May 2011 by Texas Fish & Game

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www.FishGame.com Published by Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., LLC. TEXAS FISH & GAME is the largest independent, family-owned outdoor publication in America. Owned by Ron & Stephanie Ward and Roy & Ardia Neves.

ROY NEVES PUBLISHER

DON ZAIDLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CHESTER MOORE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

C O N T R I B U T O R S

JOE DOGGETT DOUG PIKE TED NUGENT BOB HOOD MATT WILLIAMS CALIXTO GONZALES LENNY RUDOW STEVE LAMASCUS LOU MARULLO KENDAL HEMPHILL REAVIS WORTHAM TOM BEHRENS GREG BERLOCHER PAUL BRADSHAW CAPT. MIKE HOLMES LISA MOORE JOHN GISEL

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR EDITOR AT LARGE HUNTING EDITOR FRESHWATER EDITOR SALTWATER EDITOR BOATING EDITOR FIREARMS EDITOR BOWHUNTING EDITOR POLITICAL COMMENTATOR HUMOR EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR WEBSITE CONTENT MANAGER

A D V E R T I S I N G

ARDIA NEVES VICE PRESIDENT/ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

NICOLE BECKA • VIGA HALL •

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE 1745 GREENS ROAD, HOUSTON, TX 77032 PHONE 281/227-3001 • FAX 281/227-3002

SUBSCRIPTION/PRODUCT MKTG. 1745 GREENS ROAD, HOUSTON, TX 77032 PHONE 800/725-1134

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER

A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

DENNISE CHAVEZ ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR TEXAS FISH & GAME (ISSN 0887-4174) is published monthly by Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., LLC., 1745 Greens Road, Houston, Texas 77032. ©Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., LLC. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission. The publication assumes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs and manuscripts. Subscription rates: 1 year $19.00: 2 years $34.75; 3 years $48.50. Address all subscription inquiries to Texas Fish & Game, 1745 Greens Road, Houston, Texas 77032. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for response. Give old and new address and enclose latest mailing address label when writing about your subscription. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: TEXAS FISH & GAME, 1745 Greens Road, Houston, TX 77032. Address all subscription inquiries to TEXAS FISH & GAME, 1745 Greens Road, Houston, TX 77032. Email change of address to: dhruzek@fishgame.com Email new orders to: dhruzek@fishgame.com Email subscription questions to: dhruzek@fishgame.com. Periodical postage paid at Houston, TX 77267-9946 and at additional mailing offices.

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FEATURES

ZAIDLE PHOTO: DON

MAY 2011 • Volume XXVII • NO. 1

THE ALPHABET PLUGS From the Long A, to the Z-plug, the so-called “Alphabet Plugs” represented a great leap forward in fishing lure design in the mid1900s.

ON THE COVERS:

BROKE-BACK MOTION The broken-back plug was a staple in Coastal angler tackleboxes for decades. After losing ground to newer concept baits, jointed lures are making a comeback. STORY:

by Reavis Wortham

BLINDING LIGHT Few hunters admit it, but they are probably not as safe when in the field as they think they are, especially where vision is concerned. A good pair of shooting glasses not only protects eyesight, but aids in hunting shooting as well.

by Calixto Gonzales

FELSHER PHOTO: JOHN

by Bob Hood

THE TF&G CATFISH QUIZ We leaned on a lot of catfish experts to lend a hand in assembling this catfishing quiz to test your knowledge of ol’ whiskers.

STREAMING BASS by Matt Williams

BAIT-PROOF BASS? Studies have shown not only that largemouth bass are fast learners, as in adapting to fishing pressure, but also that there may be genetic traits in some bass that give them a natural resistance to getting caught even once.

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by John Felsher

www.FishGame.com

by Chester Moore 4 |

Go with the flow, and you can find bass fishing treasures on many of Texas’ rivers and streams... some of the most under-appreaciated fisheries in the state. STORY:

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COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

MAY 2011 • Volume XXVII • NO. 1

COLUMNS 10 Editor’s Notes

32 Texas Saltwater

Grow Up

Pregnant Company Excused

by DON ZAIDLE TF&G Editor-in-Chief

by CALIXTO GONZALES TF&G Saltwater Editor

DEPARTMENTS 8 LETTERS

14 Chester’s Notes An Angling Journey

12 TF&G REPORT

by CHESTER MOORE TF&G Executive Editor

12 BIG BAGS &

16 Doggett at Large

CATCHES

The Final Frontier

22 NEW! TEXAS

by JOE DOGGETT TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

18 Pike On the Edge 42 Texas Freshwater The Lost Generation

Fish & Chips

by DOUG PIKE TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

by MATT WILLIAMS TF&G Freshwater Editor

20 TexasWild

Don’t Be a Slob

by TED NUGENT TF&G Editor At Large

by BOB HOOD TF&G Hunting Editor

21 Commentary

56 Open Season

Reading, Writing & Reloading

Dinner Among Friends

by KENDAL HEMPHILL TF&G Politcal Commentator

by REAVIS WORTHAM TF&G Humor Editor

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38 TRUE GREEN

47 Hunt Texas

Bear Under the Midnight Sun

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www.FishGame.com

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Letters to the Editor Mac Gable’s ‘The Old Ways Still Work’ WHAT A HEART WARMING ARTICLE [Hotspots Focus: Rockport, March 2011] with real feeling. This is one of the bestwritten articles in your publication. This

should give individuals in similar situations inspiration to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment. I can relate to the circumstances in this fine article. We have had a number of close friends in similar situations and have known some of them to just give up. The spirit of not giving up works wonders. You have one of the best publications out there. Your editors and contributing writers do a great job in every issue of your magazine. Keep the stories and information coming. Again, what a great article. Durwood Cochrum Southlake, Texas

Seminar Salute I JUST WANTED TO DROP YOU A LINE IN appreciation of the seminar Chester Moore gave at the Houston Fishing Show. I go every year and mostly for the seminars. It was a real treat to hear someone speak about the mechanics of fishing and not trying to sell a rod, reel, wade belt, boots, etc. But I understand that's part of it; I'm not complaining. It was refreshing, and hope you do it again next year.

Dave Durham, Via E-mail

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Laughing Gulls YOU THINK LAUGHING GULLS [Editor’s Notes, March 2011 issue] are expensive? Ha! After the Exxon Valdez oil spill, sea otters (a plentiful species) cost $250,000 each to save, if I remember right. I also remember reading that the average price for 2-year-old thoroughbred race horses at the famed Keeneland sale that year was $215,000. We do know that no sea otter has ever won a Kentucky Derby, but many of the cheaper 2-year-old race horses that have passed through Keeneland have.

Jay Bute El Lago, Texas

Lessons in Conservation THANKS SO MUCH FOR EXPOSING THE

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environmentalist plot to fool us simple outdoor folk [Editor’s Notes, February 2011], as I always suspected anyway. One of the main reasons I keep subscribing to your magazine is for the fine investigative journalism like that article, exposing the misguided ideas and plots of the left nuts. Don't listen to the whinny liberals who complain that your magazine is too slanted and pro-conservative—telling it like it is keeps us all informed and protects our heritage as the true stewards of Earth.

him to put it on a T-shirt; he might make a buck or two. It's a good thing my wife and girls fish and know the meaning of “fishing money,” otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this. Oh, yeah, “regulations.” Enough already! Dave Ayes Via E-mail

Send Your Comments and Letters to: Best, Brian Via Email

Quote of the Year I LOVED THE LAST LINE OF DOUG PIKE’S Pike on the Edge column [March 2011 issue]: “Never let money allocated for fishing back into the family's ‘general fund.’ Same as tax dollars once it’s taken away, you’ll never get it back.” I wonder if Doug made that one up or if he borrowed it? Tell

Editor Texas Fish & Game 1745 Greens RD Houston, Texas 77032 Email us at Editor@fishgame.com

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Editor’s Notes by Don Zaidle | TF&G Editor-in-Chief

Grow Up Y MOTHER AND I WERE IN THE OLD Leonard Brothers department store in downtown Fort Worth, she shopping for some needed item unavailable at the Goodwill store, I lusting after myriad stock items in the toy department. One item caught my interest like no other—a plastic, battery-powered frogman that actually swam. The potential for underwater demolition missions in the creek or stock tank irresistibly trilled a siren song. I simply must have that frogman. I put on my best pleading face and ran greedily to my mother, proffering the packaged frogman. Her eye immediately went to the

price tag—$11, an outrageous sum in 1963. “No, we can’t afford that,” stung like a bullnettle. “Why?” I whined. “We just can’t...I don’t have enough money,” Mother replied with a hint of sadness. Times were tough. The latest round of layoffs at Convair had caught my father. My mother’s job at a grocery store checkout counter barely kept the lights on and the cupboards stocked. Extra money for whims and indulgences did not exist. I was too ignorant to know that—and too immature to care. I pitched a fit right there in Leonard Brothers, crying, pleading, jumping up and down—acting like the child I was. Mother abandoned her shopping and led

me by the hand out of the store, still protesting and acting the brat. She ushered me into the back seat of our old 1955 Chevy, where she wore out the seat of my britches. In retrospect, I was behaving like a brat, selfish and clueless. That $11 represented a utility bill payment or a week of groceries for my family—but even had I known, I probably would not have cared. Immaturity is the stepchild of ignorance, and selfishness the offshoot of immaturity. Nothing is more ignorant—or selfish—than a newborn of any species, including Homo sapiens. The driving motivation is limited to satisfying needs and, a bit later, wants. As the young learn, egoism gives way to altruism (caring for young or herd among mammals, true altruism among people). If learning and maturation get short-

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stopped, egoism remains dominant. That’s why small children—and immature adults— throw tantrums, whine, and pout. A slack economy and consequent government budget shortfalls have summoned the immature to action—whining, pouting, complaining, and tantrum throwing. A press release from Environment Texas, the Sierra Club, and Texas Travel Industry Association bearing the headline, “Parks Advocates Decry Parks and Wildlife Budget Cuts” declares: On the eve of the vote on the state budget in the Texas House, parks advocates will gather on the south steps of the Capitol today, March 31 at 2:30 PM, to speak out against a 25% budget cut to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The groups said the cuts in HB 1 could force the closure of at least seven state parks, eliminate grants for local parks and playgrounds, end leases for almost one million acres of public hunting land, and hurt wildlife management efforts.” Texans help support our parks in a number of ways, including conservation license plates,

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park entrances fees and sales taxes on sporting goods like bicycles, fishing tackle and camping gear. The sporting goods sales tax brings in about $120 million every year, yet HB 1 raids 73% of those funds and diverts them to other purposes. Thousands of Texans pay an extra $30 for conservation license plates to “help fund conservation efforts right here in Texas,” yet 50% of those funds are also diverted. “The people of Texas have spoken loud and clear that parks and wildlife are important to them,” said Ken Kramer, Director of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. “But the truth is that legislators are using most of the license plate money and the majority of the sporting goods tax revenue to try to balance the budget. The Legislature needs to keep the faith with the public and use the money raised for parks and wildlife to maintain our parks and protect our wildlife.” To these and other ox-gored “advocates,” my message is simple: Grow up. Stop being selfish, egocentric brats. Money is tight right now, and the state’s funds—which it acquires from you and me—is needed for far more

pressing necessities than building outhouses in state parks or leasing dove fields. When families and individuals fall on hard economic times, luxuries and indulgences are first to the chopping block. The kids might whine, complain, and maybe pitch a fit, but that does not change the economic situation. Brown bag work and school lunches, store brand sneakers, and TV in lieu of a trip to the movies never hurt anyone. Nor has digging and re-covering a latrine hole for want of state park “facilities.” I have long advocated TPWD divesting itself of state parks that cannot sustain themselves financially, and it has been doing just that over the past year or so, so I will shed not a tear if it closes a few more. Further, I hope it uses this opportunity to look in the mirror, realize it is a bloated albatross, and then permanently trim away the fat that makes it an inefficient, bureaucratic boondoggle instead of the lean, fit, model of efficiency it once was. E-mail Don Zaidle at DZaidle@fishgame.com.

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The TF&G Report Plea Deal Struck in Wildlife Trafficking Case BIG BUCKS, KINGSIZE RACKS, HEALTHY paydays, and a blatant disregard for federal and state game laws put two East Texas brothers on a rocky path that could take them straight to the slammer and cost them thousands of dollars in fines and civil restitution fees. The Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Kansas recently announced that James Bobby Butler, Jr. and Marlin Jackson Butler, both of Martinsville, pled guilty in federal court in Wichita, Kan., to felony conspiracy and wildlife trafficking charges. The charges came after a lengthy investigation tied the brothers to illegal hunting

activity in southern Kansas during 20052008. Agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, game wardens with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department conducted the investigation. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office said the case was the largest case of its kind ever prosecuted in Kansas. On March 16, James B. Butler, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, one substantive Lacey Act count and one count of obstruction of justice. Marlin J. Butler, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and one Lacey Act count. The Lacey Act is the nation's oldest national wildlife protection statute. Someone who knowingly transports or sells in interstate commerce any wildlife taken or possessed in violation of state law or regulation

is in violation of the Lacey Act. Maximum penalty for a felony violation of the Lacey Act includes up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for an obstruction of just charge is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The plea hearing was held two weeks before the Butler's were scheduled to go to jury trial on the aforementioned charges, along with numerous other felony charges outlined by a 23-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in May 2010. The indictment charged James Butler with 18 violations of the Lacey Act and three counts of obstruction of justice; Marlin Butler with 12 Lacey Act violations. The indictment stated the Butlers worked together in operating a guiding service and hunting camp called Camp Lone Star in Comanche County, Kansas. There, prosecutors said the brothers sold guided hunts to non-resident hunters for the purpose

B IG B AGS&CATCHES

Impala

Speckled Trout

Whitetail Buck

Nambia

San Leon

Concho Couny

Megan Ewers, age 9 of Kingsville, Texas poses with little brother Tanner with her 1st big game animal. This impala was taken in Namibia with a TC youth model .243 while hunting with her father Michael and mother Stacie.

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Nicholas Reece, age 5, caught this 28inch speckled trout on while fishing in San Leon, near Eagle Point Fishing Camp.

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Nine-year-old Dylan Brown killed this 10point buck while hunting in Concho County.

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of illegally hunting and killing white-tailed deer and mule deer. The government says the guided hunts sold for $2,500-$5,500. Prosecutors claim that hunters guided by the Butlers killed deer in excess of annual bag limits, hunted deer without permits, or used permits for the wrong deer management unit, killed deer using illegal equipment and hunted by illegal means or methods. As part of the plea agreement, the brothers acknowledged guiding hunters to 25 buck deer cited in the indictment, which earned them $77,500 in guide fees and tips. They also admitted arranging for transport of antlers and capes from Kansas to Texas and Louisiana. In exchange for the guilty pleas, prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining charges in the indictment. They also recommended the following sentences based on federal sentencing guidelines: James B. Butler, Jr., 41 months in prison; three years of supervised release, during which time the defendant may not hunt, fish or trap any wildlife, nor accompany others engaged in such activity, nor provide guiding, outfitting or other hunting-, fishing- or trapping- related services; pay a $25,000 fine; pay $25,000 in civil restitution to the KDWP; pay a $100 special assessment for each count of conviction. Marlin J. Butler, 27 months in prison; three years of supervised release, during which time the defendant may not hunt, fish or trap any wildlife, nor accompany others engaged in such activity, nor provide guiding, outfitting or other hunting-, fishing- or trapping- related services; pay a $10,000 fine; pay $10,000 in civil restitution to the KDWP; pay a $100 special assessment for each count of conviction. Prosecutors also agreed not to oppose any application by either defendant for release on bond pending any appeal of the sentence imposed in the case. Sentencing for the brothers is scheduled for June 2 by U.S. District Judge Wesley Brown of Wichita, Kan. Brown, who at 103 is the oldest federal judge still hearing cases, is not bound by the sentencing recommendations in the plea agreement, according to Jim Cross, public affairs officer for the U.S. Attorney in the District of Kansas. "Whenever somebody goes to sentencing with a federal judge, it is up to the judge to

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sentence that case, regardless of what the prosecution or anybody else says," Cross said. "The judge has the authority to go up or down. Prosecutors generally go into it assuming the judge will decide whatever he thinks is right." James Butler's attorney, Kurt Kerns of Wichita, in a recent story published by the Associated Press, referred to the 41-month prison term recommended for his client as "ridiculous." Kerns also told the AP he

plans to object to the prison term. Roger Falk, Marlin Butler's attorney, said he believes the resolution reached with the government is appropriate in the case. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;by Matt Williams

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Chesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Notes by Chester Moore | TF&G Executive Editor

An Angling Journey T THE TIME OF THIS WRITING, I HAVE 116 blog entries at fishgame.com. In just over 15 months since the new website launched, I have worked hard to do at least a couple of entries a week covering everything from waterfowl nesting ground conditions to my personal outdoors adventures. But the blog is changing. It will still feature commentary on news and important issues, but the focus now will center on helping you catch more fish. A couple of years ago I asked the Lord

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to grant me knowledge on how to help people catch more fish and realize their angling dreams. Within a very short time, incredible opportunities came my way that began to change my approach to fishing and enhanced my understanding of species, ecology, and angling skills. I am on a journey that has already seen me in the last two years catch more big flounder, bass, crappie, and speckled trout than I had in the previous decade. And that is the truth. I invite you to come with me by checking out my blog on a regular basis and joining me on the quest to better equip our neighbors and ourselves as we enjoy Texas' incredible fishing opportunities. Being blessed to have worked exclusively in the writing field out of my home for the

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last 19 years, I have been able to spend a lot of time in the field. I am currently fishing 45 days as week, and with each trip, I am specifically setting goals to learn new techniques and gain insight into the fish we pursue. Since I bring my little girl to school five days a week, sometimes I can go for only an hour or two, but even that time has proven incredibly valuable because the focus is on education, not necessarily accomplishment. Take for example a series of flounder trips my father and I took last fall. We fished the yacht basin on Pleasure Island at Sabine Lake. I could see vague details of the bottom in 8 feet of water. In fact, I watched a flounder follow my lure up from about 6 feet deep and strike it a couple of inches under the surface.

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Flounder are not fans of clear water and require serious changes in gear. Two months later, I watched a plume of super clear water come in from the Gulf down into the channel, and the flounder bite turned off immediately. To test a theory, we moved north just ahead of the clear water and got bit. As the clear water hit, the bite shut off. When we moved down farther, we got bites. We were rigged up with Moss Green Spiderwire and pink Twister Tails tipped with shrimp. “...from the perspective of someone who is out there actually doing it in the real world.” The next day, we knew the water was going to be clear since the tides were running high and there was no run-off, so we switched to using Stren Fluorocast (fluorocarbon) line and Salt and Pepper Arkie jigs; we caught flounder in the exact spot where they wouldn't hit in the clear water the day before. These are the kinds of conditions anglers face all the time, but because most can fish

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only on the weekends, there is little opportunity for experimentation. This is fishing in the real world. In fact, I have started an entirely new blog separate from my regular “Chester Moore” blog called “TF&G Real-World Angling.” I cannot guarantee I will blog things that will make you catch your longest trout or fattest bass, but I do promise--win, lose, or draw--my experimentation on the water will be posted so you will have the opportunity to learn from my successes and failures. A gigantic chunk of my blogging will now be dedicated to experimenting with fishing techniques and equipment, and studying fish behavior related to tides, wind, water clarity, and barometric pressure. As I experience it, I will blog it--literally come off the water and post it at fishgame.com. And it will all be done from the perspective of someone who is out there actually doing it in the real world. We want the website to be the premiere source of real-time outdoors information, and I am dedicating my blog to using my blessing to help you enjoy your fishing time.

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I truly believe the time we spend in the great outdoors is sacred, and most of us get fewer and fewer days to pursue our fishing (and hunting) interests due to the insanely busy state of our world. We at Texas Fish & Game want you to enjoy your outdoors time, and know that we are out in the field all the time testing the waters (and woods) for you. It is a journey I am looking forward to and I look forward to reading your feedback. Feel free to send in questions and your ideas for tackle and technique testing. Together, we can do great things. Check it out at: www.forum.fishgame.com/blog.php?u=807 .

To contact Chester Moore, e-mail him at cmoore@fishgame.com. You can hear him on “Moore Outdoors” Fridays from 6-7 p.m. on Newstalk AM 560 KLVI or online at www.klvi.com.

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Doggett at Large by Joe Doggett | TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

The Final Frontier LASKA IS THE ULTIMATE LIGHT-TACKING angling destination. This is assuming you lust for wild places and wild fish—neither of which is a “gimme” in our increasingly compromised world. I base this statement on approximately 30 fishing trips to the “Great Land.” Or, if you prefer, the “Final Frontier.” My first expedition to Alaska was during July of 1975; the most recent was last September. I feel reasonably qualified to talk about the enormity of the angling opportunities afforded by “Seward’s Folly.” (In case your American history is a bit fuzzy, Secretary of State William H. Seward pushed against strenuous opposition in 1867 for the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, or approximately 2.5 cents per acre for the most fabulous wilderness in North America.) Alaska became the 49th state in 1959, bringing with it the richest Pacific salmon runs and largest native rainbow trout populations in the world. Not to mention gold, oil and other assets of marginal interest. But I digress. Well, sort of. The fact that the monstrous wilderness is a state is a huge plus for the travelling angler. Immigration hassles are a non-event for the U.S. citizen. So, also, are revolutions and anti-American sentiments. You don’t need a passport and you don’t need inoculations. By happy coincidence, the money is exactly the same as it is in Texas. And the odds are pretty good that in Anchorage, en route between the Ted Stevens International Airport and the Captain Cook Hotel, you won’t get caught up in an exchange of automatic weapon fire between rival drug cartels. Comprende, senor? You simply step off the jet and claim your duffle bags and rod tubes—and face the greatest wild fishery for cold-water game fish in the

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world. This especially is true if you fly fish. Perhaps best of all, much of this fishing is done while wading with a light rod and a floating line. Sight casting is a frequent occurrence. And, many days, you are alone with your friends in the company of bears and eagles with snow-capped vistas as far as you can see. Wild rainbows in the 5- to 8-pound class are common, and a good day might face several dozen fish per rod. A super fish might weigh 10 or 15 pounds and tape 32 or 33 inches in length. Alaska is a huge venue and it is easy to make a wrong turn and have a mediocre trip. You must do your homework regarding locations, facilities, and seasonal runs. An experienced booking agent with hands-on experience is strongly advised. Winging it as a first-timer can be a major mistake. Basically, trout follow the spawning salmon into feeder streams, there to gorge on eggs, and a week or two might make a significant difference in a given area or on a specific stream. In my experience, the huge Bristol Bay region southeast of Anchorage and accessible only by plane is the mother lode for the salmon/trout cycle. Several dozen camps and lodges are in the area and most operate on a weekly basis. Frankly, given the time and effort required to reach wilds of Alaska from Texas, a shorter trip scarcely is worth the hassle. With proper timing, the fishing usually is phenomenal. That’s the upside. The downside is that the fishing is expensive. Keep in mind the season is short, approximately early June through the end of September. And logistics for supplying the camps and lodges are difficult and costly. Operators must profit during that four-month window. Three basic options are available: daily flyout lodges, fixed lodges, and tent or float-trip camps. I’ve done them all. The full-service fly-out lodges are the most expensive, running $6,000 to $8,000 per week. The fixed camps and floats might run half that tab. While those prices might sound outrageous, remember the short season and high operating costs. All can provide a world-class adventure F I S H

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but the fly-out lodge is the ultimate experience. The cliche, “trip of a lifetime,” never has been truer than when you and your friends step with professional guides into a float plane and soar like an eagle to a wilderness stream. Typically, you strike a different location each day and it is possible to fly for an hour without seeing the first significant sign of civilization. The magnitude and majesty of wild Alaska must be experienced to be believed. A tip on selecting a fly-out lodge: Make certain it has easy boat access to quality “home” water. If you are fogged in and cannot fly, you don’t want to spend $1,000 a day sitting in camp and playing cards. Newhalen Lodge, owned by Bill Sims and located near Lake Clark/Lake Iliamna (newhalenlodge.com), is an excellent example of a top fly-out operation. The camp handles only 14 anglers per week, but commands a fleet of three de Havilland Beavers on floats plus a Cessna 206 on wheels. That’s serious fire power backed by the commitment to put guests on the best possible fishing spots. I’ve made 16 consecutive trips to Newhalen Lodge (paying my share to cover costs, incidentally) and can count on one hand the days the Newhalen guides were beaten to the water they really wanted. That dedication can make the difference between a so-so day and the memory of leaping salmon and trout that will beckon for as long as you stare at the horizon. Alaska waits over that horizon. Sadly, the Bristol Bay region is threatened by efforts to open the Pebble Mine, the largest open-pit mining operation in the world, and one that sits over the major arteries of the sockeye salmon runs. One bad screw-up could devastate the region’s fishery. But, for now, Bristol Bay is safe. And, if fate allows me only one final fishing trip anywhere in the world, I would take a seat in one of those bush planes.

E-mail Joe Doggett at JDoggett@fishgame.com

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Pike on the Edge by Doug Pike | TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

The Lost Generation F I DIDN’T SINCERELY BELIEVE OTHERWISE, I’d swear that an entire generation has missed out, tragically, on the joy of outdoor recreation. We – you and I – are going to right that miserable wrong. Not all of them, perhaps, but enough to turn my graying head. Almost nothing but a total collapse of the generational passage of outdoors skills, after all, could have left so many people in this nation wholly ignorant on the subjects. Through more than a quarter century of

doing what I do, there hasn’t passed another two-year stretch during which I got so many calls and e-mails from men and women who confesses utter cluelessness to pastimes and passions you and I consider building blocks for a good and wholesome life. They can’t bait hooks. They can’t load or shoot guns. They can’t pitch tents. They wouldn’t know a mud puddle from a pasture patty, and worse, they’re embarrassed to admit the shortcomings. Here’s my theory on what triggered this onslaught of confessions and questions. Sometime during the past 30-50 years (because that’s the average age of so many souls lost in the outdoors), there apparently were thousands of marriages of Hippies to city slickers, most likely in states other than Texas. Well, almost certainly outside Texas.

The offspring of those relationships were children who, by no fault of their own, did not receive at any time in youth a proper introduction to the outdoors. Instead, their parents (and by default, they) followed alternative paths into lifestyles perhaps of high finance or high technology…or maybe just high. However their weekdays unfolded, weekends didn’t start with putting the city in the rearview mirror. At least not in time to make a difference. If you haven’t launched yourself into a lake off a rope swing or fired a BB gun or caught a perch on a cane pole by the time you’re 9 or 10, you may never learn. Instead, you know which subway train or bus line gets uptown quickest at rush hour or that tall really means small in some coffee shops or the secret code to help you win a

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mals on their lease so that each member has the chance – if he or she chooses in a subsequent season – to take a trophy buck. Or a mature buck of lesser trophy potential or an excess doe for the freezer. Or a hog. (Goodness knows Texas won’t run out of feral pigs any year soon.) He learned about antler restrictions and conservative wildlife management, and he learned that those co-workers are strictly obedient of game laws. He learned that they,

like he, despised poachers and scofflaws. This man hasn’t hunted yet, but he’s interested, same as are so many people who haven’t yet fished or camped or seen a sunrise except on television. Find one of them, at work or soccer practice or in the coffee shop – they’re everywhere - and invite that person to join you outdoors. E-mail Doug Pike at dpike@fishgame.com

favorite video game. But you wouldn’t know a squirrel from a hippo if either one scampered down a tree limb and snatched an acorn off your window sill. They’re out there. And they contact me and everyone else in this industry regularly. And you know why? Because they realize, consciously or otherwise, that something vital is missing either from their own lives or from the lives of their children. Letters are missing from their spiritual and emotional alphabets, and they can’t seem to spell contentment or inner peace or amazement. They want to do the simple things we take for granted, to learn as adults the skills we learned as children. But they often are too embarrassed to ask the questions. There’s no shame in not knowing how something if you never did it. The shame is in someone letting pride deny them the chance to experience something entirely new. This is where you and I enter the scene. These folks need and want our help, although they sometimes don’t come right out and ask for it. Disinterest becomes curiosity, which becomes interest. At that stage, we can provide the bridge between indoors and outdoors, between nothing and everything. Most of them have no preconceived notions about out sports, but a few actually come from the other side. They see us having fun, they realize we’re not jerks, and they want to join us. A man called my radio show in January and confessed a prior opinion that hunters were whiskey-guzzling buffoons who passed out around campfires by night and shot up the woods by day. Then he started listening, openly, to coworkers who are avid deer hunters. And he learned that they rarely actually shoot deer, but that they instead are managing the aniT E X A S

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Ted’s TexasWild by Ted Nugent | TF&G Editor at Large

OULD IT BE? Was I actually touching down on the sacred hunting grounds of the Last Frontier? Young Ted in Alaska! Oh Hallelujah and pass the ammo! September 1977, and here I was, long last, bowhunting every bowhunters’ dream. With a blitzkrieg rock-n-roll touring schedule that would obliterate a sane soul, I wisely made the pivotal quality of life decision to simply “do it” as I approached my 29th birthday, and doing it I was. As ace bush pilot Hank Rust skillfully landed his little Super Cub on a tiny patch of semi-flat earth in these forbidden wilderness lands smack dab in the middle of the 49th state, I felt powerful sensations that I had never felt before. Having the incredible good fortune to discuss Alaska bowhunting with my hero Fred Bear over the years, I finally knew exactly what he was talking about when he exclaimed the healing powers of the Alaska bush. My goose bumps had goose bumps, again. Goose bump management was clearly Job 1 on this bow and arrow safari, and I certainly had my work cut out for me. Calm down, young man, calm down! Professional hunter and guide George Faerber would be my guru in these mystical lands of the midnight sun, and I could tell right away that he was the real McCoy. An experienced trapper, lifelong outdoorsman, dedicated bowhunter, expert rifleman, and record-book handgun hunter, it was reassuring to be in such good hands on my first Alaskan adventure. The land was simply breathtaking, and be sure to write down that an Alaskan adventure should be at the top of every sporters’ bucket list. This magnificent land

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My first kill was a spectacular trophy barren ground caribou...

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will indeed cleanse the soul. George had a cool little wilderness camp set up on a bench above a gurgling stream, eye candy magnificence all around. Snowcapped mountains ringed the undulating fiery tapestry of fall colors, and our little two-man pup tent under a blue tarp would be home for two weeks. I was way beyond pumped. This would be my very first bowhunt with a compound bow, and I was shooting 2117 aluminum arrows from my Jennings Super T at 60 pounds pretty well. I also had my trusty Smith & Wesson model 29, .44 Magnum revolver in a shoulder rig, loaded with Remington 240-grain soft points just in case. With tags for caribou, moose, grizzly and black bear in my pocket, my expecta-

tions ran rather high for this young Michigan bowhunter. I was so ready to rock! My first kill was a spectacular trophy barren ground caribou with incredible antlers that I bagged at long range with my .44. After missing two monster bull moose that George said were over 70 inches wide, I finally settled down and arrowed a handsome 49-inch Alaska/Yukon behemoth that I was exceedingly proud of. The game plan was to sit between the gut piles of the moose and caribou in hopes of luring a black bear or a griz into bow range. George and I sat shoulder to shoulder on the up-slope from the river amongst the scattered spruce trees in a steady rain. My bow was across my lap with my Smith under my rain jacket. We were both considering calling it a day with the visions of a warm, dry tent getting more attractive every minute, when F I S H

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we both looked at each other following a subtle guttural sound nearby. I swung my head to the rear to see a huge black bear, only a few yards away, standing on its hind legs intently sniffing the cold, wet Alaskan fall air. Without missing a beat, I pulled down the zipper on my parka, yanked the S&W from its holster, and within a second or two at the most, double-tapped the too-close-for-comfort blackie, center mass. George leapt to his feet in an instant, but it was all over. The two hard-hitting slugs blasted the big bear clean through the chest for an instant kill, and George didn’t even rack a round into the chamber of his .375 H&H. It was beautiful. My very first black bear was a dandy. With a rich, luxurious, almost blue winter coat and weighing well over 300 pounds, this old boar was better than average for the area we were hunting, and both George and I were absolutely thrilled. My .44 magnum was a constant companion and I practiced and trained with it all the time. It was this dedicated training, both tactical and marksmanship-wise, that allowed me to get it into action so quickly and make two good shots so fast. George thought it was cool and I was on cloud nine. I have made it a point to return to the wilds of Alaska often since that first joyous adventure. Much has transpired in this world since then, but I am pleased to report that hunting in Alaska remains fantastic and every hunter should get there as soon as possible. Black and grizzly bears are thriving due to gung-ho dedicated professional wildlife managers, and the Last Frontier is still a hunters’ dream. Stop dreaming, and get hunting. E-mail Ted Nugent at TNugent@fishgame.com.

On the Web For more Ted Nugent writings, visit www.tednugent.com

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Commentary by Kendal Hempill | TF&G Political Commentator

Reading, Writing, & Reloading UST BEFORE CHRISTMAS BREAK IN 1976 when I was a 16-year-old sophomore at Mason High School, my speech class presented a Christmas play. I was cast as a toy soldier and part of my costume, by necessity, was a rifle. I didn’t have a toy rifle, so I told my teacher I would bring my .22 that day. She said that would be fine. When I left the house that morning for school, my mother asked me why I was taking the rifle. I told her about the play, and she said, “Well, be careful.” She always told me to “be careful.” She’s a mom. It’s her job. At school, I carried the rifle inside and put it in my locker. When kids or teachers saw it and asked me about it I told them about the play. No one complained or made a big deal about my bringing a gun to school. No one called the police or asked if the gun was loaded. No one seemed concerned in the least that I might try to shoot someone. When it came time for the play, I took the rifle from my locker to the auditorium, used it in the play, and put it back in my locker. After school, I took it back to my pickup and went home. It was never in a case or hidden in any way the whole time. And no one cared. Last week, after hearing 5-1/2 hours of testimony, the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety voted 5-3 to advance House Bill 750 to the House Calendars Committee. HB 750, authored by state representative Joe Driver (RGarland), would allow students 21 and older who possess concealed handgun permits to legally carry guns on Texas “institution of higher education” campuses (colleges). But first, of course, it has to get by

the House Calendars Committee. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee considered Senate Bill 354, the companion bill to HB 750, on Tuesday, March 22. At this writing, prior to March 22, I don’t know whether SB 354 will pass, but I expect it will. There seems to be an awakening lately in America, and especially the southwestern states, to the fact that gun control is the enemy of civilization. This seems to be a difficult concept for some to grasp, but it is nevertheless true. Without guns in the hands of free citizens, there would be no civilization as we know it. Certainly, it would not be possible to create and maintain a republic, which is the type of government our country is supposed to have. “Guns in schools aren’t the problem...” Where there is no rule is called anarchy. A monarchy is a government where one person reigns. An oligarchy is when a select few boss everyone else. Majority rule, which is what many seem to think America is supposed to be, is democracy. A republic is defined as rule of law, and is the only form of government where everyone can possibly be treated the same. When Benjamin Franklin stepped out of Independence Hall after the Constitutional Convention created our government in 1787, a Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia asked him, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin replied, “A republic, ma’am, if you can keep it.” Keeping a government can be harder than creating it. Any of the other forms of government, excluding anarchy, can be maintained indefinitely as long as the people can be controlled. A republic is made up of free people, not being controlled, but governing themselves.

Controlling others is simple on a personal basis. It becomes more difficult as numbers increase, but the principle is the same. If I want you to do something, I have two options: coercion and force. In a civilized society, force is unacceptable. The only way to remove force from the equation is to equalize the capabilities of the parties involved. Otherwise, the strong control the weak, the honest are cheated by the dishonest, and bad rules over good. Remove force, and the 250-pound biker cannot overpower the frail grandmother. If honest people are denied the use of arms, force is guaranteed to the dishonest. This is true in any group of two or more participants. Armed people cannot be forced to comply with demands, and must then be coerced. Our colleges, by banning arms, create a situation where force is no longer removed from the mix and people intent on causing harm are free to do so. Those willing to commit crimes disregard laws already, so the ban does not apply to them. Our colleges will be safer if HB 750 and SB 354 are passed. If they aren’t, campus shootings will continue to be bloodbaths. These laws won’t stop campus shootings, but they will enable students to end them far quicker and with less loss of life. Guns are civilization. We owe our college students the most basic right, the right to protect themselves from those who would do them harm. Guns in schools aren’t the problem; the problem is defenseless students.

E-mail Kendal Hemphill at KHemphill@fishgame.com.

You Can Help Contact your representatives to voice your opinion on HB 750 and SB 354. Contact information for the Texas House Calendars Committee can be found at: www.house.state.tx.us/committees/committee/?committee=050

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Texas Department of Defense The Defense Shotgun MOST OF THE FOLKS I HAVE SPOKEN TO about self-defense weapons in the last 10 years focused on handguns. Some wanted to discuss shoulder weapons like the AR-15, but almost none wanted to talk about a shotgun for self-defense. That is a huge mistake. The shotgun is the best up-close-and-personal firearm ever invented for protecting your life. The reason every police cruiser is equipped with a 12-gauge shotgun is because most gunfights happen within about 30 feet, and at that range and a little more, nothing beats a shotgun for self-defense. I’ll let you in on a secret: Teeth, fingernails, and BB-guns notwithstanding, a handgun is probably the worst possible choice for a self-defense weapon. Cops carry handguns because it is too awkward to carry a shotgun or rifle 24-hours a day. A handgun is for immediate defense against lethal attack. Another school of thought posits that you use a handgun to

fight your way back to your real gun. A handgun is just that--handy. It is lightweight, easy to carry in a belt holster or concealed, and readily “at hand” at all times. It can be sufficiently powerful to save your life, but requires considerable time and dedication to learn to use well. Except in the hands of a very few inordinately skilled users, a handgun is a very short-range weapon. A shotgun, too, is a short-range weapon. The maximum range for near 100-percent dependability to end a gunfight with one shot with standard buckshot loads is about 25 yards. Farther than that, it starts to get iffy. If you anticipate dealing with a longrange problem, take a rifle. But for shortrange action, especially inside your home, nothing ever invented beats a shotgun loaded with No. 4 or No. 1 buckshot. I do not like 00-buckshot, although it is devastating at very close range. The best load, however, is the heaviest load of No. 1 buckshot you can buy. Since popular wisdom holds “bigger is better” regarding bullets and projectiles, it is counter-intuitive that smaller .30-caliber No. 1 buck pellets would out-perform the larger .33-caliber 00 buck. Interestingly, when you do the math, the smaller pellets are actually

| Self Defense | | Concealed Carry | | Tactical | by Steve LaMascus “bigger.” A standard 2-3/4-inch, 12-gauge shotshell contains 16 pellets of No. 1 buck. The combined cross-sectional area of the 16 pellets is 1.13 square inches, whereas the nine pellets in a standard No. 00 (“doubleaught”) buck load is 0.77 square inches, yielding 30 percent more total area and thus greater potentially effective wound trauma. In all shotshell loads, No. 1 buck produces more potentially effective wound trauma than 00 or 000 buck. Additionally, No. 1 buck is less likely to over-penetrate and exit an attacker's body. For home defense applications, a standard velocity 2-3/4-inch No. 1 buck shotshell (16-pellet payload) from Federal, Remington, or Winchester is your best choice. Now, what about a house gun? Again, a handgun is handy (I keep one on the nightstand by my bed), but my go-to gun is a Mossberg Model 590 Special Purpose, with cylinder-bore choke and a magazine that holds 7 rounds of Federal 3-inch magnum copper-plated No. 4 buckshot at a muzzle velocity of 1210 feet per second. With 41 pellets in each shell, that is 287 .24-caliber balls, which is a whole lot of rump-stomping power in a small, handy package.

Forty Percent will Apply for CHL in 2011 NEARLY THREE OUT OF EVERY FOUR recreational shooters and hunters in America owns at least one handgun according to a recent survey conducted by HunterSurvey.com. Of particular significance, however, is the finding that the handgun owners who don’t already possess a concealed-carry permit, about 40 percent said they intend to apply for one within the next 12 months. This strong interest in 22 |

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obtaining concealed-carry weapon (CCW) permits could mean a real demand for training and CCW-related accessories and firearms in the coming year. “I see a real growth opportunity for qualified firearms instructors and shooting facilities in providing the training that many states require in order to secure a CCW permit,” said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and F I S H

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conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. “Interest in CCW could also generate quite a market opportunity for companies that not only make handguns suitable for concealed carry, but also for manufacturers of accessories that serve that same market, such as holster and ammunition makers.” —Don Zaidle

PHOTO: STEVE LAMASCUS

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Vintage LaMascus on Border Patrol duty with his primary weapon slung over his shoulder.

This gun is loaded and kept in what is generally termed â&#x20AC;&#x153;hot standby.â&#x20AC;? That means the magazine is loaded, the safety is off, and

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the hammer is down, so that the slide is not locked. All I have to do to shoot the gun is pump the action and pull the trigger. I keep it loaded with buckshot if my wife and I are home alone, but when we have company staying in one of the spare bedrooms, I swap the big buckshot loads for BB shot to limit penetration through walls. At handshaking distance, even birdshot will deflate a bad guy instantaneously. If I lived in an apartment building, I would opt for standard No. 6 or even No. 7-1/2 shot to further reduce the possibility of injuring someone in the apartment next door. I understand that some of the S.W.A.T. teams are now using birdshot for clearing buildings in crowded areas. If you want the ultimate in home protection, don't go buy a handgun. Buy a shortbarreled 12-gauge (or 20-gauge if you or your spouse are recoil sensitive) with a buttstock--not a pistol grip. Pistol grip guns are much harder to shoot well and quickly. The action type is not important, but multiple shots are preferable to a single-shot. The best choice is a standard pump action. Mossberg is good, as is Remington and sev-

eral other brands. I like the Mossberg because it has a tang-mounted safety that is very easy to see and use, and the magazine on the model mentioned above holds eight rounds of standard 2-3/4-inch, 12-gauge, nine with one up the pipe (one less with 3inch magnums loads). The time-honored side-by-side double barrel is also a good choice. It worked for Wells Fargo and Wyatt Earp, and it will still work for you. The difference between a handgun and a shotgun for close-range combat is like the difference between night and day. A handgun is difficult to shoot well and quickly, requires a lot of practice to use properly, and is only barely adequate in stopping power. A shotgun is easy to point and hit with, packs a punch second only to the impact of by a speeding truck, and a person can be proficient with a shotgun in a tenth of the time it takes to master a handgun. If you doubt it, take your favorite handgun to a remote skeet range and see how many you can break. Email Steve LaMascus at SLamascus@fishgame.com

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The Jointed Lure Renaissance By Calixto Gonzales

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I CREDIT MY FIRST REAL FORAY into using artificials in saltwater to my Uncle Bob Renaud. I was 13 years old, and it was the first time I had ever fished Corpus Christi’s famed North Beach. Tio Bob looked at me as he drove across the Harbor Bridge and asked, “Mijo, do you want to try something a little different today?” “Like what?” I asked. “Let’s skip the bait and throw lures,” he said. “I think you’ll get a kick out of it.” “Okay,” I said with a trusting shrug. We pulled up to the shore and disembarked. I used a silver Kastmaster, which I figured would be as successful with trout as it was with bass on Falcon Lake the week before. Tio threw his “secret weapon” — a red headed/white bodied Cotton Cordell Jointed Redfin. My uncle would wade into waist-deep water and rocket-cast that funky looking plug as far as he could, then let it sit for about half a minute. Then he made a long sideways

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sweep with his rod, reel in the slack, let the plug sit for another 30 seconds, and repeat the process. Over the next hour, the plug made it back to the rod tip a handful of times. The rest of the time, it got nailed by a big trout or Spanish mackerel. I caught three trout and one mackerel during the same time. As Tio Bob grunted and dragged—dragged—his stringer back to the truck later that day, I was sold. When we got back to his tackle shop on

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Leopard and Japonica, I bought as many of those broken-backs as I could afford (with the nephew discount, of course).

Broken Dreams The broken-back plug was a staple in the Texas Coastal angler’s tacklebox for decades, whether the Jointed Cotton Cordell, Jointed Rapala, MirrOlure Snake Dancer, or Bomber Jointed Long A. There is a video still circulating on YouTube of a

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12-pound-plus Baffin Bay speckled trout falling for a jointed Redfin in pink back/silver sides/yellow belly--the famous Texas Chicken pattern. Anglers trolled for rolling tarpon in all the major passes up and down the coast with the magnum-sized Long A’s, and flinging a Snake Dancer into the mangroves along Lower Laguna Madre’s South Bay for lurking redfish and bonus snook was an annual rite of summer. As other lures such as the B&L Corky and various topwaters gained popularity over the last decade, the space reserved for broken-back lures in tackle boxes grew smaller and smaller. The effectiveness of the brokenback plug didn’t fade, just the popularity. “The quality of the product was always the same, just people stopped buying them,” said Peter Sepulveda, a long-time tackle dealer in Brownsville, Texas. “There was a time when [jointed] Redfins were the most popular lure we sold outside of the red and white Cocahoe minnow. Slowly, over the years, other baits replaced them. The topwater craze killed their market, which is funny because they fish on top, too.” Sepulveda said he keeps a few Jointed Long A’s in stock at his shop “because the old guys still swear by them, especially snook fishermen.” In the early 2000s, broken-back or jointed baits began a popularity resurgence, with lures such as Strike King’s King Shad, the Sebile Magic Swimmer, and the Reaction Strike Revolution Shad. Bass fishermen first rediscovered the attractiveness of the slinky dance of a jointed bait for big largemouths. Over time, saltwater fishermen took notice that big predators such as trout, redfish, snook, kingfish, and even flounder were willing to eat the same lures and began restocking their tackle boxes.

