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February 2009
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contents
eDitor anD Publisher Everett Johnson
februa ry 2009 Volume 18 No. 10
Everett@tsfmag.com general manager
features
14
Pam Johnson Pam@tsfmag.com
10 Dinks or Donks?
Mike McBride
14 Success in the Shallows
Kevin Cochran
18 Things Remembered
Martin Strarup
22 “The Tithe”
Billy Sandifer
26 Electronics, bad weather, and…
Chuck Uzzle
44 Tall tales from the past
G.B. Robertson
business / accounting manager Shirley Elliott Shirley@tsfmag.com aDVertising manager Pam Johnson Office: 361-785-3420 Cell: 361-550-9918 Ads@tsfmag.com
DePartments 23 Coastal Birding
Billy Sandifer
24 Science and the Sea
32
national sales rePresentatiVe
UT-Marine Science Institute
28 Let’s Ask The Pro
Jay Watkins
30 Fly Fishing
Casey Smartt
32 Offshore
Bart Manganiello Bartalm@optonline.net circulation Debbie Dugan Cir@tsfmag.com
Bobby Byrd/John Cochrane
34 Conservation
CCA Texas
36 TPWD Field Notes
Tom Wagner
38 Kayak Fishing
Scott Null
40 According to Scott
Scott Sommerlatte
42 Youth Fishing
Aaron Cisneros
Design, layout & web maintenance gRaPHIcs BY DEsIgN Jasmine and Jackson Gordon Office: 361-785-4282 Jasmine@graphicsbydesign.biz Jackson@graphicsbydesign.biz subscriPtion – ProDuct sales
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48
what our guiDes haVe to say… 48 Dickie Colburn’s Sabine Scene
Dickie Colburn
50 Mickey on Galveston
Mickey Eastman
52 Capt. Bill’s Fish Talk
Bill Pustejovsky
54 Mid-Coast Bays with the Grays
Gary Gray
56 Hooked up with Rowsey
David Rowsey
58 Capt. Tricia’s Port Mansfield Report
Capt. Tricia
60 South Padre Fishing Scene
Ernest Cisneros
regulars 6
Editorial
8
Letters to the Editor
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62 Fishing Reports and Forecasts 64 Photo Gallery–Catch of the Month
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66 Gulf Coast Kitchen 71 Index of Advertisers
about the coVer Our cover angler is TSFMag reader Dan Furstenfeld. His prize flounder stretched the tape to 28” and measured 13.5” wide. It tipped the scale to 9lb-10oz and was caught on a Texas Trout Killer. Dan’s fishing buddy, Jack Somers, captured the image. Just Keep Five
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61 Tips and Tricks
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46 New Tackle & Gear
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine (ISSN 1935-9586) is published monthly by Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine, Inc., 58 Fisherman’s Lane, Seadrift, Texas 77983 P. O. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983 © Copyright 1990 All rights reserved. Positively nothing in this publication may be reprinted or reproduced. *Views expressed by Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine contributors do not necessarily express the views of Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine. Periodical class permit (USPS# 024353) paid at Victoria, TX 77901 and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send Fishing Magazine, TX 77983.
address changes to Inc., P. O. Box
Texas 429,
Saltwater Seadrift,
February 2009
7
i was busily serVing customers in the TSFMag booth at the Houston Boat Show. The group I was waiting on purchased fishing caps and cookbooks. Bagging their goods I looked up and shook hands, thanking them for becoming new subscribers. That’s when I noticed a distinguished-looking gentleman waiting his turn in line. He was slender and tall, dressed for a chilly winter afternoon in Carhart jacket and black Stetson. He stepped up and reached for the clipboard to complete a subscription form. “I really enjoy this magazine,” he said. “…you the editor?” “Yes sir; Everett Johnson is my name,” I replied, accepting a firm handshake as he introduced himself. “I thought I recognized you from your photograph in the book; I’d like to speak with you for a few minutes if you have time,” he drawled back. I ran his credit card and he signed the receipt as I offered him a seat inside the booth. Pam took over at the counter and we introduced ourselves again as he settled into the chair removing his hat. His eyes were quick and his facial expressions, though subtle, conveyed lots of meaning. I was quickly pegging him as a sharp old gent. “You know your magazine has done a lot of good,” he began as he proceeded to tell of his life in saltwater. “I grew up here on Trinity Bay, my family were all cattlemen, commercial fishermen and shrimpers. As kids we sold all we could catch with rod and reel and trot lines, working out of a wooden skiff with oars, no motor. I was the first to finish high school and go to college. I served in the Marines in Korea and went into the plants as an engineer. First of the clan to make my living that way.” “Apart from my wife and kids and my work, fishing has been my life,” he continued. “I have seen a lot of changes. Most folks in this sport today never knew or saw the old ways, the way things were sixty years ago. They have no idea what fishing for a living was about. They have no idea how good we all have it, how good life is and how easy it is make a good living nowadays.” He was an exceptional storyteller and I reveled at the accounts of great trips and his love of the bays. Night wading until time to head for the plant, lost in the fog, he and his brother nearly freezing when their boat capsized in a norther and then shivering all night on a reef. Rising to say goodbye he picked up our magazine, “I enjoy the fishing stories from all your writers and your views on conservation. There’s just so much more to it than catching limits every time you go. When I was younger we got away with it because there were fewer fishermen. Nowadays, with so many fishermen out there they’re going to have to learn. There’s a whole world of fun and adventure, there’s sunrises and sunsets and time with friends, shoreline picnics, things you just can’t put a price or limit on.” His final thought was this, “Folks who can’t be satisfied without a limit of fish are beat before they even put the boat in the water. Keep up the good work son.” He stood stock straight and shook my hand before covering his white crew cut with the Stetson. I saw him as one of the Greatest Generation, a walking fishing legend, and a hero in my eyes. He made my day.
8
February 2009
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letters to the eDitor
Congratulations to the son of Joe Molina from Brownsville, Texas (Marcus Molina, age 5 yrs) on the catch of his 32” jack crevalle, what a trophy for a young pescador. Marcus is truly a privileged individual being taught such a great sport at a young age. I cannot help but imagine the excitement Dear Editor,
that went through the young pescador’s mind. I can remember my
This picture of my wife, Beth, and our two year old Lab, Baylee,
own childhood experiences fishing the shorelines of Laguna Madre
was taken New Year’s Eve 2008 at Redfish Point on Copano Bay. It
and Arroyo City starting in the late 70’s, at the age of four! Those
was Baylee’s first ride in a yak and she did great! Didn’t find any fish,
memories remain vivid to this day and bring me great joy.
but the scenery was great. Lots of ducks, egrets, herons, cranes, and pelicans.
I can remember beautiful sunsets, the sun had not slipped below the horizon and already we’d be planning the strategy for our next
We love your magazine. We’ve been reading 4+ yrs and we
morning’s early wade fishing. Looking over all the tackle making
fight over it when it arrives each month. As “newbies” to the Texas
sure we had everything in place was a ritual. I can remember
coast, we are learning a lot of good stuff from your publication and
waiting for sunrise, the speckled trout thrashing around and
appreciate the standard of excellence you produce each and every
chasing bait fish to the shoreline. I would be so anxious for my
month. The best thing about your magazine is that it is just plain fun to
father to say, “Ready son?”
read. Keep up the great work!
I was very lucky having grandfather and grandmother involved
Blessings,
and taking our family to the Tarpon Hole fishing pier at Port Isabel
Tad May
and I will never forget the old Queen Isabela Pier in Padre Island, it
Houston, TX
was something we would always look forward to. Watching for the speckled trout feeding frenzies under the lights was a real blast for
Dear Tad,
a youngster.
What a way to close out the year! Coastal Texas is filled with many
I want to thank you for honoring the families that take their kids
natural wonders; enjoying the sights and sounds are often the best
fishing and passing down the tradition that becomes such an
part. Baylee looks like she was born in that yak, good luck leaving
important part of our lives. The heading “Memory Makers” says it
her home. I have a big yellow male that pitches a fit if I even pretend
all. Pescadors never forget!
he’s not going. Thanks for the kind words on the magazine. We are
John L. Villarreal - Weslaco, TX
blessed to have so many talented and generous contributors. Everett Johnson-Editor
Dear John, Glad to hear you enjoy our magazine. Getting youngsters hooked on fishing and the outdoors is one of the greatest gifts we can give.
Dear Mr. Johnson
It is truly remarkable that so many little details of early trips with
October issue was great just as all are. I love walking into my Shell
parents and grandparents stick in our minds and shape our lives.
convenience store here in Weslaco, Texas. Your magazine is placed
Pescadors never forget!
in a perfect area for retail. Boy, I will say that front cover gets me
Everett Johnson-Editor
every month.
Send your leTTerS To: TSFMag, P.o. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983 10
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nah, Probably Just another six, haVen’t turneD her yet though, and she’s still pulling some serious drag. Doesn’t really matter, coolest part was how she slammed the plug... came right on the pause just like all the rest.” That was me talking over my shoulder to Brandon Saenz. Jeff and Nathan were both leaning back against good fish; Capt. Tricia’s people were staying busy; John Gill’s group hadn’t moved fifty yards all morning and by the look of things they’d been cutting loose
some real hosses. Awesome, just
and our fantasy will go live. This
absolutely awesome.
session might as well have been
Brandon and I were knee deep just yards apart, immersed in a
and under the magical influence of
scene that could have easily been
a full moon; large trout moved up
torn from a dime novel. Sticking
to bask in the comfort of warming
trout all morning, longer than the
potholes on a skinny flat. We knew
water is deep, is nothing short
they were there and vulnerable, so
of fantasy for many; especially
we would fan cast with full-sized
with topwaters, and even more
topwaters, then step up ten feet and
especially when that is the very fuel
repeat. It took fully two hours for
required for stoking personal fires.
us to move seventy-five yards and
Our rear guard position made
12
February 2009
I think the total count was twelve
great seats for the show playing
over six with a couple of sevens
out front. Everyone in sight
and one eight. Yes, awesome by
was seasoned, respected, and
most standards, but that is only the
respectful, making the sharing of all
spark of what this story is intended
of it not only easy but an inspiring
to relay.
pleasure as well. That is as it
Here’s the deeper deal. No, they
should be, but there is also much
are not jumping in the boat, but
more we all need to share. Whether
if you know what you are doing,
it will be inspiration or pleasure will
sessions like this have been
probably vary depending on our
uncommonly consistent since early
rank in the primate tree, but first
September, many were even better.
let’s turn back to that fantasy scene
The bottom line is that trout fishing
for just a moment.
has literally exploded here in the
Brandon and his crew of up-and-
Brandon Saenz with one of many quality fish landed shallow with topwaters.
scripted. Two days after a norther
lower Laguna. And I’m not talking
coming anglers experienced what
about your average trout either; we
drives many of us to keep leaving
are chock full of fat, high-quality fish
chores behind and launching, even
between five and seven pounds.
in ridiculous weather conditions. We
That class of “over twenty inch”
all hope that during one of those
trout that went mysteriously missing
trips everything will come together
a while back apparently now thrive.
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Where did all of these come from?
It’s better than I’ve seen in any bay
not for any other fishermen who
spending all of our time trying
for many years and excitement runs
love this area either. The absolute
to catch them instead of just
high. I pretend to know nothing, but
last thing a rebound needs is a
trying to find them. Not only will
I do know what my camera sees.
flood of people determined to knock
the weight of five fish here now
The most consuming question in all
it right back down. Please don’t
rival most ten fish strings in
this is… WHY?
go there. This is not intended to
other areas, they will darn
“market spin” this area. It’s simply
sure blow bigger holes in
cycle? That could certainly be
intended to share an observation
the water.
possible, but only to an extent.
and encourage thought towards
We’ve seen rebounds following
determining a cause… with the
imply? No question we
freezes and currently several
hopeful goal of duplicating it
are all going to see some
theories are running rampant,
elsewhere. Some of y’all a little
major shifts as time goes on, as
including storm-driven rejuvenation
farther north might genuinely want
surely as the coming wrath
and such. However, one
to wade a bit deeper between some
of God. That is normal, as
dramatically visible change is that
of these lines.
historically, in every civilized
Could it be a natural rebound
So what does all of this
society, its mere existence
I read Jay Watkins article last
been all year. Overall participation
month and if you didn’t you should.
depended on changing things
has dropped significantly. Some
When professionals of his caliber
that weren’t productive into
estimate forty percent while at
take the time, even at potential
things that were. We need to
least one local warden placed it
financial risk, to voice concerns in
decide for ourselves what is,
closer to sixty earlier in the year.
print about alarming trends they
or what is not, productive.
For whatever reason, and reason
have been seeing, we just might
What do we want, what
would suggest a combination of
want to listen. “We” includes those
will it take? But more
factors, be it earlier fuel prices, an
charged with the helm who often
importantly, what are we
uncertain economy, travel distance,
discount our observations as
willing to do to make
or perhaps in part the newness of
fishermen to be merely anecdotal
what happened here
being the only area where the limit
and therefore of little value. If Jay
happen elsewhere?
was halved, the traditional “baskets
and his people are struggling for
Dinks or donks?
upon baskets” of fish ceased to
the numbers of quality trout that
stink up the docks. Regardless,
has earned him coastwide renown,
sitting here on a stupid
it would be hard for anyone to
chances are great that they are
computer writing this is
discount that such an extreme drop
simply not there for others at the
not letting me do that…
in pressure cannot help but play a
previously enjoyed levels.
or is it? See you there.
role in what we are now enjoying.
