[Editor: this article first appeared on www.ronsfishingblog and may only be used by permission of Ron Speed Jr.]

MEXICO BASS FISHING SEASON IS UNDERWAY!!!

Hi folks, I hope all is well and everyone is ready for a special Holiday Season with family and friends!

There is not a lot (yet) to report on the fishing at Comedero, El Salto and Picachos…at least not a lot that’s “good”…however, I suspect that is about to change and SOON!

The week of Thanksgiving we experienced something very rare at the lakes for late November…RAIN. It wasn’t just rain but an absolutely 3 days torrential downpour. Very monsoon-like rain! At the time the storm hit the west coast of Mexico, the lakes had already started to fall from the pulling of water for irrigation. At that time, Picachos was approximately 94% water in the lake…El Salto was approximately 55%…and Comedero was at 42%. Then the BIG STORM hit and poured down for 3 days. One week later, Picachos was 100% full and water going over the dam. El Salto had risen from 55% to 65%…and Comedero went from 42% to 56%!!!

Now that may not seem like that much of a rise but you must keep in mind that these are very deep mountain lakes. For example, Comedero is by far the deepest of those 3 (and nearly 3x larger), and it’s rise of 14% in one week would equate to rising approximately 15 feet…in one week! For that big and deep lake to rise 15 feet in a week….umm, that my friends is A LOT OF WATER!

Now some of you may ask…what does this have to do with the fishing? It can have A LOT to do with the fishing and for the short term it normally has an adverse effect on the fishing…not always but more times than not, it will affect the fishing for up to 1 or 2 or 3 weeks. The only positive for our groups that arrived right after the rain or shortly after the rain is that this happened near the end of November and the nighttime temperatures had already started their annual “cool down”…thus causing the water temperature on the surface to cool down. I was at the lakes at the first of November and they were steaming hot…starting out in the mornings on Comedero around 84 degrees and warming up to 90 degrees…not air temp but WATER SURFACE TEMP! That prevents a lot of bass from coming to shallow water and keeps them deeper than most would prefer to fish. Now, or last time I checked a few days ago, the water temps at daylight have been ranging from 74 degrees to 78 degrees (depending on which lake we’re talking about?)…and warming up to 79 degrees and 82 degrees.

This rain…for the record…well, Mazatlan hasn’t seen or experienced a storm like this in late November in almost 30 years! Well, except for “El Nino” years when it rains throughout the fall and winter months. However, this is not an “El Nino” year and for this type of storm to hit this late in November, is something very rare…and not anything I’ve seen in my 33 years of operating fishing lodges in western Mexico!

This rain definitely disrupted or “suspended” the good fish bite for a couple of weeks but for the long haul (the rest of this season), it only helped the fishing and fertility of the lakes. There is now A LOT of submerged green vegetation in the lakes and tons of bait fish up there feeding on new algae growth. The big fish haven’t schooled back up (yet) as the flooded vegetation has really scattered the bait fish and bass…but it should be back on track soon. I’m guessing right before Christmas or right after. The first wave of spawn bass will move up in January on full moon. It’s about to get “silly”….I am too!

NEW RESTAURANT & BAR IS FINISHED…RSJA CUSTOMERS RAVING ABOUT IT!!!!

In my last update “Ron Speed Fall 2019 Newsletter”, I spoke about our new restaurant at Picachos and construction was still ongoing. Well, the crew finished construction on October 28th, the morning prior to our first fishing group of the season’s arrival. Everyone that has returned and contacted us have been raving about the new facility. The restaurant is large enough to serve up to 34 people. It includes a private bar, two big 50 inch big screen televisions so you and your friends can sit and watch your favorite sports team or concerts or movies. We also have a new wonderful sound system to watch/listen to your favorite concerts or play music playlists from your phone through Bluetooth. The restaurant is completely closed in so as to offer everyone air conditioning when it’s steaming hot outside…but the restaurant also offers huge glass windows so you still have that beautiful breathtaking view of LAKE PICACHOS!

Here are a few photos of the finished product that we think you’re going to really like…

CHRISTMAS SEASON IS HERE…NOT TOO LATE TO BUY THAT 2 FOR 1 FISHING TRIP FOR A LOVED ONE!!!

