FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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The Wade Right system, the best way to wade!

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It is Sunday morning and I am planning the next couple of week’s fishing, it is going to be a stretch of fishing till you drop.  First up it will be the lake, my usual Coleto Monday, then another day later in the week when it is going to cloud up.  Part of the reason for that is the Austin Boys are coming for their annual Fishmass extravaganza next week.  As the group grows in size they come earlier and earlier in the week.  So  I plan on hitting the lake a couple of days for fun, then it will be pre-fishing on the bay.  If it works out maybe I can give the boys a little jump start on location and baits to give them a leg up on their big weekend.  As the group has grown so has when they start arriving, and the first wave will be in Wednesday, then others will straggle in until Saturday.  First a little fun fishing, then the serious business of saltwater fishing begins.

Weather

78/55  Sunny.  Wind ESE  5 – 10 mph.  10% chance of rain.

Solunar Times

5:04 am to 7:04 am.   (Only pertinent period.)

Lake Level

2 weeks ago  97.37 msl    Today  97.12   (A slow drop over the last few weeks.)

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When I slid the boat in the water it was not really foggy, but a real heavy mist.  It was just cracking daylight as I made my way up lake.  The water temp at the ramp was 71 degrees and way up lake it was 69, so no real difference.  In fact it stayed in the low 70’s most of the day not matter where I was.  One thing that is consistent is the lake is still that brownish/tannic looking.  It is interesting that it is a little more off color mid lake than way up, or way down.

The plan was to work the Bang O Lure over pretty hard today, and other than a senko style worm, I stuck with the topwater.  I caught a couple right on the bank, and then this girl smoked it halfway back to the boat.

She smashed that Bang O Lure.

I was jerking it along, under a little, the letting it pop up, making it splash, and the 2 best ones hit it way off the bank.  Of the other 6 or 7 one might have measured, and most of them were right on the bank.  It was a little tough fishing it when you would jerk it under and you could barely see it, much less a fish below it.  The tell tale sign occasionally is the boil behind it, and when you see it twitch it right on top real erratically, it works when you can’t see them.  A little deeper banks with cover were best for me, especially in a cove with some water on the deeper side.

Cool spider web.

Off and on I tossed a watermelon/red senko style 5″ stick bait with a 3/16th slip sinker on a 4/0 worm hook, rigging it Texas style.  It caught about the same amount of fish, and I did break one off setting the hook that might have been a good one, the rest were just run of the mill.  I do know that if you want to catch fish plastics are the way to go.  I just really enjoy topwater fishing, and Coleto is about to have a pretty good run as we head into winter.  From now through May I will be throwing it, but January into March is prime time on Coleto and I will be ready.

The only other good one this morning.

I probably covered 6 or 7 places before I quit around 2:00 and nothing really stuck out as better than any other.  But I do know that cover with some good water was the best today.  And several times I had 4 or 5 bites in one spot, and then an hour without a bite.

This was a freakin’ dinosaur!

It was a good day with lots of gators sunning, more ducks than I have ever seen on the lake, (Not counting Coots.) and of course the occasional deer.  The pictures do not do that gator justice.  He was thick and had a huge head, the stuff nightmares are made of.  There were several big flocks of gulls resting on the water, a little unusual, and if they are like that next time I will be graphing that area, could be schooling whites.  One flock was at the mouth of the discharge cove, the only place I have seen the whites schooling on the lake.

There was 1 truck at the ramp when I started, 2 when I pulled out.  Fishing is still a little sketchy, but it won’t be long and the first early pre-spawn movement will begin.  I did speak with Mr Crappie 1 and Mr Crappie 2 and they had 9, which for those 2 guys is tough fishing.  One thing I plan on doing soon is drifting for the big catfish.  I did it a successfully a few years ago, but not early enough in the winter, so that is one thing I do not want to miss this year.

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While I was gone my skiff was catching fish.  Occasionally I think of selling it, then I remember it has served me well for almost 18 years, it is a fish catching machine.  And it is nice to have a boat that friends can use if they are needing it.  And while I was gone my buddy Jeffish and his son Korbin, the future 2030 Bassmaster Champion, spent a couple days on the creek and managed to boat a few.

It does not get any better than this!

A nice keeper redfish and Korbin’s first flounder.

Jeffish also reports a nice limit on Friday and Saturday as the creek and river continue to produce.  And with this cold front the fishing will only get better.  But remember, it does not last forever on our coastal creeks and rivers.  So if you have not tried one in your area now is the time.  And congratulations to Korbin, next it will be putting him in position to add a bass to the list of things he has boated.  Take a kid fishing, you won’t be sorry.

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As I work on this I am watching another of my, and the fishing business’s true heros, Flip Pallot, who is fishing with the great Rob Fordyce.  It brings back memories and is actually how I got the fever for saltwater fishing, and the travel to great places that comes with it.  The Walkers Cay Chronicles would come on with the best sound track in the history of fishing shows, my heart would pound, and off he (we) would go.  Traveling the world catching some of the greatest fish ever caught on a fly rod, especially the big tarpon.  Every show was an adventure that touched my very fishing soul.  A man of many talents, his calm demeanor and thoughtful views on fishing is something that we can all learn from.  Plus, when was the last time you boated a tarpon over 180lbs on a fly rod?  Flip has been there, done that, and got the T Shirt. Hell, he is the T Shirt.

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I got this from SA Joe, like me a long suffering Chicago fan.

Try being a Bears fan!!!! At least I got the Cubs also. With their win I’m good for the next 5 years so all other Chicago teams can suck…

I am actually a Yankee who grew up with a family who were lifetime Bears fan.  I have 2 pictures of Walter Payton in my office, the greatest football player in the history of the league.  How can I say that?  He carried them on his back for years, and to get the kind of massive yards he gained behind what at times was a terrible team made him 1 in a million.  During his time at Chicago they had something crazy like 20 different quaterbacks, most who could not hit the broad side of a barn.  Good to hear from you.  I feel your pain!

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Think I will hit the lake again tomorrow.  The plan will be to try to replicate the few places I found fish in some new water.  They are wanting to eat the Bang O Lure, and it is time to toss the swim jig some.  And the weather is so awesome, in fact a little to awesome, and I am anxiously awaiting a real weather change, with a nice wet front, perfect for lake or bay.  And then it is off to POC for a few trips before the boys get here.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Brought to you by

The Wade Right system, the best way to wade!

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

It has been a while since I posted but that will of course be changing as there is about to be a big stretch of fishing extravaganza coming.  There were 2 reasons I checked out, first we were in Florida looking at potential retirement spots and having a big time.  Second, my laptop crapped out as soon as I got there and I just let it all ride.  Of course that means I have a ton of catching up to do, so if you have not heard from me I am catching up this morning.

While full retirement for her is a couple of years away, we were interested in what there was that could fit us both, her keeping active, and me with a fishing pole in my hand while maybe using a walker.  And it was a great trip, and we actually found our spot.  And along the way had a great time.  We have been traveling there for almost 30 years and I have made numerous fishing trips there so we had an idea where to start.

Let’s start with the fishing.  I waded the beach at Sanibel a couple of mornings and am now the world champion ladyfish catcher.  They had a cool front and the water was cool, and while there was lots of bait on the beach, no gamefish for me.  That was it for the trip, funny how when we are having fun fishing sometimes takes a back seat, which is how you know your wife just might be a keeper.

While visiting potential places we found the Fort Myers Boat Show, which was big and awesome.  There were boats from a million to 10,000, and everywhere in between.  Fishing boats, trawlers, yachts, offshore, you name it they have it.  I talked to several folks about the difference in the bay boats, as a rule they do not have tunnels, it is just a different deal over there.

While we were there I met one of my hero’s, Ray Van Horn, he was a great guy and we had a couple of things in common.  Ranger sponsors him and when I commented on Arkansas and my tourney partner being a manager at Ranger we got to talking.  He even owned a Champion 16’8″ like I did, one of the real screamers back in the day.  His show is one of my favorites, I love the big slide in camper and heading to different places, the perfect way to go.  And he fishes both fresh and salt, he was a long time tournament fisherman, so we had a lot in common.  He was telling me he was coming to Texas sometime this year with his crew to film so I wish him the best of luck.  Check out his show, good stuff.

http://www.gypsyangler.com/

And to make it even more interesting as we walked the booths I saw a guy in a Wicked Pissah shirt from the TV show Wicked Tuna on Discovery.  I thought strange shirt for south Florida, when the Boss said, no it is that guy, and sure enough it was.  Paul was there haggling over some knives.  Small world at times.

While there we looked at plenty of options, parks on the water, inland, fancy and cheap.  We wanted to get a feel for where and what and it actually happened.  To make a long story short the serious planning begins next year to make a move to an area called The Villages.  We saved that stop for last as it has the most appeal from afar, and it was a home run for our lifestyle.

https://www.thevillages.com/

Online it looked a little high class for folks like us.  With everything from manufactured homes in the low $100’s to million dollar homes it seemed like it might not be for us.  Oh so wrong.  This places is massive with almost 60,000 homes, it has top of the line health facilities, like 70 golf courses, a bunch of activity centers, swimming pools, trails, catch and release lakes, and other stuff to numerous to mention, it has it all.  There are over 3,00o clubs with hundreds, and I do mean hundreds of things every day.  No matter what you like there are folks doing it.  There are 3 town squares, with another on the way, with places to eat and music every night of the year on all three squares.  And what makes it cool, besides the people, you can live your whole life out of a golf cart.  There are few things, and I can not think of one off hand, you can not get to.  Really great.

But the best thing, the people.  It would be hard for me to over emphasize how friendly folks were, we met and talked to tons of them, and they are great.  We shared a couple with some Vietnam vets, and it was great fun. It was so interesting that there was no way to tell who had millions, and who did not.  There were no “classes” of folks, and there were lots of folks our age and younger.  And they all to a man, we love it here, not a single bad thing. Folks were great.

And as far as expensive, the first night we ate at World of Beer, burger for her, brat for me, with a couple of drinks, $16!  Happy hour at almost everywhere (I have been known to attend a few.) to go along with the music in the square, $1 beers, 2 for ones, super meal deals, it was great.  Cheaper than eating in Victoria and sorry to say a hell of a lot better.  We checked out the grocery store, no real difference in prices.

You can tell how much we enjoyed it there, I could go on and on, and we will be returning occasionally.  While full retirement is still a ways away it is nice to make a decision.  Until then it is back to the fishing.

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I always like hearing from first time folks and got this from John

I have enjoyed reading your posts for some time, especially Fayette Lake and an area I would like to learn more about, POC. Have just retired so I can finally get out now more often and during the week with my grandchildren and wife. I will be happy to send you reports. Do I send them like this or post on your page. Another area we tried after reading your reports was Lavaca river. We waiting too long last year I think after a front and also had problems getting over to the river, due to shallows going out from the launch at Port Comfort. I would like to try the launch at 616 next time but I was interested in your opinion on how safe it is to leave vehicle there.

Sorry for the late reply.  Anytime anyone wants to send me posts or pictures just drop a comment on the last post and I will contact you, or anyone else with email information.  I love getting things from folks and really do not care if it is cool outdoor shots, animals, fishing, or anything else related.  Coming out of Port Comfort or 6 Mile can be tough, I always put in on 616.  As long as the fishing is going there are plenty of folks there and I have not had any problems.  But I met a guy last year who lost his stereo out of the truck, so it can happen anywhere, but it is a good lot and ramp and it make fishing the river a heck of a lot easier.  I appreciate your comments and to the rest of you, send me some stuff, we all like seeing it.

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I did not remember taking this picture with my flip phone, yes I still have one, but here is the good one I caught a couple of weeks ago.

This picture does not do her justice.  A solid!

This girl smashed a buzzbait harder than I have ever had one hit.  With these cools nights the fishing on the lake should heat up.  It always cracks me up having the blog and then forgetting the camera, the beginnings of my old timers I guess.

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You can put all I really know about internet stuff on the tip of your finger.  In the last week or 2 three of my friends sent me messages, but it was not them, they had all 3 been hacked.  We also got 2 fake emails from Ebay and our bank which were also BS.  While most of us can not do much to stop it, remember do not open squat if you are not sure.  Delete it and then email or message them to see if they sent it.  You can not be to cautious.  Plus, I don’t need that $200,000,000,000,000 deposited in the Bank of Nigeria that my long lost great, great uncle left me when he died exploring deepest darkest Africa.  Wondered where that old fart got to!

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Next on today’s agenda, contacting Dell to return the laptop.  It is my second and I can honestly say there is not one thing to recommend them.  So we shall see how they handle getting it fixed under warranty.  Then it will be getting fishing organized, it is coming.

