Big Lake was very good yesterday...blown out today.

Even after enjoying one of the best days I have had in a while, we postponed yet another trip today and I am glad we did.  We cleaned boats all day and it was blowing a gale.  We fished Big Lake Wednesday and could not have asked for more perfect conditions.  There was a little wind early and late, but the water looked very good in much of the lake and we ran around checking spots like we had lost our mind.

We never caught the first trout over three-pounds, but we caught a pile of fish in the 15 to 18 inch class.  We could have easily limited several times over, but kept one big slot red and only enough fish for a good fish fry.  The water was a little dirty in Turner's early and we did not stay long.  The water on the east side was in great shape and we fished it all the way to the weirs and caught fish everywhere we stopped.

I caught a few fish  on Crazy Croakers and topwaters every time we found them chasing shrimp, but the easiest and most consistent bite came on Texas Roach or Morning Glory Sea Shads worked just beneath the surface on an eighth ounce head.  We stopped fishing on at least two occasions just to watch trout blow up on shrimp and small ribbon fish.  The bite started around 9:00 for us and was still going strong at 3:00 pm. 

We finished up catching redfish on the side of the ship channel on Gulp and Hoginars around five o'clock.  Aside from the fact that we had a blast, it was a little frustrating knowing that I would probably not get today's group on the water due to the wind and I didn't.

I have been blessed to have a lot of new faces try to book trips this year only to have to postpone them at the last minute due to the weather or, in one case, help them book another guide that had no problem with fishing in a 30 mph wind.  Today's group felt as though I may be a little too conservative when it came down to fishing or not fishing in a big wind and elected to not re-book.  I can understand their disappointment, but there was no motel reservation to worry about and we waited until 11:30 last night to finally call it off.  I can only hope it blew as hard at their house as it did here.

For the past month or so it has not been just the big winds making it tough, but a very muddy lake as well.  I just cannot believe that anyone wants to pay $450 to $500 for a wet boat ride and casting practice.  It does not excite me to have to postpone or cancel trips, but I can not encourage folks to come on down knowing they do not have a chance in hell of catching a fish.

That said, if you could care less about catching fish and just want to spend eight difficult hours on the water...e-mail or call me tonight.  I can always use a payday and I will not cancel your trip!      

Comments

[D.S.C.]

Thats funny! I can relate to your problems we fished big lake Saturday and it was terrible. The wind and dirty water made it almost not fun. We did manage a few reds and one flounder and a small spec. Better days are sure to come. thanks Donald