Texas Fish & Game December 2017

December 2017 | $3.95

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Give a Christmas Crossbow Winter Sheepshead & Drum

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

by ROY and ARDIA NEVES TF&G Owners

ROY NEVES

Reeling in the Year

PUBLISHER

CHESTER MOORE EDITOR IN CHIEF

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S THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS APPROACH, IT’S A GOOD TIME TO STOP, IF only for a moment or two, and reflect on the year that is about to end.

The first thing you notice, especially if you are in the age group that our average reader occupies, is how fast the darned thing sped by. Really? It’s December already? What the hell happened to February?

It seems like just a few weeks ago we were at the SHOT Show (mid-January) shooting video interviews

by Chester Moore and Lou Marullo—and laughing at Lou’s retelling of an incident that occurred while he was interviewing a thermal imaging optics manufacturer and, as the device was being demonstrated, he glimpsed the image of someone in the background walking into view who happened to pass gas, which Lou could clearly see in vivid thermally-enhanced color. It was a mark of true professionalism and stage presence that kept Lou from breaking up on camera and completely ruining that interview.

A lot happened in 2017 to make us glad it’s nearing an end. From massive hurricanes to mass shootings, including the most recent massacre right here in the heart of Texas, it was a year with too much tragedy.

But, as the people of Houston, Rockport, Port Aransas and the rest of the upper coastal region of Texas proved, when bad things happen, people here can easily put aside their differences and jump—or in the case of Hurricane Harvey, wade—right in to help. When Harvey struck, heroes came out of every corner of the state, and beyond, to provide rescue, shelter, sustenance and comfort to those hammered by the storm.

When facing the brute force of nature or the brutal reality of human evil, the good that always surfaces in response is sometimes hard to notice at first. But sometimes, when the bad is really really bad, the heroic nature in most of us does make itself known—and is instantly spread in the form of viral images and video of rescue boats or regular citizens risking their own lives to help others escape a madman with a gun.

While 2017 brought a lot of horror and heartache, there were good things happening in the past year as well.

Houston played host to both the Super Bowl and the Super Bowl of fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. By spotlighting Lake Conroe, the B.A.S.S. Organization helped to solidify the dominance of Texas lakes in the world of bass fishing. It’s nice when the rest of the world has to grit its teeth and acknowledge that Texas is, indeed, the best.

After the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, amid a swelling of support for the people of the Texas Coast under the proud banners of Houston Strong and Texas Strong, our own Astros won the World Series for the first time since taking the field as the Houston Colt .45s in 1962. Having attended games in the wooden bleachers of the original Colt .45 Stadium (doused in mosquito repellent) and witnessing the subsequent 56 seasons from seats in the Astrodome, then in Enron Field and later at the re-christened Minute Maid Park, with ultimately dashed hopes, it was especially fulfilling to us—and many other lifelong ‘Stros fans—to see them bring home the trophy. That it happened in this year of so much devastation and tragedy was even more meaningful.

While this is a time for reflecting on all the good and bad things that the whirlwind past year has brought us, this season is also a time to stop and appreciate friends and family and those most important in our lives, and to share as much time with them as possible. We hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy the season and to slow down the clock enough to savor the things that are important and the people who are closest in your life.

Looking forward to the new year, we also hope that (fronts permitting) the cold, crisp air of January 2018 will bring a cleansing breath, and a chance to start over fresh with renewed vigor and a bright outlook. We know that next year will zoom by just as fast as, if not faster than, this runaway past year did, and will likely bring with it more shocks, sorrows and more need for heroics. But like the capacity to form heroes from the unlikeliest of people when the circumstances call for it, the better nature of human beings also keeps a pilot light of hope burning, ready to ignite and brighten the gloomiest horizons.

From all of us at TEXAS FISH & GAME, we hope your Christmas is Merry and your New Year is Happy.

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C O N T R I B U T O R S JOE DOGGETT DOUG PIKE TED NUGENT LOU MARULLO MATT WILLIAMS CALIXTO GONZALES LENNY RUDOW STEVE LAMASCUS DUSTIN ELLERMANN KENDAL HEMPHILL WILL LESCHPER REAVIS WORTHAM TOM BEHRENS GREG BERLOCHER RAZOR DOBBS CAPT. MIKE HOLMES DUSTIN WARNCKE STAN SKINNER LISA MOORE

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SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR EDITOR AT LARGE HUNTING EDITOR FRESHWATER EDITOR SALTWATER EDITOR BOATING EDITOR FIREARMS EDITOR SHOOTING EDITOR POLITICAL COMMENTATOR CONSERVATION EDITOR HUMOR EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR

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Contents December 2017 | Vol. 33 No. 8

COVER STORY

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FEATURE ARTICLES WINTER SHEEP & BLACK DRUM Tis the season to catch sheepshead and black drum in Texas coastal waters.

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Finding the right gift for the archer in your life.

by Dustin Warncke

by Chester Moore

RATTLE DEM BONES

A CROSSBOW FOR CHRISTMAS

The use of rattling forks is one heck of an effective—and fun—way to call in a crafty old buck.

story by Larry L. Weishuhn

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COLUMNS Editor’s Notes

by CHESTER MOORE

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Doggett at Large

by JOE DOGGETT

by DOUG PIKE

by Ted Nugent

Commentary

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by KENDAL HEMPHILL

Texas Saltwater

by CALIXTO GONZALES

Texas Freshwater

As Jack Frost desends on Texas lakes, crappie tend to huddle up in bunches... making them easier to catch.

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WATERFOWL WONDERS A few surprising facts about ducks and geese.

by Chester Moore

by Matt Williams

Pike on the Edge Nugent in the Wild

CHRISTMAS CRAPPIE

TEXAS OUTDOOR NATION

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LOOKING FOR LUNKERS The hunt for monster bass.

from TPWD Reports

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News of the Nation + Texas HotShots

Dept. of Defense Coastal Focus Columns FORECASTS: Texas Hotspots; Sportsman’s Daybook Prime Times

by MATT WILLIAMS

Texas Boating

by LENNY RUDOW

Texas Hunting

by LOU MARULLO

Open Season

by REAVIS Z. WORTHAM

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Letters

by TFG Readers

DEPARTMENTS Outdoor Directory

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Gift Guide

Special Section

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Fish & Game Photos

by TFG Readers

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LETTERS to the Editor Hurricane Coverage THANKS TO YOU GUYS FOR THE amazing Hurricane Harvey coverage. Some of the things you brought up were things no one else in the mainstream or so-called mainstream media touched on like the dioxins and the animal dispersement. Its just another reason I read you ever month.

Louis Stouffer I WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE newsletter coverage you did of the wildlife impacts in the hurricanes. TF&G covers angles I don’t see a whole lot out there and it is appreciated.

Kelsey Hood

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AFTER READING THE STORY ABOUT the big hog running around The Woodlands it made me think of how I was as a teen. I would have set up a pile of corn in the park down the road, made the monkey bars my stand and went hunting.

I’m a little more civilized now but it brought back good memories.

J. Smith

Thanks Roy & Ardia THANK YOU FOR THE THOUGHTFUL article on the floods.

I, too, was VERY lucky and received no water at either of my properties in Orange or Crystal Beach, Texas.

Somehow, neither of my children’s

homes were flooded either.

You may be interested to know that the fishing in East Bay has not suffered, by evidence from my son’s outing early last weekend.

Fishing marsh drains with plastics (on the bottom of course) he was able to afford easy trout limits to 20 inches.

The next day, in the afternoon, birds provided a fantastic location with about a 2:1 catch/keep ratio.

Steve Thompson

Email your comments to: editor@fishgame.com

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EDITOR’S Notes

by CHESTER MOORE :: TF&G Editor-in-Chief

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (at Duck Camp) (This fun rendition of the holiday classic has become a tradition for me every year since my newspaper days. I hope you all enjoy it and can share it with your kids. Duck hunters will especially love it.

Merry Christmas!)

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WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE Christmas, when all through the camp Not a creature was stirring, not even a lab.

The socks they hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The young sportsmen were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of redfish swam through their heads.

And mamma in camo, and I neatly matched, Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the marsh there arose such a clatter, I jumped from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a teal, Tore open the shutters to see what is the deal.

The moon hitting down on the strong tidal flow Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.

When, what my weary eyes did spy Eight tiny gators and a pirogue in sky.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than widgeons his gators they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called

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And he looked like a hunter just opening his pack.

He had a broad face and a little round gut, That shook, when he laughed like an out of shape mutt.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And quickly spied the bowl on the shelf.

He took to the gumbo like a dog to a bone Read the note we had left him next to the phone.

He then filled all the stockings with lanyards and masks Left all new presents then was done with the task.

And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a call, And away they all slithered through the marsh they did crawl.

But I heard him exclaim, when he was out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight.”

them by name.

“Now, Boudreaux! now, Trahan! now, Broussard and Comeaux!

On, Bergeron! on Savoy! on, Dugas and Thibodeaux!

To the top of the camp! to the top of the wall!

Slither away! Slither! Slither away all!”

As dry leaves that before the blue norther do fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So above the pilings-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of prizes, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and clawing of each reptile foot.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney, St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in muskrat, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with mud and soot.

A bundle of decoys he had flung on his back,

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Email Chester Moore at cmoore@fishgame.com

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11/8/17 9:55 AM

DOGGETT at Large

by JOE DOGGETT :: TF&G Contributing Editor

Double Up

about five minutes before I slid it against the bank.

It was a fine red, at least 30 inches, glowing with health and thick from gorging on mullet and crabs. I pushed the jig hook from the glum jaw and watched it scoot free.

During a one-hour session while walking the bank within sight of the duck camp, I caught and released six redfish between 28 and 32 inches, all on the single lure. It doesn’t get much easier than that. I thought of the many days I’ve waded long hours for far less.

Oh, yes, I also hooked an outrageous alligator gar. I spied a lazy swirl and chunked out.

The gar snatched the jig and wallowed up and looked five feet long. The little reel buzzed as the brute surged across an open channel.

Mercifully, the hook pulled from the toothy jaw.

Unlikely prehistoric encounters aside, the six gorgeous redfish were a grand complement to the morning limit of greenwings and gray ducks.

Admittedly, that session was exceptional, but it occurred because I had the foresight to toss a fishing rod in with the ducking duffel.

For several seasons, I duck hunted on a middle coastal ranch near the Lavaca River.

A large network of marsh ponds drained into Lavaca Bay, and the area was a magnet for ducks—not to mention fish.

Between hunts, we could sight cast to tailing and cruising redfish in several of the shallow back “lakes.” The bottom was goo-pie soft in places but we were determined. Mud or no mud, it’s hard not to press forward when the saucy pennants of blue-tipped tails are waggling in the fall light.

Come to think of it, the wooden bridge spanning the primary bayou feeding the marsh was an excellent intercept area for flounders.

Small tandem jigs tipped with dead shrimp racked up some impressive strings of flatfish.

Bay flats offer classic double-dip possibilities. The late sporting artist Jack Cowan utilized this theme in numerous paintings—redfish tailing in the decoy spreads, or waders stringing reds with stilt blinds in the background and bull sprigs hovering overhead. You get

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OST DUCKS ARE REMARKably fond of water. Come to think of it, so are most fish.

This happy coincidence provides an abundance of double-dip potential that more coastal hunters should utilize.

Assuming weather conditions are reasonable, catchable fish in marshes and bayous and bays often are within reach of the camo-clad opportunist.

Regardless of venue, the typical duck hunt is an early affair. Even die-hards waiting for the celebrated late-morning flights of pintails and mallards tend to lose stoke after about 10 a.m. When the nearest “spoonie” starts looking pretty good, then it’s time to pick up the decoys.

This leaves the rest of the day for a combo session. This is especially true if realistic fishing potential is within a short walk or quick drive.

The biggest problem is having the grit to follow through with a fishing rod. The “rack monster” starts beckoning after a late hunter’s breakfast. But forcing yourself to give it a go sometimes can pay big dividends.

For example, I was on a two-day Louisiana duck hunt last December, the guest of a friend with access to a private marsh. The brackish backwater cut with canals and sloughs sits on the east side of Lake Calcasieu.

