March/April 2014 | www.gulfcoastmariner.com
Celebrating Coastal Life
[Letter from the Publisher] Admiral (Publisher) Charles Milby
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine
March/April 2014
Sales Commodore (Director of Sales) Patty Kane Sales Crew (Advertising Executives) Shannon Alexander Patty Bederka Judy Gaines Terry Grover Debbie Salisbury Editorial Don Armstrong Rod Evans Capt. Joe Kent Betha Merit Charles Milby Photography Charles Milby Brandon Rowan Distribution Timothy Shinkle Company LF
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Charles Milby Publisher
Commodore (Graphic Designer) Kelly Groce
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million people live in close proximity to Galveston Bay. As our population grows we need everyone to be aware of the environmental impact that each one of us has on this remarkable resource. Our bay is the seventh largest estuary in the United States. It produces more seafood than any bay in the nation except the Chesapeake. It has a surface area of over 600 square miles. The bay is approximately 30 miles long and 17 miles wide. The Galveston Bay system supports a population of finfish totaling more than 162 species. Don’t wait to get involved in protecting this resource. Your input will ensure that future generations will enjoy the bay as much as we do. A good way to learn more about our bay is to get connected with organizations that promote conservation such as CCA Texas, (ccantl@ joincca.org) and the Galveston Bay Foundation, (gbf@galvbay.org.) Local charities are benefitting from fishing tournaments in our area. We salute all of the businesses and the volunteers that make these events so special. Step up, get involved and protect our bay from pollution. Your kids and future generations will thank you. The South West International In-Water Boat Show will be March 27-30 at the South Shore Harbour Marina in League City. The summer will be here before you know it, so come on down to the dock and check out the latest gear and the newest designs in power and sail boats. Enjoy the water every chance you get and stay safe. We only have 24 hours in a day, so try and make them count. See ya on the bay.
Captain (Director of Art) Brandon Rowan
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Into Boating
Rear Admiral (Editor) Mary Alys Cherry
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SPRING
Vice Admiral (President) Rick Clapp
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586 For information on advertising: Phone: 281.474.5875 Fax: 281.474.1443 r.clapp@baygroupmedia.com www.GulfCoastMariner.com
March/April 2014
12 |Catalina Yachts 445
This isn’t your parents Catalina. The 445 is a sleek bluewater cruiser with loads of storage and improved hardware.
14 | 2014 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349
Escape from the everyday and taste the pleasures of family cruising with this spacious twin helm boat.
16 | Five Lures for Fishing the Lights
Spring is around the corner and soon, hungry trout and redfish will swarm nighttime sources of light to gorge on freshly hatched bait. Get yourself hooked up with these proven lures.
17 | Fishing at Night From a Kayak
Put yourself on the late bite safely with this yak gear and etiquette guide.
18 | Changes Ahead for the Galveston Bay Complex
A reduction of fresh water inflow and an increase of salinity could alter fish patterns, cause new species to appear inshore and change our wetlands. By Captain Joe Kent
22 | What’s for Dinner from a Hired Chef?
Jonathon and Kim Davis spent five years crewing for private yacht owners and share two of their favorite recipes. By Betha Merit
26 | Four Ways to do Oysters Cook up everyone’s favorite mollusk with these four tasty recipes.
28 | First Look at the 2015 Ford F-150
Ford shaves 700 pounds of weight off their best selling truck by using high grade aluminum alloys. By Don Armstrong
30 | Creola: The Grand Dame of the Gulf Coast
Seasoned yacht broker Tony Smythe rescued this 37 foot damsel-in-distress and restored the Lafitte Skiff to its full glory.
ON THE COVER The Ruszkowski clan, Cole, Stacey, Kevin and Kyle aboard ‘Reel Crazy’ their Grady-White 360 Express.
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There’s no better place for Kevin Ruszkowski and his family to be than on the water aboard ‘Reel Crazy’ their Grady-White 360 Express. By Rod Evans
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This show returns to South Shore Harbour Marina with over 200 vendors, free seminars, live music, craft beer, a shark tank and the largest selection of freshwater, saltwater, power and sail boats in the Southwest!
20 | Boaters for Life
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10 | South West International In-Water Boat Show
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FEATURES
Contents Louisiana Sportsman Show & Festival Tickfaw 200 Poker Run Keels & Wheels Uncorked “Get Tight Sucka” Texas Swordfish Seminar Tie Your Own Tandem Fishing Rig Jackie Powell, Owner of Jackie’s Brickhouse Youth Sailing Howdy Hughes Phyllis Foster Real Estate Send Us Your Coastal Photography! Tide charts
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LOUISIANA’S LARGEST OUTDOOR SHOW & BOAT SHOW TO BE HELD IN BATON ROUGE AREA
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he 35th Annual Louisiana Sportsman Show and Festival, Louisiana’s largest outdoor show and boat show, will be held March 13-16, 2014, at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, LA. Louisiana’s premier outdoor show will feature acres of boats, fishing and hunting equipment, ATVs, tractors and lawn equipment, and activities for the entire family. Show highlights include: • An indoor boat show featuring all the major boat brands and dealers from throughout the Baton Rouge area. • Acres of fishing tackle and hunting gear for sale.
• An extensive display of ATVs and offroad vehicles. • A dedicated tractor and outdoor power equipment area. • The Louisiana Sportsman Big Buck Contest, with display of some of the largest bucks killed during the 2013-14 season in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the country. • Cabela’s 3D archery range. • Splash Dogs, where participants can enter their dogs in retriever competitions. • A Kids Zone, with free admission to the show for kids on Sunday. • A Yamaha ATV test track. • A bass tank, where pros will be giving regular seminars. • The final-day weigh-in for the $35,000
Louisiana Bass Championship Open. • Fishing and hunting outfitters from across the United States. • An improved food court featuring three times the selection. Show hours are 2 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Please visit www. louisianasportsmanshow.com for more information.
Tickfaw 200 Poker Run Slated for May 2 and 3
Earl Heard, of BIC Alliance, and Jason Ard, Sheriff of Livingston at last year’s Tickfaw Poker Run.
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Tickfaw 200’s producer Joey Fontenot holds a live alligator.
his year’s Tickfaw 200, Louisiana’s Largest Power Boat Poker Run, will take place May 2 and 3 at Blood River Marina in Springfield, LA. Visit www. bloodrivermarina.com for entry, rules, hotel and RV information and more.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine
March/April 2014
NAUTICAL NUMBERS 27,000 Catfish have over 27,000 taste buds, while humans have around 7,000.
Keels & Wheels 5th Annual Uncorked Event to be Held at Rolls Royce/Bentley Houston, Thursday, March 27
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he “5th Annual Keels & Wheels Uncorked” will be held Thursday, March 27, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Rolls Royce/Bentley Houston, inside their Showroom at Post Oak Motor Cars located at 1530 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027. The “Uncorked” event is hosted by The 19th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance, and is a fundraiser for Boys & Girls Harbor. Guests are invited to attend for an elegant evening of fine wines, exceptional food and classic automobiles. The event is also a preview for the Keels & Wheels annual classic car and vintage wooden boat show, which takes place the first weekend in May at the Lakewood Yacht Club in beautiful Seabrook, Texas. Participating restaurants are assigned a
classic automobile. The chef of each restaurant then selects a specific wine that they feel matches the classic automobile. The chef then prepares a hors d’oeuvre that is paired with the wine to complete the epicurean experience for the attendees to sample and consume. Complimentary wine for the evening will be provided. The event will also feature luxury items and experiences in the live auction as well as a silent auction for guests. Proceeds from both auctions benefit the Boys & Girls Harbor. To date, Keels & Wheels has assisted in raising more than $1.3 million for partnering charities. Advance tickets are $75 per person or $100 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at Keels-Wheels.com or by calling 713-521-0105.
