2025 might be the year..
After 3 boats, well.. here I am.

Badly want to help WIN and have a good time trying.

Try hard at least, and still have a great attitude if we cannot find them!

I will do by best to contribute 110%,

I don't know diddly about Football, Baseball or Basketball. Forewarned lol!

A guide and previous CAT members taught me to fish.
I am 67yrs old. So ill bring my own Red Bull!!

Curious if anyone in here would be able to help me. I’m wondering if there would be a difference in clarity or performance between hds pro and hds live…it would strictly be used for active target 2

Can anyone direct me to a Bait shop that sells Live shiners for Crappie near Granger Lake. TY

I’m looking to sale my Lowrance FS 9” and my active Target transducer and black. $1000. Send me message if your interested.

Wondering why the hds pro 12 is cheaper at academy than any of these marine dealers? 🤔

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/c...rry-jones-continues-his-all-in-approach/

CLIENTS: On the afternoon of Friday, January 24, I welcomed aboard Dennis Cochran, owner of Interstate Marine and Outboard Service LLC located along the northbound Interstate 35 frontage road between Salado and Belton.

Although Dennis was interested in fishing, he was equally interested in learning to better understand his Humminbird sonar units, including Humminbird MegaLive technology.

We met a half-hour earlier than our 1:30PM fishing trip start time to go over some sonar fundamentals, including the shape, coverage, pros, and cons of the four technologies his units are capable of: traditional sonar, down-imaging, side-imaging, and forward-facing sonar.



DATE: Friday, 24 January 2025 (AM)

NEXT OPEN DATES: 27-31 January (AMs or PMs)






PHOTO CAPTION: Dennis Cochran brought this 9.50-pound largemouth bass (weighed on a certified scale) to net from out of 38 feet of water. The fish struck a white, 3/4 oz. Bladed Hazy Eye Slab and hit about 8 or 9 minutes after we’d sat over a school of white bass catching them steadily.






PHOTO CAPTION: Female white bass are beginning to show bulging sides as the eggs in their ovaries begin to develop in advance of the forthcoming spring spawn.



WHERE WE FISHED: Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir

SUMMARY OF HOW WE FISHED:

I opened up Wednesday through Friday this week, but only for the afternoons from roughly 1:30PM to 5:30PM. The main reason I offered these afternoon trips was because the forecast called for winds to be blowing (from the north on Thursday and from the south on Wednesday and Friday) versus fairly calm conditions on all three mornings.

As I mentioned in my last post, although I feel we could have sat atop schools of shad which are converging on the river channel, I only “resort” to deadsticking if I have to because deadsticking requires the angler to be able to detect a bite and set the hook immediately, which is something a majority of my clients tend not to do well.

So, because I wanted to demonstrate for Dennis what white bass look like on 2D, DI, and SI, and then fish for them using forward-facing sonar (in downward mode), we opted not to do any deadsticking and instead searched for bottom-oriented fish holding on deep topographic features.

Over the course of the afternoon, we found cooperative fish on four distinct areas between 35 and 45 feet deep. At each of these, the bite was best as soon as we dropped our Bladed Hazy Eye Slabs down, then the action tapered pretty quickly. We presented as aggressively as the fish would allow by using a slow-smoking tactic at first, then dropping back to easing, then going even slower by snap-jigging before finally leaving and then searching for a new group of fish.

Although we found fish throughout the afternoon, they were definitely less aggressive than they were the prior afternoon, thus, we put in more effort and caught seventy-seven fish (that is 71% of the prior day’s catch).

The highlight of this trip occurred when Cochran brought a 9.50-pound largemouth bass into the net after it struck a ¾-ounce, white Bladed Hazy Eye Slab in thirty-eight feet of water.

Just as we did on Thursday, we closed out this trip casting jigheads and soft plastics horizontally in relatively shallow water, adding thirty fish to our tally in the last forty-five minutes of the outing, wrapping up at 5:30PM.

The fish stopped feeding right around 5:30PM, just prior to the sun setting below the western horizon.

