just returned from a pretty cool trip to picachos...though no donkeys were caught in our group (monty may chime in as I think they caught some solid size) we did catch a few miniature ponies. The lake is absolutely gorgeous, and I can really see this being a top-contender among destination trophy bass fishing in the near future. The amount of fish that were caught in the 2.5-3.5lb range were too numerous to count. These fish have an appetite as well as an attitude. I bore the battle scars with bruised ribs and midsection from setting the hook on these stubborn mules. And when you stumbled onto a solid 4-4.5lber, the first thought in your mind was "pack-mule" when you cracked one. I mean a good, heavy chewbacca-haired mule that you see on those old western movies at home on tv....loaded up with camp equipment marching its way towards town kinda pack mule. Not to be confused with the ever popular run-of-the-mill hill country mule. On a good, solid hookset, your hips never made it to full rotation. It was as if you were fishing with your side butted-up against an immovable object that prevented you from leaning too far back to gain an advantage. If it wasnt coming towards you, turning its head away from cover was no easy task. I was repeatedly disappointed as a 3.5-4lb fish leapt from the waters revealing its size. Didnt take me long to realize it was just the norm, and my mind raced at the possibility of fighting a true mule.

Travel to and from was a breeze, as we flew to dallas and straight to Mazatlan. Ron's crew picked us up and off we went for the modest hour-long trip to the lake. After a quick stop to grag grub (more on the marlin tacos later) we arrived to camp and proceeded to unload and arm ourselves (rig up). The accommodations were sufficient and as to be expected for remote mexico...beds were fine, rooms were small, showers and toilets worked fine, and the AC was bone chilling....check, check, check, check and big check. The evening brought a masterpiece sunset that could only be appreciated from sitting atop the hillside campsite watching as it disappears over the mountaintops. With a margarita in hand (sometimes in each hand...and dam good ones at that), it was hard to talk about anything non-fishing related...sleep was going to be hard to come by, I could tell...

Morning brought a solid breakfast and orange juice that could only be better if served a little colder. I dont know what kind of oranges they grow down there, but I'd pony up for a few boxes just for the juice alone. After walking about 40 paces to the waters edge, we found our rods waiting for us lined up perfectly against a pickup truck which had delivered them waterside for us. After pairing up with our guides for the day, we were idling away from shore and on-plane to our first spot. Topwaters were on the agenda for me until proven otherwise, and it didnt take long to connect. However, the one constant remained throughout the trip....senkos rigged on a Jim Edwards shakeyhead, or texas rigged if trying to get into the really thick stuff. You could go through just about any popular plastic you wish to fish (flukes, lizards come to mind) but I simply couldn't put down what was producing to explore other options. My brother, however, wore em out on flukes and we had other members of our parties tear em up on lizards.

Squarebills seemed to produce a slightly better weight average over the next 2 days, and weather conditions opened the door up on dealers choice of lures on the eve of day 2. Overcast skies with threatening weather set the stage for a memorable evening with a light show off in the distance, and it barely beat out the magnificent ribeye that was laid before us to fill our stomachs. Fishing and food claimed victorious again and the margaritas and cold ac took care of the rest.

Long story short, folks, you could put 10 skilled anglers out there fishing 10 different ways and likely have a close leaderboard at the end of each day, but I firmly believe the angler fishing in deeper water, around deeper trees would claim the title. This is the type of lake where you force yourself to tie on a lure you have never caught a fish on before, and by the days end you'll sob like a baby when you break it off. Its a confidence builder any way you slice it, and its a great way to re-affirm yourself that you are fishing your favorite lures effectively. The saddest part of this entire experience is that more lakes in our great state cant be like this. Wait....ARENT like this....they CAN/COULD be like this...or at least there's no reason why they aren't, and that's disappointing. I know pressure, drought, etc can take its toll on just about any fishery, but we have deep lakes as well. We also have an abundance of baitfish within these jewels of water. But where I definitely think we are lacking is the sheer numbers of fish in our lakes. It was not uncommon to see 7-10 1lb bass cruising the shorelines in packs, and that's just not "usual" on the lakes I fish. It's as if the underclassmen were waiting in the wings to grow into monsters 4-5years from now, versus me seeing the occasional 1/2lb bass or 2 cruising around looking for a meal. It's one place where the lakes in mexico certainly have the advantage...the sheer number of fish stocked on a regular basis to ensure future fishing success.

Overall, yes I'd do it again, but in a little cooler month..lol. I'm by no means old in my mind (I'm 36), but the heat made me feel like I was 92 at times, and made me wish I was 18 again in hopes of being able to handle it a little better. Oh, and the marlin tacos you ask?? Holy moly...the cook in that little eatery could teach every chef in San Antonio a thing or two. If I had those mixed in with some migas and verde sauce, you might as well close up every taqueria in Texas. Period.

Excellent post Mr. Miller and a great experience you will remember forever.

How much coin do I need to stack up for this trip I have been itching to go ?

$1595 for 3 days. $1795 for 4 days. Plus airfare, tips and a few incidentals. All in $2400 to $2750.

I went last January and going back in Dec and Feb.

Chad

Very well done....Glad you enjoyed your trip to Picachos and thank you for the PLUG. I hope you Colby And Tad decide to come back soon.

Bill

Told you...

Great post Chad . I enjoyed the trip and enjoyed meeting you guys it was a blast and i'm already planing a trip back this fall.
Her is a slide show of camp and lake ..http://www.smilebox.com/playBlog/4e4445774e5445344e546b3d0d0a&blogview=true

Sorry link was not hot. http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheB...3d0d0a&sb=1

What a great and funny post Chad. I too made it down there and shared your experience. Almost exactly..... Ron Speed Jr made sure we kept smiles on our faces. The food, the fishing, the whole experience was fantastic.

I think those aggressive little buggers need another two years of bellies full of Tilapia and you will see me take up a residence down there.

Tight lines,

Jackson