[Editor: this article first appeared on www.ronsfishingblog and may only be used by permission of Ron Speed Jr.]
Legendary Pro Angler Denny Brauer says he’s ready to get back to El Salto!
LAKE EL SALTO…LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!
Lori Smith says she’s ready to get back to El Salto!
A MAD RUSH IS COMING TO LAKE EL SALTO!!! You read that right, folks. Since the bass in El Salto have experienced little to no pressure for almost 21 months (two seasons), I suspect the fishing will be off the charts, especially the BIG BASS bite! El Salto is known for producing many trophy bass over the years and is considered one of the best trophy bass lakes in the world. Can you imagine just how great it “could” be with those big girls not seeing many lures for almost two years? I imagine it as trophy bass fishing on steroids! We’ll see but I’m very, very excited to find out!
Lynda Main says she’s ready to get back to El Salto!
Over the past two seasons, we’ve continued to hear from our valuable customers regarding the status of reopening our lodge at Lake El Salto. We’ve continued to ask our customers to be patient. Based on current happenings, I am very confident we’ll be open on time next fall (Oct). We already have many bookings from anxious customers. However, once we make it official (hopefully soon), there will definitely be a rush for all remaining open dates. Just giving you a heads up so you don’t miss out! Call us TODAY to lock in your preferred date for next season!
Ron Speed, Jr.’s El Salto Lodge at night!
LAKE PICACHOS…THE LAKE CONTINUES PRODUCING 100+ BASS PER DAY BUT BIGGER!!!
Todd Melson hauled in this Picachos tank fishing a jigging spoon!
Following the same plan as with Lake El Salto, we are preparing to open our lodge at Lake Picachos on time next October. The monsoon season normally finishes by mid to late September and fishing really turns on by early October! This past season we saw a significant increase in the average bass size (3.5 lbs) with many bass in the 4- and 5-lb class. Additionally, some trophy size bass over 8 lbs were landed during a shortened season.
Cory Elling and Tiny Hare doubled up on these 8.2 & 6.8 Picachos hawgs!
Lake Picachos is just on a totally different level than most lakes I’ve fished in Mexico since my first trip to Lake Guerrero, Mexico in 1974—and throughout my nearly 40 years in this Mexico Bass Fishing business! Lake Picachos officially opened to the public in 2013…that’s 13 years ago! Most if not all lakes I’ve fished in Mexico started with over 100 bass per boat per day (2 anglers per boat) but “historically” within 7 years (or less), the overall average daily catch dipped below 100 bass. However, Lake Picachos definitely has a mind of its own and has obliterated the traditional averages of past lakes. This is what makes Lake Picachos so special and unique.
Neil VandeBiezen landed this Picachos lunker!
Lake Picachos also offers something unique: it can and has produced TROPHY BASS for those who want to slow down the intense action and just target bigger fish using deeper (water) patterns. I’ve fished this pattern many times at Lake Picachos over the years and with great success. My personal best on Lake Picachos weighed 11.6 lbs, but I’ve also landed several 10-pounders. I mainly focus on fishing the deeper ledges, particularly river ledges in 25 -35 feet (the break) close to deep water. Those big bass live out there and I believe they do so to avoid competing with smaller/faster bass for food. Pressure from sportfishing is another reason. The “majority” of the sportfishermen on the lake always pound the shoreline and shallower water to keep their rods “bending” as many times as possible each day. Make no mistake: Lake Picachos holds some very big bass, even though the main attraction is the crazy action and high numbers. It truly offers the angler a chance to “have your cake and eat it too” if so desired.
Mr. Strike King John Barns shows Picachos has big bass!!!
Call us today to secure your preferred week of fishing next season at fabulous Lake Picachos!!!
Cory Elling landed this 9.2 lbs Picachos toad!
RSJA OFFERS FIRST CLASS LODGING, MEALS, SERVICE AND SCENERY!!!
Ron Speed Jr.’s Adventures strives to offer our valuable customers a first class service to include lodging, meals, boats, and Scenery. From thick and juicy prime cut ribeye steaks to fresh Pacific shrimp and lobster. We promise you wont leave hungry!!!
RSJA OFFERS 40 YEARS OF VALUABLE EXPERIENCE IN MEXICO AND BRAZIL!!!
Ron Jr at Lake Comedero with legends Bill Dance and Johnny Morris (Dec 2000)
When choosing the operator/outfitter for your next international fishing adventure, thoroughly research their years of experience and track record. This is not a negative attack on any operator or outfitter, as we have some very good and experienced competitors in this industry. I would simply advise doing some research and making sure to avoid the “fly by the seat of your pants” operators out there. I never, ever talk badly about my competition and won’t start now. In fact, I have a really good and friendly relationship with all of my competitors. However, this international fishing business expands beyond Brazil and Mexico. So do your research and make a wise decision.
