Blair's East Texas Fishing Guide

Lakes Still Have Water

2011-10-26T13:36:00.000-05:00

I've had a number of calls regarding the level of our local lakes. Yes... you can still fish both Lake Palestine and Sam Rayburn... You may have to use a different boat ramp than the one you 're used to, but there is still water to be found! And still fish to catch!

Labor Day on sam Rayburn

2011-09-05T10:21:00.011-05:00

Today is one of those days where it's not all about fishing.... We spent the morning trolling and casting for large mouth bass and stripers... By lunch time the wind got up so bad that they decided they'd rather spend the rest of the afternoon at Rattlesnake Island. It was their idea of a perfect ending to a long holiday weekend.

A Good Morning Fishing

2011-08-21T10:14:00.016-05:00

Went out on Lake Palestine with three generations of fisherman! We caught 1 catfish, 2 black bass, and 37 white bass.... not bad for 4 hours of fishing! I spent time fishing with Austin (he's 12), and left his dad and grandad to fish to themselves...Austin caught just as many fish as they did. After cleaning the catch, Austin was wore out and ready for the ride home to Dallas!

Bass are on Fire!

2011-08-14T10:07:00.009-05:00

Took out a family from Houston on Lake Palestine for a half day. The fishing was a little slow until the sun hit the water, then we hit schools of white bass left and right! When you have a limit of 25 white bass per person, it doesn't take long to get alot of fish! So grab a rod, and let's go catch your limit!

Hot and dry in East Texas!!!!

2011-07-16T16:33:00.000-05:00

The lakes are low but the stripers and bass are on fire at Sam Rayburn. The 4th of July was a busy weekend, but it seemed like everyone I saw was having the time of their lives! Becareful out there and watch for lake dangers such as sand bars and stumps. Where you used be able to cruise, you'll now run into any number of obstacles due to the lower water levels in all of our East Texas lakes. Be sure to use your sunscreen and to re-apply often. Most importantly...... KEEP HYDRATED!!!!! I love to see people outdoors enjoying themselves.

Fishing Report

2011-06-26T15:32:00.000-05:00

While our East Texas lakes are lower than normal for this time of year, the fish are still easy to get to. Both Sam Rayburn and Lake Palestine have plenty of water for the fish. Don't let the news of a drought stop you from getting to the lake. If you're staying at either The Villages or Lake Palestine Camp Grounds, you can find our business cards at both places.

Fun in the Sun

2011-06-14T16:57:00.000-05:00

I know that 95% of the people that look at my website are hardcore fisherman and women, and I enjoy fishing better than most. But.... there's that other 5% that just enjoy being outdoors and on the water. I know I've blogged about this before, and I really want this to hit home.... It doesn't matter what you like to do outdoors as long as you get out there and DO IT! I'm more than happy to take people out on the lake and not put a hook in the water, as long as they're getting what they want. So think about it... figure out where you want to go.... and give me a call.

The Shaddox Crew at Sam Rayburn

2011-05-26T18:53:00.000-05:00

Took a farther and son fishing on Sam Rayburn Wednesday the 25th. The lake was really rough but caught a few catfish and some nice bass. There are places you can go to get out of the wind. They decided to have lunch on Rattlesnake island and explore it a bit. We finished the day bass fishing and running jug lines. It was a well rounded day. Don't forget this coming weekend in Memorial Day weekend, so let's get outside, and be safe!

May 19 with the Follis Family at Lake Palestine

2011-05-19T20:33:00.000-05:00

Went out on Lake Palestine today with the Follis family. We fished with jugs and reels. Caught a mess of catfish on the jugs, and caught sand bass with every cast... It was great! I probably spent an hour at the cleaning station! The wind was blowing ... as it has been for a while now, but even with that, the fish kept biting. It's days like today that are the reason I love my job!

