2014 TEXAS BAG LIMITS Saltwater
Freshwater Daily Length In Bag Inches
Daily Bag
Length Inches
Amberjack, Greater
1
34 - No Limit
Bass: striped, hybrids
5
18 - No Limit
Catfish: channel, blue
25
12 - No Limit
Catfish, flathead
5
18 - No Limit
18 inches
No Limit
14 - No Limit
Bass, striped & hybrid striped
5
Catfish, gafftopsail Cobia
2
37 - No limit
Bass, white
25
10 inches
Drum, black
5
14 - 30 in.
Drum, red
3
20 - 28 in.
Bass, yellow
No limit
No min.
Flounder
5/2
Gar, alligator
1
Grouper, gag
2
Species
Grouper, goliath
14 - No limit No limit 22 - No limit Catch and release only
Mackerel, king
2
27 - No limit
Mackerel, Spanish
15
14 - No limit
Marlin, blue
No limit
131 - No limit
Marlin, white
No limit
86 - No limit
Mullet
No limit
No limit - 12
Sailfish
No limit
84 - No limit
Seatrout, spotted
10
15 - 25 inches
Species
Bass: • largemouth and 5 smallmouth • spotted & Guadalupe 5
14 inches No min.
Catfish: channel & blue 25
12 inches
Catfish, flathead
18 inches
5
Crappie: white & black 25
10 inches
Paddlefish
No harvest allowed
Gar, alligator
1
No min.
Saugeye
3
18 inches
Sunfish: various species included
No limit
No min.
Trout: rainbow & brown 5
No min.
Walleye
No min.
5
Sharks: • Atlantic sharpnose,
1
• Other shark species
1
24 - No limit blacktip, bonnethead
• Prohibited species
64 - No limit Catch and release only
Sheepshead
5
Snapper, lane
No limit
Snapper, red
4
Snapper, vermilion
No limit
Snook
1
24 - 28 inches
Tarpon
1
85 - No limit
Triggerfish, gray
20
16 - No limit
Tripletail
3
17 - No limit
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15 - No limit 8 - No limit 15 - No limit 10 - No limit
Consult www.tpwd.state.tx.us for additional regulations. EXPIRES AUG. 31, 2014
Make the adventure last with ICEHOLE coolers
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hether you are drifting for trout along the Texas coast or throwing plastics to spawning bass, keeping your fish, ice, food and drinks colder longer is paramount. The ICEHOLE High-Performance Cooler sets the standard for toughness and long-lasting cold food and drink. The family owned business has supplied the U.S. military with products for an array of combat vehicles and equipment. Using the same military specifications when deciding to manufacture coolers, ICEHOLE’s design features a custom engineered one-piece exclusive freezer seal design with no adhesives or seams causing air infiltration, assuring a tight fit that makes the cold stay in and the warm air stay out. Other features include non-skid feet, a leak-proof drainage system and latches from the U.S. military’s M2 Bradley fighting vehicle. ICEHOLE takes pride in its coolers being 100-percent American made, removing the risk of foreign components compromising the coolers. To prove it, every cooler has its own serial number and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Lone Star Outdoor News put the ICEHOLE 60-quart cooler to the test on several hot South Texas days this past season. After long days of filling feeders, checking game cameras, scouting for deer and doing other chores, the drinks were gone but the ice was hardly affected. We suggested a new slogan for when you aren’t driving or handling a firearm, “You’ll run out of beer before you run out of ice.”
ICEHOLE Coolers / iceholecoolers.com / (830)-895-4405
LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Texas Fishing Spring Annual 2014
Rapala unveils shallow- and deep-water scatter raps
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ith Rapala’s release of new shallow- and deep-running Scatter Raps, bass can run, but have nowhere left to hide. “I’ve fished them both and they are incredible,” said Rapala Pro Ott DeFoe, the 2011 Bassmaster Rookie of the Year. “I like the originals, but these two new ones are very exciting. The actions are just out of this world.” While the initial Scatter Rap models covered the mid-depth range, the new Scatter Rap Crank Shallow brings Scatter Rap action to the 4-foot depth range and the Scatter Rap Crank Deep dives 10 to 12 feet. But the numbers alone don’t tell the whole story — Scatter Raps not only cover the water column vertically, they extend coverage horizontally as well. “That allows you to cover so much more water and so much more efficiently,” said Rapala Pro Brandon Palaniuk, the 2013 Bassmaster Classic runner-up. Featuring what’s best described as evasive action, Scatter Raps “perfectly mimic a spooked baitfish fleeing attack, moving from one side to the next, triggering reactive bites,” said Rapala Pro Mike “Ike” Iaconelli, the 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion. Built on classic Rapala balsa body shapes, Scatter Raps derive their name and signature sweeping action from an innovative, patentpending, curved Scatter Lip. Both the Scatter Rap Crank Shallow and Scatter Rap Crank Deep measure 2 inches and weigh 5/16 oz. They run silently, float when paused and come with No. 5 black-nickel round-bend VMC hooks. They come in 18 color patterns, including four new “Ike’s Custom Ink” patterns — Bruise, Girlfriend, Mule and Rasta. The suggested retail price is $8.99.
Rapala / rapala.com
LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Texas Fishing Spring Annual 2014
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TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT Cats on Houston LAKE HOUSTON — For anglers hoping to get in some early spring catfishing trips, the guides at Lake Houston Catfishing Guide Service report a good bite for blues. “Channel cats are hitting mostly shallow water near bulkheads and weeded shorelines,” they said. “Blues are in deeper water — 11 to 25 feet. Channels are averaging around 2 pounds with blues averaging around 4 pounds. Several blues are being caught each day to around 10 pounds. “The crappie are also biting well in 5 to 10 feet of water.” To contact Lake Houston Catfishing Guide Service, call (832) 439-7103.
Tough bite LAKE ALAN HENRY — According to angler Thad Rains on the Texas Fishing Forum, the Working
AMISTAD: Water fairly clear; 63–67 degrees; 35.26’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, jerkbaits, soft plastics and jigs. Striped bass are fair on slabs and small crankbaits. ATHENS: Water clear; 58–63 degrees; 0.13’ high. Largemouth bass are good on white spinner baits and shad-pattern shallow crankbaits along the shoreline. Some fish being caught on watermelon soft plastics. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. BASTROP: Water clear; 62–66 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on dark soft plastics, crankbaits and spinner baits. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs over brush piles. BELTON: Water clear; 58–62 degrees; 9.63’ low. Largemouth bass are good on lipless crankbaits and spinner baits. Hybrid striper are good on downriggers. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows around structure under lights at night. BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; 59–63 degrees; 2.89’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged lizards and creature baits. Some fish are being caught from beds as well. Crappie are good on minnows and white jigs. White bass are good on slabs. BONHAM: Water stained, 57–62 degrees; 2.04’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and spinner baits as well as soft plastics. Crappie are good. Catfish are good on jug lines. BRAUNIG: Water clear. Largemouth bass are good on spinner baits and Lipless crankbaits near the dam. Striped bass are fair down rigging silver and gold spoons and marble spinner baits near the dam. BRIDGEPORT: Water clear, 56–60 degrees; 21.46’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Bahama milk-color crankbaits. Crappie are good on chartreuse jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs. Channel catfish are good on trotlines. BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 59–63 degrees; 10.77’ low. Largemouth bass to 10 pounds are good on crankbaits, chatterbaits, spinner baits and jigs around docks in 4–8 feet. BUCHANAN: Water stained; 61–65 degrees; 31.08’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on pumpkin jigs, jerkbaits and Carolina-rigged lizards along break lines and ledges. Striped bass are good drifting live bait in
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25–35 feet, and trolling white/chartreuse striper jigs and crankbaits. White bass are fair on slabs and crankbaits in creeks.
6” Yumdingers and spinner baits. Striped bass are slow. Channel and blue catfish are good on frozen shrimp, stinkbait, and cut bait.
CADDO: Water stained; 58– 63 degrees; 0.99’ high. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged creature baits and weightless soft plastics. White and yellow bass are fair on slabs and minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad.
FAYETTE: Water stained. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin Carolina-rigged soft plastics off deep points. Channel and blue catfish are good.
