This dude is the real deal and knows what he's talking about.

I can understand this after going there off and on for 40+ years since I was a pre-teen, but also that barge has history, even if my favorite guys working the counter (Harold, I'm looking up at you, partner and John with that smelly cigar too) have now long passed.

Yes, it could be renovated and made a bit safer, but even that 'smell' and old black n white polaroids on the wall (dated and signed) and kitchen/coffee bar are what bring back my memories. If they ask them (I assume Pablo still runs the show there and owns it) to sell or renovate, it's going to take all that away.

I used to fish and pay for slips with a group of great dudes at Lakeview Marina (up lake on the E side) almost a decade ago. It was close, we watched over the slips, especially for looters during holidays, and brushed the [censored] out of a couple of rows of slips there only to be kicked off by a new owner several years ago. I think I even still have the key to the doors leading into the slip, but sure they've changed those locks out long ago.

It was smaller than the one down lake, but I caught some huge crappie year round on mostly plastics (jigs) at that place and miss it very much. The one row of slips next to the boat ramp was the original one we were on and imagine it still has the small clearning table and station at the end.

Miss those days and ole DaleEarnhart Fan and those guys. We were only 4-5 people strong, but we were close and watched out for each other and the boats in the marina. I wish I could go back and get on those slips again with a group. I'd just go up 287 a bit, get off on Bonds Ranch Rd, up to Pedan Rd, then boom, I was there in 15 mins or slightly less on a good traffic day.

Yep, used to slew (mainly just unders) up and down that walkway from the parking lot/bait shop with those slips you spoke of just literally a few yards away.

I can tell I haven't been there in probably 4-5 years. Did they keep it near the bait shop and along the south side of the lake near the fire station, or did they just move it downshore a bit and too darn close to the bank.

That lake is already shallow, so the farther out, the better. I just remember getting hung up alot inside on minnows because of all the crappie condos all over the place in there. I would just flip a jig near the sides or just do up and down in the far corners. Even the deepest parts was maybe 8-10 feet when the lake was near normal level.

Hmmm, maybe I need to go check that and my old haunt at Lakeview Marina on EML out again, since I plan on retiring from this shiftwork in a little over a year.

My buddy & I hit Alan Henry Monday. We were catching mostly 9 1/2" fish until the guy next to me caught a 2.55 lb crappie, 0.4 short of the lake record. Several bass caught also. Water was 47 degrees, fish were stacked from 15' to 35'. Fishing really slowed down after lunch, so we left early. Fish were hitting both minnows and jigs when they were biting.

I totally agree. I hate seeing so many places stripped of their history

fished Harbor Bay Monday. there were less than 10 unders caught by 12:15. Same for Duck Cove Sunday morning.

Fergy i hope your pal pulls thru.Prayers sent, hope yal'l can catch em again

Another slow Sunday at Duck Cove. By 12pm, only saw 4 keepers and very few unders caught.

Did anyone get out this week? Last weekend, water temps were in the high 40s. Can't imagine the cold snap has helped.

any water temps to report? I am hoping these warmer days will have them moving in..

57 in backs of coves CCL turtles are out heavy now for about a week

thanks Billy!

We could always start a go fund me - at least it would be one to go to a good cause.

starting to catch fish at Duck Cove