Largest Hunting and Fishing Newspaper in Texas
September 14, 2018
Volume 15, Issue 2
Falcon putting out lunkers
Hunters prepare for incoming white-winged dove while hunting with the Valdina Ranch over the opening weekend. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Dove season underway
Several double-digit bass have been caught and released at Falcon Lake. Photo from John Adami.
Lone Star Outdoor News
Rains hinder second weekend
Big bass have been coming out of Falcon Lake, and not all from deep water. According to photos shared with Falcon State Park, recent landings have included Marie Garza’s bass of 12, 7 and 5 pounds, Arturo Infante with a 7.3- and 5.5-pounder and Andrez Lopez with a 7.5 and 5.5. Guide John Adami with Broken Braid Guide Service said the south end of the lake has been fishing the best. “The rockpiles on the south
By Craig Nyhus
Lone Star Outdoor News Opening weekend proved to be great in some areas while somewhat disappointing in others.
In the Graford, Throckmorton and Woodson areas, a few hunters shot limits, but many hunters and outfitters reported bird numbers were down for the opener. Bob Smith hunted with the Dallas Woods and Waters Club group east of Throckmorton, and the hunt was better than expected.
“We had a good hunt, we limited out in about an hour,” he said. “Some of our guys did OK, but others at the other end of the field didn’t do as well. Most of the birds were young, local birds.” The next day, Smith found himself at the wrong end of the field. “I was in the same area but only
shot a few,” he said. “Guys at the far end were doing much better.” Heavy rains in the area kept the hunters home during the second weekend of the season, but the rains were more than welcome, with most of the West Texas areas receiving 1-3 inches, with some pockets receiving more. Most Please turn to page 32
Tarpon action hot out of Galveston
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLANO, TX PERMIT 210
Please turn to page 13
Shallow-water anchors Factor in wading deaths By Mark England
By Nate Skinner
Lone Star Outdoor News
Tarpon have always been a highly cherished trophy for Texas saltwater anglers, and the nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico that surround the Galveston Jetties and beachfront are known for producing colossal catches of silver kings. Capt. Mike Williams targets the species out of the Galveston area. According to Williams, the prime time for chasing silver kings is occurring now. “The best tarpon action of the year is taking place as we speak, and it will persist as late as mid-October,” Williams said. Williams said the annual southern migra- Michael Ochoa, of LaPorte, caught this silver king while fishing tion of tarpon is something Texas anglers can on his 16th birthday with Capt. Michael LaRue. Photo from Please turn to page 33
Freshwater Fishing Report . Page 10 Game Warden Blotter . . . . Page 12 Heroes . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16 Sun, Moon & Tides . . . . . Page 22 Products . . . . . . . . . . Page 24 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . Page 31 Outdoor Datebook . . . . . Page 34
The death of a Victoria man last month marked the third time in little more than a year that an angler drowned trying to swim after a drifting boat on the Texas coast. In each case, the misuse of a mechanical or hydraulic anchor is believed to have been a contributing factor, according to Texas law enforcement officials. The body of Thomas Followwill, 22, was found August 18 near Grass Island after he swam after a boat. A companion, who made it to shore, told rescuers that their fishing boat drifted away. “This young man was healthy and
Michael LaRue.
Please turn to page 20
HUNTING
INSIDE
CONTENTS
Time Sensitive Material • Deliver ASAP
For Lone Star Outdoor News
Finally, a limit
FISHING
(P. 4)
Crappie moving up
Youngsters reach feat during opening weekend.
Good catches reported.
Big spenders
Reduce the limit?
(P. 6)
Sportsmen and women contribute $93.5 billion.
Upper coast trout survey.
(P. 8) (P. 8)