I have to admit … I’ve lived here permanently eight years and had never gone to Elephant Butte. Fishing has never been at the top of my priority list but that all changed with the introduction to Frank Vilorio, ace fishing guide and someone you would want to share a brew with after a great day on the water.
Frank has been a guide on Elephant Butte Lake for years and he knows every nook and cranny of the lake. I found this out right away when he put down the anchor in a little cove and said it was time to catch the bait we would use that day. Catch bait? Now there’s something I hadn’t heard of before … I thought you bought the bait in a store! Nope, Frank says you have to use live fish to catch fish. He was right!
Off we went and before long we were hauling in White Bass and looking for the elusive big Striper Bass. Jordan and Heather from Wyoming were along with us and Jordan showed us the “biggest” fish in the lake … about three inches long. But the second bite was one much bigger and the kind that would fit nicely into a campfire cook stove. We, of course, caught and released.
We were all enjoying the pristine New Mexico day – lots of sunshine and beautiful surroundings – when Heather snagged a Striper! This one was at least 15 pounds and gave Heather a nice fight before landing this “baby” in the boat. After everyone got to take a look this great fish was also returned to its native habitat.
Frank had us on the lake for about six hours and we could have stayed longer had we not had more filming to do for Travel Guide New Mexico. But he was quick to invite us back and we’ll take him up on that offer.
If you want to see some of the trophy fish that Frank has engineered for his charter participants check out his website and www.stripersnewmexico.com. Now these are some fish!
Thanks, Frank, for a great day at Elephant Butte. To see more click on our Elephant Butte video. And remember … Elephant Butte is New Mexico’s largest lake. In addition to fishing the boating and camping are terrific! Enjoy …
