July/August 2015 | www.gulfcoastmariner.com
O n b oa r d t h e Cru i se r s Yach ts
45 Cantius + The Best Deck
Shoes & Sandals
Successful Offshore Trolling Techniques Summer School: Redfish in the Marsh The Leukemia Cup Regatta Results Locating Trout After Heavy Rains
FISHING SPOTS
ATTRACTIONS
RESTAURANTS
[Letter from the Publisher] Admiral (Publisher) Charles Milby Vice Admiral (President) Rick Clapp Rear Admiral (Editor) Mary Alys Cherry Captain (Director of Art) Brandon Rowan Commodore (Graphic Designer) Kelly Groce
Don’t Fear the Fin
T
he movie Jaws will be 40 years old this summer. Back in 1964 a guy landed a 17-foot great white shark off the shores of Montauk, New York. The shark weighed an astounding 4,550 pounds. Author Peter Benchley read about the fish in the newspaper and wrote a book about a great white that attacks the inhabitants of a small New England beach community. That book was made into the movie Jaws. Doing the shooting of the movie, director Steven Spielberg used three different 25-foot long mechanical sharks, all named Bruce after his attorney. Though entertaining, the movie unfortunately helped instill a generations-long hatred and fear of sharks that has resulted in senseless killings of these fish. The USA averages just 19 shark attacks each year and only one shark fatality every two years. Meanwhile, lightning strikes kill more than 37 people each year in coastal US states alone. Since 1959, Florida has had 603 shark attacks compared to 459 lighting fatalities. So don’t be afraid to visit and enjoy Gulf beaches this summer. Chances are, you’ll only see a shark if you are fishing for them.
Charles Milby Publisher
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine
July/August 2015
Sales Commodore (Director of Sales) Patty Kane Sales Crew (Advertising Executives) Shannon Alexander Judy Gaines Debbie Salisbury Editorial Lainey Black Capt. David Dillman Kelly Groce Patty Kane Capt. Joe Kent Betha Merit Charles Milby Capt. Steve Soule Brandon Rowan Chad Wilbanks Photography Kelly Groce Patty Kane Monica Kressman Charles Milby Jim Olive Brian Stewart Franklin Viola Distribution Timothy Shinkle Company 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
Photo: Jim Olive www.stockyard.com
FEATURES
July/August 2015
12|The Best Seafaring Footwear 26|Racing the Little Boat It’s tempting, but inadvisable to go barefoot on the boat. Protect your feet AND stay sure-footed with these deck shoes and sandals.
Houston Yacht Club member Dean Snider is a four-time Ensign National Champion. What makes him so good?
14|Summer School
28|What’s In Your Bag?
Don’t worry there’s no math here. Our classroom is the marsh and the subject is schooling redfish. Right now, its about as good as it gets. By Capt. Steve Soule
16|Successful Trolling Techniques For Newcomers
Dorado, kingfish, bonito and others are easily attracted to trolled baits. Learn the basics and put some fish in the boat this summer. By Capt. Joe Kent
18|Locating Trout After Rain
Due to historic rainfall, the Galveston Bay complex has received a huge influx of freshwater. Look to these locations when targeting speckled trout. By Capt. David C. Dillman
20|Galveston’s Top Five
The island’s top five attractions, restaurants and fishing spots. Don’t miss these when visiting Galveston.
22|Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius
An inside-out look at the lavish indoor spaces and smooth lines of the 45 Cantius.
24|Leukemia Cup Regatta
Contents
Look cool, keep cool and be cool with apparel perfect for your coastal lifestyle. By Patty Kane
30|The Galley
It’s dessert time! A taste of sweetness is a welcome treat out on the water. By Betha Merit
32|Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology
A look at the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s new permanent exhibit and an interview with marine biologist/ecologist Dr. Wes Tunnell.
ON THE COVER Logan Timmins, right, and Lainey Black on the Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius. Photo by Brian Stewart.
Crafting wooden boats and kayaks Ocean photography of Franklin Viola Nautical Numbers A great snapper season History of the Ensign Texas oysters and S.T.O.R.M. Galveston Bay Tides
Results and photos from this great annual event. By Charles Milby www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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Photo: Franklin Viola
Bruce Asher with his wooden paddleboard, rowboat and kayaks.
Lure of the Sea Leads to Fascinating Hobby By Lainey Black
W
hat a person is exposed
to at a young age can shape their future in some pretty amazing ways. Bruce Asher grew up in New England along the coast, and at the age six, became fascinated by the sea and its lure. Growing up, he had a friend whose father owned a boat yard where boats were built, stored and repaired. Immersed in the culture of local mariners and craftsmen, young Asher’s interest in wooden boats was sparked. Asher started building wooden boats about five years ago. Growing up and living around the water his whole life, it only made sense to find a hobby that incorporated his passion for the sea. He has always loved wooden boats and a few years back went to a trade show where he discovered a company
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
called Chesapeake Light Craft. Chesapeake Light Craft is a company that creates different style boat kits for enthusiasts to put together. And with over 30,000 kits sold, Chesapeake Light Craft is very well known around the world as being one of the finest boat kit producers on the market. It offer s several different styles such as kayaks, paddle boards, powerboats, sailboats, and rowing crafts. Over 75 different designs are on its site, and they are all proudly made in the USA. Asher recommends this hobby to anyone who is interested. “My wood working skills are minimal,” said Asher, “I am no woodworker; these kits are not that hard to do. It just takes a fair amount of patience and following instructions.” The kits are stitch and glue kits from start to finish. When discussing the process of putting them together Asher joked, “If you have the patience and the time, it’s a great hobby. The one thing that you have got to do is you have to either like sanding or convince yourself that you like sanding.” When you buy the kit, all of the pieces come precut and you assemble them. It is then up to you to fiberglass
and seal them. One of the best parts about these kits is they allow for some personalization of the boat by including different colors of the strips and design ideas so no boat is exactly the same. Once Asher built his first Chesapeake Light Craft boat, on his first trip out he discovered that he was much better at putting a kayak together rather than actually kayaking. That’s when he joined the Houston Association of Sea Kayakers. The local group is made up of people that range from experienced kayakers to beginners, and they take trips all around the Houston area and the nation. Asher has been a part of the group for a few years and is now the safety coordinator on the committee board. From growing up and to living next to the water his whole life everything that Bruce Asher experienced over the years led him to these hobbies. One never knows what influences in life will lead you to your passion, but once the fire is lit, amazing things can spark from something as small as just growing up next to a boatyard.
