From Gran “Pop” Shandley

Fishing can be a very relaxing and an enjoyable past time for anglers of all ages and when the fishing hole is the "Frio River" the enjoyment is amplified.

It is a lot of fun for me helping novice anglers prepare for the fishing experience. Many folks come into Josh's and are truely first timers and really don't know where to begin. They have their fishing rigs and need assistance in learning how to operate it; others just need to know

"What to use and Where to go." We at Josh's always urge a "catch and release" plan where all fish can be released in order to be caught again by another happy fisherman. By doing this, we can preserve our limited fish population on the Frio.

So PLEASE...
      (1) Handle fish carefully and as little as possible
      (2) Photograph
      (3) Return the fish to the water a few seconds after catching

For the 27 years Shane Holman has been a Real County game warden he has noted a recent significant decline in the fish population. He states the most common fishing violation is folks keeping undersized bass. They must be 14" minimum length. So keep in mind that allowing your child to take his/her fish back to camp for show & tell, or keeping it on a stringer during the day, is a violation and will come with a fine. Other violations are the use of spear guns and gigs and operating a motorized vehicle in the Frio. To play it safe, pick up a current copy of the Outdoor Annual Hunting & Fishing Regulations.

In general, game violation fines range from $25 – $500 plus court cost, and the State wants you to pay the value restoration for the loss of game.

Young anglers under 17 years old do not need a fishing license nor do those born before September 1, 1930.

River crossings are the best access, however you are going to want to avoid popular tubing areas. The best way to fish is to kayak from one river crossing to the next.

• Long float trips
• Avoid congested areas
• Be mindful of your line
• Early morning & late evening is best

Best Bait:

BASS – Live bait is the best, but hard to find. Catching your own is an option. Minnows and small perch are good as well as frogs and crawfish. Josh sells minnow traps. Artificial bait also works very well. Soft plastics are a favorite in the Frio, particularly “Zoom’s Super Flukes” and JOSH’s favorite color is “watermelon seed”!

PERCH – Live worms are the best, but you can also use a variety of camp food like bread, hot dogs, can nibblet corn, etc.

CATFISH – Live worms, stink bait, minnows and perch. Hint: fish on the bottom because they are bottom feeders.

Visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website (www.tpwd.state.tx.us) for more information.