That’s right, folks…now is the time to take advantage of our 2 for 1 special and possibly give to that someone special for Christmas! This applies only to Lake Picachos for the months of March, May and June. We are trying to accommodate those wanting to bring kids during either Spring Break or when schools start summer vacations in May/June. However, it is not limited to just the kids. It applies to anyone wanting to bring “family members”…son, daughter, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, grandkids, etc. Must be family member. Last year we offered this special and it was a HUGE HIT for everyone….so much I decided to offer it again this season! Call our office today before “Santa” starts delivering gifts. It will make for a great gift under the tree and definitely make someone special in your life SMILE BIG! :))

Call us today: 800-722-0006

Last…I want to wish each and every one of you a blessed Holiday Season!

GOOD FISHIN’,
RON SPEED, JR.

[Editor: this article first appeared on www.ronsfishingblog and may only be used by permission of Ron Speed Jr.]

MEXICO BASS FISHING SEASON READY TO ROLL!!!

It’s that time, anglers! The monsoon season is pretty much in our rear view mirror now with only a slight possibility of a hurricane or tropical storm between now and the first of November. Therefore, the lake levels are what they are now…but again, barring a tropical storm occurring in the next couple of weeks. As of today, Lake Picachos has been full for a few weeks and should remain that way until at least the end of October. El Salto is currently at 64% and Comedero at 49%. What does water levels mean in terms of the fishing this season? Well, everyone has their opinions but based upon my 33 years in this business and fishing these western Mexico mountain lakes, it doesn’t significantly impact the fishing during OUR fishing season…meaning I don’t see a major difference as to how deep or shallow the bass go based upon water levels. I do prefer to start the season (coming out of rainy season in late October) with at least 70% water level as that keeps me from stressing about low oxygen in the last 2 months (May/June) of the dry season…BUT in terms of the fishing during our primary fishing season (Nov – April/May), I don’t see much difference either way.

There is a lot of fresh green vegetation in the water along and near the shorelines right now. The bait fish are up there by the millions feeding on the new algae growth on that vegetation, and….well….yes, the bass are up there gorging themselves on the millions of Tilapia and shad! The bass are scattered when this occurs but it’s a spinnerbait and topwater angler’s dream! Once the nights begin to cool sometime in November, there will be even more and more bass move to the shallows! It’s about to get silly…and I can’t wait!!!

RON SPEED JR’S ADVENTURES AND LEW’S ROD/REEL COMPANY JOIN FORCES!!!

Yes, you read correctly! If you read my June 2019 Update on Picachos, you will remember I mentioned “new additions coming soon”…well, this is ONE of the new additions. Recently it was announced that professional angler and all time money winner in professional bass fishing, Kevin VanDam (better known as KVD), has joined Lew’s…well, KVD isn’t the only one that’s joined. Your favorite International Fishing Outfitter Ron Speed Jr’s Adventures has also jumped on this train. I strongly suggest you do so as well!

Starting this fishing season, we will be providing our valuable customers Lew’s rods to include some of their top of the line models! Last March I had the honor and opportunity to fish with “The Godfather” himself, Lynn Reeves (Chairman of Lew’s) as well as Bob Brown (Director of Product Development for Lew’s) at fabulous Lake Comedero! I can tell you that not only are these two gentlemen great anglers but even better PEOPLE! I just can’t say enough great things about these two fine men and their character. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to fish with some of their Lew’s rods…and WOW! I was amazed at how light these rods were but the quality and attention to every little detail that went into the design and construction of these rods. I love to flip/pitch heavy cover for big bass…and love a good stiff long handled rod for “horsing” those big girls out of that thick cover. I experienced that when Bob let me try out the new SuperGrip SGBPS 7′ 6″ Heavy/Big Pitchin’ Stick. It was definitely built for heavy cover flipping/pitching but extra light as well! We will have this rod along with many of Lew’s other fantastic models in all three of our lake/lodges this season! Back to that new SuperGrip handle…I LOVE IT!!! Those of you who do the rod handle “wraps” or tennis handle type wraps, well….forget that! This new SuperGrip handle will definitely make you forget about doing such in the future. Their full length Winn Dri-Tac grip offers effortless castability…and the flat top design and larger diameter gives you total control when setting the hook and fighting the fish. Furthermore, the larger diameter grip prevents hand fatigue and allows the angler ALL DAY COMFORT!!!

Also, these new Lew’s SuperGrip rods offer their new Lew’s exclusive VTR System (Vibration Transfer Ring)….and what that does is it provides direct contact with the “blank”, transferring vibration directly to your hands! Sending vibration from the blank directly through the VTR for extreme sensitivity and prevents any deadening from the grip. The VTR System allows you to detect even the slightest of bites! You’re absolutely going to love these new Lew’s Rods at all of our fishing operations….both in Mexico and Brazil (for peacock bass). The new Lew’s Rods are already in all three lakes/lodges of RSJA in Mexico and waiting for your arrival. The new Lew’s Rods for Brazil will be available for our peacock bass fishermen this coming January! Please visit Lew’s website to explore all of their products they offer….reels, rods…both inshore and offshore products! You’ll be glad you took the time! www.lews.com

Ron Speed Jr’s Adventures proves again that we are committed to offering you the very best fishing experience to include fishing, lodging, meals, boats (Xpress Boats), fishing equipment (Lew’s) and overall the very best services. Two of the leaders or giants in this fishing industry have now joined forces…and you, our valuable customers, will reap the benefits of this new partnership!!!

OH THERE’S MORE…A NEW RESTAURANT AT PICACHOS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS???

Well, if the new rods didn’t just reach out and grab ya, how ’bout a new air conditioned restaurant at Picachos? Again, more from that June Update where I mentioned new additions coming in the future. Yes, folks…we’re building a new restaurant for all of our Picachos anglers to enjoy those thick juicy 1 1/4 inch PRIME CUT ribeye steaks…as well the big fresh tasty shrimp and lobster…or to just sit and mingle with friends while having a nice cocktail from the NEW BAR that will be in this new restaurant. You’ll also be able to watch your favorite sports team play on our new big screen tv inside the new bar/restaurant. Yes, the new restaurant will be closed in so as to add air conditioning and cool/comfortable environment but it will offer glass windows so you don’t lose that magnificent and scenic view of beautiful Lake Picachos!

The new restaurant is still under construction but as of this writing, the construction is about 80% complete and “should” be finished no later than November 1st…of course barring something unforeseen such as a major hurricane. Ssshhh, Ron Jr…ya doofus! No jinxes!!!! Seriously, everything “currently” is going according to plan and our first group of the season should be able to experience the new restaurant facility! We hope you’ll come enjoy the great fishing of Picachos as well as this new restaurant and our first class facilities/services!!! FIRST. CLASS.

A LITTLE FISHING TALK…

Let’s start with El Salto… last season was a rollercoaster ride in terms of the fishing. It was very inconsistent in that it started off very slow last fall (Oct/Nov), picked up a little in December, then back down near the end of December or right after our Christmas break. Then the full moon and spawn occurred around the 3rd week of January, which always means big sow bass more shallow…and for sure the fishing was fantastic. However, instead of the great fishing continuing from there with the February group of spawn bass moving in or staging for their spawn, it just didn’t happen. The numbers stayed below average (average is 40 – 50 bass per boat, per day on El Salto) and there were not many big bass over 7 lbs landed from late January through February. Then we had some bass spawn on the full moon in March and naturally the numbers went up above average but still not too many big fish over 7 lbs boated. Quite honestly I was scratching my head as to why the up and down and inconsistent numbers and size? This continued on through April….but THAT is where the inconsistency stopped and the better than average numbers returned in early May as did the big bass of 8 lbs and larger! Every customer group we had fish with us at El Salto after May 1st and through late July (last group) experienced good to great fishing at El Salto…both in numbers and size. Therefore, I knew that the bass were still in there…and not that I ever had any doubt. Let’s just chalk last season (as a whole) to be “one of those years” that we get every so often or every 5 – 7 years. Not all was bad…but certainly not all was good. Just “inconsistent” is the best way to describe the overall fishing last season. I fully expect the fishing to return to consistently good…and soon. Hopefully that will be this season! If the last 3 months of last fishing season is any indication, then I expect it to be great THIS SEASON!

