Super User Felix77 Posted March 24, 2015 Super User Posted March 24, 2015 Things I learned 1. “We don’t get many of Y’all down here!” is how I was greeted at Bass Pro (Shreveport) when I bought my license. That sentiment repeated itself over and over again down here. J 2. Clear water is relative. What the guys described as clear water to me was stained. One thing we could agree on was muddy water. J 3. Watermelon Red works in “stained” water. I could barely see it when the lure was in the water BUT when push came to shove that was the color to use. Confirmed with one trip to Toledo Tackle where all the good Watermelon Red baits were plain off the shelf. 4. Never order decaf in the South. They looked at me like if I had my head cut off. LOL 5. Weight was a key to my catches. When flipping and pitching I tend to go heavy. Drop it hard and fast for reaction bites. That scared more fish than I can imagine. Dropping down considerably for me (1/4oz) was the key to getting some bites. A subtle fall with a nice soak was got their attention. 6. Switched to fluorocarbon – get more bites. On day 1 Bighead was fishing with fluoro, I was using braid. Over time we were puzzled why I wasn’t getting bit. We worked over the setups one section at a time. First the weight, second the lure and finally the line. Once I got to the line I started getting bit. In that water clarity we were both convinced that line color wouldn’t make a difference. FWIW it did to us. 7. Never order a baked potato past 7pm. 8. When looking for tackle stop by any gas station. They got their priorities straight down there! Shout out to Toledo Tackle which puts any of my Albany shops to shame. 9. There are gators in Toledo Bend. Did not know that. 10. There are Alligator Gar in Toledo Bend. Tried catching a few to no avail. 11. Travel rods are a GREAT way to save money when flying. Carried 2 3-piece rods on and bagged and tagged 2 two-piece rods which counted as standard luggage as opposed to oversize. 12. Shooting through weeds around a cypress tree to catch bass is FUN AS HELL. 13. Riding over a submerged stump rattles the unexpected. 14. Riding down “boat lanes” and seeing a marker WAY off course also tends to make you pucker just a bit. 15. Who knew … “boat lanes” We don’t have these on Lake Champlain. J 16. No matter how much tackle you bring you will ALWAYS not bring the lure they were biting on. Uhm … lizards. 17. Boudin Balls are delicious! 6 Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted March 24, 2015 Super User Posted March 24, 2015 I like the run down Felix! Seems ya'll had a great time! Jeff BTW- Seems as if you have lost some weight from your *(old)* profile pic here! Congrats! Edited as you changed it while I was typing! Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted March 24, 2015 Super User Posted March 24, 2015 I like the run down Felix! Seems ya'll had a great time! Jeff Traveled a total of 14 hours (2+ hours driving, 2 airplanes) to get back. Would do it all over again! 1 Quote
Siebert Outdoors Posted March 24, 2015 Posted March 24, 2015 Nice report Felix, I wish I could have made this trip. 1 Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted March 24, 2015 Super User Posted March 24, 2015 BTW- Seems as if you have lost some weight from your *(old)* profile pic here! Congrats! I did .... lost 110 pounds over the past year ... feel great! Surgery (Gastric Sleeve) + typical diet and exercise stuff. 3 Quote
jcdogfish Posted March 24, 2015 Posted March 24, 2015 Good job on the weight loss Felix, I could stand to loose some. I would probably have to move north to get that accomplished . Maybe Catt has a few pictures of the lake a few years ago and show you what is below, then you can really pucker up. I'll let Chris handle our report, he seems to have a better relationship with the computer than I have.. 1 Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted March 24, 2015 Super User Posted March 24, 2015 Good job on the weight loss Felix, I could stand to loose some. I would probably have to move north to get that accomplished . Maybe Catt has a few pictures of the lake a few years ago and show you what is below, then you can really pucker up. I'll let Chris handle our report, he seems to have a better relationship with the computer than I have.. jc ... quite the opposite. Getting stuck in the cold will have the opposite effect! Partly why I got in the trouble I got into with my weight. Stay down there where the food is spicy and the fishing is constant. That will keep you thinner. Trust me! Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted March 24, 2015 Super User Posted March 24, 2015 Not sure where on Toledo Bend Mike "Ike" is but he just posted this on FB 35 minutes ago. An 8 lb er. 1 Quote
BassnChris Posted March 24, 2015 Author Posted March 24, 2015 As for the rain, I love fishing on rainy days for a couple of reasons. First, there is a lot less boat traffic, recreational in particular. I agree.....While that has held true on other lakes that I have fished......it didn't seem to apply to Toledo Bend. While it may have kept a boat or two off the water,there were still what I would call a lot boats! Quote
Super User Catt Posted March 24, 2015 Super User Posted March 24, 2015 I tell you! From the reports & pictures y'all did really well given the conditions. The only thing missing was the 25-30 mph winds! I would like to suggest the next time let's plan it during summer, then y'all will really experience The Big Pond. Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted March 24, 2015 Super User Posted March 24, 2015 I did .... lost 110 pounds over the past year ... feel great! Surgery (Gastric Sleeve) + typical diet and exercise stuff. Congrats man! It really shows! Keep up the good work! Jeff Quote
Bass_Fanatic Posted March 24, 2015 Posted March 24, 2015 I tell you! From the reports & pictures y'all did really well given the conditions. The only thing missing was the 25-30 mph winds! I would like to suggest the next time let's plan it during summer, then y'all will really experience The Big Pond. I agree Catt. Late May is one of my favorite times on the Bend! Fish are just moving deep and haven't been pressured hard. A lot less boats on the lake and big ones willing to bite. Quote
bighed Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 Just read everybody's comments to Sharon and she wanted to add a few of her own: -- while Fox's Lodge is not the Hilton, the owner's sure made you feel like family coming by to visit -- I knew I wouldn't catch as many as Bert, but I knew he would make sure I caught at least one -- glad to see there were other guys just as consumed with fishing as my husband -- all the guys were very polite, friendly, and pleasant to be around. Enjoyed our dinners even though I didn't get a baked potato with my steak -- it's pretty cool to make new friends from all over with such a variety of accents! -- sure enjoyed hiking at the lake while the guys fished and would love to go back! Would love to meet some wives next time! -- enjoyed watching the guys do what they love most!! 1 Quote
BassnChris Posted March 25, 2015 Author Posted March 25, 2015 Sharon was great! Funny and a great sense of humor. Thank you Sharon for putting up with us guys........it was very enjoyable having you there. 2 Quote
bighed Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 A few ramblings of my own: I really enjoyed fishing with Felix. I enjoyed our conversations, learning about his family and life in NY, and making some memories on a lake that was new to both of us. For a guy who has not been fishing for long he is very knowledgeable, a skilled angler, and is welcome to fish with me anytime! It was great to see Chris again and meet Jerry for the first time. I'm glad I got to know everybody in a way that can only happen in person. When we do this again I hope Becky sends enough bacon along for Chris with maybe a little extra to share and if Jerry would let me help him cook one of his Cajun dishes that would be perfect! Also thanks to Jerry for sharing his lake knowledge with us rookies. Josh, I hope we can connect next time, would have been cool to meet you! Toledo Bend is a mind boggling lake. As Jerry said, it has 160,000 acres of everything. Endless timber, grass, structure, even current at times. Everywhere you look seems like it should be holding a 10# bass. Much respect to the men who have spent a lifetime learning it's in's and outs The place we stayed was not what my sweetheart is used to when we travel. Thankful for her good attitude about the whole trip and lodging especially. I will say, having a slip to keep the boat in steps away from our room was nice and the owners were very nice and helpful to us. I ate too much. Big Mama's was bomb even though they ran out of food and we never got our baked potato. Truth is, I'd have been hard pressed to eat it if they had brought it. The weather and lake conditions were tough but everybody made the most of their time on the water. It rained HARD most of the day Saturday but everybody soldiered on and kept fishing. I can't wait to do this again. Not sure how I never made it to TB before but I'm certain his won't be my last trip. Mike, start planning the next trip now. I'm in! 1 Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted March 25, 2015 Super User Posted March 25, 2015 Sharon was great! Funny and a great sense of humor. Thank you Sharon for putting up with us guys........it was very enjoyable having you there. X 10 on this one. Sharon ... You rocked! 1 Quote
jcdogfish Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 Well Sharon, I didn't notice any accents......Don't no wat u talkin bout dare sha....... Great weekend, I'm ready to do it again anytime. Maybe when Mike heals up we can get a few together for another weekend. I hate to rub it in but I will be there again this weekend and 2 or 3 times a month from now til December. Its a big lake, somebody's gotta fish it. 3 Quote
BassnChris Posted March 25, 2015 Author Posted March 25, 2015 I hate to rub it in but I will be there again this weekend and 2 or 3 times a month from now til December. Its a big lake, somebody's gotta fish it. Hey Jerry..............I appreciate the sacrafices you are willing to make! 1 Quote
bighed Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 I'd expect the place is bustin wide open this very minute! Better take an elbow brace and some tape for the thumb, lol. 1 Quote
BeckieC Posted March 26, 2015 Posted March 26, 2015 When we do this again I hope Becky sends enough bacon along for Chris with maybe a little extra to shareIn my defense, I tried to make bacon to send & he told me not to, the last 2 years we took 3lbs of cooked bacon and I got maybe 3 pieces each time, good luck getting him to share! It was a hard decision not to go this year, too bad spring break and the road trip were the same week. The lack of baked potatoes would have made me cranky though. 2 Quote
Super User Catt Posted March 26, 2015 Super User Posted March 26, 2015 The one drawback Toledo Bend has is it's not close to any major cities rendering it not very family friendly. In 30 years of marriage my wife Carol has been there 3 times; twice for a week & once for 4 days. Ya not gonna see many Jet Fleas or Water Skiing, no Honky-Tonks or Night Clubs! All y'all gonna find round here is Texas Redneck Bubba Bass Fishing! 1 Quote
Super User Fishing Rhino Posted March 26, 2015 Super User Posted March 26, 2015 The one drawback Toledo Bend has is it's not close to any major cities rendering it not very family friendly. In 30 years of marriage my wife Carol has been there 3 times; twice for a week & once for 4 days. Ya not gonna see many Jet Fleas or Water Skiing, no Honky-Tonks or Night Clubs! All y'all gonna find round here is Texas Redneck Bubba Bass Fishing! Sounds perfect to me. Quote
Super User Long Mike Posted March 27, 2015 Super User Posted March 27, 2015 Well Sharon, I didn't notice any accents......Don't no wat u talkin bout dare sha....... Great weekend, I'm ready to do it again anytime. Maybe when Mike heals up we can get a few together for another weekend. I hate to rub it in but I will be there again this weekend and 2 or 3 times a month from now til December. Its a big lake, somebody's gotta fish it. Jerry, to be honest, I don't know when I am going to heal up. My tests showed no infections or blood clots, so the doctor did nothing. After more than a week, the swelling has worsened, so I contacted him again, asking him to please crap or get off the pot. Lo and behold, I have now been referred to a cardiologist, but I can't see her til April 2nd. One more week to wait while the leg swells. By the time I get a firm diagnosis, they'll probably want to cut my leg off. Quote
jcdogfish Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 Mike, I have no doubt you will be better than new before you know it. Take care of yourself and good luck. When you do get right give one of the Coonasses on here a shout and we'll figure something out. Might even be able to talk Chris into driving you down. 2 Quote
Super User Catt Posted March 27, 2015 Super User Posted March 27, 2015 Mike, I have no doubt you will be better than new before you know it. Take care of yourself and good luck. When you do get right give one of the Coonasses on here a shout and we'll figure something out. Might even be able to talk Chris into driving you down. Mike getting old aint for sissies Seriously y'all summer on the Big Pond is where it's at! Quote
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