RESULTS: 77 fish, all caught and released


TUTORIAL VIDEO ON HOW TO DO “SLOW SMOKING”:



TUTORIAL VIDEO ON HOW TO SNAP-JIG:



TUTORIAL VIDEON ON HOW TO DO “EASING”:




LURES USED SUCCESSFULLY ON THIS TRIP: We used curl-tail grubs and jigheads and the white, 5/8 oz. & 3/4 oz. Bladed Hazy Eye Slab to catch our fish this morning. Find all Hazy Eye Slabs here: https://whitebasstools.com/



OBSERVATIONS:

1) Water temperature dropped from 52F down to 48.6F over this most recent cold snap. The chill was offset by bright, sunny daytime sky conditions.

2) Birds aided in finding fish only at the last, and shallowest, place we found fish this afternoon — 5 terns were acting suspiciously.

3) The further upstream I look, the more small fish I find, indicating the very first signs of the spring upstream spawning migration.



LATEST WATER TEMPERATURE PROFILE:

Here was the water temperature profile for Stillhouse Hollow, measured with a FishHawk TD device around 1:00 PM on Thursday, 23 Jan. …

0 feet 49.4
5 feet 49.4
10 feet49.2
15 feet 49.0
20 feet 48.8
25 feet 48.7
30 feet 48.7
35 feet 48.6
40 feet 48.6
45 feet 48.6
50 feet48.6
55 feet 48.6
60 feet 48.6

WEATHER DATA:

Start Time: 1:30P

End Time: 5:30P

Air Temp. @ Trip’s Start: 53F

Elevation: 2.84′ low (with a 0.03′ fall in the last 24 hours) with a 1 cfs flow

Water Surface Temp: 49.4F on the surface.

Wind Speed & Direction: SSW11-12

Sky Condition: bright, clear, cloudless skies

Moon Phase: Waning crescent moon at 32% illumination.

GT = 25



Wx SNAPSHOT: N/A








AREAS FISHED WITH SUCCESS:

Area vic 721 – 17 fish on slow-smoked & eased white 5/8 oz. Hazy Eye Slabs

Area 1412 – 8 fish on slow-smoked & eased white 5/8 oz. Hazy Eye Slabs

Area SHFL24007- 11 fish on slow-smoked, eased, and snap-jigged white 3/4 oz. Hazy Eye Slabs

Area vic SH0115C – 11 fish on slow-smoked & eased, and snap-jigged white 3/4 oz. Hazy Eye Slabs

Area vic 798 – 30 fish on slow-rolled jigheads/curltails and slow-smoked 5/8 oz. Hazy Eye Slabs



Bob Maindelle

Full-time, Professional Fishing Guide and Owner of Holding the Line Guide Service

Belton Lake Fishing Guide, Stillhouse Hollow Fishing Guide

254.368.7411 (call or text)

Website: www.HoldingTheLineGuideService.com

E-mail: Bob@HoldingTheLineGuideService.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bobmaindelle

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bobmaindelle

I have 2 lots of crank baits for sale. Each lot is 30.00 TYD. If interested, either post below or feel free to send me a PM.

Thanks

I have some weedless ned heads for sale. They come with a # 1 Hook in them. Price is 20.00 for 20 of them and shipping is included in that price. Each additional 20 pack is 16.00. They are available in 1/16, 1/8, 3/16 and 1/4 oz. Colors I can paint them in are Black, Green Pumpkin, Brown, Red and Chart. You can mix sizes to get your 20 pack. If interested, either post below or feel free to send me a PM.

Thanks

Anyone have any recommendations in the DFW area?

skeeter trailers for a 20 an 21 zxr boats used but in great shape 6000.00 plus ttl 24 fxr 20 like new 7500.00 plus ttl 940 636 0097

I think my fly fishing friends would enjoy a look behind the scenes at Sawgrass in Dallas, Texas, on February 6th.! It is kind of like an "open house" thing and you can mingle with those stinky conventional guys (stinking like fish), talk to the Sawgrass guys about what fly rods are coming down the pipeline in 2025, and who knows what else! It starts at 6 and runs a couple of hours. Casual obviously, and a chance to throw Sawgrass New Moon fly rods. The MAP is on the contact page - https://sawgrassrods.com/contact-us/ and I hope to see you there!

Hey guys I just wanted to see if there's anyone here who's familiar with the Amherst OH area? I'm vacationing there this coming May, with an old Air Force buddy of mine, & we're going to be kayak fishing for bass. Where's a good bass lake close to Amherst?

