January 2007 by Texas Salwater Fishing Magazine

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

JA NUA RY 20 07 Vo l u m e 16 N o . 9

IN THIS ISSUE… 10

See page 26 for a Winter Redﬁsh How-To.

Mike McBride

14 What I’ll Take Away

Kevin Cochran

18 Full of it… the moon that is!

Bink Grimes

22 There is no PC in Fishing

Martin Strarup

Billy Sandifer

Què Color Señor?

This month’s cover anglers are Pam Johnson and Capt. Mickey Eastman, wade ﬁshing for winter reds. San Antonio Bay offers some of the best winter redﬁsh angling on the Texas coast.

10 Of Feathers, Fillets and Feds

26 Winter Reds

Everett Johnson

30 Let’s Ask The Pro

Jay Watkins

34 Fly Fishing

Casey Smartt

38 Tournament Trails

Brandon Jenewein

40 Offshore

Bobby Byrd/Capt. John Cochrane

44 Conservation

CCA-Texas

48 Science and the Sea

UT-Marine Science Institute

50 TPWD Field Notes

Rebecca Hensley

54 Kayak Fishing

Scott Null

58 According To Scott

Scott Sommerlatte

62 Youth Fishing

Aaron Cisneros

64 The Lore and Legend

Raymond “Kutch” Albrecht

66 New Tackle & Gear

TSF

Staff

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68 Chuck’s Sabine Scene

Chuck Uzzle

70 Fishing Galveston

Mickey Eastman

72 Capt. Bill’s Fish Talk

Bill Pustejovsky

74 Mid-Coast Bays with the Grays

Shellie Gray

76 Catching up with Cliff

Cliff Webb

78 Capt. Tricia’s Port Mansfield Report

Capt. Tricia

80 South Padre Fishing Scene

Ernest Cisneros

SEE OUR CENTERFOLD FOR TSFMAG’S SOLUNAR TABLE & TEXAS TIDE PREDICTIONS 84 Photo Gallery–Catch of the Month 86 Gulf Coast Kitchen 91 Index of Advertisers

VISIT US ON THE WEB AT WWW.TEXASSALTWATERFISHINGMAGAZINE.COM

P.O. Box 429 Seadrift, TX 77983 Office: 361-785-3420 © Copyrighted 1990 All rights reserved. Positively nothing in this publication may be reprinted and reproduced. *Views expressed by TSFMag contributors do not necessarily express the views of TSFMag. Texas Saltwater Fishing

82 Fishing Reports and Forecasts

Texas Saltwater Fishing

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Everett Johnson everett@tsfmag.com NEW ! L EM A I BUSINESS MANAGER Pam Johnson pam@tsfmag.com NEW !

EM A I

January 2007

ADVERTISING Tracey Johnson Ph: 361-785-3420 or 936-520-3146 Fx: 361-785-2844

EW tracey@tsfmag.com N AIL EM

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January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

For those who live and breathe trout,

January and February always bring a great mix of emotions. This is the traditional kick-off to trophy season, yet no other months are as scary to spotted seatrout aficionados. The history book says if Texas is going to freeze up, it’ll probably happen between Christmas and St. Valentine’s Day. Two years ago when the mid-coast received a white blanket at Christmas, we saw a localized freeze here at Port O’Connor. We had deluge rains in the Hill Country during November and the Guadalupe flooded beyond historic levels. Texas Highway 35 between Green Lake and Tivoli was closed for weeks. TX-DOT said the river level crossing the roadway was the highest on record. Naturally the bays all went fresh and literally tons of trout sought salty refuge in the lakes of Matagorda Island. The stack-up was substantial and fishing was awesome… until it snowed! The water temperatures in Pringle and Contee lakes fell below the magic number of 42-degrees for two days and quite a few trout went the deep six. When it warmed and they started to float it was hard to assess the damage because the pelicans were eating all the fish they could swallow. The big ones though, they broke my heart. The pelicans couldn’t eat them and they collected on the shorelines. I counted almost two dozen between 26 and 30inches in the west end of Pringle, and that was only a fraction of the damage. Some were being scooped up by fishermen and the ones that floated ashore in the dark were eaten by ‘coons and coyotes. We will never know how many actually died. No matter the number, fish of this size are very rare here; we hated what Nature had wrought. As I write this, we on the cusp of another scary season. It has been seventeen years since the last big coastwide freeze back in 1989. Texas weather stats show a serious freeze every seven years or so; you could say we’re way overdue. And what if we do get a freeze of ’89 proportions this winter, what shape will this leave us in? Back in 2002 during the Spotted Seatrout Work Group meetings, Hal Osburn proposed a coastwide daily bag limit of seven trout at 16-inches minimum length. His data showed that reducing recreational harvest to this level would conserve our fisheries and better position us for recovery following the next natural disaster. Well, a whole bunch of people balked at the idea and Hal’s great experiment of inviting the public to help manage the resource pretty much crashed and burned. They simply weren’t ready to buy into pro-active management. Much has transpired since the days of SSWG. Gill net surveys are now showing a decline in the seatrout fishery in the Lower Laguna Madre and TPWD Coastal Fisheries is considering a regional management plan to address the situation. Already some of the old anti-SSWG bunch are oiling the wheels on their bandwagon. Their cries are familiar. “Your data is flawed.” “Open the passes and address the water quality issues and the fishery will take care of itself.” “If you reduce the limit here and not up the coast you’ll put us out of business.” Will TPWD set a regional bag limit for the LLM? Will reducing bag limits really destroy coastal economies? Nobody can answer these yet, but one thing is certain; if Mother Nature gives us the same icy stare she did in ’83 and ’89, you can bet your last dollar we’ll see some emergency measures enacted. Just Keep Five could change overnight from the trendy slogan of a handful of conservative diehards to the law of the land. Let’s just hope we’ve conserved enough along the way that we will not have to suffer closed seasons.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Send letters to: TSFMag, P.O. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983

as old son, shing since I w Dear Mr. John I have been fi n fi ar that picture? M d to ph se lo e my dad ve My name is Jo ry lucky becaus ve as as w w e I . My wife and I love qu le ni a po X. Our tech reading GCC and enough to hold ar Freeport ,T look for ward to each ne h ac t Be ou Th n an ab ya k d yo issue. Br ne u for ar at le thi I ed nk ing of others and pa fish. We fish Dacron line. d ss an ing it on. You and yo s el re 9 30 fam nn ily wi Pe ur ll be ed in us our prayers this Ch early age. primitive; we ristmas season as b a reel at an um rn wa we th bo de to all a rs ge w ou t the am ho t. d life stor y. I backlashes an spare you my l I’l t t bu no on as d w an e when I Merry Christmas, I could go on a time in my lif ugh it all but there was y ro th da d to n an Jo tia nd se is ph and Dotti Marfin e arou again Chr e turned my lif n outdoor show will. I have sinc ’s so od en G ev in St g e in th liv Dear Joseph and listened to Dotti, Vinton is d fishing. I have aptain Wayne C r. I never stoppe be em Thanks for being m re n ca I is as C C such dedicated re ng G lo r as day one. aders and taking to write. on KILT 610 fo agazine since m the time ur yo d ad an re ve an m ha I er . sh lm fi r he tte e Glad to hear the ma now at th e such a be m co be be ve ay ha ga zine has had such fish — m y fishing. I a profound effect on the way you go rdly keep any a big part of m about enjoying th or GCC. I now ha hb of ig e ne us y ca M is spor t you love l. be al st at ni tio em ev va er th er yb so much, ep od y connected with cons I don’t ke this magazine ha n’t like trout so do ly s th al at pa re sa ss I me ion d. . I am forwarding one re your email info to with him. and Dr. Hancher; I’m but I’m working sure he will contac from Houston ed ov m thinks I’m nuts e t you as regards th w h uc m so g a in e painting and his in sh fi ng e tti lik I ex ge d pe e rie ar an nces that led him own y. We My wife to write that story. closer to the ba About the Fishing n tackle store. lear Lake to be C ow r on d ou t te ar ca st lo Show on Houston re ht be able to 610- KI LT; I agree, Capt. Wayne does ojected life that we mig a fine job and I’m years is the pr 3 w, position in our no at th r sure Pappy and Bo fo to an r pl ve ar ss e co sm ne iling down with pr b Jr. a busi d it from ide ever y morning I’m working on always I enjoye as the show airs. uched Good luck fishing Dec. issue; as to e er th ch g in an H ad re and good luck wi Dr. Thom time. I was th your plans to en est feature by the tackle busines ter again. The gu y dad and s. m ck ith ba w d an es r tim ve r co be em m re I y as m h ht uc m ug ca ry ve Merry Christmas, e ar ticle me and my wife . Harris with th copy of e signed by M or ur Everett Johnson t ct in pi pr e a t Th . ge granddad way we can if there is any g rin de on w eye, I was

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

John fired, and everybody’s hair stood sideways after hats were rudely removed by the concussion.

I grew up shooting lead

over cactus, not steel over mud; so I won’t be wearing a “Pro-Waterfowler” patch anytime soon. Besides, I kinda figure that you can only be really good at one thing at a time, and quite honestly I’m still working on that. However, now that fifteen minutes is the only thing separating the back door from a sky full of feathers, it may not be unreasonable to pull back on a trigger every now and then, especially when you can take your fishing rods with you. We’re talking about the Cast & Blast thing, and new to it or not, opportunity for this type of mixed adventure abounds on the Texas coast somewhere near you. We might as well play as hard as we can for tomorrow we die, or so that wonderful excuse goes. 10

Texas Saltwater Fishing

My counterpart, Capt. Tricia, is mad at things that fly. She is constantly on me to humor her in the field of her choice. I’ve learned to heel to the command of “Come on let’s go” coming from any female who will outgun you with a Youth Model 20-gauge. John Tolbert of Drifter Technologies happened to be down visiting, so we were primed for yet another waterborne diversion. He is also new at ducks, but game for anything smelling of outdoor camaraderie. Some of y’all might remember John from last year’s Houston Fishing Show. More on John later; but for now I’d like to say that thanks to John’s invention, when I finish a long wade the boat now comes right to me like Roy Rogers’ horse, Trigger, all with the simple mash of a button. The art of wadefishing just escalated, January 2007

but for now, let’s get ready to jump in an airboat with guns, reels, and a little last minute misguided enthusiasm. “Got a Federal duck stamp John?” “No” came an over-the-shoulder-reply as he shot out the door to the nearest source, a mere ninety minutes away. “Tricia, where are those hollow plastic ducks?” As a kid I remember the old-timers using decoys made of wood and cork. “Steve’s got ‘em,” she said over the sound of a shotgun action slamming shut while already looking at new and exotic recipes on the web. “Well, he’s got three big dogs too, but I’ll try to get ‘em” without getting bit.” I did, and by the time I clattered home with four bundles of monoentangled decoys, John was legally back.

“Got a weapon John?” “No”, came with an of course not look. “Do I have to go back to the store?” “No, we’ve got you covered.” “Oh quack, Tricia’s dad, took everything with him on his yearly Alpine hunt.” We dug in the archived arsenal and found a well worn, dusty twelve-gauge. It was an old perimeter guard gun from the Korean War, complete with a recoil compensator on it which would later prove to direct the muzzle blast sideways in a most thunderous pattern, blowing off hats and dislodging carefully placed palm fronds from the blind. We were almost ready, right after messing with uncooperative running lights, a stuttering carburetor, and wrapping all of the guns in Mexican horse blankets because J.D. took all the gun cases too. We were a little late sputtering out of the harbor, but it really didn’t matter much with a forecasted no wind, eighty-degree, bluebird day. It was much better suited for golf or gardening, but off we went, fueled with kid-like fantasy. I don’t care who or how old you are, firing up an airboat is like a ticket to a theme park. It’s the Jungle Cruise but at warp skimming speed. Passing up the wakes made by large bankgrubbing redfish seemed strangely foreign, but we would be back for them soon, right after we found the killing field of a hunter’s choice. Ducks were getting up in front of the boat as far as you could see, but the first hunt would be for an unclaimed spot of concealment.

“The only places in the creek with enough water to float the decoys are already taken, so we’re going to have to do something else,” barked Tricia through the earmuffs. We opted for the bay proper, and it would be the only time where Pancho and Lefty in their new boat would be a welcome sight. Impatient drifters would be constantly firing up to repeat drifts, and we would let their disturbance keep the birds in the air for us. “Wait,” Tricia yapped again. “We can’t use that one because the gherkin who built it put a chain on the door, and that one was foliated by the town whiney baby who will surely have to buy new diapers if we use it.” “There”, she pointed with a determined finger, “he’s not hunting today so let’s set up there.” It’s somewhat humorous, but if a blind is built on public property, it becomes public property on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, turf wars abound and squatters like us just have to take our chances, like falling through the dilapidated plywood floor of this brushed up outhouse of a blind. It may be time to shore up our own palisades, but we’ll leave the chains, and the diapers, at home. No sooner than the decoys were thrown in a perfect haphazard pattern, the air thundered with ten-thousand ducks on a high-altitude bombing mission. One of the bombs detonated on the brim of my hat, a back-ended gesture of intestinal mockery. Legions of them conveniently set down a safe five hundred yards away, tipping their tails at us in a continued taunt.

With non-flying weather there’s not much to do except wait on Lefty to stir things up. I looked out and saw some of the decoys moving. There were a few redfish stealing into the spread and they would spook when they ran into a weighted line, but it kept some of the plastic ducks bobbing like they were alive. Boom! John fired, and everybody’s hair stood sideways after hats were rudely removed by the concussion. Boom! He fired again, and whatever insects held refuge among the leaves began to fall dead. A duck did too, but not before a quite lengthy sail across a mucky expanse. That dog won’t hunt! Of course it didn’t hunt because we didn’t have one. Shell, Tricia’s welltrained yellow lab, has unfortunately grown to the proportions of a small yellow truck, and we felt that eighty degree heat in an open bay might lend a stroke to the equation. Unfortunately, it still might lead to a stroke, but for us, chasing winged birds across a barren span of soul-sucking mud. Me, being new and confused, if it looked like it quacked I shot it. It’s easy to understand why the Game Wardens have such a good time out there. How in the hell can you possibly tell what kind of bird you are shooting out of a gray mass moving seventy miles per hour, especially when all you see is the flapping silhouette of their rear bumpers? Those last little rockets looked like teal, but all bumpers tend to look the same, especially when covered with feathers. In the

A spattering of decent trout added more color to an already vivid day.

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

No sooner than the decoys were thrown in a perfect haphazard pattern, the air thundered with ten-thousand ducks on a high altitude bombing mission.

meantime, there were still reds milling about in the decoys, and I began to question my motives above the silence of ringing eardrums. “Don’t shoot! How many do we have?” “How many can we have?” “What’s the new rule? What do you mean it’s not in the book because it was printed before a decision was made?” “What does Hunters Choice mean? Is it two apiece of those or just one? NO don’t shoot yet.” Boom! A widgeon and two palm leaves fell, and one of the hollow decoys began to list. Tricia had to cell phone her mom for rule clarification, which took another hour of watching redfish tail in the decoys. We were done. Time to go fishing. We left one of the party in the borrowed blind, convinced he could potlick a

It’s easy to understand why the Game Wardens have such a good time out there. 12

Texas Saltwater Fishing

“I like it. I love it. I want some more of it.” We’ll see you again come February.

mountable trophy from the mid-morning sky. Not 75 yards into the run, large mud boils and wakes erupted everywhere in eight inches of water. Scared to death about getting busted for “rallying” birds, we passed on this easy herd of redfish. Surely there were Feds watching from satellites and listening from the brush for any naïve or small print infraction. We found a fair distant mid-day flat absolutely covered up with more good reds, so we capped off the day listening to more explosions on topwaters, the ones we could still hear that is. A spattering of decent trout added more color to an already vivid day. Back at the house, feathers flew and fillet knives glistened on the few fish we kept for dinner. Tricia was already back on the web and slicing Serrano peppers. It takes a passionate cook to convert what amounts to flying liver into something special, and that she did. When the next split of duck season comes around everything will change. Gray wintry days will make shooting ducks a lot more productive while fishing on the back end will promise hope of bigger trout. With a bit of luck J.D. will be back with regulation civilian 12-gauges for us to hunt with. Even with as much as fun as hunting ducks can be, it’s going to be a toss up, though. I could get out there early in the cold and work real hard, stomping around in thigh-deep mud putting out decoys and brushing January 2007

blinds; or I could sleep late and saunter out as the mid-morning sun begins warming things up and hunt for big trout instead. “Say again John, I couldn’t quite hear you.” “I like it. I love it. I want some more of it.” “Come on let’s go!” “Well OK then… we’ll see you again come February!”

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Curtis Clingingsmith releasing an 8 pounder he caught Dec. 9, 2006 in Baffin.

All astute anglers work to continuously refine their abilities. I and the

Annoyingly, water that’s clear or lightly tainted

few fishing buddies with whom I regularly share

one day may be nasty the next. In some cases,

detailed information operate from a guiding

wind seems to blow the bloom into and out of

principle. We try our best to learn something

areas, but in other situations, it is difficult,

every time we go fishing. We believe if we can

even impossible, to come up with a reason

learn at least one new thing each time out, no

for the sudden and unexpected appearance

trip will be wasted, no matter what we catch or

of the algae. What’s certain is that fishing brown tide

don’t catch. 2006 was a dandy year for catching fish in

and my clients caught some big trout in tainted

had an exceptional run in the upper reaches of

waters in the last twelve months, but doing so

the lagoon in late winter, then the action shifted

required lots of effort and patience. Of course,

farther south and got even better. April and May

being productive in waters with low visibility

were off the charts! In April, I averaged over

requires an intimate knowledge of the spots to be

one hundred fish per day, at least half of them

fished, so that lures can be sent into fish-holding

keepers, and of those fish, five trout per day

zones often obscured by the stain. Productivity

stretched the tape to over twenty five inches.

in the brown slop may also be enhanced through

Those are some rare numbers; I know,

the use of specialized techniques. Changing lures and presentation styles can

even invented names for some of the stats I

aid anglers in coaxing more bites in mucked-up

keep, dubbing the number for twenty inch plus

waters. Angler Jeff Phillips of College Station

trout per day the “Power Index” and the number

proved that switching from soft-bodied Corkies to

over twenty five inches per day the “Super Power

hard-bodied Mirrolure plugs can make a marked

Index”. Maintaining an “SPI” of five for a whole

difference. On a cold, post-front February outing,

month is definitely unusual, especially if more

he used a Catch 2000 Jr. and a Catch V to

than a few trips are made.

scratch out several impressive fish while most of

The heat of summer produced some good stats too. Predictably, redfish were abundant and

the rest of us in the group struggled to get a bite. He caught one trout at 28 ¾ inches, one at

aggressive and lots of little trout were biting, but

29 ¾ inches and another at 30 ¼ inches, and

the number of bigger than average trout remained

he hooked and lost a fish that seemed to all

high when compared with other summers.

of us to be bigger than any of those. In talking

We experienced plenty of days when fish

to him about it later, I felt kind of stupid, as his

were relatively easy to catch. Some important

reasoning for choosing the plugs makes perfect

lessons are learned when the fishing is not

sense and is the kind of thing I should have

particularly challenging. Other, potentially

realized previously.

more meaningful facts can be gleaned from

Jeff pointed out that the Catch V and 2000

efforts made on days when the catching is

have louder rattles than a Corky, and that they

much tougher.

have superior reflective qualities, making them

One lesson that I’ll take away from last Texas Saltwater Fishing

is more challenging than fishing clear water. I

the Upper Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay. We

because I have long been a statistics freak. I

year’s action is that brown tide is unpredictable.

January 2007

more visible to the fish. Additionally, he added

(Left) An example of the numerous big fish we caught in February fog. (Right) The Catch V works in brown tide to fool both trout and redfish.

scent from a spray-on bottle to his plugs that day

than one such occasion, I found that switching

a lure if they are willing to follow good advice,

to help the fish find them. Taking a loud, flashy,

to sub-surface plugs resulted in a reduction in

and then display ample patience and adequate

stinky plug and creeping it through brown slop

the number of strikes, not an increase. If ﬁsh are

dexterity. This truth was pounded home some

surely makes sense, especially a slow-sinking

showing interest in topwaters but not striking and

years ago when Jason Simmons caught a

model that can be shaken vigorously without

sticking regularly, changing the presentation, size

ten pound trout while under my tutelage. He

being moved through the water too far too fast.

and/or style of ﬂoating plug can be more effective

had caught only a handful of trout prior to that

than changing to Corkies, Mirrolures, spoons or

trip, but he knew how to handle his equipment

soft plastics, whether sight casting or not.

and he worked admirably to execute the exact

I have since used Mirrolure’s products several times in brown tide and caught big trout. I also have been applying spray-on scents more

Sometimes, even in clear, shallow, calm

presentation I suggested, and then planted his

than ever before, adding juice to soft plastics as

water, the ﬁsh still want their meal served on

feet in a productive spot without moving around

well as to Corkies and Mirrolures.

the surface. Chad Sills caught a trout pushing

aimlessly. His efforts rewarded him with two

thirty inches in May on a SheDog in shin-deep

other trout over eight pounds to go with his

don’t really have to enhance the scent of my

Thanks to the people at Mister Twister, I

water. That big girl had the whole plug inside her

ten, giving me a great deal of satisfaction to

soft plastics any more. I now use their Exude

mouth after making a memorable, committed

complement his glee.

products, which are impregnated with scents

and resounding move to eat the loudly pinging

that trail off into the water as the lures are

chrome plug just a few yards in front of him.

retrieved. The RT Slug in particular has been

I had at least thirty customers catch their lifetime best trout while ﬁshing with me in ‘06,

Another big trout caught in skinny water on a

and I am happy and proud to say that. I am also

a top producer for me, both in stained and

topwater reminded me of a lesson I’d previously

honored that so many other anglers who did not

clear waters.

learned. Steve Carter caught his ﬁrst trout ever, a

catch the trophy we sought on their scheduled

twenty seven inch, six pounder, on a pink Skitter

day assured me that they learned a lot anyway.

a big portion of 2006, I learned some lessons

Walk while we were wading knee deep, proving

This year, I will make a concerted effort to ensure

about sight casting for both trout and redﬁsh.

once again that a beginner to the world of trout

that my focus on helping my clients become

Conventional wisdom says that once spotted,

ﬁshing can catch a big ﬁsh. This possibility

better anglers remains as high as it’s ever been.

ﬁsh are easier to catch on soft plastics than other

is enhanced when the angler is armed with

lures, and I agree to some extent. On several

lightweight tackle best suited to wading, chunking

make and how much effort I put into teaching

days, I found that the only way to coax visible

and winding all day. The Laguna rods and

my clients something when we are on the water.

ﬁsh into striking was by swimming a soft plastic

Shimano reels I use exclusively aid in the ability

These days, I ﬁsh under less pressure than

paddletail steadily in close proximity to their

to sustain efforts over the long hours. Critically,

previously, partly because I’ve gained conﬁdence

noses. On other days, however, the ﬁsh would

Steve had the basic casting skills necessary

in my choices of locations and techniques, but

spook away from sub-surface offerings, but

to function with the equipment he borrowed

mostly because I’ve come to accept that the

would follow topwater plugs with interest.

from me and furthermore he did his best to

outcome of any trip will be positive if I focus on

concentrate on the presentation I suggested and

controlling the things that I have power over.

Since we had clear water in a lot of areas for

My experiences last year reminded me that some people take their ﬂoating plugs off too quickly when they get weak blowups or when they see ﬁsh following without striking. On more

thoroughly worked the area I pointed out to him. His catch reinforced an important lesson for me. Even beginners can catch a big trout on January 2007

I know I can control the ﬁshing decisions I

I now know that I can offer a quality ﬁshing experience to any angler who puts a priority on learning something during the trip. If we are Texas Saltwater Fishing

(Left) A happy angler and a nice fish from the April run. (Right) The author with a nice trout caught this past fall.

committed to practicing the craft of finding fish and figuring out how to make them strike on a

But many of us can see that if we all kill all

heating up around here once again, I hope that the catching is as good as it was in ‘06. I know

given day and if I do a good job of giving advice

the ﬁsh the law allows every time we have the

from last year’s experience that the crowds of

and rendering aid, then we’ll all come away

opportunity, we will have a profoundly negative

people clamoring to get in on the action will most

satisﬁed. We’ll wind up catching some big

effect on the ﬁshery. To those of you who have

likely be bigger than ever.

trout too!

supported my stance (and that of this magazine)

Though we caught as many trout over twenty

on conservative harvest and who treasure the

seven inches in 2006 as we ever have, we killed

sport of ﬁshing and consequently wish to behave

just a few. I am blessed to work with so many

in ways that enhance the continued productivity

people who are willing to keep only what they

of our coastal waters, I say thanks. I appreciated

really need. One thing that became abundantly

all the positive emails I received in response to

clear last year is that more people are heading to

the articles and stories I wrote last year which

places once frequented by a select few. I learned

touched on the need for the careful handling of

that the parking lot they paved for us at Bird

ﬁsh, conservative harvest and on the absurdity of

Island Basin isn’t big enough to accommodate

needlessly killing ﬁsh for pride or greed.

the crowds of spring! More and more people are ﬁshing saltwater

And to those of you who misunderstood my goals in writing and publishing those pieces,

every year in Texas, and I seriously doubt the

especially those who sent me nasty emails,

growth will stop any time soon. It is therefore

I apologize for any confusion, but not for the

incumbent on those of us who love ﬁshing

stance I took. Let me write once again that I

coastal bays to ﬁght the good ﬁght and

support the rights of all people who ﬁsh within

encourage people to think about what they keep

the law and who do so ethically, whatever

and kill. I learned last year that it is possible to

methods, baits or lures they choose. But I do

raise the ire of many people when promoting the

not, nor will I ever, support or condone cramming

idea of responsible harvest.

freezers with ﬁllets just because the law says it‘s

It is sad to think that some people perceive me as an elitist or believe that I think there is no

the table on a signiﬁcant portion of our trips.

legal to do so. 2006 was a memorable year for ﬁshing in the

place for ﬁshing for trout with live bait. Though

Bafﬁn/Laguna area. Thousands and thousands

I don’t choose to do so, I know that ﬁshing with

of ﬁsh were caught; lots of those ﬁsh were

bait is best for some people, and that I am in the

killed. Some of the dead ﬁsh are still, I’m sure,

end no “better” than them. I also know that eating

occupying space in freezers around the state.

trout is part of the culture of saltwater ﬁshing. My

As winter winds down and reports appear on the

customers and I keep some “grease poppers” for

internet, alerting the masses that the ﬁshing is

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

CAPT. ERIK RUE TROLLED GINGERLY to a piece of submerged shell in seven feet of water and dropped the anchor. Immediately, his emerald swimming Hogie was attacked as it met the oyster bed. I remained aft; clicking the shutter of my Canon as Rue religiously fought hearty fourpound speckled trout. Twenty minutes later, around midday, my black/chartreuse-headed Top Dog finally got wet. A sashay to the left, then to the right, then back to left. The plug did not make it back to the right. Like a fat kid doing a belly buster from the high dive of the city pool, my plug disappeared in a wall of white water. If the wake somehow failed to relay the magnitude of the speck to every angler within shouting distance, my Curado’s screaming drag did not. This was the one we all dream about. The gorilla trout of 2001 measured 31 inches — the largest I have ever landed. A fiberglass replica of the magnificent creature sits in my office at home. Two days later inclement weather pushed me and my buddy Capt. Chuck Uzzle off Sabine Lake. As Uzzle was nosing his Hewes dockside just before noon, my cell phone rang. “I’ve got a picture fish for you, boy!” said Capt. Melvin Talasek of Matagorda. “You are joking,” I said. “I just caught her on the old Top Dog,” he chuckled. Talasek was drifting the flats of Port Mansfield when he made the call from his mobile phone. Talasek’s fish was another 31inch monster. Ten minutes after he landed the fish, he hooked another one the same size that he chose to release. Was it coincidental? Two buddies, eight hour drive from one another, on different saline estuaries, in separate states for that matter, in the middle of the day, coaxed specks of a lifetime within the same two hour span? Not if the full moon has anything to say about it.

BRIGHT MOON, BIG FISH

“I book all my trips around the full moon,” said Talasek. “Your best fishing is going to be five days before and five days after a full moon. I can check my big fish records all the way back to the 1970s and the pattern holds true.” My mother says she knows it is a full moon 18

Texas Saltwater Fishing

without looking to heaven because people act different; the magnet of the moon affects wildlife same as it does people. “Ninety percent of my biggest fish have been around the full moon,” said Capt. Mickey Eastman of Baytown. Eastman said the two legitimate 10pounders of his life were caught on the full moon. In 1989, while fishing the full moon on East Galveston Bay’s Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge shoreline, Eastman’s 10-fish stringer weighed in at a gargantuan 97 pounds. “You are going to get a good push and a good pull from the tides during a bright moon,” said Eastman. “The mullet and bait fish migrate and gang up. Because the bait is on the move the trout are also active, following the rafts of mullet. You will find the fish on the breaks and tide lines.” Perfect full moon conditions for Eastman is a full moon rising and the sun setting. When the two meet and parallel each other, prepare for an attack. “Late fall, December and February is when you can catch the sun and moon 180 degrees from each other. It’s pretty awesome when the fish turn on. It can be a slugfest.”

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT Pustejovsky does not run as many all night trips like he did in his younger days; however, he said he has had success wading mid-bay reefs in the dark with soft plastics. “My dad and Rudy Grigar told me a long time ago ﬁsh can see at night like they do during the day,” Pustejovsky said. “Red shad Bass Assassins dipped with a chartreuse tail is my go-to bait in the day and at night.” If you do decide to pull an all-nighter, know January 2007

the terrain. It is a good idea to be very familiar with an area before trying to find it in stealth mode. Underwater structures such as reefs and well stems can become invisible at night, especially during low tide conditions. A highpowered spotlight is a good idea. “I have had some of my better fishing trips for trout at night,” said Capt. Mark Nichols of Stuart, Florida, owner and inventor of DOA Lures. “We do not catch many fish on the East Coast (Florida) during the day on the full moon. However, the offshore guys love it and so do some of my buddies who guide on the West Coast of Florida.” Nichols’ second and third largest trout of his career were caught on his Bait Buster and four-inch Shrimp, respectively, while wading at night under the moon. “The fish were caught in less than a foot of water. One was 33-inches and the other was 32-inches. I did not have a scale, but the 32-incher weighed more. I estimated her to be over 11 pounds.”

Expect a major feed when the full moon and sun are on opposite horizons.

Notice the full moon rising in the background; the bite is on!

I replied. “Just wait until around 11:00a.m. These ﬁsh will quit playing with the bait when they start feeding.” As if Cookie banged the chuck wagon’s triangle on a cattle drive, the feed commenced at the aforementioned hour. There were no pops or patsy nudges like before; rather, the trout were in full-blown attack mode. When the ﬁsh decided they wanted the plastic dog-walker you did not have to set the hook, just make sure your drag was loose so your tackle would not be snatched from your palms. We remained in the same 50-yard radius until the action slowed around mid-afternoon. “Typically, you are going to have a short early morning bite, right at daylight, and then another major bite from 11:00am to around 3:00pm on a full moon,” said Pustejovsky. “My records date back to 1975 and it is always the same. Things have not changed.” Take a look outside tonight, a full moon is only a few days away.

NIGHTTIME IS NOT ALWAYS THE RIGHT TIME

A bright lunar phase increases your chance of tangling with a trophy speckled trout.

Dad and I were standing side by side on the Kenedy shoreline halfway between the mouth of the Landcut and Port Mansﬁeld, both of us armed with chartreuse/red-headed Top Dog Jr’s. We worked the shoreline tight early that morning before daylight, hoping to lure a sow in shin-deep water. A redﬁsh was all he could muster. By 8:00a.m., we, along with the mullet, moved to deeper water. We could make out scattered patches of grass in waist to chestdeep water littered with bait. Throughout the morning our surface-runners were blownup by spotted predators, but no hook ups. Consecutive casts were seldom met without a trout popping it out of the water. The specks were not in feeding mode, just agitated at the pseudo-mullet noise-maker. Dad was frustrated. “Am I doing something wrong?” he asked. “No. Remember, we are on the full moon,” January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

I READ ABOUT IT IN THE NEWSPAPERS,

just sort of waited around and since I didn’t

I hear it on the evening news and I endure

notice a ﬁllet knife in either of their hands I

conversations about it when I can’t get away fast

asked if they would like to use my electric one.

legal limit is good too. Just going ﬁshing and not

enough. “PC” or political correctness just goes

They looked at each other and said no that they

catching any is good. Fishing with bait is good.

against my way of thinking and I hate to see that

were just waiting on us to leave. I told them that

Fishing with artiﬁcial bait is good. Floundering

it is so prevalent in saltwater ﬁshing.

there was plenty of room and that I just wanted

under lantern light and gigging them is good.

to leave the table clean for them. They looked

Fishing and keeping your legal number of ﬁsh is

to escape for a morning or afternoon of ﬁshing.

at each other again and she ﬁnally told me that

good. But to make people feel embarrassed and

They’d unload their boat, hit the bait camp for a

they were embarrassed to clean their ﬁsh in

to intimidate them because they caught ﬁsh and

quart of live shrimp and spend the morning free

front of us. I asked why and she explained that

kept them or for what they caught them on is just

shrimping for trout at the bay wells or catching

they were down on their vacation from the Plano

over the top for me and folks, it is just wrong.

ﬁsh under a popping cork. Or, if artiﬁcial baits

area and the day before they had cleaned a

were more to their liking, they’d plug for their ﬁsh

good mess of trout, redﬁsh and ﬂounder and

enticing a trout to hit topwater baits or soft

and enjoy the day much the same as the bait

some guys had looked down their noses at

plastics is what gets my blood pumping when I

ﬁshermen. Afterwards they’d bring their catch to

them and asked if they really needed all of that

ﬁsh. I don’t keep all of the ﬁsh I catch on each

the dock and clean them, laughing and having

ﬁsh. She said they got pretty nasty calling them

trip but I will should I feel the need to. I don’t

a good time visiting with other ﬁshermen and

tourists and more or less just harassing them

think I’d want to hear someone tell me that

sharing bits of information about how, when and

for keeping ﬁsh. When the morons asked what

keeping a mess of ﬁsh isn’t “PC” or that unless

where. Not so much anymore, or so it seems.

they caught them on and the answer was live

I’m releasing all that I catch I’m not “PC”. For

shrimp, well according to her they acted like they

one thing it wouldn’t go over well with me and for

burns me up still. A young couple had pulled

had used dynamite. Her husband told me that

another thing it’s just plain rude and those who

their boat and trailer up to a public cleaning table

he didn’t want any trouble with anyone and that

know me will tell you that I don’t play well with

and was carrying their cooler down to the table

they just wanted to enjoy the few days they had

rude people.

to go to work. We had finished filleting our fish

left before returning home. He didn’t want any

and were washing down the area when they

trouble?? For keeping ﬁsh??? He even told me

personal limit but the law doesn’t say that I have

walked up.

that they never spoke about keeping ﬁsh around

to do that nor does it say you have to either.

other ﬁshermen because keeping them just isn’t

It’s a personal preference and an idea that our

Once upon a time it was a pleasure for folks

I witnessed not long ago something that

They didn’t start unloading their catch, they 22

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

“PC” these days. PC? In ﬁshing? Just keep ﬁve is good. Just keeping your

I love to ﬁsh with hardware. Fooling a ﬁsh,

I’ve found that ﬁve trout do me just ﬁne as a

esteemed Editor turned me on to. I do that but I

small. Do we have to put up with it on our bays

won’t look down on you or tell you that you’re not

now too?

being “PC” for not doing it. I know a lot of people, and I’m one of them,

My ﬁrst and only 30” trout was pretty near DOA when I landed her one hot June day but

who can ﬁsh all morning and not catch a single

my son’s was alive and well when he landed his.

ﬁsh and still am able to say that they had a

He let her go and he felt good about doing it and

great morning. But not everyone feels that way.

watching her swim away, the accomplishment

Some people ﬁsh and keep what the law says

being enough for him without feeling the need to

they are allowed and that’s okay. To them if

mount the ﬁsh. But I can tell you that he wouldn’t

they haven’t ﬁlled a cooler they’ve not had a

have looked down on someone for not releasing

successful trip. It’s a shame they feel that way

that ﬁsh. He would have enjoyed the moment

but that’s one of the reasons why the TP&W sets

with them and now days it seems that a lot of

size and bag limits. But are we really to the point

people are not of that same mindset.

where we are going to start making people feel

So to the guys that gave the young couple a

bad for catching their legal limits of ﬁsh or for

hard time one day in Port Mansﬁeld for ﬁshing

using live bait?

and keeping their catch, try to say hello to my

There are few places in life these days where

friend Glenn and my son and I the next time

political correctness hasn’t reared its ugly head.

we’re there cleaning ﬁsh. I can promise you

It’s prevalent in the hunting world where a deer

that the conversation we’ll have will never be

hunter is made to feel bad if he shoots a buck

considered “PC”.

that is too young or a buck whose rack is too

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

One of my all time favorite debates is also one of the longest running ones; I know you’ve heard it a couple of hundred times too… the one about the importance of lure color and how it may or may not impact our success on any given day. Among my dearest friends are any number of very opinionated long-term Texas saltwater fishers and one of those holds a doctorate in Marine Biology and is the head of the Marine Science Department at a local university. We have had lots of passionate debates on the subject for many years. Perhaps fiery would be a more appropriate description. I have always found it interesting how unusually important it seems to all of the above mentioned individuals that their opinion on this particular subject be the one accepted by the others, and of course we all know that ain’t going to happen. It does make for lots of fun though. As for me, the debates are strictly sporting events as my mind was made up many years ago; just as theirs was. Ha! I’ve listened to every viewpoint, theory, and acknowledged scientific fact as open-mindedly as possible, but the opinion I value most is the fish’s. In my mind the fish have made it perfectly clear to me for over 40 years that the color of the lure is one of the major, if not the single-most important concerns. Trust me that I am well aware that fish see in varying shades of grey; so what. If one shade of grey leads them to attack above any other at a particular time then the same purpose is served whether or not they are seeing the same color I am. They are seeing the shade of grey that the color I have chosen is representing to them and that particular color/shade of grey is provoking them to attack in the conditions present at the time. Some of the lures and lure colors of my youth are still in use very successfully today, while countless others come and go. Certain color combinations are deadly in rather small 24

Texas Saltwater Fishing

locales only and these are often dropped by manufacturers as the overall sales on them are not of high enough volume to continue making them. A prime example of this is the 51MR Mirrolure in the old pattern they termed #807 (black/gold/black). Often deadly on speckled trout in the winter surf of PINS but apparently overall sales was very low and it was discontinued. Oh well, as long as they keep making 51MR808’s and black fingernail polish we’ll get by. When Ralph Wade fine-tuned my winter surf techniques and tactics for speckled trout many years ago he passed on to me a longestablished set of rules of how the trout played the game. Ralph said, “Trout in the winter surf will hit primarily one color on any given day. Sometimes, if there is a really good bite on, they may hit two colors. Once in a blue moon they’ll hit any color coming their way.” You would be amazed to know how many anglers on my charters, over a period of many years, have become rock-solid believers in this concept. I have found many times that after we’d figured out the color for the day; the trout would accept completely different types and sizes of artificials — so long as they were all the right color. I am meticulous in my record keeping and I use that logbook as a resource regularly. One of the facts I include religiously is the lure color that was most successful on each trip. Prior to 1995 our winter trout “season” typically ran from mid October through early February. After several years I observed a distinct pattern emerge wherein the specks showed a tendency to hit the same color lures during the same months of the year from one year to the next. And if they didn’t hit the same one then they either hit the color before it or after it. Talk about a gold mine; my typical MO on charters was to give two anglers the lure they usually hit during the time frame of the charter, January 2007

and then I started going through the other options until we caught trout. A second rule Ralph taught me was, “If you catch one fish on a lure it might be a fluke, but if you catch two using that color then stick with it the remainder of the day.” The color choice may remain the same through any number of weather and water conditions for days on end, or it may change dramatically from one day to the next. Start with the color that worked yesterday, but unless it produces fairly quickly, I recommend you begin rotating through other colors as well. Although I was somewhat skeptical for some time, I have become a believer in utilizing the solunar tables while fishing our bay systems and offshore, but I have not found them to be as dependable in the surf. I figure there are too

11 yr. old Lang Anderson of Austin and his first ever shark. CPR Blacktipped 25 Nov.

11 yr. old Lang Anderson of Austin reviving his Blacktipped shark. Catch and release started early and done correctly.

Son, 11 yr. old Lang Anderson of Austin Father, Erick Anderson Fish, 4# Spanish Mackerel CPR 25 Nov., 06

many other factors involved in the surf that don’t come into play in the bay or offshore. Likewise, it is mind-boggling how many times I have experienced an immediate full-ﬂedged blitz after hours of fruitless grinding, simply by reaching into that tackle box and trying one more color that hadn’t been on the hook yet that day. And when that happens, I already know that I am ﬁxin’ to catch them in every likely spot, for they have been there all the time and I simply wasn’t throwing the color they wanted.

A case in point comes to mind and I’ll share it with you; and I want you to know that it is only one of many such accounts I could relate. I had eight very nice trout late in the day and two fellas drove up. One is a well-known Upper Laguna Madre ﬁshing guide and the

other a lifelong fisher. They stopped to chat and I advised them that the small pocket of deep water in front of me was filled with trout and that they were welcome to join me in catching a few. They were throwing black/gold/black 51M Mirrolures and I told them the fish were only going to hit black/gold/orange, but they felt confident in their lures. I stood in between the two as they cast and I pulled five or six nice trout without them getting a bite. Then I walked to the south end of the hole and told one of them to go where I had been. I caught three more nice trout and no one else got a bump. I then walked north of the pair and pulled two fish in two casts. The guide walked up to me laughing and wanted to know how much those black/gold/ orange Mirrolures would cost that far south of the pavement. I laughed and sold him two lures at store prices. Then I climbed up and sat on the hood of my truck and watched them quickly catch several nice trout. Satisfied, I went on to the house. Funniest thing of all is that over the years some of my ol’ pals have begrudgingly allowed as how it seemed the surf trout did have something different going on when it came to lure color. Heaven forbid I should ever mention that quite often I see the same type behavior exhibited in the local bay systems. Reminds me of the frigid morning over in Nueces Bay when January 2007

I asked this young Corky addict what color they were hitting and he replied, “Well, I thought they wanted the day-glow till I threw an 808.” Texas saltwater ﬁshing, huh? Gotta’ like that. Come on down to Corpus and spend a winter’s day chasing big trout on the beach or in the bay. Be Careful, Be Courteous, Be Kind.

CAPT. BILLY SANDIFER

Billy operates Padre Island Safaris. His specialties are fishing for sharks to specks in the Padre Island surf and bayfishing for trout and redfish from a poled skiff. Contact Billy Sandifer Telephone 361-937-8446 Website www.billysandifer.com Texas Saltwater Fishing

WE SPEND ABOUT 90%

of our time in Espiritu Santo and San Antonio bays; Saluria Bayou to Ayres Dugout and all of Matty Island are our primary haunts. We enjoy the distinct privilege of living in the middle of a super rich estuary that features the best of many worlds. Pass Cavallo makes up our unofficial eastern boundary and affords communication with the Gulf of Mexico. Matagorda Island is riddled with thousands of acres of saltwater lakes, sprawling saltwater marshes, and literally hundreds of miles of bayous and twisty creeks. And if that’s not enough, the Guadalupe River — one Texas’ finest, enters at the head of San Antonio Bay. I’ve searched all up and down the coast; if there’s a better red drum fishery it must be in Heaven. By now you’re probably already asking yourself, “If the area he’s talking about is so wonderful, why would we have to know where to

look, why don’t the reds just jump in the boat?” A fair answer should probably go something like… “While it is not nice to call all fishermen liars, it would be safe to wager that most will embellish a tale.” So with that said, I probably should give you a few pointers; after all, within this mid-coast maze of bays, lakes, and marshes there are basic conditions and patterns that cause certain locations to be the favored winter residence of nearly all the redfish in the bay. Let’s run through them. First would be the tides, or as is quite often the case; lack of tide. What we’re talking about would be both water level and the current we associate with normal ebb and flow. Wintertime flows are usually some of the weakest we see all year. Couple this with weather systems from the north that push water out of the bays and we can expect to see areas that are absolute honeyholes in other seasons reduced to bare mud flats. Upon the

Oyster reefs occur where many of the back lakes adjoin the bay, these are preferred haunts for winter reds, especially if the shell tapers down into a soft mud bottom. 26

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Deeper areas or “saucers” in the back lakes are good places to look for winter reds. January 2007

arrival of a powerful norther, there is a large “push up” of water on the south side of the bays. This water finds its way into the back lakes and marsh areas, but not for long. As soon as the winds subside, the water falls back out and remains out until a significant southerly flow brings a good incoming tide through the pass. The place to be when all this is occurring depends which part of the cycle you are fishing. On the “push up” I like to work the areas on the “inside” of the lakes. Any channel, boat lane, or bayou that connects a lake to a bay can hold fish, and the “inside” is the place to be when the currents (celestial or wind-created) are pouring in. During spring, summer and fall when natural tidal flows are stronger, the increased water levels in the backcountry can last for weeks and this disperses fish widely. During winter though, the push up will not usually last much more than a day or two. Do not waste your time scouring the

Wait until the afternoon sun has warmed the flats before investing a lot of effort there, the water here can get very cold when the temps fall overnight.

I don’t know who started it, but that old tale that reds won’t hit a spoon in winter is pure bunk!

Redfish love crabs, especially in winter when other forage becomes scarce. A marsh drain or shoreline gut with lots of trap floats deserves investigation.

entire lake, fish the areas most affected by the temporary inflow. Likewise, when the water is pouring out, you need to be “outside”, or as I like to term it, “out front.” More on this later. Another condition we need to consider in this season is water temperature. Now the reds are definitely more winter-hearty than trout, but they too show a strong tendency for nestling down into deeper, muddier holes whenever the mercury tumbles overnight. I like to carry a food thermometer in my wading jacket. Unless the flats are 50-degrees and above, don’t even waste your time in skinny water ‘cause the reds likely won’t be there or they won’t feed until things warm up. Instead, let’s head to the bayous, marsh drains, and other small channels. What we’re looking for are deep holes, the kind that occur in bayou bends and sometimes where a drain enters the bay; preferably with soft mud bottoms. Often, the water in these deeper locales will be anywhere from 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the surrounding flats. Use your thermometer and find them, then work them over to see if they’re holding fish. If mud is good; muddy-shell should be rated excellent. Areas with scattered to fairly thick clumps of triple and quad oysters standing in soft mud can be awesome for holding winter reds. Pay particular attention to the channels and drains that have reefs in them, there are at least a dozen along Matagorda Island’s north shore. These reefs thrive because there is a frequent flow of fresh water in these areas. Remember that mullet, shrimp, crabs and oysters all thrive in low salinity environments. Even though there is no inflow such as we associate with a river or freshwater stream, there is still the runoff from the island which feeds through these drains, thus sustaining these crustaceans. Forage becomes scarce in winter, and the few morsels that are out there remain close to cover. By and large the seagrasses

of warmer seasons are gone now; oyster shell makes good cover… happy hunting! Another seasonal condition, or maybe we should call it a pattern, would be feeding behavior. Winter obviously means cooler water and cooler water means reduced metabolism in cold-blooded creatures. Reduced metabolism will require the fish to feed less frequently; don’t waste your time fishing when they’re not likely to eat. They’re going to do it when Mother Nature says to do it, not because we’re poking a lure in their face, so go coon some oysters or mark some reefs you haven’t seen before until it’s time. Pick your times according to events that govern the natural world and don’t forget your thermometer. Consult your solunar tables and be there during moonrise, moon-over and moonset. Don’t get all pushed out of shape if your buddy is late; we do way better in the afternoon during winter than in the early part of the day. I mentioned earlier there is a distinct time when “out front” is the place to be. Let’s pretend for a few minutes that the tide is super low… so low in fact that there isn’t enough water in the marsh and back lakes to cover our wading booties. Guess where all the redfish that would normally inhabit the backcountry might be hanging out? If you guessed the bay shore you got it right, but how should you go about finding them and fishing for them? Well, hopefully you paid attention when I told you about the channels, bayous and marsh drains, because the fish that are temporarily displaced from the backcountry will surely hold nearby. Some folks with shallow running boats will elect to “burn” the shorelines and the schools will be easy to spot any time the water is clear. This will not win you any popularity contests though… so it’s better to park a short distance from the drains January 2007

“Redfish won’t hit a topwater in cold water.” Yeah, right!

and wade up or perhaps drift in or use your troll motor. Another high-probability zone would be the deeper shoreline guts near these drains… you know, the ones with green water and a slight remnant of last summer’s grass still clinging in the bottoms of them. If you’re still unsure which gut I’m describing, pick the one with the most crab trap floats. The crabbers are pretty sharp; they don’t waste time putting traps where there are no crabs. Redfish love crabs… happy hunting! Now all we need is a quick discussion of wintertime lures and presentations. I really have to chuckle every time some brand new guide or other fishing wannabe climbs up on his soapbox to deliver his version of the “low and slow” or “here’s what you have to throw” sermon. Funniest of all perhaps are the folks who say, “Those reds won’t touch a gold spoon in winter, they don’t like that cold metal in their mouth.” Or my all-time favorite, “Redfish won’t hit a topwater until the water’s at least 60-degrees.” There are surely exceptions to every rule, but the best general rule I’ve found for winter redfish is this, “Find the school — throw the same lures you throw in any other season — if the bite is on they’ll hit ‘em just like it’s summer.” Worry first about finding them, the rest is usually pretty easy! Texas Saltwater Fishing

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Have you ever wondered

why the same old names keep popping up when it comes to trophy trout fishing? Dockside talk always involves stories of the ones that got away; blew up and missed the top water, straightened the split rings on a Corky, jumped and shook out the soft plastic bait and, the absolute best is, “I could not get her in my net.” What counts is what we actually hang on our Boga Grips or take to the weigh station in our tournaments. I believe the most important thing that separates the consistent trophy trout catchers from the rest of the crowd is well laid plans, hereafter called Game Plans. What I want to do in this article is tell you what I do. I cannot speak for all the others out there who consistently catch big trout. I know what has worked for me in the past and my history has a few large trout swimming in it. For me, it is all about being in the right place, over the preferred structure, having the right lure presentation and being totally prepared on every cast for that bite that might be your next fish of a lifetime. I have always been anal about controlling everything that we possibly can; and then letting the rest of the things we cannot control take a back seat during the day. In the winter, which is the time of year I feel we have our best shot at catching a truly heavy trout, it is all about mud and bait. Find these two things and you are in the right area for large trout. Add some scattered shell or a grass lump here and there and your chances get even better. This is one of the first things we can most definitely try to control.

You do not have to get out of the boat until you have found what you are looking for. West side shorelines, with coves and pockets, traditionally hold the warmest waters when it is cold. These same shoreline structures will also be the first to warm during periods when we get cold nights and warm afternoons. If you take a moment and think about your favorite fishing area, you can probably see a place in your mind’s eye like the one I just described. Once in my selected area, I like to anchor on the outsides of these areas and look for any type of bait activity before starting my approach. One mullet can be all that is needed to make me want to spend half the day in such a location. Let the mullet activity continue to increase and I could spend all day in there. On a daily basis, I do not get the chance to fish this way nearly as much as I would like. Every guide wishes for a clientele of anglers serious enough to want to spend the day trying to trick that one trout that is the equivalent of a 160 Boone and Crockett buck into taking a bait. Today for instance, I saw one 6 inch mullet flip and a pelican sitting over my selected area. Over a period of 4 hours, this area produced 10 trout from 22 to 26 inches. It was never fast and I saw very little bait, but that one mullet gave us the go ahead to get out of the boat. As for my lure selection this time of year, it is probably not nearly as vast as one might think; in fact, I think many of my clients are disappointed

The author with a really nice winter trout, waiting to be CPR’ed... (CatchPhoto-Release). 30

Texas Saltwater Fishing

when they see the scant lure selection I use. I am not one that likes to have a tackle store attached to me when I am trophy fishing. Keep it simple; the less stuff you have with you, the more mobility you have. I do not like long stringers, nor do I like the floating nets. Speaking of nets, I hate them. I have not needed one yet and do not plan on changing. I have seen too many good fish lost because the lure, fish or angler was tangled in its webbing. I do not carry two rods; many a tip has been broken and world-class backlash caused when the rod you are using finds your spare. I know what you are thinking — “What happens if you are a mile from the boat and in the fish and you break a rod or toast your reel?” Hey it happens; you wade back and get another. I carry a small tackle box with a few jig heads and soft plastics, a couple of cork lures, some of my favorite topwaters and a pack of gum. The gum is for me when I am alone. I have heard all my stories and most of them are not of interest to me anymore. By keeping my gear light, my lure selection simple, and my work area uncluttered, I can concentrate totally on every cast. These are all things you can control. Here is one thing I believe many trophy trout anglers overlook and it concerns your reel’s drag system. First, it is an absolute must that the drag be smooth at all tension settings. I believe, and this is just me talking; a heavy drag setting sends a message down the line letting the fish know that

Here’s another really solid trout that we gave CPR. January 2007

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Your rod also plays a big role in the amount of drag you can place on a fish. The rods with faster actions and softer tips allow for better casting, they feel better feel, they help you put better action on your lures, and they also absorb the shock of a heavy headshake — whether it be at the end of a long cast or in close when a big trout pulls the, “I’ll run right at you,” tactic. The Waterloo HP SLAM and SLAM MAG in 6’6” is my new choice of rod. Good quality rods and reels are the one This angler is close to landing a pretty good thing we all need to have if we hope to trout, but it is the weather conditions you should achieve the best chance of landing that trout take note of... cold,damp, and foggy. Actually, of a lifetime. all the photos here show heavy overcast and air Lure presentation is something that temperatures below 60 degrees... perfect! each one of us does a little different from this is not going to be easy. When I say heavy, the other. Some of us have rhythms that draw remember that smooth is still the key, and heavy instinctive strikes for feeding and non-feeding also depends on the strength of line one is using. trout. Others have a walk-the-dog technique that I adjust my drag by feel and I am continually no fish can resist. And then there are the Corky giving it a pull to test it throughout the day. enthusiasts that wait all year long for these next Let me put it this way, a three pound trout has few months. Whatever your choice of lures, and a hard time taking drag on my gear. You should by the way all of them are known big trout baits, never back off your drag in my opinion. Set it to a you have to concentrate on each cast. level that allows the bigger fish to run, even when From the point where your bait enters the in tight, but make them work while doing it. Work water, all along the line you work it, even the is tiring; the more tired the trout, the better your little places where technique needs to be a little chances of landing her once you get her close more deliberate to get it through the structure, enough. Green fish get off on a regular basis. you must remain very attentive to the task

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

before you. All of these are things that we can control, things that we get better at with time and practice. If you do not practice throughout the year, you are expecting too much if you go out with the anticipation of sticking and landing a trophy trout. I also like to envision and anticipate WHERE my strikes are going to come on each cast. By doing this, you are simply more prepared to take the appropriate action when the strike comes. Final point, and by no means last or least, is attitude. Attitude is probably one of the most important things we as anglers can control. The belief that, WHAT you are doing, WHERE you are doing it, and HOW you are doing it are critical. We need some help from the fish and the surroundings at times to keep us tuned in to the task, but given the right circumstances this time of year, that is not too hard. It is a beautiful time of the year to be on the water with the ducks and geese flying overhead, maybe a whitetail buck running a doe along the refuge shoreline and the occasional feral hog rooting his way along the bank. All of this simply adds to the day. What completes the day is that one strike from a sizable trout as we ease our way down the shoreline. Whether it be that sharp double thump on a jig, a massive pop and the foam ring left as a large trout inhales a topwater, or that sudden thump and shake as a big trout snaps her mouth closed on a cork lure. I trust you are like me, looking for that one strike that makes a winter day on the water more of a success than simply just being there. Hey, if you are already there, you might as well do it right and finish it off with a trophy trout. As always, release these big fish whenever you can and good luck this winter.

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

in-law Jim Andrus pulled up to the dock in their 14 foot ﬁberglass ﬂatbottom boat. I had spotted their empty boat stall earlier that morning and wondered what sort of adventure they were on.

It’s funny when you look

back on your life and wonder how in the world you got where you are. It’s like a trail of bread crumbs, each one leading you a little farther down the path and in directions you might not have thought you would go. Your family, friends, jobs, homes… everything connected and guided along by a winding trail of small but signiﬁcant events. My trail took an early turn at the end of a burnt orange boat dock on Lake Austin in the late 70’s. As I plinked with a Zebco 202 and daydreamed, my Uncle Sandy and his brother-

From the floor of the boat they lifted a wire mesh basket that was writhing with big sunfish. They set the bulging basket on the dock next to their fly rods- Fiberglass Garcia 5 weight rods rigged with little chartreuse poppers. I asked Uncle Sandy how the rods worked, and he held up his clinched pointer finger and let it slowly uncurl at the tip of my nose. “You want the fly line to unroll just like that, Casey.” It was my first lesson in fly fishing. I could not have possibly known how much those few fleeting moments at the end of the boat dock that morning would influence my life. I only knew I had to figure out a way to get one of those fly rods like Sandy and Jim, and I did. A few years later, in junior high, I struck up a conversation on the first day of school with a classmate who was wearing a fishing shirt. His name was Shawn Vickers and it turned out he fly fished too. “Impossible luck,” I thought. It was the beginning of a great friendship that lasts to this day. Back then, Shawn and I spent countless weekends crawling through barbed wire fences with our fly rods and chasing fish in the lakes and streams on the outskirts of Austin. Fly fishing was still sort of a “Michigan-troutthing” and some of the semi-redneck kids we grew up with never could quite figure out why anyone in Texas

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

would want own a fly rod, much less catch a bass on one. A few of them were awkwardly caught between wanting to learn to fly cast and wanting to lob BB’s at us from the cedar breaks. They never had the nerve to follow through with either, and we all just kept on fishing. When I eventually got my driver’s license it broadened our scope of destinations, and potential for mischief, considerably. Choosing to go fishing rather than take care of more important (but way less fun) commitments consistently got Shawn and I both in trouble (and still does). A decade later, I bumped along in a university van with an entomology class headed toward the Guadalupe River to collect some sort of benthic bugs. All I could think about was how it was a crime to go to a river with a kick net and no fly rod. I casually mentioned something about fly fishing to the class professor. “Have you met Bill?” was his response. He turned and introduced me to a skinny guy with a farm boy haircut. His name was Bill Gammel and he claimed to be a pretty good fly caster. It wasn’t long before old Bill and I went fishing and it turns out he was a good caster. In fact, he brought fly casting to a level I had not previously thought possible. Bill and I became pretty good friends after that. We would go fishing, Bill would out-cast me, I would out-fish him, and both of us would do our best to rub it in. But most of our time was spent on the bow of a university-owned electro shocking boat netting stunned fish for Bill’s thesis project. I recall loading the boat back on the trailer one evening next to an old oxbow lake down on the San Marcos River near Martindale. It was a really neat piece of property and Bill had somehow procured access to it. As we finished strapping down the boat, Bill looked up at the moon and said, “You know Casey, this is one of those spots where you’d like to bring a lady friend, let down the tailgate, turn on the radio, and ease back with an Igloo full of ice-cold Dr. Peppers.” “Bill,” I said, “Dude… Dr. Pepper?” “Yeah…Dr. Pepper. What’s wrong with that? I like Dr. Pepper.” Bill never failed to stun me

with his honesty or his naivety. We kept in touch after college, and in the summer of 2003 Bill introduced me to Everett and Pam Johnson, and Gulf Coast Connections magazine, which has lead me in directions I never would have dreamed. And so today I find myself driving down an endless stretch of sand with Billy Sandifer, drinking coffee and searching for jackfish. At least, that’s what we both claim to be doing. Our fly rods bump and jiggle on the hood as we rattle across the sand in his blue suburban, solving the world’s problems. “Hey… check out those birds there Billy” I point across the hood toward some circling gulls. “Nope… just birds being birds, Casey… birds being birds.” “Yeah, I guess so.” The birds squawk and then scatter as we approach. “Maybe they’re looking for bread crumbs,” I think, and we push on down the beach.

Lefty Kreh is probably the most widely known and well respected saltwater fly anglers on the planet. He has written hundreds of articles, authored countless books, and was teaching fly casting long before most saltwater anglers were off creamed peas. Kreh’s body of work is extensive and the knowledge he shares through writing and teaching has been earned through many decades of trial and error on the water. Kreh’s fly casting book, Saltwater Fly-Casting Techniques is a good example of his thorough but no-nonsense approach to angling. Saltwater Fly-Casting Techniques offers solutions for many of the unique challenges saltwater anglers routinely face, including mastering the double hall, casting in the wind, handling weighted flies, and managing fly line. Kreh’s familiar concise text is accompanied by clear, simple, line drawings that make sense. I especially enjoyed Lefty’s tips for keeping loose fly line out of trouble (believe me… I have choked more than one cast under pressure). Regardless of how you perceive your level of skill, I think you will learn something new from Saltwater Fly-Casting Techniques. I highly recommend it. Saltwater Fly-Casting Techniques 82 pp. The Lyons Press. $14.95

By Lefty Kreh ISBN: 1-58574-408-5 January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

and sneezing (those little ﬁbers will get you!).

Fathead Minnow. The Smartt Minnow is

So, I started looking for

nearly neutrally buoyant and can be ﬁshed with

another way to create a fat-

a ﬂoating or sinking line. The retrieve should be

A friend of mine named Chip

bodied cigar-shaped baitﬁsh pattern that would

slow with erratic staccato strips that suggest

Evans ties a ﬂy he calls Chip’s Fathead Minnow

hold its shape and push a lot of water. Eventually

a wounded or disoriented baitﬁsh. An ideal

(featured in Sept. 2005 issue of GCC). It’s a

I tried mixing craft fur and pearl ﬂash material

scenario for this ﬂy is over winter mud or in

beautiful cigar-shaped baitﬁsh pattern, and it

(Ice Dubbing) in a dubbing loop which was

off-color channels when ﬁsh are targeting slow-

really catches ﬁsh. But, it is difﬁcult to tie. The

then palmered over the hook shank. It worked.

moving prey. Effective hook sizes for the Smartt

body is made entirely of craft fur that has been

The net result was a baitﬁsh pattern that is

Minnow range from #8 through 1/0 (I prefer #2).

stacked, spun, packed, and trimmed- just like a

reasonably easy to tie, with a shiny rippling

My favorite colors are with grey/white, solid

deer hair bug. Chip is a master at this technique

action and a ﬁrm cigar-shaped body. I call

chartreuse, or solid tan. The pattern can be tied

and makes it look easy, but my patience and

the pattern the “Smartt Minnow,” but the ﬂy is

with or without a mono weed guard.

skill at spinning craft fur leaves me frustrated

certainly rooted in the proﬁle and action of Chip’s

1. Widen gape of hook as shown (bottom). 2. Comb out and trim a medium sized clump of craft fur. 3. Tie craft fur to shank at bend and overlay 10-12 strands of Polar Flash. 4. Form a 4 inch dubbing loop with thread and move bobbin to front of hook. 5. Insert a mixture of craft fur and Ice Dubbing between strands of loop and spin tight with dubbing hook, then carefully pick out any loose fibers. 6. Apply gel superglue to exposed hook shank. 7. Palmer the dubbing loop forward and tie off behind eye of hook, then pick and pull any tangled fibers using a strip of Velcro hooks. 8. Comb apart fibers (top and bottom), then glue eyes on with gel superglue. Glue should penetrate to hook shank. 9. Shade back of fly with permanent marker. Done. 36

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Hook- Mustad 34007 #8 through 1/0 (#2 preferred) Thread- Clear nylon mono Tail- Craft fur Tail Flash- Pearlescent Polar Flash Body- Craft fur (dubbed) Body Flash- Pearlescent Ice Dubbing Eyes- Plastic 3-D Glue- Loctite Gel Superglue Color Accent- Permanent markers (optional) January 2007

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

I was struck by the amount of questions they

Tour) and the smaller, single day, charity type

asked about the tournament and what I would

tournaments. The Series is a great one day

like changed. After seeing them again at several

event that anyone can enter, enjoy and not feel

other tournaments, Scot told me that next year;

like they have lost out or wasted money at the

“What? Never get out

he and Jim were going to start their own redﬁsh

competition’s end. “The Texas Redﬁsh Series is

tournament series. My initial thought was, “Yeah

speciﬁcally designed to introduce the weekend

of the boat! This is Texas and we wadeﬁsh here.

right, and next year I am going to design an

angler to tournaments in a fun and affordable

We don’t need no stinking Florida boys to tell

outboard motor that gets 42 miles per gallon and

environment” says Scot Simmons of Simrod

us how to run a ﬁshing tournament. Those guys

never overheats.”

Outdoors, L.L.C.

are just scared to get out and ﬁsh against us at our level and how we ﬁsh. I sure wish someone

Well in 2005 the Texas Redﬁsh Series (www.redﬁshseries.com) was

(www.troutseries.com) will kickoff

would let us wade, something for real Texans.”

born. The Redﬁsh Series is the only

the 2007 events in Port O’Connor on

redﬁsh tournament series created by

January 27. The Series will ﬁnish up

Texans speciﬁcally for Texas style redﬁshing.

with 2 tournaments in March held in Corpus

redﬁsh tournaments ﬁrst came to Texas in

The biggest difference from the “other guys” is

Christi (March 3) and Matagorda (March 31).

2003. From 1999 to 2003, the Texas inshore

that the Texas Redﬁsh Series allows wadeﬁshing

The championship will be held in Port Aransas

tournament scene was dominated by anglers

and provides a good payout structure with a

in April. True to their roots, Scot and Jim have

ﬁshing the Troutmasters Series. Troutmasters

reasonable entry fee. Since 2005, the Texas

polled their tournament anglers and instituted

allowed anglers to wadeﬁsh in search of a

Redﬁsh Series has grown to include the Texas

several changes for 2007. The Trout Series

winning stringer. In 2003, the Oh Boy! Oberto

Trout Series and for 2007 will grown even further.

starts in January and will ﬁnish by the end of

The above were a few words heard when

March to help the trout survival rate by ﬁshing

Redﬁsh Cup came along and changed all that In 2006, the Redﬁsh Series enjoyed great

during the cooler months of the year. The entry

in their boat. No, it was not to punish Texans

success. It completed its ﬁrst full ﬁeld tournament

fees have been lowered to $300. The tour will

and make them stay dry, but a way to allow

and the Series became the perfect tournament,

reward teams that sign up for all 3 tournaments

television coverage of the anglers, boats and

ﬁlling a niche between the big, multi-day and

with an extra 20% bonus to their payout winnings

sponsor’s products.

expensive tournaments (Redﬁsh Cup and FLW

and give them the opportunity at free entry into

by requiring tournament anglers to remain

In 2004, I met a redfishing team comprised of Scot Simmons and Jim Elrod. My team and Scot and Jim’s team were competing in some of the first IFA redfish tournaments held in Texas. Both Scot and Jim were very personable and

Scot Simmons interviewing anglers. 38

This month, the Texas Trout Series

would come up with a redﬁsh tournament that

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

(Above) Photo of weigh in site. (Left) Photo of Scot Simmons and Jim Elrod competing. (Right) Scot on stage with anglers.

the championship. Wade ﬁshing will continue and

(July 21) and Galveston (August 18) with the

spots. The Spot Series will be open to all anglers

for 2007, the boundaries have been expanded

championship on September 15 and 16. The

and one can ﬁsh from the bank, boat, piers, etc.

to 300 yards and one angler can pick up the

Redﬁsh Series will have fewer changes than

Prizes may range up to a boat, motor and trailer

other with the boat. And last, but certainly not

the Trout Series, but will have the expanded

package. Also look for a Kid Series tournament

least, the tournament boundaries will be limited

wadeﬁshing boundary of 300 yards. The Redﬁsh

with low entry fees designed for the family and

to within 60 miles of the take off location. I

Series grew over 100% in 2006 and has over

proceeds going to a non-proﬁt organization.

personally commend the Series for implementing

350 members. The entry fee will remain at

a boundary rule and hope that this will extend to

$300 and have a similar “Tournament within a

other tournament trails. The boundary helps to

Tournament” setup as the Trout Series.

everyone, from diehard tournament anglers to

equalize the tournaments as teams have to work to ﬁnd ﬁsh in the tournament area versus trying

The bottom line for 2007 is the Texas Trout and Redﬁsh Series will be offering something for

Another big announcement for the 2007

families looking for a fun day of ﬁshing. Scot and

to have a long range, fast boat designed to get

Series will be increased television coverage.

Jim have designed a tournament trail to allow

back to a certain spot or area that a team ﬁshes

Scot revealed that they will be producing a

anglers an easy entry into competitive ﬁshing. If

routinely. A range of 60 miles provides plenty of

“Texas Saltwater Series” show that will not just

you have any questions or comments, send them

water for all teams to ﬁsh.

have tournament footage, but focus more on the

an email (ofﬁce@redﬁshseries.com) or drop

techniques and tactics of catching ﬁsh. Some of

them a line (210-385-3333). It is truly refreshing

the show will actually be ﬁlmed the day after the

these days to ﬁnd someone that will listen to you

“Tournament within a Tournament” which allows

tournament to allow anglers more time to focus

and actually implement your feedback. So the

teams to pay an additional $100 that will be

on teaching versus actual tournament ﬁshing. If

next time you hear someone complaining about

pooled with the other “Tournament within a

you are a team out there trying to get sponsors

tournament entry fees, no wadeﬁshing, or I can’t

Tournament” teams and paid back to the top 3

on board, there is not a better bang for the buck

compete against those guys, tell them about the

places. The “Tournament within a Tournament”

where you can ﬁsh for a $300 entry fee and

Texas Trout and Redﬁsh Series, the best little

structure can mean a $10,000 ﬁrst place payback

garner television coverage for those sponsors.

(and growing quickly) tournament trail in Texas.

The Trout Series will also continue the

if 100 teams are entered. If all this is not enough to get you excited about the Trout Series, how

So it sounds like the Texas Trout and Redﬁsh

about a new Chevy Silverado, if you bring in a

Series have plenty to offer for 2007 and the

live snaggle tooth freckle ﬁsh that breaks the

trail is headed in the right direction. Plenty

Texas State Record. Now maybe the odds are

of changes are in store, growth is good and

not so great to break the state record, but that

Simrod Outdoors is satisﬁed with where they are

is a pretty good incentive to try, and how cool

headed. WRONG! The dynamic duo is looking

would that be to weigh-in a live state record?

at starting two additional tournaments to cater to even more ﬁsherman. Look for the Spot Series

In May, the Texas Redﬁsh Series will kickoff

tournament with two stops along the Texas

in Port Aransas (May 5) and will host four

coast. The entry fee will be lower than the Trout

tournaments ending in August. The tournaments

and Redﬁsh Series and the winner will be the

will be in Port O’Connor (June 16), Rockport

angler that brings in the redﬁsh with the most January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Winter weather on the Texas

poppers. When tuna are up on top you can

Coast can make it tough to get offshore. Many

cast or drift back a popper and have some fun.

of us are thinking more about ducks and bucks

The bite is awesome and is fun to watch. We

than marlin and tuna. However, if you watch the

like medium and large tuna hunters as well as

weather and can go during the week, the ﬁshing

Rapala Skitter-pops. Be sure any poppers you

can be good. Blue marlin have been caught

use have extra strong hooks and split rings or

off our coast in every month of the year. With

the ﬁght may not last long. Flying ﬁsh lures like

the distances involved in running to the ﬁshing

the Yummy Flying Fish can also work well if the

grounds, weather is the limiting factor. In the next

fish are on top, eating flying fish. Big live baits

few months however, the ﬁshing can be great, if

and traditional lures can be deployed if you are

you can get out.

looking for marlin.

Big wahoo start showing up at the deepwater rocks near Flower Gardens and many will average well over 50 lbs. Anglers watching the

the closer spars, Boomvang and Nansen. Plenty

weather will run out near the Gardens and ﬁsh

of yellowﬁn tuna were caught along with a 300+

the rocks. Most ﬁshermen gun for wahoos with

pound on the “Stacey Le’Anne” out of Freeport.

several techniques. A deep swimming lure like

One thing we would like to point out here — Do not push your luck.

is deadly. Our favorite colors are Purple/Black,

If there is a cold front on the way, be sure

All Black, Blue/Silver and Green/Yellow. Other

you get back safely, well before it arrives. We

great choices for wahoo are ballyhoo with a jet

promise that you will not like the consequences.

head or Islander in front of it, as well as drifting

It can be not only miserable, but also very

live or dead bait. However, drifting a bait can be

dangerous. Pick your weather window wisely

a problem if the barracudas and sharks are bad.

and don’t try to go just because it’s the weekend

Most weather windows this time of year only last

and you are off work. You are going a long

one day so a fast boat and calm seas are the key

distance, so make sure the weather conditions

to success.

are right before you go.

If you want to go a little farther out, yellowﬁn

This past Thanksgiving week the weather was right for about 3 days and many boats got out to

a Yo-Zuri Bonita or Strike Pro Wahoo Hunter

If you want to try something a little different,

tuna will be concentrated around the deepwater

you can travel east to the mouth of the

spars as well as a few marlin. Drifting at night

Mississippi River. Fishing out of Venice, Cajun

with live and dead bait will work especially

ﬁshermen have discovered a great bite for

if you can catch some ﬂying ﬁsh. One of our

yellowﬁn tuna in the winter months. The place is

favorite techniques for tuna is using surface

called Sackett Bank or better known as Midnight

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Boomvang Spar, fabulous fish-holding structure in the Gulf of Mexico.

January 2007

Crew landing a large yellowfin.

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

(Left) Chris Chapa with 170 lb yellowfin from Boomvang - Spar. (Right) Louisiana yellowfin tuna - 140 pounds.

We consider it a privilege to be associated with them. Our office is located at Tops-N-Towers on Nasa Road One, in Seabrook, Texas. Now, not only can we help you rig your boat, but we also offer new and used boats sales, as well as the to sell your boat for you. We offer new Cabo and Riviera Yachts and a large selection of pre-owned boats. If you are in the market for a boat, or want to sell your boat, we would like to help you get the best deal. Call our Fox Yacht Sales office at 281-291-0656. Adventure Yamaha Marine, also located are as big as they get in the gulf. These tuna are the ticket this time of year, with many pushing the 200 lb mark, they will make your reel smoke! This is where the Louisiana State Record Lump or just The Lump. Fishing the Lump is unique because large concentrations of yellowfin tuna show up there January through March and it’s only 17 miles from the mouth of the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River. Cold, choppy, foggy conditions are the norm, but the yellowfin tuna

UPCOMING SHOWS The Houston Boat Show - Reliant Center January 6 - 14 The Corpus Christi Boat Show - American Bank Center January 18 - 21 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Ranching & Wildlife Exposition - Reliant Arena February 27 - March 1

yellowfin was caught and the future record will probably also be caught. Lump season fishing is more of an anchor and drift type fishing with chum bags and chum-churners attracting the fish up to the boat. It can also get crowded at times, especially calm weekends when more anglers try to get in the game. With the New Year also comes the boats shows, hunting and fishing shows and the end of hunting season. We start thinking more about warmer weather and visiting with our old fishing buddies we haven’t seen since summer. For us the Houston Boat Show is a tradition that brings fond memories back to when we were kids. We always loved going to the Boat Show with our dads and see all the new stuff. It’s a great place to check out the latest boats, equipment and accessories as well as lots of other exhibits. This year will have larger boat models on display for the bluewater fisherman. If you get a chance come by and see us at the Tops-N-Towers booth at Reliant Center, January 6–14. We always have lots of great pictures and love hearing and

The Houston Fishing Show -George R. Brown Convention Center February 28 - March 4 The Texas International Boat Show - Corpus Christi Downtown Marina April 26 - 29 42

Texas Saltwater Fishing

talking about the latest ﬁshing news. We are also proud to announce that Byrd & Cochrane is now the authorized broker for Fox Yacht Sales in the Houston area and we have opened a Clear Lake sales ofﬁce. Pete Fox and company have been in the business for over 20 years and are based out of Port Aransas, TX. January 2007

at Tops-N-Towers will be introducing three new boats lines, Jupiter and Stamas at the Houston Boat show and Carolina Classic at the Texas International Boat Show in Corpus Christi. Come by and talk to Doug Danner or call 281-474-9358.

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

CCA Texas recently pledged $200,000 to the Texas

Parks Wildlife Department commercial bay and bait shrimping license buyback program. This commitment will help expedite the process of “right-sizing” the Texas bay and bait shrimping fleet which will help promote healthier bay systems along the coastal bays and estuaries. “Reducing shrimp effort is one of the most important things we can do for the conservation of Texas’ bays and estuaries,” said Will Ohmstede, Chairman of CCA Texas. “This monetary commitment by CCA Texas will remove dozens of shrimping licenses from Texas bays.” The buyback program was established in 1995-96 and is a voluntary program, which offers the opportunity for participants in the shrimping industry to sell their licenses, removing them from the industry. To date (October, 2006), $9.8 million has been spent in the purchase of 1,543 commercial bay and bait shrimp fishing boat licenses. CCA Texas’ recent donation is vital to the continued success of the program, not only in the magnitude of the donation, but particularly in light of continued reductions in the TPWD budget. “CCA’s contribution to the buyback program is significant in several ways,” said Dr. Larry McKinney, TPWD Director of Coastal Fisheries. “It will dramatically accelerate the timetable to reduce the inshore shrimp fleet to a sustainable level that in turn will minimize bycatch and trawling impacts that are detrimental to recreational fisheries. Additionally, the partnership between TPWD and CCA demonstrates to the legislature and others that this effort is a high priority for both of us and one worthy of their support.” The Texas shrimp license buyback program has led to decreasing inshore shrimping effort by as much as 48 percent and a total decrease in bycatch by as much as 40 percent. It is estimated that to produce one pound of marketable shrimp a shrimp trawl will create as much as five pounds of bycatch. It is important to remember that this bycatch is made up of vital forage fish, crustaceans and juvenile game species. It is estimated that as much as 80 million pounds of bycatch are removed from Texas bays each year. “The final result in this program will be a healthier bay system for all coastal fishermen to enjoy,” said Robby Byers, CCA Texas Executive Director. “By reducing the number of working licenses, the cumulative bycatch poundage and habitat destruction will continue to decrease, resulting in healthier and more productive ecosystems.” CCA Texas’ contribution and dedication to this program emphasize the continuing significance of the original goals of the program as set forth in 1995. “This program is quickly approaching the conservation goal of a reasonably sized fleet,” Said Dr. McKinney. “It could be reached by 2010 or faster with significant contributions like CCA’s.” For more information about CCA Texas, be sure to visit www.ccatexas.org.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s

Coastal Fisheries division will host five scoping meetings the first and second weeks of January to discuss proposed changes to saltwater fishing regulations in 2007. The annual regulatory review process begins each fall after resource assessments by biologists and review of issues regarding law enforcement activities with game wardens, as well as independent recommendations received from various groups. During the scoping portion of the process, TPWD gathers public input and weighs the biological implications of each issue before presenting the commission with a set of proposed regulation changes in January. Additional discourse is sought during special public meetings in the spring, and the commission at its April 2007 meeting determines the final regulation changes. Meetings are slated for: Jan. 3 – Port Isabel Community Center, 213 Yturria, Port Isabel Jan. 4 – Port Mansfield Chamber Pavilion, 101 East Port Drive, Port Mansfield Jan. 4 – Dickinson Marine Lab, 1502 FM 517, Dickinson Jan. 9 – Lion’s Field Adult & Senior Citizens Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio Jan. 10 – TAMU-CC, Natural Resources Center Room 1003, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi Times for all meetings are 7-9 p.m. The most dramatic change being discussed addresses coastal fisheries biologists’ concerns about declining numbers of legal-sized spotted seatrout in the Lower Laguna Madre bay ecosystem compared to historic levels. Although officials point out the seatrout populations in this bay system are on par with numbers statewide, they believe proactive steps will help ensure and enhance the future health of this world class fishery. Options under consideration for proposed rule changes in January include changes to spotted seatrout bag and size limits in the Lower Laguna Madre. Other changes under consideration for 2007 include: Increasing the minimum length limit on sheepshead to provide sufficient protection for this popular fish to reach sexual maturity and thereby ensure sustainable productivity. Provide protection for diamondback terrapins by banning harvest. Biologists are concerned about the possibility of a growing commercial market for the species. Increase the minimum length limit for retention of a tarpon to 90 inches. Expand current rules prohibiting use of airboats to rally or harass schools of fish to include all boats. Public comment about these issues and others of interest may be made to TPWD, Regulatory Proposals Public Comment, 4200 Smith School Road, 78744, by phoning 800-792-1112 or by visiting the Web (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/).

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Field Notes

Many people once believed

that fisheries resources were unlimited and couldn’t be impacted by commercial or recreational harvest. As recreational fishing pressure and the demands for fisheries resources increased, it became increasingly apparent that these resources could be affected. Demands placed on our fisheries resources continue to increase and the need to manage the fish, their habitat, and the anglers, continues to grow. The idea of unlimited fisheries resources has become a thing of the past. Management strategies and measures are critical in maintaining the long-term stability and sustainability of fisheries resources. Furthermore, management strategies should not remain static and must evolve as anglers’ needs, attitudes and preferences change. TPWD has taken on this challenge and continues to adapt in its management strategies to changing needs. Before the legislature gave TPWD Commission regulatory authority for finfish in 1981, bag and size limits for spotted seatrout, red drum and flounder were set by the Texas Legislature. Marine resource monitoring has

Photo by Scott Murray

Texas Saltwater Fishing

occurred in Texas for over a century, with data extending back to the late 1800’s, however the program often targeted only important commercial and recreational species (red drum, spotted seatrout, flounder). In the mid 1970’s, TPWD Coastal Fisheries implemented standardized long-term resource and harvest monitoring programs and allows TPWD to monitor trends in species diversity and the abundance of marine resources. These monitoring programs better enables Coastal Fisheries to assess the effects of salt water fish regulations, as well as chronicle the effects and recovery from catastrophic events on marine organisms. In granting TPWD regulatory authority for finfish in 1981, the Legislature directed that the Department manage under the concept of optimum yield (OY). OY requires setting harvest levels that achieve the greatest economic, social and biological benefit. To achieve our objective of managing our coastal resources for OY, TPWD adopted strategies that optimize long-term use and sustainability of different fisheries stocks. Over time, we have realized that the harvest from the sea is not boundless and have adapted to address changing needs and ensure the health, stability and sustainability of our fisheries. SPOTTED SEATROUT MANAGEMENT One of the best species to use to demonstrate the change in TPWD management is spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulous). TPWD harvest data shows that spotted seatrout is the most sought after fish in Texas. Some of the earliest regulations imposed on the spotted seatrout fishery were local (e.g., cities, counties). From November 1974 to December 1978, there were no statewide size or bag limits on spotted January 2007

Recreational anglers congregating in areas with deep water during cold weather.

seatrout. The Texas legislature imposed the first statewide bag and size limit in December 1978 (12 inch minimum, 20 fish bag). During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, regulations banning the use of drag seines, trammel and gill nets were adopted. These regulations were recommendations based on Coastal Fisheries data and were an effort to eliminate the commercial harvest and reduce the recreational harvest of this species. In October 1980, the Texas Legislature prohibited the commercial harvest or sale of spotted seatrout and red drum. Following a catastrophic freeze, in December 1983, that killed an estimated 14 million fish coastwide, including 600,000 spotted seatrout, additional management measures were adopted January 1, 1984. To speed recovery of the spotted seatrout population, these measures included increasing the minimum size from 12 to 14 inches and reducing the bag limit from 20 to 10 fish/day. Measures were also adopted to limit unconventional harvest of dead or stunned fish that took refuge in deep water or floated to the surface. These measures included no foul hooking or snagging of game fish and dip nets or gaffs could only be used to land fish caught with legal gear. Coastal Fisheries monitoring program assessed the implemented regulations and the

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

recovery of spotted seatrout (and other species) following the catastrophic freeze. Two more catastrophic freezes occurred along the coast of Texas in 1989, one in February and another in December. These freezes killed an estimated 17 million fish including almost one million spotted seatrout. To address the impacts of these events and assist recovery of spotted seatrout population, the TPWD Commission raised the minimum size from 14 to 15 inches to ensure most spotted seatrout spawned at least once before entering the harvest. The regulations were assessed through the Coastal Fisheries long-term monitoring program. The next freeze that caused spotted seatrout mortality occurred in 1997. This freeze killed an estimated 240,000 fish, including 97,000 spotted seatrout, in both upper and lower Laguna Madres. It was determined that no changes in the bag or size limits were needed. Long-term data suggested that the spotted seatrout population could recover without additional regulations The three freezes during the 1980’s caused significant mortality in the spotted seatrout population coastwide. However, Coastal Fisheries long-term monitoring data indicated that the management measures adopted following the freezes to assist recovery of the populations were very successful. Coastwide populations of spotted seatrout are currently 50% greater than those observed in the 1980’s. Because of these successes, Coastal Fisheries can add to its rebuilding and recovery management strategies, additional tools having an emphasis on providing or maintaining a quality spotted seatrout fishery. This marks a shift from a totally reactive approach to management to one that includes a proactive approach. This change can be further illustrated with the 2003 regulations in response to anglers’ concerns over the reduced number of large spotted seatrout in landings and the increased take from guided trips. Our long-term trend data did not indicate a biological problem in the fishery, but the opportunity to improve the fishery and respond to a sociological need presented itself. Through interaction and input from anglers (and through the Spotted Seatrout Work Group), TPWD Commissioners took a proactive approach to improve the quality of the fishery (i.e., trophy component). The regulations created a boat limit for guided trips, set a slot limit of 15-25 inches, with one fish over 25 inches in the 10 bag limit. These regulations were aimed at reducing the spotted seatrout 52

Texas Saltwater Fishing

landings, increasing the proportion of large spotted seatrout in the population and increase the opportunity for more anglers to catch a large or trophy spotted seatrout. Besides the 2003 regulations, additional proactive measures have been implemented including freeze associated measures and possible regionalization. FREEZE ASSOCIATED MEASURES • Closed areas for saltwater fishing — for protection of fish in deep water thermal refuges during times when temperatures are predicted to fall below 32 deg F for three or more days (for additional information: contact local Law Enforcement offices, news releases, or http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ publications/annual/fish/freeze/). • Reduce impacts of destratification of water column (loss of deepwater thermal refuges by forcing cold surface water to the bottom) by voluntary suspension of barge traffic along ICWW in the Landcut (upper Laguna Madre)-through ongoing study and partnering with CCA-TX, TPWD, TAMU-CC and Gulf Intracoastal and Canal Association. REGIONALIZATION Regional management will allow us to respond to local user needs, attitudes, preferences as well as local fishery conditions. This type of management is not new to coastal fish resources management in Texas. The inshore shrimp fishery is managed regionally. TPWD Coastal Fisheries current monitoring program was designed for management on a coastwide basis. Because of the long-term nature of our program (>30 years), management on an individual or regional ecosystem basis is possible and has been occurring. An initial management measures for snook (implemented as 1 fish bag, 24-28 inch slot) was coastwide, yet the majority of the population in Texas occurs in lower Laguna Madre. This could be considered the first regional TPWD coastal finfish management measures. Currently, regional management of spotted seatrout is being considered in the lower Laguna Madre. The relative abundance of this species (along with other species) has declined in lower Laguna Madre. The overall numbers of 14 to 16 inch spotted seatrout is increasing yet the overall relative abundance in our gill net surveys, of larger trout, show a continued decline. The fishery in lower Laguna Madre is not in crisis and the stocks are not collapsing. Changes to the January 2007

Examples of the fish kills from 1983 and 1997 freezes.

current regulations would be a proactive attempt to improve the quality of the spotted seatrout fishery in this ecosystem. Meetings to access the possibility of fishery management changes in lower Laguna Madre have been held. Even though there may be other causes for these declines (e.g., environmental, drought, nutrients, freshwater inflow, habitat loss, overharvesting), TPWD has limited management options to influence change in coastal fisheries populations. These include changes in bag and size limits, establish closed areas, closed seasons, regionalization, and to increase stocking. This is only one example of how our management strategies have adapted over the last 30 years. Our efforts to maximize spawning success and reduce recruitment and growth overfishing have been reactive to fishing pressure and environmental factors. We have been able to evolve to a more proactive approach in our effort to provide for a quality fishing experience. With our proactive approach to management, we will not compromise the integrity of an ecosystem to achieve fisheries management goals. Our long-term monitoring program and our responsiveness to the biological, sociological and economic components of the fisheries will help us achieve long term stability and sustainability of the Texas marine fisheries for the use and enjoyment for current and future generations of Texas anglers.

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

“To go where it’s too shallow

for boats and too muddy to wade,” that is my usual response when someone asks why I use a kayak when I have a perfectly good boat sitting at the house. And for the most part, that is the truth. I tend to stick to areas where power boats have a hard time getting around. The farthest reaches of the marsh lakes and tiny bayous are where the kayak fisherman has a huge advantage. These craft are silent and easy to maneuver in tight places making them the perfect platform to launch an assault on redfish that rarely, if ever, see a fisherman. The ultra skinny grass flats of the lower coast are also tailor made for the kayak fisherman. A large power boat is a major intrusion on these flats. The much smaller kayak can get you closer without spooking these skittish fish. However, restricting yourself to these areas isn’t necessary, nor is it always the best way to catch fish. There is nothing at all wrong with heading out into the open bay to scour the deeper reefs, off the beach into the surf zone, or even several miles offshore. All it requires is proper preparation and some common sense. The idea for this story came to me while I was fishing a tournament a couple weeks ago. The tournament format called for a slam of one red, one trout, and one flounder. My partner was covered up with big redfish and had enough trout in his favorite spot that we knew we had those two species covered. A big flounder would round out the stringer and give us a good shot

at the top prize. It’s no secret where the biggest concentration of flounder can be found every fall. Take a drive out to Pelican Island and you’ll witness shoulder to shoulder waders dredging every inch of submerged sand. I’ve got a sure fire honey hole in the Galveston ship channel far away from the army of waders that I would normally fish from my power boat, but this was a kayak tourney. I was a bit hesitant about paddling amongst all the power boats that I knew would be in the area; safety comes first in any outdoor activity. And for me, kayak safety falls into two categories; my actions and the actions of those I’ll likely come in contact with. I’m comfortable with my paddling abilities and know my kayak very well. I wear a PFD and I’m equipped to take care of myself in most any situation. As for the “other guy,” I do all I can to avoid potential problems. A bright stern light and a quality flashlight are must-haves for the low light of an early morning launch. I also paddle a bright safety orange kayak. While a brightly colored kayak won’t guarantee a careless boater won’t run you over, it will definitely win you points in the “being seen” category. It also pays to wear bright clothing and an easily seen hat. Any time I’m on the water whether in a boat or kayak I want to know that the approaching boat has seen me. It is generally easy to tell whether or not the operator of the oncoming craft has noticed you. When under power in my boat I’ve got the advantage of speed and maneuverability to avoid any potential problems. When paddling a kayak you must know and accept your obvious inability to get quickly out of the way. This requires you to be even more vigilant than normal. In most instances I can see an approaching boat and paddle myself out of harm’s way. If I am in

doubt of a boaters intentions and I am unable to get out of the way, I’ll turn my boat somewhat sideways to the oncoming craft to allow more of my orange kayak to be seen. On top of this I hold my paddle as high as possible and wave it to get their attention. Some paddles on the market have white or brightly colored blades which make them highly visible. My paddle of choice happens to be an all black carbon fiber model, not really the most visible of colors. To fix this problem I have a reflective metallic sticker affixed to the back of the blade. Should a collision ever occur, I want to know with certainty that I’ve done all I could to have prevented it. Spending time in open waters presents other dangers to be aware of besides other boaters. Sudden weather changes, rough water, and rogue boat wakes can all get you into trouble. Getting dumped out of your kayak far from shore is bad news. In the winter it can be potentially life threatening. Common sense leads you to check the weather conditions before every trip, but many anglers tend to dismiss remaining abreast of the changing conditions. A compact weather radio is cheap insurance against any surprises. Carry the weather radio and check it often. I’ve got a close group of friends that look out for each other pretty well. If I know that one of them is out on the water I’ll take a peek at the radar every so often. Should I see a bad situation developing I’ll give them a call. They do the same for me. And I know several people I can call while I’m on the water who’ll likely be sitting near a computer where a radar screen is only a couple clicks of the mouse away. This has come in handy on several occasions when a suspect cloud bank appeared on the horizon. Should everything go south and you get into

Jason Bryant with redfish... note the stern light.

Open water fishing at its finest! Safety in numbers — attendees of a kayak fishing seminar. 54

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Sunrise in the Galveston Ship Channel (one of the inspirations for this story.)

The author with jackfish caught while paddling offshore - July 2006.

Sweet sunrise in the Florida Keys.

Fishing among the power boats; view to my right while catching flounder on the Galveston Channel. real trouble, you’ll need to be able to summon help. Several items come into play to cover your bases. First and foremost is some form of reliable communication. Too many of us rely on our cell phones these days, but we all know how vulnerable these little devices can be. Who among the fishing crowd hasn’t dunked at least one phone? Yes, there are dry bags and boxes made for storing phones, but what if you get caught out there in a downpour and need assistance? I don’t want to rely on tucking the phone under my rain jacket to keep it dry while I call for help. A waterproof handheld VHF radio is a much better option. The USCG and other ships monitor channel 16 for emergency assistance calls. And if money is no object you might want to consider an EPIRB (Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon). Once deployed, an EPIRB uses satellites to direct the rescue personnel to your location. It’s tough to put a value on your personal safety. I don’t own one, but if I were an outdoors enthusiast with a serious medical condition I think it would be at the top of my Christmas list. So now that we have the rescue troops rallying to the call for help we need to do everything possible to help them locate us. I carry a cache of three handheld signaling flares in a waterproof bag. Some other items you might want to include in your safety kit are water dyes markers, a strobe light, and some sort of reflective signaling device. A dye marker is a fluorescent solution that spreads out on the water’s surface making it easier for search aircraft to locate you. Personal locator strobes are extremely bright and compact devices that are easily seen at great distances. A reflective device can be anything from a mirror to one of those silver emergency warming blankets. Several people I know use CDs for this purpose. Use your imagination. Anything that is easy to carry with you and can increase your odds of being seen is 56

Texas Saltwater Fishing

worth a look. And of course you are required to carry a sound signaling device. I’ve got a whistle attached to my PFD and another stowed inside my kayak. I carried one of those small air canister horns for a while, but found it didn’t work after about three months stowed in my dry bag. Open water kayaking also requires a greater skill set than sticking to the shallow shorelines and back lakes. First and foremost is the physical ability to get you there and back. Honestly, there are a good many folks out there paddling who aren’t very capable paddlers. Should you find yourself far from shore and fighting an increasing headwind you’ll soon learn whether you have what it takes. Be honest with yourself about your abilities and don’t push your limits. If you fall into this category and want to go on longer adventures, get in shape and take some paddling lessons. It really isn’t that difficult to drastically improve your abilities with a little bit of work. Possibly the most often overlooked skill is the wet re-entry. I’m talking about righting your overturned kayak and then getting back into the cockpit in water over your head. There are techniques that make this easier than you may think, but it does require some practice. Again, take a lesson or get with a buddy and practice. And keep in mind that should you need to use this skill in the real world; the weather and water conditions will likely be less than ideal. That’s probably why you overturned in the first place. Clothing, gear, and waders also add various degrees of difficulty. The time to find out that you aren’t capable of rescuing yourself is not out in the middle of the bay during a thunderstorm. Probably the simplest and most effective safety tip is to paddle with a partner or a group whenever possible. Having immediate assistance is invaluable in the event of a true emergency. However, if you are a loner, make a float plan and give it to a friend. Write down a description January 2007

Catch of the day (biggest one was the tourney winner), and inspiration for this story. of your vehicle and your kayak. Explain where you will be launching and the area you intend to fish along with an expected time of return. When you are finished for the day, make it a point to call that person to let them know you are back. If you don’t check in, at least you’ll know that the rescue crews have something to work with. And one final tip. Use a permanent marker to write your name, address, and phone number inside your hull. In the event you are separated from your kayak, hopefully the kayak will be found and a search will be initiated to find you before the spoil island mosquitoes finish you off. Now back to my tournament day. I paddled out among the power boaters and anchored up just like I was one of them. There were six boats to my left and nine more to my right. The looks on the faces of these guys was pretty funny. Guess they hadn’t seen too many kayaks paddling along the ship channel. Luckily nobody had beaten me to my favorite little hump that comes up out of the deeper water. Within a few minutes I had the first of many flounder on the stringer and we went on to snag first place team and first place flounder. So yes, sometimes it does pay to leave my little world of the hidden marshes.

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

They often say a picture

is worth a thousand words — that could not be truer when it comes to the issue of protecting our resources. There are so many issues that revolve around the environment — one of the most heated is the use of tunnel-hull boats to run the shallows looking for fish. This not only spooks fish and interrupts their daily feeding patterns, but it can sometimes be very damaging to the fragile ecosystems that the fish call home. Our back-country lakes and flats are home to food that the fish eat.

It is where we go to throw a bait, lure or fly.

Why anyone would do this is beyond me. Just because our boats will run in six inches does not mean we should.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

And, when all is in balance, we enjoy success.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

So, why should we sacrifice the many smiles to come because we are tearing up the fragile ecosystem that produces the fish that we love?

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Just before the ﬁrst half

of duck season ended, we were able to put in a duck hunt and fishing trip all in one day. I really didn’t look forward to waking up at 4:30 a.m., but the thought of ducks flying overhead and being decoyed into our spread combined with a little sight casting to shallow water reds caused a burst of energy in me to get up so early in the morning. Being that it was the last week of duck hunting before its closure for a couple of weeks, we had no chance to pick a cold and cloudy day which is always ideal for duck hunting. Instead, we took what nature gave us and tried to make the best of it. We loaded up the guns and all the essential gear, including the decoys, making sure not to forget the fishing equipment. My uncle Louis Ara and his son Louis would be joining us on the trip. The weather called for little wind and clear skies which would make it tough for a duck hunt outing, but perfect for some shallow water wading. Running a little late, we departed the dock on the Arroyo Colorado. The sun was beginning to peek over the horizon. I could already see flocks of pintails and teal flying high above us. As we entered the bay where we would be setting up, we ran across a shallow flat that held more redfish than I could count. The thought of getting out and wading for these big shouldered redfish almost overtook my desire to sit in a blind and

wait for ducks to land or fly within shooting range. There were huge wakes everywhere; I even spotted a few large trout scurrying away from the boats path. I looked around and mentally marked the spot. I knew then where I would be heading to as soon as the duck hunt was over. The tides have been extremely low and not having an airboat makes things a bit more difficult. We pushed the boat as close as we could to the blind and unloaded almost everything. My dad, not really having a yearning for hunting, left me, my uncle and my cousin to spread out the decoys. I mentioned earlier we got almost everything we needed, but we soon found out that we forgot (as my dad says not well prepared) to grab some munchies and a couple of water bottles. I have come to find out that when someone says I will be back in a few hours it is usually more than a few hours especially when it’s my dad. About twenty minutes into our hunt a group of blue wing teal flew low and fast in our direction. The teal saw our decoys and headed for a landing. At that instant we all pointed our guns and proceeded to shoot. My cousin Louis scored the first bird of the morning, a nice blue winged teal. Next was my turn, a group of scaup found our decoys inviting as they came in for a perfect landing. I raised my shotgun and fired two shots. The second shot hit the mark. After numerous misses at other groups of birds that found our decoy spread appealing, my uncle Louis finally scored his first. On two separate occasions when I went to pick up the fallen birds, I glanced at a distance and saw a group of tailing reds. The sun was creeping up, and the sky was clearing. Without a doubt the bird activity had slowed down; the ducks were down feeding on the grasses of the bay. I sat there in the blind wishing I could be fishing the area where I had seen those enormous wakes. By now our thirst and hunger was settling in and my dad was nowhere to be found. Before long we were all experiencing hunger pains, Teenagers having a blast.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Fins and Feathers.

Louis and Aaron at the end of a blast and cast outing.

loud stomach growls, and a dry mouth sensation; finally we saw my dad heading in our direction. But rather than coming on in, he stopped at that very spot where I was hoping to be. He jumped out of the boat and decided he was going to chase a few more fish before picking us up. After several unanswered phone calls, we began yelling at him to pick us up. He seemed to ignore us and continued fishing. Forget the hunger and thirst, the worst part is that I soon focused my binoculars on him and witnessed him hooking up three times before he decided he’d had enough. As he approached us, he got a mouth full from all us. His quick reply was, “It’s all about being prepared.” Boy, have I heard those words more than I can remember. After loading up all the gear and hearing my dad talk about how good the bite was, we decided to give fishing a try. Big reds occupied the same flat we were duck hunting on. The fish were warming themselves up in the shallow crystal clear flat. Sight casting to them from on top was the key to a tight line. I spotted several of those big trout,

…CONTINUED ON PG. 75

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

RAYMOND “KUTCH” ALBRECHT

Raymond “Kutch” Albrecht

was born June 28, 1925 in Victoria, Texas and has fished the Texas coast for almost 76 years. Kutch’s parents loved to fish and they began taking him along on their trips to San Antonio Bay when he was six years old. Kutch has been an avid angler and hunter his whole life, the only time he didn’t fish and hunt was during his service years with the U.S. Navy, but he went back to it as soon as the war was over. Kutch’s fishing career spans a period when technology and manufacture of tackle, boats and motors changed at an amazing rate. In the beginning, things ran at a different pace and folks approached the sport much differently than we do today. Kutch was kind enough to sit down and tell us his story; we hope you enjoy it.

We lived in Victoria on Upper Mission Valley Road when I was a boy. My dad owned a ’28 Chevrolet automobile and my mother, my father, my grandfather and I, we used to drive down from Victoria to ﬁsh San Antonio Bay. I was just a boy; six years old when they started bringing me. We’d always stay for several days at a time and we’d camp out over there at Hopper’s Landing under the big oak trees in pup tents. You know, Bob Hopper’s old place. Nowadays there probably aren’t too many people will know where that’s at, but it was popular back then. I guess you could say we was ﬁshing out of Tivoli or maybe Austwell, and then folks might know where we’re talking about, over there on the west side of San Antonio Bay.

them and we’d always keep as many as we could eat fresh and we always sold the rest. That’s the way everybody did it back then, and we sold a many a box of fish for 25-cents a pound; it would pay for our next trip. Mom and Dad became good friends with Flora and Bob Hopper and then later on I got to know Carlton, their son. Carlton was my age and we’d fish together. I think he just passed away a couple years ago. Right before I went into the service Mother and Dad bought a 14-foot wooden boat and a five horse power Sea King motor. Let me tell you, it wasn’t much by today’s standards, but we could really get around that bay. We thought we had it made then. Our tackle was all pole and line when I was a kid, my family didn’t use reels. Dad would make up those old cane poles with braided line on them and like I said we mostly just fished from the bank or waded in. Then in ’36 Dad bought a new Chevrolet and we could get around a little better. They had just finished the old causeway bridge across Lavaca Bay from Point Comfort to Port Lavaca. The causeway had two lanes, but there were almost no cars on it. Folks would drive out on the causeway and everybody would pull off into one lane and get their poles out and start fishing right there on those reefs

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Dad knew those reefs there under that old bridge as well as anybody. Those reefs didn’t stick up then like they do now and it was tricky, you had to know where to ﬁsh and Dad knew all the good spots. We used homemade popping corks and shrimp on those cane poles and Mother could pop that cork better than anybody I ever saw, she could catch ‘em coming and going. Those old corks looked just like the corks you

…CONTINUED ON PG. 67

Kutch with some of his family and friends from 1969. That’s Kutch in the center next to his wife Alice in the red blouse.

We fished out of there from the time I was a kid until I went into the service in ’43 and we didn’t have no boat and motor at the time, it was all bank and wade fishing. We had ice boxes and we’d always bring enough block ice for the trip. We’d gut and gill our fish and chip that ice over 64

under the bridge. When a car came it would slow down and stay in the open lane and go on by, everybody did it that way. I’ll never forget one time on the bridge Mother caught a hardhead and threw it up there. My sister came over and I don’t know what made her do it, but she lifted her foot and mashed it down on that catﬁsh. That spine was sticking straight up and it went right through her foot. She was in misery, it was bad and I never will forget it. I don’t think she ever stepped on any catﬁsh after that.

In January 2000, after nearly 70 years of practice, you might say Kutch had the fishing figured out in San Antonio Bay. January 2007

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

American Rodsmiths Lady Rodsmiths Series

Freestyle Audio Water Proof MP3 Player

American Rodsmiths introduces its brand new Lady Rodsmiths Series for 2007. Bob Brown, Rodsmiths president, says, “We feel there is a definite need to bring Lady Anglers both freshwater and saltwater to the forefront. Lady saltwater anglers are growing in number every year, and more women are entering bass tournaments than ever. We enlisted two of the best to help us design rods specifically for Lady Anglers, Judy Wong for our freshwater models, and Shellie Gray for saltwater. Both ladies have years of experience in their respective fields and have helped develop rod actions that are outstanding. I hope the lady anglers will get behind these rods and show the industry there is a definite need for products aimed specifically at the female market.”

Freestyle Audio is the leading provider of active sports audio technology for use in water, snow, and other extreme environments not friendly for consumer electronics. Freestyle Audio waterproof and shock resistant MP3 players allow all athletes to signiﬁcantly enhance their active sports experience and truly live up to the company’s tagline “take your music there.”

The Lady Rodsmiths Titanium Tournament Series features American Rodsmiths patented H3 Titanium/ 87 Million Modulus Graphite rod blanks. These rods also feature Fuji Alconite guides, Direct Contact rod handles, and a built in hook keeper in the trigger of the rod handle. Each rod handle is tapered to ﬁt the hand of the lady angler. The Titanium Tournament Series rods are designed for the serious lady angler, they are light weight, strong, sensitive, and are absolutely beautiful.

Features • Waterproof completely submergible up to 10 feet • Holds and plays approximately 80 – 325 songs in MP3 format • Easy to use function buttons

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The Freestyle Audio Digital Music Player has been designed to cater to the special needs of athletes and enthusiasts of all active and water sports including: running, biking, swimming, surﬁng, wakeboarding, jet skiing, snowboarding, snow skiing, ﬁshing and all paddle sports.

Accessories included: • Waterproof earbuds • Armband and/or lanyard Available at: Fishing Tackle Unlimited www.ﬁshingtackleunlimited.com

Brown Lures Quick Connect Clips and Bismuth Jig Heads The new Quick Connect Clips and Bismuth Jig Heads from Brown Lures help to make your ﬁshing experience much more enjoyable. The clips—a MUST have for kayakers—allow the angler to quickly change lures without cutting line or tying knots, with signiﬁcantly more strength than other swivel clips on the market. Traditional lead jig heads are a thing of the past, and don’t compare to the latest from BrownLures.com. Features of Bismuth Jig Heads include: • Non-toxic material (MUCH safer than lead). • Won’t corrode lures that are left on the hook like lead will. • The weight of Bismuth is considerably less than lead, allowing for lighter hooks in shallow water situations. • Available in 3 different sizes with either VMC ConeCut or Mustad hooks. www.BrownLures.com 877-460-4619 66

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Navionics drops the price of Platinum by 40%. Now available for $299, Platinum charts puts the most advanced cartography available at boaters’ fingertips. This award winning cartography is the first multi-dimensional electronic cartography for chartplotters. Advanced features include satellite and aerial photo overlays that can be blended with the chart giving additional visual information of the surrounding area, panoramic photos of ports and marinas for better understanding to port layouts and approaches and a complete Coast Pilot book for all U.S. waters. Anglers appreciate the extensive wreck database and tide status information. 3D bathymetric views with 360° rotation and pitch give anglers a dynamic view of bottom contour and structure, allowing them to choose the best approach to fishing hotspots. Perhaps the favorite feature for anglers is the free Fish’N Chips high-definition fishing detail with unprecedented detail and accuracy of near shore and offshore structure, ledges and canyons. www.navionics.com January 2007

…CONTINUED FROM PG. 64

Penn The Penn Slammer When Penn engineers were challenged with building the most reliable and durable spinning reel on the market, they hit the docks running. Day after day was spent picking the brains of anglers around the country. Durability, smoothness, and ability to withstand the pressures exerted by the super-braids were at the fore of angler’s requirements. Penn designed a frame from a special alum-alloy to match the powerful gearing system created for the Slammer. Realizing that super-braids would exert greater drag pressures, it was decided that the main spool shaft would need to be oversized and triple supported so that alignment and balance would not be compromised under the intense pressure. Capitalizing on a breakthrough in spinning reel drag design, Penn took advantage of the large and under-utilized area under the spool, allowing an oversized drag washer. This washer allowed for increased drag ranges, smoothness, and drastically increased fish-stopping power. Advanced computer modeling resulted in the most durable and lasting spinning reel on the market. The Penn Slammer has become the spinning reel of choice for saltwater fishing’s most critical anglers, Professional Guides and Charter Captains. We think it will become yours too. • Penn Leveline® wrap system • Techno-Balanced™ Rotor • Five Stainless Steel Ball Bearings plus one Infinite Anti-Reverse Roller Bearing • Silky-Smooth operation • Oversized shielded Drag • Full Metal Body • Triple-Supported, Oversized Main Shaft www.pennreels.com

RipTide Conley Grub Featuring double-tail action, the Conley Grub has the perfect balance in the water and provides plenty of kicking action. It also features contrasting tail and body color combinations for catching sight-feeding ﬁsh. This 4-inch bait is available in 6-count re-sealable bags and seven color combinations, including: Glow Firetail, Natural/Chartreuse Tail, Natural/Firetail, Rootbeer/Glow Tail, Rootbeer/Chartreuse Tail, Smoke/ Chartreuse Tail and Glow/Chartreuse Tail. www.riptidelures.com 888-252-7421

see today except they was made out of real cork and you could really make a noise. The cork had a hole through and you ran your line through, you adjusted the depth of your bait by pushing a stick in the hole. It was a lot of work, standing there popping that cork all day. I seen a many a time Mother would outfish all the rest of us put together though, she was good at it. Right before I went into the service back there in ’43 and Dad bought that old wooden boat, we started getting around and learning that bay pretty good. It wasn’t long until we started making overnight fishing trips and camping on what was called Carroll Islands down toward Rockport there in Mesquite Bay. There was a man named Carroll who helped start those bird sanctuaries and refuges down there and they put up a monument there on those islands to honor him and that’s where we liked to camp. We’d use the boat to run to different areas and wade fish all over the place during the day and then we’d put out our trot lines at night. We filled a many a wash tub in those days fishing day and night the way we did. Of course there were almost no boats on the bay back then. We’d go for days at a time without seeing another fisherman sometimes. That old boat was really something and not so seaworthy for a big bay like San Antonio, you really had to be careful, and if it quit running you had to know how to fix it yourself. We’d have to make several trips to get all our stuff down there to Carroll Island and then it would take even more to get our gear and all those fish back up to Hoppers. Mother always made us a big pot of beans or chili and that would last several days. She had a little Coleman stove and a double skillet that she used to make us fresh cornbread. It was primitive compared to today and sleeping three in a pup tent would get crowded, but that’s how we did it and we always had a good time. I remember when the war broke out, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. When WW-II started everything was changing fast. Not too many people had time to go fishing; everybody was working or enlisting and going into the service. My family made their living farming and I had a farm deferment when the war first started, farming was considered a protected occupation and farmers were exempt from the draft. The government was buying all the farm produce they could get to feed and clothe the men in the service. They wanted us to stay home and keep the farms running but I couldn’t stand it and I went to enlist in the Navy. They shipped me off to San Diego for basic training and then I was assigned to the USS Lexington, the aircraft carrier they have on display down there in Corpus Christi. I served on the Lexington until I got out in 1946. We were in the Pacific the whole time and we saw a lot of action. I was assigned to a 20mm gun crew and my first job was a lookout and then they made me a loader. Later I became a gunner, still on the 20mm guns. When I got home from the Navy I couldn’t wait to get back into fishing. Mother and Dad still had that old wooden boat and their five-horse Sea King and I just had to get me one. I went in partners with a buddy and we put a good outfit together for 1946. It was either Roy Rogers or Gene Autrey, I can’t remember which; one of them owned the Yellow Jacket boat company and they made the first molded plywood boats that came out after the war. We bought a new 12-horse motor and we could really get around. We’d run all the way to Pass Cavallo from Hopper’s and fish the surf and all the bay in-between. Most times we’d just camp wherever we were when it got dark. Continued next month!

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

My ﬁrst real deal

encounter with striped bass was close to 15 years ago on the Sabine River. Capt. Dickie Colburn and I were out scouting for an upcoming trip and we found much more than we bargained for to say the least. On a very popular stretch of the Sabine we came upon a huge group of gulls working over schooling fish chasing shrimp. Immediately we thought speckled trout and began to catch good solid keeper fish on nearly every cast. After landing several fish we got a much unexpected surprise, a striped bass in the 6 pound class decided he would test the drag on Dickie’s reel and he proceeded to do just that. When the line started to peel off the reel we both figured our new player was a redfish; we both were stunned when the fish broke the water and revealed itself to be a striped bass. Soon enough we were catching stripers and speckled trout in even numbers, only the stripers were much larger and pulled quite a bit harder. Since then, the striped bass bug hits me every year. Long about this time I forsake the open water and the speckled trout in favor of chasing these hard pulling fish. They are just down right mean and extremely addictive. Now wintertime sport means different things to anglers along the coast; most think about chasing big trout on secluded flats while others turn the majority of their attention away from fishing and over to hunting. Truth be told I love to chase big trout in the winter but I really love catching stripers during this same time of the year. Fishing for stripers has some serious benefits that you don’t get from wading and hustling big trout, namely you can do it from the boat and don’t

Dick Hamilton and Jane Mitchell with a pair of winter stripers from the Sabine River, fishing with Capt. Dickie Colburn. 68

Texas Saltwater Fishing

have to brave the bone-chilling water. Another benefit is that you get to fish in the protected stretches of the river when the wind blows and makes the open lake look like something from the Poseidon Adventure. Oh and one other thing you have to look forward to when you go chasing stripers, you catch plenty of redfish and that’s fine with me as well. If you have read many of my columns you know I am big fan of Hunter Uzzle’s smile says it all. fishing deep water. Breaks in the river and Intracoastal Canal afford you some excellent locations to catch fish during the winter months. The deep water pattern is one that many saltwater junkies are not familiar with; relying on electronics and reading deep structure just turns most coastal anglers off. If you can get over the uneasiness that comes with the unknown of the deep water you can really be successful, especially when chasing stripers. Now anyone with a reasonable amount of common fishing sense can catch fish when they are blowing holes in the surface of the water like schooling stripers will do. Just about any bait from soft plastics and topwaters to crankbaits will attract vicious strikes. When these fish are not visible on the surface you need to probe the deeper water with a variety of offerings; perhaps the number one bait for doing this is a Hoginar. The Hoginar lure is responsible for a ton of fish during the winter months. It is extremely versatile, and most of all it works. The Hoginar is a blade bait that resembles a Rat-L-Trap and a spoon; it’s thin like a spoon but swims like a Rat-L-Trap. The Hoginar can be fished like a crankbait or you can fish them vertically like freshwater guys fish spoons in the winter. We modify the Hoginar by taking the front treble hook completely off and putting a single hook on the back instead of a treble. The single is much easier to remove from redfish and stripers alike, especially if they inhale the bait. Straight old chrome or gold works well along with chartreuse or white, color is not nearly as important as the vibration the bait puts out. Besides the Hoginar you can use soft plastics like tube jigs or shad imitations and do just as well on most days. Live mullet or shad also catch their fair share of stripers, especially in the fall. I personally love to catch them on fly. Big deceivers and clouser minnows have duped fish to 10 pounds at the mouths of marsh drains on outgoing tides. An average striper in the Sabine River is roughly 6 pounds and we have seen them reaching nearly 40 pounds… talk about a gorilla on 12 pound test! It won’t take you but a fish or two to get the itch to chase these super strong bullies of the river. They will make you think twice about going to the lake next time. From now until roughly the first part of March is the prime time to go after these fish on Sabine, the cold overcast and gloomy days seem to be the best since these fish are so light sensitive. On bright days they tend to hang out deeper or up under structure like piers and old ships that are scattered along the banks of the river. Their love of structure will undoubtedly cost you a few lures as they seem January 2007

This is the quality of striped bass winter anglers can expect on the Sabine. to always swim into the nastiest stuff to try and escape once hooked. I lost a couple of hundred dollars in flies one year while trying to pull some stripers out from under a pier where they were stacked up. I could hook them but I rarely got one to come out so I could land it. I have never had so much fun losing baits in all my life, it was awesome to see those fish kill that fly and make a run for the pilings while breaking my leader and my heart. If you are looking for something different this winter; stripers could be just what the doctor ordered. I know I am certainly a fan of these fish and I am sure once you catch one that you will become one as well. To each and every one of you out there who read our magazine or fish with us, I hope you and yours have a very prosperous and blessed New Year. Be safe and enjoy the water in 2007.

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

In my last report

back that blew real hard for about a day and a half and it took almost all

rather spotty ﬁshing back in

even more ﬁsh in. They came out of the marshes, river and bayous; the

I told you that we’d had some

early November due mostly to the weather and runoff down the Trinity River. Lucky for us, December has been much the opposite. Naturally the ﬁshing was down when the strong northers had all our water blown out there around Thanksgiving, some areas were down by nearly 5 feet from what they had been, but when the water came back it was on, big time. We had that one front several weeks

the water from bays that were full of fish, and when it came back it brought entire Galveston bay system had tons of fish. You could stop anywhere and find fish. You did not have to look to the birds or the bait to jump, the fish were everywhere. Just drift and fish. I would have to say that this was my best November ever. When Trinity Bay has 400 boats in it with everyone catching, I would have to say it was good. Live bait or lures, it did not matter. I did not want to get into the “gladiator deal” fighting for position over the reefs so I fished in other areas. During the Thanksgiving holidays I saw a flock of birds that was about 5 miles long and a ½ mile wide just working those trout. You could see the schools of trout jumping out of the water feeding on shrimp. It was amazing. Fishing this time of year is easy to predict if you watch the fronts. After the tide drops and after the fronts push through, that is the time to fish. All the bays are on, from Burnett to Trinity. East Bay is still on and West Bay has finally turned on. Upper or Lower Galveston, anywhere is good as long as you play it between the fronts. The deeper reefs hold the fish through the winter; however, that’s where you’ll also find the crowds. Lately we have been avoiding that whole scene, electing instead to hit the shorelines with shell and mud for some winter wading. We have been catching them up to 7–pounds with the Corky Lure, Cocahoe Minnows, Texas Trout Killers and even topwaters some days. If you are patient, the topwaters will bring in the big bite. The bite is slow but you are getting bigger fish. Look for the same patterns to continue throughout the Christmas period. I have found the best way to approach winter fishing is to wait for the fronts to blow out and water to come back in. The almanac and weather experts predicted a mild wet winter but so far it has been cold and dry. Fishing has just been really good. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would have to say it is a 12 right now. Negating a hard freeze we will have a banner January just like early December has been and it will continue on into February. Play the winds. If there is too much wind find a protected shoreline. If you find any mullet or other jumping bait activity, WADE IT! Start out with tails and once you have established the bite switch to Corkys and topwaters to work on the big bite. Looking back on 2006 I would have to say that was the best summer we had in over 20 years and the best November and early December fishing I can remember in my life! I met several new customers and we only had a couple of tough months so here’s to a heck of a year and hoping for another in 2007. Happy New Year!

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

December ﬁshing

likely stomping grounds where I will concentrate on wading mud and shell or

started off with a bang as we

drifting out in the middle on scattered shell. Finﬁsh like mullet or piggy perch

dodged a cold front here and there.

will be satisfying the appetites of our ﬁsh about this time of year. Our shrimp

Limits of trout and redﬁsh came to

population will be gone by then, so there’s not much choice, ﬁnd the mullet

the ﬁsh cleaning tables. Pick a spot,

and you will ﬁnd a few ﬁsh.

East or West Matagorda Bay, even

When you’re running up and down the bay, remember to look for jumping

the Colorado River, and you had

mullet, slicks, and streaky clear to off-colored water. These attributes will

plenty of ﬁsh to occupy your time. It

normally have a good pay off. Also, remember to slow down your retrieve

is now December 7th, Pearl Harbor

a bit. The water is cold as are the ﬁsh whose metabolism rate has slowed

Day. Last month I predicted that our

down tremendously. If you don’t think your retrieve is slow enough slow it

shrimp should hang around until

down even more until you get a bite. Remember how you catch your ﬁrst

mid-December or so, it now looks

ﬁsh. Check how many twitches, how slow your retrieve was, and maybe

as though you may likely see them

even count down your bait to that certain level that works, et cetera. Just

in our bays right through December.

don’t forget what you did to get your ﬁrst strike.

The popular ﬂounder run is pretty much over at this time. Getting a handle on what’s in store for us in January is shaky at best, but everything I see is leading me to offer some excellent

Over the years, I have observed that avid bass fishermen make excellent trout fishermen because they read the water very well and remember how they caught their first fish and then they’ll keep repeating that same pattern. These guys and gals are very successful fishermen. If redfish is your game you might mosey down to West Matagorda Bay on some low tides and fish the shallow sand bars, grass flats, and the guts.

predictions. Our bays have quite a few ﬁsh in them and I don’t see them

This usually is an option in January and you might even catch yourself a

going anywhere unless our weather pattern takes a turn for the worse and

big trout.

we’re anointed with a little freezing weather. Believe me; I’m not predicting

Areas highlighted to check out in East Matagorda Bay are Kain Cove,

nor do I want a freeze, but one just never knows what’s around the corner.

Boiler Bayou, Oyster Farm, and all reefs in and around Bird Island. You’ll

January ﬁshing

probably see Capt. Bill over in East Matagorda Bay wading mud and

is always good in

shell areas on the south shoreline. Drifters should be out in front of Boiler

the Colorado River

Bayou, Cleveland Reef, Raymond’s Reef, and all the reefs in and around

if it is not fresh.

Bird Island.

East Matagorda Bay will be my

Lures this month will not change much from my last report, Bass Assassins on a ¼ ounce lead head using roach, morning glory, red shad, limetreuse, space guppy, and maybe ﬁretiger. Corkies in pearl chartreuse, as well as, Mirrolures in the 51 and 52 Series will be excellent choices. If I’m wading I’ll throw the Mirrolure 51 and drifting I’ll use the 52. Colors to look at in your Mirrolures are the 808, EC, CH, 21, and 26. At times, while wading I’ll bring out my old broken-back lures. Pick any of the above lures and colors mentioned and you won’t go wrong. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and brought in the New Year with a good spirit. Maybe I’ll

Capt. Bill fooled this East Bay bruiser with a 52-Series Mirrolure.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

John Thompson took this hefty 26 1/4” trout in East Matagora Bay on a rainbow trout Bass Assassin while fishing with Capt. Bill recently. January 2007

see you at the Houston Boat Show. Until next time; Be Blessed…

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

By the time you read

this Christmas should already be behind us and we should be bringing in 2007. We all know that it’s traditional on New Year’s Eve to announce our New Year’s resolutions; those things that we’re going to do better or more of during the New Year. For all you anglers who have resolved to fish more this year; here are a few wintertime tips to get you started now on sticking to your resolution. There are many advantages to fishing in January. One being that there is less pressure on the fish due to fewer boats and anglers on account of the cold weather. But believe it or not, it is this “bad” weather that can put catching odds in your favor. Now I know some of you are already wondering how can cold, dreary weather like we usually have in January be an advantage when fishing? Other than fewer anglers on the water, let me tell you about a few more benefits that come to mind. Ever noticed how clear the water is in the cooler months? The water temperature in January usually lingers between 45-60 degrees, greatly depending on the fronts that move through, and how brutal they are. Because of the cooler water temperatures there are fewer microorganisms and more dissolved oxygen in the water, making it more transparent. The clearer water provides a great opportunity to practice your sight-casting. Whether you are drifting or wadefishing, you have to remember that if it is easier for you to see the fish odds, are they can see you too, so don’t bet the farm on getting a chance to cast to one close by. It is also known that motion is one of the first things a fish will notice from a distance, so keep your movements to a minimum and remain quiet. When the fish hears something that is not within the normal hearing inventory, the fish will be on a heightened level of security making it more difficult to get him to accept your offering. Improve your odds of hooking up by working from elevated positions as much as possible. Remind yourself to scan 20 to 40 yards out away from the area from where you are standing. Since the water is clearer, you should have no problem Craig Hausman and Gerry Pate take a break seeing fish from this from fishing to strike a pose with their redfish. 74

Texas Saltwater Fishing

distance and, this makes for a great opportunity to practice your accuracy and gives you a chance to see just how fish react to different lures. An extreme low tide usually always follows a cold front. Instead of worrying about all the Almost time to get geared up for the big places you can’t fish, girls like the one Bruce Seidel is holding. think about what this lower water level offers you instead. We are blessed with many oyster reefs in our area, and while most of these reefs can be located with a GPS, you can learn more about them once they are exposed. I have acquired many of my “honey holes” by scouting on low tides and noticing features such as guts and drop-offs I would have never noticed unless I had waded through them. I have even discovered reefs that were not illustrated on my Blue Chart when venturing out on low tide days. Another advantage to fishing in January is the lack of bait due to the colder climate. Unlike redfish, trout and flounder, many of the bait species cannot tolerate the cold temperatures and they are forced to retreat to deeper water. This natural scarcity of forage leaves the predators very anxious to feed on what is readily obtainable; and to accept our lures. If you haven’t fished with artificial lures in the past, this is a good time to start. With the lack of bait in the colder water I find that feeding fish aren’t too finicky about their meals. I have had good success with Bass Assassin’s Texas shad in salt and pepper silver phantom and pumpkinseed with a chartreuse tail. These two colors almost always produce for me so I make sure to keep them on hand at all times. I rig them on a 1/16 oz assassin jighead and work them really slow in a yoyo fashion, often letting them drop to the bottom before retrieving them back up. This yo-yo method works well in winter because it allows the lure to travel through all ranges of the water column. Lastly, my first choice redfish bait is the good ol’ spoon! I prefer to throw the half-ounce gold weedless model. I rig a split ring through the eye of the spoon followed by a small #8 barrel swivel. The swivel prevents the line from twisting as the spoon flutters through the water. The spoon is a truly awesome bait this time of year because it lends itself well to the slow presentation that coldwater redfish seem to prefer. You want to make sure that you do not “surprise” your target by retrieving the spoon too fast. It works best if it is retrieved at a slow pace allowing it to bump the bottom from time to time. If natural bait is your choice then you will be pleased to know that those bait stealing hardheads, perch and minnows do not tolerate the cold water well and also migrate to deeper water during the colder months. Due to the lack of live bait during January, most anglers who decide to use natural bait depend on cut mullet or crab and usually have no problem enticing redfish to snatch them up. So if fishing more often is one of your resolutions this year, get started now instead of waiting for warmer weather and remember to dress warmly. Good luck and Happy New Year to all! January 2007

…CONTINUED FROM PG. 62 but they wanted no part of my tackle. After making a few drifts and netting a couple of redfish, we decided to head on back to the dock. On the way back I spotted a flock of ducks flying high. The sight made me wish I could replay the day again. A blast and cast trip is an adventure that must be experienced by all ages. The beauty of a sunrise and whistling ducks soaring in the sky, the tailing of redfish just within your view is all it takes to get you hooked. Waking up early in the morning has its rewards even if you have to hear the words, “It’s all about being prepared.” Have a Safe and Happy New Year.

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

The weather in south

Texas changes quickly. It went from a balmy 80-degrees to a wintry 35 in less than twelve hours. It was a drastic temperature difference. The water temperature dropped fast too, causing the fish to head for the warmer, deeper water. The channels have been full of trout and redfish. The birds, seagulls and pelicans, have been working in huge flocks in these areas. Mainly the Intra-coastal Waterway has been holding a lot of fish. We had a great trip yesterday. There were five wade fishermen from Boerne, Texas. The weather was calm for a change. We started out wading in Baffin Bay and caught redfish and that one twenty-six inch trout caught by Jim Kohler. We were using the new “Slurp” by Bass Assassin. This is an extreme scent, shrimp shaped, soft plastic. As they say, it has a natural fish-catching flavor. It worked great, it will definitely add to the action. About eleven o’clock we moved back up north a few miles and fished the shoreline, wading with the new scented baits from Bass Assassin. The bite really turned on and we caught trout, redfish and drum. Being in a full moon pattern, the best action was in the middle of the day and we had a blast. Hunting season has begun and my son, C.R., hunts ducks all the time. I scared my wife for a second when I told her, “Our son has a problem; he is addicted to quack.” There have been plenty of ducks, it’s a good habit. I’ve said it before, I’m glad we live here, this time of year offers so much for the sportsmen and sportswomen. Now that I’ve been using my new boat a few months, I can tell you how impressed I am with it. It’s a Pathfinder 2400 Tournament Edition. I have owned a lot of boats through

the years. This one is proving to be my favorite. I don’t think I’ll ever use the smaller boat again. This one has a huge deck space, room for everyone and all their gear. The ride is incredibly smooth; it just glides over the chop. I’ll get on top and trim tab the nose down and it just cuts through the waves. When you’re on the water as much as I am, the comfort of the ride is a big part of fishing longer and adding years to my fishing. I have it powered with a Yamaha 250 hp Four Stroke that I am equally impressed with. It is quiet running and the gas mileage is incredible. So, with the eighty gallon gas tank, my range is greater than ever. I’m completely satisfied with this boat. Thanks to the fine people at Ronnie’s Marine that helped me with it. I’ve been with Ronnie’s Marine for about twenty years now. They have never let me down and things just keep getting better. So, what does a fishing guide do for a vacation? He goes fishing! I was fortunate enough to take my family on vacation to the Pacific Coast of Mexico. We loaded up the truck with all our fishing gear and surfboards and drove to a little spot south of Manzanillo. It’s on the beach near a river mouth. This time of year is the end of the rainy season and the river starts to clear up and the flow slows down. I had traveled to this place many times before during the past thirty-five years and it hasn’t changed too much. The fishing and surfing are excellent. We anticipated catching snook and brought our Waterloo rods, the 6’ 6” and 7’, and a bag of all the lures that I thought would work. We’d cast right into the surf at the opening of the river. You never know what could hit the lure because it’s unprotected ocean that drops off deep. You can cast right from the beach; it’s not necessary to wade. When I had fished here a couple of years ago the snook were feeding on mullet, so the Mirrolures and topwaters were working. This time the mullet were not there. The snook were feeding on sardines. The clear soft plastics and small sardine imitation crankbaits worked. As I cleaned the fish for dinner I examined what was in their stomach and that told me what they were feeding on. Here’s a picture of my son C. R. with a nice snook. We all caught our

Jim Kohler from Boerne, TX with a nice trout, Dec. 06, 2006. 76

Texas Saltwater Fishing

The Boerne Boys doubled up. January 2007

(Top) Here is a view of the beach and the cabins we stayed in at La Ticla. (Bottom) C.R. with a beautiful Mexican snook.

share of jackfish, pargo, snapper and snook. The locals caught the largest snook of course. Everyone enjoyed eating the fresh catch of the day, it was delicious. We surfed and fished everyday;, it was paradise and could not have been better. What a great trip. The trout fishing this month can be a hit or miss, but I’ll be out there wade fishing just as much as the weather will let me. The big trout may not feed every day with the barometer changes and cold conditions. If it’s really cold they will get what I call “lock jaw” and they will not feed until the weather warms a little. I have all the weather gear and dress for the conditions. Remember to check the weather forecast. It’s good to be prepared this time of year. I really depend on the NOAA weather radio. It can be bad when those northers come in and I’d hate to be caught out on the water when they hit; let them blow on through and Here is one of the locals down try fishing the next day. at La Ticla, we were in an awesome snook fishery. January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

As of this writing

A decent amount of trout shared those shallow ﬂats as well, but most

the Laguna Madre is being all

were the typical skinny Laguna ﬂats ﬁsh and not the heavy weights we look

she can be. A vivid setting of

for in winter. However, we found some of those larger ﬁsh too. Our bigger

waterfowl roaring above milling

trout started to stage in traditional winter areas about the last week of

baitﬁsh reminds us of grander

November. Mid-thigh to waist deep grass beds near deeper water produced

things. Winter patterns are

quite a few ﬁsh to six pounds with a few topping eight pounds. The bite

set and we all look forward to

was almost always delicate, and once again, a slow loping plastic tail or a

enjoying the most productive

suspending Corky retrieve produced consistently.

season of the year for the true

For January and continuing through February, patterns will be somewhat

all around outdoorsmen. The

predictable for both trout and reds. Think shallow for warm and windy days

ﬁrst half of December brought

before a norther, and concentrate on deeper cover for the ﬁrst couple of cold

us great ﬁshing and, barring any

days after a strong front passes. “Shallow” and “deep” are relative terms in

catastrophic weather; January

South Texas and the difference can be as little as one foot. Watching for

should prove to be one of our

signs of small baitﬁsh or gulls on the water will be a good clue about where

best ever.

to start, and the white pelicans are your best friends when it comes to ﬁnding

December often found us high on the ﬂats as redﬁsh consistently pulled up to the snack bar

ﬁsh-holding water. Lures for winter ﬁshermen will vary according to preference and skill

along the ﬁrst shallow grass line. Mid-to-late mornings were often best.

level, but one cannot argue against proven techniques. Although topwaters

When the sun rose to a good angle, an incredible amount of reds could

can be exhilarating, they are not always the most productive lures for winter’s

be seen moving about slowly in small groups or as single cruisers.

demanding conditions. Heavier jig heads and low retrieves over grass beds

Inclement weather did not seem to bother them much, as the very day

will produce when nothing else will. A Corky or other suspending type bait in

after a bitter blow they would usually pull right back where they were. It

patient hands is always a good choice. Based on what we have seen so far,

took well-placed casts to fool many of them, but there is not much more

dedicated ﬁshermen will catch their personal-best trout here this winter, and

exciting than to engage in the thrilling art of sightcasting to visible ﬁsh.

redﬁsh stacked up in their wintry holes will thrill anyone who enjoys elbow

When visibility was poor, topwaters did well; and on several days a slow

tiring pulls.

rocking paddle tail was all of the enticement they needed. Watching a bulging wake streaming toward your ‘wounded’ lure in ten inches of

As mentioned above, the incredible scenes of wildlife against an everchanging winter setting can remind us of grander things. It is creation at it’s fullest, but unfortunately

water is heart stopping to say the least.

for we busy humans and it is far too easy to take it all for granted. 2007 will be a

December was full of scenes like this.

year for me to focus more on respecting our privilege to fish in several ways. It will be helping to teach the new ones, like Danielle pictured here, to respect the resource and grow up to be not only a good fisherman but also a good steward. Her excitement for catching several reds on her first trip shows clearly on her bright face. If you could have seen her throwing away

(Right) JD Whitley, dressed for winter wading. The weather can change in a wink this time of year. 78

Texas Saltwater Fishing

that Zebco, picking up a January 2007

(Right) We’ve been finding quite a few trout in the six to eight pound range.

(Furthest Right) Danielle Valenta had a great day with the reds on a recent trip with Capt. Tricia.

spinning reel, and then quickly casting with best of them, you’d know

show that child-like enthusiasm through the weathering of time. The

she’s well on her way.

ﬁshery itself also deserves more respect from many, and for me, I

Standing on the other side of us from the newbies like Danielle are those who came before us. Many are gone but their stories remain in books, articles, and ﬁreside chats. When we see an old

will try to remember that what I take for today, people like Danielle may not see tomorrow. Let’s all enjoy the bounty and beauty that winter has to offer, and

salt out there, let’s don’t forget that their knowledge and passion

big trout and reds are at the top of this year’s list. Let’s take only what

helped pave the way for many of things we do today. They have seen

we need, however, and try to remember the grander things which

and done things we may never be privileged to again. If anyone on

places like the Laguna Madre can inspire.

the water deserves respect, it’s those old-timers whose faces still

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Recently, I was at

the end of a very long and successful wade. As I turned around and headed back to the boat, I was fortunate enough that Capt. Mike McBride was also in the area. He noticed that I had a long walk to the boat and graciously offered me a ride. As I stood in the water off to the side of his boat, we shared comments as to what we thought the fish were doing. We both agreed that the fish were positioned in scattered potholes that stretched across this extensive flat. I then looked at him and made a comment that brought a smirk followed by a remark. He said, “Hey, now you’re thinking.”

My comment to him was, “You got to pickpocket your potholes.” These ﬁsh were not holding in the vast turtle grass beds nor were they moving around much. They were hunkered down in potholes ready to ambush any bait that scampered across the openings of these sand-ﬁlled holes. After I made that comment, it got me into thinking about how a pickpocket performs his impish crime and how he chooses his victims. After a little research, I discovered there are many levels of expertise in picking pockets. Picking pockets requires considerable dexterity (the ability of a person to gracefully coordinate his movements) and a knack for misdirection (a form of deception or trickery). A pickpocket looks for the most vulnerable of persons to

Even young Laguna pickpockets believe in catch and release. 80

Texas Saltwater Fishing

become victims and chooses the perfect place to perform his act. By now you must be thinking how I got that from fishing potholes. Well, for an angler that wants to be more successful, he must be willing to pay attention to the slightest of details, like a small drop in depth or a color change in a pothole that has been wind blown. Sometimes, if you look closely, you can see small pin fish hiding on the edges of the potholes. You must find out what retrieve or action the fish seem to react to, and to achieve success in tricking your target, you must be able to answer these questions. Where are the fish most likely to hold? Where should I place my cast? What tool (lure) should I use for the act of trickery? How many casts should I make before moving on? The answer to these questions will vary upon how the fish are behaving on that particular day or the prevailing weather conditions. But as far as your casts — always make sure it is placed beyond the pothole you’re throwing to. You do not want to cast right in the middle of the pothole because it will more than likely spook the fish you’re trying to catch. Be quick in learning what method the fish are responding to. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different retrieves or different types of baits. On recent trips we have targeted potholes in thigh to waist deep water. The more productive potholes have been the ones found on the deeper end of tidal dumping flats. The low tides in the winter months cause most of the water to empty out on the shallow flats. The deeper end of these flats is where the fish will usually tend to stack up. If you can find scattered potholes at the deeper end of these shallow flats, your chances of having a successful day on the water will increase. When I know fish are holding in potholes like they have here recently, I will not spend too much time casting to grass beds. That’s not to say I don’t cast while walking through the grass, but my wade will tend to be a bit faster until I get to the next visible pothole. I then begin to cast beyond the hole and work it from one end to the other. Depending on the size of the hole or perhaps a willing strike by a predator will determine how many cast I will make before moving

At the far end of this mud flat lies deeper water and potholes, perfect setup for a pickpocket. January 2007

Pickpockets come in all ages.

Doc Saenz, a master pickpocket of potholes.

Some of the tools of a Laguna pickpocket.

on to the next hole. If I’m throwing a topwater like we have been doing here recently, but notice the fish keep blowing up on it and missing it, I will quickly switch to a plastic bait or spoon and work the lure over the same area. This adjustment will usually bring a solid hook up. An accomplished angler and friend that I have had the pleasure to fish with in the past is Raul (Doc) Saenz. If anyone knows how to pickpocket a pothole and magically draw a fish out of a pothole, it’s Raul. I witnessed him cast his Super Spook endlessly into scattered potholes that we waded through. He was placing on the average of ten casts to my three into the scattered potholes before I moved on to the next one. His patience, persistence, and lure placement seemed to magically draw these fish from the sand. I found I was rushing right through the fish. I learned then not to rush when casting into potholes. Sometimes it takes a thorough search through the perfect place where the victim lies just beneath the water. A good place to start fishing this winter is your favorite body of water that contains potholes. Experiment this winter; find some new sand holes that you have never fished before. Who knows, maybe you can become an expert pickpocket — in potholes, that is. Have a Wonderful and Prosperous New Year. January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

December has been a great month for fishing. We’ve found lots of really eager “cookie cutter” redfish at 18-20 inches. They’re hitting soft plastics real well and have been all month, lots of limit days. Trout numbers are great in the 2-4 pound range, but no really heavy fish yet, but it’s stil early. Still a few birds working, but with water cooling down over the past month, the shrimp migration is about over and the fish under birds are small on average. We’ve been working lots of deep shell reefs for better trout throwing glow StingRay Grubs and Norton Sand Eel Jrs. in tequila gold with chartreuse tails. January is shaping up nicely but the weatherman always has the last word. If the weather remains fairly dry as it has been and we have no freezes, we’re in for a really good run at big trout in late January through February. We’ll be targeting shallower flats and throwing light heads on soft plastics. We also like jointed Thundersticks, Catch 2000’s, Corkies and Corky Devils for serious winter trout work.

With little or no rain since last month’s floods, the lake and both rivers are in excellent shape. Chasing the gulls in the open lake is slowly giving way to stalking the shallow flats for some magnum trout. Finger mullet are all over the north end of the lake and we have already seen two trout over eight pounds taken on topwaters this month. As the temperature continues to drop, we will do better on those same fish with Catch V’s, Crazy Croakers, and Corkies. Bone and electric chicken have been excellent color choices thus far. The flats on the La. shoreline are also clearing and should hold good numbers of big trout by the end of the month. We have enjoyed a phenomenal redfish bite in the Sabine River the past two months and it shows no signs of weakening. Depending on water temperature, we are catching them anywhere from two to twenty-two feet deep on four inch Sea Shads and Hoginars. Glow-chartreuse, pumpkin-chartreuse, and bone diamond have been good colors. The stripers are now showing with the reds and can be caught on the same lures.

James says, “If you ain’t catchin’ em right now, you ain’t ever gonna catch ‘em! You can catch fish just about anywhere in the Galveston Bay system lately, if you know what you are doing.” Specifically, he’s been fishing mostly in West Bay, drifting in three and a half to five feet of water, using 52M Mirrolures, in 808 and gold/chartruese. “I’m catching them on Mirrolures, counting them down and reeling them straight in, because it is easier on my old stiff wrists, but you can catch the fish on soft plastics too. Trinity Bay and the upper part of Galveston Bay have been hot too. As long as the runoff isn’t too bad, it’s the same deal up there. Went to East Bay one day and caught about 60 trout on 17M Mirrolures. Best ten would have probably weighed in the mid forty pound range.” He says that the fish adjust to the cold water temperatures and after an initial shock period of a day or two, are catchable in medium depths over mud and shell. “When the water gets cold and stays there, you will be able to catch the fish every day once you locate them.” Jim says that the recent run of fishing in East Bay is about as good as it gets. “For about a week there at the end of November, it was just wide open. You could catch fish wading or out of the boat, it didn’t matter, and you could catch them on whatever you wanted to throw, from soft plastics to topwaters. These recent fronts have kind of shut the bite down for us, but it will rebound as soon as the water 82

Texas Saltwater Fishing

warms up a little. Still fishing in the bayous and drains some, and I’ll continue to do that into January. We find some scattered fish in there, both reds and trout, on most any day, whether it’s cold or warm. If the tides are low and the water is cold, the fish will stack up in the holes and on ledges, but when it warms up and the tide rolls in, they scatter out on the shallower flats. So we’ll be doing some wading and boat fishing this month, depending on the weather.” There’s a noticeably confident tone in his voice when he says, “We are about to see some good catches of big fish come out of the back of East Bay. The time is ripe.”

Randall’s enthusiasm for the bite lately ran through the line while I talked to him. “It’s on over here right now. As soon as the water got real cold, we started catching lots of fish. Easy limits every day for a good while now.” He says he’s fishing fairly deep water, up to six feet deep, and fishing slow. “Best bite has been on an avocado/chartruese Norton Sand Eel Jr. rigged on a quarter ounce head. We are catching both trout and reds mixed together. As long as the weather stays cold, we should see this pattern hold up. Rain could throw us off in this area, but barring that, January should be another good month.” He’s been using a new snap swivel made by Norton lures called a Norton Quick.Snap. It comes in various sizes and is a rotating swivel with a snap mechanism for attaching lures to the end of the leader line. “I can switch from a topwater to a worm in seconds, or switch jighead sizes. They are strong. I’ve tried to break one, but I can’t. It’s really convenient and works like a charm.”

Regular fronts have kept Don fishing out of the boat, mostly in the river and diversion channel lately. “We’ve been catching lots of fish, both trout and reds. Best bite has been on a Hogie shrimptail in glow/chartreuse. We use a quarter ounce head mostly, occasionally heavier if the current gets too strong. The current needs to be outgoing to catch the fish in the river, and we’ve had lots of outgoing flow recently, so times have been good. There have been some big fish too. On my boat, we’ve had trout up to five pounds and I had a guy tell me the other day he lost a monster over thirty inches fishing the lights one night. We’ll keep fishing the river and channel as long as the water is low and cold and the winds high.” In January, he hopes to wade East Bay some too. “We’re ready to get out the Corkies. All we need is a little higher tide and some settled weather and the big trout bite should be good in East Bay. Drifting open water scattered shell should be good over there too when the winds are light.”

Fishing has been on fire in the area with the recent drop in temperatures. Trout and redfish have both moved to traditional wintering areas and fishing has been hot. Trout have staged in areas over mud and shell in depths of four to five feet and have been eating the heck out of Bass Assassins in plum/chartreuse, pumpkinseed/ chartreuse and firetiger. We’ve been rigging these on one-sixteenth ounce jigheads and slowrolling them along the bottom. Trout have been ranging from fifteen to twenty three inches with a few hogs over stretching well over twenty five inches. Redfish have been schooled up in the river bottoms and harbor in water depths of eight to twelve feet. Hot lures for these fish have been Berkley Gulp Mullet in watermelon and pumpkinseed rigged on quarter ounce jigheads. These fish have averaged twenty to twenty four inches. The Tres Palacios River along with the Turning Basin should continue to produce fish over the next month if the cold weather holds. January 2007

Lynn reports some good fishing in area river systems lately after the cold weather. “They are whackin’ em in the rivers on plastics lately.” When asked for a prediction as to his plan of attack in January, he says, “I’ll be wading flats with Corkies, staying as close to deep water as possible. We’ll be letting the sun come up some before we start and will, of course, be fishing very slowly. Soft mud bottoms are the key. You have to concentrate on the mud and grass in the middle of winter.” His favorite color Corkies, he says, are bone and silver hologram. “I throw a bone Corky mostly, unless it is really bright out, then I favor that silver holo pattern. Key with the Corkies is to work them as slow as possible if it stays cold like this. Soft plastics will be useful too. I like to stick with an eighth ounce jighead. I have good feel with it. I can work it faster if the fish are aggressive or shallow, and I can slow down if they move deeper or if they get lethargic and finicky. I just believe that I have better control of my lure when I stick with the same size jighead, rather than switching sizes.”

flats. I’ve been finding fish in guts and holes that have two and a half to four feet of water with sandy bottoms. On the cooler and cloudy days, the trout and red fish have been on the bottom of the sandy holes, but on warmer, sunny days, the water has warmed up enough to bring the bait up to the shallows along with the trout and redfish. This has been happening in some parts of Baffin Bay where the water has cleared up enough to have about two feet of visibility. I’ve been using Exude RT Slugs in colors like glitter bug, plum/chartreuse and bloody white rigged on eighth ounce jigheads on the cooler days. On warm days, I’ve had good success with Mirrolure Catch V suspending baits in colors like #11, #21 and #CHBL.

“I’ve been concentrating on channel edges in the Upper part of the Laguna since the cold weather arrived,” Joe says. “I’ve been throwing Exude soft plastics, of course, and rigging them on heavier jigheads than I do when I’m fishing shallower water. I like a quarter ounce head for fishing the ledges. I’ll usually fish in stretches with a lot of intersecting channels or with some contour to the edge and I’ll start working the drop off looking for the fish. If I don’t locate them in the usual spots, I’ll make short moves in the general area. Once I locate some fish, I’ll make repeated drifts through the area until I stop catching. Usually, the fish will be schooled up in relatively small stretches in cold water like we have now.” In January, Joe plans to do more wading as the big trout move shallow. “I’ll be Blake reports that the fishing has been good in Rockport lately. “I caught a fat thirty inch trout a few days ago,” he says. “Caught it in knee deep water over mud fishing Baffin more later this winter. The water’s pretty in a lot of places right now, and if people are willing to explore a little, productive spots are not hard to find when and thick grass. Actually, we were looking for reds, but the first cast produced the water clarity is good. Look for shallow, muddy grass flats next to deep water.” that monster trout. It was cool.” He says he will be continuing to run cast and blast outings throughout January. He hunts early of course, and says that the limits have been filling early on most days, then turns to fishing the flats, primarily Fishing has been more than outstanding in the Port Mansfield area in for redfish. “I’ll be fishing drop-offs on the colder days and shallow muddy flats response to recent cold fronts. “We are on some pretty fish around here lately, when it warms up. We’ll be throwing lots of Corkies and Norton SandEels. I’ll and lots of them,” Bruce says. “I had one trout over thirty one inches recently that also be using the Berkley Gulp. I have had some customers lately who have weighed nearly eleven pounds. We’ve caught good numbers of seven to nine really caught a lot of fish on those things. They seem to have found a scent that pounders to go with that monster. Our best bite has been on slow-sinking twitch the redfish in particular can’t resist.” He mentions that he will focus much of his baits like Corkies and Catch V’s and 2000’s. Easiest fishing is on the pre-front fishing efforts in Corpus Christi and Aransas Bays. “I’ll also spend some time in side of the cold weather. When the fronts blow in, it’s best to wait a couple of Mesquite and St. Charles Bays. Basically, I’ll be working my favorite mudholes days. We are targeting mostly drains next to deep water, fishing in depths of one over as much as I can.” and a half to three feet. When the warm shallow water drains onto the muddy flats, it’s a real treat. We are excited about the potential for some real wallhangers in January. We’ll still be using twitch baits, but won’t hesitate to tie on our During the month of January in the PINS surf, pompano, whiting, redfish, topwaters when the conditions get right.” black drum and sheepshead should accommodate bottom fishers with peeled, Offshore action can be incredible in the nearshore waters in mid-winter too, fresh, dead shrimp and “Fishbites” being the baits of choice. Light tackle lure when some of the big snapper are as close to shore as they will be all year. enthusiasts will be targeting speckled trout and Atlantic bluefish. 51M Mirrolures and Corkies are typically the most productive plugs for the bigger trout. Soft plastics work well too, especially natural colored ones rigged on light jigheads. This winter, like last year, the tides are incredibly low and with strong north Often, the best conditions for catching trout in the mid-winter surf occur after winds, the water emptying off Gas Well and South Cullen flats creates a redfisha front, when westerly winds have the surf blown down, and the water is clear. packed environment. The temperature is hovering in the 40’s and 50’s early then Silver spoons work well on the bluefish, and fishing for these toothy critters will warming as the sun rises, keeping the fish in the ten to twenty four inch potholes require the use of a lightweight wire leader. Blacktip, bull and sandbar sharks are that hold warmth better than the open grassy areas. We’re limiting on reds and present in varying numbers and the potential for a mako or sand tiger exists. The throwing back or tagging oversized ones using Maulers and Cajun Thunder second day behind incoming cold fronts normally offers the flattest surf, the most Corks with a 3/8 ounce jighead tied on about a twelve inch leader, with a nuclear productive fishing and the most user- friendly driving conditions. chicken or new penny Gulp three inch shrimp. We’re catching some real nice trout, just not the numbers we’ll expect to see in a month or so and also picking up a few black drum. It has been almost winter-like fishing during the last few weeks. The cold fronts Freddy says, “Fishing is great this time of the year for a couple of reasons; we had recently lowered the water temperatures to the low sixties and upper it’s deer season and the weather is rough, so there’s no traffic, which allows us fifties. The water level has also dropped considerably, which is typical for this to really work over holes that are loaded with hungry fish and the Winter Texans time of the year and this has caused most of the fish to move off of the shallow keep us busy; they know how to fish and don’t mind the cold weather.” January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Mike Blackman tricked this 27” trout while ﬁshing Bafﬁn Bay.

Chris Wolff caught and released this black drum while wade ﬁshing in West Matagorda.

Travis Henderson releasing this nice 27” trout. It was caught on a red and white sea shad Assassin. 84

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Lionel Oliveria III landed his first keeper trout measuring in at 26 1/4”. Everett Johnson IV proudly displays his flounder landed while fishing San Antonio Bay.

Alysa Long is grinning big as she shows off her 25” trout caught in Port Mansﬁeld. Russell Felder shows off the red he snagged while ﬁshing in San Antonio Bay.

Jason Stanley proudly shows off his 26” ﬂounder. January 2007

Richard Brainard caught and released this 40” bull red while ﬁshing in POC.

Mark Ritchie, Chase Ritchie and step father Mark Sexton show off their unique red with a heart shaped spot caught and released while ﬁshing POC.

Brent Kane of Penn Fishing Tackle tricked this trout while ﬁshing with Capt Pam Johnson.

David McCaleb proudly displays his 7# trout caught on a top water while ﬁshing Espiritu Santo Bay.

Allen Robertson tricked this 24 1/2” trout on a silver spoon while ﬁshing Rollover Pass in Port Bolivar.

Clay Mazurkiewicz of Lake Jackson landed this 290” trout while ﬁshing Cold Pass. The Blair Boys out of Geronimo don’t mind showing off their treasures from their 1st trip to Port Mansﬁeld.

(Top) Chandler Hayes show off his 23” red caught while out ﬁshing with his father in East Matagorda Bay.

(Right) Judd Fults is enjoying the sunset as he wades back to his boat while ﬁshing in Port Mansﬁeld. January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Yields: 6-8 servings

Yield: Serves up to six adult seafood lovers. 1.5 pounds fresh seatrout ﬁllets in 1-inch lengthwise strips and then in 3 to 4 inch pieces. 25-30 medium shrimp (approx. 30-count) peeled and deveined 25-30 small oysters in juice 1 bag of Louisiana Fish Fry 1 Tbs. cayenne pepper

Heat 2 quarts of oil to 375 degrees. Mix the Louisiana Fish Fry and cayenne pepper in bowl. Starting with shrimp, coat well with Louisiana Fish Fry and drop individually into hot oil. Fry until golden brown. Repeat with ﬁsh ﬁllets and then oysters. (Note: Dropping the coated seafood individually into the hot oil stops it sticking to pan and to other pieces when frying.) Homemade Tartar Spread 1 cup Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise 2 Tbs. dill relish pickle 2 Tbs. minced purple onion 1 Tbs. Dijon-style horseradish mustard 6 Kaiser Rolls sliced in half Serve with lettuce, tomatoes and sliced purple onion and French fries or Tater Tots.

1 stick of butter 5-6 Tbs. flour 1 medium onion - chopped 4 ½ cups whole milk 1 quart of shucked oysters, liquor reserved 1 clove garlic - minced 1 tsp white ground pepper 1 tsp sea salt 1 small bunch of parsley - leafy part finely chopped 5 strips of bacon - chopped 1 large chicken bouillon cube 1 ½ cups sliced baby portabella mushrooms ½ tsp thyme leaves - finely chopped ½ cup chopped celery 1 cup and a splash more white wine 1 ½ cup heavy cream 4 potatoes 3-4 green onions for garnish Coarse ground black pepper Take the potatoes and “bake” in the microwave until tender, set aside to cool. In frying pan; place bacon, celery and onion, cook until bacon starts to get crispy. In your stew pot, melt butter and add flour to thicken. Add your bacon mixture directly to stew pot and stir. Slowly whisk in 4 cups of milk, heavy cream and 1 1/3 cup oyster liquor. Add chicken cube, white ground pepper, mushrooms, thyme leaves and parsley. While bringing to a simmer, add wine. Cut potatoes in half and then cube. You may remove the skin if you wish. Add to stew. Bring back up to a slight boil, constantly stirring. Pick through the oysters for broken shell, you may want to cut the larger ones in half. Add to stew along with any remaining liquor. Cook only until the edges of the oysters start to curl, about 4-6 minutes. Serve immediately, garnish with chopped green onion and sprinkle with coarse ground black pepper to taste.

SEND YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES TO: PAM@TSFMAG.COM 86

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007

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CCA............................................................................ 44 713-626-4222

Coastal Kayak Angler................................................... 75 Early Times Whiskey....................................................43 Eichorn Gonzales & Miller.............................................17 361-573-0647

Fishermen’s Network................................................... 89 512-363-9032

FTU Traveling Angler.............................................. Cover 281-481-6838

Salt-A-Way...................................................................41 714-550-0987

Saltwater Fishing Clinics.............................................. 71 361-563-1160

Sea Academy.............................................................. 88 361-758-6184

Specialty Shutter Systems............................................51 866-579-6433

Speedy Stop...........................................................Cover 361-582-5100

Texas Orthopedic Hospital........................................... 28 713-799-8600

Texas Rod Benders......................................................71 The Galveston Fishing Pier...........................................71 409-744-2273

Window Works.............................................................63 361-655-0628

Gander Mountain......................................................... 55 800-282-5993

January 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

January 2007