Hadn't been to Ballinger yet this year... last visit was Christmas Day past. Ballinger has long been a favorite of mine... met my friend Pete there three years ago! Met Pete a bit before 5:00 AM, lines in the water at just about 5:00. Temp at outset was 52 degrees, overcast with a persistent breeze from the north. Water temp at 10' off the pier was 66 degrees. Having had great success last week with "Mice Tails", tried them (red & natural) on one rig (4' leader), fl. orange Power Egg on the other (6' leader). Five minutes in, and I had a hit, no hook-up. Then Pete had a hit and reeled in a nice 12" Rainbow... then me again, this time it stuck... another 12" 'er... then Pete, then me... twenty minutes and four fish landed, all about 12". "Mice Tails" accounting for all but one (fl. PE). Then things slowed down... couple of hits, then I reeled in my third about 9:00, then Pete his third an hour later. Sun was in and out, but the breeze had become a pretty strong wind, and the bite was really slow. Pete's granddaughter, Madison, joined us about 10:00, looking to catch her first fish. Tried everything we could think of to accommodate her, but was not to be today. Grandpa and I gave her some casting lessons, though, and she did quite well... going to be a good angler just like her grandpa... we'll make sure you get your first fish, soon, Madison.
Anyway, Pete and Madison left about 11:00. Bite came on again shortly after, missed a couple, then got my fourth at about 11:30, then my last shortly after noon. All fish were feisty, and right around the 12" mark. Upon cleaning, found that 4 of the 5 were from the earlier plant, with bright orange flesh... been feeding on Ballinger critters for a couple months. Two of the fish bore tell-tale marks (at the base of fins) of the parasite that affects these Ballinger Rainbows as the water continues to warm. They truly become gruesome as the Summer continues.
Had a truly delightful time watching what I suppose were grade school kids who had constructed cardboard boats as a class project, and were racing them in the swimming area. It was hilarious, some did well, others barely got off the beach... kids had a wonderful time in and on the water!
Had half a dozen other anglers on the pier throughout the morning, half a dozen more fishing from the beach... only saw one other fish caught.
Good to be back in old familiar surroundings. PTL!

---