It’s that time of the year when you need to be prepared

As a licensed professional fishing guide, Michael Acosta shows you how to find them. The Granbury resident of 30 years has been fishing all of his life and has been a licensed guide since 1998.

It’s that time of the year when you need to be prepared for both cool weather and sunny hot weather. Launching in the a.m. and running down the lake can be quite cool, but as the sun rises, you’ll be shedding those jackets/clothes quickly.

I don’t know how many times I have folks with me who are not prepared for the weather even if I warn them beforehand. It is a good idea to have a jacket this time of year that will keep you warm enough for that morning run down the lake. It is also a good idea this jacket be waterproof/water resistant for obvious reasons. Even if there is no rain in the forecast, you might need some protection from water spray from potential wave action, especially on those windy days. I do keep a couple of extra rain jackets in the boat just in case. They are not insulated at all, but the vinyl will break the wind for the run down the lake and they will keep your upper torso dry.

Most boats are relatively dry inside, but on occasion you will get water in the boat. Some boats have self-bailing decks that on occasion will allow a small amount of water in the boat. Other days on the water, the wave action can cause water to splash into the boat. People climbing in and out of boats will also bring in water. For this reason, tennis shoes that can get wet are not always the best choice on the boat. In the summer a shoe that is designed to get wet is a good idea. For cooler times of the year, a good water proof boat shoe/boot with good traction is a good idea. Having wet socks and shoes can make the day less favorable especially if it is cold. Currently it remains warm enough most days that I still wear my “water shoes” which are made to wade out in the water, but the time is near where I will use rubber boots when launching the boat to keep dry. Being wet when it’s cold is not fun.

With these warm afternoons, don’t forget the sun block. When on the water in the boat, you can still get burned. I believe the reflection from the water can actually be more intense than on land. The afternoons can still get pretty warm, especially if there is not any wind, and we have had a bunch of days with no wind.

Bring plenty of water and fluids. Though the sun is not as intense in the fall, you still need to hydrate. I know I am more likely to have a headache if I don’t hydrate. I also know after the day on the water is done, I am in a lot better shape if I drink plenty of fluids. It does make a difference.

Fall weather has arrived. Enjoy the water and the weather and I will see you out there!

HOOD COUNTY FISHING REPORT

Granbury water levels continue to be about 2 feet low and falling slowly. Lake turnover is ongoing with water temperatures in the low to middle 70s. Granbury catfish continue to be good with an occasional big fish 20 pounds plus on cut bait fished on the upper ends. Striped bass to 12 pounds are possible on the lower ends on live shad and down rigged jigs or alabama rigs. Sandbass are fair with some good catches reported near DeCordova subdivision and in town by the Shores. Largemouth bass to 7 pounds are possible on crankbaits and soft plastics fished near main lake points and on 10-foot humps on many areas of the lake. Crappie limits continue to be taken on minnows and small jigs fished midlake on submerged structure (bridge pilings and trees).

Comanche Creek (formerly Squaw Creek) reservoir black bass are being caught in numbers on soft plastics with an occasional bigger fish to 8 pounds. Channel catfish limits are common on prepared and cut bait fished on many areas of the lake. Tilapia (invasive species) are abundant and are being taken with cast nets or others are catching them on worms fished under a bobber in the backs of coves and creeks.

On other reservoirs, Whitney and Possum Kingdom continue to brag on limits of striped bass on live bait and down rigged jigs. Some good topwater action near feeding flats are reported on both reservoirs.

MICHAEL ACOSTA

As a licensed professional fishing guide, Michael Acosta shows you how to find them. The Granbury resident of 30 years has been fishing all of his life and has been a licensed guide since 1998.

michael.acosta@att.net | 254-396-4855