FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

The morning brown trout stop at the river.

Once we got into some serious digging yesterday we found there is still frost down a couple of feet.  There is no way concrete can be poured like that so it is now sit back and watch and if we are lucky we can be back to work Monday give or take a day.  Since there would be no work I decided to hit the river and see what changes have come from the rising water.  Then a hike.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Stopped at 3 or 4 this morning, just wanted to see the river conditions.

It was real apparent that the water was up and had a touch more color, as in brown.  It is a learning process, a task I love.  Guess I will have to learn to follow the river flow numbers.  It will take a full year of seasons to get a real idea on the changes but fish are fish and the crankbait worked.  Unfortunately, since I lost the 2 small jigs they loved I have just not found another color yet.  But the tying table is finally here and I have plenty of the jig heads, at least enough to last until I hit a tackle store.  But you go with what you know so out came a crankbait.

It was not easy by any stretch but I managed 3 fairly quickly, then stopped at 3 as it is a little tougher on them with the trebles.  A couple came by letting the minnow bait flow across river and then vibrate on a tight line, the others, I lost one, came right by the bank.  Tough but all those days on the White actually taught me a thing or two.  So now I will sit down and tie the jigs then pinch the barbs down on at least the crankbaits I will use in the river.  Easier to get off and a lot easier on the fish.  So with the rest of the day time for a hike.

A small fork shed behind the house.

Kyle is one of the guys who has worked on the garage and being a lifetime resident and hard-core hunter and fisherman and he gave me some good advice.  Shed hunting opens April 1st and folks are hard at it.  Since there is a access to the forest behind the house he said better get after it as it has probably already been hunted.  And from my results he was right.  The only shed I found was this little guy, but it won’t be the last.  It goes back to covering lots of territory and learning every time.

After I wrote this and before I dropped in to Happy Hour to trade a gun I made another hike.  It only took me a minute to realize that is why I saw another car parked there, a day late and dollar short.  But it was one beautiful day so no harm no foul.

One thing that puzzled me the other day was I found a couple of mule deer legs and looked around and all I found was an area close that had nothing but lots of hair.  Kyle told me. before he knew what I saw that it is clearly a cat kill as they tend to pull the hair off the hide.  Today when I was farther up the mountain found another kill.  Same thing, a few bones around including back bone, but off to the side near a rocky outcropping there was another area with nothing but hair.  Crazy and it is just the beginning of the learning process.  So much to learn about the outdoors here that drives me to continue to explore the endless public lands here.  And today I saw another Abert’s squirrel, which is really one cool looking squirrel.  I spent a little time waiting on him to show again but he gave me the slip.  Typical animal not knowing the picture rules but just thankful to see him.

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With things still not completely thawed I am blessed to have another day to explore.  Think I will head to the Pool Table area where I have seen lots of sheep and one hell of a mule deer fight.  But after this weekend it will be all out on the garage, one job I can not wait to get off my plate.  Lets just say building here is not like Texas.

Foundation and footers dug but still frost so no concrete yet.

Plus there are jigs and flies to tie and trout to be caught.   And the lakes will be clearing and there are tons of them to explore.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

This is why I remember to look up while fishing.

A good brown trout for the river.  And the only one on a crankbait today, if I was keeping them ok, but catch and release to many hooks.

After speaking with the builder it is about to get serious around here tomorrow, but not today.  With that in mind I headed to the river for a little bit, then hit 2 lakes to see if there was any thawing yet, and then hiked up the mountain behind the house.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The river was definitely on the rise due to the hot weather and was running high and off color.  I just read an article on how if there has been lots of wind, and there has been, it deposits dirt on top of the snow and then when it melts it can really color up the water.  But I had a plan and 2 areas I wanted to fish just to see how it affected the bite, which it did somewhat but they still bit in both places and the last place was just like taking candy from a baby.  While I threw the cranbait just a little and it accounted for the fish above, the jig was still the ticket.

Just a few of them from this morning.

The black with a brown streak was the ticket like yesterday.  The only difference was the fish were positioned closer to the bank but still in the calmer water off the side of the current break.  What made it really interesting is I tried 3 other colors, a Rooster Tail and a small spoon and they were not having it.

When I fished the other 3 colors I varied sizes without success.  But put the light black with a splash of color and they ate.  With the river running a lot quicker it took a little work to get it down to the bottom and then bouncing along, but when done right just before it got straight below me they would bite.  Though I would hardly call it a “bite”, it was just softe when picking it up to hop it.   After catching plenty I headed up to look at a couple of lakes, which were still frozen over but the ice was changing and with it in the 70’s the next few days it won’t be long.

Some days you are the hawk, and other days you are the mouse.

Saw him fly down and catch something then up in the tree he went.

Plenty of wildlife today which was highlighted by watching the hawk smoke a mouse, or at least some small creature.  While I was not lucky enought to get him flying with it in the claws it was cool to see and made the day.  And of course plenty of deer and I could not resist at least taking one picture.

And the girls are always out and about.

Then headed back  to the house for some lunch and then the plan, hike up the mountain behind the house, which was no small feat.

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The end of my day, on top of the mountain behind the house.

It was a rough go, and walking sticks were needed.  Not interested in falling and breaking my leg so I took it slow.  The trails are everywhere and found a couple of legs off a muley that met their fate behind the house.  Hard to tell what did the killing but hair was everywhere.  I searched the area really closely looking for more but the rest was gone.  So who knows, bear or lion?  The hike up follows the natural trail used by the deer and turkeys every morning or evening.

The view from the hill behind the house.  A long way up but worth the walk.

The weather was fantastic and once on top just had a seat and contemplated how things have worked out.  It still seems surreal that we have a house here, that I can catch nice trout minutes from the house, and the wildlife viewing is off the chain.  It really is a testament to having a dream and then making it happen.  And as I finish this all I have to do it look out the window and there is a mountain.  Can’t wait till the Boss gets back and can spend a couple of weeks tromping around with me.  And if all is right with the world “her” garage will be on its way.  Life is good.

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All is right in the turkey world here in Colorado.  This morning a big tom with a group of hens passed through the back yard.  He was herding them and strutting his stuff.  And last evening a group of 8 or 10 deer worked their way back up the hill behind the house headed to their bedding area.  There was no surcharge on the house for the wildlife but it would have been worth every penny.  We knew it had wildlife just not the extent, we are truly on a major trail right by the house.  Can’t wait to see the bear and a local house just had 2 lions pass through the yard.  This is the woods, and we are loving every second of it.

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Tomorrow it is back to work as the footer will get poured and the Amish dudes will bring stuff.  They are the ones doing the garage prep from windows to door, with trusses etc.  So that will be another milestone.  So God willing and the creek dont rise the real construction begins.  So if you don’t hear from me for a while it is because we are working hard.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Sad State of Affairs

Over the years are travels were not always to cool places like Peru, Turkey and who knows where else.  But we also had a love of visiting big cities from New York City to Ashville NC.  We would wander all over the cities including at night with rarely a care in the world.  Try that now and expect a homeless felon to beat your brains in with a brick for no reason or to get carjacked.  (See Washington DC that wanted to lower the level of crimes like carjacking.  WTF!  Get a gun stuck in your face and then come tell me they do not need to be caged.) 

Those days are long gone for 2 reasons, our love of the outdoors and sad to say it is just too dangerous to do the big city now.  This nonsense of continually releasing repeat offenders on no bail, and the refusal to deal with the homeless and mentally ill has made many cities just too dangerous to visit.  I have no idea what needs to be done but at this point it is literally driving people and businesses out of the cities.  Brazen shoplifting, random brutal attacks and then released on no bond, often before officers are even back on the street.  This little rant was prompted after Whole Foods in San Fransico closed after only a year due to the danger to employees and customers and the rampant shop lifting.  So, what do we want?  Not sure but whatever it is this is not working.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

The Rio Grande had a little ice here and there and the water is low.  Just have to see how the fly fishing is as soon as I get this garage thing done.

Just a short drive from the house.

As soon as I got here I emptied the truck, bought my license and went fishing.  It was not going to be some big trip or fly rod day, just go to my honey hole and whack some browns and they were happy to oblige.  I did not even take my day pack with camera and glasses but that won’t happen again, I just wanted to catch a couple.  After about 8 or so in a little over an hour time to head back to the house and get organized.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

I took off yesterday and drove 12 then it was an easy 6 after that.  A stop at the grocery store and off to the house.  The guys have definitely done some work on the garage, if it stays like this it will be concrete pouring time.  It was in the low 30’s coming down the valley at daylight, according to the truck it was 64 when I quit fishing at 4:00.  Just one beautiful day.

I tried to not take them out of the water or touch them. 

And I wondered how the deer and turkeys would react to spring but there were plenty around.  The turkeys are more like chickens than turkeys.  But they have been fed all winter so what do you expect?  It is illegal in Colorado and I would never do it but it sure does make for some pretty yard ornaments.  As soon as I get a little aclimated will head up the hill and do some shed hunting.  That would be where 6  headed as I ate my dinner. Can’t wait for the Boss to get here and do some serious hunting on our hikes.

It was a tough bite but as usual, just figure it out.

When I got my license, I asked what they were using, and it boiled down to larger and dark or black flies but they were only catching a few and it was a little tough.  But the color and size sure turned out to be true.  I am fishing 4lb fluro on a 7′ light action rod, it has to have some backbone but a forgivable tip.  First though I caught 2 on crankbait/minnow and a 1 on a Rooster Tail.  I don’t throw the minnow bait in there too often but when I do they slam it.  Last and best tied on a black head light 1/16 jig tied with black marabou and few strands of brown rubber and that turned out to be the trick.

Casting across the river in a deep hole with rocks had to let the jig sink and then barely hop it and let it slide down the bottom as the current swept it.  It was no big hit, as you lifted and dropped it they were just there, it was set the hook or they were gone.  But like all brown trout they are carnivores, and when they are having it they are one of the great fish.  Looks like they were bigger on average than last year but I am sure that will change, plus it is one of the really deep wintering holes on the river.  So, I am really looking forward to some fly fishing with the river down.  With the weather so nice there were several folks fishing as spring has sprung here in the South Fork area.

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My buddy Tommy sent me some pics on Facebook of the big ones he smoked on Coleto this weekend but I am to tired tonight to get them up but will in the next day or two.  All I have to say is that boy can catch em” and his strings this weekend prove it.  Stay tuned for pics and how, he was kind enought to share.

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So time to settle in and be a little serious about things.  There is plenty of work to do outside.  Not sure my taste is quite in inline with the former owners which means some of the stuff has got to go.  But the garage will be front and center.  The rebar and stuff for forming are here and the concrete that needed removing is gone and looks like it should thaw past the 2 foot mark and we should be good to go.  The rest of the garage itself is ordered and ready and it will be off my plate soon.  But not a day will go by that I don’t take some kind of advantage of living in this great place.  Tomorrow will be heading up to a couple of different lakes at different altitudes and see just what and where is opening.

I might be quiet at times in the next month or so but don’t think I am gone or not appreciative of the last 13 years.  It is thanks to you all that this thing has continued.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

It might have seemed I was whining about the wind the other day, and I was.  That evening the weather recorded gusts from 36 to topping 40mph.  I usually complain about the wind but rarely quit because of it, but it definitely beat me down Friday.  And after listening to the weather dude looks like it is no improvement tomorrow. But it will be up and gone before daylight and go to thrashing,

Weather

71/88.  Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 88F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph.

Lake Level

Friday 96.30 msl.   Today 96.30 msl.

Bite Times

Major 4:42 pm.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The wind was not a real issue today.  It blew out of the south about 15 give or take but did not affect where I fished.  In fact the windy banks all had a couple on them.  First up I headed way up lake and started on a point and let the wind blow me in.  They flat were not intersted in the buzzbait in the least so I idled to the point and picked up the spinnerbait to head the other way around it.  The perfect cast and a big one came out of nowhere halfway back and creamed it, and my line parted before i could even try to set the hook.  No excuses as I normally try to re-tie before I throw something.  But did not do it and paid the price.  She came from the front and murdered it, top bad but helped keep my hopes up.

But for the next hour I caught more smalls than I have the last 3 trips combined.   And from that point on there was very few places where a couple did not jump on.

There is just something about this size hitting a high speed waking spinnerbait.

Unfortunately, the clouds were dissipating and while it did not slow the bite all that much, the bigger fish were done.   The cast needed to be right on the bank and then run a white spinnerbait with silver blades making a wake as fast as possible without it coming out of the water.  And it is important to make sure it is running straight up and down.  This is purely a reaction bite and getting to see a good one materializes out of nowhere and smokes it is a thing of beauty.

One that I lost was another real good fish, she just managed to jump off.  They are full of piss and vinegar right now and are feeding up post spawn.  In spite of going 2 for 4 on god ones at least they were biting. a major improvement over the last few trips.

This was the last good bite I had.  Definitely spawned out.

As they start to back off after spawning they start ganging up on points at the mouths of spawning coves.  And if the point has a some brush on it a bite is coming, especially it if has wind on it.  While the long windy brushy banks had a fish on it, they were all small.  The good fish all came withing spitting distance of a point.

Today was what you all know by now is my favorite way to catch therm.  I have been buzzing a spinnerbait for almost 50 years and it is still my favorite big fish method.  It is just magical watching them appear out of nowhere and crash it.  That pattern will be good for the next few weeks as we enter post spawn and before they head to their summer patterns.  With a little luck and paying attention it would not have been 2 for 4 but that is fishing.

But to catch them right now you do not need to do that, they are on the points and as long as it is not to windy plastics will work just fine.  One bait that it a no brainer and easy to fish would be the floating/slow sink pink trick worm.  Twitch it alpong and watch it disappear, fun way to fish.  So get out and keep after it, there are fish to be caught.

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Today is our 34th anniversary and it has been a great ride.  We have been up and down, rich and poor but though it all we have remained best friends.  When it is all said and done that is the most we can hope for, a buddy to help us navigate life and all I have to say is I could not have gotten any luckier.

Thanks buddy!

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The forecast is for rain, and more rain with winds expected to continue to blow 20+ for the next 4 days.   So looks like I am headed back to God’s Country this weekend.  It is expected to start a major warming trend so let the construction begin.  (Though it snowed there last night.) Then a couple of weeks later the Boss will fly out for a 2-week vacation and we might take a little jaunt somewhere out west.  Until then it will either be working on the garage or exploring the fishing opportunities.  We have had many adventures over the 34 years and we are getting slowly closer to making Colorado our real home.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

Been a little busy the last 2 days and I am so ready to get back on the water.  Got the new suspension installed on the 4Runner and it is amazing the difference it made in handling and improving the ride.  The Dude said it would be like driving a go cart on the turns and he was so right.  So my thanks to Outlaw Off-Road of Texas here in Victoria.  It is everything you said it was supposed to be and I am seriously impressed.  It tightened the handling up and it drives like new with 176,000 on it.  And when I towed the boat this morning it clearly help.  Would have done it several years ago if I had known what a difference it would make.

(As a side note the reason I tried them is I bought a set of seat covers when the truck was new from another similar business here in Victoria and it took them 3 times to get them on the seats properly.  When the person who finally got them right said the other guys were dumb asses not to comforting.  Kinda figured if that is the best they could do on seat covers sure was not going to let them near the suspension.)

And then today the Boss’s quest for a new 4Runner was answered.  We had searched all over, emailed Toyota and it looked like it would be a waiting game.  So one was in Portland headed to Cavender Toyota in San Antonio so while the truck was in the shop we drove over to see what was available.  And of all things they had literally just unloaded basically what she wanted and it was not even checked in.  The salesman was great, took us back there to see and she drove it home.  That would be our 4th, we are firm believers.  So problem solved.  She is good to go for the Colorado winter. Now back to the fishing…………

Weather

68/87.  Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. High 87F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

Lake Level

Today 96,30 msl.   Tuesday 96.35 msl.

Bite Times

Major 12:59 pm.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The wind was howling like mad when hooking the boat up and since the forecast was for possible 25 mph I should not have been surprised.  It blew every bit of that out of the south all morning.  It would have served me well to stay home but of course I went.  The water temp was in the low 70’s and the color in many places is not all that hot but when it blows for days that happens.  It was nice and cloudy and even that went away around 10:00, and once the sun came out I could not buy a bite.

I decided to fish a couple of new places and a couple of the old standbys.  Suffice to say the wind made things quite a bit less than fun.  Like last time out it was fish where you could and not where you wanted.

The best I could manage today.

I was hoping that at least the spinnerbait would produce in the wind but that just did not happen.  In the end it was 3 on spinnerbait and one on a swim jig.  And that was the only bites this morning.  And nothing even took a pass at a spook or Bang O Lure in the calmer water.  Whether up lake or down the wind just chased you wherever you fished, and it just became nothing buy an unproductive hassle.

These were both post spawn.

So not being that mad at them called it a morning at 11:30 and went home and mowed the lawn.  There is just nothing like the South Texas wind this time of year and when it is like this it takes some of the fun out of it as boat control and the mechanical aspect of things is just more than I am interested in messing with.  There was a time in the old days tournament fishing when it did not matter the weather, I was all about it.  But now I fish for pleasure and today definitely did not meet the definition so time to call it a day.

I do have a couple of observations on what part of the problem was, the last couple of days conditions were perfect and I am sure there was a good bite.  Then with it clearing and blowing they were inactive.  And obviously there are fish on the beds and the wind does not help that at all.  At least the is my story and I am sticking to it.

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Walleye Stuffers

The dirty POS’s who were caught on tape with sinker stuffed fish at weigh in have resolved their case with a guilty plea, and it is way to easy on them.  Possible 6 months’ probation with a chance to expunge, 3 year revocation of fishing privileges, and give up the $100K boat.  The state agreed to drop 2 big felony charges.  (The State admits they have cheated in the past but do not have the evidence to prosecute.  Ok, then why this nonsense slap on the wrist?)  SO WRONG on lots of levels.  Until the judicial system starts throwing the book at crap like this it will continue. Plus, you try to steal over $28k and see what that gets you.  Why I quit partner tournament fishing years ago, way too easy to cheat and way to common.  I have found multiple fish baskets tied to a tree in the middle of nowhere since I have been in Texas.  Amistad, Falcon, Coleto just to name a few.  Take the fish leave the basket so it is not in the boat with the fish?

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Not sure what is next but there is a next.  Hoping next week will be a little better so the bay will be on tap.  And I may be heading back to the mountains in a week or so as it looks like construction will be in full swing on the garage.  It is one project I need off my plate as it is slightly stressful but it is the Boss’s big requirement for the house and I want to get it done.  Plus the weather is improving out there and it should be ice out in most places.   So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Off Topic

They said it so I do not have to.

“Nashville police who took out a school shooter in minutes appeared to call out Uvalde’s officers, saying ‘we will never wait to make entry’ to ‘stop a threat.”

The worst school shooting in Texas history and one of the nation’s most botched police responses ever.

I was so impressed by the response of the very brave officers in Nashville.  They put their life on the line with no thought of personal safety and they responded like the true hero’s they are.  The almost 400 Texas officers who stood around and let children be slaughtered for an hour will forever be infamous.  I have heard the following excuses when they are criticized:  You weren’t there.  You don’t know and on and on.  Well guess what?  I and the rest of us did not sign up to protect children, they did and failed miserably.  Sad.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

The wind was flat howling when I dropped it in the water as the front blew through, blew being the operative word.  Color is marginal in some places and the water temp was in the low 70’s over most of the lake.  It turned out to be an interesting day for several reasons. One was something I have never done in 50 years of hardcore fishing.

Weather

65/83.  Cloudy with gusty winds. High 73F. Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.  (Oh great.)

Lake Level

Yesterday  96,34 msl.   Today   96.35 msl.

Bite Times

Major 10:10 am   Minor  11:40 am.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

I started off with buzzbait but basically it was just to windy for it to be real effective but I kept after it for a couple of hours before I made a change.  But in the very same bush I caught the g00d fish yesterday one just absolutely killed it.

I have caught them on everything else but my first with a buzzbait.  They all go to the house for the Boss.  She loves her some catfish.

I stayed with the buzzbait way to long trying to fish areas somewhat out of the wind.  But no matter how I tried they were just not in the calm stuff which was giving even that a break.  So at the point with it blowing a 100 time to suck it up and fish the wind with a spinnerbait and things improved at least numbers wise.

The best I could manage on the buzzbait, but at least she slammed it.

Until I quit at 2:00 stayed with the spinnerbait and found them in the wind, but not direct wind, if such a place existed.  Running it out of the bushes they grabbed it right as it came out.  They are not just everywhere, but usually once you catch one there is usually another one or two.  The best place seems to be one side or another on a flatter point with brush on it.  And that is where we get to the execution issue.

One absolutely smoked it, I thought I got a good hookset, we wrassled a minute and then disaster struck.  It was a big fish, one I expect/hope for every time I fish Coleto with the weather sketchy.  When she came up there was just a second to keep her in the water and I just did not get the job done.  You have to pull them sideways and down to keep the line tight by pulling on them.  But in this case it was a big jump and off she came.  That was my shot and it was all on me.

5 or 6 were like these, the rest were really small.

Today was one of those days that was the kind I hope for but with just a little less wind.  It really limited where you could fish.  It could have been a real pattern day but a steady 25+ all day made the good spots wind dependent.  If it was blowing right in it was just too rough.  But no wind was not worth a hoot either.  Not sure how many today, it was probably over a dozen.  I really did expect to get another chance on a big one but it did not happen,

The swim jig produced a really weak bite, and then nothing.  The spook actually had 3 miss it by a mile.  In the end they wanted both the spinnerbait and the buzzbait reeled fairly quickly so definitely a reaction bite.  All things taken together it was not to bad a day, as long as the wind blowing a 6-foot bow in your line is your idea of fun.  And to top it off, and give me another fisherman’s excuse, the air temp dropped all day as the front blew through.  Just another day in paradise.

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The truck is about to get some work done starting tomorrow.   Complete drive train service, transfer case, tranny, and rear end.  Seems like doing it even more regularly than they recommend keeps things working especially how much I tow and 4wheel, so no change there.  Then the next day to get a set of fancy shocks and it will be good to go.  One thing about keeping one a long time there is no such thing as to much maintenance.  Unfortunately, no fishing for me for a couple of days.

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O.H. Ivie has produced it’s 15th over 13lbs, just incredible.  It has been interesting watching the various lakes in Texas take their turn at producing big fish.  I can only imagine how busy that lake is right now.  How long it will last only time will tell.

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I need to catch some redfish so the bay is coming.  Other than that plan there is nothing written in stone, except I am going to fish until I head back and start a different fishing adventure.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Line

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

After taking 2 days to come back, the Boss was with me and she is not crazy about making it in one day, it allowed some time to get stuff done.  Yesterday I actually got a bunch done and spent money like a drunken sailor.  But it was not as bad as it sounds.  I replaced my Michelin AT’s after 126,00 miles!  I have run this tire on multiple 4Runners and as long as you make sure to rotate every 5,000 they literally last forever, so the new set will last the life of the truck and how could you complain about that.  Then a complete drive train service and new shocks and the beast is good to go as the high mountain lakes and streams are calling me.

Then I brined a bunch of salmon and they will be slow smoked today.  They are the last of the Alaska fish and the Boss will freeze lots to eat when I head back to Colorado.  Looks like that will be in about 3 weeks when the real garage construction will begin.  Until then there is some serious fishing on the menu.  I promised some folks a few redfish on a half shell but first it is off to the lake.  It will be Monday and as you all know Coleto is on tap.  I don’t have a clue as to a pattern but looking back the last couple of years buzzbait should be good.

Weather

83/68.  Cloudy skies during the morning hours followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 83F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Lake Level

Today  96,34 msl.   A month ago 96.44 msl.  (Down just a hair.)

Bite Times

Major 10:21 am   Minor  10:51 am.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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So Sunday I was gettting ready to go this morning and several things reared their ugly heads.  First had a taillight out on the trailer so I crawled under and traced the wire until I found a bad spot.  So a quick splice and that problem was solved.  Then the batteries were down on the boat so I charged them all.  Of course when I got to the ramp the boat would not start and the battery was really weck in spite of the charge.  After putting jumper  cables on it started and off I went.  I was hoping a long run would charge it some but no such luck.  Until I quit at noon it required a jump every time.  What a pain in the rear end but at least I did fish a little before heading to the battery store to take care of that pain.

You can always tell by the bite on a buzzbait when it is a good one.

Suffice to say I was not a happy camper; it was no way to start the day and no way to fish but I did give it somewhat of a go.  The watercolor looks good, it was cloudy with a light wind, but without electronics I have no clue what the water temp was.

It was lots of short bites this morning, all definitely small until the one above blasted it.  I can ne3ver get enough of that bite, she really popped it.  But I never did find the big bite or hot stretch, but part of that came with not wanting to get to far out there in case it was different issue.  Other than buzzbait, which produced maybe 7 or 8, spinnerbait accounted for 2 other smalls.

The other 7 or 8 were all smaller than this one.

Swim jig only produced one bite band unfortunately I did not get a good hook set.  She hit it right after it hit the water and it took just a second to realize it was a fish.  She headed straight to deep water while I was reeling like mad but she just came off as I never really caught up to her.

I was having a hard time keeping my head in the game and finally called it quits.  There were several things that did not get done today, Bang O Lure and Zara Spook.  Today had good topwater fishing written all over it and it was disappointing to quit but continuously jumping the boat was a hassle and I did not want to overheat anything so I quit.

Tomorrow has potential so it will be up early and on the water.  It is supposed to be windy but it is time for topwater so that will get a pretty good go.  There are beds everywhere so obviously some are on the beds.  Hope springs eternal and hopefully the gremlins take the day off.

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Spring is coming.

We slipped out for one last drive before we hit the road.  Checked out a couple of new roads, stopped in a sport store and had a brew, and took one last run at the sheep.  I have always been fascinated by Bighorns and it is a joy to get to see them regularly.

They were way up on a ridge but we managed to get a couple of pictures.

Besides food they love high places which gives them a sense of safety.

Not really concerned but interested.  We are by the road and they were way up on the ridge just watching.

Soon they will be gone from this particular area but it is very close to where I have found them in the past,  But the true test will be finding the rams, which as soon as it even warmed up a hair were gone.  I have a lot to learn about them but can’t wait to do so.

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Well, it is deja vu all over again, some more.  We just had a chat about the change in the beach law after Steve sent along a little research.  So hmmm.  Like I said in the old days I would google the whole thing to see what was up.  Loy and behold I read this the other day.

Massive beach resort, private airport planned for Texas coast | khou.com

I do not know anything about that area but could it have beach front?  Could it be on a peninsula where it covers the whole?  Does anyone proposing the change have a relationship with anyone, like property next door or maybe an interest in some way?   Just asking for a friend.  Now I have to think about this some more and maybe do a little reading.  Not that big a fan of “coincidences”.  Thanks Steve, going to give me another headache.

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New fresh and saltwater regulations are approved.  If you are not going to read the book hit this link.

News Release: March 23, 2023: TPW Commission Approves Changes to Freshwater Fishing Regulations for 2023-24 – TPWD (texas.gov)

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Back out to make sure all is good for the morning.  Will get to fish one more day before the truck will be busy for a few days with service and then shocks.  But then will be back at it and probably even fish a day on the weekend.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

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We decided to do a little junk shop shopping today over in Del Norte and Monte Vista.  Since the house is furnished it is just a little tweaking with whatever we can find that fits the bill.  And it dawned on me why not stop in the Refuge and see the Sandhills that for some reason I did not see last week were home.  That turned out to be a non-issue as they were there by the thousands.  So nothing much else to say about it so here are the pictures.

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What cool birds.  And as they say in Texas flying sirloin. 

Sandhill Cranes.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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A Dive Bomb.

Every once in a while they would tornado by the hundreds.

This does not due the photo justice, stunning,

There are plenty of geese and ducks too. 

Looking over the San Luis Valley to our house where it snowed 5″ so far today.

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They were sure not hard to find but getting close enough for great pictures was tough.  But watching and listening to them carry on was worth the stop.  In the future will be sure to stop and see who else has made this prairie home.  We saw several hawks diving on the ducks and there should be an explosion of babies in the future.

Next up is Monday it must be Coleto.  As I have not fished in a while it will be good to be back on the water.  I will keep after it for as long as it takes for the  ground to thaw and the serious concrete work to begin.  By time it is all done the actual building of the garage will be the easy part.  With what has gone into the garage contracting why anyone in their right mind would be their own contractor on a house I do not know.  But things are finally moving along and I look forward to returning and getting it finished.  But meanwhile it will be some Texas fishing before big ice out happens and the trout fishing begins.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

Our new snow.  And behold my superior contracting on the new garage.  On the left you will notice a new addition to the front yard – a porta potty.  I think it adds a certain look to the property, don’t you?

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Yarded up this morning on our walk in a blizzard.  A boy and his harem. 

It was coming down this morning and we decided to take our walk and it was great.  Walking in a snowstorm is no big deal when it is not cold.  Yesterday the critters were really on the move ahead of what was forecast to be somewhere between 12 and 18″ of new snow.  So far we have about 5″ and it is coming down.  While the Pass and Wolf Creek Ski probably got over a foot to add to their 400″ plus they already have the road is closed for the time being, which happens this time of year.  New snow like this puts the skiers in a frenzy and it will be busy this weekend as it is still spring break in some places.  But what makes South Fork what it is the temp is above freezing with the high to be over 40.  So while it is piling up the roads are melting.  Just another day in paradise.

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Though they have not started gobbling yet they are on full display as spring approaches.   These guys followed a group of girls in to the back yard and went to posturing.  Amazing how much they puff up.  But none of girls were impressed.  I cannot wait until the gobbling begins; it will be insane.

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On the Open Beaches discussion currently going in in Texas I got this from Steve.

I read your recent comment on FCT about the proposed changes to the Open Beaches Act and was concerned.  I did a little research and found the following information.  I don’t know what I don’t know so I would be interested in your interpretation as a lawyer.  If this new law protects landowners from the State without limiting access to the public, then I think this would be a good thing.  Of course the devil is in the details.  I would appreciate your opinion.

Right now all over the State of Texas, if the State claims private property is theirs, then the State, through a suit or action, has to prove it. However, with beachfront property, if the State claims the property, then the property is presumed to be the State’s unless the landowner is able to refute the claim (this is the rebuttable presumption). Senate Bill 434 treats beachfront land like the rest of the state by changing the presumption, so that the State must prove their claim to private property. This appropriately removes the burden of proof from private property owners and places it on the State, as the original Open Beaches Act operated until 1991.

The bill does not in any way take away Texas’ open beaches. Natural Resources Code 61.001(8), 61.016, and 61.017, which protect our open beaches, remain in full effect. Under the bill, the law would continue to designate open beaches as mean low tide to 200 feet inland (or the line of vegetation, if it exists still). Further, the Texas Constitution provisions protecting Texas open beaches under Article I, Section 33, remain untouched and in full force.

When something is political (like this certainly is) everyone reporting on the issue is biased.  I don’t believe anything until I have time to dig.  I’m sure someone is trying to get in my pocket on this issue, just not sure who yet.

Thanks for you the research, sorry the reply took a while but basically I am somewhat puzzled by the whole thing.  Remember as I am inactive (Actually I am now an inactive Emeritus attorney, which sounds good but means I lived long enough to not have to pay dues.)  I cannot give any kind of legal opinion.  So here is my opinion as a crusty old fisherman who does not trust the government all that much.

It looks this might just be better protection against government encroachment.   Anytime the burden is on the state and not the citizen it is basically a good thing.  On its face it looks good.  But………

Why is this being done now?  As usual follow the money, somehow it feels like a shot over the bow on some issue that is potentially hiding out there.  One of my biggest complaints about Texas is the lack of public lands.  The beach is the last bastion where anyone can use it almost at will.  But if I were guessing and I am, this is somehow related to some commercial interest/issue. Folks need to keep monitoring this, who knows what might happen.  It is always important to keep an open mind when the government says they are here to help.  Sorry for this simple reply but it would take tons of research and additional important background to dig up the real motivation.  When I would get a murder case one of the first things I would do is Google everyone and everything related, which might be a good way to find out more.  Thanks and I hope folks keep monitoring this, it just does not have a completely clean smell to me.  (By the way thinking about his gave me a headache!!)

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The only turkeys that were impressed by theit displays were themselves.  The girls aren’t having it yet.

My butt is bigger than your butt.

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And good to hear from my buddy Rusty.

Stay salty “Jeremiah” !I’m licking my Aggie wounds.  Love your photos, Fayette fish are biting but you got to fish deep to get them.  Cast netters are Killin the lake slowly,

Lets start with the netters.  There is as simple answer that won’t totally remove them from the lake but it sure could not hurt.  Just close the netting from January until June 1 which will give the bass plenty of time to spawn.  We close spawning flounder during their season, Colorado does not allow shed hunting early, some lakes have different rules, and each of them does not mean the end of the world.  Folks just have to flood TPWD with comments and complaints, especially folks with a long-term history on the lake.  I am sure the wardens are plenty aware of the problem.  If I was king instead of having the wardens go to the ramp I would have them waiting outside the gate and do cooler checks.  It works in Florida during lobster season and just might help matters on Fayette.  And then go to confiscating.  Good thing they have not descended on Coleto.

I really thought the Aggies were going to surprise folks, I love the way they were playing but as we all know tourney time is another animal.  And I am totally exhausted after watching my Hogs whip Kansas. We had spent the preceding month losing leads in the second but somehow bowed up. That victory lands on my list of great ones.  So now on to Vegas and U Conn.  If we were not coming back to Texas this weekend I would hit the road and watch them.  It is not all that far from here.  Great to hear from you and the buggy whip will be in hand shortly!

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Even Elmer Fudd could find one here.

I have learned more about turkey behavior than I ever thought.  Getting to watch hundreds sure will teach you.  They are really funny creatures and squabble and carry on all day.  They have their routes and we are fortunate that our house is a main trail so we get a chance to see them going and coming.  Next up is putting a trail cam on the backyard.  As spring rally gets here the bears and lions will be on the prowl and it will be fun to see who is staking out the place.

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My 3 weeks here has gone by in a blur.  The Boss and I will be headed back to Texas in a couple of days and it will be time to change gears.  Bass and redfish on the menu, have a couple of folks who have never eaten a redfish.  Other than a couple of filets for them no need to bring fish back as it will be on when I return in a couple of weeks.  The lakes for a meat haul and streams for the fly rod.  And the high mountain roads will be opening for animal chasing and cool hiking.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

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Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

The Boss saw a photo on Facebook from the Refuge of some sandhill cranes.  Every year the city has a festival celebrating the arrival of the sandhills and it was last weekend.  I headed over there Monday morning, but they were few and far between, and what I did see where way too far to get a photo.  But boy was there some geese!

Every once in a while I take a good one.

One of the bigger ponds was absolutely jammed with geese.  Coming and going and making a world of racket.  Unfortunately the leeve/path to get closer was closed so these were all I could get from the road.

There were thousands of geese on the marsh.

They mate for life.

Not sure if they are on top of a beaver hut or what but they have obviously staked out their nesting spot.  And when you see them on the ground their wings are deceptive.  Once open and landing you realize just how big their spread is.

They were packed on this pond.

This picture is off just a small part of the pond.  Not sure how many were there but it was a ton.

Keeping watch.

Coming in for a landing.

While the sandhills were a bust it was worth the drive.  There were a few ducks around and I did see about 20 sandhills but there was just no way to get to them.  Next time I am back over there will make another swing through the refuge, never know what you might see.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Grand National Meat – Del Norte Co.

For the last few years we have been coming out here and stop at the elk meat store between Del Norte and South Fork is always part of the plan.  They have all kinds of elk, venision, bison, axis, goat and who knows what else.  While not exactly cheap it is worth every penny and is delicious.   Beats crappy Wal Mart meat by a mile.  When I stopped in this week in preparation for the Boss I got a treat I was not expecting.

As I paid I mentioned that I cannot wait for shed hunting season in 6 weeks.  She said come on and let me show you some sheds.  That would be 2 big buildings with piles of them including moose, elk, whitetail and mule deer along with a few others.  It was impressive.  On the way to the second building we went through the dog treat room, which is one of their bigger businesses.  There was a guy who spends all day with a saw carving antlers into perfect size dog treats.  I mean bin after bin, hour after hour, day after day.  Really interesting and no wonder shed hunting is such a big deal in Colorado though they get stuff from all over.  Their sign said paying $16 a pound for prime elk sheds.  Loved seeing their operation and thanks for the tour.

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Looked out the window yesterday and there bedded down behind the truck was 2 does.

They did not appreciate me opening the door.

Since we took down the fence we have had a lot more traffic in the yard.  Funny watching the turkeys who take ther shortcut to the backyard and then spend 10 minutes trying to figure out how to get past the fence.  Turkeys are not known for their brain power.  But based on the number of tracks following a snow we have lots of visitors day and night.

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Once it warmed the big boys disappeared, but the girls are just hanging out.  You never know what you will see on a walk.

Well my first go round with the building permit was successful and I picked mine up at the city hall.  While the ground is not near thawed enough to pour concrete it will not be long.  But there is a certain amount of tear down necessary before framing can start so that will start Monday and after that we shall see how long it ends up taking.  I told Pete that the Boss will be here this week and as far as that goes she has the final say.   This is one of those projects that could go great or………….  And I would like to compliment the folks I have dealt with at the city.  Really a friendly bunch of folks, a complete 180 degrees from dealing with Victoria.  A totally different mindset and greatly appreciated.

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Though I did not plan on spending this much time in the house the last 2 days it always happens when the NCAA basketball tournament is on, I end up watching.  Drama, last minute heroics, the agony of defeat it has it all.  And like yesterday the upsets continue.

The Hogs had a messy but effective win over Illinois.  One of their problems the last month was finishing but they held on to win.  Next up Kansas tomorrow and that will be no small feat.  But like all fans hope springs eternal, could be a miracle.  Now A&M was another story.

Should have known when Sir Charles said he expected them to win easily.  (So did I.)  I was not that sure but figured they had a real chance.  They were bitching about their seeding but you take what you get, plus you have to win no matter where you are seeded.  So they went right out and literally stunk up the joint.  I am watching my 5th game right now and have not seen anyone they would have beaten playing like they did.  So on to next year for the Aggies.  Plus, they messed up the committee’s hope they would win and play Texas.  Who after watching Texas it is hard to not be impressed.  (Some Aggies haters, shall we call it like it is, Longhorns would say they lost just so they would not have to play them.  But with them joining the SEC and realignment expect them to be rivals in the new configuration.  Should make for some classics.)

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A front blew through here the last 24 hours and the Boss said it hit south Texas just a little after that.  It is not going to get above freezing today, but this week is going to really warm.  With that we should get more melting on the rivers and creeks.  And though we got a couple of inches last night and it is not above freezing, it has all almost melted already.  Snow comes with being right below the most snow in Colorado.  Spring is on the way and with it the fishing.  Plus I will be back in Texas in a little over a week and will hit the lake and bay hard before heading back this way.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines