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.

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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

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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

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!**

Looking at tomorrow the forecast is a little different than it was a couple of days ago.  So looking at the tides and prime period, along with the potential for rain later in the day, it will be up and gone a little earlier than I have been.  How the fishing will be remains to be seen but you can’t catch them sitting on the couch.

Weather

61/54.  Cloudy with a 60% chance of afternoon showers.  Wind NE 10 – 20 mph.

Tides 

Low  10:00 AM     0.4   High   9:10 PM     1.0.

Solunar Time

8:22 am to 10:22 am.

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

Redfish Candy!

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

WOW!  Love me some Lavaca River!

I have been fishing pretty hard over the last 7 years, half of it in the salt.  Today was one of those days that started off great, and ended great, and the middle was nuts!

My first bite.  That is a nice snook anywhere!

My last bite.  This is all the higher I could lift her.  This was a hoss!

The water temp was 56 degrees, it was cloudy, and if felt like rain as I headed down river.  The water has some color, and basically stayed that way most of the way down.  First up was one of my favorite banks with plastics on a jig head.  Trout was the quarry today so I figured that would be the ticket.  The first bank produced zip, so I moved to my other favorite bank, and again zip.  It was not happening on plastics.

So I moved again, went back to the popping cork, and it was game on.  One just took off the minute it hit and it was the first time in my life I was happy it was not a big trout.  I knew it was big but when she thrashed I thought my eyes were deceiving me, but no, it was a nice snook.  It is the first one I have caught up here, but the fact it was in the river is not surprising.  Snook go to deep water when it gets cold like this, they can not take a freeze, so this one was just where you might expect to find one, if they were common, and they are becoming more common on the middle coast.  But enough of that, it just made my day.

So why am I showing you these two peanuts?  Because I wanted to show you my slam.  Not sure what a redfish, trout, flounder, black drum, snook slam is but I caught one.  I am just gonna call it a “Monster Slam”!

From that point on the  tide was slowly falling and the wind was just right to ease down river keeping a cast length from the bank and popping my cork.  For shits and giggles I used several plastics on the cork, including a Controlled Descent white/limetreuse Paddle Shad.  (See black drum above.)  I definitely learned one thing, any plastic worked, as long as it was white.  I finished the day throwing a cheap fake shrimp plastic and they did not care.

Here are just a few of the trout.  Nothing big, the top 2 first thing, the second couple later in the morning, with a bunch in between. I have no clue how many I caught.  It was trout mania!

From about 9:30 until I quit at noon it was bite after bite.  Rat reds, numbers of trout, the bite was on and I had them down.  I set the plastic about 20″ below the popping cork and threw it right on the bank.  Basically popping it, letting it sit for a count of 4, and popping it again.  Some were right on the bank, some half way back, you had to be sure not to get in a hurry working it.  Some of them smoked it, some barely pulled it under, but they were eating it.  If I were guessing, and I will, I can not think of anytime it was more than 4 or 5 casts without a bite.  It was crazy.

After making a couple of passes with the popping cork I intentionally went back and re-fished it with plastics on jig head, totally without success, not even a bite.  So back up and fished it with the cork and caught another 10.  Not sure why, but I have a history on the Lavaca with the popping cork.  And having the blog and looking back it has happened like this before.  My best guess is they don’t want to chase.  Popping cork is not the glamour bait, but if it is not in your arsenal you are missing out.  I always say let the fish tell you how they want it, or stick to your one trick pony, I bow to the fish.

So what a day, and it was topped off with me laughing my ass off so hard I almost threw up.  It was starting to drizzle, I had caught a ton, so I am putting everything away, putting my coat back on, and grabbed the self inflating life jacket.  I had some trouble getting it over the hood on the jacket so I gave it a jerk, and it inflated!  Are you kidding me?  So now I have this big giant balloon on my back and it was hell getting it off.  Ridiculous.  Wish I had thought to take a picture.  But I can not think of a more fitting way to end the day.

