the new readers.  99%+ of all the fish caught are released and a few are photo’d then released immediately.  Unless they are headed to the pan they do not get laid on a dirty board, put on a scale, or handled by the body if at all possible.  A quick photo usually takes about 20 seconds and back in they go.  So that is why there are only selfies.  Catch and release works, and the less they are handled the better.

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The weather dude is about to get on my “list.”  He is now talking rain, rain, and more rain, maybe up to 6″ in some areas.  That is playing a part in the decision to fish the lake tomorrow.  If it gets another muddy rise that will about knock it in the head for another month.  So I am signing off now, and getting the deer sausage out of the over and let the feast begin.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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After a fun long weekend in New Orleans it is back to real life.  We had a good time with our friends Chris and Jamie and of course we ate ourselves blue.  And on the way home our buddy Chris had heard about this Cajun Supermarket in Scott Louisiana and wanted to stop and get some Cajun stuff, and we loaded the cooler and another insulated bag.  After eating the bacon wrapped duck breasts last night we should have taken another cooler!  We are really looking forward to eating the other stuff we bought including the marinated rabbit on tonight’s menu.  So if you ever head that way stop, trust me, it is good stuff, be sure to bring your wallet.  The name of the store is The Best Stop Supermarket, and they are not kidding.

www.beststopinscott.com

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I missed the Austin Boys this weekend but here are a few of the pics.  They did struggle some, but as usual a good time was had by all.  And it does not take the dead fish pile picture to define a great fishing trip.  And apparently Roe’s etouffee was off the chain.  The boy can cook.

I think cell phones should be banned while operating a motor vehicle.  And from the pic above maybe from the boat!  The boys fish hard, play hard, and I will not miss next year, already blocked off the 3 weekends next year where when it is generally held.

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The real reason I wrote today is articles in our local paper, The Victoria Advocate.  There are 2 major developments, literally, in Port O’Connor.  Major changes may be coming, and the folks who are proposing them both have the ability to get it done.  One promises to make POC fishing trips easier by building a gated community with a new marina.  Now not quite sure how it will make fishing “easier” for the average Joe, wet slips at $500 a month and a boat barn at $300 a month.  The average Joe needs another public ramp and parking so he can afford to launch his jon boat.  And adding a huge development to the POC sewer situation is going to work how?  (If you know about that they have continued problems with sewer backing up into the houses.  Yuk!)   So go to the paper and read the articles and decide how you feel, but sorry, nothing I read will make fishing easier for the regular folks like us.  But if you are rich things are looking up.

https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/

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Why I Love Fall Fishing.

According to the weather dude we have a major multi day rain event coming in on Friday sometime.  With it will be a big low pressure moving in to dominate, and that usually means one thing, the fish go off.  So today I will be getting the honey do list done after being gone, and then the next 2, and maybe 3 depending on Fridays weather, will be on the water.

This time of year the pattern is usually cold front, then the slow warming and the high pressure then moving off.  As it does the next front, hopefully a big low, moves in with clouds and precipitation and the cycle repeats itself.  Timing becomes everything.  The last day or two as the front comes following the warming trend with the clouds the fish bite, and these are the potential epic days.  It tends to be the same fresh or salt, and the key to real success is being on the water if you can when those special days happen.  Thursday should be exactly that, and some of Friday weather permitting.  Makes me giddy thinking about it.

********************* 

I am off to the store and errands, then in the tackle room to get ready for a stretch of what I hope will be some serious catching.  It does take a little prep to keep 2 different sets of tackle and equipment organized.  One thing is certain, not using the freshwater reels in the salt sure lengthens their life.  No decision on where yet, that will be determined by conditions, but I am getting big trout twitchy!  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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Good luck to the boys at POC for Fishmas, tear them up.  Sorry I missed you.

Weather

79/64.  Partly cloudy with a 20% chance of random showers.  Wind S 10 – 20.

Tides

High   2:34 AM     1.0       Low   4:19 PM     0.2

Solunar Times

Best 4:19PM – 6:19PM   Good 10:05AM – 12:05PM

*******************Try one on a popping cork!

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Love Me Some Lavaca River – Thanks Ken.

The other day I made this comment on why I have not been hitting the salt hard right now – “What’s the point?”  It was no diss on saltwater fishermen or salty fish, but other than eating some occasionally, like today, catching a bunch of trout gets pointless.  And that is the result of how crazy good it is right now.  But today keepers were on the menu!  And with that said I met my buddy Ken at the ramp at 7:00, we loaded up and headed to “the place.”

Ken with the only keeper redfish.

Winds were light, water temp 58, and the color was great.  So no screwing around today it was straight to the bank I caught them on the other day, and they were so there.  From the minute we started, until we quit at 2:00, (We thought it was 3:00) it was bite after bite.  Popping cork, plastics, double rig, I even caught one on a corky for the hell of it.  (Ken, when I got in the truck and headed out my clock said 2:00 something.  Forget to reset the clock on the fancy locator?)

We caught some nice fat trout.

Ken was on his way to POC for Fishmas with the Austin Boys and the last few years he has been coming the day before specifically to fish the Lavaca.  And when he volunteered to haul me around I was all about it.  I appreciate the occasional ride with other folks.  At the first bank Ken was throwing a couple of baits and I was throwing popping cork with a cheap shrimp looking thing, it was still on from last time.  I started catching them immediately and it went like that for a little and we both got the same message.  The critical thing, just like last trip, any bait was fine, as long as it was white.  Since the Boss ordered a fish fry for tonight, and Ken was wanting a limit, we ended up sacking his 5 and my 3 who are going to be in the pan as soon as I hit publish.  And Ken had the one redfish thrown in.  So a good start to his trip with 3 days to go.

Doubling up!

Ken had seen the Controlled Descent video on using the double rig for flounder.  So he made up a couple, and though he did not catch a flounder, he did double up a couple of times.  Which is a comment on how good it was.  The thought of using a double bait on the popping cork is scary.  It would be something.  We only fished 3 areas and they were on all of them.  One of those river days when all you had to do was keep it in the water.

We did boat several rat reds but only that one keeper.  And we had to wade through a ton of small trout.  No drum, no flounder, no snook, no problem!  This was one of those days where conditions were perfect: a slowly falling tide, light winds, drizzle, a day that has fish written all over it.  I don’t care what body of water you are on, or what species you are fishing for, it does not get any better than that.  In fact on the way back from the river the little devil on my shoulder kept repeating -“It’s only 2:00, go to the lake!”  Since this is the 4th fishing day I came to my senses, but writing this now I wish I had.

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This is my favorite time of year for lots of reasons, and the last few weeks is why.  Bay and fresh are good, crowds are down, and the weather is fine,  (You can always get warm in the winter but it is so hard to get cool fishing in the summer.)  As a perfect example yesterday.  Second one to the ramp and it was late, and last one to leave.  I only saw one boat all day.  But pigs, deer, Ospreys, and the 3 eagles all make the day on the water what it is.  I appreciate every one of them, and catching a bunch of fish is just the icing on the cake.

4 days in a row and the results were great.  Sticking with it at the lake finally came through, if I was not at the river I would have been there.  And finishing the week whacking the trout made the week.  Next week will be much the same as the time to fish is now, and I am going to keep after it.  And while I might not be the best trout fisherman on my block it is time to chase a big one.  When I threw the corky today I realized I have never caught a big trout on a corky.  Time to man up and give it a real go, which in my case means leaving all the plastics at the house.  Today would have been a perfect day to do just that, and the bass, and the river, and…………….  So many things to do, so little time.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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TUESDAY

Weather

64/46.  Intervals of clouds and sun with a 0% chance of rain.  Wind light and variable.

Lake Level

Today  98.20 msl.  Yesterday  98.23 msl.

Solunar Times

Good  8:02 to 10:02 am.  Best  2:17 to 4:17 pm.

*******************Try one on a popping cork!

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

Coleto  Tuesday

Instead of doing two reports I have condensed them to one.  I started about 9:30 Tuesday after one cold night.  The water temps are still in the 63 – 67 degree range and there was not significant clearing from the day before.  In fact the plant arm is actually quite a bit off color compared to what it has been.  And way up lake it is still muddy, and you can see that the lake is barely inching down.  I can honestly say I expected better today.  Now don’t get me wrong, I did catch 13 today, but here is a perfect example.

