Veteran Lake Tawakoni guide David Hanson eased the throttle back on his big Falcon guide boat as we entered a stump field on the north end of the lake. We had left the ramp at Anchor Inn Marina a few minutes before and traveled north at a good clip but as ever savvy boater knows, it was time to slow down to avoid hitting stumps that might top out at only inches below the water’s surface. How many times through the years had I met my friend at this well known marina? I’ve lost count but I do know every trip resulted in several freezer bags of tasty catfish fillets and memories that have already lasted several decades.
David knows Lake Tawakoni the way most folks know their route to and from work. As we slowed to idle speed and wound our way through the stumps and standing timber, David pointed to the shoreline ahead.
“See that little opening there along the shore? That’s the mouth of a feeder creek where I have caught a ton of fish through the years.” says David. As we neared the shoreline, I could feel the current from the run off rainfall against the bow of the boat. David’s plan was to push a long metal pole into the lake’s soft bottom and secure the boat’s bow with rope. We would be fishing with eight Catfish Pro rod and reels set in rod holders and that requires a stationary boat.