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The best I can say about the Cowboys last night, they suck.  Really a disappointment this year and yesterday was particularly ugly.  But being a life time Cub fan I can take it.  There is always next year, or next decade.

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This does not fully catch me up.  I have a report or two to follow, and while I was gone my skiff was still putting them in the boat.  It is always great to be gone, and it is good to be home.  As soon as I catch up on my life it will be back on the water for some serious fishing. I love this time of year and intend to take full advantage of it.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.  And I appreciate you hanging in there with me.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Brought to you by

The Wade Right system, the best way to wade!

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

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I met Jesse the Neighbor in Academy discussing cooler tops.  We found out that we live less then a block away so we talked about fishing together at some point.  That point was the other night when he sent me a text asking if I was interested in fishing Garcitas, so a plan was made for Tuesday.

Jesse with a 19″, the best trout of the day.

One of the real reasons I wanted to fish with him, besides he is a great guy, is I have always wanted to ride in a classic shallow water scooter.  Jesse has 15′ Frontier so we loaded up and headed to the ramp at 6 Mile.  There was a pretty good chop, and until you got to the mouth of both creeks, it was fairly off-color.  We did a couple of drifts on the outsides and other than one really small one that was not successful.  There were a few birds around but nothing happening under them.

The new bait Jesse was throwing.  He promised to get back with me on what it was, but that good one liked it.

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Once we got up in the creek we started to get a few bites.  Plastics ruled the day, but the most amazing thing to me, not a freakin’ bite on a popping cork.  I could not keep them off it the other day, you just never know.  It was not fast by any means, 1 here, 1 there, but at least we were getting bit.  My highlight was a nice red on 8lb test.  Redfish are one of the best fish there is to catch on light line.  Unless there is some specific obstruction they fight fair and with a little patience and finesse they are easily landed on light line.  I did have one other good trout on, doing that mouth open thrashing thing on the way in, but she pulled off.

A 25″ red, the only one for the afternoon.

The Placedo was better than Garcitas.  That was probably a function of not having a trolling motor, Garcitas being bigger the wind made it tough to stay close to the bank long enough to make that good cast.  Garcitas has depths to 12′ and most of the time I find them on the drop in the 2 – 4′ range.  But before it was over we caught in the 15 range, give or take a couple, and though I did not look in the box I think he kept 4 to feed the family.  And we talked to the only other guys we saw and they had 5 in box, all trolling up river with a big chartreuse plastic on a jig head.  They were headed back to do that and gave us their bait shrimp, obviously fishing with them did not work out that well.

When we gave it up a little before dark the wind had picked up some, which was fine by me.  I really was interested in how wet we would get on the way in, it was sloppy out there, and of course we got some spray.  While maybe it was a little more than some flat boats, it was nothing unusual, when it is blowing it is hard to stay dry.  If we had been in the skiff we would have taken a bath.  Jesse is a good guy to fish with, and as he makes his living mostly on the weekends, we will probably be doing some more fishing together.

I am spending the day wrapping up stuff for Florida, so I can fish tomorrow.  Interesting how much more I get done when I need to, so I can fish.  And I have some folks to contact and catch up on a few things.  Tomorrow it looks to be clouding up so it will be the lake.  After that I have visions of tussling with a big snook in the surf.  I have caught lots of snook of the beach at Sanibel, not to mention one of the strongest trout bites I ever had, and with a couple of mornings and evenings to fish it should be interesting.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Brought to you by

The Wade Right system, the best way to wade!

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

Nothing says fall like flights of ducks!

My initial inclination was the river or creek but like most Mondays I ended up choosing he lake.  Can you say Bang O Lure?  After the little flurry of fish my last trip on the Bang O Lure I am really looking forward to getting back at it.  Last trip once the sun tried to come out the fish moved to the banks, so with today’s weather outlook I decided to give it another go.  So after a few chores this morning it will be off to the lake, should be interesting.

Weather

82/58  Sunshine to afternoon clouds.   Wind E 5 – 10mph.

Lake Level

Today  97.37 msl   Friday  97.57 msl

Solunar Times

No relevant period today.

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One on the Bang O Lure.  Since they all looked like this today I will spare you any more.

As far as the fishing went, it was slow.  The lake is plenty clear, there is still some cover in the water, but the majority of fish are just not shallow.  I basically stuck to the plan today, which was the Bang O Lure.  I fished from way up lake to near the plant, and other than a couple of places where I caught 2 or 3, they were few and far between.  One thing about today, stuff was out moving around and I was some what surprised the fishing wasn’t any better, but it make the day great.

The deer were on the move.

I put 3 in the boat on spinnerbait on windy banks, but that is clearly not the pattern.  It was 7 or 8 on the Bang O Lure, all in coves, usually 2 or 3 close to each other, then nothing.  And not every cove has fish, but the deeper sides of a cove with some cover or grass would have a couple.  But it was miles between fish, and other than 1 breaking me off on a stick worm, they were not interested in much other than the Bang O Lure.

This was a big boy and he was interested in the Bang O Lure.

And to get them to bite it had to be in the stuff, and I mean right on the bank.  Other than one who appeared to be crazy trying to get it all the way to the boat, the rest were on the first jerk or two, and no farther off.  Like the other day 2 actually hit it right when it hit the water.  Unfortunately all were small and I am not even sure I had a bite from a good one, and only missed a couple on the Bang O Lure.  I am still somewhat stumped that there are shallow fish but they are really not interested in chasing squat.

A shad eater and a TexDot road crew.

Obviously today would have been much better on the river or creek, but I was having one of those “so you can go there and catch a bunch of trout”, and the point of that?  Now tomorrow is another story.  Since I am feeling like some fresh fish for supper I think the creek will be next and of all things Jessie the Neighbor called last night and wanted to know if I wanted to hit Garcitas tomorrow, and I do.  With Florida coming in a couple of days I hope to be on the water at least 2 more days before  we leave.  There is some weather on the way, so that day will be the lake again.  It might be tough but it is the kind of weather that should get those bass moving.

They always seem slow and stupid to me.  Poor turtles.

Jessie will be here in a minute so I will get this up and go get my stuff ready.  It really is nice when folks take me.  Over the last 40 years I have been the go-to guy and it is nice to have the favor returned.  And it is nice to fish with new folks so wish us luck, but on the creek we don’t need much luck.  If you can’t catch them there right now you need to take up a new sport.  (I may pay for that remark!)  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Brought to you by

Check them out, the only way to wade.

