It can get better

Warmer weather promises to improve fishing

ZAPATA, Texas – Day one on Falcon Lake was one of the best fishing days in the history of FLW Outdoors. The 5- and 7-pound bass were everywhere and seemingly everyone, pros and co-anglers alike, had more than 20 pounds in their bag. That’s why it’s hard to fathom that the fishing is expected to improve.

One of the reasons Falcon is so prolific is its remote location. But its seclusion is likely the only thing keeping it from breaking every FLW Outdoors site record. Consider that a total of 4,816 pounds of bass were caught on day one by only 300 anglers. If Falcon was closer to a major population base the tournament would have the maximum 400 entrants and every record would be rewritten.

Still, the fishing has the potential to improve. If the weather stays sunny and warm as forecasted the water temperature will subsequently rise. An increase in water temperature will bring even more bass to the bank. Just last week, the shallows were full of 2- and 3-pounders. Just a few days ago, the 5- and 6-pound fish started to show up. Now it is time for the 9- and 10-pound females to make an appearance.

“It has actually been a little slow, especially early in the week,” said Charles Haralson, who spends nearly every day of the year on the lake guiding or competing in local tournaments. “I’m interested to see how this lake responds to so much fishing pressure. More and more fish are coming up, so I’m not sure if it’s going to get better or not. To be honest, there weren’t a whole lot of big bags yesterday.”

Bassin on the Border is the name of Haralson’s guide service. The Laredo, Texas, native is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable fishermen in south Texas. He has won several fully-rigged bass boats fishing local circuits. Yesterday he caught a five-bass limit that weighed 29 pounds, 1 ounce and his partner caught over 26 pounds.

“We could have caught even more, but I’m saving a lot for the next three days. You’ve got to manage your fish.”

Yesterday’s slight winds were definitely in the anglers favor. The weather at the day-two takeoff was cloudy and the winds have picked up from the north. But the sun is supposed to eventually burn the cloud cover off and the action in the shallows should be hot once again.

Competitors will weigh in their catches today beginning at 3 p.m. at the Beacon Lodge located just off Farm Road 3074 in Zapata at 7 each morning. Weigh-ins Thursday and Friday will also be held at the Beacon Lodge beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday’s weigh-in will be held at the Zapata County Community Center located on Highway 83 in Zapata at 4 p.m. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free and open to the public.

On the Web

For those who can’t catch the weigh-in action in person, FLWOutdoors.com offers FLW Live, an online application that brings fans real-time weigh-in results, streaming video and audio.

Thursday’s conditions

Sunrise: 7:28 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 56 degrees

Expected high temperature: 81 degrees

Water temperature: 63-66 degrees

Wind: NNW at 13 mph

Maximum humidity: 51 percent

Day’s outlook: partly cloudy