bass outings - PACKTX - PACKTX Forums - Discussions

Oleyakker

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Posts: 277

8/28/2010 12:34 PM

'm trying to get a feel for the amount of interest in a couple of bass outings. Not all of us can make the good saltwater trips this fall to Panther, etc and we have a few open weekends between now and the end of the year.

I recently took an exploratory trip to Lake Livingston and have checked Lake Woodlands. There are two nice campgrounds on Lake Livingston, both have excellent sites for tents, rv's, on site provisions, and good launch options. Livingston is a fairly open water lake, but both of these campgrounds are in big coves and offer the chance to fish without long paddles over open water. This is not the best bass lake in the area, but it is close, has good facilities and offers a variety of fresh water species. It could be a day trip, or a weekend campout.

Lake Woodlands looks like a spot to hold a fun, fly fishing outing. Its a 200 acre lake, open from dawn to dusk, situated in a nice park with safe parking. It might be fun to hold a "one -fly" tournament day outing, similar to the one held by the Houston Fly Fishers down in Rockport. The one fly deal is to see who can catch the most, or largest total length of fish with only one fly... Since it is a small body of water, no power boats are permitted, it has a good population I'm told of bass, sun fish, catfish and maybe even crappie.

Lake Raven in Sam Houston State Park in Huntsville has the same potential as Lake Woodlands and holds some nice bass and sunfish.

I'm also dying to return to Fayette County Lake, or Sam Rayburn. Again, excellent camping potential and within reasonable driving distance. Other lakes in the area with potential for good weekend outings include Lake Bastrop, Gibbons Creek Reservoir, or even Coleto Creek. I know we haven't been able to generate huge amounts of interest in the fresh water outings, but I'm seeing more fly fishermen show up recently and we are looking for new and different places to go.

I'm willing to lead trips to any of these locals if I can generate the interest of 6-8 folks, or more of course. Our turnout at most of my bass trips in the past have been 4-5 folks at most. Not a problem with the small groups and I have no problem leading ad hoc small groups on weekends that the rest of the PACK is doing a salt trip. Just looking for some feedback and seeking other willing "green trout" chasers...

Jim R

Posts: 60

8/30/2010 7:33 AM

Ron, I would be intrested in a fresh water outting depending on what else is going on at the time.

The one lure/fly outting sounds like it would be a challenge and a lot of fun.

The State Park at Huntsville sounds like a good candidate. It strikes me as kayak friendly and would be a straight shot up IH 45. I'm not so sure about Livingston; although, I have not been there in some time-it just seems like a much larger body of water with bass boats which would not be as kayak friendly. You seem to know the area so you are in a much better position to make the call than am I.

I am not familiar with Lake Woodlands. The location would be convenient for a day outting it would seem; although, if it is surrounded with big houses, golf courses and full of jet skis that would be negative.

So, I am interested. However, I am hoping to make the Panther Point Trip so I would probably not be a candidate for another October outting. If for some reason, I have to cancel Panther Point another outting would be of interest.

Take care,
Jim

Oleyakker

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Posts: 277

8/30/2010 8:54 AM

thanks for the feedback Jim.. Lake Woodlands doesn't allow gas powered motors on the lake... only trolling motors or paddle power...

searennels

Posts: 63

8/30/2010 11:34 AM

My two cents:

Hello - I am available to participate in any of the outings mentioned. Especially like the idea of a good camp area which might have cabins available. My spouse does not tent well and hoping to get her hook on kayak fishing. She is a bug magnet, or so she thinks?! We fish frequently together and love all waters but never tried fly fishing...I do like the idea of it and willing to invest in the required equipment if someone will assist in shorting the learning curve? Would hate to ask someone to help remove a hook from my backside...could be embarrassing if you know what I mean?

Have not been to Fayette County Lake, or Sam Rayburn in decades and itching to go in the near future. Going to CC on a 2-3 week fishing trip in mid to late October - dates not confirmed yet; willing to adjust dates for PACK event or return just to participate. If facilities are not too primitive; please put us on the lets go list....thanks. One day events will only require a couple days advance notice for me...any time...Phone: 832.220.6204, Cypress, Texas 77433
PACK new guy,
SeaCow ~<""><

Rick D

New Member Send Private Message

Posts: 22

8/31/2010 2:59 PM

Hello, Sea Cow and welcome!

As a newby myself to the complex and amazing world of fly fishing, I'd recommend you NOT buy any gear until you take one of the excellent (and cheap) courses from the Texas Fly Fishers here in Houston. They're a great bunch of guys, and very helpful and patient. You go to class once a week for about for 5 weeks of classroom instruction in the evening, and 4 one day weekend classes of casting practice on the water for $50! Barclay Souders, the instructor, is also a sales rep for top quality gear and can get you set up for a substantial discount.

There are different types/weights of rods for different fish, such as 4 to 5 weight for freshwater trout, and 8 to 9 weight for redfish and big bass, for example. There is also an endless palette of flies (dry, wet, popping, sinking, etc.), fly lines (floating, sinking, different colors, etc.). Reels and clothing are also a bit different. You will find you have to re-invest a considerable sum of $$$ all over again just to get started; and it ain't cheap!; (just as you did when you started salt fishing).
Plus, you need to practice a lot more than salt water fishing if you wish to become a skilled caster.

Not trying to discourage you, but there's a lot of prep and learning necessary before you ever hit the water or you'll find yourself (not to mention your wife) really frustrated. By the way, there are lady fly fishers out there that can outcast and outfish most of us guys, so don't let your wife be deterred from learning this great sport, too!

At least get your hands on a copy of "Teaching Yourself to Fly Cast" - Part I - Learning the Essentials, by Bill Gammel, or Mel Krieger's "The Essence of Fly Casting I" before you "jump in" to this great new world of fishing!

Best of luck,
Rick D

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