Showing common courtesy in, out of lake is the right thing to do

HOOD OUTDOORS

As a licensed professional fishing guide, Michael Acosta shows you how to find them. The Granbury resident of 30 years has been fishing all of his life, and has been a licensed guide since 1998.

The springtime season is really upon us and many more anglers are venturing out.  In fact it is getting warm enough that many pleasure boaters are enjoying our area lakes as well.  A little common courtesy between all users is needed at the ramps and on the water. 

Generally, most of the crowds are on the weekends, but courtesy should be extended to any day of the week.  We all have to share the use of the ramps, docks, and the waterways.  A little preparation before you launch can make everything run smoother for all.

If you are going to launch your boat, do not pull up and block the launch if you are not ready.  Stop out of the way and put your boat plug in, load your equipment such as life jackets and ice chest, remove hold-down straps, and verify your battery is good prior to backing your boat down the ramp.  In fact, you probably should have checked your battery at home before you left. 

Once you are ready, you can quickly launch the boat and minimize your time on the ramp.  Even if it is a slow day, it is still a good policy to ready your boat before you use the ramp.  You may have another person pull up while you’re blocking the ramp.  I have seen individuals testing their boats in the spring and actually leave their trailer on the ramp so that they can put it back on pretty quick.  If you were trying to launch, you would not appreciate anyone leaving their trailer on the ramp or blocking the way.  This is some of the common courtesy that I am talking about.

The docks near the launch are for launching boats and most have signs that do not allow fishing and swimming from these docks for safety reasons.  It is also not a good idea to leave your boat tied up to the dock for an extended period of time as others may be trying to launch or they may be trying to put their boats back on the trailer.

If you are on the lake and see some folks fishing or you see folks on a dock, do not get so close as to upset their activities with your wake.  Also, if you can avoid getting close to other anglers, veer away as your boat could upset their fishing.  If you want to see what is going on, turn off your big motor and approach with your trolling motor.

Texas boating laws require you maintain at least 50 feet from other boaters.  The Brazos River Authority on Lake Granbury requires 100 feet.  They are enforcing these laws. 

The water ways are supposed to be similar to driving on the roads.  If you are approaching another boater you are supposed to stay to the right.  If both boaters follow this guideline, then you will be OK.  However, do not expect the other boater to do the right thing. Be on guard. 

If you see a boater in trouble, offer a helping hand if you can.  One day it may be you in need of that help.

Most boaters are courteous and everyone usually waves to other boaters.  This is a good policy and makes for a better day on the water.

HOOD COUNTY FISHING REPORT

Water temperatures are in 60s across Lake Granbury, with some 70-degree water in the backs of shallow sloughs.  Crappie angling in the shallows is good on many areas of the lake.  Crappie reports are coming in from Indian Harbor, DeCordova, Tin Top, The Shores and any other locations where the fish are spawning in the shallows.  Jigs and minnows are the best choices.

Sand bass action up near Tin Top is still reported to be fair, but many of the sand bass are returning to the main lake with catches reported from Hunter Park to DeCordova.  Striped bass are good to excellent to 10 pounds on live bait fished near DeCordova to Blue Water Shores.  Black bass fishing continues to be good to 7 pounds on the beds in the backs of most creeks and sloughs.  Blue and yellow catfish to 30 pounds are possible on cut bait fished on the upper ends.  

OTHER AREAS

On other reservoirs, Lake Whitney striper action continues to be excellent from the Island to Cedar Creek near channel ledges.  Best baits are Alabama rigs and live shad or shiners.  Possum Kingdom Lake striped bass action is good to excellent as well on down-rigged jigs and live bait.  Some good topwater action on redfins have been reported.

michael.acosta@att.net | 254-396-4855