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Contents

about the Cover Capt. David Rowsey says we are in for a great trophy trout season in his home waters of the Upper Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay. “We are starting see some really nice fish and the best are yet to come!”

January 2016 VOL 25 NO 9

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

10 Looking Into the Crystal Ball 16 Truths Reinforced in 2015 22 A Conversation With Bodie Allen 26 Just when you think you’ve seen it all…

30 Fly Fishermen on the Rise

36 42 46 50 54 56 58 60 64 92 94

Steve Hillman Kevin Cochran Martin Strarup Chuck Uzzle Joe Richard

26

Jay Watkins Let’s Ask The Pro Scott Null Shallow Water Fishing Brian Bartram TPWD Field Notes Fly Fishing Scott Sommerlatte Dave Roberts Kayak Fishing Chronicles CCA Texas TSFMag Conservation News Fishy Facts Stephanie Boyd Inshore | Nearshore | Jetties | Passes Curtiss Cash Eric Ozolins Extreme Kayak Fishing & Sharks...

UT Marine Science Institute Science & the Sea Chris Mapp Boat Maintenance Tips

WHAT OUR GUIDES

HAVE TO SAy

70 72 74 76 78 80 82

Dickie Colburn’s Sabine Scene The Buzz on Galveston Bay The View from Matagorda Mid-Coast Bays with the Grays Hooked up with Rowsey Capt. Tricia’s Port Mansfield Report South Padre Fishing Scene

Dickie Colburn Caleb Harp Bink Grimes Shellie Gray David Rowsey Capt. Tricia Ernest Cisneros

58

REGULARS 08 68 84 88 90

76 6 | January 2016

Editorial New Tackle & Gear Fishing Reports and Forecasts Catch of the Month Gulf Coast Kitchen

90

Editor and Publisher Everett Johnson Everett@tsfmag.com VICE PRESIDENT PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Pam Johnson Pam@tsfmag.com Office: 361-785-3420 Cell: 361-550-9918 National sales representative Bart Manganiello Bartalm@optonline.net regional sales representative Patti Elkins Patti@tsfmag.com Office: 361-785-3420 Cell: 361-649-2265 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Donna Boyd Donna@tsfmag.com Circulation Subscription – product sales Linda Curry Store@tsfmag.com Design & Layout Stephanie Boyd Artwork@tsfmag.com Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine is published monthly.

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Email store@tsfmag.com for all address changes or please call 361-785-3420 from 8am - 4:30pm. The U.S. Postal Service does not guarantee magazines will be forwarded. how to contact tsfmag: Phone: 361-785-3420 fax: 361-785-2844 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 429, Seadrift, Texas 77983 Physical Address: 58 Fisherman’s Lane, Seadrift, TX 77983 Web: www.TSFMAG.com photo gallery: photos@tsfmag.com Printed in the USA. Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine (ISSN 1935-9586) is published monthly by Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine, Inc., 58 Fisherman’s Lane, Seadrift, Texas 77983 l P. O. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983 © Copyright 1990 All rights reserved. Positively nothing in this publication may be reprinted or reproduced. *Views expressed by Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine contributors do not necessarily express the views of Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine.

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EDITORIAL

New Year’s Fishing Plans Notice the word resolution does not appear in the title. I hate those things. Too often we make them out of remorse for things we should not have done in the year past, or could have done better.

Too much negativity.

I view the beginning of a new year as a grand time in a fisherman’s life. I enjoyed a great year in 2015, lots of great days with family and friends, so my fishing plans for 2016 are made with great hope of even more good times on the water.

What are your fishing plans?

January and February can be lumped together, the weather is so similar. If you traditionally do not fish often during winter you need to fix that. Speckled trout are at their heaviest of the whole year and this is a great time for chasing trophies. If trophy fishing does not excite you, then how’s about a sunny afternoon two days after a norther when fish really put the feed bag on? If cold bothers you, leave the dock at noon.

March can be intimidating; it starts wintry and eventually turns spring-like. Fishing is great in March but gear up for the morning and evening chill. It is remarkable to me how longer hours of daylight and warming water temperatures breathe new life into coastal fisheries. You should plan for at least two long weekends on the water; I love the new moon and I’m learning to like the days leading into full moon.

April and May are another pair of twins—as far as fishing goes.

8 | January 2016

If I were your physician I would prescribe a minimum of six or seven fishing days in each. It is good for the soul to be outdoors in springtime and you will live a longer and healthier life.

June, what a month! Not too hot and fishing is wide open. Offshore, nearshore, jetties, bays…take your pick. Kingfish begin showing up and tarpon are due any day. Bay fishing for trout, reds and flounder is next to dynamite and stretches of pleasant weather means you can hit the water without worry of northers or disturbances from the tropics. It is impossible to fish too many days in June.

July and August? Heat is a killer but the fishing is good if you have no plans for vacationing in cooler climes. Stiff upper lip and all that stuff; maybe wade neck deep.

September; for Heaven’s sake do not even breathe the “H” word. I will admit to having spent many and planning to spend even more days in dove fields and gunning teal this year. I call it multi-tasking.

October is cooler and fish adopt new feeding patterns. Get on the water every day you can, use a sick day if necessary.

November and December are the prelude to the coming winter trophy trout season; need I say more?

The only things I failed to mention were kids, wives, and other loved ones. Make them part of every outing. Listen to your doctor and take your fishing meds. Happy New Year!

STORY BY STEVE HILLMAN

The dawn of a new horizon….

What will 2016 give us?

S

ometimes deciding on a topic proves to be a challenge for me. I pondered several topics for this issue then recalled questions some of my clients and folks around the cleaning tables have been asking recently.

How do you think all this freshwater is going to affect fishing? Do you think we have as many trout as in years past? Have you been catching many big trout? We can’t seem to find the big trout; where are they? What is your outlook for 2016? These kinds of questions crop up almost weekly.

In an effort to provide answers I will rely upon my own observations and discussions with other fishermen as well as two very respected Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists in Lance Robinson (Coastal Fisheries - Deputy Division Director) and Dr. Mark Fisher (Science Director – Rockport Marine Lab).

Mother Nature and human activity are the two things that impact our fishery with Mother Nature being the most dominant. Historical weather events trigger changes. Some changes are positive while others have a negative impact. Some short-term negative occurrences yield long-term benefits while some events which seem positive at the time are actually negative down the road. We, as fishermen, influence which direction the pendulum swings. We have to educate ourselves about the environmental and biological impacts from floods, hurricanes, red tides, etc. and react accordingly.

Looking Back on 2015 “Coastwide, the 2015 spring gill net surveys indicate the 8th highest catches of spotted seatrout in 40 years of sampling. Galveston yielded the 2nd highest in their history. Corpus had their 3rd highest, while the upper Laguna Madre set a new record high in 2015. Other bays were average to above average” - Dr. Mark Fisher.

Near record rainfall concentrated trout into smaller areas up and down the Texas coast in late-spring and early summer especially in the Galveston Bay System. As a result, thousands

of trout (with quite a few 24-plus inchers) were harvested with ease for a four or five month period. By late July, salinities increased Dutch Duckett throughout bay systems resulting in a more even distribution of caught this fish. We experienced decent catch rates, but not as many large tiny trout with trout as the summer progressed. More undersized trout were a big appetite. caught than anyone could ever remember. It was not unusual to catch sixty to eighty 12- to 14 ½ inch trout some days. Trout became somewhat concentrated again due to excessive rain and rivers at flood stage in October. Once again, numbers of legal trout were caught in condensed areas, but unlike during the spring floods, five-plus pounders were few and far between.

It’s my opinion that when trout are heavily concentrated in a few areas numbers tend to become skewed and create the perception that there are millions of keeper fish. Likewise, creel surveys may show strong numbers because 70% of the anglers are fishing the same areas where trout are stacked. Personal observations tell me that this was the case in the Galveston Bay Complex for at least 8 of the last 12 months.

One of the most prolific shad hatches was experienced during the year because of lower salinities and new nutrient loading Robert Newberry (sediments, zooplankton and phytoplankton) from increased with a “just river flows. “Nutrient flow settling into the bay is like putting under” speck. fertilizer on your yard. Shad were so thick at one point that cargo ships in the Houston Ship Channel were overheating from shad clogging their cooling water intakes.” – Lance Robinson. Brown and white shrimp flourished as well.

As I’ve mentioned in several past articles, live oyster reefs are the lifeblood of many bay systems especially on the Upper Texas Coast.

Oysters thrive in salinities ranging from 10- to 25 ppt (parts per thousand). They are unable to survive in less than 2 ppt. The majority of live reefs in the Galveston Bay Complex experienced very high mortality because of low salinities in 2015.

2016 – Numbers vs. Size Barring any catastrophic weather events, 2016 looks to provide fishermen with some upside, especially for those anglers who prefer more fish over larger ones. Here’s why: Recruitment “Bag seine surveys are still on-going and indicate very strong recruitment of juvenile spotted seatrout during 2015. June through November are the peak months for juvenile trout in that survey.” – Dr. Mark Fisher. My discussions with Dr. Fisher and Lance Robinson further confirm what we as fishermen have witnessed on a daily basis; lots of little trout, coastwide.

A deadly combo to Most of the barely-undersized speckled trout that were consider for 2016 (Concept caught in 2015 will be keepers in 2016. A 14 inch trout E reel, Waterloo Ultra Mag and MirrOlure Provokers) caught in November of 2015 will be 15 - 16 inches by April or May of 2016. I believe there will be an abundant population of trout in the 2- to 3 year-old age-class (15 to 18 inches) and similar populations of 13- to 14 inchers based upon what we observed in 2015 with the 10 -12 inch trout. Because of the excessive numbers of 23 plus inch trout taken during the low salinity periods of 2015 I think we will see fewer above average size trout caught in 2016. Sure, there will be some big ones caught, but most likely fewer than there were in the last few years. There were excessive numbers of trout in the 4- to 7 year age-class removed 12 | January 2016

from the fishery in 2015. In other words, it should be a great year for numbers but maybe not so much for size. I hope my theory proves incorrect, but I’ll be surprised if it does.

Habitat Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Coastal Fisheries Division conducts independent sampling to determine relative abundance and size of finfish and shellfish in Texas coastal waters to assist in managing and allocating harvest of marine resources in state waters.

Such monitoring has been ongoing since 1984. I can personally attest to their diligence and accuracy, having spent the better part

of my young life in the oyster industry and now spending most of my days on the water chasing trout. I have always stayed in close communication while soaking in every bit of knowledge they’ve had to offer over the last 30 years. While freshwater killed the majority of oyster beds during 2015 it also reduced high-saline thriving oysterkilling organisms such as Dermo (Perkinsus marinus), oyster drills (Stramonita haemastoma) and sponges. I mentioned earlier that short-term negative occurrences can produce long-term positive results. This is a prime example. Because such parasites have been killed by fresh water, more substrate becomes available for juvenile oysters to attach. The TPWD have been performing ongoing sampling and have documented significant recruitment of spat set (baby oysters) coastwide. This is not a big surprise as history has proven that significant oyster growth occurs within 2 years following flood events.

New Weapons for the New Year I have grown fond of a few weapons that have further increased catch rates for me and my clients. 13 Fishing’s Concept series reels have enabled us to reach out and touch the trout, thanks to their Thousands of small trout innovative technology with every reel having ceramic bearings feeding on acres of shad straight from the factory. Also, cold fingers are less likely to slip throughout the entire off of their cork handle grips on those blustery days. MirrOlure bay system. Bodes well Provokers have saved many days when catching would’ve for our future! otherwise been marginal thanks to their scent impregnation and enticing action, not to mention the fact that you can catch dozens of fish on them before having to stop and re-worm. As always, Waterloo Rods are the very best choice for offering a rod to suit Sam Clark with a big red any application. It’s difficult to combine sensitivity, strength and mixed in with dozens of feather-weight all into one, but they’ve mastered it.

14 to 14 ½ inch trout.

2016 Summary The odds of sticking that CPR personal best trout could possibly be reduced, but the New Year should provide us with lots of bites from keeper-sized fish. Increased habitat and abundant forage species should provide optimum conditions to keep trout populations thriving. Continued funding from various sources will enable TPWD to further enhance oyster restoration through the planting of river rock during 2016. 180 acres of substrate in the form of two to three inch river rock was planted last year. An additional 80- to 100 acres (maybe more) is slated for 2016.

There are always going to be unknown and certainly uncontrollable developments. Regardless, we have to make Steve Tuttle pulled this every effort to have a positive influence. Practicing more over-sized red from a catch and release of large trout would be a great place to start. flock of birds covering Overall, the future looks bright. a huge school of under-sized trout.

Happy New Year!

Contact

Steve Hillman

14 | January 2016

Steve Hillman is a full-time fishing guide on his home waters of Galveston Bay. Steve fishes the entire Galveston Bay Complex, wading and drifting for trout, redfish, and flounder using artificial lures.

Phone 409-256-7937 Email captsteve@hillmanguideservice.com Web www.hillmanguideservice.com

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STORY BY KEVIN COCHRAN

2015

C

ollecting and evaluating data enhances any angler’s potential for growth. For over thirteen years, I kept a detailed fishing log, documenting all kinds of information, and I know the process helped formulate my skill sets fully. I’ve recommended using a log to many anglers since I learned this valuable lesson. Though I no longer stockpile the same type of data on a trip by trip basis, I still find reflecting on past events useful and meaningful.

The calendar moving from one year to the next provides a perfect time for such reflection and evaluation. Several events unfolded in 2015 to reinforce truths on which I rely during my daily forays. Some of these things happened to me personally, while I learned about others from people with whom I communicate on a regular basis. All of them bear mentioning, as they carry important implications for anglers hoping to enhance the productivity of their outings.

That’s the goal for most of us, obviously, to do more catching and less fishing. To that end, we wind up paying attention to the activities of others around us. I learned long ago, and have written since, “A bunch of boats staying in an area for days at a time means something.” Back around the turn of the century, when I fished more than forty consecutive Troutmasters tournaments, I found out the hard way about the critical implications of this truth.

I remember my old partner Ari Schwartz Matthew Eckstrom caught this solid trout and I deciding to fish West Matagorda Bay in a by repeatedly casting tournament which also allowed East Matagorda. a soft plastic along the “Too crowded over on the east side,” we decided. edge of a sand bar after a “We’ll get our big trout by heading west and vigorous bite dwindled. avoiding the people.” Of course, we did not. The winning sacks all came from East Bay that weekend.

We did learn from our mistake though, and wound up fishing in a virtual armada of boats off Green’s Cut in a Galveston tourney not too many months later. We had tried diligently and repeatedly to make the wading work in various parts of the bay system, with little or no luck at all. Though we didn’t normally like to fish by drifting, we realized nearly all of the other contestants had made the choice to work the deeper waters of the open basin of West Galveston Bay, so we joined them and experienced respectable results.

“There’s a reason all these good fishermen are out here,” Ari correctly pointed out. When lots of fish pile up in an area and stay there for a while, some of the best anglers usually find them. People interested in enhancing their own consistency can hedge the bet by paying attention to where they find concentrations of boats. While doing so, they should certainly remain respectful of the rights of others, by not getting too close to them, cutting off their drifts, whatever rules of etiquette apply in the specific situation.

I am not advocating the idea that people should go out “searching” for other boats, or that they should always stop and stare every time they see bent rods in a group of waders. No activity of this kind should be used to supplant a thoughtful, analytical approach, based on the season, weather and other variables. I’m suggesting something far more general. Anglers gathering in an area over an extended time

usually indicates the presence of fish in that area. Predictably, my observations last year verified this truth.

I and others had been catching some pretty big fish in Baffin during December and January. Sometime early in February, the catching became tougher, and I noticed the crowds had thinned out around me. Eventually, while running back to Bird Island, I discovered why. Boats lined up along a stretch of shoreline in the Laguna Madre provided the clue. Over a period of days, I noticed most of them staying put all day every day. Since I had stopped catching further south, and because I would naturally have done so anyway, I moved north and started working the same general area, and my results improved.

I did not rush right up and squeeze in among the anglers already working the stretch of shoreline. I started out by looking for fish in areas well away from them on the same shoreline, ones I knew usually hold fish during the timeframe on an annual basis. This brings up a second major truth which the events of 2015 reinforced: “Some This ten-pound parts of a shoreline are better than others.” specimen bit a worm I learned this years ago, while fishing with other dangled under the Captain’s cork on the experienced anglers as part of my Troutmasters last day of March, schedule. In several different bay systems, we 2015, verifying the identified short stretches of water adjacent to long value of the technique. shorelines which consistently held more fish than others. Two or three good catches in a spot might not mean much long-term, but if better catching happens on a consistent basis, from year to year, one might correctly assume some factor or factors create a “sweet spot,” surrounded by less-productive water. In some cases, it’s possible to identify the likely reasons the sweet spot holds fish more often than adjacent stretches, but in other cases, the reasons remain a mystery.

I’ve seen this truth illuminated many times since moving to Corpus Christi and fishing the ULM and Baffin Bay on a regular basis. In 2010, for instance, a school of big trout stayed put in one short stretch of a shoreline in the Lagoon for at least ten weeks, producing numerous big catches for

18 | January 2016

20 | January 2016

myself and hooked a big fish too.

Since that time, I’ve pulled out Styrofoam floats and attached them to my line above worms many times, often with astounding results.

The technique can make catching easy on days when other lures go virtually untouched by all the fish within reach. In 2015, I caught my first thirty-inch specimen on the cork and jig, followed by my first ten pounder, all within a couple hours, on the same wading session! Those results definitely elevate the status of the technique for me, though I find using it somewhat tedious generally.

The trophy fish I and my clients landed in the shallows last spring in a spot holding barely enough water to cover their backs disappeared when tides returned to a normal level. While we had our shots at them, nearly no other boats came within miles of us. Catching some memorable fish far from the madding crowd normally proves more satisfying than catching them in the midst of a bunch of boats, most would say.

But paying attention to where crowds gather on the water can certainly lead to productive catching too. Locating stretches of shorelines where fish congregate on a daily basis also enhances productivity. Monitoring tide levels and adjusting the location of sustained efforts can make the difference between catching and smelling a skunk, as can dangling a worm under a float, especially when conditions conspire to frustrate efforts with other plugs.

Kevin Cochran Contact

several people I know. Anglers earned multiple A predictably productive earlytournament wins in the spot, while areas close morning topwater bite by produced few fish at all. Significantly, many in November yielded local anglers have familiarity with that sweet this pretty trout for spot, which has produced better than average Matthew Eckstrom. catching for over a decade.