All except 1 came on the Controlled Descent Jerk Shad in pearl.  But as far as a definitive pattern there does not seem to be one.  I actually caught one here and there and never did find the “place.”  Clearly the bite improves during the day and it just might have been one of those right place, wrong time deals, or the other way around day.  And other than one on the Bang O Lure I could not get them to bite a spinnerbait or crankbait.  But they are still in the bushes, and the ones that do bite are all over it.  So while small, put it next to the right bush and they jump all over it.  Funny how aggressive they are, but the question is why the big fish have not shown their face.  Several did bite off the bank, but near cover, which may be a good sign, we shall see tomorrow.

Clearly the loss of the grass has affected the fishing over the last 4 years.  I have been wondering lately if the loss of the grass really is just a loss of shallow cover, which has reduced access to the bigger fish.  But looking back at pictures from the last 7 years there has been a significant reduction in big fish, and I mean the 7lb plus.  But there are sure plenty of small fish.   So the question is whether the big fish are just not there in the numbers they were before, or if it is just not fishing where “they” are, or is it simply the natural fluctuation lakes go through. Only time will tell.  And since I will be fishing with my buddy Ken on the Lavaca Thursday I will take on more day on the lake and see if I can do just a little bit better.  The good ones are coming, or hope springs eternal.  It was a beautiful day and I can honestly say that I am happiest slinging lures to cover.  Seeing a bass roll up and watching the Jerk Shad disappear is a thing of beauty.  (Especially right now when the bay fishing is so good it just seems pointless.  So you caught a big mess right now, so can everyone else.  Kind of a what’s the point deal.  Big talk, we shall see Thursday.)

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Weather

73/62.  Partly cloudy with a 10% chance of rain.  Wind S 10 -20 mph.

Lake Level

Today  98.19 msl.   Yesterday   98.23 msl.

Solunar Times

Good  8:55 am to 10:55 am.  Best  3:10 pm to 5:10 pm.

THE FISHING IMPROVES – WEDNESDAY

Again I waited until around 10:00 to get on the water.  Always when we are post cold front in the winter it is slow in the morning, and then with warming it tends to get better, with the best bite in the afternoon.  And today was no different.

Why I go!

I know it might sound like a broken record, but the Bang O Lure catches big fish on Coleto in the winter.  And when one this size eats it in a foot of water it is a thing of beauty, and this one exploded on it!  I started off with the Controlled Descent Jerk Shad in pearl, and like they have for the last 2 weeks it caught fish, until the better ones moved late.  So while it was working I knew as it got later that the Bang O Lure was the ticket.

They are still shallow, and coves seem to be a little better than main lake.  But they are definitely not in all of them.  I fished from up lake to down, and down was better, but……the first place I fished up lake I caught 2 and missed a couple.  The problem, the wind started blowing almost 20 around noon and it did not let up all afternoon.  It was definitely an improvement up lake, and if conditions were a little different it might have been good.  It was just to tough with the wind.  But the water definitely has cleared some up lake, thank goodness.

More of this size are finally showing up.

The warmest water I found was 68 and other than a big gator, nothing there.  So it was as it has been, hunt and peck.  It is tough to see anything to far under the water, and not being able to see them trailing is a problem.  What makes the Bang O Lure so awesome is coaxing those big ones to eat it under the surface.  But I stuck with it and finally caught the big one above.  Before the day was over I put 17, give or take a couple, in the boat.  About 50% walking the dog under the surface with the Jerk Shad, the rest on the Bang O Lure.  They wanted it jerked right along, none of that jerk stop thing with the Bang O Lure, or the Jerk Shad, they wanted it moving.  I did catch one pulling it way under, but it was just to off color to fish it that way.  And almost all of the fish came close to cover.

I did break off the first one this morning.  There was a stump close to the bank and I walked the Jerk Shad right by it with no bite.  So I tossed it to the other side and once past it let it sink.  The next thing I know my line is headed the other way.  I jerk and the line just parts.  No matte how many times I tell myself to re-tie every rod each morning I still forget, and it cost me.

But over all a good day.  The big fish came late, which is very consistent with what I have seen over the years on Coleto.  I have caught a lot of big fish as the sun is setting in the winter, and today was a perfect example.  As long as it stays warm the fishing will continue to improve.  As soon as we have another cold front, Monday, the cycle will start all over again.  So that is why I kept after it 3 days this week.  I knew it was coming and it did.