What’s Not to Love? “Anglers discovered that fish gravitate to segmented lures because they appear very realistic,” said Kris Reibel of Reaction Strike. “The deeper profile that modern versions have simulates an image that predators recognize as a baitfish. This ‘match the hatch’ quality makes them effective in just about every environment they’re fished in.” Along with the natural profile is the lessmechanical, more erratic action of multi-segmented design. The action, Reibel pointed out, is more erratic but still natural. T E X A S

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One of the most common criticisms of the old broken-back designs was they could not be fished over shallow grass. The diving lip would force the bait to dig into the grass and ruin the action or, worse, snag. Modern segmented baits, Reibel said, don’t have that issue. “We’ve worked our Revolution Shad as fast as we could retrieve,” he said. “It still tracked shallow and didn’t roll over.” When these segmented lures are fished at faster speeds, their wiggle tightens and the bait continues to run straight. This feature allows the larger versions to be trolled for big beasts such as tarpon, kingfish, and Spanish mackerel.

Old Strategies, New Weapons The innovative design of modern jointed lures does not necessarily mean anglers have to re-invent their fishing style to succeed. In fact, the simplest retrieves can be the most effective. The innate action of jointed baits means that a straightforward, no frills retrieve is effective. The twitch-pause cadence popular with jerkbaits and soft plastics can be lethal with modern multi-segmented plugs, as is the long sweep-pause technique Tio Bob showed me all those years ago. The most unique experiences I have had with one of the new-fangled jointed baits was with a little trick called the “Houma Hustle” or “Big Wiggle.” I was fishing South Bay with a friend when we spotted a nice trout resting near some mangroves. My first cast with my jointed plug fell well short of the mark. Rather than reel in and try again, I let the bait rest for a bit, dropped my rod tip, and began shaking it quickly. The vibrations telegraphed down the line and to the plug, which began to quiver wildly--a trademark of the Hustle. Instead of the typical back and forth quiver, however, the four segments of the bait began to tremble in different directions at the same time. The big trout turned and lazily cruised over to investigate, watched the bait’s twitching fit, and then blasted it in a violent splash. Something old, something new. Not bad.

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By John N. Felsher

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Find Hidden Treasures on the Overlooked Bass Fisheries of Texas’ Rivers and Streams

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NOT LONG AGO, LONE STAR bass anglers could fish only rivers or small ponds in a state with just one natural lake, Caddo, on the Texas-Louisiana line. Then, the reservoir building boom hit following World War II. When the state stocked reservoirs with Florida largemouths, anglers largely forgot about fishing rivers. These overlooked streams still provide outstanding bass numbers. “All the Hill Country streams hold largemouths, but usually nothing bigger than 3 or 4 pounds,” said Steve Magnelia, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department biologist in San Marcos. Many Texas streams originate in the Hill Country and flow toward the Gulf of Mexico, often through major reservoirs. Rivers descending from highlands or through dams can generate significant current in places. Many bass anglers avoid current, but that flow dictates where fish go. Typically, bass stay in eddies behind obstructions, but the most aggressive fish face upstream, waiting to ambush anything flowing toward them. “Current tends to concentrate fish and put them into more predictable areas,” said Alton Jones, a former Bassmaster Classic champion from Waco. “Once anglers understand where fish want to be, current becomes their friend. A bass likes to sit just out of the current, but keep its nose right against it. When I’m fishing current, I have to figure out exactly where to present the bait so that it flows right in front of the fish.” Good river fishermen learn to “read” a river by watching how water reacts to obstructions so they can target honey holes. A “vee” shaped wake indicates a snag or other obstruction. Choppy whitish water could identify a shallow riffle or shoal. Deeper water generally turns darker. Long stretches of shoreline may hold nothing, while a sweet spot with the right combination of current relief, plentiful oxygen, and food could harbor several fish. “A rule of thumb, the more current flowing in a river, the more shallow bass get,” explained Zell Rowland, an Austin bass pro. “Not all river shorelines are alike. Many factors determine why certain banks hold more fish than others. It could be the structure along that shoreline, the way currents wash in certain directions or a million other reasons.” Snags protruding from the surface make 30 |

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obvious eddies, but submerged objects may create unseen pockets. While bass usually hide behind current breaks, eddies can form upstream. Water smashing against an object “mushrooms” like a bullet hitting steel. That backwash may create an opposite current. Rarely fished, some upstream sweet spots hold lunkers that seldom see lures. Probe all around obstructions with jigs or Texasrigged plastics. “If I could only bring one bait to fish rivers, it would be a half-ounce jig, but a Texas-rigged tube is another good choice,”

creature baits, or tubes tight to snags. Some river fishermen say, “Put the bait between the bark and the tree.” Fish completely around cover. Not wanting to move far from their slack lair, bass may slurp an easy enticement, but not chase a bait. Don’t just drop a bait; pay attention to the line as it falls to detect subtle bites. “The swifter the current, the heavier the bait I use,” Rowland advised. “I tend to throw downstream and pull it back against the current to give me more control of the bait. At times, fish prefer it moving in the

Slack water behind obstructions is a bass haven.

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same direction as the current. If I catch a bass out of a laydown going downstream at half-a-mile an hour, I turn around and fish every little branch in that tree.” Like putting a thumb over a water hose, current breaks constricting flow can also PHOTOS: JOHN FELSHER

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Texas, the Colorado, flows 862 miles from Dawson County to Matagorda Bay. “The Colorado River routinely produces 8- to 9Cranks A Lot pound bass with some bigger ones,” Magnelia said. “I know of at least one 11-pounder caught in 2010. The Brazos has a good largemouth and spotted bass population from Possum Kingdom Reservoir downstream.” The Neches River flows 416 miles

Like their impounded counterparts, river bass like crankbaits, too.

scour holes. Fish drop into these holes as water washes over their heads. They look up to snatch whatever flows over them. Moreover, water moves faster around an outside bend, often digging deep holes. Logs and other debris may fall into these holes, creating more bass-attracting cover. Fish these holes with jigs, Texas-rigged worms, or Carolina rigs. With little water in West Texas, the best Lone Star bass rivers run through central or eastern Texas. Two top bass rivers include the Trinity and Guadalupe. Other good bass rivers include the Colorado, Brazos, Neches, and Sabine. “Most people don’t realize how good the Trinity River is for bass,” said Mark Webb, a TPWD biologist in Bryant. “It can produce some 8- to 10-pound bass.” The Trinity River flows 710 miles from northern Texas to Trinity Bay, an arm of Galveston Bay east of Houston. The Guadalupe River originates in Kerr County and flows 230 miles before entering the Gulf near Victoria. More known for producing trout in the Canyon Lake tailrace, the Guadalupe River also produces smallmouth and Guadalupe bass. “The Guadalupe River is pretty good for largemouth bass,” Magnelia said. “The San Marcos River occasionally produces doubledigit bass. The Llano River has Guadalupe bass. The Blanco River produces good smallmouth action and an occasional big largemouth.” The longest river flowing through Texas, the Brazos, runs 1280 miles from Curry County, New Mexico, to the Gulf near Freeport. The longest river entirely within

through East Texas before entering the Sabine River, which forms parts of the Texas-Louisiana line. After flowing 555 miles, the Sabine enters Sabine Lake. Both rivers produce many 2- to 5-pound bass with some larger ones. Any of these rivers and others can provide good bass action in a scenic environment. On most Texas rivers, anglers find themselves alone with good fish and no other fishermen.

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Texas Saltwater by Calixto Gonzales | TF&G Saltwater Editor

Pregnant Company Excused It’s been quite some time since I wrote a Mother’s Day piece, even though it happens every May. Well, those of you who know me or have read my columns over the years know that family is paramount in m world. Family is what reinforces my faith, it edifies me when my knees are weak, and it potentiates any joy I’m experiencing. I dedicate the next little story to our mothers. We shouldn’t need an annual day to celebrate who you are, but it’s nice to have a reminder.

started to burn. I watched the weather. “It’s going to be a gorgeous weekend, ladies and gentlemen, so go out there and enjoy it!” My ear started to sizzle. I kept looking straight ahead, and noticed the slight whiff of bacon frying. Before the entire side of my head burst into flames, I turned and looked my Immortal Beloved straight into her beautiful blue emitters. “What?” She didn’t say a word for a full minute (I guess you could call it a “pregnant” pause, but she will read this, and I don’t want to get hit). Finally, she told me how I had screwed up again. “You haven’t taken me fishing in months,” she said. I looked at her, and

waited for the punch line. It never came. “Well, Love, you’ve been...you know...indisposed,” I lamely said. “Well, in another month, I’m going to be really ‘indisposed,’ and then I won’t get to fish for a real long time.” She had me there. “I’m sorry,” I said. “Do you want to go fishing?” “I want to go fishing.” “Okay,” I said. “I’ll take you to the jetties in the morning and see if there are any sheepshead around.” Again with the look. “They just said on television that the fishing is going to be really good tonight because of the full moon.” Now, I had the look. “You want to go fishing tonight” She nodded.

HAD A LONG, ROUGH WEEK AT SCHOOL. Workweeks pushing 80 hours had become the norm ever since Sandie had smiled at me and told me, “I'm pregnant.” My weekly teaching duties were tough enough, but teaching GED classes three nights a week and coaching speech on the weekends left me a complete washout every Friday. This one was not different, except I had a weekend off from a speech and drama tournament. I came home, grabbed a cold drink, kissed my eight-month pregnant wife, who had beaten me home and was sitting in her pillow nest on the couch, and plopped down in my La-z-Boy. There was a feature on the 5 o’clock news about the excellent fishing at Pirate’s Landing fishing pier, and how it was expected to peak that night with the full moon. Big catches of trout and drum were expected, especially after the stretch of warm weather. I suddenly felt it--feeling every man gets when two laser beams fire from the glaring eyes of his wife straight into his ear. Like every other man, I tried to ignore it. My ear

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Well, why not. She should get her way; she’s having my baby. It was 5:30. By the time I got changed, the tackle organized, and helped Sandie into the truck cab, it was past six. After stopping for two cheeseburgers (one with extra pickles--imagine that), it was almost 6:30. We pulled into Port Isabel right at eight o’clock. I stopped at a bait stand and bought a pint of live shrimp before we got to the pier. For the third time, I got the look. “Didn’t you once tell me that the big trout like to eat fish like mullet and pinfish,” she said. “They prefer finfish, yes.” “But you only bought shrimp.” “Well, the bait shop didn’t have any live mullet or piggy perch. It’s not the right time of year for croaker, either,” I said. “Did you bring your cast net?” she persisted. “I always bring it.” “Well, let’s go get some bait,” she said in that tone that silently ends with “you idiot.” Without saying another word, I drove over to the Long Island swing bridge, which

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was always good for a few baitfish. I parked next to one side of the bridge, grabbed my net and bucket, crossed the street to where some shrimp boats were docked, and started throwing for bait. After a few minutes, I heard my wife shouting and calling my name. “Get over here! Get over here now!” A knot rose in my throat. I dropped my net and sprinted across the street. There was Sandie, eight months pregnant, rod in hand and bent to the butt, struggling with something that was trying to pull the rod out of her hand and under the bridge. Suddenly, the rod snapped just above the second guide from the top. “Get over here!” she yelled at me. I rushed to her side, looked down into the water, and saw the cause of all the trouble--a huge speckled trout. I rushed to the truck, got the long-handled pier landing net, and ran back to Sandie. Somehow, with only 3/4 of a fishing rod, she managed to guide the big trout to the net. I flipped the net up onto the concrete, reached in, grabbed the trout by the

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gills, and lifted it for us both to admire. The fish measured 29 inches on the stick. What an awesome fish, I thought to myself as I dropped it into the cooler. This was a great idea. We’re going to have a good night of fishing. “I want to go home.” I looked over at my wife. “What?” “My rod broke, and I want to go home.” I knew the tone in her voice. No amount of persuading, cajoling, or begging would change her mind. She was going home, and I was driving her there. Without a word, I dumped the piggy perch I’d caught, emptied the pint of shrimp behind them, loaded the truck, helped Sandie aboard, and turned toward home. Total driving time: 140 minutes. Total fishing time (for her): 15 minutes. I got even, though. Three weeks later, my wife gave birth to our son. He’s just like me.

E-mail Calixto Gonzales at CGonzales@fishgame.com.

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IN THE BEGINNING, fishing probably had no name, other than some utterance lost in the dim recesses of time, because the originator lived in a Language-Free society. Today’s fishing utterances should also be lost to time, because they are usually unfit to print, but that’s another story. At one time, humans fished for sustenance, until one day an experimental individual, possibly with a hairline slightly higher than his eyebrows, liked feeling a fish on a bone hook at the end of twisted vegetable-fiber fishing line. Through the centuries, bait such as meat, fat, maggots, and small fishes gave way to bread or eventually cheese. In order to attract fish, chum or ground bait was cast upon the waters. Fishermen caught fish, but their inferior line had little or no tensile strength. The Chinese were the first to make fishing line spun from fine silk, but there were no Wal-Marts at that time to sell their newly developed fishing line, so the product stalled for centuries. Somewhere in there, a budding craftsman with an even higher forehead had an idea to carve an artificial fish out of soft wood. It was then fitted with a hook, perhaps made of bronze. He gave it a fling, a fish struck, and the lure was born. For a few more centuries, anglers communicated with more clarity as the handmade lures either caught a few fish, or were utter failures. That is, until the early 1900s when the modern fishing lure was commercially produced by the firm of Heddon and Pflueger, and an industry was born. Fishermen chugged along for years, throwing a wide variety of plugs that caught fish. Commercial plugs were originally made of wood, until the advent of plastics forever changed the face of lure production. But humans are never satisfied. Craftsmen again examined their lures and wondered at a fish’s inclination to hit one plug while distaining others. Somewhere along the line, angler Fred Young realized that fish particularly liked to eat erratically fleeing or wounded baitfishes. With that in mind, he undertook the chore of carving the Perfect Lure. While recuperating from surgery in 1967, the bedridden angler infuriated his wife (I’m sure) by insisting on carving lures from a variety of woods in an effort to find 36 |

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just the right density and design for what would soon become one of the most popular plugs in history. After his wife brushed the chips and sawdust from his bed, and shooed Fred out of the house, he found that one of his newlycarved lures had more possibilities than the others. Lawrence Taylor, Director of Public Relations for PRADCO, authenticated a story that has been told for decades: “[Young’s] brother, Otis, would take Fred’s new lures to the water to test then every day [while Fred lay in bed and carved] and report back to him which styles ran true and such. Fred honored his brother by naming the new crankbait after him, thus, the Big O.” Big Otis, a burly man standing more than 6 feet, 6 inches, became the first fisherman to truly test the balsawood lure Fred reproduced by hand until the spring of 1973. Almost overnight, it became the hottest crankbait at a B.A.S.S. tournament on Beaver Lake, in Arkansas, and set the angling world on fire. The response to this “golf ball with a lip and hooks” was incredible. Anglers who couldn’t find the laboriously produced and numbered hand-made lures resorted to leaving a substantial deposit and renting them for $25 per day--nearly twice the purchase price. It is rumored some pro anglers paid up to $200 in 1970s money to own a Big O. After more than 3700 hand carved lures F I S H

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won tournament after tournament, the fishcatching Big O soon caught the attention of Cotton Cordell, who purchased the patent from Fred in 1973 or ‘74, depending on your source. “After selling the lure to Cordell, Young helped the company develop the first mold to ensure the lure retained that magic fishcatching characteristic some lures seem to possess,” Taylor said. Soon, more than 1.3 million plugs migrated to tackle boxes during the first twelve months alone. Not to be outdone, other companies realized the value of this odd-looking bulbous lure that was ideal in submerged structure. Marketing experts quickly realized the value of name recognition that followed the Big O. They came up with their own versions of the fat “alphabet plugs.” With that, alphabet lures quickly attained cult status for their ability to catch fish. Bill Norman’s Big N and the AC Plug, designed by Alan Cole, quickly became popular for trophy bass. Greg Silks developed the Z-Plug to catch stripers. The Shakespeare Big S and the Bomber Lure Fat A are time-tested variants of Young’s original. Few things came out of the Flaky 1970s with the ability to stand up to time. Platform shoes and disco thankfully disappeared, but the alphabet plugs remained. Along came Little N, Balsa B, and Long A. All caught fish because the short, squared lip keeps the lure at a consistent depth while deflecting off

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The lure alphabet started with "O" and grew to include "B" et al

Lure ABCs

rocks and other submerged structure without hanging up...as much. The continuing success of these plugs still delights anglers across the world. The original larger versions plowed through the water with violent displacement, causing fish to feel the lures’ presence. Like a radar signal, the

fish felt the water displacement as the lure wobbled from side to side, simulating an addled baitfish. The big lures caught--and still catch--big fish. The pros decided bigger is not always better. A few years ago, other companies such as Shakespeare revisited the original

lure and, through successful experimentation, created new, smaller varieties of the fat plug such as the Midi S and Little S. Thirty years after Fred worried the first Big O fishing lure from a block of balsa, we now have newer, retroversions of the original fat plug, even down to the “letter.” Bagley Balsa B, Worden’s TimberTiger DC-2, and the Bass Pro XPS Extreme are catching fish. In keeping with tradition, and adding a bit of techno-speak, we now have the Rapala DTF07, which sounds like an online order number, or a descendent of Star Wars’ R2D2 robot. I prefer the sound of the Bomber Model B Balsa, which sort of sounds like the name of an antique car, or maybe one of those balsa wood models Baby Boomers built as kids. It looks like old is new again, with some minor “improvements.” And as we follow the modern angler into the sunset, muttering unprintables about fish and fishing, we know that, like chum and cut bait, the alphabet lure is here to stay.

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GREEN represents feral hog habitat,” said Higginbotham. By knowing the range of feral hog habitat and the species population density in various types of Texas environments, Lopez also came up with a population estimate that has some meat to it, Higginbotham said. Lopez estimates that the actual number could range from a low of 1.9 million to a high of 3.4 million. Exaggerated claims of feral hog population-growth rates are a related myth. Many of the population guesstimates are based on a purely arbitrary number of hogs in Texas being set at 1 million in the 1970s. This number, which also had no research basis, is then often extrapolated on using another bit of misinformation: That because of feral hogs’ high birth rate, their population is doubling every year. So what are the facts? A 2011 consolidation of past studies done by his graduate student, Janell Mellish, the average litter size in Texas and the Southeast is 5.6 pigs, Lopez said. It is also known, that on average, a sow is about 13 months old when she has her first litter, and that on average, mature sows have 1.5 litters per year. This means there is a significant population growth rate, but a far cry from the doubling-yearly myth, UNTIL RECENTLY, IF ANYONE TRIED TO TELL YOU HOW MANY FERAL HOGS THERE ARE IN Lopez said. TEXAS, THEY WERE JUST BLOWING SMOKE, ACCORDING TO A TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION “We estimated the population growth of SERVICE WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST. feral hogs in Texas averages between ““When it comes to feral hogs in Texas, Lopez on the study. 18 percent and 20 percent annually,” separating fact from fiction is becoming a The term “geographic informaLopez said. “This means that it little easier as research reveals more about tion systems,” usually simply called would take almost five years for a the pesky porcines,” said Dr. Billy HigginGIS, refers to a procedure that population to double in size if left botham, AgriLife Extension wildlife speinvolves diverse data gathering unchecked.” cialist. “There remains much we don’t means, from on-the-ground GPS The study, know about this exotic that has inhabited referenced data to satellite to hiswhich was our state for the past 450 years.” torical records, conductHighest ranking among the myths are and organizes it ed by estimates of the actual number of feral hogs geographically. Lopez in Texas, Higginbotham said. A common “A simpler way to and number that has been bantered about for put it is that it’s just an Mellyears is 1 to 4 million. But there was just electronic map,” Lopez ish, no data to support this estimate. said. used three Feral hog habitat That is, there wasn’t until Dr. Roel Using GIS techmethods to esticovers 79% of the Lopez, associate director of the Texas niques, Lopez was able mate feral pig popuA&M University Institute for Renewable to quantify first the extent state. lation growth in Texas: Natural Resources, recently used geograph- of the feral hog habitat in the statewide number of Feral Habitat ic information system procedures to turn Texas. He estimates that aerial permits issued the guesstimates into reliable estimates, said “approximately 134 million acres, or 79 Continued on page 40 Higginbotham, who collaborated with percent of the state’s 170 million acres,

Feral Hogs Abound in Texas; So Do Myths

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MAP: TEXAS A&M INSTITUED FOR RENEWABLE NAT. RESOURCES

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Gulf Seafood Passes Gov. Tests NOAA CONTINUES TO RE-TEST SEAFOOD FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO TO DEMONSTRATE TO AMERICAN AND WORLDWIDE CONSUMERS THAT IT IS SAFE TO EAT, AND ANNOUNCED TODAY IT WILL CONTINUE THIS RE-TESTING INTO THE SUMMER. Before waters were opened to fishing, NOAA and FDA extensively tested seafood from those waters, and NOAA has now completed two additional rounds of sampling and testing from each of those reopened areas. Thousands of test results, all publicly available, prove Gulf seafood is safe from oil and dispersant contamination. “Gulf seafood is consistently passing FDA’s safety tests by a wide margin,” said Eric Schwaab, assistant NOAA administrator in charge of NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “We are continuing to test, and we are making the data available to the public, so they can make fully informed purchasing decisions.” “The system set up to keep tainted seafood out of circulation has worked,” said Don Kraemer, acting deputy director for FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “Consumers should know that Gulf seafood is extensively tested and is safe to eat.” The nearly 500 samples in the two rounds of postContinued on page 41

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GREEN Invasive Plants Don’t Always Overrun New Home INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES HAVE LONG HAD A REPUTATION AS BEING BAD FOR A NEW ECOSYSTEM WHEN THEY ARE INTRODUCED. Stan Harpole, assistant professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology at Iowa State University, is founding organizer of a team of more than 70 researchers working at 65 sites worldwide that tested that assumption. They wanted to know if it is true that

Feral Hogs Continued from page 38 aerial permits issued for shooting feral hogs; the number of pigs processed in commercial processing facilities; and feral hog control data made available from U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services. A common myth is that it’s possible to identify the breed of a given feral hog by its color and markings. “Hogwash,” said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist. Another common myth is that recreational hunting alone can control feral hog populations, Higginbotham said. “Of the dozen studies conducted across the nation, hunting removes between 8 percent and 50 percent of a population, with an average of 24 percent across all studies,” he said. “In order to hold a population stable with no growth, 60 to 70 percent of a feral hog population would have to be removed annually.” Another myth is that it’s possible 40 |

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problematic invasive species often spread widely in their new habitats because they don't encounter predators or diseases that help keep them in check in their home ranges. "There is this assumption that when plants invade a new area that they become to identify the breed of a given feral hog by its color markings. “Today’s feral hogs are descended from domestic breeds, Eurasian wild boars and, of course, hybrids of the two,” Higginbotham said. “But despite claims to the contrary, simply observing the color patterns, hair characteristics, and size cannot let you definitively identify which of the three types a hog falls into.” One thing about feral hogs is definitely not a myth — the huge amount of damage they do to crops, wildlife habitat and landscapes, Higginbotham said. And from all indications, the damage they do is expanding in scope and range. “Feral hogs were once largely a rural or agricultural issue in Texas, inflicting over $52 million in damage annually,” he said. “But the porkers have literally moved to town and are now causing significant damage in urban and suburban communities. This damage includes the rooting of landscapes, parks, lawns, golf courses, sports fields and even cemeteries, as they search for food. It has been estimated that a single hog can F I S H

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much more abundant in the new area than they were in the native areas," said Harpole. "It turns out that, on average, they aren't any more abundant away from home than they are at home." Harpole says there is a "rule of 10s" that can apply to invasive species. "Of, say, 100 plants that arrive in a new area, only about 10 percent of those will survive without being in a greenhouse or some other controlled area," said Harpole. "Of those 10 that can survive, only about 10 percent of those really cause problems. "When you think about all the species we've brought over from other areas, relacause over $200 damage annually.” The $200-per-hog estimate doesn’t include the damage feral hogs do as they compete with other wildlife species, such as whitetail deer, for food and habitat, he noted. Some of the species challenged by feral hog invasions are endangered species. It’s important to keep in perspective that the bottom line is not an actual hog headcount, but the damage they do and how to develop ways to reduce it. “For those landowners actively engaged in deer management, their tolerance of feral hogs should be very, very low,” Higginbotham said. “Can we (significantly) reduce the damage feral hogs do through control efforts? The answer is ‘absolutely yes.’ “Landowners remain the first line of defense since Texas is 95 percent privately owned land,” Higginbotham said. “This means arming the public with Best Management Practices and using various legal control methods to abate the damage by reducing feral hog populations.” — by Robert Burns TG

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tively few have become serious pest species. The problem is we've brought over so many that quite a few have become major problems and they get a lot of attention." Harpole points to the kudzu plant as an example. Kudzu was introduced from Asia as a soil erosion plant more than a century ago. It now chokes out native species from Texas to Maine to Florida, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Problem plants like this are uncommon when compared to all the exotic species in a region, but they do get the most interest and may give the impression that species that escape their home range often spread and take over new habitats and become more abundant than before, says Harpole. Invasion can also be thought of more generally as a process in which new species enter new habitats. Even plants now considered native were once invaders, says Harpole. When glaciers receded from the Midwest 10,000 years ago, there were no

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native species in the area -- the retreating ice left bare ground open for invasion. "All the plants that are now seen as native were invasive in the past in the sense that they had to spread across the landscape," he said. "What's different today is that we move plants so much faster than they would move by themselves. Now a species can become global in a matter of years, where it may

Seafood Continued from page 39 opening testing are comprised of more than 4300 fish and shrimp, since a sample consists of multiple individuals. They are a representative sample of the commercially and recreationally important fish in the Gulf, and cover the 87,481 square

have taken tens of thousands of years in the past," said Harpole. Harpole is coauthor of a research paper led by Jennifer Firn of Queensland University of Technology, Australia, and is published in the journal Ecology Letters. Coordination of the study was funded by the National Science Foundation. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Report TG

miles of the Gulf that have been reopened to fishing. The specific locations, dates of sampling, species type, and test results are available publicly for each of the samples. An area covering 1041 square miles immediately surrounding the wellhead still remains closed to all commercial and recreational fishing. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff Report TG

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Texas Freshwater by Matt Williams | TF&G Freshwater Editor

Fish & Chips F ALL THE ADVANCEMENTS MADE IN outdoor gear during the last two decades, none have had a more positive influence on the fishing world than global position satellite technology. Commonly referred to as GPS, the technology once reserved for use by the U.S. military has forever changed the way we get around out there. With GPS on their side, mariners are able feel their way around a lake or bay with precision accuracy during day or night, under any weather condition imaginable.

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units come preloaded with factory mapping software packages to aid in the navigation and fishing processes, there are a number of aftermarket “chips” available to enhance the experience even more. Here are a few worth adding to your arsenal. Navionics: A leader in marine cartography, Navonics has a large number of mapping software packages under its label. It is hard to beat the company’s HotMaps software for freshwater fishing applications on public reservoirs and rivers.

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The software is available for five regions across the United States in three levels — HotMaps, HotMaps Premium, and HotMaps Platinum. The Platinum chip contains lake maps for 17,000 lakes, including 147 lakes in Texas. More than 100 of the Texas lakes are listed in high-definition format. Panoramic Lake Photos, 3D and top/down satellite imagery are extra features exclusive to the Platinum chip. The beauty of the HD format is it depicts the contour lines of a lake’s bottom in 1-2 foot intervals; the tighter the lines, the more abrupt the contour change. This allows you detect little ditches, points and other underwater structure not found on other mapping software or paper maps. “Take this software to a lake you think you know pretty well and you will discover some things about the bottom that you never knew existed,” says Jim Tutt, a Lowrance pro staffer from Longview. “The HD maps are far better than anything else out there.” I found the Navonics 2010 HotMaps Platinum chip as cheap as $162 on the Internet; 2010 HotMaps Premium, $140. To learn more, see navionics.com. GPS Lake Maps: Founded by legendary Texas bass pro Tommy Martin and Bobby Feazel, this chip is designed to work hand-in-hand with Navionics by adding a wealth of useful fishing data to compliment what Navionics has already accomplished. Using available USGS lake data, the chip depicts channels, roadbeds, bridges, pond dams, cemeteries, ditches, and other good stuff that Navionics does not show. The data downloads and stores to the GPS hard drive, then overlays on the Navionics contour map of the target lake. Martin says GPS Lake Map chips are currently available for 43 lakes, 29 of them in Texas. Sold individually, the chips are $39.99; a Sam Rayburn/Toledo Bend combo chip sells for $74.95. To learn more, see shockwaverods.com. BoatLanes.com: Lake Fork fishing guide Lance Vick created this chip as a way to help anglers take the guesswork out of navigating questionable boat lanes on his home lake. He has since added Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend to the mix. The multimedia flash cards contain live waypoints marking designated boat lanes, boat ramp routes, and even a few guide trails not found on other mapping software. PHOTO: ©DEWITT, DREAMSTIME

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Vick accumulated the data by running the lanes in his Skeeter, popping waypoints along the way. The result helps anglers navigate the aforementioned lakes safely.. Chips are available for Lowrance and Humminbird GPS systems. Once downloaded you can remove the chip; the waypoint data is stored in the unit so it can be utilized in combination with Lowrance Fishing Hot Spots or Navionics software. The guide recommends utilizing the data

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with the “Trackline Extension” mode in the GPS unit activated. This pointer line makes it easier to maintain a steady course when motoring from waypoint to waypoint. The chips sell for $29.95 individually, combination Sam Rayburn/Toledo Bend $49.95 or all three lakes, $64.95. To learn more, see boatlanes.com. E-mail Matt Williams at MWilliams@fishgame.com.

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Helping hunters see the light on eye protection BY BOB HOOD T E X A S

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FEW HUNTERS WANT TO ADMIT IT, but as safe as they think are when afield, many are not as safe as they should be. Wearing hunter orange, keeping the safety “On,” and following basic safe gun-handling practices are important, but here’s a real eye-opener: An accident could close your eyes permanently if you fail to protect them. This is especially likely when hunting doves, quail, and other birds with other hunters. Accidents do happen, and as much as many hunters don’t like hearing it, swinging on a bird without forethought has resulted in shooting accidents that have caused other hunters to lose their eyesight or be otherwise seriously injured (witness former vice-president Dick Cheney). Vision is the key when shooting anything, and wearing a good pair of shooting glasses not only is one of the best ways for hunters to protect their eyes, but also aid in hunting and shooting. The right glasses help the hunter spot game, discern between a tree branch and deer antlers, spot a flight of dove or teal against bright sky or dark tree line, and even make a bloodtrail more distinct. A good pair of shooting glasses don’t just protect the eyes from accidents and weather conditions, but also offer great protection from the Sun’s ultra-violet rays and can improve shooting skills when hunting in bright light conditions. A wide variety of styles and brands span the cost spectrum to match any budget, ranging from less than $10 to $100 or more. Regardless of which style you prefer, it is important to the lens is shatter-resistant and has a high UV protection rating. Some things to keep in mind before choosing eye protection are lens material, tint, color, UV protection level, and scratchand shatter-resistance. Of the three major materials used for lenses, polycarbonate is ranked No. 1 for hunters. Years ago, all eyewear were made of glass, followed by plastics that emerged in the 1940s. Today’s polycarbonates have the best ratings for hunters because they provide excellent UV protection, are 10 times more impact resistant, 40 percent thinner, and 30 percent lighter than regular plastic lenses. Polycarbonate is a type of Lexan thermoplastic that is the same material used to make bulletproof glass. The tint of shooting glasses varies, with smoke, gray, and gray-green the most common because they block glare without chang46 |

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Eyewear is more than a fashion statement for hunters.

ing color perception. Gray is neutral and allows the wearer to see colors as they truly are. Lens colors also are important because one can have an advantage over the other under various circumstances. Yellow or orange lenses, for example, can improve contrast. The brighter the yellow, the better it is for low light or night use. Orange and red lenses enhance the red/orange colors of objects and make them really stand out against a dark background, such as shadows. Amber and brown lenses block out the type of blue light you of cloudy days and improve depth perception and contrast. Some models come with a variety of lenses in assorted colors that snap into the frame. These can be very cost effective for obvious reasons. It is important to choose a pair of shooting glasses that are both comfortable and

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functional. A wrap-around style provides the best protection because it covers your eyes from all angles. However, many other styles of shooting glasses and even goggles will protect your eyes adequately from wind, debris, and other items. In addition to regular shooting glasses and sunglasses, prescription glasses that provide the same protection are favored and sometimes required by many hunters. Some hunters prefer shooting glasses with prescription inserts. Manufacturers of shooting glasses, sunglasses, and goggles are numerous, and include Radians, Remington, Winchester, Browning, Hunters Advantage, and Pyramex Safety’s Ducks Unlimited Shooters Eyewear. Shop for your personal preferences in style, Polarized, colors, tints, and materials including the lenses and frames that fit your needs.

PHOTO: © RADIST, DREAMSTIME

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Hunt Texas by Bob Hood | TF&G Hunting Editor

Don’t Be a Slob HE END OF ANY HUNTING SEASON IS AS good a time as any for hunters to make resolutions for the seasons ahead. And I am not talking about resolving to alter turkey-hunting techniques or adding new gear for doves and deer. I am talking about resolving to not be a contributor to the trashy pictures some hunters leave in the minds of non-hunters and fellow hunters alike. While it is true that many hunters strive to leave good impressions everywhere they go, others don’t care or are too lazy to clean up after themselves. I bet you know someone who falls into the latter category. I have hunted on both private and public lands for many years and can track a trashy hunter as easily as I can a whitetail deer or turkey. I’m sure many of you can, too. Here are some examples of why many non-hunters draw pictures of us as sloppy rednecks who deface the environment, create fire hazards, and leave it to others to clean up the messes they leave behind: The hunting lease: A large number of hunting leases have cabins or places where hunters can park travel trailers, truck campers, or RVs. If you want to know how well hunters at a particular camp take care of their surroundings, just walk around outside those campers and RVs. On the ground, you may find empty beer cans, water bottles, used paper plates, foil, and just about anything else that should have been bagged up and carried off. A much closer look likely will reveal cigarette butts scattered across the ground, including many just a few yards from a campfire pit or empty bucket where the butts could just as easily have been discarded. A glance in the fire pit also might reveal broken bottles, tin cans, and other debris that never should have been there in the first place. Look even closer and you may find piles

PHOTO: BOB HOOD

of charcoal dust in your path next to the campers, but watch your step. Not all hunters who bring dogs to hunting leases scoop the poop. Leaving camp: When you leave the ranch, check out the areas around the gates. This is where trash from hunters’ vehicles often falls out or is blown out by the wind when hunters stop to open the gates. For some people, it’s just too much trouble to retrieve even a single cracker wrapper. On the road: Once you get back on the highway, don’t expect to stop at a roadside

the floors of the bays will be sprinkled liberally with kernels of deer corn that just as easily could have been swept with a broom from the vehicles near a feeder back at the hunting lease. Let’s go back to another hunting camp for a comparison. When you go through the main gate on this one, you won’t see any empty cracker wrappers or bottles on the ground. One of the hunters on his way to camp ahead of you stopped and picked up the wrappers and empty bottles left from someone else’s truck.

park to have a quick snack and get a breath of fresh air before proceeding on, especially on a weekend. That’s because many hunters think roadside parks are dump stations. If the trash barrels are over-flowing, who cares? We’ll just dump our trash bags, empty corn sacks and our other trash on the ground next to the other 10 trash and corn bags that already are there. After all, even if the stray cats and raccoons tear them apart, the roadside park maintenance workers are getting paid to clean up the messes we leave behind-right? Close to home: Check out the car wash bays. If the pasture and county roads were muddy from recent rains, the drains and surrounding areas of the bays likely will be almost choked shut with large chunks of mud that had dried on the pickup trucks and four-wheelers. And there’s a good chance

At the camp, there are no cigarette butts on the ground. The hunters who smoked filled a 5-gallon bucket with sand and used it as a camp-sized ashtray. The charcoal dust left over from cooking on the grills either has been dumped in the fire pit or allowed to cool before being carried off with the other trash. When you leave this camp, you won’t see the hunters’ bags of trash around over-flowing barrels at any of the roadside parks. Their trash has been carried to their homes to be put in dumpsters, or left for regular trash disposal trucks. Which of these groups of hunters and their camps do you think a landowner would like best?

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BY TF&G FRESHWATER EDITOR

Matt Williams PHOTO: © PONGSAK DEETHONGNGAM; INSET, © EL EDEN

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G A M E ® 1. ANSWER: B) While flathead catfish feed primarily on live food, they will eat fresh cut bait and artificial lures on occasion. Toledo Bend trotliner Charlie Shively has caught way too many big flatheads on bream and shad heads to believe otherwise. Occasionally, flatheads will mistake plastic worms, spoons and jigs used by bass and crappie fishermen as easy meals, as well.

2. ANSWER: A) It is illegal to use any bass species, including whites, stripers, hybrids and yellow bass, or any other designated sport fish, or part of them, for bait.

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you can cover more water and increase the odds of catching fish. 6. ANSWER: B) FALSE. Some of the best fishing during cold weather occurs in water ranging three feet or less. You can catch some big ones up there, too. The former world record blue cat (121 1/2 pounds) was caught out of seven feet of water in January 2004. 7. ANSWER: C) Cormorants are fish eaters. They often return to roost trees to lounge and relieve themselves between feeding frenzies. Catfish will sometimes group up beneath active roosts and gobble up the high protein cormorant poop the second it hits the water. 8. ANSWER: B) The world's biggest catfish is Mekong, which is native to the Mekong basin in southeast Asia) It has been known to reach weights in excess of 600 pounds and lengths of nine feet. The wels is second largest, reaching weights topping 300 pounds.

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3. ANSWER: D) The maximum number of hooks you can have in a public water body in Texas at any one time is 100. The total count includes trotlines, jug lines, rod and reel, throwlines, etC) The exception is community fishing lakes, where only two rod and reels may be used simultaneously.

9. ANSWER: C) Wind pushes tiny zooplankton against the bank, which in turn attracts minnows, perch and other small forage that ranks high on the dietary hit list for cats.

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ANSWERS 4. ANSWER: D) Also, single trotlines may be no longer 600 feet in length and hooks may not be spaced closer than three feet apart.

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Bernal was using an Asian carp for bait. 11. ANSWER: C) The male selects the spawning site and diligently guards the eggs until they hatch. 12. ANSWER: B) FALSE. While catfish will sometimes visit the cellar to dine, they are highly agile eating machines that will aggressively chase down prey at mid-range or shallow depths or even on the surface. 13. ANSWER: C) The smaller bullhead (sometimes called mud cat or polywog) frequents the same stomping grounds as its larger cousins. Plus, it is tough as nails and will survive on a line for hours, even days. 14. ANSWER: A) Keeping the bait cool will help keep it firm and prevent it slinging off the hook so easily. 15. ANSWER: A) TRUE. Stored properly and kept wet, soured grain will get riper with time. I have several five gallon buckets of soured maize in my barn that have been fermented for nearly a decade.

10. ANSWER: D) The 130-pound brute was in July 2010 caught by Greg Bernal of Florissant, Mo.

3. How many hooks may a trotliner have in a body of water at one time? A) True B) False A) True B) False 2. It is illegal to use yellow bass or crappie for catfish bait. 1.You have to use live bait to catch flathead catfish.

5. ANSWER: B) By using several short lines

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Anglers routinely fish for them on hook and line, or catch them on trotlines, jug lines, throwlines and stump hooks tipped with all sorts of bait — live, dead and prepared. While I have reeled in my share of catfish, I have never claimed to be a catfish junkie. But I know a lot of guys (and girls) who are. I leaned on those folks a little to lend a hand in assembling this Texas Fish & Game catfishing quiz to test your knowledge of ol' whiskers.

A) 100, 5 and 5 B) 50, 2 and 1 C) 25, 5 and 5 D) 50, 5 and 5 4. What is the maximum number of hooks you can have on a single trotline, jug line or throw line? A) 1,000 B) 500 C) Unlimited D) None of the above.

Texas lakes, rivers, creeks and streams. goes when it comes to targeting these tasty sport fish on them with arrows and buck shot, just about anything PHOTO: ©PETER ZACHAR, DREAMSTIME

Outside of noodling, netting, snagging and shooting at one. A catfish, that is. to skin a cat. There is also more than one way to catch PARDON THE PUN, but there is more than one way Fea6-CatfishQuiz.qxd:Layout 1

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5. One or two trotlines with lots of hooks will always produce better results than several short lines. A) True B) False 6.You have to fish deep to catch catfish during the winter months. A) True B) False 7. Why do blue and channel cat frequently gather beneath cormorant roost trees during fall and winter? A) To take advantage of the shade. B) They like the view. C) To feed 8. Blue cat have the capacity to grow larger than any subspecies of catfish. A) True B) False 9. Why do catfish sometimes gather on windy shorelines and points? A) They can’t swim against the wind B) They prefer the brackish water churned up by lapping waves. C) That’s where the food is. 10. Where was the current IGFA world record blue cat caught? A) B) C) D)

Lake Texoma Mississippi River Atchafalaya Basin Missouri River

11. Where do flathead catfish prefer spawn?. A) On shallow flats around weeds. B) In swift current. C) In caves, under tree roots, inside rock crevices or hollow logs. 12. Catfish are lazy, bottom feeders. A) True B) False 13. Which ranks as the all-around best live bait for big flatheads and blues?

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A) Perch B) Carp C) Bullhead catfish 14. What is the best way to prevent punch baits and stink baits from becoming soft and mushy on a hot, summer day? A) Store the bait on ice between baiting hooks. B) You can’t.

C) Keep the lid on the bait canister. 15. Soured maize used for baiting holes can be stored for several years. A) True B) False

Flip the Page for the Correct Answers (LEFT)

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Are Some Largemouth Genetically Resistant to Getting Caught?

BY CHESTER MOORE

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I HAVE NEVER SEEN a fish do something so amazing. Fishing live mullet in a brackish pond near Sabine Lake with my friends Rion and Cynthia Carlos, we caught several nice bass one beautiful spring morning last year. As soon as Rion threw his final mullet into the water on a free line rig, a 4-pounder swam up slowly behind it and the mullet swam for shore. Before my friend could reel in the slack, the mullet with bass in hot pursuit, swam toward and jumped onto the bank. It could not do anything but flop on the slanted, sandy shore. Rion was just about to reel up and throw the mullet back into the water, but I told him to wait. The bass swam right up to water’s edge, stared at the mullet then gently pushed itself several inches onto the bank, rolled onto its side, grabbed the mullet and flopped back into the water. As the fish swam off with its prize, Rion set the hook, caught it and turned it back to catch another day. That experience and others inspired me to search out studies on the “intelligence” of largemouth bass and their response to fishing pressure. Bass or any other fish for that matter are certainly not intelligent in a human way but they do things that are simply baffling. Studies show bass learn quickly and some simply never get fooled. This was proven by a study conducted by the University of Illinois (UI). According to UI news release, the study began in 1975 with the resident population of bass in Ridge Lake, an experimental study lake in Fox Ridge State Park in Charleston. “The fishing was controlled. For example, anglers had to reserve times, and every fish that was caught was put into a live well on the boat. The fish were measured and tagged to keep track of how many times each fish had been caught. All fish were then released.” “We kept track over four years of all of the angling that went on, and we have a total record there were thousands of captures,” said David Philipp, ecology and conservation researcher in the statement published by UI. “Many fish were caught more than once. One fish was caught three times in the first two days, and another was caught 16 times in one year.” Then after four years, the pond was 54 |

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drained, and more than 1,700 fish were collected. “Interestingly, about 200 of those fish had never been caught, even though they had been in the lake the entire four years.” Then according to UI officials, males and

males and females that had been caught four or more times in the study were designated High Vulnerability (HV) parents that were spawned in different ponds to produce a line of HV offspring. The two lines were then marked and raised in common ponds until

Some largemouth bass are genetically programmed to baffle even the most experienced anglers.

females from the group that had never been caught were designated Low Master Bafflers Vulnerability (LV) parents. “To produce a line of LV offspring, these they were big enough to be fished.” parents were allowed to spawn with each The results were that HV offspring were other in university research ponds. Similarly, more vulnerable to catch than LV offspring. F I S H

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There was, as many bass anglers suspect, a genetic component to elusive fish. A study conducted by Gary P. Garett of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) at their Heart of the Hills Research Station support the gene theory. “Two generations of selective breeding for vulnerability to angling in largemouth bass Micropterus sallnoides revealed that this trait is heritable. Fish selectively bred for angling vulnerability were more likely to be caught multiple times than were those bred for wariness,” Garrett wrote. “…analysis showed the trait was associated with subspecific differences and that northern largemouth bass were innately easier to catch than were hybrids between Florida bass and largemouth bass. These differences will be exploited by fishery managers in a Texas reservoir with a goal of providing high catch rates and trophy potential in largemouth bass.” Garrett noted that avoidance behavior as well as the ability to discern natural prey from artificial replicas likely would be best developed in those not harvested (fish caught and released to breed again.) “Selective pressure, however, will influence future generations only if a trait is heritable. If angling vulnerability has a genetic component and there is genetic variation in the trait, succeeding generations would be made up of a greater proportion of those less susceptible to angling.” Citing researchers Brown, Aldrich, Bowers and Martin he said that largemouth bass are rapid learners, particularly when negative stimuli such as artificial lures are involved. “Learning is an important factor when fish are caught and released, because previously experienced fishing pressure appears to be inversely related to angling vulnerability.” At the beginning of this story I said Rion released his fish to “catch another day”. Perhaps not. As these studies show, some bass learn very quickly how to avoid presentations made to them by anglers. It is interesting that we caught and released many fish there last year and although none have been harvested from this location, the fish are super hard to catch. On clear days you can see the fish but very few of the big ones want to bite. How many fish have you caught and released over the years? Has this practice

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contributed to the continuing challenge of catching bass? And what about those fish like the 200 in the Illinois study that were never caught? Those are all intriguing questions, which drives me as a bass angler to try and crack the code that will make the big ones bite. If there are 200 in a pond in Illinois, then how many in Sam Rayburn, Lake Fork, Falcon, Choke Canyon, O.H. Ivie, Toledo Bend and the many other amazing bass fishing destinations in Texas.

Might there be a state record or perhaps a world record that no one has been able to conquer due to its genetic potential. That is no one has figured it out yet. Now at least we have a better understanding of our quarry and know that some bass are born to baffle.

