Toledo Bend Guide

Fin-tech

A Great Company with Great Products

I want you to be aware of a company that is making some great bass catching products. The name of the company is Fin-tech Fishing Tackle and it is located in the heart of walleye and smallmouth country in Northwestern Wisconsin.
However, this innovative company also offers quality products that are just perfect for bass fishing in our Texas/Louisiana area.

President Doug Hartle states it well when he says, “Our products are developed by anglers for anglers. We use the very best in materials, including Mustad hooks and stainless steel components, while maintaining a fair price to you, the angler. Whether you’re a weekend family angler or a Touring Professional, we believe “Catching Fish is Everything”.

The Title SHot Jig is the first product that Fin-tech Field Staffer Greg Batey asked me to try. The bait is unique in the fact that it has a patented Retainer/Guard System that works extremely well.

When a bass strikes and pressure is applied, the Retainer/Guard collapses rather than flexing. This allows the jig’s maximum bite to come into play and results in less lost fish. No more do you have to worry about a fiber weed-guard getting in the way and preventing a good solid hook-set.

I especially like the bullet style head because it is virtually weedless and features a strong Mustad® Ultra Point wide-gap hook. I was very pleased with the way the Title SHot jig came through the water when I was using a swim-bait and when I rigged it as a swim-jig. The bait runs true when retrieved so forget about those line twisting issues that you may have had with other jigs.

The Title SHot Jig head comes in eight flashy colors and in sizes ranging from 1/16-oz. to a full 1-oz. model. The jigs come two per pack with skirts and rattles optional. I added green-pumpkin, black-blue and brown craw skirts to my jig heads and the bait really came alive.

There is also a larger version of the Title SHot named the “Magnum” Jig that is designed to handle larger plastic baits such as big flukes and jumbo tubes. It also is designed to be weedless and will not rotate when retrieved. You anglers that concentrate on catching those big 10-pound+ bass will really like this jig – especially those of you that fish Falcon Lake where you need the strongest hook possible. The jig head comes in a rainbow of colors and sizes ranging from ¼-oz. to a full 2-oz. bait, and each model has a strong 8/0 hook.

I looked at the Title SHot “Shorty” Jig and knew right off that it had a place in my tacklebox. The bait is designed for the presentation of finesse plastics including grubs & crawfish. It has the fully collapsible retainer and a 2/0 Mustad Ultra Point hook. The bait is available in 5 natural colors and comes in sizes ranging from 1/8-oz. to 3/8-oz.

You will love the Title SHot “Football” Jig. It has a very balanced head so it will drag the bottom with minimum effort and maximum sensitivity. It features a Mustad 45º Wide Gap Ultra Point hook and worked great when Greg and I were catching those Toledo Bend bass. The bait comes in four colors, weights of 3/8, ½ and ¾-oz., and hook size ranges from 4/0 to 5/0 in size.

Fin-tech has a vast assortment of neat products and these few I have mentioned are just those I tested and fell in love with. Others that I will try to test and mention in another review are the Title SHot “Shaky Head”, the “Jitt-R” Jig, Nuckle-Ball “Bass-N” Jig, “EZ Weight Change” Slip Sinker and the “Redfish Spin”.

Fin-tech is the real deal and offers both recreational and tournament anglers products that will help put fish in the boat under most any fishing condition. The full product line can be seen at http://www.jigfish.com/.

Please practice CPR — Catch, Picture, Release.

See you on the water -- JB

Bassmaster Classic 2012

I recently had the pleasure of being asked by the Hemphill Sabine County Reporter newspaper to cover the 2012 Bassmaster Classic, and in particular to feature our local angler Andrew Upshaw. The following is what took place.

                                        Living A Dream

Twenty-five year old Andrew Upshaw of Hemphill, Texas is living the life that most anglers only dream about. Upshaw may have been an all-conference tight end at Hemphill High School but his real passion has always been bass fishing. Upshaw recently graduated with a degree in marketing and has his goals set high, And that is certainly what makes dreams come true.

On February 24-26th Upshaw launched his boat on the Red River and competed head to head with the super stars of the fishing world as they did battle in the 2012 Bassmaster Classic. Upshaws story is made for the movies and here is how it all came together.

In October 2010, the B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) organization officially unveiled their qualifying structure for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic. For the first time in history, a collegiate angler would earn a coventated spot in the prestigious Bassmaster Classic tournament that would be held on the Red River near Shreveport, Louisiana. For those of you not familiar with the collegiate series, it is a test of the best college anglers in the nation, and can be the stepping stone for a career as a professional bass angler.

After competing in a series of club and Super Regional qualifying tournaments, 36 of the top collegiate teams in the nation earned a berth in the College B.A.S.S. National Championship that was held July 7-10th in Little Rock, Arkansas. The elite field of college anglers competed one day on the Arkansas River and then one day on Lake Maumelle. The Top 5 teams then advanced to Beaverfork Lake in Conway Arkansas, and there a National Champion was crowned.

To make a long story short, Andrew Upshaw and his teammate Ryan Watkins of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, won this prestidigious event and were crowned the College B.A.S.S. National Champions. But the drama was not over with yet. On the following day the two winning teammates had to go head-to-head in separate boats and duel it out on a small body of private water, with the winner earning a spot in the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.

That had to be one of the toughest and most grueling fishing days that each of these young men have ever gone through. At the end of the competition Upshaw beat his good friend and collegiate teammate by less than a pound and won the right to represent Mercury College B.A.S.S. at the 2012 Bassmaster Classic. WOW!

Although Upshaw is young in age he is a veteran of many bass events. He began this journey by fishing Bass Fishing League (BFL) tournaments where he not only won a fair amount of cash but also the 2009 overall point title honors for the BFL Louisiana/Texas Division. Since that time he has been a regular in the EverStart Texas Division tournaments, and finished in the Top 25 on Toledo Bend Lake in both 2007 and 2010.

Upshaw also competed in the B.A.S.S. Weekend Series and matched casts with pros in the Bassmaster Open events where he finished 34th at the 2009 Toledo Bend Central Open. He and his partner Richard Weeks also finished 2nd in the Bass Champs Tournament Trail points and had the privlidge of representing Team USA in the International Challenge Cup on Lake Guerrero in Mexico. Needless to say Upshaw keeps his line wet.

This years Bassmaster Classic featured 49 anglers from five circuits and 22 states, six former Classic winners with a total of nine Classic championships, seven former Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Anglers of Year with a total of 14 titles and all of last year’s event winners. It was definitely the cream of the crop of bass fishermen.

Alabama had bragging rights at this year’s event with 10 entries and Texas boasted seven qualifiers. Florida, Oklahoma (host state of the 2013 Classic) and South Carolina each had three. Seventeen other states had either one or two anglers represented.

Early February - I visited with Andrew prior to the Classic and he knew that going heads-up with pro anglers such as Bassmaster Classic defending champion Kevin Van Dam, Greg Hackney and Todd Faircloth would not only test his abilities to the limit but also give him a chance to demonstrate his own fishing skills. Just to be a contender in the Bassmaster Classic is a major accomplishment in an angler’s life and will open up many doors. Winning the 42nd edition of the Bassmaster Classic could definitely be a career changing event. Here are a few of Andrew’s thoughts in mid-February.

Sabine County Reporter – Well the days are clicking down. How are you preparing for the Classic during this “off-limits” period?
Upshaw – I am making sure that all of my tackle and baits are organized, any supplies I need are purchased and getting items in the boat checked out such as livewell aerators, lights, oil, etc.

Sabine County Reporter – Have you pretty well zero-d in on what you will do during practice?
Upshaw – I have already put a three-day game plan together and most of my fishing will be in Lock #5. I do however have three areas in Lock #4 – just in case. I am hoping that the weather will be stable and the bass are biting really well.

Sabine County Reporter – Are you starting to feel any pressure as the Classic gets closer and closer?
Upshaw – The only pressure I am really feeling is that associated with getting all of the details completed. This would include putting new line on the reels, making sure that all of my rods are ready, waypoints are reviewed and being sure that I have all of the equipment available that I intend to use.

Sabine County Reporter – Realistically, how many pounds of bass would you feel good about when you step on the stage that first day of the Classic?
Upshaw – I think a bag weighing 17- to 18 pounds would be great, however it sure would be nice to get above that 20-pound mark. There are so many good anglers in this event that regardless of the weather or fishing conditions, someone will figure out the right pattern and will bring in a bunch.