Hey guys I just wanted to see if there's anyone here who's familiar with the Amherst OH area? I'm vacationing there this coming May, with an old Air Force buddy of mine, & we're going to be kayak fishing for bass. Where's a good bass lake close to Amherst?

Hey guys I just wanted to see if there's anyone here who's familiar with the Amherst OH area? I'm vacationing there this coming May, with an old Air Force buddy of mine, & we're going to be kayak fishing for bass. Where's a good bass lake close to Amherst?

I have a Brinkmann Vertical Stick burner that I would like to sell. I just put a new thermometer on it this past summer. I will take $150.00 for it, been a great smoker but I got a blue tooth pellet smoker and now I am spoiled.
It can be picked up in Oak Ridge(near Terrell) M-F after 5 and on the weekends if I'm not fishing or in Balch Springs M-F 8:00 - 3:00. I will get on my cell and post some pics here in just a bit. Thanks


for looking. [img]http://[/img]

I have a friend needing a good minn Kota shop around Livingston. Recommendations? Thanks guys

Hey, I’m Cal Cameron, an East Texas bass fishing guide, and I specialize in Forward Facing Sonar (FFS)! Over the past few years, I've been perfecting the art of FFS, teaching anglers how to find and catch more bass using cutting-edge sonar tech.

In 2024 alone, I took over 60 trips on the water, helping anglers at all levels improve their skills and master the screen to catch more fish, no matter the technique. Whether you’re trying to up your game as an angler or dial in your Garmin, Humminbird, or Lowrance sonar system, I’m here to help!

Check out some photos from past trips where my clients and I put FFS to work! Most of these fish were caught using sonar, and I’d love to help you have the same success.

Call or text me at (214) 498-5993 to get more info on my half- and full-day trips, pricing, and availability. Let’s get you on the water and make 2025 your best year yet!

Hey, I’m Cal Cameron, an East Texas bass fishing guide, and I specialize in Forward Facing Sonar (FFS)! I graduated from Coppell High in 2019 and spent all four years fishing with THSBA, even serving as president of my team. Over the years, I've been perfecting the art of FFS, teaching anglers how to find and catch more bass using cutting-edge sonar tech.

In 2024 alone, I took over 60 trips on the water, helping anglers at all levels improve their skills and master the screen to catch more fish, no matter the technique. Whether you’re trying to up your game as a high school angler or dial in your Garmin, Humminbird, or Lowrance sonar system, I’m here to help!

Check out some photos from past trips where my clients and I put FFS to work! Most of these fish were caught using sonar, and I’d love to help you have the same success.

Call or text me at (214) 498-5993 to get more info on my half- and full-day trips, pricing, and availability. Let’s get you on the water and make 2025 your best year yet!

Trip 1:
Brad and Brooke from Missouri had been dreaming of a deep-sea fishing adventure in Fort Lauderdale, so they booked a half-day charter with us aboard the Happy Day Today. The day started with a steady northeast wind at 12-15 mph, creating a light chop on top of a north swell. A few miles offshore, the water turned deep blue, and we spotted flyers—perfect bait for pelagic species.

With ideal conditions, we set up for kite fishing, a favorite technique in Fort Lauderdale. As we passed the jetties, we headed east to a productive spot, where we deployed two kites, each carrying live baits below them. Kite fishing is an exciting experience, and it’s always better when you see it in person. We also dropped a bait down to the bottom of the reef, allowing it to move slowly with the current. After an hour, the rod bent over, and the first mate called out, "We’ve got one!" Brooke grabbed the rod and fought a feisty Mutton Snapper to the surface.

Next, we moved deeper over a Fort Lauderdale fishing sunken shipwreck, a hot spot for predators. As we set up over the wreck, both kite baits hooked up in a double-header strike. Brad and Brooke each took a rod and reeled in two beautiful Blackfin Tunas. The first mate gaffed the fish and added them to the box.

Not long after, we saw the left kite bait swimming erratically. Then, from the depths, a massive Hammerhead shark emerged, circling the bait. Its tail lashed the water as it tried repeatedly to grab the bait. After several misses, the Shark finally nailed it and took off, ripping drag and thrashing violently. Brad was on the rod, and the battle was intense. After a thrilling fight, we managed to bring the Shark alongside the boat, where we quickly removed the hook, snapped a photo, and released the predator back into the deep.

