Don Mattern Sr.

Texas Fishing Report

Fishing Area: Lake Palestine

Mattern Guide Service

Hello Everybody,

Romans 4: Verses 20 -22: He staggered not at the promises of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform.

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Well it was good to see the air temps as well as the water temps cool off from the tremendous heat. Water temps are between 83-85 degrees at Lake Palestine. The water level is lower than I have ever seen it since I have been fishing this Lake for almost 13 years now.

As water temps cool the shad start moving into the creeks and back areas off the Lake and the Bass follow with schooling Bass tipping off the whereabouts of the larger ones nearby. Keep your eyes peeled for shad jumping and fleeing from feeding Bass and you can locate some really good Bass.

Bass were caught up to almost 6 lbs. and about 20 Bass per day is the norm. Bass are hitting white chatterbaits and rattle traps in chrome bodied baits around the edges of the creek channels close to the shad.

Bigger Bass have been hitting wacky worms fished along Creek Channels in about 6-8 feet deep. Good colors are Bubblegum looking colors also watermelon red and watermelon candy. As you move into the mid day bite work them slowly and watch your lin for the Bigger Bass just inhale them and start swimming. You have to slow down and work them slow.

I use special custom rods made by Jeff Friend of Friendly Custom Rods. His rods have helped me place better this year in the tournaments I fish than any other year. You can call him at 903-584-3594, Tell him Don sent ya. I have a few sponsors not because I went looking for them but I have used their products and proven them on the Guiding Job and the tournament trails I fish.

Phantom Tackle is the other sponsor I have. In all the tournaments and when I am Guiding I am using His baits most of the time when I fish Plastics. Once He called me before He was a sponsor and I told him how the Bass were eating His plastics right off the hook and He told me other products are using a synthetic garlic oil but He has a 1000 acre farm where he raises real garlic and uses it in pure garlic oil in all his scented produtc you can reach him at phantom tackle .com

Fishing will get better even with the low water levels as the Bass fatten up for the comming winter. Find the shad and you will find the Bass. Thanks and May God Bless Ya. Don mattern Sr with Mattern Guide Service. If you want to book a trip just call 903-478-2633 or 903-724-1203 and we will schedule you in.

Report Details

Fish Type: Largemouth Bass

Water Temperature: 77 to 85 deg F

Water Clarity: 1 foot

Water Depth: 5 to 10 ft

Bait and Tackle: Johnny Morris reels on Friendly Custom Rods spooled with Seaguar Flurocarbon in 15 lb.

Charter and Angler Information

Report Submitted By: Capt. Don Mattern Sr.

Email Address: donmat@earthlink.net

Website: http://

Marina or Inlet Name: The Villages Marina

Charter Biz Phone: 903-478-2633

Submitted by:

Pro Fishing Charter or Guide - Mattern Guide Service

Fish Species: Bass
Bait Used: Wacky worms- Phantom Tackle
Tackle Used: Johnny Morris reels on Friendly Custom Rods spooled with 15 lb. Seaguar Flurocar
Method Used: Wacky worms and chatterbaits
Water Depth: 6 - 8 feet
Water Temperature: 83
Wind Direction: Se
Wind Speed: 5-8

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Don Mattern Sr.

About The Author: Captain Don Mattern Sr.

Company: Mattern Guide Service

Area Reporting: Lake Palestine Texas

Bio: Don Mattern Sr. has been fishing Lake Palestine since 1994 and guiding full-time since 2002. He was born in Houston, Texas and moved out to the country at 20 years old. He's been married 35 years and has 2 sons. Don currently guides and tournament fishes full-time.

903-478-2633
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Don Mattern Sr.