Visit www.violaphoto.com to view more of Franklin’s incredible images.
NAUTICAL NUMBERS 15.6 The Texas speckled trout record is 15.6 pounds and 37.25 inches-long. Carl Rowland caught the record trout on a fly rod in Lower Laguna Madre in 2002.
Franklin amongst some of his stunning work.
Photographer Franklin Viola Uses Camera to Tell a Story By Lainey Black
W
hat is it that peaks
someone’s interest in a certain career? Is it a question of nurture verses nature? How hard someone works towards a goal? Or perhaps it is a series of events throughout one’s life -- winding roads and obstacles, trying one thing out and changing your mind, facing adversity and the challenges of life head on. No matter what the theory, somehow someway, if you look hard enough you will find what you were meant to do. For Franklin Viola, it was photography. When taking photographs, Franklin Viola looks to tell a story, “What I like to do is see the pictures I have shot. I like to lay them out and as an outline to see if they can tell a story.” The other main point he likes to make with his photographs is to submerse the viewer into the world of what he is shooting. “My studio is more outdoors, in someone’s environment, in the creature’s environment,” Viola explains. “I always like to take pictures where I can put someone in their environment.” A large part of Viola’s success in photography is due in part to these two core things. He spends quite a bit of time on the water; whether it’s boating, swimming or diving, he spends the majority of his time submersing himself in one of his favorite environments. Some of
the best photographs over the years from Viola have been underwater ecosystems, sea creatures in their natural habitat or some type of ocean scenery that makes you want feel as if you were there. With the water being his passion, his work is not limited to that at all. Viola is a very well-seasoned photographer and has a great eye for whatever the subject is that he is shooting. ”My background with art helped me see pictures in ways that the average person might miss,” he says, continuing, ”that composition was there, and as I took more pictures over time I evolved into a better photographer.” Viola has worked for several different well know publications over the years before going into business for himself, which helped fine tune his skills and truly show finesse with his artwork. He has received several honors and awards for his photography, and continues to produce breathtaking work. Franklin Viola’s life has had many different obstacles and has been full of the path less traveled, but everything that he has done has ultimately led him to his career as a photographer. He will attribute his success to many different things such as his parents, his athleticism when he was young, his constant exposure to the water. Ultimately it was Viola’s drive, tenacity and sense of wonder throughout his life that has led him to his true passion.
420 As of September 2012, 420 retired oil platforms were donated to Rigs-to-Reefs to convert into artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico.
20 Thresher sharks can be 13-20 feet-long and have a tailfin as long as the rest of its body that it uses to school and stun small fish.
2,620 Scientists discovered Lophelia pertusa coral growing 2,620 feet below the surface. This type of coral is the most common one found in the Gulf.
www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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F oot w ear D e c k
We know, it’s tempting to go barefoot on the boat. But fish hooks, fins, teeth and a myriad of moving boat parts can put a serious hurting on the 26 bones and 100+ muscles, tendons and ligaments in the human foot. Be smart and stay safe with these high quality deck shoes and sandals.
S h o e
Columbia DrainmakerTM III PFG The Drainmaker III has been updated with bigger, more numerous drainage ports and is a favorite of boaters and sportfishing captains. This lightweight shoe features an open mesh synthetic upper, speed lace closure system, TechliteTM footbed, midsole and a lower durometer EVA for ultimate comfort and shock absorbency. A razor siped, non-marking wet grip outsole provides increased traction and the Blood ‘n GutsTM treatment resists stains. Buy now at www.columbia.com
Sperry Top-Sider Billfish ASV Boat Shoe The Billfish ASV is the first performance boat shoe with innovative anti-shock/vibration technology for non-stop comfort. The 360 Degree Lacing System,™ with rust proof eyelets, provides a secure fit and a non-marking rubber outsole with Wave-Siping™ keeps you surefooted. A removable full length molded footbed makes sure you stay comfortable on long voyages. Buy now at www.sperry.com
OluKai Mea Ola The last flip flop you will ever buy, the Mea Ola features intricate octopus artwork, a full grain leather upper, compression molded EVA midsole and a leather wrapped outsole with non-marking molded gum rubber traction pods. A unique Outboard Strap Construction offers a free, yet secure and comfortable fit. Buy now at www.olukai.com
KEEN Kanyon The lightweight, quick drying Kanyon offers the ultimate protection in a sandal. The patented nonmarking rubber outsoles wrap up and over the toes to keep you safe. Razor siping improves ground traction and a compression molded EVA midsole and footbed ensures great comfort. Classic styling and an easy-to-adjust bungee lacing system make these a great choice on and off the boat. Buy now at www.keenfootwear.com
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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By Capt. Steve Soule
Normally, when we hear those words, it’s not a good thing, but in this case, it’s about as good as it gets.
S
ummer heat has set in and sunshine is abundant on the upper Texas coast. Our seasonal crops of shrimp and crabs have reached their summer destinations of back marshes and shallow shorelines, where they will spend the warmer months growing to maturity. Other
seasonal visitors, like glass minnows, ballyhoo, pinfish and numerous others, are settled in along the shallow shorelines and back bay areas. As we already know, these animals tend to gravitate towards areas rich in their primary food source, decaying vegetation. On the heels, or rather the tails, of these smaller animals are the predatory army of redfish and others that thrive on these prevalent food sources and the relative shelter of shallow water. Not only does the abundance of small baitfish and crustaceans in the shallows make life easy Mike Attis picked off this red from tailing school.
for the fish, but equally, it makes life easier for us as anglers. Typically, with this greater source of prey species, predators will be equally abundant. The sheer numbers of both prey and predator make for the foundation of great fishing. I’ve always been a firm believer in locating abundant food sources, since predators will rarely inhabit an area where Alisha they cannot feed Soule readily and easily. releases Fishing areas a 31-inch lacking in food marsh red.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
sources for the predators we seek, typically result in very poor catches. So, as we find these areas rich in both prey and predator, it’s easy to see our catch percentages increase. Many times this is due to the visibility of the fish that we seek, especially in the case of redfish. Redfish often feed in a very aggressive manner, making themselves visible as they “crash” baitfish and shrimp along shorelines. When redfish feed more aggressively, and we as anglers can more
readily determine where they are, it becomes much easier to present a lure or fly correctly.
