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Posted by BigBassJB on Sunday, February 05 @ 14:44:11 CST (14 reads)
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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.
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.
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
Posted by BigBassJB on Tuesday, January 10 @ 16:27:41 CST (39 reads)
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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
Posted by BigBassJB on Tuesday, January 03 @ 21:21:45 CST (29 reads)
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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
Posted by BigBassJB on Monday, December 19 @ 20:18:30 CST (90 reads)
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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
Posted by BigBassJB on Sunday, December 18 @ 08:44:30 CST (60 reads)
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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.
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