FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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Last year I bought 3 Lew’s reels, the Laser pro LP1SHB, I said I would let you know how they are, I could not be any happier.  They normally run around $110 and I bought them when they were on sale at Cabela’s.  You can still find them for $79 on sale and when I see them again I will add another couple.  You can almost empty the spool on a cast and they are smooth and quick.  But there is one caveat –  I have not used them in the salt yet.  I am cycling the other reels in the salt and it will be a while before any of them make it.  So far they have done yeoman work.

Get inhaled!  

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This is my 983rd posts, that is a freakin’ lot of posts.  Over a half a million visits, it is hard to believe.  I used to pay attention to that stuff, I haven’t looked in a couple of years, but not any more.  The numbers take care of themselves.  The only reason it came up today is I just paid my fee to keep my domain name registered.  It is going on 8 years now and though I have the occasional thoughts about stopping they quickly pass.  I have met some good folks, fished some great places, and really enjoyed sharing it with you.  And maybe you learned a little something, or at least got the occasional good laugh.   And I never get tired of your comments or reports.  Thanks.

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Watching a National Geographic show on the floating garbage pile in the Pacific I have heard about really opened my eyes.  It was not a big pile but a huge area where garbage from the US and Japan is mixing, along with who knows else’s. This “area” was hundreds of square miles.  The real problem was when they were still miles and miles away from the “real” area they hopped in the ocean and when they got out they were covered in minute particles of plastic, it looked like glitter.  Of course there was tons of floating debris but the stuff is actually deteriorating, and of course being nice and colorful the fish and birds are eating it as it breaks into pieces.  It was terrible and the problem is growing.  So many people and the space, read outdoors, we live in is shrinking.  And when our government wants to sell of our land from monuments it puzzles me.  They sure aren’t making any more.  Who could not be in favor of preserving what land we now own?  I want my kids kids to be able to hunt and fish in the great outdoors before it is finally lost.

Check out these composite photos.  They may be manufactured but that is exactly what is going on.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/disturbing-composite-photos-reimagine-ocean-slideshow-wp-184651080.html

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That may sound somewhat pessimistic but of all outdoor sports hunting is the one affected the most.  In the “Old Days” you just stopped and asked to hunt and often were given permission.  Lease hunting was a rare thing.  It was possible for a little boy to take the shotgun on his bike and go hunting, I did it every day I could in the fall.  Quail faster than a speeding bullet, rabbits, squirrels, even the occasional pheasant were big game.  These days – No way.  It is sad to see the money taking over but who can blame the landowners.  Poor sportsmanship, trespassers, open gates, it happened all the time.  The knuckleheads hurt us all and then when the money came in to it hunting was changed forever.  Change comes whether we like it or not, but hunting is slowly headed to only those with the $$$ will be able to hunt.  To bad.

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And though I rarely hunt these days hunting season is my favorite time of year, so go hunting, please.  Dove season really does cut the traffic like a knife on the bay.  And fishing Falcon the opening week of deer season resulted in us seeing I think 5 boats in as many days.  I really do try to fish more during those periods, makes for a much better experience.  So go kill something and I will handle the fish.  (And anytime you have to much deer meat let me know! I may not hunt but I sure can eat them.)

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The red tide/algae bloom in Southwest Florida is frightening.  We were there about 15 years ago and it was bad.  It stunk, a fish kill, the beaches were awful, but nothing like it is this time.  The pictures are almost unbelievable.  Along with fish, manatees and dolphins are dying.  And if you remember there was an episode last year with a major bloom during the holiday weekend.  There are lots of factors but it does not matter who’s “fault” it is.  Whatever needs to be addressed needs to be addressed.  It may not all be man made, but what is needs to be changed.  We never thought it was possible but we are seriously polluting the ocean.

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Watching Timmy Horton’s fishing show was the first time I had seen the MJ rig in action.  Basically it is Texas rigged worm with a spinner stuck in the tail.  It works best with a stick worm with no tail, then stick a screw lock willow leaf spinner in the end and you are in business.  He was using it in grass and it came through with little problem.   There are plenty of companies making the spinner you need.  So if you are a bass fisherman and are not familiar with it look it up, it is a great addition to the arsenal.

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There were a couple of bolts that kept coming loose on the trailer.  They hold the guides on and since the bolt comes up through the bracket and makes direct contact with the guides there is no nut.  After them coming loose a few times it finally dawned on me, plumbers tape.  It has kept them from shaking loose and if needed they can be taken out with no problem.  A good idea that has other applications.  Beats Loctite.

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It is cloudy this morning and not quite as stifling hot.  We must have had a little rain last night as it is a little wet outside.  As we are 8″ down we need it badly.  It looks like clouds with a chance of rain will be the norm for the first few days this week and I will be taking full advantage of it.  No decision has been made for the morning yet, rain will determine that when I get up.  So now it is time to head to the tackle room and a major cleaning and re-organization.  It never hurts to get you stuff together when you have as much crap as I do.  Hope you had a good weekend and keep those cards and letters coming.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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One last word from Topwater Billy on our trip the other day.

Yep, very frustrating day when you know fish are there and they just will not bite.
BTW, not one word on the biggest catch of the day. SMH, can’t have nothin’ nice anymore…….lol.

That is the first thing I told the Boss and forgot to tell the rest of them, I took a hook out of Billy today using the line method and it popped right out.  I have done that several times in the last few years but this time was different.  The hook went in the trout’s mouth and out, and in Billy’s thumb.  So I popped it out with the fish still on and we were back to fishing.  He took it like a man.

Weather

96/72  Sunny  10% chance rain  Wind E  10 – 20mph.

Lake Level

10 days ago 95.24 msl   Today  94.91 msl

Solunar Periods

10:17 am to 12:17 am.   (Only relevant period.)

Get inhaled!  

The Weekly Lake Fix

I love this kind of morning, the lake to myself.  Once the trolling motor hits the water you are in the great outdoors!

It was just breaking daylight when I made my first cast.  On the way to the lake the deer were definitely on the move, before the morning was over got to see a couple more and a few pigs.  And for some reason the turkey were gobbling up a storm.  Since I am no turkey hunter I thought that happened in the spring but it sure does make the day better.  One thing to be said about no traffic is when you are just sliding along you see and hear so much wildlife.  You can get nice and close at times, really makes a morning when it happens.

This girl was built like a tank.  One of those that if she lives long enough will be a real hoss.

Of course I was pitching, and to make a long story short I caught 14 this morning.  About half were really small, and I did manage 1 good one.  What made it a little interesting this morning was how it went.  3 came off the first 6 pieces of wood.  Then it was slow and 2 came off another.  It definitely took multiple casts to work the cover on all sides, the ones that did bite today smacked it and I missed very few.

Nothing like hand to hand combat getting them out of the wood.  They were still biting when I quit at noon.