All I can truthfully observe is that
Honestly, most of us thought we
our similar struggle for minimum
would never see this again.
inches has measurably and rapidly
I realize that writing this is not in my best interest; and it’s probably
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I know what I want, and
contact
there is simply nobody here, hasn’t
miKe mcbriDe
Mike McBride is a full time fishing guide based in Port Mansfield, Tx., specializing in wadefishing with artificial lures.
changed. Some of you may be where we were, but now we are
Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
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Understanding that fact is only a
basis. Even in areas where substantial
first step in becoming proficient at
numbers of quality trout are to be found in
catching those trophies, though.
shin to crotch deep confines, the catching
Consistently pulling long fish
often does not come easy. Several factors can
from water that’s mere inches
influence the chances for success in actually
deep requires an angler to
locating, hooking and bringing trophy fish to
practice the arts of stealth and patience, and to show skills in using a limited number of lures that work well within the
hand in the shallows. A stealthy approach to and through the area is one of those factors. Many locales that regularly hold magnum trout are exceedingly
catch most of my biggest trout in water less than
foremost, catching trophy specks regularly
through soft mud and grass while pushing
waist deep. Mainly, that’s due to the fact that
in areas scarcely deep enough to cover their
a wake is sure to spook trout far away from
I almost always fish by wading. Often, I find
backs requires that an angler develop a proper
clumsy hunters. Kicking and crunching on
the best trout in areas that are shallower
mindset prior to entering into the attempt.
oyster shells will certainly do the same.
extreme environment. First and
difficult for humans to traverse quietly. Sloshing
than many people are willing to fish. In
Searching for lunkers on a super skinny
different seasons and situations, this means
flat will normally involve making lots of casts
attempt to minimize their disturbance of the
different things.
for relatively few bites when compared with
environment; mud stirred up and carried down
Certainly, the most consistent trophy trout
Wary trophy hunters move slowly in
working the edges or deeper areas adjacent
current to fish-holding spots can make the
producers I know fish shallower than most
to the flat. For those who have only marginal
catching more difficult, as can the influence
other people most of the time. I’m referring
desire to catch a trophy, the slow action can
of shadows. Fish instinctively fear things
here, of course, to those who fish exclusively
be their Achilles Heel. Some who make casts
moving on two legs and casting a shadow
with artificial lures. The ease of catching large
into deeper portions of the area will get bites
over the water. Once aware of the presence
trout on live bait in deeper waters throughout
relatively quickly and find that to their liking,
of such a being in their midst, old trout are
the warm period has been well documented.
then spend all or most of the day wading in
nearly impossible to catch. Anglers who ease
Fooling those fish on deep structures with lures
water up to their bellies or chests, catching
carefully along and approach likely structures
is not quite so easy.
smaller fish. A propensity to inhabit shallow
thoughtfully while making long casts increase
areas can make big trout more susceptible
their odds of hooking fish before those fish are
deep enough to cover my boots when that
to the efforts of committed and dedicated
aware of them.
water was fifty-something degrees, when it was
anglers; it also potentially keeps them safe from
in the upper eighties, and at all temperatures in
impatient ones.
I’ve seen and caught trout in water barely
between. Except in the most extreme situations,
People who enter into shallow spots with real resolve and who learn to move unobtrusively
An acceptance of fewer bites per cast is
through those areas will catch more fish if they
some of the biggest trout will likely be found in
essential for those who really want to improve
master the use of the lures best suited to such
some of the skinniest confines of an estuary.
their odds of catching big trout on a regular
places. Isolated big fish are not particularly
16
February 2009
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search of a few big bites. These
produce big bites on boot deep flats. Some
lures will walk the dog like other
crafty soft plastic specialists efficiently wield
topwaters, but they do so barely
worms and paddletails rigged on plain sixteenth
under the water’s surface. Made
ounce jigheads in these environments.
without rattles, they slip silently
Spoons can surely be worked in the
along in an inviting, subtle
shallows without snagging grass or other
manner that trophy fish often find
junk. Some shallow running, floating-diving
hard to resist. When compared
crankbaits similarly stay off bottom snags, but
with sinking, rattling Corkys,
only when they are worked at an excruciatingly
the floaters can be worked
slow pace; those who aren’t adequately versed
more slowly without becoming
in the arts of Zen Buddhism will likely struggle
snagged on bottom grass, shell
to stick with them. For me, the floating Corkys are normally
or rocks. I turn the reel handle at a
the best tools for the super shallow drill. Using
snail’s pace when working the
them productively requires skills and patience.
floaters, using short, sharp and deliberately rhythmic strokes of the rodtip to
Skills can be learned, of course. Patience really can’t; it’s a by-product of desire. Stalking around on shallow flats for hours on end, waiting, watching and experimenting with every
walk the dog,
aspect of the presentation of finesse lures is
intermittently
not for everyone. But for lure chunkers firmly
stopping
committed to repeatedly catching trophy trout,
the rodtip
it’s business as usual.
movements to simply reel
easy to trick, at least most of the time.
in. With all
trout can be found in water less than
types of Corkys,
knee deep, a small number of specialty
less is more when it
lures take on paramount importance. Most of these lures float or sink very slowly. The simplest and easiest lure to throw at
comes to presentation style; this mantra certainly rings true with the floaters.
shallow specks is a conventional topwater plug.
Experimentation with the angle of cast, along
By conventional, I mean one that rides high on
with the speed, rhythm and consistency of the
the surface and does not dive when retrieved.
retrieve is often necessary to entice fish to bite
These types of lures come in many shapes and
on a given day. Though floating Corkys aren’t
sizes; some are better suited to the shallows
the easiest lures to learn to use effectively, I
than others. Bulky, loud plugs will work at times
believe they are the best available tools for the
to take shallow trophies, but smaller offerings
task of coaxing “picture fish” from skinny water
and silent dog-walkers are better choices most
much of the time.
KeVin cochran
Other lure companies are now making plugs
of the time. Generally, it seems that trophy trout holding
with qualities similar to the red-gilled Corkys.
in the tight confines of shallow waters are
MirrOlure’s MirrOdine XL is one such lure. The
not easily motivated to strike big plugs which
shad lookalike does have a rattle in it, but it’s
create lots of water displacement, noise and
not particularly noisy, and it comes in just under
commotion when they are moved. My favorite
the surface, like a floater Corky. I see great
lure for duty in knee deep and shallower waters
potential for this offering, especially in off-
is a floating Corky.
colored waters on bright, windy days.
Floating versions of the original Corky,
A few other lures come to mind as having
the Fat Boy and the Jr. Corky outperform
a place in the quiver of waders working thin
conventional topwaters impressively for me
waters. Soft plastics rigged weedless on worm
when I’m covering hyper-skinny areas in
hooks or on the H&H Flutter Jig can certainly
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In prime time, when many memorable
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18
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ometimes when you’re fishing the lonely shorelines and there is
I opened the box slowly as if that would
Humphreys himself.
make what I hoped was in the box magically
I mentioned that collection to an
be there. Inside was an almost mint Ambassadeur
no one to talk with or to take your
acquaintance of mine and he asked if I
mind off of what you’re doing, you
wanted to sell it. I told him no, and then he
5000C Deluxe reel with all of the accessories
have time to think of just about
said well what do you think it’s worth? I told
intact. I asked the lady whose table it was
anything. Not long ago I found
him what I thought it was worth; he produced
on how much she wanted for it and she said
that amount of money and then some. A few
that she’d take $15.00 for it and not a penny
about all the things I’d had in my life that I no
days later and the ruthless trader left with my
less. I giggled like a schoolboy who’d just
longer have.
coveted collection.
been kissed for the first time all the way to my
myself in that situation and got to thinking
There was a Hump Lure collection,
I remembered an over-under shotgun that
pickup and then drove as fast as I could to a
something that I worked very hard on for
I had fallen in love with and just had to have.
Dairy Queen where I could admire the reel
years and finally completed. I had one of
I remember that it cost me a small fortune,
and examine it more closely. It was perfect
each of every lure that was listed in Hump’s
more than I could really afford at the time
and had never been used. I sold that reel on
last catalogue and some extras that I tossed
and that I was almost scared to shoot it due
Ebay for a tidy sum of money back when the
in simply because they were unique and not
to the fantastic piece of wood the stocks had
Ambassadeur reels were bringing so much
even catalogued. I hunted long and hard for
been carved from. It had the most magnificent
from overseas buyers.
those lures, and in places you can’t imagine.
burled wood and the checkering was just top
I even managed to retrieve one of them that
of the line.
was hanging from an old bridge over a river and believe me that was a feat. I had a large picture frame with a glass front
The gun fit me perfectly and was the first one that I had owned which had the then new screw-in chokes. I shot a lot of dove and
made for those lures. I took the hooks off of
quail with that shotgun and managed to win a
each one and placed them on a backboard,
couple of sporting clay shoots with it. I traded
using a little bit of silicone to make them
that shotgun for some other guns somewhere
stick and then some pins with colored heads
back in time.
to keep them in place. What resulted was
20
Cypress wood that was handcarved by Earl
I was at a flea market one day just
a beautiful complete collection of HUMP
wandering through all of the antiques and
Lures, including all 6 of the Tiger series and
junk and a walnut box caught my eye. I knew
one lure made of
what the box had held when it was new and
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I had an old Wright & McGill 8-piece spinning rod that fit into an aluminum tube that I paired with an old Alcedo Micron spinning reel. The tube and the reel all fit into a particular tackle box that also held my favorite lures for that rod and reel combination. I don’t recall the brand or strength of on that little reel but it was sure fun catching bass in the lakes and rivers and speckled trout at the wells. more than I did and when it was stolen it they got the rod, reel and a lot of old lures as well. There are many things that I’ve had over the years that I let slip away for whatever reason. The ones that I have mentioned here are some things I would like to have back but they’re gone. They served their purpose; I got enjoyment from them and then someone else was able to enjoy them after me. And
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Someone decided that they needed that tackle box
martin straruP
besides, I still have the memories of each and every one of them. One thing that I can’t sell or give away are the photographs and memories that I’ve acquired over the years. The sunrises and the sunsets, the people and the fish, all that were captured by a camera or with my mind’s eye are not for sale or trade. Good fishing to all; go make some memories.
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
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February 2009
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
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rom the bottom of my heart I want to thank Jay Watkins for his article in the January issue of TSFM. From my
I looked down at this unbelievably massive 746-pound tiger shark I had just landed from the surf and was totally overwhelmed by its size. Then on the way
perspective we live in an age when good ol’
to town I got to wishing it had been just a
common sense and logic are very rare and
bit bigger and that’s when I realized they
Jay’s article is packed with both based on 30
aren’t ever going to be big enough. From
years of in-the-field experience. His viewpoint
my perspective you
is shared by not only yours truly but many other
see, there was
longtime anglers.
no “big enough.”
To quote Jay, “For the life of me I can not
I realized right
understand the status quo in trout regulations
then I needed
when we have seen dramatic increases in
to change my
fishing pressure and reductions in limits of most
perspective and
other game fish species.”
I realized that my
Me neither, Jay. With no charters the entire
love is the hunt for
month of December I took a couple of days
the fish, the being
to drive down to Port Mansfield and fish with
there; not how big
Brother McBride and Capt. Tricia. Lots of fish.
they are or how
Lots of good fish.
many we put in
Limit was changed to five fish per day in the Lower Laguna and those using live
will increase the amount of trash we
the box. The upcoming
croaker to insure large catches didn’t make the
Fourteenth Annual
expensive and long trip to Port Mansfield for
Big Shell Beach
five trout. Uncrowded bays and less pressure
Cleanup on
on the resource have resulted in steady, quality
Saturday March
catching. No Ph. D required to figure that one out.
14th is going to
This month marks fifty years since I started
Brent and Kyle Mitchell with Kyle's first jack crevalle from the PINS surf.
Wintertime speck from PINS surf 6.75 pounds.
be the largest and most complex event ever
can move dramatically. FoP will also be contracting at least one large 980 front end loader and NPS will have two in the work area. Capt. Everett Johnson and Mr. Jim Mayo will be bringing smaller 4 wheel drive front-end loader tractors. The all-volunteer effort on the morning of
fishing on Padre Island and fifty-two years
attempted to rid the coastal zone of debris and
March 14 will begin at the 16 mile and head
in local bays. This entire length of time there
trash in the Coastal Bend. Unless you have
south as always. Volunteers with 4-wheel drive
has been constant change in all aspects of
been on the PINS beachfront from the 18-mile to
vehicles are encouraged to bring any tools they
the coastal zone. Saltwater Texas is faced
the Port Mansfield jetty since Hurricane Ike you
feel may be helpful in lifting and dismantling
with numerous very real problems and issues
cannot imagine what it’s like down there. It looks
bulky items.
but the one that stands out above all the
like 42 miles of continuous landfill. National Park
others is the tremendous increase in fishing
Service (NPS) personnel and equipment are
bringing ropes or straps for securing loads
pressure. Unless all of us work together and act
going to be working partners in this year’s event
in rough terrain. Nails are going to be a huge
responsibly, the wonders we’ve been able to
supplying both manpower and heavy equipment
problem this year and it is strongly suggested all
enjoy will not be there for future generations to
and working side by side with volunteers.
participants wear protective footwear.
enjoy. Just Keep Five!
Friends of Padre, Inc. (FoP) has received
Volunteers bringing trailers might consider
Vehicle operators will want to insure they
$27,000 in donations to support the effort as of
have tire plugs, Fix-a-Flat and a plug-in air
goals in a wide range of saltwater fishing
this writing. FoP will be contracting end-dump
compressor available. Volunteers are welcome
endeavors. The big sharks, tarpon, snook and
18-wheeler trailers which will be staged as far
to leave at 2:00 pm and will be afforded rides
many other species that lots of folks only dream
south as conditions allow; hopefully in the area
out but the event itself will continue as long as
of catching I’ve been allowed to catch. But way
of the 16 mile. Small trailers can dump there
daylight permits.
back in 1977 I learned something that changed
rather than continue all the way to Malaquite and
my life.
this will allow them to make multiple trips which
I have been blessed to have reached many
24
February 2009
Texas Saltwater Fishing
Under the direction of PINS Facility Manager, Larry Turk, PINS personnel have been working www.TSFMAG.com
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long and hard hours to remove hazardous materials since Ike. They will concentrate their continuing efforts on removing debris far to the south between now and the cleanup date. As it stands now, I will join this effort two or three days before the official cleanup date. Volunteers are welcome and we will be supported by trucks, trailers, equipment and men hired by FoP. We will stockpile debris on the south end of the Big Shell in an attempt to keep from tearing the Big Shell to pieces before the event. Driving conditions in the Big Shell are currently bad and if it becomes necessary during the volunteer event we will use front end loaders to pull stuck vehicles and trailers out of the Big Shell area. Very probably the trash stockpiled south of Big Shell will be moved north after the event. We need any and all help we can muster this year. Donations are tax deductible and can be sent to “Friends of Padre, Inc.” P.O. Box 1420 Round Rock, TX. 78680. Any companies with trucks or large trailers to assist would be invaluable. Photo by Jimmy Jackson.
Refreshments will be available at Malaquite; as always. I am writing this on 29 December and already this event has become quite time consuming. It will become more so as time goes on. Numerous people have asked me how I can possibly do all this without pay during a time of serious personal financial problems. The reply is simple. The white man goes to church and puts money in the collection plate to support the efforts of the church. It’s called a tithe; giving 10% of what you make back to support your beliefs. Coastal Texas is my church and I’m simply paying my dues to help my church. So was Jay Watkins when he wrote that article. All of us who love Coastal Texas and try to keep it healthy and beautiful for future generations are simply paying our tithes. Updates on cleanup plans will be posted on my web site at www.billysandifer.com The two days I spent in Port Mansfield with Capt. Mike McBride and Capt. Tricia have got me all pumped up to be on the bays for a change. After all, ‘tis the season for chasing them big ol’ Baffin and Upper Laguna trout. any of you who doubt the effectiveness of using single hooks on your plugs could very well be missing the boat. You catch less grass, don’t injure as many fish and
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Tell you something;
caPt. billy sanDifer length: : 11.4 inches wingspan: 29 inches weight: 8 ounces Our largest plover with relatively large head and heavy bill, white
hookup per strike ratio
tail and black axillaries (armpits) are
is excellent.
distinctive. Strikingly colored in breeding
Tell you another little tip; working out with weights will sure keep down the aches and pains that can accompany those long winter wades. “If we don’t leave any;
telephone 361-937-8446 website www.billysandifer.com
there won’t be any.”
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Billy Sandifer operates Padre Island Safaris offering surf fishing for sharks to specks and nature tours of the Padre Island National Seashore. Billy also offers bay and near-shore fishing adventures in his 25 foot Panga for many big game and gamefish species.
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plumage when belly and flanks become black, contrasting with white rear and tail and brilliantly spangled silver grey upper parts. Moults to winter plumage in mid August to early September and retains this until April; this being a fairly plain grey above, with a grey-speckled breast and white belly. Frequents bay and Gulf of Mexico shorelines. Breeds to the far north and birds summering here are non-breeders. Call is a mournful 3 note whistle.
Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
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February 2009
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February 2009
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Kay gang — who else besiDes me wants to get the weatherman some medicine to treat multiple personality disorder, Holy Cow has this been crazy or what? A few weeks ago we saw snow and then 70 degree temps within 36 hours. The weather vane just continues to spin in 360 degree fashion, never staying in any one direction for very long. I guess overall we would have to say that the winter, if you can call it that, has been for the most part mild and relatively accommodating to the fisherman. We have only had a handful of days where the mercury dropped below freezing and the prospect of a
Capt. Lynn Waddell with a 30 1/4 inch 9.5 pound speck that was released to fight another day.
just isn’t the case, though. In this age of technology you can almost kiss that idea goodbye. Fishermen today are incredibly resourceful and, if you are not careful, it doesn’t take long for the rest of the world to find what you thought was a secret. The tool that enables fishermen to locate new places to fish and then return to them is the Global Positioning System or GPS. Now the GPS is not new, but the technology has evolved tremendously. All the big manufacturers now have electronic mapping features available that are as good as anything you could get at home on your computer, it’s “spooky” good to say the least. Most of these maps and images are provided by mapping chips or software made by Navionics, the largest privately
that pass through only serve as a day of rest for the diehard
owned cartographic database in the world. Navionics regional
fishermen as they enjoy the excellent winter fishing following
representative Art Wright ran down a list of mapping options
the post-front warm up.
available for the different models and manufacturers for me and
During the month of January I had a chance to talk to
it was impressive. Their software is compatible with almost all
several folks at various shows and it was interesting to get
the major brands of electronics and their maps and charts are
their perspective on the winter months and how it affected
the most current and up to date on the market.
their fishing. One of my good friends, Capt. Lynn Waddell of
“Imagine being able to go to a body of water that you never
Galveston, could not have been more excited about the cold
fished before and have as much or more information about
weather fishing. “We catch our biggest fish of the year during
it as someone who fished their all their life; it’s incredible”
“Once we find fish in an area this time of the year we usually find a group of them relating to the same structure, they will literally get stacked up and you can’t
said Wright. “We have been in some marshes during redfish tournaments that we never in a million years would have found without local knowledge or countless hours of scouting, there is almost no place we can’t find” he added. Navionics is compatible with all major brands of electronics
believe the numbers of fish that will
which makes it much easier to select a new GPS or chart
come from one small area,” he added.
plotter for your boat. According to Wright one of the best things
Like many other big fish hunters Waddell has spent countless hours without a bite probing shorelines looking for that
you can do is go to a big store where more than one brand is sold and compare the units side by side. The side-by-side comparison helps you find the brand and model you will be most comfortable using among the array of systems and menus
one perfect spot where
available. Operating systems range from simple to complex;
everything comes together.
don’t just buy one and take it home thinking, “Oh I’ll learn it
Spots like that are golden
eventually.” Get the one that fits you best.
and don’t come around
Once you have armed yourself with the new technology
often, so when you find
you can go about the business of finding new places to chase
one enjoy it because
that fish of a lifetime. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is not to
you could be in for a
be able to go back to an exact spot that you know is holding
memorable trip.
fish. On Sabine we don’t have much in the way of structure but
Now we all know February 2009
and we hope nobody else knows about them. In all reality that
major freeze seems to be an afterthought. The small fronts
the late winter and early spring” said Waddell.
28
there are spots we like to fish that have produced in the past
Texas Saltwater Fishing
what we do have is worth its weight in gold if you can find it. A www.TSFMAG.com
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quality GPS is invaluable when the spot you are searching for is no bigger than your boat, trust me. Another word to the wise about GPS coordinates; take the time to back them up on your home computer so if your GPS hiccups you won’t lose all that valuable information. I had one stolen out of my truck with about 6 years worth of coordinates stored in it from Sabine and Calcasieu; talk about sick to your stomach. I kept saying, “I’ll do it later,” and never downloaded them to my computer, live and learn. Another piece of advice, especially during winter, is to be sure all your safety gear is in good order and USE those life jackets. Cold water is no place to be when there are few people out there to assist during an emergency. Today’s PFDs are more comfortable than ever and there is no excuse for not wearing one, even if you are wading. I know you are asking, “Wear a life jacket while wading, how crazy is that?” Just a little food for thought right here and I will leave it alone; a friend of mine was wading and had a kidney stone act up on him and made him double over in pain, tough to do in chest deep water. Another friend had a mild heart attack while wading, what do you think he did? Things can happen out there that you need to be prepared for, use that PFD and don’t take chances.
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chucK uZZle
Chester, Dusty and Amanda Loggins show off some big winter redfish.
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
29
J ay wa t K i n s
i hoPe that all haVe survived
structure for that day is often the ticket.
the holiday season and
McBride mentioned that he prefers scattered
believer in presenting from every possible
received many blessing
mullet or the outsides of the larger pods of the
angle you can create. Remember, fish prefer
from being with friends
bait he locates. Listen to the man, he is dead
to feed into the current. Many times this will
and family. I enjoyed having Ryan and Jay
on. In my home waters a mullet flipping here
require anglers to cast into the wind. The
Ray together on the boat with me for a couple
and there over scattered mud, shell and grass
easier downwind presentation often means
days of duck hunt and fishing in early January
is as close to a guarantee as one can get. The
the bait will be coming up from behind the
while they were off. I have to tell you that 2008
trout featured in my article this month was
fish which is not natural within the realm
was a blur for me. I honestly think it is true that
caught due to watching a single mullet flipping
of predatory feeding. Predators position
the years go by faster as we age. I notice that
along an edge of soft bottom with a clump of
themselves in a fashion that allows the prey to
I have lost a step when it comes to the long
shell and grass scattered here and there.
come to them. This is why fishing at angles is
wades back to the boat in the soft winter mud.
In the last issue of this magazine, Mike
Trout of this size eat big mullet this time of
Cast to every piece of bottom structure you can see and vary your angles. I am a huge
so much more effective.
Not to worry though; I’m hitting the track and
year. The reason is fairly simple; there are
getting that step back before the tournament
not many baitfish of any other sizes available
your bait swims in front of more fish, right
season starts.
to them. I am not going to get into the big
where they expect it to be. By casting into the
Winter is a time when locating bait is
By angling your casts across the structure,
bait/big fish theory because I am not a total
wind on days with little to no tide current our
probably the most important aspect of your
believer in that line of thought. I am however a
baits are once again being presented out in
day. I would venture that I have been asked
total believer in the fact that our trophy-sized
front of the feeding fish because wind moves
at least two thousand times… “What is the
trout stay with the bait during the coldest of
water too. The MirrOlure Catch 5 and Paul
single most important element in locating
conditions. Oh, and for the record, a 5-inch
Brown’s Corky Fat Boy are terrific baits for
trophy winter trout?” The opening sentence to
shad Bass Assassin twitched under big pods
accomplishing long casts into stiff wind. Keep
this paragraph is the key in my opinion, it’s all
of bait can be deadly this time of year. A 5-inch
your casts low. The lower the bait flies into the
about staying with the food sources.
Assassin is no Big Mac or Quarter Pounder, it
wind the farther it will carry. If you haven’t tried
may qualify as a McNugget though, and that’s
the Daiwa Sol you need too. This reel casts
as far as I’m going into the bait size argument.
great into the wind, plus it is very light and
The bottom structure on most of the wellknown big trout haunts does not change very much from season to season. Weather
Something I see happen time and time
easy to cast all day.
patterns change and the bait moves, these two
again is the impatient pressuring of an area.
It’s all about staying power this time of
factors will most often control your day. It is not
For me it is easy to go to an area and camp
year. I guarantee, those with the willpower
necessary to locate large schools of bait. It is
for the morning or the entire day when I am
to choose an area and then fish through the
a blessing when we do but, I have found that
looking for one big bite. I get to go just about
Major and Minor feeding periods, including
everyday this time of year; for those with less
lulls in-between, will find themselves with the
opportunity I can see where they might tend to
greatest rewards at the end of the day.
the scattered occasional mullet flipping along an edge of my chosen
believe in the “cover more water — catch more
May Your Fishing Always Be Catching.
fish” logic. Wrong guys, especially when you’re The apex trout in any given area move and feed in stealth mode, and by definition that should suggest a very slow go at it. On the day I caught the trout in the accompanying photo, my group, me included, had pushed offshore just a little too far. The bait flipping on a line behind me and just a little to my right got my attention and pulled us back to where we
contact
in the right area.
should have remained and aided in getting a
Bait activity was the key to getting shot at the big fish. a shot at this Be prepared to work an area thoroughly. wintertime trophy. 30
ebruary 2009
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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February 2009
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North America, alligator gar are one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. They can live for many decades and reach massive sizes. Those who have seen or caught a large alligator gar don’t soon forget the experience, because these ancient giants leave a primordial impression. But in recent years the range of this once populous fish has sharply declined. Fisheries biologists suspect loss of habitat and over-harvest are two likely causes. In an effort to stem the downward spiral of the alligator gar, most Gulf Coast states have enacted regulations to protect the species. For the first time, Texas is considering similar legislation. Concern from anglers and actions by other states to protect alligator gar has prompted the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) to take a closer look at the alligator gar. TPWD has drafted regulations that emphasize protection of large adult fish which are critical to sustainable fisheries. A healthy population of adult gar also provides the opportunity for recreational anglers to potentially make the catch of a lifetime. Having spent many memorable years chasing alligator gar, and witnessing firsthand their vulnerability to overharvest from commercial fishing, this is an issue that strikes a chord with me. You might be wondering why a tough old gar that could survive in a mudhole needs protection. That is a valid question. To answer it one must first understand a few basics about gar ecology and how alligator gar differ from other gar species. All gar are primitive fish (considered to be
12-year old Shelby Hunter with a 120 lb alligator gar she and her dad Kim Hunter caught and released during a kayak fishing trip.
surviving holosteans) having evolved at least 65 million years ago. Although gar are often grouped together with nuisance or introduced fish species, they are native to North American waters. Their bodies are covered by thick armor-like “ganoid” scales. Gar spawn in protected flooded backwaters and their eggs are poisonous to humans. All gar possess an air bladder that functions as a primitive lung, enabling them to survive in stagnant water by “gulping” air at the surface. They are opportunistic feeders, ambushing their prey with a powerful side swipe, clutching it with their sharp teeth and swallowing it headfirst. Gar primarily inhabit freshwater, but they often venture into saltwater environs and are sometimes seen or caught by coastal anglers. There are 4 recognized species of gar in Texas — the longnose gar, spotted gar, shortnose gar, and alligator gar. The most widespread and common of these is the longnose gar. Longnose gar are slender fish with a long snout and needle-like teeth. They can reach lengths of 60 inches or more. Longnose gar are prolific and distributed throughout most of the central, southern, and eastern portions of Texas. If you have observed gar near your home, chances are they were longnose gar. Spotted gar are slightly smaller in size than longnose gar, and have attractive leopard-like markings on their bodies. Spotted gar primarily inhabit rivers and lakes in the eastern portions of Texas where they can grow to lengths of 40 inches. Shortnose gar are the least common and least known gar in Texas. They have a relatively short broad snout, and grow to 30 inches in length. Shortnose gar live primarily in the Red River basin on the Texas-Oklahoma border. Alligator gar are the true giants of the gar world. In Texas, they inhabit sluggish rivers, bayous, and coastal backwaters. Because alligator gar can survive in both fresh and saltwater, they can be found in brackish rivers, estuaries, and occasionally in the surf. Alligator gar can be distinguished from other species by their wide flat snout and two rows of teeth on their upper jaw. Alligator gar can reach lengths of 10 ft. and
check out the Fly of the Month video at www.TSFMag.com 32
February 2009
Texas Saltwater Fishing
VIDEO
weights of 300 lbs. They are one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. Research indicates alligator gar spawn irregularly, grow slowly, and take many years to reach maturity. This makes them especially vulnerable to over-fishing. Some researchers believe very large alligator gar may be 50-75 years in age. In spite of their reputation as “trash fish,” alligator gar have minimal effects on sport fish populations. The historic range of the alligator gar in North America has markedly declined. Alligator gar are no longer found in IL, IN, and OH. Currently, no harvest is allowed in TN or FL, and harvest is restricted in AR, MS, AL, and OK. Texas and LA remain the last states with no restrictions on the harvest of alligator gar. TPWD is considering three possible alligator gar management options. Option #1 limits the harvest of alligator gar to one fish per day, and only alligator gar 7-feet in length or longer would be legal for harvest. Option #2 limits the harvest of alligator gar to one per year and the gar would require a tag available from license outlets. Option #3 eliminates the commercial harvest of alligator gar. Under this regulation, alligator gar would no longer be legal to harvest or sell commercially. Public hearings for proposed hunting and fishing regulations (including alligator gar regulations) will be held around the state in February 2009, and a final decision will be made by the commission at its March 26, 2009 public meeting. If you would like to learn more about alligator gar, or the regulations TPWD is considering, visit the TPWD website and search “alligator gar regulations.” I strongly encourage you to share your voice and help protect this unique and vulnerable inhabitant of our rivers and coastal ecosystems. Texas has one of the last substantial populations of large alligator gar in North America. These fish exist no other place in the world. They deserve our consideration.
contact
c a se y sm a rt t
founD only in
casey smartt has been fly fishing and tying flies for 30 years. when he cannot make it to the coast he is happy chasing fish on texas inland lakes and rivers.
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
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93 o24’0’W
93 o22’0’W
93 o20’0’W
93 o18’0’W
93 o16’0’W
93 o14’0’W
depending on
several months, big wahoo congregate on the
what you are
deepwater rocks along the continental shelf off
pulling. With
our coast and the fishing can be phenomenal
swimming baits
at times. The winter weather is the limiting
your speed is
factor for this type of fishing and the weather
limited by the
windows to be able to run 100 miles offshore
lure, but jets and
this time of year can be very few and far
conventional
between. A fast seaworthy boat is the ticket
lures can be
here to get out there and back in a short period
pulled at higher
of time. The weather rarely cooperates for
speeds to entice
more than about 24 hours, so there is a real
a bite. You can
need for speed to make it happen comfortably.
add a large trolling weight to keep your lure
We want to stress again… Don’t push your
down at these speeds. The wahoo’s first
luck with a cold front; you will not like the
run can really scream off a lot of line. Make
big game fishing in the Gulf or rigging you
results! Check and double check the weather
sure your drags are smooth to prevent line
boat, come by our Fox yacht Sales office at
and don’t take chances. Wait until it is right
breakage and use safety lines to keep your
Tops-N-Towers. We’re always happy to answer
and then get out there and back.
rods in the boat. Remember wahoo tend to
your questions. At Fox we have an extensive
congregate in schools, so if you get a bite don’t
inventory of brokerage boats as well as new
so you will want to leave the night before and
stop the boat right away, you may get another
cABo and riviera yachts and we will be glad
be at the rocks about daybreak. Be careful
strike. Remember to keep your line tight.
to help you find a boat or sell yours. For more
running at night and make sure your boat is in
Wahoo like to shake their heads a lot and any
information call our Seabrook office at 281-
top condition. Winter time is no time to break
slack in the line may allow the lure to come off.
291-0656 or call Capt John Cochrane direct at
down, so you want everything working on
27o54’0’N 27o52’0’N
Our favorite lures for wahoo are the Strike
the boat. Make sure you have all your safety
Pro Wahoo Hunters along with the big Rapala
equipment and it’s a good idea to include a
Magnums. These lures work best using
SAT phone and life raft onboard. Know you
very strong single hooks with heavy duty
fuel consumption and monitor it regularly.
ball bearing swivels. It is important to make
Bring plenty of food, towels and extra clothes.
sure any lures you buy have heavy duty
Four to six 20 to 30 lb class rods with two
components and a wire harness through the
speed reels are perfect for these speedsters.
lure body connecting everything together.
Load them up with 30 to 50 lb. line and you are
Make sure you use stainless cable or wire
ready to go. Many of the fish this time of year
for leader. Other wahoo lures include jets,
are over 50 lbs, so you’re going to have a lot of
conventional lures and ballyhoo. We like dark
fun on this tackle.
colors like Black/Purple, Black/Red, all Black, as well as Green/Yellow and Blue/Silver. Your
deep rocks near the Flower Garden Banks
local tackle shop should be able to fix you up
and to the east. Check your offshore chart
with the right stuff.
or Hilton’s Real-Time Navigator website to
One other thing about wahoo fishing
locate the best rocks. Fish the edges of these
when the bite is on… please do your part to
rocks in anywhere from 150 – 250 ft. of water
conserve our resource. It’s tempting to load
looking for bait as you troll. Stay off the top of
the boat, but you will do us all a favor if you
the shallower rocks or the barracudas may eat
only keep a reasonable number of fish to eat
February 2009
Texas Saltwater Fishing
and release the rest. For more information about catching wahoo,
409-739-4817.
contact
The wahoo bite is usually an early thing,
27o56’0’N
bite, now is your chance! Now and for the next
speed can vary
27o50’0’N
b o b b y b y r D & c a P t. J o h n c o c h r a n e
93 o26’0’W
you up. Trolling
Most of the best wahoo fishing is on the
34
93 o28’0’W
if you haVe neVer exPerienceD a wide open wahoo
Born in Galveston, Capt. John Cochrane has been a professional captain for over 25 years and is now a full time yacht broker for Fox Yacht Sales. He concentrates his fishing efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, promoting big game fishing and billfish research. A native Texan, Bobby Byrd has fished the Gulf of Mexico since he was eight. In 1995, Bobby combined his love of fishing and boating into a business when he opened Tops-N-Towers in Seabrook, Texas. contact Fox Yacht Sales / Seabrook 281-291-0656 Tops-N-Towers 281-474-4000 Capt. John Cochrane 409-739-4817 websites www.byrd-cochrane.com www.topsntowers.com www.foxyachtsales.com www.TSFMAG.com
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
35
BROUGHT TO YOU BY…
in an effort to further enhance texas’ coastal habitats, CCA Texas recently
of Cedar Bayou. Many projects lend themselves to the vision of HTFT.
funded $100,000 to start the Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow (HTFT)
exist for seagrass restoration and planting, inshore reef nourishment
initiative. HTFT is a bold, new step in conservation for CCA Texas that
and restoration, offshore artificial reefs and cleanup projects such as
will identify, fund and initiate habitat restoration projects such as reef
the annual Abandoned Crab Trap Cleanup and Bay Debris cleanups.
Besides marsh restoration and wetlands projects, many opportunities
One thing is clear in habitat restoration and enhancement; projects
construction, marsh replenishment, beach and bay debris clean-ups and
are costly and have many moving parts. HTFT will seek partners in
other habitat restoration and enhancement projects. Now is the time to move forward in the next step of the organization’s efforts to guarantee the sustainability of Texas’ great coastal resource for
its project efforts both financially and in execution. CCA Texas has already approved $100,000 in seed money and will direct the monies
future generations. Fishery and resource management will always be on
from Life Memberships and the annual year-end giving letters to HTFT.
the forefront of CCA Texas’ agenda, but with so many of the state’s key
In addition, matching funds will be sought from corporations, grant
fisheries firmly in the management system, it begs the question — where
programs and other organizations. “HTFT creates an opportunity for CCA Texas, its membership, the
does the organization go next to proactively address the additional needs of the Texas coast? The most obvious area of attention is fishery habitat.
general public and conservation and corporate partners to come
With a rapidly increasing coastal population, unprecedented coastal
together with a common goal in the conservation of our coastal
development and a mobile and active user base, an equally active habitat
resources,” said John Blaha, Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow Director.
development and enhancement program is the logical next phase in CCA
“This is an exciting time for the organization and an opportunity to grow in conservation arenas we have only touched to date.
Texas’ tradition in conservation.
In closing, all recreational fishermen will benefit from this program.
“CCA Texas has a rich history in the conservation of Texas’ coastal resources,” said CCA Texas Executive Director Robby Byers. “This
It will take CCA Texas to the next level in the conservation of coastal
program is the next step in expanding the organization’s conservation
resources and provide many opportunities for the CCA Texas general
efforts so that future generations are able to enjoy the resources as
membership and the fishing community to become involved in the
they are today and with these efforts the hope is that they will be even
conservation of Texas’ coastal resources.
more bountiful.” This initial step marks the beginning of another significant and visionary project for CCA. This program stands to be one of the most important and far-reaching. First, the hatcheries were created. Next, CCA Texas created a state-of-the-art lab to enhance those hatcheries. Now, we will create a program that will enhance the habitat of the coast and
season and Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program to occur February
enhance nature’s own hatchery.
20 through March 1, 2009.
“CCA Texas has a long history of supporting and taking part in
TSFMag encourages all conservation-minded saltwater anglers to get
restoration projects, but to truly impact the health and sustainability of
involved. Announcements and information regarding facilitated disposal
our Texas coastal resources, we need to create an organized and lasting
sites will be available from TPWD staff members;
program for funding and executing habitat restoration projects throughout
Tonya Wiley (Dickinson Marine Lab) 281-534-0131 and Art Morris
the coast,” commented CCA Texas President Bill Schwarzlose. “There is
(Corpus Christi Field Station) 361-825-3356. Volunteers who may
no shortage of needs. The coastal and offshore habitats of Texas offer
dispose of abandoned crab traps by means other than Facilitated Disposal Sites are requested to contact TPWD and report the number
abundant opportunities for restoration projects.” CCA Texas has taken part in a number of habitat projects, including marsh replenishment projects at Sportsman’s Road in Galveston and
36
TPWD has announced the annual 10-day closure of the crabbing
of traps removed and locations worked. TSFMag will award prizes of fishing tackle and related gear to the
Goose Island State Park in Rockport. CCA Texas also played a large part
top three Crab Trap Collectors of 2009! Send photos to document
in the Bahia Grande Wetlands restoration project in the lower coast and
your “catch” to Everett@TSFMag.com. Call 361 550 3637 for
has given in excess of $10,000 to the viability studies for the re-opening
more information.
February 2009
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
37
field Notes
since 2002 the texas ParKs anD wilDlife commission has mandated a
marine life, traps left in the water without floats
throughout the bay system. Three years later,
become a hazard to outboard motor vessels
in February 2005, this was the observation
and sport and commercial fishermen. The sight
found over the exact same area; dramatic
closed crab trap season in Texas’ coastal
of rusty old traps in the water or on islands can
evidence of the success of the trap removal
waters for ten days every February. During this
negatively impact the beauty of coastal waters
program in only three years.
period, all crab traps remaining in the bays are
that many bay users have come to enjoy.
designated as “litter” and subject to removal
In order to assist volunteers in locating
and disposal. The idea behind this closure is
traps for removal during the
to remove lost or abandoned traps from the
closure, Texas Parks and
water, which in turn would preserve crabs and
Wildlife Department (TPWD)
other marine resources, reduce damage to
conducts aerial survey flights
boats and equipment, and remove unwanted
over the Texas coast in the
debris from the bays.
week preceding the closure.
Ghost fishing is the concept that crab traps
Volunteers are the heart and soul of this program; they are essential for both removing
This photo was taken in
continue to catch and kill crabs and bycatch,
February 2002 over Espiritu
even after they become lost or abandoned.
Santo Bay in the central
Research from Louisiana showed that on
Texas coast, prior to the first
average 26 blue crabs were caught and
trap removal event. Note
killed from ghost traps. In addition to loss of
the concentration of traps Ghost Fishing
espiritu Santo Bay February 2002
espiritu Santo Bay February 2005 38
February 2009
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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The 2009 trap removal program is scheduled
numbers of bycatch organisms found in these
helping coordinate trap crushing and disposal.
traps. Over 3,675 organisms were removed
for February 20 through March 1, 2009.
Since 2002, over 22,000 traps have been
from the more than 1,700 traps observed. Blue
Volunteers are needed to remove traps across
removed coastwide, with the help of 1702
crabs, live or dead, were by far the dominant
the coast, and specific drop-off locations in
volunteers. Both numbers of traps removed
species, accounting for nearly 53% of all
each bay system are still to be determined. For
(columns) and numbers of volunteers (red line)
organisms. Stone crabs were the second
more information you may contact:
have declined over time; a measure of the
highest at almost 21%. Sheepshead, a popular
• Tonya Wiley (Dickinson, 281-534-0131) or
program’s success – fewer traps mean
sport and commercial finfish, accounted for
• Art Morris (Corpus Christi, 361-825-3356).
cleaner bays.
8.2% of organisms found.
tPw D fielD notes
traps from boats on the water and for on land
In addition to removing traps, TPWD biologists have collected data from abandoned traps in order to document trap condition and
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
39
c a P t. s c o t t n u l l
K a y a K
f i s h i n g
for my loyal DieharD KayaKers i must first
added greatly to my kayak fishing by allowing me to better observe the habits of my favorite
perspective on the platform. It isn’t every day
apologize, for this is not a kayak fishing
quarry. The two methods have definitely
that conversations on my skiff range from
article. I recently had a trip that produced one
complemented each other. So with all my
Nashville insight to discussion of gear and
of my most memorable moments in shallow
justifications out of the way, let’s get on with
tactics for competing in world championship
water sight-casting. I called Everett and asked
the meat of the story.
casting contests. It was also a real treat just
him about doing a feature story on the trip
A couple months ago we were working on
The day was still pretty cool from my
to watch Steve effortlessly tossing casts of
since it occurred on my poling skiff and not on
the plans for the fly fishing expo at Fishing
over a hundred feet in a gale. And Radney is
the kayak. He responded with, “Hell, you’re
Tackle Unlimited. I managed to talk Steve
certainly no slouch in the casting department.
new little Maverick poling skiff ain’t nothing
Rajeff, 34-times world casting champion, into
These guys were the two best fly casters I’ve
but a kayak with a motor on it. Why don’t you
coming out for the event. As a part of the deal
had the pleasure to have on my skiff and it
just do it as your regular article, I think folks
I was to take Steve out fly fishing the day after
was painful not being able to get them any
will understand. Besides, you fish that thing
the event. Then the boss calls and tells me his
real shots.
just like you do your kayaks anyway.”
buddy Radney Foster will be in town playing
Day two had Radney and his guitarist Eric
After thinking about that for a bit I
at the Mucky Duck the day of the event. Turns
“Ebo” Borash on board. The morning dawned
realized he was right. So many of the
out Radney is a fly fishing addict and wants
dead slick calm with a hanging fog. Better, not
things I’ve learned about chasing
to go fishing as well. So now I’ve got a world
ideal, but I could work with these conditions.
redfish in shallow water have been
class fly caster and one of my favorite singer/
We headed out to a shallow shoreline with
gained through many hours in a
songwriters wanting to chase redfish on the
a sand and grass bottom. I’d been on a few
kayak. I put that knowledge to use
fly, it’ll be in the middle of December and the
fish in this area before the snow and with the
day after a full moon, no pressure there…and
warming trend I hoped they had returned. The
did I mention it snowed a few days before the
fish in this area usually push up wakes that
trip? Perfect.
give them away in the early morning before
every time I climb up on the platform. And to be fair, being on my poling platform has
The morning finally arrived and it was
the sun is high enough for sight casting. About
just as I had feared, totally overcast with a
an hour of poling across the empty flat had
20 mph breeze, but at least it was a warm
me doubting myself until Radney spotted a
southeast wind and not a stiff norther. We
slight movement and laid out a perfect cast
ran into one of my favorite marshes to find
that connected with a nice little red. It wasn’t
some semi-protected water. The water was
huge, but at least it broke the ice. Shortly after
clear enough, but the heavy overcast made
releasing the red my phone rang. It was Steve
true sight casting nothing more than a fleeting
up at FTU calling with word that the front due
aspiration. Thinking like a kayaker, I pushed
in later that afternoon was ahead of schedule
the skiff into the shallowest areas I could find
and had just ripped past the store. Join us next month, Radney
hoping that we could at least find some reds
is just getting warmed up!
waking through the skinny water. Radney and fishermen and completely understood what we were up against. I tried everything I could think of to put them on fish and all onboard gave a valiant effort, but in the end we zeroed. The fish we did see were all concentrated in a couple of lakes far into the marsh, but they wouldn’t eat. 40
February 2009
Photo Credit: David McClister
Texas Saltwater Fishing
contact
Steve were the perfect guests. Both are real
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
41
c a P t. scot t som m e r l at t e
accorDing to scott
i imagine it is Pretty funny to watch. By that I mean, funny to watch me scramble around for ideas
anglers today know nothing of the concept of patience and those who argue that they are
-Grover Cleveland
there to spend time observing nature should think about that the next time they crank up
to write about for this monthly column and then to see the light bulb magically appear in a little
It goes without saying that many years ago
the 200 hp outboard and sling a ten to thirty
cartoon balloon above my head when I think of
people fished for subsistence but, over time, it
foot rooster-tail of mud and grass or fly circles
something. Now it is safe to say that the bulb is
became a recreational activity that many used
around a marsh lake spooking fish and wildlife.
usually pretty dim and I feel like I am jumping
to escape the urban life by getting out into
up and down to catch the string of the balloon
nature. President Cleveland addresses this
to say that I am not somewhat guilty of loosing
that is escaping into a cloudy sky. But hey, I’m
with his mention of, “teaching patience.” The
perspective of what fishing is all about. There
just a dumb ole’ fishing guide that pushes a
question is — are these concepts still alive and
have been days that I did not even want to
boat around with a stick.
are they thriving in this modern world of fishing?
put the boat in the water because there was
Anyway, this past New Year’s Eve I was
Sure, just about every man who was looking
Now with that being said, I would be a lying
no money to be made that day. In my defense
reading a book that was given to me for
for a kitchen pass for a fishing trip has used
though, I am fishing for subsistence in that I
Christmas and it has a section dedicated to
the argument that he just needs some time
am trying to make a living and besides, I get
quotes made by famous fishermen. While
with nature, but when he gets down to the bay
to spend 200+ days a year on the water as a
reading it I came upon this quote by one of our
he jumps in his boat and runs to the first spot
guide and photographer whether I want to or
past presidents that got me to thinking about
at 50 mph. If the fish are not there, he is then
not. The good news is that the majority of the
what the world of fishing has become over the
off to the second and the third and so on…
sports who hire me, want to fish and commune
years. So, as I read this quote made by a man
Which incidentally requires me to wonder about
with nature much in the manner that President
that served as our 22nd and 24th president, I
patience and whether or not he even noticed the
Cleveland suggests. Over the years, this has
cannot help but wonder if he were alive today
first thing in our natural world other than all the
helped me learn patience and to slow down
— would he take it back.
fish he was spooking off the flats he was running
long enough to enjoy all that our natural world
over because he did not have the patience to
has to offer which , incidentally, brings me to a
run his boat in deeper water and go around the
final thought that I found in another quote that I
flat or, worse yet, to run through the marsh to
ran across.
It is impossible to avoid the conclusion that the fishing habit, by promoting close association with nature, by teaching patience, and by generating or stimulating
42
of its votaries and through them to the improvement of our national character.
avoid going the long way out in the bay. Let’s face it, fishing has become a run and
useful contemplation, tends directly to
gun activity. Tournament fishing is real good
the increase of the intellectual power
indicator of what fishing is becoming. Many
February 2009
Texas Saltwater Fishing
To capture the fish is not all of the fishing. - Zane Grey
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
43
a a ro n c i s n e r o s
haVe you eVer taKen a Vacation thinKing you’re going to finally rest? But, it ends up turning out to be the opposite. That’s exactly how my Christmas vacation went. Here I had the thought of waking up late, having friends over to play X-Box or perhaps going to see a few
and not having to worry about taking a test or
was to see tailing reds. Paddling closer to the
movies over my two week break. It turned out
turning in an assignment.
birds I began to see redfish tails pop up as to
that my addiction took over and consumed
wave, “Here I am.” After missing a couple of
out. Let me tell you, winter is an excellent
opportunities, I hooked on to an oversize red
mornings. It’s funny how getting up early for
time to take the kayaks out when the weather
that dragged me along for a ride. Here I was
school is so hard to do, but when it’s time to
permits. Because of the extremely low tides
all alone in the middle of a quiet, still lagoon
rise early in the morning for fishing, it doesn’t
that occur during the winter, the kayaks allow
being raced across a shallow grass flat by
take much persuasion.
you to venture where boats can not even
a red that wanted no part of me. As I fought
attempt to enter.
the redfish, I happened to look up and saw a
We have a saying that a friend of ours started, “Fish till you puke!” It means fishing till exhaustion sets in or darkness comes. I still remember how good fishing was last year during the same time, and this Christmas break was no exception. I spent some of the time chasing oversize redfish that always seemed to be along the same sand bar every time I went looking for them. These reds
Fish till you puke! The kayak trip was planned along with some
beautiful orange sky line that just made the experience even more rewarding. After landing that fish and several others, I paddled back with a wealth of fond memories. By then the others were also heading back to the boat as the sun was setting over the horizon. We shared our experiences as we secured everything. The most talked about
were a bit on the exaggerated side weighing
friends. We set out to paddle a vast shallow
occurrence during our conversation was
anywhere from eight to fifteen pounds, and
flat that looked promising to the eye. From
amazingly how close the kayaks could get
they were hungry for anything you threw at
the beginning I separated from the group
to the redfish without them noticing your
them. My favorite was watching them blow
and shortly found myself paddling in the far
presence. In the end a few of us caught fish,
up on my top water. I can say that I fished for
corners of this calm lagoon that contained all
but the most important part was that everyone
these redfish till I wanted no more part of them
kinds of feeding birds. The action was pretty
had a great time. Its memories like these that
as my sore arm had a lot to do with it.
slow, but my instincts told me to keep an eye
last a lifetime. By now my vacation break is
on the birds; perhaps they knew something
over, and now I am sitting in a classroom
many trout in the four to six pounds class.
I didn’t. While standing on top of the stable
wishing I could replay it all over again. Back
Even though the really big ones eluded me,
kayak, I drifted very slowly along a shallow
are the days where getting up early for school
I know where they like to hang out, and they
bank when I was startled by a pack of coyotes
are hard, and looking forward to the next
are just going to have to wait till the weekends.
looking for their next meal. I was reminded that
vacation is constantly on my mind.
It was sure nice to fish during the week days
this was nature at its best; now all I needed
The trout fishing was just as good. I caught
44
I also got an opportunity to take the kayaks
most of my time, especially those early
February 2009
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February 2009
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guest Piece
story by g.b. robertson illustr ation by ben beaty
i wonDer if there are any olD codgers left that remember Earl and Frank Ebelt who fished all over the Galveston bays back in the 50s,60s and early 70s? I met Frank over the CB radio sometime in the mid-60s when we both had homes on the north side of Houston near downtown. We soon became good friends and fishing buddies. Now Frank loved to play tricks and could tell the biggest fib about most anything with a total deadpan expression on his face and in his voice, better than anybody I have ever met. My favorite is about his floundering dog. Frank sold out on the north side of town and moved down south off the Gulf Freeway so he could be closer to his bay house down on the west beach of Galveston Island. We would cross paths going to work every morning and would say hello over the CBs. Frank would talk about his dog and how she would point flounder and was training her puppies to do the same. We kept this story going over the airwaves until someone took the bait. One morning someone broke in and said he had just moved to Texas from New Jersey and had heard about floundering and he sure would like to see that dog work.
light the Coleman lantern; the dog ran off and
As I said Frank liked to pull pranks on
Now Frank got off work at 3:00pm rushed
couldn’t be caught. Our poor Yankee friend
people so he caught a stray dog and put it
home and put his truck in the garage. He then
was distraught and asked Frank if he could
in his fenced backyard. The next day over
ran inside with his two beagles and closed
pay for the dog.
the radio he asked the Yankee if he was
the doors and the window blinds and waited.
a good sport and would he keep good
Shortly this unsuspecting fellow drove up and
“Oh don’t fret, that dog knows that area real
care of his dog if he let him borrow it to go
went to the backyard. He put a leash on the
well. I’ll be heading down there in a day or two
floundering. Our new radio friend assured
stray and walked her to his truck while Frank
and I’m sure she’ll be waiting for me.”
that would be the case.
peeked out the window, giggling all the while.
Frank had already told him where to go
46
backyard and take the dog.
Monday morning we were waiting with our
back behind San Luis Pass and told the man
radios turned on. Sure enough an excited
he could come by and pick up his floundering
voice came over the air calling Mister Ebelt.
dog on Friday afternoon. Frank said that he
He went into a sad tale saying that when he
wouldn’t be home but it was alright to go in the
got down to San Luis Pass, before he could
February 2009
Texas Saltwater Fishing
Frank replied in his perfect deadpan voice,
The next time we got together we had a good laugh over it. G.B. Robertson – Port O’Connor, TX
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m e m o ry m a K e r s
christmas 2008 turneD out greater
than my 8-year old son,
Lucas, could have imagined. After opening gifts, my wife, three sons and I, piled into the car and headed to Seadrift, TX to the boys' grandparent's fishing camp. We call the place “Polebenders" and it has provided many great memories for our family. After more Christmas fun, Lucas began begging to go fishing with Paw Paw and me in the morning. We do not normally take him when we are planning to wade as he is still a little young. However, we knew Lucas was becoming quite a fisherman and decided this would be the day he got to prove it. We woke early and loaded the boat; Lucas was wide-eyed and ready. We arrived at Mission Lake and decided to drift-fish. Lucas was given his gear and told to go for it. He had used artificial lures, but not with much success. After not catching much he asked if he could reel in our fish as the action was fast and furious. He kept watching how we worked the red and white Saltwater Assassin and soon began to mimic our retrieve. Next thing you know, his rod was bent over and the fight was on. You could see his grin widening with every trout. From that point on he did not need, nor want, assistance from us. He just kept catching and reeling them in. “I got it Dad,” he kept saying. Let me tell you that he in fact did “get it.” After he boated five nice trout he hooked another and his drag started to sing. Needless to say Paw Paw and I were amazed. He had a big one and we watched as he fought it. He refused help and brought the big fish in on his own, start to finish. To our shock and joy it was the biggest of the day, and we caught a lot of fish. Lucas was proud to show off his first trophy trout and tell the story to the whole family. He was officially hooked on artificial baits and couldn’t wait to go again. Lucky for him, there will be many more fishing trips in his future. Proud Dad, Carlos Leon
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February 2009
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
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when water temperatures dictate where
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
49
we haVe enJoyeD a PreDictably great run on big
deep, you are in business. The keys to consistently cashing in on this phenomenal bite are locating baitfish or small slicks and staying put.
DIcKIE coLBURN
trout on Sabine over the past two months.
Dickie Colburn is a full time guide out of Orange, Texas. Dickie has 37 years experience guiding on Sabine and Calcasieu Lakes.
We lost much of the spring to the wind,
can stop your boat the instant you get a strike. Too many folks continue
only to be saddled with outrageous
to drift right through the fish or spook them with the troll motor. Not unlike
gas prices, a devastating hurricane,
the wade fisherman that often catches multiple fish while standing in one
and a sagging economy that resulted
spot, you can do the same thing by quietly holding your position.
telephone 409-883-0723 website www.sabineconnection.com
winners were the trout and redfish that
Because the slack and stretch factor can rob you of a solid hook set, I
had the lake to themselves.
minimize the problem with 20-lb. Power Pro and a 4 to 6-ft. leader of 20-
in decreased fishing pressure. The big
The gulls worked over huge schools
Long casts create a lot of slack line, but are a must when drift fishing.
lb. Seaguar fluorocarbon. I prefer a little shorter rod when fishing out of
of redfish and solid trout through the
the boat and CastAway’s Skeleton series includes a TSR65ML that works
first week of January, but the handful of
well with everything from tails to topwaters.
anglers willing to battle the elements are now focusing on the bragging
You can limit on slot reds before your hands thaw out most days
size trout frequenting the shallow flats. If we can avoid excessive rainfall
cranking a Red Daddy spinnerbait or a weedless gold Johnson spoon
and runoff from the rivers, this month could be one for the books.
across the shallow mud flats, but neither of those choices dupe many big
Do not be discouraged by the lack of water clarity. There is still a lot of sediment in the water thanks to Ike, but it hasn’t hurt the fishing at all. If you can see a lure 6 to 10-inches deep on a flat that is 2 to 4-feet
50
If you choose to drift-fish, keep your Stakeout Stick handy so that you
February 2009
trout for us. You will not catch as many reds when targeting sow trout, but they will eat anything a trout will eat! Depending on water temperature, a critical variable too often
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s a b i n e This red was released in ho pe of a later remat ch .
overlooked, we are scoring with larger topwaters like the Top Dog and Spook or a suspending lure like the Catch V, Catch 2000, MirrOdine XL or Corky. When the surface temperature dips below the 50 degree mark, I replace the topwater with a 5� Assassin Shad rigged on a 1/8th ounce head. Because it can be readily fished from top to bottom depending only on speed of retrieve, the Assassin is my first choice for locating both trout and reds. I will quickly switch to one of the mullet imitations, however, if it fails to attract the larger trout. You are in the game with any of those lures through early spring. Water clarity will dictate our choice of colors. I have had a growing number of inexperienced winter fishermen hold their own this year fishing a 5-inch Assassin Shad on an 18-inch leader under a Click Cork. Even when they are more concerned with staying warm, their lure remains in the strike zone! We tend to catch most of our better fish in the evening hours, but that is not cast in stone. If you start your day early, concentrate your efforts in 4 to 6 feet of water adjacent to the shallow flats. The fish will stage on the slightly deeper breaks while waiting for the shallower water to warm.
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
51
Mickey on Galveston well it’s time for another galVeston
get on some of these schools and catch 30-40 redfish. When the conditions are right they are coming to
area fishing report and with the holidays
the top and just plain easy to catch right now.
and football season concluded except
Soft plastics are bringing us lots of heavy slot reds in the 26–28 inch range and some oversized
the Super Bowl everybody should be
up to 30 inches. These reds are very fat right now,
rearing to go. Over the past several
the weights are awesome.
weeks all the reports I have received say
The trout are not too bad either if
that fishing is good, hunting is good, and if these are your interests it is a great time
you can tear yourself away from the
of year and you should have it going on.
reds. There are a lot of trout in the back of Trinity Bay, especially in the
The weather has been pretty mild so far
Jacks Pocket area. Cutting long drifts
and we are enjoying a pretty good winter
in 4-6 feet of water has been productive using soft
here on the Upper Coast. Right now the fishing remains very good in Trinity and East Bays and into
steady and there are a few showing up to 5 and
their upper reaches including the back
6 pounds. This is real quality fishing.
bays and lakes. Lots of fish being caught; good numbers and some big ones too. I Trinity Bay is holding lots of redfish. Big schools are common and you can
February 2009
Our big reefs that normally produce so well this time of year have not turned on yet. I have never seen as many commercial drum lines strung around these reefs as there
can’t say enough about how good we have it.
52
plastics and Corkys out of the boat. The action is
are this year and wonder if that might have something to do with it. I wish
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g a l V e s t o n TPWD would limit the number of lines that could be placed in these prime
as out in the middle. Bird action slowed up somewhat
areas. There are a lot of sport anglers here that enjoy fishing for drum and
but on occasion you will get a norther through and you
I fear the commercial fishermen might wipe them out. But getting back on
will have a few small shrimp get flushed out. They are
topic, the trout just aren’t schooling over our big reefs as we have seen
catching a good number of fish under the birds when they work.
over the years in Trinity Bay.
It is just crazy to see this so late in the year. I guess this is our payback
Tabbs Bay is still producing lots of trout. I have had some good trips of
for having to take Ike down the throat like we did but it is all coming to
late with Corkys and soft plastics over scattered shell and mud in about
rare form now. I have not seen many late Decembers and Januarys with
2-3 feet of water, both wading and drifting. I have had four customers this
fishing this good.
past month break 8-pounds, the biggest trout of their careers. There have
Water conditions are excellent, pretty near perfect at all points. There
been a lot of good fish in the 23-25 inch range . We had one banner day
is little freshwater inflow into the bays right now and all the water is
where we had 30 fish and the smallest one was 23 inches with everybody
clear and there is a good availability of bait. You can find baitfish just
catching and releasing a bunch over 25 inches. It was just incredible. It
about anywhere and pretty much where you find your bait is where you
was like a Baffin trip instead of a Galveston trip.
find your fish. If you want big trout, key on scattered shell and soft mud;
Going farther north, Scott Bay, San Jacinto Bay and Burnett Bay are all
that is where they are holding. Pay particular attention to bayou mouths
holding good numbers of fish. A young man from Chambers County who
or any kind of drains or ditches coming out of the marsh and also the
I coached in baseball, Chad Trousdale, popped a real nice trout this past
primary points near those areas have been holding real good fish for
Sunday. I saw the fish and it was legit. It was over 29 inches and weighed
wade fisherman.
9 pounds, a big fat football of a fish that ate a pink Corky. I had another
That is pretty much it for this month. I hope everybody has a great 2009
friend catch one that was just under 10 pounds in those back bays on a
and that the quality of our fishing holds into spring. I will be at the Houston
soft plastic. When I say it’s good up here right now I’m not kidding.
Fishing Show and look forward to meeting all my old friends and making
East Bay seems not to be getting much traffic these days as there are
new ones.
not many boat ramps open. If someone is willing to make the long run by boat over there they can find multitudes of fish on the shorelines as well
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
53
really DiDn’t get to fish much in January Dealing with the Houston Boat Show for a number of days and then off on a final hunting fling for several days after that. January days are off and on with weather so it’s a little harder to plan too far in advance. So for a Matagorda guide, if you are going to concentrate on other activities for a couple of weeks, January is a good month to hit the road. Looking back at 2008 and taking the good with the bad, we rolled out of the year on an upside despite hurricane Ike’s aftermath. I don’t believe in the roll of the dice, so by faith I’m expecting the 2009 season to be great for all in every way. February is big trout fever month so be prepared and you just might receive an invitation to join the 30-Inch Trout Club. February will more than likely prove to be a carbon copy of January when talking temperature. So far, we have experienced a colder winter than normal mixed in with some abnormally warm weather days. In other words, we have had a bit of crazy mixed up Dr. Wayne Brueggen is not only a great dentist; he is a great angler too — 29” East Matagorda, Corky lure.
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February 2009
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m a t a g o r D a weather patterns so adjusting your schedule around cold fronts has been
3. Concentrate on knee-deep to waist-deep water.
imperative. As a rule of thumb, fish before a cold front and two days after
4. Fish slowly and walk slowly to cover the water.
a front hits the coast to maximize your fishing endeavors.
Don’t get in a hurry as you’re only looking to have
Baffin Bay is a hot spot this time of year drawing quite a few fishermen
three to eight bites a day on average.
with the anticipation of catching a trophy trout. Ol’ Capt. Bill will fit the
5. Wear a good pair of polarized sunglasses and use sun screen.
home boy description as he sticks like glue to his East Matagorda Bay
6. Fish stained or off-colored water. If you are waist-deep and can see
waters. We may not have the numbers of big trout that Baffin can offer
your feet, the water is too clear. You want 1-1½ feet of visibility.
but there are still plenty of Big Mamas lurking right here at home. You will
As far as baits, my favorites will remain the same. Salt Assassins in
simply need to know where to find them, what to throw, and when to act.
Roach, Plum, 10W40, Chicken-on-a-Chain, and Chicken Bone will find
Of course just being at the right place at the right time doesn’t hurt either.
their way into my box. Corkys with the rattle in pearl chartreuse, pink, and
This means that you will need to be on the water frequently if you are
red with black back will also be there. MirrOlure Series 51 in 808 and CH
truly serious about that trophy trout. Daylight until dark needs to become
colors are also excellent choices. Don’t forget the Eddie Douglas Broken
familiar vocabulary if you really have your mind made up to take a
Back Special.
trophy. Trophy trout fishing is not easy by a long shot and neither is it for
I will use a few topwaters this time of year such as the big 94MR Top
everyone. Like any other worthy pursuit you will need a good game plan.
Dog as it is bigger than the She Dog and has one rattle in it that makes
Here are a few of the things I think are important:
a different sound. I can also work this big bait slower. As for colors, 808,
1. Fish early and fish late making it an all day affair and plan to wade
NSCH, NS, and PD are my choices. More power to you in going after a trophy and your membership in
the whole day. 2. Have at least three areas in mind that lie within reasonable proximity
the 30-Inch Trout Club awaits your accomplishments. Until next time,
of each, only a couple of miles. This will reduce travel time; you can’t
God Bless…
catch a fish if you don’t have a lure in the water. The bottom structure should be mud and shell with deeper water nearby.
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
55
January fishing for the Rat Pack has
The trout we have been targeting for several weeks now,
been extremely good whether it be for trout or redfish. The
and quite common for this time of year, have been on the
weather has been like a see-saw, one day 40 degrees
mid bay reefs in San Antonio Bay. We locate these fish by
with gale force winds from the northeast and the next day,
the normal means of looking for bait and bird activity on
dead calm and foggy. The only consistent thing has been
top and around the base of the reefs. When the water is
the catching.
55 degrees or less the mullet will usually be subsurface.
The water has been hovering between 55 degrees
like they do under warmer conditions. Look for ripples,
warming trends in between the cold fronts. Like I said, the
swirls, flashes or any other kind of water disturbance.
only consistent thing has been the fishing. For redfish we either drifted throwing Mann’s Waker
February 2009
Normally I start a day with soft plastics when the water is below the 55 degree mark. The type of soft plastics
in the croaker or clown colors or we used 1/2 ounce
varies from Saltwater Assassins to the suspending types
weedless Johnson spoons in gold or silver. It is best, in
like Corkys or Crazy Croakers by Tidal Surge. The best
my opinion, to rig these weedless spoons with a split ring
producers have been the Saltwater Assassins in pearl/
and swivel to help keep your line from twisting. As for the
chartreuse and glowtreuse. I don’t know what it is about
Mann’s Waker lures, I tie them directly to my main line with
this time of year but I catch more trout on these two colors
no swivel as this lure does not twist when reeled in. Both of
than all others combined. I prefer to use a 1/16 oz Bass
these baits yield good results when fishing shallow waters.
Assassin jighead for all my soft plastics. The cooler the
Now as far as where we have been catching our trout.