4th Annual “Get Tight Sucka!” Texas Swordfish Seminar Announced The Booby Trap Fishing Team, known worldwide for its daytime swordfishing success, will give their 4th Annual Texas Swordfish Seminar on April 26th at Surfside Marina, 827 Gulf Road, Surfside Beach, TX 77541, and starts at 9 a.m. Tickets are $20 at the gate and $5 for kids 10 and under. One ticket includes admission, a kid’s fishing tournament entry, swordfish seminars, one raffle entry for door prizes and all you can eat jumbo shrimp, crawfish and BBQ, while it lasts, for lunch and dinner. Tickets can be purchased at Holden Roofing in Rosenberg or at the gate on the day of the seminar. For more information on the seminar, please visit www.boobytrapfishingteam.com.
160 feet On average, flying fish can glide up to 160 feet, but have been known to glide as far as 660 feet and can reach heights up to 19 feet.
15 minutes Surfers have rode a single wave from a tanker for 15 minutes in the Galveston Bay Ship Channel.
1,129 lbs The record for largest Tiger Shark in the Gulf of Mexico is 1,129 pounds – caught by Chap Cain III on May 24, 1992. www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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South West International Boat Show Returns to South Shore Harbour Marina, March 27-30
Show includes Free Seminars and The Sailing Village
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resented by GEICO, the Southwest’s largest In-Water Boat Show returns to the South Shore Harbour Marina, Bay Area Houston, for the sixth year in March 2014 with over 400 boats in-water and onshore making it THE Premier Power and Sail Show for Texas! The show will again feature a variety of Sailboats from Jeanneau, Beneteau, Lagoon, J/Boats, Catalina, Dufour, Hanse and Hunter to name a few – the largest display of Sailboats in the Southwest, alongside boats, ranging in size from 10ft80ft+, including Motor Yachts, Powerboats, Pontoon Boats, Cruisers, Sportfishing Boats, Catamarans, Bay Boats and Ski Boats, with many available for demo at the docks! This is the largest selection of both freshwater and saltwater boats, new and pre-owned, available anywhere in the Southwest - with pre-season specials and dealer incentive
See divers swim with sharks at the Live Shark Encounter.
programs available on many models. Over 200 vendors will offer a variety of services and products for the boating and outdoor lifestyle, including fishing gear, engines, apparel and outdoor equipment, in addition to a full range of marine electronics, sailing gear, accessories and hardware from top industry names. Once again a comprehensive Seminar Program, featuring over 40 FREE seminars for Boat Show attendees, will be offered across the four days of the Boat Show. These entertaining and educational seminars, hosted by industry experts, will take place on site at the
“This is the largest selection of both freshwater and saltwater boats, new and preowned, available anywhere in the Southwest.”
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2014
South Shore Harbour Resort Hotel and will cover a wide variety of topics, from weather and fishing to information on how to turn boating dreams into on the water reality! Additionally, show-goers can sign up for one of the Discover Boating hands on skills training workshops, designed to add more fun to the boat show experience… and take boating skills up a notch. There’s something for everyone - from absolute beginners to seasoned skippers! Powerboaters may choose from four One-Hour Skills Building sessions and Sailors may choose from Two-Hour and Three-Hour Sailing Workshops. All sessions are taught by USCG licensed Captains who are professional, certified instructors, with registration on the show website. For those who have never tried scuba but wanted to, there is the opportunity to take a Free scuba diving lesson in the 15,000 gallon Be A Diver Pool and take the first step toward a new hobby! Show attendees can watch and be amazed as divers swim with sharks at the Live Shark Encounter - the only traveling Shark Show in the country and dedicated to the preservation of the species. Or, get up close to the 7 time World Champion Miss GEICO Powerboat, while enjoying live music, craft beer tastings and exciting giveaways each day - a great line up of events for the entire family! There’s so much to see and do at the show, what about making a weekend of it and staying overnight at the South Shore Harbour Resort Hotel offering a Boat Show Package with accommodation, breakfast and two tickets to the show, with details on the show website. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for seniors/military, $5 for children 6-14, and Free for children 5 and under. Parking is free in the parking lots around the South Shore Harbour Resort, with free shuttle for overflow parking at the weekend. Thursday, March 27: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 28: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 29: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 30: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. For further information regarding tickets, exhibitors, events, registrations and features please visit: www. southwestinternationalboatshow.com or email info@southwestintlboatshow.com
Catalina Yachts 445
This Isn’t Your Parent’s Catalina
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ith over 96 hulls built in less than four years, the Catalina Yachts 445 has proven to be one of the best blue water cruisers to come out in the last decade. Many of the reasons why were born out of the last financial crisis. In 2008 after the largest economic crisis in most people’s lifetimes, the norm for most builders was to stop building or go out of business. At the time Catalina Yachts, which has been in business now under the same ownership for over 45 years, was building over ten models of boats from 28 to 47 foot. Always known as a robust and rugged boat capable of offshore passaging but built at a modest cost, Catalina had a choice to go the way of most builders and stop production and wait this crisis out or they could scale back and shrink down the models to a more useful size range – all the while improving the product for the end consumer. Catalina chose the latter solution and the Five Series was born. The current Catalina models, 315, 355, 385, 445 have all the attributes of the Five Series. One of the biggest features of the
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2014
Catalina 445 is the Flex Cabin. Think of it as a walk-in cockpit locker or the third guest stateroom for the grand kids. The door to the flex cabin is to port in the galley area. This area features upper and lower berths that can be folded up. There is also a filter cabinet that allows you to check the main engine’s fuel and water filters. Also, there is a cabinet that can be left as storage or customized. A washer dryer, icemaker or third refrigeration system can be added. The possibilities are endless. Plus when you need a place to put gear, like cockpit cushions, you can also access the flex cabin from the starboard cockpit locker. Unlike a lot of boats being built today, the Catalina 445 is loaded with storage. There are large oversized hanging lockers in each cabin as well as drawers.
There are 12 large drawers in the 445, plus over 30 places for storage including custom storage for pots, pans and dishes. In addition to the flex cabin, which has an unlimited amount of uses, there are two large stern lazarettes. On deck the 445 is all business. From the traveler to the winches to the standing rigging, the hardware is massive. The primary winches on most boats are the size of the halyard winches on the 445. Even the bow rollers are set up for two real anchors and the chain locker is divided. Even though there is a collision safe forward “strike zone,” there is room to carry 300’ of chain and not offset the balance of the boat. Listed below are the main design features that distinguish the new 5 Series models: • Collision-safe forward Strike Zone™ bulkheads and impact absorbing chamber. • Deep Defense™ rudder systems with stainless rudder posts. • T-Beam Mast Step™ system structure providing all the benefits of a deckstepped mast and the strength of a keel-stepped mast. • Secure Socket™ mast support/ chainplate system. • Knitted fabrics used for a stronger laminate and stiffer structure. • Dramatically styled teak interiors and laminates finished with a satin varnish for durability and beauty. • Five-part structural construction, insuring a stronger boat and more rigid structure. • Offshore internally Banged hull to deck joint capped with a slotted toe rail. • Navigation AC/DC panel with additional circuits for added options, plus a built in amp draw meter to monitor electrical usage. • Wide, clear weather decks designed with inboard shrouds for moving forward with ease, and a diamond non-skid pattern for safety and durability. In addition, the low profile cabin design provides for a sleek appearance, great visibility forward. • Comfortable, ergonomically correct cockpits with seats long enough to stretch out on. • Lead keels for durability, and impact shock absorption for safety of the crew and structure. • Oversized travelers, winches and lines for ease of sail handling in all conditions. More more information on the Catalina 445, contact Little Yacht Sales at 281-334-6500.
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HE MONTH OF MARCH signals the start of Springtime fishing trends along the Gulf coast. Soon, newly hatched finfish and crustaceans will swarm canal green lights and other sources of nighttime luminescence. Hungry trout and redfish won’t be far behind to gorge on these tiny treats. Under the scrutiny of the lights, it’s best to downsize your lures and tackle. Use smaller, transparent lures to best imitate the prey of these evening predators. Lures that glow in the dark also draw attention. Although, there may be times where the fish are feeding so fierce that just about anything moving will entice a strike. Other times, you may encounter stubborn fish that ignore all of your offerings. Try these proven lures next time you find yourself fishing a set of canal lights, causeway lights or your favorite lighted pier.
Rapala® Husky Jerk™ Glass Minnow
Yo-Zuri® 3DS Minnow™ Luminescent Aurora Chartreuse
Holographic Bleeding Clear Minnow
Yo-Zuri has taken its years of experience and technological research and created a formidable weapon for anglers targeting inshore gamefish. The 3DS Minnow™ is a versatile lure that works well retrieved straight or twitched. The color Luminescent Aurora Chartreuse, new for 2014, should be perfect for fishing the lights.
Rat-L-Trap® Tiny Trap™ Chrome/ Blue Back
Typically thought of as a freshwater lure, the Husky Jerk™ in Glass Minnow is an absolute killer under the lights. It can be retrieved straight but works best when twitched and paused. Pick the smaller sized HJ06 or HJ08 lures.
Another freshwater import, the 1/8 ounce Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap® has the flash and sound to pique the attention of hungry fish. Buzz this lure through the lights and be ready for a vicious strike.
MirrOlure® MirrOdine™
“Speck” Rigs
14MR Silver Luminescence - Clear
The darting, side-to-side motion of the MirrOdine™ mimics a wounded baitfish and presents an easy meal to nighttime trout and reds. Quickly twitch retrieve this bait to aggressively feeding fish.
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Last but not least, is the old tried and true tandem ‘speck rig.’ Companies like H&H Lures and Texas Tackle Factory offer up several variations of this classic lure that imitate small shrimp or baitfish. These lures are inexpensive so buy a few different colors and see which works best for your area.
Fishing at Night from a Kayak
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e it causeway bridge lights or canal green lights, fishing from a kayak is a great option for chasing down trout and redfish at night. A yak allows you the stealth to approach a light with caution and the mobility to fish a whole series of lights. Night kayaking can be an exhilarating experience but it is not for the novice, and requires some special care and equipment. It is a good idea to fish with one or more kayakers on your first outing. It also helps if you have paddled the area during the day. Things can look very different at night.
Required Gear for Night Kayaking Lighting System. Kayakers are required to display a white light with unobstructed 360-degree visibility. A quick visit to www. ACK.com reveals several options for LED/ flag combos that get your light high above the water’s surface. You don’t want to be so stealthy that boats are running you down. Personal Flotation Device. The USCG requires that a life jacket be readily accessible, but it strongly recommended that kayakers wear one at all times, especially at night. Plus, most type III fishing specific PFDs are riddled with pockets and double as a wearable tackle box. Whistle or Horn. It needs to be audible up to a half a mile away. A loud whistle is easily kept in one of your PFD’s pockets.
Recommended Gear Headlamp. This is crucial. A headlamp keeps your hands free and lets you see what you’re doing when tying knots or dealing with a landed fish. Choose a water resistant lamp like the Princeton Tec EOS. Anchor. Spend more time fishing by keeping yourself properly situated with an anchor. This is a good strategy for relatively calm canals but keep in mind that not all locations are safe for you to set anchor. For example, there is debris below the Galveston Causeway that can snag your anchor; this combined with a fast flowing tide can flip you over. Try using a drift chute in this situation; it will keep you within casting distance longer without creating a dangerous situation. Multiple Rods. If you have this luxury, and the rod holder space, it saves time to have two or more rods rigged with different lures if you encounter finicky fish. You don’t want to be bogged down changing lures when the bite is hot. Cellphone or VHF. Carry in a waterproof bag. You never know what might happen out on the water.
Etiquette Neighborhood canal or pier lights. This is a touchy and heavily discussed subject that draws many opinions. But the fact is these lights are in public water and can be fished by the public. That being said, you are not paying the electric bill and should be respectful to these homeowners. Be quiet. Tidal flow and moon phase is always a factor but some of the best fishing happens after midnight. If you are lucky and can fish on weekdays be as quiet as you can. Avoid pointing your headlamp toward properties. Don’t drop your anchor loudly into the kayak but rather bring it in gently. If you are with a group of kayakers do not yell or talk loudly. If the dog starts barking and won’t stop? It’s time to move. Be friendly. If you come upon a populated pier or dock say hello and ask if it is okay to fish. Many bay houses are vacation rentals and the inhabitants may not be interested in fishing. But other times, people are waiting for fish to really crowd the light before they begin their effort. If they ask you to leave, be respectful, be courteous and move on. Respect property. Never, ever tie off to any private dock or structure. The water is public but the dock is not. You could be mistaken for a thief and that is not something you want to do in Texas. Also avoid casting too close to any structure or directly to an underwater green light. If you snag these objects you lose a lure and piss off a homeowner in one fell swoop. Plus, the big fish are usually on the edge of the light’s reach. Just Move. Some homeowners feel very strongly about you fishing their lights. Don’t feel too bad if the light you are fishing suddenly goes dark. It happens. It is the homeowner’s right to keep their lights on or off. Just move. If someone comes out and starts yelling, cursing or insulting all you hold dear, don’t get sucked in. Keep your cool and just move. Causeway or “public” lights. Stay out of the middle of channels and high traffic areas. Be aware of fast flowing currents and tidal changes. If the light you intend to fish is occupied, find another one.
Tie Your Own Tandem Rig
1. Fold a three foot length of 20 pound test fluorocarbon so that the ends are staggered in length.
2. Tie a double overhand knot at the top and pull tight. This will create a small loop.
3. Tie a small, strong 1/16 ounce jig to the long end with a palomar or improved clinch knot.
4. Tie another jighead to the short end. You may have to trim the line first. You’ll want the short end to be six to twelve inches shorter than the long end.
