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Picou
Crappie
Username: Picou

Post Number: 577
Registered: 8-2004


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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 5:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

The curtians have closed on a weekend of fishing, fellowship, and lots of laughs. It was a great weekend and we got a chance to put our gear to the test; as well as, our ability to handle whatever mother nature had to dish out. :-) The plan was for several of the members from the site to meet up at Lake Texoma for some serious striper fishing. We had some folks come up from Houston, some from Austin, and another from Tyler. There were also some of us locals running around on the lake also. Fishing for striped bass on Lake Texoma, or any lake for that matter, is something that I have never really tried. I have fished for them below the dams of a couple different lakes and even trolled one time on Lake Texoma for about a half hour on a party boat once. But to dedicate my efforts on striped bass was something I have had very little desire to do. Well, I can honestly say that I have learned a lot and may have to spend a few more days on that lake chasing these hard fighting silver sided swimmers. This was an experience that will change the way I fish for many years to come.

It started off on Friday when I got a late start getting to the lake. I called Dean and Texfisher to locate them on the lake and finally got my boat in the water. The lake was like glass and it took me no time to get the boat up on plane. Although the air was pretty cool across the face at 60MPH, even the chilly winds could not cut the smile that was on my face. Being on the water for the first time of the year is one of those feelings that just cannot be compared to much anything else. After a nice little boat ride I met up with Texfisher out in front of Big Mineral cove where he had already boated 1 small striper on live bait. It is great to finally meet you Tex...

tex waiting

We chatted for a few moments and called Dean to find out his location. We headed out to find Dean and do some introductions. Great to see you again Dean and good to meet you Ronnie.

dean ronnie

We decided to stay where they were at and try fishing around there. We popped a few cold beers and continued on our quest to land the ellusive striped bass.

dean ronnie1

tex drinking

It took a few minutes but Tex managed to catch another fish on his live bait rigs. He was so proud of this one I had to struggle to get the camera out in time before he hid it -- to keep all the local boats from crowding our spot... :-)

tex monster

While we were fishing Charles finally showed up to join in on the action.

charles late

We continued fishing and soon we caught a glimps of birds starting to work several hundred yards to the West. We abrubtly pulled up and headed over there. I dropped the trolling motor and headed towards the birds. My first cast was rewarded with a solid strike. Once I rared back on this fish I knew it was a good one. This little baby took me a few minutes to bring to the boat because I knew it was a good one and I only had 15 pound test. Once I got the fish on the boat I was elated to have caught a great fish as my first one. She turned out to be a wonderful 13+ pound striper and I was satisfied. I revived the fish on the side of the boat and was very pleased to watch her swim away strong and able to fight again.

mike 13lbr

When I hooked mine, Dean and Tex were also hooked up with fish. Dean's fish ended up being a very nice 22" fish and Tex's fish was a great box fish under 20". I was glad that Charles was close by so that he could man the camera and take a picture of my fish for me -- Thanks buddy... I ended up catching my next fish a couple casts later and it was a 20 1/4" fish so I filled the livewell and put it in. My next fish was around 18 inches so I threw it in the livewell also considering I have absolutely no fish in the freezer. Once again I hooked up with a fish and this one was proving to be a strong fighter so I called the closest boat over to me which was Dean & Ronnie because I knew we would want pictures of this one as well. As soon as she rolled over at the side of the boat I knew it was not as large as the first one but still a great fish none the less. This one weighed 10.1 pounds and went into the ice chest. Thanks Dean for taking the picture.

mike 10lber

Thoughout all of this Charles was pulling a FishinAggie88 job and keeping the fish off his lure... :-) I think he was having too much fun drinking cold beer and soaking in the beautiful day we were having.

charles relaxing

I ended up boating one more fish for the day and then it shut down. Tex had to leave us a little early and he apparently left at the right time. We ended up moving around a little bit but never could get back on fish so we did the next best thing and pulled all the boats together and drank cold beer while watching the sun go down. The boat ride was something else and I am reminded again why I love being on the water. I must say, that was a great way to start out the year for fishing. I truly had a great time. I ended with 5 fish, 3 over 20 inches and 2 around 18 or so inches.

Since I left my camera on the back seat of my boat and it fell in that well by the motor when I jumped on plane I was not able to get any more pictures this weekend. I am just glad that it did not go overboard and I was at least able to salvage the memory card to get these pictures off.

Saturday was a whole new ballgame with winds howling out of the North around 25 - 30 MPH. Tex launched at Highpoint and had gone to the main channel and it was brutal he told me. So Dean, Ronnie, FishinAg, Wes, Rob, and myself headed to the Oklahoma side of the lake to launch in a more protected area. We were told that some fish were caught in that creek the day before so we stayed there and got after it. About 10 minutes into the fishing I was blessed with a fish on. It was a great 22 or 23 inch fish so I fired up the livewell and stuck her in. Having been severly wind blown from the spot we finally made it back to the area and I got bit again but unfortunately lost that one. We continued fighting the wind and decided to try elsewhere. It was a brutal boat ride but we ended up on the South side of one of the islands and fished for some time until deciding that we should go back and try our luck where we had already boated one. I am here to tell you that it was very difficult to run the trolling motor, keep contact with my lure, and drink cold beer in these conditions with all these clothes on. Wes got just a little wet on the boat ride and before the return trip he decided to ride in Dean's boat to keep a little drier. Rob on the other hand, being the old salt that he is, decided to stay on board with me and help me navigate the rough chop. We dawned our rain gear and headed across the lake. I learned some good lessons from that ol' salt yesterday and I will keep those things in mind the next time I am foolish enough to get my boat out in that kind of weather. We crawled into the draft of Dean's bay boat and it was smooth sailing all the way back. Dean's boat would bust the waves and we had easy cruising in some not so pleasant water conditions.

Well, Dean and crew ended up leaving the lake early to make it back to their homes in decent time and we opted to brave the conditions and see if we could land a few more. It was not meant to be but we did have a great time laughing and knocking back some more cold beers. We finally got off the lake and headed to the house for some Rib eye' steaks and grilled striped bass. It was some good eatin and after all that beer and sitting on the couch with a stuffed belly I just could not stay awake any longer. I heard Rob snoring so I figured he needed someone to help his cause and I fell asleep sitting on the couch as well. :-) That was a brutal day on the lake and it was nice to be back on solid ground in a warm house.

It was great to meet some new faces and great to spend some time with the ones I have known. I truly do appreciate everyone coming out for this event and I personally had a great time despite the weather. I wish we could have all fished on Friday but that was not to be. Hopefully the next time we put something together it will be a different story with the weather but heck... It was fun none the less. Rob and Wes took some pictures Saturday since my camera was on the fritz so we will have to wait for them to come out.

Great time everyone and I hope to see ya' again at the next one.
Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
Big_p
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Username: Big_p

Post Number: 233
Registered: 7-2004


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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 5:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Awesome write up Picou. Wish we could have made it. My dad had to work Friday night and didn't get home from work until 9:30 and we really didn't want to go out in that wind. I sure hope we can make the next one.
Charles
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Username: Charles

Post Number: 196
Registered: 7-2004

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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 6:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Most excellent recap Michael except for this part


quote:

Charles was pulling a FishinAggie88 job and keeping the fish off his lure




I too had a great time. We could not have ask for better weather on Friday.

I also enjoyed meeting Texfisher, Dean and Ronnie. We need to do it again soon.
Keith
Minnow
Username: Keith

Post Number: 31
Registered: 8-2004

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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 6:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks for the excellent write up and pictures. I sure wish we could have made it, but we had to get moved into our new house. We'll do our best to make it to the next striper fishing get together.
Atthewall
Minnow
Username: Atthewall

Post Number: 68
Registered: 11-2004


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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 7:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Round two of FTN.com Lake Texoma fish get to gether was a 180 degree change from Friday.

Wes and I rolled out of Austin a little later than we anticipated entirely missing one of the best fishing days of the year.

We roll into Mike's home only to be greated by his two beautiful daughters, his loving wife and what else.....striped bucket mouths on the cutting board!


Wes immediately works his charm with Jessica (Mike's oldest daughter) :-)


Coordination in the mobile Command and Control Center

I hope the boat is still back there?

The S/S Skeeter and Captain Mike

Two bites and one fish...the only bites were on Captain Picou's rod. Wes and I barely had our lines in the water (I was still rigging) when the school hit. Thank goodness we had the PRO in the boat with us..... we might have been skunked!

Dean's rig was a night and day experience from Friday to Saturday. As you can see, we all had to deal with some very cold and extremely windy conditions. We managed to fish a cove with a cliff side wind block together for a majority of the day.

Course the PRO ran an extremely tight ship.

And the truck ride home was full of fish tales, laughs and good times as the 3 vertically challenged occupants (Mike, Wes & Rob) head home.


I want to say a big THANK YOU to Mike and his family for opening up their doors for Wes and I! And Mike a big thank you for taking us out in a day that tested the limits of gear and patience. I can't wait for the next fishing trip!
Hawlin_bass
Minnow
Username: Hawlin_bass

Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2005

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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 7:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Sounds like you guys had an awesome time. My 10 yr old son and I hope to join in the next gathering.
Charles
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Username: Charles

Post Number: 197
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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 8:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Nice recap and pixels Rob. Sorry I missed you and Wes Friday night.

It sure does look cold out there!
Atthewall
Minnow
Username: Atthewall

Post Number: 69
Registered: 11-2004


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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 9:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks, we had an awesome time in spite of the cold weather. Layers and waterproof toppings are the only way to survive out there when it's that cold. I kept my vest life jacket on to add one more additional layer of protection against the cold.

HawlinBass these things are a blast and looking forward to meeting you during the next outing.