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This will be my 1030th post, that is a lot of posts.  My dogged pursuit of bass right now, and my perseverance on the blog, say nothing more than I am persistent.  But I keep on keeping on, but when it comes together there is nothing better.  And every day on the water is a “free” day, it keeps me moving with a purpose.  Fishing is, and has been, my whole life, with the rest of normal “life” tossed in.  And to those of you who have been here since the beginning a big thanks.  Without your feedback I would have given up on this a long time ago.  So whenever you have a comment or suggestion lets hear it, makes this whole thing a lot better.

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

This is my time of year.  It will be fishing, and more fishing.  There are certain times of the year to catch big bass, and this is one of them.  And the redfishing will continue to be off the chain with a chance to bust a big trout while you are at it.  I intend to get after it next week.  We just need it to not rain anymore right now.  Let the lake clear. and then even a cold stretch does not hurt them as bad.  Bass do not like muddy water when it is cold.  Tomorrow my buddy Ken is going to take me on the Lavaca River so it will be back to the salt, and hopefully a butt kicking to start off his weekend right.  He is camping tonight, then after we fish he will be headed to POC for Fishmas.  Unfortunately this year I scheduled something this weekend, brain fart, so I will miss the boys.  Dang it.  By the same token a little time in the Big Easy with friends this weekend will be just dandy.  Eat, drink, and be merry.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Brought to you by

**For a super deal on your Wade Right use promo code FCT15 and get 15% off on your online order!**

Before I get to the selfish stuff I wanted to put a plug in for Living Reel Salty Tackle & Bait, I stopped there this weekend just to say hello.  They are in Portland outside of Corpus and I love what I have seen following them on Facebook.  They have held kids tournaments, kayak tourneys, and shore bound tournaments.  And folks catch some nice fish right by the store.  This is no high falutin store where if you are not one of the “crowd” you are an afterthought.  Tim the owner has just put up a Christmas tree and folks are putting fishing stuff and toys under it for him to give out to his less fortunate customer’s kids.  We put a kids rod and reel under the tree and just maybe some kid who does not have it like the rest of us will find a new hobby.  Way before fancy boats, guiding, trips to great places around the world, I was just a little kid on a bike with my Zebco.

https://www.facebook.com/tim.bradfield.16?__tn__=%2CdC-R-R&eid=ARAHmM9K63l3zZHn-xszVRxay0PdLcO-A7L9IMo3IwAmAkVaElzArNrzAbF8M9wq2usHt-5c9Fh_42T_&hc_ref=ARTcYsjMyNv8nlZA6oAo6WjDe9_SJKyKoRA8wpB6wXVXAldksQZ0aV75_aSYdmwoxrg&fref=n

These are good folks doing a good thing.  Check them out on Facebook and if you make it to the Corpus area this month stop in and bring some toys, or fishing stuff.  It will be appreciated more than you ever know when some kids who doesn’t have squat opens up a present he never would have gotten.  Thanks to Living Reel Salty.

Weather

59/36.  Partly cloudy with 0% chance of rain.  Wind  N 10 – 20

Lake Level

Today  98.23 msl.   Friday    98.23 msl.

Solunar Times

Good 6:45 am to 8:45 am.  Best  1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

*******************Try one on a popping cork!

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

The fishing was exactly like I thought it would be, sort of, it is the first day post cold front.  The water temp at the ramp was 63, 61 way up lake, and 65 in one place.  More on that later.  I still do not like the color, we need some stable days with no wind to settle that.  When I got to the ramp at 10:00 if was blowing a really cold 20 out of the NW and there was that mile high post front sky.  Everything pointed to it being tough, and it was.  It did not help that I threw my back out putting on my wind breaker pants.  I am sure it looked crazy with me stuck not able to get them off or on, hopping around, and trying to open the car door to sit down and going owwwwww.  Oh well, off I went.

Forgot the camera, not bad for a flip phone.

To make a long story short I boated one out of 5 bites in a 5 minute stretch.  And that was it, before then, 3 hours without a bite.  Both up lake and down, neither produced a bite.  It was blowing around every nook and cranny which eliminated lots of areas, but I finally found a place out of the wind and in the sun.  The air temp was probably 10 degrees warmer and I finally got a bite in the warmest water I found all day.

In about 50 yards I had 5 great bites on the Controlled Descent Paddle Shad in pearl and I only managed to stick one.  Most my fault.  One of the bites I missed was a real good one, and 4 of the 5 bites came out of an isolated green bush a little out from the bank.  Having evening plans I called it a day at 2:30, actually happy with the results.  Tomorrow looks good so will be headed back to the lake with a good pattern.  Calm sun, warming water, clear as possible, grass and green stuff off the bank, a light breeze, and tomorrow has real potential.

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Our resident Fayette guru Rusty got to take his grandson on Garcitas where he caught his first redfish.  After watching Rusty catch a 22″ he wanted to tie a rope around his waist so he wouldn’t get pulled in!  Obviously made an impression.  Lucky I was able to point the way, and Rusty took if from there.  I love hearing about things like this when I share information, it keeps me writing.   Colton is 7 years old and who knows, it might be a defining moment in his life and he just might grow into a real fisherman.  But even if he doesn’t take it up he will always have that memory with his grand dad.  Doesn’t get any better than that.

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I got this really good question from Steve, and I actually have a good answer.

Doug,
I love reading your posts. You are an inspiration to all aspiring fishermen/writers out there-demonstrating that the only way to develop a skill is to just do it.

I have been wondering about something and thought you might be able to shed some light on the subject. You use balsa swimming plugs in freshwater from time to time, but never in the salt. I know the problem with hooks, but with the predominant bait fish being mullet right now, why wouldn’t a Bang-o-lure or Rapala be the bait of choice right now?

Over the weekend, I fished a little from the dock in that development at Port O’Connor that you are not overly fond of and caught a couple dozen trout. Mostly small, but a couple of keepers along with some good size sandies. All of them were full of mullet. Of course I followed your advice and used white swim baits with 1/8 oz heads.

I am not complaining, but wonder “what if” is always part of the equations. Anyway, keep doing what you are doing and thanks for doing it so well.

I can not tell you how much I enjoy a good fishing question.  First and foremost, the Bang O Lure will catch trout, in fact lots of them.  And it, along with the Bang O Lure Twin Spin,  which is their prop bait, catch the heck out of snook.  I caught my first snook, got spooled twice till I learned my lesson, and lots of trout jerking the Bang O Lure in Florida.  The water was super clear and you could see it coming back, working it erratically, and there would be trout behind it, more than I would have ever thought.  And jerk it just right and you could trick them when they were following it like that.  So what is the problem?  I do not own the factory.

Unfortunately most of the fish in the salt either have teeth or pull your arm off.  (And the foil.) The result, you will go through any companies balsa minnow baits really quickly.  Same with Rapala.  Get a hole or two punched in them and keep fishing all day, they get wet, and that flash and roll which only balsa can give you dulls.  And then the foil starts to come off and it changes the aerodynamics.  (Which I am sure is not the proper word, but you get the point.)  And if you think about it you really do not see balsa used in jerk baits.  My experience is the fish love that light quiver, the quick flash, the rolling it does as you jerk it forward, and once weight is added it loses that special “thing”.   In the past I tried using the weight dots or light solder wire to get it deeper but it just destroys the action.

I first started using it after seeing Bill Dance wading in backwaters on Lake Seminole and crushing huge largemouth.  From that day foreward, which would be 40 years now I have thrown it anywhere the water is clear.  And doing that in the highland lakes of Arkansas, and the clear waters of Florida, I have been fortunate enough to really observe how the fish react to it.  Seeing a 7lb bass roll up out of nowhere and eat it is one of the visually great bites.   Baits have come and gone, effectiveness changes with the seasons, but one thing is a constant, the Bang O Lure catches fish.

And nice job on the POC trout.  Nothing like this time of year.  Once you find them you sure can catch them.  And with them on the mullet feed bag makes sense how many big fish are caught every winter on corky style baits.  So thanks for the question, the answer might have been a little long but as usual, don’t get me started on the Bang O Lure.  (And it will get a work out tomorrow along with the Controlled Descent Jerk Shad.

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Will give it a little tomorrow morning before heading to the lake, letting it warm some, then try to duplicate exactly what I outlined above.  With lighter winds many more places should have exactly what I need, and just maybe one of them will hold the mother lode.  That anticipation is what keeps us fishing.  And with the Lavaca on Thursday, and maybe POC Wednesday, it will be a busy week on the water.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Brought to you by

**For a super deal on your Wade Right use promo code FCT15 and get 15% off on your online order!**

I not only do not have any preconceived notions about how the fishing on the lake will go tomorrow, I do not have a clue.  It will be interesting to see how things have settled down after several big cold fronts and added water color from the continuous high north winds and cold rain.  But I have smacked them pretty good on the salt the last 5 trips so time to hit the lake.  Hey it may suck, and if it does it will be back to the bay next week.  (Though I am headed there anyway, the fishing is just to good on the salt.  The old saying” Never leave fish to find fish”.)  I just have a hard time not knowing what is going on at the lake.