The best one came off a laydown in about a foot of water.  Unlike some of the skinny long ones I have been catching this fish was a real solid, heavy, big gutted fish.  One thing about bass, length is great but nothing beats a big fattie!  The rest were just the run of the mill this summer.  Several places gave up 2 fish and a small isolated patch of timber gave up 3.  It is just a matter of keeping it in the water, and catching the bites.

The water temp today was 90 degrees over the whole lake.  It has taken on a little color, especially up the 2 main arms.  The fish preferred the little deeper cover as the lake is on the fall.  It could use a good gully washer to get it back on the rise.  So I don’t expect the fishing to really improve for a while yet.  At least I got to catch a good one.

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We are headed to Pagosa Springs in a couple of weeks and I will be doing some trout fishing.  Where we are staying has river access, and a friend of the Boss’s just bought a place with access, which for bank fishermen in Colorado is important.  So I will have plenty of places to fish.  And last year we hiked in some serious snow “almost” to a high mountain lake with trout in it.  Making it is definitely on the agenda.  Additionally I am still mulling over hiring a guide for a little fly fishing education.   Add in some 4 wheeling and critter watching and it will be a great vacation.

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Not a clue what is next but if the weather forecast for Monday – Wednesday is any indication I will be hard at it.  The only question is where.  Hopefully the clouds in the forecast will help cool it off some, and the rest of the tides and conditions are good.   Have a great weekend.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

Watch this, trust me, it is freakin’ awesome.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/photographer-captures-crystal-clear-images-slideshow-wp-142025559.html

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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I got this comment from Topwater Billy after the last trip.

Best trip yet.
Would like to have seen what that second spot was like first thing in the morning.
Redfishing that bank at the end of the day is a good experience.

Glad you liked it as I texted him and we are going in the morning.  I am very interested in how the fishing will be in the area we caught them last time mid day.  We had a couple of shots at some pretty big fish on topwater and just did not hook up, so the plan will be to remedy that in the morning.

Weather 

91/76  Sunny  Wind NNE 10 – 15 mph.  10% chance of rain.

Tide

Low   2:48 AM     0.0    High  11:21 AM     0.4.  (Very flat tide today.)

Solunar Time   Best 2:49 pm –  4:49 pm.   Good  8:48 am to 10:48 am.   (One source has this as a no “fish” day.)  (Note:  The good period was approximately when we caught them last time.)

********************Get inhaled!  

There is something innovative and new coming!  

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Keller Bay

We put in at the Olivia ramp at daylight.  We were third there with one behind me.  When we quit at 1:00 it was just us.  First up was the pasture shoreline where it ends in a flat point where we caught them last trip.  The bait was there, not as heavy at first, but there was a ton way out in the bay.  Of course both of us started with topwater, and it was not nearly as good as I would have hoped.

First red of the morning on the Controlled Descent Paddle Shad.  The other on the Hoover Shad from Academy.

The reason I showed you the second fish is that is the one that came on the Hoover Shad.  Academy sells it and I started using it last fall, both trout and reds like it.  It is a twitch bait and the smaller one is the only one I have used.  It is best worked with quick, really small twitches, on lighter line.  When they hit it they usually have it.  It is not as expensive as the other similar baits, and it is subtle, working for me in cold weather and hot.  Just saying.

Guessing, Topwater Billy caught 4 or 5, and missed that many on top, same with me, though I did some bait changing.  Two on the twitch bait, 1 on topwater, and a couple on plastics.  It never did feel right there and none of them were worth talking about.  The bait that was out in the bay, on a slight color change, was slowly working it’s way right towards us.  At times it would shower getting out of the way of something and it looked promising.

Slow rolling the Controlled Descent Paddle Shad in the pink limeade, though they hit all 3 colors I threw today.  CPR’d.

Unfortunately when it finally arrived in perfect casting distance, they were following the topwater, you could even see them below the bait at times, just not eating.  So I went to slow rolling the Controlled Descent Paddle Shad, in 3 colors, and while it was not fast and furious, they ate it.

So we made a move and headed back past Olivia to make a couple of redfish passes before quitting when I had an epiphany – There is a place back here where I have caught trout this time of year so why not stop and do a drift.  It is a mix of mud and shell in about 2’+ of water, which had some color to it.   On the first pass Topwater caught a keeper on top, which was followed by………. oh I don’t know, maybe 20 of the weakest, least impressive , not one bit interested in eating topwater bites I have seen in a while.  They were all over it, and just would not commit.

This should have been the start of something big for Billy, but it was crappy bite after crappy bite.  He even tried 3 different topwaters, same result.

I just kept slow rolling the Paddle Shad with a 1/8th swim bait hook with a rattle in the cavity.  Using it that way is very speed dependent.  When you would get it just right the better ones, like the days best above, would eat.  Keeping the rod pointed right at the bait worked best, and the bite is a little different as they come up and suck it in.  In fact, with the trout above I put the jig out of his mouth so you could see it, because if I left her hooked up you could not see the bait at all.  And if you look closely at the first red, you can just see the tip of the chartreuse tail.  In the second place I put a keeper in the box, needed 2 today for supper, and released the one above, and lost 2 good ones trying to flip them in the boat.  If we had been on the meat hunt that would not have happened.  I actually do have a net, but rarely use it.

And just for your info I read a report from one of the local guides that have also been slow rolling plastics, which I know the Mad Trout Fisherman has done this time of year.  So something to consider.

Not a great day by any means, way tougher than last Friday.  They were interested in the topwater, just not interested enough to smack it.  For me the good part has been slow rolling the bait in deeper water.  It is so speed dependent but when you find it you will get bit.  And the nice thing about the swim bait hook, when you stick them they usually stay stuck, minus operator error.  And of course it catches less grass, a good thing when the tide is moving.  And today it definitely was better for the good ones.  I figure we only caught maybe 15, only keeping 2 for supper, but with the amount of topwater bites it should have been a bunch.  It was weird but it happens.  I can’t wait to drift that spot again.

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I just spoke with my buddy Aaron and he got a good report from the Baffin area from one of the guides he knows.  They just had his best day ever on topwaters, so looks like the time is now, if you are not fishing croakers.  So there may be a Baffin trip coming, if it would just cool off 5 degrees it sure would be nice.  Aaron is working out of Alice and it has been a 100 the last couple of weeks.

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We took a few days off and headed to Louisiana for a little adult entertainment and I have a couple of comments.  First, we are not big $$ gamblers, but we go on occasion, and have for almost 30 years.  One thing I hate to see, and we saw it in 3 different places last weekend, is people taking their kids to casinos.  The casinos are encouraging this with pools and game rooms, etc.  My thoughts on kids there is that is not a place to teach a kid is “normal”.  If they want to indulge later in life by their choice, great.  But it seems teaching them from an early age that casinos are a place to “vacation” is like saying cigarettes are good for you, like they told me in the 50’s.

Second, I got $900 on a .40 bet, so I have no room to talk, except I never took my daughter anywhere near a casino when she was a kid.

