Huntin' Fishin' and Lovin' Everyday? I Wish!!!

Huntin', fishin', and lovin' everyday.  I must say that I have not been the biggest fan of the last 10 or 15 years or so of country music.  I heard this song awhile back.  Probably when it was new and thought "Hey, I actually like that song!" and that IS "THE PRAYER that this country boy (from the city) prays."  But, not really being into today's country, I wasn't listening to stations or playlists to hear that song, so I never heard it again until recently.

Before I left for my Port Mansfield trip, I took a little afternoon of kayaking with the kids.  For the hour or so that it takes to get there, I started a Pandora station based on the song Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band.  It was a song I thought of that was fairly recent that
I liked. The purpose of this station was that it was music we could all stand to listen to.  While we were listening to that station, Huntin',  Fishin, and Lovin' Everyday came on.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now, I'm not saying I am now a fan of today's country.  Still way too many references to smoking pot for me.  I'm sure that makes me prudish or an old fart or something along those lines, but hey at least I have my principles.  However, I may be slipping into becoming somewhat of a Luke Bryan fan.  How can I not when he puts out songs like Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Everyday?

I have been singing it in my head for the last several weeks like that song that you just can't get out of your head.  You know, like the fly that keeps buzzing around that you keep swatting at but it keeps coming back?!?  Yeah that one.  Except I actually WANT to sing this one... I guess you could say that it takes me to my "happy place".

Then the other day, I Googled the video.  The imagery in the video, the message of the song, and everything about it embodies the life I only wish I could live.  Only in my dreams.  From offshore fishing (bucket list) to a deer I would love to see, to family time outdoors, fly fishing (bucket list) a tree stand, a deer blind a Peacock Bass and family time around the campfire. Notice family time was in there twice? Just plain old FUN... OUTDOORS.  I can't imagine a better life. Huntin' Fishin' & Lovin' Everyday!

Would you add anything?  Would you give all you have to live this life?  A new friend of mine who is a baseball coach at a much higher level than I will ever be just told me today that if given the choice to give up hunting or baseball, he would give up baseball.  What would you give up? Leave a comment here or on the Facebook page.

Summer Bassin: 5 Tips To Ensure Success

A little late Summer Fishing with the kids.
Photo: Chris Carson

Summertime bass patterns do test the patience of many anglers.  We have a tendency in our fast food drive thru, cell phone, spell check, auto correct, "google it" kind of world we live in these days to expect, not just want, but EXPECT immediate results without paying attention to details.  Well, summer bass are all about the details and taking their sweet time.

Summer is that season we look forward to, then complain it's too hot to do anything.  I have often heard the phrase "too hot to fish" tossed around. The reality, or at least my reality is that it's NEVER too hot to fish.  That is like saying it's too cold to hunt.  That's absurd!

Here are 5 tips to help get those lazy summertime bass to bite. 

Know where the fish are. Good electronics help immensely, but having good maps aerial photos, and other intel can be a great help too. Use your jigheads and C-rigs to "feel" the bottom and search for cover. The old saying (I call it the 90/10 rule) goes "90 % of the fish can be found in 10% of the water".  It applies here and is even more important in summer bass fishing. The fact is that when you catch one on a stump or ledge or a grass edge, there is a better chance that you will catch another there than casting out in a different direction.  Does the term "honey hole" ring a bell?  Something brings those fish in day after day, year after year. 
Fish deep.  Colder water holds oxygen better.  Fish deep structure such as ledges, humps, subtle changes in bottom contour, and changes in bottom composition (mud, rock).  If you can find cover (submerged boulders, trees, stumps, etc.) on any of these areas, you may have found the spot on the spot.
Fish slow. Slow is usually the key.  Many times "finesse" baits are productive.  These baits are typically small and impart very little action in presentation.  A big lazy bass doesn't want to work for it's meal this time of year; it wants an easy meal that won't put up a fight.  One of my favorite finesse presentations is to dead stick a curly tail grub on a shakey head jig. I will throw it out there and let the current wave the tail.  No other movement.  About every thirty seconds or so, I drag it about 2- 3 feet SLOWLY across the bottom. Most of the time you have to put it right in front of their face, or you won't get bit.
Find aerated water.  Aerated water holds more active fish.  Water falls, rapids, moving water, fountains, even boat traffic creates aerated water.  Obviously, areas with high boat traffic are not going to be ideal to fish, but it works.  Last week, my kids and I were goofing around on the kayak.  We were taking turns paddling out to the "No Wake Zone" buoy where the jet skiers were having a blast when I noticed a few fish jumping on the surface, so I tied on an Unfair Lures Rip N Slash and trolled it behind the yak and hammered a couple keeper bass and a few dinks in about 10 minutes.  No electronics, no nothing... Just knew it was aerated water because of all the jet ski traffic.
Fish the low light hours.  Don't overlook the low light hours either.  Those fish will be up in the shallows chasing baitfish in the mornings and evenings.  Still a great time for the topwater bite.  But, it will usually fade quickly when the sun gets up. 

Photo: Bryan Taylor

Yes, the dog days of summer are a tough time to catch bass, but more often than not, it's an issue of not knowing where or how to target them.  Think deep, think slow, think subtle and subdued.

Most of all, get on the water and have some fun.  There is no better way to beat the heat than by catching a few bass. When you've had all the heat you can handle, take a dip.  Cool off and get back to fishing.  Take the kiddos, they will have a blast and more than likely, they will outlast you!

My First Baitcaster

Many years ago, for my birthday I got a Daiwa Procaster PL-1500.  It is a low profile reel, from the early 80's.  There is no gear ratio listed, but it is marked "High Speed".  I suspect by today's standards it pales in comparison.

It was my very first baitcaster. My brother and sister pooled their money to purchase this gift when I was about 11 years old and I still have it today.  It is my "go to" reel.  The one I use when times get tough.  When I need that little confidence boost I pull it out and go to work.  I usually keep it spooled up with 14 lb. Stren Clear/Blu Monofilament (also a back to the basics "confidence booster") on a medium action rod.  

This reel has been with me through thick and thin.  I learned to cast this reel in the front yard casting across the street.  I remember my brother giving me instructions on "pin point" casting.

There are many, many memories with this reel and I would never give it up.  This reel went on Family vacations and weekend outings in our family motor home.  From Sunday afternoons at Guadalupe River State Park to Beaver Lake in Arkansas. My senior year in high school, I skipped out and went fishing for something like 23 days. This reel was there for all of them.  I caught a 4 lb bass on Canyon Lake and a 5 lber on Sommerville.  In January of 1990, I loaded up to cast across a cove on a 40 degree morning while the pistol grip rod I was using broke and the reel along with the rest of the rod took about a 40 yard flight and landed in about 8 feet of water, leaving nothing but the grip in my hand. I went for a very cold swim that morning.

A couple years later, I went to visit a friend in Dallas.  We went to Lake Ray Roberts, where I caught a 4+ lb Smallmouth.  Years later, I found out that the fish I caught would have been close to if not the lake record back then. On that same trip, I again, lost that reel on a cast where the rod just slipped out of my hand.  I went in after it in a heartbeat.  

I caught my personal best bass in a stock tank near Bandera, TX with that reel.  In about 1992, I decided that it was time to take this baby apart and give it a good cleaning.  To my dismay, I couldn't figure out how to put it back together.  I took it (in a box of parts) to Bill's Tackle in Leon Valley, TX to get it fixed.  They ordered some new parts and got her all fixed up.  

Some years later during 2001, I headed to Port Mansfield to fish with my brother.  During this trip, I had some problems with it, so I took it off the rod and put it in my bag.  My intention was to take it back to Bill's to get it all fixed up again, but instead, I think it was Devine intervention. When I rolled back into town, I went by a friends house.  While there, all of my fishing stuff was stolen out of the back of my truck. Every rod, every reel, and a Plano Guide Series tackle box with every lure, weight, worm, lizard, spinnerbait, buzz bait, frog, hook, scale, and anything else you could possibly think of was stolen... except the old Daiwa Procaster.  If it wouldn't have broken, I wouldn't have put it away and it surely would have been stolen too.

I took it to Bill's a week or so later only to find out they were closed... Out of business.  After several years of searching for a place I could trust with it, I finally decided to give it a try once more.  Success!!! Now I take it and the rest of my arsenal apart every year and give them a good cleaning and replace worn parts.  Amazingly (and thankfully), I can still find parts for this 35 year old reel.  If you need service to your reels, bring them by Twisted Oak and we'll get you fixed up!

This old reel and I have shared some adventures over the years.  Much like the bonding experienced with friends on these trips, this reel brings back a flood of memories when I hold it, cast it, and catch fish.  Now, my 10 year old son is using it to learn to cast a baitcaster.  I need to buy him one of his own.  I wish I could find one I know would last as long as this one has.

Do you have a lucky reel, or rod or lure, or any other fishing equipment you would hate to lose? Hand me down? Inherited?  What's your story?  Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook Page.

   

Crotch Pot Chili Anyone?

In one of my typical fishing shorts.... I wish
this was my typical fish!

This morning, I woke up to a message on Facebook Messenger from a friend that asked what I wear when I wade fish. Here is the message: 

"What do you wear (shorts) when wade fishing? Swim suits chafe where the webbing hits on my legs so I tried compression shorts under my PFG fishing shorts. After 2 days on the water I had the worst rash, probably from constantly being wet in my marble sack. Suggestions???"

As I'm pretty sure it has to be some sort of "Man Code Violation" to let this go unanswered or even be slow in answering, I quickly answered his question and I am going to do the same here today in hopes of helping anyone else avoid this unfortunate situation I like to call Crotch Pot Chili.  

First, before the big reveal, I will say that everyone has their own personal issues and hygeine aside, our bodies have differing physiologies. What works for one person may not work for the rest of us.  

It seems that our bodies were designed in a manner that makes it quite easy for all the sweat our upper bodies produce to head south and and congregate in one specific area. When Adam reached for the fig leaf, the first case of jock itch was born. When we wear underwear, it seems to collect all the sweat and nastiness that our bodies produce. Add to that skin allergies and chaffing... It can be downright unpleasant.

So how do I avoid that most unpleasant journey home from a fishing trip with a 5 Alarm case of Crotch Pot Chili?

First, I use an Under Armour Boxerjock, here is a link:

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/mens/apparel/underwear/bottoms?lsg=a02715f4-0961-4c27-b968-de0b44fc94a5

This Boxerjock has a woven panel that wicks out moisture in all the right places.  A little research this morning revealed that they now have them in versions that will help you stay warm or cool.... I may need to investigate this more thoroughally come deer season!  Maybe it's time for a new pair! I have worn other off brand compression type underwear and had issues, but the UA Boxerjock has always performed well for me.  

As far as fishing shorts go, I like to wear the rip stop fabric shorts that are very loose fitting and do not have a "swim trunk style" mesh liner.  Many people will wear pants to wade fish in to protect from both the sun and jelly fish.  Alas, I am a shorts guy.  At least I will be until I get whacked by a jelly fish!  I usually buy Columbia or Magellan, but while looking at the UA website this morning, I noticed that they have Performance Cargo Shorts that I might give a try.  The main thing to look for in a pair of fishing shorts in my opinion, is loose fitting and quick drying lightweight material.

Photo: Chris Castro  Next Level Fishing TV

I'm sure there are those out there that go "cowboy style" or "commando" in an attempt to avoid this most unfortunate situation.  What do you do?  Infact, as I am just recently beginning to pursue kayak fishing, let's hear from the yakers out there... How do you handle this situation?  I would guess that what would work for wade fishing would work for a kayak fishing, but maybe I'm wrong!  And what about the women... Do women have these issues or something different?  How do you deal with it?


Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page. 

46 Outdoors Prepare and Pursue Fishing Checklist for April

April is a month of shifting weather patterns.  Transition is a good description for this month as a whole. Rising air and water temps make it more enjoyable for the kayak angler and wade fisherman.  Weather changes make it interesting and many species are on the move.

Check out your 46 Outdoors Prepare & Pursue Checklist for April...

Largemouth: Largemouth Bass are spawning.  Target weeds and vegetation.  Catch these big females by sight casting to visible beds in shallow water.  This is a great time of year to practice CPR (catch, photo, release).  Let those big girls go back to the nest and stock your freezer some other time. In some places the spawn may be waning; as water temps rise, look for fish on ledges and points and other submerged structure.

Chris Castro with a King Mackerel
Photo: Chris Castro

Beyond The Breakers (BTB): Chris Castro of Next Level Fishing TV and sponsored by Malibu Kayaks says "The magic number is 70 degrees (water temp). This time of year the window of opportunity is always small due to chaotic fronts. Just last week, my bud TJ Batten and I ran into four penetrating species. Big King Mackerel are in and they are on the move as we caught a 39-42 inch king. Spanish Mackerel are also running super thick and we spotted them moving closer to shore. Jack Crevalle have pushed through around the legs of the rigs running in huge schools. Moving on to the Cobia, which is my personal favorite, have also been spotted. Two curious Cobia decided to swing near the tail end of my kayak, so the big ones should be showing up soon if not already."

Redfish: With Southeast winds moving the tide up onto the flats, and into back bays, look for reds in skinny water. Also, keep an eye out for gulls working over hatched shrimp.  I've already heard tales of schooling Redfish this year.

Trout: The "Gator Trout" bite is all but over, but look for trout in transition or in deeper waters or muddy bottoms when the wind shifts and blows from the north or west.

Cole with his first "Flatty"
Photo: Chris Carson

Flounder:  Flounder are back in the bays (if they ever really left).  We are already seeing good
numbers of Flounder.  Fish the bottom around docks and piers and along channels and passes.  Don't be too quick to set the hook.  Let them eat it and it will pay dividends.


Boat Maintenance:  Along with your routine engine maintenance, we suggest you spend a little extra time washing your boat this month.  Especially here in South Texas, oak leaves, tassels, and pollen in general can do a number to a white gel coat on your boat.  Use a good quality marine soap. Check your fire extinguishers and PFD's. Look for wear and rot on the PFD straps. Make sure you have enough for the capacity of your boat.






Kayak Maintenance:  Oscar Castillo (aka: Shimano Penn on Facebook), founder of the Fin Addict Angler Foundation and sponsored by Cowtown Kayaks, says "Check all your screws. and terminals. Tighten whatever is loose and spray those things down with something that prevents corrosion.  I use Corrosion X."


 As Spring patterns emerge, be nimble.  Check the forecast and always have a contingency plan.  Make sure you are personally prepared for whatever the weather brings.  The fish will move with the weather, so be ready to change your plan from one day to the next.  Many times, luck does not produce success, but confidence in a great plan of action will often spell difference on the water.

What are you doing to prepare and pursue? Comment below or on our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/46outdoors/

Prepare and Pursue Fishing Checklist for March

Cole hooked up with a nice trout
Photo: Chris Carson

March is a great month to be on the water.  From the bays and marshes to the lakes and rivers, the waters are coming alive.  Black Drum are making their run, Largemouth Bass are in pre-spawn or even actively spawning, White Bass are on the move in the rivers, and trophy Specks are prowling around looking for warmer water. 

Get out that tackle box and take inventory. Below are a few common species and what you can expect to catch them on this month.

Here is your Prepare and Pursue Fishing Checklist for March:

White Bass.  White Bass are still running in some rivers down south and beginning to make their runs in the Texas Hill Country.  I have heard and had some pretty decent luck throughout the years fishing for this plentiful and tasty species fishing between the first and second rapids along the Guadalupe River above Canyon Lake. The best access to this area is by kayak. Put in at the 281 Bridge and take out at the Rebecca Creek Boat Ramp.  This is about a 12.5 mile trip.  Fish all the good looking spots and work the areas near the rapids for spawning sandies. By boat, launch at the Rebecca Creek Boat Ramp, head out to the river and head up stream as far as you feel comfortable.  Throw Speck Rigs or any soft plastic tandem rig, Unfair Lures Rip N Slash, or Rat L Traps and of course, live minnows.  When you find them, keep throwing at them.

Backwater creek empties into the Guadalupe River
Photo: Bryan Taylor

Crappie. These spunky little fighters in the backs of creeks and other tributaries in sunken brush piles, laydowns, standing timber.  Other than live bait, they can be caught on Marabou jigs,  Road Runners, Beetle Spins, and other soft plastic jig and spinner combos including the Matrix Mini. Ultra light gear is best and makes for a fun fight with this little bruiser.

Largemouth bass can be caught in the typical pre spawn areas.  They will be staging on ledges, bottom transitions and other structure near bed areas.  The baits to throw are going to be moving baits designed to bring about a reaction strike such as crank baits and swim baits.  Bass are patrolling and looking for nest sites, so they will be looking to clear the area of potential threats. Nest raiders like lizards and craws are a good idea too, but with more of a power presentation than finesse. These fish are looking for a fight!

Speckled Trout are looking for warming water this time of year. Look for muddy bottom that holds heat on warm days.  Just a couple degrees of change in water temperature can hold a monster! Paul Brown Corkies, Unfair Dawgwalker, and Unfair Shrimp under popping cork are deadly.

Chris Castro of Next Level Fishing TV with a Black Drum
Caught on Vortex Shad
Photo: Chris Castro

Black Drum. Huge Black Drum are making their way back into the bays and marshes to spawn.  A great place to look for them is deep in the passes and channels as they head in from the Gulf of Mexico.  Catch these big uglies on live bait fished on the bottom.  A difficult fish to catch on artificials, but it can be done on the Vortex Shad as my friend Chris Castro of Next Level Fishing TV proved last year.  Check out the video here https://youtu.be/JWIRVtohj-8?t=2m  and give him a like and a follow.

The spring months are the best times to introduce your kids to the outdoors.  A target rich environment along with a plethora of different activities provide a multitude of things to do.  There is bound to be something that everyone will enjoy.