Several coinciding environmental factors likely contribute to the prolonged productivity of the stretch—a large mat of rotting grass lies on the shoreline, with sandy potholes scattered in the grass adjacent to it, while a rock-studded ledge creates a subtle drop-off from the shallows to the deeper waters farther from shore. Consequently, the spot fits some aspects of my basic definition of a consistently productive spot, because it has multiple cover elements on the bottom, and deep water close to shallow water. It does not lie close to a main bay point, but does prove relatively impervious to the effects of predominate winds.

In other cases, I’ve known of cases where stretches consistently produced big catches but don’t have easilyidentifiable features which likely create the consistency. In 2015, a partner of mine spotted a large school of trout while running through one such stretch, and returned to catch sows over six pounds there numerous times over the next few months, in extremely diverse conditions, with regard to water temperature, wind direction and tide level. Sometimes, a school of fish seems stubbornly reluctant to leave a small area; anglers who locate such a school can benefit from returning to the spot regularly, without much consideration of the weather and other factors.

However, changes in tide level will cause some areas to produce better than others, particularly in shallow, hypersaline lagoons, where a foot of change in tide level can render some places void of fish, while concentrating the mother lode in other spots. I caught several monster trout in just such a situation in late-March, early-April of 2015, when a freakishly low tide occurred in my home waters.

As often happens, the biggest trout we caught during the short run came from the shallowest “usable” parts of the area. That truth proves reliable time and time again, and relates to another significant tenet—anglers who most consistently catch trophy trout target their fish shallower than most other anglers most of the time. In the specific case I mentioned above, a vast, shallower area with a bottom covered almost uniformly by dark grass beds lies close to the area where I and my clients found our fish on the super-low tide. I suspect the fish we caught normally live on the expansive flat, likely roaming around in water too shallow to access and target effectively. When tides receded enough to render their home haunts high and dry, the fish retreated to the fringe of the flat, positioning them right in our wheelhouse!

Strong winds coincided with (and helped create) the extreme tidal ebb, making it difficult indeed to catch the big trout concentrated around the margins of the gigantic flat. Most of the ones we caught bit soft plastics dangled under corks. The efficacy of the “cork and jig” has proven itself to me repeatedly, especially when nasty weather conditions contribute to create a tough bite.

One of the best anglers I know confronted me with the strength of this truth years ago, during a Troutmasters tournament. Strong north winds and cold air made the catching difficult on the day in question.

I had no bites on floating plugs and slow-sinking twitch baits while watching him catch several solid trout on worms trailing in the wakes of corks spraying foam up into the breeze. I wound up trying the tactic

Kevin Cochran is a full-time fishing guide at Corpus Christi (Padre Island), TX. Kevin is a speckled trout fanatic and has created several books and dvds on the subject.

Kevin’s home waters stretch from Corpus Christi Bay to the Land Cut.

Trout Tracker Guide Service Phone Email Web

361-688-3714 kevxlr8@mygrande.net www.FishBaffinBay.com www.captainkevblogs.com

STORY BY MARTIN STRARUP

I

nterview Date: 11-11-2015 Subject: Bodie Allen Location: Haddon’s Place – Port O’Connor, TX Interviewer: J. Linderman

Mr. Allen I appreciate you taking the time to answer a few questions for our readers. As you know since a would-be assassin took several shots at you not long ago in the parking lot of our hospital, people have been calling and writing to learn more about you.

Bodie Allen: What kind of questions are people asking about me?

And isn’t there anything more interesting than me that you could be writing about?

Well more than one reader would like to know who you are, what you do and where you came from. You’re a hot topic Mr. Allen, and we would really like to print your story.

Bodie Allen: Well I’m Bodie Allen and I’m the foreman for the Connor Ranch Company, the headquarters of which is the Lazy C. I was born and raised near Uvalde. And please call me Bodie.

What did your parents do for a living when you were growing up near Uvalde?

Bodie Allen: My Dad, well my whole family really, farmed spinach down near Crystal City and ran cattle, goats and sheep. My mother took care of me and my sister along with the house, garden, honey bees and yard livestock. She was what they call now days, a stay-athome mom.

I’m sorry, Mr. Allen; what exactly might “yard livestock” be?

Bodie Allen: You know, milk cows, chickens, hogs, cats and dogs.

Of course once we were old enough those duties were passed to me and my sister.

Your mother took care of honey bees?

Bodie Allen: Yes. You know that Uvalde is known as the honey capital of the world? They produce Guajillo honey which is mild and light-colored, just delicious.

No I wasn’t aware of that. Thank you for telling me.

Did your family farm and ranch on a lot of land?

Bodie Allen: Well I guess that would depend on someone’s definition TSFMAG.com | 23

24 | January 2016

I understand that you are also a deputy sheriff so that probably helps ends meet.

Bodie Allen: I hold a commission as a deputy sheriff yes, but it’s a non-paid position.

Recently you were shot at in our local hospital parking lot. Would you care to elaborate on that incident?

Bodie Allen: Ya’ll did a good job of covering that in the paper and I really don’t have anything to add to what has already been reported.

Okay, thank you. Do you have any hobbies besides being a non-paid deputy sheriff?

Bodie Allen: Well I really like to fish and I really like to hunt.

I have heard about your fishing exploits. Before you arrived here I was shown that big trophy up behind the bar and your name engraved all over it. The Haddon Cup, I believe is what it’s called.

Bodie Allen: I’ve been lucky enough to have done well in some of the local tournaments but so have many of my friends. Mainly I fish because I enjoy it and because my friends enjoy it too.

Do you fish with artificial bait or with live bait?

Bodie Allen: I fish with artificial bait mostly.

Care to elaborate as to why?

Bodie Allen: Well for me it’s easier than live bait. I don’t have to re-bait a hook on a missed fish like you do most of the time with live bait. I don’t have to go and catch my bait, I don’t have to go pay for my bait, and I don’t have to worry about keeping it alive. Also for me fishing with lures is faster than it is with live bait. I can reel in and make rapid casts to a spot and I don’t have to worry about losing my bait or catching non-target fish, but that does happen now and again. I do a lot of wade fishing and fishing with lures doesn’t require me to drag a bait bucket behind me. Also, in wintertime, getting live bait can be a problem. It’s all a matter of preference.

Bodie, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to talk with me and I know that our readers are going to enjoy learning more about you.

Bodie Allen: Well I don’t think that I’m all that interesting and I don’t really care for all of the attention, but I do appreciate the cold beer and the chicken-fried steak you bought for me. Oh, and everyone else appreciates the round you bought for the house, too.

I bought a round for the house?

Bodie Allen: Yes you sure did.

I’m pretty certain that I did not.

Bodie Allen: I’m more than certain that you did. (He has a look that he gives you when he’s not particularly happy—I’ve noticed.)

Well then, Mr. Allen, I guess I did at that.

Martin Strarup

Contact

of what a lot of land is. My Dad inherited a section of land, that’s 640 acres, where the home place is, and my mother brought with her to their marriage 640 more. So the family lands were 1280 acres, or two sections. But my dad and his brothers leased more land, I can’t tell you exactly how much land all together they farmed and ran cattle on.

So you could say that ranching is in your blood.

Bodie Allen: Yes sir, it certainly is.

Where did you go to school?

Bodie Allen: I went to school in Uvalde.

Where you active in sports while you were in school?

Bodie Allen: I was a member of the THRA and I continued to rodeo until my body told me it was time to stop.

What events did you do in the rodeo?

Bodie Allen: Well I was into team roping and steer dogging.

Did you ride bulls?

Bodie Allen: No sir. I was always tall, in fact my dad and my grandfather were taller than I am and I stand 6-feet 5-inches. Bull riding is tough and the lower your center of gravity is the better off you are. I tried it once and that was enough for me, thank you very much.

Was there anything else you did in the rodeo?

Bodie Allen: I was always partial to watching the barrel races and pole bending. (Said with a chuckle) Did you participate in those events?

Bodie Allen: No sir, those events are for girls and women. (More chuckling) I’m not really up on rodeo rules and regulations so you’ll have to excuse my ignorant questions.

Bodie Allen: There are no ignorant questions, only ignorant answers.

Thank you.

So did you do well when you would participate in the rodeos?

Bodie Allen: My partner and I always did well in the team roping and I was a top hand at steer dogging. I made a good living when I did it but I was away from home a lot and it’s expensive.

Participating in rodeos is expensive?

Bodie Allen: It sure is. Your horse is a huge expense, way beyond the purchase price. Vet bills can be really expensive so you learn to do most of that on your own. Tack, that’s equipment, is expensive and it will wear out and break or need to be repaired. Horse trailers, trucks to pull the trailers, fuel, entry fees, horse feed, motel rooms, food…it adds up. If you don’t have a sponsor that covers your fees and pays for your expenses including health insurance; you struggle. No one gets rich from being a rodeo cowboy, and unless you are really good and get endorsements from major sponsor companies, you’ll starve to death or have to get a job drawing wages.

You draw wages from your current job don’t you?

Bodie Allen: I draw a salary, yes sir.

And you are the foreman, so you are the boss, what you says goes, correct?

Bodie Allen: I am the foreman for the ranch but the owner is my boss. What he tells me “goes” and I in turn make sure that what he tells me to do is done.

Do you have employees?

Bodie Allen: I have a pasture manager and quite a few fence and windmill hands that work under me. Mostly they work for my pasture manager Monroe but they all work for me and we all work for Mr. Connor, the owner.

Martin Strarup is a lifelong saltwater enthusiast and outdoorsman.

Martin is also a collector and dealer of vintage fishing tackle and lures, especially those made in Texas.

Email

Trouthunter@swbell.net

ONE H G U O T T E L L MU of r goes out e v e n t e ll u r Grade A good M er Saltwate b m o B e h T style. eath for w-sinking d lo s is t e shore ll u M and other in s k c e p S , h Redfis e new . Look for th h s fi r to a d retailer. pre rea tackle a r u o y t a t Mulle

BomberSaltwaterGrade.com

We were enjoying great redfishtopwater action along the east shoreline; when the flounder began leaving the marsh we switched to soft plastics and doubled our chances!

ZZLE CHUCK U Y B Y R O ST

F

or those of you who happen to read this column regularly, you know how much I despise the day-in-day-out predictable and obvious. I’ve tried for as long as I can remember to come up with Steady topwater a different spin or point of view action for bruiser that will make the average fisherman stop and reds was one of our think. Instead of the same old song and dance it’s best patterns all year. nice every now and again to look at things from a different perspective. From my own personal experience I have no problem saying, “Not only have I not seen it all; I’m not even close yet.” I guess if you really think about it, who would want to have seen it all? The potential to see something new each time you head out is the part of the fishing equation that keeps us coming back for more.

Facing ever-new situations and almost never having a “repeat” season is something anglers on Sabine struggle with on a year-to-year basis. In fact, if you look up “inconsistent” in the Webster’s Dictionary, Sabine Lake would likely be mentioned and probably a photo or two just to make it clear.

This past year was certainly one like we have never seen or at least haven’t seen in a long long time. The theme for many anglers this year had to be “one step forward and two steps back” as the ever changing conditions just absolutely wreaked havoc on any type of pattern that tried to emerge. Early in the year we had some of the most beautiful water anybody could ask for and the fishing was as good as you would expect until some ridiculous rain and flooding just turned the whole place upside down.

Fast forward a month or two, which coincidentally is when the lake had finally started to resemble normal again, and we repeated the same process only with more TSFMAG.com | 27

rain and flooding than the prior episode. It was all I could do to keep from driving to the boat launch, dumping my entire inventory of fishing gear on the ground, and lighting it on fire while laughing hysterically at my plight. It was ridiculous what happened to Sabine this year and I for one hope it never happens like that again.

We missed out completely on a couple of tried and proven patterns that I personally look forward to every year. Our summer fishing under the birds and the schooling redfish in open water never really happened like one would expect. Also, our late summer and early fall program where we fish the deep water of the Sabine River with both live and artificial baits never materialized either. It was beyond strange to say the least.

There were however some highlights that made up for some of the misery we were dealt by the weatherman. Early in the year we had an absolutely amazing run on some really good trout down near the jetties and that pattern held up for a while regardless of the traffic. Once the word got out it looked like a parking lot in the ship channel but the fish never left so everybody was happy until the rains came and washed that pattern out to the Gulf of Mexico.

The next best thing that comes to mind is how incredibly strong the redfish bite was for most of the year, it stayed solid throughout the year and only dwindled a few times when the weather was at its worst.

Probably one of the most enjoyable patterns that emerged was when the water was up so high and The Sabine marshes the redfish stayed up in the flooded grass along the provide great waterfowl shorelines while they hustled anything that moved. hunting along with A variety of methods were employed on these fish world-class fishing. and they all worked well but the obvious favorite was throwing topwater plugs at them. We had some crazy be willing to spend some time out on the water in some less than trips where we did nothing special, just got on the trolling motor and desirable conditions but there are times when it is well worth the covered shorelines while watching these redfish annihilate anything effort. Unlike what some may think, late-December (and January) that moved. That pattern only improved when the flounder started has plenty of promise and offers some great opportunities for dumping out of the marsh before the fall run to the passes began. anglers. December also means Christmas and every angler has a list When the flounder showed up we switched over to soft plastics and of new “toys� that would put a smile on their face. TSFMag has some increased not only our odds for them but continued catching insane incredible advertisers and I urge that you to check them out while numbers of reds as well. shopping for the angler in your family.

With only a handful of days left in 2015 before we turn the I would also like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a New calendar and begin a new year there should still be just enough time Year full of blessings. Thanks to all of you who have called and emailed to make a little magic happen on the water. Historically some of our throughout the year and to all of you who read TSFMag. best big trout fishing has happened in the month of December and Happy Holidays! there is no reason why that trend can’t continue. The late afternoon bite on those days when the tide stays out all day and warms up the shallow flats is a perfect combination for those anglers willing to brave colder water in search of that one big fish. Several areas on the north end of the lake that are adjacent to deep water are perfect for Chuck fishes Sabine and Calcasieu this pattern and are proven big fish producing areas. There are also Lakes from his home in Orange, TX. some fantastic spots along the east shoreline where the marshes His specialties are light tackle and fly drain onto expansive flats that can cough up their fair share of big fishing for trout, reds, and flounder. fish this month. The water that stays in the protected marshes tends to heat up faster and when it drains into the cooler water of the lake Phone 409-697-6111 the baitfish activity gets a big boost and the big trout and redfish will Email cuzzle@gt.rr.com certainly be there when it happens.

If you want to finish up your year on a high note you have to

Contact

Chuck Uzzle

28 | January 2016

Standard bonefish skiff for one or two anglers.

These Hewes boats have been popular in South Florida and The Bahamas for many years. On this day we used spin tackle, because the wind was gusting beyond 25 mph.

T

his past summer I was impressed with the rising number of fly fishing skiffs along the Texas coast. Or maybe I just kept running into them by chance.

These skiffs are built for one or two anglers and powered with a single, small outboard. They get great mileage and would seem to have a lower environmental impact, compared to bigger vessels. They carry a long pole for exploring the flats in a slower, more traditional fashion, or can ease along with an electric motor for action in deeper bays or jetties. These “bonefish skiffs” are the opposite of the big tower boats with up to 300 horsepower, which are sometimes painted outrageous colors or with large advertisements, racing everywhere at high speed.

In this way Texas follows Florida. These skiffs have been popular in the Sunshine State for decades, and they’ve been arriving on our coast in increasing numbers for about 10 years. I think it’s great to hear Texas anglers discussing the best push poles for this shallow water work.

STORY BY JOE RICHARD

Protecting a designated area or shoreline from outboard motors would fill another story, but let’s just say I’m happy to see these small boats fishing the old-fashioned way. And quietly.

I don’t pretend to be a veteran fly fisherman, though I’ve spent a few days flailing away out there. On a number of occasions I’ve wished for a flyrod when we had none, usually on ice cream days when the surf was flat, or redfish were tailing on the flats, or tarpon rolling near jetty rocks. It makes sense to pack a small flyrod tube and reel on the boat, and I did in the past. However, mine was lost several years ago when we were moving, and wasn’t replaced.

As for fighting fish with a fly rod, I’ve dabbled in it and even caught a few tarpon, either while standing on jetty rocks or in the Florida Keys. Caught trout, too. One flat-calm summer day, just for kicks, I landed ten hefty trout from the Sabine jetty with a flyrod. (For some reason they were hitting topwater bass bugs). But even the slightest headwind has been enough to put me off. In the Bahamas and Belize I have waded with a flyrod but I’m not too proud to carry a spin outfit over my shoulder, just for insurance. I’m also not a fan of blind-casting all day; I’d rather wade along and cast at visible targets.

It’s a strenuous sport; you’d better have decent rotator cuffs in those

shoulders, if you want to blind-cast all day. I hadn’t fly fished in a few years, but last summer finally visited western Montana, where an old fishing buddy has relocated, and gone nuts over the sport. I forget how old Josh is, but he was one year junior to John McCain while at the Naval Academy, so that’s getting up there. Josh booked us a guided float trip on the famous Madison River, and in June we drifted 15 miles in a rapid current, lashing mid-river rocks and the river’s banks with various flies. I have fairly good stamina, but after a dozen miles found myself glancing around each new bend of the river, looking for the boat ramp. This was isolated country and we never saw a road or heard a car.

It was a good thing the weather was nice. On the previous day, while we were on a small creek, a frigid rainstorm with lightning had left us scrambling for shelter in an old log cabin with a wood-burning stove.

Down the Madison River: Miles of shoreline swept by thanks to that brisk current, hour after hour, and my casts became sloppier as the afternoon grew long. Several casts tumbled in a heap on top of me, but our guide remained cheerful.

Capt. Marty Authement, who calls himself The Montajun, is from Houma, Louisiana; his life is split between fly fishing Montana’s Big Sky and Louisiana’s winter marsh, where his anglers catch 40-inch redfish on somewhat heavier fly tackle.

Marty rowed all day against the Madison’s current, to slow our drift. Day after day he does this; for this and other reasons, fly fishing guides are a healthy sort.

Anyway I landed the biggest trout of the day, a fish that ran 90 feet of line off the reel.

Those were strong fish from a river whose current is swift. It was all very pleasing and a day for the bucket list.

Weeks later I was back in Port O’Connor, and began noticing more of these fly fishing skiffs. KT the fly guide has been there for years, first in a tiny boat that prowled everywhere, even off the Gulf beach. He had a bigger boat this summer that carried two anglers. I remember KT chasing crab-busting bull redfish in 2009, gunning the boat after each swirling red in deep water in Matagorda Bay. (A few boats were still looking for those same fish this past summer).

I also ran into fly fishing guide Capt.