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

When I got back to the ramp I had a guy stopping to check it out and I got to do my favorite thing.  He is going to fish with a friend from Fort Worth next week and I was lucky enough to fill him in.  I get so sick of people lying, hiding what and how they caught fish, and I have never really figured out why they do that.  When he gets to fish next week I hope he kills them.  It gives me great pleasure to help folks and I hope everyone who reads this gets a little bit of help catching more fish.

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

Larry, who I met with Rusty yesterday, dropped me a comment letting me know he is out there.  Nice to meet you too and glad to have a new reader.  And a big thanks to Rusty, he saved me a copy of the article and cover of the AAA magazine when Dan and I were chasing a big one and I got it today.  My pleasure to see you guys and hope it is not that long before we meet again.

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

I did forget to tell you something the other day that I find interesting.  When I kept that red the other day, everything else you see on the blog is CPR’d, he had a small catfish in his belly.  Why interesting?  Because a few years ago I got some plastics in the Bargain Cave at Cabela’s for $1.  They were a goby imitation like they use on the great lakes and it looks just like a little catfish.  I smacked them pretty good that year, and next time I hit the river I will find them in the tackle room, somewhere.

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

So that is it for today.  As I said yesterday there is more fishing to come.  I love being a multi-species guy.  It never gets old to whack some trout and reds, then drag a nice bass out of a tree top.  And maybe a few crappies or catfish for the pan.  Fishing is a big world, so many fish, and so many ways to catch them.  And topping it off with a snook just made my day – year – decade.  One of those memories that will never fade.  That is why we fish, because we never know what might be on the end of the line.  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!**

Initially I figured Garcitas would be up today just based on the wind forecast.  And they got that right.  It was one of those clear cold days with a steady 15mph biting wind out of the north.  It never did warm up and I think I made the right choice based on the wind.  When it blows out to the north the Lavaca can be a pain to fish, but tomorrow I will try to get there a little earlier than I have been.

Weather

64/42.  Partly Cloudy with 0% chance of rain.  Wind  NNE 10 – 20 mph.

Tides

Low   9:35 AM     0.6.       High  11:47 PM  1.0.

Solunar Times

None relevant to today’s trip.

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

Redfish Candy!

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

It was about 10:30 or so when I got to the ramp.  The water may have cleared a little bit from the other day.  While I was unloading the boat a truck pulls up and couple of guys get out.  I figured it was someone wanting to see how the fishing was, and while that was true, it was Rusty, our resident Fayette guru, and his newly retired friend Larry.  They were just driving around checking stuff out when they saw me on the way to the ramp.  More on that in a bit.

They were not as big and plentiful today but still good fishing.

The tide was out, and the water was not moving.  The temp was 57 degrees and down river still has plenty of color.  I headed to where I caught them the other day and let the wind push me down the bank.  Throwing the same plastic shrimp on a popping cork with a 24″ leader was up first.   As I headed down the bank another boat came upriver and started behind me.

The first pass I caught 9 redfish, most rats but with the occasional keeper tossed in.  After the front you could tell the difference in the way they bit.  Sometimes the cork would just “waffle” and then they would take it down.  Of course where I caught them the other boat ended up staying right on top of them.  But hey, it is a big creek with plenty of places to fish and I needed to fish some other areas.

The only trout that might have measured today.

Of and on I threw plastics on a jig head but they were not having it, I threw it hoping for a few more trout.  Additionally with the number of reds in the area I figured the Redfish Magic spinnerbait was a no brainer.  It was actually also no Bueno, and I gave it plenty of time.  That did surprise me, I wonder if the water is just to murky and that is why the popping cork is the only consistent producer.

The rest of the afternoon I just let the wind move me down the banks alternating but always coming back to the popping cork.  It was probably a total of 20 or so, and only 4 were trout.  On the way down I fished a bank that is usually good without a bite.  On the way back I hit another better bank way up river and did catch one rat red.  I am not totally convinced there is not some fish up river, but it just may be to fresh for them.  I give the fishing a B+.  This is a great time of year.