The weather was damp and blustering, favorable for low duck movement, and we enjoyed a fine shoot. We were back at his bay house by 9 a.m. Before succumbing to sleep, I opted to grab my light casting outfit and a small box of lures and walk down to a nearby drainpipe that feeds the marsh.

The conditions weren’t especially “fishy;” but, well, I was there. And the drizzle had stopped.

I rigged with a 1/4-ounce jig fitted with a pearl/chartreuse Norton Sand Shad, Jr. The first cast—yes, the first cast—drew a heavy pull. The murky water boiled with the copper flash of a no-nonsense redfish. We traded line

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pumped just looking at those beautiful images.

And they are real. Hurricane Harvey certainly stirred things up along the middle coast, but the fish are there and the flights of pintails and redheads will come. It remains only for the hunter-turned-angler to capitalize on the wading or drifting opportunities.

Hey, you’re already in chest waders; all you need is a rod and a gung-ho mindset. A couple of friends and I recently rallied for a double-dip morning off Matagorda Island. Frankly, our duck hunt was lousy—two muffed chances at early teal and that was it. The keenly anticipated flights of redheads and pintails failed to materialize.

But the December morning was dead-solid perfect for wade fishing. The air was mild, the sun was bright, and the green tide was riffled by a moderate southeast wind. We ran the center console to a nearby cove and hopped out into thigh-deep water.

The bottom of the primary bay was hard sand that soon gave way to the crunching of oyster shells. We eased along the reef, working about 25 or 30 yards apart. I’d like to say that we “killed ‘em,” but we didn’t. We caught 8 or 10 redfish, mostly small, but the impromptu session saved the duckless dawn.

I don’t recall what the other guys were using—plastics, probably—but I went with the glittering promise of a 1/2-ounce spoon.

When you feel as if you are in the middle of a classic Cowan painting, that’s just what you do. Old timers might remember the 1983 Gulf Coast Conservation Association stamp/ print. That first powerful “save the redfish” image showed a shin-deep Texas wader, cool and loose, poised in a slight crouch. He was wearing a cowboy-type hat and flicking a sidearm cast with a gold spoon at a pod of redfish gliding across sparkling sand and grass.

That’s our cherished school fishing, and it’s often within reach of the nearest duck hunt.

Email Joe Doggett at ContactUs@fishgame.com

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11/8/17 9:58 AM

PIKE on the Edge

by DOUG PIKE :: TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

One Gun, Two Guns, Three Guns, Four... safes says a great deal about how we use those tools. Don’t let anyone tell you that guns are only tools of destruction. Guns stop hogs from devastating ranches. Guns keep meat on tables through long winters. Guns prevent crimes, although you don’t read about that nearly so often as when they’re used illegally.

Ultimately, guns are tools that can be used

“ I’d own more guns if I had more money and more time.

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FRIEND WHO DOESN’T OWN a gun and has never fired a gun (who is still a friend despite those shortcomings) asked recently how many guns one man needed. In hindsight, I’d bet he wishes he’d asked someone else.

What follows is a condensed version of my answer as best I remember it.

Your question, I started, has no definitive answer. That’s like asking a carpenter how many tools he needs or a surgeon how many instruments he or she needs. The simple answer is, “However many it takes to do the jobs I need them to do.”

Complication arises when we try to justify owning a tool based solely on the job it’s intended to do. The average pro-gun person, I suppose, could own a handgun for personal protection, a shotgun for bird hunting and a rifle for shooting animals with four legs.

However that would require me and anyone else who appreciates firearms to ignore the individuality of guns—so many calibers and gauges and configurations, so fun to sample them all.

I own more than one gun and fewer than 20. I’d own more guns if I had more money and more time. Some of my friends have plenty of both—and have second and third large safes to hold all their guns.

Gun ownership, regardless of quantity, doesn’t make a person good or bad. Having guns in the house, at the office or in the truck only makes someone capable of doing things other people can’t do.

Add “responsible” as a qualifier to gun ownership, and the capabilities all are good. Gun owners can shoot a deer at 150 yards or drop a double on flushing quail or, with hope that none of us ever has to do either in real time, prevent a serious crime or save a life.

The types and quantities of guns in our

for good or bad purposes. (I got into it a little with my friend on this point.) A gun in a corner is no different from a shovel or scalpel or screwdriver. In proper hands, any of the three can perform a specific, valued task. In the wrong hands—but only in a person’s hands—each of the same three can be used unlawfully to threaten or harm someone.

So back to types and quantities, a person who owns 10 shotguns and a single rifle probably is a bird hunter who occasionally chases big game, and vice versa. Someone who owns more handguns than long guns probably does a lot of target shooting, perhaps competitively, and might hunt occasionally.

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Regardless of what guns are owned, the overwhelming majority of gun owners are law followers and not law breakers. They shoot when they want, but only where they can do so safely and legally.

It makes no difference, either, whether a gun owner shoots fewer than 20 rounds per month or more than 2,000. That trigger-pull count is of relevance and importance only to the shooter, the retailer who sells ammo to that shooter and the manufacturer who mates primers, power, casings and projectiles that are sold to the retailer.

In addition to being tools, guns also are works of art and instruments of investment.

From a practical side, I own working-class rifles in several calibers, enough to hunt anything from squirrels to elk with confidence. My shotgun collection includes 20- and 12-gauge pieces, some with one barrel and some with two. To anyone who isn’t a threat, it doesn’t matter how many handguns I own.

(By this time, my friend’s head was about to wobble off his neck. He’d had enough.)

So you see, I concluded, you can’t pick a number of guns that’s either too few or too many. Like Jay Leno and his cars or Hugh Hefner—may he rest in peace—and his girlfriends.

One of the fundamental differences in this country and the rest of the world is our option here to own or not to own firearms. Laws regarding the carry and/or public display of those guns vary from state to state, but we can own firearms. If we choose, and for so long as we don’t do anything illegal with them, we can own as many as we can afford and want.

How many guns does one man need? If asked by anyone I didn’t know well, I’d have to answer that question with one of my own.

Who wants to know?

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Email Doug Pike at ContactUs@fishgame.com

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11/8/17 10:11 AM

NUGENT in the Wild

by TED NUGENT :: TF&G Editor-at-Large

Be a Wildlife Army of One

paid for, created and nurtured by a family of dedicated hands-on conservationists, the likes of which is repeated millions of times each year by many millions of hunting families and hardworking landowners across America.

I thank and salute you all and am honored to call you Spirit BloodBrothers! Rejoice like you mean it for we are the ultimate conservationist environmentalists and damn proud of it!

A powerful and pivotal force by we the people in the asset column of nature, it is this serious investment of hard work and dedication that is the nucleus of these glorious good old days of deerhunting in North America.

I personally have never met a landowner

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HERE IS A VAST, STUNNING, towering, soul cleansing forest in the swamplands of southern Michigan that an uppity guitar player planted by hand. With many indigenous coniferous and deciduous species of trees, some now more than 45 years old, this mystical woodland paradise is living proof that real honest to God sweat equity prioritized stewardship can and will make a difference for thriving wildlife and healthy wildground, not to mention a sense of gratifying fulfillment and soul cleansing spiritual fortification that makes a man feel all warm and good inside.

Everybody knows that nature heals, even just as a spectator. But when you actually plunge your fists into good old dirty terra firma as a hands-on participant, the healing goes much deeper, I assure you.

I am convinced that planting trees every spring makes for a better, more soulful and extremely happy guitar player!

I began digging, sticking and heeling in 1000s and 1000s of various seedlings into our little Michigan family farm way back around 1970, and along with my tribe have continued to do so every year since to create and grow our beloved Nugent Woods.

The coniferous cathedral provides critical thermal cover for all the critters to survive the severe Midwest winters. The reliable mast from the various hardwoods provide life giving protein and nourishment throughout their lives.

The puckerbrush hellhole tangles of 1000s and 1000s of autumn and Russian olive bushes, multi-flora rose and wild grapevines create sanctuary from sharp-stick wielding rock-n-roll predators and assorted killers of the wild.

Add to this the annual foodplots and various agriculture we plant and cultivate each year and what we have here my Spirit BloodBrothers is a glorious man-made wildlife heaven, bought, |

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Everyone knows that nature heals, even if just as a spectator.

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who doesn’t cherish the wildlife supporting acre or acres we have worked so hard to own.

Land unto itself means nothing without the knowledge and understanding that we share it with the precious wildlife that we so love.

From this sacred ground comes not just life itself, but many of us believe to be the ultimate quality of life in the form of cleansed air, soil, water, fuel, protein, clothing, tools, weapons, medicine, shelter and immeasurable spiritual fortification knowing certainly that we are utilizing our gift of life to the fullest by putting more back into nature than we consume.

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called American education system. Fat chance.

In the absence of such critical quality of life lessons in individual earthly conservation responsibilities in schools, as usual it will be up to we the people of the natural world to teach the young.

As we gearup for the greatest hunting season of our lives, now is the time for us to ponder how we will spend our deercamp time with family and friends. Life has a way of overpowering our lives, thoughts and instincts, but there is no better environment or time than around the hunting season campfire, buckpole or dinnertable to keep the conversation alive about nature and our duties to her than when the pure seasonal Spirit of the Wild is such a wonderful and inescapable force all around us.

Emphasizing the renewability of our hunting lifestyle at this time of year, particularly with Thanksgiving on the horizon, imprints strongly on all who hear it.

In a world gone mad with the dangerous lie of political correctness and the shameful denial it creates, those of us still grounded on nature’s reality must constantly push forward on these important points.

With various hunting seasons kicking off any day now and the mythical month of October only 40 or so days away, getting into our reasoning predator mindset is Job One for all of us right now.

Never forget that Job 1A is spreading the good word, educating everyone we can and celebrating this last pure tooth, fang and claw hands-on conservation lifestyle like we mean it in thought, word, action and deed.

It may be the natural season of harvest, but fall is also a great time to plant trees! Make it an annual family party!

Aim small, miss small, but think BIG and plant a tree! The Great Spirit calls our name!

Email Ted Nugent at tnugent@fishgame.com

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11/8/17 10:10 AM

TF&G COMMENTARY

by KENDAL HEMPHILL :: TF&G Political Editor

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COLD NORTH WIND TOOK advantage of the opportunity when I opened the back door of the house, swirling into the warmth of the laundry room and giving me a taste of what my morning would offer.

As I stepped out into the pre-dawn darkness and pulled the door shut behind me, I stood on the porch for a moment, hoping my eyes would adjust enough to let me find my way without a flashlight. The cloud cover was heavy, and the Central Texas air offered a hint of moisture, but no rain—yet.

Not being a morning person, there was only one thing that could entice me to drag myself out of a toasty bed on a frosty late December morning, when the mercury shrank below the ice line. I loved my sleep (still do), but I loved hunting more. I also loved backing up to the crackling logs in the fireplace in my living room, and letting the comfort bathe me with contentment, but I was willing to endure the frigid wind for a little while—to hunt—only to hunt.

A friend once told me a joke about a couple of guys who liked to play golf, and happened to be on the links one cold, sleety, November morning, the first day of the general deer season. They were bundled up like mummies against the freezing rain, and while walking down the third fairway they heard a rifle shot.

One turned to the other and said, “What kind of an idiot would be hunting on a terrible morning like this?”

As I carefully picked by way down the hill from the backyard of my house, I thought about those fellows, and what they would think if they saw me shivering in my dad’s old ducking coat, head turtled down into the collar to

“ The diminutive .222 is no deer caliber.

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A Christmas Story

When he came by to finalize the deal he asked me if I wanted the scope that was mounted on it. I did. Of course I did. But he wanted another $10 for the scope. I looked at my father in desperation. He didn’t hand out money for no reason.

I was sure he would tell me I had to wait until I had saved up another sawbuck, but he must have seen the hope in my eyes. Dad loaned me the extra cash, and I was able to go home with my first real rifle. You never saw a happier 13-year-old boy.

That little rifle was responsible for putting many a deer on the table during the next several years. I learned to aim for the neck, an allor-nothing shot that is even more controversial T E X A S

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now than using a varmint caliber on deer.

So far I have never lost a deer with a neck shot, but I won’t argue that point, either. You aim where you want, and I’ll aim where I want.

