Being a river angler, I have always been intrigued by the Texas spring fed rivers. These rivers make their way through an otherwise dry and desolate landscape. They draw life to them from the animals to the vegetation that is only found on their banks. In fact, I myself am drawn to them, but this is because I know what swims below the surface.
Black Bass Fishing Paradise
Large populations of black bass call these bodies of water home. There is just something about exploring moving water in hopes of landing a big one that I cannot resist. As the brand manager of fishing at Jackson Kayak, I was excited to make the long journey south and a bit West to the San Marcos Rive. It is one of the most pristine paradises for black bass fishing.
Jackson Kayak has been working on our newest model, the Coosa X, for over a year. It was specifically designed for river fishing. The new Coosa X is designed for areas where you need to float shallow, turn quickly, and handle whitewater to get to where the fish like to hangout.
TG Canoes and Kayaks
Just off the banks of the San Marcos River, in San Marcos TX, a family-owned kayak shop called TG Canoes and Kayaks has been in business for decades. Owned by Dwayne, Evelyn and their son, Alex, TG is a long-standing Jackson Kayak dealer. I could think of no better place to spend some time trying out a brand-new river fishing kayak than with these awesome people in their great environment. The plan was set.
When we arrived, a decision was made to float from TG to a popular take out about 3 miles downriver. This would take us through a couple of small rapids. It provided us with ample opportunity to test the boat and target some hungry bass.
Even though it had rained the day before, the water conditions were low and relatively clear. Picking the brains of Dwayne and Alex, I took their advice and rigged up with a white Chatterbait and a white trailer. I am probably most confident with a Chatterbait tied on, so I felt right at home.
As soon as we hit the water I was met with a unique landscape where giant Cyprus trees lined the bank and limestone rock protruded from the river. I have had the opportunity to fish a few rivers in TX, but this one was for sure unique. I had no idea where to cast. So I began to hit every ‘fishy’ looking spot to try and develop a pattern.
New rivers need patience
Casting my bait behind rocks, along the bank, around the tree roots, and on every piece of wood I came across, I was anticipating a bite. However, the bite just didn’t come. I could see that Alex was beginning to get frustrated as well and I understood why.
Every time I take someone new to one of my favorite spots, the fish somehow sense this and decide to make me look like a fool for bragging about how good it can be. I had no doubt that this stretch of river held fish, I just didn’t know what they were hitting yet.
Anytime I am struggling to get a bite, there is one set up that will usually make it happen. Now this is not my favorite way to fish for a few reasons. For starters I like to fish moving baits. To cover a lot of water and get that reaction bite. I also feel that with larger baits like a Chatterbait or spinnerbait I get bigger bites. But when times are tough, I turn to the trusty Senko.
Z-Man vs the Senko for Black Bass
A wacky rigged Senko allowed to slowly sink into to an eddy, especially one with a ball of Cyprus roots, simply cannot be resisted…by any size fish. Dwayne and Alex have extensive knowledge on this river, so I reluctantly put the Z-Man Jackhammer Chatterbait away and tied on the only color Yamamoto Senko I had which was green pumpkin with purple flakes. Almost immediately I began to catch fish. The pattern was found. The next step was to locate the big ones.
Taking a short break from the fishing, Dwayne and Alex were anxious to try the Coosa X out in some of the rapids. We pulled over just below one of the drops and began to take turns playing in the small wave. I was very excited to hear their feedback and to see how the boat handled the challenges that a river presents.
New Coosa X was Fun
I am happy to say that the boat was a hit! Falling right were we wanted with a nice blend of stability and maneuverability. Dwayne and Alex are river people who fish and float rivers every chance they get. They have supported the paddling and fishing community for many years, so to have their approval of the boat was a big win for Jackson Kayak. Now back to the fishing!
Bigger Black Bass in the Slack Water
I noticed that the bigger fish were hanging more in the slack water between the rapids than in the current breaks near the rapids. I would basically cast in and around any structure or tree that I came near and let the bait fall naturally as possible. Being careful to keep slight tension on the line so I could feel the subtle bite.
Most of the fish were under a pound. It was fun to finally feel the tug on the other end of the line. Everyone had figured out a pattern that worked. The bite got a bit better as the day went on, but still no big fish had been caught.
As we approached one of the final straight stretches, I began to panic a bit. Another reason Senko fishing is not always my first choice is you tend to go through a lot of baits. They just don’t hold up to repetitive bites or fish catches and I was running out.
Lost the Senko
That was it. I was back to the drawing board as my last Senko came off while fighting a small bass. With only a small amount of river left ahead I decided to go big or go home. I mean this was my last day on the river anyway so why not risk it all.
I pulled out my Chatterbait box and pondered over the type and color choices that lay before me. Armed with the knowledge that green pumpkin and purple flake seemed to be working I chose a Z-Man Jackhammer in bruised green pumpkin, which is a combination of green pumpkin, blue, and black.
Z-Man Razor Shad
I added a Z-Man Razor Shad in black and blue and began to make a few casts. Moments later I noticed that the group had pulled over to discuss filming the next sections of rapids that would prove to be the most technical. Not hard by any means but narrow with some sharp turns.
As I approached the group, I decided to keep fishing while listening to the plan. I was just feet away from everyone I continued to make casts down river. A group of lily pads lined the right bank. Even though I had not caught fish near anyone else, something told me to make a cast parallel and just in front of them.
Fish on!
As I brought the bait back, I felt that thump that all anglers live for! A solid fish slammed the Chatterbait and began to fight. I yelled “I have a good one” just as it surfaced with a big headshake. I could hear a collective gasp from the audience.
The cheering and poking began immediately with shouts of “nice” and “don’t lose ’em”. The pressure was on. It seemed like an eternity. Several jumps later the fight finally came to an end. I was able to get a grip on the bass’ mouth and bring it in the boat! I could not have been happier. With only a small stretch of river left to go I had pulled off a nice one!
After getting a few photos and celebrating it was time to run the last stretch of rapids. We were going to meet Evelyn at the takeout. The trip to St. Marcos was short lived with only a few days to spend with such wonderful people.
Jackson Kayak Team
I have only named Dwayne, Evelyn, and Alex. Several of the Jackson Kayak team and one of their shop paddlers, Justin, had been along with us as well. As always, it was great to spend time on the water with like-minded people, sharing our passion. I can’t wait to return to this beautiful location and spend more time chasing these lively river bass.
Paddles: Bending Branches Angler Pro Versa-Lok, Bending Branches Angler Navigator Versa-Lok
Rods: 7’ Medium Rainshadow Judge, 7’ MH Rainshadow Judge
Reels and line combos:
– Shimano Vanford 3000 reel spooled with 20lb Seaguar Smackdown in Flash Green and a 12lb Seaguar Gold Label Fluorocarbon leader
– Shimano Chronarch 150 HG spooled with 30lb Seaguar Smackdown in Flash Green and a 20lb Seaguar Gold Label Fluorocarbon Leader
Bait rigs:
– 5” green pumpkin and purple flake Yamamoto Senko rigged wacky
– 1/2 oz Z-Man Jackhammer chatterbait in bruised green pumpkin tipped with a black and blue laminate Razor Shadz
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