Weather

74/48.  Cloudy early with a 20% of scattered showers then clearing skies later.  Wind  WNW 10 – 15mph.

Solunar Times

Best  9:51 am to 11:51 am.

Lake Levels

Today  98.23 msl.  9 days ago  98.28 msl.  (It has been fairly stable the last month.)

*******************Try one on a popping cork!

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

Here is what is going on at the lake.  A not a bit more……………….

The first one, and the last one, with 4 other smalls.  It was tough.

It was cloudy and did a little drizzling right off the bat.  The water color still sucks over most of the lake.  The temp is basically between 62 and 64 degrees and I found one place where it was 66.  First up was the one place that has been consistent even when it was tough.

On the 2cnd or 3rd cast the first one above smoked the Bang o Lure.  One of those as soon as it hit in less than a foot of water right in the slop.  Now that should be a good thing, but I got a little fooled, at least I thought so.  Keeping with it exclusively for the next hour and only one other made a half hearted pass.  The next place was a small deep cove, and the first one jumped on the Controlled Descent pearl Jerk Shad, which is what was putting the hurt on them before the new cold water.

From that point on I kept working my way up lake.  At least way up there the water temp was 63, a good start.  The best areas, if you can call it that, was in the coves.  Each one I went in at least produced a bite, but like what happened first thing on the Bang o Lure, I would catch one on the Jerk Shad, but then no bites for a long time.  Then back to the Bang o Lure, same result. But I sure do love them eating the Bang o Lure, to bad it was a little tough to see your bait today.  It finally dawned on me, both baits work, that is just how slow the fishing was!

And I got a little confirmation on that when a guy in a nice bass boat idled over and asked if it was me.  He reads the blog to keep up with lake conditions, which is why I try to include most of them in each report.  He is here camping for the weekend and is just not catching anything.  I tried to help, showed him what I was using, and sent him to a bank that has some on it.  I hoped to see him later but I must have missed him.  Sorry I did not get your name, so please when you read this send me a comment so I have a way to contact you.  He tournament fishes and fishes Sam Rayburn  (On my bucket list.)  and offered to fish with me.  I appreciate the offer and if I come that way I will stay on the lake several days so if we can work something out, just a little showing me around on day 1 would be great.

It was just a grind, but a pleasant grind, but it looks like we  are in the exact same pattern as the last round.  Got muddied up, temp dropped, and this time is the same.  It started back last month with smalls, and each day it got better.  With a nice warm west wind today, it was 61 degrees when I left the house at 7:00 – 76 degrees when I quit at 2:00, a real improvement.  Add some good sun today,  and with the warm temps and moderate winds the next couple of days it should improve a ton.  Monday will have a front and it just might be the day.  Besides the fishing there was one interesting happening today, I got stung by a bee.  Freezing 2 days ago, sweating today.  Love that crazy Texas weather.

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And just a note if you like to bow fish tilapia, Coleto is the place.  Just go in any big cove and they are there.  Some of them are freakin’ huge, and with the cool water they are just hanging out and don’t immediately bug out when you get close.  Coleto could use about 10,000 of them taken out, they are everywhere.  Which brings me to a point I want to make.  The Game and Fish departments in many states have done more to change things than any other factor.  Yes boats can transfer plant life, zebra mussels etc., but when it comes down to it the Game and Fish departments shoulder a lot of the blame.  Experiments like tilapia and other exotics was, and is, a bad idea.  Another good example is the grass eating carp, just ask the fishermen in Austin how that worked out for them.

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Thanks to all who sent along a Happy Thanksgiving wishes, I had one.  Just like I generally prefer to fish by myself, I am all about a nice quiet holiday.  Football, a little reading, messing with tackle, and maybe a little snooze, it was all good.  And the Cowboys look like they are getting on a roll.  And nothing like Zeke tossing Dak in the Salvation Army bucket.  Almost ended up hurting them but they are having fun, which could spell trouble for the rest of the division.  And the Hogs are still awful, and I only say that because I can’t think of a better word.  Horrible, pathetic, push overs, not sure there is a better word to describe how this season has gone.