By the morning in question, however, I had graduated to a Model 94 Winchester chambered for the .30-30 Winchester cartridge, with a buckhorn rear sight and a gold bead in front.

The cold metal of the flat receiver felt like ice in my gloveless hand, but the lever-action blended my love of hunting with my fascination with the Old West. The combination almost made up for the fact that I couldn’t feel my feet.

I carefully avoided prickly pear and tasajillo as I made my way down the cold, dark trail to a natural bottleneck, where I expected to fill a tag. The sun seemed almost as reluctant to get out of bed as I was, but the clouds had just started to filter its wan rays when I heard a snort ahead. I crouched and waited for better light, and after a few minutes started again.

Cold and impatience trumped better judgment.

The three does were bounding through the brush, almost at the top of the next hill, when I saw them. The last one had almost cleared the crest when I got the Winchester to my shoulder, and by the time I had eared back the hammer and lined up the sights, her legs were out of sight.

While the sound of my shot echoed away, I admitted to myself that a 100-yard shot with iron sights at a deer half seen in the half light was a poor exhibition of sportsmanship. I went to look, anyway, and found the old girl lying where I’d last seen her.

The next day my family sat down to a Christmas dinner of fried venison, telling me what a good hunter I was. This proves luck is often more valuable than skill, and tastes pretty much the same with gravy.

Merry Christmas.

avoid the worst of the icy wind. We all have our weaknesses, I guess. Mine was white-tailed deer.

My first deer rifle was a Remington model 788 chambered in .222 Remington. Before you look for the link to send me an angry email, I know what you’re going to say. The diminutive .222 is no deer caliber. And I won’t argue with you. But it worked.

My dad, a guidance counselor at our local high school, had agreed to build a rock fireplace for a friend, and I had spent a couple of weeks during the summer of my 14th year mixing mortar in a wheelbarrow for him. He paid me a dollar an hour, and I had managed to save up eighty bucks, which is what the old man wanted for the Remington.

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11/8/17 10:12 AM

IT, FIT, FFFFEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” I hissed, then slammed my rattling forks together with a loud crash and immediately started meshing and grinding them together like two big-bodied, mature whitetail bucks engaged in mortal combat.

I pushed hard into the ground with my right foot imitating a buck being pushed backwards, then broke nearby branches with my left foot. I grunted “aakkkkkk” deeply and loudly. Fifteen seconds into my rattling sequence, the first buck appeared. A nice two-year old, wild-eyed, drooling eight-point charged in. He looked for the fight that was not there.

I continued rattling. Five seconds later, a second buck appeared in the shooting lane to my right about 25 yards away. He was one to take a second look at. He had ten long points with mass slightly exceeding the diameter of his eyes, over four-inches. His beams extended about two inches past his erect, forward ears.

He stood right on the edge of the brush staring intently in my direction. I could see his left hind leg. His dark-stained tarsal indicated he was four years old or older.

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The author prepares to shoot as his guide mans the rattling forks.

only glimpsed a bigger antlered, and much older buck walk through the shooting lane to my left. I saw him only a second or two. There was no doubt. He was definitely a shooter!

In originally setting up, I found a place that simply felt “right.” It was close to a brushy creek bottom where still-hunting through the area earlier I had seen several fresh scrapes.

I positioned myself, sitting down behind my stalking shield, so I could essentially watch downwind. There were natural, open shooting lanes at about 45 degrees to both my left and right.

I learned many years ago most older bucks tend to come to horn so they end up exactly downwind of the sounds that attracted them.

I do not watch directly downwind because if he gets directly downwind I know he will smell me and leave post-haste.

Had I been watching for other responding bucks rather than “playing” with the lesser one, I could have shot him when he stepped in the shooting lane. My bad!

After crossing the lane he walked down-

Slowly, I lowered my rattling forks, then peered through the scope. My .30-06 Ruger American rested on tripod shooting sticks pointed in the direction where the buck stood. No doubt he was a good one for the area I hunted.

My agreement with the landowner on whose property I hunted was to shoot a buck I thought was at least six years old. The buck seemed to be mesmerized, trying to determine what I was and why he couldn’t see two bucks fighting.

He turned broadside, straight top and bottom body lines. I could not make him older than four. He started to walk away, I grunted a deep “aaakkk.” He turned and came back for another look.

Moments later he again started leaving. I waited until he was about to disappear into the brush, then gently brought the rattling forks together, tickled them together and again grunted a deep “ack.” He turned and started walking toward me.

I was having a blast “messing” with the ten point, maybe having too much fun because I

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wind, then walked directly away without crossing the shooting lanes.

After the old buck appeared briefly, I continued rattling for about thirty seconds twice more about five minutes apart. Then I sat and watched.

Quite often old whitetail bucks will come to the sounds of rattling but stop and stand just out of sight, then come in to investigate after the sounds have quit. I have seen some bucks come in thirty minutes after I have finished rattling.

Depending on the size of the property hunted, or if there are other hunters on the property, rather than rattle and leave to find another rattling spot, I will stay in the same place and do a rattling sequence about every 45 minutes or so. I’ll do this throughout the day. No telling when they will best respond.

How long to rattle? I try different things, sometimes rattling for about fifteen to thirty seconds. I’ll wait a couple of minutes, then rattle again. Wait maybe five minutes and rattle again and continue to do so for upwards of thirty minutes.

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11/8/17 9:24 AM

A lone buck is called in to the sound of rattling.

If that does not work, I may rattle for as long as five minutes or more. I have watched many buck fights. Some lasted less than ten seconds, others upwards of eight hours.

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Try different lengths of rattling. When you come upon a sequence that brings in bucks, do it again. Rattle throughout the day.

I dearly love rattling “dem bones�!

Do you see that buck charging in on your right?

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T’S TIME TO CATCH sheepsheads. Texas coastal waters are filled with these hard-fighting, excellent tasting fish that get little respect despite the aforementioned attributes.

These fish congregate in the greatest numbers in our jetty systems.

Right now is an excellent time to catch them as they begin gathering in large numbers for the spawn, which will take place next month. Their unique

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dentures give them an edge on picking baits off of a hook.

My favorite method to catch them is to use a 1/4-ounce jighead rigged with a small piece of shrimp fished vertically over rock outcroppings at the jetties.

I use a light braided line such as Berkley Fireline, which has eightpound diameter and 20-pound test.

The low stretch line helps with hookset in the hard mouth, and also aids with sensitivity.

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Big drum chase forage through cuts in jetties and around deep holes.

icky sheepsheads will back away when they feel too much pressure.

If you are serious about catching sheepsheads, especially the big ones, you will need lots of patience and focus to get the job done.

When they feed aggressively anyone can catch them, but when they are being sort of snobbish, it takes true fishing finesse.

Big, over-sized black drum are also present in the bay and jetty systems now. At the jetties in particular, drum will gather and feed as the forage moves through the boat cuts and around the southern tip of the rocks and around any deep holes. They also gather up over shells in the channel and around big drop-offs in the ship channel areas.

I prefer to fish for drum with heavy tackle, in the 30 to 50- pound class. Crab is the best choice for bait. Broken in half, and hooked through the carapace, the stuff has a long hook life and is irresistible to drum.

Drums are a pecking fish. Sometimes they will not just take your bait and run with it.

When you see something pecking on your line, pick it up and wait until you feel pressure on the other end. At that point, pull back and brace yourself. There are plenty of bull reds around now as well, and they will take the same baits as the drums, although the absolute best bait is live croaker.

Anglers can catch oversized redfish in the exact same spots as they do the big bull drums. In fact, this will probably hang into a mixture of both.

Winter not only brings opportunities for

The sheepshead’s bite can be so slight, you actually have to watch the line. It can be virtually impossible to detect otherwise.

A braided or fusion line can help overcome this, but it can still be tough at times. Many times they thump a jig pretty hard but when they go stealth, few fish can pick a bait off of a hook quicker.

Fishing a live shrimp under a popping cork is also a great way to catch sheepsheads along the rocks. I find it interesting that from December to March they will gobble up dead shrimp. After that, these picky fish seem to turn their nose up to the dead stuff at jetties.

It’s possible to catch them in the bay during summer and fall on dead shrimp, but they don’t like it at the rocks.

When the water clears up, these fish can be line shy so use a fluorocarbon leader under the cork for best results. Fluorocarbon is virtually invisible. It also has low-stretch properties, which enhances its sensitivity.

Many anglers use small treble hooks that the fish ingest. However, regulations require us to throw back many of the sheepsheads we catch, so that is probably not a good idea.

I have my best luck with thick, shortshanked hooks. Hook girth is something to consider because these fish often bite through thin hooks. I have actually had them bite through thick hooks as well, but it is a rarity.

In the bayous and marshes Carolina (fish finder) rigs work the best. Use as light an egg weight as you can get away with because fin-

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these overlooked fish, but also for using some baits that few anglers ever consider. They are as follows: • SEA LICE — These strange looking creatures are marine parasites that feed on the mucus, skin and blood of host fish. They look like a crab crossed with something from the “Alien” films. They make great bait for black drum, especially the really big ones.

A number of bait camps along the coast carry these disgusting looking creatures.

Besides drum, they are effective for sheepsheads and redfish.

• FIDDLER CRABS — These little crabs with one giant pincher and another small one are perhaps the best bait for sheepsheads.

They are hard to take off a hook, and sheepsheads will seemingly take them before they will anything else.

Some catch fiddler crabs in dip nets, while others set traps. They are not so easy to catch, but if it’s sheepsheads you want, fiddlers are the golden ticket. Black drums have a fondness for them too.

Winter saltwater fishing can be fun, with a few anglers out on the water. Some of the most peaceful and yet action-packed fishing trips of my life came during the winter, usually anchored up somewhere at the Sabine Jetties soaking shrimp or crab for sheepsheads and drum.

It’s simple and despite the appearance of the fish, it’s a very beautiful thing.

PHOTO: TFG

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Texas SALTWATER

by CALIXTO GONZALES :: TF&G Saltwater Editor

Dancing a Different Jig

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OR YEARS, JIGS WERE A mainstay of offshore anglers up and down the Texas Gulf Coast. Deepwater anglers knew that the secret to pinning a larger than average red snapper or tempting a much-prized amberjack was a large white curly tail on a bullet-head jig.

Also effective was an economy-sized bucktail sweetened with something out of the bait trough. I’ve seen plenty of more experienced fishermen catch some amazing fish on jigs while everyone else on the headboat was catching barely-legal snappers on squid and cigar minnows.

For some reason, offshore jigging fell out of favor among fishermen who were headedout into the Big Briny both for bottom fish and pelagics. Stores would still stock large jigs, diamond jigs, and 8- to 10-inch curly tails, but it seemed that they would sit on the racks for months and even years at a time.

All the big circle hooks and heavy sinkers and 100 pound leader material would be snatched up once federal red snapper season opened, but the only big water artificials that got any attention were big plugs, jetheads, and topwaters—not exactly snapper and grouperfriendly lures.

The biggest complaint about using jigs for groundfish was the size of the tackle used.

Let’s face it, bottom tackle wasn’t exactly lureoriented. Big heavy beefsticks and winch-style conventional reels loaded with 80 and 100 pound mono or Dacron were horrors to fish lures with.

They were cumbersome, heavy, and lacked the sensitivity needed to feel either the lure or the strike. The jigs were no better. Yes they caught fish, but bouncing eight ounces of lead

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forgiving tips, which absorb the shock of a big fish lunging against a tight drag and no-stretch braid.

Thinner braid and the reduced water resistance also translates to a smaller package to deliver into the depths. There should always be a place in the offshore tacklebox for the giant leadhead, but next to it should be a spot for modern jigs such as the Butterfly® and the Bomber Saltwater Grade Vamp®.

These jigs resemble the classic Slab jig that’s popular among white bass anglers in freshwater. They have sharp edges, however, which provides the jigs with the fluttering and wobbling actions that are their calling cards. Their slim, aquadynamic profiles mean even less water resistance which means that you can use a four- or five-ounce jig instead of a 12- or even 16-ounce leadhead. That difference in weight is a big deal when you are bouncing your offering on the bottom.

One other jigging tip: I’ve heard plenty of stories of how finicky and tough to hook a big ling can be. Captain Richard Bailey has told me stories of how a ling can suck in a bait and spit it out faster than you can react to set the hook.

He had one particular fish aggravate him that way for over an hour.

My Uncle Bob Renaud used to have an old trick that he used to slay many a finicky ling.

He’d pin a whole squid on a ¾-ounce white bucktail jig and fling it in front of a curious ling.

He’d twitch it a couple of times and then let it sink. More often than not, the ling would dive after the jig and inhale it. Then the fight was on.

The first time he showed me pictures of a 72-pound ling he caught that way when no one else could get the thing to eat, I bought all the white bucktails he had in his tackle shop. I paid full price, too; no family discount for me!

Well, maybe a small one. Uncle Bob knew what it was like to get jiggy.

anywhere between 17 and 50 fathoms down could be wearisome after a couple of drops.

It just wasn’t worth the effort if you could just send a big hook with a bunch of bait weighted by a large hunk of lead and just wait for a fish to bite.

Things have changed, however. Technology has facilitated the development of rods, reels, and jigs that make jigfishing for bottom critters not only easier, but more fun. The heavy fiberglass rod and 9/0 Senator loaded with well rope have been replaced with thin, strong rods, compact reels and braided lines that have tremendous tensile strength-to-diameter ratios.

Shimano, for example, has developed the Trevala® series of jigging rods for their Butterfly® series of jigs (more on that in a bit).

The rods are more than suitable for any jigging application. These rods come in actions ranging from light to extra heavy, but are lightweight and a joy to use.

Penn’s Torque series of conventional and spinning rods provide the same Manny Pacquiao combination of heavy power in a compact package. Match up the rods with a high-capacity reel such as a Tranx 500 (my preference because of the level wind), Torsa, Squall or similar reel, and you have a helluva jigging combo.

Plenty of tackle companies have come up with these streamlined little wonders. Bomber has the Vamp jig; Offshore Angler has the Knife jig. There’s the Williamson Vortex and the Abyss. The variety is staggering.

The most important part of any quality jigging system is the line used. Braided line has come a long way in the past 20 years. The latest formulations of Power Pro, Spiderwire Jerry Brown Braid, and FINS create remarkable products.

Tighter weaves make for stronger, thinner lines (65 Power Pro, for example, has the equivalent diameter of 16 pound mono) and, more importantly for bottom fishing, less water resistance (which translates to less weight to get your presentation down to where the lunkers lurk).

Modern jigging rods are designed specifically for use with braid, and have softer, more F I S H

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11/8/17 10:14 AM

HEN WINTER SETS IN across eastern Texas, Jack Frost sends water temperatures on area lakes into a gradual nose dive. That’s when paper mouth junkies across the region know it’s time to bundle up warm and get ready for some of the best crappie fishing of the year.

It’s not that crappie tend to bite any better when it’s cold outside. What sets winter prospects high is that the fish are prone to bunch up in tight schools. They’ll congregate—often in large numbers— around deep, offshore structure such as rivers, creeks, and underwater points and ridges. They can be so much easier to locate and so easy to exploit that catching a limit in short order might hardly seem like a challenge.

Stephen Johnston is a veteran guide on two the state’s most fabled crappie fisheries, Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn.

“What happens during the winter,” he said, “is the cold weather chills the water temperature to the point that the shad are forced to leave the brush piles and off the flats into deeper

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water. There, they’ll gang up around rivers, creeks and other structure.

“The crappie have to go with the bait to survive, and they’ll really pile up around them,” Johnston said. “Find the bait this time of year and you should be able find the crappie. The main key to it all is cold weather. If we have a mild winter the crappie tend to be scattered out more, and the fishing won’t be near as good.”

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As mentioned earlier, the cold/deep scenario is played out on watery stages all around the region. However, this is no blueprint to success you can apply to every lake across the board.

That’s because every water body is different in deep structure, how crappie relate to it and which tactics have a history of producing the best results.

To give Texas Fish and Game readers an idea of what might work best on their home waters, I recently caught up with a few East Texas crappie fishing experts and asked them to share some wintertime fishing tips and key locations on their favorite lakes. Here’s what they had to say:

Johnston

Lake: Toledo Bend

They will occasionally rise up a little to get a bait, but they will rarely go down.”

In addition to the Sabine, Johnston says any number of major creeks and bridge crossings could hold fish throughout the winter. Lanan and Hausen are definitely worth a look, as are the support pilings/cross members beneath the Pendleton Bridge.

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES: Many anglers like to tie off to snags or anchor along the river’s edge and wait for the crappie to come to them. However, Johnston prefers to take a more aggressive approach. He uses his trolling motor with his electronics to stay mobile with roving pods of shad. He likes to catch them on a jig whenever he can, but live shiners fished vertically beneath the boat tend to rule when the water is cold.

His preferred minnow rig for fishing the river consists of a 2/0 gold Aberdeen hook with a 1/4 to 3/8 ounce smash weight a foot above it. For shallower creek fishing, he likes a slip cork rig. He likes to use a spinning or push button spincast outfit matched with 10to 12-pound test line for both tactics.

Here’s another worthwhile tip. If big rains come and muddy the water or create some current, stay home and wait for another day.

“Muddy water and current will kill the bite over here. It’s always been that way.”

Fishing Guide: Stephen Johnston HOW HE APPROACHES IT: Toledo Bend is a huge, riverine impoundment fed by the Sabine River and dozens of major creeks and secondary tributaries. During the winter months, when water temperatures dip into the 50s, Johnston says one of the best patterns is targeting well-defined channel swings along the Sabine.

The “Chicken Coop” just off the Texas shore near Newell’s Fishing World is one area with a rich history of producing a banner winter bite. This winding stretch of river is flanked by fairly shallow flats on both sides, but is as deep as 85 feet in the channel itself.

“It’s the perfect set-up for winter fishing,” Johnston said. “When the water gets cold, it pushes the shad into the river and pins them there with no other place to go. They just move up and down the river, and the crappie follow. The fish tend to suspend a lot depending on how cold or warm it is and how bright the skies are. A good depth range to key on is 20 to 33 feet.”

Johnston says electronics are a big help when going after winter slabs for several reasons. For starters, electronics paired with good mapping will show you channels and other structure. Furthermore, it shows fish and helps take the guesswork out of how deep they are holding. This allows you to keep your bait in the strike zone 100 percent of the time.”

“That’s critical with crappie, especially during the winter months,” Johnston said.

“The fish are pretty lethargic, and you need to keep the bait right in among them if you can.

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During the winter months, Vandergriff says better fishing always occurs from mid-lake south towards dam where the water is deeper and tends to remain relatively clear.

One spot that always sees a plenty of traffic during December and January is the Texas Highway 155 bridge between Coffee City and Dogwood City. The fish like to congregate around the support pilings and cross members in about 20 to 25 feet of water, and Vandergriff says limits of quality fish generally come in short order when the crappie are on a tear.

“The best winter fishing always takes place when the water temp gets down into the 50s,” Vandergriff said. “If we get a warming trend or the water temp doesn’t drop as the result of mild weathe,r the bite won’t be near as good. Cold weather is what drives it.”

Vandergriff has had some good days around brush piles near the Flat Creek bridge as well as old cedars and brush piles along the Neches River ledges closer to the dam. Like Johnston, Vandergriff says it is important to use your electronics to seek out baitfish to determine the depth where the fish are holding to put some consistency into your program.

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES: Vandergriff says he likes to use ultra-light gear and a small jig whenever the fish will eat it. Otherwise, he’ll make the switch to live shiners.

“I always use double hook rigs whether I’m fishing shiners or jigs, too,” Vandergriff said. “If you get into bunch of crappie it gives you the opportunity to catch more fish. Plus, when you use jigs, it allows you to use two different colors to determine which one the fish like the most.”

Lake: Palestine Fishing Guide: Ricky Vandergriff HOW HE APPROACHES IT: Palestine also is a river impoundment (it’s fed by the Neches), but is much smaller than T-Bend or Rayburn with roughly 25,500 surface acres. |

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Vandergriff

PHOTOS: TOP, MATT WILLIAMS; BOTTOM, COURTESY RICKY VANDERGRIFF

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Vandergriff always soaks his shiner rigs vertically in the water column, but prefers to cast or “shoot” his jigs on a five-foot Lews spinning combo matched with six pound test line. “I Iike to set up on an outside piling, shoot my jigs across to the piling on the opposite side. I let them fall slowly around the cross members. This gives me more range and helps to cover more water effectively.”

Lake: Fork Fishing Guide: Gary Paris HOW HE APPROACHES IT: Lake Fork near Quitman is a wintertime haven for crappie fishermen. You can always tell when the party gets cranked by the number of boats that gather over open water in the vicinity SRA point and other structure on the lake’s southern reaches. Much of it is within rifle shot of the lake’s dam.

“There’s always a lot traffic around there during the win-

Paris

ter months because that’s where some the best crappie fishing is,” says Paris. “There’s a bunch of under water points and other structure around there where the shad really concentrate this time of year. Some of the bridges can be fairly good early in the month, but once the water temperature gets down into the low 50s the fish really start ganging up around the deeper structure.”

Paris says a good average depth range to concentrate on is about 25 to 32 feet.

However, he has caught fish in water as deep as 55 feet (suspended at 35 feet) during extended periods of really cold weather.

The most common approach is to idle PHOTOS: MATT WILLIAMS

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around with the electronics until you mark more one or two groups of fish, then toss an anchor overboard and say bon voyage to a live shiner. Thousands of crappie have been hauled in that way, but Paris prefers to take a more aggressive approach.

“I like to stay on the move and cover water,” he said. “I’ll watch my electronics and map and slow troll right along long the contour lines of points, ridges and other structure, constantly watching for balls of shad. If we catch several fish out of one spot I’ll mark a waypoint or toss out a buoy. That way I can follow the same trail and come back a little later. Sometimes the fish will be right in among the shad, and other times they are off to the side. A little brush can be a key sometimes.”

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES: When Paris trolls for deep crappie he says it’s important to keep the boat moving at a speed that allows bait to hang vertical in the water. He builds his shiner rigs Carolina style in combination with a one-ounce weight. Jigheads weighing 1/4 or 1/8-ounce or a combination of the two will usually do the best job for deep trolling with double jig rigs. “I like to keep the boat moving about .6 mph by the GPS,” Paris said. “That allows me to cover a lot of water quickly and effectively.”

Paris pointed to another area lake that produces excellent winter crappie action— Lake O’ The Pines. Channel swings with flooded timber along the main Big Cypress Creek channel in the vicinity of Watts Island always harbor large schools of crappie and most of crappie fishermen during the winter months. The fish will hold at suspended depths over deep water and good LCR is essential for pinpointing the fish.

Anglers are reminded of a “no-cull” crappie regulation that is effect on Fork and ‘Pines each winter. From December 1 to February 28, anglers are required to keep the first 25 crappie they catch, regardless of size.

ing fishing so long as surface temps remain moderate.

“Cedar Creek is full of big crappie, but for some reason it has never been real good during the dead of a real cold winter like Fork or Lake O’ the Pines,” he said. “But if we have a mild winter like the last two years, it’s definitely worth a look. You just have to approach it differently from some lakes.”

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES: Barber will spend a high percentage of his time fishing around deeper boat docks in 6 to 16 feet of water and brush piles in water ranging from 12 to 24 feet when conditions are right. The highway 334 and 198 bridges also are good.

“When the water temps are right and the fish stay on deeper docks and brushpiles, you can expect lots of action,” Barber said. “Some of best docks and brushpiles can be found in Clear and Caney creeks all the way up to mid-lake.”

Barber will do whatever it takes to get bit; he’s a jig guy at heart who

Barber

loves to utilize the shooting technique when fishing around shady docks. This technique causes the bait to maintain low trajectory and penetrate hard-to-hit areas that can’t be reached with conventional casting. His preferred jig for shooting is a 1/16-ounce hand-tied marabou.

“Color doesn’t seem to make that big a difference,” he said. “Making the proper presentation is way more important. The main key is to get as far back into the shade as you possibly can.”

Lake: Cedar Creek Fishing Guide: Jason Barber HOW HE APPOACHES IT: Barber says Cedar Creek is one of those lakes that fishes way different from many other East Texas hotspots. Crappie bite is pretty non-existent once the water temperature dips below 55 degrees. Conversely, the guide says the lake has a reputation for producing outstandT E X A S

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Vandergriff always soaks his shiner rigs vertically in the water column, but prefers to cast or “shoot” his jigs on a five-foot Lews spinning combo matched with six pound test line. “I Iike to set up on an outside piling, shoot my jigs across to the piling on the opposite side. I let them fall slowly around the cross members. This gives me more range and helps to cover more water effectively.”

Lake: Fork Fishing Guide: Gary Paris HOW HE APPROACHES IT: Lake Fork near Quitman is a wintertime haven for crappie fishermen. You can always tell when the party gets cranked by the number of boats that gather over open water in the vicinity SRA point and other structure on the lake’s southern reaches. Much of it is within rifle shot of the lake’s dam.

“There’s always a lot traffic around there during the win-

Paris

ter months because that’s where some the best crappie fishing is,” says Paris. “There’s a bunch of under water points and other structure around there where the shad really concentrate this time of year. Some of the bridges can be fairly good early in the month, but once the water temperature gets down into the low 50s the fish really start ganging up around the deeper structure.”

Paris says a good average depth range to concentrate on is about 25 to 32 feet.

However, he has caught fish in water as deep as 55 feet (suspended at 35 feet) during extended periods of really cold weather.

The most common approach is to idle PHOTOS: MATT WILLIAMS

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around with the electronics until you mark more one or two groups of fish, then toss an anchor overboard and say bon voyage to a live shiner. Thousands of crappie have been hauled in that way, but Paris prefers to take a more aggressive approach.

“I like to stay on the move and cover water,” he said. “I’ll watch my electronics and map and slow troll right along long the contour lines of points, ridges and other structure, constantly watching for balls of shad. If we catch several fish out of one spot I’ll mark a waypoint or toss out a buoy. That way I can follow the same trail and come back a little later. Sometimes the fish will be right in among the shad, and other times they are off to the side. A little brush can be a key sometimes.”

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES: When Paris trolls for deep crappie he says it’s important to keep the boat moving at a speed that allows bait to hang vertical in the water. He builds his shiner rigs Carolina style in combination with a one-ounce weight. Jigheads weighing 1/4 or 1/8-ounce or a combination of the two will usually do the best job for deep trolling with double jig rigs. “I like to keep the boat moving about .6 mph by the GPS,” Paris said. “That allows me to cover a lot of water quickly and effectively.”

Paris pointed to another area lake that produces excellent winter crappie action— Lake O’ The Pines. Channel swings with flooded timber along the main Big Cypress Creek channel in the vicinity of Watts Island always harbor large schools of crappie and most of crappie fishermen during the winter months. The fish will hold at suspended depths over deep water and good LCR is essential for pinpointing the fish.

Anglers are reminded of a “no-cull” crappie regulation that is effect on Fork and ‘Pines each winter. From December 1 to February 28, anglers are required to keep the first 25 crappie they catch, regardless of size.

ing fishing so long as surface temps remain moderate.

“Cedar Creek is full of big crappie, but for some reason it has never been real good during the dead of a real cold winter like Fork or Lake O’ the Pines,” he said. “But if we have a mild winter like the last two years, it’s definitely worth a look. You just have to approach it differently from some lakes.”

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES: Barber will spend a high percentage of his time fishing around deeper boat docks in 6 to 16 feet of water and brush piles in water ranging from 12 to 24 feet when conditions are right. The highway 334 and 198 bridges also are good.

“When the water temps are right and the fish stay on deeper docks and brushpiles, you can expect lots of action,” Barber said. “Some of best docks and brushpiles can be found in Clear and Caney creeks all the way up to mid-lake.”

Barber will do whatever it takes to get bit; he’s a jig guy at heart who

Barber

loves to utilize the shooting technique when fishing around shady docks. This technique causes the bait to maintain low trajectory and penetrate hard-to-hit areas that can’t be reached with conventional casting. His preferred jig for shooting is a 1/16-ounce hand-tied marabou.

“Color doesn’t seem to make that big a difference,” he said. “Making the proper presentation is way more important. The main key is to get as far back into the shade as you possibly can.”

Lake: Cedar Creek Fishing Guide: Jason Barber HOW HE APPOACHES IT: Barber says Cedar Creek is one of those lakes that fishes way different from many other East Texas hotspots. Crappie bite is pretty non-existent once the water temperature dips below 55 degrees. Conversely, the guide says the lake has a reputation for producing outstandT E X A S

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THE REALM OF CROSSBOWS HAS EXPANDED IN so many wonderful ways in the just the past decade alone.

Crossbows are easier and safer to shoot today than ever before. With numerous different manufacturers producing crossbows on the market today, you have many factors to consider in quality and value in purchasing a crossbow.

Crossbows became legal in Texas to hunt with during archery season during the 2009 hunting season. Ever since then, I have owned one, and I love hunting with crossbows more than just about any other method.

Combining archery with the skills we’ve learned from shooting a rifle makes hunting with crossbows an absolute blast for all ages.

Finding the right crossbow for yourself or the hunter and

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archer in your life doesn’t have to be difficult. We will explore a few crossbows and supporting archery equipment in the course of this article.

There are two basic types of crossbows—compound and recurve. Excalibur Crossbow is well-known for excelling in the recurve design. Excalibur proves the durability of their crossbow with “destruction challenges,” doing things to their recurves you wouldn’t dream of doing to a compound.

Through these torture tests, the crossbows survive and still function as intended. So the recurve’s simpler, but modern design tends to be more durable. Durability and longevity are vitally important in any crossbow you choose, but that comes with a higher price tag than some of the lower-cost options found in the compound category.

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Crossbows have been legal for use in the archery-only season in Texas since 2009.

up ground blinds or stalking through heavy cover.

A traditional draw crossbow has a lon-

Keep in mind that almost all of the major brands produced in the USA and Canada can be trusted. As with many things in the outdoor industry, inferior quality is not tolerated. In other words, you get what you pay for most of the time.

Compound crossbows can be subdivided into two main categories, traditional and reverse draw. Both are greatly advanced in modern times with all of the innovations of today. More on that in a minute.

The main advantage of a reverse draw crossbow is that you have a shorter, more compact set up, especially when cocked.

A good example of this is the Barnett Raptor Reverse, a reverse limb crossbow that I own and love.

When cocked, this crossbow is nine inches at its widest point, measured from cam to cam. That makes a crossbow such as this, ideal for tight quarters as in pop24

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Traditional (top) and reverse draw (bottom) compound crossbows.

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ger cam-to-cam distance, but can be easier for younger or older shooters to cock.

Most crossbows from manufacturers such as Barnett are traditional limb bows, but they vary widely in price and speed.

A good example of a light, fast compound crossbow I own is the Barnett Buck Commander Xtreme (BCX) Carbonlite. I have killed many deer and hogs on video with this model.

When I first started out crossbow hunting and didn’t have a huge budget, I went for an economical Barnett Wildcat C5. The Wildcat C6 has since replaced the C5 I purchased many years ago, but this still represents a good bargain for a beginner.

The need for speed has driven many crossbow manufacturers to push the envelope on what is possible, and the crossbows that result are tremendous improvements.

Crossbows clocking more than 400 fps (feet per second) are not uncommon such as the Barnett Ghost 415 and Razr models.

In the recurve world, the Excalibur Matrix 405 is a good example of a 400+ fps contender. One reverse limb crossbow, PHOTOS: TOP, EXCALIBUR; MIDDLE, STRYKER; BOTTOM, BARNETT

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the Scorpyd V-Tech Extreme, claims to be the fastest production crossbow on the market today at a screaming 440 fps. Those are some speed demons for sure, but keep in mind you will pay more a faster bow.

Why is speed so important? You can shoot flatter trajectories at greater distances with a faster crossbow.

If you are reaching out past 50 yards, this becomes more of an issue. If you want to keep your shots at normal archery ranges, say under 45 yards, save your money and spend it on broadheads, bolts or other accessories.

I would fail you here if I didn’t make it a point to recommend the use of a rope cocking device of some sort, not your bare hands.

The main reason is for accuracy as you want to cock your crossbow at the same point on the string every single time.

If you don’t have a lot of upper body strength, choose a crossbow with a crank

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Recurve crossbow.

cocking device or one that has an option for this tool. I shot a100-yard target with a new crossbow brand, Ravin Crossbows, at the SHOT Show earlier this year. That bow’s cocking device was an integral part of the design. Another vital tool is a high quality monopod or bipod for a solid shooting rest.

This is crucial for consistent accuracy.

For bolts and broadheads, I like Gold Tip arrows and bolts along with Grim Reaper broadheads. I prefer the Laser III model of Gold Tip bolts and the 1 ½-inch cut radius of the Grim Reaper X-Bow broadheads.

I have taken dozens of big game animals with these broadheads, and I’ve either watched or heard the animals I shot fall over dead within 100 yards.

They usually fall about seven or eight seconds after running off after being hit.

With so many advances in crossbows and other archery equipment, you have more choices for quality and value than ever before. I hope you and the archers in your life enjoy this journey as much as I do sharing these ideas with you. Be safe and have fun out there!

11/8/17 9:28 AM

H

OW MANY TIMES HAVE you argued with your friends in the blind about which duck species is the fastest or pondered just how quickly those specklebellies migrated down from Canada?

The trait of intercontinental migration alone makes waterfowl unique among the species we hunt. When you factor in the biological diversity among the species, things get interesting, as you will read in the following list of waterfowl facts.

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An article in Southeastern Naturalist reported on a study by Ruth M. Elsey, Phillip L. Trosclair III and Jeb T. Linscombe on the predation of mottled ducks on alligators.

“Although the alligator has been noted to prey upon mottled ducks, evidence of mottled duck consumption is rare in numerous studies of alligator food habits. This may be due to the season and habitat from which alligators were collected for evaluation (often autumn samples from deep water habitats preferred by adult alligators). We examined stomach contents of alligators in 26 |

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summer (when mottled duck broods and molting adults are flightless) from shallow water habitats preferred by mottled ducks. mottled duck remains were found in 20.9 percent of 43 alligator stomachs examined, far more than the highest frequency occurrence previously reported (1.27 percent).

Unexpectedly, three relatively small alligators (1.51–1.70 m total length) consumed mottled ducks and the sixteen largest alligators did not. This study underscores the importance of season and location of collections when evaluating stomach content data.”

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The big white ducks that are commonly kept as pets and that are a fixture in city parks are Peking ducks which were brought over from China in the 1870s for meat production. Muscovies, which hail from South America, are also popular meat ducks, and they sometimes hybridize with mallards and mottled ducks when they go wild.

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because of low population levels. “Hunting was allowed again in 1975 after populations had increased. Populations have been growing so large that the geese are destroying nesting habitat,” they reported.

• • • Ducks Unlimited charted band return data from 1990 to 2000 for all duck species banded north of Texas during the breeding season, and then identified the top five duck production areas for the state.

Of the 5,403 duck bands reported in Texas, DU officials said 37 percent were banded in Saskatchewan, 19 percent in Alberta, 6 percent in Manitoba, 5 percent in North Dakota, and 5 percent in Montana.

Mallards represented the majority (41 percent) of banded birds taken in Texas. Bluewinged teal (16 percent), wood ducks (12 percent), and pintails (10 percent) were the next closest species.

DU officials noted it quickly becomes apparent how important mallards, bluewinged teal and wood ducks are to Texas duck hunters when more than 69 percent of band recoveries come from these three species.

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Which counties produced the most banded ducks?

According to DU officials, just about every county in Texas produced at least one band recovery. However, the counties located along the Texas coast reported the most band recoveries. The top five counties were 1,. Jefferson; 2, Fort Bend; 3, Wharton; 4, Calhoun; and 5, Chambers.

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A popular urban legend concerning ducks is, “a duck’s quack doesn’t echo.” This is not true, and a team from the University of Salford in England proved it with a research project.

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The lifespan of a mallard is typically two to three years although wild specimens have been found living longer than 10 years and one domestic mallard hung around until it was 27.

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According to the popular facts and figures website, planet101.com, the fastest waterfowl species in flight is the Asian spurwinged goose, which has been clocked at 88

miles per hour. The red-breasted merganser is a close second with 80 mile per hour flight.

The canvasback despite being one of the largest ducks can hit an amazing 72 miles per hour. Eiders are good for up to 70 miles an hour while teal can hit 68. Mallards and pintails are tied with 65 mile per hour speeds.

I was able to independently verify the speeds for most of these species and found that when these birds are flying high, tail winds can push them to even more amazing speeds. The red-breasted merganser for example was clocked by researches flying 100 miles per hour with the help of tail winds.

Sexual maturity: One year Mating season: February to May Gestation: Eggs hatch in 28 to 37 days.

The young leave the nest one to two days after that.

Number of young: 6 to 15 usually 10 to 15. Eggs are two inches long and creamy white.

Older male wood ducks pair up earlier in the season than yearling males. Female wood ducks usually return to nest within two miles of where they were born.

Baby wood ducks are precocial, which means that they are covered with down, can swim and find their own food soon after they are born. They can climb as high as eight feet to get out of the nest cavity that they were born in using a special tooth on their beak. They have been known to safely jump 50 feet to the ground when they leave their nest, Wood ducks prefer nesting over water so that the babies have a soft landing when they leave the nest.

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Humans almost caused the extinction of wood ducks in the early 1900s through habitat destruction and over harvesting for food and feathers according to officials with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

But concerned citizens got together to save wood ducks. They created hunting seasons and bag limits and built and maintained thousands of nest boxes for them.

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Here are some TPWD facts on the species:

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Texas FRESHWATER

by MATT WILLIAMS :: TF&G Freshwater Editor

A Good Way to Get Wet Feet in a Tournament

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F YOU’VE BEEN THINKING about trying your luck in bass tournament fishing, but have yet to take the leap, the time is ripe to get it done. Most circuits are gearing up for the 2018 tournament seasons, and some have already begun taking entries for upcoming events.

Although some circuits will take your money right up until tournament time, others require deposits months in advance in order to secure a spot on the roster. The outstanding balance is typically due a few weeks before the tournament gets underway.

Tournament fishing is huge in Texas. There are all sorts avenues for a beginning angler to get a taste of the sport. Events range from amateur big bass derbies, weekend bass club events, mid-level circuits such as Media and the TH Marine Bass Fishing League to Triple A venues including the Costa FLW Series and Bassmaster Opens.

Additionally, thousands of young anglers are now competing at the high school level under the umbrellas of the Student Angler Federation and B.A.S.S. Nation.

Don’t have a boat? No sweat. You can hook-up with a buddy who does and split the cost of a team entry fee. Furthermore, some circuits have co-angler divisions designed to offer non-boaters the opportunity to play the game for a fraction of the cost of competing on the pro level.

Fishing “Co-” also can be a good route for those who aren’t quite ready skill-wise to step to the front the boat or aren’t able to put in the practice time required to be a legitimate competitor at the upper level.

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folks who share like interests. You might even reel in a decent payday every now and then, if you play your cards right.

amount of prize money on the line. Entry fee for top tier Triple A events typically runs anywhere from $425-$550 per event. You will be fishing for a top prize of around $25,000 to $30,000, which typically consists of a boat, cash or a combination of the two. Cash prizes paid farther down the line vary with the number of entries. Lower level, one-day events cost significantly less to enter with less prize money awarded.

Here’s a crash course in fishing from the back deck:

Mind Your Manners

Getting a Grip on Co-Angling Co-anglers are paired with pro partners before the tournament gets underway, usually by a random computer drawing held during the registration meeting that takes place the evening before blast off. During multi-day tournaments, co-anglers are paired with a different pro each day.

In FLW Costa Series and Bassmaster Opens the full field is guaranteed to the opportunity to fish for two days. The field cuts to the Top 10 or Top 12 pros and co-anglers during the final round. If you’re in fourth place after two days, you fish with the fourth-place pro on the final day.

The cost? It varies with the event and the

As a co-angler you are entitled to fish from no place else other than the back deck. There are a passel of unwritten rules you are expected to abide by while you’re back there, too. Break one and a savvy pro will probably let you know about it. Remember, this isn’t a day on the water with your beer-drinking buddy back home.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, ALWAYS try get acquainted with your boater the night before the tournament, and try to get a feel for how he’ll be fishing. That way you’ll have a good idea about which lures and other gear to bring. Co-anglers are responsible for bringing their own rods, reels, baits and lifejackets.

NEVER, EVER, CAST YOUR bait ahead of

Fishing from the back of the boat comes with handicaps, but can also have its rewards.

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the boat or into a borderline area without asking first. It’s essential that you watch where the pro is casting and that you make every effort to avoid encroachment. A good rule of thumb is to never cast beyond the center point of the boat unless you are invited to do so.

IN TOURNAMENT FISHING YOU are fishing against the clock. Some pros may hit more than a dozen different spots or areas during a day’s time, better known as a “milk run.”

Always be ready to move at a moment’s notice.

That means keeping rods and tackle ready to stow quickly and keeping your lifejacket at the ready.

HELP YOUR PRO AND he’ll more than likely return the favor. If he asks for your assistance in netting a fish, drop what you are doing immediately and get to the front of the boat.

Just be sure not to land your size 12 across his $200 flipping’ stick in the process.

IF YOU AREN’T SKILLED with the net, it’s better to let the pro know ahead time of rather than let him find out the hard way. The

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same goes for unloading and loading the boat.

If you aren’t accustomed to backing a trailer or pulling one, tell your guy in advance rather than get into a bind at the ramp or, worse yet, damage his rig.

A BOAT IS NO different from a pick-up. It costs money to run, and gasoline isn’t cheap.

Always offer to help out with fuel money.

Whenever I fish as a co-angler I always hand my pro $50 at the end of the day. It’s also a good idea to bring along plenty of snacks for two.

ALWAYS RESPECT YOUR PRO’S boat.

Don’t use the passenger seat as a stepping stool, and do your best to avoid getting hooks in the upholstery. Also, be sure to clean up your mess at the end of the day. That means bagging up used plastics, water bottles, discarded fishing line and other trash and taking it with you.

Back Deck Woes As earlier mentioned, fishing from the back deck comes with some built-in handicaps. The

pro has the pick of the water and always has the first shot at the best spots. This can be disheartening when fishing around bushes, docks or other shallow targets, particularly when the guy on the front deck fishes with the proficiency of a vacuum cleaner.

The main key to being successful from the back deck is to learn to be versatile as possible and cover all the bases. In most cases it is never a good idea to try to duplicate exactly what the pro is doing.

If he’s throwing a football jig in open water, try dragging a Carolina rig. If he’s flipping a creature in willow bushes during the spawn, trying working a wacky worm or Senko along the outside edges, or letting one drag slowly in open water behind the boat.

Fishing as a co-angler can be enjoyable and valuable experience, especially if you get paired with a guy who has done his homework and doesn’t mind sharing his good fortune. You might just go home with a good paycheck to boot.

Email Matt Williams at ContactUs@fishgame.com

11/8/17 10:16 AM

Texas BOATING

by LENNY RUDOW :: TF&G Boating Editor

Should You Get a Stepped Hull Boat?

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TEPS IN THE HULL BOTtoms of boats are nothing new, with the concept dating back to the early designs of planing hull powerboats.

Steps are, however, one of the most misunderstood hull design features on the water today.

Inaccurate information, often published in brochures and marketing materials, combined with the fact that different steps can act differently, has led to a sea of misinformation. Let’s set the record straight. Then we’ll take a look at the ups and downs of steps, which you’ll need to think about before you consider purchasing a boat with a stepped hull.

The most common fallacy out there is that steps are designed to suck air in from the hullsides, creating oodles of bubbles that help break the hull’s adhesion to the water as it moves forward. How did this concept become so widespread? Because several manufacturers built stepped-bottom boats (particularly in the early to mid 2000s) that did exactly this.

These steps were little more than poorly thought-out channels running from the hullsides to the center of the boat, in a V-shape (with the point of the V facing forward). Boats built with these steps often enjoyed a very slight speed and efficiency boost. They also fed air—those bubbles running underneath the hull—directly to the outboard engine cooling water intakes, leading to more than a few blown powerheads.

In some cases, “breaking the adhesion” made for extremely slippery hulls that were difficult to handle, slid in turns, or even spun out.

These hulls can be dangerous.

Another non-step that’s been sold as a step is what would be better described as a hullside notch. In some cases they may be present only in the boat’s chine, and in others, they may run a foot or two in from the hullsides. These tend to have little effect on a boat’s performance, and seem to have been nothing more than the

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brainchild of marketers who wanted to claim that their boats were incorporating the latest and greatest in design technology.

There have also been a few rather hare-brained step Stepped Hull designs attempted through the years, including curved steps, steps running fore and aft, and steps that are fed by ram vents located abovedecks. Most of these have little to no effect on the boat’s running characteristics and it’s pretty rare to encounter oddballs like this these days, but if you look at a lot of boats occasionally you’ll see one.

Now that we know how a bad step works, let’s look at a good one. A properly designed step is a transition in hull height from one level to a higher level, aft of the step. As the boat moves through the water an area of low pressure naturally forms just aft of the transition.

This area of low pressure draws in air from the notches in the hullsides, and creates a pocket of air between the hull bottom and the water. Just how big this pocket is depends on the specific design of the step.

Some builders incorporate multiple steps, to create multiple pockets. And anywhere the bottom of the boat is touching air instead of water, drag gets reduced. Net result? A welldesigned step—which is not at all easy to create and requires time, experimentation, and cost to develop—can net a 10 to 15 percent increase in efficiency without creating any negative handling traits.

Might a boat with a stepped hull be right for you? That question depends more on the boat, and less on the step. A savvy boat-buyer won’t choose a boat because it has a step, nor will he avoid one for the same reason.

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boat has one when you take it for a sea trial, and it feels like the bottom is constantly in danger of breaking loose or skidding when you make turns. We should also note that most of the worst designs have been culled out by the marketplace through the years, and the vast majority of the boats in production with steps today are well thought-out, thoroughly tested and vetted designs.

Remember that steps are only one variable in a boat’s design. Let’s say, for example, that you’re looking at a well-designed stepped-bottom 26-foot center console that weighs 4,800 pounds, has an 8-foot 6-inch beam, and 24 degrees of transom deadrise. You’re also looking at a 26-foot center console that doesn’t have a step, weighs 4,000 pounds, has an 8-foot beam, and has 16 degrees of deadrise.

Because the boat with the step weighs more, has more beam, and has a steeper transom deadrise angle, it may post identical or even worse efficiency numbers than the boat without a step.

In this case, the step’s gains are merely making up for other deficiencies in the design. But these deficiencies also have advantages; the heavy weight helps punch through waves, the wider beam provides more room, and the steeper deadrise has a smoother ride.

The bottom line? All of these different factors need to be taken into account when you’re trying to decide which of these boats will be best for your needs. No single characteristic such as a step should be considered a make-or-break feature.

More than anything else, multiple sea trials on different boats will help you get a feel for how a boat’s “complete package” performs, and whether or not any one specific boat is best for your needs. In any case, the next time you’re looking at a stepped-hull boat you’ll know exactly how that step works—and hopefully, your boat-buying decision will be that much easier to make.

Email Lenny Rudow at ContactUs@fishgame.com

IMAGE: U.S. PATENT OFFICE

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PHOTOS: TPWD

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FTER MORE THAN 31 YEARS OF COLLECTing and spawning 13 pound or larger “lunker” largemouth bass, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Toyota ShareLunker Program is announcing big changes and an expanded mission. This is designed to better engage the public in the promotion and enhancement of lunker bass fishing in Texas public waters.

The ShareLunker participation season will now run each year from January 1 through December 31; a change from previous seasons. But similar to last year, only those entries collected between January 1 to March 31 will be accepted as broodstock for spawning.

“This provides the greatest opportunity to obtain eligible fish for spawning while minimizing the risk of additional handling and possible mortality,” said Kyle Brookshear, ShareLunker program coordinator.

Outside of the spawning window, the new yearround participation season will allow for anglers catching bass eight pounds or larger to submit information about their catch through a web application in four categories: eight pounds or larger, 10 pounds or larger, 13 pounds or larger and 13 pounds or larger with a spawning donation.

The goal is to increase the number of participants in the Toyota ShareLunker program and expand large fish catch rate data for fisheries biologists, Brookshear said.

As a bonus, the new size categories open up more ways for anglers to receive prizes and incentives for participating.

“This citizen-scientist initiative,” Brookshear said, “will allow fisheries biologists to better monitor the impact of ShareLunker stockings across Texas and provide more incentives and opportunities for Texans to help us make our bass fishing bigger and better than ever.”

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REPORT: NEWS 36 u TF&G OF THE NATION Reported by TF&G Staff

HOT 36 u TEXAS SHOTS Trophy Photos from TF&G Readers

DEPT. OF 38 u TEXAS DEFENSE

by Stan Skinner and Dustin Ellermann

40 u TEXAS COASTAL FORECAST

by Eddie Hernandez, Mike Holmes, Mike Price, Chris Martin, Mac Gable, Tom Behrens, Sally Black and Calixto Gonzales

50 u TEXAS FISHING HOTSPOTS

by Tom Behrens, Dustin Warncke and Dean Heffner

58 u SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK Tides and SoLunar Data

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Other spawning program changes include converting the entire hatchery broodstock to pure-Florida ShareLunker offspring.

Genetically pure offspring will be maintained in the hatchery, grown to adulthood, then distributed to production hatcheries and used as broodstock. Eventually, all hatchery-held Florida largemouth bass broodstock will be descendants of ShareLunkers, Brookshear said.

Additionally, attempts will be made to spawn all donated eligible ShareLunkers— regardless of the degree of genetic introgression. Offspring of female genetic intergrades will be combined and stocked back to the source locations for all ShareLunker entries for the year.

“People come to Texas from all over the country for our lunker bass fishing, and it’s still very rare to catch a 13 pounder,” said Mandy Scott, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center director. “So that’s why ShareLunker is special.

We learned a long time ago that these fish were

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important, and we wanted to try to capitalize on the big fish that we have in Texas already and make fishing even bigger and better.”

Brookshear said the program will announce the full list of changes and the new prizes closer to the beginning of the season. Anglers can also look forward to a complete rebranding of the program to include a new logo, graphics, and eventually more ShareLunker Weigh Stations to aid in the weigh-in process. Additionally, education and outreach specialists at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center are developing ShareLunker science curricula for Texas classrooms.

The roots of the ShareLunker program can be traced to the drought of the 1950s. That 10-year dry spell brought home to Texans the fact that the state’s burgeoning population had outgrown its water supply.

A few reservoirs had been built previously,

but the 1960s and 1970s witnessed the completion of many more. Texas had only one natural lake—Caddo—and the native species of Texas bass, the northern, was adapted to live in streams.

Fish adapted to live in large lakes were needed to take advantage of the new reservoirs, and in 1971 TPWD brought the first Florida strain largemouth bass to Texas. They were housed at the Tyler Fish Hatchery (now closed), and the first Florida strain bass were stocked into Texas waters the following year.

Over the next several years bass from Florida, California and Cuba were brought to Texas to improve the genetics of the Texas bass population. The Cuban fish were obtained by sheer daring. Joe Bob Wells, a Levelland resident who fished in Cuba frequently, flew to Cuba in December 1984 and brought bass back to Texas via Mexico, since travel between the United States and Cuba was prohibited.

As the Florida strain genes worked their way into the bass population, fish grew bigger. In 1980 a 14.1-pound bass broke the state record of 13.5 pounds that had stood for 43 years. The record increased again and again, to the current 18.18-pound fish caught in 1992.

Interest in bass fishing burgeoned along with the size of the fish.

As the program grew, it became obvious that the Tyler hatchery was inadequate, but there was no state money available to build a new hatchery, one tailored specifically to the needs of the program. It was decided to let cities bid to become the site and help raise the money for it.

Specifications called for the facility to be built within 50 miles of Lake Fork, because the majority of big fish are caught there. The Athens community pledged more than $4 million to win the bidding for the site, and the balance of the cost came from federal Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration funds and donations.

No state money was used for construction.

For complete information and rules of the ShareLunker program, tips on caring for big bass and a recap of last year’s season, see tpwd. texas.gov/sharelunker/. The site also includes a searchable database of all fish entered into the program. Or follow the program on social media at facebook.com/sharelunkerprogram. facebook.com/sharelunkerprogram

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11/11/17 10:14 AM

The NATIONAL

Coyotes Are Making Headlines

News of TEXAS

territory boundaries” by Eveline S. Sequin, Michael M. Jaeger, Peter F. Broussard, and Reginald H. Barret give proof that animals can purposely avoid these devices.

“The primary objective of this study was to develop a better understanding of coyote wariness particularly as it related to social status. We determined that territory status (controlling alpha, resident beta, or nonterritorial transient) affected vulnerability to photo-capture by infrared-triggered camera systems”.

“All coyotes were wary of cameras, leading to relatively low numbers of photocaptures, most of which occurred at night.

Alphas (dominant animals) were significantly underrepresented in photographs and were never photo-captured inside their own territories. Betas were photographed inside and outside their territories, whereas

FROM NUMEROUS NEWS REPORTS of predation on pets and livestock to photos and videos posted all over social media showing the crafty canines everywhere from the deep woods to backyards, people pay attention to coyotes.

People are shocked these predators can thrive in the shadow of man, but as I have been writing for years, they are arguably the smartest animal in North America. In fact, the Navajo people used to say they would be the last animal on Earth.

While conducting some in-depth research on coyotes I came across a study that really sheds light on just how elusive and downright smart they can be when pressured.

This study called “Wariness of coyotes to camera traps relative to social status and

REDFISH

BASS

Bastrop Bay

Bayou Land

Bryan Carter caught this redfish with more than 100 spots while fishing in the Bastrop Bay area, just outside Freeport.

transients were most often photographed on edges of territories.”

It goes on to say that alphas and betas were photographed more often on territorial edges when outside their territories.

“Alphas tracked human activity within their territories and presumably learned the locations of cameras as they were being set up. They did this either by approaching our location directly or by moving to a vantage point from where they could observe us.

Betas and transients either withdrew or did not respond to human activity.”

Alphas use of vantage points is suggested by their moving to locations that were in direct line of sight of the human activity.

“The finding that alphas track human activity during the construction of camera stations and subsequently avoid photocapture suggests that these coyotes were cautious of camera stations because of their asso-

Zack Small caught this big bass on a small Bayou Land Conservancy pond. The fish weighed 10.5 pounds, was 26.5 inches long and had a girth of 18.5 inches.

Visit FishGame.com to upload your own TEXAS HOT SHOTS and Vote for our next Winners 36

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tional hunts the likes of which had not been seen in many years.

Quail enthusiasts are hoping some of that magic will carry over this fall when the season gets under way Saturday, Oct. 28.

For that to happen, a sizable percentage of last year’s birds will have to carry over as well, according to wildlife biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, This year’s quail production, although not as robust as last year’s, is expected to be adequate to sustain populations in areas having suitable habitat. Heading into 2017, average amounts of late winter and spring rainfall set up sufficient nesting cover, winter forage and enough insects to trigger nesting.

A lack of timely rainfall during the summer, however, may have hurt chick survival.

“Portions of South Texas and the Rolling Plains regions were in moderate drought during mid-summer, which may have negatively impacted brood survival,” said Robert Perez, quail program leader with TPWD. “Hunters will likely see more adult bobwhites in the bag compared to more productive years.”

TPWD projections are based on annual statewide quail surveys that were initiated in 1978 to monitor quail populations. This index uses randomly selected, 20-mile roadside survey lines to determine annual quail population trends by ecological region. This trend information helps determine relative quail populations among the regions of Texas.

Comparisons can be made between the mean (average) number of quail observed per route this year and the long term mean (LTM) for quail seen within an ecological region. The quail survey was not designed to predict relative abundance for any area smaller than the ecological region.

A regional breakdown of this year’s TPWD quail index survey, including highlights and prospects, is available online.

Quail hunting season runs through Feb. 25, 2018. The daily bag limit for quail is 15, with 45 in possession. Legal shooting hours for all non-migratory game birds are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The bag limit is the maximum number that may be killed during the legal shooting hours in one day.

Coyotes are, arguably, the smartest animals in North America.

ciation with humans and not simply because they were novel.”

There is an animal behavior condition called “neophobia.” It means the avoidance or extreme caution from encountering a new object, food, smell or environment. The researchers in this study were adamant these coyotes were not

exhibiting neophobia with these cameras. It was a purposeful avoidance of humans that involved tracking their activity.

Unlike gray wolves which did not respond well to the purposeful shooting, trapping and poisoning that was aimed toward them in the 20th century, coyotes flourished and expanded their range. They are able to prey on species as large as mature whitetailed and mule deer but can do just fine with rats, mice and small birds. In fact, they have been documented gorging themselves on berries when they are in season, showing remarkable diversity.

It would be fascinating to see an official population study of coyotes in urban centers of Texas. Love or hate them, they are remarkable creatures.

—by Chester Moore

TRIPLETAIL Galveston Matthew Watters caught this tripletail while fishing offshore out of Galveston.

The catch was Matthew’s first tripletail.

NEWS PHOTO: CANSTOCK

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Promising Prospects for Quail Season THE 2016 TEXAS QUAIL SEASON served as a renaissance reminder of how good hunting can be when all the right elements converge. Specifically, weather and habitat aligned to create a “super boom” year for quail production that led to excepT E X A S

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TEXAS Dept. of

:: Self Defense :: Tactical :: Training Tips

by DUSTIN ELLERMANN and STAN SKINNER

:: Gear

Optics & Ballistics Part 3 AS I MENTIONED LAST MONTH, there is a lot more to long-range shooting than we have talked about so far.

Everything we’ve discussed assumes that the target (a deer or other game animal) is at the same altitude as the hunter who will take the shot. The deer might be on a hillside above the hunter. On the other hand, the hunter might be on a hilltop or ridgeline when he spots the deer in a valley or draw below.

So, how does this affect the hunter’s shot?

The answer is: the shot will go high.

Wait, wait—What did he say?? Does he mean UPWARD angle or DOWNWARD angle??

In Training TRAINING IS IMPORTANT WITH ANY skillset. Marksmanship itself is a perishable skill and must be regularly honed in order to stay sharp. Taking defensive courses is a great way to improve your skills and sharpen your mindset, but competitive shooting is also a great way to test your shooting skills and stretch yourself out of your comfort zone.

Multi-gun (or 3-Gun) competitions are one of the most high speed and popular shooting sports in the industry right now. This is far from traditional Olympic or NRA-style shooting disciplines.

In 3 Gun there can be lots of physical exertion along with endless possibilities

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Are you confused?—Don’t be. Wait for it—wait for it—IT DOESN’T MATTER! Whether it’s an upward angle or downward angle, it doesn’t matter. Your shot will go high, and you need to hold lower than you would if the target animal and you were at the same altitude.

Okay, for you those of you who have not thrown this magazine in the air (or trash) and are still with me, here’s a too brief explanation.

When your bullet’s flight is basically horizontal, gravity’s pull is roughly perpendicular to the bullet’s flight path. If your shot is at a target above you, gravity tugs the bullet at an angle toward the rear of the flight path. If your target is below you, gravity acts at an angle toward the front of the flight path.

Either way, gravity’s effect is less, for a given distance, than it would be if the bullet’s flight path were horizontal. The result is less bullet drop—in both cases. Or putting it another way, your shot will go higher than you would expect for the actual range to your target.

If it’s only a slight upward or downward

angle, you can safely ignore the difference.

I’ll illustrate using the data from Ballistic ExplorerTM by Oehler Research of Austin, Texas, as we did last month along with the same .300 Win Mag/165-grain load. A 15 degree (upward or downward) angle makes about a 2.3-inch zero shift at 600 yards and proportionately less at closer ranges.

If the angle increases to 30 degrees, the shift becomes more significant—more than nine inches at 600 yards. At 400 yards, the difference is almost three inches, which you might not notice, or attribute to aiming error.