CALAVERAS: Water clear. Largemouth bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on cut perch and shad along the shoreline. CANYON LAKE: Water murky; 61–65 degrees; 8.45’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jerkbaits and Texas-rigged worms on shaky jigheads in 20–25 feet. Striped bass are slow. CEDAR CREEK: Water clear; 58–62 degrees; 3.97’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on spinner baits and square-billed crankbaits. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and white jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and trotlines. CHOKE CANYON: Water clear; 63–67 degrees; 23.80’ low. Largemouth bass are good on spinner baits and heavy jigs in grass. White bass are good on minnows and jigs. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on stinkbait and live perch. COLEMAN: Water clear; 60–64 degrees; 16.32’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics and lipless crankbaits. Hybrid striper are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles. Channel catfish are good on stinkbait and nightcrawlers.
FORK: Water clear; 59–63 degrees; 4.24’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged plastics in super bug around shallow stumps. Bed fish being caught on white Zoom Speed Craws. FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water clear; 56–60 degrees; 13.35’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. GIBBONS CREEK: Water clear. Largemouth bass are good on pumpkinseed soft plastics, spinner baits and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and pink tube jigs. GRANBURY: Water stained; 59–63 degrees; 10.02’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on chartreuse/black soft plastics and lipless crankbaits over grass. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. GRANGER: Water clear; 61–65 degrees; 0.16’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on white spinner baits and soft plastic worms upriver. White bass are good on pet spoons and spinner baits at Dickerson’s Bottom. Crappie are slow. Blue catfish are fair on juglines baited with shad.
COLETO CREEK: Water clear; 68 degrees in main lake, 94 degrees at hot water discharge; 3.87’ low. Largemouth bass to 6 pounds are good on soft plastics and spinner baits in 6–10 feet.
GRAPEVINE: Water clear; 57–61 degrees; 10.04’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits in pumpkinseed and white spinner baits. Crappie are good on jigs. White bass are good on slabs and minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad and trotlines.
CONROE: Water stained; 59–63 degrees; 0.47’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on pumpkinseed soft plastics, crankbaits, and lipless crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs.
HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 63–67 degrees; 0.09’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and grubs in coves near the dam. Bream are slow.
COOPER: Water clear; 66–70 degrees; 12.55’ low. Largemouth bass are good on medium crankbaits and Carolina-rigged plastics up to 15’ deep. Crappie are fair on jigs. White bass are fair on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Catfish are good. FALCON: Water clear; 62–66 degrees; 24.24’ low. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon red Brush Hogs,
HUBBARD CREEK: Water offcolor; 57–61 degrees; 24.35’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to good on Senkos, flukes, Texas rigs and shallow-running crankbaits in 1–5 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows. JOE POOL: Water clear; 56–60 degrees; 1.40’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on shallow crankbaits and spinner baits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are
Mans Tournament was a tough one this year on Alan Henry, with many bass in the 1- to 2-pound range being caught. Rains said water temperatures were in the mid-50s, with some bass being caught on crankbaits, shaky heads and a few on buzzbaits.
Deeper is better WHEELER BRANCH RESERVOIR — This small reservoir near Glen Rose has been producing solid catches of largemouth and smallmouth bass, according to Steve Schwartz of LSON who fished the lake last weekend. Bass were caught in 15 to 25 feet of water using small silver spoons and crankbaits. The shallow bite near cover did not produce, as colder weather pushed fish back off of spawning flats to deeper cuts. — Conor Harrison
good on slabs. Catfish are good on prepared bait. LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water lightly stained; 59–63; degrees; 1.28’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on flipping jigs and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are good on jigs. Catfish are fair on trotlines and cut shad. LAVON: Water lightly stained; 57–61 degrees; 12.36’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on black/blue flipping jigs and green pumpkin creature baits. White bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are slow on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on trotlines. LBJ: Water stained; 62–66 degrees; 0.30’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on white striper jigs. White bass are fair jigging jigs and Pirk Minnows. LEWISVILLE: Water clear; 56–60 degrees; 7.97’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged craws in green pumpkin near shallow cover. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on jigs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on cut shad.
SEE MORE
■ Saltwater fishing reports: Page 8 LIVINGSTON: Water fairly clear; 60– 64 degrees; 0.32’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, spinner baits and lipless crankbaits. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are very good on minnows. Blue catfish are good on shad. MARTIN CREEK: Water clear; 68–71 degrees; 0.03 high. Largemouth bass are fair on shallow crankbaits and weightless soft plastics. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on minnows. MONTICELLO: Water fairly clear; 59– 65 degrees; 0.94’ high. Largemouth bass are good on black and blue flipping jigs and Texas-rigged green pumpkin creature baits. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers. NAVARRO MILLS: Water murky; 59–63 degrees. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on min-
nows and pink tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on chicken livers and stinkbait. O.H. IVIE: Water stained; 56–61 degrees; 46.69’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to good on Senkos, jigs and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair on minnows. OAK CREEK: Water stained; 56–61 degrees; 22.77’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas rigs, weightless soft plastics and jigs. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair to good on cut bait and nightcrawlers. PALESTINE: Water clear; 56–61 degrees; 0.31’ high. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin wacky worms. Crappie are good on jigs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. White bass are good on jigs. Catfish are fair on trotlines. POSSUM KINGDOM: Water fairly clear; 56–62 degrees; 13.93’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on flukes, jigs and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are fair to good on slabs. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. PROCTOR: Water stained; 60–64 degrees; 8.58’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon lipless crankbaits. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair trolling crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on live shad and shrimp. RAY HUBBARD: Water clear; 57–61 degrees; 7.52’ low. Largemouth bass are good on shallow crankbaits and Texas-rigged soft plastic craws. Crappie are good on chartreuse jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Catfish are good on trotlines and cut shad. RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 56–60 degrees; 8.06’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged watermelon red creature baits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad. RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water lightly stained; 57–62 degrees; 7.44’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on medium- and deep-diving crankbaits. White bass are good on jigs and minnows. Hybrid striper are good on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on trotlines and cut shad. SAM RAYBURN: Water murky; 61–65 degrees; 2.73’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Carolina-rigged green pumpkin soft plastics, crankbaits and spinner baits. White
LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Texas Fishing Spring Annual 2014
bass are good on live minnows and watermelon jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and green tube jigs. Bream are fair on worms. SOMERVILLE: Water murky; 61–65 degrees; 2.46’ low. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin spinner baits and lipless crankbaits. Hybrid striper are fair on silver striper jigs. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies. STILLHOUSE: Water stained; 60–64 degrees; 11.24’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on minnows and spinner baits. Crappie are good on minnows and yellow tube jigs. SWEETWATER: Water murky; 55–59 degrees; 24.46’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Senkos, lipless crankbaits and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait. TAWAKONI: Water stained; 57–61 degrees; 9.85’ low. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin or black and blue flipping jigs. Crappie are good on jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Striped bass and hybrid striper are good on slabs. TEXOMA: Water clear; 57–60 degrees; 8.81’ low. Largemouth bass are good on shaky heads and Texasrigged worms. Crappie are good on chartreuse jigs. Striped bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on cut shad and trotlines. TOLEDO BEND: Water murky; 59–63 degrees; 1.99’ low. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon and watermelon red soft plastics and spinner baits. Striped bass are fair on live bait. TRAVIS: Water murky; 61–65 degrees; 53.62’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on smoke grubs, white jigs, and crawfish crankbaits in 8–20 feet. Striped bass are fair on white spoons in 20–40 feet. White bass are fair on white spoons and chrome crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and pink tube jigs. WALTER E. LONG: Water lightly stained. Largemouth bass are fair on white crankbaits and chartreuse soft plastics and lipless crankbaits. Hybrid striper are fair on silver slabs. White bass are good on perch colored spinner baits. WHITNEY: Water stained; 58–62 degrees; 12.23’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on white striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and stinkbait.
Uncle Josh, said they created the new pork baits as an alternative to live bait. “We wanted a product that catches fish like live bait but doesn’t have all the hassle and cost of live bait,” he said. “Let’s face it, a juicy crawler will catch about anything that swims — we wanted that type of fish catching ability in a product that is much more user-friendly. Our pork baits are made with real crawlers, minnows, and leeches but they never die, stay on the hook longer, and are easier to rig.” Have the best fishing bait for the job when you can quickly switch from Uncle Josh’s Meat Night Crawler or Leech to the Meat Craw or Meat Frog. The lifelike scent trail left by Uncle Josh’s Meat fishing baits will have a line of fish following your hook. Available for fresh or saltwater in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors, check out the new line of Meat freshwater and saltwater fishing baits at unclejosh.com.
The ‘live’ bait that never dies New pork baits from Uncle Josh like the real thing, but better
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ncle Josh, the original manufacturer of pork baits, has kicked things up a significant notch by creating a new and improved series of pork baits made out of pork fat and 100 percent natural ingredients. The baits get their scents from leeches, minnows, and real night crawlers providing a lure that caches fish like live bait with none of the problems of live bait. Kurt Kellogg, owner of
Uncle Josh Bait Company / unclejosh.com / (866)-BIG-BASS
LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Texas Fishing Spring Annual 2014
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PRODUCTS HYDRO-FLO FLEX ‘N GO SATCHEL: This versatile tackle case from Plano Molding features a deep storage bin with adjustable compartments on one side and two 3600 HydroFlo StowAway Utility Boxes on the other. This innovative configuration enables anglers to quickly customize their gear for each outing. And its utility boxes, which are easy to clean between fishing trips, will keep gear dry. The double-sided storage box offers fixed and removable storage options. The Flex ’N Go Satchel, which measures 15.375 inches by 11.875 inches by 4.875 inches, is available in blue and yellow and tan and brown. It costs about $38. (800) 226-9868 www.planomolding.com
For information, visit: www.rapala.com
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SCATTER RAP CRANK DEEP & SHALLOW LURES: Rapala’s lure series with the one-of-akind Scatter Lip and evasive, erratic swimming action now offers the Scatter Rap Crank Deep, whose elongated lip allows the lure to dive quickly and work the deep side of the water column, and the Scatter Rap Crank Shallow, whose shorter lip design takes the action to the shallow 4- to 5-foot depth range. Both come armed with premium VMC Hooks and are available in 18 color patterns. Especially potent when targeting bass, the lures’ compact balsa body delivers a responsive action that searches from side to side on the retrieve, mimicking a spooked baitfish fleeing attack and triggering strikes from multiple game species. The MSRP is $8.99.
MAGELLAN OUTDOORS POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: Academy Sports + Outdoors’ lightweight sunglasses offer tough black TR90 frames and highfidelity, encapsulated REVO blue mirror glass lenses that provide 100 percent protection against UV rays on those all-day sunshine-filled fishing trips. The lenses have an antireflective and scratchresistant coating. The sunglasses sell for just under $100.
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PHANTOM SERIES: Waterloo Rod Company U.S.A. has introduced the Phantom Series, designed specifically for the avid universal angler. Offered in 6-foot, 6-inch medium light, 6-foot, 6-inch medium fast, 7-foot medium light, 7-foot spinning medium action and 7-foot, 6-inch medium action, these rods are very lightweight and sensitive. They are manufactured in North America with a split-grip model, Fugi reel seats, 3:16 stainless steel Keegan guides and are the most versatile rods Waterloo makes. Anglers can fish with tails, plastics, popping corks, spoons and many more baits with these rods. Available at Academy, Rockport Tackle Town and Tackle Box in Victoria.
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HYPER-LIFT BAY BOAT: Xpress Boats starts with its Hyper-Lift Hull to build this agile and durable boat. Xpress Boats promises that in sea of options, its “HBay” platform rides and performs better than any other in its category. A guide favorite, this striking fishing boat offers plentiful storage, including a live well, bait well and rod holders. It offers comfortable, dry seating. And, it is available in 18-foot, 20-foot, 22-foot and 24-foot lengths. The H22B with F150LA, shown, sells for about $27,895, which does not include dealer prep or freight charges. (501) 262-5300 www.xpress.com
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(888) 922-2336 www.academy.com
(361) 573-0300 www.waterloorods.com
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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Texas Fishing Spring Annual 2014
Lower seatrout limits creeping up coast Five-fish daily bag approved by TPW Commission By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS
Anglers looking to catch a 10-trout limit after Sept. 1 need to head to the Upper Coast of Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Commisioners approved a measure that extends a five-fish bag limit currently in effect in the Lower Laguna Madre up the coast through the Highway 457 bridge near Sargent with a five-year sunset date. The commission also modified the original proposal to set the possession limit on spotted seatrout for the area from the Lower Laguna Madre to the Highway 457 bridge to twice the daily bag limit (10 fish in possession). The changes were not met with smiling faces in the new areas, although the regulations that were changed several years ago in the Lower Laguna Madre have had a positive effect on the fishery, according to area guides. “A number of our guides attended the meeting(s) and, based on the fact that Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s own gill-net surveys show no shortage of trout or flounder in our area from Port O’Connor to Port Mansfield, we are against any changes that would affect bag limits or changing season dates,” said Coastal Bend Guides Association Director Chuck West. In other changes to saltwater fishing regulations, the commission extended the two flounder per day bag limit restrictions currently in effect for the month of November into the first two weeks of
December. During these first two weeks of December, however, harvest would be allowed by any legal means. For freshwater, the commission approved changes to the rainbow and brown trout fishery along a section of the Guadalupe River below Canyon Reservoir establishing a 12- to 18-inch slot length limit with a five-fish daily bag limit, harvest by artificial lures only, and only one trout over 18 inches could be retained. The new regulation zone would begin 800 yards downstream from the Canyon Dam release and extend downstream to the easternmost Highway 306 bridge crossing. The commission also granted authority for TPWD’s executive director to impose temporary prohibition of alligator gar fishing in specified areas to provide additional protection during spawning activity. Closures would be invoked in a selected area, limited to no more than 30 days, and occur only in areas having an active moderate flood event with water temperatures within an optimum range for alligator gar spawning. In other freshwater fishing regulation changes, the commission adopted the following: • Texas/Louisiana Border Waters (Toledo Bend Reservoir, Caddo Lake, and the Lower Sabine River in Newton and Orange Counties): regulations for blue and channel catfish changed to no minimum length limit and a 50-fish daily bag limit in any combination, of which no more than five blue or channel catfish 30 inch-
New Guide Series bags keep the fun in fishing
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ife is a workstation. The world is laid out before you and it’s how you manipulate the components that governs success or failure. Successful individuals organize and manage life’s bits and pieces, keeping factors and faces compartmentalized and within reach. Significant to sporting types is maintaining control and organization of one’s gear. In fishing, that means isolating tackle by species, technique, season and lure size. Since tackle first went in boxes, Plano has given anglers the organizational tools to manage perhaps the most diverse and potentially chaotic collection of things — fishing lures. For 2014, improving upon the improved, Plano brings the reengineered Guide Series Tackle Bag collection. For years, the Guide Series has yielded the utmost in tackle storage solutions. But unwavering in its pursuit of perfection, Plano has implemented a game-changing feature: a work surface. Instead of being just the top tray, the new Guide Series tackle bags provide a workbench surface to individualize the way you fish. A StowAway tackle box rests in an accessible, molded depression on the top while five additional boxes stand at the ready inside. Tackle storage visionary Tom Neustrom gives the new design his respected seal of approval. “It’s awesome,” he said. “The top of the bag has been converted into the workingman’s platform. I can study jig sizes and colors for bass, and by just swapping a StowAway, be instantly rerigging for crappies.” Other features include a molded, impact-resistant waterproof base that makes the Guide Series as rugged as it is ingenious. The outside features two padded pockets for sunglasses, a smartphone and other valuables; cavernous easy-access compartments flank its sides and a clear, zippered pocket under the top cover is ideal for maps and that often misplaced fishing license. Available in four sizes, the Guide Series model and coming with up to six StowAway boxes. And that makes fishing more fun.
Plano / planomolding.com
See REGULATIONS, Page 9
LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Texas Fishing Spring Annual 2014
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TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT Afternoon bite ROLLOVER PASS — The best trout bite has been on an incoming tide with strong moving water pushing bait through the pass, according to multiple Internet reports. The trout have been hitting better in the afternoons on jigs and shrimp, along with some twitchbaits. Also, flounder are becoming more plentiful fishing soft plastics and dead shrimp, along with the occasional redfish.