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And I got one of those comments that makes me blush.  (Being the warm and fuzzy guy I am.)

Thanks for all you do to keep me thinking of fishing and learning new tackle to use and your methods. Really appreciate what you’re doing.
Have a great day and. Holiday season.
Ed Soto

No, thank you for reading.  The blog has evolved over the years but I try to stay true to putting it out there.  Today is a perfect example.  I get no joy, though I am laughing as I type this, in reporting 6 for the day that might have made a fish stick.  But you don’t get to show the good stuff, (That is what Facebook if for, bragging when you catch them, and not a peep when you don’t.)  and then not the bad.  If you want a modicum of credibility each day is what it is, and the lures and techniques I use that day, successful or not, are what they are.  And if someone catches another fish or two from reading any of this I am thrilled.  And like the fellow I met today it is nice to know he uses the blog to keep up with lake conditions.  (And I have met lots of folks on the lake who read this so I know they are out there.)  Again thanks for reading and as usual good to hear from you.

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But no complaints with today’s fishing, bass fishing will always be near and dear to my heart. And if the water will just keep clearing the Bang O Lure is going to come around “bigly”.  Winter into early spring on Coleto has put many big fish in the boat on that topwater, and it is one of my favorite bites.  There is something about it that makes a difference.  But best of all, I have fished 3 different places this week, and intend to keep mixing it up.  I get bored at times when the fishing is to good, if that makes some kind of sense.  The bay right now is a perfect example, it is good and I know I can catch them, which takes a little of the fun out of it.   I already have plans to fish with a buddy on the Lavaca Thursday, so it looks like another fishing week. I appreciate all of you who have stuck with me.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Brought to you by

**For a super deal on your Wade Right use promo code FCT15 and get 15% off on your online order!**

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

I hope whatever you do today you have a great day.  I was going to fish but will wait until tomorrow.  In my case it will be a nice quiet day at home with the Boss at work saving lives, popping pimples, and everything in between.  My plan will be to do a little reorganization of the tackle room and of course to watch some football.  A lifetime Bear fan, and a 10 year Cowboy fan, (How is that possible?) football and Thanksgiving have been a part of my life since I was old enough to watch .  Having them both play back to back makes for a great day.  Plus my arms and hands are aching, casting the cork and popping it over and over is work, so a day of rest will do wonders.  Back at it tomorrow.

What a mess!

Things I am thankful for today.

• That the Boss and I are about to hit the 30 year mark.  Everyday is a blessing.
• That she still likes me, I hope!
• That my parents are doing well.
• That my brother Kelly is there always helping them.
• That my great in-laws are doing well.
• That I have been cutting some “dead wood” (Read folks who are a buttheads.) out of my life the last few years, and it sure has been better.  The culling continues.  Life is to short to suffer fools.
• That my daughter, her husband, and my 2 grandkids are doing great.  As I write this they are in Africa with their foundation working with poor children and making their lives better.  Unlike other folks they not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.  You can not believe how little they have and how thankful they are.  Love you guys.
• That I am not on any medicine, and neither of us has any real medical issues, and other than wear and tear we are both doing fine.  (You who are not that old will soon appreciate that when you hit the big 65.)
• That the blog has brought me much joy and let me meet so many great folks that share our love of fishing.  Opinions may differ, our backgrounds may be complete opposites, but our love of fishing binds all of us with a common language.  I love hearing from all of you.
• And as a former Nationally Registered Paramedic I appreciate that there are folks out there, cops, EMTs, fireman, and the military, who sacrifice much to keep us safe and sound.  And a special thanks to the ER Docs, PAs and Nps, and nurses who will wade in it to keep us alive.  While we are all fat and sassy watching football after a big Thanksgiving meal with our families they are on the front lines.  Thanks to you and your family for your sacrifice.  You are not forgotten.
• And thanks to all of you, it has been my pleasure.

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WTF?

I get tons of spam on this site every day.  My favorite was the one I used to get a lot – “You used to be interesting.”  But now I have a new one that comes a couple of times a day and it is epic.  Interesting way to try to sell me something.