Eric Knipling, who is a longtime friend of Capt. Curtiss Cash, and on several nights there in POC we sat up until late, frying fish and telling stories of epic days. (We led a blissfully unstructured life there). Knipling’s single-angler skiff with a Yamaha 70-horse four-stroke was parked in the driveway, and (top) Texas skiff with casting platform on the bow. They’re casting at rolling bull redfish in deeper water. Photo by Capt. Eric Knipling. (bottom) Bull redfish attacks a blue crab. Drop a fly into this action, and you’ll get a hookup real quick. Photo by Capt. Eric Knipling.

32 | January 2016

(top) A couple lashes the POC jetty rocks near sunset, looking for tarpon. The “stripping barrel” on board is used to hold fly line, without getting it underfoot. (bottom) Even big trout are targeted by Texas fly fishermen.

34 | January 2016

Joe Richard

Joe Richard has fished the Gulf since 1967, starting out of Port Arthur, but his adventures have taken him up and down the entire coast. He was the editor of Tide magazine for eight years, and later Florida Sportsman’s book and assistant magazine editor. He began guiding out of Port O’Connor in 1994. His specialty is big kingfish, and his latest book is The Kingfish Bible, New Revelations. Available at Seafavorites.com

Contact

with that rig he must get about the best gas mileage of any Texas coastal guide. He lives in Rockport but also guides in POC when the fishing pressure gets too great back in his home waters. (They get a lot of tourists there these days; in nearby Aransas I even saw a black pirate ship with a hundred tourists crammed on deck, standing room only.

Also an old ferryboat crammed with anglers, fishing the jetty…Wow.) That area seemed a long ways from solitude.

Eric has been guiding for years with his skiff, and he says quite a few boat companies have produced their own models.

“The price of these boats has gone way up, almost doubled in a few years,” says Knipling. “It’s a saturated market, now. I think some of these models may be more conducive to Florida waters. But Texas has more of an insulated economy, and a lot of boats are sold here. There are quite a few fishing the stretch from POC down to Port Isabel. Anglers should keep in mind that there’s no perfect skiff; our bays are different.

For instance in my area from Rockport up to POC, I’m more concerned with draft, versus running shallow.”

On a good day Eric and his friends with these boats might check

out the surf, big jetties, vast Matagorda Bay (where bull reds are targeted on top) and then the countless back bays where the water is often two feet deep on a decent tide. There are no mileslong, thin flats like they have along Padre Island further south.

“We had a very good year, though I have to say that tarpon were a disappointment. They showed up in May in POC and everybody was happy, but then they disappeared and didn’t return. Only a few schools passed by offshore, where these small skiffs seldom venture,” Knipling said. “And a few fish hung around the jetties at times.”

One evening I watched a couple in a skiff near the end of the jetties, firing casts at the rocks for tarpon. They said they’d caught a hundredpounder the week before. Both of them were dedicated casters, and just watching them required energy. And then next morning, another skiff came by our fish camp in the marsh, this new skiff working the shoreline with flies. Our crew tumbled outside to watch, spell-bound: their female angler showed great form. There is something about experienced, female fly-casters that spells poetry in motion. I was too impressed to even pick up my camera.

We will likely see much more of this in the years ahead, as the sport catches on here; the Texas coast has many quiet areas for fly fishing, far from any pirate ships. As for me, I need to find another fly fishing outfit. My shoulders are still okay, so why not? I already have a big johnboat with a nice push-pole for getting around in the shallows. And that recent session on the Madison River was a firm reminder that this sport has much to offer.

Smaller trout was 17-inches, we landed it.

The one I estimated to be 28-inch-class straightened the split ring and swam off with the front hook while we snapped photos.

J AY WAT K I N S

A S K THE P R O

It’s been many years…

It’s been many years since I have been this excited about our middle-coast fishery. I spoke of this last month, believing it was then about as good as it was going to get. Well, it’s even better now, with water temps in the mid-60s. I believe it will get even better as it gets colder. I have always been an optimist; a half cup is half full. This attitude has kept me going on and off the water my entire life and I like to think I may have passed this attitude along to some throughout the journey. Hopefully after reading this article you’ll be so fired up that you’ll jump in your boat and get out there and get ya some.

If you have been to the coast recently you probably noticed that tides have been exceptionally high. The fall equinox begins the cycle but within a few weeks the tides generally subside to more normal highs and lows.

As fall progresses into early-winter and fronts become more frequent, the tides steadily decline and the lowest of the year occur in late-January and early-February.

However, with abundant El Niño rainfall along with a rather late Pacific Hurricane Patricia that dumped even 36 | January 2016

more rain over the middle and lower coast, the tides have remained unseasonably high for weeks.

This abundance of fresh run-off and the flow through Cedar Bayou has literally supercharged our fishery.

I have mentioned in previous articles; shrimp and crab populations have exploded. It has been at least twenty years since I’ve seen blue crabs hanging onto our lures or seen as many in the shallows of Aransas Bay. Menhaden also had a banner year, so food for gamefish is very plentiful. My take on this is that improved circulation through Cedar Bayou and relief from drought has produced bumper crops. Just so you know, my beliefs are based on observation, not science.

Fishing is what I know and do, I will leave the science to the biologist.

So with tides high and baitfish scattered, it is time to consider patterns that are not always staples in my neck of the woods. Everyone is aware that I like wind and windward structure, no matter what bay I am fishing. I like them because the fish like them and what they like I like. The majority of our back-lakes are

heavily laden with bottom grass this year, (thanks to the rain) and this proliferation of grass has overgrown many of the potholes.

Consequently, many anglers are passing on the lakes believing that gamefish have fewer ambush points and will have vacated in search of easier hunting.

I prefer backwater lakes that contain areas of broken bottom; targets for me to cast to and areas for gamefish to setup and ambush bait. When I can find this type of setup along a windward lake shoreline or along the edges of the drains that feed these lakes, my confidence automatically soars. This is a familiar pattern to most anglers as it relates equally to main bay shorelines and also large expanses of shallow coastal flats. It has been shoved down their throats for years, by me mostly.

Right now I am concentrating my efforts on a large number of lakes from northern San Jose Island all the way to South Pass in San Antonio Bay. Since the tides have been exceptionally high for so long, many of the upper slot trout have taken to spending most of the day in these areas, cruising along windward shores eating mostly pinfish, mullet and shrimp. Trout eat crabs as well and love them when they are molting. Who doesn’t like soft shell crabs—right?

This pattern has been utilized extensively in northern San Antonio Bay and up into West and East Matagorda Bays because the lakes there are slightly deeper on the average than in my home waters. The lake shorelines here offer shorter ranges for feeding versus the outside shorelines where we typically believe we should be fishing. I think, (again, no science) that the back-lake serves as a somewhat smaller food court for them. They cruise out of traffic

Frontal approach and moonrise minor met head-on. The rain was miserable but the fishing was incredible.

38 | January 2016

John Massengale with 5-pound back-lake trout.

in water deeper now due to tide levels above the norm. A higher degree of stealth mode can be deployed and more efficient feeding occurs. Big fish are all about easy, so the older I get the more I like chasing the bigger ones.

I try to position myself and my anglers as far OFF that invisible structure line (where they cruise along the shoreline) as I can, wanting the fish to feel comfortable in our presence. Be aware that the invisible line changes with the contour of the shoreline. One has to be constantly aware of points, pockets and the water depth changing. All of these are barely noticeable to us but not to the fish. For the past several weeks I have found myself spending my entire day in a single lake, fishing the windward shorelines (when the winds allow) and working the drains where they enter the lake.

This works more consistently for me than working the drain on the bay side where tidal currents control the bite.

Bait presence decreases with the passage of each cold front, causing gamefish to feed opportunistically whenever food is available. This definitely swings the catching pendulum in the anglers favor. This seasonal phenomenon is likely the reason why so many anglers spend so much time on the water this time of year.

Another observation this year is the length to which the widgeon grass has grown in many places. If you fish carefully you will notice that these tall stands of widgeon grass amid carpets of shorter shoal grass can be fished the same as the potholes that are presently absent. Makes perfect sense to me that the different lengths of grass are creating structural differences along the bottom, and these are the new ambush points. Another thing to

Capt. Benny Blanco Fishing Flamingo Florida Bay and Everglades National Park

Time to upgrade your wardrobe.

An American Original. +

40 | January 2016

Knowing where the best fish are holding is no guarantee you’ll catch them. With that said, I recommend trying to time your arrival to a prime spot the day before a front and, of course, during solunar feeding periods. One day this week we had a moonrise minor that coincided with the arrival of a fairly strong front that brought high wind and heavy rain. For about 45 minutes the fishing could not have gotten much better. As soon as the front line moved through and the rain stopped, the bite ceased as well. We were at the proper place at the perfect time.

Try making your own luck with good planning and the proper use of all the tools we have available to us. We have all heard the saying, “I’d rather be lucky than good.” Not me, luck runs out!

May your fishing always be catching! -Guide Jay Watkins

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remember is that trout and reds alike will seek the cover of the higher grass when water is clear and atmospheric pressure high, very common a day or two after a major cold front.

Never discount the possibilities of strikes coming over strictly short-grass bottom. On several occasions this past week I had 3- to 4-pound trout charge up behind the lure over heavy shortgrass bottom, forming a bulge of water behind the lure just before impact. Unbelievably cool to be able to have water clear enough to observe fish eating your lure.

I am also seeing big trout following smaller trout that are already hooked, trying to rob the smaller fish of its prize. One morning I had a 17-incher on a Fat Boy and while fighting it I felt the bigger fish grab the smaller one. I explained to my client what he was about to see and he got his camera ready. The bigger fish swam with the smaller fish in its mouth and when the smaller one pulled loose of its grasp I dropped the rod tip and—ka-thump. The bigger trout was on the front hook of the Fat Boy while the smaller was still on the back one, and dragging it around.

Finally got the fish up to us with video running and me snapping cell phone photos with my free hand. Those fish twisted and thrashed and ripped the snap ring and front hook completely off the bait. We looked in amazement as she slowly eased off into the clear but dark water. She had won and in my heart I was glad. Great fish do not deserve to be landed that way. I used the photo in this article so you could see her. I think she was 28-plus, so she’ll really be special in another year or two.

Jay Watkins has been a full-time fishing guide at Rockport, TX, for more than 20 years. Jay specializes in wading yearround for trout and redfish with artificial lures. Jay covers the Texas coast from San Antonio Bay to Corpus Christi Bay. Telephone Email Website

361-729-9596 Jay@jaywatkins.com www.jaywatkins.com

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Junior-size surface plugs usually outshine their larger siblings by a wide margin in the marsh and on shallow flats.

C A P T. S COT T N U L L

S H A L L O W W ATER FI S HING

Simplifying my lure selection In my younger years I used to look forward to these cold rainy days. I’d be sitting somewhere in the marsh popping ducks as they dropped into the decks and loving it. Now that I have aged a bit, slogging through a marsh and freezing my tail off doesn’t seem nearly as appealing. These days are now set aside for my annual cleaning of the garage, also known to my wife as “Scott’s Tackle Shop.” This particular day is all about the tackle boxes.

Time to replace the broken, bent or rusted parts.

Once all the tackle boxes were pulled from the boat, truck and shelves, their contents were emptied onto the workbench. It was covered with an impressive variety of lures in enough colors to make Crayola envious. As I stared at the piles I slowly came to the realization that I never threw about 90% of the lures I had in my possession. It was at this moment that I swore to simplify.

I’ve never been one of those guys who switches lures very often throughout the day. I’ll generally have two or three rods rigged leaving the dock and most days those same two or three lures will still be there at the end. Most of the time the first will have a small topwater and the second will have some sort of soft plastic. If the third rod makes the trip it’ll have something more specific to the conditions.

With that thought in mind I went on a ruthless pruning of my 42 | January 2016

This scarred Buggs Lure has been through a bunch of reds.

Though I often supplement colors according to conditions, the basic selection of size and style is pretty much always the same.

lure collection. For an admitted tackle junkie it was a difficult afternoon, but when all the dust settled it felt right. I was left with a few simple boxes of things I would actually tie on the end of my line. Lures I have confidence using in basic colors.

The majority of my fishing involves placing customers in a position for sight-casting to redfish in shallow marshes or skinny grass flats. From my office high atop the poling platform I get a front row view of the interaction between reds and lures. In all honesty I’d have to say that day in and day out, lure placement and the action imparted by the angler trump lure selection. Yes, there are situations and times where redfish react negatively toward a certain type of lure or perhaps the color. Most often this involves large, loud or flashy offerings presented under calm conditions.

On a recent trip the customer showed up with his own tackle box crammed full of all sorts of lures in a rainbow of colors. He proudly presented the box and asked what I thought would work.

I picked a basic soft plastic paddletail on a light jig head, a fairly safe choice. As we eased into the back lakes of the marsh it became obvious the redfish were in the mood to eat. Unfortunately they weren’t fired up enough to chase down his errant casts. After a half dozen missed opportunities he clipped off the soft plastic and started digging through his box for somthing new. Same casts, same results. Repeat the process. Every so often a cast would land within the feeding window and he’d catch a fish. Then he’d miss a few more and change lures again. It wasn’t the arrows, it was the Indian.

So what’s in my boxes now? I broke them down into noisy search lures, quiet search lures and finesse. Lure manufacturers probably don’t want to hear this, but I don’t get hung up on the myriad of colors with slightly varying hues. Within these lure categories the color selection could be classified as light, dark, natural or shiny.

As I said earlier, my favorite game is sight-casting. However, Mother Nature doesn’t always play fair. Clouds, wind and dirty water can all conspire to derail the program. On those days it’s time to do some searching. First choice is a topwater, mainly because there are few things in fishing more fun than a good topwater strike. But even if they aren’t aggressive enough to fully crush the plug they at least blow up on it or maybe give it a tail slap. This lets you know they’re in the area and a quick follow-up cast with a subsurface lure will usually get you bit.

My topwater choices tend towards the small side with junior-sizes of Spooks or Skitter Walks.

They make enough commotion to get the job done without being too intrusive in shallow water the way their full-sized siblings often do. If I have a customer who cannot master “walking the dog” I’ll tie on a waking style crank bait such as the Mann’s Baby One Minus.

Another great search lure I keep handy is a spinnerbait. That one is generally reserved for really dirty water as it tends to spook reds under clear conditions. But it can be a trip saver when the southwest winds turn the marsh to Yoo-hoo.

Quiet search lures come into play on days with calm winds and poor visibility due to off-color water or heavy cloud cover. Redfish living in less than a foot of water don’t always like having a click-clacking, splashing topwater invading their space. This is where the paddletail soft plastics TSFMAG.com | 43

44 | January 2016

Don’t be a couch potato— January has plenty days between fronts for great marsh fishing!

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shine. It presents the proper baitfish profile and the thumping tail sends out a vibration to help the fish zero in. Water clarity determines color selection with light or natural colors in semi-clear water and darker colors in dirty water. I prefer a chartreuse tail in all but the clearest of water.

Lastly are the finesse baits. Generally speaking redfish will eat just about anything at any time. However, there are periods where they get zeroed in on something specific and will ignore anything that doesn’t fit. In freshwater trout fishing they call it matching the hatch. When there is an abundance of shrimp or a large hatch of baby crabs the reds can get really picky. To imitate a shrimp it’s hard to beat a D.O.A. Shrimp. It lands softly and settles naturally, a no-brainer choice.

Imitating a crab used to be a challenge unless you were a fly fisherman. Then along came Buggs. These are hand tied lures utilizing rabbit fur on various sized lead-head jigs, basically a jig that’s tied like a fly. It can be left sitting still on the bottom and the rabbit fur will wave and flutter with just the slightest wiggle of the rod tip. The result is a lure that looks alive without pulling it away from a rooting fish. Reds will ease up to the Bugg and then absolutely crush it with a violent strike pinning it to the bottom. If you’ve got redfish eating crabs you really need to try this technique.

That’s about it. My boxes may seem boring to some folks, but for me it has simplified life and made me much more efficient on the water. I still wander the isles of the tackle store looking for something new that might fit in, but I no longer walk out the door with a bag full of toys that’ll never get played with.

Capt. Scott Null is a devout shallow water fisherman offering guided adventues via kayak, poled skiff, and wading.

Telephone Email Website

281-450-2206 scott@tsfmag.com www.captainscottnull.com

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Gray snapper of this size are scrappy fighters that provide angling fun and excellent table fare!

Joe Richard photo

By Brian Bartram | Corpus Christi Bay Ecosystem Leader

FIE L D N O TE S

The Offshore Alternative For those of us that crave that sweet red snapper flesh but don’t have the means to get offshore (or can’t squeeze in the time to get offshore during the brief red snapper season), there are other options. Where there’s a will, there’s a way….and the “way” doesn’t necessarily entail a 40-mile trip offshore.

Closer to home than you think, you’ll find a more economical snapper, the gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), also known as the mangrove snapper or black snapper. Muted in color but not in spirit, these scrappy snapper share an affinity for structure just like their larger cousins. Various structures will hold gray snapper including jetty rocks, breakwaters, pier pilings, and dock structures. Next time you’re at a boat ramp standing at the dock, look down; there is a good chance you’re standing within a few feet of a gray snapper holding tight to the pilings beneath you. During gill net sampling by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), we have also captured gray snapper over seagrass flats, proving that they will utilize a variety of habitats and don’t always need to have a rock as their friend.

Gray snapper reach sexual maturity around eight inches in length. Spawning occurs offshore and activity peaks from June to August. The post-larvae are then 46 | January 2016

Fig. 1

transported back to the estuary via currents and, according to some research, they are dependent on seagrass beds for nursery habitat when they are about

the size of your fingernail. Juveniles and small adults Fig. 2 occupy inshore habitats and larger adults eventually move offshore to repeat the process.

Gill net surveys have shown good numbers of gray snapper in recent years, especially following mild winters. Dr. James Tolan and Dr. Mark Fisher with TPWD published a paper in 2009 documenting the increase of gray snapper on the Texas coast and the relationship between their abundance and our weather patterns. The take home message from their paper is that the gradual increase in surface water temperatures (specifically higher wintertime minimums) in our Texas bays and estuaries has provided favorable conditions for the establishment of gray snapper and increased recruitment success.

This is evidenced by what our staff observes in the field during TPWD routine monitoring surveys. After a mild winter, we often see increased numbers of gray snapper in our gill net surveys the following fall.

After a hard winter, numbers are reduced and it takes a healthy dose of summer followed by a mild winter before these snapper are once again present in appreciable numbers. In fact, we don’t usually see many gray snapper in our spring time gill net surveys while the water is still warming up.