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

I must be a glutton for punishment as I type this.  It is about 8:00 am and I am headed to the lake.  It is kind of becoming a little obsessive on my part, but the weather is just to good not to give the bass another go.  So with that out the door I go.

Weather

69/54  Cloudy  0% chance of rain.  Wind NE 10 – 15 mph.

Lake Levels

Today  97.39 msl   Yesterday  97.41 msl

Solunar Times

Good  10:17 am to 12:17 pm    Best  4:31 pm to 6:31 pm

This is my happy face!

The Bang O Lure strikes!

Now why would a man have a happy face holding 3 small bass?  Here is why.  Because around noon the fish seemed to materialize out of nowhere.  I started fishing about 9:00 am and it was just like it has been.  A couple here, one there, but no real pattern.  And then they turned on.

A few on buzzbait and spinnerbait.

It was cloudy and the wind was blowing right out of the north at 15 mph as I headed up lake.  I did the usual buzzbait/spinnerbait run, and like it has been I boated maybe 6 or 8.  As the morning wore on it started warming some, the clouds receded for just a second, and I started seeing shad flipping on the bank.  So I made a decision  (The right one.)  to head down lake to clearer water to fish the Bang O Lure.  The first cove 4 fish, the next 3, then another cove and another 4.  All at once the small ones were back shallow and on the chew, something I have not experienced the last few trips.  My day went from the 8 or so I have been catching to 20+ in nothing flat.

If the wind was blowing I would toss a spinnerbait and buzz it right on top, on the calm side it was the Bang O Lure.  Like I said last report, the Bang O Lure is about to come into its own, and this was just a taste of that.  While the fish were small they were plentiful.  Most hit it right on the bank, some the minute it hit the water, around stumps or grass, anywhere they could find bait.  Others did the usual grab it after I jerked it under, love that bite.  And if you saw a shad flip a quick cast with the Bang O Lure resulted in an immediate bite.  Were they big? No.  Did I give a rats ass?  No.  After the last month it was nice to see them back and biting.  It is an indication of what is coming, it and the bigger fish are coming.  And I often wonder when it gets like it was just where in the heck did they go?

While I did not catch, miss, or see a big fish, no worries.  It should only get better from here on and pre-spawn is right around the corner.  Bundling up on those cold mornings, running across the lake as mist rises, fingers freezing, maybe even ice in the guides, are some of my favorite memories.  That is when the real big fish roam, and often when you get on them it holds for a couple of months.  That is something to look forward to every year no matter where I have lived.  And I really have enjoyed the solitude of the last few trips, whether river or lake.

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It was good to hear from Billy my favorite head banger (Who knew?), and he always has something astute to say.

What the hizzell?
You mean you didn’t know that if you wear the fancy clothes and have the big fancy boat, that makes you a better fisherman…….sheesh!!!
Of course all of that means squat if you don’t have the high end polarized glasses…….lol.

Dang it, that is where I have been messing up.  I need better clothes and another boat, could you call the Boss and let her know?  And instead of an easy $50 smackers for Cocoons, maybe if I spent $500 I might catch more fish.  And then maybe then the guys in the bass boat will wave back at me when I am in the skiff, like 2 different bass pros did not do today.  What is up with that?  But all kidding aside, I am just befuddled at where fishing is heading.  One of the biggest participation sport in America, somehow along the line fishing has been hijacked.  Oh well, I can piss into the wind on this subject, and I will, but I guess I am the minority.  And an answer to your PM is on the way.  Good to hear from you.

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And this from Joe on the same subject.

So if you end this blog, i will find and kick your ass !!! I enjoy the reports, the rants, the information. So use that braid and go strangle that guy !!!!

So you liked the Omaha steaks. Me and my 2 boys will be right over to fish !!! Hahaha. How about people that take credit for other people doing good things !!!!

Whats the story behind Clyde’s steering going out?

When do they start spawning on Coleto? Fayette lake is around feb/mar…

First thanks for the comment on my occasional mini depression concerning the state of fishing.  The purpose of my complaint was not to get someone to tell me nice things, I actually thought about that before I posted.  Sometimes I am just overcome with the postings on fishing websites, and worry I am just as much part of the problem as the solution.  But I will keep ranting on occasion, it just dumbfounds me where our sport has gotten.  What ever happened to just enjoying the outdoors?  How did lying and misdirection become the norm?  Why do most posts of fish pictures really turn into “Look at me.” with no information on how, where, etc?   Hey I get it, you don’t have to take folks by the hand and lead them to the fish, but come on guys, it is just fish.

The story behind Clyde’s steering is one that could happen to any of us.  He and 2 others headed behind a big island on Lake of the Woods at 30 mph when all of a sudden the boat slammed to the left and almost threw them out before he was able to shut it down, thank God.  No life jackets or kill switch in use.  Lucky for them the Lund was a high sided boat, it kept them in.  Somehow the nut on the steering cable had become loose on a Lund boat only a year old.  How did the nut come loose?  He does not have a clue.  It was a wake up call for me.  The more time you spend on the water the more likely something like this will happen.  So for me it is life jacket and kill switch whenever the boat is on plane.  Fishing by myself as often as I do it only makes sense.  And a walk around before leaving the driveway is also becoming a regular practice for me.  You just never know what has rattled loose.

And the bigger point, I should know better.  Wearing 2 life jackets saved my life, end of story.  I was trapped under an overturned pontoon boat when the floor came down and slammed me in the face, it could have easily been the end of me.  It happened in an instant, and it could happen to any of us any day.  And over a 10 year period when I was a paramedic we responded to multiple boat accidents, including folks who lost their lives, suffered horrific prop injuries, or almost died from hypothermia.  So if no other reason than love of family and friends wear a life jacket, it costs nothing and the dividend may be your life,

Coleto’s spawn is about that time, with March into April,being the prime months, though a few years ago there were a few on the beds in January.  Last year with the water fluctuations there were bass on the beds as late as May.  You never know.  That is why I love fishing Coleto in January, that is the real pre-pre-spawn period when you have a chance to boat that real giant.  Gets my blood running even thinking about it, it is only a couple months away.  So thanks for your continued support and comments.

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I have several things to do today, of course tops being the Hogs versus LSU, a game I look forward to every year.  We seem to play a little better than we are whenever we play the Tigers, and here is to a good game today.  And as far as the Hogs coach, and Sumlin at A&M, the clock is ticking.  A&M is finding out that the Johnny Football period was an anomaly and the SEC is a lot tougher than they thought.  And the empty seats at both Arkansas and A&M last week were a pretty good indicator of how things currently stand with the respective fans.  So welcome to the middle of the pack A&M, get used to it, unfortunately we sure have.  All roads to anything go through LSU and Bama, end of story.

There are tons of other games on today, a good MMA card tonight, and also this evening a story on Peru and Machu Picchu, where we are headed this spring.  In fact, today the Boss and I will finalize those trip arrangements.  I have just heard from the company that is arranging my 2 day offshore trip and I will review that before the final decision on flights etc is made today.  I had no freakin’ clue that there was an offshore fishery, much less a world record marlin from there.  And with a couple of days on the Amazon I should catch something.  In fact, this may sound funny to some of you fishing snobs, but the Amazon has some of the coolest catfish in the world and if I could boat one the trip will be a success.

And the other project today is packing for Florida.  We are headed there in a few days for a look around.  We have been going there for almost 30 years, and I have had some great fishing trips from Key West to Apalachicola in the pan handle .  Our main purpose is starting to really investigate whether we might want to fully retire there.  We are visiting 4 specific places, a couple on the coast and a couple inland.  (ie: Fresh or saltwater fishing.)  As I get older loading and unloading the boat gets just a little harder, and one thing we are looking at is dockage as an option with wherever we end up.  And though this is a “working trip”,  (If staying in cool places and running around eating, drinking and making merry is work.) we are spending 4 nights on Sanibel Island, our favorite island, and where I have caught tons of snook and trout off the beach.  Then central Florida with access to some of the best bass fishing in the world.  One thing you can say about Florida, no matter where you are there is access to the coast within an hour in either direction and endless bass fishing opportunities.  So with visions of big snook crashing my topwater it is time to organize a little tackle box and my travel rods, I am really looking forward to this trip.

I will be fishing this week, definitely some salt and fresh, just weather dependent.  Other than that not much to say other than have a good weekend and be nice out threre.  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!**

Today instead of fishing, it looked like some rain on the way this afternoon,  (Wednesday)  and the wind is blowing out of the north, so I did a few responsible things.  In fact it has already dropped 5 degrees since getting up this morning.  So first up it was making some gumbo, and boy is that smelling good.  As soon as I finish this, and the gumbo, time to do a little work on boats and stuff.  It never hurts to do a walk around occasionally, you never know what you will find.  Tomorrow it will be off to the lake fairly early to try to lay the smack down on a big bass.  My biggest ever came on a November evening right before dark as the north wind howled so hopes are high.

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Weather

66/49  Cloudy skies early then partial clearing late.  Wind N 10 – 15 mph.

Lake Level

11/1  97.50 msl     Today   97.41   (The slow  falls continues.)

Solunar Times

Good  9:17 am to 11:17 am   Best  3:32 pm to 5:32 pm.

Great Day

The only other fisherman I saw all day.

It wasn’t all that great a day as far as catching went, but it sure was nice out there.  Funny saying that since the wind was blowing 15+ straight out of the north and it was struggling to break 50 degrees when I dropped the skiff in the lake.  It was definitely a good thing I was prepared in the clothing department as I ran all the way up lake to re-fish the bank where I caught the big one the other day.  It felt great to be out on a fall day, had me thinking about all the winter fishing I used to do in Arkansas.

On the way up there was an osprey chasing a bald eagle and they were going at it as they passed over me.  Not sure why they have such a contentious relationship but I have seen that plenty of times on the lake.  The wind was blowing right down the lake when I arrived and it was only 15 minutes before one blew up on the buzzbait.  Unfortunately it would only be 3 more on it he rest of the day, and they were not much.

The  fishing was tough, and it was another great fishing trip.

The great thing about today, I only saw one boat all afternoon.  And other than the occasional shot in the distance it was really peaceful having the lake to myself.  The wind blowing in the trees gave me a Lord of the Rings moment as they groaned and moaned fighting the breeze.  And the deer, they really showed up in the afternoon, and were on the banks with the wind in their face.  One was even bedded down literally right on the bank and was pretty surprised when I snuck up on her.  I wondered if they were using the lake as cover with the hunting going on here and there.

After staying with the buzzbait it was time for spinnerbait.  With the wind blowing and water fairly clear they should be on it right now, and they were, all both of them.  Working my way down lake fishing the wind it just was not happening.  Next up was a big cove with little wind to give the Bang O Lure a go.  It really comes into it’s own on Coleto in the winter and I was interested in seeing if they were not willing to chase maybe I could finesse them.  I stopped on the point about 3:30 when the phone rang and it was my buddy Jeffish.  He asked what was I doing and where was I.  When I told him at Coleto he said great, we are stuck.  They were doing a job about a half mile from the lake and the truck wouldn’t start.  So with the fishing sketchy at best I was more than happy to give my best friend a hand, so I put it on the trailer and went and gave them a jump.

The last 2 times out have been great, like having my own personal water.  The experience is so much more when things are quiet.  No motors running everywhere, empty ramps, all I can say is hunting season is my favorite time of year.  I look forward to it every year and try to take advantage by being on the water every day I can.  Today was what being outdoors is all about, and if they had not called in spite of the poor fishing I would still be out there.

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This is a fishing rant.  At times I really do consider ending the blog.  Part of keeping relevant and growing is sharing and posting on internet fishing sites, mostly facebook pages.  And while I have gotten a few readers from that I am constantly amazed at what fishing has become.  What started this was a post that said the following: “If you aren’t fishing with braided line then you are not doing it right.”  I get so tired of “experts” who, as in this case, are purely a shill for a manufacturer.  I am well aware that it comes with the territory, I say nice things about Wade Right, Controlled Descent Lures, and Bagleys all the time, they are good stuff.  But saying something like this is freakin’ stupid.  I sure do not tell you if you do not use them you are wrong.  Some folks swear by braid, and some hate it.  Some applications are great for braid, some not so much.  But to state it that way is a testament to engaging mouth before engaging brain.  Just because  this guy says so does not make it so, and it ignores the thousands of fishermen who have never had it on the reel, or the cane pole.  Somehow we have gotten to the point where a big boat and fancy clothes have become the “required” equipment, totally ignoring the large populations of fishermen who could give a rats ass.

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I want to take a minute to thank Clyde and boys for almost getting killed when the steering failed, that could have been so ugly.  It has reminded me how quickly it happens.  And having had a pontoon on my head, literally, I can tell you that is just how it happens, in an instant.  Since that happened to them I have started wearing my life jacket every time the boat gets on plane.  I have taken to leaving it in the truck so I am forced to carry it to the boat and then I wear it.  So thanks, glad no one got hurt and we all can learn a lesson from your experience.

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And one final word.  About an hour ago I heard something on the porch and when I checked there was one of those coolers from Omaha Steaks.  On the packing slip I was able to figure out who sent it.  It was totally unnecessary, but highly appreciated.  In fact I just had one of the apple tarts for a snack.  So thanks, you know who you are, and like I said last time I saw you, the offer remains open for you and the boys anytime.  Just let me know.

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It is late as I finish this.  Not sure what the plan is in the morning but the Boss is on the late late shift, so I will be up and gone in the morning.  Where?  Not sure yet, think I will surprise myself.  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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Looking at the week’s weather it was definitely a day for the river before the crappy weather, which is on the way, gets here.  A little rain with a cool front will help get us further along towards fall, which I am ready for as it is 84 degrees as I type this.  And the lake should turn on a little more with this coming weather so it will be time for more of that this week.  It was hard not to go this morning but I spent the day getting all new tires on the skiff trailer and it is ready to roll.  So we shall see how it all comes out but I have the shrimp plastics in the boat and am just a little more organized than on Thursday.

Weather

81/65 Sun and clouds mixed.  20% chance of rain.  Wind S 10 – 15 moh.

Tides

High 12:53 am  1.4   Low  1:27 pm  0.4   (Will be interesting to see what the river is doing relative to POC tide times.)

Solunar Times

Best 1:21 pm to 3:21 pm.   Good 7:05 am to 9:05 am.

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Change of Plan

It was about 9:00 when I headed out to the Lavaca River.  On the way I crossed Garcitas Creek and when I looked down there was only 1 truck there, and it looked like a duck hunter, so I whipped into the lot and dropped the skiff in the water hoping for a peaceful day.  And on that note I only saw 2 boats all day, but the skies were filled with waves of geese and the Sandhills never shut up all day.  Not only did the fishing turn out to be good, the rest of the day made it one of those great days to be on the water.

The water had cleared even more since I was there last week and looked great.  The wind was blowing about 15mph up the creek so I headed down, planning to just let the wind move me along up river and really give the popping cork a try.  The plan was to keep after it and see if that really was the ticket.  I brought along a ton of shrimp plastics and started with a pearl body and a pink tail on a 1/8th jig head about 24″ below the popping cork on 10lb fluorocarbon.  And like I discovered last week, they wanted it, and it was game on.

This went on for about 4 hours.

After I took a few trout pictures just to give you an idea I gave the pics a rest, the fish on the other hand kept biting, and some/most were just nice fat keepers.  I easily caught a couple of limits, and managed a few bonus fish to boot.  Not only was it trout, it was an easy 10 reds today, though the majority of them were rats.  All of them wanted it close to the bank, with most coming in a couple of feet of water.  As the day wore on they wanted it popped a few times fast, stopped, then popped some more.  But I never was able to figure out a pattern to the popping that they liked any more than another, but they were consistent no matter how I worked it.

The bite was definitely on.

I fished both sides of the river, from near the bay to most of the way back to the ramp.  It was probably 6 places, and all held fish.  Starting about 10:00 I kept with the popping cork until around 2:00 and then it was plastics.  And like I found the last 3 trips the better fish clearly liked the popping cork.  It was an easy dozen in the last place on Controlled Descent Paddle Shad and DOA Cals, but the popping cork makes some kind of difference.  You can probably put any plastics on the cork and beat fishing the plain jig head/plastic combo in the rivers right now.

Several small reds like this and a bonus largemouth.

Other than the geese and ducks today there was one other thing, I caught a bass.  Now that does not surprise me, what surprises me is I have not caught one before.  The funny thing was he was in with a bunch of trout and small reds chasing bait.  One thing that did happen several times today was catching one throwing at moving bait.  Whether bay or river, find some bait, find some fish.

This is one of those trips I give an A+.  Peace and quiet surrounded by the great outdoors, and the fish biting consistently.  The only funny thing was it took a little bit to catch the first one, (Maybe 10 minutes.) but from that point on they never quit biting.  The wind was perfect, another blessing.  The only bad thing, I broke a rod today, to bad, I got that rod at Academy 5 or 6 years ago for $8, it was a discontinued $100 rod and well worth it.  Thank goodness I have one left.  See buying all that stuff you “will need”, like those bags of shrimp bodies that were $1 at Cabela’s, will pay off.   Guess that is how all that stuff hanging from the peg board in the tackle room got there.

Not sure what is next but fishing is it.  Tomorrow might be a little sketchy, but if the thunderstorms stay away and it clouds up and drizzles some I intend to catch a few bass.  Not having my camera at the lake the other day didn’t let me show you the big one, it was a hoss.  And the one I lost a couple of casts later was in the same class.  So a revisit to that spot is on the agenda.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

After sitting around a little I decided to put the skiff tire thing off until the weekend and head to the Lavaca.  The first trip of the year I hope it is as good as I think it is.  So without further ado off I go.

Weather

81/72.   Cloudy, becoming partly cloudy with 20% chance of thunderstorms.  Wind S 10 – 20mph.  (20+ howling right up the river.)

Tides

High  2:49am 1.1   Low   10:59am  0.8  High  8:32pm 1.2  Low  11:01pm  1.0

Solunar Periods

Major 11:09 am to 1:09 pm.  Minor  5:21 pm to  6:21 pm.

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First off, todaywas not any fun, and I mean it.  The wind was an easy 20+ right up the river and there was no place to hide.  It was tough to deal with.  When I got there about 11:00 there were a bunch of trailers at the ramp, when I pulled out at 4:00 there was one beside me.  It really affected the mechanics of fishing, but at least the fishing was pretty good considering.

First off the river has some color, more on the windy shallow banks, and the water temp at the bridge was 76, and it was 70 down river near the mouth of the lake.  (Note: I did fish one bank above the bridge without success.)  With the wind blowing like that it was just getting close to the bank and casting ahead of the boat, and trying to work it back, still hitting the bottom, before you blew by.  I tossed several plastics and the fish below are indicative of what that produced.

A dozen or so like this in the first couple of places.

Small reds were the norm and it was probably 3 or 4, and more small trout.  It was apparent, wind driven water color, small reds, nice clean water, better trout.  After determining they were biting time to change tactics.  Part of the plan today was to throw a popping cork with a plastic shrimp of some sort.  With 3 new popping corks in the boat I was ready to go, except for no plastic shrimp.  Really stupid to forget them considering I have 10 bags or more of them in the tackle room.  So I used a jerk shad which was basically clear with red flake, which I hoped would imitate a shrimp color.  It seemed to work best about 2 foot under the popping cork, and that was about as much slack as you could cast with any accuracy.  And guess what, they liked it.

Nice solid keepers, they were eating the popping cork.

And from that point on the trout got to keeper size.  But what a hassle, tossing it way in front of the boat, flying at it, big bow in the line, and occasionally watching it go down with no way to catch up.  But the better ones liked it and I boated an easy limit, I can only guess how it would have gone had I brought the correct shrimp plastics.  I was simply hopping from side to side on the river, as I got blown up river like a freight train, looking for clear water on a certain type of bank, transitions from deep, over 9 0r 10 feet, to really flat.   The best trout were on the medium depth banks in about 2 – 3 foot of water. Reminded me of fishing channel swings for bass.  But even though they were biting it just was to much hassle to be really fun.  But it was a great example of putting on your big boy pants and figuring it out.

The final straw was when a really nice over sized red smoked the popping cork and headed down river as the wind blew me up.  I got the boat turned and moving when the line broke at the knot.   That red would have made it in the boat without the wind.  So with what I was interested in knowing accomplished, it was time to call it a day.  Now I will be hoping for the first really cold day with calm winds during the week.  It will be a killing.  The fish are definitely in the river and they are willing to bite.

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Fishing is picking up both fresh and salt.  And this weekend deer hunting opens and there will be the fewest folks on the water other than Christmas Day.  I will definitely have at some serious fishing this week, nothing like limited pressure for both catching and the overall experience.  Just a quick thank you to all of you who participate with your comments and reports, makes this a much better blog.  So comment when the spirit moves you.  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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**For a super deal on your Wade Right use promo code FCT15 and get 15% off on your online order!**

When I got up this morning it was cloudy and I had a change of plans.  I just could not resist heading to the lake after reading the weather report to see if the bite has progressed any since last week.  It has to turn on at some point, you would hope, so today let’s see if we can catch a few.  Then to the Lavaca tomorrow or the next day.

Weather

82/68  am clouds then partly sunny with a 10% chance of showers.  Wind SW 5 -10.

Lake Levels

Today   97.50     Last trip  10/22  97.74 msl   (Ongoing slow drop.)

Solunar Times 

Major Period  11:09 am to 1:09 pm  (Only applicable period today.)(When they bit.)

2 Boats

I have kept 2 boats for just his morning’s occurrence.  As I headed to the lake around 10:30 this morning with the skiff I felt the trailer do something funny.  Then a mile or two later it did it again, and as I looked back a tire just exploded in a thousand pieces.  But hey, no problem.  Pulled over, took it off, and put on the old spare.  Dang it – obviously the spare was starting to dry rot from just sitting on the trailer for years.  (Will have to add that to the watch list from now on.)  So with a bad spare I turned around and headed back to the house, switched boats and an hour later I was fishing.   The upside of 2 boats, but there is the downside, now need a complete set of tires on the skiff trailer, and a new trolling motor to replace the well used one on the Mako.  It never ends.

Fall is buzzbait time on the lake, at least it has been most of the 6 years I have fished Coleto, and I was determined to force feed them today.  The water  temp was 74 at the ramp and 69 way up lake and is fairly clear.  There was barely a ripple on the water.  That may sound counter intuitive for buzzbait fishing but actually it is one of my favorites, cloudy and dead calm. But to be sure I was not missing anything I started throwing everything, plastics, swim jig, buzzbait, all without success, and I mean not a bite for at least an hour.  So at the point I decided to stick with the buzzbait, and shortly it happened.

It was on a really, and I mean really flat bank, the boat in 3′ tossing to 1″ when the first one came over the side, then another.  I could see  them coming in that shallow water.  Then I had the best bite in my history of throwing buzzbait, an absolute explosion.  She freakin’ popped it.  After a monumental struggle I put the lip lock on a fish that was an easy 7, pushing 8, a real pig.  I went for the camera, oops, that would be home on my desk.  Oh well.  So back to fishing and 2 casts later another hoss in the same catagory smoked it, I got a hook in her but she pulled off.  In a total of 5 minutes I put 8 in the boat, including 5 nice ones, it was awesome.  Then back to nothing.

After fishing the rest of the afternoon I caught 2 more on the only other bites I had, another nice one on a buzzbait and one on a white swim jig.  To tell the truth I just can not figure it out.  A school of nice ones, including 2 big ones shallow and tearing it up, and then zip.  Even trying to replicate the pattern, it is not one obviously, produced nothing.  It is tough out there, but at least I had the pleasure of catching one of the bigger bass I have boated this year.

I did feel a little better after speaking with a guy at the ramp who spoke with Mr. Crappie 1 and 2, and their production is way down the last couple of weeks.  They are crappie masters and are having trouble catching limits, something they normally do every day.  It is tougher than normal.  To add to that when I idled out of a big cove there were massive schools of shad poised right in the mouth on the channel, and I mean huge schools.  Look for them to do that fall migration to the creeks, at which point the fishing should improve.  At least that is my theory and I am sticking to it.

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Here is a great report from Ross following my Garcitas post, obviously he knows the winter drill.

Great report, I love it when folks are kind enough to fill us in on their success and you obviously had some.  Wish I had recognized the shrimp pattern quicker, when they are on the shrimp the popping cork really comes into it’s own.  The popping cork is often overlooked which is to bad, now is the time and sitting here typing this as the rain sprinkles down makes me want to jump in the boat and head that way.  And good luck on the cast and blast.  Monday there were ducks flyingon the creek, the Sandhills were in full throat, and I even saw a couple of geese.  And the lake has as many ducks as I have seen this early.  Fall is here and there is not a better time to get outdoors.  So grab a friend or a kid and get out there.  Thanks and hope to hear how it goes.

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As our water temperature begins to slowly drop the tactics to bag a mess will change with it.  It is becoming “corky” time, along with a few other choices you should take advantage of including several versions of twitch baits, and the Controlled Descent Lures.  The Controlled Descent Lures by My Coast Outdoors should really come in to it’s own as the water temp continues to drop.  I am not here to tell you that they are the easiest bait to get the way you want it, but once you do, like the other day on Garcitas, game on.  It does take some thought and work, but that is the fun of it.  Obviously it catches fish no matter how you use it, but there is a way to get it to do exactly what you want, definitely not available in all plastics.  When you can take a bait and make it suspend perfectly horizontal, literally stopping it right in front of a big fish’s face, the potential is obvious.  Suspended horizontally, as the little paddles on the Paddle Shad wiggle, will result in some ferocious strikes, it so reminds me of jerk baiting for bass in cold water.  So get you some, find that perfect balance to make them eat, and hold on.  I am always looking for something they have not seen before and this is one.  They were eating it Monday and as soon as I hit Baffin could produce the biggest trout of the year.

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Cluster F’

I have been consumed for a week with attorneys, state agencies, insurance companies, family, contactors, and it seems like everyone else in the book.  Everyone in the family has been stressed out.  My parents are involved in a contract dispute and it went way beyond what it should have.  It is finally resolved as to them today, thanks to my brother for doing the basic leg work.  One thing that always happens in disputes like this:  Everybody and their freakin’ brother is a lawyer who knows the law, in spite of the fact they do not have a clue.  And then getting the attorneys to give you an absolute answer is like trying to take their first born.   So hopefully that is done, reminds me why I do not miss practicing law.

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As I finish this I am torn, be responsible and get tires, or load up and head to the Lavaca.  So while I mull that over rest assured, if not today then tomorrow.  The river should be getting in full swing and it is one of my favorite places to fish that I look forward to all year.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Brought to you by

Check them out, the only way to wade

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

As soon as we get a couple of cool nights followed by a cold front it is time to check out the rivers and creeks.  The trout start coming in as soon as the water temperature drops and I look forward to fishing Garcitas and the Lavaca River.  The weather looks good , maybe to good  The only way to know is to go.

Weather

81/61.   Sunny.  Wind South 10 – 15mph.  0% chance of rain.

Tides

High 5:16 am  1.3   Low   8:27 pm  0.9

Solunar Periods

Minor  4:51 to 5:51 pm   (Only relevant period.)

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

I took it easy this morning and headed for the creek about 11:00, one of the joys of fishing the rivers, and was fishing by 12:00.  The water was really tannic looking, and since I took the skiff I was not sure what the water temp was, but it was not cool to the touch by any means.

About halfway down the creek the first stop was a bank which flattens out to a big flat point on a river bend.  One of the more consistent spots on the creek, today it was far from it.  2 small ones committed hari kari, and I missed a couple, but small was the operative word for that bank and the rest of the day.

The birds were on the chew.

Today I threw plastics, a couple of topwater casts, and some spinnerbait.  I just wanted to cover lots of water and check it out, and I learned one thing, it is about to get  good.  After the first place I headed down river and came across the birds working some bait and trout.  Unfortunately they were fish sticks at best, but they were willing.  The best plastic today was clearly the Controlled Descent Pink Limeade Paddle Shad.  With the wind blowing a good 15mph+ right up the river and the tide running in, I had to go to a 1/4 ounce swim bait hook to get it down quick enough.  But once hopped off the bottom they would eat it.  The other plastic that caught a few was the DOA 3″ Cal in a gold/red.  It was interesting that the tide was running in, giving some indication of how different the tide is in one area of the bay over the other.  (See tide times from POC above.)

          Pink Limeade Paddle Shad.                           3 or 4 small reds.

I gave the spinnerbait a go and did boat a couple of small ones, but plastics got more bites on the small reds.  The only one worth a hoot broke off right beside the boat while I was trying to get the net.  Before I called it a day at 4:30 I got the two things done I wanted to.  I kept a couple of keeper trout for supper, and learned it is definitely time to be fishing on the creek.  When I cleaned them the first one had a big mullet in her gullet, I thought.  She was packed with shrimp.  A couple of years ago we slayed them on the popping cork with a shrimp tail on the river, and that just might be the ticket right now.  No wonder the pink and red plastics got the most bites.  I did speak with the only other guy out there and he had his limit and found the same thing under the birds I did, lots of small ones.

While I try not to have the “old dead fish” picture, this is my favorite dead fish picture to take.

Additionally if they are at least half way up the creek, the Lavaca River should also have trout moving in big time.  If we do not get to much rain over the next couple of days the Lavaca will be next.  I really was ok with today’s results.  As I wanted to try several places I did leave the area the keepers were in and would have limited eventually.  If I had to guess it was an easy 20 for the day, with only 3 or 4 keepers, fine when you just need 2.  And while the only redfish that would have made it broke off, they are clearly in the creek right now.  The flounder will not be far behind.

I always feel a little uncomfortable writing about Garcitas Creek.  It is such a cool place and a different way to fish compared to the usual bay fishing.  And it is fairly small with most of the folks fishing it being locals.  The last thing it needs is a bunch of folks blasting up and down the river when many folks are in jon boats, kayaks, and canoes.  If you go please be courteous, it is small and idling by folks fishing is the right thing to do.  So with that in mind while I often share my posts on facebook, but any time I write about Garcitas or the Lavaca I won’t, it does not need the pressure.  I share everything here, good and bad, and have often been criticized for doing so, but this one I do not care if anyone knows about it.  It is one cool place.  Keep it that way if you go.

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I really hate insurance companies.  If for no other good reason I am in favor of single payer health care, which would cut them out.  After my operation, and approximately $130,000, we are finally getting that one worked out.  Thanks to the Boss being in the field I was lucky she could work it all out.  The process is specifically designed by the insurance companies to wear you out, make you accept whatever they say, and finally give up.  All they do is take $$$ out of the system and are absolutely no help and do not have your best interest at heart in their decision making.  And of course since that one is almost concluded, a 4 month process, my parents are now embroiled in an insurance issue, one that is actually complicated and well out of my experience and knowledge area as a retired attorney.  Their situation has caused lots of stress on them and now the rest of us.  Their problem has raised all of our stress level and all it has done is further reinforce my decision to retire.  And of course dealing with this from 600 miles away is an obvious issue, it has left the phone glued to my ear for a couple of days as I was dealing with the State Insurance Board. the State Contractor licensing board, The insurance company, and a couple of different attorneys..  Always remember your personal issues and problems are not their number one priority, that is taking your money and doing their best to keep it.

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Looks like rain for a couple of days, we need it.  The big question is will it be enough to muddy up the creeks and rivers with fresh water and slow down the building bite.  So with that in mind the rest of the week will include a trip to the Lavaca and a trip to the lake.  The weather will dictate the order of which I fish and when.  So today will be get some of the honey do list done so that I can blow the rest of the week off on the water.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines