WALKING THE BANK WITH A FLY ROD

A couple of years ago I picked up a 3wt TFO fly rod. I went trout fishing with it and had a good time. Well last year I bought another heavier TFO fly rod for bass fishing. I have had it out a couple times but haven't really given it an honest chance. I would bring it with me but it would play second fiddle to the conventional style fishing rods. Well, today was different. I told myself I would take ONE rod and it was only going to be a fly rod.  

My 8-10 MINI-MAG it was to be. I really enjoy casting with this rod but just haven't gotten into larger bass with it. Today I decided to do things a little differently.  I left the kayak at home and hit the bank. I set off to a new area of Ray Roberts that I haven't explored before. It was out on the main lake with rocks and moss as the primary cover for bass.

A lot of the shoreline was covered with small pebbles and drift wood.

I found an old concrete structure that appeared to be what was left of a an old storm cellar.

Also some substantial stairs leading down to it. I'll have to remember the location for when the lake isn't 9' low like it is now.

I also saw these formations in the rocks. Not sure if some were fossils or just from erosion.  

The first bass came pretty quick all be it small.

I looked down to see this guy swimming up to me. I guess he thought  I might share my catch with him.

It was hard to ignore the mayfly hatch at times. They too seemed to like hitching a ride.

I even had a few dragon flies landing on me and hanging around while I fished.

I'll have to remember this pattern if I ever get good enough at tying flies.

As the day progressed I caught a handful of these little guys,

I even managed to catch a crappie too.

The sunfish had built a lot of spawning pads and were busy doing their thing.

It's been awhile since I walked the bank to fish. I did pretty good finding lost baits along the way.

Well, towards the end of the day I managed to hook up with one decent bass. This guy put up a great fight and reminded me what a blast catching a larger bass on the fly rod really was. All and all I considered it to be a good day. I got to see some pretty cool terrain I hadn't seen before, lots of wildlife out doing their thing, and was blessed to catch a few fish on the fly. Today I fished by myself and really connected with God and his creation. You know, I really had a good time fishing with the fly rod again. I need to do this more often....

PADDLING TRAILS OF TEXAS

With all the water we have covering Texas it makes for a perfect playground for the kayaker wanting to explore nature. The TPWD is working hard to create places with a ease of access to get to the beautiful waters. I truly hope this idea catches on and grows.

TEXAS KAYAKING TRAILS

Yak Attack X-Grip

I think I might have found a nice way to securely hold my phone while out on the water in the kayak.

I found a device called the " X-Grip" by Yak Attack that holds my I-phone tightly when not in use. If I want to take it out to use the phone I just spread the arms and the phone releases quickly. The Slayer Propel drive comes stock with a hole drilled and tapped at the top of the Propel unit so the X-grip screws directly in the supplied accessory hole.

 That location on the drive was ideal for the camera to be located. I haven't had the opportunity to take it out yet but it looks like it will be ideal for taking selfies while holding a big ole' bass. Heck, I might even enjoy a little music while I'm out now.

Mod

I spoke to Native Watercraft and was told that the new thumbscrews for the battery boxes will fit the bungee anchors. I tried them and they fit (and look great). I'll be ordering extras to change them out.

Mod

Second Mod..... Just as simple as the first. The bungee anchor in the middle need to be spun 180 degrees. Also the bungee needs to be taken out of the anchor and around the anchor. This way placing in a milk cart/ ice chest can easily be done. Ok...... As I do this I'm going to make a couple suggestions to Native. This is a awesome kayak no doubt, but I always look for improvements. These anchors need a screwdriver to move back and forth. I would like to see a different fastener that would not require a tool to move.

Kayak Mods

Ok, so for my first mod.... It's a simple one. The bungee anchor needs to be moved back a couple inches so my Yak Attack Visi-Carbon Pro can be mounted in place.

FLY FISHING with TFO

FLY FISHING with TFO

Ok so I've been extremely busy here lately and unfortunately fishing has had to take the back seat to life's demands on my time. I've done some adjusting and will soon have more time to spend on the hobby I so love.   
Recently I have picked up a fly rod combo from TFO and joined a local Fly Fishing Club. I needed a rod/reel combo to take the abuse I'll be given them while chasing the bass and carp here on Texas lakes I fish. I picked up a TFO Mini-Mag 8/10 with a BVK 3 reel. I'm just a beginner fly fisherman but have great people from the club are helping me with a jump start in picking my equipment.

I can see the draw to Fly Fishing gear. This Fly Fishing combo from TFO is nothing short of a work of art. I can't wait to get them to the water.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Paddle Day

So I've been chatting with the TPWD about starting up a paddle day a few times a year. We will have a biologist paddle along with use and point out the local wildlife a long the way. We had our first trip out the other day and think all involved enjoyed the trip.

We put in at the Johnson state park boat ramp and headed north.

Cody getting his paddle stroke down.

With temps in the low 40's and winds N12-16 we were glad to see the sun.

Ranger Danielle talking about the local wildlife.

Heading back in to the creek.

Heading back with Bill and his new Native Slayer.

Everyone involved had a really great time. It was nice to be on the water again.