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Picou
Hybrid
Username: Picou
Post Number: 704
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 1:06 am: | 
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Well, we got a late start this morning at no fault of Texfisher. He was more than on time but this ill fisherman was far less prepared. Then you throw in the relentless screening of my new friends that my wife put him thru did nothing but add more delays. I was awfully glad he made it early because I was getting exausted very easily having fought this flu for several days. We finally hit the road headed to Monticello. We were chatting about something when we noticed the beautiful sunrise happening right in front of us.
The decision was made -- fairly abrubtly -- to take HWY 11 instead of 69 to get to I-30. Not being sure if we had made the right decision we continued on down the road to Sulfer Springs. Jokingly as we pass the road to Big Creek Lake and Lake Cooper we discuss going to one of them instead. Then, as we approach HWY 19 I jest, "wanna go to Fork?" Tex responds with some response that put us both second guessing our destination. As we cross 19 and continue SE the discussion continues as my rate of speed decreases the further away from 19 we got. We flipped a coin and Lake Fork won the toss. An abrubt U-Turn and back to 19 we went for a slightly more southern destination.
We got out on the water and headed up Birch Creek to find some pre-spawn action. It took a couple of hours but we eventually found a couple of fish -- back to back fish. 
We were fishing North of the power lines in a Westward cove when my first rattletrap bite came and yeilded an under the slot fish. Although he was not a monster, he was a welcome site. Tex took a pic with his camera and began to change his trap from the 3/4 oz red to the 1/2 oz pattern I was throwing. Once I tossed the fish overboard I cast back to the same area and WHAM the second fish was on. Another picture and back to fishing we went.
It took some time until we were able to have another fish on the line and this time it was Tex's trap that was bit. He pulled in a solid borderline fish so I snapped this picture.
Although they were not back to back, it did not take long for him to even the count and put his second rattletrap fish in the boat. This one being the largest up to this point and a fine representation of the future of Lake Fork stock.
We broke for lunch shortly after that fish and enjoyed some deliciously dry ham sandwiches and chips. Once we ate and decided on the next location for fishing I cranked the motor and noticed that the "pee spout" appeared to have very little pressure. This was very alarming so we used the trolling motor for a while, messed with the engine looking for explainations, and scratched out heads. We decided to idle the motor for a while to save trolling motor batteries.
Well, we made it about half way back and decided to fish another shoreline for some time back to the main lake and then idle the boat back to the ramp. We were throwing the same baits that had already produced fish when I lucked into my third fish of the day. This was probably the shortest, thickest, roundest largemouth I had ever seen. It was exactly the kind of fish you want to catch on Fork during a tournament. Tex again took the picture with his camera so we will have to wait for them to surface.
As we were drawing closer to the main lake we decided to put the trolling motor on high and just buzz past the shoreline on the way home. While doing this Tex managed to hook into a fish while chunking a spinnerbait but decided that he had already touched enough fish today and quick released it at the boat.
We fished a short while longer and called it a wrap. I had a great time on the lake and I am glad we made the change of plans. I am pleased with the catching 5 fish on Fork this time of the year. It was great to get out on the water and hopefully the issue with the boat will have a simple solution. There was still water coming out, just not the volume that should have been there.
Tex, I look forward to fishing with you again in the future -- I had a great time. Next time, I promise to be ready when you get here.
 Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
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Audra
Moderator
Username: Audra
Post Number: 172
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 7:38 am: |
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Looks like you guys had fun! I'm ready to get out there on the lake with ya! Congrats on the nice fish...when's the next trip (and where)?
"Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths." - Jimmy D Moore
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Sturm1022
Bluegill
Username: Sturm1022
Post Number: 103
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 8:19 am: |
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great write up, excellent pic of sunrise, did yall ever get the pee spout fixed???
my fat fingers cant spell
I'll probably turn into a floating turd and Picou will break the knob off my post counter immediately. ATW 2/10/05
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Fishinaggie88
Bluegill
Username: Fishinaggie88
Post Number: 213
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 8:36 am: |
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Alright, nice trip. Can't wait as both the weather and the fishin warm up!!
Love to fish and hunt.
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Texfisher
Bluegill
Username: Texfisher
Post Number: 142
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 12:00 pm: |
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Great writeup Mike. I had a great time fishing with you and talking with your wife that morning. I'm sure you are hard at work today if our coversation stood true.
The theme for this fishing trip had to be "What do you think?" for this seemed to be the common phrase throughout the day. After the change in destinations, it seemed a harder decision on where to fish first. We decided on new water neither of us had fished and headed up birch creek. After a slow beginning Mike got the ball rolling with back to back fish.
After fishing the remainder of cove we were in we decided cross the arm and try to find some areas similar to the ones Mike caught his fish in. I was finally able to get on the board with 2 solid under the slot fish. We were now tied again and the pressure was back on Mike. So the professor came through with his 3rd fish, a nice fat short one. He said it looked a lot like one of the site members but I won't mention names. Here's the pic.
I was able to teach Mike some of my casting skills throughout the day. After most of the day he finally got the hang of it. I was able to snap a quick pic of one such cast before he noticed.
On the way back to the ramp I hooked into another fish. After getting it to the boat I saw that it was going to be the big fish for the day and it would also tie things back up. I decided since Mike was having boat trouble I would let him have the better day. So instead boating the fish like a skilled angler I pretended to do the wrong thing by grabbing my line and allowed the fish to get off within inches of my hand. It seemed pretty convincing to Mike for he gave me hard time for next 10 minutes. 
We ended up calling it a day shortly after and headed home.
All in all it was a good day on the water. We made the most out of our situation and put a few fish in the boat along the way. Mike I appreciated the invite and your hospitality. I'm looking forward to the next trip.
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/
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Atthewall
Bluegill
Username: Atthewall
Post Number: 149
Registered: 11-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 12:14 pm: |
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Heck yeah, ya'll done very good SON!
Congratulations! |
Rod
Minnow
Username: Rod
Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 1:05 pm: |
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Good job, guys!
That's some nice green trouts. |
Picou
Hybrid
Username: Picou
Post Number: 705
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 2:07 pm: |
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Actually Tex, I am at work making up for things I did not get done while stuck home sick -- she was not happy about that.... Man, that last fish was all body and no tail. Comparing to the other pictures we would probably be disqualified from a tournament with that one under suspicion of cheating... 
Oh, and just for the record, I intentionally left out the, um... shall we say... un-intentional boat re-directs required to salvage someone's rattle trap all those times... 
I talked to the previous owner of the my boat and he said this same problem has occurred 2 other times. He claims the spout where it comes out of the motor got a piece of something in it and just poking up in there with a paper clip or something cleared it both times. I will try that tomorrow and see what happens.
It was fun Mark and I look forward to you having less mercy on me the next time. There certianly were very few decisions made easily yesterday... I am wondering if we should have just hit the ol' standard locations since your last fish was on the main lake shoreline and my last fish was close enough to main lake shoreline.
Here are the details, most of the fish came out of 53 degree water and the other two were 54 - 56 degree water. We found a ton of grass up in Birch and it was almost too thick to fish in a lot of places. The closer to the mouth of Birch we got the uglier the grass looked.
It sure was nice to be fishing after being cooped up in the house for 2 days. We will do it again soon....
Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
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Sluggo
Minnow
Username: Sluggo
Post Number: 25
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 2:23 pm: |
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Looks like fun yall! |
Wes
Moderator
Username: Wes
Post Number: 63
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 4:10 pm: |
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Way to go guys. Sounds like a fun trip. |
Rudey
Moderator
Username: Rudey
Post Number: 153
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 5:31 pm: |
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One of these days, Mike will learn all the subtle nuances of the rattle trap/boat dock/hang up/fish catching theory!!
Good trip, guys!!
Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught.
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Big_p
Moderator
Username: Big_p
Post Number: 289
Registered: 7-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 6:52 pm: |
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Awesome time for sure. Good Coverage as well. Until we finalize something I am going to bestow upon yall a Bronze Fisherman award for a succesful trip including photographic evidence.
I'll leave it up to someone else to come up with some catchy catch phrase.  |
Picou
Hybrid
Username: Picou
Post Number: 709
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 8:09 pm: |
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I was thinking this one, but like you Big_p, I am at a loss on the catchy phrase...
Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
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Sturm1022
Bluegill
Username: Sturm1022
Post Number: 104
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 9:51 pm: |
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i like the bronze fisherman good job
hmmmm.....catchy phrase, catchy phrase, nope no catchy phrase here.
my fat fingers cant spell
I'll probably turn into a floating turd and Picou will break the knob off my post counter immediately. ATW 2/10/05
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Bigun
Bluegill
Username: Bigun
Post Number: 125
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 7:48 am: |
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Looked like a great day. Great recap and pictures. Expect to see bigger fish off of Lake Fork though especially with Picou being such a skilled fisherman!! |
Richard
Minnow
Username: Richard
Post Number: 26
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 5:30 pm: |
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Congrats guys.
Don't ever shave drunk!
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Charles
Moderator
Username: Charles
Post Number: 217
Registered: 7-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 6:10 pm: |
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Nice recap guys! |
Barnaclebill
Bluegill
Username: Barnaclebill
Post Number: 252
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 10:03 pm: |
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Nice report Mike,,, Nothing like being able to spend a day on the Lake,,, But I'm curious
Does the Wife give everyone the 3rd degree before you can go fishing with them ??? 
Born to fish-Forced to work
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Hawlin_bass
Minnow
Username: Hawlin_bass
Post Number: 26
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 11:46 pm: |
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Sounds like you guys had a great time and good fellowship. Not to mention boating a few fish. Good stories and pics guys! |
Texfisher
Bluegill
Username: Texfisher
Post Number: 145
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 12:03 am: |
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Glad to hear the boat problem may not be that big of a deal. Looking forward to next time.
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/
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Aggiebowman
Minnow
Username: Aggiebowman
Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 6:45 am: |
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Good recap! Looks like y'all had a great day on the water! |
Charles
Moderator
Username: Charles
Post Number: 220
Registered: 7-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 7:50 am: |
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Mike,
When is the last time you had the impeller replaced? It's fairly inexpensive to have done but can save you thousands. Just a thought. |
Atthewall
Bluegill
Username: Atthewall
Post Number: 163
Registered: 11-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 7:58 am: |
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Sounds like Birch creek was trashy enough to foul Mike's impeller? |
Picou
Hybrid
Username: Picou
Post Number: 712
Registered: 8-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 9:47 am: |
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Charles, I had the impeller changed last spring and the boat has only been in the water 6 or 7 times since then. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to pull it out this weekend and check for the spout to have a blockage. I will check into this possible solution and if that is not clogged then I will take it to Plano Marine and let them look at it.
Of course, I looked at the weather report and wanted to play hookey from work. It was in the 70's yesterday and will be in the upper 70's today. There should be a rush of fish up into the shallows feeding until this next front blows in. I REALLY WANT TO GO BACK TO FORK!!!!!
Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
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Charles
Moderator
Username: Charles
Post Number: 224
Registered: 7-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 5:24 pm: |
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Mike,
Take it to Tommy Yetts at Rockwall Marine. He 's the best boat shop this side of the mississippi.
I have had dealings with Plano Marine stealership(: |
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