Sabine County Reporter – Other than yourself, who do you think has the best chance of winning the Classic?
Upshaw – As you know, this field of anglers is the best of the best. I believe that Dean Rojas is due and you certainly can’t count Mike Iaconelli out. Both are really great fishermen, know the river well and can get on bass patterns fast.

Sabine County Reporter – So what would winning the Bassmaster Classic mean to you?
Upshaw – Oh Man! Wouldn’t that be something? Right now I am just trying to enjoy the moment and if the good Lord says that it is my time to win – then that is what will happen. I just hope to make good decisions at the tournament that will put me in a position to win. It should be a great event and lots of fun.

One thing is for sure, Upshaw, one of 12 Classic rookies, is ready to give it a shot. He is familiar with the fishery and will be well prepared when his boat is launched. He will not only be representing the many fishermen in our East Texas/Louisiana area but also the entire family of college fishermen.

Practice Days, the Red River and the Weather – (Feb 19th) The Red River has been off-limits for about two months and now the 49 Classic qualifiers will have four full days of practice. Those that have fished this river system before are hoping for moderate air and water temperatures with water levels that are stable and a moderate rate of water flow. With a $500,000 first-place prize up for grabs no one wants a series of bad storms that can dump cold water and muddy up the prime fishing areas. If this should happen the high, muddy water will restrict the areas that anglers can fish and also tend to bunch the anglers together. The muddy water and stump fields can also cause anglers to take quite a bit of time getting to and from their fishing areas. The stumps are plentiful and will also take a toll on the boats and props. Then there will be the half hour or longer that it takes for the anglers to lock through from one river pool to the next. And in the back of each anglers mind there will always be the thought that commercial barge traffic usually gets priority lock access from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the system.

I looked at the long-range Shreveport area weather forecast for Classic time and it calls for daily highs in the high 50s and lows in the upper 30’s. There will be partly cloudy days with a mixiture of scattered rain and winds in the 10-to 15mph range. If heavy fog should occur and delay the morning start it will take fishing time away from those anglers that plan to lock into the Red River’s lower pools. All in all for the pro bass anglers it’s – “Business as usual”.
The Show Begins –(Friday – February 24th)
3:30am – I usually only get up this early to go to the bathroom. My day started each morning at this time as I met other media representatives at the Shreveport downtown Hilton Hotel where we were then shuttled at 5:15am to the 7am daily launches held at the Red River South Marina. It was a beautiful sight to see all of the colorful “wrapped” boats take off each day and there was certainly a great deal of excitement in the air. I had made arrangements with Jennifer Domes, B.A.S.S. Media Observers, to be in the media boat as much as possible, and in particular to follow the journey of our local angler Andrew Upshaw.

It’s hard not to be somewhat awe-struck as you look out among the boats and see anglers such as Denny Brauer, Stephen Browning, Todd Faircloth, Matt Reed, Shaw Grigsby and Alton Jones go motoring by. The Red River Waterway Commission sponsored both the launch and hospitality tent, and offered complimentary coffee and doughnuts for all the fans. A tip of the fishing cap to those folks for a job well done!
The weather was c-o-l-d and windy with overcast skies as Andrew and I headed out of the launching area and down into the backwaters of McDade’s in Pool #5. No rain was expected, and that was really good news. Andrew started his fishing at 7:15 am with a new Rick Clunn crankbait in water that was slightly off-color. The wind was bitter cold but the sun was trying to peek through the dense cloud cover.
At 7:46 the first bass came into the boat but it was undersize and had to be released. The first keeper bass (1-lb – 8-oz) was caught at 8:03 on the crankbait followed by a 2 ½-pounder (8:47) and a one pounder (9:15). At 9:30 Andrew was searching for his other crankbait rod and realized that he had probably accidentally kicked it out of the boat when he was boating his last fish – Bummer! A fourth bass (almost 2 pounds) was taken at 9:45 and then the fifth bass to finish out his 5-bass limit came into the boat at 10:20. Now Andrew could look for bigger fish and hopefully cull out some of the smaller bass.

The surface water temperature was 59-degrees. From 11:30am until weigh-in time at 3:45 pm Andrew spent most of his time fishing a crankbait, jig-n-trailer and a green pumpkin trick worm. Seventeen bass were caught during the day and his limit weighed in at 12-pounds, 8-ounces.

Daily weigh-ins took place at the beautiful Bossier City CenturyLink Center, and as you can well imagine this area was packed on each of the tournament days.
Saturday – February 25th –
The weather was once again chilly throughout the day but the wind was not nearly as brisk. Do to B.A.S.S. scheduling I was unable to fish with Andrew again
but gave him a special “good luck” as we motored out from the launching area.
I did however have the pleasure of spending the day on the water with Denny Brauer, and even though the fishing was lackluster we had a great time.
   Later I met up with Andrew at weigh-in and he posted a 5-bass limit that went 7-pounds, 9-ounces. Only the top 25 anglers fished on Sunday and Andrew had finished the event in 31st place (worth $10,000) with a two-day weight of 20-pounds, 1-ounce.

Sunday – February 26th – Today I spent much of my time before weigh-in at the 2012 Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo which was held at the Shreveport Convention Center and sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods. This is where the manufacture and factory representatives show off all of their new products and it’s a great time to rub shoulders with many well known bass pros.
In 2009, the three-day event attracted 137,000 people to the Expo floor and pumped $24 million into the area economy. This year’s crowds looked equally large. The Expo is a free event with parking and shuttle services available free of charge for spectators.

The Big Stage - “Do or Die Day”
You cannot believe the excitement in the air as the pros made their way into the CenturyLink Center for the final weigh-in of the 2012 Bassmaster Classic. I can only imagine the physical and mental strain that each of the pros have gone through
this week.
When all of the smoke had cleared away Chris Lane, a 36-year-old from Guntersville, Alabama, beat his brother Bobby and 47 other anglers to capture the 42nd Bassmaster Classic title and the $500,000 pot of gold that went to the winner. His 3-day limit (5 bass each day) of 51 pounds and six ounces was enough to edge out Greg Vinson for the title by less than three pounds. Vinson, from Wetumpka, Alabama, is a veteran of more than 50 fishing events and two Classics took home $45,000. The group of Keith Poche of Pike Road, Alabama, 2008 champion Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, and Ott DeFoe of Knoxville, Tennessee, rounded out the top five.

Lane did most of his fishing in in the backwaters of the Sullivan’s area in Pool #4 and upriver in Pool #5. His two best baits were a Luck “E” Strike G4 tube that had a new chartreuse color inner laminate and a Gambler Ugly Otter. He flipped the tube in shallow, stained water and worked the Otter slowly in clearer water.

Greg Vinson used a NetBait Paca Craw in Cajun craw and black shadow colors, a black/neon and watermelon/red NetBait Saltlick, a ¼-ounce Bandit 100 square-bill crankbait in chartreuse-black, and a 5/16-ounce chartreuse/white War Eagle spinnerbait.

Carhartt Big Bass honors went to Poche for his a 6-pound, 13-ounce largemouth on Day One. The bonus is $1,000 for largest bass of the tournament.


Jasper pro Todd Faircloth weighed in 40.15 pounds of bass during the event and finished in a very respectable 9th place ($20,500). Todd did most of his fishing in the Lock #4 Little Jungle area. Todd is a great fisherman and is seldom out of the winners circle. My congratulations to Todd!

I interviewed defending champ Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., and asked him about his 11th place finished. He made no excuses but expressed that the river system had just been tough for him all week. VanDam is a four-time Classic winner who has qualified for 22 consecutive championships. After winning in 2010 and 2011, VanDam had been trying for a record third consecutive Classic title.

Bobby Lane, wound up in 20th place for a $12,600 payday but had struck a deal early Sunday morning with brother Chris that turned out to be huge. Chris called brother Bobby and propose that if one of the brothers won the Classic, they'd pay the other's 2012 BASS Elite tournament fees. The end result was that Bobby received $50,000 from his brother. That’s a really good deal!

I would like to thank the B.A.S.S. organization for doing such a great job in coordinating this year’s event. It was certainly not an easy task considering the number of people and events that took place. A complete listing of all winners, weights and payoffs can be seen at www.bassmaster.com.

Wrap-up –
So there you are, a look at what took place during this years 2012 Bassmaster Classic. Congratulations to winner Chris Lane and to all of the pros that participated in this prestigious event. But most of all, a special congratulations to Andrew Upshaw for not only qualifying for the Classic but for also representing all of us with quality and class. Andrew had many family members and friends cheering him on throughout the event and we are all very proud of him. I have no doubt that great things will happen for Andrew as he continues his fishing career. -Good Fishing - JB

March 2012

The nicest thing about the future is . . . that it always starts tomorrow.