Now on to Picachos… well, what else is there left to say about this incredible fishery? If you missed my June 2019 Update, you really should go read it. I reported of how the big bass are really starting to show up in Picachos and the overall average size increasing every year. All of this happening without loss of daily numbers as the action and catches are still way north of 100 bass per boat, per day…at least on average. Now it is not out of the realm of possibilities to go to Picachos and hook or catch a bass or multiple bass of 8 lbs or larger! You won’t get me to declare it a trophy bass lake yet but just know we’re getting closer and THIS SEASON could get me to go ahead and declare such. One thing is for certain, you won’t find a better lake in the world that produces more numbers of bass and still have a chance at landing a bass 8 lbs and larger! Throw in the fact that it’s the easiest lake in western Mexico to access as it’s only a 50 minute drive from the Mazatlan Airport to our big nice beautiful lakeside lodge! This trip is so easy and yet offers so many rewards for the avid bass angler! It would be rare for anyone to leave Picachos disappointed…and I’ve never had anyone call or message me upon returning from Picachos to express disappointment with the fishing. It’s just one of those “money in the bank” lakes…even though there are slow days like at every lake…but a slow day on Picachos is a mere 60 bass per boat in one day. Oh no…what a slow day! [sarcasm alert]. Picachos has already made headlines for the past 5 years but nothing like what is coming over the next 5 – 10 years! Barring anything unforeseen with Mother Nature or an act of God, I truly believe Picachos will go down as one of the best lakes ever….and that’s in the world. Same as Guerrero made it’s name over 40 years ago. Well, I believe Picachos to be in that same conversation for many years to come. If you have yet to fish it, you need to…while it’s still HOT! Come enjoy all that we have to offer at Picachos with the biggest and nicest facility on the lake as well as the best food, service, bass boats (Xpress Boats) and most experienced fishing guides! Oh and did I mention we’ll be offering new Lew’s Rods for all our customers this season? See above.

Finally let’s talk BIG BASS at beautiful Lake Comedero… If you missed my July 2019 Comedero Update, then you owe it to yourself to go take a read! That is if you like reading about a lot of giant bass being caught and many on TOPWATER LURES!!! In terms of the best opportunity at bass over 10 lbs, Lake Comedero is by far the best in my opinion. In terms of big bass on topwater, then there is absolutely NO DOUBT that Comedero is the best! Last season was “different” in that we didn’t find as many of those “wolfpacks” bunched up on those ledges and humps as we had found in previous years. However, not all was lost because that just meant more big bass stayed closer to the shore last season that previous seasons…meaning, it was a fantastic year for big bass caught on topwater! Again, go read my July 2019 Update and you’ll see where Shana Koonsman and her father John Billy fished all week with nothing but a KVD Splash topwater and landed bass of 11 lbs, 2 of 10 lbs and too many to keep count of 7 – 9 lbs! Also, for those that like to fish Senkos and Big Flukes, go read about all the giant bass that J. W. Peterson and his groups caught over the course of 2 weeks using those two soft plastics! J. W. landed a goliath 13 lbs bass and that wasn’t even his biggest ever on Comedero…but he was ecstatic nonetheless! This lake never ceases to amaze me when I hear, read and even experience for myself all the big bass that are landed each day at this amazing lake! Combine that great trophy fishing with the breathtaking beauty of this lake…nestled high in the beautiful Sierra Madre Mountains! It’s like a majestic painting…every day! Also, Comedero is a very big lake and with very little fishing pressure. I love not having so much “traffic” on a lake and being able to fish just about anywhere I desire and not have to wait my turn. THAT IS COMEDERO!!!!

CLOSING NOTES AND REMINDERS…

If you read my past two updates in June and July, you will know that Comedero and Picachos are almost full… but don’t let that stop you from calling us as we still have a few “gaps” here and there and also started a “wait list” on many dates throughout the season. Most of the time those on the wait list will clear as there will always be groups cancel or move to different dates. You still have time if you’re fairly flexible on dates you can go…but you MUST CALL SOON!

Also, just a reminder that we will once again offer the 2 for 1 at Picachos for bringing immediate family members. This was such a HUGE HIT for our customers last season and I’ve decided to offer it again…but only for March (Spring Break time) and May/June (end of school year). If you want to take advantage of this tremendous cost saving opportunity, then you MUST CALL NOW! Don’t assume the space will remain available because it won’t…and in fact, a lot of the March space is already gone…not totally but many dates are definitely gone! CALL US SOON!!!

Call us today: 800-722-0006
GOOD FISHIN’,
RON SPEED, JR.