Lake San Antonio Striper Mission 8/13/11. Plus BONUS Surf Fishing Report!

[Wingnut]

Got a call a few days ago from my M.I.A. S.W.A.T. buddy Phuong (Blackwater) saying the wife & kid is out of town this weekend and he wants to go fishing! It's about time Phuong, we haven't fished together in over a year. :Shocked: I asked him where he wants to go... Phuong immediately answered, "I want to fish with Bob..."
A call went out to Uncle Bob (TroutOnly) and we were set to head North to lake San Antonio for some Striper Killing. :Twisted:

Typically, I wouldn't have chose this weekend to fish for Stripers due to the full moon, but it was the only weekend that Phuong can fish so we went for it... whatever happens, happens... it's fishing. :Wink:

Picked up Phuong at 2:30am and we were off for a three and a half hour drive North. :Shocked: Hit the water by 6:15am and started trolling some swim baits & bucktails jigs while looking for boils.

Spotted some scattered boils early and I was lucky enough to get one to commit to the topwater LC Sammy. The rest of the day, the boils were pretty much nonexistent. :Neutral: We hit just about every section of that lake for a total of five solid Stripers. Not spectacular numbers but quality fish nonetheless.

Good day on the water with good friends... life is good! :Big Grin:

Bob, always a pleasure fishing aboard the Striper Phenomenon. :Twisted:
Been a while and it was good catching up with you and what's been going on in our busy lives. Good to hear that Susan is doing well and keeping you well behaved and under control. :Big Smile: Also, keeping up with some of the FNN behind the scene gossip... too funny! You're the BEST... don't ever change, for anybody, or you wouldn't be you. :Cool:

Phuong, I'm glad that Lauren finally gave you a furlow day to fish buddy. You earned that pass. :Wink: Thanks for being such good company on the long drive and staying up to converse with me instead of falling asleep. :Cool: We appreciate you bringing the food and feeding us all day, very cool. Too bad your Striper Playhouse wasn't a sell-out but the show will continue another day. :Twisted:
Let's not wait another year until we wet a line together again my friend... :Wink:

Take care everybody, have a great week! :Big Grin:

Arthur (Wingnut)


You have not lived a perfect day unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you.


Here are a few pics of our fun day...

Bob (TroutOnly) and Phuong (Blackwater)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/001-48.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/008-29.jpg

Surface boil hook-up! My first topwater Striper of the year. :Big Grin:

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/003-40.jpg

Solid Lineside.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/004-35.jpg

Same fish.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/005-32.jpg

Same fish.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/006-32.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/017-15.jpg

One of Phuong's fish on the troll.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/007-31.jpg

And another hook-up on the troll.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/010-26.jpg

Teamwork!
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/011-26.jpg

Success!
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/012-26.jpg

Moving from one end of the lake to the other...
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/009-28.jpg

Deer...
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/016-16.jpg

Cattle...
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/014-21.jpg

Parting shot.
Sunday night's dinner, made with fresh caught Striper... courtesy of my "Iron Chef". :Wink:
Vietnamese noodle recipe called "Canh Chua Cá", which translate into "Sour Fish Soup". Simply delicious! :Envious:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/001-49.jpg







Bonus Surf Fishing report!
S.W.A.T. Solo Session - Friday 8/12/11

Got back into town pretty late Thursday night and wanted to do a early Friday morning surf session somewhere... Haven't fished in a couple of weeks and my work project have been pretty hectic. Fishing is my therapy, my release. :Cool:

Sent out a couple of texts, no response... everybody fast asleep, lol.
Decided to hit one of my local spots. S.W.A.T. Code Name "Pea Soup".
Got there around 5:30am... still dark. Dang, it's getting lighter much later now...

Really nice flat conditions, mostly clear water, minimal salad, water much warmer than it was a couple of weeks ago. The most important thing, BAITFISH! Yes, baitfish dimpling and scattering here and there. There were a bunch of birds chilling on the water in the dark, good sign. As soon as there was enough visible light, the bite turned on while throwing the "Enhanced" American Shad LC. First fish was a 21" short Hali, good start... Then a slew of multi-species catch, let's see, A Queenfish, YFC, Smelt, Calico, BSP and more short Flatties. Nailed a legal Halibut casting to some scattered baitfish. It went 24+ inches and my 18th legal Halibut of the year. :Envious: Not more than 5 minutes after that, I farmed another legal about the same size. :mad:

Started hitting some rocky areas, so I took off the LC and tied on a 5" Big Hammer swim bait. Got a small Calico and then a HUGE hit in the exact same spot where John (Klocked) caught his legal WSB fishing with me a few weeks back. I knew instantly that this was a big fish. It took off fast, straight out as I hung on trying to absorb the energy from the first blistering run. Buttoned down my drag a bit because the fish was trying to head for some kelp patches in the distance. Got it turned and worked it back towards the immediate surf line. Finally caught a glimpse of the fish when I saw its dorsal spines sticking out of the water streaking back and forth. A White Sea Bass at least 30-36 inches long. Worked it towards the same little corner where we trapped John's fish and right before I could lead the head into the crevice of the rocks, the swim bait came unbuttoned. :Angry: Heartbreak! I sat there for a couple of minutes staring into the water... then started casting again like a madman. Worked the area for another 30 minutes until the fast incoming chased me off the rocks. Fish the beach for a bit longer, got one last YFC and hiked my way out by 9:30am. Man, that lost WSB is gonna haunt me for a week. :LOL:

Headed North to Lake San Antonio the next morning to fish with Bob (TroutOnly) and my S.W.A.T. buddy Phuong (Blackwater). :Cool:

Hope everybody had a nice weekend. Jetting out again tomorrow morning, see ya in a couple of weeks. :Wink:


Arthur (Wingnut)


A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.


Here are some pics...

Short Flatties, got 5 of them today.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/006-31.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/007-30.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/008-28.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/022-12.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/014-20.jpg

Other species... didn't take pics of all the junk fish. :LOL:
Got myself a 6 species morning. :Envious:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/013-20.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/020-13.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/026-13.jpg

The legal Hali. K.I.A. :Twisted:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/011-25.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/010-25.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/012-25.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/018-16.jpg

WSB territory.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/030-10.jpg

Hey, do you think I got bit...??? :LOL:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/031-12.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/033-10.jpg

Parting shot.
The kids got themselves a legal Halibut too! :Envious:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%209/002-43.jpg

[jerryG]

Glad to see you guys hit your targets with the capture of some quality stripers. Too bad the numbers were not better but you guys shared a great day on the water none the less. That was a real nice topwater fish.. Nothing beats getting blasted by a (big) fish on a topwater bait. It certainly gets the blood pumping. Good to see Phuong back in action. I'm long over due for a (some) furlow day(s). they have just been hard to come by lately.

Still amazed at how that seabass destroyed your swimbait. I have a feeling it won't take long for you to get some redemption on seabasstian. It's almost about that time of year when those fish start to move in to the surf..

JerryG

[Geraldlim]

Nice job! How heavy were the fish?

[FishNFurious]

Great, now all i'm going to hear all day at the shop tomorrow is Phuong talking about the trip. :Envious: Maybe you'll invite me next time Art, been a LONG time since you and i fished with Uncle Bobby. :Neutral:
Oh yeah, that noodle soup looks sooooo good. :Wink:

[cutbait]

Great report..

Didn't you get a topwater pig last year also?

Talked with someother guys that got two boils near center lake. Pulled two 10 lbers out on Sat Morning also.

Looks like you guys just missed those

[Which Way Out]

Arthur you going GQ Style now when you fish ? Just need a Team 57 collared shirt with the collar turned up..:ROFL:

And Bob, when my wife saw your pic she thought I had a brother the family didn't talk about. LOL

Phuong (Blackwater) Good to see you guys back in the saddle. Yea the full moon didn't help with the slaughter, but never the less some nice quality fish as confirmed by the Iron Chef herself.

Good report guys

[diamondbear]

GREAT REPORT as always , sounds like a full weekend with nice fish both days , too bad on losing that bigger fish now you'll just have to go back and try again , ha . great pic of the kids with fish , lol

[Badbeat]

Man, I miss fishing with Uncle Bob. :Big Grin: My turn next time. :Wink:
My best day Striper fishing ever was with you and Bob last year at that lake.
We got 20 Stripers between 8-15 lbs. :Shocked:
Nice topwater Striper Art, glad you had a nice weekend of fishing in before heading back out. :Cool: As always, you kick major Butts in the surf. :Envious:

[fish4anything]

Great report, Arthur!

[blackwater]

Man, that bowl of canh chua looks great! I had my mom cooked us up a batch with the Stripers too, good eats!!! :Envious: Had a great time fishing with you and Bob again Art. Thanks to the both of you for working me into your schedules. Bob, we made the best of it during the full moon. That thing was ultra bright as Art and I were driving through the night to get to the lake. :Shocked: We got some quality fish and the company was awesome, can't wait to do it again. :Big Grin: Glad to hear that your new business venture is going well Art, if you need anything, I'm only a phone call away bro. :Cool:

Oh yeah, and you didn't tell the story about how close you came to losing your Blackberry. I can't believe that thing didn't go into the lake. :EyePop: Somebody upstairs was looking out for you buddy. :Wink:

[crappiemike]

Two good trips back to back!!!

Nice....................