The southern half of the Texas coast is fortunate to have the lion’s share of these snapper with 69% of the landings coming from the four southern-most bay systems (Figure 1). Of those, the Corpus

Christi Bay and Aransas Bay complexes account for 56% of the coastwide landings. It is primarily a summer and fall fishery and once the mercury drops, these fish get scarce. According to TPWD angler harvest data, the highest numbers of gray snapper are harvested June through November (Figure 2), with angler catch rates (number of fish caught per hour) starting to rise in late summer and peaking in November (Figure 3). The Port Aransas jetties and other significant

TSFMAG.com | 47

structures in the area are very popular and productive Fig. 3 spots for anglers targeting these fish. When targeting gray snapper, think small; leave the offshore reels and broomsticks on the rod rack. Although the Texas state record sits at 18.67 pounds, most gray snapper caught inshore will be in the 1-2 pound range. Don’t let that dissuade you from pursuing them—they’re delicious. Use small hooks, small baits, and light tackle…but not too light. When you hook one, hang on, there’s a lot of spunk in that small scaled package.

They are notorious for taking your hook and plunging straight for the line-slicing structure they’re holding to. Some anglers prefer to use fluorocarbon leaders to minimize visibility of their terminal tackle. Live shrimp is a popular bait, as well as small live fish and cut bait.

Currently, there are no size limits or bag limits for gray snapper, although I would ask the conservationminded angler to use discretion when filling your cooler. Your back muscles will question your motives when you’ve been at the cleaning table for an hour.

The flesh is light and delicate and deserves to be baked, grilled, or fried in a light batter. As an aside, if you catch a really small one, they make a fun and colorful fish to keep in an aquarium. Warning: does not play well others. They’re aggressive, but fun to watch.

This fall, fish a pile of rocks near you and you may be pleasantly surprised. If you’re like many anglers and economy factors into your fishing equation, then gray snapper provide the cost efficient answer.

48 | January 2016

Check the TPWD Outdoor Annual, your local TPWD Law Enforcement office, or www.tpwd.state.tx.us for more information.

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F LY F I S H I N G

Clank!

Have you have you ever had one of those days? As a fly fishing guide, I have had so many that I have lost count.

From the guy from Colorado who has been fly fishing for 30 years who can’t cast 20 feet, all the way to deadly weather that was not mentioned in the forecast. And, of course, you never have a flat on a trailer until the day you are already running late to meet your customers. I know that it happens to everyone because life in general is just mostly chaos that we do out best to control. Sometimes though, I just like to blame all of my daily frustrations on being not just a guide, but a “fly fishing” guide. Yes, tacking on that label comes with a whole other set of problems. But hey; you make your bed and you lie in it.

With that being said, I stumbled across an image earlier that made me start thinking about the woes of being a guide and I started to reminisce of all the days gone by where nothing seemed to go right. But the funny part of the story behind the photo was that on this particular day (note the smile on my face) the event recorded was not only “one of those days” but also the beginning of a wonderful day. So, to kick off 2016, I 50 | January 2016

have decided to share a funny story that could have ended badly, but instead, turned out to be nothing short of spectacular.

With all the rain we have had of late, it is already hard to remember that just a little over a year ago, we were in the middle of one of the worse droughts in history.

These conditions had decimated the bait along the Texas coast and fishing was far from what most have come to expect from our bays. It was the fall of 2012 and the fishing had been barely fair in the previous months. But, people wanted to fish and I needed to eat so…we kept on keeping on.

One day I had a sport by name of Neil Stone with me.

The weather was perfect and we had high hopes. We left the dock and I chose a point on the compass and opened up the little 25 Yamaha and headed across the bay. As we were nearing our first stop I felt a thud and my engine raced to redline and beyond. I killed the engine and Neil asked what had happened. I replied that it felt like I had spun the hub. I was right, sort of. I had sure enough spun a hub, I spun the whole damn prop right off the shaft.

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Now spinning a hub does suck, but usually, you can at least idle back to the dock. I did not even have a wheel so that was a moot point.

But, for whatever reason, I was quick on my feet and could still see the bubble trail left from when we were still on plane so…I pulled out my Boga Grip that has an 18 inch tether and float on it and chunked it out behind the boat were the trail ended.

Now this is where my training as a Coast Guard boat coxswain came into play. You see, I was going to treat this lost prop like a man overboard and the float on my Boga was going act as my datum (fixed starting point) and I was going to start an expanding square search pattern. Neil looked at me like I was crazy stumbling around in the calf-deep muck.

After starting and completing two of these “searches” in which I slowly moved from center about 20 feet, the water had become a mud pit

52 | January 2016

C ontact

and I had lost all hope. “Well, I guess I will call someone to tow us in.

But we can pole around and fish until then,” I told him. “Sorry about this, never had anything like this happen before.”

He was understanding and I jumped up on the platform to begin poling and to have better cell service. Right before pulling out my phone I realized that I had forgotten my Boga Grip lying out in the mud. So, I hopped back overboard and slopped my way over there.

And, when I bent over and took hold of the float to lift my Boga from the water, I heard a metal-on-metal clank muffled by the water.

“You have got to be (insert explicative) kidding me!” I shouted. I then reached down into the water to retrieve my lost wheel. To this day I still cannot believe that I tossed that Boga blindly overboard and it landed within inches of a lost prop.

I looked at Neil, shook my head, and said, “Get ready to whack ‘em today; I’ve got on my lucky underwear.”

And, let me tell you, what an incredible day it was. Those redfish were not just sniffing and licking the flies, they were devouring, with reckless abandon, anything that landed within two foot of them.

It was most certainly a day to remember.

Now, for the icing on the cake, an assortment of electrical cable zip ties make for a decent cotterkey replacement. Well, right up until you put the engine in reverse, which I found out when I arrived back at the dock. But, I was able to fish the wheel out one more time that day and managed to make it down to Coastal Bend Marine to pick up a proper set of washers and a couple of spare cotter-keys.

I guess the whole reason I shared this story is to make a point. The year 2016 is looking pretty crazy and outright scary these days. But when the news gets too much to watch, go tie a fly or two, have a drink and think about that next crawling redfish or pod of redfish. You never know when things are going to get a lot better.

Happy New Year…and stuff like that.

Scott Sommerlatte is a full time fly fishing and light tackle guide, freelance writer and photographer.

Telephone Email Website

979-415-4379 vssommerlatte@hotmail.com www.scottsommerlatte.com

TSFMAG.com | 53

DAV E R O B E R T S

KAYAK F I S H I N G C H R O N I C L E S

Texas Kayak Photo Contest Well another year has come and gone and was full of memories that I will never forget. I was fortunate enough to fish all along the coast; I caught fish, got to see a few new sights and met some great people along the way.

I can only hope that the New Year brings half of the adventures I enjoyed in 2015.

If you know me, you also know that I like to make

54 | January 2016

photos. I never leave my house without a camera. I try to capture every aspect of the outdoors while I am kayaking; the wildlife, the battle of a big fish and of course a sunrise and sunset. I always enjoy sharing my adventures and my view of the world with other people. I also like seeing other kayaker’s viewpoint of the sport.

Every year, Yak-Angler holds the Kayak Choice Awards

group of select judges will sit down and decide on the winners. The judges are two of my fishing buddies from the Saltwater Boys and the other two are good friends of mine who are outdoorsmen. I am only there to make a final decision if a tie is to occur, which does sometimes happen.

So here is a rundown of the finer details. The contest will run from December 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016 and entry is FREE. Contestants can enter up to three photos and MUST be taken in Texas. All photos have to be an original work of entrant and submitted by a single individual.

Please email all photos to TexasKayakChronicles@yahoo.com before the deadline at the end of January. Send the photos in the following format, “Photo Title”, location of photo and submitters name (i.e.

“Sabine Sunset”, Sabine Lake, Texas, David Roberts). After receiving photos I will upload them to my Facebook page: Facebook.com/ TexasKayakChronicles.

Last year we had plenty of lures, gift cards to yak-gear, fishing apparel, a rod and more swag. If someone would like to help donate a few prizes for the winners please contact me. Your generosity is what makes this contest possible and for that I am grateful. I had great participation last year and I anticipate receiving more entrants.

Kayaking is rapidly growing and everyone has a different perspective of it which makes it a one of a kind sport. So email me your photos and stay in touch with the other entries on my Facebook page. I am ready to see your outlook of Texas and the sport.

Enjoy Life

C ontact

and they have a nomination for just about every category that is kayak related. Last year I noticed that they did not have a “Kayak Photo” category, so I took things into my own hands.

I got with some of the guys that run the Saltwater Boys Kayak Fishing Club here in Southeast Texas, pitched the idea of holding a kayak photo contest and they were in. Fortunately, they are an awesome group of guys and were able to get some great prizes donated to the winners. The contest was a hit with over 100 photos submitted and it exceeded my expectations.

Since we had great participation, it is time to host it again! I am hoping this year we can arrange more prizes and send some new products out to the lucky winners. Last year I was able to award 6 people in 3 different categories; the top prize being a custom made rod and swag. I want to try and double that this year and possibly add another category.

So here is how it works. When I created this I wanted it to be simple and fair, so the rules are pretty basic. The image must include a kayak and it has to be shot in Texas. Keeping it local makes the contest fair and keeps everyone on a level field. Luckily Texas is a big state so there is plenty to see. The diversity of places to kayak is what makes this contest intriguing.

As of now there are 3 categories to submit photos for; “Best Overall”, “Best Catch” and “Yak-View.” If I can round up enough prizes this year I am going to add another category, “Best of Texas.” Here is a rundown of each category.

“Best Catch” is a no brainer. I want to see the best catch that you landed while fishing from your kayak. The winner was Fil “Fishman” Spencer with him releasing a redfish in Rockport.

The “Yak-View” consists of a photo taken from your point of view sitting in a kayak. To be eligible, the bow of your kayak has to be visible in the photo. I want to see your perspective of the sport. The winner last year was Travis Foshee. The image was comprised of him hooked into a good red while fishing near Hitchcock.

The “Best Overall” is also pretty self-explanatory; the photo that stands out the most to the judges and best represents the theme of kayaking. The winner last year was Mike Evaristo with an image captured near Corpus Christi. It was a tough decision between his and Brady Sullivan’s “Fog on the Brazos.” After a discussion we chose Mike’s work. Our reason being was because he was in the right in the middle of a frenzy and that, we felt, is what kayaking is all about!

The additional category I plan on adding this year is going to be the “Best of Texas.” I want this photo to stand out and scream Texas when I see it! Like I have said, we live in a very diverse state with numerous sites. As the landscape goes, there is not one place in this state that is the same as another. And as an individual, you are a Texan! If you are doing something on your kayak that you can only do in Texas, I want to see it.

After the deadline, which is January 31 at midnight, me and a

Dave Roberts is an avid kayak-fishing enthusiast fishing primarily the inshore Upper Coast region with occasional adventures to surf and nearshore Gulf of Mexico.

Email: TexasKayakChronicles@yahoo.com Website: www.TexasKayakChronicles.com

TSFMAG.com | 55

Reefing materials being deployed at Port Mansfield site. (John Blaha photo)

Story by John Blaha

T S F M a g C o n ser v a tio n News

CCA Texas Reaches $1M

in Commitments to Nearshore Reefing CCA Texas is at the forefront in providing non-government funding to nearshore reefing in Texas and recently reached the $1,000,000 mark in funds committed to projects up and down the Texas coast. At the most recent Executive Board meeting, CCA Texas approved $100K funding to each of two new nearshore reef projects in Texas. These funds brought forth for approval by the Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow (HTFT) initiative provides funds for the two new reefing sites and include the HI20 site out of Sabine Pass and the Big Man Reef located off Galveston Island. With the funding to these two reefing sites, CCA Texas has now committed funding to establish

Vancouver site reefing work. (John Blaha photo)

56 | January 2016

a reef out of every major port in Texas. These ports now include Sabine Pass, Galveston, Freeport, Matagorda, Port O’Connor, Port Aransas/Corpus Christi, Port Mansfield and South Padre Island.

CCA Texas gets involved in several different facets of the artificial reefing program. Not only does CCA Texas provide funding, but the organization also gets involved by helping identify reefing materials; identify and secure temporary storage areas; bring community groups together to help focus on reefing projects; provides outreach about the importance and benefits of artificial reefing; and provides funding that is used to secure

permits for new sites. As the removal of Corpus Christi oil and gas production platforms in the site reefing. (Lisa Gulf of Mexico increases, it is important Laskowski photo) for CCA Texas and other groups to work closely with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to place new habitat into the Gulf waters. This habitat is critical to the Gulf’s marine fisheries and when placed in the nearshore waters of Texas it provides an easily accessible fishing destination for recreational fishermen up and down the coast.

Past and Current Reefing Projects Vancouver Site (Freeport) – CCA Texas provided $50K to the Vancouver site out of Freeport. Materials were secured as a donation from Oldcastle Precast in Brookshire, temporary storage was secured in Freeport from Dorsett Bros Concrete and CCA Texas coordinated the transportation of materials from Brookshire to Freeport. Leveraging CCA Texas supporters and funds donated, TPWD then executed the project that deployed over 100 culverts of different sizes and shapes along with 23 large granite blocks, originally secured

by TPWD. This project was completed in August 2010.

TPWD has been able to secure full funding to completely finish reefing this site with funds secured from the NRDA Restore Act funds stemming from remediation in the wake of the BP Deepwater Horizon accident. The award for the final reefing has been issued and 800 additional reefing pyramids will be deployed in 2016.

Port Mansfield – CCA Texas provided $50K funding to the Port Mansfield nearshore reefing site. The project reefed over 4,000 culverts of different sizes donated by Alamo Concrete Products in Harlingen.

CCA Texas played an active role in the transportation of materials from Harlingen to temporary storage in Port Mansfield. The Port Mansfield site is one of the most actively fished nearshore sites in Texas and has proven to provide great fisheries habitat for local recreational fishermen to use. This project was completed in July 2011.

Matagorda – The Matagorda reefing site is located between the Colorado and San Bernard River mouths in Texas state waters. CCA Texas’s original commitment to the project was $100K. In addition, CCA National’s Building Conservation Trust (BCT) had committed $100K. Since these commitments, TPWD has been able to secure full funding to completely reef this site, also with funds secured from the NRDA Restore Act, stemming from remediation following BP Deepwater Horizon. TPWD has issued the contract to reef this site and 1,600 fabricated concrete pyramids will be deployed in 2016. CCA Texas and BCT originally committed funds will be moved to other nearshore reefing projects.

Corpus Christi – CCA Texas provided $100K in funding to the Corpus Christi site located offshore between Packery Channel and Port Aransas jetties. This project led by TPWD has multiple partners, including TPWD, CCA Texas and Saltwater-fisheries Enhancement Association. The original scope of this project included the deployment of 400 reefing pyramids in addition to many culverts and concrete materials that were deployed in the center of the reef. CCA’s funding increased the number of reefing pyramids by 70 to a total of 470 pyramids. These additional pyramids reefed approximately 7 acres beyond the scope of the original plans. This project falls in line

with the HTFT philosophy of allowing TPWD to increase their originally scoped work by an amount with the amount CCA contributions will allow, thus allowing for more reefed acres of sea bottom.

Port O’Connor – CCA Texas approached TPWD with the desire to have a nearshore reef located out of Port O’Connor. CCA Texas has provided $100K for the permitting process and an additional $200,000 for actual reef construction. Construction is expected to begin during 2016.

Rio Grande Valley – CCA Texas funded $100K to the RGV site and BCT has committed another $100K as well. This site is one that brought an entire community together and had the help of local recreational fishermen, TPWD game wardens, community leaders, CCA Texas, and the TPWD Artificial Reefing Program. The combined efforts developed a package to seek the largest permitted reefing site ever in Texas state waters. This site will sprawl across 1,650 acres and provide areas for low-relief structure as well as high-relief structure, creating habitat for all parts of the marine animal life cycle. The permit should be in hand during first quarter 2016 and reefing efforts will begin as soon as possible.

Galveston Island (Big Man) - One of the two recent sites to receiving funding, CCA Texas has committed $100K to this project.

This 160 acre site has the permit and surface leases in place and reefing is expected in 2016. CCA Texas is working with local companies to secure reefing materials and temporary storage facilities until the materials are deployed.

Sabine (HI20) - One of two recent sites to receiving funding, CCA Texas has committed $100K to this project. This 160 acre site has the permit and surface leases in place and reefing is expected in 2016.

CCA Texas is working with local companies to secure reefing materials and temporary storage facilities until the materials are deployed.

The Future CCA Texas is committed to continuing its support of nearshore reefing through the HTFT initiative. HTFT will work along with BCT to continue to seek funds for new sites and possibly expand sites already in place. The continued commitment to nearshore reefing will not only give fisheries habitat a boost, it will continue to give recreational fishermen in Texas easily accessible fishing areas off of the Texas coast.

Healthy and plentiful habitat is essential to a healthy Gulf of Mexico and CCA Texas is proud to be a part of the conservation effort.

TSFMAG.com | 57

STEPHANIE BOYD

F I S H Y FA C T S

Steeds of the Sea Everyone recognizes a seahorse. You probably even know that the males are the ones who give birth. It’s one of those ‘top weird facts’ that biology teachers love to surprise their fresh-faced pupils with. Seahorses have been part of popular culture since Greco-Roman times. Many ancient cultures believe them to be immature Hippokampoi, the mythological half-fish, half-horse steeds of Poseidon (or Neptune, pick your god). Modern nomenclature appropriately repurposed the name for the seahorse genus, Hippocampus, meaning “horse sea monster” in Greek. The seahorse does sort of look like it was made from the mold of a tiny horse, except the artist ran out of clay before she got to the important parts, like the parts that move.

Adult seahorses have retained only a subset of the fins found in most other adult fishes – the dorsal fin, a tiny anal fin, and two tiny pectoral fins (used for steering and stability). They swim using the propulsive force of the quickly waving dorsal fin. Well, swim might be too strong a term; it’s more like aggressive floating. Imagine trying to propel yourself on a skateboard by waving a Whataburger menu back and forth really fast. The only way you’re going to get anywhere on time is by grabbing onto a passing golf cart. Seahorses hitchhike too. They can travel long distances across the ocean by snagging a seat on the sargassum train (or other local seaweeds and debris). Their prehensile tails can wrap around seagrass stems, corals, sticks… really any suitably coordinating natural or artificial object.

They are masters of camouflage. They have to be, since they lack the advantage of speed. They can change color and grow custom skin filaments to blend in with their surroundings. Instead of scales, seahorses have thin skin stretched over a series of bony plates. Some species also have spines, bony bumps, or skin filaments protruding from these bony rings. Many boast a group of spines on the top of the head, called the coronet because it looks like a crown, but it acts like a fingerprint. Every coronet is unique.

