Texas Fish & Game April 2017 by Texas Fish & Game

VOICE OF THE TEXAS OUTDOOR NATION

Wild Art for

Conservation

April 2017 | $3.95

Spring Slabs:

Crappie Crazy

Poisoning Texas Hogs: Hog-ageddon? Street Fight with a

Wild Boar

Gobble, Gobble! Tactics for Trophy Toms

Redfish on the Half Shell

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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.

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TEXAS FISH & GAME (ISSN 0887-4174) is published monthly by Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., LLC., 247 Airtex Dr. Houston, TX 77090. ©Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., LLC. All rights reserved. Content is not to be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission. The publication assumes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs and manuscripts. Subscription rates: 1 year $24.95; 2 years $42.95; 3 years $58.95. Address all subscription inquiries to Texas Fish & Game, 247 Airtex Dr. Houston, TX 77090. 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, 247 Airtex Dr. Houston, TX 77090. Address all subscription inquiries to TEXAS FISH & GAME, 247 Airtex Dr. Houston, TX 77090. Email change of address to: subscriptions@fishgame.com. Email new orders to: subscriptions@fishgame.com. Email subscription questions to: subscriptions@fishgame.com. Periodical postage paid at Houston, TX 772679946 and at additional mailing offices. Paid Distribution of over 90,000 Verified by Independent Audit

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Table of

APRIL 2017 Volume 33 • NO. 12

Contents FEATURES

CRAPPIE CRAZY Soaking live bait over brush piles may be a very productive way to catch crappie, but it is by no means the only—or even the best— way. Try these deadly alternatives if you want a break from brush pile boredom.

COVER STORY: Gobble, Gobble!

by Matt Williams

As every turkey hunter u knows, these birds are not as dumb as they might look, and that’s especially true of the biggest toms. With that in mind, here are a few solid tactics for bagging big Texas turkeys.

HOG-AGEDDON? The state of Texas has approved the use of poison to control the feral hog population explosion. Effective or not, is this the right way to deal with a wildlife problem?

Story by Lou Marullo Cover photo by Chester Moore

FISH GAME DIGITAL

by Chester Moore

STREET FIGHT WITH A BOAR TF&G contributor Razor Dobbs recounts the harrowing tale of a near-death experience he had in an encounter with a wild boar hog.

by Razor Dobbs

REDFISH ON THE HALF SHELL

Mobile Editions: iPad u Android u Phones u

Kindle

FREE to Subscribers. See your Device’s App Store, or visit:

Oyster reefs are prime feeding grounds for redfish and, in warming waters, they provide a great opportunity for action-packed inshore fishing.

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by Danielle Sonnier |

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Inside FISH & GAME

Contents (continued) COLUMNS

by ROY and ARDIA NEVES TF&G Owners

Editor’s Notes

by Chester Moore

TF&G Editor in Chief

Getting a Move On

Doggett at Large by Joe Doggett

TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

VER THE COURSE OF OUR 33-YEAR HISTORY, TEXAS FISH & GAME has had its headquarters in five locations around the state. First, there was 903 Third Street, Marble Falls, Texas 78654. This was the side-street location of Highland Graphics, a division of the Highland Publishing Company where we, along with HPC owner Bill Bray and then-Highlander Newspaper Outdoors Editor Marvin Spivey, brought TEXAS FISH & GAME into the world. In 1990, Bray sold the Marble Falls-based newspaper and we picked up stakes and moved the growing FISH & GAME to San Antonio, into offices at 14800 San Pedro Avenue, where our landlords were the importers of Corona beer. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Alamo City, but in 1991 we merged with the more established TEXAS FISHERMAN magazine, which was located in Houston, and after a year attempting to manage the enlarged venture’s two offices in two cities, we decided to consolidate in Houston. On Halloween 1992, we moved the contents and most of the staff from our San Antonio headquarters, along with the contents and staff of the Houston satellite office, into a seventh floor suite at 7600 West Tidwell, Houston, Texas 77040. A lot happened during our stay at that address. The magazine grew to more than 100,000 paid circulation. We also initiated the management buyout that resulted in Bray selling FISH & GAME to the Ward/Neves partnership. As the seven-year lease on the Tidwell offices neared its end, we began thinking about finding a place the company could buy and getting out of the rent game. We looked at a number of buildings and finally decided to go with a five-acre lot on which we could build a new office. What drew us to this locaton was a two acre lake, already stocked with bass. This unique acreage, complete with pecan trees and a majestic row of tall oaks leading back to the perfect building site, was also surrounded on three sides by the Houston National Cemetary—no noisy neighbors. When our lease on Tidwell ran out—on New Years Eve, 1999—we were not ready to build on the five acre lot, so we found temporary headquarters at 2350 North Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston, Texas 77032, which became our fourth location. We continued to work on the design for offices on the cemetary land, while we used its lake and surrounding amenities for photo opportunities and recreation. After about three years, we determined that building was going to be financially undesireable and, reluctantly, we sold the five acres and lake. Still itching to get out of the renting grind, we shopped the market and found a neat stand-alone building not far from our Sam Houston Parkway office. In May, 2004, we purchased and moved into our Fifth Headquarters location, at 1745 Greens Road, Houston, Texas 77032 (didn’t have to change zip codes this time). Now, thirteen years and many more changes later, we are moving again. When we moved into the Greens Road headquarters, our office staff was more than a dozen people. It takes many fewer than that today to publish a monthly magazine, and many of our staff are now able to telecommute. So, we need a lot less space. We’ve also learned that owning versus renting was not the blissful experience that tempted us all those years ago—being your own landlord stinks. And so, as this issue rolls off the press and into your mailbox, we are in the Sixth Headquarters for TEXAS FISH & GAME: at 247 Airtex Drive, Houston, Texas 77090.

Pike on the Edge by Doug Pike

TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

by Ted Nugent

Commentary

Texas Freshwater

NEW SECTION

by Matt Williams

TF&G Freshwater Editor

Texas Saltwater

by Calixto Gonzales

TF&G Saltwater Editor

Texas Boating

by Lenny Rudow

TF&G Boating Editor

Practical Angler by Greg Berlocher

TF&G Contributing Editor

Bass University by Pete Robbins

Special Correspondent

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Texas Guns

by Steve LaMascus

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HOT SHOTS

52 TEXAS DEPT.

Bare Bones Hunting

56 TEXAS DEPT. OF

TF&G Hunting Editor

58 TEXAS COASTAL

Open Season

by Reavis Wortham

www.FishGame.com F I S H

46 WILD ART 50 TF&G REPORT 50 TEXAS

TF&G Firearms Editor

by Lou Marullo

Email Roy and Ardia Neves at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com |

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TF&G Humor Editor

INSIDER FISH AND GAME GEAR TEXAS TASTED OUTDOOR DIRECTORY TF&G PHOTOS

by Kendal Hemphill

TF&G Political Commentator

8 LETTERS 88 INDUSTRY

Nugent in the Wild 90 TF&G Editor At Large

DEPARTMENTS

OF DEFENSE

CONSERVATION FOCUS

66 TEXAS FISHING HOTSPOTS

76 PRIME TIMES

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LETTERS to the Editor Big hogs! I SEE TEXAS FISH AND GAME IS looking for photos of monster hogs. Here are some I took with my bow. Enjoy!

Mike Ray Host “The Wild Life with Mike and Heather”

Mike Ray, with a bow-hunted hog.

tion to raise the area using sand from the nearby bay. During a six-month period, we killed eight rattlesnakes. One of the workers skinned them and tanned the hides to be used in hat bands and boots. I grew up hunting what is now Toledo Bend Lake near Joaquin. Each trip I was warned by my grandfather to watch for rattlesnakes. I had to grow up, go to Galveston before I ever saw one. While working there, a Texas state trooper stopped by and told the story of how in the last hurricane he saw many rattle snakes on the Pelican Island Causeway,escaping the high water. I still have people tell me my story is not true because rattlesnakes don’t go in saltwater. Thanks for offering proof that I am not a liar.

Thanks for the Rattlesnakes

William McCoy Editor: Snake stories certainly get people’s attention just like the infamous sound of a rattler sounding off in the brush. My first dealing with rattlesnakes in saltwater was down in Rockport while doing some duck hunting on islands along the Intracoastal. It was unusually warm for November, and I was told to be careful because the islands were loaded with rattlesnakes.

IN 1968 I WAS IN GALVESTON working at the intersection of Port Industrial Drive and the Pelican Island Causeway. We were building a pipe yard to heavy coat pipe to be used in a pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico. We cleared old cars, junk, grass and other objects from the land in prepara8

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Phases of Angling HI JOE, JUST FINISHED READING your column on “phases.” Great read! There is one other phase that is between the last two, it’s when you take less experienced anglers with you, and you put them on fish. Watching the great time, they are having is almost as much fun as catching them yourself! Almost.

Thanks, Oscar Cisneros Doggett: Thanks for the nice email. You are absolutely right about the phase of sharing the sport. I let that one get away from me (not unlike a few fish). Regards, Joe.

Send Your Comments to: Texas Fish & Game 247 Airtex Dr. Houston TX 77090 editor@ﬁshgame.com PHOTOS: MIKE RAY

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EDITOR’S Notes by CHESTER MOORE :: TF&G Editor-in-Chief

We’ve Got a Texas-Size Poaching Problem

17-YEAR-OLD HARRIS County teen has been charged in connection with the February 22 shooting of a bald eagle near White Oak Bayou. It was one of a pair that actively nested in the area for several years. Last fall a bald eagle was euthanized after being shot and wounded to an extent beyond recovery in an incident near Beaumont. A bald eagle—the symbol of the United States of America! Yes, a bald eagle. Last year, someone shot two whooping cranes that had taken up residence on a rice farm in the Nome area. Yes, someone shot not one, but two whooping cranes that everyone knows is an endangered species. But it doesn’t end there. How about the dolphin shot with a fishing arrow here in Texas in 2015? A dolphin. Someone actually shot a dolphin, one that was distressed after wandering into freshwater. This is a very ugly picture of the problem of poaching that has always plagued Texas and is worse in certain regions but in recent years has reared its ugly head in a very public way. At the time of this writing no one had been identified in the Beaumont area eagle shooting but the whooping crane, dolphin and Harris County eagle poachers were teenagers. At the end of the day, those who kill protected animals do so because they want to. They choose to do so. However, I wonder what contributing factors are at play. Is it the hardened stance against anything labeled “green” or “environmental” or “endangered” that is pervasive in some sectors of the hunting community? I can’t tell you how many people have told me jokes over the years about spotted owl and whooping crane gumbo. In fact, someone |

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“ Someone actually shot a dolphin.

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cracked just such a joke just before I wrote this column. Is it a rural version of the mall fights and other random violence we have seen in larger cities—or some other kind of pent up anger? There is probably no way to tell, but it needs to stop. A true respect for all wildlife needs to be front and center here in Texas. Unfortunately, the vast majority of hunters who would never do the heinous acts described above get lumped in with the poach-

ers, and it has always been this way. When you see any national news headlines on any illegal game killed, it is never “poachers.” It is always “hunters.” There is a big difference. A prime case of the difference between “poachers” and “hunters” is one I came across early in my career. A man broke into a now defunct wildlife drive-thru park, shot a huge American bison, cut its head off and took it. It was found in his garage where he planned to try to sell it. Hunters have a history of actually caring for our resources. The waterfowl hunting community in particular is extremely conservation conscious raising hundreds of thousands of dollars |

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for wetlands conservation and restoration. Poachers just take for their own pleasure. Although cases like dolphin shooting are thankfully rare, I would say there are deer shot every night of the year somewhere here in Texas. If you don’t know, that is very illegal. Wood ducks are also shot on their roosts at night. That is also illegal. As a community of outdoor lovers we need to rebuild the platform by which we teach conservation to the young. We need to instill pride that we have incredible wildlife resources here and that taking beyond what the law offers depletes them. We need to use these shameful events as teachable moments and talk about consequences. Maybe perpetrators of poaching who have changed their ways could speak up and lead the charge to talk about the impact it has had on their lives. Besides getting a stiff fine, anyone with a conscience knows these acts are wrong. I welcome those who have lived a poaching lifestyle to speak up and talk about conservation. I have in my entire career as a wildlife journalist never seen that kind of testimony, but it would certainly be powerful. Honesty has an impact. To be perfectly honest, the Texas outdoors community needs to take a hard look at the poaching issue and stop tolerating it at any level. Maybe it’s time to start teaching our young hunters and anglers that you don’t have to be one of those climate change advocates who march on Washington in a polar bear suit to support clean water and healthy wildlife populations. A clean environment and abundant wildlife benefits everyone. That’s a simple message but it is one that has been lost to some along the way. It is time we get to fixing that. The good news is it is as simple as intentionally changing the dialogue.

Email Chester Moore at cmoore@ﬁshgame.com

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DOGGETT at Large by JOE DOGGETT :: TF&G Contributing Editor

Far Bend Fever

ACK IN THE SPRING OF 1983, Guinder Edwin VelasquezClark guided me to my first fly-rod tarpon. We were fishing out of Archie Fields’s old Rio Colorado Lodge on the northeastern coast of Costa Rica. Guinder was young and cocky, and it was understood up front that the opinions of anyone with four names and a hyphen would dominate the confines of a 16-foot aluminum skiff. He pushed the skiff from the rickety wood-

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en dock, cranked the balky outboard, and ran about 200 yards down the muddy flow of the Rio Colorado when the engine abruptly stopped. We drifted. Oh, great, I thought, we’ve already got motor trouble. Guinder pointed at the current. “We are here, señor; why aren’t you casting?” “Here? The camp is right there. We’ve haven’t gone anywhere.” “Well, if you prefer we can run way up around the far bend to another spot, but this hole is one of the best on the river.” And so it was. A school of tarpon in the 50- to 100-pound class was stacked in the slack current. In three hours during that first session, I jumped and lost five fish by swinging heavy, bushy “whistler” streamer flies on an 11-weight sinking line

through the hole. My fly-rod tarpon game admittedly was rough, but this was 35 years ago. The sixth fish, a modest one, stayed stuck and Guinder released it. I relate the incident because that was one of the very few times in a long and traveled angling career that the hot spot was in the back pocket of the launch ramp. Almost always, the privileged water is, well, “up around the far bend.” Even if it’s not, that’s where we suspect it is. Such is the genetic makeup of serious saltwater anglers. No matter if you ride in a boat, fly in a plane or drive in a vehicle, or combine all three, the water you cannot easily reach is somehow bound to be better. That’s just the way it is, the mindset we follow. For example, during the 1970s I fished numerous times with Houstonian Ray Fiveash at his remote Rancho del Mar camp about 60 miles

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down Mexico’s empty beach below Matamoros. The simple shack sat on a high dune on the north side of Third Pass. That small pass was one of several cuts from the surf that fed the sprawling Mexican Laguna Madre. Back then, the so-called Middle Passes were a fabulous frontier for wading for speckled trout, redfish and flounder, maybe even snook and tarpon. Rancho del Mar sat beyond significant level-wind competition, and you would think that should suffice. But Fiveash burned with the “Far Bend Fever,” and the goal of every expedition was to reach the surf at Sixth Pass, maybe 15 or 20 miles farther down the beach. To do this, Fiveash and his partner, Popo Flores employed various amphibious attack vehicles to ford the several intervening passes—first a military “duck,” followed by a monstrous Air Gator airboat, finally a custom-built articulating marsh buggy. The rig, “La Machine,” was equipped with giant tires with great treads that could churn like a paddle wheeler through soft sand and across deep guts. And, most trips, the effort was justified. A rich green tide on the south side of Sixth could answer every promise that plugging ever made. Trust me. Another old timer, Rudy Grigar, also burned with the Far Bend Fever. The self-proclaimed “Plugger” lived in Houston. During the 60s and early 70s, he fished out of a small bay house in lower West Galveston Bay. When that area became too crowded, he relocated to Port O’Connor. Back then, Port O’Connor was Far Bend country. Not many Houston-area anglers even knew where the dusty, salty little commercial fishing settlement was—much less how to fish it. You pretty much got live bait and went to the “big jetties” and free-shrimped for specks and reds. Or, you might chunk a fast-sinking Bingo plug across the deep jetty currents. Not Grigar. He waded with spoons (this was during the pre-plastic “tail” era) and the occasional topwater plug, and his Far Bend philosophy carried all the way to Panther Point. That desolate spit in San Antonio Bay off Matagorda Island is located about midway between Port O’Connor and Rockport— even now, not easy to access. Grigar usually would camp in his old Whaler at Panther Point. That was a wretched experience for those of us partial to motel keys, bug-proof screens, and reliable air conditioners, but he almost always waded into impressive strings of specks and reds. When Port O’Connor started drawing serious trailer-traffic fire, the Plugger made his final stand on the uninhabited Chandeleur Islands, the fragile crescent of sand, shell and grass about 30 miles off Louisiana and Mississippi. His body of work there

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with a gold Johnson Sprite has become legend. Again, trust me. These are two classic examples of salty fishing careers dedicated to going beyond the far bend. The obvious reason for this obsessive push is to reach lightly pressured water, but I submit that a deeper yearning is at work. The hard-core coastal angler cannot gaze at an open horizon of beckoning water without wondering what might be waiting. Of course, the effort might be a bust. In fact,

failures and fiascos often rule. But it’s awfully rare to find the best fishing within an easy cast of the nearest launch ramp. Going around the far bend can be a high-stakes gamble, and the players of wind, tide and fickle fish are among the most treacherous. But you never know when Old Man Gulf and Lady Luck might stroll arm-in-arm around the corner. Top off that tank and deal them cards!

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PIKE on the Edge by DOUG PIKE :: TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

Unstoppable Hogs

N FEBRUARY, TEXAS AGRICULture Commissioner Sid Miller approved the first chemical weapon for use in the war against the state’s seemingly unstoppable population of wild hogs. My guess is that in a year or five we’ll still have a seemingly unstoppable population of wild hogs. Approved for hog killing was a product that uses a drug called warfarin, which also is used to kill rats and in much smaller doses is approved for specific human use. If this is all

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we’ve got, we may not have enough. Current estimates peg the Lone Star pig population at 2.5 million animals. Tomorrow, it’ll be higher—same for the day after tomorrow. Wild hogs have gained an unprecedented foothold not only here but across an increasingly large chunk of these United States. I won’t waste much space on a history lesson. Pigs came here a long time ago, on sailing ships that landed along the Gulf Coast. Some of the pigs that made the overseas journey without being turned into bacon or chops escaped under cover of darkness (I’m making up that part to add some drama) and found the local landscape attractive. They’d have found most any chunk of land equally attractive. Pigs are highly adaptable, like giant cockroaches with curly tails and stub-

by noses. Hot or cold, wet or dry, we’re learning that feral hogs can and do thrive in almost any environment. What makes them all the more difficult to control are their eat-anything appetites and noses to find food underground. That, and their tremendous reproductive skills. The most circulated joke that involves wild pigs is one about a sow that had a litter of six piglets, and eight survived. They don’t multiply quite that way, but I recall some research that indicated the need to remove 70 percent of a property’s pigs annually just to maintain the current number. That’s a lot of dead pigs, and a lot of lead in the air or traps on the ground. Both methods work—killing pigs and trapping them—but the state is betting that poison will work better.

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Pig hunting and trapping puts meat on the table, and make no mistake that feral hogs, especially sows lighter than 75 or so pounds, are plenty tasty. There’s a growing market for U.S. feral hog meat in Europe. Prices aren’t quite on parallel with bluefin tuna’s draw in Japan, but the pork can fetch a price north of $20 per pound overseas. Even in our own country, it’s worth $6-$8 per pound under the label of “wild boar” Farmers and ranchers see pigs as more destructive than delicious. In Texas alone, depending on who you ask, annual damage to rural and suburban property is estimated to be as high as $50 million. Usually overnight, as few as one and as many as three dozen hogs will find their way through fences and other barriers, then root deeply underground for plant matter, worms or whatever else they can sift from the dirt. At dawn, patches of ground as large as basketball courts can look as though they’d been worked by blindfolded backhoe operators. If Texans haven’t figured out a way to check feral hog populations by now, we may never achieve that goal. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, provided we become more proficient at hunting and trapping. The state spends considerable money each year trying to find new ways to eliminate hogs. Perhaps if they invested more heavily in finetuning the old ways, using traps and trappers— then butchering and jetting to Europe the pigs caught in those traps—we at least could sweep some of that grunting sand off our beach. I’m not convinced that poisoning pigs is the answer. Despite assurances from folks who should know, I still question this substance’s selectivity, and at the second-hand level, its long-term effects on predators and scavengers that come across fresh-dead, poisoned pigs. Wouldn’t it be great about now if I had a foolproof alternative to that plan? I don’t, though, and neither does anyone else. So, we’ll try warfarin, with fingers crossed and salt tossed over our shoulders. The score in this game is so lopsided now that we might never catch up. Such is the nature of evolution and the risks associated with introduction, deliberate or not, of nonnative species. The world’s a smaller place these days thanks to jets and the cargo they carry, which often includes “passenger” animals and plants that elude agricultural inspectors. Pigs weren’t the first invasive species to find their way here, and they certainly weren’t the last. But man,

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oh man, have they proven good at adaptation! Will Texas or any other state ever shoot its last pig and say, “Good riddance?” Probably not. In the meantime, however, the best defense often is a good offense. Or is it the other way around? The pigs don’t care. No matter how we play this game, whatever play we pull from our playbook, they’ll find a way to flip the odds back in their favor. The side of me that’s seen the damage

caused by hogs to farmland, backyards and (gasp) golf courses wants this poisoning campaign actually to work. The side that loves hunting hogs says if I need to buy more bullets and do my part, I accept the job. For Texas. For farmers—and for some pork chops.

Email Doug Pike at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

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NUGENT in the Wild by TED NUGENT :: TF&G Editor-at-Large

Heal Thy Brother

anyone do but drop everything and make it happen. There are no words to describe these incredible moments. We have been blessed beyond mere words to be invited into many families’ lives at this uniquely spiritual moment when they are about to say good-bye to a loved one. Fifteen-year-old Jason way back in the 1970s. Eighteen-year-old Scot Richards. Twelve-year-old Michael. Sixteen-year-old Chad. Seven-year-old Brittany. So many. So many tears. So many smiling, laughing faces around the campfire just to hear Fred Bear with Uncle Ted before they die. Simply earth shattering, humbling and spiritually fortifying.

IX-YEAR-OLD MAKON LYNN struggled to walk to the archery range. After a year of chemotherapy and tortuous radiation to treat his agonizing cancer, the courageous little guy had to give all his fragile body could give just to get around. But the closer to the range he got, his energy and bounce picked up to where once he faced the 3D targets and gripped his Genesis bow, a light came on in his eyes and he actually smiled. We shot lots of arrows and .22 rounds that day. Makon’s mom and dad said it was the first time he laughed out loud in ages when he snuggled and bounced around in the backseat of our Polaris with the dogs. We spent the entire day in the great outdoors. We skipped stones across the river and ponds, found some shed antlers and a few bones and small critter skulls in the woods and searched for Indian artifacts as we strolled along the banks of the North Bosque River on our sacred SpiritWild Ranch homegrounds. If you looked closely, you could actually see Makon’s pain and suffering lift and float away into the heavens. We wrapped up a very special day with backstraps over a special fire and I played an inspired and soulful version of my magical Fred Bear song as if touched by the hands of God. No as if about it. You see, this little boy knew he would die soon, and as bright, tuned in and smart as I may think I might be, I am helpless to figure out why Makon and his family, in the throngs of this emotional terror, would pick me to be a part of this extremely personal moment in their lives. But when they called and said Makon wanted to go hunting with Uncle Ted and hear Fred Bear around a campfire, what else would |

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You could actually see Makon’s pain and suffering lift and ﬂoat away into the heavens.

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So if you want to experience the ultimate human touch in your life, get ahold of the Hunt of A Lifetime volunteers. Visit a children’s hospital and see if any kids and families would

Ted, with Makon.

The only reason I share this amazing human experience with my American hunting BloodBrothers is quite simple; it is this miraculously powerful Spirit of the Wild conservation lifestyle that we all live and love in its definitively unapologetic, politically correct smashing delivery that got these families’ attention, and somehow connected them to me in this phenomenal way to share THE most trying moments in their lives with a goofy, over the top, wild-eyed WhackMaster guitar player. Good people love truth, logic, commonsense and bold, brazen honesty and the defiant human spirit to stand up for them in a world gone otherwise politically correct and limp. Donald Trump is the President afterall. |

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like a day in the great outdoors. Make it happen. Your life will glow beyond your wildest dreams. It will cleanse the soul. Know that our hunting lifestyle is so pure, so perfect, so Glory to God and His miraculous creation that it represents the ultimate healing powers of nature at its finest. Heal thy brother. Heal thyself. It can be done. Do it. Hunt of A Lifetime: Tina Pattison, 866345-4455: P.O. Box 241 Harborcreek, PA 16421.

Email Ted Nugent at tnugent@ﬁshgame.com

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Tactics for Bagging Big Texas Turkeys STORY BY LOU MARULLO 18

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PRING TURKEYS ARE FRUSTRATING— especially in Texas. The reason I say this is that temperatures can vary so much in that crucial period when the birds decide to get frisky that it can cause an early breeding period or a late one. I remember hunting with Editor-In-Chief Chester Moore on a big ranch south of San Antonio that was loaded with birds. A few days before we arrived, the birds began doing their thing and then a cold snap came and changed things up. On top of that, birds are wary. There is a reason Benjamin Franklin wanted to have the wild turkey as the official symbol of America. Yes, it was a bad idea, but the point is turkeys aren’t as dumb as they look. With that in mind let us look at a few tactics for bagging these prized birds. First of all, as you can well imagine, I have hunted these birds for more than a few years now, and I have been both amazed and surprised at their behavior. The defenses of the turkey are mainly his eyes and ears. I firmly believe that if these creatures could smell, we would never get a chance to bag one. So, what so we need to be successful this spring? First, I would make sure I have a portable pop-up blind. A few years ago, I hunted out west with a friend of mine, Nathan Jones. At the time, he had a television show called Wild Extremes and he invited me out for a bow turkey hunt. I was excited to hear his tales about previous hunts and how his place was infested with birds.

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The edge of ﬁelds are good place to intercept spring gobblers.

spot this thing and never come in. Was I ever wrong. We had so many young birds in front of us that I couldn’t count them all. Then, after a half hour, a nice big tom came into our setup. I went to school on that one. Did I get that tom? Well…that is another story. The following season I was hunting a field again. I had my portable blind set up. I also

Morning came, and I had no trouble at all jumping out of the sack and headed for the “hot” spot with Nathan. When we arrived, he led me to a field that bordered two woodlots. The blind was already in place, but when I saw it I was a little confused. There we were in a blind in the middle of a field. We were not in a hedgerow or hidden along a ditch. To be honest, I thought the turkeys would

carried five decoys. Too many setups have two hens and a jake. I try to make it more realistic with four hens and a jake or maybe just five hens. I know that deer and turkeys like to hang together in a field because it gives each a sense of security. I decided to increase my odds and bring along a deer decoy as well. That extra touch was all I needed, and I was

Big gobblers are wary but trying some of the tricks in this story can help you bag them.

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soon on my way home with dinner. When I wore a younger man’s clothes, I tagged along on a turkey hunt with one of my older friends. First off, we were walking in to our spot, and we were not sure exactly where the birds were roosting. We had a general idea, but they really could be anywhere. As we got closer to our set-up spot, he turned and reminded me to try to be as quiet as possible while walking on the forest floor. We did not want to spook the birds from their roost. He then took a deer grunt call out of his pocket and used it every once in a while to simulate a deer walking in the woods. Once we settled in and sunrise started to peek over the horizon, we could hear some birds starting to wake up. The soft tree calls, although a little distant, were close enough to get our adrenaline going. The old geezer I was with mimicked each call he heard. He checked to make sure he could easily see his sights and then took his hat off. I listened as he made a few more soft yelps and then suddenly he frantically beat his hat against his pant leg as he cackled with his mouth call. My first reaction was to get as far away from this lunatic as I could, but I soon realized it was all part of his charade. It sounded exactly like a bird’s wings as it flew down. It scared the be-Jesus out of me I might add! Once he slowed the cackle down, he finished his calling with a couple of soft yelps as if to tell the toms…” here I am, and everything is fine.” I thought to myself that this man is a genius. However, he was not done with his trickery yet. After the “come hither” yelps, he took his hand and scratched away at the leaves on the ground to sound like a hen turkey looking for her breakfast. That did the trick. It was not long after his performance that I saw a nice tom heading right for us. His shot was true, and it was all over in less than 30 minutes. My preferred way of bagging spring gobblers is with a bow. It takes the challenge up to a whole new level and having to get so close to an excited gobbler is arguably the most exciting thing a hunter can experience. The aforementioned pop-up ground blinds are crucial. There is no way you will draw a bow back on a turkey on open ground. I have used both fixed blades and mechanical blades on my turkey hunts, and I can tell you that without a doubt, the mechanical

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blades work so much better. Oh, the fixed blades will definitely do the deed, but the problem is they blow right through the bird. If the turkey flies off mortally wounded, you will have a hard time recovering it. The mechanical blades open on impact. Better still, the amount of energy lost by the blades opening as it slices through the vital organs is enough to keep the arrow in the bird. Consequently, the turkey cannot fly and will only run a short distance. Recovery is always much easier.

These are just a few of the tricks that I know work and work well. However, I must say I love trying new and different ways to fool that wary bird. Who knows what this season will bring? Whatever happens, as long as the end game is bringing home the turkey dinner, I am all for it.

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HERE ARE A PASSEL OF GOOD ways to catch crappie. On a scale of one to ten, soaking shiners or casting jigs around brush piles has to rank right near the top. This holds especially true from summer through much of winter. That’s when the cover-loving panfish like to spend their time hanging out far from shore in water way over your head. As reliable as it can be, fishing around brush piles isn’t the only way to put a few crappie in the box. Nor is it always the best way from one day to the next. What follows is a laundry list of deadly crappie fishing strategies to try when brush piles just aren’t cutting it. If the humdrum practice of soaking shiners below an anchored boat just doesn’t get your energetic juices flowing, try one of these:

Taking a Stroll Strolling is an aggressive jig fishing tactic that produces the best results when the tasty panfish are in transition from their shallow spawning grounds to deeper haunts. It works best on impoundments with vegetation such as hydrilla or milfoil submerged at mid-range depths of six to fifteen feet. Sam Rayburn guide Stephen Johnston says the trick is to cast a small jig 30 to 40 feet behind the boat, then use the power of the trolling motor to inch the bait along the outer edge of the grass or just above it. It is important to watch the depth finder and keep the boat positioned right on the edge of the grass. This keeps the bait in the strike zone. Trolling motor speed is critical, here. Move the bait too fast, and it will ride too high in the water column. Move it too slow, and it will sink too deep and snag in the grass. A No. 2 or No. 3 speed usually works best. The best jig size can vary from 1/32 to 1/8 ounce. The tactic generally works best in combination with spinning gear and a light line, about six- to eight-pound test. Once you locate a potential hotspot by strolling, you should fan cast the entire area to milk it for all it’s worth. Stanley’s Wedgetail Runner is a great bait to try in this situation.

Bridge Crappie You can almost always find a few fish hanging around bridge crossings. At certain times of year on some lakes, the fish really tend to stack up there.

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Steven Johnston, “strolling” for Sam Rayburn Crappie.

At Lake Fork, fishing guide Gary Paris says the FM Road 154 and 515 bridges always get hot in late spring and fall. This is when the fish are in transition from deep water to shallow, or vice versa. Paris says the fish relate more to the cross members that connect the pilings beneath

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the water more than anything else. The best depth range can vary from 15 to 20 feet deep, depending on the water level of the lake. Employing the proper presentation is critical. Paris says there are three support pilings to a set, one on each side and one in the middle. He likes to position his boat

into the wind near the outside piling so he can cast a small jig toward the piling on the opposite side. Paris allows the jig to free fall on a semislack line once it hits the water. “You don’t reel at all until you feel a bite or are ready to make another cast,” he said. “This lets

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the bait fall or pendulum beside the cross member, and it will eventually wind up right below the boat. They’ll hit it on the fall nine out of ten times.” Paris says hair jigs or bald jigs tipped with a small shiner rule in this arena. He likes to perform the technique with a 4 1/2-foot ultra-light rod matched with 10- to 20-pound braid to maximize sensitivity and increase his chances should a big bass come calling. Sixpound fluorocarbon or high-vis green lines are preferred by some anglers.

the same tactic by casting toward the bank using an ultra-light rig. He prefers 15-pound monofilament in case he hooks a big bass. If water levels are high, the crappie may move so far back into the cover that you can’t get to them in a boat. That’s when Lendell Martin, Jr. of Nacogdoches likes to take a wade on his home water, Sam Rayburn. Martin likes it best when the lake is about two to three feet above normal. He’ll motor as far back into the rough stuff as he can. Then he’ll don chest waders and hop in. He

says the prime areas are shallow flats one to three feet deep bordering secondary creeks and ditches that feed into the Attoyac and Angelina rivers. Areas with big pines are ideal. “The pine straw on the ground makes a perfect bed,” he said. “It’s not uncommon to catch as many as 10 fish around one tree.” Martin likes to use a nine-foot fly rod matched with 12-pound line and a 1/16ounce jig. He doesn’t use a cork. Instead, he drops the jig into potential sweet spots,

Dabbling For Spawners When crappie move shallow to spawn during springtime they like to set-up camp around shallow cover on flats, points and shorelines in the backs of creeks to do their thing. Paris likes to dabble around the cover using a small jig or shiner beneath a slip cork affixed to the proper depth. He uses a 13-foot Black Widow telescoping crappie pole so he can fish away from the boat. You can employ

In spring, Lake Fork guide Gary Paris likes to dabble with shiners.

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For crappie, the jig is almost always up.

moves it up and down a few times, then repeats the process.

Stump Hopping During the summer months, crappie can sometimes be caught around old stumps

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in 15 to 25 feet of water. The fish like to hold around limbs and branches somewhere between the surface and bottom. Crappie pro Wally Marshall of Garland sometimes prefers to use a technique he calls “dipping’” when the fish are suspended around stumps. He performs the tactic using

one of his 10-foot signature series jigging pole/reel combos matched with a 1/8 or 1/16-ounce jig. Using the trolling motor to move stump to stump, Marshall will peel off about 10 feet of line and drop the jig beside the stump as he’s approaching. Bites will almost always

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come on the initial fall. It’s wise to make note of the depth when you catch the first fish as it could be a reliable sign of the most productive depth all over the lake.

Shooting a Jig Crappie love to hang out beneath boat docks and boat houses that are supported by piling and cross members. Often times, however, the fish will often bury up so far beneath

will sail just above the surface. This tactic will reach isolated places you otherwise cannot reach. Finding and catching crappie can at times test your skill and tax your patience. Give the aforementioned tactics a try and it might boost your chances of boxing a few fish when brush piles are paying off.

“shooting.” Shooting is a popular jig fishing technique used around docks. It involves peeling off a few feet of line and grabbing the jig in one hand (making sure the hook is pointed away from you). With the rod tip pointed downward and the line bale open, pull the jig back toward you to create a bow in the rod. When you release the jig, the momentum of the rod slings the jig toward the target. Barber says it takes some practice to master the timing, but once it’s perfected the jig

Summer “stump hopping” pays off for pro Wally Marshall.

them that it’s impossible get to them with a conventional cast. It happens just about every spring on Cedar Creek Reservoir near Dallas. That’s when fishing guide Jason Barber reaches for his ultra-light rig and heads out for a little T E X A S

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Texas FRESHWATER by MATT WILLIAMS :: TF&G Freshwater Editor

Takin’ It To The Bank

Dallas. Runnels’s bass, a 14.31 pounder, still ranks as the lake record largemouth for Bob Sandlin. There is some good humor in Runnels’ story. Runnels reportedly placed the big bass in a five-gallon bucket (with no water) along with the rest of the fish he had caught that day. Curious to learn what the fish weighed before he cleaned it, he took the big bass to a nearby marina. There, Runnels was approached by a group of other anglers who offered to trade him several smaller fish in exchange for the big bass, which was still alive at the time. Runnels gladly accepted the offer and handed over the trophy bass, which was quickly placed in an aerated minnow vat. Amazingly, the “bucket bass” survived the ordeal and was entered in Toyota ShareLunker program. A number of other big fish tales have been hatched on Texas fishing piers and shorelines over the years. Scotty Deaton’s former Lake Falcon record of 15.12 pounds was caught from dry ground in May 1991. More recently, Jon Babich of Lewisville caught a 13.63 pounder while fishing from a Lake Lewisville pier in 2005. There’s a good story behind the Babich bass, too. Babich was fishing for crappies from the Lake Lewisville Fishing Barge when he saw a huge bass rise from the depths to inhale a small crappie he had tossed back into the water seconds earlier. The angler quickly pitched a soft plastic bait to the same spot, and the big bass grabbed it. The fish was subsequently entered in the Toyota ShareLunker program. Largemouth bass anglers aren’t the only ones who have scored big from the bank. In April 2002, George Ward of Garland was crappie fishing at night from the Minnow Bucket Marina pier at Lake Fork when he caught a 3.92-pound black crappie on a live shiner. The 18 1/2-inch slab is the biggest

NE OF THE BIGGEST MISconceptions in fishing is you need a boat of some kind to get off the bank to catch fish—especially the

big ones. I call it a misconception because that’s exactly what it is. Landlocked crowds reel in plenty, and there is gobs of finny evidence to support the claim. Some of freshest evidence (linked to bass fishing) rolled out of Pope County, Arkansas back in February. There, anglers fishing from a public fishing pier at 752-acre Lake Atkins reeled in a pair of monster bass weighing more than 11 pounds apiece, one over 10 pounds and several over five pounds. The catches reportedly came about one week apart. An 11-pound bass is big fish to catch by any means. It is a particularly remarkable feat to pull off while fishing from a stationary pier. Pier fishing typically means soaking a bait in the same ol’ water for long periods of time while waiting for the fish to come to you. One of the 11-pounders might very well rank as a pier fishing record for Arkansas if such a category existed, but it wouldn’t come close to matching the unofficial Texas record for bank-caught bass. Troy Coates of Emory holds that title with a 17.08-pound monster he caught from Lake Fork in February 1991. The bass currently ranks as the No. 6 heaviest Texas bass of all-time. Coates said he caught the bass while dragging a big crawworm along the edge of a nearby creek channel swing. The big bank bass topped the previous unofficial Texas shore bass record that was caught in February 1990. That catch came from the public fishing pier at the Lake Bob Sandlin Recreation Area by crappie angler Jesse Runnels, Jr. of

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black crappie ever reported in Texas. Another exceptional public pier catch surfaced in June 2010. That’s when Ashleigh Defee of Manville reeled in a huge flathead catfish from the 150-foot long pier located at 429 RV Park and Marina on Lake Tawakoni. The big fish tipped the scales at 70 pounds. Defee was 16 at the time. Her fish still holds a passel of records, including the state junior angler rod and reel weight record for flatheads. While Defee’s boat dock flathead was a giant by most standards, it was a midget compared to the monster blue cat 15-yearold Landon Evans reeled last June at Lake Gaston in North Carolina. Evans made national headlines last summer when he landed a fish that was way bigger than most folks have ever seen. Weighing 117.5 pounds on certified scales, the heavyweight cat crushed the 105-pound rod and reel state record set in January 2015 by fishing guide Zakk Royce. That fish is just shy of the current Texas state record blue cat caught from the banks of Lake Texoma in January 2004 by Cody Mullenix of Howe. Evans caught the fish at night while fishing from his family’s boat dock using a chunk of fresh gizzard shad for bait. The battle reportedly lasted for around 20 minutes before he and his parents were able bring the fish in and secure it on the dock. The obvious motto here is you don’t necessarily need a fancy boat to catch big fish. Just being in the right place at the right time goes a long way in this game.

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The State Has Approved the Use of Poison for Hog Control. Right or Wrong? story by Chester Moore 30

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EXAS AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER Sid Miller has announced a rule change in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) that classifies a warfarin-based hog lure as a statelimited-use pesticide. The pesticide, “Kaput Feral Hog Lure,” is the first toxicant to be listed specifically for use in controlling the feral hog population. It represents a new weapon in the long-standing war on the destructive feral hog population. “This solution is long overdue,” Commissioner Miller said. “Wild hogs have caused extensive damage to Texas lands and loss of income for many, many years, With the introduction of this first hog lure, the ‘Hog Apocalypse’ may finally be on the horizon.” Warfarin, an anticoagulant, was used for many years as a feral swine toxicant in Australia. There is a demonstrated need for additional feral hog population control methods in Texas, and the regulatory status under the rule change will ensure safe handling and application of this product. The rule change is supported by the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service.

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Hunting has not stopped the advancement of hogs, so experts are scrambling for ways to more effectively address the problem.

Texas agriculture officials estimate there are currently more than two million feral hogs in Texas. “Feral hogs can be found in approximately 230 of our 254 counties and cause an estimated $52 million of damage to Texas agricultural enterprises each year, according to the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service,” Miller said. “The hogs’ rooting and foraging behavior tears up crops and pastures. Seed, labor and crop growth time are just some of the agricultural damage costs associated with feral hog destruction. Hogs have also been known to knock down fences and damage farm equipment and game feeders.” Miller’s statement came just days before this issue hit newsstands and already opinions on the issue from readers and various players in the outdoors world have come to light. Columnist Doug Pike gives his opinion of giving warfarin a chance before judging in his column this month. TF&G contributor Jeff Stewart is extremely opposed to introducing the toxin in the wild in the war against hogs.

“By making this a limited use pesticide, we are taking every step possible to ensure this toxicant is used properly and efficiently,” Commissioner Miller said. “Years of work and study have gone into addressing the concerns of hunters and others about this product.” The manufacturer of the product, Scimetrics Ltd. Corp., has been manufacturing rodent management products for 15 years. Extensive testing of warfarin has been conducted in Texas since 2008. The approval of warfarin for feral hog control is the culmination of more than ten years of research between Scimetrics and TDA. This year, the EPA determined the product to be available for general use because of its low toxicity. However, to ensure the proper precautions are taken, the Texas Department of Agriculture has imposed stricter regulations on the product by labeling it for limited use only. State-limited-use pesticides may only be bought and used by a licensed applicator or someone under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator. 32

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“There are just too many things wrong with the issue,” Stewart said. “From the potential impact on other animals to unanswered questions about how it could even possibly impact people this is something I will be writing on and hitting on my various radio and social media broadcasts,” The Texas Hog Hunter’s Association has created a petition against the use of warfarin to control the hog population. “For Texas to introduce a poison into the equation is a bad decision in our opinion and could likely contaminate humans who unknowingly process and eat feral hogs,” the THHA said in a statement. “We also believe this can open a whole new level of liability from the state and private landowners who utilize this product. “We have built an enormous network of hunters, conservationists and trappers who have shown dramatic numbers of catches and population control. We certainly don’t want to be out hunting hogs and kill and consume a poisoned animal. Texas Hog Hunters Association and its partnering companies PHOTO: LEFT, CHESTER MOORE; RIGHT, PUBLIC DOMAIN

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Huge hog populations have inspired at least one manufacturer to come up with their version of a toxic solution.

have ideas, techniques and experience in bringing the numbers down...” Sellmark President James Sellers said the organization stands with THHA. “We want to take a stand against using poisons to control wildlife populations,” Sellers said. “Any animal that accidentally ingests the poison or feeds on a hog carcass may be exposed to the harmful toxin. Humans relying on feral hogs for sustenance

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may also be at risk.” Numerous TF&G readers have sent in messages about the issue. One who identified himself as a diehard hog hunter said if it is used that he will quit hog hunting altogether. How do you feel about the issue? Specifically we would appreciate your answering the following questions: Do you support the use of warfarin? Tell us why you oppose or support it.

Would its use change your hog hunting activities? If you are a landowner would you consider using a warfarin based poison to control hogs? E-mail your opinion on the issue to us at contactus@fishgame.com.

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WASN’T FEELING ANY PAIN, yet. I was numb and enraged in my adrenaline high, still feeling the sharp sting of fear and anger. There I was, flat on my butt in a prickly pear cactus with a 10mm auto pistol in my hand and a dead boar lying on my feet. Five seconds ago, I was bowhunting and the next thing I know I’m fighting for my life with my handgun.

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With my torn pant leg and the hundreds of cactus spines embedded in my hands, arms, back and butt, I knew what pain was waiting for me. Did this just happen? Yes, it did happen. No, it wasn’t a bluff charge. No, it wasn’t a charge and veer off. It was a fullblown charge and attack from a wild boar. I was hunting with my friend Josh along the Clear Fork of the Brazos River in Albany, Texas. We had both put arrows into a huge boar, but the hog was defying the laws of science and refusing to give up the ghost. We tracked the boar up into a nasty thicket of cactus and brush where he was taking refuge. It was clear that he had given up on retreating and he was going to stand his ground. This is where hog hunting gets dangerous. As I side-stepped to the right around the cactus patch, the boar— just 10 yards away, mirrored my every move. Josh had slipped his way around the brush to find an opening for a broadside shot. The boar never paid him any attention; he kept his focus on me. Through a small opening, Josh shot. His arrow passed completely through the boar’s chest but the wounded boar just stood there, staring at me, seemingly impervious to his wounds. “Did I hit him?” Josh yelled. “Behind the shoulder,” I answered, not taking my eyes off the boar. At the sound of my voice the boar started popping his teeth, sounding like two by fours slapping together. I started to draw an arrow, but before I could raise my bow the boar charged me full blitz. In the blink of an eye his big white tusks were inches away from my legs swiping like switchblades in the hands of a crazed maniac. I made no conscious decision to flee or fight. It was automatic, instinctual, primal. I found myself backpedaling and drawing my 10mm auto handgun from my belt holster. Still in a mad backpedal, I fired the 10mm auto rapidly, sending bullets at 1, 400 feet per second into the boar’s face. Regardless of my defensive battery the giant boar continued his deadly assault. Only a brain shot would stop him, and it was not happening. In a heartbeat, the boar hit me in the legs and threw me into the air. I crash landed on my back in a cluster of prickly pear cactus, 36

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Razor, and the hog that nearly killed him.

but luckily my 10mm auto was still in both hands and aimed at center mass. Bullets continued to hit him in the face, destroying the bridge of his nose, knocking his head left and right. It was a nightmare, he was closing in, just feet away, and I couldn’t hit him in the brain to stop him. In the blur of chaos, the only things in perfect focus were his huge tusks, arching from his lips. Unless I stopped his assault right now, those tusks would be in my face doing what they were designed to do—slice, rip, kill. Over the years I have been nearly killed by a charging elephant, smashed by a Cape buffalo and crushed by a rhino, but this hog attack was different. This was a street fight. Still on the ground, I continued shooting until, finally, a bullet scrambled the boar’s brain, dropping him lifeless on me. I quickly pulled my legs from underneath his head, aimed my gun between his eyes, cursed, then pulled the trigger. It was over. As the numbness wore off and the pain began to set in, I picked my bow out of a prickly pear cactus. I looked down at my ripped pants, and then slowly pulled up a |

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pant leg to inspect the damages. I feared the worst, knowing that it only takes a minor ‘brush’ of a hog’s tusk to inflict a ripping gash in soft flesh. As I pulled my pant leg up I was grateful to see that the tusk had only shaved off the upper layers of skin, leaving bruises and a nice skid mark of blood up my shin. I ejected the magazine from my 10mm and inserted a fresh one. We marked our location on a GPS unit then began hunting our way back to camp. During the long walk, the attack replayed over and over in my mind, and the “what-ifs” rattled my brain. Everything happened within seconds. No time to think, just react. “Thank God I always carry a handgun,” I said to myself. I could see the cabin up ahead, and I was eager to tell the guys what had happened. I’m damned lucky I didn’t get hurt, and even luckier that Josh witnessed the attack, for without a witness, I doubt anyone would believe what just happened.

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HOUGH REDFISH are year-round hitters, with the warmer weather, there is even more potential for some actionpacked fishing in Texas. Captain Chris Martin, owner of Bay Flats Lodge on San Antonio Bay, provides his best tips for successful half shell fishing. “At the start of your trip, look for the reds

atop the shell near the crown of the reef or in shallow guts cutting through the upper portion of the reef, especially during periods of high tide,” Martin said. “Times of higher tide will allow wading anglers to get closer to the reef on their initial approach,” he said, “which should be done on the leeward side of the reef when possible, as most of the baitfish will have been pushed against the windward side of the reef.”

TF&G Editor-in-Chief Chester Moore with a nice red caught over shell.

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Martin said. “That is why it is recommended that anglers focus attention on the down-current end of the reef. That is where the redfish will be staged as they await the presentation of their next meal.” Begin your reef wading efforts just within casting range of the crest of the reef. If the crown of the reef is within casting distance entrance to the water, cover as much real estate as possible with your top water plug before setting off across the top of the reef with heavy footsteps, and always step gently

As is the case in most coastal angling strategies, the number one thing to remember when hunting for redfish among the oyster reefs is the necessity for anglers to first locate active baitfish. The presence of bait typically coincides directly with the presence of predator fish—in this case, the redfish. Focusing your efforts on the down-current end of the reef will also tend to pay dividends more times than not, according to Martin. “Microorganisms, small crustaceans, and baitfish are all relocated by the current,”

and quietly. Try not to move more than about twenty feet at a time. “Everyone has his own preference, but a method which has proved to be productive is to toss your favorite surface walker atop the shallowest part of the reef prior to walking across a lot of the shell,” Martin said. “The noise you make as you trek across oyster shell is magnified substantially beneath the water’s surface. It’s always a good idea to start shallow, and then work out to deeper water.” Position yourself where you can overshoot the crest of the reef by several feet, and then work the bait slowly across the shal-

Thad Dayly likes to ﬁsh shell reefs in the Sabine area for big redﬁsh.

lowest point of the reef’s ridge. “I’ll work the area immediately in front of me completely by making several casts from 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock,” Martin said. “If I have no results, then I move down the reef in either direction, and repeat my previous routine.” Start your approach with a smaller topwater of choice, something like a Skitter Walk Jr. or Super Spook Jr. If the reds aren’t hitting top water, look to the middle and lower portions of the water column, and work your bait from deep water to shallow water. 40

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Low tides expose oyster reefs, which are full of life and usually full of reds.

bay due to high winds and less than stellar weather conditions,” Martin said. “On these days, look to the abundance of protected shorelines provided by the expanse of San Antonio Bay and its neighboring waters. Scout for shell pads mixed within the sand, mud, and varying grasses along shallow flats lining the main bay system.” These brief shell pads sprinkled along area shorelines serve as structure for baitfish to hide in as the reds search for their next meal. The mere hardiness of the redfish typically provides coastal anglers with chances for success pretty much year-round. Exceptions to this, of course, are those rare occasions of extended periods of extreme and severe cold along our Texas coastline. For your best chance at success, familiarize yourself with the area in which you will be fishing with a fishing buddy or even a local professional fishing guide. When possible, aim for the third morning following the passing of a more notable frontal passage, and work from the peak of the reef and back along the downward contour of the reef, and vice versa. It all comes down to one key fact: where the baitfish are, there the reds are too.

“While standing in your place of choice atop the shallowest part of the reef, tie a dependable plastic tail to the end of your line,” Martin said. “Cast for distance, as your intention should be to gradually work your bait back up along the tapered base of the reef. If the bite just isn’t happening at the bottom of the water column, and if top waters didn’t produce any results, look for the reds to be suspended somewhere in between shallow and deep.” This can be accomplished in more than one way, but a general practice is the use of plastic suspending baits. Experiment within the various water columns over the hard shell with other baits like the Super Spooks, Corky’s, Fat Boys, and plastic tails. “A few of my favorites include the original Corky, the Corky Fat Boy, the Catch 2000, and the Catch 5 suspending twitch bait,” Martin said. “My favorite spots to work these slow-sinkers are along flat spots in the reef, particularly at the tips of the reef on the down-current end during a high tide.” A quick tip is to fish the solid shell of San Antonio Bay on calm, cooler days, but don’t limit your fun with the reds to the shell of the mid-bay reefs, Martin says. “There will always be days when you are simply unable to access the reefs of the open

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Texas SALTWATER by CALIXTO GONZALES :: TF&G Saltwater Editor

The Long and Short of It

I remember a trip with friend, J.R. Watts. A frontal ridge had passed through the night before our trip out of Arroyo City, and cloudless, blue-bird skies and vodka-clear water greeted us. There were redfish all around us, but they were skittish and bolted when we hauled back to cast. As luck would have it, I had an eightfoot custom rod that Joe Montemayor at Joe’s Tackle built for me with a Shimano Chornarch E on it. I rigged a Gulp! Shrimp on an Owner Screwlock and started moon-launching it as far away from the boat as I could. That was the only technique that got the reds to eat. The parabolic action of the longer rod allowed me to reach out to an area where the fish weren’t as skittish as closer to the boat. Granted, hooking a redfish at the end of such a long cast on such a light rod made things interesting, but that’s part of the fun of fishing, right? Of course, it isn’t as simple as buying some long rods, rigging them with your favorite reels, and getting on the water. There are other factors to consider. Fishing for snook and tripletail around structure, for example, may require a rod with the action akin to a freshwater flipping rod. There are plenty of variables to consider when using that kind of setup. The primary variable is leverage, and that can be affected by length. “When it comes to pulling and leverage, I look at it like this. The rod has two sections, the part behind the reel, or behind where you’re holding it, and the part in front of that,” says Larry Dahlberg, host of The Hunt for Big Fish Classics, and rod designer. “We call the rear part the butt, I like to call the forward part ‘the blade.’” “If the blade is lengthened, the anglers leverage is reduced,” he explained. “If the butt section is lengthened, your leverage is increased. So, if butt lengths remain equal, and the overall rod is made longer, you have less leverage. In other words, if I went from an eight-footer to a nine-footer the only way I’d gain leverage would be if I made the butt a foot longer, not the blade.”

O, THE BASS ANGLERS Sportsman Society has decided that beginning this past January, tournament anglers may use rods up to 10 feet long, up from the long-standing eight-foot limit. The rule, C8 to be exact, was originally imposed as a response to California bassman Dee Thomas, long considered “The Father of Flipping,” using long saltwater rods to snatch bass out of tule clumps in the California Delta. Contrary to what some old-school tournament fishermen are claiming, this will not result in the demise of bass tournaments— much like the Alabama rig didn’t consign bass tournaments to oblivion. What bass fishermen are quickly learning is what we saltwater fishermen have discovered. Every rod has its place, and every length has its niche. The long rod has been a longtime tool among the skilled fisherman of the Big Briny, be it a 12-foot surf rod, a 9-foot fly rod, or a 7 foot, 6-inch jigging rod. The rods can provide different facets to fishing techniques, and the myriad actions are essential to cover as many different tactical situations as a fisherman might encounter. Many modern saltwater fishermen along the Texas Coast have a preference for light action rods. They’ll use 6-foot-6, 6-foot- 9, maybe 7-foot rods, to sling jigs and topwaters at speckled trout and redfish. These shorter rods are tremendously effective for their function. They’re easy to handle, provide sufficient leverage, and can be very comfortable to use. However, sticking to just one length can limit a fisherman’s effectiveness when the tactical situation changes. 44

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So, you have to find the happy medium, where you’ll have both the leverage to bull an angry tripletail out of the pilings of a channel marker and the length sufficient to drop a bait right under a snook’s nose. Experience has taught me that an ideal length for me, at 5 foot, 9, is between 7 foot, 6 inches and 8 feet. A taller man could use a longer butt with reasonable comfort, so his rod length increases to 8 foot, 6 inches or 9 nine feet. Surf and jetty fishermen understand the importance of length, especially in the butt end. The long butts are necessary in order to gain enough leverage to use the 10- or 12-foot parabola they call a fishing rod to sling a bait and sinker, which can weigh up to eight ounces, out to the third gut and beyond. Beach shark fishermen usually use kayaks and small boats to take their large baits hundreds of yards beyond the third bar. They also need the longer length to hold their line above the waves, to optimize the bait presentation, and the leverage to effectively fight a large shark or ray. Fishermen who throw lures off the end of the jetties for kingfish, bonita, and any other nearshore pelagic are in a different tactical situation. They again have to balance the need for leverage and castability. They might match a 500-sized reel with a stiffer 8 foot 6 inch to 9-foot swimbait rod that can cast a big popper or spoon a long way, and have the stiffness to both work the lure and fight a big fish. The butt can’t be too long because of the comfort factor of constant retrieves, but enough leverage. In the end, the tactical situations dictate the strategies, and the strategies dictate the equipment. A long rod isn’t always necessary, but there should be room in every fisherman’s arsenal for one or two long rods to suit the specific needs. You never know when size does matter.

Email Cal Gonzales at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

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T’S ALL ABOUT CONSERVATION. IT’S about inspiring people to take care of our precious wildlife resources.” Those are the words of Calvin Carter, a man many call a “wildlife artist extraordinaire.” And I would have to agree. The first time I saw his work, which was a beautiful mallard drake, I had to make sure I was not looking at a photograph. It was that realistic but there was something else about it. There was a kind of majesty there I just couldn’t put my finger on. “Art allows you to capture the natural beauty of wildlife, which you can also do in photograph, but also set a mood that you can’t do with a camera, and that is what inspires people,” Carter said. It inspires people to spend thousands of dollars on his work at auctions for Ducks Unlimited and the Coastal Conservation Association. There are more pintails in the marsh and redfish and speckled trout in the bays because of his work inspiring others. “That’s kind of a crazy way to think of it, but if that’s true it certainly inspires me to keep working hard and to take things to a new level,” he said. Carter has done everything from paint the Texas duck and saltwater stamp in the same year, to create huge murals for hunting ranches and capture dozens of hunters and anglers moments in time via private commissions. Carter said his favorite part is giving back. His day job is high school art teacher, where he loves teaching students technique and how to capture their artistic vision. “It’s nice to be able to recognize talent in young people and maybe give them some advice or steer them in the right direction,” he said. Last year he got to do this in a very unique way through Kingdom Zoo’s “Wild Wishes” program.

REPORT: NEWS 50 u TF&G OF THE NATION Reported by TF&G Staff

HOT 50 u TEXAS SHOTS Trophy Photos from TF&G Readers

DEPT. OF 52 u TEXAS DEFENSE by Stan Skinner and Dustin Ellermann

56 u TEXAS DEPT. OF CONSERVATION

by Will Leschper and Andi Cooper

58 u TEXAS COASTAL FORECAST

by Eddie Hernandez, Mike Holmes, Mike Price, Chris Martin, Mac Gable and Cal Gonzales

66 u TEXAS FISHING HOTSPOTS

by Tom Behrens, Dustin Warncke and Dean Heffner

76 u SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK Tides and SoLunar Data

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A little girl named Madison had been in Texas Children’s Hospital for more than 200 days and was not at the time able to go out to encounter any wild animals. But she is a talented young artist, so Carter came in and gave her a private wildlife art lesson. “That was such a special thing to me,” he said. “Madison is a sweet, beautiful girl who has been through a lot and to get to teach her a little bit about wildlife art and hopefully inspire her a bit was worth more than any award or recognition I could think of.” He left her with his “Big Five” sketching beautifully framed and, no doubt, with a smile on her face. Selling wildlife art to raise money for game and fish habitat is conservation of the highest order, but so is using your time and talents to inspire young people facing the greatest of challenges. And that says volumes about Calvin Carter the man and the artist.

Calvin and his son Austin check out one of his recent paintings, a beautiful mountain lion, that was inspired by watching the classic “Wild America” series by Marty Stouffer.

Calvin Carter had both the state waterfowl and saltwater stamp for Texas in 2014.

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The NATIONAL

I Thought I Saw a Sea Snake?

News of TEXAS

posed to exist in Gulf or Atlantic waters. They dwell in the Pacific, although in the past there has been some banter about whether they would make it through the Panama Canal. I got that report a couple of years back and then sort of filed it in the “X” category for review later on down the road. Then I spoke with someone who told me about catching a big diamondback rattlesnake near High Island. He said this as he brought me a king snake for my collection, and we spent an hour talking about serpents. “The craziest thing I ever saw was a banded sea krait at one of the rigs off of the Bolivar Peninsula,” he said. He reported seeing the snake swimming around a rig that he had kayaked to on a calm day.

IT EMERGED FROM A WEEDLINE that covered the edges of the 18-mile light out of Sabine Pass. “It had white/bluish and black bands and came from under the weeds and then swam to the surface. It was a sea snake, and I have no doubts about what I saw,” said one angler I interviewed in person who wishes to remain anonymous. The angler said the “snake” had a paddle-like tail, and he and his fishing partner observed it for several minutes. The problem is that sea snakes are not sup-

DUCKS

WHITETAIL

Upper Laguna Madre

Moore, Texas

Jessica Barnett (left), age 11, and Stephanie Collins (right), age 10, both of Austin, along with their dads and Jessica’s brother Jeffrey, age 14, hunted the Upper Laguna Madre in January, where the girls harvested their ﬁrst ducks (redheads).

A couple of things happened when I got this report. First, he called it a “banded sea krait” which is a specific type of sea snake. There are numerous species. Then I realized this was only about 25 miles from where the other sighting came from, which described a banded sea krait. Once again there are supposed to be no sea snakes in Texas. The most likely candidate is the snake eel, which is present in the Gulf of Mexico and has similar markings to a banded sea krait. They are established in the Gulf and would be a species found around an oil rig or a structure like the 18 Mile Light (Sabine Bank Lighthouse). There are several reports of beaded seasnake that allegedly washed up in Florida after a red tide event. There are also a few stories of sea snakes reportedly being

Michael Padron shot this buck while hunting at Moore, Texas. The buck was 4.5 years old and was guarding a “hot” doe from three younger bucks. Michael was calm and made sure the shot was a good, ethical kill before he pulled the trigger. His dad, Mike, is rightly proud of this young man.

Visit FishGame.com to upload your own TEXAS HOT SHOTS and Vote for our next Winners 50

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found in different areas of the Caribbean. Bloggers blame ship ballasts for carrying snakes from the Pacific and then unintentionally releasing them into the Gulf. It is unlikely, but the fact is you just never know. Sea snakes are fascinating creatures. Some of the more well-known are the beautiful banded sea krait and the olive sea snake, both of which are medium- to largesized snakes. Some sea snakes spend much time on land, hiding in debris along shorelines, although others are almost totally aquatic. Sea snakes are highly venomous. When compared on a drop by drop basis some would be considered to possess the most deadly venom on Earth. The good news is that they rarely bite and when they do bite,

Preserved sea snake specimens show the unique design of this species. The specimen to the right is the one allegedly seen on the Upper Coast.

REDFISH Port O’Connor D.J. Jirasek caught this 42-inch redﬁsh with a unique heart-shaped tail spot while ﬁshing at the Port O’Connor jetties. The 28-pound bull was Jirasek’s personal best.

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researchers at the University of Florida in Gainesville, they find places where it is raining heavily. There, they wait for pools that scientists call “lenses” of fresh water to form on the surface, and drink. It is believed they can go up to six months without drinking fresh water so it is not something they need daily. If anyone thinks they might have seen a sea snake or have photos of a snake eel (with the bands showing) email them to cmoore@ fishgame.com. —by Chester Moore

only tiny levels of their neurotoxic venom are released. According to a 2009 article in The New Scientist, a steamer in the Strait of Malacca, off the coast of Malaysia, reported sighting “millions” of one of the largest species which grow up to nine feet in length. This was related to the breeding season. Although large aggregations are fairly common, this seemed to be an unusual occurrence. All reptiles must drink water, and it must be fresh water. So how does a sea snake drink fresh water if it lives in the ocean? According to an article published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, by T E X A S

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TEXAS Dept. of

:: Self Defense :: Tactical :: Training Tips

by DUSTIN ELLERMANN and STAN SKINNER

:: Gear

Nostalgia for a ‘Favorite’

few such ladies come readily to mind, Annie Oakley, Margaret Murdoch, Kim Rhode, et al. But back to my point, the Stevens Favorite was an ideal first rifle for several reasons. Most important, its simplicity made it just about as safe as possible for an inexperienced shooter. First, it is a single shot. Second, when the lever opens the

OST OF US WHO GREW UP in the first half of the 20th Century, remember our first gun fondly. For many of us that first gun was a Stevens Favorite. The Favorite was a lever-action, falling-block, single-shot rifle scaled perfectly for a boy in his pre-teen years. Before I get hammered for being a misogynist, I have little doubt that some young girls, particularly those who grew up on a farm, also got a Stevens Favorite for a first gun. I have always said that the female of the species has better tools to become a skilled shooter, than guys do. A

action, it exposes the chamber, which either has a cartridge loaded in place—or there is an obvious, empty hole. Third, when the action closes on a

Shocking Defense

electric fence such as you would use to deter livestock from escaping a pasture. They are very ineffective weapons against a determined attacker. TASERs on the other hand are advanced tools, which when used in the correct manner are extremely effective and save lives on both ends of a defensive situation. I was able to participate in the first TASER-sponsored civilian training course by C2 Tactical at a “Bullets and Bibles” training conference in Arizona this year. There I found there is a lot

WHEN WE THINK DEFENSIVE tools, many of us think of our handgun, flashlight, and pocketknife. But with the advancement of technology, we also have impressive innovations like the TASER Pulse non-lethal weapon. Now don’t confuse the brand TASER with the cheap “stun guns” that you find at convenience stores and flea markets. There is no comparison in the end result or technology. Actually, the cheap little zapper stun guns are nothing more than a portable

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live round, the shooter has to consciously cock the hammer to fire the gun. If a boy (or girl) is given rudimentary gun safety instruction and is mature enough to understand the grave responsibility inherent in handling a gun, it is unlikely that an accident can occur when the youngster handles a Stevens Favorite.

more to the TASER technology than most folks realize. TASER produces small handheld weapons that utilize electrical current to stop an attacker using neuro-muscular incapacitation. Although the law enforcement models have a range of 21 feet, the civilian versions are limited to 15 feet. Once fired, an electrical pulse activates a nitrogen cartridge that deploys two barbtipped darts at 100 miles per hour into the attacker. These darts are attached by strong, thin insulated wires back to the TASER and for the first second of deployment measures the attacker’s body mass by calculating electrical resistance, so it delivers the appropriate charge to disable him. Once the device has that reading, it gives the attacker a programmed 30-second

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RIFLES AND ACTIONS, which is a terrific illustrated reference book on this subject. As I browsed through the show, I saw a grimy, neglected Favorite on one of the tables. It was filthy, and it had a galvanized machine screw instead of the lever pivot pin. The screw was bent over to keep it from falling out. The gun couldn’t be more worthless-looking. Before I looked away, I noticed it had an octagonal barrel. My curiosity piqued, I glanced at the front sight. It was bright, silver-looking…hmm. I picked it up and looked closely at the action. Under the grime, I could see a hint of color case hardening…hmm. The machine screw fitted fairly well, and the hole did not appear to be damaged. With some difficulty, I opened the action and peered down the bore—nasty. However, the stock seemed to be relatively unscarred, and the bakelite buttplate was intact. DeHaas had mentioned in his book that the toe of the buttplate was often broken off, which greatly reduced the collectability of the rifle. This one was okay. Cutting to the chase, I traded a Case Sharktooth folding knife in a velvet presentation case and five bucks for this little diamond in the rough. So, I took it home and proceeded to rehabilitate it. I gave it a good exterior cleaning, which revealed decent color case-hardening on the receiver and fairly good bluing on the bar-

“plain jane” version with a round barrel and unadorned plain walnut stock. Most often, these are scarred and worn from a young rural lad dragging it with him every time he left the house until he was deemed old enough to graduate to a more sophisticated firearm. However, a few fancier Favorites were made. These Favorites had a color casehardened action, blued octagonal barrel and a bit of figure in the walnut stock. They also had a fancy German silver front sight. These little touches made a pretty little rifle, which if it’s in nice condition, enhances its collectability—and price. Thereby hangs a tale. Once upon a time, in the early 1980s I attended a gun show in Oklahoma City. A few days earlier, I had happened to read a description of the fancier Stevens Favorite in Frank DeHaas’s book, SINGLESHOT

The author’s Stevens Favorite is a nice little riﬂe, but it doesn’t measure up to th one he traded away decades ago.

The Favorite was chambered for several different cartridges. There was even a smoothbore version, chambered for .22 RF or 32 RF shotshells. However, most were chambered for .22 Long Rifle, which incidentally, was first developed by Stevens in 1887 and soon became an extremely popular cartridge for a boy’s first rifle (girl’s first rifle, too—see above). The Stevens Favorite is usually seen in a

activates and green status light indicates the batter is ready to rock. Pulse is aimed at the centerline of an attacker. Upon trigger press, the deployed darts will spread at an eightdegree angle so they get a connection to deliver the charge. To deter misuse, each dart cartridge has a confetti, called AFID (anti-felon identification). These pieces scatter upon firing, marking the area where it was used. Each AFID is marked with the registered serial number of the purchaser. As stated before, the Pulse will run for 30 seconds to allow you to reach safety. However if you are trapped and need more time to escape you can cycle another incapacitating shock by cycling the safety and pressing the trigger again. The Pulse’s lithium power pack lasts at

The TASER Pulse uses electrical current to deliver neuro-muscular incapacitation to override an attacker’s central nervous system, limiting muscular control for 30 seconds.

shock allowing the user to escape. Deploying the TASER is simple. The newer Pulse civilian model uses the same technology as the law enforcement ver-

sions. It resembles a compact handgun complete with trigger, safety switch, aiming laser, light, and sights. Once the safety is depressed, the light and aiming laser

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rel. Giving the bore a thorough scrubbing, I found little pitting, and the rifling was intact. The walnut stock didn’t require much work, and after I rubbed it with a little linseed oil, it looked pretty good. Now the only problem was that blasted machine screw. Somehow, I managed to straighten it enough to remove it without apparent damage to the receiver. Once again, I opened DeHaas’s book to the write-up on the Stevens Favorite. The exploded drawing revealed the proper nomenclature (“nomenclature” is a highfalutin’ word that simply means “name.” I picked it up during my military years—sorry about that.) of the pin that holds the lever in place. Oddly enough, it is called a “lever screw.” Numrich Gun Parts Corporation, bless their hearts, had the part in stock for, as I

recall, less than the postage required to send it to me. After I had it in hand, I reinstalled the lever, and the job was done. Actually, that makes it sound too easy. I seem to remember sweating blood and uttering a few curse words before I got the rascal in place. The postscript to this story is that I took my rehabilitated fancy Favorite to the next gun show and got $125 in trade for it on a shotgun I wanted at the time. Just for the record, this was the early 1980s, and $125 was not chicken feed. I no longer have that shotgun. It went away a long time ago, and I barely remember it. However, I remember that fancy Stevens Favorite, and I regret trading it to this day. On a lighter note, I have another Stevens Favorite now, in .22 Long Rifle. It came as a result of a trade with one of my hunting

buddies. This Favorite is one of the newer ones that Savage made from about 2002 to 2005. It has a round barrel and a walnut stock (unusual among most .22s these days). Its rear sight is sturdy and adjustable for elevation with a narrow notch that makes it easy to take a fine bead on the target. I traded for it more than a year ago, but because of other projects, I haven’t shot it yet. So, I can’t attest to its accuracy. Still, it’s a good little rifle, and I like it. But I do remember the fancy little Favorite that I traded away so long ago, and in my mind this new one will never quite replace it. It just ain’t the same.

any fatalities. Three amps of electricity can be fatal, but TASERs use only .00012 amps. It is also a great defensive tool that you can also carry into those illogical “gun free zones”. The TASER Pulse runs the same price as a budget handgun, retailing for $399.99. And best yet, if you happen to

ever need to use it and leave it behind, TASER will replace your product for free when you send in a copy of the police report. You can find out more at taser.com.

—by Stan Skinner

TASER is a brand name that, like Xerox, is often confused with cheaper, less effective “stun guns.”

least 50 full cycles so you should never run out of juice. The TASER Pulse is perfect for selfdefense situations where lethal force isn’t necessary. Using a firearm is a serious last resort that carries huge consequences. If you are leery about the electrical technology you can find peace that TASERs have been used over five million times without 54

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TEXAS Dept. of :: Edited by WILL LESCHPER

Texas Big Bass

too, with all the hallmarks of the best intentions gone terri- bly wrong. A

broad-grinning angler hoists up a 10- or 11-pound sow bass above shoulder level, pinching a death grip on its bucket mouth with thumb and forefinger, flexing its jaw in a way that’s far from natural and stressing it within an inch of its life. It’s no wonder that some of the largest specimens of the most sought catch-andrelease fishery simply expire

T’S BIG BASS TIME IN TEXAS, which means plenty of photos of big fish will be shared on social media near and far. I always enjoy inspecting pictures of big fish, especially lunker largemouth bass, those that reach double digits in weight and are rare prizes for even the most seasoned of anglers. However, I also hate seeing those frames that capture the exact wrong way to hold a big bass. You’ve likely seen them,

Apply Now for Texas Outdoor Youth Camps HIGH SCHOOLERS ACROSS THE Lone Star State can learn about the great outdoors in a variety of camps focused on different wildlife species and habitats. The Texas Brigades is a wildlife- and natural resources-focused leadership development program for high school students ages 13 to 17. There are eight different camps with six themes: Bobwhite Brigade, Buckskin Brigade, Bass Brigade, Waterfowl Brigade, Ranch Brigade and Coastal Brigade. During each five-day camp, participants are introduced to habitat management. They also hone their communication skills and develop a land ethic.

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“If you are interested in biology, conservation, leadership, or just appreciate the outdoors, you should consider applying to one of our camps,” said Jared Laing, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department biologist. The camps are held on private ranches and at natural resource education and research locations in different areas of the state. In addition to learning animal anatomy and behavior, botany, nutrition, habitat management, population dynamics and more, campers learn valuable leadership skills.

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Camp tuition allows Texas Brigades to provide a unique experience for each individual. Financial assistance may be available to assist in covering the $500 tuition. The Waterfowl Brigade program exposes participants to a week of intensive waterfowl and wetland conservation education, much of which is hands-on. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff provide most of the instruction with assistance from a variety of volunteers and

PHOTOS: TOP, CANSTOCK; BOTTOM, TPWD; OPPOSITE, CANSTOCK

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due to the rigors of being winched from the depths below and the added stress that comes from human interaction. In its natural environment, the largemouth is king, with a big fish having no real threats—other than when it falls for the wrong ruse and meets up with a human. A number of 13-pound bass or larger destined for the ShareLunker program have died before making it to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. This happens mostly because of not being cared for properly and could be any number of causes that human interaction brings with it. Stashing a big fish in a small live well is never a good idea for long periods, nor is continuing to move the creature from holding tank to tank and exposing it to more stress. The ShareLunker program, which runs through April, accepts entries of pure Florida largemouths weighing 13 pounds or more and uses the fish to spawn and create more bass that are stocked into lakes across the state. The biggest thing to remember with any catch is to stress the fish as little as possible—which usually means handling them

organizations, including Ducks Unlimited. Waterfowl Brigade participants will study aquatic vegetation, the importance of wetland ecosystems, waterfowl biology, land and water stewardship, natural resource management and how to identify waterfowl. Becoming an effective conservation advocate is also accomplished with lessons on life skills, such as working as a team, improved public speaking and communication and leadership. There are activities involving photography, journaling and painting. Hunting skills, safety and ethics are also covered. The Waterfowl Brigade camp will be held July 16 to 20 in the wetlands and flooded timber of the Big Woods on the Trinity. Applications are open until March 15 for interested campers and adult leaders and are available online. Go to <http://www.texasbrigades.org/ Applications/2017-Applications.html

—by Andi Cooper

Email Will Leschper at WillLeschperOutdoors@gmail.com

Building Better Turkey Hunts AN INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE wildlife and wild turkey habitat in Texas recently received federal funding through the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture, a collaboration between the National Wild Turkey Federation as the lead, along with Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will receive $2.9 million to address significant declines in grassland wildlife populations and the loss of natural water-cycle conditions. The joint venture will administer the grant through their Grassland Restoration Incentive Program (GRIP). The program aims to help landowners pay for grassland restoration work, including range planting, controlled burning and invasive plant con-

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from the water for photographs. • If you must handle the fish, try to do so out of the wind and keep it out of the water as little as possible. Wind can dry out the eyes and gills quickly, resulting in further damage. Next time you have the opportunity to hoist a big bass for a photo, make sure you’re doing it the right way. Then promptly release it, so you or another lucky angler has the chance to catch it again, and so it can produce more fish for future generations to enjoy. It’s going to be a great spring, filled with hefty largemouths across Texas. Just make sure your impromptu meeting is short and sweet with the biggest fish you may ever see. For more information, visit: tpwd.texas. gov/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/sharelunker.

as little as possible. Here are some tips for handling big bass, including when raising the fish for a snapshot: • Wet your hands before touching the fish. • Using your dominant hand, grip the fish with your thumb inside the mouth and your fingers locked on the outside of the mouth. • Support the rear of the fish with your other hand placed beneath the fish just ahead of the tail. • Lift the fish out of the water in a horizontal position using both hands for support. • Do not hold the fish by the lower jaw in a vertical position. This can dislocate or break the jaw, essentially putting a death sentence on the bass. • Handle the fish only when putting it into a livewell or holding tank. Do not keep the fish out of the water or keep removing it

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trol, according to a news release. In its first three years, the program has paid out more than $1.1 million, which has restored wildlife grassland habitat on more than 57,000 acres. For more information visit: www. nwtf.org.

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Coastal Focus: SABINE :: by Capt. EDDIE HERNANDEZ

Sabine’s Hotspots

old jetties is some of the best real estate on the entire coast. Its bottom contour is made up of a perfect blend of sand, mud shell and riprap which provides plenty of protection for baitfish, and the predators are numerous. Trout, redfish, and flounders move onto the shallow shoreline in pursuit of the abundant forage. There they will stuff themselves full of mullet, shad, shrimp and crab. Keeping the boat in about seven feet of water and fan casting parallel with and towards the bank should present the most opportunity for strikes. The early morning top-water bite is good and will continue to improve as we progress through this month. If you fish the tail end of an incoming tide or a nice outgoing tide you should be in the money. Walking the dog in two to five feet of water with big topwater plugs like Super Spooks and She Dogs should produce some impressive blowups. Soft plastics rigged on 1/4 ounce lead heads will also produce good results Trout, reds and flounders will feed aggressively when the spring tides push the green

ARMER AIR AND WATER temperatures are gradually becoming the rule rather than the exception as the spring season slowly but surely begins to take hold of the Texas Gulf Coast. With the arrival of April, anglers across this great state are being blessed with more and more opportunities for targeting trout, redfish and flounder. For those of us who fish the upper coast, and in particular, here on Sabine Lake, we are no longer limited to the main lake and other areas north of Sabine Pass. Through the grapevine, we are beginning to hear sporadic reports of nice stringers from the jetties and the Sabine Neches Waterway. The shoreline from LNG to the

water into the channel and will gladly accept offerings such as H&H Cocahoe Minnows, Saltwater Assassins and Zoom Super Flukes. Good spring colors are glow, pumpkin, chartreuse and limetreuse. Another high percentage area should be from Greens Bayou south to Blue Buck Point. This is a prime bait and fish holding area in early spring. Hungry trout and redfish will cruise this shoreline looking for an easy meal as the bait fish make their way around Blue Buck Point with the incoming tide. Plastics rigged on 1/4 ounce lead heads or under a popping cork will get good results. Pop this setup aggressively to get their attention and entice them to strike. The flounder bite should also be gaining momentum as big numbers are making their way back into the bay. Slowly dragging finger mullet or mud minnows is always a good option, but curl tail grubs like GULP! Swimming Mullet will also get serious results. Great places to start are the points on either side of the mouths of the bayous on the eastern side of the lake or around the causeway bridge when you target these tasty flatfish. Focus your efforts in two to five feet of water and you should be in business.

THE BANK BITE LOCATION: North Revetment Road (Pleasure Island) SPECIES: Trout, reds, ﬂounder BAITS/LURES: Topwaters, plastics, live shrimp BEST TIMES: Mornings and evenings

Email Eddie Hernandez at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

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Coastal Focus: GALVESTON :: by Capt. MIKE HOLMES

April Brings More Than The Easter Bunny

ITH THE PROSPECT OF A mild winter again and rainfall levels more normal than in recent years, April should see the start of serious fishing action on our part of the Gulf Coast. Bay reefs and even the surf should be warm enough for “wet” wading, and green tides will bring shrimp and baitfish to trigger feeding activity by speckled trout and redfish. Since these two piscatorial “cousins” make up two of the three most popular inshore sport species—the third being flounder—their arrival in dependable numbers brings serious fishermen out of the winter doldrums. Because they are also very good eating, our sport can also provide tasty and healthful meals for the family. Another big plus is that a boat, although it’s helpful, is not absolutely necessary. Wading the surf and bay reefs, beachfront piers and rock groins, channel jetties, private and public docks, and the shoreline of passes and river outlets provide easy fishing access.

sibly help would be to have realistic catch limits and quotas for red snappers, which would in return reduce the number of snappers preying on the young triggerfish. I did most of my offshore fishing in a time where triggers were sort of an enemy of snapper fishing. As a result, it would seem very strange to advocate basically advocate killing more red snappers to “save” triggerfish. I have seen triggers so numerous that fishing for other species—including snapper, but also at times even kingfish—was an exercise in futility. I have seen them attack and devour snappers that were hooked or on a diver’s spear, eat plastic sandwich bags that blew overboard, and even leap out of the water to rip bites out of a diver-down flag on a buoy. My dive master on one trip was severely bitten on the hands trying to cover up a speared snapper that triggers were after. The 2017 annual catch limit (ACL) for triggerfish would have been 214,200 pounds, with a catch target (ACT) of 217,100 pounds. The over-harvest figure reduced that to a tar-

they have arrived at was that the over-fishing amounted to 221,213 pounds. As I discussed in this column last year, my talks with offshore charter captains confirmed they were seeing very few triggerfish, but they considered this to be sort of a good thing. The most likely reason for their decline seems to be the overabundance of red snappers. Snappers are voracious feeders, and on-thewater evidence shows they are eating immature triggerfish AND triggerfish egg clusters. With this in mind, halting recreational fishing for triggers will have little or no result in their struggle for survival With red snappers currently being overprotected themselves, there are TWO ways that recreational fishing will not affect triggerfish. The only one of the two that could pos-

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THIS MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO offshore anglers—or not. As possibly (hopefully) one of the last acts by NOAA Fisheries under the Obama administration, the recreational “season” for gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico will remained closed through the end of 2017, or UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Triggers are now under a rebuilding program, because they are considered overfished, even though traditionally few recreational fishermen target them. Using NOAA math, the reason for the low population of triggerfish MUST be because these same recreational fishermen took more than the quota they were allowed in 2016. Sound familiar? Fishermen must therefore “pay back” by not being allowed to catch triggers in 2017 at all. Incidentally, the figure T E X A S

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Coastal Focus: MATAGORDA :: by Contributing Editor MIKE PRICE

Fishing in Off-Colored Water

N APRIL 25, 2016, I WAS trying to figure out where my wife Janet and I could go fishing. We had received about three times the normal April rainfall, and most of the rain had fallen in just a few days. A tremendous amount of fresh water was flowing into West Matagorda Bay from the Colorado River and the Tres Palacios Rivers because of recent rains. The road to the beach in Matagorda was covered with water, and the locks were closed to barge traffic. Large logs were a major hazard in the Diversion Channel and West Matagorda Bay. I could go to East Matagorda Bay, because it does not have a river dumping huge amounts of water into it, or I could go west to Keller Bay, which didn’t get quite as much rain and is

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fed by Keller Creek rather than a river. We opted for Keller Bay. When we arrived at the south shore, I was relieved to find that the water had visibility of one and a half feet, and bait fish were active. By April, flounders are back in the bays after their journey offshore to spawn, and Janet caught a 15-½ inch flounder using a yellow Sparkle Beetle after just a few casts. Then she landed a 21-½ inch redfish. I tossed my Chicken on a Chain five-inch Bass Assassin soft plastic lure into the mouth of a bayou, and it surfaced in the mouth of a large trout that was angrily shaking its head. According to long time Bay City fisherman, Eddie Douglas, trout will do this instinctively to get rid of a parasite which in this case was my lure. It worked. The lure came out, and the

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trout swam off. I caught several more fish that were undersized and returned them to the water, while Janet scored a Texas Triple by adding a trout to her stringer. If you fish water that is mostly fresh and milky-brown colored, you can still stimulate a bite even though the fish may only barely be able to see your lure. Of course, first you have to find the fish. Last April, Eddie Vacek, an experienced Matagorda fisherman and a friend, went to a bayou on the north side of West Matagorda Bay. He motored up the off-colored, mostly fresh water bayou and then tossed a cast net several times, catching 15 mullet that were between 8 and 12 inches. Then he made a cut on the mullet that went from the dorsal fin back to the anal fin in order to put out a strong smell, and hooked the mullet with a size 8/0 J hook entering under the jaw and coming out the head. They quietly poled up the bayou, tossing the mullet under popping corks and limited on redfish in 30 minutes. If you are going to use artificial lures, it is really best to have some visibility, say about eight inches; but with artificials, you can take advantage of the ultra-sensitive ability of fish to smell, hear and feel movement. When fishing with soft plastics use a dark color, which the fish can see better in low visibility water. Use lures that make noise and create vibrations such as the Egret Baits Wedge Tail Minnow, which has a tail that flutters. Some lures, both hard and soft, have a rattle built in. Spoons flutter, as well as reflect any sunlight that may penetrate the water. Add smell by using lures with built-in scent such as Gulp, or add scent to soft plastic lures by putting a little piece of Fishbite on the hook. In December, I witnessed an example of how sensitive fish are to noise and vibrations. I was kayak fishing in a bayou in 1-1/2 footdeep water, when very faintly at a distance of about three miles I heard duck hunters shooting. As soon as the shots went off several redfish created mud boils and swam off and then, 30 minutes later, the same thing happened.

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When the wind is light, I like to drift fish Half Moon Reef on the West side of West Matagorda Bay. In early April last year, Mike Miller and I drifted over the artificial structure that makes up Half Moon reef. He was catching trout between 17 and 21 inches, but I was not even getting bites. We talked about it afterwards and determined that he was working his lure on the bottom while I was staying above the structure, so that I would not catch my lures on structure. Mike lost five lures, but he also caught his limit of five trout. If you have a torrent of fresh water pouring into West Matagorda Bay, go to East Matagorda Bay or try Keller Bay. Even if the water is off-color, you can stimulate the bite with live mullet or artificial lures.

THE BANK BITE OYSTER LAKE: Bank, Wade, or Kayak Fish Oyster Lake. There are several places to bank, wade, or kayak fish at Oyster Lake: You can fish next to the bridge, and you can fish a bulkheaded sand peninsula. If you have a strong outgoing tide, you may

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get of ZERO pounds, and an annual limit of 19,987 pounds. NOAA regulations—set by NOAA—require the recreational sector to be closed when landings reach OR ARE EXPECTED TO REACH the annual catch limit. According to this, recreational harvest of gray triggerfish in the Gulf is likely not to be allowed in the foreseeable future. Link this to political “Hope And Change.” I sincerely hope the new administration in Washington will rein in NOAA Fisheries, and bring about sensible change in fisheries management for the Gulf of Mexico.

want to wade ﬁsh the point where water ﬂows from Oyster Lake to Tres Palacios Bay. Trout like to feed at this spot and under these circumstances. To get to Oyster Lake turn south from FM 521 on FM 1095, turn left on 378, right on 373, and left on

THE BANK BITE LOCATION: Passes, bay reefs, jetties, rock groins and piers—plus tidal streams. SPECIES: Everything will be available, reds, trout, flounders, panfish—everything except gray triggerfish! BAIT: Live bait will be best, but “fresh dead” also works, along with well-presented artificials. BEST TIME: Tidal movement is always critical, also early and late as far as time of day. Night fishing is still good, and more comfortable than in colder weather.

Email Mike Holmes at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

365. It takes about 18 minutes to get to Oyster Lake from FM 521.

Email Mike Price at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

3/10/17 3:46 PM

Coastal Focus: MID COAST :: by Capt. CHRIS MARTIN

Spring Into Change

You might successfully make it through the approval-cycle gauntlet, and actually make it down to the water’s edge, but there’s one more item. The thing that decides where you’re going to fish on any given day right now along the Texas coast is—the April wind. That’s why it’s so very important for you to learn to fish the existing conditions, and not just fish in a spot simply because you’re familiar with it. Now that it’s springtime means you’ll benefit from learning about many different places you can fish when the wind decides to blow from many different directions. Over the course of any single week in April, it will not be uncommon for us to see winds blowing from several different directions. In situations like this, it can be very helpful to have previously picked-out more than one alternative for each of the wind conditions. It’s also recommended that you perform additional scouting activities as you strive to combat this month’s challenging wind conditions. If possible, spend some extra time out on the water in April looking for shorelines and structure that support favorable fishing conditions in various winds. If you have kept a fishing log over the years, use it—review your log to remind yourself where you fished successfully in a certain wind. If a fishing log isn’t available, you can still manage to stay a step ahead by always listening to the weather forecast. Then plot new destinations and alternate locations via your favorite hotspot fishing map or your GPS unit. With many of the days registering winds between 15mph and 30mph, with occasional gusts being even stronger, it becomes almost imperative for April anglers to have more than one backup plan when it comes to the wind. Try to make it a point to never leave the dock without having at least three, or four, separate locations in your head as to where you can look for the bite in the “windof-the-day.” Another change with the onset of April is the presence of much warmer temperatures.

OR MANY COASTAL ANGLERS who don’t live close to the water, a lot of decisions have to be made by a number of different people whenever a plan is being put together for a fishing trip. You, and three of your closest fishing buddies, have to decide on a trip date that works for everyone. Then, the boss that each of you work for has to decide to let you off from work on the same day. Then, your spouse also has to decide it’s okay for you to go.

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This tends to set off the biological clock within speckled trout that tells them this is the start of their annual spawning season. This event takes place primarily over a hard, sandy bottom structure. We should also begin seeing a marked increase in the formation of slicks along these sandy shorelines as the month progresses. Sandy shorelines are where the heavy females carrying eggs will frequent during the spawn. So, always remember to approach such areas very slowly and quietly, always idling your boat upwind of where you want to start wading (if possible). As for springtime baits, many coastal anglers have experienced wonderful results while working plastic tails along a sandy bottom. Fishing these plastics over the sand allows you to reduce the rate of your retrieve compared to fishing over a mud bottom. This is great because it is in the area just above the sandy bottom that bigger female trout like to sit while they are spawning. This can be very fun and rewarding. Anyone can learn to work plastic baits along the bottom with just a little practice and some patience. Top water baits also begin to turn on strong this month. If you haven’t been throwing any of your surface walkers lately, wipe them off and get them in shape. Next time you’re out on the boat, practice tossing one with the wind, across the wind, and into the wind just to get you used to it once again. Now, find some active baitfish along a sandy shoreline and give it your best shot. If you happen into a top water bite where the fish seem to be interested in your lure, but simply aren’t inhaling it, try this: Experiment with different types and speeds of retrieves until you find one that works—such as the steady walk-the-dog retrieve, or the “let it sit for a few seconds and just give it a quick twitch, or two” retrieve. Nine out ten times they’ll come right back to it.

Contact Capt. Chris Martin at bayﬂatslodge@gmail.com or visit bayﬂatslodge.com

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Coastal Focus: ROCKPORT :: by Capt. MAC GABLE

Banking It

T’S TRUE MOST OF US WHO have a boat rarely give a thought to fishing from the shoreline. We have, we believe, graduated to the next level and shall never return to beating the banks for fish. If we think back, however, almost every one of us gained our love for the sport fishing with both feet planted firmly on solid ground. For the purpose of this article I consider “bank fishing” to mean any form of angling that includes wade fishing, pier fishing, surf fishing, or most folks favorite—lawn chair fishing. My introduction to fishing started on Onion Creek, fishing with my mom, and grew into a passion for the sport that still exists today. Although I must admit I seldom get to fish, as a guide I do enjoy seeing others enjoy the indescribable feeling of a bent pole and the tug of a fish. A word of caution though—It’s been said “be careful not to turn your enjoyable passion into a job.” It truly can quickly go from a passion into an arduous pain in the butt. In my style of guiding you will seldom see me pick up a rod to fish—cast, yes. A few times maybe, I’ll even set the hook, then quickly hand the rod to a client. I believe clients pay me to help them catch fish. not watch me catch fish. This can make for some real fishing dry spells. It’s a bit funny, but often I’m asked at bait stands or other places I frequent, “Captain Mac you catching fish?” “No ma’am or sir, I’m not.” This moves some of my brothers in arms (other guides) who are within ear shot to say “He’s a bald headed liar! He cleaned a whole mess of fish just yesterday.” My pat response is, “I didn’t catch ‘em, my clients did.” “That’s splitting hairs, you just don’t want to tell where you caught ‘em.” “I didn’t catch’em,” I persisted. “Okay, so just where did your “clients”

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took the enjoyment out of fishing. To fish from a boat, a fisherman needs a motor, trailer, GPS, trolling motor, not to mention a vehicle to pull it with and the angst that goes with just launching a boat. On Copano Bay one poor fellow told me that he came down four different times with his boat and never got on the water. As he discovered sitting a boat at home for months at a time caused all kinds of gremlins to attack its mechanical ability. “The last time it happened, I sold the piece of junk right there on the boat ramp,” the gentlemen said. “I told the young man who bought it the sale came with one stipulation, he had to take it right then and there. I literally lifted it off the ball of my truck and put it on his right on the boat ramp. “I personified the saying ‘the two happiest days of an angler’s life is the day he buys a boat and the day he sells the !@#$%^&*@ thing!’” he said, with a smile. “My wife was happier with no boat in the yard and I didn’t have to mow around the damn thing any-

catch’em?” they say. “Where did they catch most of them is that what you’re asking?” I reply. “They caught them in different places, but mainly in the corner of the mouth.” I grin at that point, and put an end to the jibing. My point is I seldom fish, and when I do it is still immensely enjoyable. If you’ve ever heard about the circle of life, there is a phenomenon called “the circle of fishing.” Although some feel the tug to prove they are Captain Ahab and become a guide, others usually migrate up the circle’s curve from bank fishing to boat fishing if the finances allow. As time moves on, the effort it takes to own a boat, take care of a boat, trailer a boat, and store a boat often sends the angler back to a favorite shoreline to fish completing the fishing circle. I am known often to stop and talk to what I affectionately call “bank beaters” (anglers that fish from the shore). More times than I can remember, they tell me how owning all the contraptions they think they need just

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fish. Don’t believe that, even for a minute. Some of these folks catch more fish than most boat anglers. Another interesting breed of bank angler is those that we affectionately call wharf rats, jetty rats, and/or pier rats. The experienced ones have homemade devices designed for fishing off of these various structures. For example, a pure pier angler usually has a landing net adapted for netting fish far below the surface of the pier where the water level is. Some use old bicycle rims outfitted with nets and a long rope used to drop the net. Others use long-handled versions of the typical boat net. The jetty folks use rod holders and nets adapted to the large granite slabs that make up most of our Texas jetty systems. If you have a notion they’re not serious about fishing, just throw across one of their lines, and you will get a real jetty education. Some of these anglers start fishing at sun down and don’t quit until sun up. Having spent many nights on jetty rocks and countless piers, and having waded the bays of Texas as a boy, I can say their commitment level is no less than the most avid boat angler. I have a soft spot in my heart for these folks, for I can relate to the joy and excitement of this type of fishing. I have a feeling one day I, too, will find myself having gone full circle, rod in hand back enjoying my favorite shoreline.

more. “That guy got a heck of a deal ... even had a live well full of bait. Now I fish with just a rod and tackle box, and I enjoy the freedom of not being tied to all that boat stuff. Yes sir, son, if you own a boat and the junk that goes with it, sell it. Grab a rod and come take a sit and fish with me, as a lot of fish prowl the shorelines.” There is truly an art to bank fishing, and I take particular delight in analyzing the different styles. You can tell a novice from a veteran right off, usually. Look at the rods being used. There is truly no need for the winches and 15-foot broom sticks (very large rods and reels) that I see every week, especially in our bays. A medium heavy reel and rod is more than adequate for 98 percent of the fish one will catch in our bays. Get one that will cast a country mile and that resists saltwater. Keep good line on it, lightly hose it off when you’re done and oil the moving parts often. That’s not to say surf rods don’t have their place. Watching an experienced surfer (Texas term for surf angler) fishing on the Gulf side of the barrier islands is poetry in motion. This is bank fishing on steroids and has a cult-like following. Most of these guys and gals are hard core and take their fishing very seriously. They are easy to identify. Some/most have rod holders built into their vehicles for expeditious mobility, and it’s not always a four wheel drive skyscraper (jacked way up) truck. Just a few months ago I saw a Toyota Prius with built in rod holders and an anemometer mounted on top, whirling away. I mean who would think of such a thing? The length of a rod can help casting distances, but often much past seven feet long equates to diminished returns unless one has experience. I’ve seen some of the veteran surfers cast so far with 13-plus-foot rods I swear they almost hit the Yucatan peninsula. A good bank fisherman can read the water and conditions. The really good ones know when to go out and when to stay at home. It can take years to develop these skills. It is often said that people who fish from the bank are not really interested in catching 64

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oystered early in the year, and the multiple oyster reefs in this bay that draw and hold the fish are compromised to some degree. This will make this bay hard to target fish. At this writing the bite has been unpredictable and slow. The mouth of the bay between Aransas and St. Charles is the best bet for now. CARLOS BAY: Spalding Bight is a good place for reds using free-lined live shrimp. The shoreline of Dunham Point is good for trout using mud minnows and a popping cork and shrimp. On low tide Cape Carlos Dugout is good for trout using rattle traps in white and red and blue and silver colors. MESQUITE BAY: Third Chain is a good spot for reds and trout using croaker freelined. Red action is good close to Roddy Island using cut menhaden or cut mullet. Slow drifts across Bray Cove are good for flounders using new penny jerk shad or live shrimp. AYERS BAY: Wades on the east shoreline are good for reds and black drum using freelined shrimp bounced along the bottom. Move slow about 20 yards off the shoreline. Be careful here, the bottom can get very soft. If the wind allows, Ayers Reef is a good spot for reds and trout using free-lined croaker. Here’s wishing you tight lines, bent poles and plenty of bait!

THE BANK BITE

COPANO BAY: The mouth of Copano Creek is a good spot for reds using cut mullet or finger mullet on a light Carolina rig. Incoming tide is best here. Wades down Egery Island are good for trout using soft plastics in morning glory and nuclear chicken colors. The mouth of Mission Bay still good for black drum using peeled shrimp under a silent cork.

LIVE OAK POINT — Wades from the south end of the LBJ causeway to and around Live Oak Point is a good place for trout and reds using live shrimp free-lined. The construction on the new bridge area is still underway, so exercise caution.

ARANSAS BAY: The mouth of Turtle Bayou is a good spot for reds using freelined mud minnows. Mud Island point is a good spot for reds and trout using free-lined shrimp. The reds will be closer to the point, and the trout out in deeper water.

Contact Capt. Mac Gable at Mac Attack Guide Service, 512-809-2681, 361-790-9601 captmac@macattackguideservice.com

ST. CHARLES BAY: This bay was heavily |

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Coastal Focus: LOWER COAST :: by Saltwater Editor CALIXTO GONZALES

Try Holly Beach for a Gift of Speckled Trout boot. Water has stayed around the 75 degree mark all through the very mild winter, and fish have been in spring patterns since February. Contrary to what some believe, however, catching fish in April isn’t simply a matter of grabbing your rod, some lures, a couple of baloney sandwiches, and simply showing up at the water’s edge. You do have to look for the fish. Speckled trout tend to concentrate along deeper guts and drop-offs to feed on schooling young-of-the-year baitfish. Trout, much like other fish, tend to gravitate toward areas that provide both forage and an easy escape route in case of threats (such as Herman, an old, gnarly dolphin that is a fixture on the Lower Laguna Madre and has populated the bay with his brood). If you can locate one of these guts or drop-offs, you will find trout. One excellent choice for fishermen looking for trout living structured lives is Holly Beach. The ankle-deep, silty mud makes wading the area a tribulation during the summer, but Holly Beach is a marquee spot for springtime trout. After a series of days with mild wind (an anomaly in May), speckled trout will spread out on the flats to forage. As cold-blooded trout warm up in spring, they become more active, and look for easy meals. An eel-style soft plastic such as a Gulp! Jerk Shad or Kelly Wiggler Ball Shad on a 4/0 offset worm hook is very effective, especially if there are mullet in the area. Just as effective are1/8th ounce jigheads. Light colors such as pearl/pink, chartreuse/white or even LSU are popular colors. Down South Lures has some

unique color patterns that are also worth a try. Should a north wind drive a cold front down from Canada (which is actually more common than you may think in April, and could actually be an issue in this very atypical year), the trout will back off into the relatively deeper water of a now-defunct barge channel that bisects the waters off Holly Beach. In that case, you can fish the edge of the drop-off with a Mansfield Mauler/jig combo.

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If you do intend to fish for the redfish, then outfit yourselves accordingly.

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PRIL SEEMS TAILOR-MADE for anglers who want to get out, get some sun and warmth, and catch a few cooperative fish to

Gulp! Shrimp in New Penny or Ivory are the go-to baits for post-frontal trout. The Mauler allows you to slow down your retrieve, and keeps the lure in one spot for a longer time. The klick-klack of the Mauler provides the sound factor that trout find so attractive, and the length of the leader between it and the lure keeps the latter in the strike zone. These fish are in a neutral mood because of the weather change (Fortunately, a springtime front won’t drop the water temperature, so they won’t be in a winter-type of funk), and the longer you can keep a lure in their faces, the better your chances at drawing a strike. Even though trout will be more aggressive because it is spring, there is no sense in fishing T E X A S

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with your hair on fire. Fish the area slowly as you can. If you don’t mind the hard slog, you can anchor-up and wade the area. Kayakers have also developed a fondness for the area, and a yak can cover water neither waders nor boaters can. Focus on an area of darker bottom or deeper water and fish the area as thoroughly as you can. You’d be surprised at how often water you previously covered will actually have fish in it. If redfish are your preference, then Holly Beach also fits the bill. Redfish are not as picky about weather conditions as the speckled trout, but they do live at Holly in the spring. They’ll roam all over the flats, even when the afore-mentioned surprise front drives trout off. The ¼ ounce gold spoon is a preferred lure to gain their attention. If the water is murkedup from a north wind, then you may want to deploy the same Mauler/Gulp! combo that was working on the trout along the edges of the bar. If you spot any tailing reds, flip an Ultra Crabz artificial crab in front of them, wait for the redfish to be in the bait’s range, and start skittering the faux crustacean back across the bottom. Slather some crab-flavored Pro Cure onto the lure to complete the illusion. The scent should get the fish’s attention, and when he’s within range, the lifelike appearance should finish the sale. If you do intend to fish for the redfish, then outfit yourselves accordingly. You don’t need to break out the war club and well rope for these fish, but a solid, high capacity spinning or baitcasting reel loaded with at least 15-pound mono (I prefer 10/40 or 12/50 braid) on a solid medium to medium heavy rod is a good pick. Some of these reds can push the upper-end of the slot. Most anglers have been waiting all winter long for some great days to get a good fishing trip and a nice tan. April is a great month for such a trip, even if you are decking out in Holly.

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Email Cal Gonzales at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com |

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FISHING HOTSPOTS Saltwater: n Upper Coast n Mid Coast n Lower Coast Freshwater: n Piney Woods

Freshwater: n Prairies & Lakes n Panhandle n Big Bend n Hill Country n South Texas

UPPER COAST

GPS COORDINATES are provided in two formats: “Decimal Degrees” (degrees.degrees) and “Degrees and Minutes” sometimes called “GPS Format” (degrees minutes.minutes). Examples (for Downtown Austin): Decimal Degrees: N30.2777, W97.7379; Degrees and Minutes: N30 16.6662, W97 44.2739. Consult your manual for information speciﬁc to your GPS device.

Matagorda Trout Ready to Boil by TOM BEHRENS

Use your electronics to find and mark the shell you find fish. LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Boiler Bayou GPS: N 28 38.0105, W 95 54.0011 (28.6335, -95.9000)

LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Halfmoon Shoal GPS: N 28 43.0061, W 95 46.0038 (28.7168, -95.7667)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com TIPS: If I’m ﬁshing out of the boat, I most likely will be drifting East Matagorda Bay, the west end of the bay, over scattered shell, said Capt. Countz LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Drulls Lump GPS: N 28 42.0047, W 95 50.0011 (28.7001, -95.8334)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Down South soft plastics or Gulp Jerk Shad CONTACT: Capt. Hollis Forrester 979-236-3115 capthollisf@gmail.com capthollisforrester.com TIPS: You can work slicks all year long in East Bay, said Capt. Forrester. Pay attention to pelicans and seagulls are working bait. Many times the bait is focused on the shell beds. LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Tripod GPS: N 28 40.0024, W 95 54.0135 (28.6667, -95.9002)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Down South soft plastics or Gulp Jerk Shad CONTACT: Capt. Hollis Forrester 979-236-3115 capthollisf@gmail.com capthollisforrester.com TIPS: I will drift ﬁsh shell pads, mostly throwing artiﬁcial baits. The shell pads don’t have names on maps, but just spread all over the bay, said Capt. Forrester.

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Down South soft plastics or Gulp Jerk Shad CONTACT: Capt. Hollis Forrester 979-236-3115 capthollisf@gmail.com capthollisforrester.com

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TIPS: Working a soft plastic: Three twitches and let it drop, three twitches and let it drop. You have to have the fall, said Capt. Forrester. Most of the fish will hit the lure as it is falling. LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Raymond Shoal GPS: N 28 40.0074, W 95 53.0149 (28.6668, -95.8836) SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com TIPS: “We had some really big trout drifting some mud flats down on the east end of East Matagorda Bay, throwing shrimp under a popping cork. I rig the leader about three feet when fishing six feet of water.” —Capt. Countz LOCATION: Galveston East Bay HOTSPOT: Elm Lake GPS: N 29 27.0024, W 94 41.0115 (29.4500, -94.6835)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and soft plastic shrimp tails CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@goﬁshgalveston.com goﬁshgalveston.com TIPS: “I would focus my wading efforts on Elm, Sievers Cut and possibly Yates and Big Pasture Bayou. There are plenty of drains, all of them ambush points.” —Capt. Marcaccio LOCATION: Galveston East Bay HOTSPOT: Sievers Cut GPS: N 29 26.0012, W 94 42.0115 (29.4334, -94.7002)

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ﬁsh will be located over shell.” —Capt. Marcaccio LOCATION: Galveston East Bay HOTSPOT: Bolivar Gas Wells GPS: N 29 23.0036, W 94 47.0138 (29.3834, -94.7836)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and soft plastic shrimp tails CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gofishgalveston.com TIPS: “When picking a spot to wade, keep in mind the tides…fish prior to a new moon and full moon, approximately three to four days before. The tides last a little longer and allows us to catch fish a little longer.” —Capt. Marcaccio LOCATION: Galveston East Bay HOTSPOT: Yates Bayou GPS: N 29 29.0091, W 94 36.0001 (29.4835, -94.6000)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and soft plastic shrimp tails CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@goﬁshgalveston.com goﬁshgalveston.com TIPS: Capt. Marcaccio likes MirrOlure She Dogs and Baby Spooks in chartreuse or silver colors. LOCATION: Galveston East Bay HOTSPOT: Big Pasture GPS: N 29 30.0053, W 94 35.013 (29.5001, -94.5836)

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LOCATION: Sabine Lake HOTSPOT: South Causeway Reef GPS: N 29 47.0036, W 93 55.0153 (29.7834, -93.9169)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and soft plastic shrimp tails CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@goﬁshgalveston.com goﬁshgalveston.com TIPS: In off-color water, you might want to go with black, red or plum colors. Capt. Marcaccio LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Trinity Bay Wells 29 GPS: N 29 41.0112, W 94 47.0054 (29.6835, -94.7834)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gofishgalveston.com TIPS: “You might find the Well Heads in Trinity somewhat active if the water temps are above 70 degrees. Focus on using tails, drifting in an around the wellheads. Be aware of the wind direction.” —Capt. Marcaccio LOCATION: Galveston West Bay HOTSPOT: Campbell’s Bayou GPS: N 29 21, W 94 52.0054 (29.3500, -94.8668)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Egret Soft Plastics CONTACT: Capt. Adam Jaynes 409-988-3901 amjaynes@gmail.com www.justfishsabine.com TIPS: “The Egret Shrimp looks a lot more realistic, and in my opinion there is no reason to use a scented bait to catch speckled trout. Speckled trout feed much more on profile, what it looks like, and size profile. Speckled trout are not scent feeders like redfish and flounder are.” —Capt. Jaynes LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Cottons Bayou GPS: N 28 29.0123, W 96 13.0094 (28.4835, -96.2168)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and MirrOlure soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com TIPS: “By April we will be able to shed the waders, wading the grass beds on the south shoreline of West Matagorda Bay…Cottons and Greens Bayous, some of the stuff around the Cullen House.” —Capt. Countz

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LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Greens Bayou GPS: N 28 29.725, W 96 14.258 (28.4954, -96.2376) SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Half ounce Gold Spoon CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@goﬁshgalveston.com T E X A S

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goﬁshgalveston.com TIPS: “Look for bird action in Campbell’s Bayou. Use a half-ounce gold spoon and concentrate on getting the spoon down pass the little dinks to get to the bigger ﬁsh.” —Capt. Marcaccio

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and MirrOlure soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com TIPS: “We should start seeing a few slicks popping. Normally I’ll start out throwing topwaters ﬁrst thing in the morning. My go-to color and bait is a pink Skitter Walk.” —Capt. Countz LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Cottons Bayou Shoreline GPS: N 28 31.0057, W 96 12.0081 (28.5168, -96.2001)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and MirrOlure soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com TIPS: If topwaters aren’t producing ﬁsh, I switch off to the MirrOlure Marsh Minnow or the MirrOlure Soft Shad, said Capt. Countz. His favorite April colors are Black Magic with a chartreuse tail and Chicken on a Chain. LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: New Half Moon Reef GPS: N 28 33.0133, W 96 14.0088 (28.5502, -96.2335)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and MirrOlure soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com TIPS: “We’ll start off early in the morning around the drains…most have a little shell around them. A lot of times we’ll pick up some redﬁsh doing this, and then work our way out on to the grass.” —Capt. Countz

MIDDLE COAST

Specks Hole Up at Emmords by TOM BEHRENS LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Emmords Hole GPS: N 27 31.0031, W 97 19.0122 (27.5167, -97.3169)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com TIPS: “Emmords Hole is good, probably six or seven feet of water. Make long drifts throwing a popping cork with live shrimp…catch a lot trout, some are smaller.” —Capt. Countz LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay HOTSPOT: Shamrock Cove GPS: N 27 45.0072, W 97 9.0119 (27.7501, -97.1502)

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SPECIES: Redﬁsh and Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Homewrecker Bone Daddy CONTACT: Capt. Javi Castillo 361-815-4865 captainjavicastillo@yahoo.com TIPS: “Look for grass and pot holes in a foot up to 24 inches of water. Throw a Homewrecker Bone Daddy, a white top with a silver belly. The Homewrecker has a wider paddle tail which will make more noise.” —Capt. Castillo

SPECIES: Redﬁsh and Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Down South soft plastic tail CONTACT: Capt. Javi Castillo 361-815-4865 captainjavicastillo@yahoo.com TIPS: “Down South shrimp tail in Bone/Diamond color pattern: In calmer conditions I switch over to the Down South soft plastic tail, which has a smaller paddle tail. Sometimes too much noise isn’t a good thing.” —Capt. Castillo

SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: cut mullet or shad CONTACT: Capt. J.C. Alguexeza 361-332-6342 captainjavicastillo@yahoo.com www.fishingwithmojo.com TIPS: Capt. Alguexeza targets sand holes within the grass, anchoring, using a 5/0 hook and a foot long 50 lb. test fluorocarbon leader. Stretch is important in the leader, also the redfish can’t see the leader.

LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay HOTSPOT: Shamrock Channel GPS: N 27 45.0114, W 97 8.0155 (27.7502, -97.1336)

LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: California Hole GPS: N 27 55.0093, W 97 4.0141 (27.9168, -97.0669)

LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: Dagger Island GPS: N 27 50.0036, W 97 9.0161 (27.8334, -97.1503)

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FISHING HOTSPOTS BEST BAITS: live shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. J.C. Alguexeza 361-332-6342 www.ﬁshingwithmojo.com TIPS: Capt. Alguexeza uses a three-foot leader under the popping cork because he is ﬁshing in three to four feet of water. They are sitting down in the grass, in the pothole, so when I pop it, the trout hit it.

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout

LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Pure Oil Channel GPS: N 27 31.0139, W 97 18.0074 (27.5169, -97.3001)

TIPS: “April is a good month to catch big trout on topwaters working the grass beds along the west shoreline of the King Ranch…also a lot of redﬁsh show up at this time, also.” —Capt. Countz LOCATION: Arroyo Colorado HOTSPOT: North of Arroyo GPS: N 26 22.0107, W 97 20.0005 (26.3668, -97.3333)

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LOWER COAST

SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish BEST BAITS: Popping Cork with live shrimp CONTACT: Capt. DeWitt Thomas 956-556-1965 cdct12005@aol.com www.customsportsanglers.com TIPS: “Don’t be afraid to go out when it’s real windy because it can be very productive fishing. I work the west side of the island and get out of the heavy waves. You will find big color lines. The wind allows you to cast further. If it’s too windy, run a sock out of the back of the boat.” —Capt. Thomas. LOCATION: Arroyo Colorado HOTSPOT: Duncan’s Channel GPS: N 26 19.0099, W 97 18.0098 (26.3168, -97.3002)

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Speck Action Fit for a King by CALIXTO GONZALES and TOM BEHRENS LOCATION: Port Mansﬁeld HOTSPOT: King Ranch Shoreline GPS: N 27 29.0022, W 97 21.0018 (27.4834, -97.3500)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish BEST BAITS: Popping Cork with live shrimp CONTACT: Capt. DeWitt Thomas 956-556-1965 cdct12005@aol.com www.customsportsanglers.com TIPS: “We fish mostly with live shrimp or Gulp in a Nuclear Chicken color …. Iridescent, light green, and pink/reddish in color.” —Capt. Thomas LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Kennedy Shoreline GPS: N 27 14.0094, W 97 25.0076 (27.2335, -97.4168)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and MirrOlure soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout

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FISHING HOTSPOTS BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and MirrOlure soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com TIPS: “We key on baitfish, slicks working around the rock areas. Sometimes some pretty big fish come from this area.” —Capt. Countz LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Cat Head GPS: N 27 18.0063, W 97 26.0043 (27.3001, -97.4334)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Hellwrecker Lures

CONTACT: Capt. Javi Castillo 361-815-4865 captainjavicastillo@yahoo.com TIPS: “Wade fishing: Most of the time we don’t start casting until we get 50-60 yards away from the boat. Big fish don’t get big by being stupid. Ten, 12 pound trout are very smart. Get out and stalk them.” —Capt. Castillo LOCATION: Baffin Bay

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and MirrOlure soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com TIPS: “Normally I’ll throw a topwater a lot more than I do tails. You can work over the top of the rocks and not get hung up. The ﬁsh seem to hang out around the edges.” —Capt. Countz LOCATION: Bafﬁn Bay HOTSPOT: Badlands GPS: N 27 17.0094, W 97 24.0014 (27.2835, -97.4000)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwater baits and MirrOlure soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com TIPS: Capt. Countz likes the MirrOlure Lil Jon. It doesn’t have a paddle tail, but if you are ﬁshing grassing areas, maybe two to three feet deep, it works real good and doesn’t catch much grass. His favorite color is Purple Demon and a glow/chartreuse tail. LOCATION: Bafﬁn Bay HOTSPOT: Center Reef GPS: N 27 16.0034, W 97 40.0333 (27.2667, -97.6672)

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FISHING HOTSPOTS HOTSPOT: Black Bluff Shoreline GPS: N 27 13.0162, W 97 31.0018 (27.2169, -97.5167)

weedless gold spoon, working the deeper ﬂats, deepwater edges along the channel. u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

LOCATION: Port Mansﬁeld HOTSPOT: Land Cut GPS: N 26 47.0116, W 97 26.0166 (26.7835, -97.4336)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Hellwrecker Lures CONTACT: Capt. Javi Castillo 361-815-4865 captainjavicastillo@yahoo.com TIPS: “A lot of people get into a bad habit…walk the dog. It works but I catch more ﬁsh if I mix up my cadence. My ﬁrst retrieve is a loud splash, then go with tick, tick, tick, pause. You have to mix it up.” —Capt. Castillo LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Stover Point GPS: N 26 12.0031, W 97 17.0117 (26.2001, -97.2835)

PINEY WOODS

Head to Caddo for April Bass by DUSTIN WARNCKE

SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish BEST BAITS: Popping Cork with live shrimp CONTACT: Capt. DeWitt Thomas 956-556-1965 cdct12005@aol.com www.customsportsanglers.com TIPS: “If I’m fishing open water, I fish the flood tides. If I’m fishing smaller bays I like to fish an ebb tide because the nutrients are being flushed out of the small bays and channels.” —Capt. Thomas LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: West of Spoil Bank GPS: N 26 5.0155, W 97 12.0163 (26.0836, -97.2003)

LOCATION: Caddo Lake HOTSPOT: Sand Island and Bird Island Areas GPS: N 32 42.012, W 94 5.2559 u TAP FOR (32.7002, -94.0876)

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SPECIES: Hybrid Stripers BEST BAITS: Live shad or Storm Swim Shad CONTACT: Richard Tatsch 936-661-7920 admin@fishdudetx.com www.fishdudetx.com TIPS: The hybrid stripers will begin to school on the surface in the morning and will be easy to catch on surface bait’s and swim shad. They will be all around the lake on main lake points that have shallow sandy bottoms. Find the schools of shad and you will find the Hybrids. This time of year they will run shad up on these points early and late and during mid day they will move deeper. Find the depth the bait are in and you will find the fish. Their are times when they will stay on the surface for the biggest part of the morning. This usually happens when it is overcast and calm. Live shad will be the bait of choice in deeper water but the swim shad will be the one to catch bigger fish in the shallower water. Good luck and good fishing! Bank Access: Stowaway Marina LOCATION: Lake Fork HOTSPOT: White Oak Creek GPS: N 32 54.084, W 95 36.654 (32.9014, -95.6109)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Frogs, flukes and swim jigs CONTACT: Caddo Lake Guide Service/Paul Keith 318-455-3437 caddoguide1@att.net www.caddolakefishing.com TIPS: April can be a fantastic month for catching a trophy-sized bass on Caddo Lake. I caught my 2 largest bass weighing 12.40 lbs. and 13.76 lbs. in the month of April. We do a lot of frog fishing around the new vegetation and cypress trees in April. Soft plastics like flukes and Senkos work well in the same places here also. On cloudy and/or windy days I like to throw a swim jig in the colors of bream or black/blue over the grass flats and through the loose pads. Most good April areas will be in 2-4 feet of water.

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redﬁsh BEST BAITS: Weedless quarter ounce Johnson Gold Spoon CONTACT: Capt. DeWitt Thomas 956-556-1965 cdct12005@aol.com www.customsportsanglers.com TIPS: In clear water Capt. Thomas likes to use the

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SPECIES: Black drum and redfish BEST BAITS: Live shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.MatagordaFishing.com TIPS: Live shrimp can catch a lot of black drum and redfish as they move in from the Port Mansfield Jetties.

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LOCATION: Lake Conroe HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 30 23.148, W 95 35.172 (30.3858, -95.5862)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Texas-rigged baby Brush Hog in Watermelon Red, Green Pumpkin or Watermelon Seed with a 1/8 bullet weight, weightless baits like super ﬂukes or some the stick baits with no weight, wacky worm rig CONTACT: Doug Shampine 940-902-3855 doug@lakeforktrophybass.com www.lakeforktrophybass.com TIPS: April bass ﬁshing on Lake Fork is when almost everyone will have a shot at catching a trophy bass. This is the month that most of the bass on Lake Fork will spawn sometime during the month. There will always be a few early bass in March and a few late ones spawn in May but April is the big month. A lot of big bass will be shallow, any where from 2-6 feet deep in protected areas from a strong north or south winds.

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FISHING HOTSPOTS With good sunglasses you will be able to see the bright round spots in the water where the bass have made their nests. The best baits for this time of the year will be the Texas-rigged Baby Brush Hog in Watermelon Red, Green Pumpkin or Watermelon Seed. I use a 1/8 bullet weight and ﬁsh it slow. Weightless baits like super ﬂukes or some the stickbaits with no weight work very well also. And don’t forget about the wacky worm rig in the spawning areas. Early April spawn places to look will be Little Caney, Glade, Burch, White Oak, Sun Eagle Bay and Taylor Creeks. Late April, check out Dale, Ray, and Chaney Creeks. LOCATION: Lake Fork HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points, Stumps and Grass Lines GPS: N 32 50.7653, W 95 35.196 u TAP FOR (32.8461, -95.5866)

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per ploppers CONTACT: Lance Vick 903-312-0609 lance@lakeforkbass.com www.guideonlakefork.com TIPS: April is my favorite month! Why? Because it’s top water season! Frogs, poppers and buzzers are great. There is nothing like seeing a largemouth smash a top water lure. They will still be spawning, guarding fry and chasing the shad spawn. So lots going on! What top water to use ? Here’s a quick break down: 1) Fish frogs in the backs of creeks and pockets up in the junk, 2) Fish poppers on the grass lines and stumps, fishing cleaner water and on calmer days. 3) Fish buzz lures like buzzbaits and whopper ploppers on points more towards the main lake. Use monofilament on poppers and buzz lures and braid on frogs. Good fishing to all!

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass and White Bass BEST BAITS: Soft plastics, Charlie’s June Bug large crawfish and 1/4 oz. black/blue jigs. CONTACT: David S. Cox, Palmetto Guide Service 936-291-9602 dave@palmettoguideservice.com www.palmettoguideservice.com TIPS: Flip lay downs and docks in the Pocket for largemouth bass. Cut ¼ inches off Charlie’s large crawfish to shorten the bait. Key on the docks close to or in 4-6 fee of water. Look for docks with brush piles. In the mornings, fish the sunny side of the Pocket first. April can be a transition month for White Bass and Black Bass on Livingston. White Bass can be caught in April any where from the creeks and river on the north end of the lake to the humps in the mid and lower lake area. Look for the Whites to start stacking up on mid-lake humps in 12’-17’ in mid to late April where they can be caught on 1oz. slabs and trolled pet

LOCATION: Lake Livingston HOTSPOT: The Pocket GPS: N 30 55.662, W 95 15.054 (30.9277, -95.2509) SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Frogs, poppers, buzz baits and whop-

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FISHING HOTSPOTS www.striperexpress.com TIPS: Spring fishing is in full swing. Thousands of stripers are staging and ready to run up the tributaries. The males go up river first and the large females are on the prowl. Egg laden females will tip the scales at 20 pounds. Your best baits are soft plastics. For the Sassy Shad tails mentioned above, worm your tail on a ¾ or 1 ounce jig head. Fish the cuts, main lake points and the mouths of feeder creeks. Structure like humps, ditches and ledges will hold schools of hungry stripers. Texoma has the largest white bass, commonly called sandies and we expect the record to fall in April. The lake holds 3-pound females. Sand bass with eggs should get close to 4 pounds. Our personal best was a 6-year-old boy that landed a 19 inch 3.5 pound sandy. Top water fishing will begin the last week of April. Cast 6-inch Pencil Poppers and Zara spooks on shallow banks. There is nothing more exciting than top water striper fishing on Lake Texoma with Striper Express, says Jimmy Houston.

spoons. BANK ACCESS: Bethy Creek Resort. LOCATION: Toledo Bend North HOTSPOT: Fisherman’s Wharf Boat Lane GPS: N 31 47.658, W 93 50.118 (31.7943, -93.8353)

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SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: Slab spoons, Rat-L-Traps, slab spoons and shallow diving crankbaits CONTACT: Greg Crafts, Toledo Bend Guide Service and Lake Cottages 936-368-7151 gregcrafts@yahoo.com www.toledobendguide.com TIPS: The white bass will be moving back into the main lake returning from the river after their spawn. Work the north end river channel sand bars with slab spoons, Rat-L-Traps and shallow diving crankbaits. Use your electronics to locate the baitfish and watch for the birds. You will find the Whites close by. Try to locate a number of schools and rotate fishing those areas so as not to over fish one location. The Whites will remain in those locations unless we have a weather change or the location is over fished.

LOCATION: Bachman Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 32 51.1859, W 96 52.014 (32.8531, -96.8669)

SPECIES: Crappie and Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Crappie: jigs and minnows / Bass: 10 red and black worms Carolina rigged CONTACT: Carey Thorn 469-528-0210 thorn_alex@yahoo.com TexasOklahomaFishingGuide.com TIPS: Bass and crappie prospects are good early and late in the day. Bass are in 1 to 5 feet of water and are gorging in the shallows in the evening and morning.

PRAIRIES & LAKES

Texoma Stripers and White Bass by DUSTIN WARNCKE and DEAN HEFFNER LOCATION: Lake Texoma HOTSPOT: Mill Creek Cut and Platter Flats GPS: N 33 49.7339, W 96 45.3059 (33.8289, -96.7551)

LOCATION: Cedar Creek Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N 32 18.2699, W 96 8.9519 (32.3045, -96.1492)

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SPECIES: Hybrid Striper, White Bass, Catﬁsh and Yellow Bass BEST BAITS: Live shad CONTACT: Jason Barber 903-603-2047 kingscreekadventures@yahoo.com www.kingscreekadventures.com TIPS: Fish any main lake points at daylight until 10am for crazy action from hybrid striper, white bass, catﬁsh

SPECIES: Striped Bass and White Bass BEST BAITS: 5 ﬂukes in Baby Bass and Ice colors, Sassy Shad 4’ tails in White Glow and chartreuse and top water lures CONTACT: Bill Carey 903-786-4477 bigﬁsh@striperexpress.com

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and yellow bass. Get fresh shad and a heavy bass rod with a short leader. Carolina rig with 3/4 Oz weight and a 3/0 circle hook. Use dead bait, whole or cut. Anchor about a cast away from shore and throw towards the bank. Enjoy! LOCATION: Eagle Mountain Lake HOTSPOT: Shallow Ridge South of Pelican Island u TAP FOR GPS: N 32 53.998, W 97 30.454

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SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: Slabs with a fly 12 in. above; Tail Spinner or swim bait when they are surfacing or chasing shad. CONTACT: Johnny Stevens 817-597-6598 johnnystevens@1scom.net www.johnnysguideservice.com TIPS: This area is a shallow sunken Island. This sunken Island is a 6 to 9 feet deep. During this time of the year many times the white bass will chase shad along the edge of this island. If the fish are surfacing throw a tail spinner or bright swim bait like a hot spot. If they are still in the area but not surfacing. Run along the edge of this sunken island using your electronics. When you find them a slab and fly jigged above will work well. LOCATION: Fayette County Res. HOTSPOT: Buzzard Point GPS: N 29 55.9979, W 96 43.74 (29.9333, -96.7290)

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SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: CJs punch bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk 979-229-3103 weldon_edna@hotmail.com www.fishtales-guideservice.com TIPS: Anchor on the southeast side of this point. Set out several rods. The wind blows the food source across this point making this a good spot to ambush some catfish. Fish tight lines. LOCATION: Gibbons Creek HOTSPOT: Sulphur Creek Bed GPS: N 30 36.642, W 96 3.93 (30.6107, -96.0655) SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: Cut shad and CJ’s punch bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk

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FISHING HOTSPOTS 979-229-3103 weldon_edna@hotmail.com www.ﬁshtales-guideservice.com TIPS: Water is about 16 feet deep here. Use tight line. Throwing chum around boat or pre-baiting an area helps. This is a good spot for catching both Blues and Channels. LOCATION: Granger Lake HOTSPOT: Coves and Main Lake GPS: N 30 41.8439, W 97 22.14 (30.6974, -97.3690)

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SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: 1/32 or 1/16 oz. crappie jigs CONTACT: Tommy Tidwell 512-365-7761 crappie1@hotmail.com www.gotcrappie.com TIPS: Now is the peak of the crappie spawn. They are being caught in shallow water two feet or less and also in main lake brush as deep as eight feet. These crappie are some of the biggest of the year. Fish slip bobbers in the shallows and jigs tipped with Crappie Nibbles in shallow brush piles. The ﬁsh are very aggressive so if you don’t get bit quick, then move on. Brush piles all along the dam are good spots to try. Good luck and good ﬁshing. LOCATION: Lake Granbury HOTSPOT: Near Blue Water Shores on the lower ends GPS: N 32 23.189, W 97 42.441 u TAP FOR (32.3865, -97.7074)

plete but the catfish and black bass are still in spawn. Stripers are transitioning back to the lower ends and are best on live shad fished near feeding flats. Slabs are the best bait for sand bass on many areas of the lake. Black bass numbers and action are great on soft plastics fished in back of sloughs on bedding grounds. Largemouth bass to seven pounds are possible. Catfish catches are good on prepared baits, hot dogs or cut shad near creek channels. LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 33 5.2205, W 96 27.1139 (33.0870, -96.4519)

Mrs. Bass a good chance to see your bait. Good luck and great ﬁshing and remember to keep only what you need and release the rest so our kids can enjoy the great sport of ﬁshing. LOCATION: Lake Ray Roberts HOTSPOT: Cates Point GPS: N 33 22.685, W 97 3.22 (33.3781, -97.0537)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass, White Bass BEST BAITS: Lipless crankbaits, small spinnerbaits and shad colored crankbaits CONTACT: Jim Walling 940-391-5534 jimwwalling@icloud.com TIPS: April is definitely a month that a fisherman should spend as much time on the water as possible. Fishing is generally as easy and as good as it gets when it comes to catching fish. There are numerous lures and places on the lake to catch fish now. However, you will not go wrong by fishing these lures in shallow water around main lake points. There are many points on the main body of the lake but the one specified here is one of the best. This month there will be times that you can catch both White Bass and Largemouth Bass in this area.

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: White and chartreuse spinnerbaits, 1 to 6 foot diver crankbaits and black and blue jig. CONTACT: Carey Thorn 469-528-0210 thorn_alex@yahoo.com TexasOklahomaFishingGuide.com TIPS: Look in 1-12 foot of water. Some huge ﬁsh in the 10+ pound range are lurking. Find structure like concrete, rocks or sandy bottoms. LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: Flat Creek Area GPS: N 32 10.176, W 95 29.832 (32.1696, -95.4972)

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LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: Little Crappie Point GPS: N 30 18.5039, W 96 31.7639 (30.3084, -96.5294)

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SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: Big Eye Jigs black/brown/amber color, Watermelon Candy Senkos and Texas Spinnerbait 430 special spinnerbait chartreuse/white SPECIES: White bass (sand bass) BEST BAITS: Chartreuse and Silver 1-oz. holographic slabs CONTACT: Michael W. Acosta, Unfair Advantage Charters 817-578-0023 michael.acosta@att.net unfairadvantagecharters.com TIPS: Jig points and humps off of the main channel. Tie crappie jigs about 15 inches above the slab to get more action. Granbury water temperatures are in the upper 70’s depending on the day and spring patterns are deﬁnitely here. The passage of cool fronts continues to dominant the weather patterns around spring thunderstorms. Most wintering birds have left. White bass and crappie spawns are generally com-

CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff 903-561-7299 or 903-530-2201 RICKY@RICKYSGUIDESERVICE.COM www.RICKYSGUIDESERVICE.COM TIPS: Bass fishing prospects are good in the back of the pockets in the Flat Creek area. Bass will be in the pockets and in most of the lay down logs and bushes. Fish slow for best results. Bass will be spawning so use a good pair of sunglasses. I like Costa sunglasses as they help me see into the water very well which helps me spot that big female bass in the shallows. Fish all your pockets and look for cleared out spots around a bush or in any grass you find. The key thing is to cover lots of water and when you find that spot that you feel is a great spot then fish it very slow, giving T E X A S

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SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: Curly tail black/chartreuse jigs or minnows CONTACT: Weldon Kirk 979-229-3103 weldon_edna@hotmail.com www.ﬁshtales-guideservice.com TIPS: Fish straight down, 3-4 feet off the bottom, bouncing your jig or minnow. If bite is slow, move 1-2 feet shallower.

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LOCATION: Lake Whitney HOTSPOT: Shallows Between Whitney and Towash Creeks GPS: N 31 54.792, W 97 20.6939 (31.9132, -97.3449)

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FISHING HOTSPOTS See Ya on the Water!

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PANHANDLE

LOCATION: Richland Chambers Lake HOTSPOT: Coves at Fisherman’s Point Marina GPS: N 31 56.322, W 96 7.3919 u TAP FOR (31.9387, -96.1232)

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SPECIES: White Bass and Striped Bass BEST BAITS: A jig and/or umbrella rig loaded with 1/2 Stripaholic lead head jigs RSR Lures) rigged with the Striper Sniper 7 lemon lime trailer and Pencil Poppers CONTACT: Randy Routh 817-822-5539 teamredneck01@hotmail.com www.teamredneck.net TIPS: One just has to love Lake Whitney in April and big sow stripers up shallow gorging on shad. The plop-plop of a top water bait methodically working in the shallows during the early morning peace and quiet, then, kaboom! All heck breaks loose with a big linesider screaming drag as it tears through the shallows. That is exactly what is going on at Whitney and you ought to come get you some! Early on we are throwing a couple of different baits starting out with Pencil Poppers and Redﬁns, running them on top and producing some awesome blowups in the shallows. After the sun comes up a little or on those days they just don’t seem to want them on top we are switching over and using the A Rigs and umbrella rigs loaded with Striper Snipers Lemon Lime Snake Worms. We are also catching with chartreuse swim baits and RSR lure’s 1/2 oz. jig heads up in the shallows in places like between Whitney and Towash Creeks or the Willow Islands. As always may God bless you and hope some day soon to

Hubbard Crappie Up in Arms by DUSTIN WARNCKE and DEAN HEFFNER

SPECIES: Hybrid Stripers and White Bass BEST BAITS: 1 oz. Silver Glitter RSR Shad Slabs (RSR Lures) CONTACT: Royce Simmons 903-389-4117 simmonsroyce@hotmail.com www.gonefishin.biz TIPS: April is the most consistent month of the spring for catching really big spawning crappie on Richland Chambers. Small jigs or minnows under a cork in 1’-3’ of water will catch these fish in the many coves and creek tributaries on both the Richland Arm and Chambers Arm of the lake. Look for grassy areas in the backs of the coves and any laydowns or timber that is visible along the shoreline. Bank fisherman will find the crappie in both the Coves at Fisherman’s Point Marina on the far SE corner of the lake.

LOCATION: Hubbard Creek Res. HOTSPOT: Hubbard Creek Arm GPS: N 32 45.775, W 99 5.5206 (32.7629, -99.0920)

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SPECIES: White Crappie BEST BAITS: Jigs, tubes, Beetle Spins, live minnows CONTACT: Michael D Homer Jr., Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. 325-692-0921 michael.homer@tpwd.texas.gov TIPS: It’s no surprise that Hubbard Creek is seeing multiple hotspots in the last two months. With the large inﬂux of water and increased water level from last year’s heavy rains, Hubbard Creek Reservoir has seen a boost in productivity and available submersed brush which have helped white crappie rebound. The Hubbard Creek arm of the reservoir, particularly in the creek, has yielded some good crappie catches. Lures such as 1/6-1/8 jigs with tubes, Beetle Spins, and live minnows have worked well for crappie. LOCATION: Lake Alan Henry HOTSPOT: Up the Main Creeks GPS: N 33 2.6279, W 101 3.7439 (33.0438, -101.0624)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Crankbaits, shaky heads, Senkos, swim jigs and top water lures in shad or perch colors or patterns Crankbaits, shaky heads, Senkos, swim jigs and top water lures in shad or perch colors or patterns CONTACT: Norman Clayton’s Guide Services 806-792-9220 nclayton42@sbcglobal.net http://www.lakealanhenry.com/norman_clayton.htm

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FISHING HOTSPOTS TIPS: April will find the bass moving up the creeks. Look for the warmest water you can find and fish it well. Aside from the baits listed above, I will always have a top water tied on to try every now and then. I will be using shad or perch colored lures for this time of year on this lake. LOCATION: Possum Kingdom Res. HOTSPOT: Peanut Patch GPS: N 32 53.627, W 98 30.998 (32.8938, -98.5166)

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BIG BEND

Grand Canyon Bass Action LOCATION: Lake Amistead HOTSPOT: Main Lake Canyons and Coves GPS: N 29 30.828, W 100 58.056 (29.5138, -100.9676)

SPECIES: All Species BEST BAITS: Live Species CONTACT: Dean Heffner 940-329-0036 fav774@aceweb.com TIPS: Look for everything to be spawning or just getting done. This is the month the shad will be spawning right on the bank and are easy pickings for everyone including us fisherman with throw nets. So be sure and check your net and bucket because you will have gamefish get in your net also. All species of fish will be up taking advantage of this and so will the white and blue Herons. You can still catch fish trolling so don’t pass up covering some ground that way. LOCATION: Possum Kingdom HOTSPOT: Caddo Creek GPS: N32 51.500 W98 32.862 (32.858339, -98.547707)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: live shad, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, white-tailed jig or sassy shad CONTACT: Dean Heffner 940-329-0036 fav7734@aceweb.com fishhound.com TIPS: Usually right at daylight we start catching crappie then the black bass take over. The later the day gets, the deeper we fish. White bass and stripers bite here later in the day. Watch for fish feeding on actively spawning shad against the banks.

SPECIES: White Bass and Striped Bass

by DUSTIN WARNCKE

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Jerk baits, belly weighted flukes, swim baits, swim jigs, jerk baits, big spinners and medium running crank baits, Top water lures CONTACT: Ray Hanselman (830) 317-9942 reelnray@hotmail.com www.amistadfishingguide.com TIPS: April should be the turn around point for Amistad. The past few years we haven’t had any aquatic vegetation to hold fish for any amount of time during and after the spawn. The lake has good grass in several areas now and that should help hold the bass up shallow enough to catch. I expect several typical spring patterns will work during April such as sight fishing in the protected canyons and coves. I would look out on some of the main lake flats and drains from marker 5 to 10 on both sides of the Rio Grande as there are acres of flooded duck weed and hydrilla out there from 15 to 20 ft. Try deeper suspending lures out on those flats. As always a light Texas rig with a 3/16th to 1/4 oz weight..

HILL COUNTRY

Paradise Found on Buchanan by DUSTIN WARNCKE LOCATION: Lake Buchanan HOTSPOT: Paradise Point GPS: N 30 51.096, W 98 25.638 (30.8516, -98.4273) T E X A S

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FISHING HOTSPOTS BEST BAITS: Live shad and jointed shad lures CONTACT: Clancy Terrill 512-633-6742 centraltexasfishing@gmail.com www.centraltexasfishing.com TIPS: Stripers are best in the upper end of the lake. Fish 50 feet of water, drifting or anchored with live bait 20 feet to 30 feet down. White bass are good doing the same and trolling in 20 feet to 30 feet of water at the upper end near Paradise Point/Silver Creek. Stripers are good at night fishing the lights with jointed shad lures. LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Main River Channel GPS: N 29 53.406, W 98 18.2039 (29.8901, -98.3034)

TIPS: Troll the Luhr-Jensen Radar 10 in the main river channel from the rapids of the river to the mouth of the lake until you locate the fish and then fish the area of the river you find them in. This is one of my favorite times of year on Canyon Lake, on any cast you may catch a White Bass, Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie or even Catfish. LOCATION: Lake Austin HOTSPOT: Main Lake Inlets and Flats GPS: N 30 23.202, W 97 54.816 (30.3867, -97.9136)

SOUTH TEXAS

Hungry Coleto Post-Spawners by DUSTIN WARNCKE

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LOCATION: Coleto Creek Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 28 43.4819, W 97 11.586 (28.7247, -97.1931)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Picasso Shock Blade mated with a V&M Thunder Shad, V&M Mag Finesse and J-Proz Magnum worms and V&M Swamp Hog CONTACT: Brian Parker - Lake Austin Fishing 817-808-2227 lakeaustinfishing@yahoo.com www.LakeAustinFishing.com TIPS: Typically the last spawners will be in the back of creeks or the shallow flats during April and the post spawners will be gorging just a little bit deeper. I will typically throw the Shock Blade as much as I can until I spot spawners. Then I will load up a V&M Mag Finesse or J-Proz Magnum or Swamp Hog and try to throw in their vicinity as they are typically either feeding or protecting their young. Take advantage of this time to search for schools of big fish as they like to feed together.

SPECIES: White Bass, Striped Bass, and Crappie BEST BAITS: Luhr-Jensen Radar 10 chrome blue or chartreuse CONTACT: Capt. Steve Nixon, Fishhooks Adventures 210-573-1230 steve@sanantonioﬁshingguides.com www.sanantonioﬁshingguides.com

DIGITAL EXTRA: Locator Maps link to Google Maps online

LOCATION: Lake Buchanan HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N 30 48.486, W 98 24.9299 (30.8081, -98.4155)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Zoom pearl while fluke, big crank baits in Fire Tiger color, silver/blue, or silver/black CONTACT: Rocky’s Guide Service 361-960-0566 TIPS: April is usually around the end of our spawn. Big females should still be around the creek mouths. They are tired and hungry. Sometimes they don’t even put up much of a fight. This is mainly because they are so tired after the spawn. Here is where bigger baits pay off. Run your crankbaits down 5-8 foot deep, then slowly retrieve. Don’t make them work to hard for it . A Carolina rig can be a great choice also. Again patiently and slowly pull it along as it can produce big bites. If you’re into catching a lot a fish then the Zoom pearl white fluke will always trigger more bites on this lake. Use a 3/0-4/0 hook. Jerk it along the edges and you’ll be sure to catch your share. God bless and good fishing!

SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Live shad, Zaro Spooks, Pencil Poppers and other good top water plugs. CONTACT: Ken Milam 325-379-2051 kmilam@verizon.net www.striperfever.com.com TIPS: The stripers will be doing their shallow top water thing early in the mornings and late in the evenings. Concentrate on ﬁshing anywhere you see the threadﬁn shad running the banks. Windy main lake points should be the best as well as the backs of creeks where the wind is blowing into the bank.

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Sportsman’s DAYBOOK APRIL 2017

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 T9

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.

T8 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

TIDE PREDICTIONS are shown in graph form, with High and Low tide predictions in text immediately below. 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 T6

T3 T2 T1

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

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. 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.

T21

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 HIGH San Luis Pass -0.09 Freeport Harbor -0:44 Pass Cavallo 0:00 Aransas Pass -0:03 Padre Island (So. End) -0:24 Port Isabel +1:02

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

SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK IS SPONSORED BY:

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION T22 T23

READING THE GRAPH

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

Moon l Moon Overhead l Underfoot

Fishing Score Graph

Day’s Best Day’s 2nd Score Best Score

Best Day Overall

MOON PHASES

l = New Moon l = Full Moon = First Quarter º » = Last Quarter «= Good Day by Moon Phase 80

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APRIL 2017

Tides and Prime Times MONDAY

27l

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

4:06AM 10:30AM 4:58PM 10:34PM

TUESDAY

28«

1.32 ft. 0.22 ft. 1.19 ft. 0.40 ft.

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

5:07AM 11:14AM 5:20PM 11:15PM

1.38 ft. 0.38 ft. 1.17 ft. 0.21 ft.

WEDNESDAY

29«

High Tide: 6:11AM 1.41 ft. Low Tide: 11:59AM 0.56 ft. High Tide: 5:40PM 1.16 ft.

THURSDAY

30« Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

12:01AM 7:20AM 12:48PM 6:00PM

0.04 ft. 1.43 ft. 0.77 ft. 1.17 ft.

FRIDAY

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

12:50AM 8:35AM 1:41PM 6:17PM

-0.10 ft. 1.42 ft. 0.97 ft. 1.18 ft.

SATURDAY

Apr 1 Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

1:46AM 9:58AM 2:50PM 6:29PM

-0.17 ft. 1.41 ft. 1.13 ft. 1.20 ft.

SUNDAY

Low Tide: 2:49AM -0.19 ft. High Tide: 11:27AM 1.41 ft. FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

12a

12p

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12a

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12a

12p

12a

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12a

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12:00 — 2:00 PM

1:00 — 3:00 PM

2:00 — 4:00 PM

3:00 — 5:00 PM

4:00 — 6:00 PM

4:30 — 6:30 AM

5:00 — 7:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:14a Set: 7:33p Moonrise: 7:06a Set: 7:24p AM Minor: 5:17a AM Major: 11:30a PM Minor: 5:43p PM Major: 11:56p Moon Overhead: 1:12p Moon Underfoot: 12:46a

Sunrise: 7:13a Set: 7:34p Moonrise: 7:47a Set: 8:28p AM Minor: 6:09a AM Major: 11:52a PM Minor: 6:35p PM Major: 12:22p Moon Overhead: 2:05p Moon Underfoot: 1:38a

Sunrise: 7:11a Set: 7:35p Moonrise: 8:29a Set: 9:33p AM Minor: 7:04a AM Major: 12:51a PM Minor: 7:31p PM Major: 1:18p Moon Overhead: 2:58p Moon Underfoot: 2:31a

Sunrise: 7:10a Set: 7:35p Moonrise: 9:14a Set: 10:39p AM Minor: 8:03a AM Major: 1:50a PM Minor: 8:31p PM Major: 2:17p Moon Overhead: 3:54p Moon Underfoot: 3:26a

Sunrise: 7:09a Set: 7:36p Moonrise: 10:01a Set: 11:44p AM Minor: 9:06a AM Major: 2:52a PM Minor: 9:34p PM Major: 3:20p Moon Overhead: 4:50p Moon Underfoot: 4:22a

Sunrise: 7:08a Set: 7:36p Moonrise: 10:52a Set: None AM Minor: 10:09a AM Major: 3:55a PM Minor: 10:38p PM Major: 4:24p Moon Overhead: 5:48p Moon Underfoot: 5:19a

Sunrise: 7:07a Set: 7:37p Moonrise: 11:47a Set: 12:47a AM Minor: 11:12a AM Major: 4:58a PM Minor: 11:42p PM Major: 5:27p Moon Overhead: 6:47p Moon Underfoot: 6:17a

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Sportsman’s DAYBOOK MONDAY

TUESDAY

3º

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

Low Tide: 4:01AM -0.16 ft. High Tide: 12:50PM 1.42 ft. FEET

5:20AM 1:53PM 8:40PM 10:22PM

-0.11 ft. 1.41 ft. 1.10 ft. 1.11 ft.

WEDNESDAY

Low Tide: 6:38AM High Tide: 2:38PM Low Tide: 8:47PM

-0.05 ft. 1.37 ft. 1.00 ft.

THURSDAY

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

12:16AM 7:47AM 3:10PM 9:06PM

FRIDAY

1.13 ft. 0.04 ft. 1.32 ft. 0.87 ft.

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

1:40AM 8:46AM 3:36PM 9:28PM

SATURDAY

1.18 ft. 0.14 ft. 1.26 ft. 0.73 ft.

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

2:49AM 9:36AM 3:58PM 9:51PM

SUNDAY

9«

1.25 ft. 0.27 ft. 1.21 ft. 0.59 ft.

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

3:49AM 10:21AM 4:18PM 10:17PM

1.31 ft. 0.42 ft. 1.18 ft. 0.45 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

12a

12p

12a

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12p

12a

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12p

12a

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12p

12a

PRIME TIME

12p

12a

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12p

12a

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12p

12a

PRIME TIME

12:00 — 2:00 AM

12:30 — 2:30 AM

1:30 — 3:30 AM

2:30 — 4:30 AM

10:30A — 12:30P

5:00 — 7:00 AM

11:30A — 1:30P

Sunrise: 7:06a Set: 7:37p Moonrise: 12:44p Set: 1:47a AM Minor: ----AM Major: 5:58a PM Minor: 12:13p PM Major: 6:27p Moon Overhead: 7:44p Moon Underfoot: 7:15a

Sunrise: 7:04a Set: 7:38p Moonrise: 1:44p Set: 2:42a AM Minor: 12:41a AM Major: 6:55a PM Minor: 1:09p PM Major: 7:23p Moon Overhead: 8:40p Moon Underfoot: 8:12a

Sunrise: 7:03a Set: 7:38p Moonrise: 2:44p Set: 3:32a AM Minor: 1:33a AM Major: 7:47a PM Minor: 2:00p PM Major: 8:14p Moon Overhead: 9:33p Moon Underfoot: 9:07a

Sunrise: 7:02a Set: 7:39p Moonrise: 3:43p Set: 4:18a AM Minor: 2:22a AM Major: 8:35a PM Minor: 2:47p PM Major: 9:00p Moon Overhead: 10:24p Moon Underfoot: 9:59a

Sunrise: 7:01a Set: 7:40p Moonrise: 4:41p Set: 5:00a AM Minor: 3:07a AM Major: 9:19a PM Minor: 3:31p PM Major: 9:43p Moon Overhead: 11:12p Moon Underfoot: 10:48a

Sunrise: 7:00a Set: 7:40p Moonrise: 5:37p Set: 5:38a AM Minor: 3:50a AM Major: 10:01a PM Minor: 4:13p PM Major: 10:25p Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 11:35a

Sunrise: 6:59a Set: 7:41p Moonrise: 6:32p Set: 6:15a AM Minor: 4:32a AM Major: 10:43a PM Minor: 4:54p PM Major: 11:05p Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 12:21p

= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS Fishing Score Moon l Overhead l Moon Graph Underfoot

READING THE GRAPH

MONDAY

10«

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

4:44AM 11:01AM 4:37PM 10:44PM

TUESDAY

11¡

1.36 ft. 0.58 ft. 1.16 ft. 0.33 ft.

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

5:36AM 11:37AM 4:54PM 11:13PM

1.39 ft. 0.73 ft. 1.15 ft. 0.25 ft.

MOON PHASES

Day’s Best Score

WEDNESDAY

12« High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

6:27AM 12:11PM 5:09PM 11:44PM

1.41 ft. 0.87 ft. 1.15 ft. 0.19 ft.

Day’s 2nd Best Score

THURSDAY

13«

High Tide: 7:19AM 1.41 ft. Low Tide: 12:44PM 0.99 ft. High Tide: 5:19PM 1.16 ft.

l = New Moon l = Full Moon = First Quarter º » = Last Quarter « = Good Day by Moon Phase

Best Day Overall

FRIDAY

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

12:18AM 8:13AM 1:18PM 5:17PM

0.17 ft. 1.40 ft. 1.09 ft. 1.17 ft.

SATURDAY

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

12:55AM 9:14AM 1:56PM 4:34PM

0.18 ft. 1.38 ft. 1.18 ft. 1.20 ft.

SUNDAY

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

1:37AM 10:20AM 3:06PM 3:26PM

0.21 ft. 1.37 ft. 1.24 ft. 1.24 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

12a

12p

12a

PRIME TIME

12p

PRIME TIME

12a

12p

12a

PRIME TIME

12p

12a

PRIME TIME

12p

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12a

12p

PRIME TIME

12a

12p

12a

PRIME TIME

12:00 — 2:00 AM

12:30 — 2:30 AM

1:00 — 3:00 AM

2:00 — 4:00 AM

2:30 — 4:30 AM

9:00 — 11:00 PM

4:00 — 6:00 AM

Sunrise: 6:58a Set: 7:41p Moonrise: 7:26p Set: 6:50a AM Minor: 5:14a AM Major: 11:25a PM Minor: 5:36p PM Major: 11:47p Moon Overhead: 12:43a Moon Underfoot: 1:05p

Sunrise: 6:57a Set: 7:42p Moonrise: 8:19p Set: 7:25a AM Minor: 5:58a AM Major: ----PM Minor: 6:20p PM Major: 12:09p Moon Overhead: 1:27a Moon Underfoot: 1:49p

Sunrise: 6:55a Set: 7:43p Moonrise: 9:12p Set: 8:00a AM Minor: 6:43a AM Major: 12:32a PM Minor: 7:05p PM Major: 12:54p Moon Overhead: 2:11a Moon Underfoot: 2:34p

Sunrise: 6:54a Set: 7:43p Moonrise: 10:04p Set: 8:36a AM Minor: 7:31a AM Major: 1:20a PM Minor: 7:54p PM Major: 1:42p Moon Overhead: 2:56a Moon Underfoot: 3:18p

Sunrise: 6:53a Set: 7:44p Moonrise: 10:56p Set: 9:15a AM Minor: 8:21a AM Major: 2:09a PM Minor: 8:44p PM Major: 2:32p Moon Overhead: 3:41a Moon Underfoot: 4:04p

Sunrise: 6:52a Set: 7:44p Moonrise: 11:47p Set: 9:55a AM Minor: 9:12a AM Major: 3:00a PM Minor: 9:35p PM Major: 3:23p Moon Overhead: 4:27a Moon Underfoot: 4:50p

Sunrise: 6:51a Set: 7:45p Moonrise: None Set: 10:39a AM Minor: 10:03a AM Major: 3:52a PM Minor: 10:27p PM Major: 4:15p Moon Overhead: 5:13a Moon Underfoot: 5:37p

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3/15/17 9:05 AM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK MONDAY

TUESDAY

18»

Low Tide: 2:25AM 0.26 ft. High Tide: 11:31AM 1.37 ft.

Low Tide: 3:21AM 0.30 ft. High Tide: 12:33PM 1.38 ft.

WEDNESDAY

Low Tide: 4:24AM High Tide: 1:19PM

0.34 ft. 1.39 ft.

FEET

THURSDAY

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

5:30AM 1:52PM 8:56PM 11:26PM

0.37 ft. 1.40 ft. 1.09 ft. 1.12 ft.

FRIDAY

Low Tide: 6:34AM High Tide: 2:18PM Low Tide: 8:14PM

0.40 ft. 1.39 ft. 0.99 ft.

SATURDAY

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

1:02AM 7:32AM 2:41PM 8:25PM

SUNDAY

1.19 ft. 0.44 ft. 1.37 ft. 0.82 ft.

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

2:15AM 8:27AM 3:02PM 8:53PM

1.30 ft. 0.51 ft. 1.34 ft. 0.60 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

12a

12p

12a

PRIME TIME

12p

PRIME TIME

12a

12p

PRIME TIME

12a

12p

PRIME TIME

12a

12p

PRIME TIME

12a

12p

12a

PRIME TIME

12p

12a

PRIME TIME

12:00 — 2:00 AM

12:30 — 2:30 AM

1:00 — 3:00 AM

1:30 — 3:00 AM

2:00 — 4:00 AM

3:00 — 5:00 AM

5:00 — 7:00 AM

Sunrise: 6:50a Set: 7:45p Moonrise: 12:36a Set: 11:26a AM Minor: 10:55a AM Major: 4:43a PM Minor: 11:19p PM Major: 5:07p Moon Overhead: 6:01a Moon Underfoot: 6:25p

Sunrise: 6:49a Set: 7:46p Moonrise: 1:23a Set: 12:16p AM Minor: 11:46a AM Major: 5:34a PM Minor: ----PM Major: 5:58p Moon Overhead: 6:49a Moon Underfoot: 7:13p

Sunrise: 6:48a Set: 7:47p Moonrise: 2:09a Set: 1:09p AM Minor: 12:12a AM Major: 6:23a PM Minor: 12:36p PM Major: 6:48p Moon Overhead: 7:38a Moon Underfoot: 8:02p

Sunrise: 6:47a Set: 7:47p Moonrise: 2:53a Set: 2:04p AM Minor: 12:59a AM Major: 7:11a PM Minor: 1:24p PM Major: 7:36p Moon Overhead: 8:27a Moon Underfoot: 8:52p

Sunrise: 6:46a Set: 7:48p Moonrise: 3:35a Set: 3:02p AM Minor: 1:45a AM Major: 7:58a PM Minor: 2:10p PM Major: 8:23p Moon Overhead: 9:17a Moon Underfoot: 9:42p

Sunrise: 6:45a Set: 7:48p Moonrise: 4:17a Set: 4:02p AM Minor: 2:30a AM Major: 8:43a PM Minor: 2:55p PM Major: 9:08p Moon Overhead: 10:07a Moon Underfoot: 10:33p

Sunrise: 6:44a Set: 7:49p Moonrise: 4:58a Set: 5:04p AM Minor: 3:15a AM Major: 9:28a PM Minor: 3:40p PM Major: 9:53p Moon Overhead: 10:58a Moon Underfoot: 11:24p

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APRIL 2017

Tides and Prime Times MONDAY

24«

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

3:21AM 9:19AM 3:23PM 9:28PM

TUESDAY

25«

1.42 ft. 0.62 ft. 1.33 ft. 0.36 ft.

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

4:24AM 10:10AM 3:44PM 10:08PM

WEDNESDAY

26 l

1.54 ft. 0.75 ft. 1.32 ft. 0.13 ft.

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

5:26AM 11:02AM 4:05PM 10:52PM

1.64 ft. 0.91 ft. 1.33 ft. -0.07 ft.

THURSDAY

27« High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

6:30AM 11:56AM 4:27PM 11:40PM

1.70 ft. 1.07 ft. 1.35 ft. -0.21 ft.

FRIDAY

28«

High Tide: 7:36AM 1.72 ft. Low Tide: 12:54PM 1.21 ft. High Tide: 4:48PM 1.36 ft.

SATURDAY

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

12:32AM 8:45AM 2:06PM 5:07PM

-0.28 ft. 1.71 ft. 1.31 ft. 1.37 ft.

SUNDAY

Low Tide: 1:28AM High Tide: 9:57AM

-0.26 ft. 1.67 ft. FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

12a

12p

12a

PRIME TIME

12p

12a

PRIME TIME

12p

PRIME TIME

12a

12p

PRIME TIME

12a

12p

PRIME TIME

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12p

PRIME TIME

12a

12p

12a

PRIME TIME

11:00A — 1:00P

12:00 — 2:00 PM

12:30 — 2:30 PM

1:30 — 3:30 PM

2:30 — 4:30 PM

3:30 — 5:30 PM

9:30 — 11:30 PM

Sunrise: 6:43a Set: 7:50p Moonrise: 5:38a Set: 6:08p AM Minor: 4:00a AM Major: 10:13a PM Minor: 4:26p PM Major: 10:40p Moon Overhead: 11:50a Moon Underfoot: None

Sunrise: 6:42a Set: 7:50p Moonrise: 6:20a Set: 7:13p AM Minor: 4:49a AM Major: 11:02a PM Minor: 5:16p PM Major: 11:29p Moon Overhead: 12:44p Moon Underfoot: 12:17a

Sunrise: 6:41a Set: 7:51p Moonrise: 7:04a Set: 8:20p AM Minor: 5:41a AM Major: 11:55a PM Minor: 6:09p PM Major: 12:23p Moon Overhead: 1:39p Moon Underfoot: 1:11a

Sunrise: 6:40a Set: 7:52p Moonrise: 7:51a Set: 9:27p AM Minor: 6:39a AM Major: 12:25a PM Minor: 7:08p PM Major: 12:54p Moon Overhead: 2:37p Moon Underfoot: 2:08a

Sunrise: 6:39a Set: 7:52p Moonrise: 8:42a Set: 10:34p AM Minor: 7:42a AM Major: 1:27a PM Minor: 8:12p PM Major: 1:57p Moon Overhead: 3:36p Moon Underfoot: 3:06a

Sunrise: 6:38a Set: 7:53p Moonrise: 9:37a Set: 11:37p AM Minor: 8:48a AM Major: 2:33a PM Minor: 9:18p PM Major: 3:03p Moon Overhead: 4:36p Moon Underfoot: 4:06a

Sunrise: 6:38a Set: 7:53p Moonrise: 10:35a Set: None AM Minor: 9:55a AM Major: 3:40a PM Minor: 10:25p PM Major: 4:10p Moon Overhead: 5:36p Moon Underfoot: 5:07a

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Texas BOATING by LENNY RUDOW :: TF&G Boating Editor

Rapid Changes

capability would have meant buying a new unit altogether. Five years ago, it would have meant going through a potentially painful and lengthily software upgrade procedure, where you plugged a chip reader into your computer, downloaded an update onto it, then used the chip to upload that update onto your MFD. Sometimes the process worked well, and sometimes… not so much. With the latest and greatest units pulling down their updates from WiFi, however, you may not even realize a change has taken place—yet your unit has more capability than it did yesterday. When new types of fishfinders come out, all you’ll need to do is get the right type of transducer and that new software will have you running it in no time. If you decide to add functionality ranging from stereo control to engine monitoring to weather data, the WiFi-equipped brain on your boat can learn how to get the job done. The bottom line? Purchase a well-built MFD that incorporates WiFi and you don’t really need to worry about it becoming dated, at least not for many years to come. The one potential limiting factor? —processing power. All of those cool functions and features can, eventually, put quite a strain on a unit’s brain. Take the Lowrance HDS system, as an example. Last year’s generation, HDS Gen 3, can be updated to perform virtually all of the functions available to HDS Carbon, the newest generation (announced just this past March) in the line. It will, however, do them slower, because Carbon has twice the RAM and twice the processing power. Wait a sec—won’t you have to spend a bundle to get a unit with integrated WiFi? Heck no. As is often the case with tech, price actually drops as time marches on. These days you can get a fishfinder/chartplotter with WiFi built-in for as little as $500. And you can add WiFi functionality to many preexisting systems with add-on units for a few hundred dollars. As WiFi gets incorporated here, there, and

F YOU’VE BEEN KEEPING TABS on marine electronics in the past five or six years, you might have noticed that the pace of technological advancement is now so rapid, what was brand-spankingnew today is completely obsolete tomorrow. Products may have a useful lifespan that’s as short as a couple of years. Anyone who’s bought those products will either have to pony-up—again—and buy a whole new system, or spend years living with an electronics system that’s way behind the times. Well, I have some excellent news for you. This problem is quickly coming to an end thanks to that very same rapid pace of advancement that caused it, in the first place. Software updates are the reason, because they allow the manufacturer to bring a preexisting Multi-function display (MFD) up to date. But most boaters update their units sporadically, if ever. (Pop quiz: when’s the last time you updated yours? Uh-huh, that’s what we thought). This is, however, becoming a whole lot easier because of WiFi. Yes, I said WiFi. More and more Multi-function display fishfinder/chartplotters are coming with WiFi built in, and this gives them the ability to perform automatic, OTA (over the air) software updates. You don’t have to lift a finger, but a manufacturer can give your unit new capabilities from afar. An example: Let’s say you have a nineinch chartplotter/fishfinder unit at the helm of your 21-foot bay boat. You hear about a new ability, where you can interface your electric trolling motor with that unit, to essentially control it with autopilot and give it “sky-hook”-like features that use GPS and the motor to hold your boat in position regardless of wind and current. More than 10 years ago, getting this new 86

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everywhere, we’re also seeing a much greater degree of integration between MFDs and the boat’s mechanical systems. Digital switching is becoming the norm. A new Yellowfin 24 bay boat we recently took for a test run didn’t have a single switch, much less a switch panel, at the helm. Running lights, livewell pumps, bilge pumps, and anything that previously required a switch was controlled right from the MFD screen. Before you say you don’t want to depend on electronic switching to run your boat, let me note two things: there were backup manual over-rides mounted inside the console. Switches mounted at the helm are likely to fail eventually anyway from weathering, corrosion, and exposure—long before the digital switching system is likely to fail. If you’ve ever had to replace a decade-old switch panel, you know exactly what I mean. Even power systems are now being integrated with the MFD at your helm. I’m not talking about gauge displays, which we’ve seen for several years. It now can go well beyond that point. Simrad’s latest MFD (NSS evo3) can actually be used to control Mercury Smartcraft powerplants. If you want to alter trolling speed by 50 rpm increments, for example, you do it on the screen, not with the throttle. Watersports towing profiles and cruise control are also handled via the MFD. Not only is engine data displayed, but also fault codes. Now, remember that WiFi link? You can easily see how handy it could be, if an engine got troublesome and a fault code was showing up on-screen. Instant engine diagnosis is only a WiFi link away and along with it, a slew of advantages for us boaters.

Email Lenny Rudow at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

G A M E ®

3/8/17 12:27 PM

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The Practical ANGLER by GREG BERLOCHER | TF&G Contributing Editor

Tumbling Dice

a small area is another good sign. Wading birds eat the same baitfish as speckled trout and reds, so when they are packed in tightly together it means there is bait in the area. Just be careful when approaching the feeding birds. If you move in too close or too fast, they will all bolt, thereby scaring any feeding fish in the area. Unless you get lucky and your trip coincides with a calm, bluebird day, you can’t avoid the wind. Therefore, you have to try to minimize its effect. Seek out lee shorelines of spoil islands, especially those along the Intracoastal Canal. Those big piles of sand are great to hide behind, and you will prob-

ORE BIG TROUT WILL BE caught on the Texas coast in April and May than during any other two-month span of the year, but predicting springtime coastal weather is a crap shoot. Seasoned anglers know that conditions will be “iffy” at best for the next 60 days. Your best springtime bet is to fish during the handful of calm days after a passing front blows through. Unfortunately this always seems occur during the middle of the week when most folks have to go to work—at least I do. That leaves fishing on the weekends for the majority of us. Spring winds are unreasonably stout, leaving bay waters churned and agitated. Even when you can find a patch of clear water, the pumping breezes can make the fishing tough. But take solace. Fish still need to eat, even when the wind blows. Protected shorelines near major passes are a good bet during April. Immature baitfish come streaming into the bays from the Gulf of Mexico by the tens of millions. Find the bait and the fish won’t be far behind. Once through the passes, these tiny fish and crustaceans head to the shallows for protection. Yet, it takes a month or longer for these new arrivals to completely disperse throughout our bay systems. Avoid fishing barren water by spending time scouting to increase your odds of success. Idling at a distance allows you to observe a potential flat before you invest time wading or poling in. A good pair of binoculars is invaluable, allowing you to glass a good area from afar. If there aren’t any signs of bait, move on. Flipping and jumping bait is the best indication you are in a good location. A tight knot of wading birds clustered together in |

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Wading offers a handful of advantages over ﬁshing from a boat.

“

ably find clear water there too. Shallow flats adjacent to deep water are some of my favorite areas to target during the spring. Speckled trout and redfish will slide up onto the flats to feed and loiter in the sun-warmed water. However, instinct warns them not to abandon the safety of the deep water in case a late season cold front terrorizes the coast. On chillier days, trout will hang along the edges of canals, channels, and drop-offs, seeking the warmest depth. Fishing afoot rather than afloat will significantly increase your chances of catching a big fish during April and May. Wind-driven |

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waves pounding on the side of a boat, send out a staccato warning to every predator in the area: WARNING! HUMAN IN THE AREA! Wading offers a handful of advantages over fishing from a boat. Stealth is the most obvious. The seasoned angler concentrates on masking their wading noise, able to slide through the water with a minimum of disruption. Wade fishing also allows you to stop and work an area thoroughly before moving on. If you happen upon a school of feeding fish, you can drop repeated casts into the strike zone. Drift fishermen get one shot and then they blow past the action. Drift fishermen are able to cover a lot of water, which sometimes is an advantage, but high winds make the drift speed unreasonably fast. I have fished in situations where multiple drift anchors couldn’t slow our drift speed enough. Drift anchors will slow you down, but you must retrieve your lure quickly to take up the slack in your line caused by the moving boat. Wade fishermen have much more freedom in the retrieve rates of their lures. When the winds are really pumping, find a clear patch of water that is holding bait and hop out of the boat to fish. Spring is here and the bays beckon. With any luck I will be able to spend a few days on the water when the conditions cooperate. But understand that any trip to the Texas coast during spring is a crapshoot. As the Rolling Stones’s song goes “You got to roll me and call me the tumblin’ dice.”

Email Greg Berlocher at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

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The BASS University by PETE ROBBINS :: for TF&G and Bass University

Finesse Fishing Heavy Cover with Mark Daniels than 11 ½ pounds, came on the Delta on a dropshot. “I’ve caught countless fish over seven or eight pounds on light line,” he said. His number one finesse rig in big fish territory is the dropshot. With it he generally fishes a six-inch, straight-tailed Roboworm “in a pinkish/purplish hue” in and around heavy cover. “It’s good around any cover but it really shines around wood, both standing timber

“ His number one ﬁnesse rig in big ﬁsh territory is the dropshot.

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ASS UNIVERSITY INSTRUCtor Mark Daniels Jr., a veteran of the FLW Tour and now a rookie on the Bassmaster Elite Series, learned to fish on the California Delta. Although some Texans may quibble about whose fisheries are better, there’s no doubt that the left coast pumps out lots of big bass that would make any Texan proud. What might surprise you is that when Daniels competes in the Lone Star State, he usually has a bunch of finesse gear in his rod locker or on the deck of his bass boat. “Fisheries like the Delta and Sam Rayburn get absolutely pummeled by recreational pressure, tournament anglers and big bass hunters,” he said. “That popularity means that you often have to downscale your equipment to get large fish to bite. I live in Alabama now, but whenever I go home to California it seems like it’s just that much harder to catch a big one. “I generally start off with power tackle, because I want the maximum opportunity to land those fish,” he continued. “The reality is that with spinning gear you’re going to lose a few, so if I can get away with a flipping stick, 65-pound braid and a big jig I’ll do it, but in that same day I may switch to finesse tackle. If you resist it, you’re really missing out on a good opportunity.” Sometimes his co-anglers and observers give him a sideways glance or even make a sarcastic comment when he pulls out the light line on a trophy factory, but they change their minds when it helps him make a move up the leaderboard. That’s what happened at Lake Chickamauga in 2015 when he caught a seven pounder on a Neko Rig “on eight-pound line, way underneath a dock,” and jumped far up the leaderboard. One of the biggest bass he’s landed, more

and laydowns,” he said. He threads the worm onto a Roboworm Rebarb hook, usually a 2/0. They come in light, medium, and heavy gauge wire. Even when chasing big fish, he prefers the lightest one. Daniels fishes his dropshot on a Kistler Helium 3, 7-foot medium action rod paired with a Cabela’s Verano 2500 spinning reel. “I’m a firm believer that the drag system in a reel is key,” he explained. “It has to be smooth and well-balanced and not stick.” He spools the reel with15-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid, to which he attaches a leader of eightpound Seaguar Tatsu fluorocarbon by means of a Modified Albright knot. One overlooked finesse rig is the old-fashT E X A S

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ioned “Texas Rig” with a 1/32 to 1/8-ounce weight, which he calls “tried and true.” His go-to plastic in this instance is a Missile Baits Fuse 4.4, a small craw worm. He fishes it on the same rod, reel and line as the dropshot. He also likes the Fuse on a Neko Rig, which unlike the Texas Rig has only gained popularity in recent years. He inserts a weight in one end of the bait and then runs the hook parallel to the length of the worm or craw and then exposes it some distance away from the weight, heading the other direction. This allows him to drop the lure in place, then add action to taunt the fish without moving it forward or sideways. When he wants something bigger than the Fuse, he’ll utilize a Zoom Trick Worm. “It’s more effective around docks and rocks,” he said. “It doesn’t fish as well around wood. It’s simply an awesome tool for getting lots of bites.” Once again, he uses the same rod, reel and line setup. Some co-anglers and Marshals look at the transplanted Alabama resident with a strange glance when he pulls out the spinning gear in big bass territory. He admitted that “you’re in that fish’s world, and the 50/50 odds are part of the game. I’ll throw that light line in a tree as if I had 20-pound test fluorocarbon on my reel.” “As I said, sometimes my partners look at me funny, but when I start catching big fish it’s hard to argue,” he said. “You are going to lose some, but if you never get that bite, you don’t have the opportunity to catch that fish.” If you want to learn more about Mark’s key tips for light line fishing where giants roam, check out his full video, available only by subscribing to The Bass University TV.

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Email Pete Robbins at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

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3/8/17 12:26 PM

Texas GUNS by STEVE LAMASCUS | TF&G Shooting Editor

The Magnum .30s

really kicked off the .300 magnum craze, and it was the predecessor of practically all the .300 magnums for a half-century. The .300 H&H is a long, gently sloping cartridge that is prone to case stretching and other maladies that reloaders avoid. It will not match the other .300 magnums in velocity, and is not very popular today.

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HE FIRST MAGNUM .30 CALiber was an American invention. In 1913, firearms inventor and designer, Charles Newton, of .2503000 Savage fame, developed a large-cased, non-belted, .30 caliber for gunsmith Fred Adolph. He initially called it the .30 Adolph Express. Later, when Newton brought out his own line of rifles, he chambered them for, among others, his .30 magnum and called it the .30 Newton. By modern standards the .30 Newton wasn’t much, but in those days before WWI it was a red-hot round, pushing a 180-grain bullet to 2,860 feet per second—200 feet per second more than the .30-06 could then manage. That’s more than the current difference between the .30-06 and .300 Winchester Magnum. In 1925, Holland and Holland introduced the Super .30. That same year Winchester began loading the big .30 caliber round, calling it the .300 H&H Magnum. This cartridge

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In those days before WWI it was a red-hot round, pushing a 180-grain bullet 200 feet per second more than the .30-06 could.

In 1944, California gun crank, Roy Weatherby, produced a wildcat based on the .300 H&H—the mighty .300 Weatherby. The

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.300 Weatherby Magnum is nothing more than a greatly blown out .300 H&H. In forming the .300 Weatherby, Roy managed to increase performance by a huge margin. The big Weatherby cartridge was the most powerful .300 magnum round for many years. It still runs in the same fast company as the .300 RUM and .30/378 Weatherby. The two latter cartridges only manage to best the .300 WM by a hundred feet per second with 180-grain bullets, and only then by burning as much as 30 more grains of powder. For decades, almost every winner of the prestigious Weatherby Award depended on the .300 Weatherby for hunting a huge variety of big game in far-away and exotic places. Even today the .300 Weatherby is one of the most popular cartridges for globe-trotting hunters. It is, in my humble opinion, the best of the .300 magnums, being of maximum powder capacity for a .30 caliber bore. When Winchester began bringing out their line of short magnums based on the .458 Winchester Magnum case, they missed the boat by not developing a .30 magnum on the same cartridge case. They only offered the .338 Winchester, .264 Winchester and 7mm Remington Magnums. However, Norma of Sweden beat them to the draw by introducing their .308 Norma Magnum. This cartridge was introduced specifically for the American trade in 1960. It is probably what the .300 Winchester Magnum would have been had Norma not gotten there first. The .308 Norma Magnum is a fine cartridge, pushing a 180-grain bullet to more than 3,000 feet per second. Being almost identical to the wildcat .30-338, it was becoming quite popular until Winchester introduced their own .300, the .300 Winchester Magnum. Since Norma used the Winchester short magnum case (This was long before the WSM series.) for their .300, Winchester had to develop a different design. They decided to use a case that was short enough to fit in a standard .30-06 length action, but with greater powder capacity. The .300 Winchester Magnum is longer

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from base to shoulder than the other short magnums, but in order to fit the standard actions, has a shorter neck. This design is lacking in some ways. Because it is chambered in standard length actions, it does not allow long, heavy bullets to be seated out far enough not to intrude on the powder space, and its short neck does not hold those same long bullets as firmly as a longer neck would. This makes the .300 Win. Mag. less desirable for reloaders. Still, it is a fine cartridge that has greater powder capacity than the other short magnums, producing slightly higher velocities, especially with carefully crafted handloads. It is, today, the most popular .300 magnum in America. The .300 Remington Ultra Magnum is Remington’s entry into the mega-magnum market place. It is a huge case, using more than 100 grains of slow burning powder to produce 3,300 fps with 180-grain bullets. The downside is that it kicks like a howitzer and burns up barrels in a big hurry. It is only a bit more powerful than the .300 Weatherby and is not as well balanced in most ballistic ways. It takes a minimum of a 26-inch

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barrel to use all that powder, and a 28-inch barrel would be better. Its only advantage is that it is available in factory Remington rifles. The .30-378 Weatherby is a monster from anyone’s point of view—more so than the .300 RUM. It is badly overbore capacity, uses huge amounts of powder, but gets very little additional velocity in the heavier bullet weights, which are the only ones that should be used in this leviathan. In the 9th Edition Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, it shows 3,300 fps with a 180-grain bullet, stoked with 117 grains of ultra-slow burning powder. It was, according to Cartridges of the World, developed for 1,000-yard benchrest competition. That is where it should be left. The hunter would be better served with a .300 Winchester or .300 Weatherby. Recently there has been a spate of new beltless “short magnums” introduced to the American market. Since they are all very similar in use and design, I will dump them all into one potpourri. The .300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum (RSAUM), .300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM), and .300

Ruger Compact Magnum (RCM), are all cut from the same cloth. They are intended to be the answer for the hunter looking for more power in a short, light, rifle. I suppose they serve that purpose. I have owned and hunted with a .300 WSM and tested both the .300 RSAUM and .300 RCM. If there is any difference, I could not detect it. They all kick and roar in the mini-guns for which they are chambered, and do nothing much that a .30-06 won’t do. If I want or need a .300 magnum, I will just step on up to a .300 Winchester Magnum or .300 Weatherby. Otherwise I will stick with a .30-06 or a .308. There is the line-up and what I think about them. Now you decide what you need.

Email Steve LaMascus at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

3/9/17 2:34 PM

Industry INSIDER In-Water Boat Show Gears Up for Spring THE REGION’S LARGEST IN-WATER boat show allows buyers to see boats in their element The Southwest International Boat Show, the largest in-water boat show in the Southwest, and the premier sail and power show for new and pre-owned vessels, returns April 6-9, 2017, to the South Shore Harbour Marina on Clear Lake, League City, Texas. This annual Spring show, will feature boats ranging in size from 10 feet to 100 feet, both freshwater and saltwater, ready for boarding and viewing, with pre-season specials and dealer incentive programs available on many models. “This is a perfect venue to see these incredible vessels up close and in their element,” President of the South West International Boat Show Peter Bryant says. “Being able to see how a yacht or sailboat performs in water allows interested buyers to learn so much more about the vessel.

featuring FREE hourly seminars for Boat Show attendees - offered across all four days of the Show, and hosted by industry experts, radio hosts and world travelers. these seminars are entertaining and educational and cover a wide variety of topics.

Onshore, live music will provide entertainment and more than 200 vendors will offer a variety of services and products for the boating and outdoor lifestyle, including fishing gear, apparel and outdoor equipment, in addition to a full range of marine electronics, accessories and hardware from top industry names. Dealers and manufacturers will also be on hand to provide valuable information and answer any questions. Show highlights include: • Texas boat debuts including models from Cape Fear Catamarans of the South East, the Taiwan-built Horizon PC60 Powercat, the Aquila 44 Powercat and a new generation of RIB’s from Italian manufacturer ZAR Formenti. • “Take the Helm” on-water boat handling lessons for all experience levels, taught by US Coast Guard licensed captains and hosted by Carefree Boat Club. • A comprehensive seminar program,

Show Dates & Hours: Thursday, April 6: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, April 7: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, April 8: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, April 9: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Adult tickets are $10 (15 and under are free). Tickets are available online. Visit www.southwestinternationalboatshow.com Parking is free at the resort with complimentary shuttle buses available for free overflow parking on Saturday and Sunday. The newly refurbished South Shore Harbour Resort Hotel will again offer a Boat Show Package to attendees with double room, breakfast and two tickets to the boat show. All event information and registration details can be found at the show’s website: www.southwestinternationalboatshow.com

The SW International Boat Show will be at South Shore Harbour Marina in Clear Lake, April 6-9.

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Fish and Game GEAR Scope Out Skeet’s New Tournament Series Rods EAGLE CLAW WRIGHT & MCGILL proudly introduces the completely redesigned Skeet Reese Tournament Series rod line, featuring the first to market 10-foot telescopic rods designed specifically to meet the new 2017 B.A.S.S. rules. This ultimate line-up of 26 rods harnesses several key Wright & McGill proprietary S-Curve, Pro Carbon, Micro Honeycomb, and S-Glass technologies meticulously engineered with actions and lengths to suit nearly any competitive situation or technique. The patented double trigger casting handle is a true game changer for long hectic days in competition, increasing comfort and control while reducing fatigue. The 6 telescopic rods easily collapse for storage in rod lockers and gunwales. Skeet Reese was a pivotal player in implementing the new B.A.S.S. rules now allowing 10’ rods in competition. As a dedicated Pro Staff

Wright & McGill’s new Skeet Reese Tournament Series, featuring 10-foot telescopic rods.

member of Eagle Claw Wright & McGill, he helped develop, test, and bring these new rods to market before any other company. These rods aren’t just longer, they’re longer by design. Each model was specifically designed for a unique application, whether it be flippen’, spinning, or deep water crankbait fishing. All casting models in the lineup feature the patented Double Trigger handle. The first and only of its kind, these handles are a true game changer for anglers in all day competition. The design allows for more control and comfort while casting, ultimately reducing rod fatigue. This technology is further advanced by the counter weights in the butt section to create a well-balanced rod that feels lighter in hand and casts with ease. The technique specific rods cater to nearly any competitive situation. Offering casting distance and hook setting power unlike any other on the market. Finished with Skeet’s iconic yellow color scheme and PackBay Minima Zirconium guides, these rods stand apart from the competition in nearly every way imaginable.

big as the Bering sea. Carhartt men and women take fishing just as seriously as they take their jobs. Our new high performance gear is designed for those passionate about the sport and spending time in the great outdoors. The time spent outfishing them all. Today, Carhartt applies the same technologies that keep workers dry and sweatfree whether swinging a hammer or casting a line. Featuring Storm Defender waterproof breathable technology, Carhartt guys cast through a driving rain and angry waves in Carhartt’s Shoreline Angler Jacket & Bib. Force Extremes powered by 37.5 Technology dries sweat and enhances waterproof breathable performance to maintain your body’s ideal temperature and keep you comfortable—so you can play in the rugged outdoors longer. The Force Extremes Angler Button Down Long Sleeve Shirt is Carhartt’s first ever Angler specific shirt and is equipped with just the right amount of pockets, back ventilation and cooling technology to ensure you feel your best on the water. The Angler Jacket and Bib can be purchased for $259.99 and the Angler ButtonDown can be purchased for $69.99 on Carhartt.com.

Quality Gear from Carhartt CARHARTT KNOWS THAT IN ORDER to outfish them all, you have to outwork them all. Over the years, Carhartt’s partnerships with bass fishermen Matt and Jordan Lee, Terry Scroggins and Trevor Lo, have shown us how the hardest working fishermen on the pro circuit need gear built to keep up. The same quality gear Carhartt has been making since men first started fishing in their brown duck back in 1889. Carhartt’s built for ice fishing, fly fishing, bass fishing, spearfishing, you name it. Take Carhartt from your backyard pond to fishing holes as T E X A S

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Carhartt’s Angler Jacket.

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3/8/17 12:20 PM

Texas TASTED by BRYAN SLAVEN :: The Texas Gourmet

Delicious Salmon and shrimp croquettes served with Lemon Garlic Aoli.

Salmon and Shrimp Croquettes

ly steamed salmon filet, cooled and flaked) 6 large shrimp—peeled, deveined and chopped (raw) 2 eggs, beaten 2 tablespoons milk 1- fresh jalapeno, seeded and diced small 1- stalk of fresh celery, chopped small 2 tablespoons green onions, diced 2 teaspoons, red bell pepper, diced small 1 tablespoon Texas Gourmet’s Sidewinder Searing Spice 1/8 teaspoon of fresh or dried dill weed 2 teaspoons shaved parmesan cheese 3/4 cup bread crumbs Vegetable oil, for frying

THIS IS ONE OF MY MOM’S RECIpes that she made as I was growing up. I have added some of my own touches to the original, but they are great served warm or cold right out of the refrigerator. The shrimp adds an additional dimension of flavor and texture. Make yourself a batch to carry with you on your next outing, they are great!

Directions: Over medium heat, heat oil in a medium skillet. Combine canned salmon, beaten eggs, milk, green onions, jalapeno, red bell pepper, celery, Texas Gourmet’s Sidewinder Searing Spice, dill weed, shaved parmesan

Ingredients: 2 fillets canned salmon, carefully boned, skin removed and flaked (or ½ pound fresh94

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and 1/2 cup bread crumbs in a large bowl. Form into 2 ½-inch round patties and dust with additional bread crumbs. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Serve cold or warmed.

Lemon Garlic Aoli 1 garlic clove, minced Juice of 2 lemons Zest of 1 lemon 2 egg yolks 1 1/2 cups canola oil Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Combine all ingredients, chill for an hour or more and serve with Salmon Shrimp Croquettes Bon Appetit!

Email Bryan Slaven at bryan@thetexasgourmet.com PHOTO: BRYAN SLAVEN

3/8/17 12:25 PM

Outdoor DIRECTORY Guides & Outfitters

Lodging

Destinations

Real Estate :: Gear

TEXAS FRESHWATER

TEXAS SALTWATER

LAKE AMISTAD

CEDAR CREEK LAKE

MID TEXAS COAST

HUNTING SOUTH TEXAS

LAKE TEXOMA

NEW TF&G APPAREL IS HERE!

WWW.FISHGAME.COM

TEXAS SALTWATER UPPER TEXAS COAST

NEW 2017 EDITION MID TEXAS COAST DFW METROPLEX

NOW AVAILABLE

Happy Easter!!

www.FishandGameGear.com T E X A S

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3/9/17 5:05 PM

Bare Bones HUNTING by LOU MARULLO :: TF&G Hunting Editor

SHOT Show 2017: Time to Talk Turkey

NCE AGAIN, I WAS INVITED to attend “The Greatest Show on Earth!” No, I am not talking about the circus. I am talking about the 2017 SHOT Show that took place in Las Vegas Nevada— and what a show it was! Of course, I loved seeing all the new and exciting products that will soon be introduced to the hunting world. More important, I was able to interview many representatives from various companies about these products. Some, I even had the opportunity to try myself. April is turkey time here in Texas, and I will limit my column this month to the items that caught my eye for turkey season. I will reserve the right to talk about the many other fantastic products at the show, next month. If you plan on hunting turkeys this month, I would strongly suggest you hunt out of a pop-up blind. I cannot explain why these wary birds are not alarmed by this square bush that was not there yesterday, but it is true, turkeys will pay no attention at all to these blinds. Ameristep has a new “pop-up” blind they call the Crush Silencer Blind. As far as this writer is concerned, this blind is a HUGE improvement over any of the other models that I have seen. Not only does this lightweight blind set up in seconds, entry in and out of the blind is absolutely silent. There are no noisy zippers to alarm nearby game. You simply and easily move the entry corner and step in. That’s it! Another great feature is the fact that the windows can either be open all the way or just halfway, which is perfect for some situations. Once again, there are no zippers or noisy velcro that would alert any turkeys of nearby intruders.

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Josh, at the Ameristep booth also talked to me about another lightweight blind called the Throw Down Blind. It folds right up and fits in your backpack. Plenty of blinds are similar to this one, except for one feature that I have not seen before. It has three legs that stick into the ground, but also has hubs similar to the hubs that are on their pop-up blinds. Once you set this up, you can pop out the hubs and it makes the throw Down Blind more secure. The blind has leafy looking material that will move in the slightest breeze to give it that realistic look, but because of the hubs in the individual sections, the main body of the blind will not blow in towards the hunter. I loved it. I told Josh that it is definitely something that every turkey hunter would be interested in. As a turkey hunter myself, I know how much you have to lug into the woods to be comfortable. Anything that is lightweight and compact is a welcome sight. As I walked around the SHOT show, I happened upon the Flextone booth. I had to stop. Although I did not get to speak to a rep at the booth, I did not need to. I have used Flextone deer calls myself and was impressed by how realistic they sound. Their turkey calls are just as impressive. The Flextone Thunder Series turkey calls will get the job done. I loved the Flextone Cluck-N-Purr the best. It is not a call for distance at all, but more for a realistic purr sound that drives a gobbler wild. For distance, the Flextone thunder Cut-N-Locator call will let you know right where those tom turkeys are. The many different diaphragm calls sound incredible as well, but you need to practice a little more to be able call a bird into range. |

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With these Thunder-series turkey calls, a beginner can call a turkey in with little effort. The grizzled veteran hunters out there will love these calls simply because they sound so realistic and are super easy to use. I stopped at the Flambeau booth and spoke to Charlie Puckett. He showed me a turkey decoy called the Spin-N-Strut. It does exactly that. You have full control to move the decoy 90 degrees both right or left. You also have the ability to move the open fan to full strut, half strut or down completely. How cool is that? Movement on a decoy is that little extra you need to convince a big old gobbler that the bird he sees is real. The hunter has control of the decoy by using a nylon line attached to the Spin-N-Strut. There is more than enough line to set up the decoy many yards away from your blind. Most tom decoys have a long beard attached to it. If you want to make it look more like a jake, you need to cut the beard. Not so with the Spin-N-Strut turkey decoy. If you want to make it look more like a jake, you just push the beard into the body of the decoy until you reach the desired length. Then, if you later want to use the decoy as a boss tom, you can pull the beard out to full length again. WAY COOL! Walking through any outdoor store, be it Academy, Bass Pro or Cabelas, is one of my favorite pastimes. I tend to stop and look at all the different hunting supplies I think I might need someday. I think I am not alone. Most outdoor people feel the same. You can only imagine what it is like to go through the SHOT show. It was like walking through the most sensational outdoor store ever! Check out the Texas Fish & Game website and Facebook page to view some of the interviews we did at the show this year. Until then—good luck this turkey season! Remember, have fun and hunt safe.

Email Lou Marullo at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

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Open SEASON by REAVIS Z. WORTHAM :: TF&G Humor Editor

STOOD THERE AT THE TAILGATE of my pickup with a fishhook buried in my bottom lip and still another in my thumb. But I can explain. I’d been looking for a tiny bream hook for my granddaughter on her first fishing trip. The Peanut’s barely old enough to hold a Snoopy rod and was growing bored with reeling in the blue plastic fish on the end of her line. Well, she wasn’t really bored with it, because like all children, she likes to reel, but I wanted her to catch a real fish. I haven’t truly fished for more than a few minutes at a time in years, because every trip involves at least one kid who is cranking in the line to check their bait, or to watch the bobber make a wake, or trying to tangle their line so that I have to pick out the bird’s nest. This time was no different. You might argue that I’ve hooked myself before when there were no children around, and you’re right. There was that fly-fishing trip in Colorado over twenty years ago when I managed to bury a Yellow Humpy in the back of my ear and had to drive back to town and endure the guffaws of an entire fire crew who sent me on to the emergency room… …where I again endured indignation and an accusation of sexual harassment from an elderly patient who didn’t like my explanation that the fly in my ear truly was a Humpy… …and then the sarcastic, and slightly funny, nurse who said my new “earring” was in the wrong ear, “because left is right and right is wrong.” She sent me back to the doctor who was more interested in questioning me about using Yellow Humpies that time of the year than removing the fly. All of that went through my mind as a hot lance of pain shrieked from my bottom lip to my brain. You know, I’d never accidentally

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Dang, you look funny with that Rapala hanging down over your nose.

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Catch and Release

Trying not to call attention to my predicament, I bit down on the line just below the bobber to keep it from flying in the wind and examined my thumb. It reminded me of the time when a friend of the Hunting Club went with us and caught Wrong Willie between the eyes with a Rapala. One of the treble hooks went in one side of that crease over his nose and out the other. We laughed because it’s always funny when someone else gets hooked, or bangs their shin on a trailer hitch, and then set about getting Willie free. Doc was the first to recommend a remedy that day. “Clip off the barb and push it back through.” T E X A S

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Then came, “Pinch that piece of skin up and back it out,” and of course the ever popular, “Dang, you look funny with that Rapala hanging down over your nose.” We finally decided to clip the barb and release our two hundred pound catch who has a tiny scar between his eyes to this day. The hook in the ball of my thumb was in the exact place where Doc had his painful experience while fishing alone. He reached down to pick up a Tru-turn lying beside his trailer tire at a launch ramp. He grabbed it and stood up, not seeing it was attached to a line held securely to the ground by the tire. The Tru-turn did its job as designed and the point buried itself all the way to the joint. Lucky to have a knife in his pocket (always be prepared), he cut the line, got behind the wheel of his truck, plunged his hand into a small cooler full of ice and water on the seat beside him, and drove to the ER where I’m sure they didn’t make fun of a man in distress. Back at the stock pond, I bent to see how bad I’d hooked my thumb. The sharp point had gone through the skin and back out the other side. I was lucky, because I’d filed the barbs off that particular lure for quick catch and release. I backed it out and was free. Except for a little blood, there wasn’t any serious damage. Now, onto the bream hook in my lip. I thought about asking for help, but still recalling the sarcastic abuse in the Colorado emergency room, I remained silent. Also, I didn’t want the kids there to see what I’d done. There was the possibility it would scare them when someone shrieked the obligatory, “We got a man hooked here!” Knowing what I had to do, I pinched the shank, pushed down, and yanked the little hook free. It’s hard to express how shockingly painful that was, but suffice it to say my eyes watered and there’s still a small knot on the inside of my lip. On a positive note, we had a great day of fishing, though I was the only thing I caught… and released.

hooked myself there before. I’d found the tiny hook in the bottom of my tackle box and tied it onto the Peanut’s line. Forgetting there was already a bobber on it, I held the bare hook between my teeth for a moment (don’t ask me why I did that, because I truly don’t know) and stuck the rod into a holder where the wind caught the float, setting the hook. When I jumped from the pain, a treble hook sticking out of a clear plastic box full of lures snagged my thumb. The wind grabbed the float a second time and I barely caught it before it set the hook deeper into my lip. All this was going on while people were milling around, talking on the bank of the largest stock pond on the ranch, moving chairs, fishing, and tying on lures of their own.

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Email Reavis Wortham at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com |

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REDFISH Palacios Seven-year-old Kaylee Hogue caught her first redfish while fishing at Palacios with her Dad, Rick, at the exact area her dad caught his first red.

WHITETAIL Marion County Heath Jennings killed this trophy buck while hunting in Marion County. The huge deer scored 152-1/8.

BASS Ft. Worth Warren Dudley caught this pair of bass, the largest one 10.4 pounds, about 45 minutes apart while ﬁshing at a Ft. Worth lake.

WHITETAIL Mason County Eleven-year-old Jonathon Ward of Cleveland, who normally gun hunts, got his ﬁrst bow while hunting in Mason County with his Grandpa, John Hall.

RED LECHWE ANTELOPE Rocksprings Troy Randolph shot this beautiful red lechwe at his family ranch just outside of Rocksprings. Troy used his Browning 270 to take down the 240-pound buck with his father Gary.

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Also Enter our PHOTO CONTEST: FishGame.com/texas-hotsots-upload No guarantee can be made as to when, or if, a submitted photo will be published.

BOBCAT Munday Cody Pfeffer of Bellville shot this 26-pound Bobcat at the Double D & B Ranch in Munday, Texas.

WHITETAIL Sabine County Doug Womack bagged this nice 12-point buck while hunting in Sabine County.

TEAL Markham

FERAL HOG Angleton Fourteenyear-old Jaden Wall shot this 120-pound sow with a .30-06 Savage while hunting near his home in Angleton.

Mathew Matlock is pictured on a teal hunt in Markham with Capt. A.D. “Skipper” Harvell.

AXIS DEER Kimball County Matt and Miller Delorenzo with a father and son axis, taken on low-fenced property in Kimball County with a .243. They were guided by Mason Myers.

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