5. Add two of your favorite nighttime soft plastics and hit the water. The trout and redfish are out there waiting!
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By Capt. Joe Kent
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arlier this year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department conducted scoping hearings around the state to present their ideas on longterm management of our fish stocks and to receive input from sportsmen on their views about changes in size and bag limits for certain fish. While the stocks of our big three, flounder, reds and trout, currently are in good shape, biologists feel that long range planning needs to start in order to assure adequate stocks of that resource for future generations. Of particular concern to the biologists is the forecasted future of the Galveston Bay Complex and the potential changes that lie ahead for that body of water. The cause of the immediate concern is the reduction in quantity and quality of fresh water forecasted for Galveston Bay. With rising populations along the feeder rivers, water consumption will continue to increase thus reducing the amount flowing into the wetlands and bay itself. Of equal concern are the multiple treatments the water goes through before it reaches the coast. Each treatment process adds chemicals to the water and filters out nutrients. One of the detriments to the reduced flow of water will be an increase in salinity levels through-out the complex. This will have an adverse effect on the wetlands. Approximately 98% of all finfish and shellfish are dependent upon the wetlands either as part of their life cycle or as part of their food chain. This does not take into account the role of wetlands as part of the life cycles of waterfowl and other forms of life. The marshes, swamps and other forms
of wetlands offer a filtering effect for water and, through the filtering process, collect microscopic marine life that feeds the next layer in the food chain. The wetlands also are a buffer when hurricanes hit the coast and absorb part of the brunt of the storm before it reaches higher land. Last, but not least, the wetlands offer recreational aspects for fishermen, hunters and nature lovers, including bird watchers.
to tidal ebb and flow from the Gulf. The difference is going to be in higher salinity levels and less wetlands. So, how will this affect our fish? It is foreseen that different species will begin appearing, much like the presence of mangrove snapper in the bays over the last three years. Mangroves are warm water fish and one of the first to be affected by cold weather. During the 2012 light freeze along the coast mangroves or gray snapper as they also are called were the primary fish, besides bait fish, that were found floating after the cold spell. No significant kills of game fish occurred although speckled trout are close behind mangroves in their lack of cold water tolerance. Beside mangroves, the higher than normal water temperatures attracted offshore fish such as gag grouper that were rarely seen in the bays in earlier years. Another factor with potential fish changing effects is the proposed deepening of the Houston Ship Channel up to Pelican Island. The deeper channel from the Gulf of Mexico likely will bring in more species that are typically found offshore and add to the flow of Gulf waters into the bay. So, what can we expect in the future? Change is about all that can be counted upon at this stage. Some fish will adapt while other will not and the survivors migrate to other areas. All of this leads up to support of conservation efforts to protect our current stocks. Catch and release along with limited retention of fish is a practice all anglers are going to have to employ if we are interested in our future generations enjoying this sport.
“Approximately 98% of all finfish and shellfish are dependent upon the wetlands.�
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An increase in salinity along with less water will further reduce the ever shrinking acreage along the upper Texas Coast. So, what do biologists foresee will happen? During a visit with Lance Robinson and other personnel connected with the TPWD’s Dickinson Marine Lab we touched upon this topic. First, Galveston Bay, unlike fresh water reservoirs, will retain its water levels due
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BOATERS For Life The Ruszkowski clan, Kyle, Kevin, Cole and Stacey aboard ‘Reel Crazy’ their Grady-White 360 Express.
There’s no better place to be for the Ruszkowski family than on the water By Rod Evans
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hile Bay Oaks resident Kevin Ruszkowski may spend the bulk of the work week sitting behind a desk in a suit and tie, his mind never strays far from the water. To say that Ruszkowski, 49, is a boating aficionado is like saying Eric Clapton is a pretty good guitar player. For as long as the married father of two boys can remember, fishing, and boating in general, have been the dominant pursuits in his life. “We even lived on a boat in South Shore Harbour for two years back in the early ‘90s,” he recalls. Ruszkowski, first vice president-wealth management advisor in the Merrill Lynch office on El Camino Real in Clear Lake, was born in Cumberland, Maryland, but moved to Seabrook with his family when he was one-year old. The first boat he remembers boarding was his parents’ Sailfish sailboat, which they sailed all over Clear Lake and Taylor Lake. Not long after graduating from Kevin (center) with the University of Arkansas, his son, Kyle, and a business client show he purchased his first boat, off a serious catch of a 27-foot Carver fishing yellowfin tuna in Puerto boat, in 1987. He’s been a Vallarta, Mexico. boat owner ever since. “After the Carver, I bought a Boston Whaler, then another Boston Whaler before I bought a 31-foot Stamas fishing boat,” Ruszkowski says. “We kept that boat at our bay home in Bolivar, but Ike came through (in 2008) and blew everything away and the boat wound up getting crushed. It was a big mess.”
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But while losing the Stamas was certainly a difficult pill to swallow, it led Ruszkowski, who’s been married to wife, Stacey, for 18 years, to buying the boat they own now: the beautiful 36-foot Grady-White 360 Express that’s docked at the Lakewood Yacht Club. “It’s got triple Yamaha 250 outboards, a couple of bedrooms downstairs, an air conditioned bridge and downstairs area. It’s set up for fishing, but it’s a good all around boat. It holds about 370 gallons of fuel, but it burns a lot, too,” he said. The entire Ruszkowski clan, including sons, Kyle, 16, and Cole, 12, enjoys fishing and being on the water. A little over a year ago, Ruszkowski, a certified diver for over 20 years, helped his sons earn their diving certifications. Now, in addition to frequent fishing trips, they also take trips to go Scuba diving in tropical locations like the Bahamas. Cruising Clear Lake and going diving are certainly enjoyable endeavors, but Ruszkowski is a fisherman first and foremost. In the early days, he usually ventured offshore to catch red snapper. On one trip, probably around 20 years ago, he and his fishing party caught upwards of 500 pounds of snapper. “That was the first trip I’d been on where we caught a ton of fish and it got me hooked on it, but the regulations in effect now restricting the number of snapper you can keep has kind of made just fishing for that not really worth it,” he said. “We’ve had to change our game plan, so now we’ll go fishing for grouper, tile fish and other deep water fish using electric reels. Plus we’ll catch wahoo and kingfish along the way. I’ve seen more snapper in some areas than I’ve seen in 15 years. You don’t even have to try to catch them; you just throw a line in the water. Spots that 10 or 11 years ago were sparse, now there’s fish everywhere. They’ve (state and federal regulatory agencies) have a done good job managing the fish, but they won’t let us go fishing, which is kind of a bummer.” Ruszkowski says he and his fishing compatriots often schedule trips to Mexico in search of yellowfin tuna, a massive fish that can easily weigh in excess of 340 pounds and take three to four hours to get into the boat. “The biggest yellowfin I’ve caught was around 320 pounds, but the record at that time was about 350 pounds,” he recalls. Ruszkowski has also caught swordfish and blue marlin over the years. In fact, the 400-pound blue marlin he caught on his honeymoon sits proudly on display at the family’s Bolivar bay home. On a trip to Mexico in February with
Cole Ruszkowski with a nice warsaw grouper caught in the Gulf of Mexico.
friends and business clients, he says the group reeled in three yellowfin that averaged about 175 pounds on the first day of the three-day excursion. On the second day they caught just one yellowfin. The tuna action came to a halt on day three, but they changed tactics and started doing some bottom fishing, which resulted in 10 pargo being caught.
“The biggest yellowfin I’ve caught was around 320 pounds.” “We didn’t catch all of the yellowfin we wanted, but the weather was beautiful; not a cloud in the sky and the high temperature was around 80,” he says. Ruszkowski says about 130 to 140 miles is about as far offshore as he’s been. He says guests accustomed to the murky surf near shore who venture out 50 miles or so into the Gulf are often taken aback by the sight of the crystal clear blue water. “People don’t believe that you can go 80 miles out and see water so blue you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean,” he said. For Ruszkowski, in his 24th year working for Merrill Lynch, targeting challenging billfish such as swordfish presents a special test for any angler because the majestic and illusive fish usually inhabits the very deepest waters, especially during the day. Even at night, he says catching swordfish requires skill, knowledge of the seas and the proper equipment. “During the daytime, you have to drop down to the deep trenches, but at night the fish will be on top of what’s called hilltops,
Kyle Ruszkowski dives Cape Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
where the depth goes from about 2,500 feet to around 800 feet, so you have to fish on the edges of the hills where the bait gets pushed up and the swordfish come up to feed at night,” he says. Ruszkowski says a few years ago he made around 30 fishing trips a year, but with his kids getting older and getting involved in various activities, the number of offshore trips has been cut to perhaps 10 per year, but that doesn’t mean the boat sits idle. “We may go down to the Bahamas to go diving or something, but we use the boat a lot in the summertime. We don’t necessarily go offshore all the time, though. We might go fishing in the bay for trout or red fish. I’d rather go offshore, but it’s also gotten prohibitive because fuel has gotten so expensive,” he says. Even though he’s been something of a serial boat buyer, Ruszkowski says he has no plans to replace the Grady-White anytime soon. “This is pretty close to the largest boat you can get with outboards and outboards are easier to maintain compared with inboard diesel engines, where you have a little more to deal with. So I’m gonna stay with what I’ve got for a while,” he said. Regardless of whether he’s fishing 150 miles offshore or just zipping around the bay, Ruszkowski says boating will, thanks to its therapeutic qualities, always be his first love. “I like getting away from work and concentrating on things like operating the boat and catching fish instead of the day to day things you have to do at the office,” he says. “I always love taking friends and family out and having a good time.” www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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What’s For Dinner from a Hired Chef? By Betha Merit
JONATHON AND KIM DAVIS spent five years crewing for private yacht owners and charters who enjoyed the experience of a weeklong trip with a captain to navigate the seas, and a chef who stocked the galley to make the evening meal a fine dining experience.
P
reviously, Jonathon had experience in delivering boats for private owners that wanted their vessels moved from places like Newport, RI to the Caribbean or from Galveston to Florida. After a particularly rough sea delivery Jonathon was sitting in Tortola watching the sunset. He looked out over the harbor and saw a beautiful boat with a crew ready to embark on a halcyon Caribbean cruise and thought, Jonathon Davis “I want to do that.” takes it Jonathon easy. returned to Bay
Area Houston, enlisted the help of Kim who was working in retail, and thus began their career as captain and chef. They crewed on 70-foot or larger sailing yachts with most of their time spent on a particular 72foot John Alden designed ship built by Eric Goetz. Kim says with charters, the emphasis is on people having a great time, with available food for breakfast and lunch, and then a great prepared dinner. In advance, Kim sent a menu to private owners or charter companies, and then tailored the food to their requests and seasonal Continued on page 25
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2014
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2014
Portabella and Brie Cups availability. Most food was bought in advance as things like ground beef is not easily found in Island grocery stores. “But you can always find rack of lamb,” says Kim. She paired this surprising meal with a garlic mash, and glazed fingerling potatoes and baby vegetables. In present day, the Davis family includes their 15-month old son, Cole, and a new yachting venture based in the League City, South Shore Harbour area. They have launched The Yacht Service Company, Inc., specializing in everything from wash-down to safety
6 oz. fresh Portabella mushrooms 2 Tbs. butter 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 24 mini puff pastry shells 3 oz. brie Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 24 miniature muffin cups with nonstick spray. Brush mushrooms or wipe clean with damp cloth. Finely chop. In a small skillet, combine mushrooms, butter and garlic; cook over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes or until butter is absorbed and mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in green onions and mustard. Place mini puff pastry shells in muffin cups. Spoon about one tablespoon mushroom mixture into each cup. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Meanwhile cut cheese into 24 pieces. Remove cups from oven. Place a piece of cheese in each cup. Return to oven and bake an additional 2 to 4 minutes, or until cups are golden grown and cheese is softened. Cool 5 minutes; remove from muffin cups. Cool slightly before serving.
Shrimp Puttanesca
“Kim says with charters, the emphasis is on people having a great time, with available food for breakfast and lunch, and then a great prepared dinner.” maintenance, electronics, varnishing, and provisioning. “We saw a higher level of service while in marinas in St. Barths, St. Maartens, and Newport,” says Jonathon, “and we have brought that level of service here to Bay Area Houston.” Find out more at www. theyachtservicecompany.com. Kim shared several recipes (shown to right). “The Shrimp Puttanesca is a special favorite to serve as a late afternoon meal when everyone returns from a long day of swimming, snorkeling, or scuba,” says Kim. Another crowd pleaser is Portabella and Brie Cups, served as an appetizer or anytime.
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 2 large cloves garlic, smashed and peeled 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest (from half a medium orange) 1/2 tsp. dried oregano 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 cup dry white wine One 28-oz. can whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped, juice reserved 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, rinsed and quartered 2 Tbs. capers, rinsed Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 8 oz. whole-grain penne pasta 1 lb. medium shrimp (51 to 60 per lb.), shelled and deveined 4 anchovies, finely chopped (optional) 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano 1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the onion, orange zest, oregano, and pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until it has almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and their juice, olives, and capers. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente. Drain well. Add the shrimp and anchovies (if using) to the sauce in the skillet. Raise the heat to medium high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour the pasta into the skillet and toss with the shrimp sauce. Divide the pasta among 4 bowls. Sprinkle with cheese and parsley.
www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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Herbed Baked Oysters
Oysters Rockefeller
Recipe by Chef Andrea Gaspercic of Brooklyn Phil’s Italiano
An old favorite
24 fresh oysters. ¾ cup of bread crumbs. 2 cloves garlic, chopped. 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. 1 teaspoon of olive oil. ½ teaspoon of fresh thyme, chopped. ½ teaspoon of fresh basil, chopped. ¼ teaspoon of fresh marjoram, chopped. Zest of one lemon. 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
12 fresh bay oysters 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese 1 splash of milk 1 cup chopped, cooked spinach 6 minced scallions 2 tablespoon crumbled bacon 1 teaspoon chopped parsley ¼ cup herbed bread crumbs 3 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon minced garlic Cayenne pepper sauce black peppercorns sea salt
Shuck the oysters and set aside on the half shell. Discard the remaining shells. In a bowl, mix the bread crumbs, garlic, mustard, olive oil, thyme, basil, marjoram, lemon zest and Parmesan. Top each oyster with about 1 teaspoon of the bread crumb mixture and place the oysters on a baking sheet. Cook under high broiler (grill) for about 6 minutes or until the oysters are crispy and golden brown. Serve the hot, with a wedge of lemon and your favorite hot pepper sauce on the side.