Charles we got a little later start than we wanted to (Wes had his hands full at work Friday). We knew Friday was the day to be out and about on Texoma, unbelievable glassy conditions in those top pictures.
Barnaclebill
Bluegill
Username: Barnaclebill

Post Number: 242
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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 9:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Sounds like this trip has turned out to be a classic,,, congrats guys !!!
Born to fish-Forced to work
Picou
Crappie
Username: Picou

Post Number: 579
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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 9:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Great recap and pictorial Rob... We sure had a great time having ya'll here. I still wonder what made that meal taste so good on Saturday night... the beer, the long cold rough day on the lake, or the off chance that the food was actually good. :-)

It was everyone who attended that made this a great experience. Tex, sorry we didn't get to fish together Saturday but you made the right call to go where you did and play it safe. We had slightly less sense... :-)

Here are some pictures from Dean's perspective. Thanks for sending these Dean... I am thrilled that ya'll drove up to take part in this endevor. I hope ya'll had a great time. I certianly wish we would have had better weather and more fish Saturday, but I am glad that you managed to boat a few on this trip.

dean1
dean2
dean3
dean4
dean5
dean6
dean7
dean8
dean9
dean10
dean11
dean12
dean13
Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
Wes
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Username: Wes

Post Number: 44
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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 9:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Had a blast guys. Mike, thanks again for putting us up at your house and taking us out in your boat. Dean, Ronnie, Greg, Nice meeting you guys. Awsome boat Dean, I hope Ranger get's it right for you.
Sturm1022
Minnow
Username: Sturm1022

Post Number: 31
Registered: 1-2005


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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 9:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

sounds like a hell of a time when is the next trip? i want to go to meet yall guys and mabye catch a fish too
my fat fingers cant spell
Texfisher
Minnow
Username: Texfisher

Post Number: 90
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Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 10:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I had a great time Friday. I wish my time hadn't been limited. It was sure hard making that run back to the ramp when I knew you guys were still catching fish. Hopefully the sacrafice will keep in the good graces of my better half so I can make the next trip.

If I had more time Saturday I would have came on over and met the rest of the guys. I was hoping to show everyone a Texoma largemouth but they were lockjawed.

I still can't believe you guys made the run to the islands in that type of water. I've seen to much of that kind of water on Texoma. My back and rear can no longer handle long rides on water like that.

I'm thankful that I was able to make it Friday. It was a pleasure meeting Mike, Dean, Ronnie and Charles. Hope to do it again real soon.
If you're richer than me I think we're related. If you're poorer than me I know we're related.

My bass club webpage http://texbass.8m.com/
Bigun
Minnow
Username: Bigun

Post Number: 83
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Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 7:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Looks like you guys had a good time! Way to show the brother how to catch fish Dean.
Fishinaggie88
Bluegill
Username: Fishinaggie88

Post Number: 197
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Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 8:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Was a great time, I need to shapen up my fresh water fishing skills so I quit getting skunked. I plan on outfishing Charles next time :-).
Love to fish and hunt.
Audra
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Username: Audra

Post Number: 161
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Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 10:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Sure wish we could have been there!

I'm ready to go...when's the next trip?
"Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths." - Jimmy D Moore
Dean
Minnow
Username: Dean

Post Number: 95
Registered: 4-2004


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Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 10:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

We did have a great day Friday but Saturday was a little brutal for me! Congrats Mike on showing us all up! Again!

Can't wait till next year!!
All In A Days Fun!!!
Charles
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Username: Charles

Post Number: 199
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Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 4:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post


quote:

I plan on outfishing Charles next time.




Setting your goals a little high their Gregg:-)
Fishinaggie88
Bluegill
Username: Fishinaggie88

Post Number: 198
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Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 4:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

No, not that high from what I have heard LOL :-) j/k

Here lately I couldn't outfish a corpse!!!
Love to fish and hunt.
Richard
Minnow
Username: Richard

Post Number: 22
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Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 6:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I was hoping to hook up and fish with Tex, but was unable to work it out. Maybe next time. Looks like yall made the best of it especially considering the conditions on Sat. Nice recap by all.
Don't ever shave drunk!
Picou
Crappie
Username: Picou

Post Number: 594
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Posted on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 5:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I had a great time and I am dying to get back out the Texoma and try to locate my 20 pounder... :-)

Thanks again everyone and I am looking forward to the next event. The benefit of these striper or sandy trips is that we can keep the boats close together. If we make it a bass fishing day we will end up more split up and not be able to talk nearly as much trash. I would like to do one for bass, but I also understand that it will alienate some of the boats on the site.

More to come in the near future for the next group gathering at one of the lakes somewhere in this state... Fairfield is definately on the agenda for this year tho...
Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
Sluggo
Minnow
Username: Sluggo

Post Number: 20
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Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 10:12 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Looks like fun! Great write up yall!

Justin
Atthewall
Minnow
Username: Atthewall

Post Number: 94
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Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 8:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I'm ready for round two.!

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