Because seahorse wardrobes are so highly adaptable, the actual number of species is unclear. More than 120 species names have been proposed for seahorses over the past 200 years, but many have turned out to be synonyms for the same species. Many scientists who thought they’d found a new species were just renaming one that had already been described. There are usually between 40 and 60 species currently recognized, depending on whom you ask.

All seahorses are marine, generally living amongst seagrass beds, mangrove roots, and coral reefs, in shallow temperate and tropical waters. Some species live in colder waters, and some can also be found in estuaries, tolerating wide ranges in salinity. While seahorses appear to be very 58 | January 2016

different from other fishes in the sea, they belong to the same class as all other bony fish, Actinopterygii. They do have a few differences, though. Their eyes are like a chameleon’s. Each can move independently of the other and in all directions. They also have rods and cones in their eyes just like humans, meaning they can see in color.

Seahorse sizes vary with species, ranging from the large Australian big-bellied seahorse (a foot or more in height) to the tiny pygmy seahorse (less than 2 cm high).

A common question is, if the males get pregnant, why aren’t they called females? The reason is that, like all other male and female animals, it is the male seahorse that provides the sperm and the female seahorse that provides the eggs. The female deposits her eggs in the male’s pouch, after which the male fertilizes them. The pouch acts like a womb, providing nutrients and oxygen to the developing animals, while removing wastes. Pregnancy lasts about two weeks to one month, the length decreasing with increasing temperature. The pouch’s internal fluid changes slowly over the course of the pregnancy, from similar to body fluids to more like the surrounding seawater. This helps reduce the shock of birth for the offspring. The babies, called fry, are miniature adult seahorses, independent from birth, receiving no further parental care. Fry of most species measure between 7 and 12 mm. Most males give birth to around 100-200 babies at a time; however the range varies from as few as 5 to over 1500.

Most species of seahorse studied in the wild appear to be seasonally monogamous, remaining faithful to one partner for the duration of the breeding season and perhaps even over several seasons. Pair bonds are reinforced by a daily

Lined seahorse.

Photo by TPWD Rockport Marine Lab.

promenade, in which the female and male change color and dance together. This happens every morning before the pair separates for the rest of the day. The dances occur throughout the male pregnancy. Once the male has given birth and it is time to re-mate (sometimes only hours later), this dance is extended into a courtship ritual that varies between species, but usually includes color changes, head pointing, clicking sounds, and entwining of tails. The natural lifespans of seahorses are virtually unknown. Estimates primarily come from captive observations and range from about one year in the smallest species to an average of three to five years for the larger species.

Most seahorses are diurnal, actively feeding and lounging during the day. The seahorse is a first-order predator, a species that primarily consumes grazers. A single seahorse can eat more than 3,000 brine shrimp a day, which means that brine shrimp are really lousy at running away, because we know the seahorse isn’t chasing them down!

Seahorses will ingest anything small enough to fit in their mouth – mostly small crustaceans, such as amphipods, but also fish fry and other invertebrates – that comes within ambush range. They have no teeth.

Instead, they suck their prey in through a tubular snout (a fused jaw). In fact, their family is named for this trait: family Syngnathidae, from the Greek syn, meaning fused, and gnathus, meaning jaws. Each prey strike is quite rapid, with the total feeding and recovery time lasting less than one second. Seahorses also have no stomach but pass their food through an inefficient digestive system that requires them to eat almost constantly.

Adult seahorses are presumed to have few predators due to excellent camouflage and unappetizing bony plates and spines. However, they have been found in the stomachs of large pelagic fishes such as tuna and dorado, and are also eaten by skates and rays, sea turtles, penguins, and other water birds. For some populations of seahorses, human beings are the greatest predator. Live seahorses are frequently collected for the aquarium trade, and demand is high for dried specimens, for use in traditional medicine. The global trade of these fishes is estimated at 20 million seahorses per year, involving at least 50 nations and territories. During the 1990s, seahorses ranked as the seventh most economically important fish group. The commercial demand for seahorses in many countries is met by the incidental bycatch of individuals in shrimp trawls. Overfishing and habitat degradation has left many species in distress. Fortunately, increased awareness and the start of seahorse farming are helping wild stocks recover in some areas.

Four species of seahorses occur in the United States, the dwarf seahorse, Hippocampus zosterae; the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus; the longsnout seahorse, Hippocampus reidi; and the Pacific seahorse Hippocampus ingens. The dwarf and lined seahorses are found in the Gulf of Mexico, and in Texas, throughout the year, but their relative abundance is not the same each month. Most lined seahorses are found during summer and autumn (May-October), whereas most dwarf seahorses are found in autumn or winter (October-January). Lined seahorses are also more abundant, in general, than dwarf seahorses.

Dwarf seahorses, as their name implies, are one of the smallest seahorse species in the world, barely reaching an inch or two in length, and are found almost exclusively in high-salinity grass flats. Because the dwarf seahorse is a habitat specialist, loss of seagrass directly affects the population. The BP oil spill contaminated much of the species’ remaining range; oil pollution and dispersants used to break up oil are toxic both to seahorses and to seagrasses. In addition to oil pollution, the seahorse’s seagrass habitat is threatened by declining water quality and damage from boat propellers and shrimp trawlers. The species was

considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act in 2012, but listed as Data Deficient, meaning there have not been enough quantitative analyses examining the probability of extinction of this species to make a decision either way.

Dwarf seahorses live for only one year. The small size and specific body ring and dorsal ray counts distinguish it from the larger lined seahorse. Both have variable body color, tending to mimic whatever habitat they’re hiding in.

Lined seahorses reach about 5 or 6 inches long and occur in bays and shallow parts of the Gulf – in algal and coral reefs, floating sargassum clumps, mangroves, seagrasses, soft bottom areas, and around sponges.

They tend to live in deeper waters than the dwarf seahorses, so you’re much less likely to see them while just in the shallow seagrass beds.

Occasionally you will find them without having to go diving in the deeper coastal waters. They probably spawn in the Gulf, the juveniles using the Gulf as a nursery area, whereas adults tend to use the bays.

Their maximum age is unknown, but the average lifespan is only about four years.

“They said that when Amphitrite had unyoked the horses from Poseidon’s rolling chariot we were to recompense our mother amply for what she had suffered all the long time she bore us in her womb.”

The Argonauts listened with amazement to his tale. It was followed by the most astounding prodigy. A great horse came bounding out of the sea, a monstrous animal, with his golden mane waving in the air. He shook himself, tossing off the spray in showers. Then, fast as the wind, he galloped away.

Peleus was overjoyed and at once explained the portent to the others.

“It is clear to me,” he said, “that Poseidon’s loving wife has just unyoked his team. As for our mother, I take her to be none but the ship herself. Argo carried us in her womb; we have often heard her groaning in her pain. Now, we will carry her. We will hoist her on our shoulders, and never resting, never tiring, carry her across the sandy waste in the track of the galloping horse.

He will not disappear inland. I am sure that his hoof prints will lead us to some bay that overlooks the sea.” ~Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica (The Hippokampoi was probably imagined reacquiring its fish tail when it returned to the sea.)

Where I learned about seahorses, and you can too!

Texas A&M University: Biology www.bio.tamu.edu/USERS/ajones/Pipefish/texassyngnathids.html Project Seahorse seahorse.fisheries.ubc.ca/why-seahorses/essential-facts Center for Biological Diversity www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2012/dwarfseahorse-05-03-2012.html Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/Hippoc_erectu.htm www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/Hippocampus_zosterae.htm Ocean Portal ocean.si.edu/10-things-you-never-knew-about-seahorses Theoi Greek Mythology www.theoi.com/Ther/Hippokampoi.html TSFMAG.com | 59

Gilbert, one of our fine veterans, showing off a nice red during Fish Hard Boot Campaign, sponsored by Mike’s Hard Lemonade.

CURTISS CASH

I N S H O R E | N E A R S H O R E | J E T T I E S | PA S S E S

GEAR REVIEW – Part two This is continued from December 2015 where I highlighted lures, bait and rods used on my charters.

Same as last month, most of the tackle I will discuss here was purchased, but some are demonstrators. Not all the tackle made the cut, I’ll only hit on a few that didn’t shortcut my high expectations.

Spinning Reels Some of my earliest memories of fishing tackle were the reels. My father used the Garcia Mitchell 300 and 308 series, great reels for the day, I imagine, but I didn’t really like them. Being 4 or 5 years old I only knew that reeling with my left hand was awkward. I kept turning the reel upside down and reeled backward, possibly making matters worse. My father finally told me that those type of reels were only left-handed and I may as well get used to it! Was I ever surprised the first time I 60 | January 2016

noticed a spinner with the handle on the right side. It didn’t matter really because I was by then accustomed to using what was available.

The reels available today are far more pleasing to fish with than what I grew up using. Advances in materials and engineering; such as infinite anti-reverse, multiple roller bearings, skirted spools, heavy-duty bail springs and handles easily convertible to left or right hand are huge improvements.

Spinning reels are indispensable on my boat, we use them in most fishing applications. If there was a simpler reel design that was both user-friendly and capable of handling powerful fish, I’d employ them.

Simplicity in casting with minimal tangles makes this style most attractive. Most new fisherman can be casting and catching fish right out the gate once the mechanics are demonstrated.

Daiwa reel size comparison.

In the 2015 season we utilized five models of spinners from three manufacturers on my charters.

Each one has features attractive to different applications as well as being multi-functional.

One was a 6000 series reel with a “bait free-spool switch� made by a top manufacturer that I won in a contest. It looked to be tailor made for casting lures to bull reds and jacks. The bail wire broke after the first dozen casts and has since only been catching dust in box full of reels in my garage needing repair. No names mentioned on this one since it was a simple manufacturing issue. Similar to the breakage of a fishing rod, in my experience most manufacturing defects will appear on the first use.

Hopefully this one will be fixed over the winter and back in the lineup.

Three of the reels are made by Daiwa which coincidentally is my preferred brand. I used several Laguna-5Bi 2500 and 3000 sized reels, a couple of Exceler 3500H, and a new model to the Daiwa lineup, the Revros 3000H. The Laguna-5Bi series is a budget-minded model with a price point of $39.99. These reels performed flawlessly unless they were soaked in saltwater numerous times. Both sizes are smooth operators that incorporate a six bearing system and microclick drag for fine adjustment. The main difference in the sizes are line capacity, with the 3000 holding more. When using 15lb braid the 2500 had more TSFMAG.com | 61

Line and Leader I used a couple of new-to-the-market braided lines this season with great success. Mustad and Daiwa both introduced some great valuepriced line. In addition I’ve been using Seaguar fluorocarbon leader material more than ever before.

Mustad is known by most as a premier hook manufacturer worldwide. I’ve been using their hooks almost exclusively my whole 62 | January 2016

C ontact

than enough capacity at approximately 165 yards. life and consider their quality second to none. When I first noticed The Exceler 3500H reels are priced at $89.99 and have many features their new Thor braided line on retailer’s shelves I didn’t hesitate in found on more expensive reels. A slim-line but strong frame on these getting some. With a retail price under $15 for a 200 yard spool it is reels handles the torque realized with heavy drag settings and the quite a bargain. I would compare this line to the original Power Pro minimal stretch of braided line. These are workhorses, reels that can which I have preferred for many years in certain situations. The fourbe used for multiple applications; popping cork duty, heavy-drag strand weave is very manageable when it comes to tangles that I deal jetty jerkin or topwater jack crevalle casting. As with the Laguna reels with on a daily basis. I used the 15lb and 30lb on spinning tackle all they worked flawlessly unless soaked in saltwater. I lined these reels season with minimal issues. Good stuff, I highly recommend it. with 200 yards of 30lb braid with a heavy drag most of the time. I very Daiwa also hit the market recently with a new affordable braided much like the Exceler line, but will be replacing them this season with line they market as J-Braid X8. The line is retailing for approximately Daiwas of Magsealed construction. $10.99 for 165 yards. From the first spool I tried I was instantly sold.

Daiwa now offers several reels with the Magsealed feature.

This 8-strand weave is super smooth, very soft and flexible. I’ve only This space age technology utilizes magnetic oil that can change used this on my personal lure rods but I’m sure it will crossover well density and shape when a magnetic field is applied. This results in to both light and heavy bait fishing applications. The first thing I a watertight seal designed to keep unwanted elements (salt and noticed was that my cast was about 10 yards farther than I’m used grime) from entering the reels rotor bearing and the gearing. This to and that tip wrap was uncommon. “Smooth” is my best one-word should minimize malfunctions after dunking a reel while wading or description and combined with strong knot strength it is definitely a other accidental soakings. winner. I highly recommend this line and will report back with more The Revros 3000H reel has impressed me more than any other information as I test it further. spinner, especially for the price of $59.99. It hosts features normally Seaguar, the originator in fluorocarbon fishing line technology, found in much pricier reels with 8 bearings, a very sturdy frame that continues to improve their products. I really like the Pink Label leader keeps gearing in alignment for hefty winding power and an ABS spool material for many reasons. The pink color instantly alerts me to what for smoother casts. The 3000 series has a larger diameter spool than material is tied to a specific rod and reel and the color disappears others in its class which casts very good. The diameter allows for larger instantly below the water’s surface. The material is soft, but not too coils of line to exit the reel which allows longer casts and the use of soft so kinks do not present a problem. Knots tie and pull down tightly lighter lures. Over the season I had multiple compliments on the reel’s to the end hardware. I highly recommend using the Seaguar pink this abilities. In fact several customers asked to use that reel specifically on winter when fishing suspending lures. return outings. The reel functioned in perfect synchronicity, virtually Well that’s all for the 2015 Gear Review folks, hopefully I didn’t never missing a beat. Wind knots were not a problem, which is so come across as being on anybody’s payroll. Cheers to a good year of common to the design of most spinners. The Revros handled 200 fishing in 2016! yards of 15lb braid and due to the non-existent wind knots the spool can be filled very full. I would highly recommend this reel to anglers regardless of expertise or budget.

Honorable mention goes to the Spinning reel KastKing Blade 3000. This reel is spool diameter comparison, left to offered by Eposeidon, which is an right: Laguna 3000internet based manufacturer-direct 5Bi, Revros 3000 company. This reel performed very and Exceler 3000H. well under most circumstances and was well received by charter clients.

It has 11 bearings, a very comfortable round EVA handle, thin blade-design gearcase and a smooth drag. This reel is primarily designed for the freshwater market, but held up well with minimal tarnishing. This reel holds approximately 150 yards of 15lb braid and was very well received by charter clients.

Capt. Curtiss Cash offers charters in the Port O’Connor area; specializing in fishing the bays, passes, jetties, surf and nearshore waters. Species targeted include speckled trout, redfish, flounder, tripletail, black drum, bull reds, sharks, snapper, kingfish, ling and tarpon, when seasonally available.

Phone

361-564-7032

Nice keeper-size black drum.

E X T R E M E K AYA K F I S H I N G & S H A R K S F R O M T H E S A N D

ERIC OZOLINS

2016 - The Adventure Continues Upon heavy reflection it is hard to imagine the possibility we move into this New Year, the question is whether the of matching or exceeding the fishing quality we momentum will continue. experienced in the surf during 2015. Having endured In short, only Mother Nature can dictate that answer. all that the beach could deliver during my adult life, last Like last year, the long-range forecast calls for another year was the first time we had gone around the entire wet and cold winter but only time can truly tell. If it turns calendar without hardly a speck of sargassum seaweed out to be harsh (by Texas standards) it will drive down the washing ashore. No seaweed meant more fishing time on water temps pushing fish further offshore to the warmth the sand and crowded beaches with eager anglers. Monumental One of the author’s sandbar sharks last winter, tagged for release. catches were made and prized shark species were available in the greatest numbers our coast has seen in perhaps decades. We battled extensive rain, cold-water upwellings, and a major red tide event. Despite all this, the year still shaped up to be one of the best on record in South Texas. I personally caught and released some of the largest bull sharks I’ve ever seen. In addition, we put four tiger sharks on the beach (two personal, two for charter clients). Overall, action was nothing short of phenomenal. As 64 | January 2016

of deeper water. However, if conditions remain moderate, bluebird days can produce spectacular results. I am expecting a bountiful winter season full of pompano and feisty sandbar sharks.

While very little good ever comes from a catastrophic red tide event, there is a slightly positive note left in the wake of one for winter anglers. As with this last event, a large population of hardhead catfish and whiting met an unfortunate demise. A large die-off of these

species usually leads to phenomenal winter pompano fishing as there is less competition for your bait. Pompano are one of the best tasting fish in our inshore waters and you can likely expect some banner days this season. Black drum should also be very plentiful.

Moving on to larger predatory species, the surf water temps will determine the species of sharks present. During previously moderate and warm winters we’ve enjoyed days of amazing blacktip action, lots of mature females. The always pesky Atlantic sharpnose can also provide thrills on light tackle. What I look Kip Kaaialii with a sandbar forward to most is the exciting action of the sandbar shark on casted bait. shark. Sandbars are not to be mistaken with “sand shark” — a term that is often mistakenly applied to a range of smaller sharks, including the sharpnose.

Sandbar sharks are the real deal with a robust body, large head, menacingly large teeth and bad temperament to boot. Imagine a blacktip on steroids.

At times these sharks (pushing 7-1/2 feet) will leap wildly when hooked. Like all sharks, sandbars command respect when brought to the beach as they are usually very aggressive during handling. And, the big bonus if conditions are just right; it is only a matter of time before another beach mako is landed.

The big question that looms is what is to become of our sargassum seaweed. During 2015 we dodged the vast majority of it as it washed ashore around the Caribbean and Yucatan Peninsula. The sheer volume of sargassum in our oceans has not changed much,

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but it is the cycle of currents that deliver this nuisance to its final destination. Truth of the Winter-surf pompano; one of the finest table fare matter is that nobody can accurately predict species you will ever catch. how much sargassum we will have to deal with, neither will we fully understand the role El Niño will play until the time comes.

When springtime arrives we will either get a strong wave of the menacing seaweed, OR we could enjoy another clear year. For angling purposes, let’s hope for the latter. As with the previous spring, it is also very possible we might see another large number of hammerheads. Both the scalloped and greater hammerheads were more plentiful in the South Texas surf than seen in a very long time.

Also, if conditions allow, we may be in for another great year of giant Texas bull sharks.

Another big question for 2016 is the tropical weather pattern. The Pacific was stuck in a strong El Niño pattern, which in turn had a huge effect on us. We have been lucky as of the last couple of years to dodge any major materializes. Some years the trout are available in good numbers storms. The number of storms in the Gulf of Mexico has been at an and other years they are quite hard to target. As always, some surf all-time low, thankfully. Avoiding major storms and sargassum should set the stage for a repeat of 2015’s productive beach angling. Many big anomalies can happen such as giant “smoker” king mackerel from the bulls and tigers were caught along with killer kayak action for a variety sand which happened on one of my charters, or another surprise cobia that picked up a kayaked shark bait. The allure of surf fishing is the of species beyond the breakers. wide variety of species and the unknowns keep us coming back.

It will be interesting to see how and when the speckled trout bite I have a sizeable list of goals for the coming year. Some are likely to be achieved while others would probably be better classified as dreams. Whether it happens in the next couple of months or next December, I would love to tangle with another surf mako. The chances are slim and several variables would have to align. If the window appears I have a proven strategy to help better my odds.

I would also like to break 12-foot mark on a tiger shark. We wound up with a pair that measured 10’-8” and 11’-9” on a charter in 2015 and I rate these as incredible feats.

I was fortunate to provide some very exceptional trips for clients and hope 2016 might even exceed those. When conditions accommodate the surf fishermen, it really makes my life easier and my customers happy beyond belief. Regardless of what the conditions turn out to be, one thing is certain, I will be spending countless days on the sands of Padre Island and beyond searching for the biggest of the ocean’s apex predators. I will be keeping you updated—Happy New Year!

66 | January 2016

For the past decade Eric ‘Oz’ Ozolins has been promoting shark catch and release and assisting various shark research programs. Eric offers guided shark fishing on Padre Island National Seashore. Also renowned for extreme kayak big game fishing, Eric runs Kayak Wars; one of the largest kayak fishing tournaments in the world.

Email Websites

oz@oceanepics.com extremecoast.com | oceanepics.com | kayakwars.com

NEW

TACKLE & GEAR

Bomber Saltwater Grade Sports New Mullet Tiburon Introduces Revolutionary NX-22 and LX-20 Flats Boats Tiburon Boat Company is introducing its revolutionary NX-22 Flats and LX-20 Flats boat. Both boats utilize state-ofthe-art technology by Tiburon owner/ designer, Jeff Garner, incorporating 30-years of aircraft design experience into the hulls. The empty 22-footer weighs in at less than 1000 pounds, extremely strong and stiff, built with all-composite materials. The ride is smooth and dry in rough water yet will not scar seagrass on plane—in any depth of water. Tiburon Boats has chosen the “best, long-term shallow water boat dealers” with 125 years combined experience—The Sportsman (San Benito, TX 800-503-4044) and Gulf Coast Marine (Corpus Christi, TX 800622-2449—Gulf Coast Marine— Houston area 281-779-500). www.gcmboats.com

Near-surface inshore fish cannot resist the Mullet!

• Weighted for long-distance casting • Erratic walk-the-dog and dying baitfish action • Tough saltwater-grade components • Cutting edge inshore color patterns The Bomber Saltwater Grade Mullet with unique super-slow sinking action is the new go-to lure for a variety of inshore species—redfish, speckled trout, stripers and more. The Mullet has everything anglers want in a saltwater fishing lure in color patterns to mimic prominent forage. Tough construction resists toothy damage; hardware and hooks are corrosion resistant. The Bomber Saltwater Grade Mullet measures 3½-inches and weighs 5/8-ounce. www.bombersaltwatergrade.com

Bubba Blade BUBBA BLADE 10-INCH SHARPENING STEEL Keep your Bubba Blade sharper for longer with the all-new 10-Inch Sharpening Steel. This steel was carefully selected to complement the high-carbon stainless steel that all Bubba Blade knives are made from.

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products

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Hookspit OffShore – This 6’-6” rod manufactured by Hookspit Performance Rods is great for all-around use at the jetties and nearshore oil and gas platforms. Perfect for bull reds, jack crevalle and sharks. www.Hookspit.com

Pro-Line Boats Custom Seat with numerous options • Custom colored helm chairs • Option to install slides or swivels on chairs • Option to add folding footrest—tubular or composite • Choice of Igloo, Frigid Rigid or Yeti cooler underneath • Cooler mounted on custom slide-out for easy access • Option for handrails, drink holders or rod holders www.ProLineBoats.com

TSFMAG.com | 69

Dickie Colburn

DICKIE COLBURN’S Sabine Scene

Sabine

Dickie Colburn is a full time guide out of Orange, Texas. Dickie has 37 years experience guiding on Sabine and Calcasieu Lakes.

Telephone 409-883-0723 Website www.sabineconnection.com

I hate even entertaining the thought that the excessive flooding that we struggled through in 2015 might be the “new normal” for Sabine Lake fishermen, but little has changed thus far. Not a single day over the past year did we see the shallow marsh flats bordering the east side of the lake reduced to mud and not only are they still flooded, but more rain and runoff is on the way.

While we usually worry about getting the boat back on the trailer due to low water this time of the year, more days than not, we are now returning to the launch to find the dock underwater!

Thus far, the best news is that while the fish have been far more scattered, we are still catching some very nice trout and the redfish are absolutely everywhere. Even with the persistent run off, unlike last spring, the salinity levels are apparently sufficient even on the north end of the lake. The coveted deep water bite in both the ICW and Sabine River has been washed out, but very few fishermen take advantage of that bite anyway.

Unlike the venues that I have waded on the lower coast, covering a lot of water is seldom if ever a part of the game plan on Sabine Lake. With the exception of some very limited stretches of a harder sand and clay mix, knee deep mud necessitates staking out a claim and waiting for the trout to come to you. Three to five foot flats with isolated shell or submerged root balls get the most attention and the closer to deeper Slot reds will put a smile on your face!

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70 | January 2016

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water the better.

Hopefully, it will change by the time you read this, but because of the high water some of the most productive shell is one more long cast out of reach for a wader. For that reason alone, many of our most persistent big trout enthusiasts have been drifting and Power-Poling down when they locate the fish.

The one thing that has not changed is the choice of lures. We are still taking advantage of warmer than usual surface temperatures with topwaters, but mullet imitations like the Corky Fat Boy, Soft-dine XL and Maniac Mullet still rule the roost. Day glow, pink and green-black back have been very reliable colors as the water clarity is better than you would expect.

In the event, however, that you rank among those that still have not developed any confidence in the soft plastic mullet imitations, you are still in the game serving up a Catch 2000, Catch 5 or MirrOdine XL in the same color patterns. When drifting the flats, we also do a lot of our hunting with five-inch tails rigged on a sixteenth ounce head.

I have fallen in love with Assassin’s Swim Hook as it converts any plastic with a paddle tail into a legitimate swimbait and it is weedless to boot. The five-inch Die Dapper presents a larger profile and works especially well in this application. When added vibration is not a game changer, we are also getting it done with straight tail plastics like the five-inch Assassin and Tidal Surge’s Split Tail Mullet.

Chicken on a chain, morning glory, red shad and glow chartreuse will get the nod most days. Even when fishing the sleeker rat-tail baits we are scoring better with the lighter sixteenth ounce head. And, regardless of how cold it gets, we can still locate trout with a GULP jerk shad or any one of those same tails fished under a cork.

There is currently no need to specifically target the redfish as they will find you when fishing any of these lures. The majority of these copper-hued bullies are upper-slot fish and, when they move in the trout catching is over until they are done with you. It’s a good problem to have, until your arms wear out!

While it has been just a notch above OK at times, we are yet to enjoy the annual user-friendly flounder migration. Even the armada fishing the Cheniere LNG Terminal and the Dick Dowling Park bulkhead have to work a little harder for their fish most days.

I cannot recall who was president was when I was four years old but, I’ll never forget the man that took me fishing for the first time!

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Capt. Caleb Harp

The Buzz on Galveston Bay

Galveston

Capt. Caleb Harp has fished the Galveston Bay System since childhood and, now a charter captain and fishing guide, he uses his knowledge to enable clients to enjoy the excellent fishing the area offers. His specialty is the year-around pursuit for trophy trout and redfish with artificial lures

Telephone 281-753-3378 Website harpsguideservice.com

72 | January 2016

The dead of winter can be downright frustrating at times but if you do it right, some of the best fishing days can be recalled from cold January outings. This and February are our coldest months here on the Galveston Bay system, fish metabolism is slower than normal and in return they feed less frequently. But when they do decide to feed, they feed hard.

January’s skewed weather patterns make it difficult to find a good time to go.

One day it will be near 70⁰ with southeast and the next morning will be blowing 35 knots northwest and two feet of water will be gone from the bay, but I guess that’s just Texas weather in general. Fishing after hard fronts can be difficult for obvious reasons including extremely low tides and cold-shocked fish.

Low tides can be good and bad at the same time.

Cold fronts pushing so much water out will also relocate a lot of the fish to deep drop-offs and ledges close to channels, bayous and rivers, making them easier to locate BUT harder to catch. Fish seem to feed better when they’re comfortable and not in survival mode to escape the now, dry flats that they had been residing in.

When the tide returns they will make their way to the mud flats again in search of mullet and will be more apt to eat your Corky or topwater.

A primary key is always in fishing close to deep water “getaways” this time of year.

Fish are programmed by nature to endure back to back fronts and extremely low tides so, rather than venturing far from their deep water getaway, they stay close, anticipating the warmKyle Holmes with a up and drop in atmospheric “dark thirty” welldeserved eightpressure preceding the next pounder, (even if the front. This weather yo-yo focus is a tad fuzzy. . produces righteous feeding

activity. Bait activity at the edge of the flats is the signal to watch for.

Cold-shock will shut fish’s metabolism down dramatically. If the temperature drops too quickly, the fish will go into hardcore survival mode and retreat down to their deep water getaway. After they acclimate to the cold, they will crank back up and feed again, it just takes a day or so. This is only true on extreme fronts where the temperature gets below 40⁰ quickly and remains there for several days. Fish don’t necessarily like the cold, they feed a lot better on warmer days. If you can catch the weather right a day or too after a front when the sun has warmed up the muddy flats again, it can be phenomenal.

This is the reason that in the dead winter months it is better to fish at “Dark Thirty.” Dark Thirty is a term I like to use for the magical last 30 minutes of daylight and 30 more after the sun has set. In winter, I have had more success at this time of day than any other hour. Why? Because the sun has been heating up the flats all day long and the fish’s metabolism is cranked up the highest it will likely get for days to come and they feed very, very well.

West Galveston Bay West Bay has been the saltiest and prettiest to look at among the whole complex. Trout have been consistent wading mud/oyster with Corky Fat Boys and Top Dog Jr. Redfish have

Corky Fat Boys and Waterloo Rods are a great combination for big January trout.

remained numerous in the marsh on Bagley Spoons and MirrOlure Marsh Minnows. Remember to fish close to the “deep water getaway” this time of year in areas such as Offat’s Bayou, ICW and bayou drains.

East Galveston Bay East Bay looks like a mud pit right now with a lot of freshwater layered on top but that doesn’t’ mean it’s not fishable. Trout have been generally inconsistent but the bite has been decent when they light-off in the back over mud/clamshell on Corkys and MirrOlure Provokers. Redfish have been mixed with the trout on the mud flats and also in the back lakes off the ICW. Fishing will become a whole lot better as the waters mix and salinity rises.

Upper Galveston Bay Upper Galveston and surrounding areas are notorious January hotspots for wintertime trout. The whole Upper Galveston Bay region is filled with deep water getaways along the numerous channels and drop-offs. Trout and redfish will stage in these deep holes and channels and then pull up shallower on the muddy oyster- filled flats as the water heats up on warmer days. Finger mullet will be on their menu…and many lookalike lures!

Be safe and stay warm out there!

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Bink Grimes

The View from Matagorda

Matagorda

Bink Grimes is a full-time fishing and hunting guide, freelance writer and photographer, and owner of Sunrise Lodge on Matagorda Bay.

Telephone 979-241-1705 Email binkgrimes@sbcglobal.net Website www.matagordasunriselodge.com

74 | January 2016

Scarlet earlobes and numb extremities are not Bayou, Middle Grounds and Green’s Bayou. exactly what I call fishing weather. I’ll take temps in More times than not, the redfish are there. You the 60s and a light jacket. Nevertheless, if you plan to may have to park a long ways away and walk across fish in January, you could experience both climates. exposed sand bars to get to them, but when you get If we continue to see a mild winter, January there it is usually easy limits. may be no different than December. However, we know We will be splitting time cold weather is coming and through late-January; fishing and duck hunting. with each passing front and the colder it gets the more water that is blown out of the bay. That spells redfish—the lower the tide the better.

Waders brave the frigid winds of winter and make the hour-long boat ride to the friendly confines of the western reaches of West Matagorda Bay. Donning Iditarod-like togs, seasoned Matagorda captains work all the deep guts in proven locales around Cotton’s

These sand bars are normally covered by tides. During low tide winter days the bars are exposed and the guts between them hold the only water. These reds can get landlocked, so to speak, and will eat just about anything from a swimbait to a gold spoon.

When cold north winds blow, a short ride to the Colorado River is in order. At the time of this writing the river is still running muddy from early-November rains, but it doesn’t take long to clean up.

And, it doesn’t take long for trout to find refuge in its warmer waters.

I’ll be honest on the river program, some days they bite, some days they don’t. But when they do, it doesn’t take long to score a limit on Bass Assassins, MirrOlures, Down South Lures and Norton Sand Shads.

Most of the time we toss to the shore and work the drop. But when we have trouble finding fish, we troll the middle of the river and bump the bottom until we find a school. It’s not the sexiest fishing but it sure beats the alternative.

The river drops from two, to five, to nine feet along the bank and the trout hang close to the drops, depending on the

water temperature.

Never dismiss the night. Piers along the river turn on lights at night to draw mullet, shad and shrimp. Often, some of the largest trout of the year are caught on the coldest nights.

Corkys, MirrOlures, ED Lures, Soft-Dines and glow plastics worked gingerly through the water column excite lethargic fish.

If you don’t have access to a pier, set up lights along the bank of the Diversion Channel and go to work. Catch the Diversion Channel on a falling tide and expect redfish as well.

Of course, when the weather allows, we choose drifting and wading in East Bay over deep shell for large trout. Waders work the north shoreline on an incoming tide, choosing to hang close to deep water and shell. But don’t think you can’t catch a gator trout out of the boat. Some of the largest trout of the year are caught on a calm January afternoon after a cold front has pushed through the day before.

We will still be hunting ducks, geese and sandhill cranes in January and Trout can be surprising fishing mornings and afternoons. You can aggressive during January follow our daily plight on Instagram @ warmups - like this pair! matagordasunriselodge.

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Spotted Seatrout Released After Photo TSFMAG.com | 75

Capt. Shellie Gray

MID-COAST BAYS With the Grays

Port O'Connor Seadrift

Captain Shellie Gray was born in Port Lavaca and has been guiding in the Seadrift/Port O’Connor area full time for the past 14 years. Shellie specializes in wading for trout and redfish year round with artificial lures.

Telephone 361-785-6708 Email bayrats@tisd.net Website www.bayrat.com

76 | January 2016

Here on the middle-coast we are blessed with mostly If you are an impatient type bent on rushing mild winters, considering what our neighbors on the quickly through an area making quick casts to only upper-coast have to deal with. When Mother Nature a few zones and targets, you are probably going to decides to blast us with one of her bone-chilling blue miss out. When fishing in colder weather you have northers it is usually short-lived. Once it passes we are to slow it down, fish a slower retrieve, and fish your left with some very fishable weather. areas more thoroughly. Make long casts and work Fishing of late has been your lures closer to bottom.

Family is what’s important. Charlotte some of the best I have seen Fish still have to eat in cold Grindstaff catching reds with her mom, Vicky. in a while. With all the rain and water but they are usually the opening of Cedar Bayou, reluctant to give much of a San Antonio and surrounding chase to accomplish it. bays got a much-needed I will not bore you flushing this past year. with a long discussion of Common during winter, monofilament versus braided trout are holding over shell line because I honestly feel at the time of this writing. We they each have their place will continue concentrating in various scenarios and our efforts over shell with it is definitely a personal deeper water nearby. However, preference. However, if you when seeking larger specks, are one of those anglers you would do well to focus that have been considering on mud-grass bottomed back trying braided line then this lakes. The larger fish I am is a “scenario” when this stuff speaking of are those in the shines. Trout tend to make personal-best category. subtle strikes when they are

cold and while I do love the stretch of monofilament I will admit you “feel” more with braided line. Sometimes all you will feel from a cold trout is a slight tick—a bite that would probably go unnoticed with mono.

The Bass Assassin 3-1/2 inch Die Dapper in the “Houdini” color is first on my go-to list of soft plastics this time of year. This bait has built-in effortless action and doesn’t get stiff in colder water like some other lures.

Why the Houdini color? Our water tends to be quite clear on average in winter due to less plankton and other organisms in the water that cause it become somewhat murky in warmer seasons. I feel the fish relate better to natural-colored lures while this is going on. The fact that the Die Dapper is impregnated with a scent attractant is an added bonus for cold, sometimes finicky, feeders. While I prefer to rig plastics on 1/16 ounce jigs it can also be advantageous to run them under a

Here’s to new beginnings!

small cork this time of year. Bass Assassins’ Kwik Cork with about 18” of leader (depending on depth of water) is a good way to allow it to hang enticingly just above bottom without catching grass and shell. The “hang time” along with the popping sound of the cork usually doesn’t go unnoticed if hungry fish are in the area.

Look for redfish to remain in our back lakes. Most of these marshy environs are shallow but can be motored into safely with boats made for shallow water. But, if a strong cold front moves through our area you should always expect our water levels to drop as the wind forces water out of the bays. It is during these times when every boat operator should use caution when venturing into some of the shallower areas. If you ever have doubts whether or not your boat is able to make it, it is probably better to take a deeper and safer route or park on the bay shoreline and walk in—if the area you want to fish can be reached this way.

With most of the bait moving out to deeper water during this cold time, look for redfish to eat about anything that is put in front of them.

Smaller soft plastics and 1/2 ounce weedless spoons are good choices.

Sunny afternoons that usually come a couple of days after a front paired with lower water levels can make for some awesome sightcasting opportunity.

The New Year marks a new beginning. New people to meet, new adventures to enjoy, new memories to create. Try to surround yourself with positive people, love your family and friends like there’s no tomorrow and, if life just gets to be too much, pick up your rod and go fishing.

Here’s wishing you the Happiest and Healthiest New Year ever!

TSFMAG.com | 77

david rowsey

HOOKED UP WITH Rowsey I hope this article finds all of you with full bellies and stockings from the Christmas of 2015. As we close in on 2016, I just scratch my head in awe of how fast the seasons roll past every year. They certainly get faster as you get older. Other than joint stiffness and Upper needing cheaters to tie a uni-to-uni knot, life has Laguna/ been good to the Rowsey family. A huge part of the good life is the continued support and patronage Baffin from friends and clients year after year. I am humbled by all of the new friends I have made through my charter business over the past seasons. Many thanks, to all of you. Y’all are, simply, the best!

David Rowsey has 20 years The Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay has been experience in the Laguna/Baffin region; trophy trout with artificial inundated with high water through December. The lures is his specialty. David has a fish we are catching are fat, but getting them on a great passion for conservation reliable pattern has been tough with these swollen and encourages catch and tides we have been experiencing. The good news release of trophy fish. is that the water is finally dropping out, and things are on their way to making a positive change. As Telephone we cast off into January, I am looking forward to the 361-960-0340 Website trout becoming more concentrated on small, specific www.DavidRowsey.com structure, specifically mud and grass. Anyone who Email has ever fished here already knows that we are david.rowsey@yahoo.com covered up in this exact structure, from the Upper

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Laguna throughout Baffin. In fact we have so much of it, one might wonder where to begin. I have the advantage of spending countless days wading through the water and, basically, making topo maps with my feet. I remember all of the small differences where there may be a ledge, drop off, long swagdepression, etc. This certainly helps clients and myself as we unload from the Haynie HO in search of a big bite. Knowing all of these specifics is great, but fish are not going to be in every spot, every time.

Just like any of the rest of you, I have to narrow down my search on a daily basis. As I have mentioned many times, fish with your eyes first. As I use the Motor Guide trolling motor to approach an area that has the right structure and I am on the constant lookout for any signs of life in the water; specifically, flipping baitfish.

The other thing we have to keep in mind is how much has the area changed over the past season?

What I mean by this is that the contour of the bottom may not have changed, but grass may have died off, new grass grown in to fill previous potholes, or dead grass may have been blown in to stack up and completely cover all of the structure, i.e., ledges,

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Big girls like diversity. Walking the edge of a flat that dropped quickly from 1’ to 3’ over 10 yards with about 100 yard stretch of scattered potholes.

swags, etc. I included, we have to take the time to relearn these areas every year. Simply going back to a spot that you or a buddy caught an eight-pounder in last year is not a plan with “legs” if you know what I mean. Yes, you may get lucky and repeat, but the better plan of action is take the time to revisit and relearn as many areas as possible for each season. It will pay great dividends in the long run for you.

Lure selection during this cold season is pretty simple for me. Time has taught me to stick to the basics for successful days on the water.

As most of you that read my article regularly already know, I am a 5” Bass Assassin guy, through and through. The Bass Assassin is my meat and potatoes lure. I do not believe there is a better lure to find fish quickly than this soft plastic rigged on a 1/16 ounce jig head.

Besides its versatility in all parts of the water column, it is as affective at catching giant trout as any other lure on the market. MirrOlure’s Paul Brown Original (Corky) is always ready to be put into action once the trout are located. The Corky has accounted for so many trophy trout (including a state record) on the Texas coast that it has a wellwarranted cult following amongst hardcore trophy trout anglers. It is more of a finesse lure, but can be mastered quite easily. In fact, if you can make a topwater “walk the dog” you can become very proficient with the Corky. Use the same cadence as you would a topwater but add as many long pauses as the water depth allows. At least 90% of your strikes will take place during this fall or pause period.

Remember the buffalo! -Capt. David Rowsey

TSFMAG.com | 79

Capt. Tricia

TRICIA’S Mansfield Report I just got in from the water and I can tell you that to-late morning was usually the best time. Inclement our beloved Lower Laguna Madre is living up to all weather did not seem to bother them much as the expectations. Literally thousands of ducks have arrived very day following a front moving through they would and they are roosting in giant flocks along shorelines usually pull right back into the same areas we had and across the middle of the bay. The backwater areas been fishing. Topwaters were steady producers during are just full of them. Their vivid colors and the roar low-light periods and, when that didn’t work, slowPort of their wings when a large number lift off the water rolled K-Wiggler Ball Tail Shads on light jigs was all the Mansfield together has to be heard to be believed. Sometimes encouragement they needed. we see rafts of mullet going crazy from the noise. Winter fishing patterns are beginning to come together, meaning Capt. Tricia’s Skinny Water that we are starting to find fish where we Adventures operates out of expect them to be. We are very excited Port Mansfield, specializing in and looking forward to enjoying what wadefishing with artificial lures.

I predict will be the most productive season of the year.

The last week of November and Telephone 956-642-7298 December’s first days gave us great Email fishing and, barring any weather shell@granderiver.net catastrophes, January has potential to Website www.SkinnyWaterAdventures.com be outstanding. The last two weeks or so in November we often found redfish E. Moises Diaz with high on the flats, gathered at the snack his first slot redfish. bar along the first shallow grass line. Mid-

80 | January 2016

I don’t care what anyone says about redfish, watching one streaming toward your lure in a foot of water will never get old for me.

A decent amount of trout shared those same shallow flats although most were the typical, skinny Laguna flats fish and not the heavyweights we look for in winter. We did find a fair sprinkling of nicer ones mixed with the smaller fish but there was no real pattern to them. Before the last deluge, bigger trout were starting to stage in traditional winter areas and I suspect that when everything settles down and the water cools a bit more we will be seeing a lot more of this.

Mid-thigh to waist-deep grass beds near deeper water has been giving us our best trout, quite a few in the 4- to 6 pound range and couple solid 7s. Corkys were the most consistent lures for these heavier specimens but topwaters also produced well several days.

As far as patterns go, since the flooding from the Patricia storm, much of the west side has been very fresh.

Therefore, working the eastside flats has been the most productive, and as I stated above, when the salinity and clarity returns and everything settles back to normal I will be giving the west shorelines some serious effort.

January can bring a totally different

scenario and who really knows how wintry the weather might be.

Farmer’s Almanac is predicting temperatures will be fairly warm, and wet, so let’s all keep our fingers crossed. If everything works according to plan, tide levels should recede and likely be at their lowest by month’s end and that usually makes trout patterns far more predictable.

When tides become low enough, the many small depressions on the flats, along shorelines, and in backwater areas usually attract lots of trout. Target the shallower ones on warmer days and the deeper ones when it’s overcast and colder. I hate to admit it but it is often that simple.

During prolonged periods between northers, look for fish just like you would the rest of the year. Water temps in the Laguna shallows can re-bound to the mid70s, even during the dead of winter.

Let’s all enjoy the bounty and beauty that winter has to offer here on the Lower Laguna, and big trout and reds are certainly at the top of this list. Everybody loves fresh fish on the dinner table and keeping a few is certainly Awesome part of the reward for handcrafted being a good steward. bracelets by E. Moises Diaz www.

Letting the rest swim sightlineprovisions. away helps insure that the com. Thanks for my future will remain bright. tip Moises!

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TSFMAG.com | 81

Capt. Ernest cisneros

SOUTH PADRE Fishing Scene

A rr oyo C olorado t o Port I sabel

A Brownsville-area native, Capt. Ernest Cisneros fishes the Lower Laguna Madre from Port Mansfield to Port Isabel.

Ernest specializes in wading and poled skiff adventures for snook, trout, and redfish.

Cell 956-266-6454 Website www.tightlinescharters.com

82 | January 2016

Solid catching through November and earlyDecember has me excited for the New Year. Tide levels are still unusually high so going to places that are inaccessible most of the year are now open to fishing and navigating—for how long remains to be seen.

Cold fronts are dropping water temps down into the 60s post-front, and returning to the low-70s on sunny days between blasts. Overall, I rate the fishing better than I have seen in quite some time.

With this said, it reminds me of a comment at the dock earlier in the fall, “I don’t see you fishing the old spots anymore.” I responded, “Not with the boat traffic and fishing pressure nowadays. Fish are simply not holding in places they were four or five years ago.” Take that as a tip.

When deciphering winter patterns, I see the Lower Laguna as an hourglass. Wider and generally deeper on the Mansfield end, narrow and shallower in the region of the Arroyo, wider and deeper again in the south near Port Isabel.

During colder winter months I find that fish migrate toward the deeper ends, or at least where they can find warmer water.

Yes, Port Mansfield, Arroyo City and Port Isabel have their deeper holes, but what I’m

trying to point out is an overall pattern for locating concentrations of fish during colder conditions. With Mansfield’s and Isabel’s generally deeper water, I focus on flats near these deeper-water areas when water temps are low. When I feel it’s been warm enough for fish to venture to the backwaters and shallower flats, my choice is definitely Arroyo City.

The redfish have really turned on! They don’t seem to be everywhere but the numbers are impressive when we find them. The fun part has been their Trout like this have me very excited for what is to come!

willingness to take topwaters; Spook Jr. has been the ticket. A blowup Trout limits have been easy to attain since the water temps dropped is no reason to think they will not eventually smash the plug, just keep below the 70⁰ mark. We have experienced multiple hookups within twitching it. Topwater action should hold as long as the water remains the group and bites on nearly every cast sometime during the day on in mid-to-upper 60s. When it cools down, switch to the Paul Brown Fat numerous outings. The most consistent lures have been K-Wigglers in Boys, Devils, and Soft-Dine XL. Of course the K-Wiggler Ball Tail Shad plum-chartreuse and flomingo, same ones the redfish love. You can be is a proven producer in all water temps; slower retrieves are the key to assured though, I have a full assortment of Paul Brown baits ready and catching on really cold days. we will be making the switch as soon as the weather cools down. Focus Do you remember as a youngster walking the aisles of a toy store, will shift to softer-bottom areas in general, working along ledges, spoils so excited that you would have to visit the restroom? That’s exactly and deeper muddy flats. I view the prospects of many personal-best how I feel about the prospects for big trout this winter. Preliminary trout to be very good this winter. results point look very promising, and the colder it gets the more I want to pass on a tip in closing. If your wading boots are getting concentrated and easier to pattern the bigger trout will become, kind of ragged or maybe you just want to try something new, especially in January and February.

Christmas has come and gone but Interestingly, we are not finding maybe a late gift for you or a great our bigger trout in their normal fishing buddy, checkout Simms new places so far this winter. Instead, VaporTread Boot in the saltwater we are fishing miles away from last series. After field-testing a pair for year’s successful locations but still more than 400 hours, I had some catching quality fish. On warmer input into the final design. By far the days, we are finding big trout up on best boot I have ever worn! Comfort the sand mixed with reds but these and durability surpass every boot I are usually loners. A more consistent have ever used and I am very pleased bite of larger fish has been coming to recommend them. Check them from edges of guts and abandoned out on the Simms website, www.

Check out the new Simms channels along the ICW. Semi muddy, simmsfishing.com.

VaporTread Saltwater Series wading scattered-shell bottoms have also Best of luck in your chase for boot. Best I have ever used. produced trout to seven pounds. trophy-caliber trout this month.

TSFMAG.com | 83

FISHING REPORTS

ORECASTS F from Big Lake to Boca Chica

AND

Lake Calcasieu Louisiana Jeff and Mary Poe - Big Lake Guide Service - 337.598.3268 Wadefishing is a great way to catch fish this time of year. MirrOlure Paul Brown Fat Boys and Devils are usually our lures of choice at this time. Most of the fish will be concentrated on the north end of the lake, favoring flats covered in three feet of water or less. Water clarity should be good, barring a major rain event. Natural colors which look like small fish work best in clear water. Bright/solid colors like pink and chartreuse prove more productive in dirtier water because they are easier for the fish to see. If trout aren’t your thing, redfish will be plentiful and easy to catch at this time of year. The weirs will be a popular place to target the spot-tails, as they should be. The outgoing tides at these deep bayous will make for a redfish buffet; they will feed in the current pulling out of the marshes and shallow backwater areas. Gulp! and regular soft plastics like MirrOlure Lil’ Johns and Norton Baby Bull Minnows will work great to trick some of the actively feeding redfish.

Trinity Bay - East Bay - Galveston Bay | James Plaag Silver King Adventures - silverkingadventures.com - 409.935.7242 In November, James had an excellent run, with a high number of fish over the course of a lot of outings. “The average size of our fish is not up to long-term averages lately, but we’re catching a bunch of trout and a decent number of reds. We should start seeing some bigger fish once the weather gets colder. We’ve had a great topwater bite at times

lately, up to seventy or eighty bites a day, but that might be tough to reproduce once winter sets in. I expect to be mostly wading come January. We tend to stay in the shallow parts along the shorelines during the warm spells, and focus on structures out in the middle closer to deep water when it’s colder. We have been throwing the pink and silver SheDogs and ShePups. Of course, I also like to throw pink and yellow 51 MirrOlures. Soft plastics work great in cold weather too. The slammin’ chicken Sea Shads and rat-tail Bass Assassins have been producing lots of bites. With the consistency of the catching being so good, we are set up for a great winter catching bigger trout, I think.”

Jimmy West - Bolivar Guide Service - 409.996.3054 Jim says the catching of numbers had been really easy for him over the weeks leading into the time of this report. “We’ve been catching lots of fish, but no really big ones. Wading has been good, as has the drifting along area shorelines. We’re focusing on areas close to drains leading into the backwater areas. The water is brackish, not very salty, but the fish are still there. The wading is producing bigger trout, and that should be even more true once winter hits. The bite is good on soft plastics, of course, but we are also catching plenty on Paul Brown lures and the slower-sinking MirrOlure twitch baits, including the MirrOdines. These lures will be the real ticket to catching the big trout in January.” Jim will also be hunting ducks, mainly on the weekends, especially when the weather is rough, and fishing when the weather is better for it. “January

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do not Prices ipping e sh includ ndling d an ha

is normally good for one activity or the other, sometimes great for both.

We have lots of birds and fish right now, so I expect fast action this winter on the bay and in the blinds.”

West Galveston - Bastrop - Christmas - Chocolate Bays Randall Groves - Groves Guide Service 979.849.7019 - 979.864.9323 According to Randall, “The shrimp migration is in full swing. Birds are working everywhere, but most of the trout under the gulls are small.

We’ve been ignoring the flocks in favor of fishing spots close to small drop-offs, throwing chicken on a chain Norton Bull Minnows on threeeighths ounce Norton Screw Lock heads. The tequila rock Norton Sand Shad has been working well also. By January, the shrimp migration will be a fading memory, of course. Then, we’ll start focusing our efforts on muddy streaks in the open-water areas, looking for cormorants, loons and white pelicans to help determine where the concentrations of baitfish are located. On the better days, jumping mullet will make things easier. Any time mullet are found jumping in January, even a few, a large concentration of predators like trout and redfish can be expected to be found in the area. If a concentration of mullet can be located, the fishing normally turns into a ‘no brainer’, where catching lots of fish, often big ones, is the result.”

Matagorda | Tommy Countz Bay Guide Service - 979.863.7553 cell 281.450.4037 Tommy elaborates a bunch of productive patterns for fishing in the Matagorda area in January. “When we are drifting in East Bay, we usually focus on the West End, trying to stay in the muddy streaks instead of the clear water. Mostly, we throw soft plastics on fairly heavy jigheads, at least three-eighths or quarter-ounce, so we can keep the lures low and in contact with the shell on the bottom. The key to catching when

it’s cold is to work lures slow, to account for the sluggish reactions of the fish. When wading in East Bay, we like to stay close to some of the guts with muddy bottoms, which heat up faster than the shell, especially on sunny days. I like to head to West Bay if the tide gets really low. The guts along the shoreline over there tend to stack up with redfish when that happens. Of course, if we don’t have too much rain and freshwater runoff, the Colorado River will also be good. There, we troll along and throw soft plastics on the heavier jigheads toward the drop-offs. 51 and 52 MirrOlures sometimes work well on that drill too.”

Palacios | Capt. Aaron Wollam www.palaciosguideservice.com - 979.240.8204 Fishing has been very good in the waters around Palacios lately. We still have birds working over shrimp and redfish schooling along the shorelines. The weather pattern seems like we are about a month or so behind normal. The Tres Palacios/Colorado and Lavaca Rivers are three good locations for January fishing. Slow-rolling soft plastics in the deep holes and ledges usually works really good in the winter months to trick fish hugging the bottom during cold snaps. The flats located at the mouths of these rivers are also good a couple days after a good cold spell blows through and weather stabilizes. Another standby for winter fishing is the Palacios Harbor, where lots of deep holes and lots of shell make for a good habitat when the water gets blown out of the bays by strong north winds. Three-eighths-ounce jigheads seem to work best in the winter months when the fish move to deep water. Our best colors around here seem to be salt/pepper and chicken on a chain.

TSFMAG.com | 85

Port O’Connor | Lynn Smith Back Bay Guide Service - 361.983.4434 The expected cold winter weather will affect Lynn’s decisions when fishing. “I will most likely be using the trolling motor a lot during January. We normally catch some really good sized trout and redfish during the coldest month. I like to move slowly in the boat throwing in deeper water, along channel edges and other drop offs, in ten to twelve feet of water. We’ll look for any signs of mullet and other baitfish, but mostly mullet. Our technique will be to use mostly soft plastics and slow-sinking twitch baits like Paul Brown Lures and MirrOlure Catch 2000s and Catch 5s. The key is to keep the boat going slowly enough to allow for casting and retrieving the lures slow enough to keep them down in the water column. On the coldest days, we’ll wind up basically dragging our soft plastics along the bottom and short-hopping them us. But always, the presentation will be low and slow, to account for the fish being sluggish due to the low water temperatures. And, we’ll be leaving the dock late-morning, to fish the warmest part of the day.”

Rockport | Blake Muirhead Gator Trout Guide Service - 361.790.5203 or 361.441.3894 Blake will be casting and blasting his way through the winter weather come January. “We will spend the month hunting ducks early, shooting until the birds stop flying, then fish our way out into the bays the rest of the day. Fishing for redfish is usually good during January. I normally find them either in the deep holes in the bayous, or in the deeper parts of the lakes themselves. Catching them once we locate them is often pretty easy. Soft plastics like my old standby Norton Sand Eels generally gets the job done. If we don’t find our fish in the back lakes, we usually wind up targeting areas adjacent to the drains on the mainbay shorelines. Places with mud and either shell or soft grass on the bottom usually produce well. Some of the bigger trout will be found in

86 | January 2016

spots like these on warm afternoons. Targeting them with either slowsinking twitch baits or topwaters is usually the way to go. Presentations will need to be slow, for the most part, this time of year, since water temperatures are low and the fish are cold and sluggish.”

Upper Laguna Madre - Baffin Bay - Land Cut Robert Zapata – rz1528@grandecom.net - 361.563.1160 It was very quiet on the water during December, and it will be even more quiet during January because so many deer hunters will be out looking for the elusive Muy Grande. This will make things easier for those of us hunting for the trophy speckled trout. By now, your waders should be in proper order, along with your ForEverLast Ray Guards.

