Wind and warming temperatures make fishing a challenge

Fishing has been fair-to-good for black bass as the water continues its drop from 291 feet on March 23 to 281.23 feet as of May 10. Water temperature has been in the mid-70s to low 80-degree range and winds have made fishing a challenge. Boats tying up to brushy points and fishing the edges of drop-offs have had success on plastic baits. Red Shad and other traditional dark Falcon Watermelon-anything baits have been working best. Some Rat-L-Trap and small crankbait action has also been reported.

Smaller fish to 5 lbs . are fairly shallow, but some of the large fish (up to 9 lbs . are being caught in 20 feet and deeper water) according to local fisherman Jerry Achilles. Jerry also reports launching at the Tigers is no longer an alternative because of the receding water. The Whites (Craig and Patricia) were here last weekend, but they found the quantities and size of fish to have diminished. They had eighteen fish including a 6-lb.-plus fish, mostly on red shad Sweet Beavers, Stick Worms and other Plastic Worms.

Catfishing has continued good both from the shoreline and boats on frozen baits and worms. Gar fishermen report good action on bows up to 150 lb . fish. Alex Gutierrez brought in a 5.24 lb . spotted gar he extricated from a net last week. The state record is 5.9 lbs .

You may have heard we are regretfully selling Falcon Lake Tackle strictly for health reasons. Business in the store and on the website e-store has never been better. The business, inventory, commercial property, and website site can be purchased together or any part thereof. Included also are good living quarters above the store, shop space, and additional land adjacent to and behind the store with abundant concrete patios, parking under six foot security fencing. Through our on-line e-store, we have sold tackle to fishermen and women in six countries and 46 states. Most people shopping with us remark that Falcon Lake Tackle has the most extensive selection of tackle and marine supplies of any store they have visited. We try to anticipate demand and we do not just keep a few packages in stock. The hot baits are almost always available and we keep an adequate number of mexico licenses and boat permits available by mail or in the store. We would welcome the opportunity to add you to our satisfied customers list.

Until next time, have a great day on the water and always practice catch and release.

(Larry E. Bridgeman is the owner of Falcon Lake Tackle in Zapata , TX . Visit the Falcon Lake Tackle website at www.tackleandrods.com.)