She fishes too… that beautiful section of the Colorado River that wraps and winds its way through the sleepy little town of Smithville, Texas. You might not know where Smithville is if you’re not from the area, but be sure residents proudly proclaim, “Smithville Home of Hope Floats,” the 1998 film staring Sandra Bullock as you take the exit from Highway 71. Let me be even clearer that a sign, “Home of the Tigers” is securely fastened above it. We Texans love our high school football above all else.
This section of the river was new to me. So it was with literal high hopes that I would have a great float and lay into some Guadalupe Bass. Yes, every pun intended.
It was hardly a minute after being in the water that my fly fishing love story turned to heart ache. Fighting enough breeze and current to get the angle I needed, I finagled my cast between two low hanging branches an inch off the bank. A fight ensued and I quickly lost. I wiped a tear away as a decent sized bass fluttered away. When the double hook set doesn’t work, never be afraid to triple hook set.
Paddling down the river helped the heart burn fade off into shallower waters. Here the current picked up and I knew I was in Guadalupe Bass territory. The clarity of the water in the Colorado always fascinates me and I knew current here would not disappoint. All too soon I was in a tango with my first smallie to hand.
The day continued on in sweet Texas bliss. The weather was fair and the fish were plentiful. The cloud painted sky gently masked the sun to break up the heat. Such fine January days are hard to find and cherished by few.
Here’s to hoping you get out on the Colorado and float into some bass of your own.
Fish On!
Anthony
Looks like you had a great time on the river. Is that a modified Flying Cat??? Isn’t it about time we had a river trip together?
Mike, it is! Hit the staff link above and plug in an email addy I can hit you up with. I tried with the one connected to this comment but it did not take.
And in the pics is a straight up flying cat. Maybe slightly lighter green cheniel. The mods I do for the flying cat are larger hooks with wooly bugger type hackle.
Thanks!
The “Staff” button did not work. Try this email address or go to 2coolfishing or TKF and PM me.
Great day on the San Marcos river today.
Today with Thomas Flemons from Diablo Paddlesports.
Where did you put in and where did you take out.
Enjoyed seeing pictures of some of the places I grew up learning to fish in the late 40’s.
Dave,
I threw in under the 95 bridge in Smithville and just did a down and back in the yak. We have the next section of the lower Colorado planned, so be on the look out for it when that guide book comes out. Thanks and hope you can get back in the area soon!