Few, but good ones BAFFIN BAY — The weekend trout bite was tougher than in past weeks, but anglers reported if you had a strike, it was likely a good fish. Multiple reports on 2coolfishing.com confirmed the big fish are biting in Baffin, but patience is needed. Fat Boys in pink have been working, along with
NORTH SABINE: Trout are fair to good on the Louisiana shoreline on top-waters and Corkies. Flounder are fair on jigs tipped with shrimp around marsh drains. Redfish are good in the marsh. SOUTH SABINE: Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are fair to good around Blue Buck Point on top-waters and live shrimp. BOLIVAR: Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on soft plastics and plugs. Black drum and redfish are good at Rollover Pass. TRINITY BAY: Trout are good for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on soft plastics, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Trout are fair for waders on the east shoreline on top-waters.
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EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are good on the south shoreline on soft plastics and twitchbaits. Whiting and sand trout are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp. Black drum are fair to good in the Ship Channel on crabs. WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good for drifters working shell on live shrimp. Trout, sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and croakers. Redfish are good in the back lakes on shrimp and scented plastics. TEXAS CITY: Redfish are fair to good in Moses Lake on shrimp. Trout and black drum are good on the reefs on live shrimp. FREEPORT: Trout are fair at San Luis Pass on live bait. Sand trout, trout, redfish and sheepshead are
soft plastics in Morning Glory color. The trout are shallow and on some sort of structure like rock or shell.
Shallow is best SABINE LAKE — With a north wind blowing, Capt. Lindy Hebert headed for the north end of Sabine Lake and found trout, redfish and flounder. Most of the fish the past few weeks have been caught shallow in less than 4 feet of water. Scented plastics have put plenty of redfish in the boat and trout are beginning to start their Sabine springtime pattern. High tides have pushed in plenty of bait and higher winds, but Hebert said just go to the side of the lake that doesn’t have as much wind — usually the fish will also be there. To contact Capt. Lindy Hebert, call (409) 720-8148.
good on live shrimp on the reefs in Christmas Bay and at the jetties. Bull redfish are good just off the beach on crabs. EAST MATAGORDA BAY: Trout are fair to good over deep shell on pumpkinseed plastics, scented plastics and live shrimp. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters in the back lakes on live shrimp. WEST MATAGORDA BAY: Redfish are fair to good on the edge of Oyster Lake on shrimp and crabs. Black drum and redfish are fair to good at the jetty on crabs. PORT O’CONNOR: Trout and redfish are fair on soft plastics over sand and grass. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp. Trout, black drum and redfish are good at the jetty on mullet.
— Conor Harrison
ROCKPORT: Trout are fair to good in Morris–Cummings Cut on free– lined shrimp. Black drum are good in the Lydia Ann Channel on crabs. Redfish are fair to good on the Estes Flats on mullet and crabs. PORT ARANSAS: Redfish are fair to good at East Flats on gold spoons and small top-waters. Black drum are good in the Shrimpboat Channel on crabs and finger mullet. Redfish, trout and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp. CORPUS CHRISTI: Trout are fair to good on the edge of the spoils on scented plastics and live shrimp. Black drum and redfish are fair to good in the Packery Channel on crabs. Trout are good in Oso Bay on top-waters. BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair to good over sand and grass on soft plas-
LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Texas Fishing Spring Annual 2014
tics and other paddle–tailed baits. Black drum are good in the Land Cut on crabs. Redfish are fair on mullet at Yarborough. PORT MANSFIELD: Trout are fair to good on top-waters around sand and grass. Redfish are fair to good while drifting pot holes. Black drum and redfish are good on crabs at East Cut. SOUTH PADRE: Trout are good around the spoil islands, channel edges and color changes on artificial shrimp and live shrimp. Black drum and redfish have been taken at the jetty on shrimp. PORT ISABEL: Trout are fair to good on sand bars on DOA Shrimp and live shrimp. Redfish are fair to good at in the back lakes on DOA Shrimp and live shrimp.
Capt. Carl’s floating cabins offer fun, fishing Spring is upon us and summer is fast approaching. What could be better than spending a couple of days on a floating cabin in the Upper Laguna Madre, Land Cut or Baffin Bay? Captain Carl and Judy Wentrcek have four different floating cabins in the Corpus Christ-area available for single night or weekend rentals. Two are located in the Upper Laguna Madre, one is in Baffin Bay and the other is in the Land Cut. People have the time of their lives fishing from these cabins, especially at night when the surrounding waters come alive with baitfish attracted to the cabin’s lights. Below is a sample of what happy clients had to say after spending a night or two on the water. • Greetings Capt. Carl and Judy, I just wanted to express my thanks for providing my group with a fishing experience we’ll always remember. We had such a good time. I’m ready to schedule another outing. Again, thank you. • Judy, We all had a wonderful time catching fish and
my wife truly enjoyed her birthday bash. We plan to visit the cabin again in the near future. Rhod, San Antonio, Nov. 2013 • Capt. Carl and Judy, We had a lot of fun. The water was “boiling” with trout and skip jack Saturday night before the front. The cabin was in top shape and a great new generator! Thank you, Carl, San Antonio, March 5, 2014 • Capt. Carl and Judy, We had another memorable experience on the floating cabin. The night fishing is amazing! Thank you very much! Rene, San Antonio • Judy, Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful time at the cabin. We will be booking it again — thanks so much! We were fishing fools! Thanks again, Cindy, Victoria, Feb., 2014
Regulations
blue catfish, largemouth bass, or any sunfish species. • Canyon Lake Project #6: Harvest regulation for channel and blue catfish changed to no minimum length limit and a five-fish daily bag and anglers restricted to only two poles. • North Concho River from O. C. Fisher Dam to Bell Street Dam and the South Concho River from Lone Wolf Dam to Bell Street Dam: Anglers restricted to using two poles. • Recreational anglers who fish with jug lines will be allowed to use floats of any color, except orange. Commercial anglers will continue to be restricted to using orangecolored floats.
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es or longer could be retained. • Tradinghouse Creek Reservoir: the special limits for freshwater lakes where red drum have been stocked are removed and regulations revert to statewide length limits (20-inch minimum length limit, 28-inch maximum length limit, and harvest of up to two red drum 28 inches or longer per year with trophy drum tag). Bag limit remains at three. • Lake Kyle: regulations changed to catch and release (no harvest) of channel and
captaincarl.com (800)-368-8175
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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Texas Fishing Spring Annual 2014
Frabill’s Crankbait Net – the angler’s dream
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ou would think it would be all high fives — after all, you just landed the behemoth bass that gobbled your crankbait moments ago. But it’s no Kodak moment. On the floor lies your fish, now wound tighter in the net than a fly in a blackwidow’s web. The lure’s hooks have sewn the now encased fish shut well beyond what any surgeon would suture. The fish needs to be released. Pocket knife here you come. Your net is about to meet its maker. Talk about creating a cranky situation... But this unhooking horror story’s a thing of the past with Frabill’s new Crankbait Net. Designed for quick removal of multiple-hook lures, the specialty netting takes the sting out of crankbaits, topwaters, swimbaits and any other bait sprouting hooks. “This isn’t just another rubber net. In fact, it’s not just another coated net. This netting was developed after several years of trial and error to perfect its design,” said Freshwater Hall of Fame inductee and Frabill prostaffer Tom Neustrom. “From the way the material is woven, to the shape of the loop and the composite of the coating, this netting makes untangling hooks a breeze.” It all starts with the Crankbait Net’s unique hexagonal mesh that resists snarls from all styles of hooks. Second is the fabric’s knotless composition that further denies
hook-points. Third, the meshing is sealed in poke-resistant double-dipped flat-black vinyl coating, which means there’s nothing for even the most razor-sharp hook’s point to penetrate. The Crankbait Net is now offered in three sizes and on a number of Frabill’s most admired hoop and handle options, including the Conservation Series 9517, 9521 and 9522, and the Conservation’s saltwater-safe 9510, 9512 and 9515, as well the Tru-Trax 3813 and 3814 and Sportsman Net’s 3443 and 3444. Don’t be afraid to ladle up a lunker next time one smashes a crankbait. Frabill’s new Crankbait Net takes the crankiness out of fishing — and that’s definitely a high-five moment.
Frabill/ frabill.com
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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Texas Fishing Spring Annual 2014