https://www.packtx.org RSS feeds for PACKTX 60 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/403/adios-to-pack-for-now-warning-long-winded-rant-attached#Comments 3 https://www.packtx.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=56&ModuleID=377&ArticleID=403 https://www.packtx.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=403&PortalID=0&TabID=56 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/403/adios-to-pack-for-now-warning-long-winded-rant-attached <p>Warning this is a long winded rant about the merits of PACK. Delete now if you don't want to listen to my appreciation for PACK.</p> <p> </p> <p> Many of you are aware that I am leaving the Texas Coast for the Pacific Northwest. I apologize for using this forum and the news capability to send this message, but I wanted to reach as many PACK members as possible.</p> <p>After nearly 10 years of membership I can't begin to express what a special group PACK really is. After only a couple meetings I decided to take my then 20 year old daughter with me on a PACK Weekend trip to determine just what kind of group this was. Since I was clearly much older than my daughter, and no one in PACK really knew me, they weren't sure what was going on when I showed up at Sea Rim Park with this much younger female for a weekend of kayak fishing and camping. I didn't feel compelled to explain that this was my daughter and not my "niece" or wife, but just another kayaker along for the weekend of fishing and camping. My experience with the group was exceptional that weekend, as they treated me and my daughter with such respect and hospitality that I quickly realized this was a special group of individuals. I can only say that PACK has continued to demonstrate what a special group this is after many more trips and many years of trips.</p> <p>I've never been a part of a group that on any given weekend, 5-20 individuals can gather, fish together, camp together, eat together, and enjoy the fellowship of outdoorsmen and women, and never hear a cross word,or ever see someone get out of line, or demonstrate any kind of inappropriate behavior as this group. There must be something special about kayak fishermen in general or about the individuals in this group to perpetuate such a positive vibe.</p> <p>I have made some fantastic friends in this group. I've shared some extremely memorable hours in some outstanding venues, and learned a ton from some very knowledgeable fishermen and outdoorsmen and women.</p> <p>I would be remiss if I didn't elaborate for a minute on just a few of these extraordinary folks.....The names have been changed to protect the innocent, but you'll know who you are:</p> <p>to the Bellaire duo....I will really miss you guys... you have camping down to a science.. I've never seen two guys stick together like you two and I've learned a bunch from watching how you set up camp. I will always strive to do it faster than you do however.....my back thanks you a million times for introducing blow up mattresses  that perfectly fit an REI tent.  I appreciate your friendship like you'll never know and thanks for making my final kayaking outing in Texas such a memorable one.</p> <p>to the fishkiller.... best of luck raising your twins... my wife is a twin.. I know how special they are... You are probably the guy I would most like to potlick on any fishing trip, anywhere, anytime. You have a knack for finding fish and catching them like no one I've ever seen..... but someday I hope you experience the joy of fly fishing and the pleasure of just fishing and not worrying about how many you killed that day..you also know how to fryem with the best of em....never seen anyone filet a fish as fast as you.....</p> <p>to the PINS Ranger and friends.... you are maybe the toughest  guy I know. Anyone that survives being shot down while riding in a perfectly good airplane is a hero to me. Hope you continue to lead those hearty souls to the sands of South Padre and that someday one of you gets a winch on the vehicle.</p> <p>To the Kayak Kid... all I can say is I want to be you when I grow up. You continue to inspire me and I hope we get to wet a line in some exotic locale somewhere down the line.</p> <p>Greg C... thank you for introducing me to fly tying and being a fantastic mentor. You have special talents and I hope more of the guys take advantage of your special skills and join the fly tyers group.</p> <p>Sandbagger... I'd adopt you if I could. Hope you continue to chase fish and take care of the worn out old boat you recently added to your collection. Please continue to include me in your fishing exploits and take a leadership role in the club when you can...they need guys like you.</p> <p>Mackerel... best beer making, fly tying, music producing, fish catching, fly casting, blog writing, beard growing guy I know. Hope we have the chance to share a cold one on your hops buying trips down the line. Bring your fly rod, we'll chase some redsides someday I hope.</p> <p>Mr McG..esq... you are really a special guy. Never probably expressed properly how much I respect your approach to the club. You can have some fun, and still give back to the environment, and represent a different point of view  with class and distinction. Best to your bride as well.