Last 2 trips on river have been similar. Boated 3 bass, all keepers with one over 3 lbs. Very slow methodical presentation with black/blue craw-worms tossed to cypress tree bases. Last week was best at marsh drains. Not many bites in the cold/muddy river but good quality. It is hard to catch 14" keepers on the Sabine most days, that is what makes this a little special.

I thought about fishing the clearer cuts today, but the wind forecast kept me home. It DID get windy later in the day. I fished above I-10 along the main river and into Big Bayou last week with no luck.

That said, I expect the catching to really improve after next week's string of nasty weather days. I think these river fish get their spawning done very quickly. You have to be there!

Yes, it did get windy in the afternoon and I loaded up around 3pm. That wind was blowing into the boat ramp and there was all kinds of trash in there. Had to do some manual labor before loading (not used to manual labor). I agree, the fish are trying to move in and as soon as a front pushes through and we get a few warm & sunny days, they start biting.

I will be fishing the Sabine this weekend, and today probably. Are you fishing in the main river water or going up cuts off the river? I am still trying to learn this river fishing down here, so far I have found that they like to hold as close to the trees and brush as possible. And when going north past I10 bridge, is big bayou the first bayou that you come to on the right side of the river? Any help and comments would appreciated, as I am still struggling down here. I am catching a few, but not much size.

I mostly fish cuts off main river but I have a couple of main river spots I try in winter and summer. When you go north of the I10 bridge, the river makes a bend to the right and then back to the left and you keep straight ahead at the next hard bend left. That is big bayou and is a good area with lots of cypress and cuts. You are correct, the bass tend to hold tight to any cover. Always best with a little current. If you put in at the City ramp, go north and turn left into the first cut past the docks. All this water back in here is good....do some exploring and look for a little clearer water. Another area is across from the boat ramp just south of where you launch. You will see a small island, turn left just south of the island and you will see a long cut.*NOTE: Do not attempt to go by island on north(ramp side) as there are rocks across the small opening. Down size your lures and try small plastics and spinnerbaits. I've had good luck with size fishing 3.5" blk/blue craw worms on 8lb mono next to cypress and also drains with flow. Good luck.

Thank you very much. I know the cut to the south you are talking about, been there a few times. I'm pretty sure I know where Big Bayou is now, I think I have been there once before. It is hard to find to clearer water down here, or at least what I am used to fishing in North east Texas, Rayburn and some smaller lakes, I but I like the scenery down here and the friendship, people are very helpful down here. A couple of months ago I had a guy give me some baits he was using on the water and showed me exactly what he was looking for to throw at. I'm in a red Ranger 188 with 150 Merc. Opti if you happen to see me, say hi. I get out there every chance I get.

later...don

OK Don, I am in a red/black Nitro Z7 pulled behind black Chevy truck. I try to go once or twice during midweek. Also hit Rayburn and Toledo when I can. I try to avoid weekends though.

Might see you one day...
Mike