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Open Season by Reavis Wortham | TF&G Humor Editor

Dinner Among Friends LEASE SIT DOWN FOR THIS HEARTwrenching tale of experimentation and woe. For some reason known only to Delbert P. Axelrod, one of life’s little stumbling blocks, he decided to cook a venison steak dinner for the entire Hunting Club and their wives. Luckily, I didn’t arrive until later in the evening. It all began when Delbert felt the need to smother the venison in sautéed mushrooms. As usual, he put off planning the event until 12 hours before dinner. Delbert had everything but the mushrooms--and the A&P was out of mushrooms; fresh or canned. I happened to be at Doreen’s 24 HR Eat Gas Now Cafe that morning when Delbert came in, whining about his dilemma. “Why don’t you use some of those mush-

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rooms Doreen picked last night down by the creek,” I said, just to mess with him. “She uses them here all the time and I bet she’ll sell you enough to cook one meal.” Delbert’s dumb, but he isn’t stupid. “You can’t eat those kinds of mushrooms, they’re called toadstools and they’ll kill ya.” Doreen came out of the kitchen and they explained the problem, without Willie’s little addition, and Delbert left with the (storebought) mushrooms and a little niggling in the back of his mind that they weren’t really the safe mushrooms. He decided to try an experiment to be sure. At home, Delbert cooked up the mushrooms and gravy, poured it over a piece of venison steak, and fed it to Blue, his new coonhound. Then he watched the dog all afternoon to be sure it wasn’t suffering any ill effects from the meal. By suppertime, Blue was just fine, so Delbert felt safe and cooked up a fine meal of venison smothered in mushroom gravy and served it to everyone. The Hunting Club members and their wives pronounced it the best meal they’d ever eaten. I was late and they were all through eating when I arrived. I came in through the back door after witnessing a disturbing sight, and decided the best thing was to tell Delbert right away what I saw. Everyone was sitting around the table, finishing their iced tea, the men fiddling with their tobacco pouches, and talking. I walked through the kitchen door and into the dining room. “Delbert, I just came in through the back yard. Old Blue is dead.” For a period of three heartbeats, the room was graveyard silent. Then I couldn’t have gotten more of a shocked response than if I’d thrown a

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live skunk onto the table. “Yaaahhh!” screeched Delbert. “Nobody move! Stay calm!” He jumped for the phone and began dialing frantically. I couldn’t believe everyone was so upset about Blue, but to allow them some time to vent their grief, I went back into the kitchen to make my plate.” The following occurred while I was in there: Delbert called the paramedics and told them he’d poisoned everyone with toadstools. The head medic advised everyone to stay calm, but there wasn’t enough time to get everyone to the hospital. They would send help. Minutes later, two ambulances screeched to halt in front of the house in a spray of gravel and flashing lights. The paramedics jumped out with their arms full of equipment and ran into the living room, where they found everyone calmly laying on the floor. Without a word, they grabbed the nearest victim, pulled him into the master bedroom, and pumped his stomach. A few minutes later, he staggered out and the paramedics pulled in another victim, then another, and soon every member of the dinner party was back in the living room with freshly pumped stomachs. Then the paramedics left and everyone sat around, limply, blinking at each other. Meanwhile, I heated up my mushroom gravy smothered venison and ate in the kitchen. But I couldn’t get over what I’d seen outside. I came back into the living room just as the front door closed. “You know,” I said, noticing that everyone looked a little peaked. “What I can’t get over is how that car out on the road never even slowed down when it ran over old Blue.” Now everyone’s mad at me.

E-mail Reavis Wortham at RWortham@fishgame.com.

ILLUSTRATION: DILEEPKUMARVS; CARAMAN

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UNZIP A FLOUNDER BY GREG BERLOCHER APTAIN RANDAL GROVES IS AS skilled with a fillet knife as he is at locating hungry fish in the Galveston Bay Complex. Groves (www.grovesguide.com) is a craftsman who prides himself on maximizing the amount of table fare from every fish his clients wish to keep. While holding forth at the cleaning table discussing the merits of low carbon steel versus stainless steel knife blades, Groves inquired if I had ever seen someone unzip a flounder. This cleaning method involves filleting both sides of the flounder and removing the skeleton and the head, but leaving the two fillets connected. The flounder’s tail is left on for extra style points. The butterflied fillets are perfect for stuffing and baking. Groves creates a mixture of cooked rice and broccoli, shredded cheese, crab meat and uncooked peeled shrimp, places it on the bottom fillet and then drapes the top fillet over the mound of dressing. He

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brushes the skin with meted butter and then cooks the stuffed flounder in a smoker (away from the direct heat) for 30 minutes or until the fins dry out. Next time you catch a flounder, don’t just fillet it, unzip it!

Step 1 SCALE BOTH SIDES of flounder. Beginning on the shoulder, make a semicircular cut down to the backbone, cutting from one side to the other. The cut should go just behind the gill plates.

Step 2 INSERT THE TIP of the fillet knife into the cut and run the tip down the side of the flounder, making a slit just above the dorsal fin (The side with the eyes), stopping just before the tail.

Step 3 USING THE TIP of the fillet knife and following the slit, begin filleting the flounder, pulling back the meat as you

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In This Issue

HOTSPOTS FOCUS: MATAGORDA • Green Tides | BY BINK GRIMES

HOTSPOTS FOCUS: ROCKPORT • The Babes of May | BY CAPT. MAC GABLE

HOTSPOTS FOCUS: LOWER COAST • Local Color |

BY CALIXTO GONZALES

SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK • Tides & Prime Times | BY TF&G STAFF

COVER STORY • How to Unzip a Flounder | BY GREG BERLOCHER

FISHING FORECAST SECTION TEXAS HOTSPOTS • Texas’ Hottest Fishing Spots | BY TOM BEHRENS, CALIXTO GONZALES, & BOB HOOD

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HOTSPOTS FOCUS: UPPER COAST • May Quickens the Heart | BY CAPT. EDDIE HERNANDEZ

HOTSPOTS FOCUS: GALVESTON • The ‘Little Things’ Do the Trick | BY CAPT.

HOW-TO SECTION

104 106

BOWHUNTING TECH • What a SHOT! | BY LOU MARULLO TEXAS GUNS & GEAR • The Pellet Gun Grows Up | BY STEVE LAMASCUS

108 110 112

TEXAS KAYAKING • A Devil of a Time | BY GREG BERLOCHER

TEXAS TESTED • Lowrance, Ocean Racing | BY TF&G STAFF NEW PRODUCTS • Hot New Outdoor Gear | BY TF&G STAFF INDUSTRY INSIDER TF&G STAFF

• | BY

SPECIAL SECTION • Father’s Day Gift Guide | BY TF&G STAFF

OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE SECTION

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TEXAS TASTED • Barbecue Shrimp | BY BRYAN SLAVEN

OUTDOOR CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY • Guides, Gear and More | BY TF&G STAFF TF&G PHOTOS • Your Action Photos | BY TF&G READERS

PAUL’S TIPS • Chasing Squirrels | BY PAUL BRADSHAW

www.FishGame.com FLIP FLOUNDER on its back and repeat Step 2.

Step 6

Step 4

86 88 90 93

TEXAS BOATING • Damage Conrol | BY LENNY RUDOW

MIKE HOLMES

go. Gently raking the tip of the blade across the skeleton maximizes the amount of meat you remove.

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bone which runs inside the back of the gut cavity. Spread both fillets out and then, grasping the flounder’s head, stand the skeleton vertically and bend it 90 degrees to the right and then to the left. This motion breaks the joints between the skeleton and fins. Repeat if necessary. The skeleton can then be unzipped from the body with a gentle tearing motion.

Step 8 Fillet flounder up and over the backbone, again stopping before you cut through the skin on the other side.

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Step 5

USING A FILLET KNIFE, remove the rib cage from the top and bottom fillet. Using game or kitchen shears, clip out the remaining bones, leaving two boneless fillets which are still connected. Stuff, cook, enjoy. BEFORE YOU CAN UNZIP the flounder, you must first cut or break the large rib

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CONTINUE FILLETING up and over the backbone but do not run your knife all the way through the skin on the other side. It is important that the fillet stay connected to body.

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UPPER GULF COAST

Pig Pen Specks, Oyster Reds by TOM BEHRENS tbehrens@fishgame.com

LOCATION: East Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Pig Pen GPS: N29 25.176, W94 44.11602 (29.419600, -94.735267) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Pearl/chartreuse back or Pink Skitter Walks CONTACT: Capt. Steve Hillman, 409256-7937 TIPS: Wade-fishing; don’t forget to take some Red Shad colored Bass Assassins. LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Raymond’s Shoal GPS: N28 39.79002, W95 54.48198 (28.663167, -95.908033) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Chicken on a Chain, Tequila and plum colored Norton soft plastics with 1/8-ounce; leadheads CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz, 281450-4037 TIPS: Drifting if you can find lots of bait, you are going to find the fish. LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Oyster Lake GPS: N28 36.54, W96 10.99998 (28.609000, -96.183333) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Black Magic Norton soft plastics with 1/8-ounce; leadheads CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz, 281450-4037 TIPS: Early in the morning, start in close. Later in the day work out into the bay as the morning progresses; key on drop-offs behind sand bars. If drifting, 60 |

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work the deep shell. LOCATION: Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Todd’s Dump GPS: N29 29.71668, W94 54.55002 (29.495278, -94.909167) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Limetreuse or Red Shad colored Bass Assassins with 1/8-ounce; jighead CONTACT: Capt. Steve Hillman, 409256-7937 TIPS: Work the cuts in the reef looking for slicks and bait concentrations. LOCATION: Sabine Lake HOTSPOT: South Caseway Reef GPS: N29 47.22102, W93 55.91898 (29.787017, -93.931983) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Pearl colored Skitter Walks early and late CONTACT: Capt. Eddie Hernandez, 409-721-5467, 409-673-3100 TIPS: Once the sun comes up switch to soft plastics under a popping cork. LOCATION: Sabine Lake HOTSPOT: Blue Buck Point GPS: N29 47.77998, W93 54.43902 (29.796333, -93.907317) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Lighter colored soft plastics with a 1/4-ounce jighead CONTACT: Capt. Edie Hernandez, 409721-5467, 409-673-3100 TIPS: Look for bird activity or schooling fish.

BEST BAITS: Lighter colored soft plastics with a 1/8-ounce jighead CONTACT: Capt. Eddie Hernandez, 409-721-5467, or 409-673-3100 TIPS: Make sure you have a Louisiana license. LOCATION: Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Hanna’s Reef GPS: N29 28.70298, W94 45.70302 (29.478383, -94.761717) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Red Shad colored Bass Assassins CONTACT: Capt. Steve Hillman, 409256-7937 TIPS: Hanna’s reef produces a lot of big fish in May. LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: San Luis Pass Flats GPS: N29 5.673, W95 6.88002 (29.094550, -95.114667) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Super Spooks and Skitter Walks in chrome/blue, Bass Assassins in plum, and chartreuse CONTACT: Capt. Steve Hillman, 409256-7937 TIPS: Wade-fishing; if there is a lot of current or wind, switch to 1/8-ounce jighead/ LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Cottons GPS: N28 30.60198, W96 12.603 (28.510033, -96.210050) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Topwaters CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz, 281450-4037 TIPS: Wade-fish the grass beds; look for working bait.

LOCATION: Sabine Pass HOTSPOT: East Jetties GPS: N29 40.287, W93 49.27002 (29.671450, -93.821167) SPECIES: speckled trout F I S H

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MIDDLE GULF COAST

TIPS: Chrome/blue is the best color combination for topwater baits in May.

Flounder, Reds & Chicken Foot Trout

LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: Upper Estes Flats GPS: N27 57.05802, W97 5.331 (27.950967, -97.088850) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live shrimp or croaker CONTACT: Capt. Dan Poffenberger, 361-220-0563 TIPS: Drifting or wading, fishing live bait under a popping cork.

by TOM BEHRENS tbehrens@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay HOTSPOT: Shamrock Cove GPS: N27 44.955, W97 10.00002 (27.749250, -97.166667) SPECIES: flounder BEST BAITS: Mud minnows with small egg sinkers CONTACT: Capt. Jon Fails, 361-9490133 TIPS: Look for flounder in the channels. LOCATION: Espiritu Santo Bay HOTSPOT: Long Island Shoreline GPS: N28 21.82302, W96 33.645 (28.363717, -96.560750) SPECIES: flounder BEST BAITS: Pearl/chartreuse Texas Tackle Factory soft plastics with 1/8-ounce; jigheads CONTACT: Capt. Chris Martin, 361785-2686 TIPS: Look for the fish on the bottom coming out of the guts. LOCATION: Espiritu Santo Bay HOTSPOT: Conti Lake GPS: N28 19.023, W96 37.58598 (28.317050, -96.626433) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Cut mullet Carolina rigged CONTACT: Capt. Chris Martin, 361785-2686 TIPS: Redfish, good on either wade-fishing or drifting. LOCATION: Mesquite Bay HOTSPOT: Cedar Point Flats GPS: N28 14.184, W96 39.91002 (28.236400, -96.665167) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Topwater lures CONTACT: Capt. Chris Martin, 361785-2686 62 |

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LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: Traylor Island GPS: N27 55.995, W97 4.494 (27.933250, -97.074900) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live croaker CONTACT: Capt. John Barbree, 361222-0477 TIPS: Fish the shoreline in water no deeper than 2-4 feet deep. LOCATION: Port O’Connor HOTSPOT: Ransom Point GPS: N27 50.862, W97 8.397 (27.847700, -97.139950) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live croaker CONTACT: Capt. John Barbree, 361222-0477 TIPS: Look for spawning trout on the grass beds. LOCATION: San Antonio Bay HOTSPOT: Chicken Foot Reef GPS: N28 15.82002, W96 47.08002 (28.263667, -96.784667) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Chris Martin, 361785-2686 TIPS: Excellent location in May to drift with live shrimp under a popping cork. LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Yarborough Pass Flats GPS: N27 12.53202, W97 24.414 (27.208867, -97.406900) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Four-inch H&H chartreuse F I S H

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colored grubs with a twister tail CONTACT: Capt. Jon Fails, 361-9490133 TIPS: Make long drifts in 2-4 feet of water.

LOWER GULF COAST

Speckled Trout Ranches by CALIXTO GONZALES cgonzales@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Tide Gauge GPS: N27 18.08202, W97 27.51198 (27.301367, -97.458533) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live bait; Catch 5 or Catch 2000’s or Topwaters gold spoons, soft plastics in Baffin Magic, Morning Glory, plum/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361985-6089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: Waders and drifters will find plenty of redfish to target around the Tide Gauge. Fish shallow with topwaters and live bait when reds are tailing. If fish are deeper, then move to spoons, soft plastics, and more bait. LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Kenedy Ranch Shoreline GPS: N27 15.55002, W97 25.15398 (27.259167, -97.419233) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastics in strawberry/white, black back, plum/chartreuse, root beer/red flake, Morning Glory CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361449-7441 TIPS: The shoreline continues to be an excellent trout spot through May and beyond. Try a Spook, Jr. or Badonk-ADonk SS on cloudy days or early in the morning. Live bait and soft plastics are good choices along weedlines. Fish slowly and thoroughly.

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LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Long Island Boat Channel GPS: N26 2.86002, W97 12.43002 (26.047667, -97.207167) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Topwaters; Logic Baits tandems in gold/metalflake CONTACT: Captain Allen Salinas, 956561-4535 TIPS: Calm mornings and high tides mean sight fishing among the mangroves on the shore-side of the channel. Watch for tailing reds and jumping bait. Use a widegliding topwater or a jerkbait in gold/metalflake. Back up and fish the channel later. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: East Shoreline GPS: N26 8.89098, W97 10.476 (26.148183, -97.174600) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters; soft plastics in glow/chartreuse, Pearl/chartreuse; live shrimp, ballyhoo CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956-551-9581 TIPS: Fish the potholes in the vast grass flats. Work with topwaters early, and move to plastics under a mauler as the sun gets higher. Meat is always good, especially on cloudy days Trout might also be on the sand, so keep an eye out.

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943-3474 TIPS: Fish the back of the bay for pods of redfish. Watch for jumping bait or hovering birds. If the redfish are spread out over the flat, locate the fish with live bait, then switch to plastics. Jerkbaits are tough to beat. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Unnecessary Island GPS: N26 12.72198, W97 16.34202 (26.212033, -97.272367) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp, Logic Baits Tandems and Singles in gold/glitter, wounded mullet CONTACT: Captain Allen Salinas, 956561-4535 TIPS: Drift between the ICA and Unnecessary with either live bait or soft plastics. Watch for trout holding on the perimeter of the color change. Watch for working birds. LOCATION: Port Mansfield HOTSPOT: King Ranch

GPS: N26 46.30602, W97 28.35198 (26.771767, -97.472533) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft baits in Pearl/chartreuse, glow/chartreuse, purple/chartreuse Topwaters in baby trout, mullet, Bone CONTACT: Captain Steven Devries, 956289-3631 TIPS: The windward grass flats are great spots for anglers looking for some trout to stretch the line. Soft plastics under the venerable Mansfield Mauler is a great choice, or without the float if you prefer. Topwaters work early. LOCATION: Port Mansfield HOTSPOT: East Cut GPS: N26 33.93, W97 16.30302 (26.565500, -97.271717) SPECIES: kingfish BEST BAITS: Trolled ribbonfish, brokenback plugs, topwaters CONTACT: Captain Richard Bailey, 956369-5090 TIPS: May’s moderate winds mean that

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Marker 69 GPS: N26 13.25598, W97 16.18602 (26.220933, -97.269767) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp/popping cork, live finger mullet, Gulp! shrimp CONTACT: Mike Knox 956-243-0039 TIPS: Fish the depth breaks near the spoils and along the ICW. Fish live bait or shrimp tails under a mauler or popping cork rigs near the spoils. Free-line the baits along the ICW when trout are schooling. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Cullen Bay GPS: N26 15.183, W97 17.39802 (26.253050, -97.289967) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live shrimp, Logic Baits Tandems and Singles in gold/glitter, wounded mullet CONTACT: Captain Allen Salinas, 956C O A S T A L

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blue water comes close to shore. Members of the \”mosquito fleet\” can get around the jetties and drift or troll ribbonfish or broken back plugs. For a real trip, try using a topwater for some of the wildest strikes. LOCATION: South Padre Island HOTSPOT: South Bay Channels GPS: N26 2.961, W97 9.993 (26.049350, -97.166550) SPECIES: snook BEST BAITS: live shrimp, Logic Baits Tandems in wounded mullet, Reaction Strike Tail Swimmers CONTACT: Captain Allen Salinas, 956561-4535 TIPS: Some big snook prowl the channels on the tides. Free-line live shrimp along the drop-offs. Single and Tandem Logics or other soft plastics are tough to beat, especially on an incoming tide.

PINEY WOODS

Bass, Bream and Crappie by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

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BEST BAITS: Crickets, red worms CONTACT: Paul Keith, caddoguide1@att.net, 318-455-3437, caddolakefishing.com TIPS: Stay close to the cypress islands and thickets in one to three feet of water for bedding redears and bluegills. Old Folks Playground west of Pine Island also is a good area to fish for bedding bream. LOCATION: Lake Conroe HOTSPOT: Lewis Creek GPS: N30 25.4994, W95 34.04424 (30.424990, -95.567404) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, crappie jigs CONTACT: Richard Tatsch, admin@fishdudetx.com, 936-291-1277, fishdudetx.com TIPS: The crappie are through spawning and will be in brush piles 12 to 14 feet deep early and 16-20 feet later in the day. I use minnows rigged on a slip bobber so the depth can be adjusted. I fish the minnow just above the brush on 6-8-pound test line. LOCATION: Lake Livingston HOTSPOT: White Rock Creek GPS: N30 58.45476, W95 20.30172 (30.974246, -95.338362) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: live minnows, black-blue or black-chartreuse jigs CONTACT: David S. Cox, dave@palmettoguideservice.com, 936291-9602, palmettoguideservice.com TIPS: Fish north of White Rock City Marina and target the brush tops in the cut banks. Focus on fishing water that is about four feet deep. The Highway 94 boat ramp area and White Rock City Marina both have bank access. LOCATION: Toledo Bend Res. HOTSPOT: Bayou Seipe GPS: N31 43.7817, W93 49.86516 (31.729695, -93.831086) SPECIES: bream BEST BAITS: Crickets, worms, small artificial jigs CONTACT: Greg Crafts, gregcrafts@yahoo.com, 936-368-7151, F I S H

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toledobendguide.com TIPS: Bream will be moving onto their beds to spawn. Look for honeycomb circles in the shallows, usually in the cuts and pockets that are protected from the wind and waves. Work the bed from the outside to catch the most fish and not disturb the nest.

PRAIRIES & LAKES

Brave the Snakes for Whites & Cats by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Lake Aquilla HOTSPOT: Snake Island GPS: N31 55.30656, W97 12.8484 (31.921776, -97.214140) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Rat-L-Traps, Little Georges CONTACT: Randy Routh, teamredneck@hotmail.com, 817-822-5539, teamredneck.net TIPS: White bass are running along the edge of the island and chasing shad early and late. Position the boat near the island and make long casts before working the lures back. Carry binoculars and look for birds diving on shad to locate whites. LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: Snake Island Hump GPS: N30 18.97008, W96 35.53044 (30.316168, -96.592174) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Punch bait, shad CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-GuideService.com TIPS: There is a hump here that is 6-7 feet deep at normal lake level. It is a good area to get out of the wind. Anchor and chum all around the boat. Late evening and night fishing can be very good. Fish all around the boat using 3/4 to 1-ounce egg sinker.

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LOCATION: Cedar Creek Res. HOTSPOT: Spillway Humps GPS: N32 15.04296, W96 6.807 (32.250716, -96.113450) SPECIES: hybrid striped bass BEST BAITS: Shad, Slabs, topwater lures CONTACT: Jason Barber, kingcreekadventures@yahoo.com, 903-887-7896, kingcreekadventures.com TIPS: Focus on 16-30 feet deep water for hybrid stripers and watch your graph for baitfish. Fish near drop-offs. White bass also will be here in 8-16 feet of water. Try various colors of Slabs for white bass near the bottom. Watch for surfacing activity. LOCATION: Fayette County Res. HOTSPOT: North Trees GPS: N29 56.241, W96 42.88608 (29.937350, -96.714768) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Shad, worms, liver, punch bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-GuideService.com TIPS: Tie up to a stump and chum the area lightly. Use No.6 treble hook for punch bait or liver. Use just enough weight to slip the line through a cork. The water will be 6-10 feet deep. Fish straight down over the chum. Set the hook at slightest bite. LOCATION: Gibbons Creek Res. HOTSPOT: Hot Water Discharge GPS: N30 38.4024, W96 3.19536 (30.640040, -96.053256) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Shad or stinkbait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-GuideService.com TIPS: Tie to buoy. Do not cross cable. Cast toward discharge using a cork along the banks. Also tie to stumps on right side of discharge, put out tight lines in stumps and open water. Chum where you will be casting. Fish will be spawning around the stumps. LOCATION: Lake Belton HOTSPOT: Moffat Middle Cove GPS: N31 10.96596, W97 28.71996 (31.182766, -97.478666) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Lively medium crappie minnows C O A S T A L

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CONTACT: Bob Maindelle, Bob@HoldingTheLineGuideService.com, 254-368-7411, HoldingTheLineGuideService.com TIPS: Night fishing for hungry postspawn fish is the norm. Minnows fished under slip bobbers or spreader rigs under green or white lights are the best approach. Keep boat noise to a minimum. Use multiple rods and very depths, especially if the bite dies. LOCATION: Lake Cooper HOTSPOT: Pelican Point GPS: N33 19.81098, W95 40.29996 (33.330183, -95.671666) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: One-ounce SSS Moes Tackle Shop Jigging spoons CONTACT: Tony Parker, tawakonifishing@yahoo.com TIPS: White bass will be back on openwater humps such as Pelican Island, Harper’s Crossing and the humps just out from the spillway. Position your boat over schools of fish and fish spoons vertically off the bottom. Hybrid stripers also will be there. LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Little Ridge Park GPS: N33 3.8181, W96 27.77778 (33.063635, -96.462963) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: live shad, Rat-L-Traps CONTACT: Billy Kilpatrick, straightlineguide@yahoo.com, 214-232-7847, straightlineguide.com TIPS: Sand bass will be running the banks early in the mornings along with catfish chasing spawning shad. Slow roll live shad off the bottom. Lots of sand bass are caught this way from the banks. This is a great time to introduce kids to fishing. LOCATION: Lake Lewisville HOTSPOT: Old Lake Dallas Dam Riprap GPS: N33 7.58706, W96 59.33412 (33.126451, -96.988902) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Secret 7 Dip Bait CONTACT: Bobby Kubin, bobby@bobby-catfishing.com, 817-4552894, bobby-catfishing.com TIPS: Target the ripraps along the Old Lake Dallas and Lake Lewisville dams

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with Secret 7 dip bait. Fish a slip-cork rig with No. 6 treble hook. Cast up against the rocks in 1-5 feet of water. Chum with soured grain or range cubes to bring in more fish. LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: Neches River Bend GPS: N32 17.92596, W95 26.88996 (32.298766, -95.448166) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Shimmy Shakers, small crankbaits, spinnerbaits CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff, ricky@rickysguideservice.com, 903-5617299, www.rickysguideservice.com TIPS: The bass will be good in the shallows just about all over the lake. The bends in the river from Indian Creek up-river to Cobb Creek at the south end will produce catches. Blue-flake plastic worms also work well in the bends of the river. Fish slow. LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: Dam Brushpiles GPS: N32 3.45756, W95 26.26098 (32.057626, -95.437683) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Mr. Twister Minnow Jigs CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff, ricky@rickysguideservice.com, 903-5617299, www.rickysguideservice.com TIPS: Crappie are 10-14 feet deep in brushpiles all over the lake, especially at the dam. Best colors are white-blue and green. Drop the jig straight down into the brush and work it back slowly. When you get the jig near the surface, give it small twitches.

LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: Deer Island Trees GPS: N30 17.82096, W96 35.30532 (30.297016, -96.588422) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, chartreuse-black jigs CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-Guide Service.com TIPS: There are several stumps and trees in this spot with many brush piles around some of them. Tie up and fish the brush piles thoroughly. Fish the outer edges with a minnow 3-4 feet off the bottom. If using a jig lower it in the middle of G A M E ®

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the brush. LOCATION: Lake Texoma HOTSPOT: Washita Point GPS: N33 55.395, W96 35.4 (33.923250, -96.590000) SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: Sassy Shad jigs, Pencil Poppers, Chugbugs, live shad CONTACT: Bill Carey, bigfish@striperexpress.com, 877-786-4477, striperexpress.com TIPS: Stripers are finished spawning, are roaming the lake and will hit artificials and live bait. Cast topwateres on the shallow banks early and then switch to oneounce white glow Sassy Shad jigs or live shad on the main-lake ledges at 30 feet. LOCATION: Lake Whitney HOTSPOT: Whitney Point GPS: N31 54.6822, W97 20.62044 (31.911370, -97.343674) SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: live gizzard shad CONTACT: Randy Routh, teamredneck01@hotmail.com, 254-822-5539, www.teamredneck.net TIPS: Use a Carolina rig with a 2-ounce weight above a No.2 circle hook baited with gizzard shad. Make long casts to the hump and lock in the reel. Also fish straight down with two to three lines in 26 feet of water and take three cranks off the bottom. LOCATION: Richland-Chambers Res. HOTSPOT: Old 287 Roadbed GPS: N32 0.76824, W96 12.03984 (32.012804, -96.200664) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Watermelon-red 3 1/2-inch Kicker Kraw CONTACT: Steve Schmidt, steve@schmidtsbigbass.com, 682-5188252, schmidtsbigbass.com TIPS: Fish the top of the old 287 roadbed with a Kicker Kraw on a drop-shot or Carolina rig. Keep the bait close to the drop-offs. Let the bait sit in one place for 15 seconds before moving it. Expect a light bite. Fish will be in about four feet of water.

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LOCATION: Richland-Chambers Res. HOTSPOT: Fisherman’s Point Marina GPS: N31 56.42712, W96 7.43808 (31.940452, -96.123968) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, jigs CONTACT: Royce Simmons royce@gonefishin.biz, 903-389-4117, gonefishin.biz TIPS: The last of the crappie spawn will be taking place. Look for them in shallow water on the far south end of the lake. Bank fishermen will be able to catch them in the coves around Fisherman’s Point Marina. Fish minnows and small jigs below slip corks. LOCATION: Richland-Chambers Res. HOTSPOT: 309 Flats GPS: N31 58.37718, W96 7.04508 (31.972953, -96.117418) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Rat-L-Traps, silver slabs CONTACT: Royce and Adam Simmons, royce@gonefishing.biz, 903-389-4117, www.gonefishing.biz TIPS: Look for gulls to help locate schools of baitfish white bass and hybrid striped bass are feeding on. Some of the best action will be in 20-30 feet of water near the edges of the flats. Expect large numbers of white bass and an occasional big hybrid. LOCATION: Stillhouse Hollow Lake HOTSPOT: Dana Peak GPS: N31 1.00398, W97 37.79796 (31.016733, -97.629966) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: live sunfish, shad, Black Saltys CONTACT: Bob Maindelle, Bob@HoldingTheLineGuideService.com, 254-368-7411, HoldingTheLineGuideService.com TIPS: The first and last two hours of light is best. Fish with tight lines in rod holders using circle hooks. Anchor very quietly so you don’t spook the fish you have located.

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Ivie Largemouth, Whites & Catfish by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: OH Ivie Res. HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N31 33.3999, W99 41.7516 (31.556665, -99.695860) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Topwater lures, Texasrigged plastic worms CONTACT: Dave Caudle, fishinwithdave@aol.com, 325-365-1020, fishinwithdave.com TIPS: Largemouth bass are in their postspawn pattern. They are feeding around the main-lake points. Fish topwater lures during the early-morning hours and then go to plastic worms off the breaks in 12-25 feet of water. LOCATION: OH Ivie Res. HOTSPOT: 2134 Roadbed GPS: N31 34.09332, W99 40.11918 (31.568222, -99.668653) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Cheese bait CONTACT: Dave Caudle, fishinwithdave@aol.com, 325-365-1020, fishinwithdave.com TIPS: Channel catfish are feeding in the shallows off the 2134 roadbed near Leaday. Fish cheese bait just off the bottom beneath corks. Fly fishing in wadeable water off points early and late also will produce some catches. LOCATION: OH Ivie Res. HOTSPOT: Main Lake Flats GPS: N31 32.80302, W99 40.48476 (31.546717, -99.674746) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Rat-L-Traps, chrome Slabs, topwater lures CONTACT: Dave Caudle, fishinwithdave@aol.com, 325-365-1020, fishinwithdave.com

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TIPS: White bass will be schooling off and on throughout the day. Watch for them on the main lake flats and off points. Keep an eye out for feeding birds to locate the schools of white bass. Also be prepared to catch a big largemouth bass under the whites. LOCATION: Possum Kingdom Res. HOTSPOT: Costello Island GPS: N32 54.50946, W98 27.65598 (32.908491, -98.460933) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: live shad, minnows, slabs, crankbaits, topwater lures CONTACT: Dean Heffner, fav7734@aceweb.com, 940-329-0036 TIPS: Shad are spawning on the rocky banks. Watch for bird activity. Costello Island to Bird Island and the state park to mouth of Cedar Creek will be hotspots. Expect scattered catches of striped bass, hybrid stripers, crappie and largemouth bass.

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LOCATION: Lake Amistad HOTSPOT: Pecos River GPS: N29 43.88616, W101 21.096 (29.731436, -101.351600) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Hotspots, Rat-L-Traps, Johnson spoons CONTACT: Larry Scruggs, Amistad Lodge and Adventures, fisherofmenlrs@hotmail.com, 210-789-1645 TIPS: Look for feeding gulls to locate schools of white bass, stripers and hybrid stripers. Travel as far up the Pecos as possible for best results. The upper Devil’s River area also is a good place to fish. Use chrome swimming lures and silver spoons.

HILL COUNTRY

Sail into Canyon Bass by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

BIG BEND

Black & White Bass on Amistad by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Lake Amistad HOTSPOT: Marker 17 GPS: N29 32.01066, W101 14.9424 (29.533511, -101.249040) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Hotspots, diving lures, spinnerbaits CONTACT: Larry Scruggs, Amistad Lodge and Adventures, fisherofmenlrs@hotmail.com, 210-789-1645 TIPS: Late spawning bass will be holding to rock drop-offs and occasionally moving into shallow areas. Fish the backs of coves containing brush and river cane with crawfish-pattern diving lures, chrome, craw-colored Hotspots and chartreuse spinnerbaits.

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LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Sailboat Moorings GPS: N29 52.89558, W98 13.08432 (29.881593, -98.218072) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Spinnerbaits, Jewel jigs, Texas-rigged Trick worms CONTACT: Kandie Candelaria, kandie@gvtc.com, 210-823-2153 TIPS: Fish the point to the right as you approach the sailboat area and work your way left to the marina. Watermelon-red Trick worms rigged Texas-style with 1/8ounce weights work well. Jewel Jigs with Net Paca Chunks are good around the end caps. LOCATION: Lake Granger HOTSPOT: Main Lake Flats and Points GPS: N30 41.6058, W97 21.30018 (30.693430, -97.355003) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: 1/32-ounce Maribou jigs CONTACT: Tommy Tidwell, crappie1@hotmail.com, 512-365-7761, www.gotcrappie.com F I S H

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TIPS: Fish brush piles or natural brush in the main lake flats at 5-12 feet deep. Work the jig vertically right over the brush. If you don’t get a bite in five minutes, move to another brush pile. Chartreuse and yellow are the best colors to use.

SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS

Channeling & Railroading Cats by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Falcon Lake HOTSPOT: River Channel GPS: N26 52.74768, W99 19.66926 (26.879128, -99.327821) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Cut shad, live bluegills, frozen shrimp, Sure Shot Punch Bait CONTACT: Robert Amaya, robertsfishntackle@gmail.com, 956-765-1442, www.robertsfishntackle.com TIPS: For big blue catfish, anchor on the main river channel about 30 yards upstream of the entrance to Molletes Creek. It will be deeper and it has a bend in the channel that produces the best catches. Use baits on a Carolina-type rig off the bottom. LOCATION: Lake Calaveras HOTSPOT: Railroad Bridge GPS: N29 18.14502, W98 20.28126 (29.302417, -98.338021) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Big Marv’s punch bait, shad CONTACT: Steve Nixon, fishhook0823@aol.com, 210-573-1230, sanantoniofishingguides.com TIPS: Fish the rocks along the riprap of the bridge with shad or punch bait. The flats on the east side of the bridge usually produce the best catches.

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May Quickens the Heart NYONE WHO DOESN’T GET EXCITED about Texas coastal fishing in May should have their pulse checked. How can you not? Water temps will consistently be above 70°, weather patterns are much more stable, and the fish are definitely in attack mode. The baitfishes have arrived in full force and all of the fish catching ingredients are beginning to come together. Lighter winds will prevail for the most part thus, allowing you to fish some of the places you haven’t been able to in recent months. Predominant south winds and strong tides will move the

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pretty water and predator forage throughout the system. Here on Texas’ uppermost coast, summertime saltwater specialists have been chomping at the bit for a taste of some good old Gulf of Mexico angling action. Although summer is not quite upon us yet, it’s close enough and a lot of folks here on Sabine will take advantage of the summerlike conditions and hit the jetties and surf. Speckled trout have definitely found their way to the beachfront and if you can catch a calm morning with green water you should be able to locate them. Any sign of nervous water or bait busting the surface should mean you’re in the right spot. Giving them a few different baits to choose from can help your chances, but usually a straight tailed soft plastic on a 1/4 oz. lead head will do the job. It’s hard for them to resist a glow or pumpkin/chartreuse CT Mullet or Bass Assassin. They also have no problem inhaling closing night, morning glory/chartreuse or tangerine col-

ored plastics. Other proven bait choices are topwaters, rattletraps and gold or silver spoons. The jetties should also come alive in May with real nice boxes of trout and reds. If you can get your hands on a couple of quarts of live shrimp you should do real well fishing the rock piles and washouts. You can’t go wrong by rigging it with a Kahle hook about 3 feet under a popping cork, free-lined, or with a split-shot about 18” above the hook. If live shrimp in not an option for you, the same results can be achieved with live finger mullet or shad. Just make sure you have your cast net and you shouldn’t have any problem finding bait in the channel or along the jetties. Soft plastics worked fairly deep along the rocks will also work well on trout and reds. Put them on a 1/4 oz. lead head and let them get down there a bit and see what happens. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. With summer just around the corner, May is the month to get it jump started.

THE BANK BITE LOCATION: Keith Lake (Fish Pass) SPECIES: Trout, Redfish, Flounder BAITS: Live mud minnows, finger mullet, soft plastics BEST TIMES: Early or late with moving tides

Contact Eddie Hernandez at, EHernandez@fishgame.com

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The ‘Little Things’ Do the Trick AY IS A MAGICAL MONTH FOR saltwater fishing, a time of transition between the sweetness of spring and the all-out, full tilt boogie of summer. This is a month of moderate temperatures in both air and water, and when the sport fish of summer begin staging for their grand entrance. Bait of all kinds is available, either commercially or for the catching, the water is definitely temperate enough for “wet wading”, and winds should be light enough for very pleasant and safe boating. In my younger days I used to be a dedicated “plugger” for bass on Sam Rayburn and various stock tanks and river oxbow lakes, but when I transitioned to a saltwater angler, I began mostly using bait. For many species, that is still the way to go for me, but I do make a few small exceptions here and there. One of the most overlooked artificials by the average bay angler – who has been conditioned to use top water plugs, floatingdivers, or soft plastic jig tails – is the small, tandem rigged jig usually sold as a “Spec Rig” or maybe even “Shad Rig”. The small heads and tiny tails might be finished with a nylon skirt or with an equally tiny plastic tail, and they are tied on a piece of fairly heavy mono leader with a loop in the forward end for attaching to your main line. They are very inexpensive, and very effective in the right situations. I almost never venture offshore without a selection of these jigs in white, yellow, pink, and combinations of these colors. When schoolie dolphin are found around a weed line, “fly-lining” these

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jigs behind the stern of the boat will usually result in all the action you would want on light tackle – with the colorful fish racing each other for the jigs, and more often than not a second fish chasing down the first to get hooked and taking the other jig trailing from its mouth. It’s much faster to deal with your catch this way than when using bait, and also faster to get the offering back in the water to catch more. Dolphin are not the only offshore fish that will zero in on these small jigs, but really toothy critters will mess them up – fast. The exception to this is Spanish mackerel and baby bluefish. I used to have a ball catching these in the surf in late spring and early fall. With ultra-light spin cast or open face spinning tackle, the small jigs can be cast far enough to use them alone, but for a longer reach, more weight should be added. A hook less top water plug, a plastic casting bubble, or even a small popping cork will work, but my preference was always to tie the jig leader to the hook of a wobbling

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spoon, usually a Johnson Silver Minnow. Rigged this way, much longer casts can be made, and a larger quarry can hopefully be hooked on the spoon’s treble. I have taken respectable “rat” reds this way, although they might be hooked on the small jig hook instead of the spoon, so it pays to work them in carefully. Many times I have also laughed to see three skipjacks hooked – one on each jig and another foul hooked on the spoon – and all three jumping in different directions! In situations where casting isn’t really necessary, like dropping bait to small specks under lights around marina pilings, just spool the jigs into the water and work them with the rod tip – a slow figure eight has worked well. At night, try the white plastic jig tails that absorb artificial light and glow in the water. Be careful, though, as an occasional large speck may take your jig. Back to the wobbling spoons, this is a neglected lure in itself. In surf and for night fishing, few lures can CONTINUED match the spoon – SEE PAGE 72

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Green Tides Bring Fish to Jetty

HE SAND FLAT ADJACENT TO THE DEEP water of the Neches River was not paying off. Big speckled trout, seven pounds or better, had bit there day

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before; and, I was banking, literally, they would show their broad lavender backs again and put me in the money while fishing the June 1999 Sabine Lake TroutMasters. Eight hours and 998 futile casts later, I brought a pair of twin 18-inchers to weighin. Sunrise crept over a placid border estuary, and I was tossing a black MirrOlure Top Dog in the same locale as the day before. “They had to bite, today,” I thought to myself. By 9 a.m. all I had garnered was a swirl, so I took a chance and explored a hunch as I leaned on my Pathfinder’s throttle and dashed 18 miles south. I arrived and honestly didn’t know

where to start. The pile of giant granite cubes looked all the same as it extended over a mile through Sabine Pass. The outgoing tide was enough to drift slowly without a trolling motor, so I picked out a piece of rock holding a pod of frantic finger mullet and flicked my plug. The dog-walker pranced away from the stonework – left, right, left, kalooosh! Foam splattered as the hostile five-pound speck headed for the safe confines of the enchanted rocks. I would never be the same again. Texas’ jetty systems are the lifeblood of its estuaries. Like an artery pumping blood to the heart, a jetty is a thoroughfare pumping new recruits of fresh brine to the upper

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FROM PAGE 71 gold for reds, silver for trout. I will always remember a night under dock lights near a chemical plant on Chocolate Bayou when my brother and I were catching specks on live shrimp, sand trout on dead, until we ran out of bait. A switch to gold spoons ended the trout action, but got us into a nice “run” of redfish. When the first good numbers of speckled trout start to show up in the surf, “old timers” will be tossing Silver Minnows to good effect, and reminding newbie’s that the pink plastic tab on the ring that attaches the hook to the spoon is the real killer, and must be replaced when it breaks off, if you want to keep catching specs. Spoons cast great, and need only be reeled in slowly to create the best fish attracting action.

THE BANK BITE LOCATION: For me, May always brings memories of the Galveston surf – as I caught my first bull red of the season sev72 |

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reaches of bays and backwaters. Its granite acts like a surgeon’s stint, buffering erosion from ardent tides while keeping channels open and flowing assiduously. It is a haven for shad, shrimp, anchovies, pogies, mullet, ballyhoo and crabs filtering in and out, and the jetty coughs up a new crop of fish with every summer tide. My first fight with a big, bronze, bull redfish pushing 44 inches came at the bottleneck jetty in Port O’Connor. I tangled with the toro on very light tackle while drifting a live shad in 35 feet of water; however, by the time I landed it, the brute had taken me to 95 feet. On a normal May day, big reds, jacks, sharks and even tarpon hang out around the rocks; and, the largest speckled trout of the summer are routinely caught there as well. Natural baits are the tastiest offering, but plugs and soft plastics hold their own as well. The new Matagorda jetty is complete. Solid catches of trout have come on live shrimp and Carolina-rigged pogies and mullet.

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Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the summer fishing season. Tides are running green and ardent currents are ushering in new recruits of fish from the Gulf of Mexico. Loosen your drag.

SPECIES: Speckled trout, redfish, jack crevalle, sand trout BAITS: Live shrimp, pogies, mullet, squid

Capt. Bink Grimes runs charters in the Matagorda Bay complex. For more information, go to www.matagordasunriselodge.com

THE BANK BITE LOCATION: Matagorda jetty

GALVESTON eral years in a row on the first weekend of May, and many years it was my largest red of the season. ALTERNATE SPOT: The piers from Bolivar to San Luis Pass will see good fishing this month, for both large and small quarry. SPECIES: In the surf, bull reds, an early shark or jack crevalle – even a stray tarpon – can give a spring angler thrills beyond the usual panfish, while piers will also see some night action for specks. BEST BAITS: For larger surf species, live or fresh dead mullet cannot be beat, while pier fishermen who can find white flags flying will be ahead of the game on trout with live shrimp. BEST TIMES: Temperatures should be mostly pleasant this month, so fish with the tides. Early and late are always good, as well as after dark. Capt. Mike Holmes runs tarpon, shark, and bluewater trips on a classic 31 Bertram. To book a trip, call 979-415-0535. Email him at mholmes@fishgame.com. C O A S T A L

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The Babes of May AY BRINGS A LOT OF CHANGE TO the Texas coast. Spring tides have hit and the wide variety of bait fish and crustaceans ride these tides into our welcoming and warmer bays. This month schools begin to let out, and families plan their annual pilgrimages to our beloved coastal waters. Most guides are running full time after the winter lull. Bait shops are open and have a wide variety of bait for the anxious angler. On any particular day you can see our snowbird neighbors gassing up their big motor homes and travel trailers for the long trip back to their homes in cooler climates. The regional state bird (mosquito) is out in full swing and one can catch a whiff of Off, Skin So Soft and scented sunscreen at almost any restaurant, boat ramp or convenience store. Eggs and bacon are sizzling at the local breakfast stops and the 4:30AM coffee just seems to taste better to me this time of year. My phone is ringing with clients that want to go fishing and I’m thinking hard about that new Mercury 175 Optimax that needs to be put on the transom of my boat. If you can’t love and be energized this time of year then you are just not American. As I look at my calendar, one date seems to stick out with glaring familiarity. One reason it sticks out is because it’s been in my schedule book since last year at this time. It’s become an annual tradition with my wife, daughters and nieces. The words jump off the page at me: Babes on the Bay Tournament. I have been instructed to never book clients on this day and to be aware when this day is each year. This day conjures feelings of euphoria or sheer terror in the hearts and

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minds of guides. The small tournament started in 1999 and was ear-marked to be fun with a 100 women participating. In talking with Karol Scardino, who has run the event for most of its existence, the tournament’s motive was to introduce more women to the sport of fishing and outdoors — something that has been near and dear to my heart for years. Has the tournament and its volunteers like Karol and others been successful? In 2010, 1063 women on 302 teams fished in the tournament. The arms of the event now reach to New York, Florida, North Carolina, California and many other states, as well as crossing international boundaries. The event is non-profit with proceeds supporting local efforts like Save Cedar Bayou and organizations like CCA. The positive impact to our local economy is obvious. A Babe-ette Division was added to promote the younger anglers into a healthy and positive sport (Hooo-ray!). There are currently 6 divisions, Babeette Division for those 16 years and younger, Guided and Non Guided (not split out by bait or artificial), Artificial Guided, Artificial Non- Guided, Bait Guided and Bait Non-Guided. Karol says putting the event on has turned into a year-round effort for herself and her hard-working volunteers. My hat is off to these folks. If you are interested in volunteering go the Babes On The Bay website (www.babesonthebay.com) and contact the appropriate parties. Over a 1000 women and growing, and I gotta tell you some of these contestants are dead serious about winning this event. While there are some prizes associated with the top spots, most of the accolades are simply bragging rights until the next year. Seems there are three veins of contestants: 1. those that just want to have a good time and enjoy the camaraderie, 2. those that just want to learn to fish and see what a fishing tournament is all about and 3. those that are serious and want the bragging rights that go F I S H

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with the much heralded event. Luckily my group of women is in the Camaraderie and Learn to Fish categoris, but, trust me, there is no lack of excitement. One time I took out a group of ladies other than my wife and family. I learned my lesson. My four ladies showed up that year at my neighbor’s pier — thanks to Big Dan Goyen and his son Danny Goyen for letting me use their pier. Danny is a top notch fishing guide and good friend and he and I always strategize about fishing — especially this event. I recommend Danny to a lot of clients, so if you want to catch fish give him a call 1-361-564-7471. One of the ladies informed me she was driving the boat, and if this boat couldn’t do more than 35mph she wanted in new boat and Captain. Great, I thought. Then on the first set up, two of the ladies started screaming and reeling like crazy, rods both bent double. When one would yank and reel, then the other would do the same. From the bend in the rods I knew they each had a big fish on, or were hung on the bottom. I grabbed the net and knelt down between them as two hardheads surfaced, leisurely moving their tails. Meanwhile the tussle at each end of the rod continued and the two hardheads would move in the direction of the one pulling the hardest. The braided line was tangled between the two fish in a knot that would make St. Peter curse. I’m thinking this is just the first set up when the two ladies saw the fish, squealed, yanked with all their might, and suddenly I had a face full of hardheads. I fell onto my back on my boat seat with the two slimy sharpfinned fish squirming on my belly. This caused the third lady to come running to look at the fish, all excited, asking me if they would do well in the tournament! From my vantage point (lying on my back) I could see the back of lady #3’s shirt was all puffed out like a parachute and lady #4 was squealing she had a big one on her pole. I yelled “set the hook!” which she did with all her strength and the shirt of lady #

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3 all but came off. How the hook and line on lady number #4 got under the boat, up the opposite side of the boat and hooked on lady #3’s shirt is beyond my comprehension. No one would believe this, I thought, and then I looked over and lady #3 had laid her rod down not in the rod holder and the terrifying vision flashed into my mind of a huge tournament fish yanking my 350 dollar rod and reel into the water. I yelled “get that pole before something yanks it into the water!” Wrong thing to do! All four ladies took off at a dead run to grab the pole and if lady #3’s shirt wasn’t off before, it pretty much was now as she was still hooked. Now the boat pitched to one side and I had another face full of hardheads. Couple this with the fact that all the rods they were holding were now in a tangled mess in the floor of the boat. After getting the hardheads off and cutting the tangled line, my cell phone rang and two guides that were fishing behind me called me and said, and I quote, “I know you’re on fish over there, thought you were gonna call me if you got into them. I saw you staying low in your boat hiding the fish and from all the noise I know they are good ones... thanks for remembering me ole buddy!” I always have a strategy for this magical day we call “Babes on the Bay day” and it almost never works. Something always happens to change my direction. Maybe it’s just me and the excitement that only 1000 plus ladies can bring that changes the course of things, but isn’t that the spice of life that all of us need? We’ve never won the Babes on the Bay and never really placed very high. But we have always had a blast, enjoyed each other’s company and made great memories that will last for a lifetime.

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ARANSAS BAY—The deeper water transition off of Nine Mile Point is a good spot for trout using free lined croaker if you can find them. If not, a pumpkin-colored jerk shad on 1/16 or 1/8 ounce jig head will work as well. In warmer water speed your retrieve up. Little Cut is a good spot for some reds using mud minnows on a Carolina rig. Berkley Gulp crab works well here as well, just rig light so you can work the crab along the bottom. Outside Traylor Island is good for trout using a rattle cork and live shrimp. ST CHARLES BAY—On high tide the old Turtle Pen area is a good wade for reds. Work the grass areas and cuts that frequent this area using a 51M MirrorOlures. Bird Point adjacent to East Pocket is good for trout and some flounder using white and chartreuse grubs in tandem. Work the water mid column for trout and dig mud or bounce it off the bottom for flounder. Big Sharp Point is a good place for black drum using a light Carolina rig with peeled shrimp. CARLOS BAY—The east shoreline close to Ballou Island is a good wade for reds using Cocahoe minnows in pumpkin or chartreuse. Spalding is still a good bet for trout using croaker or free lined shrimp. Pelican Reef is good for black drum using peeled shrimp. Patience setting the hook is the key here with a 3 to 5 count preferred. MESQUITE BAY—Beldon Dugout is a good place to set up on a weekday for reds.

Mud minnows on a Carolina rig or cut mullet work well here - incoming tide is best. The west side of Third Chain Island is a good wade for reds and trout using a bubble cork and New Penny colored jerk shad. The new spoil area off of Roddy Island is good for some black drum and sheep head using cut squid and peeled shrimp on a free line with a light Carolina rig. AYERS BAY—The west shoreline of Second Chain Island is good for reds using finger mullet or croaker on a Carolina or fish finder rig. The spoil area off of Rattlesnake Island is holding some black drum and flounder. Free lined shrimp worked in a slow jigging motion off the bottom works well here.

THE BANK BITE The airport shoreline on Copano Bay is a good place for reds and trout using finger mullet for the reds and mud minnows for the trout. Free lined is your best bet here or a light fish finder rig. Work the cuts that run a 90 degree angle to the shoreline. The reds will be shallow in early morning and late afternoon, trout in the deeper water between of the cuts. Contact Capt. Mac Gable at Mac Attack Guide Service, 512-809-2681, 361-790-9601

COPANO BAY—With a high tide the mouth of Mission Bay is the place to be for reds. Cut menhaden on a Carolina rig works well here. The key is to cast into the shallow water, wait, and if no hits slowly work your casts into the deeper channels. Copano Reef and the old pipeline that runs parallel is a good place for trout using free lined shrimp. The rigs at mid bay hold some good sheep head using small pieces of cut squid on a free lined rig with one or two split shot above the leader. C O A S T A L

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Local Color HE SPRING TIDES OF MAY PUT AN exclamation point on the top notch springtime fishing on Lower Laguna Madre. The influx of warm gulf water pushes water temperature above the magic 70 degree mark, and already ravenous predators explode into almost frenzied activity. One wag who fishes LLM on a regular basis said recently, “May down here is like Wrestlemania. It’s the same action you have come to expect, but at a whole different level.” Anglers don’t have to venture too far from home to find excellent fishing in May. Numerous trout start to school up and zero in on schools of shrimp, young baitfish, and other prey on the vast grass flats just north of the Queen Isabella Causeway (known locally as the Pasture). The broad flats vary in depth between 2 and 4 feet and are bracketed by the IntraCoastal Waterway to the west and a long boat channel to the East. Look for seagulls and terns diving over bait to signal where speckled trout are schooling bait and pushing them to the surface. Drift around the perimeter of the school and work the edges of the school with either live shrimp or soft plastics such as the Attraxx Shrimp tail or Gulp! Shrimp in pearl, glow, or bone. If some inconsiderate fisherman blows through the school while trying to fish it or heading to another fishing ground, don’t fret. If the school doesn’t resurface after a bit, there are other schools around the flat. Anglers with a taste for bronze can find some solid redfish action on an incoming tide. The east side of the flats alongside the boat channel are a route that reds use to move up on the oyster and mangroves along the west shoreline. Both waders and kayak-

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ers will find some steady, sometimes spectacular, action along these migration routes. Live bait, topwaters, flies, and gold spoons are all excellent choices for these hungry reds. Early morning fishermen will spot reds tailing among the oysters. If the redfish aren’t tailing up shallow, then back up just west of the boat channel and line up a drift across the deeper water next to the channel markers. Redfish cruise in this deeper area (a relative term, by the way, because the depth is about 3 feet). Fish with larger (4 inch) plastics in chartreuse patters, live shrimp, or cut mullet close to the bottom. I had some success fishing spinnerbaits such as Strike King’s Redfish Magic in Texas Shad or red/white. The gold blade mimics the flash of a baitfish, and the soft plastic tail completes the sale. The only catch about fishing the Pasture is that it can get crowded on weekends and when the trout are on a major feed. Ditto at nearby Long Bar. Anglers looking for a little more elbow room should pint their bows west and make the 10 minute run towards Laguna Vista. Anglers don’t have to run all the way to Laguna Vista Cove, which in and of itself is an excellent area for trout and redfish. The flats that parallel Highway 100 from the entrance of the Fingers Channel to the 510 Intersection offer some excellent fishing. A visible color change between the grass and sand bottoms becomes easily visible as May sallies forth, and the area is loaded with speckled trout. Again, May fishermen should watch for birds working over bait and feeding fish. If the birds aren’t there, then start a long drift with the prevailing wind. Live bait or plastic shrimp tails under an Alameda float or Old Bayside Paradise Popper are good choices. Smaller minnow plugs like the Badonk-A-Donk SS in pearl, croaker, or mullet patterns might produce larger fish. The 3 ½ bait has the same sideto-side action as the original Donk, but is a sub-surface bait that gives trout a target to zero in on. These are ambush hunters that F I S H

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sits on the edges of grasslines and potholes and strike at prey that skyline themselves by venturing onto the sand. Obviously, the trick is to fish the SS, or any other lure or bait, around weedlines and potholes. Certainly, soft plastics can be equally effective. Whether you swim the lures on a 1/8 to 1/4 ounce head or under a noisy float (which is a simple, effective, and successful way to introduce neophytes to fishing with lures), plastics can do a number on trout and redfish in this area. The important part is to fish with a pattern you have the most confidence with (there is a reason, however, that the venerable red/white tail soft plastic is still a best seller along the lower coast). Gulp! Baits such as the Shrimp have become increasingly popular among LLM fishermen, especially when live shrimp are sold out. Fish them the same way you would a live shrimp, under a popping cork or free-lined when fishing the depth breaks. May is a special time on the Lower Laguna Madre, but the most stalwart of fishermen will always remember the old adage: “Go West, young man. Go West.” Or you can stay home and sample some of the local color. Either way, you win.

C O A S T A L

Contact Calixto Gonzales at CGonzales@fishgame.com

On the Web Join Cal Gonzales on a video tour of the All Valley Boat Show from McAllen www.FishGame.com/video

A L M A N A C

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MAY 2011

Tides and Prime Times

USING THE PRIME TIMES CALENDAR

The following pages contain TIDE and SOLUNAR predictions for Galveston Channel (29.3166° N, 94.88° W).

T12

T11

T10

T3 T2 T1

TIDE PREDICTIONS are located in the upper white boxes on the Calendar Pages. Use the Correction Table below, which is keyed to 23 other tide stations, to adjust low and high tide times.

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY data is provided to indicate major and minor feeding periods for each day, as the daily phases of the moon have varying degrees of influence on many wildlife species.

T13 T7

T6 T5 T17

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY is shown in the lower color boxes of the Calendar pages. Use the SOLUNAR ADJUSTMENT SCALE below to adjust times for points East and West of Galveston Channel.

T15 T16

T14

AM & PM MINOR phases occur when the moon rises and sets. These phases last 1 to 2 hours.

T18

AM & PM MAJOR phases occur when the moon reaches its highest point overhead as well as when it is “underfoot” or at its highest point on the exact opposite side of the earth from your positoin (or literally under your feet). Most days have two Major Feeding Phases, each lasting about 2 hours.

T19

SOLAR & LUNAR ACTIVITY: Sunrise: 6:34a Sunset: 7:51p

T20

PEAK DAYS: The closer the moon is to your location, the stronger the influence. FULL or NEW MOONS provide the strongest influnce of the month.

AM Minor: 9:11a AM Major: 2:57a PM Minor: 9:40p PM Major: 3:25p Moonrise:9:27a Moon Set: None Moon Overhead:

T21

TIDE PREDICTIONS are shown in graph form, with High and Low tide predictions in text immediately below.

PEAK TIMES: When a Solunar Period falls within 30 minutes to an hour of sunrise or sunset, anticipate increased action. A moon rise or moon set during one of these periods will cause even greater action. If a FULL or NEW MOON occurs during a Solunar Period, expect the best action of the season.

4:55p

TIDE CORRECTION TABLE Add or subtract the time shown at the rightof the Tide Stations on this table (and map) to determine the adjustment from the time shown for GALVESTON CHANNEL in the calendars.

KEY T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

PLACE Sabine Bank Lighthouse Sabine Pass Jetty Sabine Pass Mesquite Pt, Sab. Pass Galveston Bay, S. Jetty Port Bolivar

HIGH -1:46 -1:26 -1:00 -0:04 -0:39 +0:14

LOW -1:31 -1:31 -1:15 -0:25 -1:05 -0:06

KEY PLACE HIGH Galveston Channel/Bays T7 Texas City Turning Basin +0:33 +3:54 T8 Eagle Point +6:05 T9 Clear Lake +10:21 T10 Morgans Point T11 Round Pt, Trinity Bay +10:39

LOW +0:41 +4:15 +6:40 +5:19 +5:15

KEY T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T17

PLACE Pt Barrow, Trinity Bay Gilchrist, East Bay Jamaica Beach, W. Bay Alligator Point, W. Bay Christmas Pt Galveston Pleasure Pier

HIGH +5:48 +3:16 +2:38 +2:39 +2:32 -1:06

LOW +4:43 +4:18 +3:31 +2:33 +2:31 -1:06

KEY T18 T19 T20 T21 T22 T23

PLACE San Luis Pass Freeport Harbor Pass Cavallo Aransas Pass Padre Island (So. End) Port Isabel

SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK IS SPONSORED BY:

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION T22 T23

KEYS TO USING THE TIDE AND SOLUNAR GRAPHS TIDE GRAPH: Yellow: Daylight

12a

Tab: Peak Fishing Period

12p

12a

Light Blue: Nighttime

BEST:

7:05-9:40 PM

Green: Falling Tide

AM/PM Timeline

Gold Fish: Best Time

Blue: Rising Tide Red Graph: Fishing Score

Blue Fish: Good Time

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY: MINOR Feeding Periods (+/- 1.5 Hrs.) Time Moon is at its Highest Point in the Sky 12a

AM/PM Timeline

78 |

AM Minor: 1:20a

PM Minor: 1:45p

AM Major: 7:32a

PM Major: 7:57p

MAJOR Feeding Periods (+/- 2 Hrs.)

Moon Overhead: 8:50a 6a

12p

12a

Time Moon is Directly Underfoot (at its peak on opposite side of the earth)

Moon Underfoot: 9:15p M A Y

2 0 1 1

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E ®

C O A S T A L

A L M A N A C

HIGH -0.09 -0:44 0:00 -0:03 -0:24 +1:02

LOW -0.09 -1:02 -1:20 -1:31 -1:45 -0:42

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= Peak Fishing Period

7:45-9:40 AM

= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

= New Moon = First Quarter = Full Moon = Last Quarter = Best Day

SUNDAY

May 1

Sunrise: 6:43a Moonrise: 2:18a

Set: 7:50p Set: 1:31p

Sunrise: 6:42a Moonrise: 2:52a

Set: 7:51p Set: 2:25p

Sunrise: 6:41a Moonrise: 3:23a

Set: 7:51p Set: 3:17p

Sunrise: 6:40a Moonrise: 3:53a

Set: 7:52p Set: 4:09p

Sunrise: 6:39a Moonrise: 4:22a

Set: 7:52p Set: 5:00p

Sunrise: 6:38a Moonrise: 4:52a

Set: 7:53p Set: 5:53p

Sunrise: 6:37a Moonrise: 5:23a

Set: 7:54p Set: 6:47p

AM Minor: 12:27p

PM Minor: 12:49p

AM Minor: 1:10a

PM Minor: 1:32p

AM Minor: 1:49a

PM Minor: 2:10p

AM Minor: 2:25a

PM Minor: 2:45p

AM Minor: 3:00a

PM Minor: 3:20p

AM Minor: 3:36a

PM Minor: 3:57p

AM Minor: 4:14a

PM Minor: 4:36p

AM Major: 6:38a

PM Major: 7:01p

AM Major: 7:21a

PM Major: 7:42p

AM Major: 7:59a

PM Major: 8:20p

AM Major: 8:35a

PM Major: 8:55p

AM Major: 9:10a

PM Major: 9:31p

AM Major: 9:46a

PM Major: 10:07p

AM Major: 10:25a

PM Major: 10:46p

Moon Overhead: 7:52a

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 9:18a

Moon Overhead: 8:36a 12a

12p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 9:58a 12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 11:19a

Moon Overhead: 10:38a

12a

12p

12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

Moon Overhead: 12:02p 12a

12p

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 8:15p +2.0

-1.0

Moon Underfoot: 10:59p

BEST:

2:30 — 4:30 AM

Moon Underfoot: 11:40p

BEST:

3:00 — 5:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: None

BEST:

4:30 — 6:30 PM

+2.0

BEST:

5:00 — 7:00 PM

6:00 — 8:00 PM

T I D E

L E V E L S

BEST:

2:00 — 4:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 10:18p

L E V E L S

BEST:

1:00 — 3:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 9:38p

T I D E

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 8:57p

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

5:19 am 1:17 pm 7:45 pm 11:10 pm

0.25ft. 1.34ft. 1.02ft. 1.13ft.

Low Tide: 6:33 am High Tide: 1:39 pm Low Tide: 8:02 pm

0.42ft. 1.27ft. 0.87ft.

C O A S T A L

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

12:49 am 7:37 am 1:55 pm 8:19 pm

1.16ft. 0.58ft. 1.22ft. 0.72ft.

A L M A N A C

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

2:07 am 8:33 am 2:08 pm 8:38 pm

T E X A S

1.24ft. 0.72ft. 1.20ft. 0.56ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

F I S H

3:11 am 9:21 am 2:21 pm 8:59 pm

1.33ft. 0.86ft. 1.20ft. 0.40ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

4:06 am 10:02 am 2:33 pm 9:23 pm

G A M E ®

1.41ft. 0.99ft. 1.21ft. 0.27ft.

M A Y

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

4:54 am 10:38 am 2:44 pm 9:51 pm

2 0 1 1

1.49ft. 1.10ft. 1.24ft. 0.16ft.

+1.0

-1.0

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= Peak Fishing Period

7:45-9:40 AM

= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Set: 7:54p Set: 7:42p

Sunrise: 6:35a Moonrise: 6:36a

Set: 7:55p Set: 8:38p

Sunrise: 6:35a Moonrise: 7:19a

Set: 7:56p Set: 9:34p

Sunrise: 6:34a Moonrise: 8:06a

AM Minor: 4:55a

PM Minor: 5:18p

AM Minor: 5:41a

PM Minor: 6:05p

AM Minor: 6:31a

PM Minor: 6:57p

AM Major: 11:07a

PM Major: 11:30p

AM Major: 11:53a

PM Major: 12:17p

AM Major: 12:19p

PM Major: 12:44p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 2:25p

Moon Overhead: 1:35p 12a

12p

12a

12p

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 6:36a Moonrise: 5:58a

Moon Overhead: 12:47p

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

Set: 7:56p Sunrise: 6:33a Set: 10:28p Moonrise: 8:59a

Set: 7:57p Sunrise: 6:32a Set: 11:20p Moonrise: 9:55a

Set: 7:58p Set: None

AM Minor: 7:26a

PM Minor: 7:52p

AM Minor: 8:23a

PM Minor: 8:50p

AM Minor: 9:22a

PM Minor: 9:49p

AM Minor: 10:21a

PM Minor: 10:47p

AM Major: 1:13a

PM Major: 1:39p

AM Major: 2:10a

PM Major: 2:37p

AM Major: 3:09a

PM Major: 3:35p

AM Major: 4:07a

PM Major: 4:34p

Moon Overhead: 3:17p 12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 5:03p

Moon Overhead: 4:10p 12a

12p

Sunrise: 6:32a Set: 7:58p Moonrise: 10:55a Set: 12:08a

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 5:56p 12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 12:24a +2.0

-1.0

BEST:

L E V E L S

6:30 — 8:30 PM

Moon Underfoot: 2:51a

BEST:

12:30 — 2:30 PM

Moon Underfoot: 3:43a

BEST:

7:30 — 9:30 PM

BEST:

8:00 — 10:00 PM

8:30 — 10:30 PM

Moon Underfoot: 4:37a BEST:

9:00 — 11:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 5:30a +2.0

BEST:

9:30 — 11:30 PM

T I D E

L E V E L S

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 2:00a

T I D E

+1.0

Moon Underfoot: 1:11a

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

5:40 am 11:11 am 2:52 pm 10:21 pm

80 |

1.54ft. 1.19ft. 1.28ft. 0.07ft.

M A Y

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

6:25 am 11:42 am 2:53 pm 10:55 pm

2 0 1 1

1.58ft. 1.26ft. 1.31ft. 0.01ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

T E X A S

7:12 am 12:15 pm 2:43 pm 11:31 pm

1.60ft. High Tide: 8:03 am 1.61ft. 1.33ft. Low Tide: 12:53 pm 1.39ft. 1.35ft. High Tide: 2:32 pm 1.40ft. -0.03ft.

F I S H

G A M E ®

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

12:11 am 8:58 am 1:46 pm 2:24 pm

-0.05ft. Low Tide: 12:54 am -0.05ft. Low Tide: 1:42 am -0.01ft. 1.61ft. High Tide: 9:55 am 1.60ft. High Tide: 10:47 am 1.58ft. 1.44ft. 1.44ft.

C O A S T A L

A L M A N A C

+1.0

-1.0

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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

7:45-9:40 AM

= Peak Fishing Period

= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

TUESDAY

9 Sunrise: 6:31a Set: 7:59p Sunrise: 6:30a Moonrise: 11:57a Set: 12:52a Moonrise: 1:00p

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Set: 8:00p Set: 1:33a

Sunrise: 6:29a Moonrise: 2:03p

Set: 8:00p Set: 2:11a

Sunrise: 6:29a Moonrise: 3:07p

Set: 8:01p Set: 2:48a

Sunrise: 6:28a Moonrise: 4:12p

Set: 8:01p Set: 3:25a

Sunrise: 6:28a Moonrise: 5:19p

Set: 8:02p Set: 4:03a

Sunrise: 6:27a Moonrise: 6:29p

Set: 8:03p Set: 4:44a

AM Minor: 11:17a

PM Minor: 11:43p

AM Minor: -----

PM Minor: 12:11p

AM Minor: 12:36p

PM Minor: 1:01p

AM Minor: 1:23a

PM Minor: 1:48p

AM Minor: 2:08a

PM Minor: 2:34p

AM Minor: 2:53a

PM Minor: 3:20p

AM Minor: 3:41a

PM Minor: 4:09p

AM Major: 5:04a

PM Major: 5:30p

AM Major: 5:58a

PM Major: 6:24p

AM Major: 6:49a

PM Major: 7:14p

AM Major: 7:36a

PM Major: 8:01p

AM Major: 8:21a

PM Major: 8:47p

AM Major: 9:07a

PM Major: 9:34p

AM Major: 9:55a

PM Major: 10:24p

Moon Overhead: 6:48p

12a

WEDNESDAY

12p

Moon Overhead: 8:29p

Moon Overhead: 7:39p 12a

12p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 9:19p 12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 11:05p

Moon Overhead: 10:11p 12a

12p

12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011

Moon Overhead: None 12a

12p

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 6:22a +2.0

-1.0

BEST:

12:00 — 2:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 9:45a

BEST:

1:00 — 3:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 10:37a

BEST:

2:30 — 4:30 PM

Moon Underfoot: 11:33a

BEST:

3:30 — 5:30 PM

+2.0

BEST:

4:00 — 6:00 PM

5:30 — 7:30 PM

T I D E

L E V E L S

Moon Underfoot: 8:54a

L E V E L S

BEST:

6:00 — 8:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 8:04a

T I D E

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 7:14a

Low Tide: 2:35 am 0.08ft. High Tide: 11:29 am 1.53ft.

82 |

M A Y

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

3:34 am 12:00 pm 6:46 pm 9:28 pm

2 0 1 1

0.21ft. 1.47ft. 1.10ft. 1.12ft.

Low Tide: 4:40 am 0.39ft. High Tide: 12:24 pm 1.40ft. Low Tide: 6:37 pm 0.84ft.

T E X A S

F I S H

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

12:01 am 5:52 am 12:43 pm 7:09 pm

1.15ft. 0.60ft. 1.34ft. 0.54ft.

G A M E ®

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

1:44 am 7:09 am 1:01 pm 7:49 pm

1.29ft. 0.82ft. 1.31ft. 0.21ft.

C O A S T A L

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

3:07 am 8:25 am 1:19 pm 8:32 pm

1.46ft. 1.03ft. 1.33ft. -0.09ft.

A L M A N A C

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

4:19 am 9:38 am 1:38 pm 9:18 pm

1.62ft. 1.20ft. 1.37ft. -0.33ft.

+1.0

-1.0

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Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 6:26a Moonrise: 7:38p

Set: 8:03p Set: 5:31a

Sunrise: 6:26a Moonrise: 8:45p

Set: 8:04p Set: 6:22a

Sunrise: 6:25a Moonrise: 9:47p

Set: 8:05p Set: 7:19a

AM Minor: 4:34a

PM Minor: 5:03p

AM Minor: 5:32a

PM Minor: 6:02p

AM Minor: 6:34a

PM Minor: 7:04p

AM Minor: 7:38a

PM Minor: 8:07p

AM Minor: 8:41a

PM Minor: 9:09p

AM Minor: 9:41a

PM Minor: 10:07p

AM Minor: 10:37a

PM Minor: 11:01p

AM Major: 10:49a

PM Major: 11:18p

AM Major: 11:47a

PM Major: -----

AM Major: 12:19p

PM Major: 12:49p

AM Major: 1:23a

PM Major: 1:53p

AM Major: 2:27a

PM Major: 2:55p

AM Major: 3:29a

PM Major: 3:54p

AM Major: 4:25a

PM Major: 4:49p

Moon Overhead: 12:02a

12a

12p

12a

12p

Sunrise: 6:25a Set: 8:05p Moonrise: 10:43p Set: 8:19a

Moon Overhead: 2:03a

Moon Overhead: 1:02a 12a

12p

Sunrise: 6:24a Set: 8:06p Moonrise: 11:32p Set: 9:20a

SUNDAY

Moon Overhead: 3:03a 12a

12p

Sunrise: 6:24a Moonrise: None

Moon Overhead: 4:55a

Moon Overhead: 4:01a 12a

12p

Set: 8:07p Set: 8:06p Sunrise: 6:23a Set: 10:21a Moonrise: 12:14a Set: 11:20a

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 5:45a 12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

= New Moon = First Quarter = Full Moon = Last Quarter = Best Day

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 12:32p +2.0

-1.0

BEST:

L E V E L S

6:00 — 8:00 PM

BEST:

6:30 — 8:30 PM

7:00 — 9:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 3:32p BEST:

7:30 — 9:30 PM

Moon Underfoot: 4:28p BEST:

8:00 — 10:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 5:20p

Moon Underfoot: 6:08p

BEST:

9:00 — 11:00 PM

+2.0

BEST:

10:00P — 12:00A

T I D E

L E V E L S

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 2:33p

T I D E

+1.0

Moon Underfoot: 1:32p

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

5:23 am 10:45 am 2:00 pm 10:06 pm

1.73ft. 1.33ft. 1.42ft. -0.48ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

6:24 am 11:47 am 2:26 pm 10:54 pm

1.78ft. 1.42ft. 1.46ft. -0.53ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

7:21 am 12:47 pm 2:55 pm 11:45 pm

1.77ft. High Tide: 8:17 am 1.46ft. Low Tide: 1:55 pm 1.48ft. High Tide: 3:24 pm -0.50ft.

1.71ft. 1.45ft. 1.45ft.

Low Tide: 12:35 am -0.39ft. Low Tide: 1:27 am -0.22ft. Low Tide: High Tide: 9:11 am 1.63ft. High Tide: 10:01 am 1.53ft. High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

2:20 am 10:44 am 6:06 pm 6:53 pm

-0.01ft. 1.44ft. 1.14ft. 1.15ft.

+1.0

-1.0

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= Peak Fishing Period

7:45-9:40 AM

= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

TUESDAY

23 Sunrise: 6:23a Set: 8:08p Sunrise: 6:22a Moonrise: 12:51a Set: 12:16p Moonrise: 1:24a

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Set: 8:08p Set: 1:10p

Sunrise: 6:22a Moonrise: 1:54a

Set: 8:09p Set: 2:02p

Sunrise: 6:22a Moonrise: 2:23a

Set: 8:09p Set: 2:54p

Sunrise: 6:21a Moonrise: 2:53a

Set: 8:10p Set: 3:46p

Sunrise: 6:21a Moonrise: 3:24a

Set: 8:10p Set: 4:39p

Sunrise: 6:21a Moonrise: 3:57a

Set: 8:11p Set: 5:34p

AM Minor: 11:27a

PM Minor: 11:49p

AM Minor: -----

PM Minor: 12:12p

AM Minor: 12:32p

PM Minor: 12:53p

AM Minor: 1:10a

PM Minor: 1:31p

AM Minor: 1:47a

PM Minor: 2:07p

AM Minor: 2:23a

PM Minor: 2:44p

AM Minor: 3:01a

PM Minor: 3:23p

AM Major: 5:16a

PM Major: 5:38p

AM Major: 6:01a

PM Major: 6:22p

AM Major: 6:42a

PM Major: 7:03p

AM Major: 7:20a

PM Major: 7:41p

AM Major: 7:57a

PM Major: 8:18p

AM Major: 8:34a

PM Major: 8:55p

AM Major: 9:12a

PM Major: 9:35p

Moon Overhead: 6:31a

12a

WEDNESDAY

12p

Moon Overhead: 7:55a

Moon Overhead: 7:14a 12a

12p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 8:36a 12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 9:58a

Moon Overhead: 9:16a 12a

12p

12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011

Moon Overhead: 10:43a 12a

12p

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 6:53p +2.0

-1.0

BEST:

12:30 — 2:30 AM

Moon Underfoot: 9:37p

BEST:

1:00 — 3:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 10:20p

BEST:

2:00 — 4:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 11:06p

BEST:

3:00 — 5:00 PM

+2.0

BEST:

4:00 — 6:00 PM

5:00 — 7:00 PM

T I D E

L E V E L S

Moon Underfoot: 8:56p

L E V E L S

BEST:

12:00 — 2:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 8:16p

T I D E

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 7:35p

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

3:14 am 11:18 am 6:19 pm 9:17 pm

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0.21ft. 1.35ft. 0.99ft. 1.04ft.

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Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

4:12 am 11:44 am 6:44 pm 11:17 pm

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0.44ft. 1.28ft. 0.81ft. 1.02ft.

Low Tide: 5:15 am 0.65ft. High Tide: 12:04 pm 1.23ft. Low Tide: 7:09 pm 0.63ft.

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High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

1:01 am 6:28 am 12:21 pm 7:34 pm

1.08ft. 0.85ft. 1.20ft. 0.46ft.

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High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

2:27 am 7:46 am 12:34 pm 7:58 pm

1.18ft. 1.00ft. 1.19ft. 0.30ft.

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High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

3:34 am 9:00 am 12:44 pm 8:25 pm

1.30ft. 1.12ft. 1.21ft. 0.15ft.

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High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

4:26 am 10:06 am 12:51 pm 8:54 pm

1.40ft. 1.21ft. 1.24ft. 0.03ft.

+1.0

-1.0

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Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Sunrise: 6:20a Moonrise: 4:34a

Set: 8:12p Set: 6:30p

Sunrise: 6:20a Moonrise: 5:15a

Set: 8:12p Set: 7:26p

Sunrise: 6:20a Moonrise: 6:02a

Set: 8:13p Set: 8:22p

Sunrise: 6:20a Moonrise: 6:54a

Set: 8:13p Set: 9:15p

Sunrise: 6:19a Moonrise: 7:50a

AM Minor: 3:42a

PM Minor: 4:05p

AM Minor: 4:26a

PM Minor: 4:51p

AM Minor: 5:15a

PM Minor: 5:41p

AM Minor: 6:08a

PM Minor: 6:35p

AM Major: 9:54a

PM Major: 10:17p

AM Major: 10:39a

PM Major: 11:04p

AM Major: 11:28a

PM Major: 11:55p

AM Major: 11:51a

PM Major: 12:22p

Moon Overhead: 11:29a

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 1:11p

Moon Overhead: 12:19p 12a

12p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 2:05p 12a

12p

SATURDAY

Set: 8:14p Sunrise: 6:19a Set: 10:05p Moonrise: 8:49a

Set: 8:14p Sunrise: 6:19a Set: 10:51p Moonrise: 9:51a

Set: 8:15p Set: 11:33p

AM Minor: 7:05a

PM Minor: 7:32p

AM Minor: 8:03a

PM Minor: 8:30p

AM Minor: 9:02a

PM Minor: 9:28p

AM Major: 12:51p

PM Major: 1:18p

AM Major: 1:50a

PM Major: 2:17p

AM Major: 2:49a

PM Major: 3:15p

Moon Overhead: 3:53p

Moon Overhead: 2:59p 12a

SUNDAY

12p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 4:45p 12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

= New Moon = First Quarter = Full Moon = Last Quarter = Best Day

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 11:54p +2.0

-1.0

L E V E L S

BEST:

6:00 — 8:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 1:38a

Moon Underfoot: 2:32a

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 3:26a

BEST:

6:30 — 8:30 PM

7:00 — 9:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 4:19a

BEST:

+2.0

BEST:

8:00 — 10:00 PM

9:00 — 11:00 PM

T I D E

L E V E L S

BEST:

5:30 — 7:30 PM

Moon Underfoot: 12:45a

T I D E

+1.0

BEST:

5:00 — 7:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: None

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

5:09 am 11:04 am 12:50 pm 9:26 pm

1.48ft. High Tide: 5:50 am 1.54ft. High Tide: 6:31 am 1.59ft. High Tide: 7:13 am 1.62ft. High Tide: 7:55 am 1.62ft. High Tide: 8:37 am 1.28ft. Low Tide: 10:00 pm -0.16ft. Low Tide: 10:36 pm -0.23ft. Low Tide: 11:14 pm -0.27ft. Low Tide: 11:55 pm -0.27ft. 1.28ft. Jun -0.08ft.

C O A S T A L

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1.61ft.

M A Y

Low Tide: 12:38 am -0.22ft. High Tide: 9:17 am 1.57ft.

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PHOTOS: LOWRANCE, OCEAN RACING

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Lowrance Elite 5x DSI CAN YOU IMPROVE THE PICTURES YOU see of the world below your boat, for a mere $549? You bet—Lowrance’s new Elite 5x DSI fishfinder has down-scanning capabilities, which utilize 455/800 kHz beams. The result is a highly-detailed image which looks more like an MRI than an X-ray. Where you would have seen a blob in the past, the Elite 5x shows you individual fish in the school. What looked like a big block on the bottom can now be seen as a standing tree, with each and every branch visible individually. And wrecks no The Elite 5x DSI gives highly longer look like jagged detailed imagery, structure, they now look for just $549. like, well, wrecks. There’s a down-side to those high Lowrance kHz beams, however, in that they have more limited range than the common 200-kHz beams many average fishfinders use. Depth penetration of the Elite 5x is restricted to about 250’, so deep-water bottom fishermen need a chartplotter, as well as a fishfinder? No to be aware of the limitation. problem – pony up another $170 and opt The Elite 5x DSI has a five inch, 480 x 480 pixel, 256-color TFT LCD display, for the Elite DSI Gold, which not only has a built-in chartplotter but also comes with and it’s rated IPX7 waterproof. You need

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Navionics Gold chartography pre-loaded onto its brain. It outputs NMEA 0183 data, RMS Power output is 500 watts, and the unit pumps that power out through a Lowrance DSI skimmer transducer which comes with a water temperature probe and can be mounted on the transom or a trolling motor. Aside from detail, when integrated with GPS this unit brings some incredibly useful features to the table. Trackback is, by far, the best. When you see something interesting on the fishfinder screen you can place the cursor on it, create a waypoint, and save it. The GPS will keep track of the location, and in the future you can return to the exact spot. You weren’t fast enough to press the right buttons? No problem—you can scroll back into the sonar history, and create a waypoint at any

C O A S T A L

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time. To many anglers, that ability alone is enough to make the $549 price a worthy expenditure. —Lenny Rudow

concrete or asphalt. Of course, few of us manage to keep track of a pair of glasses much longer than a couple of seasons, in the first place.

Shades of Comfort and Value

The Grilamids come in four styles, Fastnet, Hobart, Transpac, and Bermuda, in gray, blue, black, tortoise shell, and brown colors. (The Fastnet in black is my favorite, but all of them look pretty slick). Each pair comes with a crush-proof zipper case, and a cleaning cloth. Both full and

YOU NEED A NEW PAIR OF COMFORTABLE sunglasses that offers full protection for your eyes, but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Ocean Racing has a new line called the Grilamids, which fit Ocean Racing’s the bill. First new shades are off, they’re super-light and super-light, so come in 4 styles. light that when I put a pair on Grilamids my head I hardly knew they existed. Extra credit for comfort can be awarded thanks to soft silicon bumpers, placed where the frames rest on your nose. The polycarbonate polarized lenses are crystal clear, they have 100-percent UV A, B, and C protection, a 15percent VLT tint that cuts glare from the water’s surface, and they’re also 105 milspec impact resistant. Most glasses of similar quality cost somewhere between $80 and $100 and those with optically-ground lenses cost twice as much, but price point is where the Grilamids really shine: they go for about $60. Of course, there is a trade-off here— sunglasses with optically-ground lenses maintain their sharp images longer than polycarbonates, which tend to get scratched over time. In general, high-end opticallyground glass lenses can last for a decade or more, while you’ll have to plan on replacing polycarbonates after a couple of years. The Grilamids do have a scratch-resistant TAC coating which should extend their lifetime a bit, short of dropping them on C O A S T A L

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hard-top style frames are available; you can check them out at www.oceanracing.com. —LR

On the Web www.lowrance.com www.oceanracing.com

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Performance for the Tight Spots

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North South Highway, Lewiston, ID 83501. Phone: 208-746-4717 Web: www.alpinearchery.com

FOR THOSE WHO HUNT FROM A TREEstand or ground blind the new F2 Liberator from Alpine Archery is designed to fit like a glove. But don’t let its compact size and light weight fool you. This is an arrow spiting monster. The F2 Liberator features a lightweight machined 6061 aluminum riser mounted with 12” parallel limbs and camoed up in TRAILER BOATS MAGAZINE RECENTLY Mossy Oak’s game fooling Break-Up bestowed the Excellence in Design Value Infinity pattern. The axle-to-axle is a short Award to the new Crestliner 1650 30” and it weighs in at a light 3.5 lbs. Fish Hawk, as part of a program It’s fitted with Large Velocitec cams that defines and recognizes truly with Patent Pending ‘Dynamic Load outstanding boat design. A well Balancing Technology’™ and is respected boating publication, the available at 60 and 70 lbs with award places an exclamation on the a solid 80% let-off. The 1650 Fish Hawk model that has bow’s good looks are also already received abunenhanced with its dant industry praise comfortable twosince its launch in March piece Rosewood 2010. According to the grip, brown hardeditors, the 1650 Fish ware and antiqued medalHawk, “…maxilion. mized fishing space Made for the tight and storage room.” The spots of treestands and editors went on to comblinds the F2 Liberator is pliment the Fish Hawk anything but tight when it for its abundant storage comes to performance. solutions, including its Arrow speed is right at center rod locker 315 fps at 30” draw The F2 Liberator and 8-foot capable underlength. We said short, we fits like a glove. gunnel rod storage. They didn’t say slow. also noted the 1650 Fish Alpine Next time you Hawk was the only boat in its settle in to your class to offer a stern livewell as stand or blind make standard equipment. “Crestliner sure your fingers are has successfully combined practical wrapped around a new F2 new features into a boat that is Liberator. The game won’t affordable, easy to tow and economiknow what you’re shooting until cal to operate,” they wrote. “In our it’s too late. mind, this is what the Excellence in For more information please conDesign Value award is all about.” tact: The Excellence in Design Value Award Alpine Archery, PO Box 319, 3101

Fish Hawk Crowned Best Value, Designed Boat for 2011

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will be presented to members of the Crestliner team during the 2011 Miami International Boat Show in February. “This award confirms the 1650 Fish Hawk hit the bull’s-eye of our intended target,” said Crestliner Product Manager Steve Rock. “The Crestliner design team set out to create a boat with premium features not seen in a boat in this class without breaking the bank. The 1650 [Fish Hawk] is a smaller boat with big boat features at a great price.” Like all Crestliner deep-V boats, the 1650 Fish Hawk touts superior durability thanks to Crestliner’s unique interlocking tongue and groove construction and continuous welding process. The 1650 Fish Hawk is available in side console, dual console, or walk-through configurations and features an oversized stern platform that can be expanded even further with an optional extension. “We salute all of this year’s winners for their courage to

Fish Hawk 1650 wins honors.

invest in new and unique ideas, parCrestliner ticularly in these challenging economic times,” said Publisher/Editorial Director Jim Hendricks. “It is this kind of risk-taking that the Trailer Boats Excellence in Design Awards program is designed to recognize and reward.” Questions or comments can be directed to Lori Kneeland at lkneeland@crestliner.

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PHOTOS: ALIPIE ARCHERY, CRESTLINER, BIOBOR, TAURUS, WADE RIGHT

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Fight Ethanol with BioborEB

New Polymer Revolver

BIOBOREB IS A SPECIFICALLY FORMUlated additive for gasoline and ethanol fuel blends which helps combat the negative effects of ethanol in fuel tanks and engines, while increasing engine performance, efficiency and fuel stability. Ethanol is extremely corrosive and can be detrimental to your engine if not properly blended with the gasoline in your fuel tank. Ethanol over time will separate from the gasoline in your fuel tank, move to the bottom of your fuel tank and mix with water that is contained in your fuel. This phase separation in fuel causes your engine to burn improperly blended fuel which can lead to engine damage, loss of engine efficiency and loss of power. If your boat, truck, standby power unit or storage unit sits unused for any length of time, this phase separation of fuel will definitely occur. BioborEB will eliminate the problem. BioborEB also acts as a sludge detergent and dispersant, which cleans injectors and prevents corrosion leading to better combustion, fuel efficiency and an allaround better running, cleaner engine. To sum it up, BioborEB can give your engine better performance and more power, with better fuel economy. BioborEB provides corrosion protection for injector chambers and intake valves and reduces engine maintenance costs. In Ethanol protection addition, Biofor engines. borEB eliminates the worrisome BioborEB problem of fuel phase separation. For more information about Biobor, please visit: www.biobor.com or call 800548-9166.

A MODERN UPDATE ON A CLASSIC design, the new Taurus Protector Polymer Series is built for those who want the best of old and new. This revolver is offered with either a classically inspired checkered grip that has the look of wood but the purchase and durability of polymer or a Taurus Ribber Grip. Taurus’s new polymer hybrid frame makes the revolver lightweight and easy to carry. This 5-shot revolver is available in .38 Special +P or .357 Magnum ammunition models with blue or matte stainless finish. Additional features

C O A S T A L

forever by offering customers an unqualified LIFETIME REPAIR POLICY, posting record growth every year since. Taurus brand firearms manufactured by Forjas Taurus are imported into the U.S. and serviced by Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc. For additional information about Taurus, visit www.taurususa.

Wade Right

HAVE YOU EVER NEEDED AN EXTRA hand while wade fishing but you had nowhere to safely put your rod and reel? The WADE Right provides anglers with the freedom to use both hands while fishing. Dunking a fishing reel in saltwater will lead to costly repairs and eventual replacement. The WADE Right is the solution to prolong the life of your fishing reels. Outfitted with a rod tube along the back of the angler, the WADE Right holds the rod out of the way with the reel located just behind their shoulder. The WADE Right also provides a secure place to keep the remainder of your fishing gear. Each suspender of the WADE Right include a has a 1 inch buckle that single receives multiple attachments action/doublesuch as a stainless “D” rings action trigger, highly Taurus’s new polyand small and large tackles visible fiber optic mer revolver. boxes. With the WADE Right, front sight and an angler can customize their wade trip by ambidextrous Lite Pistol carrying as much or as little gear as they thumb rest. like. Get yourThe .38 Special + P model’s barrel self a WADE measures 2.5 inches, with an overall Right and length of 6.32 inches and weight of dunk your just 18.2 ounces. The .357 Magnum lures, not your model’s barrel measures 2.5 inches, reels. The with an overall length of 6.32 inches and weight of just 18.2 ounces. Like all patent pending WADE Right Taurus handguns the Protector Polymer is a product by comes standard with the unique Coastal Fishing onboard Taurus Security System that Gear, LLC. allows users to securely lock the gun To order your using an inconspicuous key-lock. MSRP WADE Right $445 - $461. Wade Right and or learn Beginning as a small tool manufacturer more, visit www.coastalfishinggear.com. in Porto Alegre, Brazil more than sixty When you call to order, mention this years ago, Forjas Taurus, S.A. has become press release and receive 10% off of your a diversified, international company celeentire order. brating its resounding success as one of the world’s leading small arms manufacturers. In 1941 the company produced its first revolver, and in 1984 changed the industry

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Costa Teams with Kenny Chesney to Support CCA MUSIC SUPERSTAR KENNY CHESNEY announced today he has partnered with Costa to design his first line of signature sunglasses. Proceeds generated from the sale of the Kenny Chesney Limited Edition Costas will benefit ocean conservation group Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), a shared cause for both Chesney and Costa. The Kenny Chesney Limited Edition Costas go on sale online at www.costadelmar.com beginning March 17. The sunglasses will also be sold at each stop of Chesney’s “Goin’ Coastal” North American concert tour, which begins March 17 in West Palm Beach, Fla. and concludes with two shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Aug. 27 – 28. Only a limited number of Kenny Costas are being produced and are expected to sell out quickly. “The relationship with Costa, and what they stand for, goes hand in hand with the music that I make,” said Chesney. “It’s important for all generations to be able to enjoy the ocean like I did, and I’m proud to partner with Costa to design a line of signature sunglasses that will help support ocean conservation.” Kenny Chesney selected five Costa styles for his limited edition sunglasses line. Each style – Hammerhead, Caballito, Rincon, Howler and Little Harbor – feature unique hand drawn artwork etched inside the sunglass arms, along with Kenny’s signature. The artwork designs on each sunglass style are tied to a piece of Kenny’s life – one style features the song lyric, “No Shoes. No Shirt. No Problems!” while another commemorates the 2011 “Goin’ Coastal” tour. The etched sunglass 90 |

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designs are reminiscent of Sales of Limited scrimshaw, an ancient art Edition Costa Chesney form practiced by Native Americans and then Yan- sunglasses will benefit CCA. kee whale men in the early 1800s, who carved Kenny On Board nautical images on whale’s teeth during long sea voyages. “We’re huge fans of Kenny and his music. He’s one of us – we both love the water, we love listening to music while we’re out on our boats, and we both want to do what we can to protect the oceans where we spend so much of our time,” said Al Perkinson, vice president of marketing for Costa. “The money raised from the sale of Kenny’s line of Costa’s will help the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) conserve our coastlines and prolife along the “Goin’ Coastal” tour and mote sustainable sport fishing.” join the conversation taking place on FaceTo check out the Kenny Chesney Limbook at www.facebook.com/kennychesney ited Edition Costas, visit and www.facebook.com/costasunglasses. www.costadelmar.com. Read more about

PHOTO: COSTA DEL MAR

4/1/11

Uvalde Hunt Opens a Door to Outdoor Adventure for Wounded Veterans A MEMORABLE EVENT COMMENCED TWO weeks into the 2010-hunting season. Veteran Outdoors hosted their “Moonlight Serenade” hangar dance, a fundraiser to support VO’s mission of providThe wounded Army ing unforgettable hunting a fishveteran shot this 9ing trips for deserving wounded point trophy on the Live Oak Ranch veterans. A clever plan was also near Uvalde. woven into the celebration: to surprise U.S. Army veteran Rico Roman Rico Roman, of San Antonio, with a grand trophy whitetail hunt with VO at the Live Oak Ranch in Uvalde. Roman, a 29-year-old native of North Portland, Oregon, moved to San Antonio with his family of four to proceed with the amputation of his left leg above the knee, after suffering injuries in Iraq a year before. While on his third tour in Iraq, the staff sergeant of the 14th Infantry, 10th MounF I S H

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PHOTO: VETERANS OUTDOORS

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tain Division, was concluding a series of checkpoint missions in Sadar al Yusuf when a roadside bomb crippled his gun truck. The explosion damaged both of Roman's legs. The dance was in full affect when VO host, Cody Hirt stepped on stage dressed in an authentic Army Air Corps Major’s Uniform. Roman stood, unsuspecting, in the crowd with his friends while Hirt explained how the .308 Patriot Ordinance Factory Rifle was donated to serve “Rico Roman” on a dream whitetail hunt. To great applause, Roman walked toward the stage and shook hands with the presenters. He exuded genuine excitement and happiness as he was handed his rifle. The first week of December, the VO staff consisting of Hirt, Jim Stanek, and Joseph Esparza met Roman at the San Antonio Airport. The flight to Uvalde was provided by the Veterans Airlift Command, an organization dedicated to providing assistance and travel services to wounded veteran’s needs and special trips. The Live Oak Ranch was a returning sponsor of a Veteran Outdoors hunt. John Hopkins, owner of the ranch, and guides Ivan and Travis met the group at the airfield. Also there was Roman’s close friend Brian Ipock, of Athens, GA, who he had met while undergoing rehabilitation. The first evening was spent scouting to see what the ranch had to offer. Stanek and Ipock sat at one area of the ranch as Hirt, Roman and Esparza sat in another. The next morning, a different spot was chosen and watched over by the group of three. As usual, the does stepped out of the damp grass first. A few young bucks scampered about as Hirt and Roman engaged in the usual deer blind banter. Hushed excitement built as the larger bucks timidly stepped into view, avoiding a direct line of sight with the blind, and revealing just the tips of their massive antlers. A huge 9-point braved an open patch just long enough for Hirt to explain to Roman that this guy was a mature, well structured buck—a 5.5 to 6.5-year-old ready to be harvested. At the moment Roman decided to take his shot the buck drew away and vanished. 92 |

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“Sometimes it’s not meant to happen,” Hirt assured Roman in a whisper. “It’s exciting to see what else comes out or if we will see him again.” The two smiled and talked a little more about the disappearing buck, trying to holster the fever that overtakes hunters as they watch a few solid but young bucks dart in and around the does. The sun finally showed signs of strength as it lit up the tops of trees. It wass almost full light when the old 9-point came out again, this time behind the hunters. It was a struggle to quietly execute a 180-degree turn to line up a shot on the trophy. With ease the shooter turned and aligned the .308. Without hesitation, Roman squeezed the trigger and felled the 2oo-plus pound buck right where it stood. Before this hunt, and before sustaining his injuries, Roman enjoyed the outdoors, especially stalking turkey in the spring. It was his fear that he might not be able to resume an active participation in the outdoors again. Since his Live Oak hunt, however, Roman and Ipock have successfully entered drawings by the Texas Parks and Wildlife for public hunts, and have plans to explore more of the outdoor adventure options available to Texas residents. Veterans Outdoors hopes to see the Rio Grande turkeys in the spring and maybe visit the top of Guadalupe Peak with these honored Americans and Texans. New episodes of Veterans Outdoors begin May 2 on The Sportsman Channel. —by Joseph Esparza, Veteran Outdoors Staff

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considered litter under state law and is susceptible to being removed. TPWD and volunteers, statewide, have been removing crab traps during this closure since 2002, and have recovered nearly 28,000 traps. Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) aids the TPWD program to remove traps during the closed period by providing equipment and volunteers to help with the effort. This year, GBF staff and over 50 volunteers pulled 407 abandoned crab traps fromTrinity Bay and the Trinity River delta. This is more than double the amount of traps pulled last year. The traps are left in the water for a variety of reasons. Some are misplaced, others areabandoned by crabbers no longer in business, and some are simply left out with the hopethey will not be pulled during this annual 10 day period. The majority of PHOTO: GALVESTON BAY FOUNDATION

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Over 400 abandoned crab traps were removed from Trinity Bay.

traps found were empty, but Trap Grab several had dead crabs, a few had skeletons of some sort, and one had a Texas diamond terrapin shell, a turtle species that is federally listed as a “species of concern” and is unique to saltwater marshes and estuaries. Not only are abandoned traps hazardous to wildlife, they are unsightly, problematic for fishers and boaters, and can even smother seagrasses. GBF thanks all of the volunteers who helped make this event successful, especially the Anahuac Game Wardens, Chambers County Parks Department, Hurricane Club and the Texas Airboat Association.

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A Special Section Celebrating The Ones Who Inspired Many of Us to Love the Outdoors Presented by Ammunition To Go

Howard Leight/Sperian

Swift Hitch-Two Loons Trading Co.

Angler Products

Hunter’s Specialties

Texas Fish And Game Magazine

Cold Mountain Enterprises,LLC

Lansky Sharpeners

ZipVac Product Line/CITI Industries Corporation

Faultline Outdoors

MKS Supply / Chiappa Firearms

Fishing Tackle Unlimited

Randolph Engineering

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PHOTO: VLADIMIR KONJUSHENKOS, BIGSTOCK

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OST OF US OWE OUR KNOWLEDGE and appreciation of the outdoors to one or more special individuals who took the time to show us the way. For the lucky among us, it was our Dads who introduced us to fishing, hunting and camping and taught us to appreciate the life-giving wonders of the outdoors. Others owe their inspirations to grandfathers, uncles, older brothers, or kind souls who made sure opportunities were made available that would produce lifelong rewards. We asked several of our editors to share experiences and remembrances of their fathers, grandfathers, or other important figures who started them on their own personal outdoors journeys. We hope they trigger memories of your own of the special person who helped you discover the outdoors.

PHOTO: THOMAS PERKINS

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Patience and a Cane Pole DECADES HAVE PASSED, BUT MEMORIES of sitting on the banks of a creek at old

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Lake Comanche as a child haven’t. My dad, Jim Hood, sat between me and a coffee can filled with dirt and earthworms that day. We had been fishing for about 20 minutes and as I squirmed impatiently wondering why the fish weren’t biting, I amused myself by watching the bugs crawl

across my boots. My dad was a tall, lean man with the patience of an oyster. I watched him lift his cork bobber with his cane pole and let it settle gently on the surface in a shady spot under a willow tree. Within seconds, a big orange-bellied sunfish jerked the bobber under. Dad swung the fish into the air and then into his left hand. His grasp of the fish was firm but gentle. Within seconds, he had put the fish inside a tow sack anchored on the bank by a rock, re-baited his hook with a squiggly earthworm, and gently let the bobber settle back onto the shady surface. Thirty years later, I watched Dad fishing in another creek at Lake Granbury with the same stealth and patience he had taught me as a child, but by then with just one hand and arm. Cancer had claimed his left arm, which surgeons removed at his shoulder. Cancer later would claim his life. Before leaving, he often had fished alone, using a jewelry box with a snap lid to hold a lure so he could tie a knot on the eyelet one-handed. Self-reliance and patience, whether in the woods or on the water, were with him at all times and I am thankful he passed it on.

PHOTO: PETER MALOHLAVA, DREAMSTIME

—Bob Hood, Hunting Editor

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PHOTO: JALE EVSEN, BIGSTOCK

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A Father’s Leadership LIFE IS FULL OF UNLIMITED AND, MORE often than not, outrageous adventure, and unpredictable drama. Through it all, and when all is said and done, family is everything, and all that really matters. Quality family time can come from any and all imaginable directions and sources, but if the earthly and heavenly planets align according to the best-case scenario and good fortune is on our side, a good dad is hard to beat when it comes to direction, discipline, protection, and just all around paternal head of household leadership. Ward Cleaver doesn’t really exist, but my dad taught me in the most militant fashion that good leadership comes with

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tough love and serious authority. If you were to meet my nine children and seven grandchildren, I do believe you would witness the presence of my father, Warren Henry Nugent, a WWII Army vet, and his take-no-crap drill sergeant approach to parenting. He was at his best at the shoot-

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ing range and in the hunting fields, never accepting anything but excellence and optimal performance. I am confident that, in my own way, I am passing on that hardcore yet loving touch to my tribe. Quality of life demands direction, and

dads should probably get more than one day a year of appreciation. Extend Father’s Day this year to as many days as you can. They deserve it. —Ted Nugent, Editor-at-Large

Dad Hooked me on Fishing

PHOTO: CYNTHIA SKAAR, FOTOLIA

I’M NOT SURE WHEN IT WAS THAT I caught my first bass, but I remember the day I became addicted to the sport as well I recall my first kiss. Interestingly, my initial exposure to bass fishing did not occur on a fishing trip. My dad and I were hunting dove over a stock pond in Collin County at the time. The birds weren’t flying much, so I tossed a spent 16-gauge hull into the water and watched it bob near a downed locust tree to pass the time. The plastic red hull hadn’t danced for long before it disappeared in a violent explosion that sent a spray of white water two feet into the air. Shocked, I looked to my dad for some feedback. “Bass,” he said with an impish grin. “Mean SOBs, ain’t they.”

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From that point on, I was infatuated with topwater fishing. Roughly 40 years have gone by since that sultry September afternoon in 1969, yet I still get the insatiable itch to act on what I saw that day. The urge becomes especially strong during late spring and early fall, when changing seasons bring out the headhunter in bass on lakes across Texas. Thanks, Dad. Time spent with you on the water and in the woods as a youngster helped shaped my life and molded my career. For that, I will be forever thankful.

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work a grunt call together. My foundation as a hunter, and person, was shaped by the time we spent together in that stand Dad built. —Paul Bradshaw, Contributing Editor

Fishing for Whales I CAN REMEMBER FISHING WITH MOM’S dad only once. I’m sure there were other times, but that summer day in 1968 stuck with me because it was hard for Grandpap to get away. He was a Lamar County farmer and part-time constable who seemed to live on a tractor from daylight to dark.

—Matt Williams, Freshwater Fishing Editor

The Stand that Dad Built THE FIRST DEER STAND I EVER HUNTED out of consisted of a few boards Dad nailed into a sweetgum tree. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t OSHA compliant. The second one he built was the Taj Majal of deer blinds in comparison. It was complete with carpet, Plexiglas windows, tin roof, office chairs, tar paper covering the inside of the walls to keep the wind out, a front porch, and heater that consisted of a roll of toilet paper stuffed in a coffee can and soaked with alcohol that had a clear flame when lit. A Styrofoam cup stayed on a shelf above one of the windows. On one side of the cup was a deer silhouette Dad had drawn to show me where to shoot if given the opportunity. On the other side were tic marks that we’d put on it every time we saw a deer. I think our highest one-day count the first year was 13. This monstrously huge stand was also painted white. You see, Dad had a theory that the deer didn’t really pay attention to something after it had been there a while, so why try to hide it. Apparently, he was right. I shot my first deer out of that stand. My first buck, too. I wrote a book report on Moby Dick and learned algebra when the deer weren’t moving. We took naps on warm afternoons, ate peanuts (tossing the shells on the floor), and learned how to C O A S T A L

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PHOTO: THOMAS PERKINS

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whales while bream stripped the worms from our hooks. I don’t think we caught anything. Didn’t need to. What I remember is a paunchy, sun-browned old man in faded overalls who took his skinny grandson fishing and wound up trying to explain the insanity of this world, when he should have been plowing cotton. We never had a photo made together. I wish we had. But the memory of fishing with him that day, and the bond and blood we shared, is just as good. —Reavis Z. Wortham, Humor Editor

Preacher’s Point His nights were periodically interrupted to break up family squabbles or haul drunks to the lockup. One hot afternoon, he came out of the smokehouse with two cane poles. “Let’s catch Old Tom.” A short walk later, we settled on the creek bank shaded by thick oaks and

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plopped red and white bobbers into the sluggish water. Dangling our legs off the sandstone ledge, we found ourselves talking about Vietnam, and cousins who were fighting there. He struggled to explain war to a child. On that peaceful creek bank, an old man and a boy spent the afternoon in our own little pocket of sanity, fishing for

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MY DAD WAS MORE INTO GOLF AND baseball than the outdoors, although he did appreciate the natural interest young boys have in fishing and hunting and he made sure my brother and I got the chance to do both as often as possible. But my father-in-law was a true outdoors mentor. He shared his love of fishing with several generations of young people— his daughters, his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, and countless other kids and adults, many of whom he had just met. Arthur Clarkson started taking his family to a small fishing resort in Western Wisconsin called Balsam Lake back in the 1950s. The place had cabins, a lively lakefront bar & baitshop, and it sat on a small but incredibly beautiful natural lake. Art was not a trophy angler. Hammering a school of bluegills on leeches or night crawlers got him as excited as he would have been if he had ever landed a 10pound bass. By the time I met Art, he was firmly established as the patriarch of an extended outdoors-obsessed family. The Wisconsin resort he had discovered in the 1950s had been run by the parents of a kid named Ron Ward. Ron grew up and married Art’s second daughter Stephanie, who is also my wife Ardia’s sister. Thus, The Resort officially became the center of Art’s

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PHOTO: DAWN WARD

family’s expanding universe. For five decades, “Grampa Art” was a regular feature at the Resort. Anyone interested in fishing could expect Art to take

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we’re talking about Wisconsin, you have to wait months for the weather to accommodate the kind of memorial most fitting for Art and Helen. The family is having a simple stone engraved with Art’s and Helen’s names. Sometime this month, the stone will be dropped into the shimmering waters off Preacher’s Point on Balsam Lake. It will settle in among the thousands of other

rocks teaming with bluegills, rock bass, perch and the occasional largemouth. There, it will bear eternal witness to the enjoyment of generations of anglers to come – many of whom started fishing with Art Clarkson. —Roy Neves, Publisher

them over to Preacher’s Point, or Minneapolis Point, or to any of his other notso-secret Balsam hotspots, where they would engage in the happy pursuit of filling the livewell with panfish for the Resort’s weekly Friday fish frys. As a girl, Ardia relished the many times she fished with her dad. Art loved telling the story of her first fish—a hardhead catfish. She got so excited, she forgot to reel... she just ran back from the shore until enough line had trailed behind her to pull the fish out of the water. With a daughter and two sons-in-law in the outdoor publishing business, Art had plenty of opportunities to fish and hunt in exotic locales. And he enjoyed every trip. But he was always happiest when he was captaining his own 14-foot aluminum boat around his hotspots on Balsam Lake. We lost both of Ardia’s parents last year. Her mother, Helen, who in her own gentle way encouraged Art to enjoy and to share the outdoor gospel, went first. Art joined her a few months later. They had been together for 67 years. It has been almost a year, but because C O A S T A L

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remiss if I didn’t bring up the name Hunter’s Specialties. I was scheduled to only spend a few minutes there, but ended up looking at so many new and exciting products, I stayed over an hour…and could have stayed longer. They offered plenty of new scents to attract bucks your way along with their clas-

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Lou interviews Allegra Lowitt of ThermaCELL at the 2011 SHOT Show.

sic scent -free soap to help keep your Talking SHOT human scent down. They now offer some of their scent attractors in an aerosol can, making it much easier to use and more economical as well. As if that is not enough, they also have an automatic scent dispenser that disperses the scent of your choosing in your hunting area. One container could last many hours. You have control on how fast and how often you have the scent released. Very cool! But wait…the best was yet to come! The guys at Hunter’s Specialties also showed me a pair of sunglasses. Not just any sunglasses. These sunglasses came equipped with an HD camera built into the frame. You simply wear the glasses and hit a switch and “bingo” you can record your hunt with great audio! They came with changeable lenses and four different colors for the frames. Not only can you now record your hunt, but you can also record your kids when they have no idea they are on camera! Hmmm…interesting. Thermacell also had some huge improvements to their lineup. A new mold design on their hand-held unit makes it much easier to fit in the new optional fabric case. They kept the idea of pockets on each side of the case, which makes it convenient to hold extra fuel

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and pads while in the field. A much quieter on/off switch was a welcomed improvement and the button used to start the fuel only took one try. Of course the hand-held unit came in their classic green color, but was also available in brown as well as a nice camo pattern. It is also available as a lantern for all of your outdoor gatherings. If you have never tried a Thermacell, then I would ask, “What are you waiting for?” It is the one bug repellant the really does work and it works well. If you are a hunter, fisherman, or just love to be in the outdoors, then you need one of these units. I stopped at the Leupold booth to see what they had new for 2011. I was so glad I did. I was introduced to a new range finder for bow hunters. A range finder is a must when it comes to bowhunting. After all, misjudging distance can mean the difference between venison in the freezer or just more ice! The problem with a range finder is the amount of movement needed to use it. Many hunters have been caught by whitetails when they try to use a rangefinder. Not any more! Leupold has a brand new design for a rangefinder that fits right on your bow. It sits above your sights and is easily turned on while you are at full draw by simply pressing a switch located on the front of the bow handle. When I first saw it, I thought it would add too much weight on the bow and it would be uncomfortable to hold with an outstretched arm. I was wrong. It is feather light and added no noticeable weight at all. The LED display was super easy to read and was very accurate. How cool is that? It used to be when you heard the name “Leupold”, you thought of optics for your rifle or shotgun. Now, they have expanded their line and I, for one, was excited to see the new bow rangefinder. Trijicon also had something new for the bowhunting world. Here is a company known for the high quality of their products. The new bow sight that they showed me proved that quality was definitely on their mind when they designed this. This bow sight came with a unique micro adjustment to make sure your pins are exactly where they need to be for success. The all-metal sight was built tough with the hunter in mind. It would be hard to hurt this “puppy.” Another plus was how light the sight was. Very impressive. Although the Shot Show was not open C O A S T A L

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to the general public, Chester Moore and I made sure we had some video cameras with us. It would be impossible to cover everything at the show, but we think we covered enough so you too can get just as excited about the new products for 2011 as we were. Check it out at www.FishGame.com. I only have one regret about going to Las Vegas to see the Shot Show. Three days was only enough to wet your hunting whistle. You really need at least a full week to see

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everything there is to see. I already am looking forward to next year’s show. E-mail Lou Marullo at lmarullo@fishgame.com

On the Web See Lou’s SHOT Interviews: www.FishGame.com/videos

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The Pellet Gun Grows Up Y FIRST PELLET GUN WAS A Sheridan Blue Streak. Sheridan made 2 models, the Blue Streak and the Silver Streak. The reason for the names should be self-explanatory, but, one was blued and one was nickel plated. Both were in the odd 5mm or .20caliber, rather than the more common .177 or .22. Believe it or not, I still have that gun, and it still shoots very hard and very accurately. I had been reading recently of the modern “adult” pellet rifles. I still use my old Sheridan, but the power and accuracy ascribed to the modern pellet rifle got my

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attention and aroused my curiosity. I called the folks at Crosman and requested a new “adult” pellet rifle for testing. After a rather lengthy discussion I finally decided which model I wanted (It turned out to be a Benjamin break-action in .22 caliber). It promptly arrived via UPS, along with a nice 3-9X scope and a couple boxes of pellets – one round-nosed for plinking and targets, and one hollow point for hunting. I mounted the scope, sighted the gun at about 50 feet, and headed out to reduce the burgeoning population of garden-raiding cottontails that the abundant spring rains had provided. When the first shot came it was at about 40 yards. I had not shot the gun at that range, but thought it would have considerable drop from the 50-foot sight-in, so I held high. Well, the shot went high; so for the second shot I held dead on the rabbit, squeezed the trigger, and the rabbit flopped over. The pellet struck a rock on the far side

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of the cocky cottontail and headed out over the brush with a high-pitched whine. I was amazed that a .22 caliber pellet would shoot completely through a cottontail rabbit at 40 yards and then ricochet off a rock. I was beginning to believe that this pellet gun might be a useful hunting tool. The second shot came at about 25 yards. This rabbit was facing me, munching contentedly on some kind of greenery. I aimed at the junction of neck and chest and squeezed off the shot. The rabbit flopped over on its side, never even quivering. Now I was convinced that the .22 caliber rifle was sufficiently powerful for hunting rabbits. Further experimentation has shown that this gun is deadly out to about 40 yards. Further than that it starts to get a bit iffy. But what do you want from a pellet rifle? The Model I have is a Benjamin Trail NP All-Weather, a break-barrel single-shot. It is loaded by stuffing the pellet into the chamber that is revealed when the barrel is pulled down to cock and charge the gun. It has an advertised muzzle velocity of 950 feet per second. The propellant system is called a Nitro Piston. Most air guns, when cocked, compress a spring and piston. When the trigger is pulled it releases the spring and piston, which compresses air, which forces the pellet out the barrel. The Nitro Piston is a different system that when cocked compresses gas rather than a spring. This does a couple of things. One is that you can leave the gun cocked without the danger of the spring becoming permanently compressed. The gas that is compressed is nitrogen, thus the Nitro name. Second is that it does away with all the weird recoil, boinging, flopping, and other annoying side affects of the spring and plunger system. This means that a standard rifle scope can be used on the gun, because the forces that tear up a standard scope on a spring and piston gun are (I’m told) absent on the gas system guns. I am also told that the nitrogen compression system releases the potential energy more

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PHOTO: CROSMAN

quickly than a spring piston. Another thing is that these guns are suppressed. They are up to 70 percent quieter than the old air guns. Of course you still hear the piston going forward, but there is almost no

pop of air or pellet leaving the barrel. Benjamin’s Trail The first rabbit I NP All-Weather shot at just sat there as I prepared the Air Power 2nd shot. He did that, I think, because there was no frightening “pop” when I missed the first shot. Accuracy of my Trail NP is good. It is not super accurate, but will keep most of its shots in an inch at 50 feet with the hollow point hunting pellets and a bit better with the target pellets. I shot one group with the

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target pellets that was just one ragged hole, but then it threw one shot high and left about an inch, for no reason that I could see (I did notice that some pellets went into the chamber easy, some were snug, and some went very hard. I take this as a discernible difference in pellet size, which could be a factor in the accuracy. Better, more consistent pellets might mean better accuracy.) One inch at 50 feet is acceptably good accuracy from a $300 pellet gun; plenty good to hunt rabbits, squirrels, or ground squirrels out to 40 or 50 yards. You can get more accurate pellet rifles, but they will cost you as much as a new big game rifle, or more. The only negative thing I have to say about the gun is about the trigger. This thing is long, hard, creepy, inconsistent, gritty, and just plain hard to shoot. There is a

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trigger adjustment screw on the gun, and adjusting it to the maximum degree made some difference, just not enough. After the adjustment, however, I was able to shoot the gun off-hand well enough to hunt with it, if I was careful, but it was still unconscionably long. My suggestion to the manufacturer is to raise the price $30 bucks and put a good trigger in this gun. It deserves better than this. The bright side is that there is a dropin trigger available. It is made by Charlie DaTuna (charliedatuna.com — no kidding) and is called the GRT-III. It sells for $32.00, which includes shipping. I do not know how much improvement it would make, but any help would be worth the money. All in all, this is a fine pellet gun. I would not hesitate to take it to the woods to use on squirrels, and the rabbits that have infested my place. The Trail NP is a well-made, solid, accurate, and powerful air rifle. This rifle is to air rifles what CONTINUED a a modern sniper SEE PAGE 108 rifle is to a .30-30

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kayak. Actually, several fish the younger Lehrman caught would have broken the existing 20.3-inch catch & release record from the San Marcos River in August, 2008, but his best fish taped an honest 21.5 inches. Davies estimated the smallmouth weighed 6.5 – 7.0 pounds, a giant river bass by any standard. The trio launched out of Rough Brush Canyon Marina where the Devils’ empties into the lake and paddled upstream, fishing pools and creeks as they went. “This is truly a back country adventure. Everything has thorns. The area is rugged, desolate, and arid, and there is a great diversity in wildlife, including panthers, axis deer, wild turkey, aoudad, and mountain goats,” said Davies. The Lehrman’s grand adventure covered a 20-mile circuit; 10 miles upstream and then back to the starting point, with the group camping on the shores of different coves every night. As the sun rises, winds pick up on the river; paddling into the teeth of a serious headwind leaves paddlers

GUNS & GEAR CONTINUED

FROM PAGE 107 Winchester. Retail price is $299.99. Lewis and Clark carried a “medicine gun” along with them when they went west. It was an air gun, “made after the Girandoni pattern,” and was of large caliber; reports differ, but it was probably either a .46 or .51. It had an air reservoir in its butt and a magazine that held 20 lead balls. It was said to have required 2000 strokes of the pump to fill the reservoir, a strenuous 30 minute job. Reports state that it amazed the Indians to whom it was showed. It was not a child’s toy. Today it requires fewer pumps, or one, and we consider pellet rifles to be for children. Maybe, just maybe, it is time we changed our thinking on this issue.

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any of its protective slime. If I would have done this the measurement would have been even longer.” Davies is selective of his river clientele. It is a physically demanding trip and paddlers need to be in good shape. Davies is meticulous regarding the amount of weight each paddler can handle. Weight distribution on a kayak is critical, and he limits the maximum load to 2/3 the rating carrying capacity of the hull. “You need to bring the right clothes, a bedroll, a fishing license and the right attitude,” Davies explained. “The devil is in the details.” The Lehrmans used spinning tackle spooled with 10-12 pound mono. “I wish we could get away with using heavier tackle,” Davies said “but you just can’t because the water is so clear.” Fluorocarbon leader is essential in the sediment-free water. Live bait is prohibited on this stretch of the river and the father and son team threw a variety of hardware, including: topwaters, crankbaits, and buzzbaits. Garrett’s largest smallmouth was fooled by a large soft plastic fished on a Carolina rig. The sly Davies

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was tight lipped about what type of soft plastic his river bass prefer. Rick hooked a fish that Davies estimated at 23-inches but the leviathan wallowed a hole in the water and shook off just before it slid to hand. I can just imagine the fatherson chatter around the campfire that night. Davies favors the lower end of the Devil’s for several reasons. “The severe drought has reduced some of the upper stretches to just a trickle,” he said. “You have to literally drag your kayak over long stretches of limestone river bottom. I saw two hulls recently that literally wore though due to the abrasion.” “Also, the upper stretches of the river run through private property. You can’t get out of the streambed to camp of you are trespassing. Even then, you still may have to contend with an angry land owner. I prefer not to have any gunpoint confrontations with landowners so I prefer the lower stretch of the river which cuts through federally owned land.” “Last year we had an epic flood. Many of the fish on the upper river were moved and the fishing – at least for this season – is

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better on the lower stretch.” This trip isn’t for everyone,” said Davies. “I turn down business all the time. This is the last back country wilderness adventure left in Texas. It truly is the last frontier.” Overnighting on an unfamiliar river is not something anyone should attempt by themselves, or without a lot of planning – especially the Devil’s River – which can turn into a dangerous and boiling torrent in just minutes if a sudden rain storm hits. Davies offers 3-day trips but the majority of his expeditions last 5-days. “The beauty is so incredible and the fishing is so fantastic that people don’t want to leave after a trip,” he concluded. I can assure you that the Lehrman’s didn’t. I have it on good authority that this won’t be Garrett’s last trip to the Devil’s River. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this young man’s name in the record book again in future years. Greg Berlocher can be reached for question or comment at kayak@fishgame.com.

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took another bite of my hot dog. As it turned out, the snapping sound was that of a passenger’s arm breaking. Luckily, the arm was made out of plastic— just like rest of the passengers, the boat, and the big swimming pool they were floating around in. I had signed up for a model boat docking contest, twin screw division, at the local boat show. And I had failed miserably. In my attempt to beat the clock I had violated the single most important rule of docking: never approach the dock faster than you’re willing to hit it. Bear this rule in mind, and through the years you’ll save yourself a lot of grief and fiberglass repairs. But docking can still be a nightmare. The stress of trying to get into your slip without scuffing up Mom’s Mink is bad enough, much less the pressure you’ll feel when everyone at the marina or boat ramp is watching. Luckily, there are some tactics you can apply to make docking easier. Ready to get started? Good—hold on tight, and batten down anything made of plastic.

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PRE-Approach There will always be two factors you need to consider which are completely beyond your control: wind, and current. Either can take you off-course in a matter of seconds, so prior to your final approach, consciously assess these two factors. If you’re unsure how they might affect you, bring the boat to a full stop, let it drift for a few moments, and see what happens. Is the wind knocking you quickly out of kilter? Then make an approach that keeps the boat parallel to the wind for as long as possible, because it will have less affect than it will when you turn beam-to. When you do have to turn perpendicular to the wind, remember that it’ll have more of an effect on your bow than on your stern. The running gear tends to act as a pivot point on most boats, while the bow does most of the swinging. So you’ll need to counter the effect with a turn of the wheel and a shot of power, or by opposing the engines for a moment or two. Is the current your main foe? If so, consider operating through close quarters in reverse. Again, the running gear’s tendency to act as a pivot point is a key factor to bear in mind. Since it’s near the back of the boat, it’s often easier to keep the boat in a straight line by going backwards when the current is so strong it can force the bow askew. Also remember that you retain more control by moving against the current then you do by moving with it. If the current is moving with you as you approach your dock, the smart move may be to pass by the dock by, turn around, then approach from the opposite direction. One final word about currents: whenever a strong current flows across a slip or dock, slap an eyeball on each and dock line before you pull in and make sure you can see it in its entirely. If can’t see where a line goes, remember that the current could be pushing it out into the slip, and holding it there, just below the surface—where it can

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wrap your props, and cause a true docking disaster.

THE APPROACH At a critical point—you can only determine exactly when from the helm—you’ll have to make a go/no-go decision. If you feel like you’re lined up properly and you’ve accounted for all the details, initiate your turn to either back into the slip or come alongside the dock. If you think you’ve come in aligned improperly, too fast, or see any other potential problem, simply turn away and come around for another shot. Yeah, it’s a bit embarrassing. But a lot less embarrassing than shattered fiberglass and bent pilings. Okay: you’ve initiated your turn and your boat is coming into position—this is where most people screw up. In the case of a single-engine boat, you’ll be using the wheel to maneuver. Leave it cocked after initiating your turn, and if you need to apply a blast of power in one direction or the other to correct your position, you may well forget exactly where the wheel is turned. Even if you remember, you may have to waste precious seconds re-orienting the wheel in the opposite direction. Instead, experienced boaters learn to re-orient the wheel to deadcenter, after each and every application of power. In the case of a twin engine boat, you have a higher level of control with the throttles than you do with the wheel. So leave the wheel centered at all times. Try to mix and match control via both the wheel and the throttles, and again, the chances are good you’ll lose track of the wheel’s exact position and accidentally apply power in an unintended direction. You’re much better served by centering the wheel when you begin the final approach, ignoring it entirely thereafter, and using the throttles alone to guide the boat into its slip.

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you won’t be able to counteract any of the unexpected factors that can create a docking disaster well after you’re in the proper position. A sudden gust of wind, for example, might push you right back out of the slip. Propwash from a slip-neighbor could knock your boat out of alignment. Even an overzealous deckhand can ruin your efforts, by tugging so hard on a line that the opposite end of the boat swings out of kilter. You’ve got the boat in place, the lines are

secured, and you haven’t broken anything? Congratulations—that’s a docking job well done. Now go get yourself a hot dog, and celebrate.

E-mail Lenny Rudow at boating@fishgame.com

MISSION COMPLETE The boat’s in the slip or laying alongside the pier, and you’ve got it made—not! The feeling of relief you have at this point is premature; don’t succumb to it and shut off the engine(s).This is the second most common screw-up people make when docking, because the job isn’t finished until the boat is securely tied up. Kill the power now, and C O A S T A L

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Chasing Squirrels

While squirrel hunting is fun, chasing bushy-tails does have its own challenges, so let’s look at a few

HAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU ever hunted? If you’re like most of us your initial hunting experience revolved around squirrels, which are like the panfish of the hunting world. Small and plentiful across most of the state, squirrels are a great way to introduce kids to the outdoors while teaching them skills they will use later when they move to big game. There is no better time to introduce your kids to squirrels than right now, during the May season in the eastern part of the state, because the temperatures are moderate and you don’t have to worry about interrupting deer season.

with your back against a large tree, and wait. I don’t mean to sit there for three hours like deer hunting but resist the urge to move around as long as possible. Patience is a virtue, but if you’re hunting with your kids I understand the futility of trying to do this. So when the kids get

tricks that you can use to put a few more in your game vest. The best advice I can give for starting your hunt is to find a likely spot, sit down

antsy due to a lack of action, get up and still-hunt to another likely spot, then sit and wait again. The still hunting practice with your kids now, (don’t step on that stick, don’t crush those leaves) will translate into quieter walks to the deer stand in the fall. You can thank me later. If, during your still hunting, you happen to come across a group of squirrels feeding you’ll want to maximize the amount you take so don’t just shoot the first one that comes by. Take your time and start by shooting any squirrel on the ground first before shooting at the squirrels in the trees. The squirrels on the ground can get away or hide faster than those in the trees which will spend a lot of time running up and down tree trunks or jumping from limb to limb. A big problem during spring hunts is the squirrel getting up in a tree and hiding, especially when chasing fox (red) squirrels which would rather hide than run when faced with danger. I’ve been on plenty of hunts where I knew there was a squirrel in a tree but never got a shot because as I walked around the tree the squirrel would stay on the opposite side of the trunk, constantly shifting as it heard me move.

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ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL BRADSHAW

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With two hunters there is an easy solution to this problem. One hunter stays still, while the other slowly walks around the tree. The squirrel hears the hunter moving and

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can drag the stick back to you, sounding like a predator walking around the tree which will make the squirrel move. Sometimes getting a shot isn’t the problem, actually seeing a squirrel is. If you are on one of those hunts where you just can’t seem to find a squirrel then it’s time to break out the calls. Don’t look t me like that, they can work. The object here isn’t to call them into you but to

cause a reaction so that you know their location. You want to make them bark back at a squirrel intruding on their territory so they give themselves up.

E-mail Paul Bradshaw at freshrigs@fishgame.com

“

The squirrel scurries aroound giving the stationary hunter an easy shot.

“

scurries around giving the stationary hunter an easy shot. Keep in mind that you are shooting up into a tree so make sure there is a backstop for the bullet and ensure your hunting partner is not in the line of flight for the shot. If you are going solo the problem of a squirrel hiding is a little harder (since you can’t be in two places at once) but not impossible to solve, it just takes a little ingenuity and some rope. Take a length of parachute cord (which should be carried in your hunting gear at all times just in case) and tie one end to a stick small, about the size you would use to play fetch with your dog. Hold onto the other end of the rope while throwing the stick on the opposite side of the tree from where you are. If the squirrel doesn’t move to your side on the initial throw you C O A S T A L

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PHOTO: © WILLIAM SCOTT, BIGSTOCK

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Barbecue Shrimp OW WOULD YOU REACT IF I TOLD you that you could barbeque shrimp on the stove, and you could do it in less than 10 minutes? Well, you would probably say that I was crazy, but this is a great dish that is prepared with the heads and tails on to hold in the maximum amount of moisture and flavor. It can get a little messy peeling and eating, but boy let me tell you its show enough good!

Ingredients: 12 raw jumbo (or the largest you can find) Gulf shrimp, unpeeled with heads and tails left on 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 ½ tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper ½ teaspoon oregano ½ teaspoon thyme ¾ teaspoon Texas Gourmet’s Searing Spice ¼ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic (2 cloves) 1 tablespoon of water half of 1 lemon, seeded 1/4 pound (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch slices

Method: 1. Place the unpeeled shrimp, Worcestershire, spices, garlic and 1 tablespoon of water in a heavy 10-inch sauté pan. Squeeze the juice from the lemon half over the shrimp and add the rind to the pan. 114 |

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2. Over high heat, cook the shrimp while gently stirring and occasionally turning the shrimp. After about two minutes of cooking, the shrimp should start turning pink on both sides, indicating they are nearly half cooked.

Contact Bryan Slaven,

“The Texas Gourmet,” at 888-234-7883, www.thetexasgourmet.com; or by email at texas-tasted@fishgame.com

3. If the shrimp are jumbo sized, add 2 tablespoons water to the pan. Otherwise, don’t add water. 4. Reduce the heat to medium-high and continue cooking as you gradually add the cold pieces of butter to the pan. While stirring the shrimp, stir in the butter pieces until they are incorporated into the pan juices, the sauce turns light brown and creamy as it simmers, and the shrimp are just cooked through. This will take about two minutes total if the shrimp are extra-large and about three minutes if they are jumbo sized. 5. Serve immediately with hot garlic bread for sopping up the sauce and plenty of paper towels for cleaning your hands. Makes two servings. Bon Appetit

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Cian Regan Nice Stringer of Catfish!! Calevaras Lake Capt. Steve Nixon San Antonio Fishing Guides

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Allycia Drum Redfish Charters

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SPOTLIGHT: SAN ANTONIO FISHING GUIDES Capt. Steve Nixon is a Licensed, Professional, Full-Time Fishing Guide located in San Antonio, Texas. He is a United States Coast Guard Captain and has a Texas Parks & Wildlife All Water Guide License. Now with over 40 years of fishing experience on the San Antonio area lakes, he does everything possible to create an unforgettable and world class fishing adventure for you. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned angler, as one of San Antonio, Texas Premier Fishing Guides, Captain Steve Nixon’s knowledge, skill and expertise will provide you with the opportunity of a lifetime. San Antonio Fishing Guides Service gives anglers the chance to experience some of the most spectacular and exciting fishing anywhere in the world. As an experienced professional Fishing Guide, Steve is always willing to teach guests how to improve their angling skills. Whether educating children or beginners, his approach is always patient and courteous. However, when guiding seasoned anglers, he understands catching is paramount and does everything possible to locate feeding fish. So, prepare yourself for the Calaveras Lake, Canyon Lake or Braunig Lake fishing adventure of a lifetime! Using cutting-edge technology, a top-of-the-line fishing boat and top-of-the-line fishing equipment, along with decades of experience and knowledge you’ll get the opportunity to experience fishing adventures and memories lasting a lifetime. If you would like to book a Guided Fishing Trip Call Capt. Steve Nixon at (210) 573-1230 or visit us on the web at http://sanantoniofishingguides.com C O A S T A L

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DOUBLE BUCKS | East Texas Gregg Young (left) and son Travis Young (right) each killed an 8-point buck within a 24-hour period while bowhunting at the Pine Ridge Hunting Club in East Texas. Both deer were taken from the same stand, came from the same direction, were standing in the same spot when the shot was made.This was Travis’ first deer taken with a bow.

REDFISH | Baffin Bay Justin Ducharme caught this slot redfish at Baffin Bay, wadefishing for the first time. A long-time boat angler, he was hesitant to get into “the same water as a shark,” but wife Brittany says he is now a confirmed wadefisherman.

REDFISH | Corpus Christi Bay Elaine Vazquez of Ingleside caught this 23-inch redfish on mullet while fishing in Corpus Christi Bay.

LARGEMOUTH BASS | Private Pond Katie Wendler, Age 5, with her 2-pound largemouth bass she caught “all by herself” out of her Grandpa Curtis Wendler’s pond near Burton.

SPECKLED TROUT | Galveston Bay Chase Stanley, age 7, of Houston, caught this 19-inch speckled trout while fishing in Galveston Bay with his proud dad, Chris.

REDFISH | Lake Calaveras Burt Barnes of New Braunfels caught this freshwater redfish while fishing at Lake Calaveras. He caught the 41-inch red trolling a jig.

CRAPPIE | Moss Lake

TRIPLETAIL | Palacios Bay

Hailey Hester, age 6, of Denton caught her first crappie, 13 inches, while fishing with her Grammy and Grampy, (the Westbury’s) at Moss Lake in Cooke County.

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David Kana caught this Tripletail while fishing in Palacios Bay. The fish was 29 pounds, 2 ounces and was 34 1/4 inches long.

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MAIL TO: TFG PHOTOS 1745 Greens Rd, Houston TX 77032 NOTE: Print photos can not be returned.

EMAIL: photos@FishGame.com For best results, send MED to HIGH quality JPEG digital files only, please.

TROUT | Baffin Bay

CATFISH | Lake Granbury Garrett Thompson, age 7, of Frisco caught this catfish while fishing off his grandfather’s dock on Lake Granbury. Garret’s fish weighed just over 6 pounds.

No guarantee can be made as to when, or if, a submitted photo will be published.

REDFISH | Aransas Pass

Pat Bower of Casper,Wyoming caught and released this 27 1/2” speckled trout off Center Reef in Baffin Bay.

Caleigh Ivanhoe of Midland caught her first redfish on her first coastal fishing trip with her Dad and big brother, Troy. Calleigh caught the 27inch redfish on cut shad while fishing inside Dagger Island near Aransas Pass.

REDFISH | South Padre Walt Candelari caught this slot red while fishing at South Padre. The fish was 27.9 inches. Photo by Ron Hebert.

SPECKLED TROUT | Port Mansfield Four-year-old Kaleb DeLuna with his first catch ever, a 19.5-inch speckled trout. He caught the speck while fishing with his Granpa George Garcia at Port Mansfield.

CRAPPIE | Lake O’ the Pines Johnetta Mims caught this crappie while fishing at Lake O’ the Pines last spring. The crappie weighed 3.44 pounds and was 21-inches long.

REDFISH | San Luis Pass Michael Kuhn of Conroe caught his first bull redfish in the surf at San Luis Pass. He normally fishes freshwater, but bother-in-law Jeff McMillan introduced him to the salt. The red was 43inches long.

KING MACKEREL | Surfside BLUEGILL | Eastland Savannah Johnson of Frisco caught this bluegill while fishing at the BJ Johnson Ranch near Eastlan.

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Gaberiel Rodriguez and his family, of Houston, had a big day fishing the Surfside Jetties. They fought several king that afternoon, and landed one of them. Pictured are Gabe’s sons Xavier, age 2, and Nsaron, age 5.

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HOW TO

PHOTOS: GRADY ALLEN; GREG BERLOCHER

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Step 1 SCALE BOTH SIDES of flounder. Beginning on the shoulder, make a semicircular cut down to the backbone, cutting from one side to the other. The cut should go just behind the gill plates.

Step 2 INSERT THE TIP of the fillet knife into the cut and run the tip down the side of the flounder, making a slit just above the dorsal fin (The side with the eyes), stopping just before the tail.

Step 3 USING THE TIP of the fillet knife and following the slit, begin filleting the flounder, pulling back the meat as you

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In This Issue HOW-TO SECTION

TEXAS GUNS & GEAR • The Pellet Gun Grows Up | BY STEVE LAMASCUS

100

BOWHUNTING TECH What a SHOT! |

•

101 COVER STORY • How to Unzip a Flounder | BY GREG BERLOCHER

FISHING FORECAST SECTION TEXAS HOTSPOTS • Texas’ Hottest Fishing Spots | BY TOM BEHRENS, CALIXTO GONZALES, & BOB HOOD

SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK • Tides & Prime Times | BY TF&G

STAFF

go. Gently raking the tip of the blade across the skeleton maximizes the amount of meat you remove.

TEXAS BOATING Damage Conrol |

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•

110

BY LENNY RUDOW

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PAUL’S TIPS • Chasing Squirrels |

OUTDOOR CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY • Guides, Gear and More | BY TF&G STAFF TF&G PHOTOS • Your Action Photos | BY TF&G READERS

BY PAUL BRADSHAW

GEARING UP SECTION

TEXAS TESTED • Lowrance, Ocean Racing | BY TF&G STAFF

NEW PRODUCTS • Hot New Outdoor Gear | BY TF&G STAFF

INDUSTRY INSIDER TF&G STAFF

•

| BY

FLIP FLOUNDER on its back and repeat Step 2.

Step 6

Step 4

TEXAS TASTED • Barbecue Shrimp | BY BRYAN SLAVEN

•

BY GREG BERLOCHER

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OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE SECTION

106

BY LOU MARULLO

TEXAS KAYAKING A Devil of a Time |

SPECIAL SECTION • Father’s Day Gift Guide | BY TF&G STAFF

www.FishGame.com bone which runs inside the back of the gut cavity. Spread both fillets out and then, grasping the flounder’s head, stand the skeleton vertically and bend it 90 degrees to the right and then to the left. This motion breaks the joints between the skeleton and fins. Repeat if necessary. The skeleton can then be unzipped from the body with a gentle tearing motion.

Step 8 Fillet flounder up and over the backbone, again stopping before you cut through the skin on the other side.

Step 7

Step 5

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PHOTOS : GRREG BERLOCHER

CONTINUE FILLETING up and over the backbone but do not run your knife all the way through the skin on the other side. It is important that the fillet stay connected to body.

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UPPER GULF COAST

Pig Pen Specks, Oyster Reds by TOM BEHRENS tbehrens@fishgame.com

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BEST BAITS: Lighter colored soft plastics with a 1/8-ounce jighead CONTACT: Capt. Eddie Hernandez, 409-721-5467, or 409-673-3100 TIPS: Make sure you have a Louisiana license LOCATION: Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Hanna’s Reef GPS: N29 28.70298, W94 45.70302 (29.478383, -94.761717) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Red Shad colored Bass Assassins CONTACT: Capt. Steve Hillman, 409256-7937 TIPS: Hanna’s reef produces a lot of big fish in May. LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: San Luis Pass Flats GPS: N29 5.673, W95 6.88002 (29.094550, -95.114667) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Super Spooks and Skitter Walks in chrome/blue, Bass Assassins in plum, and chartreuse CONTACT: Capt. Steve Hillman, 409256-7937 TIPS: Wade-fishing; if there is a lot of current or wind, switch to 1/8-ounce jighead. LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Cottons GPS: N28 30.60198, W96 12.603 (28.510033, -96.210050) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Topwaters CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz, 281450-4037 TIPS: Wade-fish the grass beds; look for working bait.

LOCATION: Sabine Pass HOTSPOT: East Jetties GPS: N29 40.287, W93 49.27002 (29.671450, -93.821167) SPECIES: speckled trout F I S H

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MIDDLE GULF COAST

Flounder, Reds & Chicken Foot Trout by TOM BEHRENS tbehrens@fishgame.com

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785-2686 TIPS: Look for the fish on the bottom coming out of the guts. LOCATION: Espiritu Santo Bay HOTSPOT: Conti Lake GPS: N28 19.023, W96 37.58598 (28.317050, -96.626433) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Cut mullet Carolina rigged CONTACT: Capt. Chris Martin, 361785-2686 TIPS: Redfish good on either wade-fishing or drifting. LOCATION: Mesquite Bay HOTSPOT: Cedar Point Flats GPS: N28 14.184, W96 39.91002 (28.236400, -96.665167) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Topwater lures CONTACT: Capt. Chris Martin, 361785-2686 TIPS: Chrome/blue is the best color combination for topwater baits in May. LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: Upper Estes Flats GPS: N27 57.05802, W97 5.331 (27.950967, -97.088850)

SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live shrimp or croaker CONTACT: Capt. Dan Poffenberger, 361-220-0563 TIPS: Drifting or wading, fishing live bait under a popping cork. LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: Traylor Island GPS: N27 55.995, W97 4.494 (27.933250, -97.074900) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live croaker CONTACT: Capt. John Barbree, 361222-0477 TIPS: Fish the shoreline in water no deeper than 2-4 feet deep. LOCATION: Port O’Connor HOTSPOT: Ransom Point GPS: N27 50.862, W97 8.397 (27.847700, -97.139950) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live croaker CONTACT: Capt. John Barbree, 361222-0477 TIPS: Look for spawning trout on the grass beds. LOCATION: San Antonio Bay HOTSPOT: Chicken Foot Reef GPS: N28 15.82002, W96 47.08002 (28.263667, -96.784667) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Chris Martin, 361785-2686 TIPS: Excellent location in May to drift with live shrimp under a popping cork. LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Yarborough Pass Flats GPS: N27 12.53202, W97 24.414 (27.208867, -97.406900) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Four-inch H&H chartreuse colored grubs with a twister tail CONTACT: Capt. Jon Fails, 361-9490133 TIPS: Make long drifts in 2-4 feet of water.

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mean sight fishing among the mangroves on the shore-side of the channel. Watch for tailing reds and jumping bait. Use a widegliding topwater or a jerkbait in gold/metalflake. Back up and fish the channel later.

LOWER GULF COAST

Speckled Trout Ranches by CALIXTO GONZALES cgonzales@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: East Shoreline GPS: N26 8.89098, W97 10.476 (26.148183, -97.174600)

SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters; soft plastics in glow/chartreuse, Pearl/chartreuse; live shrimp, ballyhoo CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956-551-9581 TIPS: Fish the potholes in the vast grass flats. Work with topwaters early, and move to plastics under a mauler as the sun gets higher. Meat is always good, especially on cloudy days Trout might also be on the

LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Kenedy Ranch Shoreline GPS: N27 15.55002, W97 25.15398 (27.259167, -97.419233) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastics in strawberry/white, black back, plum/chartreuse, root beer/red flake, Morning Glory CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361449-7441 TIPS: The shoreline continues to be an excellent trout spot through May and beyond. Try a Spook, Jr. or Badonadonk SS on cloudy days or early in the morning. Live bait and soft plastics are good choices along weedlines. Fish slowly and thoroughly. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Long Island Boat Channel GPS: N26 2.86002, W97 12.43002 (26.047667, -97.207167) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Topwaters; Logic Baits tandems in gold/metalflake CONTACT: Captain Allen Salinas, 956561-4535 TIPS: Calm mornings and high tides I N L A N D

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switch to plastics. Jerkbaits are tough to beat.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Unnecessary Island GPS: N26 12.72198, W97 16.34202 (26.212033, -97.272367) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp, Logic Baits Tandems and Singles in gold/glitter, wounded mullet CONTACT: Captain Allen Salinas, 956561-4535 TIPS: Drift between the ICA and Unnecessary with either live bait or soft plastics. Watch for trout holding on the perimeter of the color change. Watch for working birds. LOCATION: Port Mansfield HOTSPOT: King Ranch GPS: N26 46.30602, W97 28.35198 (26.771767, -97.472533) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft baits in Pearl/chartreuse, glow/chartreuse, purple/chartreuse Topwaters in baby trout, mullet, Bone CONTACT: Captain Steven Devries, 956289-3631

TIPS: The windward grass flats are great spots for anglers looking for some trout to stretch the line. Soft plastics under the venerable Mansfield Mauler is a great choice, or without the float if you prefer. Topwaters work early. LOCATION: Port Mansfield HOTSPOT: East Cut GPS: N26 33.93, W97 16.30302 (26.565500, -97.271717) SPECIES: kingfish BEST BAITS: Trolled ribbonfish, brokenback plugs, topwaters CONTACT: Captain Richard Bailey, 956369-5090 TIPS: May’s moderate winds mean that blue water comes close to shore. Members of the \”mosquito fleet\” can get around the jetties and drift or troll ribbonfish or broken back plugs. For a real trip, try using a topwater for some of the wildest strikes. LOCATION: South Padre Island HOTSPOT: South Bay Channels GPS: N26 2.961, W97 9.993 (26.049350, -97.166550) SPECIES: snook BEST BAITS: live shrimp, Logic Baits Tandems in wounded mullet, Reaction Strike Tail Swimmers CONTACT: Captain Allen Salinas, 956561-4535 TIPS: Some big snook prowl the channels on the tides. Free-line live shrimp along the drop-offs. Single and Tandem Logics or other soft plastics are tough to beat, especially on an incoming tide.

PINEY WOODS

Bass, Bream and Crappie by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Caddo Lake HOTSPOT: Big Green Break GPS: N32 42.07932, W94 3.01416 (32.701322, -94.050236) 64 |

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SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Senkos, surface poppers, buzzbaits CONTACT: Paul Keith, caddoguide1@att.net, 318-455-3437, caddolakefishing.com TIPS: Fish around the bases of the cypress trees and in the grass and lily pads in two to four feet of water. The Turtle Shell also is a good area to fish at this time of the year. LOCATION: Caddo Lake HOTSPOT: Sand Island GPS: N32 41.82366, W94 5.22354 (32.697061, -94.087059) SPECIES: bream BEST BAITS: Crickets, red worms CONTACT: Paul Keith, caddoguide1@att.net, 318-455-3437, caddolakefishing.com TIPS: Stay close to the cypress islands and thickets in one to three feet of water for bedding redears and bluegills. Old Folks Playground west of Pine Island also is a good area to fish for bedding bream. LOCATION: Lake Conroe HOTSPOT: Lewis Creek GPS: N30 25.4994, W95 34.04424 (30.424990, -95.567404) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, crappie jigs CONTACT: Richard Tatsch, admin@fishdudetx.com, 936-291-1277, fishdudetx.com TIPS: The crappie are through spawning and will be in brush piles 12 to 14 feet deep early and 16-20 feet later in the day. I use minnows rigged on a slip bobber so the depth can be adjusted. Fish the minnow just above the brush on 6-8-pound test line.

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ramp area and White Rock City Marina both have bank access. LOCATION: Toledo Bend Res. HOTSPOT: Bayou Seipe GPS: N31 43.7817, W93 49.86516 (31.729695, -93.831086) SPECIES: bream BEST BAITS: Crickets, worms, small artificial jigs CONTACT: Greg Crafts, gregcrafts@yahoo.com, 936-368-7151, toledobendguide.com TIPS: Bream will be moving onto their beds to spawn. Look for honeycomb circles in the shallows, usually in the cuts and pockets that are protected from the wind and waves. Work the bed from the outside to catch the most fish and not disturb the nest.

PRAIRIES & LAKES

Brave the Snakes for Whites & Cats by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Lake Aquilla HOTSPOT: Snake Island

GPS: N31 55.30656, W97 12.8484 (31.921776, -97.214140) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Rat-L-Traps, Little Georges CONTACT: Randy Routh, teamredneck@hotmail.com, 817-822-5539, teamredneck.net TIPS: White bass are running along the edge of the island and chasing shad early and late. Position the boat near the island and make long casts before working the lures back. Carry binoculars and glass the lake for birds diving on shad to locate whites. LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: Snake Island Hump GPS: N30 18.97008, W96 35.53044 (30.316168, -96.592174) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Punch bait, shad CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-GuideService.com TIPS: There is a hump here that is 6-7 feet deep at normal lake level. It is a good area to get out of the wind. Anchor and chum all around the boat. Late evening and night fishing can be very good. Fish all around the boat using 3/4 to 1-ounce egg sinker.

LOCATION: Lake Livingston HOTSPOT: White Rock Creek GPS: N30 58.45476, W95 20.30172 (30.974246, -95.338362) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: live minnows, black-blue or black-chartreuse jigs CONTACT: David S. Cox, dave@palmettoguideservice.com, 936291-9602, palmettoguideservice.com TIPS: Fish north of White Rock City Marina and target the brush tops in the cut banks. Focus on fishing water that is about four feet deep. The Highway 94 boat I N L A N D

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ventures@yahoo.com, 903-887-7896, kingcreekadventures.com TIPS: Focus on 16-30 feet deep water for hybrid stripers and watch your graph for baitfish. Fish near drop-offs. White bass also will be here in 8-16 feet of water. Try various colors of Slabs for white bass

near the bottom. Watch for surfacing activity. LOCATION: Fayette County Res. HOTSPOT: North Trees GPS: N29 56.241, W96 42.88608 (29.937350, -96.714768) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Shad, worms, liver, punch bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-GuideService.com TIPS: Tie up to a stump and chum the area lightly. Use No.6 treble hook for punch bait or liver. Use just enough weight to slip the line through a cork. The water will be 6-10 feet deep. Fish straight down over the chum. Set the hook at slightest bite. LOCATION: Gibbons Creek Res. HOTSPOT: Hot Water Discharge GPS: N30 38.4024, W96 3.19536 (30.640040, -96.053256) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Shad or stinkbait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-GuideService.com TIPS: Tie to buoy. Do not cross cable. Cast toward discharge using a cork along the banks. Also tie to stumps on right side of discharge, put out tight lines in stumps and open water. Chum where you will be casting. Fish will be spawning around the stumps. LOCATION: Lake Belton HOTSPOT: Moffat Middle Cove GPS: N31 10.96596, W97 28.71996 (31.182766, -97.478666) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Lively medium crappie minnows CONTACT: Bob Maindelle, Bob@HoldingTheLineGuideService.com, 254-368-7411, HoldingTheLineGuideService.com TIPS: Night fishing for hungry postspawn fish is the norm. Minnows fished under slip bobbers or spreader rigs under green or white lights are the best approach.

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Keep boat noise to a minimum. Use multiple rods and very depths, especially if the bite dies. LOCATION: Lake Cooper HOTSPOT: Pelican Point GPS: N33 19.81098, W95 40.29996 (33.330183, -95.671666) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: One-ounce SSS Moes Tackle Shop Jigging spoons CONTACT: Tony Parker, tawakonifishing@yahoo.com TIPS: White bass will be back on openwater humps such as Pelican Island, Harper’s Crossing and the humps just out from the spillway. Position your boat over schools of fish and fish spoons vertically off the bottom. Hybrid stripers also will be there. LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Little Ridge Park GPS: N33 3.8181, W96 27.77778 (33.063635, -96.462963) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: live shad, Rat-L-Traps CONTACT: Billy Kilpatrick, straightlineguide@yahoo.com, 214-232-7847, straightlineguide.com TIPS: Sand bass will be running the banks early in the mornings along with catfish chasing spawning shad. Slow roll live shad off the bottom. Lots of sand bass are caught this way from the banks. This is a great time to introduce kids to fishing.

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SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Jigs, small minnows CONTACT: Billy Kilpatrick, straightlineguide@yahoo.com, 214-232-7847, straightlineguide.com TIPS: Crappie are spawning in 2-6 feet of water. Use black and green jigs or small minnows under bobbers 2-3 feet down. Target brush or standing structure in this range of water. If you catch one fish stay there a while because the fish are in groups. LOCATION: Lake Lewisville HOTSPOT: Old Lake Dallas Dam Riprap GPS: N33 7.58706, W96 59.33412 (33.126451, -96.988902) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Secret 7 Dip Bait CONTACT: Bobby Kubin, bobby@bobby-catfishing.com, 817-4552894, bobby-catfishing.com TIPS: Target the ripraps along the Old Lake Dallas and Lake Lewisville dams with Secret 7 dip bait. Fish a slip-cork rig

LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Main-Lake Points GPS: N33 3.9648, W96 29.1063 (33.066080, -96.485105) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: live shad CONTACT: Billy Kilpatrick, straightlineguide@yahoo.com, 214-232-7847, straightlineguide.com TIPS: Catfish will be on most main-lake points eating shad in 3-8 feet of water. You can catch shad in abundance with a cast net. The shad will be running the banks during the morning hours. You can fill your freezer with catfish for the next 30 days. LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Culleoka Cove GPS: N33 8.60658, W96 28.2258 (33.143443, -96.470430) I N L A N D

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SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Mr. Twister Minnow Jigs CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff, ricky@rickysguideservice.com, 903-5617299, www.rickysguideservice.com TIPS: Crappie are 10-14 feet deep in brushpiles all over the lake, especially at the dam. Best colors are white-blue and green. Drop the jig straight down into the brush and work it back slowly. When you get the jig near the surface, give it small twitches. LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: Deer Island Trees GPS: N30 17.82096, W96 35.30532 (30.297016, -96.588422) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, chartreuse-black jigs CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103,

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FishTales-Guide Service.com TIPS: There are several stumps and trees in this spot with many brush piles around some of them. Tie up and fish the brush piles thoroughly. Fish the outer edges with a minnow 3-4 feet off the bottom. If using a jig lower it in the middle of the brush. LOCATION: Lake Texoma HOTSPOT: Washita Point GPS: N33 55.395, W96 35.4 (33.923250, -96.590000) SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: Sassy Shad jigs, Pencil Poppers, Chugbugs, live shad CONTACT: Bill Carey, bigfish@striperexpress.com, 877-786-4477, striperexpress.com TIPS: Stripers are finished spawning, are roaming the lake and will hit artificials and live bait. Cast topwateres on the shal-

low banks early and then switch to oneounce white glow Sassy Shad jigs or live shad on the main-lake ledges at 30 feet. LOCATION: Lake Whitney HOTSPOT: Whitney Point GPS: N31 54.6822, W97 20.62044 (31.911370, -97.343674) SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: live gizzard shad CONTACT: Randy Routh, teamredneck01@hotmail.com, 254-822-5539, www.teamredneck.net TIPS: Use a Carolina rig with a 2-ounce weight above a No.2 circle hook baited with gizzard shad. Make long casts to the hump and lock in the reel. Also fish straight down with two to three lines in 26 feet of water and take three cranks off the bottom. LOCATION: Richland-Chambers Res. HOTSPOT: Old 287 Roadbed GPS: N32 0.76824, W96 12.03984 (32.012804, -96.200664) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Watermelon-red 3 1/2-inch Kicker Kraw CONTACT: Steve Schmidt, steve@schmidtsbigbass.com, 682-5188252, schmidtsbigbass.com TIPS: Fish the top of the old 287 roadbed with a Kicker Kraw on a dropshot or Carolina rig. Keep the bait close to the drop-offs. Let the bait sit in one place for 15 seconds before moving it. Expect a light bite. Fish will be in about four feet of water. LOCATION: Richland-Chambers Res. HOTSPOT: Fisherman’s Point Marina GPS: N31 56.42712, W96 7.43808 (31.940452, -96.123968) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, jigs CONTACT: Royce Simmons royce@gonefishin.biz, 903-389-4117, gonefishin.biz TIPS: The last of the crappie spawn will be taking place. Look for them in shallow water on the far south end of the lake. Bank fishermen will be able to catch them in the coves around Fisherman’s Point

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Marina. Fish minnows and small jigs below slip corks. LOCATION: Richland-Chambers Res. HOTSPOT: 309 Flats GPS: N31 58.37718, W96 7.04508 (31.972953, -96.117418) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Rat-L-Traps, silver slabs CONTACT: Royce and Adam Simmons, royce@gonefishing.biz, 903-389-4117, www.gonefishing.biz TIPS: Look for gulls to help locate schools of baitfish white bass and hybrid striped bass are feeding on. Some of the best action will be in 20-30 feet of water near the edges of the flats. Expect large numbers of white bass and an occasional big hybrid. LOCATION: Stillhouse Hollow Lake HOTSPOT: Dana Peak GPS: N31 1.00398, W97 37.79796 (31.016733, -97.629966) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: live sunfish, shad, Black

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Saltys CONTACT: Bob Maindelle, Bob@HoldingTheLineGuideService.com, 254-368-7411, HoldingTheLineGuideService.com TIPS: The first and last two hours of light is best. Fish with tight lines in rod holders using circle hooks. Anchor very quietly so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spook the fish you have located.

BEST BAITS: Topwater lures, Texasrigged plastic worms CONTACT: Dave Caudle, fishinwithdave@aol.com, 325-365-1020, fishinwithdave.com TIPS: Largemouth bass are in their postspawn pattern. They are feeding around the main-lake points. Fish topwater lures during the early-morning hours and then go to plastic worms off the breaks in 12-25 feet of water.

PANHANDLE

Ivie Largemouth, Whites & Catfish by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: OH Ivie Res. HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N31 33.3999, W99 41.7516 (31.556665, -99.695860) SPECIES: largemouth bass

LOCATION: OH Ivie Res. HOTSPOT: 2134 Roadbed GPS: N31 34.09332, W99 40.11918 (31.568222, -99.668653) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Cheese bait CONTACT: Dave Caudle, fishinwithdave@aol.com, 325-365-1020, fishinwithdave.com TIPS: Channel catfish are feeding in the shallows off the 2134 roadbed near Leaday. Fish cheese bait just off the bottom beneath corks. Fly fishing in wadeable water off points early and late also will pro-

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duce some catches. LOCATION: OH Ivie Res. HOTSPOT: Main Lake Flats GPS: N31 32.80302, W99 40.48476 (31.546717, -99.674746) SPECIES: white bass

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BEST BAITS: Rat-L-Traps, chrome Slabs, topwater lures CONTACT: Dave Caudle, fishinwithdave@aol.com, 325-365-1020, fishinwithdave.com TIPS: White bass will be schooling off and on throughout the day. Watch for them

on the main lake flats and off points. Keep an eye out for feeding birds to locate the schools of white bass. Also be prepared to catch a big largemouth bass under the whites. LOCATION: Possum Kingdom Res. HOTSPOT: Costello Island GPS: N32 54.50946, W98 27.65598 (32.908491, -98.460933) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: live shad, minnows, slabs, crankbaits, topwater lures CONTACT: Dean Heffner, fav7734@aceweb.com, 940-329-0036 TIPS: Shad are spawning on the rocky banks. Watch for bird activity. Costello Island to Bird Island and the state park to mouth of Cedar Creek will be hotspots. Expect scattered catches of striped bass, hybrid stripers, crappie and largemouth bass.

BIG BEND

Black & White Bass on Amistad by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

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GPS: N29 43.88616, W101 21.096 (29.731436, -101.351600) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Hotspots, Rat-L-Traps, Johnson spoons CONTACT: Larry Scruggs, Amistad Lodge and Adventures, fisherofmenlrs@hotmail.com, 210-789-1645 TIPS: Look for feeding gulls to locate schools of white bass, stripers and hybrid stripers. Travel as far up the Pecos as possible for best results. The upper Devil’s River area also is a good place to fish. Use chrome swimming lures and silver spoons.

HILL COUNTRY

Sail into Canyon Bass by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

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bottom.

SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS

Channeling & Railroading Cats by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Lake Calaveras HOTSPOT: Railroad Bridge GPS: N29 18.14502, W98 20.28126 (29.302417, -98.338021) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Big Marv’s punch bait, shad CONTACT: Steve Nixon, fishhook0823@aol.com, 210-573-1230, sanantoniofishingguides.com TIPS: Fish the rocks along the riprap of the bridge with shad or punch bait. The flats on the east side of the bridge usually produce the best catches.

LOCATION: Lake Granger HOTSPOT: Main Lake Flats and Points GPS: N30 41.6058, W97 21.30018 (30.693430, -97.355003) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: 1/32-ounce Maribou jigs CONTACT: Tommy Tidwell, crappie1@hotmail.com, 512-365-7761, www.gotcrappie.com TIPS: Fish brush piles or natural brush in the main lake flats at 5-12 feet deep. Work the jig vertically right over the brush. If you don’t get a bite in five minutes, move to another brush pile. Chartreuse and yellow are the best colors to use. I N L A N D

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MAY 2011

Tides and Prime Times

USING THE PRIME TIMES CALENDAR

The following pages contain TIDE and SOLUNAR predictions for Galveston Channel (29.3166° N, 94.88° W).

T12

T11

T10

T3 T2 T1

TIDE PREDICTIONS are located in the upper white boxes on the Calendar Pages. Use the Correction Table below, which is keyed to 23 other tide stations, to adjust low and high tide times.

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY data is provided to indicate major and minor feeding periods for each day, as the daily phases of the moon have varying degrees of influence on many wildlife species.

T13 T7

T6 T5 T17

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY is shown in the lower color boxes of the Calendar pages. Use the SOLUNAR ADJUSTMENT SCALE below to adjust times for points East and West of Galveston Channel.

T15 T16

T14

AM & PM MINOR phases occur when the moon rises and sets. These phases last 1 to 2 hours.

T18

T19

SOLAR & LUNAR ACTIVITY: Sunrise: 6:34a Sunset: 7:51p

T20

PEAK DAYS: The closer the moon is to your location, the stronger the influence. FULL or NEW MOONS provide the strongest influnce of the month.

AM Minor: 9:11a AM Major: 2:57a PM Minor: 9:40p PM Major: 3:25p Moonrise:9:27a Moon Set: None Moon Overhead:

T21

TIDE PREDICTIONS are shown in graph form, with High and Low tide predictions in text immediately below.

4:55p

TIDE CORRECTION TABLE Add or subtract the time shown at the rightof the Tide Stations on this table (and map) to determine the adjustment from the time shown for GALVESTON CHANNEL in the calendars.

KEY T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

PLACE Sabine Bank Lighthouse Sabine Pass Jetty Sabine Pass Mesquite Pt, Sab. Pass Galveston Bay, S. Jetty Port Bolivar

HIGH -1:46 -1:26 -1:00 -0:04 -0:39 +0:14

LOW -1:31 -1:31 -1:15 -0:25 -1:05 -0:06

KEY PLACE HIGH Galveston Channel/Bays T7 Texas City Turning Basin +0:33 +3:54 T8 Eagle Point +6:05 T9 Clear Lake +10:21 T10 Morgans Point T11 Round Pt, Trinity Bay +10:39

LOW +0:41 +4:15 +6:40 +5:19 +5:15

KEY T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T17

PLACE Pt Barrow, Trinity Bay Gilchrist, East Bay Jamaica Beach, W. Bay Alligator Point, W. Bay Christmas Pt Galveston Pleasure Pier

HIGH +5:48 +3:16 +2:38 +2:39 +2:32 -1:06

LOW +4:43 +4:18 +3:31 +2:33 +2:31 -1:06

KEY T18 T19 T20 T21 T22 T23

SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK IS SPONSORED BY:

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION T22 T23

KEYS TO USING THE TIDE AND SOLUNAR GRAPHS TIDE GRAPH: Yellow: Daylight

12a

Tab: Peak Fishing Period

12p

12a

Green: Falling Tide

AM/PM Timeline Light Blue: Nighttime

BEST:

7:05-9:40 PM

Gold Fish: Best Time

Blue: Rising Tide Red Graph: Fishing Score

Blue Fish: Good Time

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY: MINOR Feeding Periods (+/- 1.5 Hrs.) Time Moon is at its Highest Point in the Sky 12a

AM/PM Timeline

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AM Minor: 1:20a

PM Minor: 1:45p

AM Major: 7:32a

PM Major: 7:57p

MAJOR Feeding Periods (+/- 2 Hrs.)

Moon Overhead: 8:50a 6a

12p

12a

Time Moon is Directly Underfoot (at its peak on opposite side of the earth)

Moon Underfoot: 9:15p M A Y

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PLACE San Luis Pass Freeport Harbor Pass Cavallo Aransas Pass Padre Island (So. End) Port Isabel

F I S H

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HIGH -0.09 -0:44 0:00 -0:03 -0:24 +1:02

LOW -0.09 -1:02 -1:20 -1:31 -1:45 -0:42

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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

= Peak Fishing Period

7:45-9:40 AM

= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

= New Moon = First Quarter = Full Moon = Last Quarter = Best Day

SUNDAY

May 1

Sunrise: 6:43a Moonrise: 2:18a

Set: 7:50p Set: 1:31p

Sunrise: 6:42a Moonrise: 2:52a

Set: 7:51p Set: 2:25p

Sunrise: 6:41a Moonrise: 3:23a

Set: 7:51p Set: 3:17p

Sunrise: 6:40a Moonrise: 3:53a

Set: 7:52p Set: 4:09p

Sunrise: 6:39a Moonrise: 4:22a

Set: 7:52p Set: 5:00p

Sunrise: 6:38a Moonrise: 4:52a

Set: 7:53p Set: 5:53p

Sunrise: 6:37a Moonrise: 5:23a

Set: 7:54p Set: 6:47p

AM Minor: 12:27p

PM Minor: 12:49p

AM Minor: 1:10a

PM Minor: 1:32p

AM Minor: 1:49a

PM Minor: 2:10p

AM Minor: 2:25a

PM Minor: 2:45p

AM Minor: 3:00a

PM Minor: 3:20p

AM Minor: 3:36a

PM Minor: 3:57p

AM Minor: 4:14a

PM Minor: 4:36p

AM Major: 6:38a

PM Major: 7:01p

AM Major: 7:21a

PM Major: 7:42p

AM Major: 7:59a

PM Major: 8:20p

AM Major: 8:35a

PM Major: 8:55p

AM Major: 9:10a

PM Major: 9:31p

AM Major: 9:46a

PM Major: 10:07p

AM Major: 10:25a

PM Major: 10:46p

Moon Overhead: 7:52a

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 9:18a

Moon Overhead: 8:36a 12a

12p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 9:58a 12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 11:19a

Moon Overhead: 10:38a

12a

12p

12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

Moon Overhead: 12:02p 12a

12p

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 8:15p +2.0

-1.0

Moon Underfoot: 10:59p

BEST:

2:30 — 4:30 AM

Moon Underfoot: 11:40p

BEST:

3:00 — 5:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: None

BEST:

4:30 — 6:30 PM

+2.0

BEST:

5:00 — 7:00 PM

6:00 — 8:00 PM

T I D E

L E V E L S

BEST:

2:00 — 4:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 10:18p

L E V E L S

BEST:

1:00 — 3:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 9:38p

T I D E

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 8:57p

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

5:19 am 1:17 pm 7:45 pm 11:10 pm

0.25ft. 1.34ft. 1.02ft. 1.13ft.

Low Tide: 6:33 am High Tide: 1:39 pm Low Tide: 8:02 pm

0.42ft. 1.27ft. 0.87ft.

I N L A N D

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

12:49 am 7:37 am 1:55 pm 8:19 pm

1.16ft. 0.58ft. 1.22ft. 0.72ft.

A L M A N A C

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

2:07 am 8:33 am 2:08 pm 8:38 pm

T E X A S

1.24ft. 0.72ft. 1.20ft. 0.56ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

F I S H

3:11 am 9:21 am 2:21 pm 8:59 pm

1.33ft. 0.86ft. 1.20ft. 0.40ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

4:06 am 10:02 am 2:33 pm 9:23 pm

G A M E ®

1.41ft. 0.99ft. 1.21ft. 0.27ft.

M A Y

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

4:54 am 10:38 am 2:44 pm 9:51 pm

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1.49ft. 1.10ft. 1.24ft. 0.16ft.

+1.0

-1.0

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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

= Peak Fishing Period

7:45-9:40 AM

= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Set: 7:54p Set: 7:42p

Sunrise: 6:35a Moonrise: 6:36a

Set: 7:55p Set: 8:38p

Sunrise: 6:35a Moonrise: 7:19a

Set: 7:56p Set: 9:34p

Sunrise: 6:34a Moonrise: 8:06a

AM Minor: 4:55a

PM Minor: 5:18p

AM Minor: 5:41a

PM Minor: 6:05p

AM Minor: 6:31a

PM Minor: 6:57p

AM Major: 11:07a

PM Major: 11:30p

AM Major: 11:53a

PM Major: 12:17p

AM Major: 12:19p

PM Major: 12:44p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 2:25p

Moon Overhead: 1:35p 12a

12p

12a

12p

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 6:36a Moonrise: 5:58a

Moon Overhead: 12:47p

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

Set: 7:56p Sunrise: 6:33a Set: 10:28p Moonrise: 8:59a

Set: 7:57p Sunrise: 6:32a Set: 11:20p Moonrise: 9:55a

Set: 7:58p Set: None

AM Minor: 7:26a

PM Minor: 7:52p

AM Minor: 8:23a

PM Minor: 8:50p

AM Minor: 9:22a

PM Minor: 9:49p

AM Minor: 10:21a

PM Minor: 10:47p

AM Major: 1:13a

PM Major: 1:39p

AM Major: 2:10a

PM Major: 2:37p

AM Major: 3:09a

PM Major: 3:35p

AM Major: 4:07a

PM Major: 4:34p

Moon Overhead: 3:17p 12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 5:03p

Moon Overhead: 4:10p 12a

12p

Sunrise: 6:32a Set: 7:58p Moonrise: 10:55a Set: 12:08a

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 5:56p 12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 12:24a +2.0

-1.0

BEST:

L E V E L S

6:30 — 8:30 PM

Moon Underfoot: 2:51a

BEST:

12:30 — 2:30 PM

Moon Underfoot: 3:43a

BEST:

7:30 — 9:30 PM

BEST:

8:00 — 10:00 PM

8:30 — 10:30 PM

Moon Underfoot: 4:37a BEST:

9:00 — 11:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 5:30a +2.0

BEST:

9:30 — 11:30 PM

T I D E

L E V E L S

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 2:00a

T I D E

+1.0

Moon Underfoot: 1:11a

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

5:40 am 11:11 am 2:52 pm 10:21 pm

74 |

1.54ft. 1.19ft. 1.28ft. 0.07ft.

M A Y

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

6:25 am 11:42 am 2:53 pm 10:55 pm

2 0 1 1

1.58ft. 1.26ft. 1.31ft. 0.01ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

T E X A S

7:12 am 12:15 pm 2:43 pm 11:31 pm

1.60ft. High Tide: 8:03 am 1.61ft. 1.33ft. Low Tide: 12:53 pm 1.39ft. 1.35ft. High Tide: 2:32 pm 1.40ft. -0.03ft.

F I S H

G A M E ®

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

12:11 am 8:58 am 1:46 pm 2:24 pm

-0.05ft. Low Tide: 12:54 am -0.05ft. Low Tide: 1:42 am -0.01ft. 1.61ft. High Tide: 9:55 am 1.60ft. High Tide: 10:47 am 1.58ft. 1.44ft. 1.44ft.

I N L A N D

A L M A N A C

+1.0

-1.0

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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

7:45-9:40 AM

= Peak Fishing Period

= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

TUESDAY

9 Sunrise: 6:31a Set: 7:59p Sunrise: 6:30a Moonrise: 11:57a Set: 12:52a Moonrise: 1:00p

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Set: 8:00p Set: 1:33a

Sunrise: 6:29a Moonrise: 2:03p

Set: 8:00p Set: 2:11a

Sunrise: 6:29a Moonrise: 3:07p

Set: 8:01p Set: 2:48a

Sunrise: 6:28a Moonrise: 4:12p

Set: 8:01p Set: 3:25a

Sunrise: 6:28a Moonrise: 5:19p

Set: 8:02p Set: 4:03a

Sunrise: 6:27a Moonrise: 6:29p

Set: 8:03p Set: 4:44a

AM Minor: 11:17a

PM Minor: 11:43p

AM Minor: -----

PM Minor: 12:11p

AM Minor: 12:36p

PM Minor: 1:01p

AM Minor: 1:23a

PM Minor: 1:48p

AM Minor: 2:08a

PM Minor: 2:34p

AM Minor: 2:53a

PM Minor: 3:20p

AM Minor: 3:41a

PM Minor: 4:09p

AM Major: 5:04a

PM Major: 5:30p

AM Major: 5:58a

PM Major: 6:24p

AM Major: 6:49a

PM Major: 7:14p

AM Major: 7:36a

PM Major: 8:01p

AM Major: 8:21a

PM Major: 8:47p

AM Major: 9:07a

PM Major: 9:34p

AM Major: 9:55a

PM Major: 10:24p

Moon Overhead: 6:48p

12a

WEDNESDAY

12p

Moon Overhead: 8:29p

Moon Overhead: 7:39p 12a

12p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 9:19p 12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 11:05p

Moon Overhead: 10:11p 12a

12p

12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011

Moon Overhead: None 12a

12p

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 6:22a +2.0

-1.0

BEST:

12:00 — 2:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 9:45a

BEST:

1:00 — 3:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 10:37a

BEST:

2:30 — 4:30 PM

Moon Underfoot: 11:33a

BEST:

3:30 — 5:30 PM

+2.0

BEST:

4:00 — 6:00 PM

5:30 — 7:30 PM

T I D E

L E V E L S

Moon Underfoot: 8:54a

L E V E L S

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 8:04a

T I D E

+1.0

BEST:

6:00 — 8:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 7:14a

Low Tide: 2:35 am 0.08ft. High Tide: 11:29 am 1.53ft.

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

3:34 am 12:00 pm 6:46 pm 9:28 pm

0.21ft. 1.47ft. 1.10ft. 1.12ft.

Low Tide: 4:40 am 0.39ft. High Tide: 12:24 pm 1.40ft. Low Tide: 6:37 pm 0.84ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

12:01 am 5:52 am 12:43 pm 7:09 pm

1.15ft. 0.60ft. 1.34ft. 0.54ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

1:44 am 7:09 am 1:01 pm 7:49 pm

1.29ft. 0.82ft. 1.31ft. 0.21ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

3:07 am 8:25 am 1:19 pm 8:32 pm

1.46ft. 1.03ft. 1.33ft. -0.09ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

4:19 am 9:38 am 1:38 pm 9:18 pm

1.62ft. 1.20ft. 1.37ft. -0.33ft.

+1.0

-1.0

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Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 6:26a Moonrise: 7:38p

Set: 8:03p Set: 5:31a

Sunrise: 6:26a Moonrise: 8:45p

Set: 8:04p Set: 6:22a

Sunrise: 6:25a Moonrise: 9:47p

Set: 8:05p Set: 7:19a

AM Minor: 4:34a

PM Minor: 5:03p

AM Minor: 5:32a

PM Minor: 6:02p

AM Minor: 6:34a

PM Minor: 7:04p

AM Minor: 7:38a

PM Minor: 8:07p

AM Minor: 8:41a

PM Minor: 9:09p

AM Minor: 9:41a

PM Minor: 10:07p

AM Minor: 10:37a

PM Minor: 11:01p

AM Major: 10:49a

PM Major: 11:18p

AM Major: 11:47a

PM Major: -----

AM Major: 12:19p

PM Major: 12:49p

AM Major: 1:23a

PM Major: 1:53p

AM Major: 2:27a

PM Major: 2:55p

AM Major: 3:29a

PM Major: 3:54p

AM Major: 4:25a

PM Major: 4:49p

Moon Overhead: 12:02a

12a

12p

12a

12p

Sunrise: 6:25a Set: 8:05p Moonrise: 10:43p Set: 8:19a

Moon Overhead: 2:03a

Moon Overhead: 1:02a 12a

12p

Sunrise: 6:24a Set: 8:06p Moonrise: 11:32p Set: 9:20a

SUNDAY

Moon Overhead: 3:03a 12a

12p

Sunrise: 6:24a Moonrise: None

Moon Overhead: 4:55a

Moon Overhead: 4:01a

12a

12p

Set: 8:07p Set: 8:06p Sunrise: 6:23a Set: 10:21a Moonrise: 12:14a Set: 11:20a

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 5:45a 12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

= New Moon = First Quarter = Full Moon = Last Quarter = Best Day

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 12:32p +2.0

-1.0

BEST:

L E V E L S

6:00 — 8:00 PM

BEST:

6:30 — 8:30 PM

7:00 — 9:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 3:32p

Moon Underfoot: 4:28p

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 5:20p

BEST:

7:30 — 9:30 PM

8:00 — 10:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 6:08p

BEST:

+2.0

BEST:

9:00 — 11:00 PM

10:00P — 12:00A

T I D E

L E V E L S

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 2:33p

T I D E

+1.0

Moon Underfoot: 1:32p

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

5:23 am 10:45 am 2:00 pm 10:06 pm

1.73ft. 1.33ft. 1.42ft. -0.48ft.

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

6:24 am 11:47 am 2:26 pm 10:54 pm

1.78ft. 1.42ft. 1.46ft. -0.53ft.

I N L A N D

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

7:21 am 12:47 pm 2:55 pm 11:45 pm

1.77ft. High Tide: 8:17 am 1.46ft. Low Tide: 1:55 pm 1.48ft. High Tide: 3:24 pm -0.50ft.

A L M A N A C

T E X A S

1.71ft. 1.45ft. 1.45ft.

Low Tide: 12:35 am -0.39ft. Low Tide: 1:27 am -0.22ft. Low Tide: High Tide: 9:11 am 1.63ft. High Tide: 10:01 am 1.53ft. High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

F I S H

G A M E ®

M A Y

2:20 am 10:44 am 6:06 pm 6:53 pm

2 0 1 1

-0.01ft. 1.44ft. 1.14ft. 1.15ft.

+1.0

-1.0

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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

= Peak Fishing Period

7:45-9:40 AM

= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

TUESDAY

23 Sunrise: 6:23a Set: 8:08p Sunrise: 6:22a Moonrise: 12:51a Set: 12:16p Moonrise: 1:24a

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Set: 8:08p Set: 1:10p

Sunrise: 6:22a Moonrise: 1:54a

Set: 8:09p Set: 2:02p

Sunrise: 6:22a Moonrise: 2:23a

Set: 8:09p Set: 2:54p

Sunrise: 6:21a Moonrise: 2:53a

Set: 8:10p Set: 3:46p

Sunrise: 6:21a Moonrise: 3:24a

Set: 8:10p Set: 4:39p

Sunrise: 6:21a Moonrise: 3:57a

Set: 8:11p Set: 5:34p

AM Minor: 11:27a

PM Minor: 11:49p

AM Minor: -----

PM Minor: 12:12p

AM Minor: 12:32p

PM Minor: 12:53p

AM Minor: 1:10a

PM Minor: 1:31p

AM Minor: 1:47a

PM Minor: 2:07p

AM Minor: 2:23a

PM Minor: 2:44p

AM Minor: 3:01a

PM Minor: 3:23p

AM Major: 5:16a

PM Major: 5:38p

AM Major: 6:01a

PM Major: 6:22p

AM Major: 6:42a

PM Major: 7:03p

AM Major: 7:20a

PM Major: 7:41p

AM Major: 7:57a

PM Major: 8:18p

AM Major: 8:34a

PM Major: 8:55p

AM Major: 9:12a

PM Major: 9:35p

Moon Overhead: 6:31a

12a

WEDNESDAY

12p

Moon Overhead: 7:55a

Moon Overhead: 7:14a 12a

12p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 8:36a 12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 9:58a

Moon Overhead: 9:16a 12a

12p

12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011

Moon Overhead: 10:43a 12a

12p

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 6:53p +2.0

-1.0

BEST:

12:30 — 2:30 AM

Moon Underfoot: 9:37p

BEST:

1:00 — 3:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 10:20p

BEST:

2:00 — 4:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 11:06p

BEST:

3:00 — 5:00 PM

+2.0

BEST:

4:00 — 6:00 PM

5:00 — 7:00 PM

T I D E

L E V E L S

Moon Underfoot: 8:56p

L E V E L S

BEST:

12:00 — 2:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 8:16p

T I D E

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 7:35p

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

3:14 am 11:18 am 6:19 pm 9:17 pm

78 |

0.21ft. 1.35ft. 0.99ft. 1.04ft.

M A Y

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

4:12 am 11:44 am 6:44 pm 11:17 pm

2 0 1 1

0.44ft. 1.28ft. 0.81ft. 1.02ft.

Low Tide: 5:15 am 0.65ft. High Tide: 12:04 pm 1.23ft. Low Tide: 7:09 pm 0.63ft.

T E X A S

F I S H

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

1:01 am 6:28 am 12:21 pm 7:34 pm

1.08ft. 0.85ft. 1.20ft. 0.46ft.

G A M E ®

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

2:27 am 7:46 am 12:34 pm 7:58 pm

1.18ft. 1.00ft. 1.19ft. 0.30ft.

I N L A N D

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

3:34 am 9:00 am 12:44 pm 8:25 pm

1.30ft. 1.12ft. 1.21ft. 0.15ft.

A L M A N A C

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

4:26 am 10:06 am 12:51 pm 8:54 pm

1.40ft. 1.21ft. 1.24ft. 0.03ft.

+1.0

-1.0

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Page 79

Tides and Prime Times for MAY 2011 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Sunrise: 6:20a Moonrise: 4:34a

Set: 8:12p Set: 6:30p

Sunrise: 6:20a Moonrise: 5:15a

Set: 8:12p Set: 7:26p

Sunrise: 6:20a Moonrise: 6:02a

Set: 8:13p Set: 8:22p

Sunrise: 6:20a Moonrise: 6:54a

Set: 8:13p Set: 9:15p

Sunrise: 6:19a Moonrise: 7:50a

AM Minor: 3:42a

PM Minor: 4:05p

AM Minor: 4:26a

PM Minor: 4:51p

AM Minor: 5:15a

PM Minor: 5:41p

AM Minor: 6:08a

PM Minor: 6:35p

AM Major: 9:54a

PM Major: 10:17p

AM Major: 10:39a

PM Major: 11:04p

AM Major: 11:28a

PM Major: 11:55p

AM Major: 11:51a

PM Major: 12:22p

Moon Overhead: 11:29a

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 1:11p

Moon Overhead: 12:19p 12a

12p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 2:05p 12a

12p

SATURDAY

Set: 8:14p Sunrise: 6:19a Set: 10:05p Moonrise: 8:49a

Set: 8:14p Sunrise: 6:19a Set: 10:51p Moonrise: 9:51a

Set: 8:15p Set: 11:33p

AM Minor: 7:05a

PM Minor: 7:32p

AM Minor: 8:03a

PM Minor: 8:30p

AM Minor: 9:02a

PM Minor: 9:28p

AM Major: 12:51p

PM Major: 1:18p

AM Major: 1:50a

PM Major: 2:17p

AM Major: 2:49a

PM Major: 3:15p

Moon Overhead: 3:53p

Moon Overhead: 2:59p 12a

SUNDAY

12p

12a

12p

Moon Overhead: 4:45p 12a

12p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

= New Moon = First Quarter = Full Moon = Last Quarter = Best Day

12a

FEET

Moon Underfoot: 11:54p +2.0

-1.0

L E V E L S

BEST:

6:00 — 8:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 1:38a

Moon Underfoot: 2:32a

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 3:26a

BEST:

6:30 — 8:30 PM

7:00 — 9:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 4:19a

BEST:

+2.0

BEST:

8:00 — 10:00 PM

9:00 — 11:00 PM

T I D E

L E V E L S

BEST:

5:30 — 7:30 PM

Moon Underfoot: 12:45a

T I D E

+1.0

BEST:

5:00 — 7:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: None

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

5:09 am 11:04 am 12:50 pm 9:26 pm

I N L A N D

A L M A N A C

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E ®

1.61ft.

M A Y

Low Tide: 12:38 am -0.22ft. High Tide: 9:17 am 1.57ft.