</p> <p>Pres... how can I not thank you for taking over the gavel when I had enough slide show producing. Thankfully there are guys like you to step up and lead the group and keep up the spirit of PACK.</p> <p>to the perpetual treasurer of the club. When you speak people should listen. You get it more than anyone else in the club... it is a fishing club and I hope it will stay that way.  As long as you are involved, I know there will be a voice of reason and the club will be in good hands. And, we are all secretly jealous of how quietly you go about catching fish, being a good steward of the outdoors, and we dig your taste in women also.....she's definitely a keeper.</p> <p>Katmar....wish I had known you longer. You are the most passionate, positive, and knowledgable spokesman for all things fly I've ever met. Your willingness to share your knowledge and your ability to express it are a rare commodity. I know many a yakker, fly tyer, fly caster, fisherman in general will be lucky to have you around and get to experience your special kind of enthusiasm. </p> <p> </p> <p>I've totally enjoyed my association with everyone in PACK and don't mean to slight any of you by not mentioning you in my little rant. I hope PACK prospers and it will be all of you that make it happen...</p> <p>I'll remember this group so fondly and will miss getting together with you monthly. I hope some of you can come to Bend and we'll talk about how we chased down those reds in the marsh, and how we tied those crack flies, and how we fried that fish, and how we killed them in the Bolivar Marsh each fall, and how we watched the sunrise over Panther Point, and how we laughed with Slow Ride, and caught fish with Scott N, how we nailed those flounder in Sea Wolf Park..and paddled for miles into the wind at Powderhorn........and remembered what a great group a people are in PACK...</p> <p> </p> <p>Adios for now..</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> Oleyakker Tue, 24 Sep 2013 20:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:403 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/402/check-out-items-for-sale-for-a-deal-that-cant-be-beat#Comments 1 https://www.packtx.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=56&ModuleID=377&ArticleID=402 https://www.packtx.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=402&PortalID=0&TabID=56 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/402/check-out-items-for-sale-for-a-deal-that-cant-be-beat <p>Check out the for sale forum for details on the sale of a Tarpon 160 and trailer. Only $750 for the boat  completely rigged and the trailer. PM to Oleyakker for details....</p> Oleyakker Wed, 11 Sep 2013 23:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:402 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/376/east-bay-trip-report#Comments 0 https://www.packtx.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=56&ModuleID=377&ArticleID=376 https://www.packtx.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=376&PortalID=0&TabID=56 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/376/east-bay-trip-report What a difference a year makes. This time last year, PACK was met with cold blustery north winds, tough prefrontal conditions and one of the all time meat hauls. Multiple limits of reds, flounder, and some trout were harvested from the marshes around Stingaree and East Bay. It was just one of those memorable weekends. This year, not so much. In a preliminary to Joel B's Bolivar trip in two weeks, eight anglers descended upon Stingaree in near perfect conditions for early November. LIght winds, moderate temperatures, and high tides gave every indication that catching should be good. We had a strong outgoing tide in the afternoons and other than the  hoards of mosquitos in the early A.M. everything was rosy. Only thing missing were the fish. Catching was tough. There were a few fish caught, some nice slot reds, a few trout and flounder, and some drum.  But, nothing resembling the large harvest of a year ago. <br /> <br /> A few notables should be mentioned. Bonnie H. picked up trout on her very first kayak fishing outing. Way to go Bonnie and welcome to PACK. <br /> <br /> Joel Berry caught a slot red in the marsh <span style="text-decoration: underline;">on an artificial bait. </span> I don't think this will reverse a trend for Joel, but good on ya mate for sticking in there when all your live bait was gone. Any one want to bet that Joel will leave the live bait bucket at home for the Bolivar Hilton trip?<br /> <br /> As for the rest of us it was a pleasant day on the water and a good lunch at the restaurant.  Oleyakker Tue, 06 Nov 2012 19:16:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:376 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/375/venue-change-for-keiths-lake-trip#Comments 0 https://www.packtx.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=56&ModuleID=377&ArticleID=375 https://www.packtx.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=375&PortalID=0&TabID=56 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/375/venue-change-for-keiths-lake-trip I have decided to move the Keith's Lake trip to East Bay on Saturday Nov 3. The opening of duck season will make it a little tough to manage in the marshes on Keiths given the number of hunters and airboats in that area.<br /> <br /> Therefore, instead, we will meet at Stingaree Marina at 0630. PACK has used that area many times before and I think everyone enrolled is familiar with the location and fishing options in that vicinity. There may also be a few duck hunters back in the marsh in East Bay  and we should be very careful not to intrude on their set ups. I'd recommend we all wear clothing with visibility in mind and if you can fly a flag on your boat please do so. Getting run over by an airboat, or other power boat is not a part of the trip plan.<br /> <br /> If anyone has any questions about the location, etc. please send me a PM and I will get back to you.<br /> <br /> Last year we had outstanding catches of flounder, reds, and trout that weekend in this same location.<br /> <br /> Sorry for any inconvenience  the change may cause. Oleyakker Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:375 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/353/fayette-county-bass-attack-trip-report#Comments 0 https://www.packtx.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=56&ModuleID=377&ArticleID=353 https://www.packtx.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=353&PortalID=0&TabID=56 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/353/fayette-county-bass-attack-trip-report Once again it was PACK luck with the weather at Fayette County this year. We all know that weather can make or break the "catching" on one of our trips but it can't ruin the spirit of our events.<br /> For those who braved the tough weather there were bass caught despite the conditions. For those lucky enough to hit the better part of the weather, there were lots of bass caught. The trip began on Thursday for some of the PACK armada and though there were a few sprinkles of rain, the warm temperatures and warm water had the spawning bass in shallow water. Buzz B and B Berry fished with Guide Bob Green and had steady action from dawn until early afternoon. They caught over 30 bass up to about 4 or 5 pounds on plastic worms rigged wacky style. The wind was negligible so they were able to use this technique to pitch the worms against the base of the bullrushes. The bite was either tight to the cover or out in 3-5 foot of water. Several large females were drug out of the cover and at times the smaller males were aggressively attacking anything that came near them. Later in the day, the shallow bite slowed down and Bob found schools of shad in 30 feet of water in the middle of the lake. Drifting through these schools produced several larger fish for Buzz by vertical jigging a slab. Berry had a couple on but were not able to get them to the boat. I think Buzz and Berry will agree that they received their money's worth for their almost 10 hour day on the water with Bob Green. The pictures of their fish will speak volumes.<br /> <br /> For those who came in on Thursday eventing and Friday, the fishing was a little tougher. Greg C once again led the fly rod division with some nice fish when the wind would permit and the fish were biting in shallow water. He also scored by trolling a deep diving crank bait. Buzz and Joel B had good luck on a plastic worm fished on a drop shot rig. That technique enabled them to avoid the nuisance "snot grass" that plagues some areas of the lake in the winter. C Rennels, John S, Ron M, and Will H all spent some time on the water and had some success, but I failed to get detailed reports. I believe they were also fishing plastic worms for the most part, but may have scored on crank baits or spinner baits. With the variable weather, warm/windy, rain/cold, the fish were scattered and at times just not eating.<br /> <br /> Terri M once again demonstrated her versatility by landing a beautiful blue catfish and a very nice bass on her special catfish bait. We appreciate her willingness to put up with all of us old geezers and sharing her love of fishing. <br /> <br /> We did enjoy lots of conversation and a little more cabin time this year due to the weather. We seemed to all keep busy whether relaxing with a good book, tying flies, telling lies, or just hanging out. Naturally, there was a little food involved. Group meal on Thursday at Joe's Place, spaghetti and meatballs, Friday night, and dinner at Orsack's Cafe on Saturday night. Terri M brought some beautiful King Salmon filets, which Greg C expertly prepared cedar plank style, and some delicious venison sausage for all to enjoy for Saturday's lunch. B Berry's wife Karen, baked a fabulous Italian Cream cake to help Berry and Ron celebrate their birthdays. Both Berry and Ron have slipped into geezerhood and become Social Security eligible this weekend. Despite looking so much younger, Ron is actually older than Berry.... by one day...<br /> <br /> I'd like to thank all those who participated despite the shaky weather forecast. Slowly but I think surely, I'm convincing some of the PACK faithful that there is some merit to doing a fresh water trip in the winter when the trout and reds are tough to find. Hope you all enjoyed your time at Fayette County. I'd like to do a follow up trip sometime in the fall, so if there is interest, we need to book the cabin about 6 months in advance. Just let me know what you think.  Oleyakker Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:353