What I wouldnt give to have a debate with you about this. You just say so many things that come from nowhere that Im pretty certain Id have a fair shot. Your weblog is fantastic visually, I mean people wont be bored. But others who can see past the videos and the layout wont be so impressed with your generic understanding of this subject..

Any time asshole.  LOL!  This guy no more knows what my blog is about than the man in the moon.  The internet is an interesting and dangerous place.  A perfect example is how some folks comment on Facebook.  If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything.  Guess it make them feel better.

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Redfish Candy!

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And now for a real comment.

Doug, seeing you in your winter gear , I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLSION THAT YOU CAN EVEN CATCH FISH IN THE WATERS AROUND THE NORTH POLE AND THAT WATER IS JUST PURE ICE !!!!!

There are not many people of your caliber who would brave the elements as you do. Hats of to you, brother. What did I do today–nothing but gripe about how much rain of late and all the cold temps.

Boy Howdy keep doin’ what you do and keep us arm chair quarterbacks informed.

Its your True Grit , my friend I am sitting by the fire place on a cold wet night with a Guinness. Who knows, I just may just get up early in the morning and go fishin!!! BAh Humbug !!!!!!!!!!!! Call me a Whimp.

However we are all so blessed to fish in any weather.

I just bet a guy you will fish on Thanksgiving–go get em’ Doug, Mac

Mac has been with me from the beginning.  It is so good to hear from you and that you are up right and taking liquid nourishment.  And sitting by the fire on a cold wet day with a Guinness sounds like heaven to me.  Trust me, at times it has been tough to keep it up and occasionally I just want to sit by the fire and nurse a toddy.  But by the same token the blog has taken me on the water more than I ever would have without it, and I do not regret one day.  (Except those occasional things like throwing a rod in the lake or taking out a loan to fill up the truck and the boat at the gas pumps.)  And this time of year the fishing is a no brainer and the next 6 months are the money shot, no matter the weather.

It is a sight and sounds extravaganza as the geese left the marsh yesterday.  One of those great outdoor moments.

And funny that your comment came today.  As I was riding down river yesterday morning the memories of days like this came flooding back.  Winter fishing, high wind, rain, ice, lining up to blast off in the Bass-A-Thon in the pitch black at 10 degrees in February, done it all.  Coming back in rollers so big I cracked the hull on my bass boat.  Fishing a tournament when it was 20 degrees and wondering why the boat was filling up with water.  Changing a trailer tire along side the interstate out of Tallahassee when it was 110 degrees as the cars are screamed by.  Going on trips where you had to make the best of it just comes with the territory.  It has been all about how bad do you want it.  It made me smile thinking about all of that as I ran along happy as a clam, and today was extra special because I knew I was going to whack them.  And if it warms your heart by the fire I could not be any more humbled.  Thanks for the kind words.

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For some reason I am still getting friend requests faster than I can deal with them.  Many are fishermen/tackle companies/fishing apparel etc.  Everybody is trying to sell something.  One of the rod and reel companies I had to unfriend because they were posting literally all day and night about their stuff.  And while I have no problem with that a few fishing pictures and a little real information would be appreciated.  So from now on I will stick with my “friends”.  I am not trying to sell you anything, other than the occasional line of BS.  But hey, what do you expect, it’s free.

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And I got a note from Michael, the owner of the Controlled Descent Lures, and he gave me a tip.  Next time I use it on the popping cork I will add the floatation to slow the descent even more, and make it hang horizontal.  I sure know one thing, they were eating it today.  And he is still working on the new bait, wish I could tell you about it but I would have to kill ya, so we will just have to wait and see.  But I sure like the concept.  Lures continue to evolve and it is due to young designers like Michael who have a vision.  Old guys like us who started out on “rubber worms”  think we have seen it all when something else comes along to move the needle.  It all adds to our collective fishing tool bag.  Remember lures are nothing more than tools that have their place.  It is up to you how you use them.

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I cooked the Boss her Thanksgiving breakfast before sending her on her way.  They are having a turkey dinner at work, I on the other hand will be having a steak.  And the biggest plan today, sort some fishing stuff, trudge a couple of miles on the treadmill, watch 2 football games, read my book in peace and quiet, and stay in my pajamas all day.  Perfect.   Fishing is back on the menu tomorrow.  And the day would not be complete without a fishing memory.  How about Fayette 2012?

So whatever you do, whoever you do it with, have a great day.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines