Don Mattern Sr.

Mattern Guide Service on Sam Rayburn & Palestine

Hello Everybody,

MATTHEW: 1: Verse 21: And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.

SAM RAYBURN: Well there is without doubt no better fishery in the State of Texas in the dead of winter than Big Sam Rayburn. Horizontal working lures such as Nchols spinnerbaits in Blue Shad and White/ Chartruse combo's worked slow rolled over Hydrilla in 3-7 feet or around wood cover will catch some real Big Bass right now.

The water temps have been hovering between the high 40's and low 50's depending what part of the day and part of the Lake you are fishing. Water is in great shape except for being the lowest I have ever seen it. Sandbar flats will beach your boat if you are not careful to watch your electronics while running. Alot of the spawning areas are totally out of water but staging Bass do not seem to mind.

The red rattle trap worked around Hydrilla and wood cover have been producing some real quality Bass as well in 3- 8 feet. Texas rigged Lizards in Black & Blue and Watermelon Red caught some Bass over 6 lbs. for us this week. E 2 Baits makes a bobtail Lizard which is like a cross between a senko type bait and a Lizard which works extremely well in water in the 50's.

Nichols jigs in Black & Blue worked around stumps and wood has produced some Big Bass as well worked in 6-13 foot breaklines.

If you want to try a cold water trip I think you will be really surprised. Big Sam is one of a Kind in colder water. December 19th last year Rodney Rowe was fishing with me on Big Sam with a Nichols Jig and Hooked and Boated a 12 lber and several other hogs were broke off.

Call me at 903-478-2633 or 903-724-1203 or E-mail me and we will set you up a date. My Web-Page is matternguideservice.fghp.com

Thanks and God Bless and have a Mery Christmas. Jesus is the reason for this season of Giving.

LAKE PALESTINE:

Well there is a tougher bite on Lake Palestine. Downsized Nichols spinnerbaits in 3/8 ouce willow leaf blades in gold outside nickel inside worked over grassy bottoms in the back of coves are catching some really Big Bass but not many. 3-5 bites for an entire day is doing great but the size is Bigger.

Red Rattle traps worked around banks of the deeper end coves are catching as well. I like to use a 7'6" Kistler Medium. How many times have you been in a tournament and had a check paying Bass jump off before you could get Him in the net. The Kistler Medium will soften the pull while fighting the Bass and put your rod down when you see the Bass coming up and let the rod do the rest. This Kistler Medium on Rattle traps and spinnerbaits has really improved how many Bass comes to the baot verses jumping off.

Texas rigged Lizards in Black & Blue worked around Boat Houses as well as Nichiols Jigs in Black & Blue will catch some quality Bass but you have to work slow ,slow, slow to get those few bites.

Water is in good shape and the Lake is almost still at full pool with lots of cover to flip around banks with Jigs. Water temps have been running upper 40's to low 50's as well. If Lake palestine is your Lake give me a call at 903-478-2633 or 903-724-1203 and we will book you in.

Thanks and God Bless. have a merry Christmas. JESUS is the reason for this season.

Thanks to my sponsors:

RANGER BOATS; FLINT, TEXAS: 903-825-2293

KISTLER RODS: 281-259-8033

NICHOLS LURES: 903-589-8100

PHANTOM TACKLE: phantomtackle.com

E2BAITS: E2baits.com

Date Added: 2008-12-17

Type of Fishing: Bottom Fishing

Charter Service Name: Mattern Guide Service

Email Guide or Angler: donmat@windstream.net

Website URL: matterguideservice.fghp.com

Captains Name: Don Mattern Sr.

Region You Fish: Texas

Biz Phone: 903-478-2633

Fish Species: Bass
Bait Used: rattle traps and Texas rigged Lizards
Tackle Used: Johnny Morris reels on Kistler rods
Method Used: rattle traps and texas rigged Lizards
Water Depth: 3-13 feet
Water Temperature: 50's
Wind Direction: North
Wind Speed: 10



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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.