March 2012 --- WOW! Recent rains on the watershed have pushed the level of the lake up to the 166.56 msl mark (172.00 is normal pool level). That means that the lake is 5.44 feet low. If we can get a few more inches I will be able to get my boat in my floating boat dock. My dock has been on the ground for so long that I sure hope it floats. Thank you Lord for the rain!

Toledo Bend Lake Level Stats - As of 3/04/2012 - 6:30 AM

Lake Level 166.56’ msl (5.44-feet low)
Generator 1 Currently shut down
Generator 2 Currently shut down
Spillway Gates – Closed
Current Waterflow 204 CFS

This information provided courtesy of Sabine River Authority State of Louisiana

Lake Levels Last 9 Years on 3/04
3-04-2011 164.58
3-04-2010 172.32
3-04-2009 168.82
3-04-2008 170.96
3-04-2007 169.85
3-04-2006 166.06
3-04-2005 169.88
3-04-2004 172.47
3-04-2003 172.86

This information provided courtesy of the U. S. Geological Survey

Surface water temperature is ranging in the upper 50’s with muddy water in the north part of the lake, stained water in mid-lake and clear on the southern end except in the feeder creeks where it is somewhat muddy due to runoff from the recent rains. I have had little trouble running the boat lanes, but keep an eye out for any “floaters” because they can sure do a number on your hull or lower unit. And don’t rely 100% on the buoy markers because as usual, some are missing on the Texas side.

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BASS –Good reports coming in from area fishermen – Seems like there are multiple patterns – and that should please everyone.

Shallow –The bass are moving to the shallows. We have a full moon coming up around the 8th of the month that should be a trigger for spawning action. Flipping a tube, fluke or lighter C-rig near the grass has been very effective. I would also recommend the Shaker and spinnerbait because this is the time of the year that they really shine. I haven’t talked to many folks that have been getting a frog bite but with this sunny weather and warming water it won’t be long. If I had one “go to” bait to recommend it would have to be a Rat-L-Trap in either a Rayburn Red Zombie Shad or a Toledo Gold color.

Medium – Don’t think of the “wacky worm” rig as a little bass bait because about this time each year it always produces some really big bass. For baits to fish I recommend the NetBait “Salt Lick”, a Senko or Crème’s “Wacky Stick”. Medium-running crankbaits have certainly been effective, especially the square bill models such as Strike Kings 1.5 and 2.5, the Bandit series, Mann’s “Baby X” and the Bomber “Square A”. For colors I would go with the crawfish, chartreuse/black, sassy shad and red.

Deeper – The Carolina-rig is hot and there are some really good fish being taken using baits such as the trick worm, lizard and baby brush hog. If you are in the right area just about any color will work but time has shown that Junebug, pumpkin/chartreuse, watermelon/red and green/pumpkin are always key colors. To intercept those bass that are coming in from deeper water I like to use the Norman “DD22”, Rapala’s “DT16”, Strike King’s 3XD-6XD series and the Bomber “Model A”. Colors that seem to be working best are sexy shad, fire-tiger, chartreuse/black and bluegill.

And what about that 14.20 pounder that was caught by Ryan Pinkston during the Bass-N-Bucks tournament? Also – Congratulations to my friend Ronnie Bland and his partner for a second place finish.

Crappie and Yellow Bass – Getting a few reports on nice crappie that are being taken in less than 5 feet of water on small tubes, jigs and live shiners. Many anglers “stroll” at this time of the year and do quite well. Strolling is simply dragging a small bait behind the boat as you use your electric trolling motor to maneuver in an out of the creek channel and grass beds. Expect the yellow bass fishing to improve a great deal with the warming weather.

Catfish – Now is the time to get those trotlines ready because I have a number of friends that are catching some nice catfish. There are many baits that can be used, however for simplicity I recommend that you stay with soap. It sure is easier to get off your hands than some of those smelly blood-bait mixtures.
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February Fishermen Find Lunkers Toledo Bend

Fishing during February was fantastic for some anglers looking for BIG bass. Starting off on February 9, 2012, Brandon Baker hauled in a 10.84 pound bass with a length of 24 1/4’’ and a girth of 21 1/2”. And then the explosions kept coming! Three giant lunkers were caught by Ryan Pinkston, Christopher Garcia and Kevin McGowen on the same day! Ryan Pinkston from Center, TX harvested a fish weighing in at a whopping 14.20 pounds, making it the 7th largest bass on the “Top 100 Lunkers” List. It had a length of 25 1/2” and a girth of 22 1/4”.

Christopher Garcia of Natchitoches, LA tugged in an 11.74 pound lunker, now 87th on the “Top 100 Lunkers” list’ with a length of 25 1/8” and a girth of 20 3/4”. Kevin McGowen of Elm Grove, LA caught a lunker weighing in at 10.80 pounds with a length of 23 3/4” and a 20” girth. The Lunker Bass Program, sponsored by the Toledo Bend Lake Association, is designed for the catch and release of healthy fish for spawning purposes. More than 450 lunkers have been caught since the program began in 1993. Replicas are awarded each year at McDonald’s Big Bass Splash Tournament. The lunker program on Toledo Bend is recorded from June to the following May each year. To view the “Top 100 Lunkers” list, or the “Elite Lunker Club”, visit www.toledobendlakecountry.com.

***** Toledo Bend ShareLunker Caught, Lost

Toledo Bend Reservoir has produced this season’s sixth and the lake’s fifth overall Toyota ShareLunker, sort of. Ryan Pinkston of Center caught a 14.2-pound bass fishing in a tournament on the lake Saturday. After weighing in at the tournament he took the bass to a Many, La., tackle store where it was held with two other bass awaiting pickup by a Louisiana program.

When TPWD officials went to retrieve Pinkston’s fish they were given the wrong fish. It wasn’t discovered until the next day that the bass they brought back to Texas actually weighed 11.7 pounds. By the time the mistake was discovered, Pinkston’s ShareLunker had been released back into the lake.

“This was an unfortunate error, but because the angler legally caught the fish and it was weighed on certified scales, it is a valid entry into the Toyota ShareLunker program,” said Allen Forshage, director of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. This year’s previous heaviest ShareLunker was a 13.51 caught on Lake Fork.

Although TPWD was unlucky, Pinkston wasn’t. On the cast after landing the 14.2, he caught an 8.5. He and his partner won the tournament with 36.06 pounds. There were also an 11 and three other bass over 9 weighed in at the Bass-N-Bucks event.

The last Toledo Bend ShareLunker was in 2008. The largest ShareLunker from the lake before Pinkston’s was a 14.25-pounder caught in 2006. The current lake record is a 15.32-pound bass caught in July 2000.

Arkansas State Record Broken!
WYNNE, Ark. – Almost 36 years to the day, Arkansas’s largemouth bass state record has finally been broken. On Tuesday, Paul Crowder of Forrest City set the new record on Lake Dunn near Wynne. Crowder’s lunker weighed 16 pounds, 5 ounces, breaking the old record by just a single ounce. Aaron Mardis of Memphis had held the state record since March 2, 1976. Mardis’ 16-4 fish was caught on Mallard Lake near Manilla in Mississippi County. Crowder broke the record on the afternoon of Feb. 28 using a plastic 6-inch Mann’s jelly worm with a bullet sinker and plastic rattle in tequila sunrise. He was using an Enigma rod and reel combo purchased from Bass Pro Shops. Crowder caught the fish on Trilene 14-pound-test line.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Fisheries Biologist Lee Holt certified the fish on a certified scale at Hayes Market in Wynne. The fish measured 26 1/2 inches in length and was 22 3/4 inches in girth.

Crowder said that he had been fishing all day for catfish without any luck. “I made a cast and set the rod down to take a look at my catfish rods when I noticed the rod was just about out of the boat,” he said. “I was able to grab it just before it went out of the boat.” Crowder's only fish of the day took about eight minutes to reel into the boat. “I didn’t have a net, so it took me five or six tries before I was able to lip it and get in the boat,” he said.

The 80-acre lake is located in Village Creek State Park in Cross County. The AGFC is going to test the fish to see what genetic strain of bass it is, according to Assistant Chief of Fisheries Chris Racey. “We are going to take samples to determine if the fish is a pure northern strain or if it has Florida bass genetics,” Racey said.
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Record Arkansas Fish May Be Illegal!

WYNNE – Less than two weeks after an Arkansas largemouth bass record apparently was set, an investigation by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has revealed that the fish was caught illegally.

Paul Crowder of Forrest City claimed to have set the record Feb. 28 on Lake Dunn near Wynne. Crowder’s fish weighed 16 pounds, 5 ounces, which would have broken the record by an ounce.

The AGFC discovered that a license was purchased for Crowder three hours after he claimed to have caught the bass. Crowder’s fishing license expired in April 2011. Under AGFC regulations, it is illegal for any person 16 years of age or older to fish without possessing a current Arkansas fishing license. State record-fish rules require that an angler hold a valid license at the time of the catch.

Crowder has been charged with fishing without a license. He faces up to a $1,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail. The fish was seized as evidence by AGFC wildlife officers. Crowder has a court hearing March 19 in Wynne District Court.

Crowder’s fish would have broken the 36-year-old record set by the late Aaron Mardis of Memphis. Mardis set the state record March 2, 1976, with a 16-pound, 4-ounce largemouth caught on Mallard Lake near Manila in Mississippi County. Crowder’s fish was not fully certified as the state record by the AGFC’s director and chief of fisheries. The AGFC will continue to recognize the Mardis fish as the state record.

AGFC Chief of Fisheries Mark Oliver said he was disappointed that a bass large enough to be a state record can’t be certified because of illegal activity.

“At this time, we are still confident in the size and weight of the fish and proud that such a monster was produced in Arkansas waters,” Oliver said. Crowder’s fish measured 26½ inches long and 22¾ inches in girth.

The 80-acre Lake Dunn is in Village Creek State Park in Cross County. The AGFC is testing the fish to determine the genetic strain of the bass.

Lord, Keep Your arm around my shoulder, And, Your hand over my mouth!

“Fathom the hypocrisy of a Government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured ...but not everyone must prove they are a citizen”

Blessed In Aging
~Esther Mary Walker
Blessed are they who understand
My faltering step and shaking hand
Blessed, who know my ears today
Must strain to hear the things they say.
Blessed are those who seem to know
My eyes are dim and my mind is slow
Blessed are those who look away
When I spilled tea that weary day.
Blessed are they who, with cheery smile
Stopped to chat for a little while
Blessed are they who know the way
To bring back memories of yesterday.
Blessed are those who never say
“You’ve told that story twice today”
Blessed are they who make it known
That I am loved, respected and not alone.
And blessed are they who will ease the days

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Georgia Farm Kid In The Marines (Currently At San Diego Marine Corps Training Centre)

Dear Ma and Pa, I am well. Hope you are.

Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled. I was restless at first because you get to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. But I am getting so I like to sleep late.

Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot, and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay practically nothing to do. Men got to shave, but it is not so bad, there's warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food, plus yours, holds you until noon when you get fed again. It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much.

We go on 'route marches,' which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us.. If he thinks so, it's not my place to tell him different. A 'route march' is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks. The sergeant is like a schoolteacher. He nags a lot. The Captain is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none.

This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don't move, and it ain't shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don't even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes.

Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy! It ain't like fighting with that ole bull at home. I'm about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake . I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I'm only 5'-6" and 130 pounds and he's 6'-8" and near 300 pounds dry.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter, Alice

*********************************
Final Thought –

Two guys one old one young are pushing their carts around Wal-Mart when they collide. The old guy says to the young guy, 'Sorry about that. I'm looking for my wife and I guess I wasn't paying attention to where I was going.'

The young guy says, 'That's OK, it's a coincidence. I'm looking for my wife, too. I can't find her and I'm getting a little desperate'.

The old guy says, 'Well, Maybe I can help you find her..What does she look like?'

The young guy says, 'Well, she is 27 yrs old, tall, with red hair, blue eyes, is buxom wearing no bra, long legs, and is wearing short shorts. What does your wife look like?'

To which the first old guy says, 'Doesn't matter, --- let's look for yours.'

See you out on the water – I will be in a red and white Nitro so wave to me and we can chat. -- JB

Fin-N-Feather & David Truax

Fishing Is Great At Toledo Bend Lake

Toledo Bend is the South’s largest manmade lake with sparkling waters that provide 1,250 miles of shoreline - and lot’s of fish. In fact, some folks state that Toledo Bend is the Bass Fishing Capital of the World.

And if you need a great place to stay on that next fishing trip then check out the Fin & Feather Resort. Manager Kim Hill will make sure that your stay will be as comfortable as possible.

Fin-N-Feather is located in the beautiful East Texas piney woods and the facility is first-class all the way.

Fin & Feather Resort has no shortage of sleeping facilities. There are 30 motel rooms, 16 cabins and 17 RV stations, with more RV hook-up areas planed for the future.

This area is truly unique with its majestic pine trees and beautiful Toledo Bend Lake as a background. Add to this the flowering dogwoods, azaleas, bluebonnets and winding wisteria and you have a spectacular display of Mother Nature’s handiwork.

A fully equipped Convention Center that seats 300 can easily handle events such as the Professional Anglers Association Tournament and other large events. State of the art cooking facilities are also connected to the Convention Center and there is even a game room available for those that like to play pool.
There is also a very nice RV Park to fit all of your camping needs.

Kim Hill offers an office/store that is fully stocked with grocery, personal items, cold drinks, bait and most anything else you will need for your trip. Boat stalls are handy for storage and two boat ramps are also available to make boat launching quick and easy.

I recently had the pleasure of sharing the boat with pro angler David Truax as we checked out not only the Toledo Bend fishing but also the condition of area boat lanes. As most of you know, Toledo Bend has been dangerously low and many of the ramp facilities have been closed. Running the lake in a boat has been quite an adventure and in some areas was extremely dangerous.

Well things have changed during the last month or so. Recent rains have blessed the area and the water level continues its slow climb and is currently at 164.77 msl (which is about 7.23 feet low based on 172 being normal pool level).

Sure you still have to be careful, but David and I had no problem running from one fishing spot to another in the Housen Bay area and the fishing was great. Bass are moving in to spawn and except for those pesky cold fronts that keep roaring through and affecting the water temperature, the fishing will just keep getting better and better.

David Truax knows Toledo Bend like the back of his hand. He has spent many hours fine-tuning his fishing techniques for all types of weather conditions and offers a premium guide service on the lake.

Our day on the water was lots of fun and David is a first class angler. He is sponsored by Bass Kandi fishing baits and was the fellow that came up with the idea for the Rat-L-Trap “Zombie Shad” fishing lure.

Bill Lewis’ legendary invention, the Rat-L-Trap®, is recognized as the most popular, and consequently, the most imitated lure over the past 35 years. For more information go to www.rat-l-trap.com.

The Zombie Shad is a lipless crankbait that was actually formed a number of years ago when Truax pulled out a white paint pin and painted a skeleton-bone pattern on the side of a red Rat-L-Trap. This pattern was an instant success and during the first year that Truax used the bait he won five out of the six tournaments that he fished.

Bill Lewis Lures has taken the evolution of the bait one step further by adding the bone-skeleton pattern to a variety of attractive fish catching colors for its famous

Rat-L-Trap. It is a great bait and we caught fish on that pattern and the Toledo Gold color throughout our fishing day.

I would also encourage you to try some of the Bass Kandi lures. These baits are produced in Southwest Louisiana and are hand-injected and designed with just the right amount of salt and softness needed to achieve maximum action and feel.

There are a variety of quality baits available such as the Kandi Minnow, Speed Bug, Lizard and Finesse Worm (try the Red Shad and Golden Warrior colors). Be sure to also try the catchy “Truax” color that is a blend of purple, red and blue with sparkles.

New products are coming out all the time and a couple to keep your eye on are the Bass Kandi 1-oz. Football Slip Sinker and the Bass Kandi Garlic Oil.

So there you are a brief look at what I consider to be one of the finest facilities in our community, the Fin & Feather Resort, and a great angler, David Truax. Drop by Fin-N-Feather and pay Kim and David a visit.

The resort is a picture-book place with undisturbed natural beauty and some really great people. And when you need a fishing guide give David Truax or any of the other quality guides I have listed below a call. ……..Good Fishing - JB

David Truax Guide Service – (409) 791-2453
Stephen Johnston – (409) 579-4213
Darrell Lyons - DW’s Guide Service – (409) 787-3664
Joe Joslin – (337) 463-3848
Tommy Martin – (409) 625-4792

Feb 2012

Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.

Feb 2012 --- WOW! The lake is on the rise. Recent rains have pushed the water up to the 164’ msl mark, and it has been a long time since we saw that number. Now all we need is a good three day soaking to get the lake back up to the + 165’ msl mark that I have been praying for.

And how about these great days with the temperatures in the 60’s? Bet those folks up north would love to have some of this.

Toledo Bend Lake Level Stats - As of 2/5/2012 - 6:30 AM

Lake Level 164.03’ msl (7.97-feet low)
Generator 1 Currently shut down
Generator 2 Currently shut down
Spillway Gates – Closed
Current Waterflow 204 CFS
This information provided courtesy of Sabine River Authority State of Louisiana

Lake Levels Last 9 Years on 2/5
2-05-2011 164.49
2-05-2010 169.23
2-05-2009 168.51
2-05-2008 168.69
2-05-2007 171.14
2-05-2006 164.13
2-05-2005 169.25
2-05-2004 170.02
2-05-2003 168.95
This information provided courtesy of the U. S. Geological Survey

Surface water temperature ranges around 50+ degrees and the southern part of the lake would have to be rated as mostly somewhat clear with the back of the coves being slightly murky to muddy due to runoff from the recent rains. I saw in Pro Guide Joe Joslin’s column that the North Toledo Bend State Park boat ramp has been dredged and is open for business. That is good news.

***************************************
BASS –Good reports coming in from area fishermen. Seems like there are multiple patterns – and that should please everyone.

Shallow – Texas-rigged plastics fished near the bank or along the edges of the grass are taking good size bass, however, right now the bigger fish seem to be just a bit deeper. Baits such as a Texas-rigged centipede, baby brush hog and Crème’s “Scoundrel” can be deadly at this time of the year. I also like to throw one of the Yum Money Minnows and Stanley’s new Vibra Shaft spinnerbait that has custom matching painted blades. And if you do not have one of the always popular Rat-L-Trap’s in a Toledo Gold, Zombie Shad or Rayburn Red color – you are missing out on some exciting action. There have even been a few reports of bass being taken on topwaters such as the Rogue, chugger and the Ribbit frog.

Medium – Use the Senko or Strike King’s “Ocho”, and let the bait flutter down in the 6 – to 12 foot depths. I also like to use the double fluke rig, placing a shad color on one hook and a watermelon red on the other. Medium-running crankbaits have certainly been effective with the chartreuse and red varieties producing best.

Deeper – I love a Carolina-rig and this is the time of year that it really shines. Many bass will be coming in from deeper water and staging in areas close to spawning spots. A C-rig with a ¾-oz barrel weight, 15-inch fluorocarbon or monofilament leader, coupled to a 3/0 – to 4/0 wide-gap hook is the rigging required. This is all finished off with a Netbait “Mad Paca” or Zoom “Ol’ Monster” worm to complete the package. Now is also the time to be chunking a Norman “DD22”, Rapala’s “DT16”, Luhr Jensen’s “Hot Lips Express” or Strike King’s series “6XD”. Colors that seem to be working best are powder blue/chartreuse, chili craw, sexy shad and bluegill.

Lord, Keep Your arm around my shoulder, And, Your hand over my mouth!

    Project Healing Waters -

The Piney Woods Fly Fishers work with veterans at the Lufkin VA facility as a part of Project Healing Waters. Project Healing Waters is a project dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings.

The Piney Woods Fly Fishers meet at the VA facility in Lufkin every second and fourth Friday to bring their knowledge to the veterans. The activity which started in 2011 has taught the veterans to tie various flies, cast fly lines and fish during some outings to the ponds in the Lufkin area.

The most recent project is building fly rods that were provided to the participants by PHW. The rods constructed by the veterans will be entered into a contest consisting of other competitors from around the US. The winner of the contest will receive a have a choice of fishing trips. Here the members of Piney Woods provide some instruction.
The veterans must build the rod themselves. Piney Woods members can only offer instruction and guidance.

Each participant selected the type of rod they wished to build (length, and line weight). The rod kits come with rod blanks, handles, reel seats, guides, mounting thread and epoxy.

The participants must fit the materials layout the guide spacing and then using the thread wrap the guides and seal it with the epoxy. Completed rods are sent to Hook and Hackle for judging and final selection of the winners. After that the rods are returned for the use by the veterans.

Earlier in 2011 the PWFF taught how to construct many flies that were used on the fishing outings.

Upon completion of the rod building activity more fly tying and casting instruction will be conducted.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is a 501 C3 nonprofit organization. It is dependent on tax deductible donations and the help of volunteers like the Piney Woods Fly Fishers.

Various companies in the fly fishing community and outside contribute the materials used in the projects.

The Piney Woods Fly Fishers is a member of the Gulf Coast Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers. PWFF was formed in 1988 to promote the art, science and sport of fly fishing; conservation and preservation of our natural water resources and brotherhood among all anglers.

http://www.pwff.org/
http://www.projecthealingwaters.org/

******************

After 35 years of marriage, a husband and wife came for counseling. When asked what the problem was, the wife went into a tirade listing every problem they had ever had in the years they had been married.

On and on and on: neglect, lack of intimacy, emptiness, loneliness, feeling unloved and unlovable, an entire laundry list of unmet needs she had endured. Finally, after allowing this for a sufficient length of time, the therapist got up, walked around the desk and after asking the wife to stand, he embraced and kissed her long and passionately as her husband watched - with a raised eyebrow.

The woman shut up and quietly sat down as though in a daze. The therapist turned to the husband and said, "This is what your wife needs at least 3 times a week. Can you do this?"

"Well, I can drop her off here on Mondays and Wednesdays, but on Fridays, I
fish."

******************************

Crappie and Yellow Bass – Looks like if you are planning a crappie trip to the famous “Chicken Coop” (north of Pendleton Bridge) – you may have waited just a bit too long. Fishing action has died down quite a bit and now is the time when the crappie will be heading for the 2- to 8 foot depths to spawn.

I expect some really good reports during the upcoming two months. Most of this action will be on live shiners and small black/chartreuse or blue/white jigs. I hope that the yellow bass fishing will improve a great deal with the warming weather.

***************************************** COSMIC LAWS -

Law of Mechanical Repair - After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.
Law of Gravity - Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible place in the universe.
Law of Probability - The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
Law of Random Numbers - If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal - and someone always answers.
Variation Law - If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).
Law of the Bath - When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone will ring. Law of Close Encounters - The probability of meeting someone you know INCREASES dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.
Law of Bio-Mechanics - The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.
Law of the Theater & Football Stadium - At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle, always arrive last. They are the ones who will leave their seats several times to go for food, beer, or the toilet and who leave early before the end of the performance or the game is over. The folks in the aisle seats come early, never move once, have long gangly legs or big bellies and stay to the bitter end of the performance. The aisle people also are very surly folk.
The Coffee Law - As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.
Murphy's Law of Lockers - If there are only 2 people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.
Law of Physical Surfaces - The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.
Law of Logical Argument - Anything is possible IF you don't know what you are talking about.
Brown's Law of Physical Appearance - If the clothes fit, they're ugly.
Oliver’s Law of Public Speaking -- A CLOSED MOUTH GATHERS NO FEET!!!
Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy - As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.
Doctors' Law - If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better.. But don't make an appointment, and you'll stay sick.

**************************************************
The "Y" Generation –

People born before 1946 were called – The Greatest Generation.
People born between 1946 and 1964 are called – The Baby Boomers.
People born between 1965 and 1979 are called – Generation X.
And people born between 1980 and 2010 are called - Generation Y.

Why do we call the last group - Generation Y?
Y should I get a job?
Y should I leave home and find my own place?
Y should I get a car when I can borrow yours?
Y should I clean my room?
Y should I wash and iron my own clothes?
Y should I buy any food?

*********************************

Final Thought – THE OLDER CROWD

A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office. 'Is it true,' she wanted to know, 'that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?' '

Yes, I'm afraid so,' the doctor told her.

There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied, 'I'm wondering, then, just how serious is my condition because this prescription is marked

'NO REFILLS'.'

See you out on the water – I will be in a red and white Nitro so wave to me and we can chat. -- JB

2012

Change Your Fishing For 2012

OK, it’s a new year and time to make lots of changes. Last year you bought a new $50,000 bass boat, added a brand new towing vehicle (that gets a whopping 6 mpg), spent a small fortune on fishing tackle, and you still finished dead last in your local bass club. BUMMER!

So what are you planning to do about it during 2012? If your answer is “nothing”, then go back to your Twinkies and reality show re-runs on TV. If you are serious about improving your fishing skills and don’t want this years results looking like some of those horrible charts we see on the stock market channel then this article should be very helpful.

2012 is the time to get back to the basics. Why are you carrying around those 40 rod and reels when 25 will do just as well? If you have a bunch of low-gear ratio reels throw them away because that’s another reason that you aren’t catching as many fish. If you use the high-ratio reels (fast retrieve) they will get the fish in quicker and the bass has less time to jump off … DUH!

And forget about all that fluorocarbon vs. monofilament vs. braid line nonsense. That stuff is just a bunch of marketing gimmicks for manufacturers. All of those pros that tell you to re-spool new line on your reels after each trip get their line free. The easiest way to solve this problem is to buy a 25,000 yard spool of 80# test monofilament and you are good to go for the next 20 years. Sure it’s a bit harder to cast, but when you get a birds-nest it is much easier to untangle.

The root cause of most anglers fishing problems is TV fishing shows. Everyone on these shows is catching a bass on every cast and after watching a few of these you are like a buck in rut. You hit the water with HUGE expectations and after a couple of miserable hours of no fish you get VERY DEPRESSED. The key to improving your fishing attitude is to not watch shows that will give you an ulcer and make you grumpier than you already are. Stick with the wholesome shows that have quality and meaning such as Rap-N-Clap, Judge Judy and the Si-Fi channel.

If you are a topwater fisherman get smart. All of the bellies of the baits are white and that is what the fish sees. The secret is to flip the bait over, re-drill the hook holes and then place the hooks on the top of the lure. Fishing the bait “upside down” will give the bass a good look at the many wonderful and flashy colors available that made you buy that bait in the first place.

And forget about having all of those clever colors for crankbaits because all the fish sees is a blur as the bait speeds past its nose. Black and white colors will do just fine. Another tip for crankbaits is to place them in boiling water for about 45 seconds. They will swell up like a pregnant guppy and look just like a miniature Big O. The bass just go crazy over them.

Plastics are another issue that needs to be addressed. Does a watermelon/red really catch more fish that a watermelon/candy, watermelon/seed or a watermelon/pumpkin? I think not. If you are really that concerned with slight color changes just buy watermelon worms in bulk and then let them set for a couple of hours in a mixture of tuna fish oil, buttermilk and a couple drops of Easter egg dye. The dye will change the bait to the hue you want and the tuna fish oil and buttermilk will be absorbed into the bait making it irritable to the bass. You probably didn’t know it but tuna fish oil and buttermilk is recognized to be one of the best fish attractants known to man.

Believe it or not many people in past years caught bass from the shore, small boats and even inner tubes. However, there is not much image building doing this so I realize that you are probably going to do most of your fishing from a flashy bass boat. The majority of today’s anglers spend so much time worrying about the pitch of their prop, how fast their trolling motor can push the boat and whether or not the blip they see on their side-scan is a fish or a tin can that they lose their concentration for fishing. Down-sizing is the key. Replace that 300 hp gas guzzler with a 7 ½ hp and use oars rather than worrying about all of those trolling motor and battery problems. It’s cheaper, you get more exercise and your use of high priced fuel decreases drastically.

And for you jig fishermen I have two tips that will add many pounds of bass to your bag. The first is one that recently won a few major tournaments so I am sure that the pros will be disappointed that I am revealing their secret. Use mayonnaise on your jigs and they will slip and slide easily through the heavy matted grass. The second is the use of Velcro instead of plastic for your trailer. The bass bite the Velcro and their teeth stick and you just reel um’ in.

I haven’t forgotten you guys that like specialty fishing rods. Instead of worrying about regular guides, mini-guides or micro guides, simply drill a small hole in the rod immediately above the reel. Insert the line through the shaft of the rod and out the tip. Presto – no more rod guide problems.

We have been secretly working a proto-type device call the “Scan-All” that has had outstanding results. Simply buy two swimming face masks (those that are round) and then pop out the lens. Now epoxy the lens to both ends of a section of four-inch PVC. I like to use about a six foot section but have had success with those that are 12 feet in length. Simply insert the tube into the water and you can easily check out the spot before you cast a lure. Duct tape a small magnifying glass to the viewing end and you can vary the display from 2X to 10X enlargement.

We have also been working on a new lure called the “Jaw Jerker” that is basically a soft bodied swimbait that has two chambers. The front chamber is used to insert a special capsule that is composed of NASA grade Alka Seltzer-Plus chemicals. When the bait hits the water the capsule activates and the bait goes crazy – running to and froe, up and down in the water. The capsule will last for about two hours before you need to change it. The rear chamber is designed to accept two capsules. The first provides a blood trail as the bait is moving and the second lets out a tuna fish oil and buttermilk scent. The bait also has a transmitter in the nose that emits a high-pitch squeak like a fine-tuned buzzbait. Look for the “Jaw Jerker” soon on your local info-commercials.

We have been doing quite a bit of experimenting and here are a couple of quick tips. Keep a small shop vacuum in your boat and when you flip a bass in just stick the suction end to the side of the bass and it will keep him from flouncing around while you measure, weigh, etc. If you have battery terminal problems such as corrosion just have someone weld the terminal connections to the battery and the corrosion problems will disappear. Also if you have prop damage, such as a piece knocked out, just mold the area with aluminum foil and once you get it the way you want it just apply epoxy over the area, slap some paint on it and it is almost as good as new.

I also recommend that you revisit all of the way-points you used during 2011 and delete those where you didn’t catch fish. Why fish them again if they were worthless the first time? Same philosophy with the lures. If the lure didn’t catch bass throw it away. Why waste space in your tacklebox on unproductive baits? That nonsense.

Last but certainly not least let’s discuss this recent rage – the “Alabama Rig”. The rig is ok, but we have been testing what we call the “Brazil Rig”. This is so neat. It is designed like umbrella arms but titanium Z3o2 heavy duty wire is used. There are 18 arms so you can attach and fish 18 baits on one cast. Just think how your partner will feel when you make one cast and get a two-day limit. This rig should be at your local tackle dealer by the end of February and expect long lines because the Brazil Rig will help anglers win lots of tournaments.

Well I think that is about enough tips to improve your fishing during 2012. I sure don’t want to give your brain “over-load” with all this technical information. I feel very comfortable that these tips will get you out of the gutter and back into that elite winners circle. Be sure to send me a picture of that big stringer you get on your next outing, especially if it comes on the Brazil Rig. Good Fishing -- JB

Jan 2012

The older we get - the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for…….

Jan 2012 --- A new year! The slate is wiped clean and all of us have a brand new start. I am sitting here writing this while the northern part of our nation is having heavy snows .. and our temperature here is in the high 60's. That is why we live in Texas. A few heavy rains have given a slight boost to the lake level and I am sure that many of you are trying out some of that new fishing tackle that Santa left under the Christmas tree. I hope Santa brought all of you what you wanted .. and needed.

Toledo Bend Lake Level Stats - As of 1/3/2012 - 6:30 AM Lake Level 161.37’ msl (10.63-feet low)
Generator 1 Currently shut down
Generator 2 Currently shut down
Spillway Gates - One gate open 24 hours/day 4" to maintain minimum downstream flow
Current Waterflow 445 CFS
This information provided courtesy of Sabine River Authority State of Louisiana

Lake Levels Last 9 Years on 1/03
1-03-2011 163.67
1-03-2010 171.18
1-03-2009 168.09
1-03-2008 168.24
1-03-2007 168.26
1-03-2006 162.87
1-03-2005 168.59
1-03-2004 167.46
1-03-2003 170.77
This information provided courtesy of the U. S. Geological Survey

Surface water temperature ranges around 50+ degrees and the southern part of the main lake would have to be rated as clear. The back of the coves are slightly murky due to the recent rains ***************************************

BASS – Right now grass still holds some bass, however, for consistency I would stay with the deep water jigging spoon or drop-shot rig. This deep water jigging has been fairly productive with fish coming mostly from the 30-40-foot depths. The bite can be very light so pay attention as you work the bait. Some anglers are even “dead-sticking” the spoon, letting it lie on the bottom for quite a few seconds before they lift it. The last time I was on the water I didn’t catch a lot of fish from any one spot so try a number of those humps, ledges and creek channel lips.

If you think BIG bass can’t be taken on these shiny spoons let me tell you a story. My friend and pro angler/guide Joe Joslin was recently fishing with a couple of clients and landed a 10-pound - 13-ounce monster bass on one of these shiny rascals while fishing in the 30+ foot depth range. What a bass!!! It may have been a cold morning but I bet everyone warmed up pretty fast when that lunker came aboard. If you want to “punch the grass” I recommend staying with the jig and trailer or as some of you like to say - the “jig-n-pig”. This combo will catch bass under many different conditions and is a great way to entice a real heavyweight. I prefer the black/blue combo and like to mix in a few that are white, black/brown/amber and pumpkin craw. Another technique I recommend is a Carolina-rig that has a lighter weight and a fluke-type bait. You should fish this very slowly, trying to mimic the actions of a dying or injured shad. Colors I like for this are a shad or a watermelon/candy pattern. The deep diving crankbaits nay be just the ticket on these warmer days when the bass get a bit active but are still somewhat suspended. Try colors like the sexy shad, green tomato, citrus shad and fire-tiger.

It won’t be long before the “trap” bite will explode so keep those shallow running baits handy. Colors to have in the boat are Rayburn red, Toledo gold, bleeding shad and fire- tiger. Be sure to check out the Bill Lewis “Zombie Shad” series - They look great. I especially like the alvacado zombie and the zombie shad colors.

Crappie and Yellow Bass – Crappie fishing has been on fire at the famous Chicken Coop, with most of the fish being taken on live shiners or jigs fished in the 30-foot range. Yellow bass fishing has been somewhat slow but should start to get better in the upcoming month.

Things To Remember for 2012

1 Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!
2 Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
3 Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
4 Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
5 If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
6 If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
7 It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
8 Never buy a car you can't push.
9 Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
10 Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
11 Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
12 The second mouse gets the cheese.
13 When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
14 Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
16 Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.
17 We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
18 A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. 19 Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.

Save the earth..... It's the only planet with chocolate!

There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order.

Final Thought –
A little silver-haired lady calls her neighbor and says, "Please come over here and help me. I have a killer jigsaw puzzle, and I can't figure out how to get started."

Her neighbor asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?"

The little silver haired lady says, "According to the picture on the box, it's a rooster."

Her neighbor decides to go over and help with the puzzle. She lets him in and shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table. He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, then turns to her and says, "First of all, no matter what we do, we're not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a rooster."

He takes her hand and says, "Secondly, I want you to relax. Let's have a nice cup of tea, and then," he said with a deep sigh ............ "Let's put all the Corn Flakes back in the box."

In Rethinking the Future, "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." -- Alvin Toffler

See you out on the water – I will be in a red and white Nitro -- JB

Toledo Bend Water Issues

Many of you may not realize it but SRA - Louisiana is in the process of putting together a Water Sales Agreement with a private company by the name of Toledo Bend Partners that would allow the company to transfer and sell water from Toledo Bend Lake to Texas. The following is a letter I sent to Mr. Jim Pratt - Executive Director Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana asking for clarification on a number of issues related to this contract.

Jim -
I would like to respond to your comments request regarding the proposed Water Sales Agreement with Toledo Bend Partners. Last week I had also submitted a letter to SRA-Texas referencing certain information that was posted in the Shreveport Times newspaper (Dec 1st) – but at this time I have had no response from SRA-Texas.

I will try not to “ramble” but allow me to just present a few comments:

(1) The first thing that comes to mind is the timing of the agreement. The lake is lower than we have seen it since it was created, businesses are doing their best to not go bankrupt and the rainfall projections for 2012 are bleak at best. I understand “long-range planning”, but I cannot believe that public opinion will be in favor of any plan that suggests pulling water from a reservoir that is 11-plus feet low - and one that may not even get back to the 165’ msl mark in 2012. The upcoming year will probably see a number of our businesses shut their doors, the value of peoples homes continue to slide downward and the overall economy of the nation continues to see more and more folks out of work.

(2) For years property owners around the lake, and our many visitors, suffered through what seemed to be a total lack of concern by SRA in generating as much as they could during the least inflow of water months of the year. And in time this is what caused the almost “tea party” type meetings and people stating that they had had enough. The perception (whether it is real or not) was that SRA was a part of the problem – not part of a solution. I assure you that SRA’s reputation has not improved significantly since the 168’ meetings were completed and the talk of a plan to sell water (without a good story behind it of why we should) would push most folks over the edge.

(3) I understand the logistics of Water Sales vs. Hydropower and support a plan that would use the 600,000 acre-feet per year of water sold (one acre-foot is lots of water – 325,848 gallons) rather than continuing a generating process that uses huge amounts of this precious resource for minimal monetary gain and produces even larger disruption to our areas economics. A recent document showed that 6-months of power generation uses one million acre feet of water annually versus a water sales agreement that would use 600,000 acre feet over the same period of time. The problem I have is supporting a water selling plan if the generating of power also continues. What assurance do we have that this will not take place?

(4) It would seem that SRA-Texas would eventually be a partner in this plan since transfer of water outside of its base or origin is prohibited by Texas law (this could probably be quickly amended if the $$$ were there), It is also my understanding that Texas can only charge a rate that equals their expenses. But a joint venture might have a good side – Perhaps both SRA’s could operate in a more cooperative manner - which would be a refreshing change from the past.

(5) I looked through the 82 pages of the Water Sales Agreement (I used up a full print cartridge on my printer) and appreciate the fact that much of the information contained is legal protection and rules for both sides to follow. I do however think that we have had enough contracts that have very long-term conditions. . such as this one that has a termination date of fifty years with the right to extend the contract for another 49 years. That is a long time to have a contract in effect under the changing economic conditions we are seeing in both our domestic and international business.

(6) I think the Drought Contingency Plan needs to be much more aggressive in protecting the volume of water that can be taken under these conditions. Why would you be selling large amounts of water if people are being told to prohibit outdoor use, minimize indoor usage and “lake front” property is a block or more from the water?

(7) The contract states that we will be maintaining a minimum flow downstream of 144 cfs. If that is sufficient to maintain the needs then why do we continue running 501 cfs?

(8) What happens down the road if we have the water contract in place and have effectively agreed to not generate electricity... and then the request comes to SRA for “emergency generating” to “assist” needs on the power grid?

(9) In the “Recitals” section of the contract it states in item E that “The economic and social and environmental benefits to SRA resulting from this agreement are projected to exceed the value of the obligations of SRA undertaken herein, this agreement has a public purpose and is in the public interest of SRA”. I would like to see some wording that states that it is also in the best interest of the public.

I am sure that many questions will come up on exactly where the diversion point/s will be located and where the pipeline will be going. Lots of wording about a diversion point downstream, but then I see a statement that SRA does not contemplate any approved location downstream. If there was a diversion point downstream would SRA be using the generators to release sufficient amounts of water to satisfy the contract?

• Not sure if I understand the mention of more than one Purchaser Project under this agreement?

• It also states that the Purchaser may purchase water from Toledo Bend Reservoir from another Person with the written approval of SRA. What circumstance would allow this to take place?

• The agreement makes it clear (right now) that water may only be sold to persons for use outside Louisiana... except if given written approval by SRA. What legal issues would develop if the need was there to allocate or sell additional water within Louisiana? Would this be another water sales agreement that would increase the amount of water pulled from TB on an annual basis?

• Not sure how to address this, but there will always be speculation and concerns about the measuring equipment and whether it is accurately monitoring the volume of water being pulled from Toledo Bend. We landowners gauge it pretty well by how much our floating docks drop.

• If Texas joins as a partner will the audit of all transactions be done by both Louisiana and Texas auditors? • I assume that David Charlton of Baton Rouge is the attorney representing Toledo Bend Partners.

• Exhibit 4 lists three individuals that are original principals with a 10% or greater equity interest in Purchaser – Aubrey Temple Jr., Donald Bollinger and B.J. McCombs. Are these Louisiana folks?

• What effect will the expiring of the Power Sales Agreement in 2018 have on overall operation of SRA?

• If the water sales contract goes into effect, where do you expect the additional revenue to be used?

• How does the financing of the $2 billion overall project take place – private enterprise, state and/or government assistance, etc.?

I would assume that by now the agreement is in front of the Louisiana Governor and could possibly even be signed. I am in no way opposed to private enterprise investing in a project that can make money but I am also a landowner on Toledo Bend Lake.

My wife and I are retirees and we moved to Toledo Bend to enjoy life, fish, work with the church and stay busy with other community functions. For the past year-plus I have had my “floating” dock sitting on dry ground and our pontoon boat hangs suspended in the air.

With our current drought conditions many of the folks that use to come down for the week or weekend have gone elsewhere. Grandkids that use to enjoy catching perch off the dock now just walk down to the dock and shake their heads in disappointment. Some businesses that use to flourish are probably going to not make it and trying to find a buyer for your home or property is impossible unless you just want to give it away. Needless to say there are many frustrations in the Toledo Bend area.

Making money by selling water and not using volumes of water generating would seem to be a viable plan for the future – if we have enough water to go around. I hope that both SRA-Louisiana and SRA-Texas will look after the people’s best interest as they go forward with a water sales plan. -- JB

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

If you are a bass fishermen, or married to a bass fisherman, then you know that you never have enough fishing tackle – especially good baits. Well if you are looking for some extra special items to fill that stocking I would like to suggest a few “Made In Texas” baits from a very special company. The new kid in town goes by the name of TLC Baits and they have some really interesting products.

I always like to feature new items, especially when they are developed and used by anglers that know their stuff. Joseph Tompkins and his brother Billy are a tough duo on the water and after five Bass Champs events in the South Region of Texas they finished as Bass Champs 2011 Anglers of the Year.

This is no easy task and the Toledo Guide would like to say a special Congratulations to the team!

Billy and his wife Tiffany own and operate TLC Baits, however, rumor has it that the design and development department belongs to Tiffany. They have a wonderful selection of custom baits that include craws, creatures, worms, lizards and jerk-baits. Prices range from $3.99 - $4.79 a bag.

Colors include Watermelon Magic, Watermelon Red, Watermelon Festival, Amistad Special, Stormy Night, Plum Nasty, Black Grape, Green Pumpkin & TLC’s special color - Watermelon Warfare. The company also does special color requests and bulk orders. The following are a few of TLC Bait company’s products:

I really like the look of this 3.75-inch Amistad Special. It would also make a great trailer if you are a jig fisherman

The company has many fluke and minnow body’s available but if you are a Lake Falcon angler you will really like the 8-inch Falcon Fluke. It will be just perfect for enticing those Lake Falcon, Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn lunkers.

If you are looking for a 9-inch lizard to attract those BIG bass then check out these guys

The 5 –and 6-inch Monsters are sure to get the attention of fish and fishermen

A classic design that has proven it’s worth throughout the state – 4 ½-inch model

The Hoss comes in 5 and 6 ½-inch models in a variety of colors

It doesn’t matter if you use a drop-shot, Texas-rig, Carolina-rig or do most of your fishing “wacky” style - These baits fit every need

Well there you are, a few last minute suggestions to make that anglers face light up on Christmas morning. The goal of TLC Baits is to show their passion for fishing by sharing a "customized plastics" series of quality baits. Give them a try and let me know the results.

For more information visit the TLC Baits website at www.tlcbaits.com.

Dec 2011

Each day, each hour, each minute, is special. Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no-one...

Dec 2011 --- Boy this change in weather is nice. Cool mornings that require a jacket and then Fall-like days that are simply beautiful. Rain shows up occasionally and are certainly welcome. Better enjoy this weather because we will soon start that pattern of cold fronts that push down from the north bringing brisk winds and the need for winter snow suits, gloves and raingear. However, there are also days during the month of December where I have been fishing in shorts and a T-shirt. Love that Texas weather.

Toledo Bend Lake Level Stats - As of 12/3/2011 - 6:30 AM
Lake Level 159.68’ msl (12.32-feet low)
Generator 1 Currently shut down
Generator 2 Currently shut down
Spillway Gates - One gate open 24 hours/day 5" to maintain minimum downstream flow
Current Waterflow 501 CFS
This information provided courtesy of Sabine River Authority State of Louisiana

Lake Levels Last 9 Years on 12/3
12-3-2010 163.97
12-3-2009 171.26
12-3-2008 168.05
12-3-2007 167.89
12-3-2006 165.23
12-3-2005 162.82
12-3-2004 170.71
12-3-2003 167.19
12-3-2002 168.08
This information provided courtesy of the U. S. Geological Survey

Surface water temperature ranges from 62 to 71 degrees and water conditions on the southern part of the lake would have to be rated as clear. There are many humps, islands, etc. showing as the water continues to drop and beautiful grass beds (that hold fish) are in many areas of the lake. There is lots of ramp maintenance is being done so I would check with your local marina to see launching conditions before heading to the lake. I have been launching down by the dam at the ramp off of Hwy 255 and have had no problems. However, many new stumps and obstacles are showing so proceed carefully when on the water. Some boat lanes are good to use and some are very dangerous.

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Bass – You know the old saying – “Find the grass and you will find the bass”. Well finding the grass is very easy because it is in places that have not seen grass for years. I was on the water last week and the majority of the time my partner and I were flipping jigs in the matted hydrilla. Fishing was a bit slow but I found that I REALLY like the new “Wedge Head” jig made by Lonnie Stanley. The Wedge Head Jig is great for pitching or flipping into tight cover and brush. The bait actually pushes weeds and grass out of the way and falls easily though the toughest brush without hanging up. As it falls it has a slight “wobble” that adds even more action to the trailer you are using. This broken-back style jig also allows you to get your lure to the bottom while your soft bait stands up behind the weighted wedge. I like it and once you try it I know you will too.

I have received a number of reports on what is catching bass and here are a few to help you on your next trip.

The jig and trailer is always a "go-to" bait for this time of the year and will catch bass under many conditions. I like the black/blue combo and like to mix in a few white, black/brown/amber and pumpkin craw. Good jigs are Stanley’s “Bugeye”, Strike Kings “Hack Attack and Buckeyes “Mop Jig”. Each of these are quality
products and have a strong hook.
The Texas and Carolina-rigs can be very productive and I like to use a fluke, Ol’ Monster or Paca Craw as the bait. Colors are always a personal issue but you can’t go wrong with a watermelon, watermelon/candy, black/blue, shad pattern or a green pumpkin.

There are also reports of a few bass being taken on the Texan “Shaker”, Rogues, white spinnerbaits and even a few on the frog imitations such as the “Ribbit”. I still like to chunk a DD22 and a square-bill during the day.. Each of these baits can get the attention of big bass.

Crappie and Yellow Bass – Most reports of crappie are about fishing near the 30-foot mark around brush using live bait or small jigs. I caught a few yellow bass in from 22- to 34 feet of water on 3/4-oz Texan chrome jigging spoon, and this action should improve greatly as the water cools.

Fin and Feather Resort recently sold at auction last Thursday morning November 17th to local resident Melda Bartholdi with the winning bid of $3.245 million. Bartholdi was not available for comment following the auction. Auctioneer Spanky Assiter began the bidding at $5 million but with no takers and dropped the opening bid to $500,000 which quickly got the bidders involved. There were three onsite bidders as well as one online bidder. The crowd numbered around 25 bidders and onlookers but more lookers than bidders. The sellers had invested $5 million in renovations in recent years, according to the auction company Wilson Auctioneers. The winning bid included the entire 19 acres and all the equipment, goods and furniture. We will relay any additional news as it becomes available.

Observations On Growing Older

-Your Kids are becoming you...and you don't like them...but your grandchildren are Perfect!
-Going Out is good.. Coming Home is better!
-You Forget names ..... But it's OK because other people forgot they Even knew you!!!
-You realize you're never going to be really good at anything .... Especially Golf.
-The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.
-You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It's Called "pre-sleep".
-You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" Switch.. -You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... ???
-Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.
-You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!
-What used to be freckles are now liver spots.
-Everybody Whispers.
-You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet ..... 2 of which you will never wear.
---But Old is good in some things: Old songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

God's sense of humor During Creation,
God promised men that good and obedient wives would be found in all corners of the world. And then He made the earth round.

Final Thought –
A hooded robber burst into a Wisconsin bank and forced the tellers to load a sack full of cash. On his way out the door, a brave Wisconsin customer grabbed the hood and pulled it off, revealing the robbers face. The robber shot the customer without a moment’s hesitation. He then looked around the bank and noticed one of the tellers looking straight at him. The robber instantly shot him also. Everyone in the bank, by now very scared, looked intently down at the floor in silence. The robber yelled, "Well, did anyone else see my face?" There are a few moments of utter silence in which everyone was plainly to afraid to speak Then, one old Norwegian named Ole from Wisconsin tentatively raised his hand and said, "My wife got a pretty good look at you."

See you out on the water – I will be in a red and white Nitro so wave to me and we can chat. I will be the one going VERY slow -- JB