Chasing Mega Bass On The Fly

When I saw the 10-weight fly rods, I commented that it looked as if we were headed to Florida to fish for permit.

‘”Nope, that’s what we’re bass fishing with today,” said Capt. Steve Stubbe of Mudfish Adventures on Toledo Bend.

I fly fish for bass in bayous and ponds near my home a couple of days a week using a five weight rod. According to Stubbe, an Orvis-endorsed guide, he needs a much heavier stick for the areas he fishes.

“I’m using my GatorTail boat to get in areas across stumps and logs in the backwaters of Toledo Bend where we rarely see anyone. The habitat is rough and full of vegetation and full of big bass. I use heavy gear, big flies and have to pull them out of heavy cover,” he said.

We could not have picked worse conditions-high barometric pressure and bluebird skies, a quick dip in water temperature and murky water that was higher than normal. That spread the bass across a bigger area.

But you go fishing when you can and so we went.

I had a hard time getting used to fishing a six foot long, 10 weight fly rod with 30-pound tippet. It took me awhile to get the hang of it but it was fun trying something different.

I lost one two-pounder right at the boat and had two blowups. That was it.

Stubbe put on a crazy-looking fly spoon and caught two bass toward the end of the evening. This showed me there is definitely some potential where we were fishing and using his unique customized flies and pool cue-sized rods are worth further study.

Stubbe’s GatorTail does indeed give him access to some beautiful backcountry seen by few anglers.

“When I took my friends out fishing they would always mention that it was more like an adventure than fishing.  This inspired me to start Mudfish Adventures, LLC fishing guide service so other people could experience the beauty of the back county of Toledo Bend Lake.  I am able to guide a two person party to the fishing flats and backcountry (with no boat pressure) on Toledo Bend’s Palo Gaucho area and the Mid Lake area.,” he said.

Looking in his tackle bags was like getting a glimpse at some top secret fishing experiment, especially when I saw the foot-long flies.

“I had some clients from California come in and use huge swimbaits. When I saw the way big bass responded to them, I decided to take that into the flyfishing world and here we are. They swim in a very realistic fashion and get the attention of big bass,” he said.

Stubbe also books conventional gear trips but still focuses on the hidden areas of the Toledo Bend system.

“The bass there aren’t as pressured, the scenery is beautiful and there are many targets to throw at. And a bunch of those have big ol’ bass on them,” he said.

There’s not much conventional about Mudfish Adventures, Capt. Stubbe and his approach to fishing but that’s the beauty of it. He offers something I haven’t seen in East Texas.

I believe pursuing bass on the fly is a way to get a new perspective on bass and challenge yourself. It has become one of my passions.

I still need to figure out Stubbe’s approach for those big bass with the giant flies. That means a return trip is inevitable and it’s something I very much look forward to in the coming weeks and months.

if you would like to book a trip with him click here or call the number below.

Call 844-Mud-Fish

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL BASS ANGLERS & TEAM SPONSORS

We have partnered with St. Croix to create a conservation pledge for high school bass anglers. By replying you’re letting us know you’re serious about the pledge and we want you to know we appreciate it. That’s why St. Croix is doing a rod drawing.

Anyway, here’s the pledge.

St. Croix & Texas Fish & Game High School Bass Conservation Pledge.

1. I will practice safe handling of fish caught in tournaments and take that conservation ethic back to my personal fishing experiences where applicable.

2. I will not litter waterways and weigh-in sites and always make sure I clean up trash, line etc left behind by others.

3. I will be mindful of transporting invasive exotics like zebra mussels and always practice, “Clean, Drain & Dry”.

4. I will be considerate of others, including their fishing space and be a good representative of high school bass fishing.

5. I will use my social media to promote positive news about fishing and fisheries conservation.

Now, simply reply to this email at cmoore@fishgame.com and let us know you take the pledge seriously and you are entered in the drawing!

 

Chester Moore