56
They won’t be as actively jumping around on the surface
during extreme cold fronts and 65 degrees during the
Texas Saltwater Fishing
water the slower you will work your lure. The fish will
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P ort o'con nor /se a Dr i f t
Larry Hagenbuch with a nice flounder caught in the backcountry.
Cal Closson didn’t let strong winds keep him from catching fish.
dictate what speed is best. I don’t get serious about using topwaters until the water temperature is at least 58 degrees and rising. The topwaters I will throw during winter vary from She Dogs to Top Dogs usually in the 804, 808 or chartreuse/white/chartreuse patterns. If I am consistently getting blow-ups and no hook ups I will switch back to soft plastics. The February fishing forecast looks very promising. The tide should come up another 4 to 6 inches letting us fish in a few more areas we haven’t looked at in a few weeks. Towards the end of the month we will be fishing more protected coves in muddy back lakes for trophy trout. Fish hard, fish smart!
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
57
DaVID RowsEY David Rowsey has 20 years experience in the Laguna/ Baffin region; trophy trout with artificial lures is his specialty. David has a great passion for conservation and encourages catch and release of trophy fish.
361-960-0340
the fableD month of february is upon us. Like so
numbers, and in many different locations. Of course there are always a few
many other fishermen, I look forward
coming from the King Ranch shoreline, spoil islands along the ICW, south
to this time of year. Great numbers of
shore of Baffin, as well as the north shoreline. With a sharp eye monitoring
large trout can come from this 28 day
your surroundings and what is taking place in the water, a trophy is as likely
time period; however, I think it is perhaps
to come from within a quarter mile of the boat ramp at Bluff’s Landing as it
as attributable to the vast number of
will from 30 miles into Baffin.
fishermen and days spent on the water as
pulling up on the shorelines, we can all expect to see more traffic. A
big, but so are the traffic and pressure.
year ago it was about as crazy as I have ever seen it. There were boats
When it comes to charters, I wish every
everywhere; running shorelines, pulling in front or too close to established
month was named February as I can
wade fishermen, and being generally inconsiderate. Many of the boaters
never squeeze in enough days this time
are novices, and just do not understand on-the-water etiquette, but there
of year. So much has been talked about,
were also seasoned guides, locals, and tournament fishermen just as guilty. If there is but one thing I can stress to all fishermen it would be this: The
February in Baffin. You would think you
large trout will stay longer and be more accessible to wade fishermen if
could not catch a large trout any other
boats will stay off the shorelines. This would include spoil islands, King
time in the Baffin/Upper Laguna complex.
Ranch, and Padre Island. There seems to be a longstanding myth that you have to run right on the
Luckily, for me, I know this is not true. The great thing about February is that the big trout will, typically, pull up shallow into “wadeable” water. When they do this, it is usually in vast
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With February here, numerous tournaments scheduled, and big trout
it is a good time to fish. True, the trout are
written about, and fantasized about
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hot spots where every boat in the bay seems to load up, but reports will be
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Laguna shore when headed to Baffin. Nothing could be further from the truth; in fact, you need to be 300-400 yards off the shoreline at all times
EE! R F S H T N O GET 3 M th subscription n o -m 5 1 a e iv e d rec g n up Order today an rice of $25.00. Hurr y and si te! p for the regular rs and/or fr iends at the same ra e famil y memb
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February 2009
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uPPer l aguna/ba ffin to be in the safest water. It is not only safer, but will prolong quality fishing on shorelines for months versus weeks. About the only time you need to squeeze in any tighter is at the old pipe line near ICW #167. After that, split the difference between the shore and spoils and you are good to go until you approach ICW #199. If you want to see real success in fishing shorelines, try shutting down 200 yards from where you plan to fishing and use your troll motor to go in. Most would be amazed at what a little stealth will buy them. For the next two months my pattern will not waver too much. I will spend the majority of my time behind my Waterloo/Daiwa Sol and 5” Bass Assassins in potholes, regardless of whether I’m in Baffin or the Laguna. Once we locate the right sized fish, we will try an assortment of Corkys. Typically, we will pull the largest trout on Mr. Brown’s wonder lure (Corky), but quite often they want it hanging in the grass and scraped along the bottom, and, for this, the Bass Assassin will prevail. I recently had the opportunity to fish with my good friend, Capt. Jay Watkins, in my home water. Jay stayed with the “worm” all day while I experimented with an assortment of suspending lures, topwaters, and stick crankbaits. He “out caught” me by nearly 4:1 sticking to the basics of “low and slow” with the Bass Assassin. I probably would have caught more fish if I would have been paying more attention to my lure versus watching and learning tricks from him, but, with all that said, he just went on to prove that when you stick to the basics and fundamentals the rest will always fall into place. I knew it going into the day, but also knew it was a perfect opportunity to play with new toys while catching a peep show from the master. Lesson learned!
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
59
asiDe from a few baffling slow PerioDs the fishing has remained inspiring here. Good conditions between Capt. Tricia’s Skinny Water Adventures operates out of Port Mansfield, specializing in wadefishing with artificial lures.
fronts have almost spoiled us. Quality fish are holding in several types of areas and it’s just up to us as anglers to deal with them according to conditions. The promise of a “weighty” February is looming closer to reality each day.
Fish are more concentrated this time of year; work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Trout fishing has been fun for numbers of fat twenty-inchers. Soft plastics have accounted for the most consistent action over deeper grass beds. Hopping a tail just above the grass will usually get you bit if you stay with it. Remembering that fish tend to be more concentrated this time of year is the key. Stop walking when you start getting bit and work the area thoroughly. A Brown
Gamakatsu’s single hooks make for a safer and more versatile plugging experience.
Lure Devil Eye on a 1/8 screw lock head is all that’s required aside from loving to fish. During slow periods the pickup can be quite delicate, so it’s usually the most learned fishermen who fare best. When it’s on it’s really on, so both the learned and the novice have a realistic chance at those bigger fish we all hope for. While we haven’t seen consistent trout over eight pounds yet, those in the five to heavy-seven class have been fairly patternable. Most have been shallow on all but the coldest of days. When
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February 2009
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Port m a nsfielD mullet invade the shallows, you can bet bigger trout are quietly in the
precious time on the water. This year especially, just know
shadows. One approach has been right after northers, running topwaters
they are there and go for it.
over bait-ridden potholes. Good bets are areas near deeper water, but
Fishing for above average size usually requires above
let the bait be more suggestive than the textbook. Probing each little
average effort. However, even effort and technical expertise are useless
deviation has paid off with our biggest catches of the season. And yes,
if we don’t learn to fish where fish are. One intrigue about this shallow
we are still relying on Gamakatsu’s single hooks for a safer and more
Lagoon is that if we watch closely, nature will usually tell us where to
versatile plugging experience.
start. Watching nature, by the way, does not include watching other boats.
Now is a high potential time to go for a personal best. Tides will be at their lowest helping concentrate fish in predictable areas and they often feed voraciously either side of the northers. As far as big fish, where
There is plenty of opportunity available, and as mentioned, we can be spoiled for choices so please always respect others in the hunt. February has traditionally been sacred time for big trout enthusiasts.
we concentrate efforts on any given day will depend on weather, but
Why folks skip other prime months is interesting, but myths do originate
traditional patterns haven’t changed.
for a reason. Those myths are swimming as we speak, but in the
As southerly winds build ahead of fronts, look near color changes
meantime, never discount the excitement that shallow-water wintertime
on the flats showing strong signs of life. Presentations can be more
redfish can provide. It’s the addiction of the chase, and regardless of the
aggressive here and topwaters can excel when the bait is high and
feverish emphasis placed on thirty inches of speckled glory, sometimes
active. A significant temperature drop will move us toward waist deep
the quarry is secondary to the pull.
heavily grassed areas or silty depressions. Tails and low-walked Corky
I look forward to seeing everybody in the Fishing Tackle Unlimited
Fat Boys can get thumped consistently once the right depth and speed
booth during the Houston Fishing Show at the George R. Brown
is determined. In the days following a front, follow the sun and work your
Convention Center March 4-8, 2009. Until then, may your expectations
way from deep to shallow again. Those bigger fish will soon be back in
be fulfilled by your efforts.
potholes near bait masses or in any other warming area near the deeper water they were driven to. In all cases… try to stay near the baitfish for the highest potential. Above all, be confident and exert your all during that
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
61
February’s Fish Magnets the month of february is tyPically
areas can be very predictable under the right conditions. It could be the
the coldest month of the year in south
deeper water, or strong tidal flow to name a few. As we continued our trek,
Texas but also one of the hottest times
I made it a point to make a pass over some of these areas to educate my
of the year to land big fish including
passengers. Sure enough every spot I pointed out to them had fish in it
the highly sought after trophy trout.
as could be determined by the wakes and ripples they created. The only
The months of December and January
reason we didn’t stop at any of these was their desire to have a chance at
certainly did their share of bringing us
a big trout and I had one place in mind where I thought they would have
fun catching days. Already this winter
their best chance. During our conversation, Jorge made a comment, “You
we have surpassed the number of four
mean it’s like us going to the same restaurant week in and week out.” I
to six pounders caught compared to last
knew then the light was growing brighter.
year and, to say the least, last year was
right temperature, favorable bottom structure, right depth, quick access to
During past winters I have taken advantage of slick calm conditions
exceptional. It seems the fish started
to find areas that seem to attract fish in the winter on a consistent basis.
putting on weight early this winter. In the
There have been countless trips where my decision was not to stop
coming months magnum trout will only
despite observing fish. Continuing my scouting and doing a little homework
get heavier as they get ready for the reproductive cycle that will begin in the spring.
has contributed to the rewards we have reaped. This winter we continue to find quality fish in the same areas. The keys
On a recent trip I was having a conversation with two clients as we
to our recent successful catches have been keying on the presence of
headed out on a calm morning; the waters were as slick as glass. I
mullet even if it’s just a few jumping within a confined area. The most
shared with them that certain areas are like fish magnets and these
productive bite has been found where the currents are strongest; incoming
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February 2009
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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arroyo coloraDo to Port isabel The bigger trout have stationed themselves over muddy, shell bottoms along guts, drains or ledges that A personal best for Eric Hoff.
allow the tidal flow to bring them their next meal. On high tide and warmer days we find the bigger trout in the shallows. On cooler, lower tide days the trout tend to back off into deeper water and we focus our efforts around waist to belly depth. Other magnet areas to consider this time of the year are along spoil banks where the landmass tends to hold warmer temperatures and this can make a big difference on chilly days. Look for areas that include depth changes. Sometimes even a change of a few inches can make a huge difference. Our top performing lures continue to be Brown Lure Company Sea Devils in dark colors. Corky Devils and Fat Boys, worked slowly over guts, drains, and drop-offs, have also produced some great catches this winter and should continue to do so in the month of February. When the weather will allow you to get out, don’t turn down an
or outgoing tide matters little as compares strength of the flow. Here lately the late afternoon to evening bite has been the most productive. The tides have been very low and will continue to be at low levels throughout the month of February. This is a
opportunity to land a personal best fish, whether it be a gigantic redfish, trophy trout, or a line shredding snook. Remember to fish slow and hard during cooler temperatures and good luck in your trophy chase this winter.
welcome event because it shrinks the playing field.
b y
e V e r e t t
J o h n s o n
– First Chain of Islands – Seadrift, TX here’s a heaDs-uP for anglers who freQuent the First Chain of Islands near Seadrift. As you
tiPs a nD tr icKs
Navigation Hazards n 28o 17.906’ w096o 36.811’
may already be aware oyster season is in full swing and we have quite a fleet working our local waters. Sometimes their dredges catch more than oysters! Once upon a time there were dozens of gas wells in and around the shallow waters of the First Chain of Islands. The wellheads and platforms
n 28o 17.348’ w096o 36.902’
are gone but there’s still some stuff lying on the bottom of the bay. That is, until it gets hooked by an oyster dredge. Evidently a goodly amount of the steel production piping was abandoned as we see incidents of this type each year while the oystermen are working. When a dredge becomes tangled in the piping, the pipes themselves can be broken, and jagged pieces sometimes are up-ended to stand above the water line. I like to mark hazards when I discover them and would have marked these except I had nothing in the boat suitable for the job. Both hazards shown here were found on Sunday December 7, 2008 and neither is marked, although I hope to do so soon. Large, brightly-colored plastic
I would like to encourage that all readers who frequent the First Chain
jugs make excellent markers and two or three of them tied above the
of Islands punch these numbers into their GPS unit and affix hazard icons.
water line can help prevent a costly or perhaps even life-threatening
Fishing is a hoot, but not when you tear up your boat. Boat safely – carry
boating accident. Adding reflective tape increases visibility during low-
materials to mark hazards – it’s the right thing to do.
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
February 2009
63
In February, the trout should still be on the flats. Twitch baits will be the lures
Fishing has been steady in Randall’s area bays lately, and he says that as long
of choice. Catch 5s and 2000s, Corkys and Thundersticks will produce many
as we don’t get a bunch of rain, it should stay that way through February. “The
sow trout. Soft plastics on 1/8 ounce or lighter heads will also be useful in
fish are in a typical winter pattern; we are catching most everything over mud
the quest for the big one. Large concentrations of mullet and buck shad are
covered with scattered shell. The Norton Sand Eels are the main ticket. We
good indicators that big trout are in an area. The redfish are everywhere on
like the flashy colors like red magic on bright days and darker colors when it’s
shorelines and all the weirs; they’re biting soft plastics the best. Reds have
cloudy. The new voodoo color has been good for the dark sky duty. Topwaters
been so plentiful we have even caught them on a bare hook! Flounder will
have been effective on the warmest days too. We’ve had some extended warm
begin their return trip sometime between Valentine’s day and the end of
ups and if that kind of weather holds through February, we should have even
February. They can be found in cuts leading from the lake to the marsh. Fishing
better topwater action. This time of year, you can choose to target bigger trout
is best on an incoming tide. You will also pick up trout and reds while flounder
by wading. When we do that, we typically expect to catch a few to maybe five or
fishing. The best lures for flounder are minnow imitation soft plastics such as H
so each. On the other hand, if it’s numbers you’re after, drifting deeper water will
& H Cocahoes and stinky baits such as the Berkley Gulp.
usually give you a real good shot at catching a limit.”
“Fishing is off the hook bubba,” James reports with his typical colorful
The Colorado River may be a good option in February, Tommy predicts. “Things
enthusiasm. “It’s mostly a drift fishing thing. The fish have been in two and a
are set up good for the river right now, especially if we get some colder weather.
half to maybe five feet of water. All the bays are salty and green, and we’ve
The water is green and salty. We catch fish in there by drifting and chunking
been catching them everywhere from Christmas Bay to the Trinity River.
soft plastics in the conventional way and by dredging them behind the boat too.
Best bite has been on Blurps in those dingy dark colors. I’ve been throwing
Heavier jigheads like 3/8 ounce work best, and you want soft plastics with a
MirrOlures all the time, mostly a 51M in yellow/silver/pink. Also that Texas
little movement in their tail. On warmer days, we sometimes catch quality trout
Chicken MirrOdine. You don’t get as many bites on it, but the quality of fish is
in the river by keying on the west shore with MirrOlures too. Other options will
good. I had one trout over twenty six inches on it the other day. A typical catch
be of course the scattered shell over mud in the west end of East Bay, in the off
is 40 or 50 trout. One day we had about 70, with 40 of those over 20 inches.
colored streaks. Also, the drains on the south shore will likely produce some
Another day, the reds ate us up and we caught about 30, up to 35 inches. I’m
really big trout on Corkys and other suspending baits worked really slow. In
about to start wading more of the time, targeting big trout. As long as we don’t
West Bay, fishing for reds will be outstanding behind the fronts when the water
get a flood or freeze, we’re set up for some productive trophy fishing.”
drops out and stacks the fish into the guts.”
Jim is winding up his duck season and getting ready to start doing some serious trout fishing. “I’ve been in the marsh hunting ducks most every day. I have fished a few times, mostly in some deep holes in the marsh drains. We catch a mixed bag of trout and reds in there usually. I like to keep doing that some as we get into prime trophy trout time too. We’ll start the day fairly late in the morning, go after our reds in the marsh, then come out and wade the shoreline for the trout as the sun is beginning to set. Often, the best big trout bite is right around dark. We’ll be throwing a lot of Catch 2000s, Catch 5s and 5M MirrOlures. I also will be bumping some soft plastics on the bottom, especially the Stanley Wedge Tails and the old standby Bass Assassins. There will be some heavy stringers caught in coming weeks by those who are willing to stay out late enough and find the schools of mullet on area shorelines.” 64 64
February 2009 February 2009
Winter fishing has been very good in our area. Corkys and slow sinking MirrOlures have dominated our wading boxes as the trout and redfish have moved over deep mud mixed with shell. Corky Fat Boys in pearl/black, chartreuse/pearl, and dayglo have been the best producers for solid trout up to twenty six inches. MirrOdines in pink/black and green/silver have also accounted for some big gals. Redfish continue to eat almost any Gulp shrimp; pearl, new penny, glow and nuclear chicken have all been good for slot fish. The local rivers have been producing both trout and reds when the weather has dipped into the thirties or forties. The Tres Palacios, Colorado, and Lavaca Rivers have been holding smaller trout, with best lures in the deep locales being anything colored glow/chartreuse on a 3/8 ounce head. In February finding concentrations of mullet over mud and shell will be the key.
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The weather has been cooperating quite nicely and so have the fish. There have been plenty of trout in the upper end of the Laguna Madre, with some reaching the 28 inch mark and many between 18 and 23 inches. The trout have been roaming along the edges of channels, on grass lines with drop offs and pot holes in three to four feet of water. The redfish have been in shallower water, one or two feet. Coming up are my favorite months to fish. The water temperatures usually run from the fifties into the low sixties. On sunny days, I’ll be wading along shorelines and areas with muddy bottoms, moving along slowly in order to cover the area around me thoroughly. On a 1/8 ounce Spring Lock jighead, I’ll be rigging pearl and good penny Bass Assassin Blurp Shads or the new Assassin five inch Swim Bait in gold shiner and Tennessee shad. This is also a great time for the MirrOLure Catch 5 in my favorite color: CHBL. When fishing in the Port O’Connor area in February, Lynn likes to focus on areas with a soft mud bottom and some oyster shell too. “I still like those muddy flats next to deep water which also have some scattered shell and or solid reefs on them. The big key this time of year is to locate the mullet. Sometimes, just a few can lead you to a bunch of fish. I’ll throw primarily soft plastics, like Bass Assassins in plum/chartreuse and morning glory. I like an eighth ounce head normally. The key is to work them low and slow. If the fish get a little more active, I like the suspending lures like Corkys and Spros. They must be worked slowly too, but they sometimes account for some of the year’s best trout. I won’t hesitate to use the topwaters either. The weather is the determining factor there. If we keep having these warm spells and the water is into the sixties and seventies, the topwaters will get a lot of play.”
big trout in February. “I’ve actually been seeing a lot of nice trout, a couple of real monsters in fact, while running around in the air boat on the duck hunts. Most of the trout are in places where I normally catch redfish. Muddy, shallow flats in the back lakes or on shorelines adjacent to cuts leading into the lakes are good places to find some of the biggest trout of the year in late-winter. I like to move around quite a bit and throw a lot of Corkys when I’m primarily hunting for the big trout. I also keep all my soft plastics on hand and throw them a lot too, the old standby Sand Eels in purple/chartreuse and other dark colors and even the Gulp baits. February is a fun month for me; it’s a real change from the daily duck hunting and targeting reds that we’ve done earlier in the winter. I can’t wait to get out and chose some of those monster trout I saw.”
course it all hinges on tides, water color and current conditions. Windows of opportunity are typically the second day behind the passage of a Cold Front. Avoid high tide periods and NE winds in access of 15 mph. Pompano, bull and slot reds, sheephead, black drum and whiting are usually in good supply. Cut bait or finger mullet on the reds and “Fishbites” and dead, fresh shrimp for the other species. All of the above is sit and wait bottom fishing. Winter trout have been extremely hard to come by through Dec. but Feb. can be the best month for them. These are typically sought very slowly retrieving M51 MirrOlures in a wide array of color combinations but don’t hesitate to experiment. Sandbar sharks 6-7 ½’ in length are typically available if weed isn’t too much of a problem keeping kayaked baits out. Large Whiting are as good a bait as any for the Just Keep Five Just Keep Five
fishing bright sandy pockets off the west shore of the Laguna Madre. We’ve been throwing soft plastics rigged on fairly light jigheads. The water is in beautiful shape in the upper reaches of the Lagoon lately, and with all the north winds we get this time of year, if should stay that way. There are also some fish hanging around the channels, not only the main ditch of the ICW, but also in some of the other channels that come off of the main one. The fish there seem to be smaller on average than are those in the shallower waters around Emmord’s and Beacroft’s Holes, though. Actually, as the winter wears on, there are often some really big trout right on the west shore of the Lagoon. It shapes
Bruce predicts some world class trophy trout action in February. “We’ll be doing the cold water wading thing, working our lures really slow. I favor two lures above all others this time of year, the Catch 2000 and the seven in Money Minnow. These lures can be worked at a crawl at various depths, especially if you are willing to play with them a little. By that I mean to use various size (and weight) of hooks on the Catch 2000s mainly. You can catch all the mediumsized trout you want around here lately on topwaters, but I believe the really big ones prefer something that sinks and is moving at a snail’s pace. It’s hard to argue with things that have worked for so long. We’ll leave the dock later than usual, fish longer into the day and focus our efforts on soft, dark bottoms, especially in drains that extend from deep to shallow water. I particularly like areas fitting that description that are right next to the ICW.”
Fishing in February can be excellent in the surf for a variety of species but of
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February. “I’ve been targeting water depths of about three to maybe five feet,
up to be really good with the water in such a pretty condition.”
Blake’s cast and blast season has ended and he’s planning on hunting up some
Sandbar Sharks. Other shark species may be available.
Joe has been fishing a pattern in recent weeks that should hold up throughout
How about the start of ’09? Can fishing get any better? The expectations for February couldn’t be higher since we’re limiting on redfish and trout and tagging oversized almost every trip. We’re throwing Gulps under Cajun Thunder corks in shallow water, experimenting with new colors like pink and grass, but the old standbys new penny and pearl white continue to work best. Freddy says, “When the wind blows from the north, bringing brown tide to some areas, fishing is still good a little deeper on a little slower retrieve. Or use a bigger cork like the larger, weighted Cajun Thunder to create more of a pop and a longer leader to settle closer to the bottom where fish hang when temperatures drop.” We’re seeing more traffic than in the past winters, but it seems the hurricanes have opened up the flats and given us some new hunting grounds. We’re noticing more shrimp and crab in the reds, which is a good indicator of things to come.
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February 2009 February 2009
65 65
Son, Josh, and father with his first trout fishing in Baffin Bay with Capt. CR Webb.
Posing like a pro, Brandon Blood holds his 26” redfish caught in Rockport.
Kenneth Partidge caught this 27 ¾” redfish in the Lower Laguna Madre, Arroyo City TX.
Just my own two cents is all I needed, commented Anna, as she poses with a 36.25”, 18lb. redfish.
First time angler, Katherine Koock, 13, caught her first 26” red fishing Pringle Lake in Port O’Connor.
Trevor McManis pictured with his first red 27” caught in the Laguna Madre. Fishing destination; Ketchikan, AK is where Robert Ortega caught this 13 lb. Yellow Eye (snapper family).
Twenty-five minutes was all it took for 14 year old Jacob Hernandez to land this 37”, 42# black drum. Wade fishing in Aransas Bay proved a good method for Kelli Fitch and her 28” trout.
Brian Mladenka and Greg Cartwright are quite a team as both hold up their reds caught in St. Charles Bay.
Cari Fuller holding her catch of the day, a nice red, before she releases it. Bart Fuller holds up his catch of the day as well, a feisty redfish.
Jeremy Sifuentes fought this jack crevalle for 45 min in the surf at South Padre Island. 66
February 2009
Brett Emery and friend, Anna Wolters, at the Port O’Connor jetties with his 38” redfish which took 45 minutes to get in the boat.
Nothing beats family fishing, Carlos and his grandfather Ricardo Espinosa with his 1st trout landed at SPI.
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Doug Colvin, still amped from the catch, revels with excitement from landing this 20.5in, 15 lb huge redfish. www.TSFMAG.com
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Brent Zimmerhanzel smiles with his 30” red wade fishing the Laguna Madre.
David Camarillo Jr., shows the love for the sport with his 1st keeper redfish at SPI.
Capt. Anthony Pieper used a Gulp Jerk to land this 33”, 11 lb. snook fishing Chocoloskee Fl.
Angler, Jeremy Turner, worked his topwater on this 38” 17 # snook in Chocoloskee, FL. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time!” shouts Callie, 4, pictured with her first trout.
Even though it was Madison Parr’s first time out on the boat, she caught the biggest redfish (23”) in Collin Smidt holding his first Brush Country’s CCA Kid Fish 2008. big drum in Galveston Bay with his brother Frank, and father looking on.
Patrolling the jetties was a good move for Mike Babineaux in Sabine as he holds a huge red! Gene & Elaine Schindler are productive fishing partners from the looks of their reds!
A great fishing partner, Lisa, knows how to hook Collin Young on cloud 9 on Memorial Day those reds in Rockport. weekend when he caught his very 1st keeper red & flounder in the same day.
This 31” 9lb trout went after McCree Hennessee’s soft plastic in the surf.
Please do not write on the back of photos.
Unassisted Jimmy Anderson A gold spinner bait produced landed this 190 pounder out this 27 ¾”. red in only 8” of of his 17 foot Mako. water for Marc Jennings. www.TSFMAG.com
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email photos with a description of your catch of the Month to: Photos@tsfmag.com
Stylish 8 yr. old Hannah Paderes weighing her 28”, 6.5lb. trout. Texas Saltwater Fishing
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“Be Kind to Shorelines” is about leaving a piece of shoreline better than you found it. When you happen upon an unsightly mess on your favorite shoreline; clean it up. Have a fishing buddy snap a photo of your clean-up effort and another of the trash being disposed of properly. Submit photos via email to Everett@TSFMag. com or by mail to TSF Magazine – PO Box 429 – Seadrift, TX 77983. Categories for this contest will be Greatest Haul, Most Unusual, and Most Helpers. The contest will run from October 2008 through Memorial Day 2009. For more details go visit www.TSFMag.com
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TSFMag SPecKled TrouT cATch & releASe PhoTo conTeST All you have to do is catch a really good speck and release
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winner will be featured on the cover of TSFMag and receive a high-quality rod and reel combo. Four runner-up prizes will also be awarded. Fish must be caught and released Jul 08-Dec 08, photos must be received on/before Jan 15 09. Fish must be caught in Texas waters and TPWD regs apply. Make sure your camera is set to capture high-quality images. Photos become property of TSFMag, employees and writers are not eligible.
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