Mother's Day On The Lake

2011-05-11T19:06:00.000-05:00

I took the Miller Family out for Mother's Day to Sam Rayburn Res. While the lake is a little low, it still has spots 70 feet deep. Mrs. Miller wanted her day to be relaxing, so we went to Rattlesnake Island where they set up folding chairs in the shallow water and the kids played catch on the beach. After lunch, the family wanted to cruise around and see more of the lake and check out some of the new houses under construction. We never put a hook in the water. Everyone had a wonderful time, and Kate said this was the best Mother's Day yet! I know it doesn't sound like much of a fishing trip, but each trip is unique and completely up to the people in the boat. I'll do everything I can to make your trip the best ever, and for the Millers..... I did!

It windy but the fishing is good!

2011-04-24T18:31:00.000-05:00

The wind has been blowing the past few weeks but the fishing is good. Our bay boats are made to handle the rough water and you will stay dry and safe. Lake Palestine was rough today but we caught a lot of fish. The lake is still in good shape as far as the water level. Some of the smaller lakes are getting low due to the drought. So don't stay home due to the wind.....lets go fishing.

Almost Summer Time For The Kids

2011-04-09T16:37:00.000-05:00

Haven't gotten much rain in East Texas, but it hasn't affected the fishing though. It's definitely time to start thinking about summer activities with the family. Fishing out on a lake provides you, not only with dinner, but also with a way to cool off if you get too hot! So consider some outdoor time with friends and family during summer vacation and give me a call!

Spring is in the air

2011-03-14T20:38:00.000-05:00

The weather is getting warmer, which is a nice change from the below freezing temps we've been having this winter. I've gone out a few times this 2011 season so far, when the days have been nice. Limited out on some great crappie in the shallows, and caught some really nice bass. I am definitely looking forward to some warmer days! I wanted to get this out to everyone so that you'd think about vacation planning, and spending some time outdoors. I will plan a trip with you and your family that everyone can enjoy.... half a day fishing and the rest of the time out on the water crusing the lake, taking in the sights, having lunch at an island, etc. This is to remind you that there's more to do than just work and school. So find time to be outdoors and appreciate the warmer weather to come with your family and friends.

Crappie Fishing

2011-01-18T16:47:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year.... Time for Crappie fishing. We finally got some much needed water in our east Texas lakes. Just this past weekend, we got above 3 inches of water. As soon as the water clears up, the fishing will be better than good. Saturday before the rain, the fishing was great. We have a cold front moving in within the next couple of days, but after the weather and the water clears up, the fishing will be perfect! So pick a lake, grab a poll, and give us a call!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-05T11:13:00.000-06:00

I would like to take the time to thank all of our clients for a great year, and to wish them the happiest of holidays! To everyone that loves to fish and the great outdoors..... Merry Christmas, & hope you have a wonderful New Year!
From the Blair Family to Yours

Christmas Ideas for the Fisherman in Your Life

2010-11-28T11:49:00.000-06:00

For those of you who have the avid outdoorsman (or woman) in your lives, and are trying to find the perfect gift for Christmas..... You can give them a fishing trip! One that they can plan to their schedule and on their favorite lake! What better gift to give than something outdoors AND something you know they won't exchange!

The weather is great and so is the fishing

2010-11-10T12:33:00.000-06:00

We are having unseasonally warm weather here in East Texas and the lakes are low but the fishing is great. The fish are holding in big groups and making for some good fishing. Easy to find and in large numbers to be caught. I know a lot of people are hunting this time of year, so the lake is not busy and allows for the good fishing spots to be open. There's going to be a bass fishing tournament this weekend at Lake Palestine, but other than that, the lake has been really quite. Take advantage of this wonderful weather, and let's go fishing.

Lake Palestine, 10/31/10 and still warm

2010-11-01T12:30:00.005-05:00

This time of year is not usually my busiest due to the weather, but this year, in East Texas, it's still warm. Not too warm and with a breeze. The high was 81 with occasional winds about 10 mph. Lake Palestine is a little low due to lack of rain, but still accessible. Most of the fish caught were schooling. We got some nice sized bass. I know a lot of people think that fishing is over this time of year, but it's still going strong here. So check the forecast and go fishing!

Sam Rayburn 10-9-10 Bass Fishing Fun

2010-10-09T18:19:00.001-05:00

Had a trip today at Sam Rayburn and quickly limited out on bass. Trolling the deeper waters with deep diver lures in bright colors worked really well. They seemed to prefer the bright red colors, like coral, pink, and orange over the blues and greens. I know that they will change preferance the next time I go though. A lot depends on the cloud cover and weather, hot or cold, fishing deep or shallow. I love that when you find what they're looking for, you can catch them all day long, on just 2 or 3 lures, and on just about every cast.

Taking in the cool front at Lake Palestine, 09/26/10

2010-09-26T17:23:00.002-05:00

Took a family of four to Lake Palestine for a half day today. It was wonderful cool weather, nobody got hot, everybody had a great time, caught fish and enjoyed the breeze. It's nice to see the cool weather coming finally! It's been a really hot August and September. We could use some rain, Lake Palestine and Lake Nacogdoches are low. There has been some rain South of us, so that Sam Rayburn is still holding it's level pretty well. Now's the time to get out of the AC and enjoy the water again before it gets too cold. So call me and book a day; we're here to make your trip a wonderful experience.

09-05-10 Sam Rayburn Fishing

2010-09-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

Had a great time taking Robbie and Susan fishing on Sunday. Caught alot of fish, not all keepers, but loads of fun to bring in all the same. Being from Lubbock, they really enjoyed seeing all the pine trees and beautiful scenery we have at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. It's a holiday weekend which makes the lake a busy place. We fished mostly in deeper water to primarily stay out of the way of people who were enjoying the beaches and shallows. Just remember, there's lots to do in East Texas, so give me a call if you wanna join in on the fun.

09-04-10 Rattlesnake Island at Sam Rayburn

2010-09-04T21:00:00.001-05:00

Was hired Saturday for a day trip on Sam Rayburn by a couple who didn't own a boat but wanted to join in on the last weekend of summer fun. Spent the day taking in the scenery, riding around, and at Rattlesnake Island with the other 71 boats that were there for this holiday weekend. It makes for a crowded spot, but you get to meet a lot of other people from all over. They had a really good time, and told me that they'd be back next year to do it again!

8-29-10 Lake Nacogdoches Bass Fishing

2010-08-29T20:34:00.000-05:00

Spent the today fishing at Lake Nacogdoches. It's the end of August, hopefully, that means the temps should be cooling off. The bass were schooling today with the cloudy skies, which made for some exciting fishing. We caught two limits of fish in a short amount of time. It looks like Labor Day weekend should be good fishing and maybe the temps will stay under a 100!!!! So get the hooks ready and lets be safe on the long weekend.

Last Fishing Trip Before School Starts

2010-08-15T17:49:00.000-05:00

Went fishing with a couple of younger guys (who will remain nameless) who were not happy about having to go back to school! This, I was told, was the last act of freedom for both of them before college started. We caught and released a good number of fish before lunch, trolling the deeper waters around the dam where the water's cooler. Although they booked a full day, with temps reaching 108, the fishing stopped around lunch. I took them to a popular island on Sam Rayburn and let them visit and swim with the 90+ people who came there to cool off too. All in all, they had a great time. Good luck with school guys!

Summer is here and so is the hot weather

2010-07-31T17:14:00.017-05:00

Went Stripper fishing at Sam Rayburn today with Mr. York. With the hot weather, the waters heating up as well, which means fishing deeper waters. We caught alot of fish that were schooled up. We caught Strippers, Bass, and Whites. They're all here around the Sam Rayburn Dam where the waters are deeper and cooler.