2 0 1 1

+1.0

-1.0

4/1/11

3:51 PM

Page 80

PHOTOS: LOWRANCE, OCEAN RACING

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M A Y

2 0 1 1

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E ®

I N L A N D

A L M A N A C

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Page 81

time. To many anglers, that ability alone is enough to make the $549 price a worthy expenditure. —Lenny Rudow

concrete or asphalt. Of course, few of us manage to keep track of a pair of glasses much longer than a couple of seasons, in the first place.

Shades of Comfort and Value

A L M A N A C

T E X A S

F I S H

hard-top style frames are available; you can check them out at www.oceanracing.com. —LR

On the Web www.lowrance.com www.oceanracing.com

G A M E ®

M A Y

2 0 1 1

4/1/11

3:54 PM

Performance for the Tight Spots

Page 82

North South Highway, Lewiston, ID 83501. Phone: 208-746-4717 Web: www.alpinearchery.com

Fish Hawk Crowned Best Value, Designed Boat for 2011

82 |

M A Y

2 0 1 1

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E ®

Fish Hawk 1650 wins honors.

I N L A N D

A L M A N A C

PHOTOS: ALIPIE ARCHERY, CRESTLINER, BIOBOR, TAURUS, WADE RIGHT

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Fight Ethanol with BioborEB

New Polymer Revolver

I N L A N D

Wade Right

A L M A N A C

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E ®

M A Y

2 0 1 1

3:56 PM

M A Y

2 0 1 1

T E X A S

Page 84

PHOTO: COSTA DEL MAR

4/1/11

G A M E ®

I N L A N D

A L M A N A C

PHOTO: VETERANS OUTDOORS

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4/1/11

3:56 PM

tain Division, was concluding a series of checkpoint missions in Sadar al Yusuf when a roadside bomb crippled his gun truck. The explosion damaged both of Roman's legs. The dance was in full affect when VO host, Cody Hirt stepped on stage dressed in an authentic Army Air Corps Major’s Uniform. Roman stood, unsuspecting, in the crowd with his friends while Hirt explained how the .308 Patriot Ordinance Factory Rifle was donated to serve “Rico Roman” on a dream whitetail hunt. To great applause, Roman walked toward the stage and shook hands with the presenters. He exuded genuine excitement and happiness as he was handed his rifle. The first week of December, the VO staff consisting of Hirt, Jim Stanek, and Joseph Esparza met Roman at the San Antonio Airport. The flight to Uvalde was provided by the Veterans Airlift Command, an organization dedicated to providing assistance and travel services to wounded veteran’s needs and special trips. The Live Oak Ranch was a returning sponsor of a Veteran Outdoors hunt. John Hopkins, owner of the ranch, and guides Ivan and Travis met the group at the airfield. Also there was Roman’s close friend Brian Ipock, of Athens, GA, who he had met while undergoing rehabilitation. The first evening was spent scouting to see what the ranch had to offer. Stanek and Ipock sat at one area of the ranch as Hirt, Roman and Esparza sat in another. The next morning, a different spot was chosen and watched over by the group of three. As usual, the does first stepped out of the damp grass. A few young bucks scampered about as Hirt and Roman engaged in the usual deer blind banter. Hushed excitement built as the larger bucks timidly stepped into view, avoiding a direct line of sight with the blind, and revealing just the tips of their massive antlers. A huge 9-point braved an open patch just long enough for Hirt to explain to Roman that this guy was a mature, well structured buck—a 5.5 to 6.5-year-old ready to be harvested. At the moment Roman decided to take his shot the buck drew away and vanished. 86 |

M A Y

2 0 1 1

T E X A S

Page 86

G A M E ®

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Over 400 abandoned crab traps were removed from Trinity Bay.

I N L A N D

A L M A N A C

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Page 87

A Special Section Celebrating The Ones Who Inspired Many of Us to Love the Outdoors Presented by Ammunition To Go

Howard Leight/Sperian

Swift Hitch-Two Loons Trading Co.

Angler Products

Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Specialties

Texas Fish And Game Magazine

Cold Mountain Enterprises,LLC

Lansky Sharpeners

ZipVac Product Line/CITI Industries Corporation

Faultline Outdoors

MKS Supply / Chiappa Firearms

Fishing Tackle Unlimited

Randolph Engineering

4/4/11

4:43 PM

Page 88

PHOTO: VLADIMIR KONJUSHENKOS, BIGSTOCK

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PHOTO: THOMAS PERKINS

88 |

M A Y

2 0 1 1

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E 速

I N L A N D

A L M A N A C

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Patience and a Cane Pole DECADES HAVE PASSED, BUT MEMORIES of sitting on the banks of a creek at old

Page 90

PHOTO: PETER MALOHLAVA, DREAMSTIME

—Bob Hood, Hunting Editor

90 |

M A Y

2 0 1 1

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E ®

I N L A N D

A L M A N A C

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4/1/11

3:58 PM

Page 92

PHOTO: JALE EVSEN, BIGSTOCK

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M A Y

2 0 1 1

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E ®

I N L A N D

A L M A N A C

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dads should probably get more than one day a year of appreciation. Extend Father’s Day this year to as many days as you can. They deserve it. —Ted Nugent, Editor-at-Large

Dad Hooked me on Fishing

PHOTO: CYNTHIA SKAAR, FOTOLIA

94 |

M A Y

2 0 1 1

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E ®

I N L A N D

A L M A N A C

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work a grunt call together. My foundation as a hunter, and person, was shaped by the time we spent together in that stand Dad built. —Paul Bradshaw, Contributing Editor

—Matt Williams, Freshwater Fishing Editor

A L M A N A C

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E ®

M A Y

2 0 1 1

4/1/11

3:59 PM

Page 96

PHOTO: THOMAS PERKINS

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M A Y

2 0 1 1

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E ®

I N L A N D

A L M A N A C

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PHOTO: DAWN WARD

family’s expanding universe. For five decades, “Grampa Art” was a regular feature at the Resort. Anyone interested in fishing could expect Art to take

Page 97

A L M A N A C

T E X A S

F I S H

G A M E ®

M A Y

2 0 1 1

4/1/11

4:00 PM

Benjamin’s Trail NP All-Weather

Air Power

got my attention and aroused my curiosity. I called the folks at Crosman and requested a new “adult” pellet

rifle for testing. After a rather lengthy discussion I finally decided which model I wanted (It turned out to be a Benjamin break-action in .22 caliber). It promptly arrived via UPS, along with a nice 3-9X scope and a couple boxes of pellets – one round-nosed for plinking and targets, and one hollow point for hunting. 98 |

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I mounted the scope, sighted the gun at about 50 feet, and headed out to reduce the burgeoning population of garden-raiding cottontails that the abundant spring rains had provided. When the first shot came it was at about 40 yards. I had not shot the gun at that range, but thought it would have considerable drop from the 50-foot sight-in, so I held high. Well, the shot went high; so for the second shot I held dead on the rabbit, squeezed the trigger, and the rabbit flopped over. The pellet struck a rock on the far side of the cocky cottontail and headed out over the brush with a high-pitched whine. I was amazed that a .22 caliber pellet would shoot completely through a cottontail rabbit at 40 yards and then ricochet off a rock. I was beginning to believe that this

pellet gun might be a useful hunting tool. The second shot came at about 25 yards. This rabbit was facing me, munching contentedly on some kind of greenery. I aimed at the junction of neck and chest and squeezed off the shot. The rabbit flopped over on its side, never even quivering. Now I was convinced that the .22 caliber rifle was sufficiently powerful for hunting rabbits. Further experimentation has shown that this gun is deadly out to about 40 yards. Further than that it starts to get a bit iffy. But what do you want from a pellet rifle? The Model I have is a Benjamin Trail NP All-Weather, a break-barrel single-shot. It is loaded by stuffing the pellet into the chamber that is revealed when the barrel is pulled down to cock and charge the gun. It has an advertised muzzle velocity of 950 feet per second. The propellant system is called a Nitro Piston. Most air guns, when cocked, compress a F I S H

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spring and piston. When the trigger is pulled it releases the spring and piston, which compresses air, which forces the pellet out the barrel. The Nitro Piston is a different system that when cocked compresses gas rather than a spring. This does a couple of things. One is that you can leave the gun cocked without the danger of the spring becoming permanently compressed. The gas that is compressed is nitrogen, thus the Nitro name. Second is that it does away with all the weird recoil, boinging, flopping, and other annoying side affects of the spring and plunger system. This means that a standard rifle scope can be used on the gun, because the forces that tear up a standard scope on a spring and piston gun are (I’m told) absent on the gas system guns. I am also told that the nitrogen compression system releases the potential energy more quickly than a spring piston. Another thing is that these guns are suppressed. They are up to 70 percent quieter than the old air guns. Of course you still hear the piston going forward, but there is almost no pop of air or pellet leaving the barrel. The first rabbit I shot at just sat there as I prepared the 2nd shot. He did that, I think, because there was no frightening “pop” when I missed the first shot. Accuracy of my Trail NP is good. It is not super accurate, but will keep most of its shots in an inch at 50 feet with the hollow point hunting pellets and a bit better with the target pellets. I shot one group with the target pellets that was just one ragged hole, but then it threw one shot high and left about an inch, for no reason that I could see (I did notice that some pellets went into the chamber easy, some were snug, and some went very hard. I take this as a discernible difference in pellet size, which could be a factor in the accuracy. Better, more consistent pellets might mean better accuracy.) One inch at 50 feet is acceptably good accu-

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racy from a $300 pellet gun; plenty good to hunt rabbits, squirrels, or ground squirrels out to 40 or 50 yards. You can get more accurate pellet rifles, but they will cost you as much as a new big game rifle, or more. The only negative thing I have to say about the gun is about the trigger. This thing is long, hard, creepy, inconsistent, gritty, and just plain hard to shoot. There is a trigger adjustment screw on the gun, and adjusting it to the maximum degree made some difference, just not enough. After the adjustment, however, I was able to shoot the gun off-hand well enough to hunt with it, if I was careful, but it was still unconscionably long. My suggestion to the manufacturer is to raise the price $30 bucks and put a good trigger in this gun. It deserves better than this. The bright side is that there is a dropin trigger available. It is made by Charlie DaTuna (charliedatuna.com — no kidding) and is called the GRT-III. It sells for $32.00, which includes shipping. I do not know how much improvement it would make, but any help would be worth the money.

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There is a drop-in trigger available. It is made by Charlie DaTuna (no kidding)

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All in all, this is a fine pellet gun. I would not hesitate to take it to the woods to use on squirrels, and the rabbits that have infested my place. The Trail NP is a well-made, solid, accurate, and powerful air rifle. This rifle is to air rifles what a a modern sniper rifle is to a .30-30 Winchester. Retail price is $299.99. Lewis and Clark carried a “medicine gun” along with them when they went west. It was an air gun, “made after the Girandoni pattern,” and was of large caliber; reports differ, but it was probably either a .46 or .51. It had an air reservoir in its butt

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and a magazine that held 20 lead balls. It was said to have required 2000 strokes of the pump to fill the reservoir, a strenuous 30 minute job. Reports state that it amazed the Indians to whom it was showed. It was not a child’s toy. Today it requires fewer pumps, or one, and we consider pellet rifles to be for children. Maybe, just maybe, it is time we changed our thinking on this issue.

E-mail Steve LaMascus at guns@fishgame.com

On the Web www.Crosman.com www.Charliedatuna.com

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What a SHOT! S I TYPE THIS MONTH’S COLUMN, I am sitting in an airport heading back home after experiencing one of the most exciting outdoor shows I have ever attended. I am talking about the 2011 Shot Show held in Las Vegas. I have spent the last three days walking down aisle after aisle interviewing some of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. After all, these are hunters talking to other hunters! Should we expect any less? All of them talked briefly about what was new for 2011 and I have to tell you I, for one, am impressed at the new lineup for the bowhunting world. It would be impossible to touch upon every new product I saw, but I would be remiss if I didn’t bring up the name Hunter’s Specialties. I was scheduled to only spend a few minutes there, but ended up looking at so many new and exciting products, I stayed over an hour…and could have stayed longer. They offered plenty of new scents to attract bucks your way along with their classic scent -free soap to help keep your human scent down. They now offer some of their scent attractors in an aerosol can, making it much easier to use and more economical as well. As if that is not enough, they also have an automatic scent dispenser that disperses the scent of your choosing in your hunting area. One container could last many hours. You have control on how fast and how often you have the scent released. Very cool! But wait…the best was yet to come! The guys at Hunter’s Specialties also showed me a pair of sunglasses. Not just any sunglasses. These sunglasses came equipped with an HD camera built into the frame. You simply wear the glasses and hit a

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switch and “bingo” you can record your hunt with great audio! They came with changeable lenses and four different colors for the frames. Not only can you now record your hunt, but you can also record your kids when they have no idea they are on camera! Hmmm…interesting. Thermacell also had some huge improvements to their lineup. A new mold design on their hand-held unit makes it much easier to fit in the new optional fabric case. They kept the idea of pockets on each side of the case, which makes it convenient to hold extra fuel and pads while in the field. A much quieter on/off switch was a welcomed improvement and the button used to start the fuel only took one try. Of course the hand-held unit came in their classic green color, but was also available in brown as well as a nice camo pattern. It is also available as a lantern for all of your outdoor gatherings. If you have never tried a Thermacell, then I would ask, “What are you waiting for?” It is the one bug repellant the really does work and it works well. If you are a hunter, fisherman, or just love to be in the outdoors, then you need one of these units. I stopped at the Leupold booth to see what they had new for 2011. I was so glad I did. I was introduced to a new range finder for bow hunters. A range finder is a must when it comes to bowhunting. After all, misjudging distance can mean the difference between venison in the freezer or just more ice! The problem with a range finder is the amount of movement needed to use it. Many hunters have been caught by whitetails when they try to use a rangefinder. Not any more! Leupold has a brand new design for a rangefinder that fits right on your bow. It sits above your sights and is easily turned on while you are at full draw by simply pressing a switch located on the front of the bow handle. When I first saw it, I thought it would add too much weight on the bow and it would be uncomfortable to hold with an outstretched arm. I was wrong. It is feather light F I S H

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and added no noticeable weight at all. The LED display was super easy to read and was very accurate. How cool is that? It used to be when you heard the name “Leupold”, you thought of optics for your rifle or shotgun. Now, they have expanded their line and I, for one, was excited to see the new bow rangefinder. Trijicon also had something new for the bowhunting world. Here is a company known for the high quality of their products. The new bow sight that they showed me proved that quality was definitely on their mind when they designed this. This bow sight came with a unique micro adjustment to make sure your pins are exactly where they need to be for success. The all-metal sight was built tough with the hunter in mind. It would be hard to hurt this “puppy.” Another plus was how light the sight was. Very impressive. Although the Shot Show was not open to the general public, Chester Moore and I made sure we had some video cameras with us. It would be impossible to cover everything at the show, but we think we covered enough so you too can get just as excited about the new products for 2011 as we were. Check it out at www.FishGame.com. I only have one regret about going to Las Vegas to see the Shot Show. Three days was only enough to wet your hunting whistle. You really need at least a full week to see everything there is to see. I already am looking forward to next year’s show.

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E-mail Lou Marullo at lmarullo@fishgame.com

On the Web See Lou’s SHOT Interviews: www.FishGame.com/videos

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A Devil of a Time UMBLING DOWN OUT OF SUTTON County and meandering through rugged and arid country, the Devil’s River meanders 38 miles, give or take a few double bladed paddles, before it empties into Lake Amistad. The river’s water is so pure it makes the stuff coming out of the tap look turbid. Paddling the pristine river is always a treat but casting lures and flies to river fish unaccustomed to human presence is indeed a special delight. Over Spring Break, 14-year old, Garrett Lehrman, accompanied by his dad, Rick, and Shane Davies, owner of River Run Guide Services, set the Junior Angler Catch & Release State Record for smallmouth bass while fishing the Devils’ River in a kayak. Actually, several fish the younger Lehrman caught would have broken the existing 20.3-inch catch & release record from the San Marcos River in August, 2008, but his best fish taped an honest 21.5 inches. Davies estimated the smallmouth weighed 6.5 – 7.0 pounds, a giant river bass by any standard. The trio launched out of Rough Brush Canyon Marina where the Devils’ empties into the lake and paddled upstream, fishing pools and creeks as they went. “This is truly a back country adventure. Everything has thorns. The area is rugged, desolate, and arid, and there is a great diversity in wildlife, including panthers, axis deer, wild turkey, aoudad, and mountain goats,” said Davies. The Lehrman’s grand adventure covered a 20-mile circuit: 10 miles upstream and then back to the starting point, with the group camping on the shores of different coves every night. As the sun rises, winds pick up on the river; paddling into the teeth of a serious headwind leaves paddlers

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exhausted. To extend their range and maximize fishing opportunities, Davies has his parties paddle at night after the wind lies down. Paddling in the glow of a full moon is very relaxing but it isn’t something a neophyte should consider. Kayak expeditions are strenuous affairs and even the after-dark paddling didn’t keep Garrett from falling asleep in his kayak every afternoon. Garrett and Rick landed 7 smallmouth 21-inches or longer; dad caught 3 while his son caught 4. Of the 7 fish, 3 would have broken the existing catch & release record. “I had never seen a smallmouth this large before,” said Davies. “It was a magnificent river fish. I didn’t want to touch it, so I grabbed it by the jaw. I could have pinched the tail together when measuring the fish but I didn’t want to take a change on removing any of its protective slime. If I would have done this the measurement would have been even longer.” Davies is selective of his river clientele. It is a physically demanding trip and paddlers need to be in good shape. Davies is meticulous regarding the amount of weight each paddler can handle. Weight distribution on a kayak is critical, and he limits the maximum load to 2/3 the rating carrying capacity of the hull. “You need to bring the right clothes, a bedroll, a fishing license and the right attitude,” Davies explained. “The devil is in the details.” The Lehrmans used spinning tackle spooled with 10-12 pound mono. “I wish we could get away with using heavier tackle,” Davies said “but you just can’t because the water is so clear.” Fluorocarbon leader is essential in the sediment-free water. Live bait is prohibited on this stretch of the river and the father and son team threw a variety of hardware, including: topwaters, crankbaits, and buzzbaits. Garrett’s largest smallmouth was fooled by a large soft plastic fished on a Carolina rig. The sly Davies was tight lipped about what type of soft plastic his river bass prefer. Rick hooked a fish that Davies estimated

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at 23-inches but the leviathan wallowed a hole in the water and shook off just before it slid to hand. I can just imagine the fatherson chatter around the campfire that night. Davies favors the lower end of the Devil’s for several reasons. “The severe drought has reduced some of the upper stretches to just a trickle,” he said. “You have to literally drag your kayak over long stretches of limestone river bottom. I saw two hulls recently that literally wore though due to the abrasion.” “Also, the upper stretches of the river run through private property. You can’t get out of the streambed to camp of you are trespassing. Even then, you still may have to contend with an angry land owner. I prefer not to have any gunpoint confrontations with landowners so I prefer the lower stretch of the river which cuts through federally owned land.” “Last year we had an epic flood. many of the fish on the upper river were moved and the fishing – at least for this season – is better on the lower stretch.” This trip isn’t for everyone,” said Davies. “I turn down business all the time. This is the last back country wilderness adventure left in Texas. It truly is the last frontier.” Overnighting on an unfamiliar river is not something anyone should attempt by themselves, or without a lot of planning – especially the Devil’s River – which can turn into a dangerous and boiling torrent in just minutes if a sudden rain storm hits. Davies offers 3-day trips but the majority of his expeditions last 5-days. “The beauty is so incredible and the fishing is so fantastic that people don’t want to leave after a trip,” he concluded. I can assure you that the Lehrman’s didn’t. I have it on good authority that this won’t be Garrett’s last trip to the Devil’s River. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this young man’s name in the record book again in future years. E-mail Greg Berlocher at kayak@fishgame.com. G A M E ®

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wrap your props, and cause a true docking disaster.

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secured, and you haven’t broken anything? Congratulations—that’s a docking job well done. Now go get yourself a hot dog, and celebrate.

E-mail Lenny Rudow at boating@fishgame.com

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Chasing Squirrels HAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU ever hunted? If you’re like most of us your initial hunting experience revolved around squirrels, which are like the panfish of the hunting world. Small and plentiful across most of the state, squirrels are a great way to introduce kids to the outdoors while teaching them skills they will use later when they move to big game. There is no better time to intro-

duce your kids to squirrels than right now, during the May season in the eastern part of the state, because the temperatures are moderate and you don’t have to worry about interrupting deer season. While squirrel hunting is fun, chasing bushy-tails does have its own challenges, so let’s look at a few tricks that you can use to put a few more in your game vest. The best advice I can give for starting your hunt is to find a likely spot, sit down with your back against a large tree, and wait. I don’t mean to sit there for three hours like deer hunting but resist the urge to move around as long as possible. Patience is a virtue, but if you’re hunting with your kids I understand the futility of trying to do this. 104 |

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So when the kids get antsy due to a lack of action, get up and still-hunt to another likely spot, then sit and wait again. The still hunting practice with your kids now, (don’t step on that stick, don’t crush those leaves) will translate into quieter walks to the deer stand in the fall. You can thank me later. If, during your still hunting, you happen to come across a group of squirrels feeding you’ll want to maximize the amount you take so don’t just shoot the first one that comes by. Take your time and start by shooting any squirrel on the ground first before shooting at the squirrels in the trees. The squirrels on the ground can get away or hide faster than those in the trees which will spend a lot of time running up and down tree trunks or jumping from limb to limb. A big problem dur-

ing spring hunts is the squirrel getting up in a tree and hiding, especially when chasing fox (red) squirrels which would rather hide than run when faced with danger. I’ve been on plenty of hunts where I knew there was a squirrel in a tree but never got a shot because as I walked around the tree the squirrel would stay on the opposite side of the trunk, constantly shifting as it heard me move. With two hunters there is an easy solution to this problem. One hunter stays still, while the other slowly walks around the tree. The squirrel hears the hunter moving and scurries around giving the stationary hunter an easy shot. Keep in mind that you are shooting up into a tree so make sure there is a backstop for the bullet and ensure your hunting partner is not in the line of flight for F I S H

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the shot. If you are going solo the problem of a squirrel hiding is a little harder (since you can’t be in two places at once) but not impossible to solve, it just takes a little ingenuity and some rope. Take a length of parachute cord (which should be carried in your hunting gear at all times just in case) and tie one end to a stick small, about the size you would use to play fetch with your dog. Hold onto the other end of the

ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL BRADSHAW

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rope while throwing the stick on the opposite side of the tree from where you are. If the squirrel doesn’t move to your side on the initial throw you can drag the stick back to you, sounding like a predator walking around the tree which will make the squirrel move. Sometimes getting a shot isn’t the problem, actually seeing a squirrel is. If you are on one of those hunts where you just can’t seem to find a squirrel then it’s time to break out the calls. Don’t look t me like that, they can work. The object here isn’t to call them into you but to cause a reaction so that you know their location. You want to make them bark back at a squirrel intruding on their territory so they give themselves up.

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Ingredients: 12 raw jumbo (or the largest you can find) Gulf shrimp, unpeeled with heads and tails left on

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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 ½ tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper ½ teaspoon oregano ½ teaspoon thyme ¾ teaspoon Texas Gourmet’s Searing Spice ¼ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic (2 cloves) 1 tablespoon of water half of 1 lemon, seeded 1/4 pound (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch slices

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gently stirring and occasionally turning the shrimp. After about two minutes of cooking, the shrimp should start turning pink on both sides, indicating they are nearly half cooked. 3. If the shrimp are jumbo sized, add 2 tablespoons water to the pan. Otherwise, don’t add water.

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4. Reduce the heat to medium-high and continue cooking as you gradually add the cold pieces of butter to the pan. While stirring the shrimp, stir in the butter pieces until they are incorporated into the pan juices, the sauce turns light brown and creamy as it simmers, and the shrimp are just cooked through. This will take about two minutes total if the shrimp are extra-large and about three minutes if they are jumbo sized.

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5. Serve immediately with hot garlic bread for sopping up the sauce and plenty of paper towels for cleaning your hands. Makes two servings. Bon Appetit.

Contact Bryan Slaven, “The Texas Gourmet,” at 888-234-7883, www.thetexasgourmet.com; or by email at texas-tasted@fishgame.com

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Cian Regan Nice Stringer of Catfish!! Calevaras Lake Capt. Steve Nixon San Antonio Fishing Guides

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GALVESTON

CORPUS CHRISTI

MIDDLE COAST

ROCKPORT Beverly Newton Drum 37-1/4” Redfish Charters

WWW.FISHGAME.COM

TEXAS HUNTING

TEXAS SALTWATER UPPER COAST (SABINE LAKE)

BAFFIN BAY

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Allycia Drum Redfish Charters

Dan Striper Striper Express

Stephanie Red San Antonio Fishing Guides

TEXAS FRESHWATER

LAKE TEXOMA

LAKE AMISTAD

EAST TEXAS

SOUTH TEXAS

FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION CALL 281.869.5519

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REDFISH | Corpus Christi Bay Elaine Vazquez of Ingleside caught this 23-inch redfish on mullet while fishing in Corpus Christi Bay.

LARGEMOUTH BASS | Private Pond Katie Wendler, Age 5, with her 2-pound largemouth bass she caught “all by herself” out of her Grandpa Curtis Wendler’s pond near Burton.

SPECKLED TROUT | Galveston Bay Chase Stanley, age 7, of Houston, caught this 19-inch speckled trout while fishing in Galveston Bay with his proud dad, Chris.

REDFISH | Lake Calaveras Burt Barnes of New Braunfels caught this freshwater redfish while fishing at Lake Calaveras. He caught the 41-inch red trolling a jig.

CRAPPIE | Moss Lake

TRIPLETAIL | Palacios Bay

Hailey Hester, age 6, of Denton caught her first crappie, 13 inches, while fishing with her Grammy and Grampy, (the Westbury’s) at Moss Lake in Cooke County.

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David Kana caught this Tripletail while fishing in Palacios Bay. The fish was 29 pounds, 2 ounces and was 34 1/4 inches long.

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MAIL TO: TFG PHOTOS 1745 Greens Rd, Houston TX 77032 NOTE: Print photos can not be returned.

EMAIL: photos@FishGame.com For best results, send MED to HIGH quality JPEG digital files only, please.

TROUT | Baffin Bay

CATFISH | Lake Granbury Garrett Thompson, age 7, of Frisco caught this catfish while fishing off his grandfather’s dock on Lake Granbury. Garret’s fish weighed just over 6 pounds.

No guarantee can be made as to when, or if, a submitted photo will be published.

REDFISH | Aransas Pass

Pat Bower of Casper,Wyoming caught and released this 27 1/2” speckled trout off Center Reef in Baffin Bay.

REDFISH | South Padre Walt Candelari caught this slot red while fishing at South Padre. The fish was 27.9 inches. Photo by Ron Hebert.

SPECKLED TROUT | Port Mansfield Four-year-old Kaleb DeLuna with his first catch ever, a 19.5-inch speckled trout. He caught the speck while fishing with his Granpa George Garcia at Port Mansfield.

CRAPPIE | Lake O’ the Pines Johnetta Mims caught this crappie while fishing at Lake O’ the Pines last spring. The crappie weighed 3.44 pounds and was 21-inches long.

KING MACKEREL | Surfside BLUEGILL | Eastland Savannah Johnson of Frisco caught this bluegill while fishing at the BJ Johnson Ranch near Eastlan.

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HOW TO

PHOTOS: GRADY ALLEN; GREG BERLOCHER

N O R T H

Step 1 SCALE BOTH SIDES of flounder. Beginning on the shoulder, make a semicircular cut down to the backbone, cutting from one side to the other. The cut should go just behind the gill plates.

Step 2 INSERT THE TIP of the fillet knife into the cut and run the tip down the side of the flounder, making a slit just above the dorsal fin (The side with the eyes), stopping just before the tail.

Step 3 USING THE TIP of the fillet knife and following the slit, begin filleting the flounder, pulling back the meat as you

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In This Issue HOW-TO SECTION

TEXAS GUNS & GEAR • The Pellet Gun Grows Up | BY STEVE LAMASCUS

BOWHUNTING TECH What a SHOT! |

•

TEXAS BOATING Damage Conrol |

•

BY LENNY RUDOW

OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE SECTION

BY LOU MARULLO

SPECIAL SECTION • Father’s Day Gift Guide | BY TF&G STAFF

PAUL’S TIPS • Chasing Squirrels |

OUTDOOR CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY • Guides, Gear and More | BY TF&G STAFF TF&G PHOTOS • Your Action Photos | BY TF&G READERS

BY PAUL BRADSHAW

COVER STORY • How to Unzip a Flounder | BY GREG BERLOCHER

FISHING FORECAST SECTION SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK • Tides & Prime Times | BY TF&G

STAFF

TEXAS HOTSPOTS • Texas’ Hottest Fishing Spots | BY TOM BEHRENS, CALIXTO GONZALES, & BOB HOOD

go. Gently raking the tip of the blade across the skeleton maximizes the amount of meat you remove.

TEXAS KAYAKING A Devil of a Time |

•

BY GREG BERLOCHER

GEARING UP SECTION

NEW PRODUCTS • Hot New Outdoor Gear | BY TF&G STAFF

TEXAS TESTED • Lowrance, Ocean Racing | BY TF&G STAFF

INDUSTRY INSIDER TF&G STAFF

• | BY

www.FishGame.com

FLIP FLOUNDER on its back and repeat Step 2.

Step 6

Step 4

Step 8 CONTINUE FILLETING up and over the backbone but do not run your knife all the way through the skin on the other side. It is important that the fillet stay connected to body.

Fillet flounder up and over the backbone, again stopping before you cut through the skin on the other side.

Step 7

Step 5

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MAY 2011

Tides and Prime Times

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SYMBOL KEY

New Moon

2 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

1.54ft. 1.19ft. 1.28ft. 0.07ft.

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 2:35 am 0.08ft. High Tide: 11:29 am 1.53ft.

Sunrise: 6:46a Moonrise: 12:13p AM Minor: 11:36a PM Minor: ----Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

6:00 — 8:00 AM

Set: 8:20p Set: 1:14a AM Major: 5:23a PM Major: 5:49p 7:07p 6:41a

PRIME TIME

5:23 am 10:45 am 2:00 pm 10:06 pm

1.73ft. 1.33ft. 1.42ft. -0.48ft.

Sunrise: 6:41a Moonrise: 8:01p AM Minor: 4:52a PM Minor: 5:22p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

6:00 — 8:00 PM

Set: 8:25p Set: 5:46a AM Major: 11:07a PM Major: 11:37p 12:21a 12:51p

PRIME TIME 3:14 am 11:18 am 6:19 pm 9:17 pm

0.21ft. 1.35ft. 0.99ft. 1.04ft.

Sunrise: 6:37a Moonrise: 1:12a AM Minor: 11:45a PM Minor: ----Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

60 |

6:30 — 8:30 PM

Set: 8:15p Set: 8:05p AM Major: 11:25a PM Major: 11:48p 1:06p 12:43a

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

First Quarter

PRIME TIME 5:40 am 11:11 am 2:52 pm 10:21 pm

Sunrise: 6:52a Moonrise: 6:14a AM Minor: 5:14a PM Minor: 5:37p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

M A Y

12:00 — 2:00 AM

Set: 8:30p Set: 12:34p AM Major: 5:34a PM Major: 5:56p 6:50a 7:12p

2 0 1 1

PRIME TIME

6:25 am 11:42 am 2:53 pm 10:55 pm

1.58ft. 1.26ft. 1.31ft. 0.01ft.

Sunrise: 6:51a Moonrise: 6:51a AM Minor: 6:00a PM Minor: 6:24p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

10 Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

12:00 — 2:00 AM

Sunrise: 6:41a Moonrise: 9:09p AM Minor: 5:50a PM Minor: 6:20p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

6:30 — 8:30 PM

Set: 8:26p Set: 6:37a AM Major: ----PM Major: 12:05p 1:21a 1:51p 0.44ft. 1.28ft. 0.81ft. 1.02ft.

Sunrise: 6:37a Moonrise: 1:44a AM Minor: 12:06a PM Minor: 12:30p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

12:30 — 2:30 AM

Set: 8:30p Set: 1:28p AM Major: 6:20a PM Major: 6:41p 7:33a 7:54p

F I S H

Sunrise: 6:50a Moonrise: 7:34a AM Minor: 6:50a PM Minor: 7:15p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

7:30 — 9:30 PM

Set: 8:17p Set: 9:57p AM Major: 12:37a PM Major: 1:02p 2:44p 2:19a

PRIME TIME

18 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME

4:12 am 11:44 am 6:44 pm 11:17 pm

1.60ft. 1.33ft. 1.35ft. -0.03ft.

Sunrise: 6:45a Moonrise: 2:21p AM Minor: 12:54a PM Minor: 1:19p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

Set: 8:21p Set: 1:54a AM Major: 6:17a PM Major: 6:42p 7:58p 7:33a

1.78ft. 1.42ft. 1.46ft. -0.53ft.

PRIME TIME

7:12 am 12:15 pm 2:43 pm 11:31 pm

Low Tide: 4:40 am 0.39ft. High Tide: 12:24 pm 1.40ft. Low Tide: 6:37 pm 0.84ft.

PRIME TIME

6:24 am 11:47 am 2:26 pm 10:54 pm

T E X A S

Set: 8:16p Set: 9:01p AM Major: ----PM Major: 12:36p 1:54p 1:30a 0.21ft. 1.47ft. 1.10ft. 1.12ft.

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

12:30 — 2:30 PM

BEST DAYS

4 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME

3:34 am 12:00 pm 6:46 pm 9:28 pm

Sunrise: 6:45a Moonrise: 1:17p AM Minor: 12:05a PM Minor: 12:29p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME

Last Quarter Good Day

Full Moon

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

Set: 8:22p Set: 2:31a AM Major: 7:07a PM Major: 7:32p 8:48p 8:23a

PRIME TIME

7:21 am 12:47 pm 2:55 pm 11:45 pm

1.77ft. 1.46ft. 1.48ft. -0.50ft.

Sunrise: 6:40a Moonrise: 10:11p AM Minor: 6:52a PM Minor: 7:22p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

7:00 — 9:00 PM

Set: 8:26p Set: 7:33a AM Major: 12:37a PM Major: 1:07p 2:22a 2:52p

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 5:15 am 0.65ft. High Tide: 12:04 pm 1.23ft. Low Tide: 7:09 pm 0.63ft.

Sunrise: 6:37a Moonrise: 2:14a AM Minor: 12:51a PM Minor: 1:11p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

G A M E ®

1:00 — 3:00 AM

Set: 8:31p Set: 2:21p AM Major: 7:01a PM Major: 7:21p 8:14a 8:34p

N O R T H

PRIME TIME

High Tide: 8:03 am 1.61ft. Low Tide: 12:53 pm 1.39ft. High Tide: 2:32 pm 1.40ft.

Sunrise: 6:49a Moonrise: 8:21a AM Minor: 7:44a PM Minor: 8:10p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

Set: 8:17p Set: 10:52p AM Major: 1:31a PM Major: 1:57p 3:36p 3:10a

12 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME 12:01 am 5:52 am 12:43 pm 7:09 pm

Sunrise: 6:44a Moonrise: 3:26p AM Minor: 1:41a PM Minor: 2:07p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

High Tide: 8:17 am Low Tide: 1:55 pm High Tide: 3:24 pm

Sunrise: 6:39a Moonrise: 11:07p AM Minor: 7:56a PM Minor: 8:26p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

1.15ft. 0.60ft. 1.34ft. 0.54ft.

2:30 — 4:30 PM

Set: 8:22p Set: 3:07a AM Major: 7:54a PM Major: 8:19p 9:38p 9:13a

PRIME TIME 1.71ft. 1.45ft. 1.45ft.

7:30 — 9:30 PM

Set: 8:27p Set: 8:33a AM Major: 1:42a PM Major: 2:11p 3:22a 3:51p

26 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

8:00 — 10:00 PM

PRIME TIME 1:01 am 6:28 am 12:21 pm 7:34 pm

Sunrise: 6:36a Moonrise: 2:42a AM Minor: 1:29a PM Minor: 1:49p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

A L M A N A C

1.08ft. 0.85ft. 1.20ft. 0.46ft.

2:00 — 4:00 PM

Set: 8:32p Set: 3:13p AM Major: 7:39a PM Major: 7:59p 8:55a 9:15p

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MAY 2011

Tides and Prime Times

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME 4:54 am 10:38 am 2:44 pm 9:51 pm

1.49ft. 1.10ft. 1.24ft. 0.16ft.

Sunrise: 6:53a Moonrise: 5:40a AM Minor: 4:32a PM Minor: 4:54p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

6 Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

PRIME TIME 12:11 am 8:58 am 1:46 pm 2:24 pm

Sunrise: 6:49a Moonrise: 9:13a AM Minor: 8:42a PM Minor: 9:08p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

-0.05ft. 1.61ft. 1.44ft. 1.44ft.

Set: 8:18p Set: 11:43p AM Major: 2:28a PM Major: 2:55p 4:29p 4:02a

13 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME 1:44 am 7:09 am 1:01 pm 7:49 pm

Sunrise: 6:43a Moonrise: 4:32p AM Minor: 2:26a PM Minor: 2:52p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

1.29ft. 0.82ft. 1.31ft. 0.21ft.

Sunrise: 6:39a Moonrise: 11:55p AM Minor: 9:00a PM Minor: 9:28p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

3:30 — 5:30 PM

Set: 8:23p Set: 3:43a AM Major: 8:39a PM Major: 9:05p 10:30p 10:04a

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 12:35 am -0.39ft. High Tide: 9:11 am 1.63ft.

8:00 — 10:00 PM

Set: 8:28p Set: 9:35a AM Major: 2:46a PM Major: 3:14p 4:20a 4:47p

27 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

8:30 — 10:30 PM

PRIME TIME 2:27 am 7:46 am 12:34 pm 7:58 pm

Sunrise: 6:36a Moonrise: 3:11a AM Minor: 2:05a PM Minor: 2:26p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

1.18ft. 1.00ft. 1.19ft. 0.30ft.

3:00 — 5:00 PM

Set: 8:32p Set: 4:06p AM Major: 8:15a PM Major: 8:36p 9:35a 9:56p

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 12:54 am -0.05ft. High Tide: 9:55 am 1.60ft.

Sunrise: 6:48a Moonrise: 10:10a AM Minor: 9:40a PM Minor: 10:07p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

PRIME TIME

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

3:07 am 8:25 am 1:19 pm 8:32 pm

Sunrise: 6:43a Moonrise: 5:41p AM Minor: 3:12a PM Minor: 3:39p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

1.46ft. 1.03ft. 1.33ft. -0.09ft.

Low Tide: 1:27 am -0.22ft. High Tide: 10:01 am 1.53ft.

Sunrise: 6:38a Moonrise: None AM Minor: 10:00a PM Minor: 10:26p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

Sunrise: 6:35a Moonrise: 3:41a AM Minor: 2:41a PM Minor: 3:03p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

1.30ft. 1.12ft. 1.21ft. 0.15ft.

Sunrise: 6:47a Moonrise: 11:11a AM Minor: 10:39a PM Minor: 11:05p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

9:30 — 11:30 PM

Set: 8:20p Set: 12:31a AM Major: 4:26a PM Major: 4:52p 6:15p 5:49a

PRIME TIME

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

4:19 am 9:38 am 1:38 pm 9:18 pm

1.62ft. 1.20ft. 1.37ft. -0.33ft.

Sunrise: 6:42a Moonrise: 6:51p AM Minor: 4:00a PM Minor: 4:28p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

9:00 — 11:00 PM

Set: 8:33p Set: 5:00p AM Major: 8:52a PM Major: 9:14p 10:17a 10:39p

A L M A N A C

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

4:00 — 6:00 PM

Set: 8:15p Set: 7:09p AM Major: 10:43a PM Major: 11:05p 12:21p None

Low Tide: 1:42 am -0.01ft. High Tide: 10:47 am 1.58ft.

PRIME TIME 3:34 am 9:00 am 12:44 pm 8:25 pm

6:00 — 8:00 PM

PRIME TIME

Set: 8:28p Set: 10:37a AM Major: 3:47a PM Major: 4:13p 5:14a 5:39p

28 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

4:00 — 6:00 PM

Set: 8:24p Set: 4:20a AM Major: 9:25a PM Major: 9:52p 11:24p 10:57a

N O R T H

9:00 — 11:00 PM

Set: 8:19p Set: None AM Major: 3:27a PM Major: 3:54p 5:22p 4:56a

TIDE CORRECTION TABLE

SUNDAY

5:30 — 7:30 PM

Set: 8:24p Set: 5:01a AM Major: 10:14a PM Major: 10:42p None 11:52a

PRIME TIME 2:20 am 10:44 am 6:06 pm 6:53 pm

-0.01ft. 1.44ft. 1.14ft. 1.15ft.

Sunrise: 6:38a Moonrise: 12:36a AM Minor: 10:55a PM Minor: 11:19p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

10:00P — 12:00A

Set: 8:29p Set: 11:36a AM Major: 4:43a PM Major: 5:07p 6:04a 6:27p

PRIME TIME

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

4:26 am 10:06 am 12:51 pm 8:54 pm

1.40ft. 1.21ft. 1.24ft. 0.03ft.

Sunrise: 6:35a Moonrise: 4:13a AM Minor: 3:19a PM Minor: 3:42p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

T E X A S

F I S H

5:00 — 7:00 PM

Set: 8:33p Set: 5:56p AM Major: 9:31a PM Major: 9:53p 11:02a 11:25p

PLACE SABINE BANK LIGHTHOUSE (29.47° N, 93.72° W) SABINE PASS JETTY (29.65° N, 93.83° W) SABINE PASS (29.73° N, 93.87°W) MESQUITE PT, SABINE PASS (29.77° N, 93.9° W) GALV. BAY, SO. JETTY (29.34° N, 94.7° W) PORT BOLIVAR (29.36° N, 94.77° W) TX CITY TURNING BASIN (29.38° N, 94.88° W) EAGLE POINT (29.5° N, 94.91° W) CLEAR LAKE (29.56° N, 95.06° W) MORGANS POINT (29.68° N, 94.98° W) ROUND PT, TRINITY BAY (29.71° N, 94.69° W) PT. BARROW, TRIN. BAY (29.74° N, 94.83° W) GILCHRIST, E. BAY (29.52° N, 94.48° W) JAMAICA BCH., W. BAY (29.2° N, 94.98° W) ALLIGATOR PT., W. BAY (29.17° N, 94.13° W) CHRISTMAS PT, CHR. BAY (29.08° N, 94.17° W) GALV. PLEASURE PIER (29.29° N, 94.79° W) SAN LUIS PASS (29.08° N, 95.12° W) FREEPORT HARBOR (28.95° N, 95.31° W) PASS CAVALLO (28.37° N, 96.4° W) ARANSAS PASS (27.84° N, 97.05° W) PADRE ISL.(SO. END) (26.07° N, 97.16° W) PORT ISABEL (26.06° N, 97.22° W)

Mon 30 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

5:09 am 11:04 am 12:50 pm 9:26 pm

HIGH

LOW

-1:46

-1:31

-1:26

-1:31

-1:00

-1:15

-0:04

-0:25

-0:39

-1:05

+0:14

-0:06

+0:33

+0:41

+3:54

+4:15

+6:05

+6:40

+10:21

+5:19

+10:39

+5:15

+5:48

+4:43

+3:16

+4:18

+2:38

+3:31

+2:39

+2:33

+2:32

+2:31

-1:06

-0.09

-0:44

-1:02

0:00

-1:20

-0:03

-1:31

-0:24

-1:45

+1:02

-0:42

PRIME TIME

1.48ft. 1.28ft. 1.28ft. -0.08ft.

Sunrise: 6:35a Moonrise: 4:49a AM Minor: 4:00a PM Minor: 4:24p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

5:00 — 7:00 PM

Set: 8:34p Set: 6:53p AM Major: 10:12a PM Major: 10:36p 11:48a None

TUE 31

PRIME TIME

High Tide: 5:50 am 1.54ft. Low Tide: 10:00 pm -0.16ft.

Sunrise: 6:34a Moonrise: 5:30a AM Minor: 4:45a PM Minor: 5:10p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:

G A M E ®

M A Y

5:30 — 7:30 PM

Set: 8:34p Set: 7:50p AM Major: 10:57a PM Major: 11:22p 12:38p 12:13a

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PINEY WOODS

Bass, Bream and Crappie by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Caddo Lake HOTSPOT: Big Green Break GPS: N32 42.07932, W94 3.01416 (32.701322, -94.050236) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Senkos, surface poppers, buzzbaits CONTACT: Paul Keith, caddoguide1@att.net, 318-455-3437, caddolakefishing.com TIPS: Fish around the bases of the cypress trees and in the grass and lily pads in two to four feet of water. The Turtle Shell also is a good area to fish at this time of the year. LOCATION: Caddo Lake HOTSPOT: Sand Island GPS: N32 41.82366, W94 5.22354 (32.697061, -94.087059) SPECIES: bream BEST BAITS: Crickets, red worms CONTACT: Paul Keith, caddoguide1@att.net, 318-455-3437, caddolakefishing.com TIPS: Stay close to the cypress islands and thickets in one to three feet of water for bedding redears and bluegills. Old Folks Playground west of Pine Island also is a good area to fish for bedding bream. LOCATION: Lake Conroe HOTSPOT: Lewis Creek GPS: N30 25.4994, W95 34.04424 (30.424990, -95.567404) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, crappie jigs 62 |

M A Y

2 0 1 1

T E X A S

CONTACT: Richard Tatsch, admin@fishdudetx.com, 936-291-1277, fishdudetx.com TIPS: The crappie are through spawning and will be in brush piles 12 to 14 feet deep early and 16-20 feet later in the day. I use minnows rigged on a slip bobber so the depth can be adjusted. Fish the minnow just above the brush on 6-8-pound test line. LOCATION: Toledo Bend Res. HOTSPOT: Bayou Seipe GPS: N31 43.7817, W93 49.86516 (31.729695, -93.831086) SPECIES: bream BEST BAITS: Crickets, worms, small artificial jigs CONTACT: Greg Crafts, gregcrafts@yahoo.com, 936-368-7151, toledobendguide.com TIPS: Bream will be moving onto their beds to spawn. Look for honeycomb circles in the shallows, usually in the cuts and pockets that are protected from the wind and waves. Work the bed from the outside to catch the most fish and not disturb the nest.

PRAIRIES & LAKES

Brave the Snakes for Whites & Cats by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Lake Aquilla HOTSPOT: Snake Island GPS: N31 55.30656, W97 12.8484 (31.921776, -97.214140) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Rat-L-Traps, Little F I S H

G A M E 速

N O R T H

Georges CONTACT: Randy Routh, teamredneck@hotmail.com, 817-822-5539, teamredneck.net TIPS: White bass are running along the edge of the island and chasing shad early and late. Position the boat near the island and make long casts before working the lures back. Carry binoculars and glass the lake for birds diving on shad to locate whites. LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: Snake Island Hump GPS: N30 18.97008, W96 35.53044 (30.316168, -96.592174) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Punch bait, shad CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-GuideService.com TIPS: There is a hump here that is 6-7 feet deep at normal lake level. It is a good area to get out of the wind. Anchor and chum all around the boat. Late evening and night fishing can be very good. Fish all around the boat using 3/4 to 1-ounce egg sinker. LOCATION: Cedar Creek Res. HOTSPOT: Spillway Humps GPS: N32 15.04296, W96 6.807 (32.250716, -96.113450) SPECIES: hybrid striped bass BEST BAITS: Shad, Slabs, topwater lures CONTACT: Jason Barber, kingcreekadventures@yahoo.com, 903-887-7896, kingcreekadventures.com TIPS: Focus on 16-30 feet deep water for hybrid stripers and watch your graph for baitfish. Fish near drop-offs. White bass also will be here in 8-16 feet of water. Try various colors of Slabs for white bass near the bottom. Watch for surfacing activity. LOCATION: Fayette County Res. HOTSPOT: North Trees A L M A N A C

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GPS: N29 56.241, W96 42.88608 (29.937350, -96.714768) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Shad, worms, liver, punch bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-GuideService.com TIPS: Tie up to a stump and chum the area lightly. Use No.6 treble hook for punch bait or liver. Use just enough weight to slip the line through a cork. The water will be 6-10 feet deep. Fish straight down over the chum. Set the hook at slightest bite. LOCATION: Gibbons Creek Res. HOTSPOT: Hot Water Discharge GPS: N30 38.4024, W96 3.19536 (30.640040, -96.053256) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Shad or stinkbait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-GuideService.com TIPS: Tie to buoy. Do not cross cable.

N O R T H

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Cast toward discharge using a cork along the banks. Also tie to stumps on right side of discharge, put out tight lines in stumps and open water. Chum where you will be casting. Fish will be spawning around the stumps. LOCATION: Lake Belton HOTSPOT: Moffat Middle Cove GPS: N31 10.96596, W97 28.71996 (31.182766, -97.478666) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Lively medium crappie minnows CONTACT: Bob Maindelle, Bob@HoldingTheLineGuideService.com, 254-368-7411, HoldingTheLineGuideService.com TIPS: Night fishing for hungry postspawn fish is the norm. Minnows fished under slip bobbers or spreader rigs under green or white lights are the best approach. Keep boat noise to a minimum. Use multiple rods and very depths, especially if the bite dies.

A L M A N A C

T E X A S

F I S H

LOCATION: Lake Cooper HOTSPOT: Pelican Point GPS: N33 19.81098, W95 40.29996 (33.330183, -95.671666) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: One-ounce SSS Moes Tackle Shop Jigging spoons CONTACT: Tony Parker, tawakonifishing@yahoo.com TIPS: White bass will be back on openwater humps such as Pelican Island, Harper’s Crossing and the humps just out from the spillway. Position your boat over schools of fish and fish spoons vertically off the bottom. Hybrid stripers also will be there. LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Little Ridge Park GPS: N33 3.8181, W96 27.77778 (33.063635, -96.462963) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: live shad, Rat-L-Traps CONTACT: Billy Kilpatrick, straightlineguide@yahoo.com, 214-232-7847, straightlineguide.com

G A M E ®

M A Y

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TIPS: Sand bass will be running the banks early in the mornings along with catfish chasing spawning shad. Slow roll live shad off the bottom. Lots of sand bass are caught this way from the banks. This is a great time to introduce kids to fishing. LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Main-Lake Points GPS: N33 3.9648, W96 29.1063 (33.066080, -96.485105) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: live shad CONTACT: Billy Kilpatrick, straightlineguide@yahoo.com, 214-232-7847, straightlineguide.com TIPS: Catfish will be on most main-lake points eating shad in 3-8 feet of water. You can catch shad in abundance with a cast net. The shad will be running the banks during the morning hours. You can fill your freezer with catfish for the next 30 days. LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Culleoka Cove GPS: N33 8.60658, W96 28.2258 (33.143443, -96.470430) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Jigs, small minnows CONTACT: Billy Kilpatrick, straightlineguide@yahoo.com, 214-232-7847, straightlineguide.com TIPS: Crappie are spawning in 2-6 feet of water. Use black and green jigs or small minnows under bobbers 2-3 feet down. Target brush or standing structure in this range of water. If you catch one fish stay there a while because the fish are in groups. LOCATION: Lake Lewisville HOTSPOT: Old Lake Dallas Dam Riprap GPS: N33 7.58706, W96 59.33412 (33.126451, -96.988902) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Secret 7 Dip Bait CONTACT: Bobby Kubin, bobby@bobby-catfishing.com, 817-4552894, bobby-catfishing.com TIPS: Target the ripraps along the Old Lake Dallas and Lake Lewisville dams with Secret 7 dip bait. Fish a slip-cork rig 64 |

M A Y

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with No. 6 treble hook. Cast up against the rocks in 1-5 feet of water. Chum with soured grain or range cubes to bring in more fish. LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: Neches River Bend GPS: N32 17.92596, W95 26.88996 (32.298766, -95.448166) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Shimmy Shakers, small crankbaits, spinnerbaits CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff, ricky@rickysguideservice.com, 903-5617299, www.rickysguideservice.com TIPS: The bass will be good in the shallows just about all over the lake. The bends in the river from Indian Creek up-river to Cobb Creek at the south end will produce catches. Blue-flake plastic worms also work well in the bends of the river. Fish slow. LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: Dam Brushpiles GPS: N32 3.45756, W95 26.26098 (32.057626, -95.437683) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Mr. Twister Minnow Jigs CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff, ricky@rickysguideservice.com, 903-5617299, www.rickysguideservice.com TIPS: Crappie are 10-14 feet deep in brushpiles all over the lake, especially at the dam. Best colors are white-blue and green. Drop the jig straight down into the brush and work it back slowly. When you get the jig near the surface, give it small twitches. LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: Deer Island Trees GPS: N30 17.82096, W96 35.30532 (30.297016, -96.588422) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, chartreuse-black jigs CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-Guide Service.com TIPS: There are several stumps and trees in this spot with many brush piles around some of them. Tie up and fish the brush piles thoroughly. Fish the outer F I S H

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edges with a minnow 3-4 feet off the bottom. If using a jig lower it in the middle of the brush. LOCATION: Lake Texoma HOTSPOT: Washita Point GPS: N33 55.395, W96 35.4 (33.923250, -96.590000) SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: Sassy Shad jigs, Pencil Poppers, Chugbugs, live shad CONTACT: Bill Carey, bigfish@striperexpress.com, 877-786-4477, striperexpress.com TIPS: Stripers are finished spawning, are roaming the lake and will hit artificials and live bait. Cast topwateres on the shallow banks early and then switch to oneounce white glow Sassy Shad jigs or live shad on the main-lake ledges at 30 feet. LOCATION: Lake Whitney HOTSPOT: Whitney Point GPS: N31 54.6822, W97 20.62044 (31.911370, -97.343674) SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: live gizzard shad CONTACT: Randy Routh, teamredneck01@hotmail.com, 254-822-5539, www.teamredneck.net TIPS: Use a Carolina rig with a 2-ounce weight above a No.2 circle hook baited with gizzard shad. Make long casts to the hump and lock in the reel. Also fish straight down with two to three lines in 26 feet of water and take three cranks off the bottom. LOCATION: Richland-Chambers Res. HOTSPOT: Old 287 Roadbed GPS: N32 0.76824, W96 12.03984 (32.012804, -96.200664) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Watermelon-red 3 1/2-inch Kicker Kraw CONTACT: Steve Schmidt, steve@schmidtsbigbass.com, 682-5188252, schmidtsbigbass.com TIPS: Fish the top of the old 287 roadbed with a Kicker Kraw on a dropshot or Carolina rig. Keep the bait close to the drop-offs. Let the bait sit in one place for 15 seconds before moving it. Expect a A L M A N A C

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light bite. Fish will be in about four feet of water. LOCATION: Richland-Chambers Res. HOTSPOT: Fisherman’s Point Marina GPS: N31 56.42712, W96 7.43808 (31.940452, -96.123968) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, jigs CONTACT: Royce Simmons royce@gonefishin.biz, 903-389-4117, gonefishin.biz TIPS: The last of the crappie spawn will be taking place. Look for them in shallow water on the far south end of the lake. Bank fishermen will be able to catch them in the coves around Fisherman’s Point Marina. Fish minnows and small jigs below slip corks. LOCATION: Richland-Chambers Res. HOTSPOT: 309 Flats

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GPS: N31 58.37718, W96 7.04508 (31.972953, -96.117418) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Rat-L-Traps, silver slabs CONTACT: Royce and Adam Simmons, royce@gonefishing.biz, 903-389-4117, www.gonefishing.biz TIPS: Look for gulls to help locate schools of baitfish white bass and hybrid striped bass are feeding on. Some of the best action will be in 20-30 feet of water near the edges of the flats. Expect large numbers of white bass and an occasional big hybrid. LOCATION: Stillhouse Hollow Lake HOTSPOT: Dana Peak GPS: N31 1.00398, W97 37.79796 (31.016733, -97.629966) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: live sunfish, shad, Black Saltys

CONTACT: Bob Maindelle, Bob@HoldingTheLineGuideService.com, 254-368-7411, HoldingTheLineGuideService.com TIPS: The first and last two hours of light is best. Fish with tight lines in rod holders using circle hooks. Anchor very quietly so you don’t spook the fish you have located.

PANHANDLE

Ivie Largemouth, Whites & Catfish by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

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LOCATION: OH Ivie Res. HOTSPOT: Main Lake Flats GPS: N31 32.80302, W99 40.48476 (31.546717, -99.674746) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Rat-L-Traps, chrome Slabs, topwater lures CONTACT: Dave Caudle, fishinwithdave@aol.com, 325-365-1020, fishinwithdave.com TIPS: White bass will be schooling off and on throughout the day. Watch for them on the main lake flats and off points. Keep an eye out for feeding birds to locate the schools of white bass. Also be prepared to catch a big largemouth bass under the whites. LOCATION: Possum Kingdom Res. HOTSPOT: Costello Island GPS: N32 54.50946, W98 27.65598 (32.908491, -98.460933) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: live shad, minnows, slabs, crankbaits, topwater lures CONTACT: Dean Heffner, fav7734@aceweb.com, 940-329-0036 TIPS: Shad are spawning on the rocky banks. Watch for bird activity. Costello Island to Bird Island and the state park to mouth of Cedar Creek will be hotspots. Expect scattered catches of striped bass, hybrid stripers, crappie and largemouth bass.

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ing into shallow areas. Fish the backs of coves containing brush and river cane with crawfish-pattern diving lures, chrome, craw-colored Hotspots and chartreuse spinnerbaits.

approach the sailboat area and work your way left to the marina. Watermelon-red Trick worms rigged Texas-style with 1/8ounce weights work well. Jewel Jigs with Net Paca Chunks work at the end caps.

HILL COUNTRY

SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS

Sail into Canyon Bass

Channeling & Railroading Cats

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

BIG BEND

Black & White Bass on Amistad by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

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TIPS: For big blue catfish, anchor on the main river channel about 30 yards upstream of the entrance to Molletes Creek. It will be deeper and it has a bend in the channel that produces the best catches. Use baits on a Carolina-type rig off the bottom. LOCATION: Lake Calaveras HOTSPOT: Railroad Bridge GPS: N29 18.14502, W98 20.28126 (29.302417, -98.338021) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Big Marv’s punch bait, shad CONTACT: Steve Nixon, fishhook0823@aol.com, 210-573-1230, sanantoniofishingguides.com TIPS: Fish the rocks along the riprap of the bridge with shad or punch bait. The flats on the east side of the bridge usually produce the best catches.

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UPPER GULF COAST

Pig Pen Specks, Oyster Reds by TOM BEHRENS tbehrens@fishgame.com

LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Oyster Lake GPS: N28 36.54, W96 10.99998 (28.609000, -96.183333) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Black Magic Norton soft plastics with 1/8-ounce; leadheads CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz, 281450-4037 TIPS: Early in the morning, start in close. Later in the day work out into the bay as the morning progresses; key on drop-offs behind sand bars. If drifting, work the deep shell. LOCATION: Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Todd’s Dump GPS: N29 29.71668, W94 54.55002 (29.495278, -94.909167) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Limetreuse or Red Shad colored Bass Assassins with 1/8-ounce; jighead CONTACT: Capt. Steve Hillman, 409256-7937 TIPS: Work the cuts in the reef looking for slicks and bait concentrations LOCATION: Sabine Lake HOTSPOT: South Caseway Reef GPS: N29 47.22102, W93 55.91898 (29.787017, -93.931983) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Pearl colored Skitter Walks early and late CONTACT: Capt. Eddie Hernandez, 409-721-5467, 409-673-3100 TIPS: Once the sun comes up switch to soft plastics under a popping cork LOCATION: Sabine Lake HOTSPOT: Blue Buck Point GPS: N29 47.77998, W93 54.43902 (29.796333, -93.907317) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Lighter colored soft plastics with a 1/4-ounce jighead CONTACT: Capt. Edie Hernandez, 409721-5467, 409-673-3100 TIPS: Look for bird activity or schooling fish

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LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: San Luis Pass Flats GPS: N29 5.673, W95 6.88002 (29.094550, -95.114667) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Super Spooks and Skitter Walks in chrome/blue, Bass Assassins in plum, and chartreuse CONTACT: Capt. Steve Hillman, 409256-7937 TIPS: wade-fishing; if there is a lot of current or wind, switch to 1/8-ounce jighead LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Cottons GPS: N28 30.60198, W96 12.603 (28.510033, -96.210050) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Topwaters CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz, 281450-4037 TIPS: wade-fish the grass beds; look for working bait.

MIDDLE GULF COAST

Flounder, Reds & Chicken Foot Trout by TOM BEHRENS tbehrens@fishgame.com

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LOCATION: San Antonio Bay HOTSPOT: Chicken Foot Reef GPS: N28 15.82002, W96 47.08002 (28.263667, -96.784667) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Chris Martin, 361785-2686 TIPS: Excellent location in May to drift with live shrimp under a popping cork

LOWER GULF COAST

Speckled Trout Ranches by CALIXTO GONZALES cgonzales@fishgame.com

beyond. Try a Spook, Jr. or Badonadonk SS on cloudy days or early in the morning. LOCATION: Port Mansfield HOTSPOT: King Ranch GPS: N26 46.30602, W97 28.35198 (26.771767, -97.472533) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft baits in Pearl/chartreuse, glow/chartreuse, purple/chartreuse Topwaters in baby trout, mullet, Bone CONTACT: Captain Steven Devries, 956289-3631 TIPS: The windward grass flats are great spots for anglers looking for some trout to stretch the line. Soft plastics under the Mansfield Mauler is a great choice. Topwaters work early.

On the Web Hundreds of Interactive Fishing Hotspots: www.FishGame.com/hotspots

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Performance for the Tight Spots FOR THOSE WHO HUNT FROM A TREEstand or ground blind the new F2 Liberator from Alpine Archery is designed to fit like a glove. But don’t let its compact size and light weight fool you. This is an arrow spiting monster. The F2 Liberator features a lightweight machined 6061 aluminum riser mounted with 12” parallel limbs and camoed up in Mossy Oak’s game fooling Break-Up Infinity pattern. The axle-to-axle is a short 30” and it weighs in at a light 3.5 lbs. It’s fitted with Large Velocitec cams with Patent Pending ‘Dynamic Load Balancing Technology’™ and is available at 60 and 70 lbs with a solid 80% let-off. The bow’s good looks are also enhanced with its comfortable two-piece Rosewood grip, brown hardware and antiqued medallion. Made for the tight spots of treestands and blinds the F2 Liberator is anything but tight when it comes to performance. Arrow speed is right at 315 fps at 30” draw length. We said short, we didn’t say slow. Next time you settle in to your stand or blind make sure your fingers are wrapped around a new F2 Liberator. The game won’t know what you’re shooting until it’s too late. For more information please contact: Alpine Archery, PO Box 319, 3101 North South Highway, Lewiston, ID 83501. Phone: 208-746-4717 Web: www.alpinearchery.com

Fish Hawk Named Top Boat TRAILER BOATS MAGAZINE RECENTLY bestowed the Excellence in Design Value Award to the new Crestliner 1650 Fish 70 |

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Hawk, as part of a program that defines and recognizes truly outstanding boat design. A well respected boating publication, the award places an exclamation on the 1650 Fish Hawk model that has already received abundant industry praise since its launch in March 2010. According to the editors, the 1650 Fish Hawk, “…maximized fishing space and storage room.” The editors went on to compliment the Fish Hawk for its abundant storage solutions, including its center rod locker and 8-foot capable under-gunnel rod storage. They also noted the 1650 Fish Hawk was the only boat in its class to offer a stern livewell as standard equipment. “Crestliner has successfully combined practical new features into a boat that is affordable, easy to tow and economical to operate,” they wrote. “In our mind, this is what the Excellence in Design Value award is all about.” The Excellence in Design Value Award will be presented to members of the Crestliner team during the 2011 Miami International Boat Show in February. “This award confirms the 1650 Fish Hawk hit the bull’s-eye of our intended target,” said Crestliner Product Manager Steve Rock. “The Crestliner design team set out to create a boat with premium features not seen in a boat in this class without breaking the bank. The 1650 [Fish Hawk] is a smaller boat with big boat features at a great price.” Like all Crestliner deep-V boats, the 1650 Fish Hawk touts superior durability thanks to Crestliner’s unique interlocking tongue and groove construction and continuous welding process. The 1650 Fish Hawk is available in side console, dual console, or walk-through configurations and features an oversized stern platform that can be expanded even further with an optional extension. “We salute all of this year’s winners for their courage to invest in new and unique ideas, particularly in these challenging economic times,” said Publisher/Editorial Director Jim Hendricks. “It is this kind of risk-taking that the F I S H

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Trailer Boats Excellence in Design Awards program is designed to recognize and reward.” Questions or comments can be directed to Lori Kneeland at lkneeland@crestliner.

Polymer Revolver A MODERN UPDATE ON A CLASSIC design, the new Taurus Protector Polymer Series is built for those who want the best of old and new. This revolver is offered with either a classically inspired checkered grip that has the look of wood but the purchase and durability of polymer or a Taurus Ribber Grip. Taurus’s new polymer hybrid frame makes the revolver lightweight and easy to carry. This 5-shot revolver is available in .38 Special +P or .357 Magnum ammunition models with blue or matte stainless finish. Additional features include a single action/double-action trigger, highly visible fiber optic front sight and ambidextrous thumb rest. The .38 Special + P model’s barrel measures 2.5 inches, with an overall length of 6.32 inches and weight of just 18.2 ounces. The .357 Magnum model’s barrel measures 2.5 inches, with an overall length of 6.32 inches and weight of just 18.2 ounces. Like all Taurus handguns the Protector Polymer comes standard with the unique onboard Taurus Security System that allows users to securely lock the gun using an inconspicuous key-lock. MSRP $445 - $461. Beginning as a small tool manufacturer in Porto Alegre, Brazil more than sixty years ago, Forjas Taurus, S.A. has become a diversified, international company celebrating its resounding success as one of the world’s leading small arms manufacturers. In 1941 the company produced its first revolver, and in 1984 changed the industry forever by offering customers an unqualified LIFETIME REPAIR POLICY, posting record growth every year since. A L M A N A C

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Taurus brand firearms manufactured by Forjas Taurus are imported into the U.S. and serviced by Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc. For additional information about Taurus, visit www.taurususa.

Fight Ethanol BIOBOREB IS A SPECIFICALLY FORMUlated additive for gasoline and ethanol fuel blends which helps combat the negative effects of ethanol in fuel tanks and engines, while increasing engine performance, efficiency and fuel stability. Ethanol is extremely corrosive and can be detrimental to your engine if not properly blended with the gasoline in your fuel tank. Ethanol over time will separate from the gasoline in your fuel tank, move to the bottom of your fuel tank and mix with water that is contained in your fuel. This phase separation in fuel causes your engine to burn improperly blended fuel which can lead to engine damage, loss of engine efficiency and loss of power. If your boat, truck, stand-by power unit or storage unit sits unused for any length of time, this phase separation of fuel will definitely occur. BioborEB will eliminate the problem. BioborEB also acts as a sludge detergent and dispersant, which cleans injectors and prevents corrosion leading to better combustion, fuel efficiency and an allaround better running, cleaner engine. To sum it up, BioborEB can give your engine better performance and more power, with better fuel economy. BioborEB provides corrosion protection for injector chambers and intake valves and reduces engine maintenance costs. In addition, BioborEB eliminates the worrisome problem of fuel phase separation. For more information about Biobor, please visit: www.biobor.com or call 800548-9166.

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replacement. The WADE Right is the solution to prolong the life of your fishing reels. Outfitted with a rod tube along the back of the angler, the WADE Right holds the rod out of the way with the reel located just behind their shoulder. The WADE Right also provides a secure place to keep the remainder of your fishing gear. Each suspender of the WADE Right has a 1 inch buckle that receives multiple attachments such as a stainless “D” rings and

small and large tackles boxes. With the WADE Right, an angler can customize their wade trip by carrying as much or as little gear as they like. Get yourself a WADE Right and dunk your lures, not your reels. The patent pending WADE Right is a product by Coastal Fishing Gear, LLC. To order your WADE Right, visit www.coastalfishinggear.com.

Wade Right HAVE YOU EVER NEEDED AN EXTRA hand while wade fishing but you had nowhere to safely put your rod and reel? The WADE Right provides anglers with the freedom to use both hands while fishing. Dunking a fishing reel in saltwater will lead to costly repairs and eventual N O R T H

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Lowrance beams. The result is a highly-detailed image which looks more like an MRI than an X-ray. Where you would have seen a blob in the past, the Elite 5x shows you individual fish in the school. What looked like a big block on the bottom can now be seen as a standing tree, with each and every branch visible individually. And wrecks no longer look like jagged structure, they now look like, well, wrecks. There’s a down-side to those high kHz beams, however, in that they have more limited range than the common 200kHz beams many average fishfinders use. Depth penetration of the Elite 5x is restricted to about 250’, so deepwater bottom fishermen need to be aware of the limitation. The Elite 5x DSI has a five inch, 480 x 480 pixel, 256-color TFT LCD display, and it’s rated IPX7 waterproof. You need a chartplotter, as well as a 72 |

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fishfinder? No problem – pony up another $170 and opt for the Elite DSI Gold, which not only has a built-in chartplotter but also comes with Navionics Gold chartography pre-loaded onto its brain. It outputs NMEA 0183 data, RMS Power output is 500 watts, and the unit pumps that power out through a Lowrance DSI skimmer transducer which comes with a water temperature probe and can be mounted on the transom or a trolling motor. Aside from detail, when integrated with GPS this unit brings some incredibly useful features to the table. Trackback is, by far, the best. When you see something interesting on the fishfinder screen you can place the cursor on it, create a waypoint, and save it. The GPS will keep track of the location, and in the future you can return to the exact spot. You weren’t fast enough to press the right buttons? No problem—you can scroll back into the sonar history, and create a waypoint at any time. To many anglers, that ability alone is enough to make the $549 price a worthy expenditure. —Lenny Rudow

Shades of Comfort and Value YOU NEED A NEW PAIR OF COMFORTABLE sunglasses that offers full protection for your eyes, but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Ocean Racing has a new line called the Grilamids, which fit the bill. First

off, they’re super-light, so light that when I put a pair on my head I hardly knew they existed. Extra credit for comfort can be awarded thanks to soft silicon bumpers, placed where the frames rest on your nose. The polycarbonate polarized lenses are crystal clear, they have 100-percent UV A, B, and C protection, a 15-percent VLT tint that cuts glare from the water’s surface, and they’re also 105 mil-spec impact resistant. Most glasses of similar quality cost somewhere between $80 and $100 and those with optically-ground lenses cost twice as much, but price point is where the Grilamids really shine: they go for about $60. Of course, there is a trade-off here— sunglasses with optically-ground lenses maintain their sharp images longer than polycarbonates, which tend to get scratched over time. In general, high-end opticallyground glass lenses can last for a decade or more, while you’ll have to plan on replacing polycarbonates after a couple of years. The Grilamids do have a scratch-resistant TAC coating which should extend their lifetime a bit, short of dropping them on concrete or asphalt. Of course, few of us manage to keep track of a pair of glasses much longer than a couple of seasons, in the first place. The Grilamids come in four styles, Fastnet, Hobart, Transpac, and Bermuda, in gray, blue, black, tortoise shell, and brown colors. (The Fastnet in black is my favorite, but all of them look pretty slick). Each pair comes with a crush-proof zipper case, and a cleaning cloth. Both full and hard-top style frames are available; you can check them out at www.oceanracing.com. —LR

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Costa Teams with Kenny Chesney to Support CCA

PHOTO: COSTA DEL MAR

MUSIC SUPERSTAR KENNY CHESNEY announced today he has partnered with Costa to design his first line of signature sunglasses. Proceeds generated from the sale of the Kenny Chesney Limited Edition Costas will benefit ocean conservation group Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), a shared cause for both Chesney

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able to enjoy the ocean like I did, and I’m proud to partner with Costa to design a line of signature sunglasses that will help support ocean conservation.” Kenny Chesney selected five Costa styles for his limited edition sunglasses line. Each style – Hammerhead, Caballito, Rincon, Howler and Little Harbor – feature unique hand drawn artwork etched inside the sunglass arms, along with Kenny’s signature. The artwork designs on each sunglass style are tied to a piece of Kenny’s life – one style features the song lyric, “No Shoes. No Shirt. No Problems!” while another commemorates the 2011 “Goin’ Coastal” tour. The etched sunglass

designs are reminiscent of scrimshaw, an ancient art form practiced by Native Americans and then Yankee whale men in the early 1800s, who carved nautical images on whale’s teeth during long sea voyages. “We’re huge fans of Kenny and his music. He’s one of us – we both love the water, we love listening to music while we’re out on our boats, and we both want to do what we can to protect the oceans where we spend so much of our time,” said Al Perkinson, vice president of marketing for Costa. “The money raised from the sale of Kenny’s line of Costa’s will help the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) conserve our coastlines and promote sustainable sport fishing.”

Sales of Limited Edition Costa Chesney sunglasses will benefit CCA.

Kenny On Board and Costa. The Kenny Chesney Limited Edition Costas go on sale online at www.costadelmar.com beginning March 17. The sunglasses will also be sold at each stop of Chesney’s “Goin’ Coastal” North American concert tour, which begins March 17 in West Palm Beach, Fla. and concludes with two shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Aug. 27 – 28. Only a limited number of Kenny Costas are being produced and are expected to sell out quickly. “The relationship with Costa, and what they stand for, goes hand in hand with the music that I make,” said Chesney. “It’s important for all generations to be N O R T H

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To check out the Kenny Chesney Limited Edition Costas, visit www.costadelmar.com. Read more about life along the “Goin’ Coastal” tour and join the conversation taking place on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kennychesney and www.facebook.com/costasunglasses.

Veterans Outdoors Deer Hunt A MEMORABLE EVENT COMMENCED TWO weeks into the 2010-hunting season. Veteran Outdoors hosted their “Moonlight Serenade” hangar dance, a fundraiser to support VO’s mission of providing unforgettable hunting a fishing trips for deserving wounded veterans. A clever plan was also woven into the celebration: to surprise U.S. Army veteran Rico Roman, of San Antonio, with a grand trophy whitetail hunt with VO at the Live Oak Ranch in Uvalde. Roman, a 29-year-old native of North Portland, Oregon, moved to San Antonio with his family of four to proceed with the amputation of his left leg above the knee, after suffering injuries in Iraq a year before. While on his third tour in Iraq, the staff sergeant of the 14th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division, was concluding a series of checkpoint missions in Sadar al Yusuf when a roadside bomb crippled his gun truck. The explosion damaged both of Roman's legs. The dance was in full affect when VO host, Cody Hirt stepped on stage dressed in an authentic Army Air Corps Major’s Uniform. Roman stood, unsuspecting, in the crowd with his friends while Hirt explained how the .308 Patriot Ordinance Factory Rifle was donated to serve “Rico Roman” on a dream whitetail hunt. To great applause, Roman walked toward the stage and shook hands with the presenters. He exuded genuine excitement and happiness as he was handed his rifle. The first week of December, the VO staff consisting of Hirt, Jim Stanek, and Joseph Esparza met Roman at the San Antonio Airport. The flight to Uvalde was provided by the Veterans Airlift Com74 |

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mand, an organization dedicated to providing assistance and travel services to wounded veteran’s needs and special trips. The Live Oak Ranch was a returning sponsor of a Veteran Outdoors hunt. John Hopkins, owner of the ranch, and guides Ivan and Travis met the group at the airfield. Also there was Roman’s close friend Brian Ipock, of Athens, GA, who he had met while undergoing rehabilitation. The first evening was spent scouting to see what the ranch had to offer. Stanek and Ipock sat at one area of the ranch as Hirt, Roman and Esparza sat in another. The next morning, a different spot was chosen and watched over by the group of three. As usual, the does first stepped out of the damp grass. A few young bucks scampered about as Hirt and Roman engaged in the usual deer blind banter. Hushed excitement built as the larger bucks timidly stepped into view, avoiding a direct line of sight with the blind, and revealing just the tips of their massive antlers. A huge 9-point braved an open patch just long enough for Hirt to explain to Roman that this guy was a mature, well structured buck—a 5.5 to 6.5-year-old ready to be harvested. At the moment Roman decided to take his shot the buck drew away and vanished. “Sometimes it’s not meant to happen,” Hirt assured Roman in a whisper. “It’s exciting to see what else comes out or if we will see him again.” The two smiled and talked a little more about the disappearing buck, trying to holster the fever that overtakes hunters as they watch a few solid but young bucks dart in and around the does. The sun finally showed signs of strength as it lit up the tops of trees. It wass almost full light when the old 9-point came out again, this time behind the hunters. It was a struggle to quietly execute a 180-degree turn to line up a shot on the trophy. With ease the shooter turned and aligned the .308. Without hesitation, Roman squeezed the trigger and felled the 2oo-plus pound buck right where it stood. Before this hunt, and before sustaining his injuries, Roman enjoyed the outdoors, especially stalking turkey in the spring. It F I S H

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was his fear that he might not be able to enjoy the outdoors again. Since his Live Oak hunt, however, Roman and Ipock have successfully entered drawings by the Texas Parks and Wildlife for public hunts, and have plans to explore more of the outdoor adventure options available to Texas residents. Veterans Outdoors hopes to see the Rio Grande turkeys in the spring and maybe visit the top of Guadalupe Peak with these honored Americans and Texans. New episodes of Veterans Outdoors begin May 2 on The Sportsman Channel. —by Joseph Esparza, Veteran Outdoors Staff

Trinity Bay Crab Trap Clean-up EACH YEAR, THE TEXAS PARKS AND Wildlife Department (TPWD) closes crabbing in all Texas waters for a 10-day period in February. This year, those dates were February 18-27, 2011, and any trap left in the water during those ten days was considered litter under state law and is susceptible to being removed. TPWD and volunteers, statewide, have been removing crab traps during this closure since 2002, and have recovered nearly 28,000 traps. Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) aids the TPWD program to remove traps during the closed period by providing equipment and volunteers to help with the effort. This year, GBF staff and over 50 volunteers pulled 407 abandoned crab traps fromTrinity Bay and the Trinity River delta. This is more than double the amount of traps pulled last year. The traps are left in the water for a variety of reasons. Some are misplaced, others areabandoned by crabbers no longer in business, and some are simply left out with the hopethey will not be pulled during this annual 10 day period. GBF thanks all of the volunteers who helped make this event successful, especially the Anahuac Game Wardens, Chambers County Parks Department, Hurricane Club and the Texas Airboat Association.

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A Special Section Celebrating The Ones Who Inspired Many of Us to Love the Outdoors Presented by Ammunition To Go

Howard Leight/Sperian

Swift Hitch-Two Loons Trading Co.

Angler Products

Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Specialties

Texas Fish And Game Magazine

Cold Mountain Enterprises,LLC

Lansky Sharpeners

ZipVac Product Line/CITI Industries Corporation

Faultline Outdoors

MKS Supply / Chiappa Firearms

Fishing Tackle Unlimited

Randolph Engineering

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PHOTO: VLADIMIR KONJUSHENKOS, BIGSTOCK

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Patience and a Cane Pole DECADES HAVE PASSED, BUT MEMORIES of sitting on the banks of a creek at old

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PHOTO: PETER MALOHLAVA, DREAMSTIME

—Bob Hood, Hunting Editor

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dads should probably get more than one day a year of appreciation. Extend Father’s Day this year to as many days as you can. They deserve it. —Ted Nugent, Editor-at-Large

Dad Hooked me on Fishing

PHOTO: CYNTHIA SKAAR, FOTOLIA

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work a grunt call together. My foundation as a hunter, and person, was shaped by the time we spent together in that stand Dad built. —Paul Bradshaw, Contributing Editor

—Matt Williams, Freshwater Fishing Editor

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family’s expanding universe. For five decades, “Grampa Art” was a regular feature at the Resort. Anyone interested in fishing could expect Art to take

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Grown-Up Pellet Gun Y FIRST PELLET GUN WAS A Sheridan Blue Streak. Sheridan made 2 models, the Blue Streak and the Silver Streak. The reason for the names should be self-explanatory, but, one was blued and one was nickel plated. Both were in the odd 5mm or .20caliber, rather than the more common .177 or .22. Believe it or not, I still have that gun, and it still shoots very hard and very accurately. I had been reading recently of the modern “adult” pellet rifles. I still use my old Sheridan, but the power and accuracy ascribed to the modern pellet rifle got my attention and aroused my curiosity. I called the folks at Crosman and requested a new “adult” pellet rifle for testing. After a rather lengthy discussion I finally decided which model I wanted (It turned out to be a Benjamin break-action in .22 caliber). It promptly arrived via UPS, along with a nice 3-9X scope and a couple boxes of pellets – one round-nosed for plinking and targets, and one hollow point for hunting. I mounted the scope, sighted the gun at about 50 feet, and headed out to reduce the burgeoning population of garden-raiding cottontails that the abundant spring rains had provided. When the first shot came it was at about 40 yards. I had not shot the gun at that range, but thought it would have considerable drop from the 50-foot sight-in, so I held high. Well, the shot went high; so for the second shot I held dead on the rabbit, squeezed the trigger, and the rabbit flopped over. The pellet struck a rock on the far side of the cocky cottontail and headed out over the brush with a high-pitched whine.

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I was amazed that a .22 caliber pellet would shoot completely through a cottontail rabbit at 40 yards and then ricochet off a rock. I was beginning to believe that this pellet gun might be a useful hunting tool. The second shot came at about 25 yards. This rabbit was facing me, munching contentedly on some kind of greenery. I aimed at the junction of neck and chest and squeezed off the shot. The rabbit flopped over on its side, never even quivering. Now I was convinced that the .22 caliber rifle was sufficiently powerful for hunting rabbits. Further experimentation has shown that this gun is deadly out to about 40 yards. Further than that it starts to get a bit iffy. But what do you want from a pellet rifle? The Model I have is a Benjamin Trail NP All-Weather, a break-barrel single-shot. It is loaded by stuffing the pellet into the chamber that is revealed when the barrel is pulled down to cock and charge the gun. It has an advertised muzzle velocity of 950 feet per second. The propellant system is called a Nitro Piston. Most air guns, when cocked, compress a spring and piston. When the trigger is pulled it releases the spring and piston, which compresses air, which forces the pellet out the barrel. The Nitro Piston is a different system that when cocked compresses gas rather than a spring. This does a couple of things. One is that you can leave the gun cocked without the danger of the spring becoming permanently compressed. The gas that is compressed is nitrogen, thus the Nitro name. Second is that it does away with all the weird recoil, boinging, flopping, and other annoying side affects of the spring and plunger system. This means that a standard rifle scope can be used on the gun, because the forces that tear up a standard scope on a spring and piston gun are (I’m told) absent on the gas system guns. I am also told that the nitrogen compression system releases the potential energy more quickly than a spring piston. Another thing is that these guns are supF I S H

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pressed. They are up to 70 percent quieter than the old air guns. Of course you still hear the piston going forward, but there is almost no pop of air or pellet leaving the barrel. The first rabbit I shot at just sat there as I prepared the 2nd shot. He did that, I think, because there was no frightening “pop” when I missed the first shot. Accuracy of my Trail NP is good. It is not super accurate, but will keep most of its shots in an inch at 50 feet with the hollow point hunting pellets and a bit better with the target pellets. I shot one group with the target pellets that was just one ragged hole, but then it threw one shot high and left about an inch, for no reason that I could see (I did notice that some pellets went into the chamber easy, some were snug, and some went very hard. I take this as a discernible difference in pellet size, which could be a factor in the accuracy. Better, more consistent pellets might mean better accuracy.) One inch at 50 feet is acceptably good accuracy from a $300 pellet gun; plenty good to hunt rabbits, squirrels, or ground squirrels out to 40 or 50 yards. You can get more accurate pellet rifles, but they will cost you as much as a new big game rifle, or more. The only negative thing I have to say about the gun is about the trigger. This thing is long, hard, creepy, inconsistent, gritty, and just plain hard to shoot. There is a trigger adjustment screw on the gun, and adjusting it to the maximum degree made some difference, just not enough. After the adjustment, however, I was able to shoot the gun off-hand well enough to hunt with it, if I was careful, but it was still unconscionably long. My suggestion to the manufacturer is to raise the price $30 bucks and put a good trigger in this gun. It deserves better than this. The bright side is that there is a dropin trigger available. It is made by Charlie DaTuna (charliedatuna.com — no kidding) and is called the GRT-III. It sells for $32.00, which CONTINUED includes shipping. I SEE PAGE 88 do not know how A L M A N A C

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On the Web See Lou’s SHOT Interviews: www.FishGame.com/videos

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Damage Control VERY SECOND COUNTED, SO I KEPT the throttles firewalled until the boat was just a few yards from the dock, then cranked the wheel hard-over, threw the engines into reverse, and WHAM—smashed the starboard side of the boat into a piling so hard that my passengers careened around the cockpit like a bunch of ping-pong balls. I opposed the engines to initiate a 45-degree spin, shifted straight through neutral into full reverse, and raced backwards into the slip. WHAM again, this time crunching the swim platform into the bulkhead. More ping-pong balls, in the cockpit. The boat’s owner looked at me with an ashen face, and said “I think I heard something snap.” I sighed, shrugged, and took another bite of my hot dog. As it turned out, the snapping sound was that of a passenger’s arm breaking. Luckily, the arm was made out of plastic— just like rest of the passengers, the boat, and the big swimming pool they were floating around in. I had signed up for a model boat docking contest, twin screw division, at the local boat show. And I had failed miserably.

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In my attempt to beat the clock I had violated the single most important rule of docking: never approach the dock faster than you’re willing to hit it. Bear this rule in mind, and through the years you’ll save yourself a lot of grief and fiberglass repairs. But docking can still be a nightmare. The stress of trying to get into your slip without scuffing up Mom’s Mink is bad enough, much less the pressure you’ll feel when everyone at the marina or boat ramp is watching. Luckily, there are some tactics you can apply to make docking easier. Ready to get started? Good—hold on tight, and batten down anything made of plastic.

remember that it’ll have more of an effect on your bow than on your stern. The running gear tends to act as a pivot point on most boats, while the bow does most of the swinging. So you’ll need to counter the effect with a turn of the wheel and a shot of power, or by opposing the engines for a moment or two. Is the current your main foe? If so, consider operating through close quarters in reverse. Again, the running gear’s tendency to act as a pivot point is a key factor to bear in mind. Since it’s near the back of the boat, it’s often easier to keep the boat in a straight line by going backwards when the current is so strong it can force the bow askew. Also remember that you retain more control by moving against the current then you do by moving with it. If the current is moving with you as you approach your dock, the smart move may be to pass by the dock by, turn around, then approach from the opposite direction. One final word about currents: whenever a strong current flows across a slip or dock, slap an eyeball on each and dock line before you pull in and make sure you can see it in its entirely. If can’t see where a line goes, remember that the current could be pushing it out into the slip, and holding it there, just below the surface—where can wrap your props, and cause a true docking disaster.

TEXAS GUNS & GEAR CONTINUED

FROM PG. 86

much improvement it would make, but any help would be

worth the money. All in all, this is a fine pellet gun. I would not hesitate to take it to the woods to use on squirrels, and the rabbits that have infested my place. The Trail NP is a well-made, solid, accurate, and powerful air rifle. This rifle is to air rifles what a a modern sniper rifle is to a .30-30 Winchester. Retail price 88 |

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is $299.99. Lewis and Clark carried a “medicine gun” along with them when they went west. It was an air gun, “made after the Girandoni pattern,” and was of large caliber; reports differ, but it was probably either a .46 or .51. It had an air reservoir in its butt and a magazine that held 20 lead balls. It was said to have required 2000 strokes of the pump to fill the reservoir, a strenuous 30 minute job. Reports state that it amazed the F I S H

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Indians to whom it was showed. It was not a child’s toy. Today it requires fewer pumps, or one, and we consider pellet rifles to be for children. Maybe, just maybe, it is time we changed our thinking on this issue.

E-mail Steve LaMascus at guns@fishgame.com

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opposite direction. Instead, experienced boaters learn to re-orient the wheel to deadcenter, after each and every application of power. In the case of a twin engine boat, you have a higher level of control with the throttles than you do with the wheel. So leave the wheel centered at all times. Try to mix and match control via both the wheel and the throttles, and again, the chances are good you’ll lose track of the wheel’s exact position and accidentally apply power in an unintended direction. You’re much better served by centering the wheel when you begin the final approach, ignoring it entirely thereafter, and using the throttles alone to guide the boat into its slip.

because the job isn’t finished until the boat is securely tied up. Kill the power now, and you won’t be able to counteract any of the unexpected factors that can create a docking disaster well after you’re in the proper position. A sudden gust of wind, for example, might push you right back out of the slip. Propwash from a slip-neighbor could knock your boat out of alignment. Even an overzealous deckhand can ruin your efforts, by tugging so hard on a line that the opposite end of the boat swings out of kilter. You’ve got the boat in place, the lines are secured, and you haven’t broken anything? Congratulations—that’s a docking job well done. Now go get yourself a hot dog, and celebrate.

E-mail Lenny Rudow at boating@fishgame.com

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E-mail Paul Bradshaw at freshrigs@fishgame.com A L M A N A C

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Cian Regan Nice Stringer of Catfish!! Calevaras Lake Capt. Steve Nixon San Antonio Fishing Guides

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WWW.FISHGAME.COM

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BAFFIN BAY

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Allycia Drum Redfish Charters

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FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION CALL 281.869.5519

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REDFISH | Corpus Christi Bay Elaine Vazquez of Ingleside caught this 23-inch redfish on mullet while fishing in Corpus Christi Bay.

LARGEMOUTH BASS | Private Pond Katie Wendler, Age 5, with her 2-pound largemouth bass she caught “all by herself” out of her Grandpa Curtis Wendler’s pond near Burton.

SPECKLED TROUT | Galveston Bay Chase Stanley, age 7, of Houston, caught this 19-inch speckled trout while fishing in Galveston Bay with his proud dad, Chris.

REDFISH | Lake Calaveras Burt Barnes of New Braunfels caught this freshwater redfish while fishing at Lake Calaveras. He caught the 41-inch red trolling a jig.

CRAPPIE | Moss Lake

TRIPLETAIL | Palacios Bay

Hailey Hester, age 6, of Denton caught her first crappie, 13 inches, while fishing with her Grammy and Grampy, (the Westbury’s) at Moss Lake in Cooke County.

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David Kana caught this Tripletail while fishing in Palacios Bay. The fish was 29 pounds, 2 ounces and was 34 1/4 inches long.

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MAIL TO: TFG PHOTOS 1745 Greens Rd, Houston TX 77032 NOTE: Print photos can not be returned.

EMAIL: photos@FishGame.com For best results, send MED to HIGH quality JPEG digital files only, please.

TROUT | Baffin Bay

CATFISH | Lake Granbury Garrett Thompson, age 7, of Frisco caught this catfish while fishing off his grandfather’s dock on Lake Granbury. Garret’s fish weighed just over 6 pounds.

No guarantee can be made as to when, or if, a submitted photo will be published.

REDFISH | Aransas Pass

Pat Bower of Casper,Wyoming caught and released this 27 1/2” speckled trout off Center Reef in Baffin Bay.

REDFISH | South Padre Walt Candelari caught this slot red while fishing at South Padre. The fish was 27.9 inches. Photo by Ron Hebert.

SPECKLED TROUT | Port Mansfield Four-year-old Kaleb DeLuna with his first catch ever, a 19.5-inch speckled trout. He caught the speck while fishing with his Granpa George Garcia at Port Mansfield.

CRAPPIE | Lake O’ the Pines Johnetta Mims caught this crappie while fishing at Lake O’ the Pines last spring. The crappie weighed 3.44 pounds and was 21-inches long.

KING MACKEREL | Surfside BLUEGILL | Eastland Savannah Johnson of Frisco caught this bluegill while fishing at the BJ Johnson Ranch near Eastlan.

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