Jones Lakes 2-Mar-2024

[deptrai]

It’s been nearly 2 months since I’ve been fishing. Lots of high winds and a business trip to Japan & Taiwan kept me on the sidelines. I told my wife not to expect any fish today. Early March and low water levels. I told her fishing should start to pick up in a couple more weeks. I was wrong. I caught a lot of fish today…probably over 40.

The day started off really bad. I made my way 2 miles up the ICW and got out my favorite setup. The 13 Fishing Omen rod with Daiwa Alphas Air TW. I wanted to wet my line and get the Zman Diezel Minnowz positioned on the jighead properly. I pressed the thumb bar to releases the line, did my thing and then the reel wouldn’t go back into gear. It worked fine 2 months ago. Oh well. I was stuck with my two backup spinning rod outfits. The mosquitoes were annoying and I briefly thought about turning around and heading home. Good thing I didn’t.

As usual, barge traffic was heavy.

The water was relatively low and getting through the 1st Jones Lake was difficult.
I had planned to fish two areas that hold deeper water. I never made it to the 2nd one. Once I got to my spot, I started catching. I had 4 fish on 5 casts. Two of them were 16” trout and the others 15” – 18” Reds.

I caught over 30 of these short reds with two keepers mixed in. The water was really flowing into the lakes in the morning.

[deptrai]

I also caught a 24” super trout and a 17” Black Drum.

The most fish I’ve caught in one day in TX. Need to get the Daiwa fixed. I really like that reel.
Water had risen by the time I exited the lakes. I pedaled at 3.2 mph on the way out and 4.2 mph on the way back.

Dave

[DUKFVR]

Congrats on a great trip & Thanks for the report!

[Ron Mc]

heck of a day - thanks for posting photos

[karstopo]

Excellent! Best trips are when you aren’t expecting much and you get a lot.

[Kayak Kid]

I enjoyed that trip (except for the mosquitoes).

Thanks for sharing.

[deptrai]

Forgot to mention that I saw 2 other yakers out there. I think it's the first time I've seen another yak here.

Good news...I fixed the Daiwa. I only had to take it apart and put it back together 4 times to get it right. I needed to watch 4 different YouTube videos to find out exactly how every piece fit back together.

In the meantime, I have a new Shimano Aldebaran being delivered tomorrow. Need to sort out a rod for it.

Dave

[Baywader]

Good catch! Been years since I’ve been to Jones Lake. Now that I just got my new to me pedal yak I’m going to have to head back out there again!
Tight lines!
Steve