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

Shooting the breeze with Rusty he told me that the folks at Fayette County lake are intentionally killing the grass.  I am really sorry to hear that.  The lake hardly had enough to cause problems, at least as far as I know, but there must be some rationale.  Losing grass usually comes with a decrease in water color and it sure does not help the fish or the fishing.  To bad, the loss of grass sure has not helped Coleto.

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

And when I posted that link to the Corp of Engineers proposals I head from Colby Sorrels.

Doug,
Thanks a bunch for posting the “plans” for work along the coast. I see by what “they” are planning some real damage to the ecosystem. I will be going to the meeting and I will be sending in a letter. I sure hope a lot of folks see this because “they” are about to make some big changes to areas we all fish. From what I see some of the changes will definitely be for the worse. Folks, look at these maps and be sure you understand what is about to take place. Colby S

Colby has been a writer for Gulf Coast Fisherman for decades. He is also the author of Flyfisher’s Guide to the Texas Coast: Includes Light Tackle (Flyfisher’s Guides), which is available on Amazon.com. and I respect his knowledge and opinion.  So  thanks for the heads up.  Just glancing at one local project my initial thought was – why?  So time to read them all.  I wish I had something good to say about some of the Corps projects, but living on Corp ground, and working at a boat dock on their lake, we dealt with them for years, and it was not always a great experience.  So time to read all of it and take the time to comment.  Like I said, don’t comment, don’t whine.  Good to hear from you.

coastalstudy.texas.gov/alternatives/index.html

Hey, if you have time to read this drivel take a minute and look it over.  It is important.

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

The redfishing both on the river and the bay is just to good to not catch right now.  In the morning it will be off to the Lavaca.  The wind will be down some and I owe a guy a trip so need to see if I can catch them and give him a call.  Hopefully the color will be better and the trout fishing to go along with that.  And then it will be back to the lake to see what is going on there.  The Boss is working the holiday so I guess I will have to suck it up and keep fishing this week.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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The temperature is dropping and it is raining off and on this morning.  My hope is that the rain coming this week will be a nice slow soaker and not a big run off, we do not need anymore water in the lake or rivers.  And with that is the hope to hit the Lavaca the next good fishing day, which should be Tuesday.  Tomorrow looks a little more uncertain with showers in the morning, so if it falls right I might get out for a while tomorrow.  No matter what the redfishing is off the chain and the big trout should be on the move.  Nothing like fall fishing.  And speaking of trout…………..

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

From reading the TPWD web site it looks like sometime in early 2019 there will be a proposal placed on the agenda to reconcile the statewide speckled trout limit.  I never was convinced that leaving the limit at 10 in the upper part of the state was based on any real science.  It looks like the consensus is coming around to a 5 fish limit statewide.  It is one of those issues if you have an opinion share it with TPWD, my vote is for uniformity.  If you think back there was real opposition to the 5 fish limit when it was first instituted.  Hard to find any real complaints after the change and the trout fishing has only improved since.

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

Redfish Candy!

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

One thing I forgot to mention with the bloody thumb picture from the other day was how it happened.  When I am not keeping fish for the pan I rarely use a net, which rubs the protective slime off.  So as I rule I lip most of the fish I catch.  I would have used the Boga but it was in the wading bag so it was back to old school lipping.  The other day they were a heavy bunch and they did some chewing on me, and I loved every second of it!

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

My Arkansas Razorbacks are in complete disarray.  A new coach with a new offense that is the complete opposite of what they had been doing is not working, at least now.  And the continued changing of quarterbacks during the games has not helped.  As they say there is always next year.  Meanwhile the Aggies are playing pretty well, but on this side of the conference there is always Alabama and LSU to deal with.  And I never thought you would hear these words out of my mouth but I really like what Texas is doing and if they win out it will be a showdown with Oklahoma, which will be a heck of game.  Last but not least, the Cowboys are in a must win, basically every week, situation.  If they can get just a little help from someone with the Redskins it sets up a big game with them Thanksgiving day.  Funny how the long season is starting to wind down.  Where does the time go.

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

And I got a comment from SA Joe that did a much better job of explaining my complaint with some of the animals being used as emotional support critters.

What is a Chahoohoo???? Click the following link to see about the emotional Squirrel, Hamster and the lady wrangling her peacock !!!

https://abc13.com/society/woman-removed-from-flight-over-emotional-support-squirrel/4454221/

I’m a disabled vet, So i have a hard time seeing this BS !!!!
These are the people that ruin it for the actual Service dogs that trained, raised and given from established organizations to people because of their conditions. Their dogs are attacked from “So called ” service dogs all the time.

Thanks for that.  Real service animals are great and not only do I never mind them on a plane, train, or in my house, having a disabled brother anything that helps with the challenge is welcome.  I am a animal lover and love the work done by real trained service animals.  But sorry, a freakin’ squirrel?  (I do admit I would get some “emotional support” from  a squirrel with the smell of them  simmering slowly in gravy.)  There is a difference and you said it much better than I.  And what about my “emotional support” beer?  Why can’t I take a tall one on the plane?  Chahoohoo is my term for a Chihuahua dressed up in doll clothes.  And I appreciate the fishing offer, will be interested in reading the reports to come from that area and I just might take you up on that.

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

And here is some good reading on proposed coastal projects by the Corp of Engineers.  A couple include work in the Port Lavaca area, Keller Bay, and the Powderhorn Ranch shoreline.

coastalstudy.texas.gov/alternatives/index.html

Anything that preserves coastal marshes and barrier islands if good with me.  It really has been brought home to me with my visits to Grand Isle LA the last few years.  Big islands on the mapping card are just plain gone, some of those we fished were gone 5 years later.  They are important to our fish, much less keeping the hurricane damage to a minimum.   There will be public meetings for comment or you can comment on these proposals by mail.  Like the proposed trout limit above, if you do not comment do not be upset with the outcome.  If anything is left to the government without the public’s input you just never know what might happen.  Funny how the people that work for us often have their own best interest at heart.

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

In the morning and for the rest of the week I will be playing it by ear.  We dropped about 20 degrees today and it looks like low 40’s with rain tonight.  No matter what I will be on the water somewhere this week.  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 finished up installing batteries, dropped by the marine shop to pick up DFI oil for the Opti, and had a shot of hydraulic fluid in the trim which was working a little to hard at the top.  So with everything done, hopefully, I decided to drive down to Garcitas and the Lavaca and see what they looked like.

If  you are a hard core fisherman you know what this means.

Garcitas looks sorta ok.  There was one truck and trailer at the ramp but I did not find anyone to talk to.  So I headed on down the road to the Lavaca.  When I got there I saw a boat using the trolling motor headed to the ramp.  He was having engine trouble and did not get to fish.  He said one day last week he caught 3.  Then another boat came in, and they had caught 2.  I asked about the water color, it was poor at the ramp, but the other boat said it cleared up down river.  So weighing it all it will be Garcitas in the morning.  And if it does no work out I will put the boat on the trailer and hit the river.  Nice they are close to each other.  Time to catch a couple for the pan.

Weather

71/48.  Sunny with 0% chance of rain.  Wind  SW 5 – 10 mph.

Solunar Times

Best  5:00 am to 7:00 am  and  5:22 pm to 7:22 pm.   (Neither of which I will be out there.)

Tides

High   3:09 AM     1.2   Low   5:35 PM     0.6  (That is POC, it will be interesting to see when the water moves that far from the tide station.)

*******************Redfish Candy!

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

I had something I wanted to see on tv this morning so it was around 10:30 when I got to Gracitas, which is fine this time of year with a warming day.  It really is a special place and I always enjoy fishing there.  The water at the ramp was really dirty and the tide was almost out.  So I made the first good choice of the day, and it only got better from there.  It made sense to head all the way down and find clear water, it turned out there is none, and see if the tide was moving or not, maybe a right place right time thing.

These are real redfish!

When I got there the water was just barely moving out.  Starting on one side of the river I tossed a Controlled Descent Paddle Shad in Pumpkinseed/Chartreuse Glitter on a 1/4 ounce swim bait hook and the DOA Cal in a lighter color on a 1/4 ounce jig head.  That first one above just ate the Paddle Shad, but since the Boss ordered trout I stuck with the smaller bait.  It was real important to get it on the bottom and hop it up and let it fall back.  I felt very few, and when you would lift it up was just soft, but the trout were cooperating.  The first bank put a 17″ in the box and 6 or 8 shorts.  I did not take a picture, I thought I would get a few more keeper trout.  But the redfish just kept jumping on.

A couple of them were real studs!

I re-fished the bank without catching another trout.  The water had totally stopped moving and stayed that way the rest of the afternoon. So with her trout in the box it was time to work the reds over, and for the next 2 hours it was thumb ripping, rod bending, redfish mayhem.  And I made the second good choice of the day, a popping cork.  With the color sucking and the redfish biting it made sense.  I used a leader around 2′ with a 1/4 ounce jig head with a Rage Shrimp in a white with a chartreuse tail.  And they loved it.

And these are just the good ones, lots of rats and big shorts.  I finally got an exact 20″ for my supper.

They wanted it popped pretty hard and then rest.  They were eating it and often the cork would just start moving sideways.  With the water temp around 60 they were feeling mighty sluggish, and it was just a matter of reeling it tight and game on. A couple of short trout jumped on, and if I were guessing popping cork would catch the snot out of them if the water was moving.  When I finally quit at 3:30 they were still biting right along.  But I wanted to fish a spot half way back up to the ramp.  It is my favorite bank for trout, and not a bite.  The water is a lot dirtier up river and my thought is that it is just to fresh for the trout.  But one bank is not enough to know but it seems that way.  And the only other thing I could not determine, is when the tide is coming in full blast does it move more trout in with clearer water.

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

When I wrote my report on last Wednesdays fishing things were really looking up.  I fished 3 days in a row on the lake and the fishing got better each day.  Then the weekend and we were out of town when the weather went to crap, then Sunday night it started to howl.  The wind blew out of the north for 3 days, some of it well over 20mph for most of it.  And we were below freezing for a couple of days, setting a record Wednesday morning.  I was really confident in how the fishing was going, the water color was clearing, the level was stabilizing, and the prediction was for some of the best fishing in a while.  Not so much. I made a trip out there Wednesday afternoon to take a look and it was ugly.  The whole lake was brown and most of it had dropped 16 – 20 degrees.  It might be a little while before they recover from this.

Lake Levels

Today 98.24 msl.  Thursday  98.28 msl

Water Clarity

One Week Ago  Clearing rapidly with the whole lake fishable.  Today  The worst I have seen it.  It was ugly at the ramp, completely cold mud up lake, and the rest of the lake sucked.

Water Temps

Ramp  55  (Wind was blowing right in it.)  One Week Ago  77

Up Lake  55

Bridge  59    One Week Ago  80

Outflow  68

Big Island 60

Plant Arm  63

There was one bright spot, I saw 3 big bald eagles.  They were riding the wind and it always means winter is here.  A few are always around the lake and it was good to see them back.  I always wonder what happened to the one I saw last year with a hurt wing who ran up in the woods.  It is tough out there.

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

Emotional Support Peacock

As we waited to get on the plane last weekend there was a woman with a chahoohoo that had a dress, a tutu around it’s neck and little booties with a big sign – Emotional Support Animal.  My only comment – If you are so fragile, so emotionally unstable that you need a peacock, or an alligator, to get on the plane it bothers me.  Sorry.  But if you are that “whatever” and an emergency does arise, and my life, that of my wife, and the other passengers is in danger, you are going to respond how?  Please do not sit anywhere near the exit doors and keep your emotional support animal to yourself.  Sorry again, but I just don’t get it.

(This may not be very sympathetic but as a people it seems we are getting softer.)

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

And I want to say a few words about Garcitas.  I normally post on facebook where I was, but in the case of Garcitas Creek I don’t.  It is not that big a place and most of the fishermen are locals.  Lots of jon boats with the occasional canoe or kayak.  So if you go please do not run like a mad man.  Idle by other boats.  Respect it, and other fisherman, for the small water it is.  As long as folks are considerate it is a great place to fish.  Running 60mph shooting a rooster tail is for the big water.  This is a “creek.”

So what a day.  It is nice when every decision is a good one, and you get to catch fish all day.  And when you add some serious redfish no complaints.  If I had gotten out earlier the trout fishing might have been pretty good.  To bad our weather is apparently going to crap again.  What is worrisome is that the weather dude says it may rain from Sunday night until Friday with expected up to 4″.  If that happens it will just muck things up further and drive more freshwater into the rivers.  But that is what makes our sport so interesting.  Everyday is a new day and I am just glad I get to take advantage of it.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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

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

OLD MAN MOMENT!

I know I am getting old.  As I got ready to write a little about current lake conditions I went back to check the water temp and found I was missing a report.  Well guess what?  I wrote it and did not publish.  Once we headed to the wedding it never crossed my mind.  And in light of what I learned at the lake today, that will be up tomorrow, it is a new world.  So here it is, better late than never.  I might start sitting and slobbering incoherently if this keeps up!

COLETO CREEK

Weather

86/68.  Cloudy becoming partly cloudy later with a 20% chance of a stray shower or thunderstorm.  Wind S 5 – 10 mph.

Lake Level

Today  98.28 msl.   Yesterday  98.28 msl.

Solunar Period

Best  9:39 am to 11:39 am.  (Only daytime period.)

*******************The bass are eating the pearl silver Jerk Shad!

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

It was pretty easy to say it was a good day/bad day.  I caught fish right off the bat, and on 3 different lures during the morning, so no complaints in that department.  The problem was I took the Mako so I would have a temp gauge, and I planned to fish way up both arms today, which I did.  As my facebook friends know I have been mulling over new trolling motor batteries.  It is either AGM or stick with the Interstate lead acid.  I have used both in the past and it is simply a cost benefit analysis for me as I go through batteries with 2 boats.  The point of this is at 10:30 this morning it was easy to tell the batteries were losing power fast.  I was able to nurse them until noon so guess it is time to make a decision. Looks like I waited one to many trips.

But as to the fishing it was an interesting morning.  The water is really clearing fast and I basically made it to the back end of both arms and it is all fishable.  The water temp was 77 at the ramp and 80 near the bridge.  Again I caught fish in most places I fished with the Controlled Descent Jerk Shad in pearl silver being the primary bait as it has been.  But I did catch a few on a couple of other baits.  Though fishing the frog was not on my list today it was actually first up, I couldn’t help it, and several had a go at it.  I think I caught  3 and missed a couple on the first bank but as the sun came out they deserted the frog. From there it was the Jerk Shad basically until in caught a good one on a Bang o Lure later.

 Why I love that Bang o Lure on Coleto in the winter  And it looks like real winter will be here this weekend.

I intentionally fished 2 of the good shallow banks from yesterday right off the bat, and it was clear they were not there like they were the day before.  Though I caught a couple fish in both places the reason I fished them early was so I could check, then come back later in the afternoon and see if it was a temperature change that really put them there.  To bad there was not a “later.”  But the good thing, 3 or 4 nice fish hit the Jerk Shad way off the bank.  Good to see that.  And the one above boiled all over the Bang o Lure close to the boat but missed.  A quick flip back with the Bang o Lure and she ate.

I had another bigger one break my line setting the hook on the Jerk Shad, I know she was a good one when she jumped and tossed the bait.  Oh well, my fault.  Fishing in the really heavy stuff, and hauling fish out, is tough on line and that is the second one I broke off in 2 days.  Looks like I will step up a weight in line for the cover.  But there is always a trade off and you do not want to impair the baits action with to heavy a line.  Then 2 casts later I missed her twin, again off the bank.  The good news, just like the small ones did, the bigger fish made a showing.  I missed another couple of nice ones, so for the morning it was shots at 4 or 5 like the one above, a real improvement.  It has gotten better every day.

A frog fish and a Jerk Shad fish.

Shallow grass is still the preferred cover and bait completes the pattern.  Coves are also holding fish, and if it has some grass they will be there.  And like I have been saying, here comes the rest of them.  Now for some stability in the lake level and water clarity and it will be a stellar fall on the lake.  The Bang o Lure deserves some serious attention as it tends to catch the bigger fish, and when it has been like this in the past it has worked most of the winter.  But there are plenty of different baits that will work, a couple of different topwaters come to mind, Zara Spook specifically.  It was probably a dozen this morning before the juice quit, to bad as the rest of the day held real promise.  But no complaints, it has been 3 days of good fishing with many more to come.

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More boat ads…Or why in the hell would anyone buy this boat?

NO BATTERYS, NEEDS LOWER UNIT, NO KEYS TO IGNITION, SMALL DAMAGE TO HULL ON LEFT SIDE. Been sitting for roughly 3 years Selling AS IS only $20,ooo.  or…….

needs lots of tlc.  or…..

I dont know what year, make or model it is. Not sure if it will float. Has no title. On trailer but not sure what condition of trailer is.  or……….

don’t have title to any of them that’s why it’s so cheap motor needs carb cleaned, motor was never registered in Texas.  or……………..

folks that we got it from, lied about the title process.  or…………..

Wooden floor and carpet need replacement, Light wiring needs replacement.  or …….……….

All need rebuilt or gone thru, Does not run, Been sitting for many years.  or …………..

Boats needs repairs and cleaning, Johnson Motor not working, Trailer has flat tires.

 These are just a few from today’s ads and they crack me up.  Some were way overpriced, some more reasonable, if buying a boat with these problems is reasonable.  I think the problem is there is no place to take boats that need to be retired.  Just remember if you are a first time boat buyer, someone else’s project that did not happen is your new nightmare.  And the ones with title issues, the sellers make it seem a little trip to TPWD and all is good, sure……..   So good luck to the folks above, they are going to need it.

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And to all you Austin area guys good to hear that Travis is reopening this week.  I see it is a couple of feet up over pool and with no fishing pressure for a couple of weeks it could be good.  I had such a good trip there last year it might be time to head that way depending on how the fishing reports fall.  Our Coleto fish took almost a month to start to really adjust to the big raise, it will be interesting to see how the Travis fish react.  Travis closely resembles the highland lakes of Arkansas where I cut my teeth.  I still want to get up there, maybe in January, it looks like it has great jerk bait potential.

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We have a big wedding this weekend so it will be next week before I am back on the water.  As I have gotten a needed recharge on the lake it will be time to put some of those salt fish on the stringer.  We ate the only trout in the freezer so time to sack a few.  It looks like another cold front is on the way which should help fishing on both the lake and the bay.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

(Funny reading it days later in light of our current conditions.  Every day is a new day on the water.  There will be more on the lake tomorrow, it is messed up.)

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!**

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You have to love that Texas weather.  When I got in the truck after fishing Wednesday it said 90 degrees.  This morning when I stuck my nose out it was sleeting/snowing and blowing 25mph.  Don’t think fishing is on the plate today.  Wish I had a fireplace.

After getting back from the wedding, and not fishing in a week, I was so looking forward to fishing the last couple of days but our wind decided to howl.  Last night around dark it was shaking the walls.  But things are looking up the rest of the week for a couple of great days on the bay with winds <10 mph and warming during the day.  Combine that with a falling tide it will be interesting.  That is an area I have limited experience.  Good trout are known to hit the shallows after a cold front as the day warms, just not sure if it is better on a falling or rising tide.  There is only one way to know – Go.

*******************Redfish Candy!

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The Ramblings  of a Fisherman Stuck in the House.

More fun with boat buying.  When it is blowing 25mph and in the 30’s a guy has to humorous himself somehow.  Sorry, I just can not help myself!

This one is knocked up.

Motor makes a “rod knock” sound. Not a mechanic so that’s why I dropped the price. This boat is worth $12.5k all day without the knock…
Engine starts right up, runs good (other than the knock)

Other than the boat part this is a good boat.

This old boat needs transom replaced and floor repaired. 

So is my 1971 AMC Gremlin, if it has not been crushed by now.

Not running but complete.

Thank God, finally someone who is not clueless. 

Old boat and trailer that was abandoned on lot. No information on condition. Trailer needs tires. No title. Free to anyone who will haul it off.

Just have your buddy sit on the transom and keep spraying.

Good sturdy boat one weak spot in the floor and needs fuel lines. She runs with starting fluid

I just got tired so instead of finishing I took a nap.

The floor has been replaced except the front 8″ where there is a small hole.

At least you know it is a boat.

I do not know anything about the boat

Hey, no big deal, it was only smashed.  He probably wasn’t on plane.

There is a spot on the front of the boat where it supposedly was smashed into a dock

Back to my Gremlin.

1970 Johnson 85 hp motor, not running but ran 2 years ago,

It works really good. Promise.

The engine works but it needs a new fuel filter “on the engine”. The ignition switch just went out on it and the carbs need to be cleaned on it.

Me “thing” you do not have a clue.

I thing the engine has a blown head gasket

Another guy who ended up taking a nap instead, but hey, free carpet.

needs new carpet. I started to replace the front deck but lost interested. Still have a roll of carpet to throw in the deal.

Now of course these are the worst of the worst.  And like last time I posted some it only took a half hour to find these.  So my advice to a lot of these, give it away before it sinks into the ground, the tires rot off, and the mice move in.   

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And just yesterday I commented about what can happen when you post yourself holding big bucks after kicking some fish booty.  While checking the TPWD website I came across this, which led to his arrest.

After the warden advised him of the photos he had obtained from Facebook, the hunter apologized and admitted to harvesting his trophy deer without a hunting license

So you think I was just blowing smoke.  Trust me Facebook is a happy hunting ground for all law enforcement.  (And potential employers.)  So be sure to engage brain before hitting post.  It really is a new world out there.

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And speaking of TPWD these guys must be rocket scientist.

Upon inspection of their “teal,” the warden advised the hunters had actually taken cormorants, a federally-protected species. The hunters stated they had no idea. They had researched it on the Internet and assumed it was a cinnamon teal.

All I have to say:  How is this even possible?  About the only thing I know about ducks is they are great bacon wrapped, but this is crazy.  But it does remind me of the time Chris and I were hunting public land and some other “duck?” hunters were close to us blasting away when we heard the following:  “I didn’t know that ducks were white.”  Probably not a great day to be an Egret.

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The only outside job , other than turning off the outside water for tonight’s freeze, will be removing the trolling motor batteries from the LTS so I can replace them later this week.  There may not be heat there but at least the boat is in the garage.  One of the design flaws on the LTS makes changing batteries a real hassle, good thing I am a little guy.  (And on that note:  You always hear “little old man”, never “big old man”.  Something to that?)  Though what they will be replaced with is still up in the air, AGM is probably going to be the answer as the estimate on the number of recharges is important.

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I have managed to while away the morning and it is time to get off my rear end and accomplish something.  Might be a good time to clean up the tackle room, a little organization never hurt anything.  And every time I do it I find something else I forgot I have.  Which means I have to much fishing stuff.  Just kidding about the to much thing.  But stay tuned there is some serious fishing to come this week, good things come to those who wait.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines