Tide Predictions & Solunar Feed Times Inside!
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
June 2008
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June 2008
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Contents J une 2008 Volume 18 No. 2
features
12
38
42
96
102
12 Pass the Torch
Mike McBride
18 The Upper Laguna Madre’s Defining…
Kevin Cochran
24 Bodie and the Flounder Tournament
Martin Strarup
28 The Way of It
Billy Sandifer
32 Which side are you on?
Chuck Uzzle
36 A Dangerous Day on Matagorda
Jim Gann
dePartMents 29 Coastal Birding
Billy Sandifer
38 Let’s Ask The Pro
Jay Watkins
42 Fly Fishing
Casey Smartt
46 Tournament Trails
Brandon Jenewein
50 Offshore
Bobby Byrd/John Cochrane
58 Conservation
CCA Texas
60 Science and the Sea
UT-Marine Science Institute
62 TPWD Field Notes
Perry Trail
62 The Status of Saltwater Fishing in Texas
Larry McKinney
66 Kayak Fishing
Scott Null
70 According To Scott
Scott Sommerlatte
74 Youth Fishing
Aaron Cisneros
78 Fishing products that pass the test
Everett and Pam Johnson
what our guides have to say… 84 Dickie Colburn’s Sabine Scene
Dickie Colburn
86 Mickey on Galveston
Mickey Eastman
88 Capt. Bill’s Fish Talk
Bill Pustejovsky
90 Mid-Coast Bays with the Grays
Gary Gray
92 Catching up with Cliff
Cliff Webb
94 Capt. Tricia’s Port Mansfield Report
Capt. Tricia
96 South Padre Fishing Scene
Ernest Cisneros
reguLars 6
Editorial
10 Letters to the Editor 82 New Tackle & Gear 98 Fishing Reports and Forecasts 100 Photo Gallery–Catch of the Month 102 Gulf Coast Kitchen
107 Index of Advertisers
about the Cover Ryan Veurink is this month’s cover angler. Ryan enjoyed several days recently casting to tailing reds in the Matagorda Island marshes with Capt. Scott Sommerlatte. (Scott Sommerlatte photo.) www.TSFMAG.com
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June 2008
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Pam and I took over Gene Baker’s Gulf Coast Connections back in April 2001 and I have to say it’s been quite a ride. At that time, this publication was a meager 24-page quarter-fold free-issue tabloid. Having no background in publishing, ad sales, or circulation; putting it together and getting it on the street each month was an incredible chore. We learned quickly, though, and it wasn’t long before we began adding content and increasing circulation. We added the slick cover in January 2003 and made the jump to single-copy sales two months later. We really had our work cut out with that set of decisions. We were embarked on a mission of continuous improvement that included paper and printing upgrades, inclusion of more and better photos and illustrations, expansion of the writing team, increased technical and administrative staff, and a host of others. Every decision and improvement seemed to be met with instant acceptance from readers and advertisers, and each success led us anxiously to the next challenge. Soon, the trademark tabloid size of our magazine became a problem. Finding acceptance in prime retail locations became increasingly difficult. The mailing was becoming increasingly expensive too, not to mention that our subscriber list soon contained PO Boxes and mail slots that were too small, and mail carriers were tired of stuffing it where it didn’t fit. The only answer was to make it fit, and we did. We reduced the page dimensions by almost 20% and added more to make up the difference. Graduating from newsprint to coated paper was an improvement we couldn’t wait to implement. Naturally, coated paper is more expensive, but the quality of the print job more than made up for it. Circulation was growing and additional sales funded the improvement. Our in-house retail delivery team grew to include four full-timers and seven part-timers servicing 1500 individual retailers in more than 225 communities. Now we are faced with another set of growing pains. The desire to grow our publication in content and circulation still drives every decision and considerable infrastructure has already been created to support these goals. However, for the first time since we began this journey, the path is being obscured by factors we cannot control. Paper and printing cost has risen dramatically. Rita and Katrina started this ball rolling and the paper producers are not yet fully recovered. Some producing mills were forced to close their doors for good and the ones that remain are overbooked. You don’t need to be much of an economist to conclude that paper prices have risen sharply since 2005. Gasoline and diesel prices aren’t helping either. Our drivers pile up thousands of miles getting the magazine into dealer’s racks. Absorbing the increased cost of paper and printing would be easier without $3.50 gasoline and $4.40 diesel. So we’ve reached another crossroad. This is not to say we have lost our way, rather, it portends that some major changes may be looming. Since the beginning our publication has been produced more in the fashion of a newspaper than that of a magazine. Switching methods offers significant savings. Even greater economy could be accessed by downsizing to “standard magazine” dimensions. Paper manufacturers direct a large portion of their capacity to this market. Therefore, standard paper is cheaper than oversize paper. Another option we are considering is to upgrade to a glued perfect bound seam rather than our traditional saddle-stitch binding method. None of this is in stone yet, but I did want to give everybody a heads-up. Whichever path we take as regards the size of TSFMag and the production method we select, we remain dedicated to bringing you the most factual, informative, up-to-date, and entertaining saltwater fishing magazine the Good Lord will allow us to put together. That will never change. Good fishing, and be safe on the water. 6
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Letters to the editor it in all alone. It was a great day
Thursday, May 01, 2008
for her and the family to be out
Dear Everett,
together. As you can see, she had to change into something a
I have been reading your magazine for almost a year.
little more appropriate for this picture. I hope you can post this
It has been one of the most
in your magazine for her to see. We purchase your publication
informative sources of fishing
every month and love it. You guys and gals are doing a great
in Texas that I have found.
job reporting for all the outdoor enthusiasts' out there. Keep up the good work and happy fishing.
Recently a friend of mine told me how much fun he and
Thanks,
his son share when out on the
Chuck Hinojosa
water together. After seeing his enthusiasm, I decided to
Dear Chuck,
purchase my first boat. Since
Way to go! We gets lots of mail, but the letters about
our recent purchase, my son and I have been on the water at
parents taking kids fishing are my favorites. Tell Hunter we send
least once a week (and would probably do it more if my wife didn't mind). My son, A.J., is four years old and wakes up every morning and asks if
congratulations on her angling accomplishment and hope to see more very soon. Good fishing! E. Johnson-Edtor
we are going fishing. I must tell you, nothing puts a smile on my face more than seeing his excitement when we pull up to the dock. I wanted to share
Sunday, March 16, 2008
this with you because I really can't remember more fun that I have had with
Dear Editor, My name is Charlie Parker and I’m currently deployed to Iraq until early
any friends like I do when my son and I are on the water. This is important to me as I have seen the lack of parenting that is out
December of 2008, currently 6 months into my 15 month deployment. My
there these days. I have included a picture of my boy, and hoped that you
wife just mailed me a copy of your magazine (Dec issue) and I saw the little
might publish it in an upcoming issue. I want my son to see how much our
add about you supporting the troops and sending issues of your magazine. I
time together means to me when he gets older. Once again, thanks for your
would really enjoy your magazine if you don’t mind or if it isn’t to late. I am in
hard work on the magazine, and best of luck in your fishing.
a Cavalry Troop serving as a helicopter pilot flying an armed reconnaissance
Best Regards,
helicopter, the OH58D Kiowa Warrior. My wife and two daughters are living in Rockport during my deployment
Adrian Marquez
and they will have to move again to wherever the Army will send us upon
Pearland, Texas
my return. Before my deployment my buddies came to Rockport to wish my comrade Ryan Tyler and I off, but before we left we had a good time and
Dear Adrian, Kudos for getting A.J. on the water and teaching him a love of the outdoors and fishing. My dad did the same thing for me and the memories of those early trips are priceless today. Good luck – be safe – and good
caught a large black drum. It was a memorable time in my life with all the support from the Rockport area. There is a group called Bahia Bay Residents who put packages together for me and those I’m deployed with. They have been absolutely
fishing!
wonderful, and I can’t thank them enough. I will try and send you a
E. Johnson-Editor
couple pictures of me, my girls, and the fish we caught before my Tuesday, April 22, 2008
deployment. Thank you for your kind offer.
Everett Johnson and Pam Johnson
V/R CW3 Charles Parker
I would like to send you this picture of my daughter's first flounder. Her name is Hunter
B Troop, 1-6 CAV
Leslie Hinojosa. We were fishing just west
COB Speicher
of the Kemah/Seabrook bridge on the north
APO AE 09393
bank near the marinas Sunday afternoon 4/20/08. I took the wife and daughter out for a
Dear Charlie,
day of boating and decided to let our daughter
We have added you to our complimentary military mail list;
fish with some dead shrimp. She caught a few
hope you enjoy your magazine. If you know of any serving there
croaker before she hooked this 17 ½” flounder.
with you who would like a copy we want to know about it. We pray
She is five years old and caught it all by
daily for all the brave men and women serving our Nation in that
herself. Dad baited the hook and netted it at the
war-torn country. Godspeed in your mission. E. Johnson-Editor
boat, but Hunter casted, hooked it, and reeled
Send your leTTerS To: TSFMag, P.o. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983 10
June 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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editor and PubLisher Everett Johnson Everett@tsfmag.com
TsFMag is the leader in Texas and
exeCutive vP
growing larger every day, we are now available in over 1767 local retailers!
Pam Johnson Pam@tsfmag.com
We’ve got you covered! Retailers in these communities are now stocking our
business Manager Shirley Elliott
magazine. You can also sign up to subscribe by calling 361-785-3420 or on-
Shirley@tsfmag.com
line @ www.TsFMag.com . Reading on-line is also becoming a popular way to take our publication. Check out the FREE archived issues or purchase an E-Mag
inside saLes - advertising Coordinator
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Tracey Johnson Tracey@tsfmag.com
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“ya LiKe theM Pointynose trout donCha son?” “Uh… yeah,” I stammered, “Caught four more this morning.” “I know how many you caught,” the old crust barked back in his hardened tone. “Yes Sir,” I blurted in humbled reverence. I had seen this crusty coot wading at the end of the crashed out pier; you couldn’t miss him in his shiny yellow slicker and Jungle Jim hat. He was always by himself, and even if you got within talking distance, which I had already tried, he pretended he was alone. I was curious and somewhat honored he was even speaking to me. “What’s up with you walking past all them good fish and messing with those pencils? Why don’t you throw up here close where all them stub tails are?” I didn’t have a clue what he was talking about but he was a fascinating old goat. I could almost smell the paint and lacquer when he launched into his “good old days” story. Reminiscing aloud, he turned back towards me with squinty, sun-weathered eyes. “We used to make our own floaters. We’d whittle out a good shape and then go bullfrog huntin’ right there behind that bluff. We’d skin ’em, tan ’em, then stretch ’em over the plugs with a few coats of lacquer.” At the time I was throwing a yellow-bucktailed Johnson Sprite like most everybody else; but now I was being schooled in something that would eventually float me higher than any plug. He pointed to a Cotton Cordell Red Fin neatly pinned to his heavily weighted, color-coded hat. The lure looked like it had been beat to Hell and back with a stiff wire brush. “Go get you one of these, and be sure and get
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Sprite was and Johnson The red reel time. rowing at the what I was th
the rainbow trout colored one. Chunk it up there
a Christmas tree kid and finding something you
barking old man in the yellow slicker jacket for
near the grass on the bank at sun-up. Just work it
weren’t supposed to. I saw the ones I missed for
showing me what I’d not seen before.
slow and keep it on top. Then we’re gonna see if
days afterwards, replaying the scenes over and
you still wanna keep stomping out there up to your
over in my mind.
danged neck.”
It wasn’t so much the catching part, although
I didn’t know why he was giving up such a
I became determined to find and string as many of those big fish as I could. I guess it was so that I could prove to whoever cared that I too
that was awesome. It was the mere fact that I
could be successful. Coming home with a big
large piece of the coveted big trout puzzle. I never
had gained something, and that “something” was
strap became akin to a young buck Indian riding
found out either, because I never saw him again
huge. I fascinated over what it all might mean for
tall into camp with a belt full of scalps.
except from a distance. But I did what I was told.
future sun-ups in endless places. Predictably,
The next morning I threw my new broken-back plug at the bank just like I had been counseled. Within an hour trout fishing as I knew it changed
The initial excitement of learning was soon
the torch he passed propelled me on a quest that
replaced by the compulsion of even bigger hauls,
would last for years.
and I started getting frustrated if I walked out of
I began probing the new world of shallow water
the water without dragging great bounty behind
forever. I caught two fish that morning but they
with new purpose. Responsibility took a back seat,
me. To finish this little story, we’ll have to fast
were bigger than anything I’d ever handled.
there was an insatiable animal now driving me
forward about 25 years.
Watching solid trout swirl and magically
toward new and bigger conquests. I was hooked
materialize out of shallow water was like being
deep and I remain there. I will always thank the
I was fishing with a friend this past weekend that is about as new to saltwater fishing as I was
Get you one of these and chunk it up near the grass along the bank at sun-up.
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
June 2008
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back then. With a simple one-liner he handed
like a uniquely radiant sunrise, but the best
the final measurement, we might as well
back the valuable lesson from a time where
thing he said he saw that day was his new
just go pick corn.
excitement came from things not measurable
plug getting blown three feet out of the water.
in pounds and ounces.
It was his first explosive witness, and even
crusty old goat with a yellow jacket. I
though he missed the fish, it counted as one
sometimes wonder if all I’m missing
of the five.
is the jacket. My greatest hope is that
After I apologized for having a tough day and not putting us on a thick-shouldered trout bite, he said, “Well, I just don’t see it
It’s natural for us to gauge the success
Someday I’ll probably be a
I too can pass a torch to new anglers
like that. I figure that if I can see five things
of a fishing trip by what we can carry home.
as bright and long-lasting as that old
that I’ve never seen before I can call the day
Man has been supplying the camp for a long
Red Fin was for me. I hope I can
a success.”
time and those instincts still run deep, even
remember to include how the hunt
I thought about how I felt back on the bluff
through domesticated veins. However, if we
is always better than the kill; how the
with the old man; when the shear newness of
just stop for a moment, it’s also easy to
little things that happen throughout the
the experience far-outweighed any stringer.
re-live the excitement we felt when we were
day end up mattering most… not just
My friend mentioned things he had counted,
new to the sport. If we ever lose that, and
the big ones lying dead at the end.
rely solely on the number we can knife as
Discovering new patterns and techniques that work on bigger fish still sends spikes of adrenaline and lifts me to new heights of obsession. And although “big” will always be big, it’s not always the “biggest” part of the day. There is so much more to fishing than the act itself; even those little pointy-nosed trout count too. See you on the water, and quit
ContaCt
stomping out there to your danged neck.
MiKe MCbride
You like them pointy-nose trout, doncha son?
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he Laguna Madre differs from most other Texas bays in a couple of significant ways. First, it is relatively shallow throughout its expanse and second, it has virtually no oyster reefs. Consequently, vast stretches
the exception of the portions covered by depths greater than about five feet. The largest section of grass-free bottom is found in the deep hole adjacent to Yarbrough Pass. The silty floors in most of the channels in the Lagoon are also devoid of grass, particularly the Intracoastal Waterway. Otherwise, virtually all of the bottom sprouts some kind of sea grass, which makes for a grand spectacle to gaze upon, but also creates a kind of problem. Though grass is nearly everywhere, the fish simply aren’t.
of this treasured ecosystem superficially
Locating fish within the meadows normally requires
appear to have an intimidating sameness or
finding one of two things, either potholes within the beds or
lack of variety in features. Like all other bays, the Mother Lagoon does have its defining elements; some are more obvious than others. The best fishing in the upper reaches of this estuary, stretching from the north end of the Land Cut to Corpus Christi Bay, will almost always be associated with one of four prominent features: grass beds, sand bars, channels and/or rocks. Grass beds help give the Upper Laquna its elegant and scenic effect. When the water is in its naturally clear state, they appear as dark green blankets spread over the bottom. To those accustomed to fishing in the relatively murky waters of Upper Coast bays, looking on these waving beds can create a nearly feverish level of anticipation. I remember the joy I felt when I first walked among them, as I realized I’d found my way to a targetfishing paradise. Sea grass carpets most of the bottom of the bay, with 18
June 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
Low lying rocks, guts, potholes and grass mats lie within close proximity to one another in the area that produced this Laguna trout. www.TSFMAG.com
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large mats of dead vegetation. The potholes,
areas like those.
or sand pockets, as some refer to them,
Mostly in the middle of the bay lie the man
appear as pale, cream-colored spots within
the man made channels. The dredging of these channels, most prominently the ICW, led to
made sandbars, or spoil banks. Spoil banks on the
the formation and ongoing restructuring of the
the darker, emerald beds. They can be found near
upper coast are often studded with oyster beds,
sand bars. As material is removed to create
land in the shallows or farther offshore; most hold
but in the Lagoon, they exist as shallow sand bars
and maintain the channels, it is piled up nearby,
fish at some time or another, especially those
bearded with beds of grass. Some spoil banks
making the sand bars.
adjacent to other features.
are better than others in terms of fish holding
Potholes lying next to mats of dead grass
Currently, the ICW is the only channel
capacity. Man made bars with gentle slopes and
receiving regular maintenance, but in the past,
almost always hold at least a few fish. The
ample potholes in the grass along those slopes
oil companies dredged other ditches in order to
persistent winds help form the mats by driving
usually hold more fish than spoils with sharp drop
move heavy machinery over the water. These
floating vegetation onto the bank. Since the
offs and fewer potholes. As with the grass mats,
partially silted channels, many of which are visible
prominent wind in south Texas is a southeast
the ends and edges of the bars will often hold fish,
on satellite images like those found on Google
wind, most of the mats lie on the west shore, along
especially where there are sets of potholes along
Earth, are utilized by trout, redfish and flounder.
the famous King Ranch. A haven for all kinds of
and near these margins.
Temperature extremes can concentrate fish in the
small sea creatures, these mats are the anchor for the first link in the food chain. Focusing on potholes near the mats is a good way to find trout and redfish, but there are other fish-holding features within the mats themselves.
channels of the Laguna Madre. Justin McCaughan caught this trout out of potholes near a mat of grass piled up on the shoreline.
Especially in mid-winter, when water temperatures are at their lowest, the ditches hold nearly all of the fish in the bay. Dead end channels surrounded by grass beds and potholes
When tides are relatively high, water will cover
can fill up with fish in Jack Frost’s months. Areas
them entirely, creating a super shallow lagoon
immediately adjacent to such channels will also
above the spongy, soft layers of rotting strands.
hold fish in the heat of summer, especially on
Tiny fish and other organisms occupy these
scratching low tides.
skinny puddles, probably as a way to escape the
There are also natural guts or channels in the
predators who can‘t go there.
Upper Laguna Madre, most of which run parallel
Slight depressions in the edges of the mats
to shore. A few run perpendicular to shore and into
create highways between the tidal puddles atop
shallow lakes surrounded by land. These guts can
the mats and the deeper waters of the bay. These
hold trout and redfish, of course, predominantly
corridors become ambush points where deadly
where they dead end in the lakes themselves and
encounters occur, especially when tide levels
where they empty out into the main body of the
drop and leave the tops of the mats high and dry.
bay. This type of feature is more common in the
The ends and margins of the mats always have
Lower Laguna Madre, compared with the waters
potential to concentrate schools of fish as well.
north of the Land Cut.
The sand bars in the Laguna Madre also
Just north of the Cut, along the shore of the
consistently hold fish. Two types of bars exist in this old bay, those made by currents and wind and
Kenedy Ranch, lie an abundance of rocks, the Piles of rocks and/or other debris near the
fourth main defining feature of the Upper Lagoon.
those made by the hands of man. Natural bars
edge or end of a sand bar can also create habitat
A shallow, narrow backwater pond fronted by lines
exist on both sides of the bay, more prominently
for the creatures upon which trout and redfish
of crusty rocks in the area is aptly dubbed Rocky
on the east side, where a meandering whitish
feed, providing a starting point for the food chain.
Slough. The water fronting this shore is deeper
dropoff runs along much of the shoreline. The
Many of the spoils in this bay have such junk
than that along the King Ranch closer to Corpus.
edges of that sand bar slope off rather sharply in
around their ends, so anglers exploring these
many places and are not among the best places in
areas should proceed with caution and mark
when dredging is done. Studies indicate they are
the Lagoon to find fish regularly.
the humps, rocks and pipes they find. Certainly,
the fossilized remains of carbon-based sea life
burning the edges of the bars is rife with danger,
forms left behind in long lost times when this was
Meadows and Yarbrough Flats are all exceptions,
since some of the submerged obstacles are barely
the beachfront shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico.
since they are associated with gradually sloping,
covered and are capable of snatching lower units
Though they were once believed to be identical
shallow flats, grass and potholes and even grass
from the motors of the careless.
to the rocks found in Baffin Bay, the Kenedy
The sand bars in Night Hawk Bay, the
mats. When looking for fish on the east side of the Upper Lagoon, it pays to focus on sand bars in www.TSFMAG.com
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These rocks are not the kind that pile up
The spoil banks within the Lagoon are, of
rocks are now thought to be similar but made
course, associated with a related set of features,
up of different organisms. They can be most
Texas Saltwater Fishing
June 2008
19
Shallow sand bars amply covered with seagrass are great places to search for some of the big trout that make the Upper Laguna Madre famous.
Some of the shallow, grassy areas in The Lagoon are home to prized fish like this ten and a half pound trout.
treacherous, both to lower units and to those
the Lagoon helps narrow the search for
spots in the Lagoon are those in which multiple
fish in the awe inspiring expanses of this
fish holding features are found within close
exquisitely picturesque, yet potentially
algae, they have extremely uneven surfaces
proximity to each other. Any area having all four
puzzling body of water.
and holes deep within them. I’ve found it nearly
of the defining elements within yards of each
impossible to traverse some of the rocks near
other is likely to hold fish a good percentage
Rocky Slough, and won’t lead clients into their
of the time. Areas with two or three of the
midst anymore. Nevertheless, the boulders
elements deserve more attention than do those
attract and hold monster trout and redfish; that
with only one. Focusing fishing efforts on these
much is known. One way to fish them safely is to
types of areas will allow one to locate fish more
troll outside the edges of the rocks and cast to
consistently than will blindly and mindlessly
them from the deck of a boat.
drifting along and hoping the boat floats over a
attempting to wade among them. Often covered by bright green, slippery
This is, of course, not necessary north of Baffin, on the King Ranch Shoreline. Contrary to
Many novices fish the Upper Laguna Madre
what some people think and the fact that none
that way, just drifting and hoping. Predictably,
are shown on maps or on GPS screens, there
their catch is often meager when compared with
are numerous, and I do mean numerous, rocks
those who do some homework by studying maps
along that famous stretch of land. The Ranch’s
and satellite images, searching for things under
rocks are mostly “bottom huggers”, sticking up
the surface and marking them, then applying
no more than a foot or so into the water.
what they know about the season, tide levels and
Still, they can be a hazard to boaters; planing off on a set can ruin a propeller or lower unit, so idling far away from the bank before taking
20
school of fish.
Kevin CoChran
water temperatures to make predictions about where to start the search for fish. Experts at finding fish in this bay don’t get
off is wise along this shoreline, especially when
tunnel vision on just a few spots; the resident
tides are low. Finding low-lying sets of rocks and
trout and redfish move around quickly and can’t
noting their locations can help one find fish more
be counted on to appear in the same places over
consistently in the area, of course, particularly
and over again like they do in other bays. Still,
where sets are found near pretty potholes, grass
some spots hold fish more often than others.
mats, channels and/or sand bars.
Focusing on the four defining features of
June 2008
ContaCt
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mullet he had made his way to a small drain that
when the port side rod tip began to quiver. Tommy grabbed the rod just as a fish headed
fed into the backwaters
south with the bait. He did the “mandatory” five
of Espiritu Santo Bay. He
count and then set the hook as the fish signaled
had timed the tides just
it’s displeasure by running off 20 yards of line.
right and with the moon
“Another redfish,” Tommy said out loud.
on the rise he anchored
But then the fish came to the top of the water
at the mouth of the drain
as Tommy worked it towards the boat. It wasn’t
and set two rods out, one
a redfish. Redfish aren’t flat and they’re not
on the port and one on
brown either.
the starboard side of his
“Well Mr. Connor has been keeping me
boat baited with the finger
pretty busy at the ranch and I figured you’d be
mullet. Tommy watched
out trying to pattern some flat fish cause that’s
as the line of one of the
surely what I’d be doing if I had the time,” Bodie
rods started moving
said to his friend.
addon’s was having a fLounder tournaMent and the whoLe town
slowly to the right and
“Well I’d never think to do that Bodie, I mean
picking the rod up counted to five and then set
we’re partners and all and I figure we need to be
the hook.
doing our scouting together,” Tommy said.
was buzzing about it. No, the Haddon’s
took line and made a run away from the cut.
going to be able to get off to fish the flounder
Cup wasn’t on the line for this tourney, the
Heart pounding, Tommy fought the fish and was
tournament since we’re moving cattle,” said Bodie.
grand prize was every penny that the bar
disappointed to see a slightly undersized redfish
The drag responded immediately as the fish
took in on the Friday night of the tournament and
break the surface as he brought the fish to the
that promised to be quite a chunk of change.
boat. He released the red and was reaching for
Tommy Meyers was excited. Catching flounder
“Truth be known Tommy, I don’t know if I’m
Tommy saw the flounder and knew it was bigger than most any
a fresh finger mullet
took no skill at all and it was as simple as catching some live finger mullet and fishing them on the bottom near the cuts that water and bait flow out of with a moving tide. Tommy knew exactly where to go to catch a tournament-winning flounder. Near the old abandoned Army base is a cut that runs back into what is known as The Army Hole. Tommy knew that flounder moved in and out of this cut and he planned on testing his theory two days before the start of the tournament. “Where have you been Tommy?” Bodie asked. “Oh just doing this and that Bodie, I’ve been just really busy with the yard and stuff,” Tommy said. “Well pull up a stool, have a beer and set a spell.” Bodie urged. Tommy sat down and Eloisa set a cold beer in front of him. “I thought you might be out scouting for flounder,” Bodie quipped to his buddy with a grin. Tommy spewed beer and immediately started choking and gagging and Bodie slapped him on the back until Tommy caught his breath. “Why are you so nervous Tommy?” Bodie asked. “I’m, I’m not nnnnervous,” stammered Tommy. “Just went down the wrong pipe is all, just went down the wrong pipe.” Tommy had left the boat sling early that morning and after cast netting some nice finger 24
June 2008
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he’d ever caught. He set the hook again just to be
bubbles started rising from the stone and Tommy
secret so he could snatch them during the annual
sure that the fish wasn’t going to get off and he
was satisfied that the fish would be okay until he
Crab Trap Clean Up that happens every year. He
played it up to the boat. Sliding the net under the
got it to his “secret” spot.
could make a quick run out, pick up the traps and
big flounder Tommy managed to get the flounder into the boat. Laughing and snickering Tommy applied the Boga Grip and lifted it up. The Boga
“You’re not going to fish the tournament Bodie,” Tommy asked while sounding relieved. “Doesn’t look like I’ll be able to make this one
be back in no time just to be able to say that he had done his part for the sake of conservation. He pulled one of the traps from the shallow
scale said 8 ½ pounds and Tommy knew that if
Tommy what with everything that’s going on this
water, tossed it in the boat and headed towards
the tournament was going on at that moment he
weekend,” Bodie said.
his secret spot. Many people knew about Tommy’s
would win it. Tommy put the big fish into his cooler and
“Oh, that’s a shame Bodie, I mean you know
private sanctuary but he still considered it to be a
us being partners and all I got a feeling we would
secret spot and the unique thing about it was that
giggled again as he marveled at the size of the
win that tournament hands down!” Tommy said
boats seldom ran through the immediate area.
flatty and then an idea struck him as he noticed
with a smile.
People didn’t fish there much because there were
that the fish was still very much alive. Dumping the mullet out of his bait bucket
Tommy ran his boat the long way back towards town and stopped at a short slough where he
never any fish there to catch. Tommy looked around to make sure that no
and filling it with fresh bay water, he took his
knew there were several abandoned crab traps
one was watching him, and satisfied that no one
homemade ice (empty Clorox bottles filled with
still in good condition. He had found the traps
was about, he tied a small red trotline buoy to
water and frozen) out of the cooler and started
while cast netting for bait one morning and kept
the end of a length of nylon rope and tied that
filling it up with saltwater. He put the big
that information a
to the pilfered crab trap. He had to make some
flounder in the cooler and dropped
adjustments to the trap to keep crabs from getting
the air stone from a battery-
in and the flounder from getting out. Then he
powered aerator in and
pulled the big flounder from his makeshift live well.
turned it on. Millions of
Sliding the flounder into the trap, Tommy wired the door shut then tossed it over-board and watched it sink. The only clue that it was there was the small red trotline buoy that bobbed on the surface. “Well I’m heading to the house Tommy Boy; early morning coming up and a lot of work to do in a short period of time,” said Bodie. “Night Bodie and I’ll see you tomorrow; this place is going to be jumping the night of the tournament.” Tommy said.
ContaCt
Continued next month…
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Paul Knowles with one of four large jack crevalle sightcasted from the surf on light tackle.
Lthough i’ve written voLuMes about appropriate beach driving and camping etiquette I am continually bombarded with requests for such
they are closer to the water’s edge.
slow and difficult to
2. never sPeed through
impossible. When
CaMPs — even in
traveling towards
eMergenCy situations.
the Port Mansfield
If you have a sick or injured person
jetty one has no way of knowing if there
people in a high speed dash to seek
are going to be
to begin by saying that none of these
medical assistance you will only end up
fishable areas or not.
unofficial rules were decided by me. They
in a bigger mess and possibly cause a
Eighteen months
were created and adhered to long before
genuine tragedy.
ago it cost me an
Before we get into it though, I want
I ever showed up. To be honest and fair,
3. never JuMP out in the
I’d also like to clarify right off that I don’t
MiddLe of a grouP of angLers
the 168 miles from my house to the jetties
care whether you agree with them or not.
CatChing fish.
and back. The past two trips have cost
average of $27.00 for gasoline to travel
I’m simply passing on the rules as they
It’s not necessary, and by traditional
$101.00 and $102.00 respectively in fuel.
have always been and throughout all of
beach law, it actually is not your right to
The fish are there; it’s a simple matter of
these years it has never mattered if we
do so unless specifically invited by those
whether or not conditions will allow fishing
personally agreed with them or not. We
already there. Schools of actively feeding
for them.
simply complied with them because that
game fish are in constant movement along
was the way it was done and it worked.
the beachfront. Stop and ascertain which
POC and doing big game bay fishing trips
Near as I can tell very little works down
direction the school is moving and then
there and am really enjoying it. Simply
there currently.
drive a couple hundred yards away and
makes a lot more sense to spend two
I’ve taken to trailering the Panga to
wait for them to get to you. You’ll get your
hours on a highway to reach a fishing
ALONG THE EDGE OF
chance without hard feelings, tangled lines
destination where I know we will be
THE WATER.
and large fish cutting off other’s lines.
able to fish than drive three-plus hours
Any number of different groups can
on a rough and rugged beach with no
of the road nor run fishing lines
work the same school of fish for miles
idea if we’ll be able to fish or not. Soon
across the road that would impede
productively and pleasantly if everyone
the north winds will stop and with that
the flow of traffic. When other
stays spaced out and leapfrogs the
the sargassum reaching the beach will
vehicles are present you should
movement of the school.
lessen and eventually become sporadic in
1. NEVER BLOCK THE ROADWAY
Never camp in the middle
avoid stopping in the middle of
This is a pretty simple and realistic set
appearance. The surf zone will once again
the roadway, even brief stops
of rules if you take the time to consider
return to the beautiful and bountiful place
are considered an annoyance
them. Please remember that every other
I’ve known all these years.
and impolite to your fellow beach
person on that beach has the same right
fishers and drivers. If you need
to be there and enjoy it as you do. The
beach shark fishermen rarely started
to stop, pull over to the side so
greatest enemy of our privilege to drive on
fishing before Memorial Day as the
that others can get by. It is illegal
the beach of PINS is excessive speed.
conditions were too hostile prior to
and extremely dangerous to dig
Practical and successful surf fishing
speed trap trenches across the
has been during very brief windows of
roadway. As the high tide line
opportunity since the first of the year
withdraws throughout the day
and continuing to the time of this writing
move your rod holders so that
April 26 2008. Sargassum has been
they stay at the waters edge
commonly piled three or more feet
rather than block off wonderful
high along most of the PINS beach
driving areas for others. You will
front throughout April. Travel on the
(Left) Paul Knowles with a 26 # jack crevalle on extremely lite Daiwa tackle on a Panga big game fishing trip at POC.
June 2008
beach has varied from
in your vehicle and run over two other
information; so I’ll address it again.
28
also get less sargassum on your lines if
I’m also reminded that the original
that date. We have had any number of atypically angler friendly years that
(Right) TPWD marine biologist, Todd Neahr, Joe Davila, Glenn Glazer & Joe Alcala with jack crevalle on trip donated to Sharkathon.
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allowed for much earlier fishing and now we are a bit spoiled and certainly disappointed when the cycle became hostile once again. Last summer several vehicles were ruined after becoming buried in ultra-soft sand at the water’s edge. Sargassum is stacked several feet high and as it decays it will be covered with fresh sand which appears harmless and safe to drive on. Ol’ timers called it oatmeal as it has the same texture as oatmeal cereal beneath the thin covering of clean sand. Upon driving into one of these soft spots your vehicle instantly sinks to the frame and in most cases only a wrecker can free it. There are tricks to fishing with minimum and moderate amounts of sargassum. Avoid excessively windy days as it moves the weed faster. Bass Assassins, weedless Body length: 52 inches. Wing span: 87 inches.
spoons and topwater lures with single hooks all work well in
Weight: 15 pounds.
weed. Shark fishers have several tricks that help. Use more
The whooping crane, our tallest bird, is native only to North
sinker weight than usual. Set baits at a 45 degree angle into the current. Braided lines work better than monofilament in
America. Listed as highly endangered, the sole remaining
sargassum. Don’t let weed build up on your line; remove it
natural wild migratory flock winters in Texas with breeding and
as it collects. Outriggers or extended rod holders will lessen
nesting in northern Canada. Efforts are underway to re-establish
the amount of weed fouling your lines. Smaller baits will hold
a second migratory flock between Wisconsin and Florida with
bottom better than large ones when the weed is prevalent
the use of ultra-light aircraft teaching the young cranes the
and impacting your lines.
migration route. There are currently 72 whooping cranes in that re-introduced flock. A non-migratory flock in central Florida
Dr. Donna Shaver of the Sea Turtle Recovery Program
numbers 37 cranes. Whooping cranes are bred in 5 locations in
Kemp’s ridley nests found
North America with young of the year used for re-introductions.
on Texas beaches. Eleven of these have been on PINS so that means twelve were found on other Texas beaches. Drivers on all Texas beaches must remain aware and alert for nesting sea turtles.
ContaCt
reports that as of 29 April; there have been twenty-three
CaPt. biLLy sandifer
birds during the late 1930s. Through extensive conservation efforts the flock that winters in Texas has increased to 266 individuals according to the 2007 census figures. The whooping crane population increased dramatically by 30 birds in 2007 as a record 65 nests produced 39 fledged young that reached the wintering grounds. Nine white-plumaged cranes died from unknown causes during the year. Current total population is approximately 523 birds including captive, non-migratory, and
Well this year so
migratory flocks.
far has been the winter seemingly without end and I doubt many of us will miss it. I sure won’t. Life’s a Hoot; Go get you some of it. Be Careful, Be Courteous, Be Kind.
Whooping crane populations dipped to fewer than thirty
Billy Sandifer operates Padre Island Safaris offering surf fishing for sharks to specks and nature tours of the Padre Island National Seashore. Billy also offers bay and near-tshore fishing adventures in his 25 foot Panga for many big game and gamefish species.
Plumage is almost entirely white with black primaries, has black bristles on carmine crown. Chicks are mottled cinnamon, fading to white with cinnamon skull cap as sub-adults. Greatest threats are habitat loss, loss of freshwater inflows, and collision with man-made obstructions such a power lines, fences and wind turbines. Though sexually mature at three years, most whoopers do not reproduce until age five. Whoopers arrive in Texas during October and remain
Telephone 361-937-8446 Website www.billysandifer.com
through early April. While spending the day of March 15 on San Antonio Bay with our editor, Capt. Everett Johnson, we counted 33 individual whooping cranes; approximately 12% of the total North American migratory population… awful cool. The greatest number was sighted on Welder Flats, Shoalwater Bay, and several pairs in the marshes of Matagorda Island.
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ou Know that feeLing you get when you are about to do something that is going to cause some
caught on artificial and one caught on live bait,
that we live in; it’s a shame that more anglers
dead is dead. Respect your sport and your fellow
aren’t willing to participate for fear of their image
fishermen as long as they obey the law because
being tarnished.
we all want to enjoy our time outdoors.
Here in the Sabine area we are very fortunate
drama, well I have it right now as I stare at
Try as they might no lure manufacturer will
to have a great supply of free live bait. Anyone
this computer screen because I am about to
ever be able to create a lure that works better than
who can throw a cast net can fill their livewell
put into print the two most controversial words in
the real thing. The typical profile of the weekend
without spending a dime. Most of our local anglers
the world of Texas coastal fishing and those are
angler is not that of the high-end trophy hunter
have no idea how much money anglers on other
“live bait”. These are the forbidden words that stir
who chunks lures for hours on end looking for one
bay systems spend on live bait. Live shrimp runs
up trouble and make blood pressure numbers soar.
big fish. It’s the fisherman who takes a quart of
anywhere from $12 to $20 dollars a quart along
live shrimp or a bucket of mud minnows and looks
our coast. Now if you plan on
for anything that will bite.
fishing all day you
No matter how hard you try to stay neutral there is no greater polarizing subject along the Texas gulf coast and everybody who wets a line
Much has been made of the big trout
will probably
is involved. The thing that is most alarming to me in this dispute is the way some of the antilive bait crowd seem to enjoy stirring it up and then sitting back to enjoy the show as fishermen fight other fishermen. Just like the old saying, “divide and conquer,” if we continue fighting one another we only hurt the sport we love. I hope that even if you are against fishing with live bait that you will at least read this story and respect your fellow fishermen who subscribe to the method. They enjoy the sport just like anyone else. Over the years I have come to realize that not every angler is a plugger or grinder. Not every fisherman lives for the blow-up or the hours of empty casts that sometimes culminate in one great fish. Are they wrong for not living and dying by the, “topwater ‘til you drop,” philosophy? Not no… but HELL NO! In case you haven’t
phenomenon and all the hoopla that surrounds that style of fishing. I personally have devoted
buy at least
noticed the folks throwing hooks and weights
plenty of articles to the subject as well as many
three quarts, that’s
outnumber the artificial-only crowd by a large
days on the water. On the other hand, I have
an extra $36 to $60 dollars
margin. Besides what the numbers show you can’t
devoted plenty of time on the water fishing with
per trip on top of $3.00 gasoline. Anglers
tell me that somewhere down deep inside you still
live shad or mullet and I enjoy those trips just as
who fish with guides on places like Calcasieu or
don’t get a kick out of watching a cork get pulled
much or maybe even more on occasion.
Galveston not only pay guide fees, but they also
under, that’s perhaps the most basic thrill of the
There is something very calm and social about
are expected to pay for the bait as well, and that
entire sport and anybody who tries to tell you
anchoring up in the mouth of a bayou or in the
gets steep in a hurry. I don’t know how many
different is kidding themselves.
river and peacefully anticipating the next bite for
horror stories I have heard from anglers who went
whatever species shows up. Some of the best
out with a guide and paid for live shrimp only to
were a kid and stirs memories of trips from the
conversations I ever had with my son were on the
have it die halfway through the trip due to a bad
past that are as vivid as anything out there. I
back of the boat as we sat and fished live bait.
live well system or some other problem. Their only
guess if I could emphasize one point it would be
The laid back mood associated with this style of
solution was to go back to the bait stand and buy
that there is no difference between a cooler of fish
fishing is a welcome change from the hectic world
more. My wallet hurts just thinking about it.
Live bait fishing takes you back to when you
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June 2008
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Another bait we don’t see in this area is croaker, the summertime trout bait of choice on the middle and lower coast. Live croaker prices
regardless what some may think, using croaker for
rig; both are popular methods and each works
bait is perfectly legal.
well. If there is a drawback to fishing shad it’s their
While we don’t really have a consistent supply
durability; shad are difficult to keep alive for long
run $6 to $10 a dozen depending how far south
of live shrimp or croaker in our area we do have
periods if you don’t pay attention. Most anglers
you go. The number of live croaker sold on any
live bait that is every bit as good if not better, live
try to put too many shad in their live well; this is a
given summertime Saturday is staggering, and
shad. The small pogies and menhaden that thrive
recipe for disaster. All the shad in the same small
make no mistake the live croaker bait industry is
in our waters are great baits for almost any and or
space produce waste and deplete the oxygen in
a huge money maker for trawlers and bait camp
all species of fish that can be caught in our area
the water which usually kills them really quick. In
operators. Right or wrong, many who miss the fall
either fresh or salt. Besides being readily available
order to make the most of your shad don’t put too
croaker runs we used to see attribute the decline
for those who can throw a cast net the best thing
many in your live well, change your live well water
about them is that they are 100% free.
frequently, and keep the water in your live well
of the croaker to the recent rise in popularity that using them for
The summer months are tailor made for
cool by adding frozen water bottles or some other
drifting shad under a cork or fished along the
means. By taking a few extra precautions you can
bottom on a Carolina
keep your bait fresh and lively all day. Which ever method you prefer, live or artificial, the summer forecast looks really good for Sabine and Calcasieu. The salinity is super high right now and there are all manner of gulf species swimming around the lakes and the rivers right now so who knows what your next bite will be? Take precaution with the heat and keep an eye on the summer thunderstorms that will flare up in a hurry, but most of all be sure to enjoy your time on the water.
ContaCt
ChuCK uZZLe
bait has attained. Live croaker are very effective and nothing proves the point better than an artificialonly guide struggling to put clients on half limits while his counterpart using croaker puts together a limit for his group well before lunch. There have been plenty of cleaning table altercations surrounding this practice, but www.TSFMAG.com
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EDITOR’S NOTE: We received this story from Jim Gann of Bay City, TX. Jim is a retired technical manager from Celanese Chemical Co. who fishes 4-5 days per week on the bays near Matagorda. Jim and his fishing buddy, Buzzy Romine, endured a harrowing experience that nearly ended in tragedy. With Jim’s permission we are presenting it here as a service to our readers. While none of us are weather experts, doing the right thing during a dangerous storm could save your life. There are many excellent sources listed here in Jim’s story that we would encourage readers to explore. Good luck and good fishing… take appropriate caution and be safe out there. Many thanks to Jim and Buzzy for sharing this tale.
his story begins in the denver internationaL airPort on June 4, 2007. We had just spent a three day weekend with our daughter and family, especially our nine year old
back to the boat, turned on the electronics and became very alarmed. He quickly picked me up and we barely got back to the Diversion Canal before we ran into strong north winds. On the morning of June 5 I went to my fishing camp to get
grandson. The whole weekend had been taken watching The
my gear. It was too early for weather on local TV. I met Buzzy
Arvada West Wildcats compete in a baseball tournament. Now
at Russell’s Bait Camp at the harbor in Matagorda shortly after
we sat waiting for our flight to Houston Hobby and my mind
5:00 AM. We had our cup of coffee and talked about the trip.
turned to Matagorda Bay where I spend a great deal of my time.
Buzzy said he had seen the radar and we were in the clear
I began wondering if my fishing buddies have been catching my
except for a storm out near Del Rio, some 250-300 miles
share of the fish. Has the weather been cooperating? What will
away. It was expected to proceed to South Texas. Our weather
the weather be tomorrow?
continued to look outstanding with very light wind. While at
I grabbed a window seat as I usually do for the two hour
Russell’s we met and visited with Jessie Deshotels and his two
flight. Our captain mentioned that we would be flying at 39,000
future brothers-in-law, age 17 and 12. The 12 year old told me
feet to avoid storms. During the middle part of our flight over
this was his first trip offshore. They were planning a trip about
New Mexico and North Texas I saw nothing but clouds below.
65 miles into the Gulf of Mexico. I told him it looked like a good
Upon arriving in Houston I noticed water standing on the
day and wished him well.
runway. Our shuttle driver said they had a heavy shower that
At the first crack of daylight, Buzzy and I started loading
morning but the weather was clear now. After arriving at our
his boat. During the process we met Captain Tommy Countz,
ranch near Matagorda I noticed no indication of rain or other
Ray Denson, Captain Bobby Gardner, Mary Covington and
bad weather since we had left three days earlier.
Don Carpenter who were boarding Tommy’s boat for a trip into
About 4:00 PM fishing buddy and neighbor, Buzzy Romine, called to see if I could go the next morning. He said weather forecasts indicated it was going to be a good day. I told Buzzy
West Bay. I later found out they were going after tripletail, which would take them further west than we planned on going. Buzzy carefully picked his was through the swing bridge,
I would like to go if everything checked out with the ranch
river locks and Diversion Canal into West Bay. He wanted to
operations, animals, etc. We agreed to talk again early evening.
know where I thought we should begin our day and I suggested
After watching the weather forecast I called Buzzy agreeing
a place near the first Cullen House where we had caught
that tomorrow would be a good day. Each forecast indicated
several nice trout in the previous two weeks. The place is
diminishing chance of rain the next three days.
referred to in our crowd as “Jim’s Hole” since they see me
Buzzy and I alternate trips in our respective Gulf Coast Boats. On this day we would be going in his boat which he keeps at the Matagorda Harbor. His boat is a 23-foot Gulf Coast
fishing there often. Buzzy agreed and maneuvered his boat into the spot as we have done on many occasions. The wind was very light but, to my surprise, from the
Vari-side which he has equipped with large-screen color GPS
northwest. We began to fish using our modified Rebel jointed
and satellite weather radar. This feature served us well last
minnows, a lure that almost always works for us in this location.
fall when an approaching front almost caught us in the bay. It
For the next two hours we were picking up nice eating size trout
was a day I will never forget because I lacked only two trout
sporadically, but often enough to keep our interest. Once, when
of finishing out limits on trout, redfish and flounder. We knew
they started hitting almost constantly, we looked up to see a
the front was close, but I wanted to catch the trout for bragging
pod of dolphins invading our playpen. Needless to say this shut
rights with my fishing friends. We noticed the weather beginning
down our catching for awhile.
to build back toward the nuclear plant to the north. Buzzy went 36
June 2008
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f
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a
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u
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and was appreciative of some low level clouds that formed along a line similar to the shoreline of the peninsula. Soon it began to rain in large scattered drops, not enough to really get us wet, just damp and cool. The wind stopped altogether and it was getting very hot. The light rain was obviously coming from the low clouds and would soon disappear.
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The winds blew very strong in a circular motion and the rain became ice cold. The lightning would just not let up. Buzzy began to breathe real hard and shake badly from the cold. I talked to him about rain gear or a tarp he might have in the boat. He could not remember. I was pretty sure he had both in the nearby boat because on a previous trip in his boat he had loaned me a windbreaker. We had
By now the trout bite had slowed to an occasional strike
also discussed the possibility of just such an event happening. I told
and I decided to move nearer the boat and an oyster reef to try for
him it was routine for me to keep a small (10 x 10) plastic tarp in my
a flounder. Buzzy turned to fish in the gut that reaches back into
boat and I frequently would get on the back and under the tarp to wait
the peninsula. It was at this moment that we experienced a bolt of
out storms.
lightning that streaked across the sky but did not reach the ground. It was however very near and very loud.
Knowing Buzzy I was pretty sure he had both a tarp and raingear in his boat, if I could just get to it. I mustered the courage a couple
I immediately stepped onto the bank, unhooked my stringer of
of times but the lightning would just not let up. Also, during the water
trout and laid my rod on the ground while calling for Buzzy to join
spout the water level dropped at least a foot, maybe a foot-and-a-half.
me. He was about 200 feet away and several more lightning strikes
The boat was stuck in the mud and we’d left it in nearly three feet of
occurred before he could get to the bank. He did the same with his
water when we parked it.
stringer and rod and laid down about five feet from me. We were lying
Finally, about an hour after Buzzy had been struck, I was able
in the grass with a small knoll of sand, shell and driftwood that stood
to get to the boat and search for a tarp and raingear. It was still very
about 1-2 feet above our heads.
dark and while expecting a lightning bolt to strike the boat any second
The lightning bolts were now frequent and loud, striking the ground nearby. It was also raining hard. With no tarp or raingear we were uncomfortable and cold but mostly we were scared. I have
all I could find was a pair of waders and some towels which I carried hurriedly back to cover Buzzy. That’s when the storm seemed to get it’s second wind and it
been caught many times in similar storms that usually cease in a few
started all over again. It was at this point that we experienced the
minutes. This time the lightning bolts seemed to be continuous and
second water spout/tornado and we were blue and freezing. I slid us
striking very near.
both down into the water for the warmth. This helped for a while but
I was remembering a story from angler friend, Tony Hamilton.
when the water level came rushing back we had to move higher to
Some years before he saw another angler and partner being
keep our heads above the surface.
struck by lightning very near to him. On that occasion the angler was killed and his partner was knocked
Buzzy seem to drift in and out of consciousness. After repeated questioning he believed the rain gear was stored under the leaning
unconscious and they had to remain with the two
post and the plastic sheet was in a box under the console. After
victims for almost two hours for the storm to let up.
another 20-30 minutes the storm eased up again and I was able to
Buzzy and I remained there on the ground for about 30 minutes when suddenly lightning seemed to strike very near although I never actually saw it hit the ground. After a second or two Buzzy’s upper body sort of lurched toward me and I called out, “Buzzy, did it hit you?”
get the gear to warm him up. One Houston TV station reported that there had been over 14,000 lightning strikes in West Matagorda Bay that morning. As the storm moved on we were faced with the decision of whether to start in or stay put for a while. It was improving where
“I believe it did, Jim,” he replied cradling his head in his hands.
we were but it looked bad back toward Matagorda. Finally it was a go situation. Buzzy was able to transport himself to the boat while
Buzzy was straining and taking deep breaths as we
leaning on me. He seemed to be getting better as he warmed up.
do when we are trying to ward off pain. I could see no
I called Matagorda County Commissioner, George Deshotels,
obvious wound and turned him partly toward me
since his number was in my cell phone. He did not answer but the call
and felt his back.
was switched over to the JP’s office and I asked them to notify EMS
“Wow, I wouldn’t want to do that again,” Buzzy managed with a groan. The lightning strikes increased and now were continuous. I was afraid Buzzy would try to
to meet us at the swing bridge. Just as I got our boat on plane and came out of the bayou, coincidentally, we intercepted Tommy Countz and party who had taken refuge at two different houses further down the bay as they waited out the storm. After quickly explaining our
stand up and I did not know if I could restrain him; luckily he stayed
dilemma, Captain Bobby Gardner jumped into our boat and drove us
down. I began firing any question at him I could think of just to make
to the swing bridge while I sat in the back with Buzzy to make sure he
conversation and hopefully keep him awake and coherent. Although he
didn’t fall out.
was sluggish he was responsive and kept cautioning me to not get up. “I’ll be alright Jim, whatever happens don’t get up,” he said over and over.
Buzzy into their care, transporting him to Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City. After informing his family, Bobby Gardner and I stored his
It continued to storm and then we experienced what I believe was a tornado or water spout. Indeed, Ray Denson later told me they saw three water spouts right on top of us. He actually took a picture of them. www.TSFMAG.com
Both Matagorda and Bay City EMS met us at the bridge and took
boat in the harbor boathouse. For the first time in about three hours since the incident began, I felt a little relieved. It was now about noon. After storing our gear at my camp and getting some dry clothes I took off for the
Just Keep Five
Texas Saltwater Fishing
…Cont’d on page 80 June 2008
37
J ay wa t K i n s
i write very few artiCLes about redfish simply because
Redfish are designed to feed close to the
the redfish connected to the areas where the
bottom. The mouth is turned downward and
choicest of forage species hang out.
I concentrate most of my fishing effort on
the eyes are situated with a downward angle.
speckled trout. This started because one could
Redfish are broad-tailed, built for power and
movement. Redfish, to me, are more current
keep more trout on a guided trip when I started
maneuverability. Always remember that fish with
sensitive than most of us give them credit for
guiding in 1980. We caught plenty of redfish
forked tails are built for speed and agility.
being. Many believe that once redfish move into
back then but I think we have even more redfish
Due to a redfish’s body shape it makes
Our third thing to consider is water
a back lake or marsh they stay, never leaving.
today. One thing is certain, we had fewer people
sense to me that the shallower the water
This is not totally true but, there is some truth
trying to catch them back then. Of course with
the easier it is for them to feed. Do not
to it, and I’m probably confusing you. Don’t feel
freezes and increased fishing pressure it did
misunderstand, I catch my biggest redfish
bad, I was for years until I actually was able
not take long for the Texas Parks and Wildlife
over deeper structure but, the reason for that
to observe just what they really do. When the
to take action and reduce redfish limits from ten
comes later in the article. By feeding shallow
water level falls, the reds actually move into
per day to five and now down to three.
the redfish can drastically reduce the area it has
the shallows, not leave with the water as lots of
to hunt. The smaller the strike zone the more
people believe. During high tides the reds often
hatcheries and stocking program, redfish
efficient the feeder. All predatory species; fish,
turn and move out of the lakes as the waters
abound today in every bay system on the Texas
fowl or mammal like to work less and eat more.
come up.
Along with the CCA, SEA, and our TPWD
coast. The rubber-lipped carp as some call
The second bit of information you need to
Here’s why I believe as I do. As tides fall the
them has been elevated to the status of king
consider concerns the fish’s diet. What is it we
actual acre feet of water is decreased, leaving
and I for one am glad to see it. Sure I prefer to
see in most every redfish we put a knife to?
less water for everything in the shallows. The
chase large trout but there is nothing that can
Crabs, shrimp, mud fish and small perch are
redfish move in and eat as the residents of the
save a day quicker and more impressively than
what I see most. Mullet- believe it or not- are
shallows are vacating. On an incoming tide
a few of these bronze-backed knuckle busters.
way down the list. I have seen snakes, rats,
the acre feet of fishable water is dramatically
Over the past few seasons our trout bite
shotgun shells and bottle tops but these are
increased, making hunting much harder due
isolated instances.
to countless new areas of flooded grasses.
has suffered from causes we cannot control. The drought a few years ago hurt us, then in
If it moves in front of a hungry redfish
The effort spent searching for bait does not
2007 we had so much rain and run-off that our
chances are they will snap it up. We find the
outweigh the rewards so they pass on that
choice reefs held more channel cats than trout.
most crabs, shrimp and especially mud fish
option. By heading out of the shallows, a lake
Honestly… channel cats in the bay. Not too hard
in our back lakes and estuaries as well as the
let’s say, the redfish push up along the outside
to get on a stringer but, boy howdy, getting them
small ditches or drains that feed them. Ditches,
shorelines. This response to water movement
off is a chore! Just kidding, I never kept any but
drains creeks or sloughs, whatever you choose
allows them to push the bait up against a wall,
I saw some that did.
to call them, are simply pathways that keep
the shoreline is the wall.
With our trout bite off, I had to do
I have noticed over my many years of
something. Sorting through my mental
wading shorelines that redfish seem to
data banks I retrieved what I needed
congregate on areas of the shoreline where
from my early guiding years and began
there is an actual beach, not flooded grass.
searching for redfish on an increasing
Here again, at least to me, the reason is
number of trips. I found that many of
simple; here they can push the bait up
my trout enthusiasts had no problems
against dry land. The bait can only go so far,
catching and releasing redfish when the trout would not cooperate. This leads to the often asked question… What are the key elements to consider when searching for redfish? The first thing I try to explain is that they need to know a little about the makeup of the red itself. 38
June 2008
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39
a sK t h e Pro and then it must fight its way off the shoreline to the safety of deeper water. The vibration and commotion created by that commotion this attracts redfish. I have seen and have photos of redfish that have knocked the bait right out on dry land, and then slid up there on their side and ate the flopping fish. Hey, it’s true, hard to believe but true. Now we know where the feed, how they feed, the foods they prefer and the effect current and water level can have, but we still haven’t made a cast. Hey, the work is locating the fish and playing the tides. The catching is usually one of the easiest pieces of the puzzle. Here is how I approach a likely looking redfish area and how I catch them. First, I prefer to wade. Wading in back lakes and along some shorelines can be grueling business due to softer than normal bottoms. Crabs, shrimp and especially mud fish, prefer softer bottom conditions. All three bury somewhat in the soft top layers of the bottom as protection against predation. Moving WITHOUT SPOOKING is the key. If you’re spooking mullet, you’re spooking redfish. I have to laugh when I see a guy tromping across a shallow flat headed to the back of the cove. With the noise they are making the fish will be in the next county before they get to where they thought the fish would be. I do a lot of standing and listening as I creep along. Feeding redfish are noisy; they crash and bust the surface making it hard NOT to notice them. But hear this… once they suspect that something is up they’ll disappear instantly without so much as a ripple. Redfish have incredible senses. I believe they can sense your presence even when you’re standing still. I often kneel to reduce my silhouette and get the right angle for the cast. Sometimes I kneel when fighting one to avoid spooking others nearby. This pays off when a fish follows the one you have hooked. If you’re lucky and land your fish without spooking others you can get two from the same spot. You have to be in stealth mode when fishing shallow, especially on days with little or no wind. Bait selection for me is simple; I downsize to the 4-inch or 3-inch Sea Shad Assassins for shallow applications. If I am on a deeper, outside shoreline or drifting, I like the 1/2-ounce spoon. Gold, silver, black, and even chartreuse, I use them all. The vibration of the spoon spoon brings to the game is the ability to cover lots of water very effectively. As always these are my tactics and they work well for me. I know on the tournament trail I hear tons of theories and most of them sound OK but I find myself sticking to what I know best and that is just what I have written about for
ContaCt
is critical in my opinion. The luxury the
you. Always stick with the plays that have the best blocking! May Your Fishing Always Be Catching.
40
June 2008
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41
C a se y sM a rt t
we are aLL drawn to fLy fishing for different reasons. Some of us simply enjoy the gentle whisper of fly line streaking overhead
few moments of observation. ShoW TheM your Fly
leT iT Be When you first spot a fish, or group of fish,
Not long ago, I was fishing with a friend in a shallow clear lake that was absolutely full of
and the sights and sounds of the outdoors,
sometimes the worst thing you can do is cast
feeding redfish. Honestly, it was a bit freakish
while others like the exercise and peace of
to them. There are several reasons why this is
how many tailing, slurping, writhing gangs of
mind angling brings. A handful of anglers fish
true. The most obvious is that firing from the
redfish were in this particular lake, and we both
because it is a competitive challenge. But
hip is a low-percentage choice. The classic
knew it. But my buddy struggled to catch one all
most of us fish because it’s thrilling. We spend
situation that comes to mind is when you spot
morning long. I watched from a distance as he
countless hours dreaming and preparing for
a fish slowly cruising away from you. Casting
got no response from fish after fish. These fish
that single moment when it all comes into focus
over his shoulder is tempting. “He’s gonna’ get
were aggressively feeding, he had the right fly
and we hook into a muscle-bound predator
away,” you think. But trying to throw a lasso at
on, and he was making quiet stealthy stalks to
making a bareback run for the horizon. Our
him will bite you in the butt nearly every time.
no avail. Finally, I slipped up closer to see why
hearts pound, our ears ring, and for a few
The usual outcome is that the line or leader
things weren’t working for him.
minutes everything else fades away. It’s cool. The primary target of Texas saltwater fly
lands alongside him, by his eye. Redfish don’t really like fly line in their eye. If you make it past
fisherman is the redfish. They are plentiful,
that hurdle, and your fly lands safely on the
accessible, and willing to play in a wide variety
other side, your retrieve will bring it right back at
of conditions. Sightcasting these fish with
him — straight at his face. Sound like a natural
a fly rod in shallow water is one of angling’s
presentation? Redfish are suckers for an easy
great experiences. The jolt of adrenaline
meal, but that one is too good to be true.
triggered by the sight of a lumbering 5 lb redfish
Perhaps the best reason, though, to holster
easily explains why they command so much
your sidearm when you spot fish is because
control over the behavior of 200 lb men. They
you can learn something by waiting and
compel us to do strange things. I suppose
watching. I am not suggesting we all become
the adrenaline rush is linked to some ancient
ardent fish-watchers, but choosing to hold off is
gene. A cat eyeing a cricket has it. A shorthair
sort of like the angling version of, “Talking less
pointing quail has it. And buried beneath our
and listening more,” and you can benefit from
100-dollar shirts and neoprene boots, most of
it. By spending just a little time watching redfish
us still have it. We are thrill seekers.
you can find out whether they are feeding or
When it comes to fishing, I am definitely a
42
on the up’s and down’s of fly fishing for reds. Take them for what they are worth.
cruising, what they are feeding on, and how
thrill seeker. I’ve spent more time than most,
they are responding to the current and structure
and less time than some, chasing redfish with a
around them. And you can take advantage of
fly rod. There have been successes and failures
the opportunity to photograph these fish while
and lots of wonderful memories over those
they do their thing. Your buddies might roast
years. I have learned a lot and hope to learn
you for passing up the cast, but that’s O.K..
much more. Here are a few of my observations
There is a wealth of information for you in those
June 2008
There they are... show them your fly.
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My two boys, Rhodes and Foster, recently showed up with a copy of a book called Learn About…Texas Freshwater Fishes. They picked up the book in the gift shop of the Dinosaur Museum in Sattler, TX. The three of us sat down and started thumbing through the pages looking at the diagrams of different baitfish and gamefish that live in Texas lakes and streams. Several hours later, the boys were outside throwing stuff, but I was still reading through the book wishing It quickly became apparent the fish could not see his fly. His casts were landing too
I would have had it years ago in my college ichthyology days.
short — way too short. He was visibly frustrated, so I asked if he wanted me to offer a
Seriously… although this book is geared toward kids, it is
suggestion. “Please!” he said. “Hit ‘em in the head,” I told him. “If you can cast farther,
thoroughly educational and useful for adults as well.
cast farther. If you have to wade closer, wade closer. Do what you have to do, but hit one
Learn About…Texas Freshwater Fishes is advertised as a
in the head and see what happens. You can work back from there.” After a few tries, he
“learning activity book,” meaning the educational information
hooked up.
is made more kid-friendly through the addition of puzzles,
This may sound like a no-brainer, but if you want to catch redfish, you have to show
posters, and games inserted at the end of the book. Yes, those
them your fly. Sometimes that means you have to put it right in their face. They won’t
activities are fun for youngsters, but this book isn’t just for kids.
eat what they can’t see. If your casts are landing too short, or way off target, you’re
Learn About…Texas Freshwater Fishes is part activity book,
squandering the chance of a hookup. Fix it. Disregard your fear of failure and move closer.
part textbook. Besides the fun and games, it covers the history,
Watching the outcome unfold, for better or worse, is sure to be thrilling.
taxonomy, anatomy, and development of Texas freshwater
BAlAnce
fishes. Best of all, it doesn’t sugar-coat the vocabulary or skip
I have learned the hard way that a balanced life is a fundamental key to success and enjoyment on the water. There is nothing more distracting than leaving for a fishing
the details. Do you have a hard time correctly identifying that minnow
trip with unfinished business behind you. You keep looking at your watch, checking your
in the bottom of your dip net? Well… virtually any sort of
cell phone, and quietly fretting over other burdens you know await you when the trip is
mysterious finned species you might stumble upon in a lake
through. It poisons your piece of mind, ruins your focus, and makes it altogether tough to
or river is listed in this book. The species are organized
have a good time.
taxonomically and the diagrams of the various species are
When your fishing partner is pre-occupied with worry, it’s almost as bad. You do your best to cheer him up, but his stress ends up bringing both of you down. In fact, I would rather have my buddies call me at the last minute and back out of a trip, than have them go and then worry they should be somewhere else. I know they expect the same from me.
accompanied by information on feeding habits, life history, and those cool State distribution diagrams. Do you know how many different shiners there are in Texas lakes and streams? Could you identify them? How about lampreys? Can you tell the difference between a ganoid scale
come first. We owe it to our friends, family, and ourselves. As much as I love the thrill of
and a ctenoid scale? What are breeding tubercles and which
fishing, I have never found in fishing any
fish have them? Which is more ancient, a gar or a sturgeon?
magical ability to take care of the other
Learn About… Texas Freshwater Fishes can provide you with
aspects of life that require my attention
the answers to these questions and teach you so much more.
and my time. Only I can do that. The best I can do is to live clean and simple, tend to the important things first, and show others I care. And when it comes time to fish I can do it with a healthy attitude and a feeling of balance. If you have that, the thrills you’re looking for
ContaCt
We all have to own up to our choices and play the hand we are dealt. First things
I really enjoyed Learn About…Texas Freshwater Fishes. If you have an interest in fish, I think you will too. Get a copy for your kids… they’ll have fun with it. When they’re through, you can sneak it away and buff up on your own fish knowledge. There is a lot to learn. Just look between the bream chowder recipe and the sunfish seek-and-find! Learn About… Texas Freshwater Fishes
will fall neatly into place.
Texas Parks and Wildlife publication 92 pp. Texas Parks and Wildlife Press iSBn: 1-885696-36-1
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
June 2008
43
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one of the Most effeCtive baitfish Patterns I have ever used is the “Chrome Clouser.” This is a flashy fluid-looking Clouser Minnow with a white craft fur belly and a body made from a large tapered clump of silver Krystal Flash. The fly is topped with a few strands of slender grey bucktail. While traditional Clouser Minnows
f L y
are tied sparse, using only a few strands of bucktail and flash to create a wispy baitfish illusion, the Chrome Clouser is tied full and fat. It is bright
9
and lively and anything but subtle. It looks great in the water and predators of all kinds will hammer it. I attribute this to the action of the tapered clump of flash used to form its body. It wriggles and writhes and reflects light in a way that is irresistible. I have long wanted to tie an iridescent version of the Chrome Clouser to match the electric-pearlescent look baitfish radiate in clear water. Unfortunately, most of the flash materials I experimented with were either too stiff or too limp to provide just the right action when used in bulk. Some tangled, others stretched, and some were brittle or fragile or just too darn
4
10
5
11
6
6. Cut a 4-inch long section of
expensive to squander. Then along came one that performed perfectlyPolar Flash. Polar Flash (not to be confused with fur-like Polar Fiber) is a thin, flat, iridescent Mylar material sold in generously-sized hanks. It resists tangles and does not twist on itself like some materials when used in bulk. Polar Flash is available in a variety of colors including pearl, chartreuse, and silver. It’s a tough material but it has a surprisingly supple fluid action and it is ideal for crafting all sorts of durable saltwater patterns.
done!
I generally tie the Polar Clouser in pearl/grey on a #2 hook with medium black/white lead eyes. The key to tying this fly is to use a large clump of Polar Flash fibers that tapers to a gentle smooth point at the rear. When tied this way, the fly absolutely comes to life with a wriggling action and astonishing rainbow shine. Really… it looks great in the water. If desired, stripes or colored accents can be added to the body of the fly using permanent markers.
Polar Flash fibers. Grip the fibers in the center and taper each end
The Polar Clouser is a good choice for the surf, jetties, channels, or open water fishing. Due to its weight and bold presence, it is not the best
by randomly pulling a few fibers out
choice for spooky flats fish. Retrieve the fly with a jerky erratic stripping
slightly. Each end should come to a
motion followed by brief pauses. For predators that respond to speed, use
slender tapered point. 7. Secure the
a hand-over-hand retrieve. The Polar Clouser is durable, easy to tie, and
center point of the fibers to the hook
will make a great baitfish addition to your fly box.
shank with one half facing forward and one half facing rearward. 8. Fold
hook: Standard stainless saltwater hook #4 to 3/0 Thread: Clear nylon mono eyes: Painted lead barbell, or stainless bead chain Back: Bucktail Belly: Craft fur Body: Polar Flash head cement: Sally Hansen’s Hard-as-Nails Some of the materials you will need — lead eyes, bucktail, craft fur, and Polar Flash. 44
June 2008
1. Attach lead eyes to top of hook shank
the forward-facing ends of the fibers
using figure 8 wraps. 2. Attach a bundle
back over the hook shank as shown
of craft fur fibers on top of hook shank
and secure with tight thread wraps.
between lead eyes and eye of hook.
9. Continue to wrap down the fibers
3. Move thread to rear of hook shank,
and form a tight tapered nose on the
pull craft fur fibers snug over eyes, and
fly. 10. Overlay a long slender clump
secure to top of hook shank with thread
of bucktail fibers and secure with
wraps. 4. Wind thread back to front of
thread wraps, forming a tight tapered
hook shank and coat wraps with Sally
head. 11. Tie off thread and coat
Hansen's. 5. Rotate hook as shown.
wraps with Sally Hansen's. Done.
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tournaMent tr aiLs
Louie Baumann hooked us up with a great prop for our Illusion, but even it could not get us out of 3" of water.
Team TTF to the rescue!
Marking a one on the side of the console with mud to indicate day one of my adventure, i was mentally prepared to be here a while.
college try to push, but no luck. There was one other boat in the area and
way. The only boat that can run shallower than our Illusion is coming to save the day, the king
to our surprise, they were a tournament boat
of shallow water boats, a Majek Redfish Line
and as they drove by, we were able to flag them
driven by our Team TTF teammates are here
down. Our new friends, Clinton and Lisa said
after Reid promised them who knows what to
they would fish a little longer then come get us.
come get our boat.
Thirty minutes later, they stopped and took Reid
We hooked up a long rope, positioned the
and our fish to weigh in while I guarded the boat
Redfish Line in the gut we were going to fish
Running up a shallow gut, the plan is to
from pirates with my new military commando
and three of us push while the boat pulls. After
run upwind and drift out. As I drive up the gut,
knife made in China. I prepared for the long
about 45 minutes and to our surprise, we moved
we notice the gut next to it has more flow.
haul. High tide was 10 hours away and with the
our boat across the flat into the gut and we were
Somewhat pressed for time and with some
north wind that may not be enough. I bust out
home free. Reid and I could not believe we
imprecise communication at 35 mph we decide
the Prasek’s jalapeño/cheese summer sausage
moved the boat, but we were now in the gut and
to cross over to the other gut. Well no surprise
and a Powerade. Marking a one on the side of
ready to go home.
we are suddenly stuck in 3-inches of water and
the console with mud to indicate day one of my
Reid made weigh-in and we had a little
can’t move. I guess we should have seen the
adventure, I was mentally prepared to be here a
over 13-pounds. So we ended the Matagorda
bird standing nearby. Our Illusion was on solid
while. It is a good thing I have seen Tom Hanks
Redfish Series like the 120 teams that did not
ground and would not budge. I was impressed
in Castaway several times.
win, no trophy, but a story. In the end, even
we made it this far. Our boat policy is to run
As I started to think of how to keep busy and
though we did not win, I was pleased to find out
with the jackplate at 4-inches to prevent getting
how to survive after my supply of sausage and
our friends from Bay City, Mike Condit and Billy
stuck, but as we crossed the bar, I jacked up to
lemonheads ran out (about 1.5 hours), I hear the
Martin took home the trophy with two pigs that
6 and left us no margin. We make the obligatory
sweet sound of an Evinrude ETEC coming my
came in at 17.27 lbs. Time to get ready for Port Lavaca. Reid and
Kurt Koliba and Mike Shimek preparing to throw us a line.
I are also indebted to Clinton and Lisa for the ride to weigh-in and also to Kurt Koliba and Mike Shimek for coming to pull us out. These are the good people that represent the best of what
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tournaMent tr aiLs
Louie Baumann hooked us up with a great prop for our Illusion, but even it could not get us out of 3" of water.
Team TTF to the rescue!
Marking a one on the side of the console with mud to indicate day one of my adventure, i was mentally prepared to be here a while.
college try to push, but no luck. There was one other boat in the area and
way. The only boat that can run shallower than our Illusion is coming to save the day, the king
to our surprise, they were a tournament boat
of shallow water boats, a Majek Redfish Line
and as they drove by, we were able to flag them
driven by our Team TTF teammates are here
down. Our new friends, Clinton and Lisa said
after Reid promised them who knows what to
they would fish a little longer then come get us.
come get our boat.
Thirty minutes later, they stopped and took Reid
We hooked up a long rope, positioned the
and our fish to weigh in while I guarded the boat
Redfish Line in the gut we were going to fish
Running up a shallow gut, the plan is to
from pirates with my new military commando
and three of us push while the boat pulls. After
run upwind and drift out. As I drive up the gut,
knife made in China. I prepared for the long
about 45 minutes and to our surprise, we moved
we notice the gut next to it has more flow.
haul. High tide was 10 hours away and with the
our boat across the flat into the gut and we were
Somewhat pressed for time and with some
north wind that may not be enough. I bust out
home free. Reid and I could not believe we
imprecise communication at 35 mph we decide
the Prasek’s jalapeño/cheese summer sausage
moved the boat, but we were now in the gut and
to cross over to the other gut. Well no surprise
and a Powerade. Marking a one on the side of
ready to go home.
we are suddenly stuck in 3-inches of water and
the console with mud to indicate day one of my
Reid made weigh-in and we had a little
can’t move. I guess we should have seen the
adventure, I was mentally prepared to be here a
over 13-pounds. So we ended the Matagorda
bird standing nearby. Our Illusion was on solid
while. It is a good thing I have seen Tom Hanks
Redfish Series like the 120 teams that did not
ground and would not budge. I was impressed
in Castaway several times.
win, no trophy, but a story. In the end, even
we made it this far. Our boat policy is to run
As I started to think of how to keep busy and
though we did not win, I was pleased to find out
with the jackplate at 4-inches to prevent getting
how to survive after my supply of sausage and
our friends from Bay City, Mike Condit and Billy
stuck, but as we crossed the bar, I jacked up to
lemonheads ran out (about 1.5 hours), I hear the
Martin took home the trophy with two pigs that
6 and left us no margin. We make the obligatory
sweet sound of an Evinrude ETEC coming my
came in at 17.27 lbs. Time to get ready for Port Lavaca. Reid and
Kurt Koliba and Mike Shimek preparing to throw us a line.
I are also indebted to Clinton and Lisa for the ride to weigh-in and also to Kurt Koliba and Mike Shimek for coming to pull us out. These are the good people that represent the best of what
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tournament fishing is all about.
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b o b b y b y r d & C a P t. J o h n C o C h r a n e 50
there is a Lot of taLK these days about high fueL Costs and how it is impacting our daily lives. What’s even more important is how it
Lots of fuel on deck!
is going to impact our fishing this summer. Many people have speculated a drop in tournament participation and fishing effort, but we have a few ideas that might be of interest. There are several things you can do to conserve fuel and keep costs down. Leave the dock the afternoon or night before a fishing trip. Taking your time by easing out at 10 knots is a lot safer at night, saves on fuel and is much more relaxing for everyone on board. We introduced a 5:00 pm departure on our Texas legends tournament many years ago to allow an unhurried trip offshore with a daylight departure. Navigating the jetties and coastal shipping traffic is a lot easier in the daylight and by the time the sun goes down you are well offshore, away from most of the congestion. By going offshore slowly, you save on fuel. It takes more time, but it costs less. Being able to leave from any Texas port in the Texas legends is also a big plus. For visiting boats, you don’t have to run down the coast just to enter the tournament. We accept entries by mail and at several locations along the coast. You only need to go to Port Aransas if you have a fish to weigh or video to turn in (or want to come to a great party and eat great food). Another thing you want to consider before burning a lot of fuel is where you are going. Invest in several of the online services that keep you informed about what’s going on offshore like hilton’s realtime navigator, roffer’s Ocean Fishing Forecast, Terrafin or similar web sites. Finding out the best areas to fish before leaving the dock can save lots of fuel June 2008
cost and time. With all the information available to us these days, it doesn’t make sense to leave home without it. Sea surface temperature, water color, currents, rig locations… all of these factors play a big role in where to find the fish. One other factor to think about is fishing the lower Texas coast. The run to the fishing grounds is shorter. Try fishing out of Port Aransas or South Padre Island, especially later in the summer when the weather gets nice. There are not many deep water rigs, but there are many fishing spots closer to shore that are very productive. Most of these spots are 50 miles offshore or less, so it can really make a difference in your pocketbook. Take advantage of every trip, especially when the weather is right and the fishing is Texas Saltwater Fishing
good. You’ve already spent the time and fuel cost to get way offshore, that’s your biggest expense, why not make the most of it by staying out as long as practical. It’s pretty easy to stretch an overnight trip into another day, if you have the time off and the weather cooperates. Once you’re out there, save fuel by trolling only, no running around. If you want to move to another rig or other fishing area, troll there. If you really want to save fuel, live baiting around a rig or drifting for tuna can really cut fuel consumption. The extra night and day puts you on the fishing grounds for the evening and morning bites which can be very productive. By doing this you get to fish more and will probably catch a lot more. When you are ready to run in, troll inshore www.TSFMAG.com
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linKS To checK ouT: hilton’s realtime navigator
Troll between fishing spots to conserve fuel.
www.hiltonsoffshore.com roffer’s ocean Fishing Forecast Service www.roffs.com
Jou r na L
www.terrafin.com
bLu e wat e r
Terrafin – Sea Surface Analysis
be determined by single fish weight, largest fish
TeXAS BlueWATer chAMPionShiP The tournament entry fee is $250 per boat. Participants are not required to enter the Blue Marlin category. Once entered, contestants can choose what categories they would like to compete in. For any category, the winner(s) will
the minimum weight is 400 lbs. For all categories, entries must also meet the current state and federal minimum lengths. Boats may fish anytime between May 24th and Sept. 1st – Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Anytime you go fishing you’re in the tournament. The tournament fishing area is considered the Texas Coast and adjacent waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Boats must leave from, and return to, a Texas port reason are allowed. See complete rules for details. Tournaments: Any boat registered in this tournament may enter a fish caught and weighed in any major Texas fishing tournament. The entrant will be responsible for supplying documentation of weighed fish including photographs, weight, total length and short length. Jungle rules: There are no angling rules other than the fish must be caught on an IGFA conventional rod and reel and boated by hand or gaff. Anyone may handle the fishing rod. No shooting, explosives, entangling devices, nets, longlines or other non-sporting devices may be used. cATeGorieS: Blue Marlin Pot – $2,000 Captains Pot – $250 – One place only, heaviest blue marlin. Mates Pot – $250 – One place only, heaviest blue marlin. Yellowfin Tuna Pot – $500
Wahoo Pot – $500
Dorado Pot – $500
Swordfish Pot – $500
For reGiSTrATion inForMATion: (Including a complete set of rules.) Tops-N-Towers 2321 Nasa Road One Seabrook, TX 77586 281-474-4000. Or come by Tops-N-Towers and register during regular store hours. Tournament director – John Cochrane 409-739-4817 June 2008
towards the house and keep going until you convinced you’re out of the productive zone. You can continue in at trolling speed while cleaning up the cockpit and putting things away. Take time to relax a minute, maybe grab something to eat or drink and enjoy your time on the water. When you do run in, try to find the most economical speed. Everyone likes to go 30 knots, but it makes more sense to pull it back and conserve on fuel. A 500 gallon fuel bill is going cost you $2,000. We think you are going to see a lot more people pooling their resources and fishing together. Sharing the expenses has always been done when fishing offshore; we just think you’re going to see a lot more of it. Many people we have talked to that fish a lot of tournaments are now picking a few that they want to fish most and going with these. One tournament you might want to consider entering this summer is the Texas Bluewater championship that we put on each year. Basically it’s a tournament that runs all summer long from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Once you’re in the tournament you can enter any of the following categories; Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado and Wahoo. You can get in one or two or all of them, it’s up to you. The biggest fish of the season wins. Any time you go fishing, you are fishing the tournament. If you catch a big fish in another tournament, no problem, it counts in this one too. It’s a fun tournament to get in because there’s no pressure and you’re always fishing it, whenever you want to. For more information about tournament fishing or to find out more about big game fishing in Texas, visit us at Tops-n-Towers we’re always happy to answer your questions. Byrd & cochrane is an authorized broker for Fox yacht Sales, the Texas dealer for new cABo and riviera yachts. Fox has an Texas Saltwater Fishing
extensive inventory of brokerage boats as well and we will be glad to help you find a boat or sell yours. We specialize in sportfishing boats and motor yachts. Come by and get a great deal on your next boat. For more information call our office at 281-291-0656 or check out our website at www.byrd-cochrane.com or www.foxyachtsales.com.
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in each category. For the Blue Marlin category,
to qualify. No stops in non-Texas ports for any
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Fish flags.
MAY 24TH TO SEPT. 1ST 2008
Born in Galveston, graduate of Texas A&M, Capt. John Cochrane grew up fishing and diving the Gulf of Mexico. He’s been a professional captain for over 25 years and has fished all over the world. At Byrd & Cochrane, he and Bobby specialize in yacht sales and sportfishing consulting. John now concentrates his efforts on big game fishing and billfish research in the Gulf of Mexico. A native Texan, Bobby Byrd began fishing at the young age of eight, when he was a deck hand on his Dad’s boat. He fished with his father in the Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas and Mexico for many years of his life. In 1995, Bobby combined his love of the water and boating into a business when he opened Tops-N-Towers, a custom aluminum fabrication business in Seabrook, Texas. For more information you can contact Bobby at www.topsntowers.com.
Contact Byrd & Cochrane 281-291-0656 Tops-N-Towers 281-474-4000 Websites www.byrd-cochrane.com www.topsntowers.com www.foxyachtsales.com www.stingercustomlures.com www.TSFMAG.com
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CCA Texas’ San Antonio Chapter – Annual Fundraiser Banquet April 18, 2008.
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas, will be opening its doors for the 8th Biennial Open House on June 14, 2008. Bring the family for a fun-filled day and learn about the sea, coastal bays and marshes, as well as the research that goes on at the Institute. Families can take part in Field Excursions into local bays aboard research vessels (see MSI’s website for specific requirements for field excursions). Take a guided tour of our Fisheries and Mariculture Laboratory, where redfish were first spawned in 1977, or take our Sex Hormones in Fish tour to discover how similar fish hormones are to our own. Learn how we rehabilitate injured birds and sea turtles at the Sea Turtles and Birds Exhibit. Get up close and personal with a wide variety of fishes, crabs, sea urchins, sea
CCA Texas has once again been blessed
stars, and other marine life at our Pier Lab Touch Tanks.
with a successful spring banquet season with record attendance and
Enjoy the Ocean Theatre where Presidential award-
record fundraising. A strong grassroots group of dedicated volunteers,
winning teacher Pam Stryker excites kids as they learn
donors and supporters continues to make CCA Texas the premier coastal
about the lives of fishes, seahorses, crabs, and squid. Small children will
conservation organization in the United States. This grassroots group is
love Here Fishy, Fishy: Fishing for Kids, Story Time in the MSI Library,
the key to the success of CCA Texas and its long, rich history.
and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Wetland on Wheels. For more information
Banquet attendees, new members and renewals continue to set
log on to our website at www.utmsi.utexas.edu.
CCA Texas membership levels at all time highs, approaching 55,000 members who want to see the valuable Texas coastal resources remain plentiful and sustainable for years to come. Banquet attendance has seen levels at over 1,400 in San Antonio, 1,200 in Corpus Christi, 800 in the Rio Grande Valley and Victoria and continued growth in smaller chapters across the state. The newly formed San Bernard chapter, based in the East Bernard area, had a record setting event with over 500 in attendance of which over 200 were new members. Despite concerns of the current economy; supporters, donors and buyers continue to support and set new levels of fundraising for CCA Texas. This continued support and membership levels speaks volumes in the belief of CCA Texas and the organization’s ability to continue the fight for proper fisheries management, support of Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement, funding of scientific studies used in fisheries management and resource assessments, habitat enhancement projects, Special thanks to our sponsors:
the support of five graduate level scholarships for marine biologists and
The UT Marine Science Advisory Council, Austin White Lime, CITGO, H-E-B,
the education of the general public.
IGA-Family Center, Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce, AmericanBank,
CCA Texas staff and volunteers would like to thank our members, sponsors, donors and buyers for their continued support. With you
Port Aransas South Jetty, Port Aransas Boatmen, Inc., Texas Parks & Wildlife
and the grassroots efforts, Texas coastal resources will benefit for
Department Coastal Fisheries Division, M/V MUSTANG/Billy Gaskins, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the City of Port Aransas.
generations to come. 58
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Field notes
if you’re boating in redfish bay this suMMer, be sure to watch
any part of RBSSA but places the responsibility
Each summer of the past 3 years, divers have
out for divers! Biologists from the Texas Parks
of protecting valuable seagrasses in the hands
collected data along 35 randomly selected
and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will be in the
of boaters. The Coastal Fisheries Division
transects (lines) located in RBSSA. Divers mark
water working to evaluate the effectiveness of
(CF) of TPWD undertook a comprehensive
the location of prop scars over these 100-meter
efforts to protect seagrasses within the Redfish
public outreach campaign including personal
long lines. Secondary observations are made
Bay State Scientific Area (RBSSA).
contact, group presentations, distribution of
from the surface to validate what was seen in
printed materials, newspaper and magazine
the water. The total number of propeller scars
propeller scars left by boats were causing
articles, TV and radio interviews, public service
at each 100-meter line, information about each
significant damage to shallow seagrass flats.
announcements, signage around the bay, and
scar, and information about habitat surrounding
When a boater runs in water that’s too shallow,
postings on the TPWD website. An estimated 8
each scar are recorded. Following the
the boat’s propeller can cut into the roots of
million people have been reached through this
observation of new scars, the locations of scars
seagrass plants, leaving what is known as a
campaign. During the first year of the regulation
detected in the previous year are re-examined
prop scar across the bay bottom. Studies show
TPWD game wardens emphasized education
to evaluate scar recovery. So far, the results
that seagrass beds can take anywhere from
by issuing only verbal and written warnings. In
have been encouraging. From 2005, prior
several months to several years to recover
June 2007, the first citation was issued. As of
to the regulation taking effect, to 2006 there
following damage caused by a propeller.
February 2008, 9 citations have been issued, all
was no change in the level of prop scarring in
Depending on the species of seagrass and
of which have resulted in convictions/fines.
RBSSA. From 2006 to 2007 following a year
In the 1990s, it was recognized that
physical conditions, some prop scars may
This regulation does not restrict access to
One technique of the five-year study to
divers to actually count scars in the water.
of education and enforcement, there was a
never recover. Extensive prop scarring may
evaluate the effectiveness of TPWD seagrass
69% reduction in the average number of scars!
lead to fragmentation of seagrass beds thus
protection regulations in RBSSA is to use
Furthermore, 80% of the scars observed in
diminishing their value as habitat for fish and
2006 had recovered by 2007! This is especially
other marine creatures. In June 2000, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) designated Redfish Bay a state scientific area to encourage protection of seagrasses. Efforts to address the problem through education, outreach,
remarkable considering that almost
and the establishment of voluntary no-prop
70% of these were located in turtle
zones were largely unsuccessful. In May 2006
grass beds. Past
a new regulation was adopted by the TPWC
studies
which prohibits the uprooting of seagrasses by submerged propellers within the RBSSA. The regulation reads as follows: “Within Redfish Bay State Scientific Area no person shall cause or allow seagrass to be uprooted or dug out from the bay bottom by a submerged propeller. Boaters will be in violation of the regulation if they uproot seagrass with a submerged propeller and can be fined up to $500 (Class c misdemeanor).” 62
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have shown that scars in turtle grass beds are
deep water when possible, using a push-pole,
to observe responsible boater behavior as
typically very slow to recover.
a trolling motor (trolling motors are exempt
well as reductions in prop scarring in RBSSA.
from the regulation), or simply drifting with the
In the meantime, come and enjoy this unique
wind when in shallow areas.
and beautiful body of water. Just remember to
A number of things can possibly explain the reduction in prop scarring observed in 2007. Observations by TPWD biologists and
Biologists will continue to monitor prop
be respectful of our natural resources, do your
game wardens indicate that the regulation,
scarring and boating activity in RBSSA for the
part to protect our valuable seagrass habitat,
along with the education and outreach, has
next two years using the diving technique. An
and by all means, watch out for divers!
significantly altered the behavior of boaters
aerial photography component of the study
in RBSSA. Many boaters appear to be boating
will be described in Part II of this series of
more responsibly in the area by traveling in
articles. We are hopeful that we will continue
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anglers but they are obviously fishing more. Is
in Texas. As noted initially what has happened in
this good news or bad news? From the individual
Texas is a phenomenon seen nowhere else.
t p w d
f i e l d
not es
angler’s perspective it may not seem like good news because it means more competition for
year period when the number of saltwater
fish and places to fish.
anglers in the USA declined by 8% (to a total of
The fact is that it is good news for all of
8,582,000) did Texas pull off such a coup? The
Does it seem to you that there are more and more boats on the bays and in front
us. There are so many pressures on coastal
answer is both simple and complex. Basically,
resources these days that we need good
the socio-economic conditions between the
reasons and lots of support to make sure that
likes of Texas, Florida and other coastal states
of you on the ramp these days, even with
our bays remains healthy and productive and
have been much the same. The same cost of
escalating gas prices? No matter how early
full of fish. Nothing seems to speak louder these
living expenses, population growth and resulting
you leave the dock someone is already on your
days than dollars and the economics of saltwater
pressures, etc. So why is Texas different? Other
favorite spot? Does it keep you at a low simmer
fishing in Texas is a big shout because of the
than the basic fact that all Texans know – we are
that the fish never seem to have a chance to
phenomenal growth we have seen over the last
just better than everyone else – I think it comes
settle down because boats keep buzzing the
five years. It is important that political leaders
down to two factors. Texas saltwater anglers are
flat? If that is what you think, you are right and
and decision-makers hear it.
a dedicated and conservation minded group that
the here are the facts to prove it.
All of these new Texas saltwater anglers
have always been willing to do what has been
buying equipment and all the things they need
necessary to protect our fishery and (all false
Service surveys the nation’s hunters and anglers
to fish have increased retail sales in our state by
modesty aside) resource managers that have
to determine how many are participating, how
32% ($319,000,000). Those sales have boosted
made the right decisions and the hard choices to
often they hunt or fish and how much they are
the amount of taxes collected by 24% or a total
support that same goal.
spending. The data that come out of that effort
$63,000,000 over those collected in 2001. The
are very important. These data help set the
impact on the Texas economy reflects that
saltwater anglers of Texas to conserve our
amount of federal dollars (generated by the
positive input.
state’s recreational fishery has long been a
Every five years the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
excise taxes we all pay on sporting goods) that
Another way of measuring that economic
The partnership between TPWD and the
model of national admiration. I know of no other
are annually returned to each state in the form
impact is in the number of new jobs all this
state where it has been so effective. When it
of sportfish restoration funding. The survey
economic activity has created. Between 2001
was determined that we needed hatcheries to
is also a valuable planning tool for resource
and 2006 an additional 5,221 jobs have been
restore red drum and spotted seatrout, Texas
managers and the most objective means
created by saltwater fishing here in Texas.
anglers responded with the funds to build the
of assessing the economic impact of these
Basically, this amounts to over 1,000 new jobs
biggest most sophisticated system in the world.
activities across the country.
each and every year over the past five years.
When it became clear that inshore shrimping
That is a claim that not too many industries can
was severely impacting the recreational fishing
make these days.
and ecosystem health, Texas anglers taxed
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) compiles the data into a report that compares all
Today the annual economic impact of
themselves to buy out the industry to a level
states. Go to www.asafishing.org to learn
saltwater fishing on the Texas economy is a
that minimized those impacts. Ten years and
more about the ASA and find more detail
whopping $1.7 billion. That is an increase of $0.4
$12 million later we are nearing that goal. When
about the survey results.
billion a year compared to 2001.
we have proposed new regulations to protect seagrass, the spotted seatrout in the lower
of the information between
The comparison between the 2001 and
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How did this happen? How, over this five
How does Texas compare to other states?
2006 survey (the latter recently published) are
In a word, we are in a class of our own. Both
Laguna Madre and menhaden in Texas waters,
eye opening and revealing about the state of
Florida and California, the other two of the
anglers stood right behind TPWD and said yes.
saltwater angling, especially in Texas. First
big three saltwater fishing states, saw an 18%
of all the number of saltwater anglers in our
decline in anglers over that same period. In the
not realize just how unusual this is so it is not a
state have grown by 286,650 anglers, a 25%
Gulf of Mexico Louisiana saw a 42% decline,
bad thing to restate it. Yes, we can argue and
increase, since 2001. While it may not be a very
Mississippi a 38% decline and Alabama an 8%
get mad at one another. Rough talk and genuine
realistic way of looking at it, that growth could be
decline in anglers since 2001. Of the 23 states
disagreement can break out from time to time.
expressed as an increase of 4,777 new anglers
that support saltwater angling only four other
All that aside, when the chips are down we all
a month, every month for the past five years.
states showed positive gains over this period –
have never failed to come together to do the
The number of days spent fishing by both old
Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii and Maryland. When
right thing. That, more than anything else, is why
and new anglers has grown by 50% to a total of
added together the numbers of saltwater anglers
Texas is different. The numbers don’t lie and we
15,143,000 days fishing. Not only are there more
in those states only approach half the numbers
can all be proud of what we have accomplished.
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f i s h i n g
C a P t. s C o t t n u L L
K a y a K
“hey Man, you free toMorrow?”
decision is right side or left side. However,
dream about. Within easy casting distance
the recent acquisition of the Haynie got him
there was not one, but two large groups of reds
“Depends.”
to thinking about expanding his horizons and
drilling holes in the bottom. And beyond them
“I’ve got tailing reds all over the place and
offering customers the chance to paddle waters
was another group. Awesome! Before I could
that are a bit more off the beaten path.
put the paddle down Dean sailed a Spook Jr
an open day on my calendar.” “Sounds like I’m going fishing.”
just past the closest tails. A couple of twitches and the topwater disappeared in a melee of
Corpus for two long days. Seems like during
eastern sky. Dean explained that he’d been out
splashing reds. The hook-up was solid and the
the show season I get to talk about fishing a lot
the day before and found a good concentration
first cast of the day resulted in a nice slot fish.
more than I actually get to wet a line. So when
of reds with scattered pods of tailing fish in
my good buddy, Dean “Slowride” Thomas,
some super shallow coves; perfect targets for
result, but it wasn’t quite that easy. Some of
called with that offer it was an easy decision.
stealthy kayak fishermen. The problem was
these fish were so focused on the shrimp they
Plans were set and I went to sleep that evening
they were a long way from the road and prime
were rooting out of the grass that they never
thinking about dotted tails waving in the air.
feeding time was going to be around first light.
noticed the lure. It would seem to be a sure
Thus the combination of powerboat and kayaks
thing to throw a DOA shrimp into the pile and
was the perfect solution.
come away with a hungry fish, but on this day a
I had been working a store promotion in
The next morning I met Dean at the boat ramp in Aransas Pass. Yes, I said boat ramp. This trip would give us a chance to tryout his
The run across the bay was quick and we
I’d like to say every cast brought the same
noisy topwater was more often the answer. The
new Haynie as a kayak mothership. The kayaks
were easing into our anchorage as the sun was
were strapped alongside the center console
just peaking above the horizon. Within minutes
and the boat was in the water. All I had to do
the kayaks were in the water and loaded with
cast with the DOA. Dean complimented the
was step aboard and stow my gear.
gear. Dean eased away while I stayed back and
toss with, “That ought to get one,” as it landed
took a few requisite photos. Before I could put
just in front of the lead fish in a group of twenty.
powerboat to ferry the kayaks to more distant
the camera away he was sitting motionless at
No sooner did the words come out than I
waters. Others have been doing so for quite
the first point and looking back at me with a big
saw a swirl and felt the surge of a good fish.
a while, but Dean has been hesitant to make
grin. “There they are... please hurry up!”
Then the line went slack.
There’s nothing new about using a
that jump. Who can blame him with Lighthouse
66
As we headed down the ICW the sun was just starting to make its presence known in the
Apparently it was time to get going. No
Lakes and Brown and Root Flats only minutes
more than twenty paddle strokes later I was
down Highway 361? Most days his biggest
staring at one of those sights redfish junkies
June 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
fake shrimp just wasn’t getting much love. At one point I made a beautiful on-target
“Did you lose him?” “No, but he isn’t pulling hard enough to be a keeper,” I replied. www.TSFMAG.com
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f i sh i ng
How the heck could I pick an undersized red out of a pack of upper-slot fish? Turns out
K aya K
it was a decent trout. Not what I was looking for, but it would do. Of course Dean had to toss his Spook into the still tailing reds and draw a hefty strike. I knew I was going to hear about it. “I always knew you were a trout guy at heart,” was the quip I had to endure. The next laugh was on him. I had the camera out trying to get some action shots when Dean waved me over. He was sitting thirty feet from a huge pile of rolling, splashing, happy redfish. With the fly rod in hand and a huge grin he said, “Get a picture of a master in action.” I adjusted the focus as he laid the fly a few feet past the party. My finger was on the button, the lighting was good, the fly was where it needed to be and… nothing. The fish were moving closer now. The next cast was more like just dangling the fly from the rod tip… still nothing. As they got closer I held the camera with one hand and tossed the DOA. “Fish on! Nice job there fish master,” rolled immediately off my tongue. It was one of those magical mornings. Fishing with a great friend, razzing each over screw-ups and blown chances, then cheering success moments later. We literally never had more than a few minutes between the sightings of tailing pods. This went on for two solid hours. We even got cocky and started trying to set up some photo opportunities. The results were comical at best. Schools of tailing fish don’t always listen to the director. Suffice to say we didn’t get any of those really cool action shots, but enough good ones to chronicle a great morning on the water. The Texas coast is blessed with miles of shallow flats, marshes, and back lakes. Many are too soft to wade and too shallow for most powerboats. As most of you reading this have realized by now, kayaks are the perfect tool to effectively fish these areas. Unfortunately most of the best areas are simply too far from public access for a comfortable paddling trip. Sure, you can plan a multi-day trip and camp out on a spoil island if you have the time and energy. And those trips can be very rewarding, but the reality is that the vast majority of us can’t pull that off as often as we’d like. Adding a powerboat to the arsenal can really fisherman willing to give it a try. If you’d like to try kayaking away from the roadside crowds give Dean a shout. He’s now offering guided trips utilizing the Haynie to access areas around Aransas Pass and Rockport that rarely, if ever, see a kayak. He can be reached at www.slowrideguide.com
ContaCt
open up a whole new world for the kayak
or 361-758-0463.
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June 2008
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69
C a P t. sCot t soM M e r L at t e
oKay everybody — i aM stuMPed as for what to write about this Month. Actually, I have been getting some great ideas from both readers and our illustrious editor but, they all require a little development and I need some time to create some images to support the ideas. So, I have decided to share some new products that I have discovered recently. cArBon MArine This first item is more for the ‘skiff’ crowd that seems to be growing at an unprecedented rate here in Texas. The product is called a Tiller Piller and is built in Florida by Joe Welbourn
also added, “Once
of Carbon Marine. The Tiller Piller is a tiller
the business took
extension for small tiller-steered outboards that
off, it was only
is made of carbon fiber.
a matter of time
“I couldn’t find a tiller extension that was
before I introduced
light enough or strong enough to use on my
something new so,
little skiff,” said Welbourn, “so I just decided
I am now making
to make my own and before I knew it, people
removable casting decks and am developing a
were asking where they could get one.” He
poling platform.”
30" x 18" Black Standard Mat with White Logos and Yellow Eyes.
I have been using mine now on my 25 hp Yamaha for several months and cannot say
Designer Mats Inc. of Florida is offering
enough about the product. It is easy to put on
a PVC mat that is perfect for many small
and take off for traveling, it is light (a major
boat applications. The first thought that went
factor in anything I put on one of my boats) and
through my mind was to use it to stand on while
the price is very reasonable. The extension is
running my boat to reduce fatigue (it works
also ridiculously strong which, to me is very
great for this by the way) and then I thought-
important for safety reasons in that I would not
what about using it to line compartments. For
want to be running along, hit something, have
all these years I have been looking for the
the extension break or become unattached and
perfect material to put in the bottom of my
then lose control of the boat.
compartments to protect not only the boat, but
This product is of course for the extreme angler who is fishing from boats that are designed to fish shallow, not run shallow. For more information about this product
the items being stored, and that would be easy to clean. By gosh, I think I have finally found it. The mats are offered plain or custom hand inlaid mats of woven PVC. The properties
please visit Joe’s website at — www.
of the mat make it very easy to keep clean,
carbonmarine.com.
resisting mold, mildew, and fungus. The PVC is impregnated with the color as well as UV
deSiGner MATS inc. While traveling through Florida a couple of
70
June 2008
inhibitors to prevent it from fading. There are 27 colors to choose from. The mats do not come
weeks ago I stumbled onto another product that
with a backing allowing sand, dirt and water to
I just knew that I was going to have to have.
flow through keeping the surface cleaner and
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71
aCCor di ng to sCot t
safer. Clean up is a snap, just hose it off with water and a mild degreaser. After having tried the product it is safe to say that you will be seeing it on my boat when I get back from Florida. To learn more about these multi-purpose mats please visit Designer Mats Inc at — www.designermats.net or call Jeff LeMieux at (941) 473-8060. ShiMAno reelS Well Shimano finally made a change that I have been waiting on for a couple of years. You see, I have always liked the indestructible Shimano Spheros spinning reel for fishing down in Florida and for fishing at the jetties or in the surf at home in Texas. But — I quit using them and went back to using the more expensive Stradics because the Spheros casting performance left a lot to be desired due to a poor spool design. Now, like the saying goes — things change. Shimano has updated the spool to its new and improved ‘propulsion line management system’ spool and has breathed new life into an old product. The ‘propulsion’ spool allows the line to flow of off the spool much smoother allowing for more accurate presentations and more distance on the cast. It also reduces line tangles for all of those anglers like me who have forgotten what monofilament is and think braided line is now the only alternative. The only complaint I now have with the Spheros product line is that Shimano has yet to offer this reel in a 2000 series. The Spheros 3000 is the smallest version of this product which is just a little too big for fishing for reds and trout in the bays and backcountry. The 3000 is great when you are fishing somewhere where you might hook a slot-sized red on one cast, a 20 pound snook on the next and then a 50 pound tarpon on the next, but is a bit clumsy fishing for slot-sized fish on a lighter rod designed for finesse. Shimano remains at the top of their game as usual which is apparent with the updated version of this reel series. Well boys and girls, that’s it for this month. I hope I have given you some information that you can use. Until next month — best of tides.
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June 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
ContaCt
All in all I would have to say that
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73
a a ro n C i s n e ro s
Here's Dr. Brian Burns and 11 year old son Beau — starting them young is a treasure for the future. Photo courtesy of Mike McBride.
the Month of June MarKs father’s day, and for this PieCe i want to take the time to write a
told us about the jellyfish and their long
big, “Thank You” to all the dads who take time
these stinging jellyfish. I got the worse part
to take their kids fishing. I also want to share
of it being wrapped around my right leg
some experiences and tell you how important
with these massive tentacles. I was on the
fishing has been in my life. I’m sure you have
verge of tears, and all my father could do
lots of fond memories fishing with your dad.
was laugh and tell me not to be a sissy. Oh,
I still remember my dad sharing the story of
I wore shorts and walked into a mass of
I wanted to grab one of those jellyfish and
how his dad, my grandfather, gave him a twenty
throw it at him. He did take care of me as we
dollar bill to go buy himself his first spinning
headed back to the dock. I think the thought
reel outfit. As my dad was sharing all the details
of going to eat at King’s Inn afterwards made
with me, I saw that spark in his eyes that one
me feel a little bit better. It’s funny now, but it
you don’t. Nevertheless, the common talk and
gets when something good happens to you.
was not back then.
the learning that takes place are memories that
That story impacted me for a while; it got me
As I look back on all of the trips, another
It was a family affair to bring in this one.
will last forever. Don’t miss out on the whole
into thinking that one day I will have stories like
one that stands out was when I got hit by a
picture because you’re too busy trying to put
that to tell. It also makes me cherish every trip
stingray. As I sat there in pain in the back of the
fish on the boat. Fathers, take the time to share
I take with my dad. Fishing with your dad or an
boat, my dad did everything he knew to make
and teach.
adult can bring lots of fun whether you catch or
me feel more comfortable. Little did he know
not. Don’t look at fishing as just pulling fish out
that his comforting words did not ease the pain.
give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you
of the water, but look at it as a time to bond and
He did get me to the doctor’s office in record
teach a man to fish, you feed him for a life time.”
learn some lessons in life. Some of the best
time. Not all fishing trips will turn out to be fun,
Author unknown. My version is if you give a
conversations I have had with my dad have
but they can all be lessons learned.
teenager a fish, you keep him entertained for a
been on the way back from a fishing trip. We get a chance to talk about all kinds of things. My dad and I have had some good times
74
tentacles floating in the water. My dad and
Recently, I had the opportunity to fish with
There’s a saying that goes like this, “If you
day. If you teach a teenager how to fish, you will
some of my friends and their fathers, and the
have kept him out of trouble and won yourself a
bond that my dad and I share is the same one I
best friend.
and some bad times. I remember the time
see in my friends and their dads. All fishing trips
The best fishing trips with my dad have
when we were new to Baffin Bay, and nobody
are different. Sometimes you catch; sometimes
been when we fish alone. That’s when all the
June 2008
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866-680-TSFM (8736) or 361-785-3420 Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
AM EX
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75
A memorable snook trip in 2004.
y
o
u
t
h
Wearing bright colors makes you visible to boat traffic.
Hugo Flores and son had a good day on the water.
in fishing there are many things to be learned that apply to our daily lives. friendly competition when
uncle that took the time to teach him how
my dad and I fish alone.
to fish.
Usually he is the one with
76
My great uncle would pick up the kids right
excuses, but that’s part
after school or on most weekends and head
of the fun. Just don’t tell
straight for the water. You could say fishing is
him I said that. When we
a legacy that is carried on from generation to
wade together, I tend to
generation. Fathers, if you have found yourself
have the stronger and
to busy to take the young ones fishing, make
longer lasting legs. If
it a point to get them out on the water soon.
I end up catching the
Teenagers or younger ones, if you seldom get
most and bigger fish,
out to fish with your dad, make it a point to
he uses the excuse that
fish with him this month. In my opinion it would
he’s the one that had to
be one of the best Father’s Day gift a father
retrieve the boat.
could receive.
I’m sure as you
In fishing there are many things to be
read this article, it will
learned that apply to our daily lives. For one,
bring back notable
it keeps us young ones out of trouble, and it
memories of your past fishing trips. I’m sure
leaves a legacy and stories that we too can
trash talking begins. It’s always a blast when we
you have great stories to share — some funny
pass on. Are you ready to continue the legacy?
sightcast to redfish because we fool each other
and some with a not-so-happy ending. Can you
A big tribute and thanks to all the fathers that
by pointing out in the direction the fish is not
remember your first fishing trip? Whom was
take the time to take their kids out fishing. Keep
going and then cast in the other direction where
it with? I know that my grandfather was not a
making a difference and Happy Father’s Day!
the fish really is. Let me tell you there is much
fan of fishing, but I’m sure glad my dad had an
June 2008
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Texas Redfish Series Rolls into Matagorda May 3, 2008; Matagorda was the venue for 121 teams fishing the second stop of the Texas Redfish Series sponsored by Cabela’s, powered by Blue Wave/Suzuki. Saturday morning started off with beautiful weather until a front blew in from the north bringing high winds and high seas. Many anglers that crossed West Matagorda Bay made a smart choice by calling for their trailers. "Several teams decided the risk was too great and opted not to cross West Matagorda Bay for the weigh-in," said Jim Elrod, tournament director. The teams who managed to bring in fish found big ones with the winning stringer coming in at over 17 lbs. Those two monster redfish were hooked by the team of Mike Condit and Billy Martin of Bay City. Condit’s last win came at Port Lavaca in 2003 with his former partner Brandon Jenewein. “I really wanted to bring home my next win in my home waters,” said Condit. The winners found their fish on a shoreline of a back lake in West Matagorda Bay. They used their trolling motor to move slowly along grasslines. The winning fish were caught only 15 minutes apart. Condit and Martin were throwing pumpkinseed soft plastic mullet imitators and brokenback lures. Sunday, May 4, the Malibu Texas Kayak Series sponsored by Cabela’s hosted 54 anglers who were set to battle high wind. Tom “Tombo” Bulger shattered the kayak series record for the biggest fish by bringing in a live redfish that weighed over nine pounds. Although Tom did not get to prefish and had never set paddle in the waters around Matagorda, he used his knowledge of redfish behavior and chased small schools all day. “I would pull up and catch a few the same size. Then I would move on to another school looking for bigger fish,” said Tom. Soft plastic lures were the key to Tom’s success. Taking home the team prize was Vincent Rinando and Fil Spencer. The Texas Redfish Series’ next event will be June 28 in Port Lavaca, TX. Sunday June 29 will bring the Texas Kid’s Series tournament benefiting Texas Youth Outdoors Adventures. For more information on these tournaments visit our website: www.saltwaterseries.com. www.TSFMAG.com
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77
Luresafety Wrap Sometimes you happen onto a fishing
Luresafety Wrap puts an end to all of these.
we receive no compensation. Further, you can
Made of flat spring steel encased in soft foam,
bet your last dollar that we have used these
product that is so simple yet makes so much
Luresafety Wrap is designed to be clamped
products extensively and they work. There is
sense you wonder why it took so long to hit the
around your rod and lure and offers a quick and
no intent to describe any one product as the
market. Luresafety Wrap is one of these.
simple solution to a problem that has plagued
only offering within a category you should
fishermen for a long time. When not clamped on
consider. So in keeping with that theme, we
holders and been snagged in the shirt sleeve or
your rod, the console grab rail is a handy place
are first going to present a general discussion
pants leg? Worse — how many times has the
to store it until needed again.
of braided fishing line, then we’re going to
Ever tried to squeeze past your console rod
hook found pay dirt in your hide? I’ll never forget the day my buddy Pete came
Pam and I picked up three Luresafety Wraps at the Houston Fishing Show this past March
recommend three brands of braided line we have used successfully.
limping onto my porch clasping his left butt
and have put them to the test. So far they’ve
cheek to keep a full-sized Spook from skewering
been as handy and worked as well as a pocket
a confession. I was a holdout, very close-
him in more places than it already had. Seems
on a shirt. We feel confident our readers will
minded, I hated the stuff. The braided lines that
Ol’ Peter was bent over the gunwale to snap the
enjoy using them too. Luresafety Wrap can be
hit the market in the middle-90s soured me
Boga Grip on a good red when fate reminded
purchased online at www.luresafetywrap.com
deeply. Casting distance was my biggest gripe,
him just how sharp a brand new VMC Cone Cut
or you can place telephone orders by dialing
not to mention the backlashes I had to remove
treble can be.
713-203-2829.
with a Boy Scout knife. The products available
What about braided fishing lines?
today are very different but, like I said, I was a
What about the times you had to shutdown during a rough bay crossing because somebody’s lure got loose and began swinging dangerously close to your head?
As I have stated previously in these product
78
June 2008
Before going further, though, I want to make
hardhead. It took several trips with clients and friends hooking bites I couldn’t feel to soften my opinion. Noting that their casts were easily as long as mine tipped the balance in favor of another look. The technical differences separating
reports; our purpose in these
today’s braids from the early stuff are many and
presentations is to pass along
significant and I’m hardly qualified to discuss
information that can improve
them. There are however two attributes of
reader’s fishing experiences.
modern braid that are easy to understand; early
The performance reports
braids were basically flat in cross-section and
we offer are unsolicited and
lacked the slick coatings of today’s lines.
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Being round in cross-section, modern braids
hookset! The first couple of days I used braid
resistance, and how long this stuff lasts. I
have far less tendency to dig into the lower wraps
I was launching two and three pound trout
switched last July and have probably fished 100
on the spool and it flows better off the spool
skyward like ladyfish on steroids. Having
days with nothing but braid. Hoping to learn
and through the guides. The coatings that line
become a bit wiser, I now set my drag to about
which line I would like best, I filled one reel with
manufacturers are putting on their lines today are
half the tension I use with mono. Adjusting it
Power Pro, another with Sufix, and a third with
super-slick. So slick in fact that I needed to learn
tighter requires only the flick of a thumb on the
Stren, all with 20-pound test.
some new knots to use them successfully.
star drag to fight a strong fish. When you have
My fishing since July has taken me to
your fish close to hand, dialing the drag softer
many waters in search of many species and I
will greatly reduce short line pull-offs.
am pleased to report that all three lines have
The thing we like most about braid is the sensitivity that no-stretch brings to the party. It doesn’t take long before you can begin to detect
Braided line makes noise! The first time you
performed flawlessly. Anytime a reel needed to
the difference between ticking oyster shell,
hear your new braid singing through the guides
go in for service I pulled the line off and spooled
bumping a mullet or shad as you work through
when you fight a fish it’s like fingernails on a
it into another. Finally, just ten days ago, while
a raft of bait, or even having a single blade of
chalk board. Two things are going to happen,
preparing for a Chandeleur Island trip, I retired
grass foul your lure. While the plump thump of
though, and they’re both good. The singing will
all three lines and re-spooled with new braid.
an aggressively striking fish can be detected
subside somewhat as the line becomes broken-
with any line, light taps and soft pick-ups are
in. And since you’re going to be catching more
never suffered the first break-off, I never had line
telegraphed through braid like a jolt of electricity,
fish; that objectionable noise will soon become
digging into the spool, no Boy Scout backlashes,
so naturally we’re catching more fish.
sweet music.
and most importantly I’ve hooked a ton of bites I
Growing comfortable with braid does require a learning curve, though. First, the knot slipping problem. For years we joined 20-pound mono leader to our main lines
Slow your presentations! Another thing you’ll need to learn is that your lures will require less rod tip action to make them dart and dive.
During those many days of hard fishing I
likely would have missed without it. I’m sold. If you haven’t given braid an honest try, or maybe gave up in the learning
Whipping the rod tip as you probably do
curve, I urge that you try again soon. We are
with a five-wrap blood knot. For joining mono
with mono brings another little problem. Tip
the best equipped generation of anglers that
leader to braid, don’t do like I did, follow the
wrapping, as I call it, occurs when a bit of slack
ever hit the water and to the engineers and
manufacturer’s recommendation and learn the
line whips around your rod tip and cinches into
manufacturers who strive to bring us better
uni-to-uni knot if you do not already use it. When
a half-hitch. Learning shorter rod strokes and
gear, I say, “Many thanks.”
tying the uni-to-uni I make seven wraps of each
practicing better slack management is all it takes
line around the other and have eliminated all
to eliminate this little headache.
slipping and associated knot failures. Soften your drag and ease up on the
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As for a preference between Stren, Sufix and Power Pro, take your pick… they’re all great!
No braided line discussion would be complete without mentioning strength, abrasion
Texas Saltwater Fishing
June 2008
79
hospital. One of the first people …Cont’d from page 37
1. Lightning can strike on what appears to be a clear day, traveling
I ran into was Dr. Andy Sher,
as much as 10 miles from a storm. If you can hear thunder you
another of our fishing buddies,
are somewhat at risk. Now everyone that fishes Texas bays
who assured me that Buzzy would be OK. They had been and
knows that you will not get much fishing done if you run to port
would be continuing to run tests to confirm this.
anytime you hear thunder, especially during the summer rainy
George Deshotels was there and I inquired about his son,
season. Also, on this day, the first time we heard thunder it was
Jessie, and his two young fishermen. George has not been able
directly overhead. Anytime you hear thunder, no matter how far
to talk to them since they were out of range for their telephone. He
away, it should put your weather sensory skills on high alert.
was plenty worried.
Take notice of any movement and be prepared to seek shelter
Finally Jesse and the two youngsters made it back to port with tales of terrible conditions for about three hours at sea. His two passengers were terrified in the 12 foot seas and constant lightning.
or move to a clear area. Our usual mistake is waiting too long, especially if we are in fish! 2. Storms can move as fast as 60 miles per hour. The original
Jessie was too but had to remain at the controls to fight the storm.
storm may not proceed that fast but, as can be seen from
His boat sustained substantial damage, but it brought them through.
radar scans, new storms can develop ahead of the main
A little more than two months passed when Jessie and the two boys
storm. In this case the storm literally crossed the state during a
returned to the gulf for some excellent fishing.
morning fishing trip. Use all weather guidance you can gather;
They kept Buzzy in the hospital overnight. He experienced
TV, internet, NOAA radio, National Weather Service, etc.
headaches and sore neck muscles for a few days. One of the tests
Remember — I was less than 200 feet from our boat most of the
they were running was to check for CPK in his blood. Normal level
morning and Buzzy has state-of-the-art electronics onboard. A
is around 200. The first test indicated this value was elevated to
simple mid-morning check could have alerted us to the storm’s
280. Before leaving the hospital this value had risen to around 700,
presence. The storm we passed over on our return flight from
further blood test showed this value to be declining and was normal
Denver, the appearance of a storm near El Paso at bedtime, or
in about a week. In subsequent discussions with the attending
the storm near Del Rio at 5:00 AM should have raised enough
physician I learned that CPK is createnine phosphor kinase, a
concern to at least check all sources we had available to us.
muscle breakdown product. This constituent of the blood will
3. Try to stay away from storms as much as possible. Take refuge
increase after any trauma such as this or body injury from collisions
in an automobile or closed building. Do not get under trees or
or from extreme exercise. An excessive buildup would indicate
open shelters. Do not stay in the boat; you would be the tallest
major muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis. Normal response to minor damage is to return to normal after rest, as Buzzy did. The end result is that Buzzy is fine and back to fishing as usual.
object in the area. 4. Always carry raingear and a plastic tarp. Get on land, do not hold your fishing rod, and be sure to keep your profile
He felt as I did that it was important to get back on the water as
as low as possible. The best recommendation is to crouch
soon as possible to remove any feelings of “disconnect” we might
and remain on your feet, although I can’t crouch for two
have. We both felt that we should learn as much as possible from
minutes and this storm lasted over two hours. I also believe the
the experience so that we can continue to enjoy this great activity
desire to lie down will trump the crouch theory when it seems
that adds so much quality to our lives.
like every bolt is very near.
Everyone I had conversations with immediately after the
5. Stay out of the water, especially saltwater. I have on many
incident said we did exactly what they understood to be the best
occasions, including this one, gotten into the water for warmth.
course of action when caught in a similar situation. Two mentioned
However, the information we have gathered indicates that
that they had heard it was better to crouch down and stay on your
water being a better conductor than land will transport
feet instead of lying down. Another questioned our getting into the
the charge further. That being said, have a tarp or
water, while another said he always just got into the water with only
raingear handy. I can not over-emphasize the extreme
his head above the surface. So, figuring we had a strong warning
discomfort of being chilled to the bone which could
call, I set about to gather as much information as possible.
lead to an irrational decision on what to do next.
First let me say I have been fishing the Texas coast for over seven decades now and I expect to continue as long as I can.
These points are not for everybody. For instance,
That means the weather is always a factor and lightning storms
if you are a boat fisherman as opposed to a wader, you might want
are a part of it. So to that end I have sought information from
to consider a lightning arresting system for your boat. We found
every source I could find. We downloaded anything we could
several references to this subject during our search for information.
find on the internet, received some material from the Matagorda
Apparently these are more common around Florida which is
County Emergency Directory and the National Weather Service in
reputed to be the “lightning capital of the world.”
Dickinson, Texas. The internet is full of information from The National Lightning
As I stated earlier, one’s tolerance for risk can reduce your
Safety Institute, NASA, National Ag Safety Database and The
fishing time but increase your safety factor. However, there are no
University of Florida. There is far too much to list it all here but I
completely safe days and people like us will still seek to maximize
have summarized some key safety points for wade fishermen.
our fishing time.
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June 2008
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Here’s how it’s going to work… We will conduct two photo contests this year. The winter-spring contest will be for fish caught January-June 2008. The summer-fall contest will be for fish caught July-December 2008. There will be a prize awarded to the winner of each contest. Speckled trout photos only; one fish per photo. You may enter as many times as you like. All photos will become property of TSF-Mag. All photos are to be submitted via electronic mail to Everett@TSFMag.com
enter the contest today! Go to
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New Tackle & Gear batson enterprises This is by far the Finest Guide of it kind on the market to date! The Batson Enterprises team – Rainshadow/Forecast/ALPS is proud to be the USA Exclusive Distributor for all the High Quality ALPS product lines. ALPS super light weight LXN Guides
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wavePack™ wade fishing system The BigFishWish Company introduces the WavePack™ fishing system with a one-ofa-kind design for serious wade fisherman. Specifications include dual rear rod holders; shoulder height rod holders keep reels dry and out of the way. Front shoulder straps are equipped with left /
d.o.a. Lures
82
June 2008
right pliers and rod holder for handsfree handling of fish or tackle. Also includes rear open tackle pouch to hold lure boxes. Fully adjustable strap system with 5” wide padded mesh belt for lumbar support makes for all day comfort. Ideal for surf or bay.
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foreverlast
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foreverlast Pro wading belt Kit New for 2008 ForEverlast Hunting & Fishing Products introduces their latest wading accessory in the ForEverlast Pro Wading Belt Kit. This kit comes complete with 4” Back Guard wading belt, stainless steel pliers with holster, lure box and pouch, ABS plastic rod
rollo Lures
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rollo Minnow One of the biggest problems in sportfishing is how to hide your wire leader from “leader-shy” fish. Wire leaders add weight, which can interfere with the desired motion of the lure. Until now, this has always been a thing of compromise: If you don't use a wire leader, a "toothy" fish may break the line, and if you do use one,
holder, and a 15’ stringer with float. All of this wrapped into one pack make this kit a ready to use setup for wade fishing. It is available in standard sizes from Small thru 2X-Large. Look for it now at your favorite tackle shop or visit us online at ForEverlast.com for more information.
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you may be limiting your chances to catch anything that is leader-shy. The Rollo Minnow uses a unique, integrated wire leader inside of lure body. At the moment fish strikes, wire leader unwinds from head of the lure, protecting your line against sharp teeth. Benefits compared with use of traditional wire leader:
triangle Linewinders the new Cyclone Pro The Cyclone Pro is a professional, competition line spooling station designed for spooling up reels fast at home or on the water. Perfect for freshwater and light saltwater casting and spinning reels, the unit has a
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powerful motor with variable speed control and runs off standard household current or the 12-volt electric socket in your car or boat (adapter included.) The Pro bracket holds the rod, eliminating the need to remove the reel from the rod during stripping and
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spooling. The Cyclone Pro comes with a rugged carrying case that makes it easy to transport to a tournament, store on your boat or truck. Some larger reels may require our large reel adapter.
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The new Salinity by Waterloo Rod Company offers superior sensitivity and Waterloo’s traditional craftsmanship and quality in an affordable package. The Salinity features 316 Stainless Steel Guides that are proven to be highly corrosion resistant in any fishing condition. Available in 6’6”, 6;8”, and 7’ models. Serious rods for serious fishing. Be sure to ask about our special Corporate Order discounts!
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
June 2008
83
DiCKiE COlBuRn
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
it is esPeCiaLLy niCe to be PeCKing away at the keyboard
that the gulls will be ratting out schools of trout and reds chasing shrimp all
while feeling like I am missing
fantastic June and July down there last year and that bite has already
something by not being on the
kicked off. We fished both the gulf and channel side of the rocks and
water. That had not been the
caught easy limits of fish up to five pounds on most days. The nearby short
case, but our bite drastically
rigs also yielded excellent numbers of trout when the weather allowed.
over the lake by the middle of this month. I have not personally lost anything at the jetties, but we enjoyed a
improved this past month
Our flounder arrived early this year and the average fish has been
and June could well be a
much larger thus far. Should you find yourself catching mostly smaller
banner-month.
flounder, move out a little deeper or fish larger plastics. While it may be a
The wind that was supposed to subside in April continued to howl well into the early part of May leaving
little different approach for you, try fishing parallel to the shoreline about a cast out from the grass.
Sabine Lake anglers with muddy water and very little real estate to fish on most days. Even now, if this were your first visit to Sabine, you would be
The flounder that hold in the deeper water are usually larger and they congregate in good size pods. If you do not have a Power Pole or
less than excited about the foot or so of visibility, but it works for us. Had generous incoming tides not cleared the water on the south end of the lake last month, I was considering a part time job upgrading the gas price placards twice a day at a local service station. Aside from cringing with every fill-up, the rising cost has chipped away at a network of dependable sources while limiting the frequency of scouting trips. The much-anticipated good news, however, is that we have enjoyed an incredible month of both trout fishing on the south end and flounder fishing on the Louisiana side of the lake. It has been several years since we caught as many 25-inch plus trout as well as big numbers of fish in the three-pound class working the deep shell. We managed to put only a couple of trout over eight-pounds in the boat, but I saw two over nine caught, photographed, and released. I also do not doubt the reports of two more fish over ten-pounds taken the first week of May. Since old reports are of very little use, what can you do to cash in on the bite this month? Pray that the winds will diminish just a little, find a buddy to help share the cost of gas, and choose between specks or flounder. You are going to catch some reds either way. The key to locating the larger trout has been concentrating your efforts on the slicks. If you fish enough to have an interest in this magazine, then you do not need me wasting space with what to look for or how to approach those coveted oily spots on the water. What has been important is keeping your lure in that top part of the water column when fishing them. A topwater lure like the She Dog or Top Dog, Jr. may be the ticket this month, but we have done very well swimming an Assassin rigged on a one-sixteenth ounce head. We have also scored well with a Catch V or 2000 as mullet have been at the top of the menu. Drifting the Causeway reefs should remain strong throughout the month with both redfish and jacks joining the fray. Do not forget your drift sock and jig heads in several different sizes, as tempo is the name of the game. Soft plastics bounced over the shell will produce the most consistent
Larry Berkman likes flounder almost as much as the Longhorns!
bite, but keep an eye out for slicks in this area as well. There is no doubt 84
June 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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Christopher French was obviously pleased with this nice slot red.
Stake-Out Stik, keep your anchor handy, as you do not want to drift up on the fish once you find them. Live bait, Gulp, and the curly tail grub tipped with shrimp are excellent choices, but we catch most of our larger flounder on four-inch Sea Shads rigged on quarter-ounce heads and spinner baits. We also take advantage of the scent factor by replacing the body on the spinnerbait with a Blurp Sea Shad. I fish flounder exclusively with a 7-foot CastAway HG40 titanium rod and a spinning reel spooled with 6x20-pound Power Pro. I seldom if ever use a shock leader and I am pleased to announce that wind-knots are finally a thing of the past! The secret was in the reel. I bought my first U.S. Reel, a 230SX, last fall and ordered another a week later. It is a phenomenal product. I also use it when fishing a Kwik Cork or Paradise Popper, as it will cast a mile. Simply eliminating wind-knots earned it a spot at the top of my list! The most under fished area with the greatest potential this month is the open lake from Blue Buck to Coffee Ground Cove. One or two slicks or a tight group of birds is the easiest way to locate huge schools of both trout and reds, but it requires logging miles just looking on most days. The cost of fuel might limit your hunting, but you will not burn much gas once you find them!
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
June 2008
85
things are LooKing a LittLe better. Trinity Bay is still not ideal however it will bounce back soon. We do have a lot of fish over here but the water is still in bad shape due to all the runoff from the rivers. They have been running all spring. Come early to mid-June Trinity should be back in full force providing the creeks do not rise and the rivers do not flood again. The best fishing right now for consistency has been East Galveston Bay.
east bay I had a real good day not too long ago. We were wading in clear, kneedeep water and using Corkys. Our fish are still on a heavy glass minnow pattern along the shore lines. Competing with all that bait can be difficult sometimes but this one was our day. We had exceptional luck finessing them out of the clear water. The number of four and five pound trout we landed was very impressive. Wind is always a factor in your fishing plans and right now it is killing us. Anyone who ever spent more than few days on the Galveston Bay System understands that our water clarity does not hold up like the lower coast can. We can catch fish in these conditions but it usually means a lot of work to find the fish and then figure out the bite. These fish can be pretty screwy at times. The majority of our fish are on deep shell in about six to eight feet of water. When you can get that one day a week where the wind lays down and the water cleans up a little bit, we can slide out and work slicks, tide lines and bait breaks over the shell. We are using soft plastics and doing quite well when the conditions allow. We have some seven and eight pound trout being brought in with soft plastics from the shell reefs; especially Hannah Reef and in the south end of East Bay. Both of these areas have been holding a lot of fish. We suspect a lot of these are came from around Smith Point and been pushed off the east shoreline due to the runoff. We are loaded up with shad and glass minnows and this always attracts lots of trout and reds to the areas they use. The biggest issue we have is timing. Over and over again you will catch the fish if you are there at the right time, and if you are not …you will not be catching. Basically we have discovered that if you find fish you have to sit on them and just make the most of your day by catching one here and there. If you are patient they will turn on and you can have a banner day.
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June 2008
Lower gaLveston The Texas City portion of Lower Galveston Bay is holding a lot of fish. Fishermen in that area are experiencing the same problems we are having in Trinity and East Bay. Timing is everything it seems and the wind and weather along with the incredible numbers of glass minnows and small shad seem to be the major culprits here too. Reports I have received indicate that the best bite has been from about three in the afternoon until dark. It has made it hard on those of us who go out early because you are just tired by the time things get rolling. I have been trying to run more of my trips in the afternoon and sticking it out until right before dark when those fish really turn on.
west bay The green tide has started to roll through San Louis Pass, and despite the wind, the water clarity in that part of West Bay has been generally good and the catching is good too. Chocolate, Christmas and Bastrop bays have also been producing some nice fish. The most consistent bite has been with live shrimp, bringing in fish up to the seven pound class. There have been some reports of a thirty-inch 10-pound trout behind the Pass about a week ago. Late May and June almost always bring good wade fishing in and around San Louis Pass. Waders should focus on tide swept guts, sandbars and ridges. I would expect that everything from Bird Island to Alligator Head and even over to the south side of West Bay around the old Rooster Collins Bait Camp and West Bay Fishing Club area will offer excellent fishing soon if it hasn’t kicked off already. Early morning wades have produced some big fish over there this time of year. The best lure to use over here is your Mirrolures, Corkys, gold spoons and topwaters. The big trout report seems very scattered right now but good numbers of twenty to twenty-two inch class trout are coming regularly. Our jetties are holding a lot of redfish and some solid trout and we look for that to get even get better. When the wind diminishes there will be some big trout caught out there on the jetties, especially the north jetties. I went out there the other day and there were about forty boats lined up. They have been keeping the secret quiet and they are catching some pretty big fish.
trinity I hate to say it but fishing in Trinity Bay is way off right now. It is going to turn around eventually but we have to get rid of a lot of runoff before it will happen. When the rivers go down and hopefully we do not get any more floods, it will be good. Late May and early June should be really good. I think things will be just about right unless we get another big flood north us. So that’s the way it is here on the Galveston Bay System. Things are beginning to pick up and I’m sure they will continue to improve as we begin to receive more summer-like weather. Our average trout weight is very good and the numbers are sure to follow. I think we’re in for a great summer fishing season.
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
June 2008
87
taLK about soMe tough fishing, it seems we’re never going to get a break. I cannot remember so many northers coming during late April and early May. Just about the time the north wind subsides we get hammered again with south and southeast running anywhere from 25 to 40 mph. Let me tell you I’m ready for June and I know everybody is dying for settled weather and warm green water to chunk our lures and get some serious fishing going on.
east bay June should find me heading to East Matagorda Bay every day the conditions are favorable. The game plan will be wading reefs and tossing MirrOlures and Saltwater Assassins. We will likely mix it up a little by drifting some of the deeper mid-bay shell. Just because you caught them last week or even yesterday, you still have to keep your eyes peeled for slicks, jumping mullet, and maybe a little bird activity. I ask everybody that gets on my boat to keep a sharp eye and help me find the signs. June also means we’re finally done with the mud for a while as most of our trout will be lurking on hard sand and shell bottoms. Another area of interest to some of you diehards is night wading, especially around the time of the full moon. Generally speaking, 2-3 days before and after a full moon are the best times for this. I always use the same topwaters and Bass Assassins while night fishing that I use in my daylight trips. Some may be skeptical but I assure you that fish see the same whether night or day. Chunk a morning glory Bass Assassin at night and see for yourself. I have personally caught too many trout at night on plastics for anyone to tell me any different. All I can say is give it a try yourself and see what happens.
west bay Everybody that reads my column knows that East Matagorda is my favorite of the two wonderful bays that lie right out my back door. But when it comes to early summer fishing, I’d have to say that anyone who passes West Bay may also pass on some of the best trout and redfish action on the Texas coast. When I decide it’s time for a change of scenery or the nagging wind blows me out of East Bay, I’ll head towards the guts and grassbeds of the south shoreline and I’ll be using the same lures as in East Matagorda Bay. I’ll be fishing an incoming tide and, believe you me, I will be checking my territory for sharks and sting rays. There are thousands of sting rays in West Matagorda Bay and my Josh Huffman landing another trout with Capt. Bill. faithful ForEverLast sting ray guards will be in place. Anywhere from the Cullen Houses down to Airport Flats should be 88
June 2008
Bobby and Glenn Tackaberry with Paul Liberato fishing a beautiful sunrise in East Matagorda Bay.
considered prime country and look for the presence of finger mullet to indicate choicest areas. Back lakes like Crab Lake and Oyster Lake should also be holding a few redfish. I like drifting Oyster Lake, usually out in the middle, and making long drifts, 1/4 to 1/2 mile in length, while throwing She Dogs. I have found Marty Weghorst; 25" trout while this to be very productive at times. wading East Matagorda Bay. Since Texas Parks & Wildlife initiated a 3 fish and 18 inch limit on tripletail, I’m a little bit more relaxed with taking people tripletail fishing. In the past, I have purposefully kept the secret because these are some of the best eating fish around and the vultures as I like to call them simply weren’t too polite, nor did they show much respect for the resource. For the first time in several years I plan to begin booking a few tripletail trips. I’ll never forget the time I took a good friend of mine from Bellville, Steve Pawlowski, on a tripletail trip. As I mentioned I had not been booking tripletail trips and I wouldn’t take just anybody. Steve takes me hunting for axis deer every year so I made an exception for him. Well, he was fishing the Oilman’s Tournament that year and wanted to enter for tripletail so I showed him some spots and how to do it the day before the tournament. Steve ended up in first place, second, and only a few ounces out of third. One of Steve’s tripletail weighed in at 27.5 pounds. Not too bad for a novice; I’d say. About three months ago Shimano gave me two Citica 100DSV reels to try. The only maintenance they received was wiping every day with a damp rag. I did not oil them at all as the test was to see how well and how long they would stand up in saltwater. I did, however, spray Line and Lure Line Conditioner - Saltwater Formula on the spools and tried to limit it to that area only. I use Power Pro braided line and the lengths of the casts I was making with them when new was excellent. To make a long story short — I just recently sent these two reels back to Shimano because I could no longer make long casts with them. Bottom line to the story is for a price tag of only $119 you’ll get yourself a great reel that requires minimal maintenance and holds up very well. Great bang for the buck! It’s quite possible that the line conditioner I use helped and I can tell you honestly that this line conditioner is the best I have tried, especially for braided line. I can attest that you will be able to cast at least 15-20 yards further with your braided line when this product is applied. Mike Grigar at Johnny’s Sport Shop over in Eagle Lake handles this product and, as far as I know, is the only retail outlet around the area for this line conditioner. Otherwise, you can go online at www.lineandlure.com. Folks, this product is good for all lines and I highly recommend it. Until next time… God Bless!
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
June 2008
89
the fishing in May was good for the
not necessary to change colors as the fish should have no problem homing
Rat Pack and patterns seem to be
big-bodied lure. You can actually see the tip on my American Rodsmiths H3
right on schedule with previous
Titanium Ultra vibrating due to the extreme tail wiggle.
in on the “thump-thump� vibration made by the larger paddle tail on this
years except for the wind. We have
Weather permitting; our first choice of fishing spots during June will be
had more 20+ mph winds recently
the surf. The wind should start to calm down this month and we will get
than I care to remember. Strong
our first taste of the tide runners. Last summer my best action came on
southeast winds have pinned us
topwaters and the Assassin Swimming Shiners. I can remember more then
to the south shorelines when the
one occasion when we caught more trout wading with topwaters than my
better opportunities this time of
friends who were fishing from the boat using croaker. Not only did we get
year usually come on the north
more action, we were also more comfortable in the water.
shorelines of Espiritu Santo Bay. Casting soft plastics on 1/16
When fishing the surf I like to wade the first gut until the sun breaks the horizon. After the sun starts to rise you will notice the baitfish starting to
oz Assassin jigheads into the wind
move away to the second gut and I follow. The third gut may hold fish but it
made for some sore arms and
is usually the bigger species with more teeth so you will hardly ever find me
shoulders and the slack the wind
straying to that area.
puts in your line makes it tough
When I am not in the surf I’ll be in the same places I fished during
to feel a bite. Naturally we were forced to set the hook anytime we felt even a slight pressure on the line. This brings quite a few misses, especially for clients who do not fish this way often. Over the past two years a lure that has become a favorite for redfish has now risen to the top of my artificial arsenal for my speckled friends as well. The 4-inch Swimming Shiner made by Bass Assassin has proven itself in every locale I have tried it, bait against bait, while wading with friends and customers. Within an hour of my many wades even my most skeptical clients are requesting a few to try so I have to make sure I have a good supply on hand to share. In our normal trout green water I have been throwing the pearl/ chartreuse but when the water has been beaten into chocolate milk by strong wind I usually switch to the darker colors or solid chartreuse. Since this bait has such great tail action it probably is
within an hour of my many wades even my most skeptical clients are requesting a few to try so i have to make sure i have a good supply on hand to share. 90
June 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
Heavyweight reds like these have been common in the marsh and back lakes around Seadrift.
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More kids like Morgan Gray will be hitting the water more often now that school is out for the summer.
May. When I have wade fishermen we’ll be on hard sand and grass as these areas hold good numbers of fish during June. We will start out fishing in calf to knee-deep water early, and as the sun grows, we will slowly make our way through the deeper guts until we end up chest deep along major drop-offs. The same techniques will hold true as well when fishing the shell reefs in San Antonio Bay. Early in the morning I like to start up shallow around the crown of the reef then slowly work your way to the deeper drop offs between the reefs or cuts in the reefs. I use the same lures whether I am fishing shorelines or mid-bay reefs. I and many of my customers love the blow-ups and explosions you get when angry redfish and trout attack our surface lures but I found out long ago I can’t make a living throwing topwaters. It is hard to fillet a blow-up when customers are hoping to take a few home for the grill. My go-to topwater for June will be She Dogs in chartreuse/pearl/chartreuse and chrome/black back. Whenever my speckled friends want a smaller morsel I will switch to the new MirrOMullet from MirrOlure. These smaller plugs match the size and shape of a finger mullet perfectly. For plastics I will be slinging the lure I mentioned above, the Assassin Swimming Shiner, in pearl/ chartreuse, mostly. For backup I will have the tried and true Texas Assassins on hand in pumpkinseed/ chartreuse and bone diamond. I rig these lures on 1/16 oz Assassin jigheads with 3/0 hooks. In May the sharks and stingrays made a strong showing all along the shorelines of Espiritu Santo, San Antonio and West Matagorda bays so make sure to wear your ForEverlast stingray guards and boots. If you plan on keeping some fillets for dinner you might consider rigging up a shark proof bucket on some type of float to keep your catch out of reach of those toothy critters. A landing net is another safety precaution I have transferred over from the surf to the bays because you don’t want to be reaching for your catch at the same time as the “man in the gray suit.” Fish hard, fish smart! www.TSFMAG.com
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
June 2008
91
CliFF WEBB
this Last Month in the Laguna Madre
outskirts of the flocks, not always in the middle.
and Baffin Bay has been a
most part. Of course when the wind is up it will get muddy but we can
challenge. I’ve used every trick
usually find some areas of cleaner water. This is when the Land Cut has
and technique you can imagine.
paid off and I’ve been spending a lot of time there. Through all of the wind
We’re wade fishing shallow flats,
of the past month it has stayed relatively clear. I’ll put out drift anchors
working the dropoff in the Land
and use the Power Pole to work the edge.
The water conditions in the Laguna Madre have been good for the
Cut, drift fishing, and sightcasting. Our local weatherman said,
In this past month I’ve spent a lot of time in the Land Cut. It seems like we get a big wave of fish in from the south for two or three days and
“We have had a ridiculous amount
they move on through. The fishing in the Cut will slow and get spotty for a
of wind.”
few days until another wave shows up. In the old days the Land Cut would
I agree; and because of it, a single approach or pattern is not
turn on with the high spring tides and stay consistent for two months. It would be good every day and you could catch all the fish you wanted.
going to provide consistent fishing. I’ve tried to use everything I could,
It was just a big stream of fish coming in from the south for at least two
especially keeping on the move and being versatile.
months straight.
I’ve seen more shrimp in our system than I’ve seen in years. Almost
This condition in the Land Cut brings up the subject of “tide runner”
every day I see flocks of birds working. I have tried drifting the birds and
trout. These are the trout that move into the bay system from the gulf. Dr.
we will catch a few small trout and not much more. Other times, I’ll fish
Greg Stunz, professor of Marine Biology at the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Research Center, is doing a study on the tide runners and asked me to help. My job is to help collect a few trout. He can examine the otoliths, or ear stones, in their head and take tissue samples for genetic traces to see if they match the stocks from the gulf. I have always believed in the tide runner theory. To me they look different. They are more silver with a darker back than we see on our bay fish. Through his study he hopes to get the necessary data to support the dredging and reopening of the Port Mansfield jetties. This would be great with more water flow and hopefully bringing in more fish. The fishing in Baffin Bay has been good when the wind gave us a chance. Most days we end up on the south shoreline seeking protection from the south and southeast wind. We have enjoyed several days wading shallow water over mixed grassbeds and sand pockets using topwater lures and some found quite a few big trout. It has amazed me how fat the trout have been. Maybe they don’t have to work as hard because the bait doesn’t spook so easily in the brown tide and they just hang around and gorge on fat baitfish. On days when the wind was 20-mph or less I’d move
Lance Grigar with a 7-1/2 lb trout taken recently in the Land Cut.
around the corner of the mouth of Baffin and fish the spoil islands near Bird Island. The shallow grass beds are under the birds and catch a big trout, six or seven pounds, or even a big
holding good trout and redfish. Also, the flats at Yarborough Pass have
redfish. So, I’ve learned to at least stop and try the birds. The smaller fish
some trout. This area usually turns on in June and July.
are usually bunched right under the birds and more aggressive while the bigger ones will hang on the edges. My recommendation is to cast on the 92
June 2008
Upper Laguna Madre has been producing too; the areas around Dead Man’s Hole and Pita Island have been holding really good trout.
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Some twenty-eight-inch trout are coming off the sand bars and shallow grass beds. They are mixed in there along with the reds. It’s been great for sightcasting. The reds have been easy to catch. The trouble is finding the scattered trout. Look for the black backs. They are in there but, very hard to find. Be prepared to spend all day in there to try and catch them. A group from Johnny’s Sport Shop in Eagle Lake came down for a few days of fishing. One day was spent drifting under the birds. Everyone was catching trout. All of the sudden Mike Grigar sets the hook on a solid fish. She was a lot bigger than the rest at twenty-seven inches long. He was using a Bass Assassin four-inch sea shad with a paddle tail in the new color they call chicken on a chain. Everyone has heard the story about how the guy in the back of the boat doesn’t catch as many fish as the guys in the front. Well let me tell you it didn’t hold true on this trip. Lance Grigar really put it on us from the back of the boat. We were working the dropoff in the Land Cut. He had no problem, catching a seven and a half pound trout and several other really nice ones. He out-fished the front and the middle of the boat with his plum/chartreuse Bass Assassin on a 1/4-ounce head. We are hoping that early summer will bring some days of lighter wind. The fishing should continue to improve. I hope by the time you are reading this that I will be back to my old haunts in Baffin Bay. The redfish are really showing up and I’m seeing more crabs than ever in the shallow flats. I expect a tremendous amount of redfish this summer.
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fishing in Port MansfieLd during spring was awesome and even the catching part was great! Surging tides from the Gulf of Mexico pushed blue/green water into the farthest reaches of this shallow Lagoon. Seemingly overnight we saw overall levels rise more than a foot; significant for an area where the average depth is only two and a half feet. Massive rafts of nervous mullet appeared and were hammered by voracious gamefish and pelicans. From the eastern flats to the newly flooded backwater shorelines, the Laguna came alive with incredible displays of feeding activity. Although there were several days of “impressive” spring winds, we were fortunate enough to have mostly good weather and good fishermen to go with it. If what we have been experiencing lately is any
Kevin Brock fell in love with U.S. Reel Super Caster 230SX spooled with Sufix braid on a 7’ FTU Pro Series Rod.
David Sambrooks got this red to bite a slow-loped plum/chartreuse Sea Devil from Brown Lure Co.
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indication this may be one of those great fishing years we all hope for. Water conditions are presently excellent with no hint of nuisance algal blooms. With the flats rinsed crystal clean, the seagrasses are growing tall and lush. One can only imagine what it would be like here every spring if our East Cut was fully open. Yes, we have flow from the gulf, but I cannot help but think even greater volume would be better; unfortunately the channel continues to silt in and we fear it could close one day. Please keep the state of the Laguna Madre in mind and help us pray for the continued quality environment this area is famous for. Spring trout patterns were consistent and fairly predictable once you figured them out. For whatever reason, many of the better fish went “deep” sooner than expected. “Deep” here means waist deep instead of shin. Topwaters worked well when baitfish were active near the surface, especially during early morning along dropoffs near the ICW. Noisy She Dogs pulled several trout of seven-plus pounds near rafts of mullet; expecting one over eight pounds to crash your topwater was realistic. Soft plastics on 1/4 ounce jigs produced consistently any time the bait was staged lower in the water column. We relied mostly on Brown Lures. One in particular is the translucent Devil Eye in chartreuse/gold/white, which seems to fool even the finickiest fish in this clear water. For all-around use the plumtreuse on an 1/8 ounce head remains our go-to bait.
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There are a lot of shrimp in the system and nearly every deep grassbed seems to be holding fish. While we are still finding many juvenile trout far below legal size, [a great sign] we are also encouraged as the number of mid-range fish between eighteen and twenty four inches seems to be increasing. Could the new five fish limit already be causing this improvement? Whatever the reason, our trout fishery seems to be on an impressive upswing at this time. Our redfish have also been providing lots of action and expect this to continue through the month of June. Les McDonald, famed outdoor artist, was here with his annual Quail Unlimited outing. The first day was to be a late afternoon run and the target was trout. True to standard afternoon pattern in eightydegree water, darker plastics worked along waist deep color changes and grassbeds proved productive. Although the bite was low and soft, everybody caught trout of impressive size, including one stubby twenty-six inch anomaly that weighed an incredible eight pounds. While those proportions are certainly uncommon, we can still expect some of these trout to remain heavy going through June. We can also expect those low and slow retrieves in windy afternoon color changes to be good starting points. Although the bite may not be aggressive, it is a classic stack up situation where good presentations can reap great rewards. The next morning brought classic late spring redfishing. It’s nice when redfish do what they are supposed to, and as if on cue, they were grouped thickly on the skinny flats. As the sun pushed higher they drifted to the first series of potholes just past the sand line and became easier to catch hitting everything we threw. Tails, topwaters, spoons, Gulp baits; it just didn’t seem to matter. For about two hours we stayed hooked up with some of the best fishing fun you can have with dry knees. The next day we enjoyed another fun outing with the David Sambrooks group working dark plastics into wind-stirred color changes late in the day. Baitfish were flickering and a few curious gulls hovered along the color lines. Even though most of the bites were soft, we enjoyed excellent redfish action by slow-loping the baits near bottom. Most of these late afternoon fish ran just under the maximum size of twenty eight inches and several pushed well over the line. One thing that helped all of us feel the subtle bite was Sufix braided line, I doubt we’d have felt many of those delicate taps with monofilament. One of the guys, though standing in the middle of several continuously screaming reels, managed no hook-ups until we switched him to braid. It really does make a huge difference. Ask Kevin Brock what he thinks of the U.S. Reels 230SX spinning reel spooled with 2O/6 Sufix braid mated with a seven-foot FTU Pro Series rod. The rig seems perfectly balanced for flats fishing, the reel is actually designed for braided line and its drag system is more than a match for anything oversized Lower Laguna reds can dish out. Fishing is always better with good gear, and the catching certainly is.
We have been very encouraged by the number of 18 to 24-inch trout we’ve been seeing. www.TSFMAG.com
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hoPefuLLy by the tiMe you read this the winds of spring will
of these non-aggressive strikers.
have subsided and the summer
start working, and the cotton harvest begins, that’s when the redfish start
patterns have set in. All those
schooling up.” He was right- give or take a week or two.
In June, redfish start to school up in large groups throughout our area bays. I remember the late Captain Dan Colley saying, “When the silos
windy days brought us some
Capt. Dan taught me something with that comment. There many signs
tough fishing to say the least. We
in the natural world and our everyday surroundings that can serve as
did however manage a few days
reminders of fishing patterns that run in parallel to the seasons.
when it wasn’t blowing thirty-
What do I mean by this? As I start to see the cotton being harvested
something to enjoy some bird
in the summer, I frequent certain areas and look for redfish schools that
action in the back bays. If you
showed at the same time during prior years. During June we expect calm
have never seen fish under sea
to mild breezes in the morning and this makes the schools easy to locate.
gulls with their tails sticking out
If you happen to find one, the best way to fish for them if at all possible
of the water, it’s something that
is to hop off the boat and wade slowly into them. A stealthy approach will
needs to be on your list.
always bring you better results. Drifting over them can also bring good results, but make sure you don’t run close enough to spook them as one good spook can ruin the bite for hours. Currently we are fishing areas holding hordes of small bait. The mullet are balled up and pretty active early in the morning, so naturally we’re
is brated h Nick cele g this in h by catc y a d k! th ir 12 b to Go Nic sh . Way fi d e r ig b
getting lots of action on surface lures. A can’t miss bait seems to be the bone-colored Super Spook Jr, and the chrome with black back has been very good too. Productive areas have been just about any windward shoreline where you can see lots of active bait. Quite often we are finding the bait being blown out of the water by aggressive trout and redfish. This is a clear indication of fish present and a good bite in progress. If the area
As the bay waters warmed above the seventy degree mark here in the Lower Laguna Madre, the bigger trout bite suffered a bit, but the number of bites from solid keeper-sized fish was not affected at all. The redfish numbers continue to look very healthy as they have all winter and spring. In the months of April and May most of our efforts were concentrated on pothole-ridden flats and bait infested shorelines. Anytime we experienced the trout and reds just toying with our topwaters a switch to soft plastic would always entice a few
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June 2008
This five pounder came into Angle’s hands via a topwater worked over a pothole.
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Norma had an outstanding day catching reds up shallow.
has scattered potholes it is even better. Most of our heavier trout have been coming from areas such as these. The productive depth of late has been
Pulido’s home made antler lures do catch fish.
about knee deep, but this is due to change. As we get further into June and the water temperature continues to climb, I recommend starting in the cooler shallows early and then working deeper as the day wears on. Sightcast fishing will definitely be in the cards for June. As I said earlier the mornings should be very calm and this can call for special tactics. Remember that when the water is slick-calm getting close to fish can be difficult. A quiet approach is critical; matching the hatch or using the right size bait is equally important. If a small topwater seems to spook your target, try switching to small plastic baits or even a 1/8 oz gold spoon. Sometime in late June our bays waters will begin to recede to their summer low levels. If you can catch the tide at its lowest point and know where these fish relocate during these lower than normal tides, you can bet you found yourself a honey hole. Find out where all water goes as the tide recedes. Small guts, drop offs, edges of the ICW, fairly large potholes, etc. are excellent places to find fish during extremely low tides. As the water comes up during the day, grass flats will come alive and a sure bet to find your desired species. I would like to point out that the fun part about guiding is meeting people. Recently, I had the pleasure to fish with a fun group from the Valley. They didn’t care what was at the end of their line as long as it pulled. What made this trip unique was one of the guys brought a small box of homemade lures. As a matter of fact, the lures were made from deer antlers. Yes, that’s right I said deer antlers. These lures were handmade by Tejano artist and legend Roberto Pulido. I have to admit I was pretty skeptical but I was also eager to see the results. We were wading along having fun and catching fish when one of the guys decided it was time to try the horn lures. It wasn’t five minutes later that he caught his first fish on one. You should have seen his face; it was lit up as bright as a full moon. He was excited as can be and proudly showed off his catch. He made a believer out of me. A lesson I learned is that when the fish are hungry they are not afraid to lock horns! www.TSFMAG.com
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Proud angler displays his catch, fish caught on a home made lure made out of deer antlers. June 2008
97
June is one of my favorite months of the year. The fish should be everywhere, and the winds are likely to calm down. The first person to say, "I’m hot; we need a breeze," is going to walk the plank! The winds have been so unpredictable and strong lately that we can’t fish half the water we want to. This is the month for fishing birds. You will see seagulls diving, and the trout will be under them with an attitude. These fish are extremely hungry and can usually be caught in good numbers before the school goes down. The oyster reefs around the lake are also good this time of year. The cuts around the ship channel are worth a try in the end of spring, early summer. Even the Cameron Jetties will get hot as the month wears on. Topwater action is at its best in June. My final bit of advice is to fish away from the ship channel during strong incoming tides at places such as Long Point, Commissary Point, and the South and East Banks. During strong outgoing tides, head toward the channel at The Washout, Nine Mile Cut, and The Old Jetties.
“Fishing is okay right now, nothing great. Winds seem to keep things challenging on most days, but we’re still able to catch some fish. About two thirds of the fish are out in the middle, so they’re pretty hard to get at when the winds are up. The fish on the shoreline are all really shallow. You’ve got to stay right on the bank when you are wading. Best lures for wading lately have been topwaters or Bass Assassins rigged on the flutter jig hooks. We’ve been catching some fish wading around San Luis Pass and on the shorelines in East Bay around scattered shell near marsh entrances. When the breeze dies, we are heading out to the mid-bay reefs and working slicks and birds. Out there, we’re throwing mostly Bass Assassins on regular jigheads, sometimes a little heavier ones to get distance and reach out under the flocks. The average size of the fish overall is good, with trout up to about six pounds. With all the shrimp in the bays and all the rain we had over the last year, we are set up for an awesome summer of fishing.” Weather has been the determining factor in the fishing in Galveston this spring, Jim says. “It’s basically feast or famine. When the winds are strong, everybody is pinned into some small areas of fishable water and it gets tough. One tide days are also creating problems, muddying up the water. On the tougher days, I like to stick with the Stanley Wedge Tails; they attract more strikes in dirty water. But in better weather, we’re catching plenty on SheDogs and Super Spooks. There are birds working out in the middle, redfish in the marshes, and some solid trout along area shorelines and in the surf. I’ve had a couple of good days already in the surf, with trout up to 26 inches and good numbers in the 20 to 24 inch class. Also, I heard reports of the Rollover Surf producing some giant trout again, with one over 10 pounds. They also had some eights and nines during that little run. June should be a little easier, or at least more consistent. Typically, we get lighter winds by then. When light winds coincide with four tide days, we’ll catch all we want.” 98
June 2008
“Fishing has been good despite higher than usual winds most of the time lately,” Randall reports. “Today, we’re having a pretty typical outing. We’ve got seventeen or eighteen trout, two reds and a flounder. We just left some small trout biting to find some bigger fish. Tides have been really high a lot, making it hard to fish some of our spots, but we’re consistently finding and catching plenty of fish. Got to the surf one time already and really lit ‘em up. I see lots of activity related to that in terms of incoming baitfish, jacks inshore, stuff like that. I think the surf will be steady in June. Best lures this month have been the salty chicken Sand Eel, the big one, and 51 MirrOlures in bone/chartreuse. As we see the pretty water roll in from the surf next month, the red magic Sand Eel will probably catch fire.” He’s excited to be running his new JH Performance boat, Shamu. “It’s one of the prettiest boats I’ve ever had, and it’s really easy to get in and out of. The new 200 Etec is running great, as was the old one when I quit using it. These motors are almost like magic.”
“We’ll be focusing mostly on West Bay in June,” Tommy predicts. “We like to start off inside the grass beds early with topwaters for the trout, using blue/orange Skitterwalks and bone Spook Jrs. As the sun gets up, we move to the outside bars and key on deeper grass, switching over to Norton Sand Eel Jrs. in voodoo and black magic. As far as locating the fish, we’ll key on slicks and bait activity. There’s an abundance of glass minnows right now. For the reds, we’ll stay shallower and use both the jr. Sand Eels and also the Texas Tackle Factory eighth ounce copper spoons, just reeling them along slow and steady.” He also mentions another couple of options that open up this month. “We’ll start looking for the tripletail in June too. There are already a few showing up, and numbers should be good by the first of the month. Also, anytime the surf is calm, we’ll head out there to look for trout. East Bay is kind of a last resort for me this month, though I do spend some time drifting scattered shell in the west end if other options aren’t producing.”
Fishing in the Palacios area is the best I have seen in years. Loads of bait in the bays have trout, redfish and flounder chasing them all over the place. Redfish have been the most fun fish we have been targeting. Pods of fish from 25 to 32 inches have been cruising area sand/clay flats and blasting topwaters. SheDogs in chrome and black/gold/orange have been the best lures as of late. Our best trout bite has come out in the bays over deep structure around wells and wrecks. Live shrimp rigged 4 to 5 feet under a popping cork has accounted for the best eatingsized fish. Flounder ranging from 15 to 19 inches have been common on most nights with several bigger ones to 22 inches. A word of caution to folks fishing the south shoreline of West Matagorda Bay. The sharks are back. We have already lost several stringers to some big boys. Fishing in June should continue to sizzle. We will continue to hunt reds on area flats, focusing on depths of 2 feet and less, and also targeting one of my favorite species, the tripletail, at the wells and buoys.
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Lynn is partial to chrome topwaters in June. “We’ll be fishing those sandy pockets along main bay shorelines most of the time this month,” he says. “I like to throw topwaters a lot this time of year. We stick with the shiny ones mostly, like the chrome/blue SheDog and the Spook jrs. in the same colors. We’ll focus on areas with deep water pretty close by, but we’ll target bright spots in the grass and on top of sand bars where the water is knee deep to maybe waist deep. In some of these places, the trout and redfish will be found together. In other areas, the reds stay somewhat shallower than the trout. With all the wind we’re having this year, staying inside the bays is likely to be required on most days in June, but as soon as I can, I’ll be heading to the surf. The same topwaters will work out there, especially the SheDogs. The key when fishing this time of year is to find mullet, and I mean lots of mullet. Knocking rafted-up bait out of the way with the topwaters is a sure way to find some of the trout and reds lurking under them.”
“Fishing continues to be hot around Rockport recently,” reports Blake. “We are catching limits of both trout and redfish on most trips. The topwater action has been good most of the time. On the windiest days, it pays to stay on leeward shorelines. There have been schools of redfish and trout mixed on sandy bottoms with good amounts of grass. When the wind lets up some, all kinds of other options become available, including windward shorelines and open water reefs. On the reefs, topwaters will still work some of the time, but the old Norton Sand Eels in dark colors like pumpkinseed/chartreuse and purple/chartreuse will often produce better around the shell. We haven’t been able to get out to the surf much yet, but we’ll have our eye on that in June. I like to walk in at Cedar Bayou some of the time, especially if it’s a little too windy for running up and down the beach in the boat. But when the conditions are calm enough, it’s great to go out of the jetties and head north, cruising and looking for rafts of bait, working birds and slicks.”
June is the beginning of the highest quality surf fishing of the year, provided we get a break from the sargassum. Various shark species are present and available on casted and kayaked baits. Spanish mackerel, Atlantic bluefish, ladyfish, and whiting are usually in good supply with tarpon, king mackerel and redfish being in varying numbers. Topwater fishing for speckled trout becomes good in June and this will continue throughout the summer. Surf run trout are interesting and typically they will either hit topwaters or Bass Assassins but NOT both. If neither of these will produce, try blue/silver Rattletraps, MirrOlure Glad Shads or gold or silver spoons. For Spanish mackerel and ladyfish it's hard to beat Speck Rigs but you should replace the mono leader with small diameter solid wire or heavier mono to avoid cutoffs. Be careful driving at the water's edge; a thin layer of sand covering decaying sargassum can mire any vehicle. www.TSFMAG.com
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It has been good and it’s getting better, the fish catching, that is. The strong winds have made it tough, but I’m still finding scattered areas with decent water clarity. Baffin Bay has been producing some very nice trout, up to 30 inches. The water along the Kennedy Ranch shoreline is in great shape and it has also been producing some big trout and red fish. In June, I will be fishing in 12 to 24 inches of water early in the morning before the wind starts to blow hard with MirrOlure She Dogs in colors like CRBN, CRCH and GCRCH. As mornings warm up, I will also be fishing with sixteenth ounce Bass Assassin Spring Lock jig heads rigged with Bass Assassin Slurps in colors like good penny and pearl. Bass Assassin bone diamond, plum/chartreuse and glitter bug will always be in one of my pockets for times when the fish do not want to go after topwater baits. Live bait like shrimp and croaker should be catching many fish in water that is wind blown and dirty. I will be fishing in water that is less than three feet deep. Joe likes the month of June for fishing shallow and sightcasting. “In June, the winds typically die down somewhat, which helps with what I’m doing. I’ve been taking customers who use the flyrods quite a bit lately, and it’s easier to function when winds aren’t howling. Clear, shallow water and bright skies are also a help to fly fishermen, because we are able to see the fish we’re trying to catch and present the flies to them more effectively. Right now, the clear water is in the northern reaches of my area, starting around the bridge and spreading into Corpus Christi Bay. I’ll be checking the Land Cut and Nine Mile Hole next month too. Some years, the water clears up in there pretty good in summer. 2006 was a banner year for redfish in the Hole. You’d just cruise along until you saw the big schools making a wake, then troll into them and catch all you wanted. Last year was a totally different story; it was much tougher to find and catch the fish in there. But it’s always worth checking once the warm months arrive.”
In June, the spring winds normally stop howling with such intensity in the Port Mansfield area. “The highlight of June will be that the winds give us a little break. When they do, we try to get offshore as often as we can. We’ll be chasing tarpon and bull reds up and down the beach. It’s also a great time to target the sow snapper a little deeper. It sets up to be a banner year for the blue waters if we can get out there enough. As far as fishing in the bays, the trout pattern is pretty simple. We target the outside edges of the grass beds in three and a half to four feet of water mostly. On days when winds allow, we’ll throw topwaters just about all day, light colored ones on bright days and dark ones on the cloudier days. When the winds muddy things up a little more, we turn to the Cajun Thunder corks and suspend the Berkley Gulps under them. It’s often almost too easy to catch ‘em on those things. Redfish action in shallower waters early in the morning should be a good bet too. They’ll be on the bright sand next to shore at daybreak.”
At first light, we’re throwing Maulers trailing quarter ounce jigheads on 15 inch, 20 pound test leaders with a Gulp shrimp in glow or pearl, catching as many shallow reds as possible before the outgoing tide slows or boat traffic kills the bite. As soon as we limit on reds, we’re heading to the dropoff to finish our trout limit with the same set ups. So it’s limit, limit; you can’t ask for better fishing than that! At the time of this writing, we’re still experiencing very high winds more days than not. Usually, the wind picks up out of the southeast around noon, but it’s so windy lately that it can’t really blow much harder and leave you with any kind of decent visibility. Freddy says, “The fish are much more active when the water is full of oxygen from the wind. Even the small reds are fighting like crazy. On calm days, it’s tough to get near a redfish in shallow, clear water, much less cast far enough to entice a bite.” The problem is deeper water can get really rough and muddy; however, we’re hoping the wind will be with us far into the summer months.
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Sayde Crowder landed this bull red while fishing the Galveston Jetties.
Louis Sorola caught and released this 34" snook while out kayaking the LLM.
Lynda Breland caught and released this 40" red from Mitchell's Cut.
Oscar Gonzalez proudly shows off his catch of the day from Boca Chica Jetties.
Tanner Wallace lands his first keeper red while fishing Rockport. Holly Casley snagged this 28 red from the Lower Laguna Madre.
Robbin Nelson lands this red while fishing SPI.
Tera Hooks hooked this nice 27.5 red while fishing the Aransas Channel. 100
June 2008
Haley Garza of Woodsboro snagged this red while fishing Copano Bay.
Eileen Nguyen landed this 28" red while fishing Holly Beach Louisana.
Mary Hakala of San Antonio show how she reels them in during the Texas Redfish Series.
Chase Pinerio hooked his first red.
Josh Williams lands his first king fish while fishing Port A.
Roxanne Herndon snagged this black drum after a twenty minute fight.
Matthew Cimo caught and released this nice red while fishing with family in Freeport.
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Christian Lopez fought this 37" red from the Galveston Jetties.
Robert Cunningham landed this 37" black drum from Bayside Terrace Civic Pier.
Odis Graham landed this 38" 26.37 # grouper which landed him the new state record! Way to go!
Lisa Thompson lands her first red while fishing the Lower Laguna Madre.
Ray Cisneros lands this 40# drum while fishing with Capt Dewayne Newbern in POC.
Sterling Cash lands his first tarpon from POC while out with father and guide Capt. Curtiss Cash.
Sunset at Christmas Bay…what a beautiful way to end the day fishing. Photo submitted by: Charlie Minter
Jackeline Rodriguez of Pearland, hooked this 22" red from Galveston Bay.
Michael Andrew snags a trout and a red from East Matagorda Bay.
Taylor Beckam shows off her shark from the POC Jetties.
Slater Curl proudly shows off his little catch of the day.
Brad Neutzler caught and released this nice 28.25" trout from Lower Laguna Madre.
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t e x a s s a lt wat e r f i s h i n g h o l e s
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Huff Marine................................................................. 34 361-991-0369
JH Performance Boats.................................................87 979-233-1852
Kroll’s Marine...............................................................65 800-882-4461
LMC Marine Center........................................ 8,9, Solunar 888-797-9805
Lone Star Yacht Sales................................................. 22 281-334-3500
Majek Boats.................................................................. 4
JL Marine - Power Pole..................................................5 888-442-4900
Safe Floor Company.................................................... 71 281-435-5904
Salt-A-Way.................................................................. 73 714-550-0987
South Texas Trolling Motors......................................... 71 361-939-8970
Specialty Aluminum Works...........................................16 361-575-1477
Stake Out Stik..............................................................71 409-718-7694
Tops-N-Towers....................................................... Cover 281-474-4000
Yeti Coolers.................................................................69 512-394-9384
Fishing Products (rods, reels, tackle, etc.) All Star Rods............................................................... 31 800-347-3759
American Rodsmiths..................................................... 2 713-466-7849
Batson Enterprises, Inc................................................59 360-681-2381
Big Fish Wish Company................................................85 281-850-3980
Bimini Bay-Tsunami.......................................................91 800-688-3481
Bio Bait - Big Bite Baits............................................... 41 877-222-7429
Bomber Lures................................................................ 15 479-782-8971
Boone Bait Co..............................................................39 407-975-8775
Brown Lures.................................................................. 68 877-460-4619
Castaway Rods............................................................57 936-582-1677
Costa del Mar...............................................................35 386-677-3700
D.O.A. Lures................................................................ 67 877-362-5873
Fish Gillz..................................................................... 56 713-855-5885
361-552-1870
Mt. Houston Marine..................................................... 31 281-447-7689
Pathfinder Boats.......................................................... 21 888-Shallow / 888-742-5569
Rockport Marine...........................................................17 361-729-7820
Ron Hoover RV & Marine Center....................................4 800-545-8818
Sail and Ski................................................................... 49 210-734-8199
Sea Vee Boats....................................................... Cover 281-220-2400
Shallow Sport Boats............................................... Cover 956-233-9489
Shoalwater Boats.......................................................108 361-983-4134
Sport Marine................................................................59 281-238-0060
Suzuki........................................................................... 1 800-247-4704
Texas Marine...............................................................85 409-898-7632
Trans Fiberglass Boat.................................................. 60 361-972-6629
Boat Accessories Cove Harbor Marina and Drystack............................... 22 361-790-5438
Espandre.....................................................................57 281-543-1230
Gulf Coast Trolling Motors............................................67 281-481-6832
House Of Fiberglass.................................................... 71 361-853-2541
Jet Dock.....................................................................108 361-972-2122
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361-573-0300
Woodee Rods USA......................................................53 281-723-4154
Fishing retail locations Academy..................................................................... 54 888-922-2336
Bass Pro Outdoor World................................................ 7 800-BassPro (800-227-7776)
Blue Water Ships Stores...............................................16 281-334-7583
Boater’s World.............................................................23 800-826-2628
David’s Tackle Box........................................................87 281-342-9669
Fishing Tackle Unlimited.............................. 27, 61, Cover 281-481-6838
Gander Mountain........................................................... 51 800-282-5993
Roy’s Bait & Tackle...................................................... 39 361-992-2960
Speedy Stop........................................................Solunar 361-582-5100
Tackle Box...................................................................93 361-575-8700
Victoria All Sports...................................................... 71 361-575-0655
Real Estate ERA Realty...................................................................73 361-572-3333
South Padre Island Golf Club....................................... 55 888-943-3622
Tidewater......................................................................87 512 659 4754
Troy Giles Realty..........................................................63 956-761-2040
Waterview Home Magnolia Beach................................. 60 281-330-3342 / 512-738-0456
Tournaments / Outdoor Events CCA Star Tournament.................................................. 72 713-626-4222
Fish Slick.....................................................................87
Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament...............................26
Fishbelly Lures............................................................ 65
Salty Texans present "For the Family Benefit"............... 81
361-991-3102
Marshall Marine...........................................................30
Waterloo Rods.............................................................69
718-232-2634
Foreverlast.................................................................. 77 361-798-1530
Fuji............................................................................... 27 251-943-4491
27 Gold Marlin.................................................................... 888-604-0008
H&H Fishing Rods........................................................17 713-875-7827
Laguna Rods............................................................... 65 979-921-9910
Livingston Lures............................................................95 210-857-8381
Luresafety Wrap........................................................... 85 713-203-2829
Markar Brothers LLC Rollo Lures................................. 30 330-402-4665
Mud Hole.....................................................................71 866-790-RODS (7637)
Okuma........................................................................ 34 800-466-5862
Penn................................................................... Solunar 215-229-9415
Rapala............................................................................ 3 800-874-4451
Rods by Pepper........................................................... 87 409-737-1136
Shimano.......................................................................35 800-274-4626
Strike Pro America.......................................................57 409-621-1126
Texas Tackle Factory....................................................47 361-575-4751
956-944-2354
Shrimpfest 2008............................................................. 73 361-785-2251
Texas Deep Sea Rodeo............................................... 56 713-816-5004
Texas Hunting & Sportsmand Expo...............................45 956-664-2884
Texas Saltwater Series................................................ 77 210-385-3333
Toast of the Coast Fishing Tournament.........................49 361-510-2636
Miscellaneous Aventura Jewelry........................................................... 47 713-932-0002
Coastal Creations Taxidermy....................................... 85 888-737-5452
Graphics By Design......................................................81 361-785-4282
Mission Wall Systems................................................ 59 888-572-0097
Pearl Products Crab Master........................................... 93 850-994-4168
Russo Marine Financial.................................................. 61 877-899-8166
Saltwater Fishing Clinics.............................................. 87 361-563-1160
Texas Application Specialists......................................... 65 281-558-4696
TSFmag Store................................................................... 81 361-785-3420
TSFmag Subscription Form............................................. 75 361-785-3420
Triangle Linewinders....................................................30 201-825-1212
Wade Aid Enterprises.................................................. 87 888-923-3243
Texas Saltwater Fishing
June 2008
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June 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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