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So it was a somewhat frustrating morning, especially for Topwater Billy.  I can honestly say it was probably the most bites on top I have ever seen with such poor results.  I was ok with the morning as I did catch a nice one, and as reeling plastics is not my regular way to use them it is fun, which I intend to do again, as in maybe tomorrow.  Today will be running down why the boat lights are not working, a pain in the ass.  And the GPS on the LTS has decided to go crazy, and it is getting worse, so it is probably headed to the trash pile. The joys of boat ownership but the beat goes on.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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The plan is to meet Topwater Billy at around 6:00 and be on the water at first light.  Conditions look good, it is rare when there are 2 major periods in the same morning.  While it is no guarantee, at least it gives you hope.  So after getting a new trailer plate and putting it on, followed by putting the tire back on the trailer and remounting the spare, I am caught up with boat “stuff”.  A little tackle prep later and it will be game on.  Topwater will be the order of the day and I hope to at least fish thru both prime periods tomorrow.

Weather

89/80  Partly Cloudy.  ESE 10 – 15.   10% chance rain.

Tide

High  11:00 am   +0.5.

Moon Set

6:30 am.  99% visible.

Solunar Time

Best  4:37 am – 6:37 am  and  10:49 am to 12:49 pm.

********************Get inhaled!  

There is something innovative and new coming!  

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It does not get any better than this!

Tale of Two Places

When I got to Indianola Topwater Billy was ready and waiting.  The plan was to fish the Powderhorn Ranch shoreline where I caught some nice trout a week ago.  As we idled into the bank there was a tell tale sign – the tide was out, way out.  It was just barely daylight as we jumped in and started chunking topwater.  Billy headed out and I stayed in.

There goes Billy.

I had high hopes, unfortunately the tide conditions should have warned me, it was just to low and the bait was not “acting” right.  If I were guessing it was two bites for me and I am not sure if Billy had one or not, but it was not happening.  I did catch one short red, but after an hour and a half my thinking cap kicked in and it was time for a move.

Small but love that topwater bite!

As I found last trip there are trout on the drops, especially if it is a good couple of feet or more off a good flat.  So the obvious choice, the ranch shoreline in Keller.  It has been quite a while since I fished Keller, but one thing for sure, the shoreline has a good drop which should fill the bill.  So bailed out in about 2′ of water and it was immediately game on.

They were smoking that Controlled Descent Paddle Tail!

Literally as soon as we jumped out of the boat it was topwater mania.  We had bite after bite on topwater, the interesting thing – They were on the drop where it went from 2′ to 6′.  Many of out bites came at the end of our casts, they were coming from the deeper water.  Billy put a couple of keeper trout on the stringer, I never did sack a keeper.  One of the times when my it either makes it easy or not probably led to not keeping a couple which were on the line, but I was just happy to be catching fish.

So to go along with what I learned the other day I put a 1/8th swim bait hook into several different colors of the Controlled Descent Paddle Shad, started letting it sink close to the bottom and then just slow rolled it.  They were thumping it and over the next 2 hours it was fun.  That slow roll works, end of story.  We literally had bite after bite.  This is where the Wade Right comes in to play.  It was great to be able to catch 2 or 3 on topwater, and then bait and switch with the Controlled Descent.  Carrying 2 rods pays off.

Not sure how many we ended up catching there but it was an easy 30+ as the bite was on.  Billy had a real hoss miss the topwater at his feet and I had some kind of sea monster just flush it and not hook up, so there were a couple of better trout there.  Another big one of some sort flushed me again and immediately broke my line.  But luckily my topwater floated up and I got it back.

We made one move on the shoreline but the wind was up and the tide was running and the water colored up.  On the way in Keller I told Billy about catching spinnerbait reds on one of my favorite banks in Keller and as he had not caught them this way he wanted to give it a go before we called it a day.

Just some nice keepers.

Billy stuck with the topwater and it wasn’t long before a good one jumped on.  It acted like it did not know it was hooked and after a brief struggle came off.  Then one jumped on the spinnerbait, a classic spinnerbait bite, one of my favorites.  Billy put another in the boat on topwater, I missed on that slammed it, then I caught one more.  I forgot how much I liked fishing that way in that place, and will be back this week.  But I did have one more bite and boy it was a good one!

That thing was massive!

As I was reeling my spinnerbait along one knocked the crap out of it.  After a big tussle it showed itself, a big alligator gar.  That thing was an easy 5′ long and thick as a concrete block.  So I took it easy and we finally got it to boat side.  We were talking as I fought it that it must not have it all the way in the mouth or it would have easily broke off.  When it got close we could see the bait outside of it’s mouth.  What made it interesting – The hook was not in the fish, it just had the blade!  So I rustle that thing close and easy up on the slack and out came the spinner.  It looks like when it hit a tooth got caught in the eye in the blade.  Weird!  A perfect example of keeping the line tight when fighting fish.  Obviously I won big fish today.

The last fish of the day.

So about 2:00 we called it a day.  The temp was pleasant and it was nice to catch a bunch of fish.  We waded through a whole bunch of trout for just a couple of keepers, but it was one of those days where we were not going to leave fish to find fish.  Obviously there were some keeper trout mixed in, and thinking about it there might be some options to deter the little ones and get to the better fish.  It is just plain tougher this time of year on us lure fisherman, croakers are the way to go if that is your thing.

Today was good thing for my fishing psych, nothing will improve your attitude like catching a bunch of fish.  It was not so hot as to be oppressive, and I really enjoyed catching a couple on top, then on the Controlled Descent, then moving 10′ and doing it again.  And fishing with Topwater Billy is always a barrel of laughs, and the boy can catch them on that topwater.

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One of my pet peeves is folks who pass up people having motor troubles.  It can happen to any of us in an instant, and if you are to “busy” going fishing to help then when your turn comes good luck, you earned it.  The reason I bring this up is when we got back to the ramp there was a brand new big Shoalwater on the trailer and a Freedom 15′ scooter tied to the sea wall.  The Shoalwater engine decided to crap out and the guy in the scooter towed them in.  All the way from Port Lavaca back to Indianola against a big head wind!  It was rough.  The scooter could not tow the bigger boat so he tied off on the side and that little boat did the job.  When I talked to him he was waiting for his wife who was bringing him the trailer from where he put in.  It was so rough I am sure it beat a ride back down the bay in a scooter.  Now that is a great guy!

Jarrod  (sp?), a local guy who is now a game warden, was at the ramp and it was good to see him.  He was on the boat that broke down and they were preparing for a tourney this weekend, hopefully they will get the boat going.  He reported they caught a bunch of trout on croaker, of course I made a face.  Good luck this weekend, if you make it.

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Looks like our weekend plans are shot.  Reservations made, all ready to go, and she gets a subpoena involving a criminal case where she treated someone.  The problem, like all trials, trust me, it may or may not go.  Unfortunately it came right in the middle of our plans so not sure what the fall back position is.  If she does not end up testifying then our weekend is screwed for no good reason.  But you answer subpoenas like it or not, I sent enough of them.

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Now I have a little case of the trout fever.  After yesterday I got the feeling that something a little different, like a BIG swimbait just might catch a big trout right now.  There were definitely some where we were fishing, you just had to catch a bunch to get a keeper.  So my theory, they are there mixed in but since the little fish are fast and stupid it is tough to get it to the bigger fish.  That’s my theory and I am sticking with it, which means it will be back to Keller soon, depending on the trial or travel.  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!**

It was freakin’ foggy.  Until later you could not see the other sided of the lake.

********************Get inhaled!  

There is something innovative and new coming!  

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

It might have been foggy but it sure was cool looking.

Totally off the subject of this mornings fishing is these pictures.  I saw a Facebook post where someone was making fun of folk’s sunrise or sunset pictures.  The point was people only post them when they don’t catch any fish.  That totally misses the point.  If your fishing success is just based on catch numbers you are missing out.  It is all about the sunrise and sunset, being out there, and enjoying that simple fact.  It ain’t all about the results.

Coleto Creek

Conditions – Hot, humid, little wind, lake dropping – that perfect Texas summer weather!

Where to start?  First the heat, by 9:00 the sweat was just rolling off me, and shortly thereafter the sun came out and it was really hot and humid.  It just boils down to I am not that mad at them.  At least not enough to spend the bucks to go somewhere else and know that shortly after noon it would be bordering on insanity to stay out much longer.  (It costs every time you hook up and I hate spending money on short days.  Maybe I should do a Go Fund Me page to feed this fishing addiction!)  And that is part of my boredom, go catch 10 or 20, troll up some white bass, hit replay and do it again.  And with no big fish showing up, I am just ready for a change of some sort, like fall.  But I double digress.

I was second to the ramp when it was still pitch dark.  There was one in the water, one behind me, and one more that came before I headed out.  It was the first time on the lake for one boat and they asked me about where they might catch some catfish.  They wanted 10′ of water with timber so I directed them to 2 spots that filled the bill.  Then amazingly enough, in the dark and fog, they took off using a map.  Scary.  Meanwhile boat number 1 did not have a good stern light so they were using a flashlight.  Perfect.  Then boat number 4 took off with no stern light and 3 kids in the boat.  Man oh man it all made me nervous.  It was so foggy and I know my way around.  I always worry in the fog, not about me but the other guy.

So I just idled to a close main lake point and fished plastics.  I hit 4 places as I slowly worked my way up lake, including my favorite deep point with not so much as a nibble.  But it was so foggy there was no running, at least if you had a brain in your head.  Finally working my way up lake I got to where I wanted to be after 9:00.

Today’s 2 best.

Even then, around 9:00, I still had not had a bite, then the sun came out and here we go again, I caught 9 pitching.  I did give buzzbait a little go as the fog was still there but no bites.  Insanity reared it’s ugly head, keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result perfectly describes my love affair with the buzzbait.  So it was just same old, same old, pitch the watermelon stick worm close and get bit.  Today there was not as many bites as I have been getting, but when they bit they were there, most just swimming off with it.  So around 11:00 it was heating up big time so it was back down lake to troll for an hour before calling it a morning.  That produced 5 or 6 bass and 2 small whites.  With little wind and high skies they were in 20′ today, and not nearly as active as they have been, so on the trailer it went.

This report is boring, my morning was boring, and I know at this point it is probably boring you also.  I was hoping as my movements were restricted this morning that hitting those deeper points and banks as I made my way up lake would produce a little different pattern, but it was completely unsuccessful.  Keeping it deeper in those places did not produce a bite.  They are good places and I intentionally fished out to 20’+ trying to find some deeper fish.  It just seemed like they were not having it in the fog.

Friday will be back to the bay, as a housekeeper is coming I have been told to not come home before 3:00.  Maybe a forced banishment to the bay will get my juices flowing.  And if I am lucky a real early start with the full moon setting will produce some topwater magic.  (Hey resident Head Banger you good for Friday?  Drop me a Facebook note.)

We are in the throes of real summertime with heat in the afternoons reaching worrisome levels.  No rain in sight, but at least the winds have subsided.  I try to keep my fishing fever at boil, but it is hard right now.  And I hate to whine when I  get to fish basically whenever I like.  I am lucky and I know it and appreciate it every time the boat slides off the trailer no matter how the rest of the day goes.  Trust me, this funk will subside with the weather and a little change of scenery.  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!**

When I commented on a post from a reader on his past fishing at Magnolia Beach I got this follow up comment from Mac.  I so appreciate his filling us in on the “old days” and I wanted to share it with you immediately.  I hate to see these memories getting lost and this one is informative and important.  It is a snap shot of a period of time on the Texas coast when things were different.

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“Those were the days”

Doug, after reading your work today about the 70’s , I just had to write back. It is 108 degrees in Bastrop and goin’ fishin’ is the last thing on my mind.

I will never forget working at the Port A Ice house in the summers in the late 60’s and 70’s . I learned to fish hanging around Totsy Belcher, who knew any and everything about bay and gulf fishing

My opinion on fishing then and today.

Back then before GCA was evident, commercial fishing for trout and reds was legal. I got 40 cents a pound selling them to eateries around the area. Did this hurt the fisheries back then. Yes it sure did! Unattended trot lines were everywhere in the bay systems. They caught tons of redfish using simple strips of red strips of 4 inch plastic table cloths. – CCA and the Parks and Wildlife stopped this practice. Since then, with the redfish breeding programs, I know for a fact the redfishing has vastly improved.

I think the trout population was really hurt from several severe freezes in past 20 years
Reducing limits, I feel has helped out trout fishing today.

There was no limit on flounder and I remember gigging all night with 25 or 30 fish.
We need to keep pursuing ways to help their population.

Back to the 70s—Totsy would go out to the end of the south jetty at Port A with a strong rope and a large single hook. I saw him catch a huge Jewfish that I knew was over 15O lbs. They have disappeared today. One good thing–There are now tarpon showing up again. King fish were everywhere with practically no limits. I also remember seeing multiple sailfish working baitfish up in a “ball” and catching 7 of the sails at this event. The bill fishing has also slowed

On a somber note–We gathered stone crabs in the flat’s oyster reefs. There are few left today. Old timers say people took both claws off them, including their fighting claw which was their protection from harm. Oysters were bountiful also and large. what happened? I remember going to South Padre island and gathering real scallops.

In synopsis . Good things have happened. The Brown Pelicans were almost extinct back then, but a fisherman from Fort Worth found that the bird shells were being broken at birth. The use of DDT was then banned and now these birds are all about.
As I mentioned before –Limits are enforced, GCCA is making many strides to better our fisheries. I studied, the effects of nitrates from fast release fertilizers while in college. There has been much study on its effects on marine life, I, myself. really believe that going more organic and using slow release nitrogen will bring the snook, tarpon and many other fish back to us.