It was an unforgettable day of fishing in Fort Lauderdale, with Brad and Brooke taking home memories of an exciting encounter with some of the ocean’s most impressive creatures.

Trip 2:
Chris and John from Wisconsin had eagerly traded snow for sunshine, heading down to South Florida for a much-needed break from the cold for a deep-sea fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale. Their mission was clear: catch a Sailfish, the ultimate prize in Fort Lauderdale's deep-sea fishing scene. Though the weather was far from ideal for comfort, it was perfect for Sailfish—overcast skies, a brisk northeast wind, and choppy seas. This was classic Sailfish weather.

The baitwell was stocked with Goggle Eyes and Cigar Minnows, both prime choices for enticing Sailfish. Kyle, the first mate, had everything prepped to perfection. As soon as we arrived at the fishing spot, the kites were deployed, and the baits were in the water within minutes. Kite fishing is one of my favorite methods, presenting baitfish naturally at the surface, mimicking distressed prey.

The conditions were challenging. The north wind collided with a strong north current, causing the seas to crest sharply. It was a bumpy ride, but we knew these were the moments when Sailfish thrive. In 165 feet of water, we got our first strike. A Sailfish exploded on the right long bait, crashing into the Cigar Minnow and swimming away. Chris grabbed the rod, his adrenaline surging as the Sailfish leapt skyward, its bill slashing through the air. But just as quickly as it began, the hook popped out, and the fish was gone.

Undeterred, we reset the lines and continued drifting with the current, moving a few miles further north. The baits danced nervously at the surface, a sign that something big was nearby. Suddenly, a Sailfish appeared on the left short bait, slashing through the water with precision. It ripped the bait clean off the hook before we had a chance to set it. Another close call, and the pressure was mounting.
Determined to deliver the experience Chris and John had dreamed of, we reset once again. The third Sailfish appeared on the right short bait, its movements calm and deliberate—a textbook approach. This time, everything clicked. The Sailfish slowly swam off, picking up speed, and John engaged the drag. The hook set perfectly, and the fight was on.

The Sailfish put on a spectacular show, leaping and tail-walking across the water. John held steady, expertly battling the fish as it darted and thrashed. After an exhilarating fight, we brought the Sailfish alongside the boat. Its cobalt blue fins shimmered in the overcast light, a breathtaking sight. We quickly lifted it aboard for a photo, carefully removed the hook, and released the majestic fish back into the deep.

Chris and John cheered as the Sailfish disappeared into the waves, their mission accomplished. It had been a day of highs and lows, but perseverance paid off. As we headed back to the marina, the guys couldn’t stop smiling, their goal achieved, and their memories of Fort Lauderdale fishing charter forever etched in their minds.

Trip 3:
Fatma and her family, visiting from California, decided to add some excitement to their vacation by booking a half-day deep-sea fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale. Along for the ride were her son and daughter, both eager to experience the thrill of fishing on the open ocean. Knowing how much kids enjoy constant action, we kicked off the trip by catching bait—a surefire way to keep them engaged and set the stage for the day’s adventure.

Armed with light tackle, the kids got to work. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they each reeled in 10 to 12 lively baitfish. The laughter and cheers set a great tone, and the added bonus was that these baits would later become key to our success during wreck and bottom fishing.

With a livewell full of bait, we made a short ride to a shallow sunken shipwreck. The first mate rigged up one of the live baits and sent it to the bottom. The anticipation didn’t last long—within minutes, the rod bent sharply, and the fight was on. The whole family cheered as we brought up a 15-pound Almaco Jack, a strong and spirited fish. After a quick photo, we released it back into the ocean, marking a solid start to the charter.

Eager to keep the action going, we moved to a deeper spot nearby. The first mate rigged a Cigar Minnow and sent it down to the rocky structure below. I maneuvered the boat, watching the depth sounder, which showed promising marks above the structure. Then, like clockwork, the rod bent hard, and Fatma’s son jumped into action. He fought the fish with determination, and soon we had a hefty, 40-pound Amberjack alongside the boat. After venting the fish to ensure its safe release, we snapped a photo and sent it back into the depths.