Scalloped Oysters Recipe by Chef Andrea Gaspercic of Brooklyn Phil’s Italiano
1 ½ cups of coarse cracker crumbs. 8 tablespoons of butter, melted. 1 pint of oysters. ½ teaspoon of salt. Pinch of pepper. ¼ cup of oyster liquid. 2 tablespoons of milk. Combine crumbs with the butter. Put thin layer of crumbs in the bottom of a 1-½ quart baking dish. Alternate layers of oysters and crumb mixture, sprinkling each layer with seasonings. Do not use more than 2 layers of oysters. Pour the oyster liquid and milk over the last layer, then top with crumbs. Bake at 450°F for 30 minutes.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2014
Place cleaned, unshucked oysters in a large stockpot. Add enough water to just cover oysters. Add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon butter and crack sea salt and black pepper to taste. Once water achieves a boil, remove oysters from stockpot and set aside to cool. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and add 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic, the scallions, bacon and a dash of hot sauce. Reduce heat to low and add the spinach, a small splash of milk and salt and pepper to taste. Stir frequently and cook for about two minutes. Remove the top shells from the cooled oysters and arrange on a baking sheet. Spoon spinach mixture over each oyster. Sprinkle parsley, bread crumbs and Parmesan on top of the sauced oysters. Bake for 10 minutes or when cheese melts.
Oysters on the Half Shell The classic, the legend
12 fresh bay oysters cocktail sauce ground horseradish lemon wedges your favorite hot sauce Shuck the freshest oysters you can find. Lay on a bed of crushed ice in a serving platter. Squeeze a fine spray of lemon over the oysters. Add hot sauce, horseradish and cocktail sauce to taste and enjoy.
All-New Aluminum F-150 Heads to Gulf Coast By Don Armstrong
T
he biggest game changer in modern-day trucking made its debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit recently; the 2015 Ford F-150. For the first time, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys are used throughout the F-150 body. These alloys, already used in aerospace, commercial transportation and other industries, make the new truck’s body lighter, stronger and more resistant to dents. If that’s not enough, an all-new, fully boxed ladder frame with more high-strength steel than ever makes a tough chassis even stronger, yet lighter. Overall, the F-150 is up to 700 pounds lighter, helping the truck tow and haul more, accelerate and stop faster, and operate more efficiently. Changes were made under the hood as well, with four engine options that include an all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost® 4-cylinder power plant with standard Auto Start-Stop technology. The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6, the EcoBoost V-6
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2014
and the 5.0-liter V-8 will remain in the lineup. Included for the first time in an F-150 are a remote opening tailgate, LED headlights, LED cargo box lights, and extensive on-the-job and at-play amenities. One feature that every fisherman will welcome is the new trailer hitch assist. A new rear view camera, that adds a superimposed line on the screen based on steering wheel angle, will help line up truck and trailer without requiring a spotter or having to get out of the vehicle. The instrument panel has been completely redesigned with an allnew 8-inch productivity screen featuring computer-generated graphics and customizable information. The speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and amp meter are all now fully computergenerated, and the driver can choose
additional screens for a specific use such as towing or off-roading. The driver also can configure the locations and colors of the individual instruments. When it goes on sale late this year, the all-new Ford F-150 will continue the tradition of offering no fewer than five primary trim levels along with chrome appearance packages for XL, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch. Monochromatic sport appearance packages are available with XL, XLT and Lariat and the FX4 off-road package can be added to most four-wheeldrive models. We’ve only touched on a few of the major highlights here. We suggest you head to www.Ford.com for complete details. You’ll be able to put your eyes on the new 2015 F-150 in the Ford Display at this year’s 2014 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
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The Grand Dame of the Gulf Coast
L
ONG TIME YACHT BROKER TONY SMYTHE loves being around boats. He was kind enough to share his thoughts on why he rescued this classic wooden boat. She is a beauty and if you want to get a closer look be sure to check her out at this year’s Keels and Wheels Classic Car and Boat Show May 3 and 4 at Lakewood Yacht Club. 30
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2014
GCM: When did you first see Creola? When living in New Orleans I had a Grand Banks 32 that I took to Lafitte, south of the city on Bayou Barataria where she was our hunting camp during duck season. Although Creola lay wilting in a covered shed in the same marina where I first saw her, it was love at first sight. Even then I saw lots of potential.
GCM: Tell us about the boat’s history. She is the creation of Emil “Bill” Dufrene, a true bayou Cajun who was the originator of the Lafitte Skiff. He hand crafted a boat that revolutionized commercial fishing in Louisiana. Tony Smythe next Prior to to the models of his Lafitte Creola and Salerosa that hang up in the skiffs, Texas Corinthian fisherman Yacht Club. spent days shrimping on their 5-7 knot “Luggers”, plying the bayous far from home. Then came Dufrene who in the late 40’s put more speed into his boats that brought their fishing grounds within a day’s run. GCM: What is it you really like about the Lafitte skiffs? In Louisiana, Dufrene’s skiffs are legendary. I became aware of him from several friends at Southern who
owned his boats. They were all built of hand-picked, aged cypress and were butt-planked using no caulking. Dufrene was ahead of his time. Most production boats, like Chris Craft and Mathews in that era were narrow-beamed and round-chined. Dufrene built his with hard chines and beamy, providing more room and stability. She also has wide side decks unlike the production boats. GCM: How and why did you end up with her? In December of 1992, during a return trip to Southern, a friend told me the 37 foot I knew in Lafitte was for sale. I don’t really know why I bought her as I was happy with Salerosa, our Grand Banks 42. Paint was peeling off but structurally she was as sound as the day she rolled off the “ways” on the bayou. She was a damsel in distress and I was just too smitten with her. GCM: Tell us about the restoration of Creola. I repowered her in New Orleans with new diesels and we ran her back on her own bottoms to HYC. The restoration took nine months with a deadline of taking her to the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival. Bernt Womack was the main man to tackle the project
with my old friend Tim Strong as his able assistant and Len Kirkham as shipwright. I knew immediately the interior layout would not work, so we gutted her inside and I laid her out to my own design with input from Bernt and Tim. GCM: How have you used Creola? Creola has given me the opportunity to run the waterways, bayous and bays with more speed than the Grand Banks 42, so I’ve covered more cruising and fishing grounds in shorter time. I’ve cruised her extensively in Texas and Louisiana, especially gathering research for THE TEXAS/LOUISIANA COASTAL CRUISING GUIDE. We have even trucked her to Hinckley’s yard in Maine. In 2001 we cruised from Maine to Long Island Sound and then trucked her back home. She has played the perfect committee boat for local regattas as well as many national championships hosted by TCYC and HYC. With the Lafitte trademark being the overhanging fantail, the curious northern yachtsmen asked me what exactly she was. My reply was simple, she’s a Coon-ass lobster boat. That must have made Dufrene smile.
