Well,
I finally got the new kayak and went on a quick fishing trip. I went to a local (small) lake called Lake Woodlands because it's close.

I decided to take a bare minimum - water, small drybag, good ole Plano tacklebox, a baitcasting rig, and a trusty Zebco 33 rig in case I fouled up everything.

The first thing was trying to get into the thing at the dock. I decided the easiest way was just to sit on the dock and sort of scoot over. I need to work on my technique, but I did stay dry.

After that, it was awesome. This lake allows no motors (but you can use a trolling motor and a lot of pontoon rigs and small boats were doing that). I could still go so many places they could not. I paddled about 500 yards up a small creek where no one gets to go.

Then I set out across the whole lake and to the far end. It was windy and dang near had whitecaps on this little lake! Let me tell you, I am feeling it in my back as I type.

At the far end there was a bridge. I went under and then saw a little, skinny waterway almost like a bar ditch (note to self - take your poles OUT of the molded in rod holders and strap them to the sides with the rigging next time before you go into low branches!).

I made my way through there and over some rocks. The next thing I see is a HUGE open wet area that looks like a rice paddie. It was all only about 6 inches deep and I was literally paddling through grass! Herons were everywhere standing taller than me in the grass. It was amazing. The most quiet place I have found in the Houston area. I saw some apartments next to this and I looked all over to see if there were any signs saying something like "Wetlands Area" or anything, but never saw any.

I also saw the biggest freakin snake I have ever seen! He swam right past me through the grass.

After this, I went back to the bridge and caught two bass that were about 2 lbs. each. I was using a brush grabber anchor to hold on limbs and rocks. I took it off a limb and was about to move on when I look up and see another huge snake asleep right over me.

Good thing the kayak is so quiet.

Had a super time. Saw more awesome stuff in one 4 hour trip than I usually do all spring.

Loving the kayak, taking the aspirin too!

Hi Coach,

Great Post... Isn't kayaking just the Best way to observe nature... Also a great way to catch fish of all kinds... When I first got my kayak I would just do paddle trips... Friends that I went with would fish and I would explore... Now however I have retaken up fishing and recently bought an Hobie Outback Fisherman... You can fish while just peddling along...

Catch You Later, Jerry

Sounds great. You also learned a lot of Yak info for your first time out. Wind is only good if it is blowing in the direction you are paddling. I pay more attention to the wind speed forcast then the rain forcast when going out. Also, there is no graceful way to get in or out of the Yak. The hardest way is off a dock and you already accomplished that. One other thing you need to bring when you go out is an empty jar. If you are going to be out for any period of time you will learn that all the water you drink needs to exit.

Hey couch. I'm just right up the road from you (lake conroe) and i have a quetion for you. I'm a wade fishing or well i claim to be anyway and i lookng in the getting a kayak. I'm looking at a tarpon 140. what made you pick a ssit inside and not a sit atop. loook forward to your reply

A couple of reasons. I am really comfortable with a canoe and this seemed like a good match for me. Also, I plan to fish a lot when the weather might be a little cold. Everyone I talked to told me that the sit-inside is better if the water is cold because you don't get so wet.

ok thanks for the reply...well this tues Ryben over at FTU. is going to let me use a tarpon 140 for the day and I'm going to do a little fishing down by rollover pass... mybe my next trip I'll try a sit inside.
Coach do you ever try fishing on lake conroe..????

Hey Coach,

I live here in The Woodlands and L Woodlands is a nice trip in a kayak. I purchased canoe last year to take advantage of it. Try haulin that kayak back to L Alden in the back of The Woodlands and you won't be disappointed. Not as big as L Woodlands but very pretty and very fishy. Talk about a lake tailor made for kayaks and canoes. No developement around it and very limited access. You'll have to haul your kayak about 200yds down a hiking path but well worth it. Drop me a line some times, always looking for ballast for my canoe.

Hey texcajun06,

Here is a post I just made in the crappie section about Lake Woodlands.


What great luck!

My buddy and I were in a small cfe in Spring. Somehow we struck up a conversation and it turned to fishing. He tells us he goes to a lake in The Woodlands and night fishes from the bank for crappie.

So, we go get some minnowrs and glow bobbers and head off. We got there about 8:30 and immediately brought in two big ole slabs. One white and one black. A lot of others were catching their limits while we were there.

The guy that gave us the tip showed up around 9:45 and says, "Wait until about 11:00, these crappie go nuts"

Then, a park guy comes along and informs us that starting tonight the city (The Woodlands)has decided to make all the lakes and ponds off limits during the night.

Man, what a bummer.

Where is Lake Alden?

dlmarinaman


Haven't tried Lake Conroe yet, but I may soon. I am looking at possibly going to Stubblefield this weekend.

Hey Coach,

Take Research Forest Dr back and you'll pass Alden Bridge Drive, next big intersection will be Kuykendahl, continue on till you get to Alden Bridge Dr again, (big loop), turn left onto Alden Bridge Dr. Continue down Alden Bridge Dr till you see a park on your left. Just past the park is Buckalew Elementary. Turn left into the parking lot for the park and drive all the way to the back and park. Take the hike and bike path into the woods and you won't miss it. Not a very deep lake especially where you put in but down towards the damn it gets a little deeper. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

I drove over to it today and I'll be out there Sunday morning early. We saw quite a few bass hitting the top out in open areas. The area around the corner to the left looks good. Is that the dam?

I am going to take some big shiners with me too and see if the bass are hungry.

Dat's da place