Not wanting to miss out, we dropped another bait, and sure enough, another Amberjack took the line. Fatma’s daughter took the rod this time, proving she was just as skilled as her brother. After another exciting battle, we released the second Amberjack and moved to the next spot.

The final location was deeper still, perfect for targeting Snappers. Using fresh bait, we sent the line to the bottom, and it didn’t take long to hook into a Mutton Snapper. Its vivid colors lit up the deck as we brought it aboard. We stayed at the spot, reeling in Yellowtail Snappers one after another, creating an action-packed end to the trip.

When it was time to head back to the dock, the family was all smiles. The day had been filled with excitement, teamwork, and a great mix of fish. At the marina, we filleted their Snapper catch, sending them home with bags of fresh fish to enjoy. It was a day to remember, filled with the kind of memories that make deep-sea fishing in Fort Lauderdale truly special.

Trip 4:
Rebecca, John, and their 14-year-old son, Jake, booked us for a half-day fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale to celebrate Jake's birthday. The fishing conditions had been promising, with blue water along the reef's edge, plenty of bait in the area, and winds ideal for trolling. Spirits were high as we set out, hoping for an action-packed day.

As soon as we hit the color change where the deep blue water met the shallower green, the first mate deployed two deep planer lines and four surface rigger lines. It wasn’t long before we got our first bite—a large Bonita on the rigger bait. Jake jumped into action, reeling in his first catch of the day. A solid start to his birthday adventure while fishing in Fort Lauderdale!

As we continued trolling along the rip, the conditions looked even better. The water was alive with activity, and we were confident something big was just around the corner. Suddenly, there was a splash on a distant wave, and we watched as the disturbance zeroed in on the right long rigger bait. A massive Mahi Mahi erupted from the water, crashing onto the bait and taking off with the line. Jake was back in the chair, battling the vibrant, acrobatic fish. After an exciting fight, the first mate gaffed the Mahi and added it to the fish box—a stunning addition to the day's haul.

We reset the lines and continued down the rip. The depth sounder was lighting up with schools of baitfish, a sign that predators were close. Sure enough, the planer line suddenly screamed as drag peeled off, and in the distance, a Sailfish broke through the surface, jumping wildly. Jake, the birthday boy, eagerly hopped into the chair for the fight of his life. The Sailfish put on a spectacular show, leaping and tail-walking across the water. With guidance from the crew, Jake expertly brought the fish to the boat. After a quick photo, we removed the hook and released the Sailfish back into the ocean.

With some time left, I decided to try one last spot—an area where I’d marked fish hanging around a deep-water shipwreck. We rigged a live bait for bottom fishing and sent it down. Moments later, the rod doubled over, and Jake was battling yet another big fish. This time, it was a Shark. Jake handled the fight like a pro, and after a thrilling battle, we brought the Shark up to the boat for a closer look before releasing it safely back into the water.

It was an unforgettable birthday fishing charter for Jake, with a Shark and a Sailfish release and a beautiful Mahi Mahi in the box for dinner. As we headed back to the dock, the family beamed with excitement, knowing they’d just made memories to last a lifetime while deep-sea fishing in Fort Lauderdale.

To book a deep-sea fishing charter contact Capt. Dave Zsak at (954) 439-8106 or check out the website at: www.Topshotfishing.com

I have two new f5 72xxg and two new f5 711xxg for sale for $250 shipped ea.

Top 50 from each opens division and anyone currently on the 2025 Elite series can enter these events...

EQ entry fees will be $3,500 per event.

2025 Elite Qualifiers

> Sept. 18-20, Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
> Oct 2-4, Pickwick Lake, Counce, Tenn.
> Nov. 13-15, Lake Okeechobee, Clewiston, Fla.

Give us a call or order direct from the website, we would love to earn your business! SHOP LOCAL
https://www.bassboatwired.com/collections/humminbird

The biggest and best owners fishing tournament on the Gulf coast is back for another year! The 25th Annual Shallow Sport & SCB Owners Tournament presented by Suzuki Marine and Visit South Padre Island will be happening May 8-10th on sunny South Padre Island, TX! Get your fishing team ready and join us for two days of non-stop family fun and partake in our exhilarating shotgun takeoff with over 300 boats! One lucky angler will also go home the winner of a brand-new Shallow Sport boat! To register your team, visit www.shallowsporttournament.com