Fishing Megathread: Looking For Big Girls Who swallow

[troph 25208]

that's awesome.

[Braff Zacklin 13676]

Looks like y'all could make a "recycled" seafood gumbo from your redfish catches. Probably better than Chef "Wheels" Pierre's classic Roadkill Gumbo.

[Frank Drebin 5834]

My best friend and a guide buddy just returned from Mag Bay in Baja.  They caught striped marlin on fly rods every day and all day until they were exhausted, three days in a row.  Also spear fished a bunch of lobster.  I am going next year.  They would dunk their go pro and you would literally see like 10-15 marlin swimming around nearby.  They were getting 30+ hookups per day.  And quitting early due to being tired.

[Frank Drebin 5834]

Some video

[troph 25208]

Yeah that’s epic, I almost went this year but decided against it for some odd reason. 

[justhookit 4206]

20 hours ago, Frank Drebin said:

My best friend and a guide buddy just returned from Mag Bay in Baja.  They caught striped marlin on fly rods every day and all day until they were exhausted, three days in a row.  Also spear fished a bunch of lobster.  I am going next year.  They would dunk their go pro and you would literally see like 10-15 marlin swimming around nearby.  They were getting 30+ hookups per day.  And quitting early due to being tired.

Mag Bay is an epic fishery for sure. It’s not uncommon for the guys using dead or live bait to recorded hundreds of releases and I think the record is well over 300. The fishing is best in the right season in the fall. You have to catch the bite right and wind can push green water in there and ruin the fishing for days but when conditions are right there is nowhere on the planet to catch that many marlin.

14 hours ago, troph said:

Yeah that’s epic, I almost went this year but decided against it for some odd reason. 

Negged.

[troph 25208]

4 minutes ago, justhookit said:

 

Negged.

Deserved 

[Pescado_Rojo 19583]

dragging the skiff over to Louisiana tomorrow. Weekend looks about perfect for bulls in the marsh

[Kennythetiger 9621]

4 hours ago, Pescado_Rojo said:

dragging the skiff over to Louisiana tomorrow. Weekend looks about perfect for bulls in the marsh

We’ll be waiting 

[troph 25208]

If you can learn to see em in the mud they are much easier to catch. Clear water and those bitches spook easily. 

[troph 25208]

1 hour ago, Kennythetiger said:

We’ll be waiting 

For our INVITE! What’s the saying tho? If you don’t row you don’t go… gotta be a one for poling skiffs too. 

Edited November 22 by troph

[troph 25208]

Reports still coming back good, weather is nice, shrimp everywhere getting blown into pools for the reds to feast, pods everywhere in the right places. We go back down December 5th and 6th and to put our fifth wheel down there semi permanently and I can’t wait to get my fly lines wet again. Shit this time of year I swear I could do nothing but fish every day.

im also getting to a place where fishing all day Saturday then coming back to camp (rv park) to watch Saturday night Texas football on the big screen tv on the outdoor porch set up with the sea breeze coming thru might be the perfect day imagined.

 

Edited November 23 by troph

[Jerry Callo 8958]

My best fishing day on the coast was the day after Thanksgiving.   Cold and drizzly.  The fish were holding right off Brown and Root flats exactly as predicted.  

[Pescado_Rojo 19583]

successful first day. Caught a handful of slot fish, as well. 

[BearSchlong 8238]

Whereyall fishing?

[Pescado_Rojo 19583]

31 minutes ago, BearSchlong said:

Whereyall fishing?

Cocodrie

[Kennythetiger 9621]

11 hours ago, Pescado_Rojo said:

Cocodrie

What kind of fish are those? 

[troph 25208]

9 minutes ago, Kennythetiger said:

What kind of fish are those? 

Fugly reds.

[BearSchlong 8238]

Fugly reds.

Big fuglys

[Pescado_Rojo 19583]

7 hours ago, Kennythetiger said:

What kind of fish are those? 

Top one is a Redfish, the other two are Black Drum, the Redfish’s ugly cousin

 

[troph 25208]

2 hours ago, Pescado_Rojo said:

Top one is a Redfish, the other two are Black Drum, the Redfish’s ugly cousin

 

they lost all their color but now that you say that the forehead lines - those are black drum for sure. trophy catches but nasty looking fish.

Edited November 25 by troph

[Kennythetiger 9621]

2 hours ago, Pescado_Rojo said:

Top one is a Redfish

Otherwise known as……pescado rojo?  

[Pescado_Rojo 19583]

49 minutes ago, Kennythetiger said:

Otherwise known as……pescado rojo?  

Bingo

[hookemATL 12240]

Work is hilariously slow this week as probably 85% of folks on project are FTO. 

I spent this afternoon setting up different rigs so I can fish during the break (and I just love messing with my fishing gear. Zen time).  

respooled the two zebcos I use for panfishing with my girls (one of them is mine that my dad gave me when I was a kid). Got two light action spinning reels setup with crappie rigs, and two cat fishing setups using sliding egg weights/bead stopper/swivel/leader/circle hook. Also cleaned up my fly boxes and fly rod/reel after not picking them up for awhile. 

now to actually catch fish (or not, nfg either way as it’s still better than 99.99% of activities).

[MalibuSheriff 1095]

Thought some of you guys might want this - Llano River trout stocking dates.  I used to love Dec and January days out on the Llano in years past, as I had the whole river to myself and lots of fish about ten years ago.  I’ve heard the locals have started to take a lot of fish after the first few days.  Hopefully it’s still good for a few weeks after stocking date.

[justhookit 4206]

More Mag Bay stuff just came across my feed. Insane. Sometime in the next few years I think I’m going to run my boat up to fish a fall season there.

[Zwylde 822]

On 11/18/2024 at 2:45 PM, Zwylde said:

Love opening up the reds to see whats in there.  Never know whats gonna turn up.  This one was feasting on mini stone crabs before my shrimp.

 

Was looking for this one and finally found it.  Crazy! (not my redfish so I don’t have the story).

 

[Zwylde 822]

Braved the cold snap and took my son to the jetties on Sunday.  Wasn’t too bad when the sun would peek through.  Managed three bulls on cut sand trout right at the boat cut in about an hour.    
 

 

[Al Czervik 1261]

On 11/30/2024 at 10:33 AM, Zwylde said:

Was looking for this one and finally found it.  Crazy! (not my redfish so I don’t have the story).

 

Reminds me of the time about 14 years ago at Deep Sea HQ where the fish cleaner guys took out a +3’ alligator of a shark that had been brought in for cleaning.  Slightly decomposed but really cool to see. 

[Spoosner 87]

My FIL asked for a "basic fly rod and reel" for Christmas. I'm sure it's been discussed here, but recommendations for a decent starter package? Preferably on the economical side. He lives in Austin. He grew up in Corpus and has a lot of fishing experience, but I don't know that he's every tried fly fishing so consider him a novice.

[Jerry Callo 8958]

This is a pretty good deal on a TFO starter set.  

 

[Johnny Chimpo 489]

Redington crosswater combo was where I started my journey. Granted that was 11 years ago now. It was a good entry point, $150 at the time for a 9’ 5 wt rod with a reel. 

[Pescado_Rojo 19583]

Both of the combos above are good ones. I'd also include the Orvis Clearwater combos. Rojo Jr started out with the Redington Crosswater 8wt combo and I was actually pretty impressed with the rod. The fly line that came with it was shit, so I put a Scientific Anglers Grand Slam line on it and it cast almost as well as my $1,000 Scott Meridian, just a bit heavier. Like golf, getting him a few casting lessons will shorten his learning curve quite a bit. 

[Spoosner 87]

On 12/7/2024 at 7:13 AM, Johnny Chimpo said:

Redington crosswater combo was where I started my journey. Granted that was 11 years ago now. It was a good entry point, $150 at the time for a 9’ 5 wt rod with a reel. 

Does this one fit the bill? I like the price, but is that because it’s 4 wt? I know nothing if that’s not obvious.  https://www.outlandusa.com/p/redington-490-4-crosswater-outfit-wcrosswater-reel-4wt-90-4pc

[Johnny Chimpo 489]

14 minutes ago, Spoosner said:

Does this one fit the bill? I like the price, but is that because it’s 4 wt? I know nothing if that’s not obvious.  https://www.outlandusa.com/p/redington-490-4-crosswater-outfit-wcrosswater-reel-4wt-90-4pc

That one should be fine! I don’t think 4 wt vs 5 wt makes a huge difference. 5 weight is the usual starting spot for a generalist rod but going down one shouldn’t be an issue for a beginner. 

[Spoosner 87]

On 12/7/2024 at 8:15 AM, Pescado_Rojo said:

Both of the combos above are good ones. I'd also include the Orvis Clearwater combos. Rojo Jr started out with the Redington Crosswater 8wt combo and I was actually pretty impressed with the rod. The fly line that came with it was shit, so I put a Scientific Anglers Grand Slam line on it and it cast almost as well as my $1,000 Scott Meridian, just a bit heavier. Like golf, getting him a few casting lessons will shorten his learning curve quite a bit. 

That grand slam line isn't cheap, but I guess nothing about this hobby is supposed to be. Seems like I'd be better off with the TFO unless you'd recommend changing the line on that too...

[Johnny Chimpo 489]

I fished that combo without changing the line and had success. The first few outings you’ll just be focusing on getting your casting down anyhow. 

[Pescado_Rojo 19583]

11 hours ago, Spoosner said:

That grand slam line isn't cheap, but I guess nothing about this hobby is supposed to be. Seems like I'd be better off with the TFO unless you'd recommend changing the line on that too...

Looks like TFO did a smart thing and over-lined that 5wt kit by one line wt. that’s pretty much what a grand slam line is. Go for the TFO

[Born to Run 6601]

On 12/8/2024 at 11:29 PM, Pescado_Rojo said:

Looks like TFO did a smart thing and over-lined that 5wt kit by one line wt. that’s pretty much what a grand slam line is. Go for the TFO

My 5 wt nymph rig is on a TfO with the Sci Angler indicator line, its overweighted and efficient at turning nymphing leaders over cleanly: coupled  with a hand tied leader its super efficient and my friends get tangled way less. Worth every penny.  I'll let my buddies fish mine just to reduce tangles and maybe set up there gear for light streamers or dries.

Spend on line not reels IMO

[The Royal We 3100]

10 hours ago, Born to Run said:

Spend on line not reels IMO

 

Co-sign. I think this website is what drove me to upgrade my line game and it made a huge difference.

[troph 25208]

Why not both ?

[Jerry Callo 8958]

Why not both ?

For the most part, especially in smaller weights, the reel is mainly used to hold the line.  With larger fish, I will use the reel to bring them to hand, but most fish I bring to hand just stripping in line.  There have been a few really large trout that I have fought with the reel (never to backing) that having the ability to adjust the drag was helpful.  I have an entry level large arbor Cabela's reel on my eight weight that I used to land large redfish and a 37" northern pike.  I can't justify spending hundreds of dollars on an expensive reel.  An inexpensive large/medium arbor reel is more than sufficient.   

[troph 25208]

13 minutes ago, Jerry Callo said:

 

For the most part, especially in smaller weights, the reel is mainly used to hold the line.  With larger fish, I will use the reel to bring them to hand, but most fish I bring to hand just stripping in line.  There have been a few really large trout that I have fought with the reel (never to backing) that having the ability to adjust the drag was helpful.  I have an entry level large arbor Cabela's reel on my eight weight that I used to land large redfish and a 37" northern pike.  I can't justify spending hundreds of dollars on an expensive reel.  An inexpensive large/medium arbor reel is more than sufficient.   
 

that's true. my 3 wt reel has NEVER seen action of any kind. my 5 wt some but not much. my 8 wt and 12 wt are workhorses when it comes to fighting the fish. having started on Pelagics way back in the day, I'm still highly partial to the larger fish, bigger fight and the need for a workhorse reel. Rocky mountain trout is my lone exception to that preference. bass, sunfish and the rest are just to tide me over when I've got the itch.

Edited December 10 by troph

[hookemATL 12240]

[Spoosner 87]

I procrastinated and the 5 wt tfo is no longer available. Have to choose 4 or 6. Im leaning toward a 4 based on some light reading. I think the question is which is easiest to learn to cast on? 

[Jerry Callo 8958]

3 minutes ago, Spoosner said:

I procrastinated and the 5 wt tfo is no longer available. Have to choose 4 or 6. Im leaning toward a 4 based on some light reading. I think the question is which is easiest to learn to cast on? 

They should cast about the same.  I would opt for the 4wt for general fishing of ponds, creeks, and rivers.  

[troph 25208]

Well the weather on the coast looks spectacular tomorrow so instead of being at DKR we rented the goose island flats 1 bed and I’m fly fishing tomorrow until 2:30pm.  Drive down hasn’t disappointed… I’m hoping for an epic day tomorrow of reds and horns!! 

 

[Kennythetiger 9621]

Well the Longhorns came through, how about the reds?  

[troph 25208]

2 hours ago, Kennythetiger said:

Well the Longhorns came through, how about the reds?  

Took Jax on his first fishing trip… I was 2/4 until the very end - tough day finding them - then we came on a reef with fish everywhere so many I couldn’t decide.  my guide was like 10 o’clock I was like 2 o’clock he said no 9 o’clock I turned another at11 o’clock then another 12 o’clock then a pod 1 o’clock and I just flubbed about 10 chances in a row. Then finally had a walk off… calmed down fish disappeared and then we found two cruisers going away from us at a slight angle right to left near the shore and I took a deep breath back casted perfect strip strip right in front and BAM!

I think besides too many fish all at once it was already 250pm and I wanted to get back, I had been hunting for lone singles all day, and I was just not ready for an entire reef area to explode with options. It almost became a ride of shame back until I calmed down and said next one I’m getting then we go home. Nothing like a walk off and nothing like perfect cast and strip to catch.

I need some fishing pants…

Edited 2 hours ago by troph

[troph 25208]

Goose Island Flats are pretty cool.  Right near some open space to see the whooping cranes. Stars are bright and plentiful, bay is just over yonder, community fire pit, community palapa, nice one beds and a two bed. All new, dehumidifiers inside, easy sleeping.  About $120 per night for singles which is really competitive. hotel tonight yields about $100 per night for a comfort inn type place.
 

Watched enough football to be near divorce but not enough I can’t recover. I wanted epic, pretty close to it!  Lost my joie de vivre the last 5-6 months, think I got it back this weekend.
 

we need to have a surly fish off down here. YOLO.
 

 

Edited 2 hours ago by troph