I have caught my share of fish and hope we keep making ways for our young to enjoy this super sport along with the other coastal wildlife.

PS-I mentioned this before–” The only time I ever saw my Dad cry was when we came up upon a trotline with rotting redfish all along it”.

We are on the right track–GCCA and other concerned venues will help keep us fishing

THE TEMPERATURE JUST HIT 111 DEGREES IN Bastrop

Mac

The times they are a changin’!  (Even a Jewfish in now a Goliath Grouper.)  Those of us who have been fishing for decades have seen the improvement, and while it is a work in progress, the results are undeniable.  Looking back most of us have done things that would be considered “wrong” today, but it was a different time.  (Tad from Fishin’ Machine Lures and I were guiding 4 guys in the mid 70’s for bass on Norfork.  We stopped for a shore lunch and he pulled me aside.  They are not happy I was throwing the really small, as in 10″  or less, bass back, at the time there was no length limit.  So while legal that was the attitude in those days.  How could we fish out the lake, or an ocean?  We know better now.) It is these memories that educate and enlighten us.  Those who are not willing to look at past mistakes are sure to make them again.  The challenges facing fisheries management are not the “same” today and we still have a ways to go.  The only other comment is thanks for the share.

********************Get inhaled!  

There is something innovative and new coming!  

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One thing I forgot to mention the other day was when we drove the PINS beach Sunday we saw a kayaker cleaning a nice kingfish.  The water looked absolutely fabulous, actually it kind of reminded me of South Padre when the good water comes ashore.  According to an online post from a local guide the even better water is making it’s way to PINS and the fishing should only improve.  Nothing like a snook, tarpon, or a kingfish from the beach.  Heck we billed a sailfish in 2 foot of water on PINS.  It can happen.

One of my great outdoor memories.  This was October 2013, where does the time go?

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As you faithful readers know I check out the boats for sale throughout Texas almost daily.  I love to comment on some of the posts, folks can be seriously delusional.  Needs work, it ran when I last used it 10 years ago, “project” boat, no title, you see it all.  But there was one today that takes the cake.  Now I am sure the X3 is a great boat, saw lots of them at Mansfield, but I can not wrap my head around why anyone would pay over $100k for a used boat.  If you can swing $100k why buy a used boat?  Just wondered.

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Man it has been hot, but not as hot here as other places, as if 103 degrees is so much better than 110.  It is cloudy this morning and while I am doing this I wish I was fishing.  That will not happen today.  When I parked the truck yesterday morning I noticed the license plate was missing from the skiff, the bracket broke.  This is the second time in 18 months.  So it is off to renew my plates, good timing, and then a better system to make sure it does not happen again.  Man I love/hate boat ownership.

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I hope you enjoyed Mac’s memories.  And if any of you have any more to share please do.  The world has changed dramatically the last few decades and these stories need to be both shared and recorded.  It is our history and it is important.  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!**

Weather

102/75.  Sunny.  Wind S 10 mph.  Chance rain 0%.

Lake Level

Today  95.24 msl.   Week ago  95.54 msl.

Solunar Time

Best  7:59 am to 9:59 am.

With temps to hit over a 100 degrees it was out early.

It was barely daylight as I headed up lake.  The plan was simple, go up and flip until 9:00 or so then back down to do some more trolling.  I figured it would be plenty hot by noon so it was definitely a short day.  And it turned out to be an interesting day.

     That was one hungry catfish.                 And the average size these days.

6 small ones jumped on the watermelon red stick worm at the first place, including a catfish.  As far as this year goes I have caught more catfish than any year, ever.  And a little later the weird continued.  The fish are still around the cover, but as the lake falls there is less and less of the good stuff.  But it is still simple, toss it right on the cover, let it drop straight down, and give it some twitches.  Today none of them came off the cover.  Close was no cigar today.

         A 4 lb head on this skinny fish.          At least they are willing.

The first pass this morning was 6, from there it was back to one here and one there.  And I strictly stuck with the “good stuff” and there are still a few fish coming to it.  But as I have learned the last couple of trips trolling, the mass of them are in the 14 – 20 foot range.  After catching 10 or so pitching it was starting to warm up a little so down lake I went.

Crazy, it smacked the crap out of the crankbait.  That is one big tilapia!

Starting on the big flat point that separates the ramp cove from the fishing pier cove it was actually slow for a while.  I worked it the long way on both sides, made several passes over the tip, and just kept it in the water.  Finally I found the shad, and most of the fish, which were in that 15′ to 20′ range.  They were on the damn side of the point, and were easily visible.  And when the tilapia above hit it there was no doubt.  After a pretty good tussle, I am leaving 50′ of line out, I finally put it in the boat.  The same thing goes for the tilapia, I have caught more of them on lures this year than ever.

Just little guys, but I sure like catching them.

The white bass were harder to find today.  I caught 5 or 6, and none were as good as some of them the other day.  They, along with the bass, were clearly visible near large schools of shad and I was actually counting down from 10 as I passed the shad, and many times it was fish on.  But today the bass were jumping on the crankbait far better than the whites.

The 2 best of about 10 bass trolling.

Though the balsa shad bait was the better bait the last couple of times I tried trolling, today I put out a hard plastic shad bait with rattles in it that ran about 12′ deep, they liked it.  Once I found the fish it would be 1 or 2 on every pass for around a couple of hours.  Get it in the perfect depth and get a bite.  And one quick observation, several fish coughed up shad on the way in, exactly the size of a medium crankbait.  So say what you want about trolling, I like catching fish, and not the same fish the same way all the time.  And when you can boat an easy 25 in a morning trip I will take it.

A really good morning considering.  And if I had a crappie rod with me I would have run to a couple of quick spots and caught one just to add to the take.  Think about it, today could have been a nice little fish fry if I was keeping.

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Get inhaled!  

There is something innovative and new coming!  

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

I got this comment from first timer Ron.

Worked at Alcoa in the 70’s and fished under the lights at Powderhorn. Caught many specs. Wonderful days.

I am sure it was so much different than today, and probably better.  And I have heard that back “in the day” during winter the beach was lined with Snowbirds and their campers.  But there are still plenty of specks, reds, and some really big black drum caught from the marina fishing pier.  I have often thought of interviewing folks who have been around and documenting the changes that have happened on the coast.  Lots of cool history that will be lost.  So thanks for reading and a great memory.

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And this comment came from Matt on the POC weekend.

A couple comments. Sunday after Poco is a good day to fish. Most have pounding headaches and are leaving town as soon as they can.

Also, you can’t beat the Tackle Box. Great people.

Funny how events like this lead to a certain amount of over indulgence.  A good time will be had by all, but it sure can make the drive home a chore.  And those poor fish, they will probably have their own “hangover” after this weekend.  But all will be back to normal Monday, including me getting back on the water.

And it is nice for folks like me who do not mess with reels to have the Tackle Box.  They are pretty quick on the cleanings, which is nice if you have lots of reels, which I do.  And they know what is biting and what is selling which can help with lure selection depending on the time of year.  I appreciate your comment and feel free to comment any time the spirit moves you.

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A big congratulations to the boat Smooth Move with a big marlin, 720 lbs to win Poco Bueno.  There were 5 marlin over 443 lbs, which are some good fish.  And the ACY63 Tenacious for their first place catch and release.  There is just something about catching a marlin, and if I had to pick one fish in my life it would be my first marlin.  The waves crashing over the transom, diesel smoke, the marlin jumping right at the boat, it does not get any more exciting than that.

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A RANT

I try to avoid politics on this site but there are times when I just can not help myself.  I am very concerned with something I read in the small paper The Island Moon, which we picked up on North Padre Sunday.  4,200 acres of land UNDER Choke Canyon is going up for lease for oil drilling.  Now do not get me wrong, I agree with my Land Man buddy Aaron, if you don’t like drilling go home and turn off your house.  But this is to freakin’ much!  No matter how safe they try to be there is always the potential for a spill or accident.  Rigs and drilling on the lake is completely counter to the great outdoors.  Not only is it a good fishing lake, it is the drinking water for Corpus Cristi and the surrounding area.  And that is bad enough but what struck me in the article is this ………….

“However, a government policy issued in January now  requires the Bureau of Land Management – the agency in charge of oil and gas leasing – to offer industry nominated parcels for lease…..”

What is scary about that?  That the industry will be deciding where they can drill and the BLM will just stand back and let them have free reign.  Sorry if you are in the oil business, many folks here are, but letting any industry make their own rules will only lead to abuse at some point.  What’s next?  Big Bend, under the park downtown, in your yard?  All because they nominate a place?  This is a bad idea.  I hope it is not that easy.

Another example is the government opening the Anwr in Alaska to drilling, I have a problem with that.  We need to protect places like Anwr and they should stay that way.  If you have spent as much time in the outdoors as I have it is clear, there are more folks using the outdoors.  It is getting more crowded every day and there should be some places that remain off limits for all time.  There just needs to be some places in this world that are protected and unless we are in a national emergency they should stay wild.  And to drill under Choke Canyon is just plain wrong.

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I am sorry but when we are topping 100 degrees I am just not that mad at them.  Fortunately it looks like it will temper some with the slight chance of rain mid week.  And the wind is definitely down so with it being cooler on the bay it is time to enjoy those little cooler temps in the water.  It is a little tougher for me in the doldrums of summer catching trout on lures, but after saving the day on a drop at least I have some kind of a pattern to start.  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!**

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Port O’Connor Texas

Chris was coming to the house at 5:30am so we could make Froggie’s by 6:30.  I was up early so decided to run to the station and get gas and ice and be ready to go.  On the  way I cut a corner to close and dinged a rim on the trailer.  Dang it.  It was a slow leak so I got gas and went back to the house to put on the spare.  Not the best start to the day but with no delay in the fishing no harm.  And just a note, since we were going to be wading deep I waded wet as it might have gone over my waders.  So no pocket no pictures today, sorry you will have to take my word for it that we caught a 37″ trout.  Just kidding.  And I did not prep the conditions so here they are – Hot – Humid – Wind 20mph out of the South,  water temp 90 degrees most places, and tide dropping most of the day.  Summer time on the coast.

When we got to the ramp it really dawned on me – Poco Bueno.  The parking lot at Forggie’s was almost full at 6:30, and it was a day of high dollar horsepower.  With an expected 120+ boats in the inshore half that starts on Friday it was on the brink of mayhem.  There were boats everywhere, lots of SCB, Simmons, Majeks, Haynies, etc. running all over, lining miles of bank, it was busy.  And I saw something I have never seen before, a dude burning the shoreline, behind folks wading deep.  Crazy, it gives you and idea of what is to come.  But even with the traffic we were able to do what we needed to.

It was tough.  The first place was near South Pass.  I started in on shell and grass,  Chris headed deep, and I mean he fished way out there.  Right away I had a 18″ absolutely crush a topwater.  Now I am thinking it is going to happen, not.  But I did have a big one come off the topwater, so I had my chance.  When I finally picked him up other than that one keeper I caught a couple on plastics that did not make the grade.  Chris struck out.  I learned something from that wade that payed off later.

Next it was an oyster bar in South Pass.  We did not have a bite.  I attribute some of that to the wind out of the South blowing it off color, and it had some color.  The only redeeming value in that stop was the tide was out and it is nice to see places where you can see it all, which will obviously pay off in the future.  But with only one in the box another move was in order.

We fished the mouth of a drain we fish regularly and the only thing I remember about that is we caught a few, Chris caught a rat red and I caught a 17″ red which was it for reds for the day.  It seemed like we just were not in the right place, obviously!  We gave that area a good go, but the bites were just not there.  The floating grass was also starting to be a problem, so what next?

I was going to head to Barroom, but was worried about the water color with the South wind.  As we are headed there I had a moment of insight – the old Coast Guard station.  It should be fairly protected and it has a good drop.  So we detoured and headed that way.

It turned out to be a good choice and we started catching trout on the drop.  How close to the drop you say?  With the boat anchored Chris went over the outside and in to his chin he went.  I went out the other side and it was a little over knee deep.  We both threw plastics and I had another moment of insight, paddle tail deep.  So using a pink limeade Controlled Descent Paddle Shad on a 1/8th swim bait hook, big rattle inserted, I tossed it deep, let it sink, and then slow rolled it back.  The water had some color and the slow retrieve with the rattle let them find it.  But the best thing?  They flat stopped it, most of the bites were solid hook ups.

Before it was over I caught another 3 nice keepers, and would have had my limit several times but lost them messing with the Boga.  Of course usually if I am keeping them I generally use a net, but man I hate messing with a net and topwaters so I left at the house.  If I were guessing it was maybe 10 for me there, and not sure how many for Chris but it was several and he added a keeper.  So back to his first wade.  Where he first went way out, and I mean way out, and did not catch a keeper it clued me in a little, it just took a while to sink in.  Deep might be right, but the drop is the key.  And trust me, there were tons of folks out there chest deep today.  Putting on my thinking cap, it finally dawned on me, during this period they want, and like, a nice 3+ drop to hang on.  Guess I should have searched my blog for that, it is a good pattern.

Looking back on the day, if we had stuck to drops on our wades the results would have been much better.  I am no trout expert but it makes sense, they lay up and as a general rule stay off the heated flats much of the day.  Plus, since that info is actually on this blog I might have done a little research on my own stuff.  But after 3 slow places to finish the afternoon with a pretty good bite was a great way to end the day.  And the 5 keepers are headed to his house as the honorary guest at a fish fry.  It was one of those days were fishing that one more spot paid off.

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Get inhaled!  

There is something innovative and new coming!  

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

One consequence of the crowded water, which is about to be as busy as it gets in our area all year, was I called of a Friday trip with Michael, owner and designer of the Controlled Descent Lures.  And he was fine with that.  This weekend anywhere within a boat ride will be jammed with folks, some of them doing some awesomely stupid stuff.  We were going to fish Friday, but the tournament will be in full swing.  If Wednesday is any indication it will be nuts.

I was able to get a chance to hear what is coming in the plastic department and I can’t wait.  It is a cool idea and there is no way the fish won’t like it.  So as soon as it is out I will fill you in.  And we will reschedule the trip as soon as he can shake lose.  But trust me, if you think fishing the POC area this weekend will be a nice outdoor experience you really do need to fish more.

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The proper tool for the job.

And I wanted to talk a little more about catching them the last place.  No matter what bait you are using there are times when conditions just dictate a certain approach.  The last place had grass with a good drop and was definitely off color from both wind and boat traffic.  The fish were deep and not particularly active so taking a bigger bait, letting it hit bottom and then slow rolling it resulted in some really solid thumps.  I wish I had started that earlier, that slow roll, no jerking, technique has it’s place, and summer time seems to be it.  I learned that from the Mad Trout Fisherman, and his results with plastics before he goes to croaker are spectacular.  So put that in your fishing book, you never know when it might save the day.  They were stopping that Pink Limeade with a solid thump.  And the 4/0 swim bait hook keeps them hooked up.  Wish I was headed to the bay, I am feeling a killin’ coming on.

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Random Acts of Kindness.

I did want to give some props to a couple of folks this morning.  First I headed to Discount Tire to get a new rim.  The dude takes one look at it and says no problem, we can bend that right out and it will be fine, and they did.  And then no charge.  That was a good way to start the day but that was not the real act of kindness.  It has been hot down here, really tough to be outside.  And up rides a guy on a bike who is obviously homeless, he comes in the door and asks if he can get a water, and maybe one for his friend.  The same guy who helped me said sure, take a couple.  He said it with kindness and understanding and at least the dude and his buddy will have some water today.

And then another one happened on the way from the library.  There is a really old couple who have been on the corner with all their stuff early mornings.  One look at them and it is clear they are definitely having it rough.  In the inside lane was a real piece of junk pickup, which appeared to be on it’s last legs.  The window opened and they handed them some money.

Kindness comes in all shapes and sizes and to see 2 perfect examples in one morning was refreshing.  When we all do little things like that you learn that when you do, you actually get more out of it than the person you helped.  So pass it on when you get the chance, it makes the world a better place.

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My last stop was the Tackle Box to pick up a couple of reels that needed cleaning.  The guy who waited on me turned out to be Colton, who is a facebook friend.  It was nice to put a “real” face to a name and we talked some fishing.  He is one of the really good young fisherman in this area.  And I appreciate that he, like several other good young local fishermen, fishes both fresh and salt.  Some of us like catching this or that, or doing it this way or that way, and some of us like fishing in what ever form it takes.  He is in the later group and the sport of fishing is in their hands.

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So know I am sitting here finishing this and trying to figure out when I will get back on the water next, like maybe tomorrow at the lake.  There is something I have been wanting to try and it will eat at me until I try it.  And I definitely want to get back to the bay after it calms down and work on the drop thing.  So whether on the water or off it is on my mind constantly.  And if a person has to have an obsession at least this one is moderately harmless.  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!**

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Weather

97/74  Partly cloudy.  Wind S 10 -1 5.  10% chance of rain.

Lake Level

Today  95.44 msl   5 days ago  95.59 msl

Solunar Times

Good  9:25 am to 11:25 am.   Best  3:37 pm to  5:37 pm.   (No way I will be out there mid afternoon.)

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I really had no plan today, but things changed and with 2 bay days coming this week I made a quick trip to the lake.  And one thing you can say about the lake, it is consistently so-so.  In fact speaking with a guy from out of town at the ramp who has been here a couple of days  they have caught a fish or two the last 2 days, one good one, but they were struggling.  So at least I was able to send them to the areas I have been catching fish and hopefully their last couple of days will be better.  It is so much better to help another fisherman than be a jerk, it is nice to be able to share success.  But I digress.

It was just a little foggy when I put in at daylight.  The further up lake I went the foggier it got.  It was almost 8:30 before it all burned off.  But it did not affect the fish any.

Second cast, it was still really foggy.

Up lake I went and the bite was on.  There was lots of smaller fish that appeared today, and they were willing.  Pitching the watermelon red stick worm is still the most consistent way for me to catch fish.  Same old song and dance – Pitch it tight to cover and get ready.  Many are still just swimming off with it and you have to be ready to pick up the slack and stick them.

Nothing big but there are enough this size to keep it interesting.

Keeping count, it was exactly 7:45 when I boated the first one above, he was number 10 in around an hour.  I kept after it for a while longer and put another 2 or 3 in the boat.  Since it was definitely going to be a short day it was time to go check on the white bass.

Once back down near the dam I worked the same area where I caught them last week.  And though I saw plenty of fish on the locator, with schools of shad, they were not active.  The small bass continued to bite, and 3 small white bass did jump on.  Unlike the other day they were not slamming it, and while they were hitting  at it, it was not with the authority of the other day.  But as far as the bass, none were big, but if you just want to catch some fish just put the boat in 15 – 20′ of water, troll a shad style bait with 50′ of line out a little above idle and you will catch fish.  So around 11:00 it was hot and so I headed to the ramp.  With a dozen pitching and another 10 trolling at least I am catching fish.

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Get inhaled!  

There is something innovative and new coming!  Stay tuned.

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

It is a big scary world out there.

Doug, just got back from sight casting for reds in the gin clear waters of some of the land locked shallow lakes in East Matagorda bay. This trip was one I will never forget!!!

To get to these shallow lakes. it involves parking your skiff and walking through the marsh grasses. One can see and catch reds from now through a warm December in these waters. Even on weekends I never see others in these lakes

After yesterday, in the future, I may have to wear a suit of armour. About 4 pm my son and I were walking back after catching reds even in the middle of the day on Knocker B’s. We were walking on a rough animal trail, I in front. My son, behind me softly said “Dad keep walking slow and don’t look back.” What did I do-Looked back!!

I had juat walked over a huge South Texas Marsh Rattlesnake. My heart jumped up to my throat and I ran a qarter mile in a record sprint all the time listening to my son’s laughter.

The rest of our walk was slow and boy howdy did we watch for what could be in our path.

Lessons learned.

1 Don’t walk in the marsh, but the fishing is too good not to.
2. Watch for these critters-they are out there
3 Invest in some snake leggings
4 Stay home and watch TV

Common sense and the love of pursuing our love of shallow water fishing will keep us doing this…You may.in the future, just see us in the marsh walking on a pair of stilts!!!!! Ha ha

PS–I met the Devil out there yesterdy–I will never forget this incident!
be safe, Mac

I always enjoy your input, last time I heard from you it was a redfish killing.  Good thing it was not you!  I have heard about the rattle snakes, some of them really big on the island, and obviously you saw one.  And what you were doing reminded me of a reader a couple of years ago who was tired of the crowds so he did something about it, exactly what you did.  He would find these places on Google Earth and then drag his kayak in.  And some of the places are redfish hangouts with not a soul in sight.  So glad nobody got hurt, and it was a lesson leaned without a fee.  Great to hear you are still up right and taking nourishment.

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And I have said it before, there are crappie to be caught on the lake and I talked with someone who had 31 today.  Just get some minnows and start dipping around brush, they are out there.

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Tomorrow it is off to the bay.  My buddy Chris has been busier than normally and is finally able to fish tomorrow, which is only the second time with me this year.  The initial plan is to head to Panther Reef for starters, from there who knows.  Chris thinks it is time to be chest deep on the reef, and he is probably right.  Then Friday I hope to spend the day with Michael, the owner and designer of the Controlled Descent Lures.  With Poco Bueno from Friday through the weekend not sure where we might fish but we will cross that bridge later.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.  Hopefully I will have a couple of good saltwater reports this week.

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!**

Today is just a few random thoughts and comments.  One really peaked my interest and I somehow was able to figure out the proper answer.  (I hope.)  Sometimes I forget to go back to the basics, and for me that is map study.  I have a big basket full of maps from all over the US and Canada, and trust me, when planning a trip it never hurts to study.

************************Get inhaled!  

There is something innovative and new coming!  Stay tuned.

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

I got this interesting question from Michael, which I think is his first time comment.

we rented a place in magnolia beach for 89 days this dec-mar we will be bringing our 18 ft crest liner and would like to know what our fishing opportunities will be we also have a 16 ft prince craft and are wondering if we will have more fishing opportunities with the smaller boat

Oh where to begin?  When I get questions like this it always makes me nervous, especially questions involving navigation.  At least I am somewhat familiar with both boats, I have done a little Yankee fishing in my time, and both would work.  First lets talk about the weather and Magnolia Beach’s location.  This is a great time to fish, but the winds can be a problem, like almost any day on the Texas coast.  The thing about Magnolia Beach is there is 1 ramp right on the beach in the open bay, and then Indianola Marina down the road.  So unless you are just planning on fishing Powderhorn you will have to deal with big water.

Obviously bigger is better due to where you will be.  Of course there are lots of shallow places but in either boat if you are not sure, idle in as you learn.  Easier to get off if you get stuck.  But if you stay with the marked channels, and then use caution to approach any bank or new area you should be good.  Trust me, you have enough time to take it easy and learn as you go.  And the nice thing about the bigger boat is you can head out to the big jetties, which is a pretty good run across open bay, or fish a couple of the rigs that are close but in the middle of the bay, but if you want to catch a big fish the jetties is the place.  If you have ever fished Lake of the Woods, or maybe some other big northern lake, you know how rough it can get and here is no different.  And also across from Magnolia Beach is Keller Bay, which can be rough running straight across the bay, but it can be worth the ride.

As far as Powderhorn Lake the 16′ would be fine, it has lots of shallow water, but it might not be enough to be comfortable running across the big water if you travel and the wind comes up.  (Plus there is not enough fishing there for 3 months.)  The smaller boat could limit your travels, or make for a rough ride.  But draft is important, and much of the water that holds fish is in the couple of feet range.  How shallow does each boat float?  We have thousands of miles of shallow shorelines.   And just how comfortable are you with big water?  But depending on the winds, and just for entertainment since you are here for 3 months, would be to put in at Port O’Connor at Froggie’s boat dock 20 miles away.  It tends to be a little easier to get around in that area when the wind is up.  But with the big boat you can run there, it is not that far from Magnolia Beach, and then be in quieter water without trailering.  Having 2 boats as you well know, there is a trade off with each.  Remember as you consider your choice that Texas boats tend to run and float in a foot, give or take a couple of inches.

Now I am not trying to scare you, the wind may not blow, and it might blow for weeks. This area is big, but the fishing opportunities are unlimited.  So  here is my best advice  –

https://hooknline.net/products/f108-matagorda-bay-hard-copy-fishing-map-with-gps

I rarely if ever fish a new place without a hard map.  This one will give you the skinny and a better understanding on what I just talked about.  Trust me, it will be the best $20 you ever spend as it sounds like this is your first trip here.  So start there, it says it way better than I can.

Now another word of advice if you are fishing with your freshwater boat.  Absolutely rinse and flush the works after every use, including any tackle and rods and reels.  If you do not have a flush attachement for the lower unit buy one.  Be sure to turn everything off because trust me, the salt conducts electricity and it is never fun to touch the boat and feel the current when charging if you used the trolling motor.  And rinse the trailer every single time, the salt will start working on your trailer immediately.

So that is enough of the warnings.  That time of year is my favorite, especially the schools of redfish in the bay and the bulls at the jetties.  One thing I have done in the past that really seems to help with a new place is to make a big run using the main channels and markers to get a good travel baseline by taking a big ride just to map a trail.  Say one to the Powderhorn, Keller Bay, then Port O’Connor, and the jetties.   Then you have the baseline to work off and you can expand as you go.  Keep the map with you and look at it while you lay your track.  There is miles and miles of stuff here and if you have never had the pleasure of catching redfish you are in for a treat.  So keep in touch and I hope this helps.  All I can say is “The Map!”  Good luck.

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Abd Ervin dropped this comment.

Sounds like a great day on the lake. I believe the birds you were seeing are Wood Storks. Should have had black wingtips and tail and black on the trailing edge of the wings. I sure enjoy reading your stuff.

Thanks for reminding me, that is exactly what they were.  I do not see them regularly but when they are here is seems there are always a big flock.  And it was so cool, it drove those turkeys absolutely nuts when they landed on the roost.  Great to hear from you and thanks for reading.

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It was a bummer when I broke my topwater rod on the coast the other day.  It was just one of those picked up at Academy that was stolen off a combo and for some reason it was perfect for topwater.  But all is not lost.  When I went bass fishing yesterday I found I had been using it’s twin so I will just get one of the others in the corner to use on the bass and switch out.  Not sure how it happens, and it has over the years repeatedly, I guess I am just hard on rods.

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The World Cup has been entertaining and I have a better appreciation for the sport.  And those fans, those crazy fans, have been part of the entertainment.  When your whole country gets behind one team it sure adds some excitement.  As we will be hosting it 4 years (I think.) from now I just might have to see a game, wear a funny hat, and blow some kind of horn.

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Not sure what is next as the insurance company finally got an adjuster who we will be hearing from I hope Monday.  Wanting to get this mess done, I will hang around close to be sure to get it done as soon as possible.  It looks to be no big deal but you never know.  As far as the fishing I am needing a little travel fix, just trying to decide fresh or salt, and I still have someone I want to fish with as soon as I am really free.  The show I watched to day on bass fishing the Stick March sure got me going!  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines