tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103750042024-03-14T06:16:06.791-05:00Feathers and FurFly Fishing, Fly Tying, and Favorite Places.
"Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.comBlogger473125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-78289369553274791462011-04-30T20:27:00.006-05:002011-05-07T08:30:43.507-05:00A Fine Mess!What do you call a bunch of cows? A herd. <br /><br />What about a group of whales? A pod.<br /><br />Generally when you consider a collection of fish they are called a school - that is unless they are on a stringer or in the ice chest after a good day of fishing - then they are called "a mess of fish".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqzGT3wXv3yebScAql_4VPcHfSS67Dds-oZw5JmS97OYVDsxPpsX3WM6Mo7FYUfpIZJ5KcCjSyY1BK3bcDLK1_wI2hofQksaBampQOtXRZb-k2yH0MOvkIX6Cpabk6UN4u2nPOw/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqzGT3wXv3yebScAql_4VPcHfSS67Dds-oZw5JmS97OYVDsxPpsX3WM6Mo7FYUfpIZJ5KcCjSyY1BK3bcDLK1_wI2hofQksaBampQOtXRZb-k2yH0MOvkIX6Cpabk6UN4u2nPOw/s320/IMG_0086.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601554773006422130" /></a><br />We made our way to the river on Friday in time for a little topwater action before dark.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtdXpiGZcErVMH7UKCS-tHnifGusYUMmPiYTUkTgk5onPzSYSbfpjzJCHJzqwwvbiGk-XpNSaFYd5Ixkq9yizrSqXwq6dvkXoKUdk-rPKBQw6Ky9dVGJepeALfloCHPdUnkzoSQ/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtdXpiGZcErVMH7UKCS-tHnifGusYUMmPiYTUkTgk5onPzSYSbfpjzJCHJzqwwvbiGk-XpNSaFYd5Ixkq9yizrSqXwq6dvkXoKUdk-rPKBQw6Ky9dVGJepeALfloCHPdUnkzoSQ/s320/IMG_0087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601554764602353138" /></a><br />It's hard to beat the sight of a speckled trout hitting a dog-walking hard bait.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu9HMWwbtz2NFtMwmnmyq-DoXjmLl4EX4eOAiPrOhKSNDCNzEd0SWpu7ktc6v-ACnPoGwbGSe98lcC5NCh4OyhBjuoZTOGIiYwffMVHjEq_30Gj5y6GXJocr1a1BaFRrrGrwqeA/s1600/IMG_2510.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu9HMWwbtz2NFtMwmnmyq-DoXjmLl4EX4eOAiPrOhKSNDCNzEd0SWpu7ktc6v-ACnPoGwbGSe98lcC5NCh4OyhBjuoZTOGIiYwffMVHjEq_30Gj5y6GXJocr1a1BaFRrrGrwqeA/s320/IMG_2510.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601554765128127634" /></a><br />We ended up with three trout in the bag before turning in for the night but that was just the beginning of a banner weekend of catching.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCixk-YjuYUp81enXoOpcSd8z8mP3OMftzbcWYyAUPSGbx-Dx9s_0CsDQYfaII170yJfRmQW-Zzou8zvnHSmEioAnUMo0e8pNFNhVGQY5u38r1VMV-9VERBAAPsPxxvnmam5dsGw/s1600/IMG_2512.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCixk-YjuYUp81enXoOpcSd8z8mP3OMftzbcWYyAUPSGbx-Dx9s_0CsDQYfaII170yJfRmQW-Zzou8zvnHSmEioAnUMo0e8pNFNhVGQY5u38r1VMV-9VERBAAPsPxxvnmam5dsGw/s320/IMG_2512.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601554761171774802" /></a><br />We were using live shrimp and were fishing up the river in the new spot - Eagle's Cove. Shrimp is fun to fish with as you never know what you will catch.<br /><br />We caught a nice variety of fish including this flounder. The gafftop were also bothersome but we were able to put up with them to get to the real target species.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPrW0elwd1dQbalwVfLeyUIYTNoAPyyrfOxbcS1AYvNFUu903HXwSrojpbwb7Z8ZRSJE8MhiOL9_Qp-2ExYrw0gFwEFANWGXpy9LnkW5JEt0ulZmUfp2FVI0tdkW0ly2kSEcRgw/s1600/IMG_2515.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPrW0elwd1dQbalwVfLeyUIYTNoAPyyrfOxbcS1AYvNFUu903HXwSrojpbwb7Z8ZRSJE8MhiOL9_Qp-2ExYrw0gFwEFANWGXpy9LnkW5JEt0ulZmUfp2FVI0tdkW0ly2kSEcRgw/s320/IMG_2515.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601554757672027954" /></a><br />We found that quite a few keeper specks were in the area and made their way into casting range as we stayed anchored up along the high bank out of the gusty wind.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSifdLueXvVlw4DpzpyJdFcILAJ4sfNFfT3PtfPbb7qoXvraawGfW2BPL_ID40yJWF66lvA2pBi6EYJL_0r261uZ3Go_kEf-juRB46ac5U8TZTI9en_LMk6TtxoZYLx3DCx8FhA/s1600/IMG_2516.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSifdLueXvVlw4DpzpyJdFcILAJ4sfNFfT3PtfPbb7qoXvraawGfW2BPL_ID40yJWF66lvA2pBi6EYJL_0r261uZ3Go_kEf-juRB46ac5U8TZTI9en_LMk6TtxoZYLx3DCx8FhA/s320/IMG_2516.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603816367797267522" /></a><br />Both of us caught fish and while Tracy's keepers were bigger and I had more in the box I think we ended up catching almost the same number and weight overall.<br /><br />We had enough for a delicious meal and to give away to three families from church. <br /><br />It was a lot of fun and a sign that with the warming of Spring comes better fishing.John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-83354517518885146962011-04-23T21:33:00.001-05:002011-04-24T22:54:00.093-05:00Two Days FishingThe holiday weekend snuck up on us. Being out of town most of the week in SLC threw me off and when I returned I found out that everything scheduled for Friday had either been canceled or postponed so I decided to take the day off.<br /><br />We stayed home Thursday night but got a fairly early start and made it to Matagorda before 8AM.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7JZzwmk6h_23eaP0tibqnYNFtvTnM05c3hEFMIK8Gix5c4KGgDWQgaqYAe-yokG3YZHP3R8M1_DofMc9xDeXmI3PPFRYNerjfzR2nC2CCVQRI0HQhzMHjXQ1fEjvLVS51yjE0g/s1600/IMG_2473.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7JZzwmk6h_23eaP0tibqnYNFtvTnM05c3hEFMIK8Gix5c4KGgDWQgaqYAe-yokG3YZHP3R8M1_DofMc9xDeXmI3PPFRYNerjfzR2nC2CCVQRI0HQhzMHjXQ1fEjvLVS51yjE0g/s320/IMG_2473.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599345184323572754" /></a><br />The swallows have returned to the boat slips and this photo and the next show how they can become a nusiance.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_cGU3np_EDXEzex4TkQqlXe_ZVOmUzWZZ4Wu__l7-hJr6H82n1DEwo_SpAFzlK4Qef4vbm4wMbQQDWmJDQZuFganolsWlDnWM8hV79KdVhAN4IiKCVSBSzURwkQxrIiLddz6gA/s1600/IMG_2474.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_cGU3np_EDXEzex4TkQqlXe_ZVOmUzWZZ4Wu__l7-hJr6H82n1DEwo_SpAFzlK4Qef4vbm4wMbQQDWmJDQZuFganolsWlDnWM8hV79KdVhAN4IiKCVSBSzURwkQxrIiLddz6gA/s320/IMG_2474.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599345179610588418" /></a><br />Makes you glad your boat is in a storage stall instead of hanging in the straps.<br /><br />The wind was relentless and even though we tried to fish below the ICW we soon realized that we needed to find a spot up the river. We had seen a boat parked along a high bank near Selkirk where the river bends back to the west so we headed there hopeful that the spot would be open.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb8dM1j8wVrEMEjk8ECVSOwnh_AVLNtx3WJG4SoPVMMeLK9oWax8ntaapV2QpMNd8OQgc0MkWXbGCfJV2sm2tyyHLbc9K5wytb1OKP2DnwWEOgG5yjQLDTOmIwYDtViVOoyVd1g/s1600/IMG_2475.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb8dM1j8wVrEMEjk8ECVSOwnh_AVLNtx3WJG4SoPVMMeLK9oWax8ntaapV2QpMNd8OQgc0MkWXbGCfJV2sm2tyyHLbc9K5wytb1OKP2DnwWEOgG5yjQLDTOmIwYDtViVOoyVd1g/s320/IMG_2475.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599345177059131810" /></a><br />Sure enough not only was the spot available but it was productive as well. The bait shop at the Harbor had live shrimp and Tracy put them to work. She caught two keeper trout before lunch before the bite tapered off.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6NP_ve3UfUXl1eoAvNnnNYU5gNrUZ7gxXoMYBOBXnrxHCmy-eRurrb2M001TLJbSLu1idlv4TkqlLPJqhaiTqxeejsOvTp0lxm2nCt9D6642EWYmG8CrF1f5Sm3uHrMgdyFxTA/s1600/IMG_2477.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6NP_ve3UfUXl1eoAvNnnNYU5gNrUZ7gxXoMYBOBXnrxHCmy-eRurrb2M001TLJbSLu1idlv4TkqlLPJqhaiTqxeejsOvTp0lxm2nCt9D6642EWYmG8CrF1f5Sm3uHrMgdyFxTA/s320/IMG_2477.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599345735190694498" /></a><br />We went back up the river after lunch and I was determined to catch a keeper fish. I tried topwater, plastics, live and dead shrimp, and even cut up a croaker but only managed to catch small fish. Tracy caught several small fish including a flounder (no picture).<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS56j-VInMMRfR9gRwpVlrrmL6jqIrQta-3cy7HOyDkk0PK6k4t1NUnsArJO88oXpbuPxzHlFjsrEULDRZM-roIM-5TJD9iKpMzI49jA_iSICUMh2xzkqVpS4xC4TH9v82vCPWA/s1600/IMG_2480.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS56j-VInMMRfR9gRwpVlrrmL6jqIrQta-3cy7HOyDkk0PK6k4t1NUnsArJO88oXpbuPxzHlFjsrEULDRZM-roIM-5TJD9iKpMzI49jA_iSICUMh2xzkqVpS4xC4TH9v82vCPWA/s320/IMG_2480.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599345165829523394" /></a><br />I finally hit the bottom of the food chain and caught this blue crab. OK - I'm not above chumming. This blue beauty was sacrificed and scattered in the current between the boat and the bank. I cast my baited hook and was finally rewarded with a nice red. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIDNTNqzpRMfVTVTU71Ir8VYNkPPiTszGsbYsA2DTvoVtpseQd3YJHZHwXG7R_ueF9qPSZdo0jwDQkaL-XFx_EVkjkiVrKLvSmwLHdW_BZbR5viH8dzZRYLhBgDLx-BqRZEbz1A/s1600/IMG_2483.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIDNTNqzpRMfVTVTU71Ir8VYNkPPiTszGsbYsA2DTvoVtpseQd3YJHZHwXG7R_ueF9qPSZdo0jwDQkaL-XFx_EVkjkiVrKLvSmwLHdW_BZbR5viH8dzZRYLhBgDLx-BqRZEbz1A/s320/IMG_2483.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599345159502037842" /></a><br />I may not be fast but I sure am slow! I guess I will do whatever it takes to catch fish. They say you have to be smarter than the fish but I sometimes think you just have to know what motivates them. With all the bait available right now these fish are full and not aggressively feeding. That being said, no self respecting redfish can turn down a free meal especially when the scent of fresh crab is everywhere!<br /><br />We didn't try to fish under the lights but got to bed so we could get an early start in the morning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuKEIN0l_7zQowMG5Bggp_xl7Wld3y6u0v6tRnO1iTnWo3JXJLrJ6TM9IlJMalH4Hf6lXforbnaqliefIGYyV7WMJpbUNpXIi-3kHuHfBt1XYaCeMTuPT_qwrmWHJJPgC21SmhA/s1600/IMG_2486.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuKEIN0l_7zQowMG5Bggp_xl7Wld3y6u0v6tRnO1iTnWo3JXJLrJ6TM9IlJMalH4Hf6lXforbnaqliefIGYyV7WMJpbUNpXIi-3kHuHfBt1XYaCeMTuPT_qwrmWHJJPgC21SmhA/s320/IMG_2486.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599346863311520514" /></a><br />The wind continued to blow all night and though we got the boat launched before sunup it was already building in velocity so we headed upriver to the new spot - "Eagle's Cove".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM0ZKKko5sNPr1bkPeXHG2uoMrwumALYZOmAp6-PD1JMraD074mc-5A2g5urNrqV3OSOOFqiQgzG81akF8q0l1lYTgLfvu9pu2qpAkcvyYdPv9i503vcw7RHf_uJEaX4ehWCvHA/s1600/IMG_2489.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM0ZKKko5sNPr1bkPeXHG2uoMrwumALYZOmAp6-PD1JMraD074mc-5A2g5urNrqV3OSOOFqiQgzG81akF8q0l1lYTgLfvu9pu2qpAkcvyYdPv9i503vcw7RHf_uJEaX4ehWCvHA/s320/IMG_2489.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599346857249576642" /></a><br />I connected with the keeper trout this time and Tracy thought she had a big red but instead it turned out to be a nice keeper black drum.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfdrDymmnR0AmKcyMInJSAW472MQN8QpkZ2Vf-niKboD7eaYp2CWyEzoNTf9BZ4dqjpq8deOXyTCCZA0GY7yWCRRizNyLVEnV9rCDCrbklKlhaLr-3kzG9K-UZrFRQOUF20RYGQ/s1600/IMG_2495.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfdrDymmnR0AmKcyMInJSAW472MQN8QpkZ2Vf-niKboD7eaYp2CWyEzoNTf9BZ4dqjpq8deOXyTCCZA0GY7yWCRRizNyLVEnV9rCDCrbklKlhaLr-3kzG9K-UZrFRQOUF20RYGQ/s320/IMG_2495.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599346849501170338" /></a><br />The namesake of our new spot was spotted sitting on the nest visible from the river then we watched as one of the bald eagles flew nearby trying to fish in the river. The crows were pestering the eagle so bad that he finally gave up. I was wishing for the big camera as the beautiful bird soared overhead. <br /><br />We saw a lot of birds of prey while fishing in this spot including the Eagles, a Great Horned Owl (early in the morning), a pair of <a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/kites/">Mississippi Kites</a>, several Osprey, and a some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caracara">Mexican Falcons </a>(Caracara).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNSmWBgwu4TDHGYVQ4ZmVsFfpEXOj4qLlN0xBXJKrG99V0ofyrICpg-Lq7a4A8ex-qVESZLYnnrvr_CEVTK8qMzrwCQF4BSo53oOldZab5dEKcx4NGvHup2qX8zf7jFHB8BD_Sw/s1600/IMG_2500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNSmWBgwu4TDHGYVQ4ZmVsFfpEXOj4qLlN0xBXJKrG99V0ofyrICpg-Lq7a4A8ex-qVESZLYnnrvr_CEVTK8qMzrwCQF4BSo53oOldZab5dEKcx4NGvHup2qX8zf7jFHB8BD_Sw/s320/IMG_2500.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599346847538921762" /></a><br />When I saw this I thought it was a snake but after watching it bob along we decided that if it was a snake it was dead. Can you believe it turned out to be a stick?<br /><br />We made it back home before dark on Saturday in time to prepare for a day of worship on Sunday. God is always worthy of our worship and it is a real privilige to be able to be with the church every Lord's Day.John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-44898763250659009122011-04-18T20:13:00.000-05:002011-04-18T23:24:03.111-05:00Water Water EverywhereWe are experiencing a pretty severe drought in Texas. The governor has requested a disaster declaration for the entire state due to recent brush and wildfires.<br /><br />Utah on the other hand has a different problem. The snow melt combined with recent rains has swelled area rivers to the max.<br /><br />I headed out to the beehive state on a work trip today with my ultralight and a weak expectation that I might get to visit an old friend in the near Midway. It was raining in the Salt Lake valley and snowing on Parley's Summit but once I got over the Wasatch the sky began to lighten up and hope began to grow.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw234AbwL3ShVwD6HX7pEJ_6YwrUOvC8__UVLlTDQkHQUeZwTo-BDA3jprXrD_NWnzm3uiL4NiwdvjU25A-CR5lCAREOmC_aB0_DEltvBh-IKa9lZW0cIdfP1DFwWIJxB0Sfgkg/s1600/IMG_2467.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw234AbwL3ShVwD6HX7pEJ_6YwrUOvC8__UVLlTDQkHQUeZwTo-BDA3jprXrD_NWnzm3uiL4NiwdvjU25A-CR5lCAREOmC_aB0_DEltvBh-IKa9lZW0cIdfP1DFwWIJxB0Sfgkg/s320/IMG_2467.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597135718149802962" /></a>I remember the first time I saw this sign and every time thereafter I'm thankful for Ken Probst and his generosity towards fishermen like me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrLM2Hnlf78UTXd6d7Y3UqcuDPuAKkeNMKq9GBXDUjVfw9uMrQW20jJKHdnQJ1IjlpHismQcazLpm1i4Lg9NfUa5lBzveo2ahbloJVRREO3sdUMC8A89KTdluRIx8Vi8Q7gotuQ/s1600/IMG_2451.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrLM2Hnlf78UTXd6d7Y3UqcuDPuAKkeNMKq9GBXDUjVfw9uMrQW20jJKHdnQJ1IjlpHismQcazLpm1i4Lg9NfUa5lBzveo2ahbloJVRREO3sdUMC8A89KTdluRIx8Vi8Q7gotuQ/s320/IMG_2451.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597135717810154930" /></a>You can tell from this shot that it has been raining pretty steady here for some time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVsRca8LHB6yX9jHIZ6o_EILuLlGmojzdRbADfvi-z3juah8OFbt0FpdByBp1yqNFfG8SCc6GTH3bZDz-OZxKtRFgJchOiUSy-50WoGI6CGLM9e3CMLBhtBTByq4-V6I-eCRtVQ/s1600/IMG_2454.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVsRca8LHB6yX9jHIZ6o_EILuLlGmojzdRbADfvi-z3juah8OFbt0FpdByBp1yqNFfG8SCc6GTH3bZDz-OZxKtRFgJchOiUSy-50WoGI6CGLM9e3CMLBhtBTByq4-V6I-eCRtVQ/s320/IMG_2454.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597136819250457074" /></a>The big swirly hole was full of runoff and rainwater and the flow was strong.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Iuhb14j8jK2ZKARsmMion37Phxp7yEyzx0x6-IhMGaj2chFCV6obbz163DSRCPh-IIy7gZyDRAhUrFH7PgYEZLaf1lyhxbnIWkgEHW4z4xpbOfWbfUqHipTPdCBdfAHEW2mMrw/s1600/IMG_2452.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Iuhb14j8jK2ZKARsmMion37Phxp7yEyzx0x6-IhMGaj2chFCV6obbz163DSRCPh-IIy7gZyDRAhUrFH7PgYEZLaf1lyhxbnIWkgEHW4z4xpbOfWbfUqHipTPdCBdfAHEW2mMrw/s320/IMG_2452.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597134489446887698" /></a>I tied on a baby brown trout Panther Martin and began searching the pool for my friend Mr. Brown. I caught several feisty fish in the 8-12" range but couldn't seem to locate "the one".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysuOnUp3Xf9D7gyPELtovzhQN8S8yAlv39byflHL2W7lUvTT4Ui723y04cXncDN1vMTQvcyB-qN9cCNC8xYQarA3Bpaqkm4No3uukmUwMrtOuL5v_ht4Y0O5IkA_i89YzbQe3Ew/s1600/IMG_2453.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysuOnUp3Xf9D7gyPELtovzhQN8S8yAlv39byflHL2W7lUvTT4Ui723y04cXncDN1vMTQvcyB-qN9cCNC8xYQarA3Bpaqkm4No3uukmUwMrtOuL5v_ht4Y0O5IkA_i89YzbQe3Ew/s320/IMG_2453.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597134474287261330" /></a>I soon took off downstream and tried the spinner in the smaller pools and runs along the way but to no avail.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bGS0HTEw_tYuUOtG0mxRdVIN_syRYbbMSW7C72JCn7lVJtmvkXavZKZNUbPrbiItlrIZ1QDJ-BHoHuTnO22eHj1cj0EesAf1MBOGVm6OLUe-ihOf9UMh1ig3qnKh6xUGhrDeNw/s1600/IMG_2460.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bGS0HTEw_tYuUOtG0mxRdVIN_syRYbbMSW7C72JCn7lVJtmvkXavZKZNUbPrbiItlrIZ1QDJ-BHoHuTnO22eHj1cj0EesAf1MBOGVm6OLUe-ihOf9UMh1ig3qnKh6xUGhrDeNw/s320/IMG_2460.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597134465202893954" /></a>The vegetation was not only present on the bottom of the creek but it was floating free which added a whole new degree of difficulty.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq7taYTdl90DANCqy770NexHjvAYn7QTyJrqIKeXUyeJo9ZeQqJuEcRG0z57m23LpRfj7KKeAb3J6dVR709IdcWQ3PrkcfKiN_uIYzdbXs88zIB1rBtDRBQu5prWgcOCc9T8TKA/s1600/IMG_2455.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq7taYTdl90DANCqy770NexHjvAYn7QTyJrqIKeXUyeJo9ZeQqJuEcRG0z57m23LpRfj7KKeAb3J6dVR709IdcWQ3PrkcfKiN_uIYzdbXs88zIB1rBtDRBQu5prWgcOCc9T8TKA/s320/IMG_2455.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597131701947921874" /></a>I crept along the lower end of the creek trying to blend in to the landscape but this flock of <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-headed_Blackbird/id">Yellow Headed Blackbirds </a>made such a fuss I think every fish in the creek must have wondered what was up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqS6lRgKjCITwL4ncyCKBHMJBZELBCT-lpy_bVpjxornXHuC_B2UHWWX24QqFdQLt7HjQPbiQIR-RRGzLEFa6Ea9UbQz4Yw3sIootDyMBaz7gjtQK5eiqQfjDOfDiOtbieiyb-Gg/s1600/IMG_2457.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqS6lRgKjCITwL4ncyCKBHMJBZELBCT-lpy_bVpjxornXHuC_B2UHWWX24QqFdQLt7HjQPbiQIR-RRGzLEFa6Ea9UbQz4Yw3sIootDyMBaz7gjtQK5eiqQfjDOfDiOtbieiyb-Gg/s320/IMG_2457.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597134453350599394" /></a>I picked up another small brown then finally found "the one" I was looking for. This hefty 18 incher put up a great fight on the ultralight.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt7JStAxbZBL8B6s0M_MCZ7ckRCRXF4p1ihPv7vnzQ5pSTotTR8y0igMZHsWICZ2p2geiqSlhZRCwAcBGZ8lyAK4tOOBY9cs9UMaL_-exZUFuXW7cQw_1s4b_J88zohFkkg2Ptw/s1600/IMG_2458.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt7JStAxbZBL8B6s0M_MCZ7ckRCRXF4p1ihPv7vnzQ5pSTotTR8y0igMZHsWICZ2p2geiqSlhZRCwAcBGZ8lyAK4tOOBY9cs9UMaL_-exZUFuXW7cQw_1s4b_J88zohFkkg2Ptw/s320/IMG_2458.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597134444354224978" /></a>I was really missing my photographer by now so I had to revert to the long armed fish picture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7KEJ7fEcRg8fOrsa8MgeItgeagSFlngxH4tK9w9v1JFbLDZ23SQ9Wi4twV30OnduqSHDW-p88lad9Agg4CKbY3NPIIupa1bdWFKuEB41NDRt0wjJy0CRW7hVOJNLVVl-OxfNyg/s1600/IMG_2461.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7KEJ7fEcRg8fOrsa8MgeItgeagSFlngxH4tK9w9v1JFbLDZ23SQ9Wi4twV30OnduqSHDW-p88lad9Agg4CKbY3NPIIupa1bdWFKuEB41NDRt0wjJy0CRW7hVOJNLVVl-OxfNyg/s320/IMG_2461.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597131697281884306" /></a>I fished my way back upstream to the big riffle hoping to snag a rainbow. I fished hard near the tailout and had a couple of hits but couldn't seem to connect.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGN8qBGIPgVetaDmzKdbQlW7LpmVYvjBvStS75X5rrh5eeMjc4qmjtZ0YBGjbK9mC44UYUOLimQO_ISOjNGfkkx-03n3Z3Snvsj7jnxrlCjaAoX4s6QHAQvPAhrEcC3GiX6dkVw/s1600/IMG_2466.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGN8qBGIPgVetaDmzKdbQlW7LpmVYvjBvStS75X5rrh5eeMjc4qmjtZ0YBGjbK9mC44UYUOLimQO_ISOjNGfkkx-03n3Z3Snvsj7jnxrlCjaAoX4s6QHAQvPAhrEcC3GiX6dkVw/s320/IMG_2466.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597131677780493794" /></a>I finally worked my way back upstream to the big swirly hole only to find that someone else had claimed the spot. We had a nice chat and I decided to head in. I know it's hard to imagine me quitting with at least an hour of daylight left but sometimes you have to be satisfied with a successful outing even if you don't fish till dark.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzadWKD6OQ6ACEhll-MP3gudLGGYlagg02Jo966koO46ykome0Xd2xpeTD9ClyV8AyVP6S8aHqViEU5SKhZ8QmURHzWkJhPuLmXXSsRDkSJHAspdkzS8aMo8dDcddBfbddEIV72A/s1600/IMG_2468.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzadWKD6OQ6ACEhll-MP3gudLGGYlagg02Jo966koO46ykome0Xd2xpeTD9ClyV8AyVP6S8aHqViEU5SKhZ8QmURHzWkJhPuLmXXSsRDkSJHAspdkzS8aMo8dDcddBfbddEIV72A/s320/IMG_2468.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597131668994443938" /></a>Besides - there are road hazards to consider this time of year! Better to see these in the daylight than crossing the highway in the dark.John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-76320440287759103632011-04-16T20:50:00.010-05:002011-04-17T14:43:52.739-05:00One Fish DayWe hardly ever catch limits when we fish but most of the time we catch enough for dinner and to share with others. The Friday weather forecast looked good with cooler and drier temps prevailing after the little front that pushed through. <br /><br />We arrived early enough for me to throw the cast net and I found some live shad in the river. We got an encouraging fishing report from Edie at Spoonbills. She said that the trout were in the river and were up under their lights on Thursday so we were hopeful for a repeat. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_aOhiyYDHsYsrJnYKJdG2dCp7ak0Ja1vmDVoHtLFlyHdmRoD4mWgbRonPkoWdHkxHzcoU5V09hJFtsrIo4DbyQZSPvkSc0setjt-hUEu9REPoR6-OdU4Lk0sou-0KCwHL4fWqQ/s1600/IMG_2428.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596611640635693474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_aOhiyYDHsYsrJnYKJdG2dCp7ak0Ja1vmDVoHtLFlyHdmRoD4mWgbRonPkoWdHkxHzcoU5V09hJFtsrIo4DbyQZSPvkSc0setjt-hUEu9REPoR6-OdU4Lk0sou-0KCwHL4fWqQ/s320/IMG_2428.jpg" border="0" /></a> We got the light out before dark and I started fishing with the shad. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfu_uBtiJWKlPBtoz143L085z7sXl4LZTSukp6dtL2brcxaG0-rbAUV2idw_CxpzaQu9JEZb8D13kGwJj5SxsJoAPj9Vyoi1OpQn9_VP56TlsdiphHvkYkn3v3lsj7d_dKaCo_A/s1600/IMG_2432.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596612787920761522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfu_uBtiJWKlPBtoz143L085z7sXl4LZTSukp6dtL2brcxaG0-rbAUV2idw_CxpzaQu9JEZb8D13kGwJj5SxsJoAPj9Vyoi1OpQn9_VP56TlsdiphHvkYkn3v3lsj7d_dKaCo_A/s320/IMG_2432.jpg" border="0" /></a> It wasn't too long before I found some "slimers" (gafftopsail catfish) like this bewhiskered one. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_KJAlkImzqE8fUxQZfee5Ewp2JS3mpiG_wOc54-aiODWXX21dk-zJ5mkGFEQLWoGx8sSy4ZsgIEwEuU-yYCrYS2XFw7QzQY59XVPIuFZSnRQMN-g3BxajrU9ClTxy81v7rcOug/s1600/IMG_2429.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596612777492141522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_KJAlkImzqE8fUxQZfee5Ewp2JS3mpiG_wOc54-aiODWXX21dk-zJ5mkGFEQLWoGx8sSy4ZsgIEwEuU-yYCrYS2XFw7QzQY59XVPIuFZSnRQMN-g3BxajrU9ClTxy81v7rcOug/s320/IMG_2429.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tracy caught her share of hungry fish like this little red. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHUtSQ3knQy4mRtnMjoRITzNNH-9LXiRsVvLEkkwVQJWKGjAqoWTKXsuXjWTPcsQePXUzj5XV2ha8YcyO6U5fCWsykoPcaxo880Hzh59w7zcFpAwgGSxMbtSxVQi52RMaSD3Xzg/s1600/IMG_2430.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596365413789715410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHUtSQ3knQy4mRtnMjoRITzNNH-9LXiRsVvLEkkwVQJWKGjAqoWTKXsuXjWTPcsQePXUzj5XV2ha8YcyO6U5fCWsykoPcaxo880Hzh59w7zcFpAwgGSxMbtSxVQi52RMaSD3Xzg/s320/IMG_2430.jpg" border="0" /></a> This "tater chip" flounder needs to grow up before he will fill a plate. I love the distinct mottled pattern of the Matagorda flounder. <br /><br />We fished until nearly 11PM and even though the solunar data predicted a major feeding period I think the fish had other ideas. We put nothing in the box and had to settle for a nice cool evening on the river.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuSehTaM58LKnH1EcJdzGsIoimTIpRt7MwmjmIo5GeNjpu87cjhW8_-SRdSC8KLW30TbXKUDpxmZsOguLOBr4hzN_FbMAQ-8-pd1ckw50A1EgCUCGvFnHpTV4AAKQmcLctlKQvg/s1600/IMG_2438.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596611637939526194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuSehTaM58LKnH1EcJdzGsIoimTIpRt7MwmjmIo5GeNjpu87cjhW8_-SRdSC8KLW30TbXKUDpxmZsOguLOBr4hzN_FbMAQ-8-pd1ckw50A1EgCUCGvFnHpTV4AAKQmcLctlKQvg/s320/IMG_2438.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />We got an early start on Saturday morning. The bait shops had no live shrimp for sale but we took some of the shad from the previous night and some fresh dead shrimp.<br /><br />We got to the "Hole" early enough to get this nice sunrise shot across the channel. I rigged up a live shad and cast to the bank. The first bite I missed and quickly rigged up another shad and cast back to the same spot. I felt a tap-tap then set the hook. <br /><br />What happened next can only be fully understood by someone who has had a similar experience. The fish I hooked came up to the surface but not out of the water. It was long and lean and seemed black as coal on it's back which was the only part visible to both Tracy and I. I thought it must be a mackerel or a shark the way it was streaking through the water on several blistering runs. This fish would change course and rush off in a new direction so fast I was struggling to keep up. I was fearful that I would lose it and never know what it was.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuem0GI501_LTck9N7dTQ48qN7_Uej34h3gGwcXqermH6AaudcT7VWK5f9vkbb6efi6YN_kzG_F69p7UKtUERABiRmborYyke9eJFF98mtTtWQ_HTNt2w51BM17-5qZBaRsCVLQ/s1600/IMG_2435.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596365402837133618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuem0GI501_LTck9N7dTQ48qN7_Uej34h3gGwcXqermH6AaudcT7VWK5f9vkbb6efi6YN_kzG_F69p7UKtUERABiRmborYyke9eJFF98mtTtWQ_HTNt2w51BM17-5qZBaRsCVLQ/s320/IMG_2435.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><br />This big girl finally began to tire and we got to see a beautiful 23" trout come to the boat. Thanks to Tracy's expert net handling and photography I got to show off my best trout of 2011 (so far).<br /><br /><br />If you click this picture you will see the beautiful array colors in this saltwater superstar. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63EobbkiXO55vEAFK-sLsX1qyP9CIGNjCwL78URB8pgcUb3M0G-qAQFEY6IQju8yM-LYZzeju3K6fr1HtJHLYZNMxxn7DRzTa-ln0HjCXxax33OwelprDF4uwCf54u8EmLLdi_w/s1600/IMG_2440.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63EobbkiXO55vEAFK-sLsX1qyP9CIGNjCwL78URB8pgcUb3M0G-qAQFEY6IQju8yM-LYZzeju3K6fr1HtJHLYZNMxxn7DRzTa-ln0HjCXxax33OwelprDF4uwCf54u8EmLLdi_w/s320/IMG_2440.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596636182546941490" /></a><br /><br />Here is the shot at the cleaning table. She makes my trout knife look small!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEPOZRBN806LYRosjDTER6ynmPg0RH-1fkiEFEwotV1Oukt8BT75tFOJfvhC1vAbdnbpLxjO74Yaduho3EyFoxCTI4bdygzuiWm6T10-RXDg7zfUZkHKktgPXkFLcsJC3hNUUDw/s1600/IMG_2450.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 122px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEPOZRBN806LYRosjDTER6ynmPg0RH-1fkiEFEwotV1Oukt8BT75tFOJfvhC1vAbdnbpLxjO74Yaduho3EyFoxCTI4bdygzuiWm6T10-RXDg7zfUZkHKktgPXkFLcsJC3hNUUDw/s320/IMG_2450.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596636723793427538" /></a><br /><br />We came in for lunch then decided to head up river to see if we could find any fish near the nuke plant.<br /><br /><br />Fishing dead shrimp on the bottom predictable located some hungry reds. They were feisty but too small to keep.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZn3J9OXC7102JOYIuVwlTAUfXQyJuFrbBYb6Z2bLcNgCuBBNpMfaKnKpResrL-Tv_VTeGS9boqp18JlvUVLKCduhs02pcXVqF0aR4JMoKCAXUjsgN-o62UdxkYYQxGvZqDsg0A/s1600/IMG_2445.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596612784869002290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZn3J9OXC7102JOYIuVwlTAUfXQyJuFrbBYb6Z2bLcNgCuBBNpMfaKnKpResrL-Tv_VTeGS9boqp18JlvUVLKCduhs02pcXVqF0aR4JMoKCAXUjsgN-o62UdxkYYQxGvZqDsg0A/s320/IMG_2445.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />The reds use their broad tail and beefy shoulders to great advantage.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcun4juoTDRFPFJKVgcSAQror0NXjgdqxAdVxV8RVzyWBhpSlAnzTe4HfqryuNazBoxCrS8qIiLw88MUdWLwXjWp58m5dAoWfDcUTIFE0lRwVSkYtWcTaV9ScCJbLrpw4hb3Wt5A/s1600/IMG_2441.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596613993608541602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcun4juoTDRFPFJKVgcSAQror0NXjgdqxAdVxV8RVzyWBhpSlAnzTe4HfqryuNazBoxCrS8qIiLw88MUdWLwXjWp58m5dAoWfDcUTIFE0lRwVSkYtWcTaV9ScCJbLrpw4hb3Wt5A/s320/IMG_2441.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />In addition to supplying strength, the tail of these red drum can also be a beautiful blue adding contrast to the white and silver-gold color of the scales. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKTQhyphenhyphenbs-jnpS3_fh-K2aZZKNHL5M0Hv1UeAVqYVk7AL5LoPgooOvRhTy3AjQI2mxF5O3rfJTk1lp75HAFNO2s2UjFXL3AsurndEiu_J4tjGrijHdqPG0wEHwzQb0gFKqE07udg/s1600/IMG_2443.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596365406457554642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKTQhyphenhyphenbs-jnpS3_fh-K2aZZKNHL5M0Hv1UeAVqYVk7AL5LoPgooOvRhTy3AjQI2mxF5O3rfJTk1lp75HAFNO2s2UjFXL3AsurndEiu_J4tjGrijHdqPG0wEHwzQb0gFKqE07udg/s320/IMG_2443.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Not a bad adornment for a fish known as a "Mud Mule"! <br /><br />The trout turned out to be the only fish we kept but we felt blessed to be able to have enough fish for a meal or two and to be able to be out enjoying God's creation.John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-2533584648131266512011-04-11T19:21:00.000-05:002011-04-12T07:44:02.241-05:00Spooled then SchooledLast weekend I got spooled by a big fish - this weekend I didn't come anywhere near one. My fishing wife however saved the day by putting a nice red in the box. We fished under the lights after supper and a short drive on the beach. I thought I was going to have a repeat of last week when a big gafftop took my live shad for a ride out to the middle of the river. I was able to stop his run and cranked him back to the bank. We each caught a few more "slimers" and Tracy caught two small specks on one cast. I caught one sand trout before we gave it up for the night. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfecuDG2XA8MLRNsgD4AeIHFnYT_h3Tluh3ef4F4-LUe2eJjM5yOhc9JJkmlX5MmZqFfH0bA_2EIp3rR89Nwoco_ot_GsznRTFbXj4FQ3p__I0epHcBw699lWuWykws5fKqRea4w/s1600/IMG_2412.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594671696034803138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfecuDG2XA8MLRNsgD4AeIHFnYT_h3Tluh3ef4F4-LUe2eJjM5yOhc9JJkmlX5MmZqFfH0bA_2EIp3rR89Nwoco_ot_GsznRTFbXj4FQ3p__I0epHcBw699lWuWykws5fKqRea4w/s320/IMG_2412.jpg" border="0" /></a> The wind has been brutal during the week so we got an early start. The bait shops all had the same story - "No live shrimp" so we resorted to using soft plastics, topwaters and Gulp. The sun was just peeking over the beach road as we crossed the ICW on the way out the Diversion Channel to the Redfish Hole. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpEpr7-XQWW3EryoM5njiBxbm9EAxgz4P6XnXdSSizIjUYiSfypsys47-6uDIFDSRgzsaY6uk_yHcgl6nc9_TKdKsvKzJ9jSajiSKFr5VkkVgRdsHxGl4vNCjFdlMD69RjtGVAg/s1600/IMG_2414.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594671697505202930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpEpr7-XQWW3EryoM5njiBxbm9EAxgz4P6XnXdSSizIjUYiSfypsys47-6uDIFDSRgzsaY6uk_yHcgl6nc9_TKdKsvKzJ9jSajiSKFr5VkkVgRdsHxGl4vNCjFdlMD69RjtGVAg/s320/IMG_2414.jpg" border="0" /></a> We saw plenty of boat traffic after anchoring up and I was able to catch this group kicking up a roostertail as they sped down the channel. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ILc9UchD-5F9EUQ5ZYgvyiIOErFQw1GoLwlXqBtCp90Yhp6mybWxKyPhb_ObGbR3zLpFbCS0F1J6KCD6EU6m6Iex0S2az6ykCEfwuRQGR1Ha7upcXoFu-U-gKTjRoBsopQBMIQ/s1600/IMG_2420.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594671694891749362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ILc9UchD-5F9EUQ5ZYgvyiIOErFQw1GoLwlXqBtCp90Yhp6mybWxKyPhb_ObGbR3zLpFbCS0F1J6KCD6EU6m6Iex0S2az6ykCEfwuRQGR1Ha7upcXoFu-U-gKTjRoBsopQBMIQ/s320/IMG_2420.jpg" border="0" /></a> After fishing all morning with nothing to show but a couple of Croaker and small black Drum we went in for lunch and took a break from the wind and headed down to the beach. I had a big idea to throw the cast net in a marsh drain but forgot the net at the trailer so we took a walk and looked for sea beans. Tracy found one - a Tropical Walnut. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruCW-x7_V0rZwDu8pA9rVs0luT2eXrSYw9xqZz0IONjH86khA7uBbN3Erjw-Owy-ZCgfeCxmcKcyShL1WEVpCvK-qnDmx_X4UyihQskzPOMgee2X8rXa-1iSxY2AFmIuj3FG5jg/s1600/IMG_2422.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594671688013928562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruCW-x7_V0rZwDu8pA9rVs0luT2eXrSYw9xqZz0IONjH86khA7uBbN3Erjw-Owy-ZCgfeCxmcKcyShL1WEVpCvK-qnDmx_X4UyihQskzPOMgee2X8rXa-1iSxY2AFmIuj3FG5jg/s320/IMG_2422.jpg" border="0" /></a> After our break, I bought a pound of "fresh dead" shrimp. Fresh in this case means not frozen - but not necessarily "fresh". This batch had been on ice for several days and was a little weak but we were getting desperate for some fish. We went back down the Channel to the Hole but once again could not seem to find the fish. Before it got too late I gave my First mate the "Heave Ho the anchor" signal and we headed upriver. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl3KL3gMdJXFRxUBm20k7Pl9X9xf9qjY-wx2aW6dhyPpHwsrzH_jv3WbwKlLReGimg_Fkua3qlwaCLBy_aYjrREzDaAq7D45AX5yxN8yKj1lzBSXVqfa-_oeS7RyRUTviyncRGg/s1600/IMG_2424.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594671687301264002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl3KL3gMdJXFRxUBm20k7Pl9X9xf9qjY-wx2aW6dhyPpHwsrzH_jv3WbwKlLReGimg_Fkua3qlwaCLBy_aYjrREzDaAq7D45AX5yxN8yKj1lzBSXVqfa-_oeS7RyRUTviyncRGg/s320/IMG_2424.jpg" border="0" /></a> We were blessed to see the Bald Eagle on the nest just south of Selkirk which made my day. Shortly after getting set up on our spot, Tracy caught this nice 21" red on her first cast. Looks like fish for supper after all!. We fished this spot for the next hour or so without catching anything but little throwbacks and bait stealers so we called it a day. <br /><br />I may have to start asking Tracy for tips on her uncanny ability to come out on top...John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-2501532517630582472011-04-03T21:46:00.004-05:002011-04-03T22:33:21.841-05:00Tracy's SlamThe woman is on fire!<br /><br />We had a church function on Saturday morning but managed to launch the boat and head to the "Hole" by about 2PM. It was a little breezy but overall the weather was nice - warm and sunny. <br /><br />Tracy dropped her live shrimp into the sandy green water and watched as her pink cork drifted along near the interface of clear and cloudy water kicked up by the wake of passing boats. This interface coincided with a drop off and was a great place to find a waiting hungry fish. The first bite was a keeper flounder which promptly went in the box. Soon after, I connected with a keeper trout so the pressure was off and we settled in to a slow but steady bite. <br /><br />Not long after we both had caught several trout including some keepers, Tracy commented that she needed a redfish to complete her slam. Well let me tell you she got her wish!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK9xfy09HbmnvpHa_eyBFlNZ_p1kX1R4jySzSuF79nue5z5Pf1M22KmbrxFNWHkMzUzIQhE_-VdjwtE5SoknUsFV3ABdD2DY2LKoBKC5ypnjZGAseCt3FNuNQ87X71JBDxSfhxg/s1600/IMG_2387.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591556457034784866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK9xfy09HbmnvpHa_eyBFlNZ_p1kX1R4jySzSuF79nue5z5Pf1M22KmbrxFNWHkMzUzIQhE_-VdjwtE5SoknUsFV3ABdD2DY2LKoBKC5ypnjZGAseCt3FNuNQ87X71JBDxSfhxg/s320/IMG_2387.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />This shot shows her in full fight mode. Mr. Redfish put up a good fight but he had no idea who he was tangling with. This girl was on a mission!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetB833X2wzkLmJIPYY8tNEbGFDjPXYLg4XMnyw3WhAmrctOdm5_P0VP_ufr4kNtqEB6hYDh9IEyF36VdD2hOfClJuPctb68H-SnpGB3UzaNTaOkjdimPgKOhBJee6dUGBcwT2Fw/s1600/IMG_2394.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591555839349621746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetB833X2wzkLmJIPYY8tNEbGFDjPXYLg4XMnyw3WhAmrctOdm5_P0VP_ufr4kNtqEB6hYDh9IEyF36VdD2hOfClJuPctb68H-SnpGB3UzaNTaOkjdimPgKOhBJee6dUGBcwT2Fw/s320/IMG_2394.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is the happy slammer! There was no doubt about the smile that a 26" redfish can produce.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zfaTjPywB7OWuUAqYkO3q8phVmNgUCufpKGVahuaSimUa9aRFN8dHmYieSCUBPWh4LmCpz-bZEERmiuy7FzIu1aP3qEhX9HEdYZeaBPVZ4DL4JrRLbv3HHzN4MRidSV3RolfGQ/s1600/IMG_2392.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591556466736010738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zfaTjPywB7OWuUAqYkO3q8phVmNgUCufpKGVahuaSimUa9aRFN8dHmYieSCUBPWh4LmCpz-bZEERmiuy7FzIu1aP3qEhX9HEdYZeaBPVZ4DL4JrRLbv3HHzN4MRidSV3RolfGQ/s320/IMG_2392.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />I had to take a shot to show that she caught and fought the beast with a #8 treble hook. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJL9qDVwTfjY_T9vzsXEXVT0zgAI-Im6_hSu4mR0Bm66bLSQ2NbxoxEHH5XAa3zLGhGa3u89GY-ejeInV1cJDYKZBTDyCWfGrWCbsZ-vXaK13Tsk6dOqcIAov8v05sgyM9jRIaw/s1600/IMG_2399.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591555829387768370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJL9qDVwTfjY_T9vzsXEXVT0zgAI-Im6_hSu4mR0Bm66bLSQ2NbxoxEHH5XAa3zLGhGa3u89GY-ejeInV1cJDYKZBTDyCWfGrWCbsZ-vXaK13Tsk6dOqcIAov8v05sgyM9jRIaw/s320/IMG_2399.jpg" border="0" /></a> The evening sun put a silver sheen on the water as Tracy continued to search for more fish. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Sh0bx_s82VnAJiWxRaT3MDKEt24Ma0EBe2ZMmpJB_ZhC3hCuuuPUYI2WRCJumZv_k9oVG8TmtZ30mgpw_u24Qd4LcWsFRSL0bbO3_TUFLyStGKPngztVloRB7BVo13Ho95B4pg/s1600/IMG_2397.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591555831364369362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Sh0bx_s82VnAJiWxRaT3MDKEt24Ma0EBe2ZMmpJB_ZhC3hCuuuPUYI2WRCJumZv_k9oVG8TmtZ30mgpw_u24Qd4LcWsFRSL0bbO3_TUFLyStGKPngztVloRB7BVo13Ho95B4pg/s320/IMG_2397.jpg" border="0" /></a> After a slow period we decided to cross over to the other side of the channel and that turned out to be a great plan. The wind started to lay down and we found fish out in the channel near the outflow of the marsh drain. Tracy continued her tear with the live shrimp under the pink cork and connected with this 19" trout which was the biggest of the day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGx38ES0HFlZzxxeImi2Y1BoWTqUVoXntAESoxlkzNbQmvF-SIPtnQFMRia8pf8U6huRcLdoV46UWbv0W0rrXp4rupe_tzT0CKTSI3y14lptCTdROxZ0chBo8pjy0Ej6eUYwePg/s1600/IMG_2403.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591555821448578594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGx38ES0HFlZzxxeImi2Y1BoWTqUVoXntAESoxlkzNbQmvF-SIPtnQFMRia8pf8U6huRcLdoV46UWbv0W0rrXp4rupe_tzT0CKTSI3y14lptCTdROxZ0chBo8pjy0Ej6eUYwePg/s320/IMG_2403.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here we are at the cleaning table as the sun was slipping down below the horizon. A Texas saltwater fisherman's dream - The Slam! Tracy is now the official envy of all my fishing friends. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl4FEejgeI53Gdoua7T4KRjXAuM7O3CquTzUz_ERImnzEy6oEnmX4ivzooPOKMBCtkp49y-Szk5lbJ-DWH9MbglUr6mlVp7I7f4k9mKkH2RQcOsy8M3ZrePbGrBU0hCg4-UmRFQ/s1600/IMG_2407.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591555816165736690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl4FEejgeI53Gdoua7T4KRjXAuM7O3CquTzUz_ERImnzEy6oEnmX4ivzooPOKMBCtkp49y-Szk5lbJ-DWH9MbglUr6mlVp7I7f4k9mKkH2RQcOsy8M3ZrePbGrBU0hCg4-UmRFQ/s320/IMG_2407.jpg" border="0" /></a> We ended up with quite a haul of fish - 9 trout, one big red and a nice flounder. We got checked by the game warden on the way in but we were well within the legal limit on size and number of fish. I'm thankful to my dad for instilling in me a responsible attitude about game conservation and the importance of obeying game laws. He was a man of integrity and expected the same from us.John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-48879655129043175742011-04-03T07:14:00.006-05:002011-04-03T21:42:24.027-05:00Priceless<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQZzaoUeJHur_3PXxuf5pHwN8OTnPEBqQw0uL_2s10x7mD44YDdllyfSYy6bX55iEpz8j58-kYJ0g31-aKaohLzg5OHmDBzrD414il3q2ahBlmv7D32akgUJt0KR_oyb2PfQmzw/s1600/IMG_2386.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQZzaoUeJHur_3PXxuf5pHwN8OTnPEBqQw0uL_2s10x7mD44YDdllyfSYy6bX55iEpz8j58-kYJ0g31-aKaohLzg5OHmDBzrD414il3q2ahBlmv7D32akgUJt0KR_oyb2PfQmzw/s320/IMG_2386.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591329973633158098" /></a><br /><br />Every fishing trip needs a good fish story. Although some fishermen are accused of stretching the truth or exagerrating to senesationalize their tale, most of the time the what we experience on a typical outing needs no embelishment.<br /><br />This time we were fishing in our usual spot, "The Redfish Hole" in the Diversion Channel of the Colorado River not far from where it empties into West Matagorda Bay.<br /><br />We were out a little later than usual but the weather was beautiful and the fishing had already proven to be better than average. We both had fish in the box and I was looking for more.<br /><br />We were fishing with live shrimp which usually means that you could catch a wide variety of fish from speckled trout to redfish or from gafftop to whiting.<br /><br />There was a pretty stiff wind blowing from the SSE and I was trying to cast across the wind and upstream with my rig. I like to try different configurations but this time I was using the old standard - a live shrimp on a #8 treble hook suspended about 20" below a cork. We like to use the cigar style sliding cork with the weighted bead on the bottom.<br /><br />I was twitching and popping the cork as it drifteds bacck towards the boat when the cork disappeared. I gave it a second before setting the hook and immediately knew I had a big fish on. The fish headed straight for the middle of the channel and was taking drag. I like to keep our drags set pretty light as most of the time we can fight our fish to the boat fairly quickly without risking breaking off or bending our small hooks.<br /><br />This time though the game was slightly different. I kept waiting for the fish to stop and shake or to change direction but it never did. I tried putting pressure on the rod and after half of my line was gone I began increasing the pressure on my drag. I had a lot of confidence on my knots and in the line as I had just last week spooled up a new batch of 14lb <a href="http://www.berkley-fishing.com/products/line/superline/fireline-fused-original">Berkley Fireline </a>- my weapon of choice.<br /><br />Well to make a long story short I got spooled! Whatever I hooked never slowed down, changed direction, or looked back. Tracy estimated that the whole event took less than a minute and that even if we had the idea of chasing the screaming run with the boat, we likely wouldn't have even got the anchor pulled in time.<br /><br />I wonder if I were in the kayak instead of the boat if I would still be on the sleigh ride. There were several big gar in the river near where we were fishing and I think that is the likely culprit. It is fun to consider though that it might have been a big jack or a king mackerel. Whatever it was it was fast and steady and likely still has a lot of line trailing behind it.<br /><br />Keep your eyes peeled for a green cork that may show up somewhere in the Matagorda Bay system. It may still have something attached!<br /><br />Quart of Shrimp - $20<br />Gas for Boat - $10<br />Snacks & Drinks - $5<br />125 yards of Fireline - $15<br /><br />Getting spooled in less than 1 minute - PricelessJohn Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-80313160339957509172011-03-25T19:21:00.001-05:002011-04-03T21:46:49.418-05:00Dances With FishSomebody had the fishing love this time and it wasn't me... I managed to get Friday off and that meant we were headed for PPRV #7 as soon as I could escape the city. I cast-netted up some mullet thinking we might be able to entice a flattie or a big trout before dark. It is really nice to see the sun go down after missing it for the last few months.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtf9rSd-boLg2noaCPddT45mUDqvTfOc7V279jQxrwv4djRCQngvx_MBpCf3I8lgEmoJENmQiLRZo_GGeqvo9YHAaxRD0V-fRqNfGO8apeiOwZL_hFG2pZM-aOxJl1xxXJcaJeg/s1600/IMG_2366.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589663239705147106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtf9rSd-boLg2noaCPddT45mUDqvTfOc7V279jQxrwv4djRCQngvx_MBpCf3I8lgEmoJENmQiLRZo_GGeqvo9YHAaxRD0V-fRqNfGO8apeiOwZL_hFG2pZM-aOxJl1xxXJcaJeg/s320/IMG_2366.jpg" border="0" /></a> Well, the mullet was unsuccessful but there were plenty of shad in the river. Tracy requested the double glow shad rig shortly after dark and she promptly connected with a fat 19" trout.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwWhEnHel7QxQMeYOSyvBD4JNf9RCmvpL_wD59Pw_yIOjXwBA4nf8KsQrXwQUyBsiP8VfYn6gwUfSAeaEx0gmf-LeOXkkT_1Hi71jesvrnNwa1DrwJ_keYEcqqRdg_WoQ3gWSAQ/s1600/IMG_2370.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589662751049687698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwWhEnHel7QxQMeYOSyvBD4JNf9RCmvpL_wD59Pw_yIOjXwBA4nf8KsQrXwQUyBsiP8VfYn6gwUfSAeaEx0gmf-LeOXkkT_1Hi71jesvrnNwa1DrwJ_keYEcqqRdg_WoQ3gWSAQ/s320/IMG_2370.jpg" border="0" /></a> We fished for a couple hours and caught only a few small specks and one more keeper caught by yours truely. I didn't know that would be my only keeper fish of the trip. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXKoLJnZfHNOW6Eg0yDicWqAPUSR_eWVcR1i-QA8riiOHJCIs3mXRVwil5EPLkz_belJs4LHY-IgizAVkzP54ry8k6D3tiGVPOhxDMCMRLt2X6kTtGCbvX1ixvPl7QaCZomWPig/s1600/IMG_2372.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589662757173177122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXKoLJnZfHNOW6Eg0yDicWqAPUSR_eWVcR1i-QA8riiOHJCIs3mXRVwil5EPLkz_belJs4LHY-IgizAVkzP54ry8k6D3tiGVPOhxDMCMRLt2X6kTtGCbvX1ixvPl7QaCZomWPig/s320/IMG_2372.jpg" border="0" /></a> The morning dawned cloudy and breezy. We headed out to the Redfish Hole with a quart of live shrimp and Tracy caught her second 19" trout on the first cast! While that was fun and a great way to start the day the real show was yet to come. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2MBTHDILB9MLfZOdMJdK00sC-oxjNigs7TllzZncjNswYPx3nuJZ9PfstgQPDYxmRhbwI_7yJzflLYxO2IxU6g1kHfRosfnKbIk843-IOQb6dOMy2RwTbaeLcbdLvX_moPvyUw/s1600/IMG_2375.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589662746639806034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2MBTHDILB9MLfZOdMJdK00sC-oxjNigs7TllzZncjNswYPx3nuJZ9PfstgQPDYxmRhbwI_7yJzflLYxO2IxU6g1kHfRosfnKbIk843-IOQb6dOMy2RwTbaeLcbdLvX_moPvyUw/s320/IMG_2375.jpg" border="0" /></a> After fishing the "hole" for an hour or so with no more action, Tracy suggested that we cross over the channel to the mouth of the cut. This spot was a little tricky to fish since we were contending with a south wind and an outgoing current. These two opposing forces caused the boat to move about the anchor rope and it was hard to hold a stationary position. <br /><br />Tracy cast into the outflow and connected with a fat 25" red. This guy meant business and was really having his way with her while testing the limits of the equipment. My fishing partner put up a great battle and even exercised extreme patience when her big red got tangled up in the flooded timber. <br /><br />The best part of the show was when the red finally came loose from the timber and began circling the boat causing "the dance". Tracy deftly steered the fish along the side of the Second Honeymoon, around the prop and motor, over me, my rod, and the net, and up the opposite side of the boat. Somehow she managed to keep from getting tangled up in the anchor rope. Finally the mighty fish gave up and allowed Tracy to lead him into the net.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vkdWs_iBRN37DmbUOiW8-WHT_RhdGRLdetXrnsFIIqIZGUyeLthtToaIXBgSbM3JTMziI19pai4ejnN6TiJWjyPahFh6_p5WmY7Hxvm6p6dTiEwTtTuZUwy95wmGAc1E35F7VQ/s1600/IMG_2381.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589662742348555858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vkdWs_iBRN37DmbUOiW8-WHT_RhdGRLdetXrnsFIIqIZGUyeLthtToaIXBgSbM3JTMziI19pai4ejnN6TiJWjyPahFh6_p5WmY7Hxvm6p6dTiEwTtTuZUwy95wmGAc1E35F7VQ/s320/IMG_2381.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Tracy caught several small flounder - one was only 1/8" short of legal. That is a tough way to miss a slam!<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3Tz8lv-7EUhjNXRtHyx2KySDkkGI9mH-ROOc9HEVQniOaWLJTzny_CQXah1So9fz6JpwrjV4GVYrrKo8QlTZ8ShiuPyLmORme-9WTMn53guzer4NNGGch-bnxZ5-Sv63GGbRsg/s1600/IMG_2385.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589662746365857362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3Tz8lv-7EUhjNXRtHyx2KySDkkGI9mH-ROOc9HEVQniOaWLJTzny_CQXah1So9fz6JpwrjV4GVYrrKo8QlTZ8ShiuPyLmORme-9WTMn53guzer4NNGGch-bnxZ5-Sv63GGbRsg/s320/IMG_2385.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><br />We fished a while longer and finally headed in for lunch. We fished off the bank after lunch and though we both caught some small fish, nothing went in the box.<br /><br /> Even though I didn't catch any keepers we had some great fish to cook and share. <br /><br />God is good!John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-72107684228604669622011-03-12T21:24:00.000-06:002011-03-13T22:52:35.558-05:00Slam and Mini-SlamThey say size matters and that is especially true when talking with fishermen.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFBn7N5h-ENk3gDHTfez3cIYVU1uUarC3dYW32Fux0xf_jucbgzk-lhqDSnm8jhHKhbPGgtPnhNgyjH5eD8K4cUbqZBqVH-4JCGYb4QGPA8wuriSLH7Ydy2dIxU_VQJM70hyphenhyphenOuQ/s1600/IMG_2327.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583770091821193074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFBn7N5h-ENk3gDHTfez3cIYVU1uUarC3dYW32Fux0xf_jucbgzk-lhqDSnm8jhHKhbPGgtPnhNgyjH5eD8K4cUbqZBqVH-4JCGYb4QGPA8wuriSLH7Ydy2dIxU_VQJM70hyphenhyphenOuQ/s320/IMG_2327.jpg" border="0" /></a> We got an early start on this Saturday the first official day of Spring Break.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUTBGnyFxDxHETBdtwp6QDoZIh0yBz75XnaWBb5vNq9aeQ6VXCsWd3M4H1Y1kgCQeHuPGcg0ia__AFDYKM9fBAAztijrnhy6jAna88D4STqyqEppUIKbilIoo7kQejwCZ1p447A/s1600/IMG_2330.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583769121617850434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUTBGnyFxDxHETBdtwp6QDoZIh0yBz75XnaWBb5vNq9aeQ6VXCsWd3M4H1Y1kgCQeHuPGcg0ia__AFDYKM9fBAAztijrnhy6jAna88D4STqyqEppUIKbilIoo7kQejwCZ1p447A/s320/IMG_2330.jpg" border="0" /></a> We headed down the Diversion Channel to our favorite spot - The Redfish Hole. As you can see from the picture above it lived up to its name! This 25 incher put up a good fight.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4chsuzd_tbWDX4qWUM9uKW3I_-FovEPSG2mSF_dqc6EegpGpeAuB9UZWzvMxAxKsn2lOtESj4A7X70jvrwg3QRl3n24A46T9kTKBG5JmhwqOoRgN7C5I1VRatXmUdPZm-pB5lA/s1600/IMG_2337.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583649229757211330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4chsuzd_tbWDX4qWUM9uKW3I_-FovEPSG2mSF_dqc6EegpGpeAuB9UZWzvMxAxKsn2lOtESj4A7X70jvrwg3QRl3n24A46T9kTKBG5JmhwqOoRgN7C5I1VRatXmUdPZm-pB5lA/s320/IMG_2337.jpg" border="0" /></a> We tried several spots including the cove and even headed up river as the wind began building. It's not much fun being exposed in a 15-20 mph wind. Tracy caught two of the keeper trout but her Mojo wore off early. She fished hard all morning but the fish just didn't cooperate.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdghvZTrKu3QK09gSQnCP3ZLU1KfbtcXbkaOYpGvXAZFCpJ6zYq6FTjLo3OivECJWiz909XfodAqpxwRdOUQrc4EcIub3zk0d4R5N-1IcTeqaWu6z_ld38IYmbDA-O-kLk6OAqDA/s1600/IMG_2339.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583649223511762946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdghvZTrKu3QK09gSQnCP3ZLU1KfbtcXbkaOYpGvXAZFCpJ6zYq6FTjLo3OivECJWiz909XfodAqpxwRdOUQrc4EcIub3zk0d4R5N-1IcTeqaWu6z_ld38IYmbDA-O-kLk6OAqDA/s320/IMG_2339.jpg" border="0" /></a> After lunch I cleaned the morning's catch and the boat. I was still wanting to see my fishing partner redeem herself so I picked up another pint of live shrimp on the way back from dropping off the boat. Tracy caught a small flounder right away and before long I caught this nice keeper to complete my slam.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj6uufYS6DpVBt2hK_BLGOScqj4GOEZS24kr0Wa68906vn36QxIpfpHY4tIuZsxG047R3lwHtYr3618vpMR9taaoMDYVK49sx-s4f9tq_m2iJZqrf6O4c8geIB-__10NhOgBOng/s1600/IMG_2332.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583769107539479442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj6uufYS6DpVBt2hK_BLGOScqj4GOEZS24kr0Wa68906vn36QxIpfpHY4tIuZsxG047R3lwHtYr3618vpMR9taaoMDYVK49sx-s4f9tq_m2iJZqrf6O4c8geIB-__10NhOgBOng/s320/IMG_2332.jpg" border="0" /></a> Earlier in the day I had caught a 14-incher which is technically the legal minimum but I didn't keep it as fish are known to shrink a little after being on ice. You can see my new springtime secret weapon - the <a href="http://www.bassassassin.com/p/-Chicken-on-a-Chain-2%22-Swim-Bait-Assassin/bass-fishing-lures/-newfreshwater/-New-Freshwater-Products/SB98214/">2" Bass Assassin Chicken on a Chain swim bait</a>. This is a freshwater bass or crappie offering but after reading up on springtime flounder habits and realizing they are suckers for small finfish I thought it would be worth a try. Guess my hunch paid off!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyXK4MkVzXgGKyrX5CAuk6oVMTWL3l9mixBmmRcFNxfTDiSdaWLJzf1WyBLbmdRYCyQCB68Dn4lmtqwvg1SXJMiOkmHXwfx2DHQDTDbMc4ZzaugkcqI7434MelXN7zR73NmablA/s1600/IMG_2341.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583649209470255650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyXK4MkVzXgGKyrX5CAuk6oVMTWL3l9mixBmmRcFNxfTDiSdaWLJzf1WyBLbmdRYCyQCB68Dn4lmtqwvg1SXJMiOkmHXwfx2DHQDTDbMc4ZzaugkcqI7434MelXN7zR73NmablA/s320/IMG_2341.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tracy fished hard all afternoon trying to find that keeper fish. The wind was from the SSE which made fishing off the rocks in front of our trailer the best spot as that put the wind at our backs.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YwRcGvVJxPMsXDhlSRRmJgprum1SqhdZQ3w3UPo4Hb5cmTVz-1geC85I9ss9VIidsCymxiBrhaFo4fGKNpR7D1h76VivLmLUNftl96r6hfNXjqhExIWP664akoAi4yaxiE3zzg/s1600/IMG_2334.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583769104883337490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YwRcGvVJxPMsXDhlSRRmJgprum1SqhdZQ3w3UPo4Hb5cmTVz-1geC85I9ss9VIidsCymxiBrhaFo4fGKNpR7D1h76VivLmLUNftl96r6hfNXjqhExIWP664akoAi4yaxiE3zzg/s320/IMG_2334.jpg" border="0" /></a> In addition to the undersized flounder Tracy nailed several small reds.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvcuAtlFz1QdAtn1FxWGV3ncJHZoVLUqIU_UT5I2Xp66nKKYSwNrVJb3yVzfNGY-WcwWEgkkKtN74QaWUP_VLhgg1KqKaNxZLYjHDUA-y4b3RMnNI-4cZ7Vn7kTJLkgi5zvtJ0w/s1600/IMG_2335.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583769099767783026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvcuAtlFz1QdAtn1FxWGV3ncJHZoVLUqIU_UT5I2Xp66nKKYSwNrVJb3yVzfNGY-WcwWEgkkKtN74QaWUP_VLhgg1KqKaNxZLYjHDUA-y4b3RMnNI-4cZ7Vn7kTJLkgi5zvtJ0w/s320/IMG_2335.jpg" border="0" /></a> She even found some trout but all were under the legal limit. Catching something is better than nothing but for some reason the big fish stayed away from her line almost all day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZgQtMgY-PWz2CtFnzKO77Lqcj_1Y5OefjHoXWp4kCBKJ-O-EplcXGoE6NsOYmrRn7llbj0sk-bEa6nxRLyI4AiL_Qhw6XEVGCnFsVF26g3IxI-7Jvk_Wz4G8e5W9UK23E6730w/s1600/IMG_2340.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583649219572428370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZgQtMgY-PWz2CtFnzKO77Lqcj_1Y5OefjHoXWp4kCBKJ-O-EplcXGoE6NsOYmrRn7llbj0sk-bEa6nxRLyI4AiL_Qhw6XEVGCnFsVF26g3IxI-7Jvk_Wz4G8e5W9UK23E6730w/s320/IMG_2340.jpg" border="0" /></a> As the day neared a close I thought of one more place we could try. We had recently caught some flounder off the boat dock so when the wind began to lay down near sunset we headed there for a few casts with our remaining bait.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FH10m-tvabhD3X3OIXR-Fu_Zkfq5qbG0JX9Gn3h55GGC3p8MtiDuOa8Xu9kt8VgK-OTRPJcvnG-LXoLm_8JMEeC3Pe1RwAZsVsl639IhuGspeiAYxUugW2x_eANCoyrZzD0Asw/s1600/IMG_2343.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583649206968500146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FH10m-tvabhD3X3OIXR-Fu_Zkfq5qbG0JX9Gn3h55GGC3p8MtiDuOa8Xu9kt8VgK-OTRPJcvnG-LXoLm_8JMEeC3Pe1RwAZsVsl639IhuGspeiAYxUugW2x_eANCoyrZzD0Asw/s320/IMG_2343.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Once again the big fish found my line instead of Tracy's. I added one more flounder to the bag just as the sun was dropping below the horizon.<br /><br />We fished hard almost all day and caught our share of fish. It was fun to see some of all three target species caught by each of us but I hope next trip the pendulum doesn't swing all the way back.John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-57664453802657843072011-03-12T07:02:00.000-06:002011-03-13T07:34:15.589-05:00The Perfect PredatorNot everyone would put the Speckled Trout at the top of the list when describing the Perfect Predator. After what I observed on Friday night under the lights in the Colorado River, I would have to disagree.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFn0OpsS_K7jbQ0esWoB1BOmHu0KypDeIilUWbcY21kCOsHe2iAThtP3KeY5FQuxxColZVjk5WmhRVRP_nnP6qfwlherqq_lN27cJ9wsiDY4fOkePUXj0kA3PPHoENgzbrEn2zig/s1600/IMG_2323.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583534447557564498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFn0OpsS_K7jbQ0esWoB1BOmHu0KypDeIilUWbcY21kCOsHe2iAThtP3KeY5FQuxxColZVjk5WmhRVRP_nnP6qfwlherqq_lN27cJ9wsiDY4fOkePUXj0kA3PPHoENgzbrEn2zig/s320/IMG_2323.jpg" border="0" /></a> The weather was cool and clear and I had some live mullet to offer up. Tracy was throwing the glow shad and the fishing was slow at best. I like to hook the mullet just behind the dorsal fin so they can swim and wiggle to attract the trout. Generally the light attracts bait and the bigger fish figure out that if they hang around near the lights they can make easy pickings of the unsuspecting shad, mullet, or glass minnows.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeHTOAMETj4FCKWKOFdM1DoJi_QsBWJ7j_HHe1VioawwyqfS94MaxFOmL40h3uYv431Sq-vi0lU8Ndq7yg4TvLdhrTrxJu4R2s8O3wkA-OlseMBoud0RISCKZFlNglZhTs8eV_A/s1600/IMG_2325.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583534438130915314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeHTOAMETj4FCKWKOFdM1DoJi_QsBWJ7j_HHe1VioawwyqfS94MaxFOmL40h3uYv431Sq-vi0lU8Ndq7yg4TvLdhrTrxJu4R2s8O3wkA-OlseMBoud0RISCKZFlNglZhTs8eV_A/s320/IMG_2325.jpg" border="0" /></a> Trout like other fish have the ability to detect prey from a distance by smell or by sensing vibrations. To be a perfect predator though there must be the means to capture and kill the prey. Specks are fast and deadly, using their powerful tail to accelerate and overtake the fleeing baitfish and their formitable fangs to grasp and hold on to the struggling victim.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ6wRdPLmS2LnCymWHgP8uGbSgkZBqhfcn8WHemzO1rjojD_HZtbh2eUKOflcN1v5Ng0GDf5Tq1KG5KXVrppWwZxv7l1J62PEtaNTBDnZ9Aeu7VhOMXs2xHXXPIgeb_aT-MIQvw/s1600/IMG_2322.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583534456830912226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ6wRdPLmS2LnCymWHgP8uGbSgkZBqhfcn8WHemzO1rjojD_HZtbh2eUKOflcN1v5Ng0GDf5Tq1KG5KXVrppWwZxv7l1J62PEtaNTBDnZ9Aeu7VhOMXs2xHXXPIgeb_aT-MIQvw/s320/IMG_2322.jpg" border="0" /></a> I freelined a three inch finger mullet beyond the circle of light and let it drift and struggle along through the light and down stream. Just as I was about to retrieve and recast I saw and heard a violent scene on the fringe of the light as this 21" trout busted the mullet off the surface and inhaled it. I had a nice fight and before Tracy could go back for the net I had her on the grass.<br /><br />If the Speckled Traou aren't the Perfect Predator they are pretty close!John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-66836464066037217382011-03-05T21:10:00.005-06:002011-03-06T16:10:37.797-06:00Big Wind Big FishThe weather was picture perfect all week - someone called it California weather. With the end of the week in sight though, a cold front was approaching which promised some much needed rain. It was also predicted to arrive with some serious wind so our normal fishing program would need to be modified if we wanted to eat fresh fish on Monday.<br /><br />I lit a fire in the fire pit and set out the fishing light before we headed out for supper.<br /><br />Spoonbills was closed on Friday as the staff was volunteering at the Matagorda County Fair. We have been wanting to try the <a href="http://www.matagordabay.com/riverbend/">River Bend Restaurant</a> so this was our chance. We enjoyed some fresh seafood and began discussing whether or not the fish were going to cooperate.<br /><br />There seemed to be some fish activity under the light when we got back to the trailer so I rigged Tracy up with a TTF 1/8 oz double glow shad rig and tied on the back half of clear mirrodine soft plastic mullet to my line.<br /><br />Before long Tracy hooked something big and the fight was on. Thankfully we had her drag set just right and she was tenacious about getting this fish in.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2BdFMmdSGOdF2XZTw-CkVpRMHYE2ReqSuamUfZqsYXFEYwzHSNA-X9BQT6YIc5Mg03KfG3j1qxFqQ5l25weBijK76FuJRJ-4TMHevUHPPlWmxqUnJDTtMOngTAS6ooFomZCGig/s1600/IMG_2315.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580800210909996338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2BdFMmdSGOdF2XZTw-CkVpRMHYE2ReqSuamUfZqsYXFEYwzHSNA-X9BQT6YIc5Mg03KfG3j1qxFqQ5l25weBijK76FuJRJ-4TMHevUHPPlWmxqUnJDTtMOngTAS6ooFomZCGig/s320/IMG_2315.jpg" border="0" /></a> Now that is a big redfish! This bad boy was 11 lbs and 28" long.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZca759MhydGfuDHIxvkvCfJkt6waPq14mJxRKAxLWYiWBpV_mFNOSfsavmtFTldhz6GgtjQpV78q8R18fFqWg7Rv03VcjVNpjTvcnOzd58p5_bzqprRUG7dg83Q6flm5jV4c13Q/s1600/IMG_2318.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580800198665163714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZca759MhydGfuDHIxvkvCfJkt6waPq14mJxRKAxLWYiWBpV_mFNOSfsavmtFTldhz6GgtjQpV78q8R18fFqWg7Rv03VcjVNpjTvcnOzd58p5_bzqprRUG7dg83Q6flm5jV4c13Q/s320/IMG_2318.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the slightly damaged but still intact jighead that was used to catch the big red. We fished for a couple of hours and caught small trout on the glow shad but nothing big enought to keep.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPGWEwCxzbxKSV_3N7MhgWljX2K05EiAkLNsSzDrk9yhVpb6UhuPk7kp-R1JO21lRVYMsUeYIvOJI81vqCe_Oh2k6gVpbwPfXL6P6BWKKrCJn9WVNt-9UZ3Ds5y6gWtYsNVT1VA/s1600/IMG_2320.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580800193093904930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPGWEwCxzbxKSV_3N7MhgWljX2K05EiAkLNsSzDrk9yhVpb6UhuPk7kp-R1JO21lRVYMsUeYIvOJI81vqCe_Oh2k6gVpbwPfXL6P6BWKKrCJn9WVNt-9UZ3Ds5y6gWtYsNVT1VA/s320/IMG_2320.jpg" border="0" /></a> The front came through and the temperature dropped so we were fishing from the bank all day. Tracy continued to have the hot hand all morning and into the early afternoon. She caught a couple more reds and several small flounder. I had cast netted up some live mullet so we had several options.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYMwvcZcvIvsAbu62uF9bMMvlAlseNoVpx96s60EDk7GNV_7dhFzp2HlqDJ_mqtdsnaxnwXWMzi4EnD28lyzVbE03LI4ZEbh2D5iqoPTe25G-3ddldS8ujBxbBdSWVgqOoGQQog/s1600/IMG_9789.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580800187798539730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYMwvcZcvIvsAbu62uF9bMMvlAlseNoVpx96s60EDk7GNV_7dhFzp2HlqDJ_mqtdsnaxnwXWMzi4EnD28lyzVbE03LI4ZEbh2D5iqoPTe25G-3ddldS8ujBxbBdSWVgqOoGQQog/s320/IMG_9789.JPG" border="0" /></a> I finally got into the game by combining cut mullet with chartruese Gulp to catch these two keeper flounder.<br /><br />We both lost a couple of fish that we believe were big enough to keep but didn't let that minimize the happiness we felt at turning what should have been a blow out day into Monday's supper and a bag of fresh fish to give away. God is truely good!John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-55287080253565112522011-02-23T20:50:00.003-06:002011-03-06T16:17:07.872-06:00Three Plus OneThis week's fishing was a little unconventional. I was able to work out a mid-week day off so we headed to PPRV on Tuesday evening.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmufr-Qu4tkUGQKEa4Q558auWzWVnbz7-P54C67pdWtNDNHs7PJK6PfoAW8oy_SP6Kel37Os5-irkrGc3QED9ICj8C7rBXWIPMH0HsBH-yuLAqln90JOzB9dbdazIwi7o8ryIuQ/s1600/IMG_2299.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580794754436828034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmufr-Qu4tkUGQKEa4Q558auWzWVnbz7-P54C67pdWtNDNHs7PJK6PfoAW8oy_SP6Kel37Os5-irkrGc3QED9ICj8C7rBXWIPMH0HsBH-yuLAqln90JOzB9dbdazIwi7o8ryIuQ/s320/IMG_2299.jpg" border="0" /></a> We didn't see many other fisherman but this little guy was sharing the shoreline of the Diversion Channel with us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ1ON1k9Cnvb3MQUC-JoIzlcX0WIa8Ncimvs1ontRfYS3r589cPAaib9r9u6TWNX7WUku3Qv7zYQVMmqhmV9DyopMNM2pF0KOJ1CZK3lBSwLeeaHhMmX7tG9M200k7mOEcv7J2g/s1600/IMG_2304.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580794750697172050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ1ON1k9Cnvb3MQUC-JoIzlcX0WIa8Ncimvs1ontRfYS3r589cPAaib9r9u6TWNX7WUku3Qv7zYQVMmqhmV9DyopMNM2pF0KOJ1CZK3lBSwLeeaHhMmX7tG9M200k7mOEcv7J2g/s320/IMG_2304.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tracy caught this multi spot red at our old spot near the nuclear plant.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyybyMFvcd6pFBfTAFMQqb_yG__cBGnnpYr-GCeviZa61vd5x_7ETnjruv0tJWKS9_JbXSXwxn7VrTmYYaJ0FjDUQhbSPLmIDicwOxvA8w-tToR4xxSgvzC8iJzYivVgLP1Y5vbw/s1600/IMG_2305.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580794746599678578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyybyMFvcd6pFBfTAFMQqb_yG__cBGnnpYr-GCeviZa61vd5x_7ETnjruv0tJWKS9_JbXSXwxn7VrTmYYaJ0FjDUQhbSPLmIDicwOxvA8w-tToR4xxSgvzC8iJzYivVgLP1Y5vbw/s320/IMG_2305.jpg" border="0" /></a> I call this a six by six red. We fished up the river for a while but decided to head down the channel to look for some keeper fish.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPOa8XzyobVG3PZWitDyDr793sT1Ca8-iq9Yl_SYkP6CdNqZWsN7rswiWQNa2jfIYTf6Z0DEhbymZoEEWhtT5EZ2753PnAg9CxQbkWLlqrYyn0OeYT6btCbeBQON-SU2aaAPecg/s1600/IMG_2308.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580794737209666850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPOa8XzyobVG3PZWitDyDr793sT1Ca8-iq9Yl_SYkP6CdNqZWsN7rswiWQNa2jfIYTf6Z0DEhbymZoEEWhtT5EZ2753PnAg9CxQbkWLlqrYyn0OeYT6btCbeBQON-SU2aaAPecg/s320/IMG_2308.jpg" border="0" /></a> That decision turned out to be a good one. Tracy caught two keeper reds and I caught a nice red and a 20" trout. We fished the cove and the redfish hole with live shrimp and were off the water by lunchtime.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtrAiEW9MezB-mNd4qdqbmScOcrVG9hSOqHredPvGIBhdvnRpBsHNDnIij24V8gn7sprdU_IX7rzU73a-gMdG3-uDio48KOk7dfuFohrLI35kM52U_Eb09jdNcghyS7RUbHnfLA/s1600/IMG_2310.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580794732370596066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtrAiEW9MezB-mNd4qdqbmScOcrVG9hSOqHredPvGIBhdvnRpBsHNDnIij24V8gn7sprdU_IX7rzU73a-gMdG3-uDio48KOk7dfuFohrLI35kM52U_Eb09jdNcghyS7RUbHnfLA/s320/IMG_2310.jpg" border="0" /></a> My buddy at the cleaning table posed for this parting shot.<br /><br />We got the trailer washed, took a conference call, washed the boat, and cleaned the fish - all in time to get home and on to our mid-week Bible Study. It was a busy day but well worth the effort!John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-43622437538999360072011-02-20T21:15:00.007-06:002011-02-20T22:07:52.689-06:00His and Her FlounderAfter our successful paddle last weekend, Tracy and I were ready to take advantage of the nice weather and decided to head up river in the Second Honeymoon to see if we could find some trout.<br /><br />The long cold winter has finally come to an end (we think) and since Spoonbills is back open things are almost back to normal.<br /><br />We lit a fire in the pit on Friday night and cooked some tasty marshmallows. We also set the light up at the river and caught several trout but alas they were all too small for the stringer. The fog was thick and there was plenty of tiny bait in the river but no big fish.<br /><br />We launched about an hour later than we had planned in the morning due to the fog but had a nice quart of lively shrimp and the anticipation of finding some hungry fish upriver.<br /><br />The fog got thicker the further upriver we went until we had to stop and fire up the running lights just to be on the safe side.<br /><br />The fishing was pretty slow (understatement) even though Tracy managed to catch this 19" redfish that only an inch too short.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lBxvtWnkku3pYPBVa96C9tNnfuJTWj_oTgqjTAZUqdEmgoXtvAdgT9uplFid8i9m5yo5nYOo2WXqFsxnz5qdkmaBzDnuyXVX3UfsMS7CrSXeBz0jbsq-ZU-DbwX6v4_ySVrNDQ/s1600/IMG_2271.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575978051270539778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lBxvtWnkku3pYPBVa96C9tNnfuJTWj_oTgqjTAZUqdEmgoXtvAdgT9uplFid8i9m5yo5nYOo2WXqFsxnz5qdkmaBzDnuyXVX3UfsMS7CrSXeBz0jbsq-ZU-DbwX6v4_ySVrNDQ/s320/IMG_2271.jpg" border="0" /></a> We gave up on our first spot and ran down to the Diversion Channel below the ICW.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiC-S0iS8VPjOuDgAhtxjewAYsaWddDYV3p1IJm_3E7sejbIQmc6NQ472YO0EGscfB0puAz2ro41_UP_al6nlkCwoOle7FN6mx4XzD7itMwQiM01CNAK5Dgy0XEt4lYTEWyo3Qvg/s1600/IMG_2288.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575977110881343410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiC-S0iS8VPjOuDgAhtxjewAYsaWddDYV3p1IJm_3E7sejbIQmc6NQ472YO0EGscfB0puAz2ro41_UP_al6nlkCwoOle7FN6mx4XzD7itMwQiM01CNAK5Dgy0XEt4lYTEWyo3Qvg/s320/IMG_2288.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tracy found a keeper flounder and after some small black drum and jumbo sheepshead I managed one as well. These turned out to be our only two keepers of the day but will make the perfect Monday night meal.<br /><br />Paul Sr. and Jr. had driven through the fog to paddle the marsh but after getting blown around and not finding the fish were ready to give up. I've been trying to get them out in the boat so Tracy and I came in and I took the Pauls upriver to see some scenery. We saw several Osprey (Paul had his long lens and got some shots) and four whitetail bucks running together up on the bluff above the riverbank.<br /><br />On the way back we encountered a fellow captain whose twin 150's were dead in the water (turned out he had a load of bad fuel) and he was adrift and heading downstream.<br /><br />We were able to tie on with our bowline and give him a tow back upriver to his dock.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq7RlrUdgI7-Y93EUHk7-4VDv2knJ95JyBP7jXlXrt9Rz1Qs0hZ76xSQXwnAXpvz_MED-0dsPKhIaS039lFFlrwLJbL3SfX9bL5tj7RoYjvXutNOW7ixldvs_awV5HNiEeJR1cA/s1600/DSC06075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575978046596219026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq7RlrUdgI7-Y93EUHk7-4VDv2knJ95JyBP7jXlXrt9Rz1Qs0hZ76xSQXwnAXpvz_MED-0dsPKhIaS039lFFlrwLJbL3SfX9bL5tj7RoYjvXutNOW7ixldvs_awV5HNiEeJR1cA/s320/DSC06075.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Second Honeymoon thought it was the Little Engine that Could.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjom7vFxyabsoVBCz6-YndysDOaf3dvCSbrQgwj1093WK7hYj_3BmaRgJv9vRswZ5OW34Lm-HQfsxgnV1dEgZwDDZMSw6DFvePesBMPFdUp9fYRYXbqcWJx89tBnjVeWIt4xFe6Pw/s1600/IMG_2272.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575978041959564978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjom7vFxyabsoVBCz6-YndysDOaf3dvCSbrQgwj1093WK7hYj_3BmaRgJv9vRswZ5OW34Lm-HQfsxgnV1dEgZwDDZMSw6DFvePesBMPFdUp9fYRYXbqcWJx89tBnjVeWIt4xFe6Pw/s320/IMG_2272.jpg" border="0" /></a> After rescuing the disabled craft and crew, we headed down to a spot below the ICW and tried to get the boys on some fish. I managed a small red but that was it for this spot.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c7Vtm9ikUuiUCRxMlEQdzc5xgfZi1NHS14J8GZPKVke81Ay07fleoh-1wjFypahqMRAQOg0NiDsAP6G-n2QJNqxG0i3xxqVzrpyQrdZEA2RezdT6ZArzvJAQaXoSo3bS97reSw/s1600/IMG_2280.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575978043621003554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c7Vtm9ikUuiUCRxMlEQdzc5xgfZi1NHS14J8GZPKVke81Ay07fleoh-1wjFypahqMRAQOg0NiDsAP6G-n2QJNqxG0i3xxqVzrpyQrdZEA2RezdT6ZArzvJAQaXoSo3bS97reSw/s320/IMG_2280.jpg" border="0" /></a> We crossed over to the other side near The Cove and Paul Jr. picked up a couple small fish before finally Paul Sr. connected with his first red of the day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcU9Xxgu3my1fRvCy5xpv_HSi2YSGK5Dh_4LAdK1CgNSvvzP7AzQ9QYDflQTgqngsNHNk02EnVi8Eehp7dkuccj9xx1DVUJngjf_ZNMuzIGD71NWaRlzGREQwlbQ8iyBVh85B6g/s1600/IMG_2284.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575978036646185794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcU9Xxgu3my1fRvCy5xpv_HSi2YSGK5Dh_4LAdK1CgNSvvzP7AzQ9QYDflQTgqngsNHNk02EnVi8Eehp7dkuccj9xx1DVUJngjf_ZNMuzIGD71NWaRlzGREQwlbQ8iyBVh85B6g/s320/IMG_2284.jpg" border="0" /></a> Paul Jr. went on to catch his personal best trout - a beautiful 20" speck.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgy82bYmCHliHCXWrafnCfABU1MEVIcXK5a3QNsDHLkoON3FLUIARNxw3sQQBmbPJgvwbgdt4Jz-p7mzwmFESB-TpxbTr5ocON9fCHVRoNYLc1mumATb3oAviJCmaSywKfM73Cg/s1600/IMG_2285.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575977119369109938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgy82bYmCHliHCXWrafnCfABU1MEVIcXK5a3QNsDHLkoON3FLUIARNxw3sQQBmbPJgvwbgdt4Jz-p7mzwmFESB-TpxbTr5ocON9fCHVRoNYLc1mumATb3oAviJCmaSywKfM73Cg/s320/IMG_2285.jpg" border="0" /></a> Brother Paul matched him with a keeper flounder so they both had a fish in the box. It was a short trip but a successful one. <br /><br />Tracy and I returned to this spot and to the redfish hole after lunch but the wind was up and the big fish were gone. We managed to catch several more flounder up to 13.5" which was encouraging. We used up the rest of the shrimp and headed for the cleaning table.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLv1HzwohAUZqTomeRwC_w34jCEPFr7zpjkzy5VALW-VeCU4vxJQqsRtbZUhSPN87hOuUU0LhhtleBDA6vFpG-2m0knTdjXhEsiqVUqgKFGmirzT3GvHN1dDpoa3UVAYykwUudA/s1600/IMG_2292.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575977105727767282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLv1HzwohAUZqTomeRwC_w34jCEPFr7zpjkzy5VALW-VeCU4vxJQqsRtbZUhSPN87hOuUU0LhhtleBDA6vFpG-2m0knTdjXhEsiqVUqgKFGmirzT3GvHN1dDpoa3UVAYykwUudA/s320/IMG_2292.jpg" border="0" /></a> I had some company at the cleaning table when I was scaling the flounder.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtDOyXo6bdcTGAsDV1kUS1RcqptA3X0RLWWTF-IALxVbJbkzFqtOzI9XVKSAw5oFzs6w5PvJDnr4FEd9f8c6O5X1Se8_ZYDbLkWqi1Uw4RwHRDgMOO1tYMpsBS6nrO1h9Xy-JIw/s1600/IMG_2296.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575977107397180274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtDOyXo6bdcTGAsDV1kUS1RcqptA3X0RLWWTF-IALxVbJbkzFqtOzI9XVKSAw5oFzs6w5PvJDnr4FEd9f8c6O5X1Se8_ZYDbLkWqi1Uw4RwHRDgMOO1tYMpsBS6nrO1h9Xy-JIw/s320/IMG_2296.jpg" border="0" /></a> The light was not the best but this guy had quite an attitude.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyz3dHK_m98D7jTR83F8ovX1AarcDxn1cx7H2m5yA7hiuOr7S5_-0OHtEmlpNTYFp4IfSOYX8xoiEQF2J8JLaPwTQqANeYqWi-Qke7zwe4B9EUkHyQj5dNxtu37FqhiQ6yEl2WkQ/s1600/IMG_2297.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575977103283174178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyz3dHK_m98D7jTR83F8ovX1AarcDxn1cx7H2m5yA7hiuOr7S5_-0OHtEmlpNTYFp4IfSOYX8xoiEQF2J8JLaPwTQqANeYqWi-Qke7zwe4B9EUkHyQj5dNxtu37FqhiQ6yEl2WkQ/s320/IMG_2297.jpg" border="0" /></a> God's beauty is on display throughout his marvelous creation. All you have to do is look - it is everywhere.John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-85690121833753645852011-02-13T16:39:00.008-06:002011-02-13T21:58:31.380-06:00Winter BirdsWinter in Texas is a surprisingly good time to view and photograph birds. There are many migratory birds that either pass through the region or that reside here during the harsh winter months in their home range.<br /><br />Tracy and I spent some time at Brazos Bend State Park recently and found some willing subjects.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_wCMJml-HR51isaZ7lEAI8tZ7oQ1V8_RORmoEtJNykBBwbAOquFVmrRPA6-KujVOHx_QsPx0jQTZuPRaPLlo_1jQUq1hxmJ3jh0tOhyNiSGwbHIwMHwAKXW3DkgzdQdN-3jM7Q/s1600/IMG_2139.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573314302358089522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_wCMJml-HR51isaZ7lEAI8tZ7oQ1V8_RORmoEtJNykBBwbAOquFVmrRPA6-KujVOHx_QsPx0jQTZuPRaPLlo_1jQUq1hxmJ3jh0tOhyNiSGwbHIwMHwAKXW3DkgzdQdN-3jM7Q/s320/IMG_2139.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was a grey day but this pair of blue-winged teal seemed right at home in the in the overcast.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpAM0UCYJ4-22V13c8Qu4c0asYzYcuk-O80N3P3sx2FS2-sE3PjZj4UERsDv09SMiZKrqgxbC5lRZle_5Oe7MWjYEt0WaJZTa7nRKza3Mx6TvbPJXLWJyWcqcANl2b0wf5eBCVw/s1600/IMG_2166.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573314040528615586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpAM0UCYJ4-22V13c8Qu4c0asYzYcuk-O80N3P3sx2FS2-sE3PjZj4UERsDv09SMiZKrqgxbC5lRZle_5Oe7MWjYEt0WaJZTa7nRKza3Mx6TvbPJXLWJyWcqcANl2b0wf5eBCVw/s320/IMG_2166.jpg" border="0" /></a> This Great Egret huddled against the chilly breeze on his perch among the leafless limbs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkv_c8iXbnl3h756Qfs4tqXjrqeLOCoMwuK7cI28C-IMUiyR6ztMqZMPRrbfYv0VLGDIg4fXpj7Ivn6SyyVzk5xfZy4Nyt9iB2-gXDjOZ8OnoClKVcT_c_4kU5kVmkb6CX8cxsQ/s1600/IMG_2181.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573314030548705922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkv_c8iXbnl3h756Qfs4tqXjrqeLOCoMwuK7cI28C-IMUiyR6ztMqZMPRrbfYv0VLGDIg4fXpj7Ivn6SyyVzk5xfZy4Nyt9iB2-gXDjOZ8OnoClKVcT_c_4kU5kVmkb6CX8cxsQ/s320/IMG_2181.jpg" border="0" /></a> This American White Ibis is a year round resident of this area and finds plenty of food in the park's waterways.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZT382aWBKKtVB1dsMW7criOp69uG5dYVauKTARPi7Zq-K6Mg6nPod_6JopJ8q45Xk307pCt5f81kNnagv_nennBgG456LgsQ_ADP5RsJQWnc3kqFVTEuDr25g3teiAeS35_1Dw/s1600/IMG_2188.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573314026269262866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZT382aWBKKtVB1dsMW7criOp69uG5dYVauKTARPi7Zq-K6Mg6nPod_6JopJ8q45Xk307pCt5f81kNnagv_nennBgG456LgsQ_ADP5RsJQWnc3kqFVTEuDr25g3teiAeS35_1Dw/s320/IMG_2188.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Roseate Spoonbill explodes in a blur of pink.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gFn2W83WU0nouU4vPK4ovltBh7pFFITigvdutSXpgJFdB5LqekIpD_7o2HPvbDSjRlQj35selhZ0n_ipuR8A-DJexCRr_6Zj3kzi-5NBrbxB9Kf7u4QfR1P82Fg5WC_Xb3ViBw/s1600/IMG_2189.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573314019639573362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gFn2W83WU0nouU4vPK4ovltBh7pFFITigvdutSXpgJFdB5LqekIpD_7o2HPvbDSjRlQj35selhZ0n_ipuR8A-DJexCRr_6Zj3kzi-5NBrbxB9Kf7u4QfR1P82Fg5WC_Xb3ViBw/s320/IMG_2189.jpg" border="0" /></a> Great Egrets hunt for small fish among the flooded lilies and other swamp vegetation.<br /><br />For the past two weekends we have returned to Matagorda. The weather has been pretty cold and breezy which sometimes provides unique opportunities to approach birds as they are less prone to fly off when the weather is wintery.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_beeYS3-bpRXVPx0Ov3CkR87sC81wZIINkNy-Rn4FdVJ-H0__kFqVx4l9xOttV52M4VhQjaS3DVBukVVfqoZUjG9wHxrr2BLFb0BDpecX6sm7c4o9jlKDKJU0JJq3Q3Y3e_zZ8g/s1600/IMG_9636.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573314019074583138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_beeYS3-bpRXVPx0Ov3CkR87sC81wZIINkNy-Rn4FdVJ-H0__kFqVx4l9xOttV52M4VhQjaS3DVBukVVfqoZUjG9wHxrr2BLFb0BDpecX6sm7c4o9jlKDKJU0JJq3Q3Y3e_zZ8g/s320/IMG_9636.JPG" border="0" /></a> This Osprey or fish hawk has secured his lunch and gives us a watchful eye as we approach.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8HK5q1Gsco9uf-XM1LFgWRbut3QvVDvtSDxTAknSwNOXGrrgzZHqtVUArMhT1OrRaaboqlvbV8MhMI0Mdbdhp97w-cwDRCk_hcycY_oITuAUYK3jdaekJ4ua_GGWEnZE83LzDg/s1600/IMG_9641.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573313554602742642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8HK5q1Gsco9uf-XM1LFgWRbut3QvVDvtSDxTAknSwNOXGrrgzZHqtVUArMhT1OrRaaboqlvbV8MhMI0Mdbdhp97w-cwDRCk_hcycY_oITuAUYK3jdaekJ4ua_GGWEnZE83LzDg/s320/IMG_9641.JPG" border="0" /></a> I shot these action shots out the window of the Jeep and had some good luck and good light.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lDUP85p1DhyphenhyphenJ8lqXOgTsrEgSyo81UcQWzgpYr7RTmY-ML5is-2n9GXa1WlsdvDinYBQgg-JEHUICozgxW0jlROcXp-qEf_ntI7jC6qqIES4mjeso-4JjV5B-1ly1RmPa4LKqyQ/s1600/IMG_9642.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573313543498388482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lDUP85p1DhyphenhyphenJ8lqXOgTsrEgSyo81UcQWzgpYr7RTmY-ML5is-2n9GXa1WlsdvDinYBQgg-JEHUICozgxW0jlROcXp-qEf_ntI7jC6qqIES4mjeso-4JjV5B-1ly1RmPa4LKqyQ/s320/IMG_9642.JPG" border="0" /></a> This majestic bird makes his home nearby and finds plenty of food in the river and wetlands.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqRXhJSUvXD__On4p0ox6Jn3Dg5VVGR6t3nOl9LLLUtm6yVJw2-tOybMlA54LFkmpmSM9a9V5mLp52ZDe2kQpqZ1uNreQCiyVqhEuGRwf_0AGT6wep3n5fZjbgn1HY4EOlMr1bA/s1600/IMG_9605.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573313532730058578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqRXhJSUvXD__On4p0ox6Jn3Dg5VVGR6t3nOl9LLLUtm6yVJw2-tOybMlA54LFkmpmSM9a9V5mLp52ZDe2kQpqZ1uNreQCiyVqhEuGRwf_0AGT6wep3n5fZjbgn1HY4EOlMr1bA/s320/IMG_9605.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tracy captured these spoonbills out the window of the Jeep on the same day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7jsJcEB0NVXAng7k3_qVq_R1VoMZ6sO3EmQnBEcRKEz8Fu_EazAcLR2odukyh_VdQLNFDcmthfbiHK3XoIxOvG3EvoB_WuPPG-ta_QYjaJfP8EQ8eu1EROleaN9C-2_0HaFF1w/s1600/IMG_9614.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573313530528281074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7jsJcEB0NVXAng7k3_qVq_R1VoMZ6sO3EmQnBEcRKEz8Fu_EazAcLR2odukyh_VdQLNFDcmthfbiHK3XoIxOvG3EvoB_WuPPG-ta_QYjaJfP8EQ8eu1EROleaN9C-2_0HaFF1w/s320/IMG_9614.JPG" border="0" /></a> The unique shape of the bill is where this guy gets his name.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcea1C5cu1olmYrCSOKKapgi17riSSzw2pt6uYF92GjQbI7DHsPwksgCL8Hg4nekwTBuRD85X1exu9906A2DZQYFXvDfVmXhz0_ZV5tIs83L9DGE4Lq0qatflBzeu32FqjWM43Jg/s1600/IMG_9646.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573313523743852962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcea1C5cu1olmYrCSOKKapgi17riSSzw2pt6uYF92GjQbI7DHsPwksgCL8Hg4nekwTBuRD85X1exu9906A2DZQYFXvDfVmXhz0_ZV5tIs83L9DGE4Lq0qatflBzeu32FqjWM43Jg/s320/IMG_9646.JPG" border="0" /></a> Spoonbills and Ibis feed together in the shallows.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwUs4T9iuDUbzfKSAYwP1fb32h9LS9Qz70oPTGESKCD_wpZ8K_5ntif0qcdyvwWVNCrD8u2z6t4PwNDYTsqkm3BzP2MWVhkhekkQI8liGpmC7DqDOEqxDduKeem3ohkiDdXzu5w/s1600/IMG_2239.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573382611830696722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwUs4T9iuDUbzfKSAYwP1fb32h9LS9Qz70oPTGESKCD_wpZ8K_5ntif0qcdyvwWVNCrD8u2z6t4PwNDYTsqkm3BzP2MWVhkhekkQI8liGpmC7DqDOEqxDduKeem3ohkiDdXzu5w/s320/IMG_2239.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While heading out on a fishing excursion this past Saturday I noticed a Belted Kingfisher hanging around near the launch. I always consider seeing this fisherman a harbinger of good things to come. If a Kingfisher is in the area, there are usually fish nearby too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvzRk6yP-SoPhGbYNVcb_XLfM0Q0Qr03wh7JFUHI_C3BLd5GeAqMIQNaf5FIMIDw31CSZs2H1KgRdUoT9tocXsTNCW7fvSD2cC0j7KkvJ8JyhHXY2PG5ZMqd5VcHrKeRBlEn7og/s1600/IMG_2247.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573308348693074034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvzRk6yP-SoPhGbYNVcb_XLfM0Q0Qr03wh7JFUHI_C3BLd5GeAqMIQNaf5FIMIDw31CSZs2H1KgRdUoT9tocXsTNCW7fvSD2cC0j7KkvJ8JyhHXY2PG5ZMqd5VcHrKeRBlEn7og/s320/IMG_2247.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When I came in from fishing I found out why the slate blue bird may have been keeping such close proximity. This young bird - possibly a mate or an offspring - was injured and unable to fly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIxJMOa9e4V10tdudoCjVwrsmzljQcZN9KLJkvhBaOmZZShJlA0Rn3eldyWiToRhEPfu6ey3Z-tMPm8d7cCDWrJZJVHL-U97wWB-3t91U_4U7mPlOTdOpCuZqbnhDvmt7-2ELkQ/s1600/IMG_2248.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573308340497649650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIxJMOa9e4V10tdudoCjVwrsmzljQcZN9KLJkvhBaOmZZShJlA0Rn3eldyWiToRhEPfu6ey3Z-tMPm8d7cCDWrJZJVHL-U97wWB-3t91U_4U7mPlOTdOpCuZqbnhDvmt7-2ELkQ/s320/IMG_2248.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have never been up close to this species and it is a real beauty. Unfortunately, this one did not make it but these photos will allow others to see one up close.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbRYahD2F0y3Mqy6jtQasZf41zhyoqi0Jex2J6aqLyr4mUKSgqExpZfdFZWpZ3gygu8QtLtpbpf1nsE-q8zXYF4PlPXnzB-wlSm3nrdi8sfrjyelD79IL8Vvj5PAw-sGXNJM9vg/s1600/IMG_2265.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573308331411894706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbRYahD2F0y3Mqy6jtQasZf41zhyoqi0Jex2J6aqLyr4mUKSgqExpZfdFZWpZ3gygu8QtLtpbpf1nsE-q8zXYF4PlPXnzB-wlSm3nrdi8sfrjyelD79IL8Vvj5PAw-sGXNJM9vg/s320/IMG_2265.jpg" border="0" /></a> When I was paddling in I saw this Double Crested Cormorant fishing in the creek.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2RCHsVhDVS1iB4PZMqH4SEEnNWAker36lAQmhDRKbC0kooH4_p5vckHuAKnxjluu4JwzKwwq24acA6HwVHk3fxKrEJurFeI_f-yNX3WiwRgmjueFF_Tuhol5veZweVTEdT2xxA/s1600/IMG_2269.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573308329925622482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2RCHsVhDVS1iB4PZMqH4SEEnNWAker36lAQmhDRKbC0kooH4_p5vckHuAKnxjluu4JwzKwwq24acA6HwVHk3fxKrEJurFeI_f-yNX3WiwRgmjueFF_Tuhol5veZweVTEdT2xxA/s320/IMG_2269.jpg" border="0" /></a> These voracious fish eaters can sometimes decimate a local fish population.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknLrOjgrrxajvYIrXvjnAflAmBEVP_kPXnDj_5TL0jm62Fj3IsOwwFlNn3sKzbjTidzly2hHIIHJKHQfawkp6Ui2Iv9CgIOm7GPBeC3mQ44kS5hA6unGWmiuo028Tg2f38TA4IQ/s1600/IMG_2270.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573308321623261618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknLrOjgrrxajvYIrXvjnAflAmBEVP_kPXnDj_5TL0jm62Fj3IsOwwFlNn3sKzbjTidzly2hHIIHJKHQfawkp6Ui2Iv9CgIOm7GPBeC3mQ44kS5hA6unGWmiuo028Tg2f38TA4IQ/s320/IMG_2270.jpg" border="0" /></a> They are not the most athletic birds and must run along the surface of the water to gain flight.<br /><br />Winter is almost over (for some of us).<br /><br />Keep the camera handy and be ready to shoot your favorite feathered friend when the opportunity presents itself!John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-48370612675638734772011-02-13T15:28:00.005-06:002011-02-13T16:38:50.775-06:00Red is the color of Valentines DaySome folks look forward to red roses or heart-shaped cards for Valentine's Day.<br /><br />We found a different kind of red for our Valentine's Day get away this year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWU9Kf2XeGMCavjuvw-fjLLsJHgP0gCF-O04NpyV00zU66tNF4v0evIvoBlQ69M4HqMYJKu6YGR91PcQfTGWmHrWnXZq05XT7YJL99SSSuWQTHb9ts8DGIEM-FYI25fXfTJvNARQ/s1600/IMG_2232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573295194222190818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWU9Kf2XeGMCavjuvw-fjLLsJHgP0gCF-O04NpyV00zU66tNF4v0evIvoBlQ69M4HqMYJKu6YGR91PcQfTGWmHrWnXZq05XT7YJL99SSSuWQTHb9ts8DGIEM-FYI25fXfTJvNARQ/s320/IMG_2232.jpg" border="0" /></a> We headed down to PPRV #7 but found that the water had been shut off earlier in the week due to the hard freeze. We were already overdue for supper and the thought of eating and driving back home didn't appeal to either of us so we called the owners of <a href="http://www.karankawavillage.com/">Karankawa Village </a>and secured a room at The Lodge.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Yhosohe_uP3t3qDla7KcdqXsvWtm_qccZYOiFRcy1FYAQm0tZQyVl6916W3Ai97osUjvPw6iludQnItmf_Eq1hnyPGNH5eL4xYiYVqxB8eVMpmSf2hhtFJdyykvGSzZ6vYs9rQ/s1600/IMG_2235.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573295191340414898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Yhosohe_uP3t3qDla7KcdqXsvWtm_qccZYOiFRcy1FYAQm0tZQyVl6916W3Ai97osUjvPw6iludQnItmf_Eq1hnyPGNH5eL4xYiYVqxB8eVMpmSf2hhtFJdyykvGSzZ6vYs9rQ/s320/IMG_2235.jpg" border="0" /></a> The fish patterns on the teepee looked cool lit up at night. <br /><br />We enjoyed the return of Edie & Maree from their month off and our meal at Spoonbills was everything we hoped it would be. Good food and conversation and the anticipation of receiving a gift of some sea beans collected on Fiji...stay tuned.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdH3aFfHmdGAEaoTAJZ0PSfkaqRMCiDRZagJcL7vSSu63W2dzjdhyphenhyphenJk-OG7ZS7a8tL0kmyPjAd2snZiphRSaamdEVh6by_aa0VmXG4HtCfRc0N8pPNN8x083jDSw_jQPaff0PoQ/s1600/IMG_2237.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573295184676891506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdH3aFfHmdGAEaoTAJZ0PSfkaqRMCiDRZagJcL7vSSu63W2dzjdhyphenhyphenJk-OG7ZS7a8tL0kmyPjAd2snZiphRSaamdEVh6by_aa0VmXG4HtCfRc0N8pPNN8x083jDSw_jQPaff0PoQ/s320/IMG_2237.jpg" border="0" /></a> Despite the frosty morning (30 F) I loaded up the kayak and headed out for a paddle. The water level has been really low ever since the first of the year so I had no expectations of finding any fish on the way out to the lake. Boy was I wrong!<br /><br />I fished at the first corner near the reefs with nary a bite and passed by the next corner without finding any hungry fish. I did spook one red that was resting in the 40ish degree water but didn't have any bites.<br /><br />When I continued down to Trout Junction, I saw many big swirls ahead of me and thought they might be some big fat horse mullet. I started casting into the junction and before long I hooked and landed a nice upper slot red. Within one hour I had boated six big reds and lost a couple more - all from the same spot!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68EjAAGY64-rCWJfdbTQHBskk0-l1suMCfnm1faea2W0XkCPJyS2OkZtgCR4GCQfl4nKwfMWDD4fQZRSUVx441lBgDJC6TYZlAmXtnHGCObBSD-w4BqECWY4mhyphenhyphenG9CXwVzXo1QQ/s1600/IMG_2242.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573292476175303826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68EjAAGY64-rCWJfdbTQHBskk0-l1suMCfnm1faea2W0XkCPJyS2OkZtgCR4GCQfl4nKwfMWDD4fQZRSUVx441lBgDJC6TYZlAmXtnHGCObBSD-w4BqECWY4mhyphenhyphenG9CXwVzXo1QQ/s320/IMG_2242.jpg" border="0" /></a> I took these three (my limit) back to the trailer and after a quick sandwich, we got Tracy's kayak loaded and headed back to the marsh for round 2.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIyNIA-1Y9ff8hNPrdfkHr73_otWMlECv1TZ5qx52NC5oxo10s0XrMrwiglsKrWZuuHzpaK68r5lgELv_zGaPIEHheNOk_5gLXPOCA6Hn4HmEhfRFQTyUPx7BZbqH244SE8XpSQ/s1600/DSC06062.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573292494180338882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIyNIA-1Y9ff8hNPrdfkHr73_otWMlECv1TZ5qx52NC5oxo10s0XrMrwiglsKrWZuuHzpaK68r5lgELv_zGaPIEHheNOk_5gLXPOCA6Hn4HmEhfRFQTyUPx7BZbqH244SE8XpSQ/s320/DSC06062.JPG" border="0" /></a> We didn't mess around but headed straight for Trout Junction. I hooked up first with this red.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAFLE1mniCNXEgtrGJi-qsiys9cbNiHhbn7ipC1_93X8WKkqtK1PQyEWkmGzSTjYXEz7ufLXJGisPywB6gi6EhFsTzcoqUsFHovE_ZNy2goblxlxOTX_Hk49MRB2Ge981XxxUJQ/s1600/DSC06064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573292488099854034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAFLE1mniCNXEgtrGJi-qsiys9cbNiHhbn7ipC1_93X8WKkqtK1PQyEWkmGzSTjYXEz7ufLXJGisPywB6gi6EhFsTzcoqUsFHovE_ZNy2goblxlxOTX_Hk49MRB2Ge981XxxUJQ/s320/DSC06064.JPG" border="0" /></a> It is always nice to have a fishing partner with a camera and the skill to use it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5Xo0QsCB-_Ps9GFReB-cJ5JVueKtj7h1TNCF1QP5ZqKpPkLV_ykMiqE1N7fZk8m9DttjOsm764chYr5GVzGaCjGQ6RHMa3wOk7LFQXI3ba_I5MHg5lfcyUoSaM9Ce-wEuMSI1w/s1600/DSC06067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573292478701122018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5Xo0QsCB-_Ps9GFReB-cJ5JVueKtj7h1TNCF1QP5ZqKpPkLV_ykMiqE1N7fZk8m9DttjOsm764chYr5GVzGaCjGQ6RHMa3wOk7LFQXI3ba_I5MHg5lfcyUoSaM9Ce-wEuMSI1w/s320/DSC06067.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is afternoon red number 2. These were all big heavy fish in great condition. Before long Tracy got into the game and had her first big red on a string.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2WzNpzgQeTZ-ZRyMnBf28I29ckIbOruDswEQEU_DvyMoVs92ulWNXAe3vzyMVBVoaCVofpuWpK_cgt7DhHA-tyxRNslEwPe64FAXhY3IaL9yKSqGtn1WwrgvdMnSiQI76Vz4Kw/s1600/IMG_2252.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573292470772951346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2WzNpzgQeTZ-ZRyMnBf28I29ckIbOruDswEQEU_DvyMoVs92ulWNXAe3vzyMVBVoaCVofpuWpK_cgt7DhHA-tyxRNslEwPe64FAXhY3IaL9yKSqGtn1WwrgvdMnSiQI76Vz4Kw/s320/IMG_2252.jpg" border="0" /></a> The sun had been up for a while and the sluggish fish were coming to life.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJfED3chCx8lxSkq4C97qi1Ul1FXl8pYvqNF7XOZVZilA_hKRIr9TmLZK8zR3YxP1Ajr1clwo_qLkYN2FzOErXRrUubP3LNn7m4c-y3v2S3-2178ZX0D5HTrBNUWK199A2p355w/s1600/IMG_2256.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573291057378906834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJfED3chCx8lxSkq4C97qi1Ul1FXl8pYvqNF7XOZVZilA_hKRIr9TmLZK8zR3YxP1Ajr1clwo_qLkYN2FzOErXRrUubP3LNn7m4c-y3v2S3-2178ZX0D5HTrBNUWK199A2p355w/s320/IMG_2256.jpg" border="0" /></a> She fought hard and as I was taking pictures she got ready to put her fish in the net. The only problem was that the fish was too big!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2FdO9n9ZBRTCkVc2iYOIx4VXBQq-EpyTOmlDqwLYYBqknZ_IvnW7F0GvUnyHRueV6f16xuwvo0iFcyXPrDiNM0XpTwM7Bul4iUZFLz_bIFACWEsoAQWvUYUBmd98h2QKKsBX6g/s1600/IMG_2257.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573291053109405010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2FdO9n9ZBRTCkVc2iYOIx4VXBQq-EpyTOmlDqwLYYBqknZ_IvnW7F0GvUnyHRueV6f16xuwvo0iFcyXPrDiNM0XpTwM7Bul4iUZFLz_bIFACWEsoAQWvUYUBmd98h2QKKsBX6g/s320/IMG_2257.jpg" border="0" /></a> I helped out and was able to get the fisherman and her fish in this picture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYiSubvSODo5xUZIpH9mhhn9SkbbQ_ii7MJfJhep0lzgoXK03P9nk-Kr-R1iRJQWLmwNH99gsjq2UdjyLSRoXXgPzfvXGrUmabjrwS-yyoNn4RzfssBdA00IBgEsEcYKcs854Eg/s1600/IMG_2261.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573291051173780562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYiSubvSODo5xUZIpH9mhhn9SkbbQ_ii7MJfJhep0lzgoXK03P9nk-Kr-R1iRJQWLmwNH99gsjq2UdjyLSRoXXgPzfvXGrUmabjrwS-yyoNn4RzfssBdA00IBgEsEcYKcs854Eg/s320/IMG_2261.jpg" border="0" /></a> Not long after Tracy hooked up again and this time she was in for a real battle. Note how she was staked out to keep from getting pulled into the hole and this big red was really pulling!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQmRXv3U3XNNxAxs11MBSh0Tn8cxxB3kjfcKXtEjmBG5zc1zfNQ8BX4kIx4APl0MlLYrL6a2_dyICJ-OdSEkankKfdaMElQ-T8WStxpLKhUnkZfaHn5Wkhup4Dvhf8GSyINxauA/s1600/IMG_2263.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573291043364134034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQmRXv3U3XNNxAxs11MBSh0Tn8cxxB3kjfcKXtEjmBG5zc1zfNQ8BX4kIx4APl0MlLYrL6a2_dyICJ-OdSEkankKfdaMElQ-T8WStxpLKhUnkZfaHn5Wkhup4Dvhf8GSyINxauA/s320/IMG_2263.jpg" border="0" /></a> Once again I netted this big red and you can see the joy (relief) in Tracy's face. This was the biggest red either of us has ever caught at 30+ inches long.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbsOT3MAt3cKEIUSqoASObcaJh8mY4xJBd0tcV0ciOQKeTOvH_VkdnzLS3I2rNDFG9tokb4-rP13ppu_NUcFF76nmv_CuRjz0PGI5-xBQ-A08NG8DR0j5LZLE2ODHKlQ7SSie5A/s1600/DSC06072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573291037990317442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbsOT3MAt3cKEIUSqoASObcaJh8mY4xJBd0tcV0ciOQKeTOvH_VkdnzLS3I2rNDFG9tokb4-rP13ppu_NUcFF76nmv_CuRjz0PGI5-xBQ-A08NG8DR0j5LZLE2ODHKlQ7SSie5A/s320/DSC06072.JPG" border="0" /></a> I held her fish up for a parting shot before we let him go to fight another day.<br /><br />This may not have been the romantic Valentine's getaway that everyone would appreciate but if you could have seen the smiles on our faces after boating 10 upper slot redfish and keeping our limit of six, you would have thought we had gone to Vegas or won the lottery instead of paddling around the Matagorda marsh!<br /><br />We had to clean fish at the Harbor's public cleaning tables and our fish got some nice looks and comments by the locals. Looks like I'll be cooking fish on Monday.John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-88526347896064795282011-02-09T21:58:00.000-06:002011-02-13T22:45:50.356-06:00Utah Trout FishingSome say that Utah has the greatest snow on earth. Skiiers flock to the mountains near Salt Lake City to strap on the boards and go zipping down the slopes.<br /><br />They can have it - I'll take fishing any day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXk3nMmODMvhBiN5M0gJk_jU-h4NP0ZOtKYS-_j2gJC2oo4VGxyOJQexRJd4ubdWKrWHPET-z0FhboirASzxyVgLML69Hhng1BLFmwSm0nFPuKRh-00sb4p4datUQ8SzDn_6bAuw/s1600/IMG_9514.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573394843221961394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXk3nMmODMvhBiN5M0gJk_jU-h4NP0ZOtKYS-_j2gJC2oo4VGxyOJQexRJd4ubdWKrWHPET-z0FhboirASzxyVgLML69Hhng1BLFmwSm0nFPuKRh-00sb4p4datUQ8SzDn_6bAuw/s320/IMG_9514.JPG" border="0" /></a> On a recent work trip my trusty photographer and number one wife accompanied me. She asked me to pose for a shot on my way to the big swirly hole. "Hurry up already - there are fish waiting!"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYUUfd-xcrz9q4yHrr5WmwFenRjE0aqJQT7SQs73boc1Q5IzARzjRkLf_nw9ZqX-pWUBQ3YuTsfvLJCL23glMBsb9ruyCMSrEnVMP4UQgNWh2JhIIQaOR1-KGnEsNj6TzJLYpLQ/s1600/IMG_9517.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573394834432488002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYUUfd-xcrz9q4yHrr5WmwFenRjE0aqJQT7SQs73boc1Q5IzARzjRkLf_nw9ZqX-pWUBQ3YuTsfvLJCL23glMBsb9ruyCMSrEnVMP4UQgNWh2JhIIQaOR1-KGnEsNj6TzJLYpLQ/s320/IMG_9517.JPG" border="0" /></a> This time of year presents the fisherman with some unique challenges. Not only is it cold, the vegetation is gone in and around the stream so you really have to sneak up to keep from spooking the pool.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEG4_fNNsfWPdswKK0hk2q3WJCQE1kHHUwZKB9Zfy5REb8SxFZZ-TbB3bENvclXJzgxXeMc7nbHxpN21sL2z7X8ED66yXNb_bSA0VftVwO0JBJIPW8uPL2OgKGb8ibrbwNQ7G3yQ/s1600/IMG_9518.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573394811923435762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEG4_fNNsfWPdswKK0hk2q3WJCQE1kHHUwZKB9Zfy5REb8SxFZZ-TbB3bENvclXJzgxXeMc7nbHxpN21sL2z7X8ED66yXNb_bSA0VftVwO0JBJIPW8uPL2OgKGb8ibrbwNQ7G3yQ/s320/IMG_9518.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tracy says I look like I am praying for fish - not a bad idea any time you want to ask God for His blessings or to thank Him for the opportunity to fish.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh5YuhB6rIJlXd5Tr17mi3tfiBmrRigfvJ3rEP81dxUeCVpZfhpyhB6TWY5ZDiyx9W1QA7kr6ZZ-VSuOaacM42YCbY5sBUqp0Z_bVN8rqG8oJ8nyP0umAX24dfRK2CeN3E3Crsg/s1600/IMG_9522.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573394802037733138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh5YuhB6rIJlXd5Tr17mi3tfiBmrRigfvJ3rEP81dxUeCVpZfhpyhB6TWY5ZDiyx9W1QA7kr6ZZ-VSuOaacM42YCbY5sBUqp0Z_bVN8rqG8oJ8nyP0umAX24dfRK2CeN3E3Crsg/s320/IMG_9522.JPG" border="0" /></a> I found one willing fish. You can tell Tracy is keeping her distance with the camera.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLi5bmTcFYs0g_JAYYmnkAPszTOs7yyZ-XrqvfuzmUO3fqIgafDgjA-duQY0mt8ojfCkJvVy8zSGqdScgwagF7nCtrRhGUNVrm_BdB7j3AQqfkjBnyrvjgO-z9mm4y-QkyWwRtiQ/s1600/IMG_9528.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573394801354374626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLi5bmTcFYs0g_JAYYmnkAPszTOs7yyZ-XrqvfuzmUO3fqIgafDgjA-duQY0mt8ojfCkJvVy8zSGqdScgwagF7nCtrRhGUNVrm_BdB7j3AQqfkjBnyrvjgO-z9mm4y-QkyWwRtiQ/s320/IMG_9528.JPG" border="0" /></a> Before long I caught another. This is a nice healthy German Brown.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIFw_D6ASLFHZcEQVwTf0hPYVkaUKpwhQwP7WiWt1EPYG77AfclWxErZuPFjpQJ4KIlxsA-w8JD4lboxiznTmZoeSGRgNf7mib19kkWaKAlQ871vw1bviMO0l5Tap1cpvG7YDNg/s1600/IMG_9529.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573392784790374450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIFw_D6ASLFHZcEQVwTf0hPYVkaUKpwhQwP7WiWt1EPYG77AfclWxErZuPFjpQJ4KIlxsA-w8JD4lboxiznTmZoeSGRgNf7mib19kkWaKAlQ871vw1bviMO0l5Tap1cpvG7YDNg/s320/IMG_9529.JPG" border="0" /></a> And here is a happy fisherman!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81ic-lMn54uresxdbXfnxLH808f-xjQRD7T4uDsT0a-nioSVsdvUa_y67t-jMpW3REcjbfko6L5Br4ySK-rpR3wkJHUMmJNHDiu0sOpZNoH2cy_eNt0FV0urj0r6eNLjTMPTk-A/s1600/IMG_9527.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573392778738857042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81ic-lMn54uresxdbXfnxLH808f-xjQRD7T4uDsT0a-nioSVsdvUa_y67t-jMpW3REcjbfko6L5Br4ySK-rpR3wkJHUMmJNHDiu0sOpZNoH2cy_eNt0FV0urj0r6eNLjTMPTk-A/s320/IMG_9527.JPG" border="0" /></a> It doesn't get any better than this. I don't even feel the cold at this point.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgsuzH1FctRrPjhPGKklBCsQqZ4GTYr3Yx1eu-MIb1KWkGUyp8kOabMhWapHfSW8BCWtaCkMzusULH6z0Bp-EIAOtUrYmywIaLHqEV1WE8tw4mChdMY2c9b6VeIfsT3Y-Qw6Scw/s1600/IMG_2204.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573392769088464050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgsuzH1FctRrPjhPGKklBCsQqZ4GTYr3Yx1eu-MIb1KWkGUyp8kOabMhWapHfSW8BCWtaCkMzusULH6z0Bp-EIAOtUrYmywIaLHqEV1WE8tw4mChdMY2c9b6VeIfsT3Y-Qw6Scw/s320/IMG_2204.jpg" border="0" /></a> I continued to catch some small browns.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2ca9k9N4eOAYruOVIYdbYB0EJ9lFmh2nCq807ZLnrKqhSpykNZTHzpchWvelnPkU6syisoOmU2HMJQr278ztxNEuJMPl2ZTvMyyV_qdCrnNv74By40j_w4TwSXhrnutHW570Vw/s1600/IMG_2203.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573392765622889490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2ca9k9N4eOAYruOVIYdbYB0EJ9lFmh2nCq807ZLnrKqhSpykNZTHzpchWvelnPkU6syisoOmU2HMJQr278ztxNEuJMPl2ZTvMyyV_qdCrnNv74By40j_w4TwSXhrnutHW570Vw/s320/IMG_2203.jpg" border="0" /></a> I even found this nice Rainbow down below the trestle in the big riffle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjwG514ZNH5cMgodSMpW9-9jg5c53NIa9kSOEY7KWiyaSe-fanoH0by66Cl-TMlLcsa4rEGgMnErA7UXan9AlnTYRXtkmsq2sBY6dneOG5eQZzjBldyMUvDR4bLSekicASg4FKw/s1600/IMG_2202.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573392755969436994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjwG514ZNH5cMgodSMpW9-9jg5c53NIa9kSOEY7KWiyaSe-fanoH0by66Cl-TMlLcsa4rEGgMnErA7UXan9AlnTYRXtkmsq2sBY6dneOG5eQZzjBldyMUvDR4bLSekicASg4FKw/s320/IMG_2202.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is a shot looking back at the small stretch of Snake Creek - one of my favorite spots.<br /><br />I had another meeting last week and this time I was flying solo.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5piFXrBW-9j6jebd2VCSw-Mm1cxvNrfZEdmREXndouDHVfQrCi-OH4NnEPUULvRULFDIPrcXlBkiShdS0_7YZyWxhM5l8FHuQ63VIy8EPYD70KvczfMZVJ51hPK98jpHgAMI5xA/s1600/IMG_2210.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573390870946440802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5piFXrBW-9j6jebd2VCSw-Mm1cxvNrfZEdmREXndouDHVfQrCi-OH4NnEPUULvRULFDIPrcXlBkiShdS0_7YZyWxhM5l8FHuQ63VIy8EPYD70KvczfMZVJ51hPK98jpHgAMI5xA/s320/IMG_2210.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was only in the teens and I only had a short time before sundown so I'd better get to it.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhFaYNEBw2Q5nyNgzPgfQ_CQenkGTbXz8YJEATCP3azYZ3iWuQewY278y8Ow8nWMjvA5Svv7ThxlepvVZJhMmcLBcCe_CIGQQah3LryOdaHH7yutKlp1UDeGQY6P6shbxfJtlMw/s1600/IMG_2214.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573390863357719746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhFaYNEBw2Q5nyNgzPgfQ_CQenkGTbXz8YJEATCP3azYZ3iWuQewY278y8Ow8nWMjvA5Svv7ThxlepvVZJhMmcLBcCe_CIGQQah3LryOdaHH7yutKlp1UDeGQY6P6shbxfJtlMw/s320/IMG_2214.jpg" border="0" /></a> Have you ever seen a Brown trout trying to make a snow angel?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawIXrUrLUb-rrJxMeY1HqQCYXJINkZoJBiLWjhPOKD84_06valXcC4DzWCz8gMZcXsVWdJTtZNtLfRP5q5RdgMWjrq8cwADNKB5wr-U2KtJ35Io1xLJK4EQHkULddrpd90KBNvw/s1600/IMG_2216.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573390856943525970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawIXrUrLUb-rrJxMeY1HqQCYXJINkZoJBiLWjhPOKD84_06valXcC4DzWCz8gMZcXsVWdJTtZNtLfRP5q5RdgMWjrq8cwADNKB5wr-U2KtJ35Io1xLJK4EQHkULddrpd90KBNvw/s320/IMG_2216.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was using a 1/8 oz Panther Martin in the Brook Trout pattern. This seems to be the ticket on Snake Creek in the winter.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kIpr9ZzG-487gOs41gDaPNXcq5FNIMZd_8AdMgA_DarqQkNXgJxY93Fo9PieuWtIBuilQw5Wooe187eHfXCSKwNicxl5S3bhklCWjFiM2c1L1KhGLraWT_-oVGXgAmX-vDngXA/s1600/IMG_2218.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573390846845555042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kIpr9ZzG-487gOs41gDaPNXcq5FNIMZd_8AdMgA_DarqQkNXgJxY93Fo9PieuWtIBuilQw5Wooe187eHfXCSKwNicxl5S3bhklCWjFiM2c1L1KhGLraWT_-oVGXgAmX-vDngXA/s320/IMG_2218.jpg" border="0" /></a> The snow covered mountains are beautiful but I don't think I'm ready to move back to the cold country anytime soon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiseUxMz4Rst0fKQPyvYMCYWp3RiLMHt-Efj-HS3_pekb0EaKXgL485uzcAky0n3OKBT7EzuBjsHHvu1bHIofhn56piRQwz_KSQmIrdlLDu5Z29b01zR31NgI1iEUrUKcbidpNg/s1600/IMG_2222.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573390844918669778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiseUxMz4Rst0fKQPyvYMCYWp3RiLMHt-Efj-HS3_pekb0EaKXgL485uzcAky0n3OKBT7EzuBjsHHvu1bHIofhn56piRQwz_KSQmIrdlLDu5Z29b01zR31NgI1iEUrUKcbidpNg/s320/IMG_2222.jpg" border="0" /></a> My final fish of the trip was a nice fat rainbow caught in the big riffle.<br /><br />You would think that I would someday tire of fishing this small creek and want to graduate up to the Provo River. It's just a hundred yards or so away and there are undoubtedly more and larger fish in the Blue Ribbon river but I like the familiarity and the predictability of Snake Creek. I think I'll stay with it as long as it remains open to public fishing.John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-62170690999705667122011-01-28T22:50:00.001-06:002011-02-13T23:13:49.878-06:00Bringing Home The BaconI love it when Tracy catches fish - especially keeper fish. I do however also like it when we both catch fish.<br /><br />Thankfully, at least one of us caught something we could keep the first two trips out this year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSENRCpO39BpF3_Ge1q2PxzCawDgPxrUOQZyastWdEsbp8_n-2RkX9fc5PVWiAx24UoCurAmLG0Ag7Bu-VYOzGj2v5ZTtGnH2Tsp42Dqh46tUcPA7Ne8RjrNjlpDDW38_7piKqw/s1600/IMG_2130.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573404406468129218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSENRCpO39BpF3_Ge1q2PxzCawDgPxrUOQZyastWdEsbp8_n-2RkX9fc5PVWiAx24UoCurAmLG0Ag7Bu-VYOzGj2v5ZTtGnH2Tsp42Dqh46tUcPA7Ne8RjrNjlpDDW38_7piKqw/s320/IMG_2130.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><br />We caught several small fish including some flounder which are always a treat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiWM8l05OCR8HThxoGZFyTx24Zm0vaRPrK77GvPnGpfTfkpmcGOCB43Tdv3uHs3M8vzAkzYYTep7um2hLICqROHE2A7tBqxeYqfkpIfKtwYkJmoEhKpz9Qjf7jRGcHBG3S5BuVA/s1600/IMG_2131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573404425619489538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 143px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiWM8l05OCR8HThxoGZFyTx24Zm0vaRPrK77GvPnGpfTfkpmcGOCB43Tdv3uHs3M8vzAkzYYTep7um2hLICqROHE2A7tBqxeYqfkpIfKtwYkJmoEhKpz9Qjf7jRGcHBG3S5BuVA/s320/IMG_2131.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tracy caught the only keeper trout which made a nice supper.<br /><br /><br />Two weeks later and it was nearly the same story - lots of small fish but this time she caught a keeper flounder. I'm glad someone in the family can put fish in the box!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEsJ5NVe-zjOiHEN5kHaMIN_47RveNrDEn6ImTzx-ObzLpCF7fksiSYRAI4jl-IbLIW_FnoYMjo0w1RMaS1zdDp6Ucb8fJGhQL7uzfibixFPSESs8u7E8gO8QHEpy3rq5shTuqA/s1600/IMG_2209.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573404431500344418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEsJ5NVe-zjOiHEN5kHaMIN_47RveNrDEn6ImTzx-ObzLpCF7fksiSYRAI4jl-IbLIW_FnoYMjo0w1RMaS1zdDp6Ucb8fJGhQL7uzfibixFPSESs8u7E8gO8QHEpy3rq5shTuqA/s320/IMG_2209.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><br />I caught several fish including this little red with a lure stuck in his throat. I managed to extract it before releasing him but caught another with a jighead lodged so deep I just left it there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA3LKU45BDPk0W0OlCybyjIfcuxjQIICtnkI93goULqiUxQmuFiZimAoUzyYy18HKpWsiL-zzLVylNJUj5RJo4XFi5VocOB_V98lHfZ_7eb2PeSt-XBpGA5zQ7JVyUq8tGzykJg/s1600/IMG_2207.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573404441154857810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA3LKU45BDPk0W0OlCybyjIfcuxjQIICtnkI93goULqiUxQmuFiZimAoUzyYy18HKpWsiL-zzLVylNJUj5RJo4XFi5VocOB_V98lHfZ_7eb2PeSt-XBpGA5zQ7JVyUq8tGzykJg/s320/IMG_2207.jpg" border="0" /></a> We were fishing down the Diversion Channel in our usual spot across from the Redfish Hole at the mouth of a side creek.<br /><br />We caught some small flounder and sheepshead using live shrimp.<br /><br />I'm ready for warmer weather and higher tides!John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-21321048582129089232010-10-09T22:15:00.003-05:002010-10-10T07:08:38.731-05:00Slammed AgainThere was a fishing tournament this weekend on our home waters.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.matagordabay.com/tournaments2010/Flyer%20TX-Three-Some.pdf">Texas Three Some </a>benefits an after school program for children in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Matagorda</span>. The winners must have the heaviest stringer of one trout, one red, and one flounder. There are also cash prizes for the heaviest of each type of fish. We are not "Tournament People" - just a couple of empty-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nesters</span> catching some fresh fish to eat and share with our friends.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6s_5kh64vx3AGl6cdE_z8-p7NfXAoMp6_Lxb88TGMeqaXN7S4cC1MC3pKnV62DB0XYgV9X8ajGPNWADTW6g1u6emtI-9uSOuCzrwTdWsjvgLv5YsAvh928TdC3ppOJDELDdhKg/s1600/IMG_1696.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526251870102935058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6s_5kh64vx3AGl6cdE_z8-p7NfXAoMp6_Lxb88TGMeqaXN7S4cC1MC3pKnV62DB0XYgV9X8ajGPNWADTW6g1u6emtI-9uSOuCzrwTdWsjvgLv5YsAvh928TdC3ppOJDELDdhKg/s320/IMG_1696.jpg" border="0" /></a> We got on the water just a little before sunrise and this was the scene behind the boat on the way down the Diversion Channel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6BBBaT6UCrTdu1SnjUBHCMRmJqHEAc5kYq2NcT3WPKDNfJdXFGXUaVrGP1K9v8cTKhVhO_akOG9L9A6UTbamqFDsD3NEvw3W86s3yg7RMVh-rucnMqJVE20s5JLk4Mmyc2LNGg/s1600/IMG_1698.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526251860334251154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6BBBaT6UCrTdu1SnjUBHCMRmJqHEAc5kYq2NcT3WPKDNfJdXFGXUaVrGP1K9v8cTKhVhO_akOG9L9A6UTbamqFDsD3NEvw3W86s3yg7RMVh-rucnMqJVE20s5JLk4Mmyc2LNGg/s320/IMG_1698.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tracy had asked me earlier, "why are we getting up so early?" This picture of the sun breaking the eastern horizon should be enough of an explanation.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiew0tQvkRtk9ITDbekW36E5qfyLt6n1yegsh5MFo0Savr9KHXGG8GTR0CcCw6uE7Jf8TlkciFf1w3RGCCQiJQ0kIFlD6O1xjk-F6ihU2ZBVHVJ-Z372v2TMoiFUbIVPRhP_ZmNfA/s1600/IMG_1702.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526251857113865458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiew0tQvkRtk9ITDbekW36E5qfyLt6n1yegsh5MFo0Savr9KHXGG8GTR0CcCw6uE7Jf8TlkciFf1w3RGCCQiJQ0kIFlD6O1xjk-F6ihU2ZBVHVJ-Z372v2TMoiFUbIVPRhP_ZmNfA/s320/IMG_1702.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had a pretty good morning - Tracy caught the red first and I followed up with a trout and a flounder. I'd call that a shared slam or a slam for the boat. The Second Honeymoon fishing team does it again! We caught enough small fish to use up most of the bait and overall had a great morning of fishing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUVMLjMj8F15NVr1r-bGDn2gqYx9r88hhnts7kLVekjgZHmDgI7b9LXs1DCaacom1XclB3tMIBXU0WIN1PP3rt8KroISxZ9m_UDf9K7Z8HcMQ8Ga8nRrtNsxeEuKuRGU9CM-cIA/s1600/IMG_1704.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526251852397888274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUVMLjMj8F15NVr1r-bGDn2gqYx9r88hhnts7kLVekjgZHmDgI7b9LXs1DCaacom1XclB3tMIBXU0WIN1PP3rt8KroISxZ9m_UDf9K7Z8HcMQ8Ga8nRrtNsxeEuKuRGU9CM-cIA/s320/IMG_1704.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After lunch, cleaning the fish, and cleaning the boat I paddled out to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">McNab</span> Lake to search for a hungry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">redfish</span>. I found one! This guy took a live mullet and gave me a true Texas Sleigh Ride! I may have to rename <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">McNab</span> Lake to L.O.M.G. - Land Of Many Gators. I had a couple of close encounters and saw one nine-footer do a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Shamu</span> style belly flop off the bank but for the most part they avoided me and I did likewise.<br /><br />I doubt that our morning stringer would have won any prizes in the tournament, but I would love to have had the big red to take to the weigh in.John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-16276969815648848842010-10-02T21:09:00.001-05:002010-10-04T21:55:57.344-05:00Fish for the RetreatAfter being out of town all week and since Tracy could not accompany me, we were both ready for a little "trailer time" on Friday.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMFKCuV_qzOPa4ZaenjskSqUPZHLlDSrjmnA1VVQsLgNgVwYw4yKBQTowEiODB1ARjY68TC8158B1rO6ghTgTY3yQ0WRcOGncj8VF0SCl5aXN4jQkJb4_IhyphenhypheneIi1eN-HnG-uwFw/s1600/IMG_1670.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524379498480969922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMFKCuV_qzOPa4ZaenjskSqUPZHLlDSrjmnA1VVQsLgNgVwYw4yKBQTowEiODB1ARjY68TC8158B1rO6ghTgTY3yQ0WRcOGncj8VF0SCl5aXN4jQkJb4_IhyphenhypheneIi1eN-HnG-uwFw/s320/IMG_1670.jpg" border="0" /></a> The weather had been beautiful all week as the summer heat finally relented and cooler temperatures and clear skies dominated the Southeast. I missed catching a flounder along the rocks before supper but still enjoyed this glorious Pelican Point sunset.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5FZJQboEK0O7D8wvug0Acj0Ml6xwn5FmHiEXLcIXgktny4WlvDfoJ3sqWjnSxOUIzC2kVqsgAS_giNf8zX5vAB2N9UNZhT-ArNTYmwePyPib8D8m7eA8F0gkC2qwpjMLZvoIug/s1600/IMG_1676.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524379493766657842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5FZJQboEK0O7D8wvug0Acj0Ml6xwn5FmHiEXLcIXgktny4WlvDfoJ3sqWjnSxOUIzC2kVqsgAS_giNf8zX5vAB2N9UNZhT-ArNTYmwePyPib8D8m7eA8F0gkC2qwpjMLZvoIug/s320/IMG_1676.jpg" border="0" /></a> Our annual retreat for elders and ministers is scheduled for later this month and I volunteered to provide a fish supper on the first night. Since we have not been keeping any fish, the pressure is on to catch enough to feed everybody. We got off to an early start on Saturday morning. This sunrise picture was taken in our new spot along the Diversion Channel.<br /><br />We had a pint of live shrimp and a couple dozen live finger mullet and were ready to test the waters of the West Matagorda Bay system.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEIU3IQFilsM0e_QAOyYmrsrfo8BImMfSupbW3kVmUpPIcowHf3GluVzQK2oQrzCjLwOBsyeYEzpgs8g17UcGiyA5ZzIcoX7sL7Bp58xdVCJ8URDmHYmK4mlOX_GB70nyn9uj5g/s1600/IMG_1680.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524379488784291170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEIU3IQFilsM0e_QAOyYmrsrfo8BImMfSupbW3kVmUpPIcowHf3GluVzQK2oQrzCjLwOBsyeYEzpgs8g17UcGiyA5ZzIcoX7sL7Bp58xdVCJ8URDmHYmK4mlOX_GB70nyn9uj5g/s320/IMG_1680.jpg" border="0" /></a> After a long dry spell, we finally caught some keeper trout. This trio will find a new home in the deep fryer. Tracy caught a nice red in the morning with a kink in his tail - he was plenty big enough but would have measured about 23" if his spine was straight.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p8-iBoX_LOfmdqxk-YP0jksmJUipqUhD8qVIQJdR6lLd6UHjQQgP7ITJjA90gbc27EZHJndQ0v3ej5HoCRZhEL51gsE24WrH1Bj0-vvNWlrhsl_I5B1XjT7oxedR9M90YQZbFw/s1600/IMG_1689.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524379488077068594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p8-iBoX_LOfmdqxk-YP0jksmJUipqUhD8qVIQJdR6lLd6UHjQQgP7ITJjA90gbc27EZHJndQ0v3ej5HoCRZhEL51gsE24WrH1Bj0-vvNWlrhsl_I5B1XjT7oxedR9M90YQZbFw/s320/IMG_1689.jpg" border="0" /></a> After lunch we went back out to see if there were any more hungry fish to be had. I cast netted up some more mullet around the boat slips and we took some shrimp we had in the freezer. Tracy fished the shrimp and said she felt a "nibble, nibble" then found herself hooked up with this two foot long red monster. At first the fish stayed deep and we couldn't see what it was - every once in a while we got a glimpse of this little gafftop but surely this little guy didn't have that much fight in him! Soon enough the mystery was solved. When the fish finally came to the net, it was evident that Tracy had caught two fish at once on a single hook. The slimer must have found the shrimp first just before big red had the same idea. Talk about a bad day for the little gafftop!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VzkhCDKl5yFUrJ7N63G0x_03PdjP2S2Z1_zk5SIchXtcr7tK6l2E284St6XWalA72VeLYcerXstUqKor_xMySNe_AQogt79Xd-6vheLxYDjh_Xnr7IadxsfZ_qQkwktBQ099Dg/s1600/IMG_1691.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524379479100060786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VzkhCDKl5yFUrJ7N63G0x_03PdjP2S2Z1_zk5SIchXtcr7tK6l2E284St6XWalA72VeLYcerXstUqKor_xMySNe_AQogt79Xd-6vheLxYDjh_Xnr7IadxsfZ_qQkwktBQ099Dg/s320/IMG_1691.jpg" border="0" /></a> This will feed a few hungry retreaters. We still have two more Saturdays to catch a few more.John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-53440042834344975542010-09-29T19:46:00.001-05:002010-10-04T21:08:09.312-05:00Calgary Work TripYou know how it is - work, work, work.<br /><br />Every now and then though a work trip can have it's memorable moments.<br /><br />I recently went to Calgary, Alberta to attend a work function and on one day of the meeting there was a choice between golf and a float trip down the <a href="http://www.thebowriver.com/">Bow River </a>with representatives from several companies.<br /><br />I thought about golf and concluded that there were already enough golfers in the world.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nEZVlM2jMRgQCt2rf9t703GwlPw4QEGk1v5r7DmW4Qf0EOH5uJRL9NNHLOQah2xu7UUnhGE2HgxhWX3cKIDi3LyCVDomlAy0ieOxsHfsIT8DriPij-K27rjH-ms2_b9qp65r3Q/s1600/IMG_1573.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524363629692233954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nEZVlM2jMRgQCt2rf9t703GwlPw4QEGk1v5r7DmW4Qf0EOH5uJRL9NNHLOQah2xu7UUnhGE2HgxhWX3cKIDi3LyCVDomlAy0ieOxsHfsIT8DriPij-K27rjH-ms2_b9qp65r3Q/s320/IMG_1573.jpg" border="0" /></a> Calgary is a nice city - too bad I'm not a city guy. I feel trapped when I'm surrounded by tall buildings, traffic, and masses of moving people.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHxKE1YXTs6iBTGEnGgPXWv7iA2-ILuN_RpzRj_S4YzfGdEm_IY0QF0FRYIhB5DA3umD_ckJ_n7gNFFtBYpTbLMhHF460NaMn0RR4megsskWia7IPCKzFAuvUVB5bn96P3tqWfQ/s1600/IMG_1575.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524363622845107042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHxKE1YXTs6iBTGEnGgPXWv7iA2-ILuN_RpzRj_S4YzfGdEm_IY0QF0FRYIhB5DA3umD_ckJ_n7gNFFtBYpTbLMhHF460NaMn0RR4megsskWia7IPCKzFAuvUVB5bn96P3tqWfQ/s320/IMG_1575.jpg" border="0" /></a> I finally began to relax when we were on our way out of town to the launch site.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX6ICi73WnmWlFJ1Hb392Vcea99NNniPKwSAtkJO8K5qt8LOWhyphenhyphenSTWBhfv5SemqRFArpzyKz4AeLh3xA44rux_mffQz_MDtB4c4BGj9QWfZzLNqxwEP93PV4rdfrKnD5ubAbL1w/s1600/IMG_1576.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524363614638791346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX6ICi73WnmWlFJ1Hb392Vcea99NNniPKwSAtkJO8K5qt8LOWhyphenhyphenSTWBhfv5SemqRFArpzyKz4AeLh3xA44rux_mffQz_MDtB4c4BGj9QWfZzLNqxwEP93PV4rdfrKnD5ubAbL1w/s320/IMG_1576.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Our guides were organized by <a href="http://www.bowriverhookers.com/default.shtml">Bow River Hookers </a> a guide service run by the Windsor brothers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtfzBApYctKuFHnh9gQJDNR7prrWS6ZUhsZ8mlK5MLJHE6D5jUOl0OujL9ldcDHYptbC46y7qKqqFFWk9nFww1WvJSoIm2VAE9mJfYwxnEFcOuq1yP4wy9GMSm_R8WFXxRrvdsg/s1600/IMG_1582.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524363608932718002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtfzBApYctKuFHnh9gQJDNR7prrWS6ZUhsZ8mlK5MLJHE6D5jUOl0OujL9ldcDHYptbC46y7qKqqFFWk9nFww1WvJSoIm2VAE9mJfYwxnEFcOuq1yP4wy9GMSm_R8WFXxRrvdsg/s320/IMG_1582.jpg" border="0" /></a> We saw some fish on the surface and offered them a Caddis imitation and a hopper or two but for most of the day we fished the "wire worm" below a strike indicator.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31qrSk7NToSoHsDyMF_EGENrW32qPmO-O_VvMYhfqlObZRoHs0ClNX7Cs11XnbX3BnGV4bmQVzx8H57E9lV4FtJ4mL2T745wwtfDMXTOipmVzaSlKncDJieab-U35OXKpB9aSYQ/s1600/IMG_1585.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524362849743880994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31qrSk7NToSoHsDyMF_EGENrW32qPmO-O_VvMYhfqlObZRoHs0ClNX7Cs11XnbX3BnGV4bmQVzx8H57E9lV4FtJ4mL2T745wwtfDMXTOipmVzaSlKncDJieab-U35OXKpB9aSYQ/s320/IMG_1585.jpg" border="0" /></a> The three boats launched about 10AM with one guide and two fishermen per boat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7U21lE-SPNl6icJzCoyb_XygnjhR7a2oGgArHu2IO8O1l1ypKxMwLG7nE35QrCs7Im2pGp1pPZbppvEKjdK4n8QFbkngAhx6Crj8g4IJ9w77BQy7JONr4Fayc6TCJZWC4ht5iWA/s1600/IMG_1598.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524362843355136530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7U21lE-SPNl6icJzCoyb_XygnjhR7a2oGgArHu2IO8O1l1ypKxMwLG7nE35QrCs7Im2pGp1pPZbppvEKjdK4n8QFbkngAhx6Crj8g4IJ9w77BQy7JONr4Fayc6TCJZWC4ht5iWA/s320/IMG_1598.jpg" border="0" /></a> The leaves had already changed in this part of Canada but our weather was picture perfect.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZiWHp1qtglPkzf7tn3TsPz7UDfOeyk7ibc8kHFk5iozPqqbM3rFpTkBcdleYjBpyJUUW1HvFxrTY4pr0Gw36CTTOMAnDQog8Bpxd2BjfcH-shOz1IQUBqJ8vGE0GLphc3PhyGA/s1600/IMG_1599.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524362840502384866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZiWHp1qtglPkzf7tn3TsPz7UDfOeyk7ibc8kHFk5iozPqqbM3rFpTkBcdleYjBpyJUUW1HvFxrTY4pr0Gw36CTTOMAnDQog8Bpxd2BjfcH-shOz1IQUBqJ8vGE0GLphc3PhyGA/s320/IMG_1599.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Hyde drift boats provide a stable fishing platform and the guides were knowledgeable and kept us in the fishy water.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-aBe22XQYCnUTBbx8FKN89XW8f7Y79-nYRAbLgs7E40ZTgEk_6Cte63S60giI0PaFx6dLPEGF2OKyTaOi-yR6zeHOpzLyeRISdPw2H5oxD7aP-u5MA4VfvTvRy3mX6WL0yUcgA/s1600/IMG_1605.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524362831283491026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-aBe22XQYCnUTBbx8FKN89XW8f7Y79-nYRAbLgs7E40ZTgEk_6Cte63S60giI0PaFx6dLPEGF2OKyTaOi-yR6zeHOpzLyeRISdPw2H5oxD7aP-u5MA4VfvTvRy3mX6WL0yUcgA/s320/IMG_1605.jpg" border="0" /></a> We found lots of willing rainbows and a few browns during the morning float.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yx4NdGkgPr7pIq1AvWSuK3oPnNHc8Jz3zHOSIeItedPFELXWAe_rHyEJ9tjSrw21jt6vTxe3aa_tGqx3ujktQObrg0maM2MtVR0RZHkxHysvXB6vctKUhc3tIbTxsEG0jqXvLQ/s1600/IMG_1608.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524362827096285394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yx4NdGkgPr7pIq1AvWSuK3oPnNHc8Jz3zHOSIeItedPFELXWAe_rHyEJ9tjSrw21jt6vTxe3aa_tGqx3ujktQObrg0maM2MtVR0RZHkxHysvXB6vctKUhc3tIbTxsEG0jqXvLQ/s320/IMG_1608.jpg" border="0" /></a> These fish were smart and experienced. When hooked, they would head straight for the shadow of the boat which made keeping them on the barbless hooks a challenge. "Strip! Strip!"<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEZ90yMzbjtsi8DrvL5egDiIiHbLT9YYAzLlARnNX5B3YPJV81YUx0IE5NFQe30XPSLSQONR3hfNIcpmyhkU4hmLiV7VLMzQSpv-HjfT0vCU6WcjHeroXW7bAcPz3aRIsZ2dx-Q/s1600/IMG_1618.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524361091677946994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEZ90yMzbjtsi8DrvL5egDiIiHbLT9YYAzLlARnNX5B3YPJV81YUx0IE5NFQe30XPSLSQONR3hfNIcpmyhkU4hmLiV7VLMzQSpv-HjfT0vCU6WcjHeroXW7bAcPz3aRIsZ2dx-Q/s320/IMG_1618.jpg" border="0" /></a> The shore lunch included a salad, rolls, and a hot meal (beef stroganoff) prepared by our guides. We had time to swap fish stories and compare notes before loading back up for the afternoon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrMC6YpX1wCu1gsxNWk6st9RFMJGxTKGxTYHpZIxDnyuH-y63UfMdGDGhw1qg4y97mcc1WVoK0pnsDRTra0aomukqvR7Y1fVI6iL1yPB3cO_4Xt8u6Q7jNddUmCU3PJ7hvbIKGg/s1600/IMG_1622.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524361084733992034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrMC6YpX1wCu1gsxNWk6st9RFMJGxTKGxTYHpZIxDnyuH-y63UfMdGDGhw1qg4y97mcc1WVoK0pnsDRTra0aomukqvR7Y1fVI6iL1yPB3cO_4Xt8u6Q7jNddUmCU3PJ7hvbIKGg/s320/IMG_1622.jpg" border="0" /></a> Bill Windsor had a well stocked fly box and the know how to go with it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgJQt0qafHbNB5Ruxx72PJ7mgl5GOiD5xlZaExuhEk0QFx8q1h4XYO484RAtMUKYXMfgxiO5b71EIiifNPhgEKQr-w72xpROy2bsetWEQYW5ZOooSlXs6o6iHCOOTEIYT7Q_Mxw/s1600/IMG_1631.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524361080994454018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgJQt0qafHbNB5Ruxx72PJ7mgl5GOiD5xlZaExuhEk0QFx8q1h4XYO484RAtMUKYXMfgxiO5b71EIiifNPhgEKQr-w72xpROy2bsetWEQYW5ZOooSlXs6o6iHCOOTEIYT7Q_Mxw/s320/IMG_1631.jpg" border="0" /></a> The scenery on the Bow was beautiful if you could pick your head up once in a while to see it. Since we were fishing subsurface most of the time we had our eyes glued to the strike indicator.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUat7dxUsfJ20N1vP1qWG4uRV37g4ZhcJ2GhlBvPdwW8bK6z3c8mpUIiMGliwYXhFQF-LuAOQV5GClQJkF59csRmRapXz6OvuRY5szUPoo69PAnaX2jM4pbV8RKnHHyWYgM8pkRw/s1600/IMG_1648.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524359628749535154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUat7dxUsfJ20N1vP1qWG4uRV37g4ZhcJ2GhlBvPdwW8bK6z3c8mpUIiMGliwYXhFQF-LuAOQV5GClQJkF59csRmRapXz6OvuRY5szUPoo69PAnaX2jM4pbV8RKnHHyWYgM8pkRw/s320/IMG_1648.jpg" border="0" /></a> Our guide John took good care of the fish we caught even though he gave them a good talking to to convince them to stop falling for the wire worm. "Somebody will put you on the BBQ if you don't mend your ways!"<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ363NClRaU3w2GHrWGOVKVi3va30WTRXn3ismppO3RICfdJOoOfFrhIw0B-nXdaRO3Q8yVbDcXeLbE5ounYtSk97qYZSrqiVMxZ0vD5m250FgOqEFShE54kYXX-oR0vtEkCoZw/s1600/IMG_1632.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524361077003582194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ363NClRaU3w2GHrWGOVKVi3va30WTRXn3ismppO3RICfdJOoOfFrhIw0B-nXdaRO3Q8yVbDcXeLbE5ounYtSk97qYZSrqiVMxZ0vD5m250FgOqEFShE54kYXX-oR0vtEkCoZw/s320/IMG_1632.jpg" border="0" /></a> As the sun got lower in the sky, the scenery became even more stunning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGs_cnvo8Biw1TH5PO5QHHCQr4CbEWmd8K2yAwPAxNNUsjcN6wPfLeSrfDE32XR99kYt9piuKQ6E3RnTlnIuvfCdQy6fKea-6S437SWGZTP5Wn4MahL95DaNfD6nQNGB3s2yjOA/s1600/IMG_1637.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524361070326944130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGs_cnvo8Biw1TH5PO5QHHCQr4CbEWmd8K2yAwPAxNNUsjcN6wPfLeSrfDE32XR99kYt9piuKQ6E3RnTlnIuvfCdQy6fKea-6S437SWGZTP5Wn4MahL95DaNfD6nQNGB3s2yjOA/s320/IMG_1637.jpg" border="0" /></a> At one point in our journey down the river, John asked if we were up for a challenge. He said he knew a spot where the big fish lived but to catch them we had to get out of the boat and do a little wading. <br /><br />My boat partner Darren and I were game so we beached the boat and headed out into the swift water. John lead the way breaking the force of the current and positioned us in the spot. "Now things get technical" he says. "Cast around me upstream as far as you can right into the swift water, then immediately throw a roll cast to get your line above the indicator, strip strip, strip, while keeping your rod tip pointed directly at the indicator and when you see the least little wiggle - set the hook. Oh yeah - all this happens in three seconds or less." He was not kidding. It took me three tries but when I finally got it all together I hooked up with this 21" rainbow.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcEkBEbF-MlvZXGWcCvb5J8ZBshoCqArcvJQo5yv-IXdJmuiQyvyuLMrxMa3fnsozMAfM4VN_rsa7YVKoJ-hwCDBJENOnZdneZImUzxYqD3bVo0u7Oixav_3DWt1bv3gItLoO1A/s1600/IMG_1642.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524359638384710546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcEkBEbF-MlvZXGWcCvb5J8ZBshoCqArcvJQo5yv-IXdJmuiQyvyuLMrxMa3fnsozMAfM4VN_rsa7YVKoJ-hwCDBJENOnZdneZImUzxYqD3bVo0u7Oixav_3DWt1bv3gItLoO1A/s320/IMG_1642.jpg" border="0" /></a> After I landed my big one it was Darren's turn. The look on John's face tells it all.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSAQKO62BQ3F5CLWZfcpSuLXjJHMRxHiP4ZkSmtuDYJgGBD2zXjNevpKwWKRf-qSBLbp6gCz0N9_a1DYWNNV0Gsa1XhV_0hyFqnZJ_RRGp6BuNA1lDOZf8d_ptMtOVEDEB9cxXA/s1600/IMG_1643.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524359635641853106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSAQKO62BQ3F5CLWZfcpSuLXjJHMRxHiP4ZkSmtuDYJgGBD2zXjNevpKwWKRf-qSBLbp6gCz0N9_a1DYWNNV0Gsa1XhV_0hyFqnZJ_RRGp6BuNA1lDOZf8d_ptMtOVEDEB9cxXA/s320/IMG_1643.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hooking a big fish in swift water can be challenging enough - fighting one can be a real test. If these fish make it to the main current it could be game over. Here Darren is trying to turn his fish towards the shore.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcXorKLsd1Drg3huXyjepX2ku1UZ9W2-su6H07aFWr3igu_Cl8lg_j6JC6scZkLDL4gwg258I0oyZQIheaMCBnWtWDnehYihZnb3BMaADstX93Kc3TZYDww-c722bHoNjfmqDhg/s1600/IMG_1654.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524361944157539954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcXorKLsd1Drg3huXyjepX2ku1UZ9W2-su6H07aFWr3igu_Cl8lg_j6JC6scZkLDL4gwg258I0oyZQIheaMCBnWtWDnehYihZnb3BMaADstX93Kc3TZYDww-c722bHoNjfmqDhg/s320/IMG_1654.jpg" border="0" /></a> After a tough fight this beauty comes to hand - then is released to fight another day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ADO0tdREjFuVtqa5fsoZ0eOHbegdHoVeHWpkvcuidsWp6sP7f7Y2TaSZ_QopIoTyMr7KAMoFgdrYfY56cbinagfGqfgTNtWZwq6iKdAJfPeQW7UKoL5dcTIDI4-CdNeo9tQ4Hw/s1600/IMG_1665.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524359630175773106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ADO0tdREjFuVtqa5fsoZ0eOHbegdHoVeHWpkvcuidsWp6sP7f7Y2TaSZ_QopIoTyMr7KAMoFgdrYfY56cbinagfGqfgTNtWZwq6iKdAJfPeQW7UKoL5dcTIDI4-CdNeo9tQ4Hw/s320/IMG_1665.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was a tough day of work but we made the most of it!John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-35242074238720779442010-09-25T22:00:00.002-05:002010-10-10T22:22:58.215-05:00From Hero to ZeroAfter last week's meat haul we thought fall fishing was here to stay. <br /><br />We hit it early armed with live bait and the belief that we would soon be filling the ice chest with fat fall fish.<br /><br />We caught some small fish and one nearly-big-enough trout seen below but had to settle for a day of fun with out anything to show for it.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVjZA7HyHJCluKmA5Ehx84FQVR1qAy9rV8ezAlXqTo2SNBt7Bbo9tFLuip373ro4ojKeU-yTRy2enCLz_U1dXQclpWtaOO9bkvDkLQ41z4MEycU53toRjEIr7tlPrYE-6BOF9RQ/s1600/IMG_1558.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526622686895586466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVjZA7HyHJCluKmA5Ehx84FQVR1qAy9rV8ezAlXqTo2SNBt7Bbo9tFLuip373ro4ojKeU-yTRy2enCLz_U1dXQclpWtaOO9bkvDkLQ41z4MEycU53toRjEIr7tlPrYE-6BOF9RQ/s320/IMG_1558.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What's that saying about a bad day of fishing?John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-31372813064243716832010-09-17T19:22:00.003-05:002010-09-19T13:44:12.918-05:00Boat Full of RedsThe stormy weather continued as hurricane Karl was coming onshore in Mexico. There was some lightning during the night but when we got up it seemed that everything was looking pretty good and that the storms had calmed down.<br /><br />I had cast netted some mullet the previous evening and picked up some live shrimp from Russels' in the Matagorda Harbor on my way to get the boat.<br /><br />When we arrived at our usual spot the high tides had moved the sunken timber around so much that the mouth of the cut was blocked so we crossed the diversion channel and fished a new spot on the opposite bank.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0DZotEMYTIvG5oX_6p-jfoeKh5ORW9u7KBFCNAc8QcyYSNH1daKSt1FSLCOKaps1ikJMzSCOO1d1D15kc3W36cfMUfAJmfHUVkVABW8xHuTTsr0PZoSlofb97FgO-TSiHrQEhg/s1600/IMG_1290.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518601421765063042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0DZotEMYTIvG5oX_6p-jfoeKh5ORW9u7KBFCNAc8QcyYSNH1daKSt1FSLCOKaps1ikJMzSCOO1d1D15kc3W36cfMUfAJmfHUVkVABW8xHuTTsr0PZoSlofb97FgO-TSiHrQEhg/s320/IMG_1290.jpg" border="0" /></a> It wans't long before Tracy connected with a nice red. This guy has some shoulders!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F9ON2J59iyVExavO5kyUrjQYsuGAeYqRNZNtBjs6W8TjUTGdK_JQM7YnP7vPSonAtRXeSPIaamCFFqgJyYhh063tUV8PW7pG8LXnVg9P0F1KYto9aJJ9XnKNjoYv9m_eFnUyow/s1600/IMG_1304.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518601453223596178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F9ON2J59iyVExavO5kyUrjQYsuGAeYqRNZNtBjs6W8TjUTGdK_JQM7YnP7vPSonAtRXeSPIaamCFFqgJyYhh063tUV8PW7pG8LXnVg9P0F1KYto9aJJ9XnKNjoYv9m_eFnUyow/s320/IMG_1304.jpg" border="0" /></a> The early morning light really shows off the beauty of the fish and the fisher!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y1TBM7OtjXUbcm16K4J9Qe_SgWLKDiBltu_ZtWLeJKvnjuzqPLzLDTS8bgOm8lMWIPePufWz23SSQhzKXAf6-Hhsp8t2750KWXw5COCYf0QaeIPVu7ikEuSQATunBMbt4CLNnA/s1600/IMG_1300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518601442429620114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y1TBM7OtjXUbcm16K4J9Qe_SgWLKDiBltu_ZtWLeJKvnjuzqPLzLDTS8bgOm8lMWIPePufWz23SSQhzKXAf6-Hhsp8t2750KWXw5COCYf0QaeIPVu7ikEuSQATunBMbt4CLNnA/s320/IMG_1300.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />You might mistake this for the same fish but if you look closely you will see two spots on this slot red.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdXHbgMEeHDw078DAaVFR8QM4Ouo3drQiwtY1CZSDNZm2BEXtLaphyphenhyphenHfCvurJubjom0H1vkPULNexmcrk3Tnq4h063_1LBC2LVdn1dNSm2CFmyd6Uo0O_pvHtL_8THKFuk-1xFQ/s1600/IMG_1294.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518600124611363794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdXHbgMEeHDw078DAaVFR8QM4Ouo3drQiwtY1CZSDNZm2BEXtLaphyphenhyphenHfCvurJubjom0H1vkPULNexmcrk3Tnq4h063_1LBC2LVdn1dNSm2CFmyd6Uo0O_pvHtL_8THKFuk-1xFQ/s320/IMG_1294.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tracy had the hot hands as she here shows off another keeper. She filled her limit of three and helped me with mine as well! Tracy preferred the shrimp and I think the fish did too!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy45XDgYn1B4Bc60vF8OBxiwtSDGqtGkybUY5Nmeehume1rqtoCRbR71x8xwjkqg7ovxMk8Sany4NY4ZO4i3pEARIAFJkNbHciafCWDjiAN9dnVeeussokf_tX_Rn446moZLDZw/s1600/IMG_1296.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518600118877077410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy45XDgYn1B4Bc60vF8OBxiwtSDGqtGkybUY5Nmeehume1rqtoCRbR71x8xwjkqg7ovxMk8Sany4NY4ZO4i3pEARIAFJkNbHciafCWDjiAN9dnVeeussokf_tX_Rn446moZLDZw/s320/IMG_1296.jpg" border="0" /></a> I managed to catch a couple for the box on live mullet. We both caught several other species including gafftop, hardhead, black drum, sheepshead, croaker, and Tracy's new fav - ladyfish.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvmEUGfKLUUYI0Q2y6yAzfEwXI-hhstRqLgTulOluUapQ8SUkqZUSZOopL_6OXAP45-P002CxTOsey4XYAQ8WgIx0VDqTGdkLzQ2zVrmJY0QIkqcFCljEYdHloBYgW_RhcRF8qQ/s1600/IMG_1307.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518600103564266562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvmEUGfKLUUYI0Q2y6yAzfEwXI-hhstRqLgTulOluUapQ8SUkqZUSZOopL_6OXAP45-P002CxTOsey4XYAQ8WgIx0VDqTGdkLzQ2zVrmJY0QIkqcFCljEYdHloBYgW_RhcRF8qQ/s320/IMG_1307.jpg" border="0" /></a> Once we filled two limits we were able to release several more reds before calling it a morning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLkgRB8Q-19j5F4fpyaZo0vnbWQsP_WImvnvzT-GLvnNAVrKdXj1l8N3iMlpweZ45Pv4pOvJlOt3p2uyKkKm5tPHnFzc-7z-xNqdCPCn2tDNSfG1vc8jV7D975XKPtegNfBqQfA/s1600/IMG_1310.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518600096553698850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLkgRB8Q-19j5F4fpyaZo0vnbWQsP_WImvnvzT-GLvnNAVrKdXj1l8N3iMlpweZ45Pv4pOvJlOt3p2uyKkKm5tPHnFzc-7z-xNqdCPCn2tDNSfG1vc8jV7D975XKPtegNfBqQfA/s320/IMG_1310.jpg" border="0" /></a> The weather started to turn late in the morning and we dodged a couple of storms before finally heading in just ahead of (well almost ahead of) the heavy stuff. We had to stay under cover for one storm to pass before loading the boat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20hH01QvpFONX2HHwX_mjciP3i4ojnDRr7gujN9LyaYH7U38WQxDUQPgVtJoJ7HKvYhJkNlYcEiXKfkiKZ0znGQEXUDG1yBeBnrf72DKAVNJenz4tevHSA5NR1oVkymrXRHy82Q/s1600/IMG_1306.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518601476916475298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20hH01QvpFONX2HHwX_mjciP3i4ojnDRr7gujN9LyaYH7U38WQxDUQPgVtJoJ7HKvYhJkNlYcEiXKfkiKZ0znGQEXUDG1yBeBnrf72DKAVNJenz4tevHSA5NR1oVkymrXRHy82Q/s320/IMG_1306.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tracy had a great day catching more than her share of reds and even some small trout.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0HSJsJLtheM8Y7zwZpxnH1ZDkhTsZ8BqAWDGqAsso7C3xtAiOV9MlvjizhGmqAlPHisIORWiimfvWY5eKRzmHfU2ku7ri10YSyUSQMrTdtbp_GofOqLu0y8eaVOzaDex6OjkqA/s1600/IMG_1315.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518600076975842018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0HSJsJLtheM8Y7zwZpxnH1ZDkhTsZ8BqAWDGqAsso7C3xtAiOV9MlvjizhGmqAlPHisIORWiimfvWY5eKRzmHfU2ku7ri10YSyUSQMrTdtbp_GofOqLu0y8eaVOzaDex6OjkqA/s320/IMG_1315.jpg" border="0" /></a> Not a bad stringer for a couple of weekend anglers!John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-69724386603922335722010-09-11T19:46:00.000-05:002010-09-19T14:57:53.297-05:00Everybody has a LimitEven me!<br /><br />I have been pretty vocal about how I'm not bothered by alligators while kayaking in the salty marsh. Since Tracy was a little under the weather, I decided to leave the <em>Second Honeymoon</em> in dry dock and launch the plastic navy for an early morning assault on McNab Lake. It has been a while since I have paddled all the way in and I was looking forward to finding some willing reds or maybe a flounder or two.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv26GFTCqhqNt7NdGXFJjYsEL8TAG6x7N1rSbtCwQ27Qdl-n-VsSLqWKt6sN32RwID4htiIRyeRDHqPnTmXYHxXoFHjOoN4iYa6zFBnJz9NbCOnYp4-mWZkx5EjuDjs5gt3cifoQ/s1600/IMG_1154.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518700573192509826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv26GFTCqhqNt7NdGXFJjYsEL8TAG6x7N1rSbtCwQ27Qdl-n-VsSLqWKt6sN32RwID4htiIRyeRDHqPnTmXYHxXoFHjOoN4iYa6zFBnJz9NbCOnYp4-mWZkx5EjuDjs5gt3cifoQ/s320/IMG_1154.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was greeted by a beautiful sunrise at the launch site. God is good! I saw two gators near the launch site but wasn't particularly bothered by them. There had been quite a bit of rain lately so they were venturing out further than normal.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_seaaPapQFd_bcWurxwaiRuXvvjxwQqYYwiqMW16k2sPRt92ftpB8pDebd-IrOuvXQ2qxq7yqdBXKlB_piw-N30pOPT1ZhfX_4lg0M8qmDR50IQOOKdAHT91aark6YaKwMRpLw/s1600/IMG_1153.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518703367808904194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_seaaPapQFd_bcWurxwaiRuXvvjxwQqYYwiqMW16k2sPRt92ftpB8pDebd-IrOuvXQ2qxq7yqdBXKlB_piw-N30pOPT1ZhfX_4lg0M8qmDR50IQOOKdAHT91aark6YaKwMRpLw/s320/IMG_1153.jpg" border="0" /></a> I waited until full light before paddling out and was greeted by several more gators. In fact, I counted more than a dozen in the first two corners! I fished for about an hour and was contemplating going on to the lake when I spooked two more gators that were hiding on the bank just a few feet from the yak. (click the pic above to see two between me and the Jeep)<br /><br />My better judgment finally kicked in and I realized that it would be foolish to risk a problem as I was paddling alone and the toothy reptiles were everywhere I looked. I turned back and started paddling for the launch when I got the real wake up call.<br /><br />If you have never dug your kayak paddle into a submerged oyster reef and felt the jagged bite of the reef on your blade it probably won't seem like much but if you have, you can imagine how that felt when I did! I think I set a new record for sprinting to the launch with a fully loaded 14' kayak.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt75Qdd0SO9F6J1p83fya0o08D1O6gxlYZ5OVAqhp6AGbIM-oLHYN3x_xfOYktO0Ikgvfl9y8TnGCIq5sHFPLSQPFHFqFzL3bEo-LYbUaEkm5hj_Idc2Q30KrZ7_8hvA_X3OIxnA/s1600/IMG_1158.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518699673584330434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt75Qdd0SO9F6J1p83fya0o08D1O6gxlYZ5OVAqhp6AGbIM-oLHYN3x_xfOYktO0Ikgvfl9y8TnGCIq5sHFPLSQPFHFqFzL3bEo-LYbUaEkm5hj_Idc2Q30KrZ7_8hvA_X3OIxnA/s320/IMG_1158.jpg" border="0" /></a> I wasn't going to give up that easily and after checking in with Tracy, I pointed the <em><strong>Mobile Tacklebox</strong></em> west and headed to Turtle Bay. Along the way, I did my good deed for the day by removing this little guy from the roadway and sure death.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3JVezwe-O-Xu0LsgINqX9nzAMZmkwVxu1KtNU2q_x1GpCCcOejqQLvg6EJD-8InjlX9iQuv1yYi1Lynw8bWU2iOtD0jbQaR2DmEkwCltkDWTJBZDBJqnOCM0Qi6hLtzV64cUPw/s1600/IMG_1156.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518700548321027106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3JVezwe-O-Xu0LsgINqX9nzAMZmkwVxu1KtNU2q_x1GpCCcOejqQLvg6EJD-8InjlX9iQuv1yYi1Lynw8bWU2iOtD0jbQaR2DmEkwCltkDWTJBZDBJqnOCM0Qi6hLtzV64cUPw/s320/IMG_1156.jpg" border="0" /></a>From what I can tell it is an eastern mud turtle.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKVnDPX-eNhCOu8rzx0LfSwUwBPmaRQSWybuSLLVwWW7ijH7msBgTSwVSNe5DWDGEWY3FnvUISpyrx60NiiAp5Pc_1c2Zx6doR2wAWGnlosGau5M8_0UQPqz2ki4VDvNIMSLzCQ/s1600/IMG_1157.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518700540528494802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKVnDPX-eNhCOu8rzx0LfSwUwBPmaRQSWybuSLLVwWW7ijH7msBgTSwVSNe5DWDGEWY3FnvUISpyrx60NiiAp5Pc_1c2Zx6doR2wAWGnlosGau5M8_0UQPqz2ki4VDvNIMSLzCQ/s320/IMG_1157.jpg" border="0" /></a> He looks quite content to stay hidden in his shell.<br /><br /><br />When I arrived at Turtle Bay the wind had picked up and I had a stiff paddle to the "tubes". The local sentry was keeping a close eye on me!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxMy5qFbOgXJ4KPMW3l-j8chpQz6POakMC5Iy5HUUcExsyv_HuVZzo7fDyZHwoDywQ5kexdgsaWai9OFWFDJiDn2V90Nu3p1eeEFI5iad4ROgEHhOlg20hCjY2w7y6n09S8epzg/s1600/IMG_1164.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518699668390280178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxMy5qFbOgXJ4KPMW3l-j8chpQz6POakMC5Iy5HUUcExsyv_HuVZzo7fDyZHwoDywQ5kexdgsaWai9OFWFDJiDn2V90Nu3p1eeEFI5iad4ROgEHhOlg20hCjY2w7y6n09S8epzg/s320/IMG_1164.jpg" border="0" /></a> He and all his buddies weere perching on the old pier pilings which usually means there is bait close by.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS63J4ULMuvivr22GLq2OjzDj8N-4QMO-kOJAPmv72fQjqiFGLIwsERgx0ya90CP8L-Ur791rHOaCG3aMFiKteNgld2-azOrE_wQ4U3gRlcg0rD3VETfLK57dsD2HJb51IRHbLQ/s1600/IMG_1160.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518699658033110290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS63J4ULMuvivr22GLq2OjzDj8N-4QMO-kOJAPmv72fQjqiFGLIwsERgx0ya90CP8L-Ur791rHOaCG3aMFiKteNgld2-azOrE_wQ4U3gRlcg0rD3VETfLK57dsD2HJb51IRHbLQ/s320/IMG_1160.jpg" border="0" /></a> I fished the strong outflow from the marsh with no success. This seemed pretty strange as this was almost identical conditions to the time earlier when Tracy and I had smacked the flounder.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID2z7GDXtKLEaQK-EMRUueG-0T-56tLOmUlOV4uGCyxQzFySJWffj-GAdl-RwM2rD2Pzekgbil0H2sOlEwejPTIZq_rWyQQSHLhP6Z-81EOFxTAftC2xxixI27tQUS7LLuNsiiA/s1600/IMG_1167.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518699645593272466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID2z7GDXtKLEaQK-EMRUueG-0T-56tLOmUlOV4uGCyxQzFySJWffj-GAdl-RwM2rD2Pzekgbil0H2sOlEwejPTIZq_rWyQQSHLhP6Z-81EOFxTAftC2xxixI27tQUS7LLuNsiiA/s320/IMG_1167.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I paddled down the shoreline to the small creek where I had scored on a flounder once before and I was rewarded with "supper" this time too. He took the Gulp Jerk Shad out in front of the mouth of the creek.<br /><br />I went back to the tubes and fished a while longer and finally hooked up on a decent fish but he cut me off on the submerged rocks. I kept grinding and eventually landed a 19" red to call it a day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkXotuFmnHQRPQxSr3VKxnPj3hzI-QReJFQgVJBBMa3yx52lrNx-IMiNMtfhL-vGo6TjBZvUNU6mItvLCUmjmTQ7pxcvcBIz5Wm3rQab97euLp6a2gFwPTPRRWH1ul5-j8Sf6fw/s1600/IMG_1169.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518699638132607554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkXotuFmnHQRPQxSr3VKxnPj3hzI-QReJFQgVJBBMa3yx52lrNx-IMiNMtfhL-vGo6TjBZvUNU6mItvLCUmjmTQ7pxcvcBIz5Wm3rQab97euLp6a2gFwPTPRRWH1ul5-j8Sf6fw/s320/IMG_1169.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Don't try lipping a flounder - you had better bring a net!John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-57246728680868412792010-09-06T20:59:00.000-05:002010-09-19T15:51:26.868-05:00My Turn for a SlamHoliday weekend...Monday off...usually that means lots of extra folks on the water competing with us for peace and quiet. We had some fun with the trout under the lights on Friday night but all were too small to keep.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJV16D5OD6i8Qxsauxon3rV-opz5yf5OoWmaTZBTSV0M5JREP1IALi-vPFYqZ6Z7KrKuAyfUmwgu_5z5q7p_SBo9UFMQIkr1OvaixxkV8LpKHScPOXeKdfhRMDsLD5P0U18qVIA/s1600/IMG_1066.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518721958930793474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJV16D5OD6i8Qxsauxon3rV-opz5yf5OoWmaTZBTSV0M5JREP1IALi-vPFYqZ6Z7KrKuAyfUmwgu_5z5q7p_SBo9UFMQIkr1OvaixxkV8LpKHScPOXeKdfhRMDsLD5P0U18qVIA/s320/IMG_1066.jpg" border="0" /></a> We started out the day on Saturday early enough to see this sunrise at the ICW bridge.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBvm6lvahR89uENlXB58r1-Fn2Qym54peO-KdBdhJbS-thyphenhyphengAa8Ycf0wEOSmYVajVSlYR-v9vDPtxJSe3THnlrROVObOj0auoeLwzj6jOnAifNazc6QPORW0Kqjb9KeBZU3pNwQ/s1600/IMG_1070.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518721948238715122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBvm6lvahR89uENlXB58r1-Fn2Qym54peO-KdBdhJbS-thyphenhyphengAa8Ycf0wEOSmYVajVSlYR-v9vDPtxJSe3THnlrROVObOj0auoeLwzj6jOnAifNazc6QPORW0Kqjb9KeBZU3pNwQ/s320/IMG_1070.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tracy hadn't been catching her share lately so when she hooked up with this nice red I had to get a picture even though he was a little short for the box.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKpJad1oX_l1jVhahN0hkEQwTafOWRkb_XpTgbN91u41eRuhAaQalipQ0y8-2CTBmtqpoq7YqdrjanLCPOpqry48s2l6RABh8BnSN4Ko251MgiOktLl0GfmTxJSpp9wop0iWMGw/s1600/IMG_1073.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518721674686134210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKpJad1oX_l1jVhahN0hkEQwTafOWRkb_XpTgbN91u41eRuhAaQalipQ0y8-2CTBmtqpoq7YqdrjanLCPOpqry48s2l6RABh8BnSN4Ko251MgiOktLl0GfmTxJSpp9wop0iWMGw/s320/IMG_1073.jpg" border="0" /></a> That soon changed when the next hookup was with this nice two spot keeper! I don't know who was happier - Tracy or the guide!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIn4ds1Yt1Ydy_CZQpm4aGD1x2JwGfO1Rh_adB9FC9B4tt4UbdfI7SaUXxhz2fOmo8XwCPw_3lifdVWk25PdjQew485dWigcvqqNa_oDfPPPGvrd_N2iw4sb9hr9oUAdm_-rbesw/s1600/IMG_1076.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518721667553479266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIn4ds1Yt1Ydy_CZQpm4aGD1x2JwGfO1Rh_adB9FC9B4tt4UbdfI7SaUXxhz2fOmo8XwCPw_3lifdVWk25PdjQew485dWigcvqqNa_oDfPPPGvrd_N2iw4sb9hr9oUAdm_-rbesw/s320/IMG_1076.jpg" border="0" /></a> I added my contribution to the box as well with this healthy red. The picture makes it look big but it was no match for the two spot already in the box.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsR9xNHVx7Kyk-fnaFI8SHMQWEOfk7D5XImYlToCLCgGGd9RE48RPXPrfjUkRLcbVvNK3GI4S86MWwBhTB4d42F40Dz6yDq96CaRingYWKQU3z8boRCOP2dxQ42SQBwrqILvoCQ/s1600/IMG_1078.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518721660197872770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsR9xNHVx7Kyk-fnaFI8SHMQWEOfk7D5XImYlToCLCgGGd9RE48RPXPrfjUkRLcbVvNK3GI4S86MWwBhTB4d42F40Dz6yDq96CaRingYWKQU3z8boRCOP2dxQ42SQBwrqILvoCQ/s320/IMG_1078.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tracy was being pestered by something small and finally figured out it was needlefish that were chomping and chasing her live shrimp.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFolIlisqFU67rzAKSEuMzQNs8STNc3mcLwulV9Bd48RCw8JFtVhwE1qKxIh9kBNJoi5ZuZETYLgJWD1S7Zr387-jf7fBHY75S5ALeebd7uS0VtNR0Y-sdnSqYwJcbuSUIxEQkA/s1600/IMG_1082.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518721652150387058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFolIlisqFU67rzAKSEuMzQNs8STNc3mcLwulV9Bd48RCw8JFtVhwE1qKxIh9kBNJoi5ZuZETYLgJWD1S7Zr387-jf7fBHY75S5ALeebd7uS0VtNR0Y-sdnSqYwJcbuSUIxEQkA/s320/IMG_1082.jpg" border="0" /></a> We boxed three keepers with Tracy's big one in the middle. Somebody will be eating fresh fish soon!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm6SFnowkN5feLnQ_Ezd4K4dziXpAuPaCxEOjJkWo7kUdRHKhxyC9NItZBSn5HMa6Dz6t1CQeQ_4h25C75q0zrIUGYd0TMeS3OgghwaUsNh6VndZtIMOmIS3CoT8p1joCEzNBmA/s1600/IMG_1084.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518721648428008466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm6SFnowkN5feLnQ_Ezd4K4dziXpAuPaCxEOjJkWo7kUdRHKhxyC9NItZBSn5HMa6Dz6t1CQeQ_4h25C75q0zrIUGYd0TMeS3OgghwaUsNh6VndZtIMOmIS3CoT8p1joCEzNBmA/s320/IMG_1084.jpg" border="0" /></a> This was my nemesis - a bob tailed stingray. I caught this guy twice! The first time he took the hook deep so I just cut the line and later that day I caught him again in nearly the same spot and he was still sporting the mono leader from earlier.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtYI56SW2xkwS-2XV25qdreTBaMJ0-oTmkROykLgwuLarXPw1EELM7w1XfCLZOUNsGL4M0blS5HkYO5vwVgOMxe7UVmAqmggiyI9epApdt8I3Im3Ev7tDNiTqt6lErwfpiiwpdg/s1600/IMG_1092.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518719040722010594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtYI56SW2xkwS-2XV25qdreTBaMJ0-oTmkROykLgwuLarXPw1EELM7w1XfCLZOUNsGL4M0blS5HkYO5vwVgOMxe7UVmAqmggiyI9epApdt8I3Im3Ev7tDNiTqt6lErwfpiiwpdg/s320/IMG_1092.jpg" border="0" /></a> We went back home Saturday night so we could attend services on Sunday with the church. After returning on Sunday afternoon, Tracy scored off the bank with another keeper redfish.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HfJc8A9kTK_EtFpAjBtxx-BKWoAH6-v6lpoLgTTGHqvUKDUCJJp619RfEKsrfd5e2tnw__3syhApG7y_PCUU7JTkLx19QWtLiEBdifC5VNfVlBg2ovC6HvSJzeBNbLS9Yb3Xnw/s1600/IMG_1094.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518719027054344354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HfJc8A9kTK_EtFpAjBtxx-BKWoAH6-v6lpoLgTTGHqvUKDUCJJp619RfEKsrfd5e2tnw__3syhApG7y_PCUU7JTkLx19QWtLiEBdifC5VNfVlBg2ovC6HvSJzeBNbLS9Yb3Xnw/s320/IMG_1094.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was slow-fishing some live mullet and shad and found my own keeper - this nice 19" flounder.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UOHQTp2vYTzIO8tnmqQp-78HnYDLezesL5BAI7tHZhdtOFvcIVce9hG8aF_Jn4so0C_xnCWetGEmriuFiyjl54dbAPAv3PP95eFIRmXaSbuP2ZG7ZBmlv_9Qlu5YdLQRZF2m0Q/s1600/IMG_1096.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518719020677535058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UOHQTp2vYTzIO8tnmqQp-78HnYDLezesL5BAI7tHZhdtOFvcIVce9hG8aF_Jn4so0C_xnCWetGEmriuFiyjl54dbAPAv3PP95eFIRmXaSbuP2ZG7ZBmlv_9Qlu5YdLQRZF2m0Q/s320/IMG_1096.jpg" border="0" /></a> The hummers were active and as the clouds began to build behind the trailer, Tracy enjoyed taking pictures of the tiny emerald aerialists from the comfort of the deck.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabzhFO90fCJzoDSVkOxTlG-WAI3-_jwnyFYykwwYiWoBCg7PDPOAMMykCEg5dJg1fMvEsUt1m5feTKm7THzU-yqv6MZEwwqgrb-XU_IIj_AgZ4Gjb14RZKf2ecTr7sAVmL94yWA/s1600/IMG_1100.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518719009868658290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabzhFO90fCJzoDSVkOxTlG-WAI3-_jwnyFYykwwYiWoBCg7PDPOAMMykCEg5dJg1fMvEsUt1m5feTKm7THzU-yqv6MZEwwqgrb-XU_IIj_AgZ4Gjb14RZKf2ecTr7sAVmL94yWA/s320/IMG_1100.jpg" border="0" /></a> We put the light out again after dark and after a couple hours of little fish, I finally caught a keeper speck on a live mullet. Tracy had already gone to bed and I had to get her up to take my picture. All I needed now was a red and I would have a slam!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJOB5a6KlB1DLMYl7oMAWahjkAvT1v4hAcWwSnEMYMQAdBxp2RfT3VKo21yfLVnatnGmKvXF_dhcg-NBRiahyrWHv3RXCK8TMCI-kKKdIU5ej93V1deZPlfkTi68KlIoG2hF4gw/s1600/IMG_1102.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518719000558077458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJOB5a6KlB1DLMYl7oMAWahjkAvT1v4hAcWwSnEMYMQAdBxp2RfT3VKo21yfLVnatnGmKvXF_dhcg-NBRiahyrWHv3RXCK8TMCI-kKKdIU5ej93V1deZPlfkTi68KlIoG2hF4gw/s320/IMG_1102.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Before long I caught not one but two reds including this big bad boy. I thought he might spool me before I was finally able to convince him that he needed to turn back from heading across the river. It was a good fight and likely would have made a good video as I struggled with the net and rod while trying not to fall in.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yJoH7falNHpY55KMRMnAJmHTDIDc31TU4dxdK8ax-3jM-vlAt6iel1YOgzeHu3gmcA4TZhwLNqqjUvp4ftfShglG0vXr6NirFmlLZ1GuFNL884db-BJnqPatp2beoDUomTd18Q/s1600/IMG_1107.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518717907027019474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yJoH7falNHpY55KMRMnAJmHTDIDc31TU4dxdK8ax-3jM-vlAt6iel1YOgzeHu3gmcA4TZhwLNqqjUvp4ftfShglG0vXr6NirFmlLZ1GuFNL884db-BJnqPatp2beoDUomTd18Q/s320/IMG_1107.jpg" border="0" /></a> Monday morning found us heading down the Diversion channel to the entrance to the cut where we normally fish. We stopped along the way and tried a new spot as we waited for a small rain shower to pass.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwttS3Pc8_ylGcDf8nuPqmlJ_iRKNphkDo9fbXHp-2-IMM1_t2aDEPZHi5lCmQVTpbXTVDxmzqUwyFqXtboThnTP1mE36g0Dqq1qRLiPCasOEvQH0jbpdYfnSJIomEuvDwBTmGFA/s1600/IMG_1108.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518717898027252098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwttS3Pc8_ylGcDf8nuPqmlJ_iRKNphkDo9fbXHp-2-IMM1_t2aDEPZHi5lCmQVTpbXTVDxmzqUwyFqXtboThnTP1mE36g0Dqq1qRLiPCasOEvQH0jbpdYfnSJIomEuvDwBTmGFA/s320/IMG_1108.jpg" border="0" /></a> We didn't find the fish there but I did get some great early morning pictures.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJgtEHegWbeD1YuDOCScisrhz2vtCTnnbgNTCMghE6Mr7mDMwmLQfiMcxuchX3vqBVuhquZwyNX3CjghgnX0PmjzZ73jU0exmiwBexy8s2aZXo6Osb_4-pym16MeDqCXh7eAQjA/s1600/IMG_1116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518717888294035122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJgtEHegWbeD1YuDOCScisrhz2vtCTnnbgNTCMghE6Mr7mDMwmLQfiMcxuchX3vqBVuhquZwyNX3CjghgnX0PmjzZ73jU0exmiwBexy8s2aZXo6Osb_4-pym16MeDqCXh7eAQjA/s320/IMG_1116.jpg" border="0" /></a> We eventually moved back to our spot near the ICW and found a couple of keepers. Tracy always catches the pretty multi-spot reds.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmqOo4hPlvP4ZgoX3jPDMXKdf1yEdWQTyWfeEOZYIgO-eNKLwm0fgVEd02tB5Dee10zkk86vXM_sHbAxjH3r4F-jB5p4U64EIZUfw5E67rNVl4K7xWQWE2_GvnSjmmh-iApRFXQ/s1600/IMG_1120.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518717882905917634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 164px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmqOo4hPlvP4ZgoX3jPDMXKdf1yEdWQTyWfeEOZYIgO-eNKLwm0fgVEd02tB5Dee10zkk86vXM_sHbAxjH3r4F-jB5p4U64EIZUfw5E67rNVl4K7xWQWE2_GvnSjmmh-iApRFXQ/s320/IMG_1120.jpg" border="0" /></a> I imagine one day catching a couple of keeper reds may not seem all that special but for now it is still a thrill and provides the reason to go back another day. God continues to bless us with fish and this weekend we had quite a haul. We will be sharing with others and thanking the Creator for his bounty.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_jI-eD8tbY0DbVpvtKf7T_mEoIW9BJ3KiJoTpkakJcHNfA5-WeKgPPq7vBMK9RGeSyTpuijr5izU0Uktk-9HQGAYR6CC7x1NZYtd136FwtDezYUHtB8CyTlExRi2UTQUcmN8vQ/s1600/IMG_1106.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518717913355814162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_jI-eD8tbY0DbVpvtKf7T_mEoIW9BJ3KiJoTpkakJcHNfA5-WeKgPPq7vBMK9RGeSyTpuijr5izU0Uktk-9HQGAYR6CC7x1NZYtd136FwtDezYUHtB8CyTlExRi2UTQUcmN8vQ/s320/IMG_1106.jpg" border="0" /></a> Our little boat has proven to be just the ticket for some relatively quick and easy access to fun times together. It takes some planning and a little effort but the rewards of getting up early and chasing around in the saltwater has opened up a whole new world to us. I'm so happy that Tracy seems to enjoy it as much as I do. Fish on!John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10375004.post-49406944022101024172010-08-29T16:32:00.006-05:002010-08-29T17:29:24.406-05:00May 2010<SPAN style="COLOR: #009900"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 180%"><EM>May 7</EM> </SPAN></SPAN>Tracy and I did a little night fishing and caught a few small trout. Saturday found us in the diversion channel in the Second Honeymoon where we found these reds and a flounder. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7lV8Vx89WkrSsIk0ZvReW6Ohc7TSthcRNQT_WUAw98o8EsbNGnYOPbczJP93WbjVRnI3AyZND1qBwGKcRdlPuI5hnkCVQHyoFnDAsj-9AI1XjvlVoXJZzTGXwHTx2wrxmsn7gQ/s1600/IMG_0045.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510949362064015154 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7lV8Vx89WkrSsIk0ZvReW6Ohc7TSthcRNQT_WUAw98o8EsbNGnYOPbczJP93WbjVRnI3AyZND1qBwGKcRdlPuI5hnkCVQHyoFnDAsj-9AI1XjvlVoXJZzTGXwHTx2wrxmsn7gQ/s320/IMG_0045.jpg" border=0></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT_EO3na3kknwB4FgSS_DmSnEW8SNMsUr57g0yAgwhH0zBKZUrWGAEWrRvF71j59NTtVEL_EWFjvm-f_6vziqdluDFGEro0EpPu1c_uKztkVdn47jpR7aprHNFPOl_oPrAsXZpA/s1600/IMG_0036.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510949360080409666 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT_EO3na3kknwB4FgSS_DmSnEW8SNMsUr57g0yAgwhH0zBKZUrWGAEWrRvF71j59NTtVEL_EWFjvm-f_6vziqdluDFGEro0EpPu1c_uKztkVdn47jpR7aprHNFPOl_oPrAsXZpA/s320/IMG_0036.jpg" border=0></A> <EM><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 180%; COLOR: #006600">May 12</SPAN></EM> As the wedding was rapidly approaching we headed to Kansas where Regan took Matt and I to the Marshall family fishing hole. Everyone caught fish but me! <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO68424Ywl8n7IH-YU1_WTrRur5qvVBSJxAh626opzfZGz09PAfW1piFCq4YxG9vYNhbi4Nqwy63sc6X43M_67Kvvns53qDCtqwnibpsk9shCRNGYaLk_eq65iN6pnqjAKPuXNHQ/s1600/IMG_0064.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510949392285960306 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO68424Ywl8n7IH-YU1_WTrRur5qvVBSJxAh626opzfZGz09PAfW1piFCq4YxG9vYNhbi4Nqwy63sc6X43M_67Kvvns53qDCtqwnibpsk9shCRNGYaLk_eq65iN6pnqjAKPuXNHQ/s320/IMG_0064.jpg" border=0></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1HZtmfTVvhHJ9Fz00AgW-mGZFfrwdIDCEtwok6Dx6XEeZOfgCFhhdI34iPYmtNLMEMGa0MQd-ZIb8Tnwf8FWy3tsK-j6PmCNRm-Fa7CZrDwVHWxm7M0wpiM-uUGzho8v_cCHQg/s1600/IMG_0061.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510949380042095138 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1HZtmfTVvhHJ9Fz00AgW-mGZFfrwdIDCEtwok6Dx6XEeZOfgCFhhdI34iPYmtNLMEMGa0MQd-ZIb8Tnwf8FWy3tsK-j6PmCNRm-Fa7CZrDwVHWxm7M0wpiM-uUGzho8v_cCHQg/s320/IMG_0061.jpg" border=0></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1LBCM8LUXN0bR6IpIWiUdgg9OXxDIhyphenhyphen0TXlNgv06Y2sq71Bc9XiX5ruVLbimkSUrQozCBwU5D0zgSYOuigBv7isEIGC0KJOwuiYrw-FxdnHPLuauCIYu93O9dxLI6Hs4r98F6g/s1600/IMG_0058.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510949374193030562 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1LBCM8LUXN0bR6IpIWiUdgg9OXxDIhyphenhyphen0TXlNgv06Y2sq71Bc9XiX5ruVLbimkSUrQozCBwU5D0zgSYOuigBv7isEIGC0KJOwuiYrw-FxdnHPLuauCIYu93O9dxLI6Hs4r98F6g/s320/IMG_0058.jpg" border=0></A> <EM><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 180%; COLOR: #006600">May 17</SPAN></EM> Upon returning to Texas after Matt & Carly's wedding, I took the opportunity to visit with an old friend and discuss the finer points of bass fishing and boys becoming men. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm58NcnQqc1qQWWfc6WvRqTQOGXzle0NWowaljJpMkMsrWaV5mZvCN8QB3uNbF2yZHJLopaHYGMvx0M4rOesHYMchlYojLOezoUVZgPpDxjhsnptjKbr-iC9aIj9J-YxiIWOYr3w/s1600/IMG_0152.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510952279937517698 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm58NcnQqc1qQWWfc6WvRqTQOGXzle0NWowaljJpMkMsrWaV5mZvCN8QB3uNbF2yZHJLopaHYGMvx0M4rOesHYMchlYojLOezoUVZgPpDxjhsnptjKbr-iC9aIj9J-YxiIWOYr3w/s320/IMG_0152.jpg" border=0></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6ZCt5vje45SjaTyOf3kuvsSEZHQ2_2xuMozBP72YBScvLLLg2okWQpQMoUWer-hRXK2gaIceAeVNzqz-i9lg0VF3wgONOllfrXSus5K2dqbJkXGJhFrsnHHTHZAYzoQggr6_XQ/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510952269710087218 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6ZCt5vje45SjaTyOf3kuvsSEZHQ2_2xuMozBP72YBScvLLLg2okWQpQMoUWer-hRXK2gaIceAeVNzqz-i9lg0VF3wgONOllfrXSus5K2dqbJkXGJhFrsnHHTHZAYzoQggr6_XQ/s320/IMG_0146.jpg" border=0></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisluNehyphenhyphenZ9-9ns4eQZ62w9HGNQvjfvADLRZCDwupoA9w_SJ0eT-vt5AoE8BnOXdNEuMIQxV90EQj2by9s_4hTq-oQ86VDz_PEkbJ6D5GkMwnu8ZB4bycmIx1Y-tjKn_YhrfnwEHA/s1600/IMG_0137.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510952263623542690 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisluNehyphenhyphenZ9-9ns4eQZ62w9HGNQvjfvADLRZCDwupoA9w_SJ0eT-vt5AoE8BnOXdNEuMIQxV90EQj2by9s_4hTq-oQ86VDz_PEkbJ6D5GkMwnu8ZB4bycmIx1Y-tjKn_YhrfnwEHA/s320/IMG_0137.jpg" border=0></A> <EM><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 180%; COLOR: #006600">May 21</SPAN></EM> We celebrated 26 years of marriage this year. What better way to enjoy the time! <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR9C2LcW_S-vgg-RlbtcYjHT3-l1Hp1tBNyMuMBw6CuRDvFq4xUDY7tsV4OzlJui02ZstvHx9ZqM6lwRqbWVwdetZTb-1tQJ9DUX6ocQe8q1QHnMEWJ_fLOhjvoIwhkvT1OGIlQ/s1600/IMG_0190.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510956189479261778 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR9C2LcW_S-vgg-RlbtcYjHT3-l1Hp1tBNyMuMBw6CuRDvFq4xUDY7tsV4OzlJui02ZstvHx9ZqM6lwRqbWVwdetZTb-1tQJ9DUX6ocQe8q1QHnMEWJ_fLOhjvoIwhkvT1OGIlQ/s320/IMG_0190.jpg" border=0></A> Snapping turtle seen on the road to Palacios <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrktVrZDJCGzYMRnaKmiwIU5RQ5bMIMx3p44DKzSkGUgwbl35UDLZrTeCqpYTOA7vQ3zMdW-d_f7uIYT5xdd9Fkg4W9i8JARJRW5GYvJehBNHJZzXHVVO3ge11qVMzZbyEI1E2pQ/s1600/IMG_0173.JPG"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510956180106290242 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrktVrZDJCGzYMRnaKmiwIU5RQ5bMIMx3p44DKzSkGUgwbl35UDLZrTeCqpYTOA7vQ3zMdW-d_f7uIYT5xdd9Fkg4W9i8JARJRW5GYvJehBNHJZzXHVVO3ge11qVMzZbyEI1E2pQ/s320/IMG_0173.JPG" border=0></A> Stub tailed flounder - could this be the same one I caught before? <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54_jGBEV1L8-4IZ7dywqSfjAWBBK0jHavb9knYceWPLW39jVWNkHMupPhGg6QyYElTin2Ze6r8u1jQqh3rGWPj7JGUYom0mJM31_e8Q0pvVTj-jXVseK1jgczogfnhV8FLoLSHg/s1600/IMG_0171.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510956171513898274 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54_jGBEV1L8-4IZ7dywqSfjAWBBK0jHavb9knYceWPLW39jVWNkHMupPhGg6QyYElTin2Ze6r8u1jQqh3rGWPj7JGUYom0mJM31_e8Q0pvVTj-jXVseK1jgczogfnhV8FLoLSHg/s320/IMG_0171.jpg" border=0></A> Tracy and her little red.<br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-9c33c1f92ef248fa height=266 width=320 contentId="9c33c1f92ef248fa"></OBJECT>John Batchelderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16545091324870002855noreply@blogger.com0