Ron Jr & Legendary Angler Jimmy Houston filming at Lake Picachos in 2014
As many of you know, my Dad was one of the pioneers who started this all-inclusive fishing and lodging package business in Mexico over 50 years ago. I was truly blessed that my Dad left the high school football coaching profession to take a chance on doing something unprecedented so he could provide better for his two boys. I’m so thankful (and blessed) that he did as I may have never entered this wonderful business that I dearly love. My Dad officially hired me in 1987, two years after I spent 3 years on active duty in the U.S. Army. My Dad officially retired in 1983 due to “burn out” after operating on 4 different bass lakes in Mexico, 2 bass lakes in Cuba during the 70’s (legal then), 1 Snook/Tarpon operation in the Yucatan and 2 Walleye/Northern Pike lakes in Canada.
Ron Speed, Sr. and TV Fishing legend Virgil Ward at Lake Guerrero in 1975
In 1987, my Dad called me one night and asked if I wanted to work for him? As stated, he had retired from the international fishing business and was just meddling around in the cattle business while also owning a movie rental store, from which he fired me in 1986. So my first response was, “Are you kidding? No Daddy, I kind of like our father/son relationship as it is now and don’t want to get fired again. Plus you don’t pay very well.” Well…his response was, ‘Alright then, I guess you really didn’t want to work in the Mexico fishing business, huh?'”” That comment sent me into a major shock and I replied, “WHOA, HOLD ON! Are you going back into the Mexico fishing business?” My Dad replied, “Yes son, but only just long enough (5 years) to get you started on a new lake (Lake Comedero) and teach you the business and culture of Mexico and then I’m retiring for a final time.” Well, naturally I accepted as this was always my dream. Only thing, that “5 years only” lasted 25 years. LOL. Instead of being upset about that, I considered it a true blessing because I received extra teaching from the best in the business, as well as a few more ass chewings. That’s ok though. I wished my Dad was still here to gnaw on my ass a few more times. Miss you greatly, Dad!
Ron Speed Sr. was a pioneer and legend!
Here I am, 40 years later, still doing what I love: providing first class fishing trips and service. I have been blessed not only by God giving me a wonderful Dad but also by a wonderful staff in both Texas and Mexico. My office and sales manager, Bill Mullins, is a Godsend and many of you have learned this over the years of dealing with him. Then I’m blessed with a wonderful staff in Mexico, from my lodge managers (Little Jorge, Fernando Jr and Big Jorge) to my fishing guides, cooks, waiters, mechanics, drivers, and so on. Last but not least, I have a wonderful business partner in Mexico, Carlos Lizarraga, whom many of you have met. Yes, I’m truly blessed.
Ron Jr landed this 11 lbs giant at Lake Comedero in 1998
BRAZIL PEACOCK BASS FISHING…FALL TOPWATER EXPLOSIONS WILL BE HERE SOON!!!
As you’ve read here many times from me, this is my FAVORITE trip in the outdoors! I say favorite because this trip not only provides fishing battles with the most explosive and powerful fish that swims (pound for pound) but one does not have to even like fishing to enjoy this trip. This trip provides such high adventure while you’re there to do battle with the mighty peacock bass. From trading with the local natives of the Amazon Rainforest to bird watching or even witnessing all the other wild species of the jungle.
Yes, everyone is there to experience all the stories they’ve heard or read about peacock bass stripping off 20 yards of 80 lbs braided line, sometimes even snapping it like sewing thread, or straightening out 4.0 Gamakatsu 4x strong saltwater hooks like pencils. That alone is worth the price of admission BUT you get many bonuses while experiencing the exciting peacock bass.
Our accommodation for your week of fishing is aboard the 5-star floating hotel known as The Amazon Otter. This mothership offers 8 spacious air conditioned cabins, each with a private bathroom/shower, two twin size beds, and ample space for clothes, etc. The Otter also features 3 lounge areas, a bar, a Jacuzzi (hot tub), a tackle room, and an indoor restaurant. The staff aboard The Otter is second to none. Our manager, Franz, has worked as my manager for over two decades and also has extensive experience leading nature tours in the Amazon. Franz is one of the BEST managers I’ve ever had in my 40 years in this business! Again, I’m truly blessed!
Now let’s talk about the boats and the guides. Like our bass boats in Mexico, these boats are American-made, all-welded 100-gauge aluminum designed to withstand the rough terrain of the Amazon Basin. Each boat is equipped with Yamaha 60 HP 4-stroke motors and powerful thrusting trolling motors mounted on the front. These are the best boats for fishing the remote backwaters of the Amazon. However, great boats and motors mean nothing unless you have an experienced guide who can put you on these big peacock bass! We have that covered as well. Our fishing guides have extensive experience; some have worked for us for over 3 decades! The number 1 priority with RSJA, both in Brazil and Mexico, is SAFETY. Everything else is a distant second, including 20-lb peacock bass and 10-lb largemouth bass. Again, this refers back to what I stated earlier in this update: experience and track record should always be the #1 criterion when selecting an operator and outfitter. We can check all of the boxes.
Lastly, I leave you with this scripture to remember during life’s difficulties. Remember, God didn’t promise we won’t go through “storms,” but rather that we won’t have to go through them alone as long as we accept Him as Lord and Savior and have faith in Him.
Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Good fishin’ and God Bless!
Ron Jr.
