Lake Barrett May 10th
 

Originally I tried to purchase reservations when they went on sale and failed. I had my laptop and cell phone trying to get through when they opened up for sale back in April. I had posted up here and SDFish that I would purchase any reservations that could not make their dates. Got a e mail last week that a friend of Dave K had a full 4 person reservation for Saturday and Paypaled him the $97 to cover the reservations and Ticketmaster fees. I had duck hunted Barrett years back but for one reason or another this was my fist time fishing here.

Started calling people to see who was willing and able and ended up with Ron, Jarrod and Steve coming with me. We met up at the Japatul Valley Road east of Alpine and headed 12 miles down the road to the lake at 4:15. Got there and was surprised that they had let everyone in already. We were at the lake before 5 and there were already people on the lake. Lots of tubes, several kayaks and the boats they rent. We got ready and were paddling out in gray light. Along the way to Pine Arm and bass were already pushing up shad into the sticks along shore.The word was spinnerbaits were working really well and I was stoked, love throwing the blade in fresh and salt. Threw the blade and got a 2 pounder to stick on the second cast. This ended up being my smallest fish of the day.

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We threw topwater, poppers and the blade right into and along the sticks that line most of the shoreline. Bass were boiling and pushing the shad right into the sticks.

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Second fish wrapped me up and took my blade with him. Retied and another one wrapped me up and popped off. Then had one run in the right direction. Best fish of the day for me.

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Things slowed down quickly after that first hour of light flurry. We picked away at fish. I had another really good one at noon that popped off as I lifted him and another one around 5pm that jumped and shook the hook. We stayed until closing and made the long drive home. Really fun day, glad to finally fish these fabled waters. Hope to go back and get my topwater fish next time

This was my second biggest fish, it had boiled a foot off shore. I threw right on it, like I hit it in the head Stoked :D

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Wow. Adding this to list of places to visit this year. Thanks!

Nice job Iceman! I was there that day too. Great weather (not too hot)and great fishing! Caught my best bass there, just little over 10lbs. Great place to test out fly fishing equipment too! Already looking to get more tickets! Lol:reel:
Cheers!

great report and pics Andy

was there on opener and was into the shad bite for 3 hours straight.WFO on 3-5 pounders. looked like fun.

Thanks for the report Andy. Looks like you guys had a blast.

............and the cigar of choice that morning :D

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nice going man! barret looks like a lot fun!

Bump! check out the changes for kayaks/tubes this year. Snagged 2 spots!

What are they changes? I looked on the city's site and could not determine other than that shore/float tube fishing is $20 I do not remember what I paid to float tube fish there years ago. Would love to take the kayak sometime.

thanks for the heads up. Gonna go opener weekend.:reeling: :sifone: :cheers1: