MLF Officials Strike It Rich on Mexico’s Lake Picachos - Major League Fishing

MLF Officials Strike It Rich on Mexico’s Lake Picachos

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A group of MLF officials caught a plethora of big bass on Lake Picachos in Mexico.
February 21, 2021 • MLF • Bass Pro Tour

If you paid attention to bass-fishing social media in mid-January, you likely noticed that a group of anglers were having a largemouth-catching fiesta in Mexico.

MLF Executive Vice President & General Manager Don Rucks and a small group of MLF officials traveled to Picachos Bass Lodge, one of the world-class bass-fishing destinations offered by Ron Speed Jr.’s Adventures. Over the course of seven days on the world-renowned Lake Picachos, the group of nine demonstrated why Lake Picachos should be at the top of every bass angler’s bucket list: The group caught 3,270 largemouth bass (and lost hundreds of others).

We caught up with Rucks – who has fished in Mexico multiple times – to get his firsthand assessment of Picachos Lodge, Lake Picachos, and the Mexican bass-fishing experience:

Q: Thanks for taking the time to provide bass-fishing fans the need-to-know information for all of them who are wanting to fish a bucket-list trip to Mexico. Looks like your muscles have recovered from catching more bass than you can count.

A: You’re most welcome, but I’m still a little sore! I love talking about something that most bass anglers have on their bucket list.

Q: During these difficult times, did your group have any concerns about traveling to Mexico due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: Of course, we had our concerns, but after doing some thorough research we felt comfortable about what we had learned before going. The camps operated by Ron Speed Jr.’s Adventures are on top of it with very effective protocols that include regular testing of their staff. Everything at Picachos Bass Lodge was regularly cleaned and sanitized daily, and the staff wore masks at all times.

Q. How was the air-travel experience?

A: U.S. and Mexico airports were as smooth as butter, just like normal. The airlines and the hotel where we stayed only one night had all proper protocols in place. Just as importantly, we didn’t want to bring the virus into the camp, so everyone in our group got a test a few days before going. As soon as we all got home, we self-quarantined as recommended. I’m happy to report that nobody in our group ever showed any signs or symptoms, and are COVID-free.

Q: I noticed that you fished Lake Picachos for the fifth year in a row. There are a lot of well-known lakes in Mexico, why do you go to that lake?

A: Ron Speed Jr.’s Adventures has three different lakes, and I’ve fished each of them over the years. They’re all excellent, but Lake Picachos has become a very special place for me. It is less than an hour’s transfer from the airport in Mazatlan, I love the camp staff, accommodations, food, boats guides and the fantastic fishing. It’s absolutely loaded with Florida-strain largemouth and each one of them really tries to break your arms! What’s not to like about that?

Q: What were the most consistent baits that your group used to catch that many fish?

A: You can catch them at various depths from shallow to deep and on many different baits, but the best of the best are as follows:

Q: What kind of boats do you fish out of at Picachos Bass Lodge?

A: The boats are Xpress Boats with 60 hp and 70 hp engines – they’re just great to fish out of and plenty roomy for two anglers and a guide. They have lots of storage compartments, and are outfitted with MinnKota trolling motors and Lowrance electronics on the console and up front.

Q: How knowledgeable are the guides, and how easy are they to work with?

A: Just like with all of Ron Speed Jr.’s staff, the guides are just great people. Guiding is most of – if not all of their livelihood – and they work hard to to put their customers on fish, and a lot of fish. Each day the guides compete against each other for bragging rights. If you catch a big fish, it feels like they’re happier about it than you are. Not only are they very knowledgeable about the lake and locating the fish, they understand great customer service. Spending the day in the boat with any of them is truly an enjoyable experience.

Q: What about the food and water in the camp?

A: The first thing you should know is that you’re provided all of the purified bottled water you can drink, so there’s no problem with that. The food served at the lodge is great – it’s really something you have to experience to fully appreciate. It’s unbelievable to me how the staff can put such delicious food on the table from the smaller size kitchen area they prepare it in. They’re very proud of what they serve, and it shows.

Q: I know you’ve been fishing with Ron Speed Jr.’s Adventures for years, can you explain why?

A: That’s an easy question for me to answer: Ron Speed Jr.’s Adventures is simply the best in the Mexican bass-fishing business, bar none. Look, when you spend your money to go on a bass fishing trip of a lifetime, you want it to be everything that you’ve dreamed it would be. With Ron Speed Jr., that’s exactly what you’re going to get.