Cm

[TroutOnly]

BADBEAT ME AND ART WERE TELLING PHOUNG ABOUT YOU AND THE DONUT THE PIG STRIPER WORKING YOU THEN THE RESET AND ALL THAT BLOOD THAT DAY,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,t/o,,,,,,,,,,

[Wingnut]

Glad to see you guys hit your targets with the capture of some quality stripers. Too bad the numbers were not better but you guys shared a great day on the water none the less. That was a real nice topwater fish.. Nothing beats getting blasted by a (big) fish on a topwater bait. It certainly gets the blood pumping. Good to see Phuong back in action. I'm long over due for a (some) furlow day(s). they have just been hard to come by lately.

Still amazed at how that seabass destroyed your swimbait. I have a feeling it won't take long for you to get some redemption on seabasstian. It's almost about that time of year when those fish start to move in to the surf..

JerryG
One of the best moments in freshwater fishing for me is seeing a big Striper blow up on a topwater. :Twisted:
Phuong and Bob says hello... Bob still remembers that day when you showed him how to catch sand crabs. :Cool:
Yeah, those WSB have been hanging around quite a bit this year. I have feeling that some quality specimen will show themselves in the surf and Robert just proved that. :Envious:
Let me know if you're available next week to fish bro. :Wink:


Nice job! How heavy were the fish?
Thanks Gerald, the Stripers were around the average 8 lbs range.




Great, now all i'm going to hear all day at the shop tomorrow is Phuong talking about the trip. :Envious: Maybe you'll invite me next time Art, been a LONG time since you and i fished with Uncle Bobby. :Neutral:
Oh yeah, that noodle soup looks sooooo good. :Wink:

Phuong was planning to rub it in good Vince. :Envious:


Great report..

Didn't you get a topwater pig last year also?

Talked with someother guys that got two boils near center lake. Pulled two 10 lbers out on Sat Morning also.

Looks like you guys just missed those
I get a few each year, but this was the biggest one so far on topwater.


Arthur you going GQ Style now when you fish ? Just need a Team 57 collared shirt with the collar turned up..:ROFL:

And Bob, when my wife saw your pic she thought I had a brother the family didn't talk about. LOL

Phuong (Blackwater) Good to see you guys back in the saddle. Yea the full moon didn't help with the slaughter, but never the less some nice quality fish as confirmed by the Iron Chef herself.

Good report guys
Lol, just letting my hair grow out a little Bill... :LOL:
Nice job once again on the WSB slay with Yoda. :Envious:


GREAT REPORT as always , sounds like a full weekend with nice fish both days , too bad on losing that bigger fish now you'll just have to go back and try again , ha . great pic of the kids with fish , lol
Oh yeah, I'll be back for another shot at a big one... :Twisted:
Hope to see you out there one of these days. Bob has a lot of good things to say about you. :Cool:


Man, I miss fishing with Uncle Bob. :Big Grin: My turn next time. :Wink:
My best day Striper fishing ever was with you and Bob last year at that lake.
We got 20 Stripers between 8-15 lbs. :Shocked:
Nice topwater Striper Art, glad you had a nice weekend of fishing in before heading back out. :Cool: As always, you kick major Butts in the surf. :Envious:
I'll never forget that epic day Binh. We talked about it all day. :Big Grin:


Great report, Arthur!
Thanks Curtis, hope you've been fishing buddy. :Big Grin:


Man, that bowl of canh chua looks great! I had my mom cooked us up a batch with the Stripers too, good eats!!! :Envious: Had a great time fishing with you and Bob again Art. Thanks to the both of you for working me into your schedules. Bob, we made the best of it during the full moon. That thing was ultra bright as Art and I were driving through the night to get to the lake. :Shocked: We got some quality fish and the company was awesome, can't wait to do it again. :Big Grin: Glad to hear that your new business venture is going well Art, if you need anything, I'm only a phone call away bro. :Cool:

Oh yeah, and you didn't tell the story about how close you came to losing your Blackberry. I can't believe that thing didn't go into the lake. :EyePop: Somebody upstairs was looking out for you buddy. :Wink:
Great fishing with you gain Phuong. Let's not wait so long next time. :Cool:
I was just happy I didn't lose my phone. :Big Grin:


Two good trips back to back!!!

Nice....................







Cm
Thanks Mike, we're about due for a Cachuma Crappie slay with Yoda. :Wink:


BADBEAT ME AND ART WERE TELLING PHOUNG ABOUT YOU AND THE DONUT THE PIG STRIPER WORKING YOU THEN THE RESET AND ALL THAT BLOOD THAT DAY,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,t/o,,,,,,,,,,
Good fishing with you Bob as always. Thanks again for the fun trip. We'll do it again soon! :Big Grin: