Texas Fishing Annual 2023 -Lone Star Outdoor News

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FROM WORK TO PLAY

WHATEVER YOUR ADVENTURE IS, WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.

DURABLE AND SMOOTH SPINNING REELS FROM

Eagle Claw Inshore Spinning Reels are designed with the strength and durability to stand up to the rigors of inshore saltwater fishing.

Anglers often have to choose between durability and performance — but not so with the Eagle Claw Inshore Spinning Reels. The lightweight and saltwater-resistant aluminum body, spool and handle offer tank-like durability without sacrificing comfort. The 9+1 bearings offer silky-smooth operation anglers can feel with every rotation of the handle, and the front drag can take the sheer power and speed of any inshore species. The Inshore spinning reel is well-rounded and a new standby for anglers looking for flexibility and dependability in their fishing gear.

The reels are available in four sizes, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000. And best of all, at $99.99, the reels are priced right!

The coveted

30-INCH MARK

By Billy Gerke

My saltwater fishing experience did not begin until I was in my early 20s when my college roommate and now brother-in-law took me on a trip to Rockport. The trip ignited a fire in me for the coastal area and especially the fishing!

Since that first trip — the highlight of hooking an alligator gar on an artificial — things have swung in my favor and the memories we have made as a family on the water are some that I am so thankful for. Not only did that first trip kick-start a passion for the water but it also lead to a passion for products as well.

In 1998 I started a small company, ForEverlast, out of our tiny garage closet that had a window unit and a small desk. Since that time, things have progressed and what started as a hunting products venture quickly shifted to both hunting and fishing products with the introduction of the RayGuard boots in 2003. My passion for hunting had been instilled in me at a very young age, as my dad is an avid hunter. Fishing was somewhat still new to me at the time, but I was willing and determined to learn and adapt in the pursuit of becoming a good angler.

In the beginning we fished the Rockport area, mainly with my wife’s family and my father-in-law, Vic, as the captain. We chased redfish as a primary target and rarely had many trout in our box but always a good time was had. In about 2005, I purchased my first boat and began to travel south to the Upper Laguna Madre and the Baffin Bay area in pursuit of more — and when I say more, I mean the coveted 30-inch sow trout everyone is in search of.

While we caught our share of big fish over the years, it was not until I was fishing a tournament in East Matagorda Bay in 2007 that I struck gold in a sense, or at least for a speckled trout fisherman. I was fishing the east end of Matagorda Bay, commonly referred to as Brown Cedar Flats and, bang, I landed my first 30-plus actually measuring 31 1/4-inch trophy, which rests atop my desk today and actually won us some tournament cash.

The second came on a June 2011 morning when I loaded up my two young boys, my wife, and my parents for a vacation fishing trip to Baffin and with the first cast out of the boat over a slickfilled badlands I had my second, another 31 1/4-inch beauty which I measured in for CCA but fell short of winning, but to me I had already won again.

The third time was an early June 2015 morning when my oldest son, Ty, and I pulled up to one of our fishing favorite fishing spots to bait slashing and fish biting, and I reeled in yet another trophy — a 30-inch Baffin Bay beauty. After confirming she was not a CCA winner, we tried our best to preserve and release her, but she did not make it and joined the other two on my wall. Three fish over that 30-inch mark is a humbling thing because it seems they are fewer ones than in years past due to the pressure put on our fisheries and other factors such as time to pursue them.

Ty has on several occasions hit the 29.5-inch mark, one which qualified for the CCA Star, but he has yet to top the 30-inch mark. As I always tell him, it will happen and, with persistence, it will come.

With increasing pressure on the bays and the restricted time we actually get to spend on the water, it is truly difficult to do, but on July 16 as we pushed away from the dock at Harbor Bait and Tackle to fish East Matagorda Bay with Daniel Kubecka and Nick Stillwell of Run-N-Gun Adventures, we all had high hopes as we set out to do some filming for StruttinBuck Outdoors TV.

As we waded one of the mid-bay reefs about 9 a.m., my youngest son, Layne, hooked into something that was solid and was staying low in the water, so he was not sure exactly what he had until she surfaced and that big yellow mouth was staring him in the face. The fight was on and after two runs he was able to scoop her up. Once again, we struck trout gold when we laid her on the tape and she measured 30.5 inches and weighing in at 7 pounds, qualifying for the Star Tournament and had him on the leader board.

I hear it said all the time that grown men fish all their lives to catch a 30-incher and sometimes never do, so we feel extremely blessed to have experienced such success and are thankful for the opportunities to do so. To share the water with so many great folks over the years, and especially my boys and my family and friends, is such a true honor and blessing but to reach that coveted mark is just icing on the cake!

“We Live Hunting & Fishing”

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IMPROVE FISHING, FISH HEALTH WITH FISH FEEDERS

Biologists with experience in fish feeding and management can attest to the benefits of using an automatic fish feeder in fish farms, ponds and lakes. One feeder that stands out in terms of quality, durability and performance is the Texas Hunter Fish Feeder.

Fish feeding is an essential aspect of fish management, especially in recreational fisheries. Feeding fish not only ensures their survival but also promotes growth, improves health and enhances reproduction. Manual feeding can be time-consuming, inconsistent and labor-intensive, especially in large ponds or remote locations. That’s where automatic fish feeders come in handy.

Automatic fish feeders, such as Texas Hunter Fish Feeders, offer several huge benefits to anglers.

Consistency and accuracy

Automatic fish feeders provide consistent feeding schedules, which are critical for fish growth and health. The feeders can be programmed to feed at regular intervals, ensuring that fish get enough food without overfeeding or underfeeding.

Efficiency

Automatic fish feeders are efficient and save time and labor. While manual feeding requires someone to be present to dispense feed, automatic feeders can be set up and left to operate on their own, freeing up labor and time for other tasks…like fishing!

Cost-effective

While automatic fish feeders require an initial investment, they can save money in the long run. Feeders reduce feed waste, as they only dispense the required amount of feed, preventing overfeeding and reducing feed costs. Additionally, they ensure that every fish gets its share of the feed, which translates to better growth and reduced mortality rates.

Improved Fish Health

Consistent and accurate feeding with an automatic fish feeder promotes fish health by providing the necessary nutrients and energy for growth and reproduction. Feeding at regular intervals can improve the fish’s metabolism, reducing the risk of disease and stress.

Increased Fish Production

Automatic fish feeders promote faster and more efficient growth. Feeding fish with the right amount and type of feed can enhance the fish’s reproductive capacity, leading to higher spawning rates and healthier fry.

When it comes to automatic fish feeders, Texas Hunter Fish Feeders stand out for their features, durability, and performance. The Patented Centrifugal Air Blower System throws feed in a large, wedge-shaped pattern for optimal dispersion. These feeders are built to withstand harsh conditions and are 100-percent critter proof. Moreover, they are designed with user-friendly features such as digital timers, battery indicators, and easy-to-program settings, making them simple to use and maintain.

Feeding fish with an automatic fish feeder such as Texas Hunter Fish Feeders is an excellent investment for anglers looking to improve fish health, growth, and reproduction while saving time, labor, and money. In other words, Texas Hunter Products help Grow Bigger Fish Faster!

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TIDEWATER DOES IT AGAIN

Tidewater Boats, recently the leader in Texas sales for numerous years in the Saltwater 25-foot and up Center Console market, has introduced another winner. The TPC (Tidewater Performance Cats) Raptor 25 is a low profile/high performance cat that offers high quality with exceptional value. Tidewater, one of the largest boat builders in the U.S., has massive buying power which allows them to produce a superior product at a far more competitive price than the smaller builders of the “Texas Cat Boat.” The boat, motor and trailer start at $99,000!

The Hull

With a full 8-foot, 6-inch beam, the widest in the industry, along with the extended bow design creates a massive fishing platform with room for family and friends. Dual 45-gallon fuel tanks located in the port and starboard hulls lowers the center of balance also creating a more stable ride plus incredible range.

The Deck

A one-piece fiberglass inner-liner, almost never seen in this type of boat, creates a more functional, durable interior with a truly polished look. It also allows for more storage and more true dry storage than all the competition. Best of all, it provides a much more solid ride while eliminating the vibrations and noise apparent in the competitive brands.

Fishing

The TPC Raptor, already in use by many serious and tournament fisherman,

has three large, aerated live wells which are fully insulated allowing them to also be used as drink coolers or release wells. There are plenty of vertical rod holders and under gunnel rod storage and enough dash space to mount two 12-inch screens. The transom has a standard boarding ladder and still allows room for dual power poles. Port or starboard trolling motor mounting capability is available. They have an optional folding or removable burn bar with a removable sun top. The raw water wash is standard and fresh water also available.

Comfort

Custom wrap-around bucket seats with flip up bolsters are mounted on Shock Wave S-5 Suspension bases and, due to the wide beam, the console is wide enough to tuck behind when running in inclement weather conditions. There is forward seating and an optional 2-person removable rear seat is available. The extended bow covers a large area forward of the hulls providing a much dryer ride.

Performance

Yamaha 250 SHO pushes the boat above 50 mph and they will take up to 400 hp. Engines are mounted on a 10-inch hydraulic jack plate. The hull is a dual step design that increases economy and speed while creating an almost instant hole shot. Custom trim tabs are standard. While the boat drafts less than a foot of water, it will also tackle rough conditions of larger bays and open water much more comfortably than most.

shallow water performance cat, the Tidewater TPC Raptor should fit all your needs and then some. And they are available! Texas Sportfishing Yacht Sales in League City, Texas is Tidewater’s exclusive dealer for all Tidewaters 25ft and up and have a few TPC Raptors in stock. Tidewater has committed to at least one boat a week to Texas through this spring and summer. That is not many, but no two-year wait to get one.

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CCA SAN ANTONIO CELEBRATES ITS 44TH ANNUAL BANQUET

Mark your calendars! The Coastal Conservation Association San Antonio chapter’s 44th annual banquet is scheduled for Thursday, May 4 at the Freeman Coliseum exposition hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Your support plays a huge part in the success of CCA San Antonio and CCA Texas, and all money raised in Texas stays in Texas. All guests receive door and table gifts, as well as CCA membership and their STAR fishing tournament entry.

The San Antonio chapter of the CCA is one of the oldest in the country and is one of the largest, if not the largest, moneygenerating CCA banquets in the country. Don Strange of Texas provides catering with food stations throughout and an open bar featuring beer, wine and premium liquor. We have stuffed ice chest sales, a silent auction, a $10 raffle, and large raffles including a 21-foot shallow stalker, trailer and 175 hp Suzuki outboard,

Kawasaki Mule and trailer, 10 rifles/ shotguns and 10 pistols, and an ‘Outdoor Package’ raffle including a utility trailer, pellet grill and yard equipment.

Our big event is the live auction, featuring hunting and fishing trips all over the world, artwork, custom guns, and travel packages including the Kentucky Derby, CMA Awards, Indy 500 and much more. We look forward to seeing you.

We anticipate a sell-out crowd so please help protect our coastal resources by participating. Contact Ruth Eaton for tables at (210) 289-8821 or reaton@ eatoncontracting.com. Visit us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook or visit ccatexas. org/san-antonio.

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☎ (210) 289-8821

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TOP PERFORMING REELS AT A GREAT PRICE

Okuma’s new Ceymar HD spinning reels are lightweight and feature packed, making them the perfect reel for the multi-species angler who also insists on premium performance at a cost that won’t break the bank. These reels are constructed with a corrosion-resistant frame, side plate and rotor. From ultra-compact 1,000 size reels to the perfect inshore 5,000 size reel, the Ceymar HD is what you are looking for.

Starting at just 6.9 ounces, these lightweight reels feature 7HPG +1RB stainless-steel ball bearings as well as a multidisc, oiled felt drag system that puts out up to 20-lbs of drag. The Ceymar HD uses Okuma’s HDG-II High-Density Gearing, as well as a double ball bearing, supported machined brass pinion gear for the ultimate in smoothness. The machined aluminum, two-tone anodized spool gives it a sleek look that matches up with the rigid machined aluminum screw-in handle.

There are eight total models within the Ceymar HD spinning reel lineup. The 1,000, 2,500, 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 sizes all feature standard gear ratios of 5.2:1. There are also three high-speed reels in the 2,500H and 3,000H that have a 6.0:1 and the 4,000Xa has a 6.2:1 gear ratio. All models have an interchangeable screw-in handle system that can be changed from left to right-hand retrieve.

Lightweight, feature packed, and priced right at less than $100, the Ceymar HD reels are the perfect choice.

Producing fish for Texas anglers

By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star outdoor newS

Texas has a lot of reservoirs and a lot of fishermen and women. The state’s five fish hatcheries help make the chance for a good day of fishing better.

At the A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery, manager Mike Matthews said in a normal year, the hatchery puts out 3 to 6 million fingerlings that are stocked into up to 300 reservoirs.

“We’re the only place that does channel catfish fry, up to 1 to 2 million per year,” Matthews said. “And we produce 1 to 2 million hybrid striped bass and 1 to 2 million Lone Star bass.”

This year, production is down at the hatchery in San Marcos while pond liners are being replaced.

Matthews said the purpose of stocking is more involved than helping a lake’s numbers of fish increase — especially with largemouth bass and Guadalupe bass.

“We usually stock fingerlings approaching 2 inches long,” he said. “The fingerlings that make it grow up and reproduce, that’s been shown. We’re not necessarily trying to impact the overall population, we’re trying to get the right bass to make it and reproduce.”

The process with bass has worked and has

been witnessed by anglers and researchers.

“The impact goes far beyond what happens in that first year — it translates to a large number of fish and can change the overall look of a lake,” Matthews said.

Five hatcheries in Texas produce more than 7.5 million bass, 1.2 million catfish, 5.8 million striped bass and hybrid striped bass, and 1 million other species of fish for stocking into Texas reservoirs each year, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

A. E. Wood Fish Hatchery, San Marcos

A. E. Wood Fish Hatchery is located along the banks of the San Marcos River and specializes in rearing fingerling sportfish for stocking into more than 300 Texas reservoirs. Built in 1949, it was named for A. E. Wood who served on the Texas Game & Oyster Commission, a forerunner of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. The hatchery produces Lone Star largemouth bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout and koi carp (raised as forage for brood fish).

Dundee State Fish Hatchery, Electra

The Dundee State Fish Hatchery, located west of Wichita Falls, was built in 1927. It is

currently the largest Texas state hatchery in operation, with 97 ponds providing 83 surface acres. Approximately 7 million striped bass fry and 7 million hybrid striped bass fry hatch each year at the facility, which also produces channel catfish, rainbow trout and koi carp.

In 2012, fish rearing operations were suspended due to dry conditions at Lake Kemp. Operations resumed after 2016, but production has been limited.

John D. Parker East Texas Fish Hatchery, Brookeland

The newest freshwater hatchery came on line in 2012, producing up to 5 million fingerlings each year. The new facility replaced the 1932 Jasper Fish Hatchery and provides production capacity for largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish and forage fishes.

The hatchery is named for the late John D. Parker of Lufkin, who served as a Texas Parks and Wildlife commissioner from 2003-2009 and was instrumental in securing funding for the project. The hatchery produces Florida largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish and sunfish.

Possum Kingdom Fish Hatchery, Graford

The Possum Kingdom hatchery occupies

103 acres of land originally purchased by the State of Texas in 1947 for $12,858. The first phase of building was completed in 1950 at a cost of $297,000. In 2000, extensive renovations were implemented. The hatchery produces striped bass, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, walleye, saugeye, and koi carp.

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens

Largemouth bass production is the focus of the TFFC hatchery, which produces 3 to 4 million Florida largemouth bass fingerlings annually. Another function is the production of food for bass. In excess of 70 million koi carp (goldfish) are produced annually for this purpose.

Water for the TFFC hatchery and exhibits is pumped from Lake Athens, filtered and treated with ozone. After being used, the water is returned to the lake. The hatchery includes the Lunker Bunker, visible through a bay window at the end of the hatchery gallery in the Visitor Center. Tanks are used to hold largemouth bass entered into the ShareLunker Program. These tanks can also be used as quarantine or treatment areas for new or sick fish.

Make that BUCKET LIST TRIP

By Craig Nyhus Lone Star outdoor newS

Texas is huge, and its many fishermen and women usually concentrate efforts near to their home, where access is quicker and easier. But they dream of some of the trips they hear about, thinking they should make that trip one day. Many of those trips can become a reality sooner than later, with some time and planning and, of course, some driving.

Now may be the time.

Paddle the Devil’s River

Kayaking the Devil’s River and its super-clear water and enjoying the giant bluffs, rocks and hills dotted with wildlife, all while stopping to land a hard-fighting smallmouth bass tops the list for many Texas anglers.

Most trips are in small groups and take several days, including cooking and camping at stops along the river, with breaks to slow down or stop and fish, and fishing also takes place while guides are making earlymorning coffee and breakfast.

Do-it-yourselfers need a permit, and if you improperly exit onto adjoining ranches, you will be noticed.

The trip isn’t for the faint of heart, as it involves a lot of paddling and, when the water is low, portaging. Bring a hard case for your favorite rod, as there are narrow, brushy channels known for breaking rod tips.

While not glamorous, the vistas, high bluffs and clear water, not to mention the fish, make it worth it.

Head to another world

Caddo Lake is like entering a deep-Louisiana swamp, tunneling through towering cypress trees. The bass fishing can be great. Taking your boat and heading to the lake might not be advised at first, though, as it’s more than easy to get lost on the 25,400-acre lake. One thing is certain, it will feel like another planet, and the scenery will keep everyone happy. Another benefit, the area food in towns like Uncertain also is reminiscent of Louisiana with its Cajun flare.

Wade the flats

Many Texas anglers spend nearly all of their time on freshwater lakes, with only a charter trip or two to the coast. Slipping on a pair of wading boots and dropping off the side of the boat into the salty water of the flats either north or south of Port Mansfield may be a foreign experience, but as long as you can cast a good distance, you can catch fish in a new way. Water from ankle- to chest-deep awaits, with speckled trout and redfish there to hit your soft plastic offering. You’ll want some stingray guards over your wading shoes, though, even if just for peace of mind. At the tiny fishing village, you can rent a condo or house or stay in style at Getaway Lodge. Plenty of guides are available to put you in the right areas. After the fishing, there’s not a lot to do except watch the deer and turkey meander through town — which for some is another reason for a special trip.

Day trip for a boatful of cats

Lake Tawakoni is called the Catfish Capital of Texas for a reason, and summertime is a great time to gather some fillets for a neighborhood or family fish fry, with plenty of guides to help you find the fish. An easy drive from Dallas, the lake likely will come through for both blue and channel catfish.

Go offshore

Planning an offshore fishing trip can be a challenge. It can be tough to schedule, as winds can keep you home, but there’s plenty of great fishing for something you’ve never caught and something that may just pull harder than anything you’ve experienced. Boats for larger groups of anglers head out of Fisherman’s Wharf at Port Aransas on trips of varying lengths, while other private charters will take a handful of fishermen.

Catch a striper on top

Lake Texoma is known for its numbers of striped bass, and fishermen travel to the lake to catch limits, often bringing in quick limits on live bait. Some guides, though, want you to experience hooking a nice striper on a top-water lure. Striper Express is one, and there are others. May and June are a great time to try setting the hook after a striper explosion, but check with your outfitter to get a head’s up on the best time to head to the northern border.

Odom Wu, David J. Sams, Tawakoni Guide Service, TPWD, Striper Express

FISH WITH THE BEST WITH SLX A REELS

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It’s a tall task to redesign an industry benchmark for versatility and performance, so the Shimano team went to work developing the allnew SLX A series of lowprofile reels. Designed for tournament anglers and weekend warriors alike, the all-new SLX A series now features Shimano’s premium SilentTune technology to improve rotation and enhance overall reeling performance. Available in three gear ratios, Shimano built the SLX A with a HAGANE Body for increased durability and strength, so anglers can set the hook and land the fish of a lifetime. Unsurpassed quality and performance at an unbeatable price, the all-new SLX A series of reels is a must-have for anglers looking to upgrade their quiver.

Hagane Body Baitcasting

HAGANE is a Shimano reel design concept created to withstand continual use and extreme abuse. The HAGANE Body is a metal reel body with high rigidity. The body rigidity and impact resistance virtually eliminates body flexing on the reel while fighting fish. The result transforms the angler’s actions directly into cranking power, increasing efficiency through strength.

SilentTune

By applying slight pressure to the bearing holding the spool, SilentTune reduces the vibration of the bearing during high-speed rotation. This improves the quietness while casting and the rise of the spool rotation becomes even smoother.

S3D Spool

S3D technology leads to significantly reduced spool vibration. By designing and constructing a balanced and uniform thin-wall aluminum spool, S3D creates an incredibly smooth feeling when casting and retrieving lures.

Super Free Spool

Super Free Spool eliminates friction on the spool shaft during the cast. Standard baitcasting reels are constructed in a way that when the clutch bar is pressed down, the pinion gear is freed and can actually drag on the spool shaft. This creates friction that can limit the length of a cast. But baitcasting reels with Super Free Spool are constructed so that the pinion gear is supported by a ball bearing. When the clutch is disengaged in preparation for a cast, the pinion gear and spool shaft are kept in perfect alignment. The result: zero friction is placed upon the spool shaft and enhances casting performance.

Combined with the redesigned SLX series of rods, the reel is the perfect combinations for days on the water.

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County Home & Outdoors Nederland | 409-722-7100

Rambo Outdoors Beaumont | 409-242-1060

Field & Streams Sporting Goods San Angelo | 325-944-7094

Fishing Tackle Unlimited Houston | 281-481-6838

Fishing Tackle Unlimited Katy | 713-827-7762

Fun-N-Sun Hurst | 817-280-0303

Hook Line & Sinker Harlingen | 956-970-1349

Jeco's Marine Port O'Conner | 361-983-2000

Jensen Fishing Tackle Austin | 512-836-1788

Johnny's Sport Shop Eagle Lake | 979-234-3516

Johnny's True Value Hardware Harlingen | 800-642-7392

McBride's Austin | 512-472-3532

Rockport Tackle Town Rockport | 361-729-1841

Roy's Bait & Tackle Outfitters Corpus Christi | 361-992-2960

Serious Tackle La Marque | 409-935-1126

Southwestern Parts & Service Dallas | 214-630-8161

Tackle Box (Victoria) Victoria | 361-575-8700