It’s time for another of the club’s all-time favorite outings – the overnighter at Bill Ward’s Ranch near Mexia. Dozens of you, including many new club members, attended the dedication of the plaque for the late James Parker at last spring’s trip. And the bass fishing was stupendous!

The clear waters of the quarry are easily traversed and lead to many other lakes on the property. Additionally, Bill’s friend, Kent Yelverton, allows us to fish his many lakes.
A dredge has lowered the water level so the dock is again permanently available. Bill wants to remove some of the population of bass and sunfish — and we are just the group to do it. But remember, any bass over 4 pounds must remain in the water.

Camping in an RV or a tent is the easiest, but some may seek accommodation in Mexia’s very nice motels a few miles up US 84 East. The Comfort Inn is the nearest.

There are many new hook-ups for electricity at the campsite, so you may want to bring an extension cord for RVs, CPAPs or small appliances. Bring your camp chair as well. There will be a fish fry on Saturday night prepared as always by our fine chefs, Dan and Nolan Tatum, and a breakfast is usually prepared early Sunday. If you have an electric filet knife, please bring it. Bring other food as you would any camping trip.

A float tube, kick boat, kayak or canoe is highly recommended, but not required. There are limited bank fishing opportunities. Don’t forget a stringer for the fish fry. A 5-weight outfit should handle anything in the quarry and surrounding ponds. Either a floating or sinking line will do, but a sinking or sink tip line works best in the deeper water.

We recommend nymphs, streamers, poppers, bass bugs and terrestrials to entice the fish. If you bring a spinning rod, the “wacky worm” set-up works wonders, as proved over and over by James Parker. We promise not to accuse you of going to the dark side!

If you’re not familiar with the location, see the April 2022 FWFF newsletter.

Host Bill Hodges would appreciate notification that you will attend, via email at bcolhodges@aol.com; or text (only) at 817-528-1157.

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