July 20th and 21st on Lake Sam Rayburn

2010-07-22T18:44:00.000-05:00

Went to Sam Rayburn for a couple of days to fish and enjoy the water, caught some yellow and white bass and broke for lunch at a popular island on the lake. The boats all line up and everyone, adults, children, and even some of their dogs, all hang out. Usually there's a boat or two that has a radio, so you've got good music. We pack a picnic lunch, some sandwiches, a cooler of cokes, a couple bags of chips, etc., beach the boat, and enjoy the company. After lunch, we either get back to fishing or take a little time out to swim. The sunset from the island was spectacular, there's some pics on the photo page. The great thing about a guided trip is that you make it your own. YOU decide how you'd like to spend your day, how much fishing, sight-seeing, or swimming you do. So plan your day and call me!

Good day at the lake

2010-07-12T18:59:00.000-05:00

It's July 12, 2010 and the bass are biting on Lake Nacogdoches. They're schooled up at the dam. I had a mom and son today and they caught their limit of five a piece. Since they limited out early, they asked if they could go swimming. So they ended the day playing in the water. Everyone had a great day!

July's begun as a cool and wet month

2010-07-11T19:58:00.000-05:00

This was the coolest July 4th weekend we've had in a long time. It made for a great weekend to be on the lake. The cooler temps and the partially cloudy skies made fishing and being out on the water really enjoyable. We've had a couple of weeks of daily showers which have kept the water levels in the lakes in good shape. The temps are getting back to normal and the fishing is great with all the fresh water. It's nice to see the lakes full this time of year, so grab your rods, head to East Texas, and let's catch some fish.

Catfishing on Lake Palestine

2010-07-08T17:23:00.017-05:00

We had a two day catfishing trip with a couple that were staying at the RV park on Lake Palestine. We put out jugs in the stumpy areas and in deep water. We had alot better luck in deeper water because of the cooler water temp. We also changed from Shad to shrimp bait and caught alot bigger fish. Remember, if you're running lines right now, you need to check them often as the fish you catch will die in the hotter water temps if left too long.

June 29th, Sam Rayburn Fishing Trip

2010-07-01T16:28:00.000-05:00

The weather forecast for the day showed alot of rain and wind, with Alex coming toward land. I had my doubts about whether or not to cancel this trip. But decided to go with it, and it turned out to be a great day. Met at the dock at 7:00am, the first thing we did was put out jug lines for catfish. We started cast fishing and caught bass, trolled for stripers, but with the wind we didn't have much luck. We did hang a hugh striper and got great footage of the fight, but it snapped the line before we could get it in the boat. After a full day of fishing there were plenty of bass and catfish to clean. Both of the guys are from Venezuela, here on vacation, and really nice...I had a great time talking and learning about their culture, lifestyles, and the differences between our countries.

Learning Lake Palestine

2010-07-01T15:58:00.000-05:00

On the 23rd of June, I had a call from a couple that had bought a new boat. They wanted to take it to Lake Palestine since they'd not been on that lake, and asked, basically, for a tour guide. We each took our boats, and I showed them different aspects of the lake... to finding the different marinas, spots to fish, islands to swim at, and where the boating areas are versus the stump-filled areas. It turned out to be a relaxing and educational day. I showed them a couple of different locations for their RV that are accessible to the lake as well. Just remember that at Blair's Guide Service the day is catered to you.

Lake Palestine Fishing June 14th 2010

2010-06-15T19:08:00.000-05:00

Had a fishing trip with the Mc Gaughey family on Lake Palestine on Monday the 14th of June. With all of the rain we've been having, the lake level was really high. When the water rises that fast it stirs everything up and brings food for the fish..... which makes fishing slow! We didn't get a single bite with the rods, but we did catch some catfish on jug lines, and that made the day!

Sam Raburn Stripers and Bass schooling

2010-06-06T10:24:00.001-05:00

We went on a fishing trip from June 1st thru June 4th at Sam Rayburn. It's an annual fishing trip made for the week after school lets out. We stay at a marina with cabins on the lake which makes it nice not having to launch or load the boat but once. The bass and stripers are very aggressive with the water warming up. They school up to the surface during the hottest part of the day to feed and will hit about anything that you cast out there. It rained in and around the Lake Sam Rayburn area while we were there, which was a nice change, because we sure haven't seen it in the Lake Nacogdoches and Lake Palestine areas.

2010-05-22T11:23:00.000-05:00

Took a couple out on Lake Palestine on the 19th of May. They weren't really hard core fisherman, so we put out some jugs for catfish, cruised the lake, stopped at an island so they could swim, and went to the marina for lunch. Managed to catch a some nice fish for them to take home, sight see, and just had an all-round good time.

2010-05-22T11:14:00.000-05:00

I took a father and son fishing on the 16th of May at Lake Nacogdoches. After a low in the weather system, the fishing was real slow. The weather has changed for the better and the fishing has picked back up.

2010-05-22T11:12:00.000-05:00

Went on a fishing trip from the 10th of May thru the 14th of May on Richland Chambers. Caught at least 15 High Fin Blues (catfish) a day, some of the pics are on the photo page. Remember that there is a slot limit on catfish; 30 in. to 45 in. We caught a few within the slot limit, that had to be sent back, but still brought home more than enough to share with family and friends. The catfish are really on at Richland Chambers right now.

2010-04-22T20:08:00.000-05:00

The weather is warming up and the fish are biting. Took a couple fishing at Lake Nacogdoches and caught some nice size bass. Too big to keep, but great fun to catch. Got a trip this weekend for Sam Rayburn to limit out on Stripers. With it getting close to summer vacation, it's time to look for fun ways to spend time outdoors. Summer is my favorite time of year, more people are out and enjoying the water. Summer is when the Stripers head for deeper water which makes for great fishing. The weather is more predictable which makes it easier to schedule fishing trips.

Lily Pads on Lake Nacogdoches

2009-10-24T20:00:00.000-05:00

Lake Nacogdoches has beautiful scenery and is abundant in wildlife. If has great fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie. It is a smaller lake but truly an East Texas lake due to the scenery and wildlfe. There are swimming areas and playgrounds at each boat ramp. Lake Nacogdoches is located 15 miles West on FM 225 off of Loop 224. It is close to Downtown Nacogdoches (15 minutes). There is no camping at this lake which makes this a quiet lake. Lake Nacogdoches is midway between Henderson, TX and Lufkin, TX.

Sunset on Lake Palestine

2009-10-24T19:33:00.001-05:00

Lake Palestine has a beatuiful view and scenery from every angle. It also has excellent fishing especially for bass, crappie, catfish, and stripe bass. Lake Palestine has wonderful lodging as well as a couple of easily accessible RV parks. It's approximately 15 miles from Tyler, TX on Hwy 155, and 1 1/2 to 2 hours from Dallas, TX. Take Hwy 175 South off of I-20 to Frankston, TX. Go North on 155 until you reach Lake Palestine. It has high cliffs for great views of sunrises and sunsets. There are beautiful homes around the lake, as well as a golf course. Lake Palestine boasts lots of wildlife scenery.

Blair's East Texas Fishing Guide - Spotlight

2009-10-15T13:05:00.000-05:00

I was born and raised in East Texas and have fished these waters as long a I can remember. I love being outdoors and consider it a privilege to share that experience with others. I enjoy showing people what they sometimes miss in this fast paced world we now live in. I want to give everyone, the whole family, a place where they can go to relax and have fun. I use a 22' center console Mako boat, which gives plenty of room to fish. I primarly fish for bass, stripers, catfish, and about anything that's biting. I guide in Lake Nacogdoches, Lake Palestine, and Sam Rayburn Resevoir. I not only take people fishing, but have been asked to do day trips on the water just for them to relax and sightsee. I want everyone to have a fun and relaxing time and to leave with a smile and some good stories. So pick a lake and give me a call!

Vaughn Blair
Blair's East Texas Fishing Guide
903-646-3889