Amistad Trip For My Kid's Graduation Present

[Fat Basser]

I am considering haulin the boat down to Amistad and taking my kid down for his high school graduation present. I know it's a long haul down from Illinois, but we would both "KILL" to fish Amistad. It's about a 20 hr drive according to MapQuest, but I am really leaning towards making the venture. I have a couple of questions:

1) We would probably come down some time in April. Are the fish on the beds or are we in post spawn?

2) How difficult will it be without a guide? I'm sure some of you TX boys would help us out with some spots

3) Where would you recommend we stay? is there are National Park with cabins close by?

4) Are there any restrictions about fishing on the Mexico side, or is this all considered US waters?

Any input you guys would have would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

[FlukenLizard]

to fish mexican water you have to have a mexican licence and boat permit


theres a bunch of hotels in del rio but its like 20 or so miles to town. if you stay in rough canyon theres trailers you can rent for 100 a night....big screen and stuff like that. i can get you info on those or the lakeveiw inn is right across the road from the diablo east ramp.


not sure about the fish being on beds in april. ive heard they should be, but last year they werent

[Will I Am]

The bassmaster elte series will down there during the month of april, so keep that in mind when looking fo ra place to stay.... gets pretty crazy down there around this time....

[utinator]

1) Fish on the beds in April? I start fishing off-shore summer patterns in April.

2) There are fish everywhere. Just stop the boat and look down. You can see them 20ft down.

3) I always stay on the Air Force base just outside of Del Rio, but there are some hotels in town.

4) You can get a Mexico license at the Ranger dealer just north of Del Rio. I always just stay on our side. It's safer that way.

I would just fish the coves and mouths of coves in the Spring. **Bring heavy equipment.** I don't use anything smaller than 17lb test. The whole lake bottom is covered with brush and/or grass. Fluorocarbon is almost a must on this lake. Come on down while the fishing is hot!

[MaverickPro201]

Spawn will be OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Guaranteed

[desertbasser]

You will find some fish still on the beds but they will have been hammerd pretty hard.

As in any lake find the grass and you'll find the bass.

No need IMO to get a Mexico lic. there is plenty of water on the US side to fish.

I always stay at the Ramada in town, ask for a room in the rear business section, it is fairly new.

Better call now if you want to find a room.

I'll be down there most every weekend in April, let me know if you come.

[Fat Basser]

Thanks Jeff! We are still figuring out whether is 22 hrs to Amistad or 10 hrs to Guntersville.

[MikeSouza]

I'll be down there in April during the Elite tournament.

[Fat Basser]

It looks like we are definitely going to Amistad. We will probably leave on May 1st and fish through the 8th. I am already losing sleep just anticipating the experience.

[ristorap]

fat basser...if you come the first week of may there will be fish everywhere..shallow patterns will work...mid-range AND deep (20ft+). several differnet techniques and patterns will be on at that time...
if you are gonna stay that long i would pinch penny's ,sell stuff, whatever u gotta do to pay ray hanselman or j.c.gwynn to take you out your first or second day...be prepared for some (possible) high air temps and WIND!...if you want to stay up on current reports keep checking this site and http://www.texasfishingforum.com for updated/current reports...it is a BEAUTIFUL lake with much to see....have fun!

[Fat Basser]

Thanks i appreciate it! I'll look into the guide thang for a day or so...just to get the hang of it Just spoke to Ray Hanselman and booked a day with him during the week. Should be a gas.


Modified by Fat Basser at 2:18 PM 1/23/2008

[ristorap]

good move! i've used ray before and he's really on top of things there...<'}}}}><

[ristorap]

p.s. going to amistad sat and sun this week..will give a report when i get back