November/December 2019 | GulfCoastMariner.com
[Letter from Gulf Coast Mariner] Admiral
THE GIFT OF GOOD TIMES
(President) Rick Clapp Rear Admiral (Editor) Mary Alys Cherry Captain (Creative Director/Partner) Brandon Rowan Commodore (Graphic Designer/Partner) Kelly Groce Sales Crew My favorite memory of 2019 was this day of catching on the Upper Laguna Madre with my fiance, Garrett Blumenshine, my dad, J.P. Groce, my mom, Debbie Groce (not pictured) with Capt. Braeden Thomas out of Marker 37 Marina.
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Judy Gaines Karen Laroux Amber Sample Alisa Star Robyn Weigelt Editorial Capt. David Dillman Kelly Groce Capt. Joe Kent Brandon Rowan
f you r da d i s
like mine, he’s got every tool and every lure you can think of so getting a gift for his birthday or Christmas is increasingly challenging each year. This year for his birthday, we went to Port Aransas for the weekend and booked a fishing trip on the Upper Laguna Madre with Capt. Braeden Thomas. My dad is usually the one driving the boat and being captain, so I thought it would be a nice treat for him to be able to relax and just fish. My dad hadn’t fished those waters in over 20 years. The bite was on, the day was beautiful and the beer was cold. Any day I can net fish for my folks is a good day! Thank you again
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(Advertising Executives)
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
for that trip, Braeden. This Christmas, I highly suggest reaching out to a fishing guide about a trip as a gift. You’ll make memories that will outdo anything that comes wrapped in a bow. November and December are great months; flounder are on the move, cold fronts make for fun days of surf and big trout fishing is on. Don’t let the holiday season stress you out; stay calm, go wet a line and enjoy this issue of Gulf Coast Mariner. See you on the water!
Photography Capt. David Dillman Kelly Groce Brandon Rowan Adam Valadez
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586
For information on advertising: Phone: 281.474.5875 art@baygroupmedia.com www.GulfCoastMariner.com
F O L LO W U S Kelly Groce Partner/Graphic Designer
Photo: Brandon Rowan
| November/December 2019 13|Remembering Aubrey Black
32|Tie One On: Capt. Wayne Davis
Capt. Aubrey Black, and the love of his life, Sally, combined their talents, experience and passion at Baffin Bay Rod and Gun.
We ask captains, guides and those in the industry what they’re throwing, for what species and what they are drinking after a long day of fishing.
15|Snapshots
33|Come and Take It Tournament
YOUR fishing and coastal life photos! Send your photos to art@baygroupmedia.com
Fishing, camaraderie and fundraising. By Kelly Groce
16|Valhalla Center Consoles
34|Experience New Adventure with JetSurf
From the innovative minds and builders of Viking Yachts, comes the line of Valhalla center consoles.
19|Buggy Whippin’
Think personal watercraft, crossed with a wakeboard, add a hint of dirt-slinging motorbike engine and you have a JetSurf board!
Sight casting to skinny water redfish with Capt. Clay Sheward of Buggy Whippin’ Galveston Sight Fishing. By Brandon Rowan
Contents Letter from GCM _____________________p. 10 Lemon Drop Ceviche _____________________p. 12 Christmas Boat Lane Parade on Clear Lake _____________________p. 12 KWigglers Lures _____________________p. 12
24|Mowdy Boats
Name That Fish _____________________p. 13
Unsinkable. Durable. Versatile. Premium shallow water boats handcrafted one at a time in Port Lavaca. By Kelly Groce
Nautical Numbers _____________________p. 13 D.O.A. Snapshots _____________________p. 14
28|Live Shrimp Supplies
Harvest Moon Regatta Results _____________________p. 32
Are they in jeopardy for the future? By Capt. Joe Kent
Talk of Taco _____________________p. 36
30|Late Fall Fishing Galveston Bay hot spots for speckled trout, redfish and flounder this November and December. By Capt. David Dillman
Boats For Sale _____________________p. 37
ON THE COVER
Capt. Clay Sheward specializes in sight casting to redfish in the Galveston area. Photo: Brandon Rowan
Galveston Bay Tides _____________________p. 38
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By Brandon Rowan | Lemon Drop Peppers have a citrusy and peach-like flavor that perfectly pairs with seafood. Their heat is comparable to the serrano pepper. I grow my own but you can find them at Fiesta or online. There are a couple different varieties of these yellow Peruvian peppers, all perfect for ceviche. Enjoy! 1 pound of your favorite, fresh fish fillets 1 whole white onion 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 3-4 lemon drop peppers, diced 2 tomatoes 1 large avocado 1/2 tsp salt 1 TBSP Parsley Pepper to taste I used a surf caught speck for this recipe, “extra protein” removed. It was surprisingly the best way I’ve ever had trout.
Soak your fillets in lime juice overnight. Cut the fish into small cubes and place into a large bowl. Mince the onion and rinse with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and add to bowl. Dice the tomatoes, avocado and peppers and add to mixture. Add cilantro, salt, parsley and fresh cracked black pepper to taste. Mix well and chill for one hour. Serve with your favorite chips, cerveza or tequila.
Christmas Boat Lane Parade on Clear lake Ring in the holidays with this Clear Lake tradition. More than 100,000 people traditionally enjoy this event from land and from hundreds of boats anchored throughout the Lake. The parade features more than 60 brightly decorated power and sailboats that will traverse the Clear Lake channel from the South Shore Harbour Marina and the Nassau Bay Lagoon to Galveston Bay. For more information on the parade and how to enter your boat, please visit www.clearlakearea.com/events/ annual-events/christmas-boat-parade
KWigglers
WILLOW TAIL KWiggler’s newest soft plastic is the 5 inch Willow Tail, available in a variety of colors. The Willow Tail, along with the rest of the KWiggler lures, are tough baits perfect for inshore fishing along the Gulf Coast. Paired with a jighead, the Willow Tail is great for spinning and casting rods. It also comes with a slot to make your lure weedless, ideal for fishing grass flats. The movement this lure provides guarantees more hook-ups on redfish, speckled trout, flounder and snook.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
KWigglers’ Willow Tail in Bone Diamond, FloMingo and Mansfield Margarita
kwigglers.com
NAUTICAL NUMBERS
19 The Galveston Bay record for the largest sheepshead caught on the fly is 19 inches. Alexander Butler caught the fish on Oct 4, 2016 using a Kwan shrimp fly.
Capt. Aubrey Black and the love of his life, Capt. Sally, combined their talents, experience and passion for the outdoors and started the fishing and hunting lodge of their dreams, Baffin Bay Rod and Gun.
C a p t. A u b r e y B l a c k February 12, 1962 - October 3, 2019
O
n October 3, 2019 the fishing community unexpectedly lost one of the great ones, Capt. Aubrey Black of Baffin Bay Rod and Gun. Aubrey was a kind and wonderful man whose passion was putting his clients on their personal best speckled trout. Together, Aubrey and his wife, Capt. Sally, achieved their dream of having a first-class fishing and hunting lodge on Baffin Bay. Sally is absolutely devastated
by the loss of Aubrey, but very thankful for all of the outpouring support from friends, family and the fishing community. To keep Aubrey’s legacy alive, Capt. Sally and the entire crew at Baffin Bay Rod and Gun invite everyone to continue booking fishing and hunting trips at “The Last Best Place on the Texas Coast.” Visit them online at www.baffinbayrodandgun.com
Name that fish B. Yellowtail Snapper ANSWER: B. The yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) is native to the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Light tackle is best for these line shy and wary fish. Many consider their white, flaky meat as the best of the snapper family.
D. Yellowtail Amberjack
Baffin Bay’s salinity levels regularly run 45-55 parts per thousand, making it the saltiest bay system in Texas. Baffin Bay is twice as salty as Galveston Bay and saltier than the Gulf of Mexico which is 35 ppt. Big speckled trout love Baffin Bay’s harsh high salinity environment.
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A. Coral Trout C. Hamachi
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Known for their fun fight, permit reach a maximum length of 48 inches and a weight of 79 pounds. They grow quickly until the age of 5. The older they get they also become more solitary fish. Permit can be found in shallow, tropical waters.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
GOT GREAT PICS TO SHARE? SEND TO: art@baygroupmedia.com
Max Conner with a big West Bay trout, as usual.
Dustin Nichols with a 21” redfish that had 60 spots! Caught on a One Knocker Spook in Holographic Bone around the Port O’Connor area.
Surfer: Molly Ware. Photo: Adam Valadez • @adamisraelvaladez • aivaladez@yahoo.com
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The V-33 is an ideal choice for owners looking to get into their first Viking-built boat and experience all of its inherent benefits.
Viking unveils Valhalla line of center consoles
From the brilliant and innovative minds and builders of Viking Yachts, the new and exhilarating Viking Valhalla is here
The appeal of the flagship V-41 is strong and simple: She’s the best big center console on the market.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
The V-37 shines as a versatile coastal or offshore fish-raising thoroughbred with the legs to run long distances powered by either twin or triple outboards.
T
his sleek new Viking
is what center console boating dreams are made of, offering a high-end spin on your average center console. The well renowned Viking Yachts builder has created a Valhalla V-33, V-37 AND V-41 that sets evolutionary standards in performance, engineering, quality and fishing capabilities. While strong in functionality and durability, the Valhalla does not withhold gorgeous craftsmanship and design. Some of the impeccable features of the new Valhalla line include gently-sloped S-shaped sheers, double forward chines, helm pods, raised toe rails and abundant seating throughout. On deck, a raised transom live well, in-deck fish boxes, rod holders, a port dive door and storage space galore, just to name a few of the key features of this new center console. The new Valhalla line certainly does not lack in power, with four-stroke outboards firing these impressive vessels from 300 to 425 in twin, triple or quad engines depending on length. A standard
for the Valhalla line is power-assist hydraulic steering, and joystick helm control systems, are of course, an option for any of the models. Stepped hulls, as well as the direct-fuel-injected engines allow for exceptional fuel economy and range. Bring all of the fishing equipment you need and more for offshore
“The new Valhalla line certainly does not lack in power.� trips and coastline trips alike. This center console allows for plenty of storage of all of the trimmings needed for fishing and hosts topnotch fishing equipment for your days on the water. This remarkable new creation from the Viking family is sure to impress, with all of your fishing, travel, durability and power needs, the Valhalla is unique in its class. For a more in depth look at the new Viking Valhalla line please contact our Galveston or Clear Lake offices at 409-741-8716.
Ample seating and storage on the V-37.
Spacious cockpit of the V-41.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
Photography and story by Brandon Rowan
T
he water is still and so am I. The redfish swims along a flat, that is painted with a palette of green sea grass and dull colored sand, unaware of our presence. On the bow of Capt. Clay Sheward’s skiff, I feel more like a hunter in
(Continued on page 20)
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(Continued from page 19) a tree rather than a fisherman. The rod in my hand is the bow and the arrow is a hair-tied Buggs jig at the end of my line. Clay gives the word and I make a light cast behind and ahead of the red. We can see everything in the water on this calm October morning. I reel quickly to intercept the moving fish and begin jigging to tempt what I hope is a hungry fish. My heart starts beating faster as the redfish inches closer and closer to my offering. Time thickens and that half moment seems to last an eternity before the fish inhales the Buggs lure.
BEGINNINGS
Clay Sheward, 37, was born and raised in Spring, Texas. His passion for fly fishing started very early in life. “I’ve been fly fishing for a really long time, since 1992, when the movie A River
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Runs Through It came out,” Clay said. “I saw that movie with my dad and that Christmas, my family provided me a fly tying kit and a fly rod.” This film, which won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography in 1993, is set in early 20th century Montana and follows a pair of brothers and their love of fly fishing. Many scenes in this movie do an excellent job of capturing the camaraderie of fishing; the tense moments before the catch and the euphoria after the fact. Clay cut his teeth fly fishing on the local ponds and creeks near the Woodlands, but as he grew older his love of fly fishing carried him to new locations. “Mostly, I went to the Guadalupe and the White River in Arkansas. Sometimes my family would travel to Colorado. I didn’t get to do it a whole bunch but I would practice casting in the yard to teacups. Of course, I grew up and girls
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
“Tip down, strip tight and everything will be alright.” came along, but I always tied flies. I still do it regularly,” Clay said.
OCEAN CALLING
Eight years ago, Clay’s focus shifted from freshwater to saltwater fly fishing. First from a kayak, then to an Ankona ShadowCast 18 which served him and his customers well for several years. But in 2019, Clay was searching for his perfect skiff and finally found it. “I run a 2019 Chittum Skiffs Laguna Madre with a 50HP Tohatsu. I couldn’t be happier. The trailer is gorgeous and it is such a really nice rig. I can’t believe that I have one. It’s just unbelievable,” Clay said.
Time returns to normal and I quickly bring my first sight-casted redfish to hand. I get a “Nice Job” and a fist bump from Clay after the release. The day is early and we continue our hunt for redfish along the sandy flat. Stingrays, so many stingrays, hover along eeriely as we the glide down the shoreline. Flounder scoot away in a trail of punctuated mud puffs and gnarled, large crabs plod on slowly. This is my first time on a poling skiff and it 100% reminds me of flounder gigging. You are able to witness the abundant life of the bay, visually scanning until your target is located and then a careful approach begins. Unlike the rapid fire retrieves of blind fan casting, you often only get a single shot, like a sniper, when sight casting to a redfish. Further down the flat, we have no problem tracking down more reds on this absolutely gorgeous day. Bronze backs and tails flick along the shorelines and shell points. Some of these we catch, others refuse the lure or fly, and others spook and run. It felt like an entire day’s worth of fishing has happened but in reality only two hours have passed. But the day is young. We make a change, push off the flats and head back into the deeper recesses of the marsh.
BUGGY WHIPPIN
The Chittum has expanded Clay’s range and clients of Buggy Whippin Sight Fishing enjoy access to the skinniest of waters in our area.
STUDENT OF NATURE
Clay’s love and careful examination of nature has paid dividends on the flats, where subtle, easily overlooked signs can tip off the location of fish. “I like to watch animals. It doesn’t matter if it’s just me chilling in the backyard watching birds or hawks, or even seeing my dogs’ ears perk up when they catch a scent and chase it down,” Clay said. “Sitting stream-side, watching a trout circle behind a rock and then leave
during changing cloud cover and then come back to the same spot several times a day. Or watching a spider build a web completely from start to finish. That sort of thing.” Clay recently purchased a drone to better observe wildlife in the marsh. This eye in the sky lends a totally different point of view compared to a poling skiff. “I’ve seen some crazy things with trout and redfish schooling up on the flats with the drone,” Clay said. “I’ve seen schools of redfish following one big alligator gar. Whatever the gar did, the redfish did the same. I’ve seen bobcats back there in Green’s Lake, as well as pigs. It’s educational as hell.”
Clients of Capt. Clay Sheward can expect to fish the maze of marshes and flats on the north shoreline of West Bay and the surrounding areas. There are opportunities to wade or even fish from shore. His Chittum Laguna Madre skiff has everything the fly angler could want and accommodates two fisherman. However, you don’t need to know how to fly fish to enjoy sight casting for redfish. Catching these fish on light spinning tackle is still a blast and provides ample challenge. You will be thoroughly tested on how accurately and quickly you can place a cast. “Scratch them on the chin” is what Clay advises when casting to a hungry redfish. It’s hard for them to resist an easy meal in front of their noses. An alternative method is to cast beyond and ahead of a fish, making sure you intercept its path. No matter your tackle, stealth and speed are essential for success. Casts GulfCoastMariner.com
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This bruiser marsh redfish gulped up the Buggs Redfish Jig the moment in landed in front of it.
must be made quickly but delicately, without excessive movement. Heavy steps, twisting hips or any careless motion can rock the skiff and alert fish to your presence. Clay does not sugar coat it. If you are doing something wrong, he will absolutely let you know. But the best teachers rarely coddle. Those ready to learn and listen have a high probability for an epic day of redfishing with Captain Clay Sheward.
KEEPING IT FLY
As a fledgling fly fisherman, I was eager to pick Clay’s brain on advice for those new to the sport. “First, remember ‘Tip down, strip tight and everything will be alright,’” Clay said. “Second, if you feel like you need to go faster and harder, you probably need to go slower and softer, especially with a fly rod.” Must-have flies include the Kwan, Clouser, Gurgler, spoon fly and any shrimp imitation with a weed guard. If Clay could only have one it would be the Kwan. He also recommends tying a loop
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knot, with as small a loop as possible, for most flies. He is an avid user of 16 and 20 lb tippets for his clients when targeting redfish on the upper coast. He is also a firm believer in casting whichever rod you are going to buy. “Cast it and get what feels good to you. Redfish don’t need expensive fly reels. It’s nice to have, but not needed for reds in our area,” Clay said. “Gordy and Sons is one of the nicest fly shops in Houston. They’re no joke and the people that work there are extremely knowledgeable fly anglers.” Although Clay’s all-time favorite fishing location is the Black Hills of South Dakota, his favorite fish to catch on the fly is the tripletail. “Getting them to eat is the best because they are so stingy man! It’s got to be a perfect presentation,” Clay said. “You can get really close to them though and that gets the nerves going. I think that’s my favorite right now, but chasing a redfish with its back out of the water, and poling up to them...hunting them, that’s always going to be for me.”
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
The sun is out now and we find ourselves deep in the marsh, floating along a back creek that is absolutely full of redfish. We glide over schools of erratic, frenzied bait as multiple big redfish cruise down the shoreline, picking them off lazily, one by one. It’s been several hours since we left the dock and I’ve honed in on what’s needed to effectively spot and cast to fish, thanks to Clay’s instruction. We absolutely tore it up on that little stretch of water. After each fish caught and released, we seemed to spot another one right away. Clay caught an absolute beauty of a fish that taped out barely over 28 inches; a heartbreaker of a fish if it was a tournament day. My favorite catch of the day was an upper slot redfish that came on a second chance. We had a pair of fish swim across our path that ignored the first presentation. They picked up speed and starting swimming away, no longer in sight. I flung out a far cast, as delicately
as I could, and started jigging back to where I thought they might be. I knew I got it right when my reel’s drag started screeching. After a rigorous fight, I brought the bronzed backed, pumpkin eyed fish in for a quick photo and release. It was early in the afternoon but we decided to end the day on high note. The Chittum snaked its way through the marsh lanes as we made the scenic trek back to the dock. I was definitely impressed with the way the boat handled. It took on chop with no issue, didn’t slide around the corners and granted us access to areas other poling skiffs couldn’t reach that day. I’ve caught my fair share of redfish and I’ve got to say this was the absolute, most exciting way to catch them. If you have a background in
kayaking, gigging or hunting, and you haven’t sight casted to redfish, you are missing out I’d say. Summer and fall are Clay Sheward’s favorite times to be on the water but winter does have its perks. “The water is so clear in the winter and it’s so fun. You can see everything on the bottom when you’re poling. You can learn so much, it’s incredible.”
“Sight casting to redfish from a poling skiff is a whole different ball game and in my opinion, the most exciting way to catch a redfish. I almost had one on the fly rod but there’s always next time...” -Brandon Rowan
Book a trip with Capt. Clay Sheward by visting buggywhippin.com, emailing claysheward@ gmail.com or calling/texting 281-745-1578. Rates for two people max are 4 hours at $450, 6 hours at $550 and 8 hours at $650. Check him out on Instagram and Facebook @BuggyWhippin
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[INSHORE]
LIVE SHRIMP SUPPLIES Are they in jeopardy for the future? By Capt. Joe Kent
L
ive shrimp likely are the most
popular and sought after bait along the Gulf Coast. While inventories at bait shops have been erratic this season, anglers willing to search a wide area around the Galveston Bay Complex usually have been able to locate live shrimp. What does the future hold for this valuable resource? Will we have sufficient supplies for future generations? What will the cost be for Gulf Coast anglers? Live shrimp are caught by shrimpers dragging their nets in the bays. For many decades there were few regulations on shrimpers; however, as the number of bay shrimpers increased, problems began and a multitude of regulations were enacted. Beginning in the late 1970s, shortages of redfish and speckled trout started showing up. While fish-killing freezes had a major impact, studies showed that the bays were being over harvested by shrimpers, along with the resulting by catch mortality rate for other marine life. The first step was to ban any future commercial shrimp trawl licenses. While this halted future shrimpers getting into the business, it did not address the large numbers of boats working the bays day in and day out. For that reason a “buy-back” program was started where shrimpers could sell their licenses and have them taken off of the books, meaning eliminating another shrimp boat from shrimping the bays. After over 20 years of the buy back program and no additional permits being issued, the numbers of active shrimpers started to dwindle. Recently, the owner of two bait shops in the Galveston area visited with me about his concerns and the problems likely to occur if something does not change. Some of the concerns he expressed were that bait shrimpers are leaving the business at a rapid rate making it increasingly difficult to obtain dependable supplies of live shrimp. The bait shops and camps most affected are the smaller ones that cannot justify having a designated shrimper for their supplies.
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
A LL
A B O U T
SHRIMP IN TEXAS Brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) and white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) make up the bulk of Texas landings for food and bait. In general, adult shrimp spawn in the Gulf of Mexico. One female shrimp releases 100,000 to 1 million eggs that hatch within 24 hours. Bait shrimping is allowed year-round in major bays from sunrise to sunset. Personal Shrimping for food has a Spring and Fall season. See tpwd.texas. gov for full regulations. The National Marine Fisheries Service reported a total of 96.5 million pounds of shrimp landed in the Gulf of Mexico in 2018.
“Bait shrimpers are leaving the business at a rapid rate.”
The cost of diesel, the most common fuel for shrimp boats, is increasing and the shrimp stocks are declining. A good number of shrimp boat operators have relocated from the Galveston Bay Complex to areas where shrimp are more plentiful. The current regulations also contribute to the problem, as they were enacted based on a much higher number of shrimp boats operating in the bays. In the past, shrimpers would drag for both live shrimp for the bait shops and table shrimp for seafood markets. Low table shrimp prices driven by imported foreign shrimp currently make it unprofitable for them to go after table shrimp. Now, let’s take a look at what is going to take place if nothing changes. Higher prices and more shortages will be the result. As fuel prices increase, the profits for shrimpers decrease. With the restrictions on poundage they are allowed to catch daily, the result is obvious. Higher prices at the bait camps, for live shrimp when available. Today, the average price for a quart of live shrimp in the Galveston Bay Complex is around $20. If prices increased to say $35/quart would anglers continue to purchase this bait? Also, there is a good possibility that shrimp would start selling by the dozen and not by the pint or quart. Along the Southeast Atlantic coast, live shrimp go for between $5.00 and $7.00 per dozen. If this practice was adopted along the Gulf Coast and if the price of shrimp rose, just think about how far a couple of dozen of shrimp at say $12.00/dozen would go during the summer when almost every fish and crab are in a feeding mode. Summertime anglers know how many shrimp are lost to bait snatchers and take that into consideration when purchasing live bait. The result would be an unaffordable fishing trip at the higher prices. While there is not much we can do about the foreign shrimp competition or fuel prices, one thing that should take place is for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to reevaluate the poundage limitation for bay shrimpers considering that there are much fewer shrimp boats on the water today. The TPWD has done an excellent job of managing our wildlife resources and hopefully they will continue that trend by doing what is best for our future supplies of live shrimp.
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[INSHORE]
CLEAR LAKE
Clear Lake can be a winter fishing hot spot. Mud on the shallows retains heat and nearby deep water provides refuge for fish during wild temperature drops. Flounder can be caught in numbers early in the run, before they head to the passes.
SAN LEON
Rachel Thevenet
Late Fall Fishing By Capt. David C. Dillman
galvestonbaycharterfishing.com 832-228-8012
W
ow. It’s hard to
Look to the shoreline between Eagle Point and April Fool Point when confronted with a NorthNorthwest in November and December. Soft plastics, suspending lures and live bait are productive over scattered shell and near piers.
TRINITY & MORE
Jack’s pocket and Trinity Bay will continue to be hot in fall and winter for trout and redfish. Tabbs, Crystal, Scott and Burnett bays all offer protection from wind. Fish will seek the deep water in these areas during extreme cold fronts.
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believe that another year has passed. I wrote this article on the verge of Halloween, and finally the Upper Coast had its first passage of a “cold front.” Although not really cold, it at least got us out of summer-like temperatures and hopefully curtailed the remaining hurricane season. Tropical Storm Imelda, wreaked enough havoc in some places along the Upper Coast of Texas. Prior to the arrival of Imelda, Galveston Bay was flourishing with speckled trout and redfish. The fish were being caught over the entire bay system. Then when everything was setting up for some outstanding late September and October fishing in Galveston Bay, torrential local rainfall and subsequent runoff curtailed the action. I am praying that this November and December, we see a return to a near normal weather pattern and end this year with some great fishing and catches. I am optimistic that the fish will be caught from the traditional locations for this time of year. Trinity Bay should produce it’s fair share of speckled trout and redfish in November. Both shorelines in Trinity, depending upon the wind, will be excellent choices for those who like to wade and or boat fish.
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
Terri Moreau
Jack’s Pocket should not be overlooked. The fish were there prior to Imelda! Also in November, the shoreline between Eagle Point and April Fool Point, has always been productive, especially with a North-Northwest wind. December, look for the fish to be transitioning to the Northwest reaches of our bay. Tabbs, Crystal, Scott and Burnett bays will all produce fish. This area offers shelter from the winds and provides the fish with deep water protection from severe cold fronts. One of the best stringers of fish I ever caught came from this area with air temperature hovering around 30 degrees. Clear Lake should not be overlooked during this month. Again, it offers the protection from the wind and allows the fish to slide off into deeper water in case of a severe temperature drop. In November and December the flounder fishing is in full swing! The usual places should all produce excellent catches. The Galveston Harbor would be high on my list as the top spot. Of course, shorelines adjacent to major marsh drains, passes and the Galveston Jetties are also good. Remember to take precautions this time of year. Check the weather and dress for the conditions. I highly recommend a waterproof/windproof jacket and carrying an extra set of dry clothing. Enjoy the Holidays and remember that the Houston Boat Show begins the first week of January. I will be there at the Eagle Point Fishing Camp booth during the show. Eagle Point should have plenty of live shrimp and mudfish for the angler.
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WE ASK captains, guides and those in the industry what they’re throwing, for what species and what they’re drinking after a long day of fishing.
Full-time fishing guide of Hook Down Charters specializing in wading with artificial lures in Port Mansfield, Texas.
www.kwigglers.com | 210-287-3877 First, I use soft plastics (KWigglers) 95% of the time, the other five percent you can catch me throwing topwaters. Over the last couple years, I have found myself throwing the Willow Tail Shad (WTS) most of the time. This is a very effective shallow water bait and I always rig it on our 2/0, 1/8 oz. short shank black nickel hook. All of my charters are done wading with artificial lures. I am never fishing over 3 feet, and most of the time it is less than thigh deep. With the WTS and small jighead I can effectively, and with control, work the lure in just about any condition (grass, potholes, ledges etc..) Every short twitch with the rod tip makes that WTS tail flip flop around – I believe the lackadaisical attitude of the bait entices a strike from just about any fish. The WTS is a lazy bait, not designed for a simple cast and retrieve method. The angler should work the bait. The mere profile of the WTS is in and of itself luring to big fish. Over the last two years I have been targeting and have been able to somewhat pattern South Texas Snook. To date, I have landed 52 during my trips. Almost all of them have been over 28 inches, with the largest one taping out at 35 inches and 13 pounds. All have come on the Willow Tail. I also caught the STAR winning trout while snook fishing - a 31+ incher at 9.5 pounds. Since I am a licensed captain I do not qualify for CCA STAR so the fish was released (it would have been anyway). As far as a dock cocktail after a day of fishing - well of course the “Wiggler.” White rum, cranberry and a splash of grapefruit juice. I took it to our local restaurant in Port Mansfield, The Pelican, and they loved it so much they put it on their menu and it is the number one selling cocktail.
Lakewood releases results of ’19 Harvest Moon Regatta
A
total of 119 sailboats
crossed the starting line in Galveston to begin the 33rd Annual Harvest Moon Regatta. Hundreds of sailors, from novice to expert, look forward to this event each October. HMR is a fun offshore race that ends with a fabulous party in the Port Aransas Pavillion, including an excellent BBQ dinner and live entertainment. And, Founding Sponsor Bacardi Rum supplied plenty of rum for all racers, volunteers, and party guests at the Welcome Sailor Rum Party. Some of this year’s big winners are: • Bacardi Cup / Bear / Forbes Durdin
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• • • • •
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
Cameron Cannon / Song of the South / Michael Glass John Broderick Memorial / La Isla / Kevin Somers Founders’ Award / Try Me / Greg Way Bill Hall Memorial Trophy /Bear / Forbes Durdin Luna Trophy / Astarte / Cheryl Morvillo A complete list of race results can be found at harvestmoonregatta.com. This annual race is organized by Bay Access, a charitable organization supporting amateur racing, and hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club.
Aside from title sponsor, Bacardi Rum, other major sponsors include City of Seabrook, Bay Area Houston Magazine, Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine, Insurance Navigators, Davis Marine Electronics, Upstream Brokers, Texas Coast Yachts, Faron Daigle Realtor, Little Yacht Sales, Pelican Insurance Agency, Y.E.S., True North Marine, Sea Lake Yachts, Thomas Bates Accessories, Hayes Rigging, Coast Guard Foundation, Marine Max, TMCA, Boatpix.com, Mantus Anchors, Optima Marine, Ocean Navigator, Pleasure Pier, Boaters’ Retail Shop of Texas and West Marine.
Entrepreneur and CEO of JetSurf Houston, Jordan Davlin.
C
lear Lake entrepreneur
and CEO of JetSurf Houston, Jordan Davlin, has brought new life to Clear Lake with the new and exciting sport of Motosurf. Think personal watercraft crossed with a wakeboard, add a hint of dirt-slinging and an engine-buzzing motorbike; that’s JetSurf. You have got to give it a try! The JetSurf carbon fiber board is extremely light-weight (less than 10 lbs.) and comes with a motor. The motor makes it so that you can ride and carve on the water with just the press of a button on a handle that you hold onto. This water sport is extremely safe and anyone from a beginner to someone who is very experienced can have fun with it. JetSurf is perfect for anyone who loves the water, male or female. If you want to learn how to ride then JetSurf Academy Houston is the perfect answer. Jordan can give you lessons right outside of his showroom on Clear Lake. Or, JetSurf now has a JetSurf Academy on Lake Longhorn off Highway 96 in League City. Lake Longhorn is a private, man-made lake that provides extremely calm water and no other boat traffic for a relaxing and less intimidating environment to learn how to ride.
34
“JetSurf is perfect for anyone who loves the water, male or female.” Become a JetSurf Racer If you want to take it to the next level, then join MotoSurf WorldCup or MotoSurf Continental Cup events and start your Motosurf career as a racer. The MotoSurf Continental Cup gives every rider an opportunity to start a racing career. Continental Cup consists of these divisions - MotoSurf Continental Cup Europe, MotoSurf Continental Cup Asia and MotoSurf America. Anyone can come, race, and have fun
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
on a race course with others. MotoSurf Continental Cup is a great way to collect your first racing experience on your JetSurf. MotoSurf WorldCup is the very first motorized surfboard racing series in the world, established back in 2013. JetSurf is an easy craft to be carried by plane or car. Simple traveling across the globe makes MotoSurf racing one of the most affordable motorsport disciplines nowadays. MotoSurf WorldCup is raced on a race course built from buoys. It offers a super intense racing feeling to the riders and great watching opportunities to the spectators on the shore. Whether it’s just for fun or to become apart of the racing circuit, stop by to see Jordan at the JetSurf Houston showroom here in Seabrook. He’s more than willing to answer any questions you may have, get you set up for a lesson, or sell you your very own JetSurf board. Also, stay tuned for some exciting news about JetSurf events coming to the area in 2020. JetSurf Houston www.jetsurfhouston.com Endeavour Marina 3101 E. Nasa Pkwy, Suite H. Seabrook, TX 77586
GulfCoastMariner.com
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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
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2019 Sea Pro 259 Boat, Motor and Trailer Package Starting at $126,995 Twin Suzuki 175hp “4 Stroke” Hard T-top, Forward Seating, 12” Simrad GPS/Charts/Depth, Tempered Glass Windshield, Freshwater Shower, Side Entry Door, Fusion Audio w/4 speakers, Windlass, Tilt Hydraulic Steering 281.916.5000 • GCMBOATS.COM
2013 Ocean Alexander 72 Pilothouse Motor Yacht $2,119,000 David Hunt 713-819-7426 www.galatiyachts.com
2019 Sea Pro 208 Bay 2001 Ferretti 57 Motor Yacht $444,000 Cory W. Webster 281-636-2228 www.galatiyachts.com
Boat Motor and Trailer Package Starting at $35,995 Suzuki 150hp “4-Stroke” Stainless Steel Prop, Ritchie Compass, Two “Tournament” Live Wells, Simrad GPS/ Charts/Depth, Fusion Stereo w/ 4 speakers 16 rod holders & 8 drink holders 281.916.5000 • GCMBOATS.COM
2019 World Cat 230cc 2005 Formula 48 PC $295,000 Larry Smith 850-259-8989 www.galatiyachts.com
Boat, Motor and Trailer Package Starting at $89,995 Twin Yamaha 115hp 4 Stroke Canvas T-top, 30 gal livewell, Raw water washdown, Forward Seating, 2 – 150qt insulated fish boxes 281.916.5000 • GCMBOATS.COM
GulfCoastMariner.com
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Galveston Bay Tides EAGLE POINT, TX NOAA Station Id: 8771013
NOVEMBER Fri 11/1
DECEMBER Sun 12/1
Sat 11/16
Mon 12/16
04:00 AM
1.64 H
03:15 AM
1.43 H
03:35 AM
1.16 H
03:32 AM
0.94 H
04:38 PM
0.14 L
03:01 PM
-0.08 L
04:11 PM
-0.22 L
03:48 PM
-0.55 L
Sat 11/2
Mon 12/2
Sun 11/17
Tue 12/17
04:53 AM
1.63 H
03:55 AM
1.45 H
04:03 AM
1.08 H
03:37 AM
0.84 H
05:36 PM
0.21 L
03:56 PM
-0.08 L
05:06 PM
-0.12 L
04:38 PM
-0.42 L
Sun 11/3
Tue 12/3
Mon 11/18
Wed 12/18
04:35 AM
1.59 H
04:25 AM
1.42 H
04:17 AM
0.98 H
03:13 AM
0.70 H
05:42 PM
0.29 L
04:56 PM
-0.03 L
06:01 PM
-0.02 L
05:29 PM
-0.24 L
Mon 11/4
Wed 12/4
Tue 11/19
Thu 12/19
05:08 AM
1.52 H
04:42 AM
1.35 H
04:15 AM
0.87 H
02:39 AM
0.57 H
06:53 PM
0.36 L
06:00 PM
0.06 L
06:55 PM
0.10 L
06:17 PM
-0.02 L
Tue 11/5
Thu 12/5
Wed 11/20
Fri 12/20
05:28 AM
1.43 H
04:38 AM
1.23 H
03:59 AM
0.76 H
02:10 AM
0.49 H
08:00 PM
0.45 L
07:04 PM
0.19 L
07:48 PM
0.23 L
09:40 AM
0.00 L
04:15 PM
0.23 H
07:03 PM
0.21 L
Wed 11/6
Fri 12/6
Thu 11/21
05:35 AM
1.32 H
04:20 AM
1.09 H
03:35 AM
0.67 H
08:59 PM
0.54 L
08:07 PM
0.36 L
10:48 AM
0.30 L
Sat 12/21
04:22 PM
0.44 H
01:42 AM
0.48 H
08:41 PM
0.37 L
09:47 AM
-0.26 L
Thu 11/7
Fri 11/22
05:28 AM
1.21 H
03:56 AM
0.98 H
09:49 PM
0.65 L
10:53 AM
0.54 L
Sat 12/7
04:10 PM
0.71 H
03:06 AM
0.62 H
01:13 AM
0.52 H
09:09 PM
0.57 L
10:35 AM
0.12 L
10:14 AM
-0.49 L
06:16 PM
0.55 H
09:36 PM
0.51 L
Fri 11/8
Sun 12/22
05:11 AM
1.12 H
11:37 AM
0.81 L
Sat 11/23
04:53 PM
0.97 H
03:33 AM
0.92 H
10:34 PM
0.77 L
10:52 AM
0.28 L
Sun 12/8
06:24 PM
0.85 H
02:32 AM
0.62 H
10:13 PM
0.77 L
10:44 AM
-0.06 L
07:42 PM
0.66 H
Tue 12/24
10:39 PM
0.63 L
11:26 AM
-0.78 L
11:06 PM
0.78 H
Sat 11/9
0.61 H
10:48 AM
-0.67 L
10:08 PM
0.71 H
1.07 H
11:35 AM
0.64 L
Sun 11/24
06:26 PM
1.03 H
03:07 AM
0.93 H
11:17 PM
0.90 L
11:15 AM
0.03 L
Mon 12/9
08:07 PM
1.00 H
01:49 AM
0.66 H
Wed 12/25
11:22 PM
0.96 L
11:04 AM
-0.22 L
12:07 PM
09:03 PM
0.75 H
04:17 AM
1.05 H
11:46 AM
0.48 L
Mon 11/25
07:46 PM
1.10 H
02:33 AM
0.99 H
Tue 12/10
11:46 AM
-0.18 L
11:30 AM
-0.36 L
09:43 PM
1.12 H
10:39 PM
0.83 H
Mon 11/11 1.08 H
Tue 11/26
12:05 PM
0.32 L
12:22 PM
-0.32 L
09:05 PM
1.18 H
11:23 PM
1.20 H
Wed 12/11 12:02 PM
-0.48 L
Thu 12/12 Wed 11/27 0.19 L
10:39 PM
1.25 H
01:01 PM
-0.39 L
12:57 PM
0.08 L
Thu 11/14
0.80 H
12:50 PM
-0.83 L
01:14 AM
0.79 H
01:35 PM
-0.80 L
Sat 12/28
12:28 AM
0.91 H
02:07 AM
0.76 H
12:39 PM
-0.56 L
02:20 PM
-0.74 L
Fri 12/13
Thu 11/28 Wed 11/13
12:11 AM
Fri 12/27
1.02 L
03:41 AM
12:29 PM
-0.83 L
Thu 12/26
12:01 AM
Tue 11/12
Sun 12/29
12:57 AM
1.24 H
01:33 AM
0.96 H
02:47 AM
0.71 H
01:43 PM
-0.40 L
01:21 PM
-0.62 L
03:04 PM
-0.66 L
Sat 12/14
Fri 11/29
Mon 12/30
01:24 AM
1.32 H
02:03 AM
1.24 H
02:24 AM
0.99 H
03:12 AM
0.63 H
01:32 PM
-0.00 L
02:29 PM
-0.36 L
02:08 PM
-0.65 L
03:46 PM
-0.57 L
Fri 11/15
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2019
12:26 AM
04:47 AM
Sun 11/10
38
Mon 12/23
Sun 12/15
Sat 11/30
Tue 12/31
02:29 AM
1.38 H
02:55 AM
1.21 H
03:05 AM
0.99 H
03:18 AM
0.54 H
02:13 PM
-0.06 L
03:18 PM
-0.30 L
02:57 PM
-0.62 L
04:26 PM
-0.45 L