Fish with JD » Endorsed Lodges & Outfitters

The Catfish Killer!

JD — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 22:48:02 +0000

One day, I’m gonna fish with this guy…he’s awesome!

Meet Darrell Taylor of Lake Conroe, Texas, professional catfish guide and inventor of Catfish Killer Famous Cheese Dip Baits, (which come in Original Cheese and Brains, Cheese and Blood and Cheese Shad Scent flavors, by the way).

“Catfish Killer Cheese Bait is absolutely the very best catfish bait on the market anywhere in the world today,” says Darrell. “I normally catch my limit (25 in Texas) in just a little over two hours.”

While the bait is legendary in Texas, I think Darrell is selling himself a bit short by giving it all the credit. The guy’s been slaying the cats in this neck of the woods since he was a little guy and is, by all accounts, one of the top cat killers in the region.

If you’re ever out Lake Conroe way, look him up and book a trip (www.catfishkiller.com)

SE Alaska: Incredible salmon, halibut and freshwater hot spot

JD — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 05:02:00 +0000

If you're looking for a fantastic Alaskan fishing trip that features off-the-charts silver and king salmon fishing, along with tons of halibut and bottomfish and some spectacular freshwater options, this spot in Southeast Alaska is it. With Alaska's largest population of herring right out the back door, the fishing here is insane!

Just an hour or so flight from Juneau, this 4-star lodge has it all -- exceptional service, great boats, nice lodging, good food and, as I said before, unbelievable fishing. Another added benefit is this spot is very protected and is flat calm more often than not.

What to Expect This lodge treats everybody like royalty and the staff to guest ratio is nearly 1 to 1...impressive, considering the lodge can comfortably hold over 60 people. Most guests fish aboard 25- to 35-foot "6-pac" charter boats (usually they only put 4 anglers per boat to make sure everybody has plenty of elbow room). You can also go the self-guided route, in which you'll get assigned to your own vessel (mostly 18-foot center console Klamaths, though there's a 20-foot Bay Runner and a couple other "upgrade" boats).

Most of the salmon are caught trolling with herring. After limits are aboard, you'll switch to anchor fishing for halibut and bottomfish in deep water. This is a whack 'em and stack 'em kind of place, and the main goal is to get you fish to take home...lots of fish (If you're not into the kill everything program and have some boating skill, try the do-it-yourself route).

During your stay, you can also arrange to go freshwater fishing instead of spending the day on the saltchuck. There are many options in the freshwater arena -- salmon, rainbows, dollies, cutthroat, etc. When you go, be sure to ask them to take you on the epic waterfall trip, which involves a long boat ride, a hike, some canoing...all ending at a waterfall and pool full of fish.

Daily Schedule When we were there, breakfast was 7 to 8 AM and then we'd fish all day until 5 PM.

Before the departure every morning, a huge spread is laid out and you can make your own sack lunch for eating on the boat.

Dinner is typically served at 6:30-7 PM (with snacks served a half hour prior).

When the boats come in at 5 PM, the catch is off-loaded, filleted, vacuum packed and frozen while you eat dinner.

Prime Time July through early September is the peak of the coho run...it's as close to a sure thing as there is in fishing. When we were there in mid August, the charter boats were getting their limits of coho (6 per per person in 2006) in an hour or two. We fished solo and caught so many we didn't bother to count.

Halibut and bottomfish are around all summer.

Random Notes This lodge really caters to folks who like a luxury experience -- and you don't really need to bring anything but clothes and toiletries. If you'd rather not have your hand held, go with the self-guided boats and bring along your own gear...

FOR MORE INFO ON THIS SE ALASKA HOT SPOT, EMAIL ME.



Giant British Columbia Steelhead
JD — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 00:18:04 +0000
If the steelhead of a lifetime is something you’ve been dreaming of, look no further than the streams of Northern British Columbia — the home of the largest steelies in the world.
My top pick for an outfitter in the area caters to small groups of 4 anglers and has many, many, many fish over 30 pounds (including this jumbo hawg in the photo) to his credit. He’s also hooked at least one steelhead that would have gone over 40 pounds and guided an angler to a 28-pound world line class record.
Twenty pounders in this area are very common and the folks up here don’t even bat an eyelash at a 15 pounder, eh!
What to expect
 My B.C. outfitter has a very comfortable lodge that features nice rooms, TV, a game room and a sauna.
After breakfast (typically 7-8 AM), you’ll hop in the truck and be whisked off to one of many streams where the largest anadramous rainbows on the planet live. Most rivers are close by and only require a short drive. However, there are a few streams that take up to 2 hours to drive to (well worth the ride, by the way!).
Some spots, you’ll fish from driftboats, while others require rafts or jet boats. There are also many streams that are walk-in only. Each morning, you’ll get with your guide to discuss options and then you’ll be gone all day (sack lunches are provided). Upon return, you’ll be treated to a down-home meal which often consists of locally-taken game such as moose and salmon.
The outfitter provides round-trip airport transfers and all meals and tackle. You’ll have to purchase a Canadian fishing license. If you’re a gear-head like me, I’d suggest taking you own gear just for fun.
There are lots of opportunities to swing flies and fish eggs and nymphs under indicators and, during certain times of the year, the big steelies will rise to a dry. We’ve also take plenty of fish on eggs, yarn flies and pink worms under floats on conventional gear over the years as well.
Peak Seasons
 There are steelhead here throughout the spring, summer and fall. I’ve always fished in April and have had outstanding luck. Keep in mind that steelhead is, well, steelheading, and there are no guarantees, but there enough streams around to keep you going in case the run’s late   or a river’s blown out or whatever.
The area is also home to giant kings, chums, silvers and lots of dollies, big rainbows and cutthroat.
FOR MORE INFO ON THIS BC HOT SPOT, EMAIL ME.