“Predators aren’t brilliant, but they do know from experience that small prey animals never swim directly to their mouth.”
Cast Placement: Fly vs. Lure There is always a “bite window” for every species. It varies with water conditions and the size of the offering we present to a fish. For the sake of retaining our sanity, let’s stick to a fairly predictable species, like redfish for this discussion. The food source that redfish are feeding on plays a huge role in the size of our “bite window.” If they are feeding predominantly on 1-2-inch-long shrimp, they will typically not be in the mode of moving far off course to eat the next morsel. We see this commonly while fishing shallow grass flats and back marsh waters in the summer and fall. The fly, which is similar in size, needs to be within a 1-2-foot radius area, in front of and at nearly the same depth as the head of the redfish. Flies don’t move much water and they don’t typically rattle or have other factors that help redfish hone in on their whereabouts. On the other hand, if we are casting with conventional gear and fishing a slightly larger soft plastic or spoon, the presentation window may be increased slightly due to the larger profile and greater vibration of these lures moving through the water. This tends to make nearby redfish more aware of the lure’s presence. The downside is when casting to the fish, more caution must be used. A well presented fly can typically be cast within two feet of a redfish without spooking the fish. Try this same cast with a 1/8th ounce jig and plastic combination or 1/4th ounce weedless spoon, and you will find yourself watching lots of spooked fish swim away unhooked.
Shallow Water and Sight Casting Situations In water with greater clarity or visibility, fish will become somewhat more spooky and require more “lead” or distance from the fish when making your cast. In dirty water, we may be able to cast a weighted lure like the spoon within two feet of the sighted fish. In clear water, we often have to cast five or six feet beyond and ahead of the fish and retrieve it back to a crossing position to find success. Flies excel in clear water, as most are unweighted or weighted so lightly that they can be presented gently within a very close proximity to the fish without scaring them. Lures, with their larger profile and vibration emitting qualities, will excel in dirty water because they tend to help fish locate the offering. Clear water, especially during periods of light wind, can complicate this even more by making it more difficult to get within casting range of the fish. As a general rule, I tell anglers that with a fly and a slow moving fish, the cast should both lead the path of the fish, and go beyond the fish’s current location by a
two-to-three-foot margin. This allows the angler time to start a retrieve and adjust speed as necessary to bring the fly across the path of the fish. In the case of lightweight lures during sight casting situations, this cast often must be increased to as much as Kristen five feet of lead Soule with space to prevent a school spooking a fish. size red. Keep in mind that the closer you are to presenting an offering at a perpendicular angle, the better your chances are of convincing the fish it’s worth eating. Don’t ever present a lure at a closing angle, or one where the lure or fly is coming head on at a predatory fish. This will scare even very large and aggressive predators like sharks. Predators aren’t brilliant, but they do know from experience that small prey animals never swim directly to their mouth. If you present your lure of fly in a way that crosses effectively through their bite or feeding window, and then proceeds to move away, you will likely be rewarded with bites at a much higher rate.
Schooling Redfish When the heat is really turned up and the shrimp and crabs crops are at their peak, significant schooling will begin. Redfish primarily school in shallow water when feeding on one of these two types of crustaceans. We mostly see them grouped up and chasing shrimp, but there are times when they are schooled and feeding on crabs. When feeding on shrimp, reds tend to be fairly aggressive and visibly moving along flats and down shoreline. On the
grass, you will usually see them tailing in groups but moving along at a slow pace. This movement is typically punctuated by an occasional pop or fast movement by some of the fish within the school. When feeding on crabs in schools, the reds tend to move along much more slowly and are sometimes easily spotted by the muds they create while rooting in the substrate. There is a distinct difference on how they feed on each species. Schooling fish make our lives as anglers eminently easier! There is safety in numbers and there is also an inherent competitive nature when predators feed in groups. As competitive feeding heightens, fish tend to not only become less aware of what is around them, but also they tend to charge down close meals with reckless abandon. We can get closer to them, as well as make casts much closer without spooking the fish. It is equally important to note that there is an obvious increase in the likelihood that our offering will get eaten when casting to a school of 10-20 fish, versus casting at a single fish. When casting to schooling fish with a fly, the need to lead the fish is almost completely eliminated and with conventional gear, offerings can be cast at a much closer range. Aggressive schooling behavior on the Upper Texas Coast will be present throughout the summer and into the fall until the majority of the shrimp and crabs leave the shallow waters for winter. If you are ready for a whole new level of fun in your fishing, don’t miss out on Summer School. www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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Examples of productive trolling lures for the Texas coast.
Successful Trolling Techniques For Those New to Offshore Fishing By Capt. Joe Kent
F
or several years,
offshore anglers have been dealing with an unusually large crop of seaweed in the Gulf of Mexico and, while there are definite benefits to fishing created by the masses of weed patches and weed lines, it is a nuisance for boats trolling for fish. This summer there has been a major reduction in the quantities of seaweed pushed into the Gulf of Mexico. While anglers like to fish around the patches and lines of this vegetation, beach goers and fishermen who like to troll are welcoming the change. When seaweed is thick in Gulf Waters it causes frustration with captains having to frequently reel in their baits, remove it and then let out their trolling lines
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again. For at least three years now it has been again and again and again. With all of the other successful techniques for catching offshore fish, I personally abandoned trolling in seaweed infested areas which included most of the nearshore Gulf waters. This year it appears that trolling will be much less frustrating and, for those not experienced at this method of fishing, hopefully these pointers and suggestions will get you started and produce some nice fish. For purposes of this article, our discussion will be limited to trolling nearshore waters up to approximately 50 miles offshore. Deep water trolling requires different techniques and baits than what would be required for nearshore trolling. Trolling can be one of the more enjoyable ways to fish as the boat is moving and generating its own breeze during days of light to calm winds. Late spring through
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
early fall is the time to troll nearshore waters, with late June through early September being prime time. Any size of boat capable of going offshore is a candidate for trolling. The most common fish that hit trolled baits in nearshore waters are king mackerel, bonito, Dorado, ling and barracuda. King, bonito and Dorado are easily attracted to trolled baits. So, now that you know what fish will be targeted, let’s discuss what baits are best. Well, the standard answer is the ones that catch fish. The group is divided into natural versus artificial, with artificials being the most popular. My favorite for natural baits is the ribbonfish. Rigged properly and trolled near to or on the surface they are awesome. This bait works especially well around the rigs and anchored shrimp boats when trolled slowly. In the artificial group, Russell Lures and King Getters are outstanding for king mackerel. Other fish will hit them but kings tend to have a keen eye for this favorite bait. This is another bait that is trolled slowly. For faster trolling, lead head jigs and more streamlined baits weighted at the tip work well. A whole column could easily be written about the various offshore trolling baits and, if new to this sport, visit a tackle shop that carries a wide variety of offshore baits for recommendations.
The next question is how many lines should you troll? For newcomers I recommend no more than two, as experience will teach you more about trolling and how to troll more lines without getting them tangled. One of the biggest differences between nearshore and deep-water trolling is in the speed. Nearshore baits are trolled at slower speeds overall. How far should the trolled bait be from the transom of the boat? My rule of thumb is approximately three times the length of the boat. Again, experience will help you determine the best distance. How fast should you troll? Just fast enough to keep your bait near the surface. It your speed allows your bait to occasionally break the surface, that is even better. When a strike occurs, slow the speed of your boat but do not come to a stop, as fish can more easily spit out the hook, especially with treble hooks. Trolling rods are generally shorter and stiffer than rods used for drift fishing or casting. The reels need to be such that they can withstand more tension and carry larger amounts of line. Chumming, or dropping excess bait into the water, while trolling, adds to the odds of attracting fish to your baits. If you haven’t trolled while fishing offshore, give it a try. The first time you hear that reel start singing, chances are you will be hooked!
www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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Spoil Bank Trout By Capt. David C. Dillman Harbormaster at The Waterman Spec-tacular Trout Adventures
C
an you say wet? That is how I can describe this year. It has been a long time since our bay system has received this much rain and runoff. Some may think it has a negative impact for our waters. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. This year’s influx of fresh water helps all aquatic wildlife.
Searching for Speckled Trout Areas that have been slow for specks, due to the recent draught, will now become the go-to-places. In July and August, look for the waters adjacent to the Houston/Galveston ship channel. The so-called spoil banks, along the channel from markers 46-54, should hold plenty of trout. Keying in on the shell reefs will be the ticket to catching fish. These spoils can be fished by either anchoring or drifting. When drifting, live shrimp under a cork and soft plastics lures should be utilized. When anchoring, live croaker will be the best bait. Although some folks like to dredge them, I prefer to anchor and fish them Carolina rigged with a 1/8 to 3/8 ounce weight. Maybe even just a split shot depending on the flow of the tide. When fishing the spoils the use of a good depth finder is a necessity. The average depth of the area is 10 feet. Anytime your bottom reading changes by one or more feet, its a good indication that you’re on shell. Sometimes fish will hold on top of the hump. Other times, they’ll be just off the edges of the shell. Fish the area thoroughly before moving to the next spot. Always use caution when fishing along the channel. Wakes from passing ships can be dangerous. As a rule, use plenty of anchor rope and make sure you’re in deep enough water to ride out the passing wake. Anything less than eight feet is too shallow. Move to deeper water and once the wake passes you can move back to your spot. For the past couple years, the dry conditions have limited the action in this area. This year’s rain should stack the fish along the spoils. They will hold there until their return to Trinity Bay and Upper Galveston Bay in the Fall.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
Travis Williams caught the biggest fish of the trip on a slapper and sardine.
A Great Snapper Season By Kelly Groce
W
hen a friend
of mine asked if I wanted to stay the night at a beach house in Surfside and go snapper fishing the next morning on a 50-foot Bertram, there was no question about it, I was in. On June 9 we took off out of Freeport. We first stopped about 40 miles out and dropped over some rocks. My sardine instantly got hit and I reeled in what was already the biggest Gulf Coast Mariner graphic designer Kelly snapper I had ever caught. Groce with her personal best red snapper. We went another 10 miles and drifted over more rocks and that’s where we started hooking up on the big boys. Just about everyone got their limit at that spot and my boyfriend Garrett, caught a 40-inch ling as well. We cruised another 10 miles and the water changed to a beautiful offshore blue. This time we dropped and could see snapper only 20 feet down. My friend Ryan, who hadn’t had any luck that day, caught two monster snapper at once on a double rig! With all of us having our limits and a good day of tight lines, we headed back to Freeport as happy campers. Until next snapper season!
Garrett Blumenshine’s 40-inch ling.
www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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Pe lica nI sla nd Ca use wa y
1 Hope Blvd.
An angler’s paradise, this bay system hosts a variety of fish habitat and angling opportunities. Freeline finfish and shrimp near the causeway for trout and reds. Use popping corks near the railroad bridge for trout. Marshes and shorelines are perfect for kayaking and flounder gigging. Drift mid bay reefs for a chance at a Texas slam.
The island’s most recognizable attraction, Moody Gardens is full of family friendly fun. Check out the Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids, 3D and 4D theaters, museum exhibits, zip lining, water rides and other seasonal attractions.
bors Har
st 51st
4908 Seawall Blvd.
D ardo Bern
St 45th
St 53rd
The Kriticos Family is true to their word. Olympia Grill’s seawall location provides the O nue ‘Highest Quality for Ave a Good Value.’ A spectacular menu of Greek, seafood and other dishes is sure to satisfy.
a Se d rt R wa Ste
2026 Lockheed Rd. Dr es Jon
Rd ile 8M
Over 35 thrilling water adventures ensure there is something for everyone at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Take it easy and float the Kristal River. Feeling adventurous? Free fall 81 feet and approach speeds of 40 mph on the Cliffhanger slide.
9001 Seawall Blvd.
Find a plethora of fish species on this pier, including sharks, redfish, drum, panfish and more. The lights at night draw in speckled trout during good conditions. Visit www.galvestonfishingpier. com for rules and recent fishing reports.
The Historic Downtown Strand District boasts a wonderful selection of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and museums within a perfect radius for self-guided tours. Visit Galveston. com for information on seasonal events like the ArtWalk and Dickens on the Strand.
100 Seawolf Park Blvd.
2100 Harborside Dr
The jetties are a top fishing destination for good reason. You can catch just about every desirable species of fish near the granite, even pelagics like ling and kingfish. Fish the Gulf side on an incoming tide and the channel side during an outgoing tide. Live shrimp, mullet and finfish are the best baits along the rocks.
Se aw all
Bl vd
Relive the adventure of the high seas aboard the celebrated 1877 tall ship ELISSA. Explore the decks of this floating National Historic Landmark and enjoy the adjacent museum and theater.
Seawolf Park offers something for all kinds of anglers. Wadefishermen can fish the channel, kids can bank fish and a lighted pier draws in trout and reds at night. The park is a flounder hot spot during the fall run. The fishing can be spectacular but so are the crowds.
Boddeker Rd
The intriguing Mosquito Cafe entices patrons with its upscale eclectic menu of grilled, roasted, sauteed and steamed dishes. You’d be remiss to skip over any item on this menu that includes pulled pork. Be advised, lunch here can be very busy.
St 33rd
St 25th
e s Av mbu Colu her stop Chri
Dr side
628 14th St.
2028 Post Office St.
This unique island restaurant delivers grilled seafood and steaks with a South and Central American sabor. Lunch is a casual affair but shorts are not allowed in the dining room at dinner. Pair your red snapper with a cold Central American lager.
e z Av alve De G
S Ave
lvd ll B a aw
2017 Post Office St.
2501 Seawall Blvd.
Gourmet seafood, fresh from the grill or kettle, is served up in an upscale atmosphere at Saltwater Grill. The fresh catch changes daily but any salmon, sea bass or tuna dish is a great choice. Reservations recommended.
Rides, food and fun! The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is perfect for families, friends or date night. Visitors can shop, dine and take delight in amusements and roller coasters. Ride the Texas Star Flyer for a spectacular view of the island.
3901 Avenue O
Since 1976, Shrimp N Stuff has been the place the locals love to eat. Find no frills, fried-to-perfection seafood served in a casual atmosphere. Try the coconut shrimp dinner or one of their famous po-boys.
A light SE wind means ‘trout green’ water and some of the hottest fishing on the island. Speckled trout, redfish and spanish mackerel will all readily take live and artificial baits. Use small pieces of dead natural baits like shrimp and squid for panfish and drum. Fish on the rock groins for sheepshead and even flounder.
www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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Lainey and Logan explore the bow as the Cantius cruises through Offatts Bayou in Galveston.
On Board Cruisers Yachts’
45 CANTIUS
W
ith the smooth integration
of lavish indoor spaces and the great outdoors, the remarkable new 45 Cantius offers a seamless flow that feels refreshingly unlike any other on-water lifestyle. With spacious entertaining areas, a full glass enclosure and unprecedented sightlines, the 45 expands your experience beyond the horizon. Lainey, left, and Logan relax under the sun shade of the luxurious 45 Cantius.
HELM
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
UPPER SALON
SUN SHADE/COCKPIT
Specifications LOA Including Swim Platform 45’0” LOA Including Hi-Lo Swim Platform 47’3” Beam 14’6” Draft (IPS) 41” Cabin Headroom 6’6” Headroom at Helm 6’4” Bridge Clearance - w/o Radar 10’0” Weight - Diesel 29,500 lbs Fuel Capacity 362 g
The girls representing Gulf Coast Mariner.
Water System Capacity 100 g Waste Holding Capacity 48 g Deadrise 18.5 ° Height - Keel to Top of Hardtop 13’6”
ENGINES—IPS Volvo Penta Twin IPS 500 D6, EVC, 370 hp (272 kW) Volvo Penta Twin IPS 600 D6, EVC, ACP, 435 hp (324 kW)
The bow of the Cantius is perfect for sunbathing.
MASTER STATEROOM
GALLEY
Galati Yacht Sales broker Cory Webster brings the girls safely back to port. Galati is the authorized dealer for Cruisers Yachts.
AFT STATEROOM www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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The 2015 Leukemia Cup Regatta By Charles Milby
T
his year’s Leukemia Cup regatta
was a smashing success. Five races in two days, sailed in a variety of conditions, left no doubt who the winning teams were. Congratulations go out to all of the competitors; you are the ones who made this a great regatta. Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine would like to thank the Houston Yacht Club for all of their hard work. Commodore Robert Williams and the staff of the club did a great job along with the volunteers on the race committee. It’s not easy getting races started when the breeze is shifting around. My special thanks go out to the skipper and crew of Pole Dancer, a J-109. Not only did they win their class, they made a new friend. When I lost my hat overboard they were kind enough to give me a spare. Now I keep a throw down hat on board at all times. Thanks again Pole Dancer.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
RESULTS Class
Club Pts
Catalina 22 Ben Miller Michael Hallett Gary Petersen
GBCA CYC HYC
8 11 14
Ensign Dean Snider Dick Baxter Lythia Powell
HYC HYC HYC
9 11T 11T
J-105 Uzi Ozeri John Barnett Brad Robbins
LYC LYC LYC
7 9 14
J-109 Barry Hoeffner David Christensen Andy Wescoat
LYC LYC GBCA
8 10 13
J-22 Crash Womack TCYC Doug Cummings MISA Dov Kivlovitz
8 13 16
J-70 Taylor Lutz Chris Lewis Robert McMahan
9 11 19
LYC LYC LYC
Pursuit Spinnaker Greg Way LYC J Cran Fraiser LYC Nunes/Plant
2 5 6
Lightning Steve Harris Chris Shipma Gary Schwartz
HYC HYC LYC
7 11 12
J-80 Paul Parsons GBCA Terri Gale Forbes Durdin LYC
8 10 12
Sonar Clark Thompson Gary Ross Charles Milby
HYC TCYC TCYC
8 9 12
Viper Patrick Gibson Simon Thomas Robert Williams
HYC HYC HYC
7 13 14
Pursuit Asymmetrical Spinnaker J D Hill LYC Brian Tulloch HYC J B Bednar LYC
4T 4T 4T
Pursuit Non Spinnaker Jack Yoes HYC Paul Tullos GBCA Jim Orchid HYC
3 4 7
www.GulfCoastMariner.com
25
Racing The ‘Little Boat’
be favored after the start. It’s important to have a clear lane to sail in one minute after the start. What do you look for in a good crew?
Houston Yacht Club member Dean Snider is a four-time Ensign National Champion. What makes him so good?
The best situation is having a crew that is compatible and can race with you all of the time. The ability to recognize headers and lifts on the weather leg, agility and strength to hike, understanding sail trim, and stamina to make it around the course all come with experience. I had the pleasure of racing with the same crew for over 35 years. It included Frank and Sandy Kelley, who sold us our first Ensign in 1967, and my wife Kay. Tell us about racing with your wife.
Where were you born, and what was your childhood like? I was born near Somerset, Ohio, a small town in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. I was one of nine siblings that provided the work force for the operation on Snider’s Family Dairy. We sold the farm when I was eight years old and moved to Celina, Ohio. How did you get started racing sailboats on Galveston Bay? I worked at an Exxon refinery in New Jersey and was then transferred to Houston. The second day in my office a gentleman walked in and identified himself as Hank Arnold. He did not want to talk about business. He was a sailor, a member of the
26
“Racing with my wife Kay is one of the delights of my life.” Houston Yacht Club and raced an Ensign. During the next two weeks, Hank became the sponsor on our HYC application and we bought an Ensign. That was in 1967 and we have actively raced it since then. What is some good advice about starting in big fleets? Information that is helpful to getting a good start includes: the favored end of the line, the time it takes to travel the length of the line and which tack is more likely to
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
Racing with my wife Kay is one of the delights of my life. Over time, she became the “crew steward” (protecting the crew’s union rights), but still Dean and is a great crew Kay Snider at left with and loves to Dave Curtin. sail and race. She keeps the boat gear organized during the race, can jibe the pole if necessary, trim the jibe and make on the spot repairs if needed and points out items in need of repair. If there is rigging problem during the race she can isolate the cause and correct it without the Skipper needing to take his attention off sailing the boat. Your boat is named Little Oil, how did you come up with that name? In 1980, I moved from a large oil company to a small oil trading company. Kay still worked with Exxon so we played with the idea of naming Big Oil on one side and Little Oil on the other side. Little Oil finally won since the Ensign is a “little boat.”
PEARSON
ENSIGN 1959
Pearson commissions naval architect Carl Alberg to design a 22-foot cruiser suitable for racing in the Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC). His design, called the Electra, was the predecessor of the Ensign.
1962 After input from sailors who wanted a larger cockpit and smaller cabin, the boat is modified by Alberg to be suitable for one-design racing. The Electra Day Sailer was born and later renamed the Ensign.
1983 Pearson Yachts goes bankrupt and sells the original boat molds to the Ensign Class Association.
2001 Ensign Spars, Inc. starts building new Ensigns using the original molds, calling their boats the New Ensign Classic.
2002 The Ensign is inducted into the American Sailboat Hall of Fame.
THE PERFECT LURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS BE SEEN! ADVERTISE IN GULF COAST MARINER MAGAZINE’S FALL ISSUE 281.474.5875 • art@baygroupmedia.com
www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
Desserts on the Water A taste of sweetness is a welcome treat when out on the water. By Betha Merit
T
he type of dessert most
convenient to serve or prepare is dependent on several factors. Are you under power, sailing, or anchored? What type of boat are you on? Is this a dinner cruise or several days at sea? And, laughingly, are there kids on board?
The most important factor is the type of vessel, and does it have a full galley with refrigeration or are you rocking the ice chest? This dictates whether you can do a fancy dessert, or whether the least crumbly cookie bars (with no colored sprinkles) make the most sense. As always, storage, refrigeration, preparation time, oven capabilities, and trash management are details each dessert diva will consider. Remember, some desserts can be made ahead and brought on board. Here are some recipes that may inspire you and fit your needs:
Aunt Bettylou’s Chocolate Chip Pudding Cake (freezes well) 1 package dry white cake mix 1 large package cook-style chocolate pudding 3 cups milk (according to pudding directions) 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips Cook pudding with milk, let cool for several minutes. Pour dry cake mix into large mixing bowl. Fold warm pudding into dry cake mixture (will be lumpy). Pour into 9 x 13 inch greased baking pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake according to cake mix directions. When cool, cut into squares or brownie sized bars.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
Some other simple desserts include ready to bake cookie dough packages, cut-up fresh fruit perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream, and packaged Scottish shortbread (be sure to serve the shortbread with a rich, fresh cup of coffee for greatest enjoyment).
Strawberry and Brie Crumble 5 cups quartered fresh strawberries (two 16-ounce baskets) 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup corn starch 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup flour 1 cup quick-cooking oats 1 cup loosely packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter or margarine, slightly softened 1 package (5 oz.) Brie cheese spread Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 11 x 7 inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In large bowl toss the strawberries, sugar, cornstarch and vanilla. Spoon into baking dish. Now combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and salt, and using a fork or pastry blender cut in the butter until mixture resembles large crumbs. Sprinkle over fruit. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown. Top each serving with about 1 tablespoon of Brie.
www.GulfCoastMariner.com
31
Hamman Hall Of Texas Coastal Ecology
A
fabulous new
Henry and Ann Hamman, on left, with Kathy and Wes Tunnell.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
exhibit on our coastal environment has just opened. The Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology, at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, is now available to the public. This permanent exhibit studies the relationships between living organisms and their environment along the upper, middle and lower Texas coast. With about 2,400 square feet of floor space and a 120 foot wall space adjacent to the new Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife, guests learn about the environmental characteristics of the Texas coast, as well as critical habitats, iconic species, concerns and impacts, recreation, and opportunities for conservation and restoration. Stunning images, by photographer Jim Olive, tell the story of how marshes, sea
grass beds and oyster reefs act as nurseries, where the sea’s precious inhabitants are born and then mature in tidal inlets along Texas bay systems. These images and displays are spectacular and really must be seen in person. The entire museum is fascinating and a great place to take the kids. Don’t forget to stop by Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall during your visit to see a replica of the 1,560-pound, world record black marlin caught by Glassell in 1953, along with 40 other species of game fish. Make your plans today. It’s well worth the trip. The museum is located at 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030. Visit www. hmns.org for information on hours and rates.
The Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology is generously underwritten by the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation.
Dr. Wes Tunnell We recently caught up with Dr. Wes Tunnell, who provided the expertise for the new Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology. What’s the number one goal for the Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science? To teach people about the ecological treasures of the Texas coast and inspire them to want to sustain and conserve it for future generations. So many people are moving to the coast. How do we maintain a balance between coastal ecology and residential and commercial development? It is important for coastal planners to utilize the best available technologies and science when coastal areas are to be developed. We have many years of experience now on what we should not do, and we likewise, have many new ways of doing things that will help preserve the environment. How long have you been doing research on the coastal ecology of Texas? I started my career as a student at Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville) in the mid-1960s, so almost 50 years. Specifically and important for the Hamman Hall, I taught a graduate course in Texas Coastal Ecology for almost 25 years, where we took an annual trip of the entire coast. Over the years I have published over 100 scientific papers and book chapters, as well as seven books, most of which are on Texas coastal ecology or Mexico coral reef ecology.
When did the coastal prairies as we know them get their start? They probably started coming into existence during the geologic time period known as the Pleistocene (Ice Age), between 2.5 million and about 11.5 thousand years ago. The current configuration of the Texas coast line began taking shape about 4,500 to 5,000 years ago. Texas is receiving some serious rain lately. How will this affect the fishing along the Texas Coast? Texas is known for great fluctuations in weather, and these environmental variations are natural processes that affect the coast and species that live here. Most organisms that live along the coast are adapted to this kind of changing environment, but long time droughts, as well as short-lived and longer flood periods, will affect the distribution of marine life in the bay. This is one of the main topics explained in the new Hamman Hall. What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working? I love to go to the Gulf beaches, particularly Padre Island and Mexico beaches. I love visiting with my kids and grandkids, as well as collecting and enjoying old stuff from the mid-1800s, particularly Colt pistols, Texas and US Bowie knives, and scrimshaw.
Read the full interview at www.gulfcoastmariner.com www.GulfCoastMariner.com
33
84th Texas Legislative Session: STORM Warning Downgraded to Sore Loser By Chad Wilbanks, The Wilbanks Group n January 2015, a major disturbance STORM [Smithpoint Texas Oyster Resource Management, LLC] warning was issued for the Texas Capitol. The STORM – aptly named Tracy Woody – promised waves of legislative changes that would have created an oyster monopoly in the State of Texas and would have validated an improper lease between the Chambers Liberty Counties Navigation District [CLCND] and STORM. Hardworking Texans all along the Texas coastline were prepared. They descended to the Texas Capitol, worked with key elected officials in the House and Senate – and through the principled and conservative leadership of many – the state’s natural resources in Galveston Bay were protected and the STORM warning was downgraded. Here’s why: STORM weakened because the Texas General Land Office and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department provided written opinions that the CLCND did not have the authority to enter into such a lease. STORM weakened because not one elected official representing Chambers or Liberty counties in the state legislature agreed to author or co-sponsor any of their supported legislation. STORM weakened because the improper lease was a no-bid contract agreement discussed behind closed doors without the legally required proper notice for the public to have input. Failure to comply with the law usually means lawsuit. STORM weakened because a strong majority of the counties that actually border the Gulf of Mexico approved resolutions opposing their efforts.
I
And, STORM weakened because Republicans dominate state politics. Yet, those behind the STORM legislative push were all Obama voting Democrats with zero ties to Galveston Bay. That alone should give caution to what STORM was trying to accomplish. While there are always winners and losers when the legislature convenes, Tracy Woody is creating a downpour of whining because a competitor – Prestige Oyster – distributed enough umbrellas to protect the Texas Capitol from the heavy rain of lies created by STORM. The good news is that Prestige Oyster, thousands of hardworking coastal Texans, and scores of businesses worked tirelessly, helped preserve the Texas oyster industry, and prevented an oyster monopoly from occurring. After 140-legislative days at the Texas Capitol, STORM was officially downgraded from major disturbance to sore loser. A big thanks goes to the Texas Legislature for doing the right thing, the 2,000+ concerned coastal citizens and scores of businesses that made their voices heard including Prestige Oyster, Hillman Seafood & Oyster, Misho Oyster, Groomers Seafood, Casterline Fish Company, Alby’s Seafood, West Fork Seafood, Dolphin’s Seafood, Gulf Coast Oysters, U.S. Sea Products, PJ Shrimp Company, J.B. Seafood, F.F.D. Bait & Tackle, Union Commercial Fishermen of Texas, Katie’s Seafood, Hillman Marine, Hillman Seafood & Net Shop, Millers Seafood and many others for their commitment to protect the natural resources of Texas for generations to come. For more information, please visit the Concerned Citizens of Texas Gulf Coast at www.facebook.com/Co ncernedcitizensoftexasgulfcoast?fref=ts
Advertising paid for by the Wilbanks Group – Public Affairs Strategy for Business and Politics – on behalf of Friends of Concerned Citizens of Texas Gulf Coast against STORM.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2015
www.GulfCoastMariner.com
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Galveston Bay Tides EAGLE POINT, TX NOAA Station Id: 8771013
JULY
AUGUST
Mon 6/1 12:31 AM 10:55 AM
0.0 L 1.1 H
Tue 6/16 01:10 AM 12:34 PM
-0.4 L 1.1 H
Wed 7/1 12:47 AM 12:55 PM
-0.4 L 1.1 H
Fri 7/17 02:24 AM 01:19 PM
-0.2 L 0.9 H
Tue 6/2 01:04 AM 12:12 PM
-0.1 L 1.2 H
Wed 6/17 01:52 AM 01:25 PM
-0.3 L 1.1 H
Thu 7/2 01:29 AM 01:40 PM
-0.4 L 1.1 H
Sat 7/18 03:01 AM 01:21 PM
-0.1 L 0.8 H
Wed 6/3 01:41 AM 01:30 PM
-0.2 L 1.2 H
Thu 6/18 02:35 AM 02:08 PM
-0.3 L 1.1 H
Fri 7/3 02:13 AM 02:03 PM
-0.4 L 1.0 H
Sun 7/19 03:35 AM 01:11 PM
0.0 L 0.8 H
Thu 6/4 02:21 AM 02:28 PM
-0.2 L 1.2 H
Fri 6/19 03:17 AM 02:36 PM
-0.2 L 1.0 H
Sat 7/4 02:57 AM 01:53 PM
-0.3 L 1.0 H
Mon 7/20 04:06 AM 12:54 PM
0.1 L 0.7 H
Fri 6/5 03:04 AM 03:02 PM
-0.2 L 1.2 H
Sat 6/20 03:58 AM 02:50 PM
-0.1 L 1.0 H
Sun 7/5 03:40 AM 01:30 PM
-0.2 L 0.9 H
Sat 6/6 03:50 AM 03:14 PM
0.0 L 0.9 H
Mon 7/6 04:21 AM 01:09 PM
0.2 L 0.7 H 0.5 L 0.5 H
-0.1 L 1.1 H
Sun 6/21 04:38 AM 02:50 PM
Tue 7/21 04:31 AM 12:33 PM 07:42 PM 11:16 PM
0.0 L 0.8 H
0.0 L 1.1 H
Mon 6/22 05:15 AM 02:40 PM
Wed 7/22 04:46 AM 12:09 PM 07:50 PM
0.4 L 0.7 H 0.3 L
Thu 7/23 11:42 AM 08:17 PM
0.7 H 0.2 L
Sun 6/7 04:37 AM 03:08 PM Mon 6/8 05:24 AM 02:54 PM Tue 6/9 06:12 AM 02:40 PM 10:28 PM
0.1 L 1.0 H
0.3 L 0.9 H 0.5 L
Tue 6/23 05:50 AM 02:22 PM 10:26 PM
0.1 L 0.8 H
0.3 L 0.7 H 0.4 L
Wed 7/8 01:15 AM 05:21 AM 12:39 PM 08:41 PM
0.4 H 0.4 L 0.7 H 0.1 L
Fri 7/24 11:13 AM 08:51 PM
0.8 H 0.1 L
Wed 6/24 01:58 AM 06:18 AM 02:00 PM 09:52 PM
0.5 H 0.4 L 0.7 H 0.3 L
Thu 7/9 12:26 PM 09:19 PM
0.8 H -0.1 L
Sat 7/25 10:39 AM 09:30 PM
0.8 H 0.0 L
0.5 H 0.5 L 0.9 H 0.3 L
Thu 6/25 01:34 PM 10:02 PM
0.7 H 0.1 L
Fri 7/10 12:09 PM 10:01 PM
0.9 H -0.2 L
Sun 7/26 10:17 AM 10:13 PM
0.9 H -0.1 L
Thu 6/11 02:13 PM 10:37 PM
0.9 H 0.1 L
Fri 6/26 01:01 PM 10:25 PM
0.7 H 0.0 L
Sat 7/11 11:43 AM 10:46 PM
0.9 H -0.3 L
Mon 7/27 10:32 AM 10:58 PM
1.0 H -0.2 L
Fri 6/12 01:56 PM 11:10 PM
0.9 H -0.1 L
Sat 6/27 12:06 PM 10:55 PM
0.8 H -0.1 L
Sun 7/12 11:07 AM 11:32 PM
1.0 H -0.4 L
Tue 7/28 11:08 AM 11:45 PM
1.1 H -0.3 L
Sat 6/13 01:24 PM 11:48 PM
1.0 H -0.3 L
Sun 6/28 10:29 AM 11:29 PM
0.9 H -0.2 L
Mon 7/13 11:21 AM
1.0 H
Wed 7/29 11:53 AM
1.1 H
-0.4 L 1.0 H
Thu 7/30 12:31 AM 12:35 PM
-0.3 L 1.1 H
Fri 7/31 01:18 AM 12:43 PM
-0.3 L 1.0 H
Mon 6/15 11:38 AM
1.1 H -0.3 L
1.1 H
Mon 6/29 11:08 AM
1.0 H
Tue 7/14 12:17 AM 11:55 AM
Tue 6/30 12:06 AM 12:01 PM
-0.3 L 1.0 H
Wed 7/15 01:02 AM 12:32 PM
-0.4 L 1.0 H
Thu 7/16 01:44 AM 01:02 PM
-0.3 L 1.0 H
NOAA GULF COAST TIDAL PREDICTIONS www.tidesandcurrents. noaa.gov/tide_ predictions.shtml?gid=225
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine May/June 2015
0.2 L 0.7 H 0.3 L
Wed 6/10 02:23 AM 06:58 AM 02:27 PM 10:14 PM
Sun 6/14 10:46 AM 12:28 AM
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Tue 7/7 04:58 AM 12:53 PM 08:16 PM
NOAA GULF COAST MARINE FORECAST www.nws.noaa.gov/ om/marine/zone/ gulf/gulfmz.htm