I’ll be doing a lot of wading in areas with a mixture of mud and gravel bottom. I have a lot of confidence in scented lures like Bass Assassin Die Dappers in colors like plum/chartreuse, pumpkinseed/chartreuse, morning glory/limetreuse and Berkley Gulp! four inch shrimp in colors like pearl and new penny rigged on eighth-ounce Assassin Screw Lock jigheads. The same plastics can also be very productive when rigged on quarter-ounce heads and cast along the edges and drop offs of the bigger channels like the ICW. The lures should be retrieved slowly during this time of the season, basically dragged along the bottom. After a few warm days, MirrOlure Catch 5s will work as well.

Corpus Christi | Joe Mendez – www.sightcast1.com - 361.937.5961 Water quality is fantastic throughout the Upper Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay, Joe says, so winter fishing should be really good. “I like to fish the edges of deep channels and along shorelines and structures close to deep water in January. I’ll target any anomalies I can find along those ledges and shorelines. The clear water makes it easier to see some of those things, especially when the sun is out. Sometimes, I might target the deepest rocks lying close to the open basin, while at other times, the key might be to see the deepest fingers of grass projecting close to

the deep water, or even the deepest pot holes in an area, which lie close to the drop-off. In any case, we’ll be matching our jighead size to the conditions, meaning the strengths of the wind and current, attempting to keep our soft plastics close to the bottom or close to the channel edges as they flutter down. Windier conditions and stronger currents dictate using heavier jigheads, at least a quarter-ounce, while lighter winds and currents allow for lighter ones.”

P.I.N.S. Fishing Forecast | Eric Ozolins Kicking off the New Year, surf water temps the next two months will be the coolest of the year. If temps run below average, you will want to target the warmest days for steady pompano action—clear-green surf preferred. Slot-sized black drum should also be available in good numbers when conditions are right for pomps. Finger mullet (when available), cut mullet and fresh-peeled shrimp should also work well for slot and oversized redfish. Mullet is the hands-down favorite for reds.

Speckled trout may or may not be available in numbers that justify targeting them—keep your fingers crossed. Fortunately most of the red tide is gone, so we have that in our favor. January beach driving is usually very good but trips must be planned between northers to avoid too-high tides. Scattered tire hazards remain as the result of fish skeletons from red tide die-off still on the beach. Extra Fix-a-Flat is recommended. Stay close to the tide line when driving, but not too low, as saturated sand can also be tricky. January can be both productive and fun on the right days!

CODE:

Port Mansfield | Ruben Garza Snookdudecharters.com – 832.385.1431 Getaway Adventures Lodge – 956.944.4000 Fishing has been good the past several weeks. Trout have been plentiful, even if on the small side some days, you can still find a limit of decent ones. Please handle throw-backs with care. Higher-than-normal tides

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have redfish scattered but the East Cut and jetties have been steady producers. We’ve had slow periods when suddenly a school appears along the East Cut. Patience is part of the game. January weather is tough to predict but the day or two before a predicted front as well the day or two following can be some of the best times. I strongly advise staying off the water the day the front will arrive. Bird activity can be very important in finding bait and feeding fish in January; gulls, pelicans, osprey and terns can all give important clues. I plan to stay close to deeper water this month; old oilfield cuts, spoil banks or flats along the ICW. Paul Brown Lures and Catch 2000s will be ideal but slow-worked soft plastics are often your best bet. Never overlook deeper holes on the flats, especially on warmer days. Tight lines and calm seas!

Lower Laguna Madre - South Padre - Port Isabel Janie and Fred Petty – www.fishingwithpettys.com – 956.943.2747 It’s been ridiculously good out there, we’re talking a trout every cast and limits of redfish! The trout are averaging 18-20 inches, and we’ve been releasing oversized reds. Tides are running high, so the outgoing surge is allowing us to stay longer in some spots. Freddy says, “When fishing super shallow, manage your drift to end in enough water to get up on plane. If you have a Shallow Sport, the possibilities are endless. If you are south of the Arroyo, north winds, will empty flats faster because the wind and tide are combining to push water south.”

We’re throwing the Cajun Thunder round corks with Berkley Gulp!

Live shrimp in light and bright colors, like Nuclear Chicken, on about fifteen-inch leaders in all depths for all three of our target species, however, we haven’t seen as many flounder as we were a couple of months ago. The water is still pretty clear except around the ICW, where it has been brackish from freshwater runoff.

DOA 2.75 Shrimp - the totally new design is the best of both worlds – it’s like fishing a jig and a DOA Shrimp.

The weighted hook is super sharp and slips seamlessly into the body of the shrimp. Slightly smaller and heavier than the Original, it has a molded in rattle cavity to easily add sound, skips well, sinks fast, and casts like a bullet.

www.doa lures.com 150507_DOA_11.30_TxSportfishing_2.75 Sh_3.675x4.875.indd 1

TSFMAG.com | 87

11/30/15 4:48 PM

Stone Bolton Matagorda - 28 lb mahi-mahi

Mac Jank 30.5” 8.5 lb personal best trout! CPR

Augie Hinojosa Laguna Salada - 55” redfish

Gilbert Barrera Laguna Salada - 33.25” 12.14 lb trout 88 | January 2016

Robert Garza Port Aransas

Tara Case - Port Aransas Glyn Haas - Copano Bay jack crevalle (after shark bite) 30” personal best red!

Ralph Jendrzey Baffin Bay - 28” personal best!

Jeff Jendrzey & Craig Brown Baffin - Scales & Ales Memorial Tournament

Andrew Lyssy Allyn’s Bight - 27” trout CPR

Conald Riner - Galveston personal best red snapper!

Shannon Brewer Offshore - great king mackerel

Derek Moody Port O’Connor - 25” trout

Jose Mongarro Sea Isle - 20.5” trout

TSFMag

Catch of the Month &

Silverstar Fishing Jewelry

Photo Contest Sponsored by

Karen Herzog - Rockport 28” personal best trout! CPR

Viet Dinh Quintana Jetties - 27” 8.3 lb trout

Beginning with the November 2015 issue, Silverstar Fishing Jewelry will be sponsoring a brand new photo contest. Winners will receive a beautiful 1-inch diameter custom-designed sterling silver pendant that would look great worn on a neck-chain.

Contest Rules Gilbert DeLeon Nueces Bay - trout CPR

Matt White & Kyle Gillam Crystal Beach, Texas Shark Rodeo 7’ sandbar shark, tagged and released

1. Only current magazine subscribers, their dependents, and members of household are eligible to win.

2. One winner each month selected by TSFMag for photo quality and content.

3. Single-fish photos only, please. We do not publish multiple-fish images or stringer shots. Photos are judged for display of sporting ethics and conservation.

4. Send entries to photos@tsfmag.com **Photo entries must be submitted electronically— prints cannot be accepted. All images submitted to Catch of the Month become property of Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine.

JANUARY WINNER

Charles Davidson Matagorda - 29.25” 9 lb trout

Max Jones and nephew, Riley Jones Eagle Point - 36” black drum CPR

Niky Warren Palacios - 24” redfish

Linda Wick Cox Bay - 31” redfish

Alicia Little

Baffin - 31.25” 9+lb personal best trout! CPR TSFMAG.com | 89

Pam Johnson

Gulf Coast Got ideas, hints or recipes you’d like to share?

Email them to pam@tsfmag.com or send by fax: 361-785-2844

Shrimp and Crab Gumbo with Stuffed Shrimp Muffins Thank you Judi Hymel for sharing this great recipe with TSFMag!

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

Step-1 Ingredients 2 pounds unpeeled, fresh large shrimp 1/2 cup butter 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery 1 bay leaf 8 cups chicken broth

Step-1 Peel and devein shrimp, save shells, set peeled shrimp aside. Melt 1/2 cup butter in large sauce pan, add shrimp shells and cook until shells turn pink. Add 8 cups chicken broth, onion, celery and bay leaf. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes.

90 | January 2016

Step-2 Ingredients 1 pound andouille sausage, thinly sliced 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup butter 1 cup flour 2 cups chopped onion 1 cup chopped green pepper 1 cup chopped celery 2 T. minced garlic 1 bottle amber beer 1 T. Ragin’ Cajun Fixin’s Famous Cajun Seasoning 1-1/2 t. salt 1 t. dried thyme 1/2 t. cayenne 2 t. Worcestershire sauce 2 bay leaves 1 pound lump crab meat

Step-2 In large Dutch oven, brown thinly sliced andouille sausage. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels, wipe sausage oil from Dutch oven. Add oil and butter, heat until melted, add flour and stir until roux becomes dark brown. Add onion, bell pepper, celery (The Cajun Trinity) and stir until onion is tender. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, add beer and stir to combine. Strain shrimp stock thru fine sieve into Dutch oven. Add reserved sausage and Cajun seasoning, salt, thyme, cayenne, Worcestershire, and bay leaves. Reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 hours.

Remove from heat and stir in shrimp. Let stand until shrimp are pink and firm, about 3 minutes. Add crabmeat, and stir gently to combine.

Serve over rice and garnish with green onion and stuffed shrimp muffins (see right).

Stuffed Shrimp Muffins INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

1/2 pound large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 Tbsp. butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 2-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives 1 teaspoon Ragin’ Cajun Fixin’s Famous Cajun Seasoning

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 12-cup non-stick muffin pan with baking spray and set aside.

In large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side; add garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and cook 1 minute more. Chop shrimp, and place in mixing bowl. Add chives and Cajun seasoning.

Refrigerate 20 minutes, or up to 2 days.

In large bowl, whisk together flours, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, jalapeño and remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Whisk eggs until frothy in smaller bowl. Add buttermilk, melted butter and combine. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and combine.

Divide batter among muffin cups, about a ¼ cup batter each.

Place 1 tablespoon shrimp mixture in center of each corn muffin.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes and remove from oven. Shrimp mixture will have sunk into the batter. Add an additional 1 tablespoon shrimp mixture to center of each muffin. Return to oven and bake until edges of corn muffin are golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes.

Let muffins cool in pan about 10 minutes, remove from pan and serve.

1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup yellow corn flour 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced 2 large eggs 3/4 cup buttermilk 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, slightly cooled

TSFMAG.com | 91

Science and the

Sea

TM

The Call of the Elephant Seal Breeding season can be brutal — even bloody — for male elephant seals. These heavyweights take the competition for mates very seriously, with both vocal and physical threats to other males. Sometimes they rear up to show their height, and sometimes they slam their chests onto the sand to send intimidating vibrations into the ground. But despite all this posturing, actual physical fights occur less than five percent of the time in elephant seal colonies.

Male elephant seals take competition for mates very seriously, but rarely get into actual physical fights.

Credit: Robert Schwemmer, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The reason, scientists have found, is that each male has a unique vocal call that allows nearby males to identify who he is and where he fits into their very sophisticated social hierarchy. Over a period of four breeding seasons with a colony at California’s Año Nuevo State Reserve, researchers observed male interactions and recorded their calls. When they played back these calls to the colony, male elephant seals became more aggressive when they heard the calls of lower ranking males, but they scurried off without calling back when they heard dominant male calls.

By playing those calls at another unrelated colony, the researchers learned that it’s an elephant seal’s knowledge of who’s who in his own colony that matters, not the tone, length or volume of the vocal call itself. The call of an unfamiliar male doesn’t lead the seals to fight or flee until they know who he is. Each male’s distinctive call does not change during his lifetime, enabling others to identify who he is and enabling him to avoid unnecessary fights even though he may interact with more than three dozen males each breeding season. So when he does actually fight another male for a female, he’s really in it for keeps.

www.ScienceAndTheSea.org © The University of Texas Marine Science Institute

92 | January 2016

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texas saltwater fishing holes matagorda to corpus M ATA G O R D A B AY Speckled Trout / Redfish

USCG Licensed Captain Stan Sloan

832.693.4292 fintasticcoastalcharters.com

• Bay Fishing, Offshore, Floundering, Waterfowl, Dove • Night Fishing off Lighted Pier • Right On The Water • Lodging with/without Meals www.matagordasunriselodge.com 979-241-1705 TSFMAG.com | 93

CHRIS MAPP

B O AT M A I N T E NAN C E T I P S

Little things sometimes

count most

Chris Mapp, owner of Coastal Bend Marine.

Evinrude, Suzuki, Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, BlueWave, SilverWave, Shallow Stalker Boats, Coastline Trailers, Minnkota & Motor Guide Trolling Motors.

Great Service, Parts & Sales “What can we do for you?”

94 | January 2016

So we have some downtime because, let’s face it, nobody fishes or takes a boat ride every day or every weekend during winter. Let’s get the year started on the right foot by going through the boat and catching up little things we tend to neglect during busier seasons.

I want to talk this month about one of the tiniest and most obscure of your boat’s components; the boat will generally run with or without it being operational, yet this device can be of greatest importance when it comes to protecting the investment you have made in your outboard engine.

Allow me to introduce your boat’s warning system horn—loud when working properly and dangerouslydeafeningly silent when out of commission.

This topic is very helpful when purchasing a new or used boat, especially from an individual owner or when boat builders or rigging technicians do not install engine manufacturer’s standard equipment gauges. After-market components sometimes do not communicate with the engine the way standard equipment gauges are designed to operate.

Outboard manufactures designed this system to warn the operator of engine conditions that are detrimental and happening in real time. Low oil, no oil, cylinder overheat due to lack of water or aerated water in cooling system, injector failure, combustion spark failure, detonation knock sensor, fuel starvation, low voltage, water in fuel, engine over-rev, and a host of other operating conditions are communicated to the operator via this warning system and they are all important.

Do you know how to tell this warning system is

working properly before a problem is incurred and do you know how to interpret this system information in the real time being presented?

Most warning systems have a self-test, either when the key is switched on and/or when you attempt to start the engine when the kill-switch lanyard is removed.

Do you look at the tachometer or information panel when you turn the key, did you see the lights or digital language go through a system check and hear the audible alarm when the key was turned?

If you find the answer is “no” then cancel your trip and have your system analyzed by a qualified technician. Most folks grow to ignore the “check engine” light on their car’s dash display when they are starting the engine with no real consequence, but ignoring alarm messages from your outboard engine is another matter entirely.

Remember that your outboard is not your car or truck engine and the habits you fall into should not be applied complacently to your boat. Outboard engine operating alarms were designed with good intentions to protect it. That “beep” or “chirp” you hear when you turn the key tells you all is good with the system. When you cannot hear it…do not start the engine. You may have only one chance to protect your investment!

Best Wishes for the New Year!

Chris Mapp “What can we do for you?”

Coastal Bend Marine | Port O’Connor, TX coastalbendmarine.com | 361-983-4841

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PESCADO PARK RV PADS & BOAT STORAGE

Baffin Bay

near Kaufer-Hubert Boat Ramp DAN WARD

OWNER / OPERATOR

832-860-4600

dwPescado@gmail.com

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ON THE WATER

Saltwater Fishing Clinics WITH

Capt. Robert Zapata

If you are having difficulty catching fish on a consistent basis, the clinic is designed for you. Learn Capt.Robert Zapata’s secrets to finding and catching more fish from his 25 years of experience as a professional fishing guide.

For Information Call 361-563-1160

Designer & Manufacturer of Specialized High Performance Fishing Rods Office: 361.573.0300

805 B. South Bridge Victoria, TX 77901

Fax: 361.573.0304

TSFMAG.com | 95

SPORT

Since 1983

Most Stable Fishing Platform

18’

The Sport Line utilizes our original quadrahedral double tunnel design and 12” gunwales, making these boats the best fishing platforms on the water.

Enhanced stability allows for lower sides, which improves your access to netting and releasing big fish. The Shallow Sport can run across the shallowest of flats, but can also handle 2 to 3 foot waves. Join the thousands of families already enjoying time on the water in their safe and dry Shallow Sport Boat. *Pricing for the 18’ Sport starts at $45,919 equipped with standard features. Visit website for details.

All-Around Perfect Boat

21’

The Sport model’s features make them lifetime fishing boats. Built with superior composite construction & available in three sizes - you can have it all. With the Sport, you can fish a larger rig without losing your ability to hole shot and run in the shallow flats. Don’t wait another minute. Reserve your very own Sport Model Shallow Sport by visiting our website for dealer information in your area. *Pricing for the 21’ Sport starts at $58,686 equipped with standard features. Visit website for details.

Quality Comes Standard

24’

Each Sport comes fully equipped with several standard features such as Yeti 125 qt. ice chest with vinyl cushion, digital gauges, in dash tackle boxes, and a protective windshield. Beyond the standard features, you can customize your very own Sport by choosing the color of the hull, deck, stripe, cushions, console and etc. Be sure to visit www.shallowsportboats.com to check out all of the available options for customizing your Sport. *Pricing for the 24’ Sport starts at $70,954 equipped with standard features. Visit website for details.

POWERED BY

The BEST Choice‌ Any Place, Anytime!

To find a location near you, please visit us at www.speedystop.com

Tidal Corrections Location Calcasieu Pass, La. Sabine Bank Lighthouse Sabine Pass (jetty) Sabine Pass Mesquite Point Galveston Bay (S. jetty) Port Bolivar Texas City, Turning Basin Eagle Point Clear Lake Morgans Point Round Point, Trinity Bay Point Barrow, Trinity Bay Gilchrist, East Bay Jamaica Beach, Trinity Bay Christmas Point Galveston Pleasure Pier San Luis Pass Freeport Harbor

High -2:14 -1:46 -1:26 -1:00 -0:04 -0:39 +0:14 +0:33 +3:54 +6:05 +10:21 +10:39 +5:48 +3:16 +2:38 +2:39 +2:32 -0:09 -0:44

Low -1:24 -1:31 -1:31 -1:15 -0:25 -1:05 -0:06 +0:41 +4:15 +6:40 +5:19 +5:15 +4:43 +4:18 +3:31 +2:38 +2:33 +2:31 -0:09

For other locations, i.e. Port O’Connor, Port Aransas, Corpus Christi and Port Isabel please refer to the charts displayed below.

Please note that the tides listed in this table are for the Galveston Channel. The Tidal Corrections can be applied to the areas affected by the Galveston tide.

Minor Feeding Periods coincide with the moon on the horizon, and the last from 1.0 to 1.5 hrs after the moon rise or before moon set.

Major Feeding Periods are about 1.0 to 1.5 hrs either side of the moon directly overhead or underfoot.

Many variables encourage active feeding current flow (whether wind or tidal driven), changes in water temp & weather, moon phases, etc. Combine as many as possible for a better chance at an exceptional day. Find concentrations of bait set up during a good time frame, and enjoy the results.

Te x a s S a l t w a t e r F i s h i n g M a g a z i n e l

w w w. t e x a s s a l t w a t e r f i s h i n g m a g a z i n e . c o m