Left: Before and after the interior restoration. Below: Creola’s hull completed stripped down.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
JACKIE POWELL Owner of Jackie’s Brickhouse gives to charity and community with fishing tournaments.
J
ackie Powell is one of the most colorful figures in the Bay Area and she just keeps on getting better. As the owner of Jackie’s Brickhouse Resturant and Sports Bar in Kemah, her goal is to have a place where everyone feels at home. She likes to do business with a hand shake and a hug, so it’s no wonder that making her customers feel at home is what she does best. With Jackie what you see is what you get. She is very comfortable with her life and her business interests. This allows her to give something back to the community and spend time with her customers. Jackie lives in Clear Lake Shores and loves to fish with her family. In 2013, she came up with the idea of hosting a woman’s only fishing tournament with proceeds from the event going to a local charity. This year the 2014 Brickhouse Beauties on the Bay Ladies Fishing Tournament will be held April 25 and 26. If you like to fish then come and join the fun. Proceeds from the silent and live auctions will go to The Rose, a non-profit organization that specializes in quality breast health care. Powell encourages other local fundraising fishing tournaments to use the facilities at Jackies Brickhouse. Their goal is to make everyone feel at home and provide the perfect spot for the men and women to hold their events. The restaurant serves great food and they also have live music with dancing for all to enjoy.
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YOUTH SAILING
Howdy Hughes
H
owdy Hughes started sailing in 2006 with Optis. In 2009, he switched over to Laser 4.7, and now sails Radial and Full Rig. Hughes also sails doublehanded boats and on his family’s Beneteau 411.
Accomplishments
Winner of Area F Sears Cup Qualifier, 4th at US Championship 2013 Laser 4.7 Worlds – Buenos Aires 2012, San Francisco 2011 National One-Design Champs, V15 skipper – 4th place 2011 Day Sailer Youth Nationals, skipper – 3rd place 2011 LYC Jr. Flag Vice Commodore 2013, Rear Commodore 2012, Secretary 2011 LYC International Commodore Award – 2012, 2011 Finished 2nd in TSA Laser 4.7 - 2010 Lakewood Yacht Club Seahorse Sailing Team 2006 – present Laser 4.7 District 15 Champion 2010, 3rd place 2011 Good Sportsmanship Award, TSA Port Arthur 2010 LYC Most Improved Sailor 2007 Orange Bowl 2012, 6th in 2011, 2010
Background
Hughes has sailed in National and International Regattas including 4.7 Worlds, Laser North Americans, Gulf Coast Champs, and Orange Bowl. He sails TSA regattas and enjoys sailing in the Wednesday Night Lake Races as much as his schedule allows. Hughes has done some district Laser racing including the Wurstfest and Easter regattas, and has sailed in the Harvest Moon Regatta five times. Howdy is active at school and is currently the team captain for the Clear Falls High School Sailing Team. He qualified
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Hannah Hughes, Dane Byerly, Howdy Hughes, Collin Scoville in Chicago last May for the High School Mallory Fleet Racing National Championship.
for the Mallory and Baker National Championships in 2013, coming in at 14 out of 20 in Chicago’s fleet racing. Hughes has been to Opti camp two years and was a counselor one of the years. He has seven years of Seahorse camp under his belt and has been a counselor since 2011. In his spare time he enjoys kite boarding.
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WHILE THERE MAY BE NO CURE FOR A BROKEN HEART, JAMIE ROSE, MATCHMAKER COMES CLOSEST TO HAVING THE RIGHT TREATMENT
R
ose Matchmaking is Houston’s premier boutique-style matchmaking firm. The company focuses on providing its clients with discreet, caring one-on-one matchmaking. Jamie Rose is the only certified and BBB-accredited independent matchmaker in the greater Houston area. She meets every potential client in person herself and hand picks matches that will work best for the client. All clients must be interviewed by Jamie and pass a background check before Rose begins its search. These meetings can last for hours with Rose pouring over a client’s past, present and future needs. The first step is to fill out Rose Matchmaking’s online form or give the firm a call directly. Once your information is received, you will be contacted by an appointment coordinator who will set up the initial one on one appointment. All of Rose Matchmaking’s clients receive expert guidance from Jamie herself. As CEO
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2014
and founder, Jamie consults with her clients to determine their relationship goals and needs. Jamie’s clients are usually very busy people who rely on her to introduce them to quality individuals. Most clients can easily get dates on their on - they look to Jamie to find them the right person who will become more than just a date. Along with matchmaking, Rose Matchmaking has experts available to help in other areas of life - including coaching and counseling, date feedback, image consulting, health and wellness, and invitations to private events. All of its services are completely customizable and are comprised to suit each client. One may not go so far as to call Rose the Love Doctor, but her methods have resulted in more than a few happy hearts. Rose Matchmaking is at 1330 Post Oak Blvd. in the Galleria area. Get started today by filling out Rose’s form or calling 713-9633663 or emailinginfo@ rosematchmaking.com. For more information, visit www.rosematchmaking.com
Phyllis Foster Real Estate Dominates Waterfront Market in the Bay Area
W
hether you’re a water sports enthusiast, avid fisherman and boater or just enjoy the lifestyle of waterfront living, your “Go To” waterfront specialist in Phyllis Foster. With over 25 years in real estate industry, Phyllis Foster is recognized as one of the most prominent and knowledgeable real estate professionals in the Bay Area. As an executive vice president for an international pension fund advisor in the early stages of her career, she worked in a commercial real estate environment and eventually formed her own Brokerage and Management company “Vanguard Management Services,” the holding company for Phyllis Foster Real Estate. “I really learned a lot about communicating and working with clients and investors of many different cultures with diverse backgrounds and various perspectives on our country which has been useful in the residential field as well.” In 1997 she decided to relocate from the Galeria/ Memorial Area to Clear Lake when she fell in love with the casual life style of waterfront living and decided to make League City her permanent home. She joined the Re/Max organization and quickly became one of their top producers. Soon after, she established Phyllis Foster
Real Estate and assembled a team of like-minded and knowledgeable professionals who demonstrated high standards of work ethics. “Adherence to the Cannons of Ethics, respect and loyalty to clients and to fellow Realtors underscore the characteristics of our Associates,” Phyllis said. “Each client is as important as the next is our philosophy. Whether we are working on a large luxury waterfront home, a moderate subdivision home, apartment or condominium, we treat every client with the same amount of enthusiasm and personal attention. In the end, our objectives are happy buyers and sellers who should expect the highest level of professionalism, market knowledge and above all results! Our reputation and growth is predicated on this approach to serving our clients. Our portfolio of properties range from $200,000 to $1,000,000 plus. www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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Galveston Bay Tides EAGLE POINT, TX NOAA Station Id: 8771013
MARCH
APRIL
Sat 3/1 12:27 AM 05:28 AM 01:12 PM 08:14 PM
0.4L 0.6 H -0.1 L 0.5 H
Mon 3/17 01:54 AM 08:44 AM 02:50 PM 07:45 PM
0.4 L 0.8 H 0.5 L 0.6 H
Sun 3/2 01:13 AM 07:10 AM 01:58 PM 08:01 PM
0.3 L 0.6 H 0.1 L 0.5 H
Tue 3/18 02:26 AM 09:58 AM 03:21 PM 07:22 PM
0.2 L 0.8 H 0.6 L 0.7 H
Mon 3/3 02:00 AM 08:48 AM 02:41 PM 07:48 PM
0.1 L 0.6 H 0.3 L 0.5 H
Wed 3/19 03:01 AM 11:24 AM 03:48 PM 06:58 PM
0.1 L 0.8 H 0.7 L 0.8 H
Tue 3/4 02:48 AM 10:33 AM 03:21 PM 07:32 PM
0.0 L 0.6 H 0.5 L 0.6 H
Thu 3/20 03:42 AM 01:30 PM 03:44 PM 06:35 PM
Wed 3/5 03:37 AM 12:44 PM 03:50 PM 07:06 PM
-0.1 L 0.6 H 0.6 L 0.6 H
Thu 3/6 04:30 AM 06:24 PM
-0.1 L 0.7 H
Fri 3/7 05:30 AM 06:20 PM
-0.2 L 0.8 H
Sat 3/8 06:37 AM 06:54 PM
-0.1 L 0.8 H
Sun 3/9 08:49 AM 08:33 PM
-0.1 L 0.8 H
Mon 3/10 09:59 AM 09:09 PM
-0.1 L 0.8 H
Tue 4/1 02:28 AM 10:56 AM 03:56 PM 06:10 PM
0.2 L 1.1 H 0.9 L 1.0 H
Wed 4/2 03:08 AM 12:30 PM
0.1 L 1.1 H
Thu 4/3 03:51 AM 02:37 PM
0.1 L 1.1 H
Fri 4/4 04:39 AM 04:53 PM
0.1 L 1.2 H
0.1 L 0.9 H 0.9 L 0.9 H
Sat 4/5 05:33 AM 05:54 PM
0.2 L 1.2 H
Fri 3/21 04:30 AM 06:30 PM
0.0 L 1.0 H
Sun 4/6 06:38 AM 06:36 PM
0.2 L 1.2 H
Sat 3/22 05:27 AM 06:52 PM
0.0 L 1.1 H
Mon 4/7 07:52 AM 07:05 PM
0.3 L 1.1 H
Sun 3/23 06:33 AM 07:22 PM
0.0 L 1.1 H
Mon 3/24 07:47 AM 07:48 PM
Tue 4/8 09:07 AM 07:18 PM
0.3 L 1.1 H
0.0 L 1.1 H
Tue 3/25 09:03 AM 07:56 PM
Wed 4/9 10:12 AM 07:15 PM
0.4 L 1.0 H
0.0 L 1.1 H
Wed 3/26 10:13 AM 07:47 PM
Thu 4/10 11:08 AM 07:00 PM
0.5 L 1.0 H
0.1 L 1.0 H
Thu 3/27 11:17 AM 07:32 PM
0.2 L 0.9 H
Fri 4/11 12:10 AM 04:47 AM 11:56 AM 06:40 PM
0.8 L 0.9 H 0.6 L 0.9 H
0.8 L 0.9 H 0.3 L 0.8 H
Sat 4/12 12:13 AM 06:19 AM 12:41 PM 06:18 PM
0.7 L 1.0 H 0.7 L 0.9 H
Sun 4/13 12:30 AM 07:33 AM 01:26 PM 05:54 PM
0.6 L 1.0 H 0.8 L 0.9 H
Mon 4/14 12:54 AM 08:41 AM 02:13 PM 05:26 PM
0.4 L 1.1 H 0.9 L 1.0 H
Tue 4/15 01:22 AM 09:49 AM
0.3 L 1.2 H
Wed 4/16 01:54 AM 11:06 AM
0.2 L 1.2 H
Tue 3/11 11:01 AM 09:33 PM
-0.1 L 0.8 H
Wed 3/12 11:52 AM 09:34 PM
0.0 L 0.7 H
Fri 3/28 12:23 AM 04:39 AM 12:16 PM 07:19 PM
Thu 3/13 12:48 AM 02:59 AM 12:35 PM 09:17 PM
0.7 L 0.7 H 0.0 L 0.7 H
Sat 3/29 12:42 AM 06:35 AM 01:10 PM 07:07 PM
0.6 L 0.9 H 0.5 L 0.8 H
Fri 3/14 12:37 AM 04:56 AM 01:13 PM 08:54 PM
0.7 L 0.7 H 0.1 L 0.6 H
Sun 3/30 01:14 AM 08:08 AM 02:03 PM 06:55 PM
0.4 L 1.0 H 0.6 L 0.8 H
Sat 3/15 12:57 AM 06:19 AM 01:46 PM 08:31 PM
0.6 L 0.7 H 0.2 L 0.6 H
Mon 3/31 01:50 AM 09:32 AM 02:56 PM 06:39 PM
0.3 L 1.0 H 0.8 L 0.9 H
Sun 3/16 01:24 AM 07:33 AM 02:19 PM 08:08 PM
0.5 L 0.7 H 0.3 L 0.6 H
NOAA GULF COAST TIDAL PREDICTIONS
Thu 4/17 02:32 AM 12:46 PM
0.1 L 1.3 H
Fri 4/18 03:15 AM 03:40 PM
0.1 L 1.3 H
Sat 4/19 04:05 AM 04:53 PM
0.1 L 1.4 H
Sun 4/20 05:02 AM 05:30 PM
0.1 L 1.4 H
Mon 4/21 06:06 AM 05:49 PM
0.1 L 1.3 H
Tue 4/22 07:17 AM 05:49 PM
0.2 L 1.3 H
Wed 4/23 08:29 AM 05:39 PM
0.4 L 1.2 H
Thu 4/24 09:41 AM 05:27 PM 11:44 PM
0.5 L 1.1 H 0.8 L
Fri 4/25 04:44 AM 10:49 AM 05:15 PM 11:55 PM
0.9 H 0.7 L 1.0 H 0.6 L
Sat 4/26 06:42 AM 11:54 AM 05:03 PM
1.0 H 0.8 L 1.0 H
Sun 4/27 12:21 AM 08:11 AM 01:00 PM 04:47 PM
0.4 L 1.1 H 1.0 L 1.1 H
Mon 4/28 12:53 AM 09:27 AM 02:15 PM 04:18 PM
0.3 L 1.2 H 1.1 L 1.1 H
Tue 4/29 01:26 AM 10:40 AM
0.1 L 1.3 H
Wed 4/30 02:02 AM 11:57 AM
0.1 L 1.3 H
SEND US YOUR
PHOTOS! It doesn’t matter if it’s wildlife, sailing, scenery, or the biggest damn fish you’ve ever landed, we want to see what you’ve got that represents coastal lifestyle. The best entries will be printed each issue and posted online.
Email your pics to art@baygroupmedia.com
Photo by www.boobytrapfishingteam.com
Photo by Pam Wright
NOAA GULF COAST MARINE FORECAST
www.tidesandcurrents. noaa.gov/tide_ predictions.shtml?gid=225
www.nws.noaa.gov/ om/marine/zone/ gulf/gulfmz.htm
Photo by Keith Brown
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