At 45 degrees, things go to hell in a hand basket. Of course this is a pretty steep angle that you wouldn’t expect—unless maybe, you’re hunting mountain goats. Still, you never know. Some deer habitat can get pretty hilly.

At 600 yards, the shift is about 20 inches.

At 500 yards, it’s about 12 inches; and 400 yards, 6.2 inches. But there is some good news to take away from all this.

If you confine yourself to shots at 200 yards or less, the zero shift is so small you

of stage variations. Speed and practical accuracy is all that matters in this realm.

Competitors train to shave tenths of seconds off of their score in order to run each stage the quickest.

The accuracy portion might seem a bit lenient compared to benchrest or bullseye competitions. But shooting a stage after a 100-yard back and forth sprint while manipulating and loading your carbine, pistol and shotgun and firing 40-50 rounds can be difficult to master.

Organizers of 3 Gun matches always

are looking for new ways to challenge competitors. They might test your ability to remember the offset of your rifle by giving you a two-inch target blocked by a friendly “no shoot” target at three yards before having you engage a string of 500-yard targets, or make you shoot a perfectly timed shotgun spinner target,.

The stage challenges are only limited by the designer’s imagination.

These matches seem to have far more variety of shooting positions and oddities than I have encountered in defensive training courses. Almost every 3 Gun match will contain a rooftop rest, vehicle position, unstable platform, or a stage that forces you to duck or squat and shoot under a fence rail for nearly every target. These challenges stretch and test your skillset much more than we like to

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that at ranges under 200 yards, the zero shift probably won’t notice it. Even at the extreme is a mere small fraction of an inch. So, if you 45 degree angle it’s a small fraction of an inch. confine yourself to shots at 200 yards or less, At 300 yards, it magnifies to about 2.4 inches, you’ll probably not notice the difference. still quite manageable.

However, you definitely need to verify As we discussed last month, all of this data your zero at your hunt destination. You also is for sea level, 59º F temperature, and 29.53 might need to tweak the downrange data for in/Hg (inches of mercury) barometric presyour scope’s Varmint Hunter reticle (or other sure. This is what scientists and aviators call a ballistic reticle) and tape the new data onto standard day. As any experienced hunter can your rifle’s buttstock. attest, this ain’t happenin’ on your normal All the things we’ve discussed are factors deer hunt, elk hunt, antelope hunt, or any in shooting at long range. Some of it we’ve other kind of hunt. So what happens to your zero, say on a mule deer hunt in the Texas Big skimmed over, such as wind doping; and let’s not even get into Coriolis Effect.

Bend country on a brisk, 40ºF day and 4,700 Yet, I believe there are a few diehards out feet of elevation. there who (like me) still lust for the magic of The answer is: Not a heckuva lot. At 400 yards, your trajectory is just under an inch flat- reaching out to touch a deer, elk—or even a prairie dog in the next zip code. For those few, ter. At 500 yards, it’s about two inches flatter I will whisper a secret. and four inches at 600 yards.

There is a magic wand that can slay dragLet’s move on to a pronghorn hunt in eastons (okay, maybe not dragons, but it’s hell on ern New Mexico on a hot 95ºF August day at deer) so far away that the noise of the shot is a an elevation of 6,700 feet. Even here, the zero shift is manageable. It’s less than an inch up to fleeting echo on the wind (didn’t know I was a poet did you?).

300 yards. At 400 yards, it’s about 1.7 inches.

I warn you it is evil—as any of our modern At 500, it’s 3.9 inches; and 7.5 inches at 600 internet “ballisticians” will tell you. It is not yards. short, nor is it fat and (OMG) it has a belt!

I think you get the point. Even though But it is sleek, seductive and pays only cursory the effect is small, you need to take into account the altitude, temperature and other 3 Gun is obviously a high speed competition as you can tell atmospheric data where from this image – dust is still in the air from the first 4 taryou hunt. gets on the left and 2 spent shotgun hulls are still in frame.

For the record, I’ll mention one more time

attention to such annoying concepts as gravity.

Keep this under your hat. If it gets out that you embrace this heresy, any right-thinking internet “expert” will heap scorn upon you.

But here it is— it’s the 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum with a Barnes 127-grain LRX bullet.

Unlike the voodoo ballistics of such cartridges as the .300 WSM, 6.5-284, 6.5 Creedmoor and such, the 6.5-300 Weatherby gets its sizzling muzzle velocity honestly—via large case capacity. My trusty Oehler 35P chronograph recorded a muzzle velocity of 3,589 fps, a bit higher than the factory-published MV. Let’s compare it to the .300 Win Mag/165-grain bullet load used earlier in this column and zeroed the same one-inch high at 100 yards.

The 6.5-300 drops about 20 inches less at 600 yards. Plus, it delivers even more kinetic energy at that range, 1,553 ft lbs vs. 1,383 for the .300 Win Mag. Remember, all the other stuff, wind, gravity, altitude, temperature and more, continue to complicate the business of shooting at long range even if you’re shooting a 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum. Still, like when you press the pedal to the metal in a Ferrari Testa Rossa—YEEHAW!

volunteer our standard range time selftraining sessions.

Coming from the “Top Shot” background the gaming aspect of 3 Gun was brand new to me.

On “Top Shot” we weren’t allowed to view any course before it was time to run it. We always had to figure everything out on the fly.

For 3 Gun, the matchbooks are available about two weeks prior to the event so shooters can customize their load out for the required stages.

Then you can even show up early to scout the match, as well as having a fiveminute walkthrough before your squad

psychological pressure of running against a timer along with the physical demands of shooting each stage.

The main point is—competition is excellent marksmanship training.

Competition shooters will likely breeze through a demanding defensive course by just modifying a few habits such as taking cover and situational awareness. The firearms community is a friendly bunch. Just show up to any match with some ammo and whatever gear you have. Chances are you will be adopted, guided through, and even loaned some equipment so you can have fun too.

PHOTO: DUSTIN ELLERMANN

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—by Stan Skinner

runs each stage. Here most shooters get a game plan of how they are going to shoot the course and even air gun the stage.

This is a more unrealistic portion that you would not apply to a defensive scenario. However, it keeps your mind sharp with being aware of targets that need to be engaged, or how many shells you have left in your shotgun while being under

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—by Dustin Ellermann

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11/11/17 10:14 AM

Coastal Focus: SABINE :: by Capt.

EDDIE HERNANDEZ

Christmas Cleaning and Fishing

D

ECEMBER IS A GREAT TIME to take care of some much-needed fishing-related business that doesn’t necessarily involve the use of a rod and reel.

It’s time for all the little things you kept telling yourself you would get around to soon, but just never quite found the time— little things like cleaning out and organizing your boat.

If you are anything like me, cleaning your storage compartments have the potential to be like an early Christmas. Usually, once I’ve weeded through the layers of rusty hooks, chewed up soft plastics, old potato chips, and wads of monofilament, I get to the good stuff.

I’ll discover bags of new topwaters and other baits I thought I bought but could

never find, bulk bags of leadheads that mysteriously went missing after one trip, and an assortment of other goodies. Once you have the treasure chest emptied, you can start the reloading process.

Having everything neatly organized and knowing your inventory can save you time, money, and headaches. It’s also a good time for doing some maintenance on your boat, motor, and trailer.

Take a screwdriver and check every screw you can locate and ensure they’re tight.

Change the lower unit oil if needed, and check your fuel and water separator filters.

A simple tune-up is not a bad idea, either.

Make sure your tires are in good shape, repack the bearings, and check the seals.

Check your trailer wiring and replace that

taillight that hasn’t worked in a few months Taking care of these things now can drastically reduce your stress level in the future.

Now, you can head to Sabine Lake, where the north end should produce some nice trout and upper-end slot reds.

Coffee Ground Cove is usually one of our first stops. Make long drifts down the shoreline in about four to six feet of water. Longer soft plastics (five to seven inches) work real well when slowly bumped off the bottom.

Red Shad, Morning Glory, Purple, and Glow with chartreuse are the best color choices. Other good bait choices are slow sinkers like a Corky, MirrOlure, CatchV, and Catch 2000. Let it get down and give it a couple of light twitches. Darker colors usually get the job done better.

Some other areas that consistently hold fish in December are East Pass, the flats behind Sydney’s Island, and the flats across from Stewart’s Island where the Intracoastal Canal meets the Neches River.

It’s not uncommon to encounter birds working on Sabine Lake in December, so keep an eye out for that or surfacing shrimp and fish. Hopefully, you can knock out your organizing and maintenance in time to hit the lake and take advantage of some fantastic December fishing on Sabine.

THE BANK BITE LOCATION: Mesquite Point (South end of the lake by the Causeway Bridge) SPECIES: reds, black drum, whiting BAIT: fresh dead shrimp, cut mullet BEST TIMES: High tides

Email Eddie Hernandez at ContactUs@fishgame.com

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Coastal Focus: GALVESTON :: by Capt.

MIKE HOLMES

The Gift of Good Weather

T

EXAS COASTAL FISHERMEN often get new fishing gear for Christmas. If they have been really good boys and or girls, they might be gifted a new boat—but very few of us would claim to be THAT good.

Decembers in our area are mild in most years—and this is gift enough for the season.

Still this is one of the months when we will get cold weather, if we are going to get it at all.

2016 brought the first real freeze to my home in Oyster Creek that we had seen in many years, and the Christmas snow storm of several years ago is something we still remember. Normally, though, December is rather mild here, as winters go. So die-hard anglers are not doomed to staying inside for the whole month.

On (fairly) warm, sunny days trout and reds will likely be found feeding in the same shallows they prefer in summer, and will be fooled by the same baits and lures. If the water is cooler, though, lure presentation should be slower, and baits that emit a good scent trail are best. Live bait is still king, but can be harder to come by—even for those who catch their own.

Generally, a live and wiggling mud minnow is better than a dead shrimp, so we can’t be as choosey about which live bait to use. Cut bait from a fresh caught croaker or mullet will be better than something from a freezer, when it is available.

Reds and trout are not the only fish in the sea (or bay), though, and sheepshead is available throughout the winter, AND are excellent on the table. A good tactic for these shell-fish eaters is to scrap barnacles off a

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pounds the last time I looked. Since a five pound blue puts up a good tussle even on snapper tackle, a 15 pound-plus blue would be a worthy opponent.

Also in their favor, there are no seasons, size or bag limits on bluefish in the Gulf— yet.

dock piling, and fish among the scattered pieces, using them for chum.

In the winter surf, I have caught bull reds in December, and sighted tarpon—both on the Galveston side of San Luis Pass—so fishing the surf is not a waste of time. Croaker and whiting will be around, and are fun on light tackle, tasty on the table.

Offshore, some anglers may not realize that bluefish come to the Gulf to spawn in winter. Of course, many anglers may not care—but I like blues. Few fish fight harder for their size, and they are so aggressive that it is hard NOT to catch them if they are around.

If they are cooked fresh, with all the streaks of red meat cut off, they can be fine eating. On many trips we have had blues eating small red snappers off our hooks and mangling large snappers. This is the time when I usually decide to get serious about catching blues—and why not?

Bluefish do not reach the 20 to 25 pound sizes here that they do on the Atlantic coast, but our Texas state record was a bit over 16

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THE BANK BITE LOCATION: Areas near deep water—or the deep spots themselves. Canals, harbors, some distance from shore on a jetty or pier, or deep holes in coastal creeks, bayous or rivers will hold more fish as long as there is at least the threat of cold weather to contend with.

SPECIES:Trout are famous for schooling in rivers some distance inland from the mouth—especially if there is a warm water outflow nearby. Flounders that did not move offshore will be found in deep canals—even the ICW—where they can dig into insulating mud to ambush prey species.

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11/11/17 10:15 AM

Coastal Focus: MATAGORDA :: by Contributing Editor MIKE PRICE

Fishing Heaven

Alyssa Salinas launching kayaks into East Matagorda Bay.

D

ECEMBER THIS YEAR IS supposed to be warmer than normal, but the whole earth is warmer than normal, and that seems to be the new normal. In 2016, with the exception of a few really cold and wet days, December’s temperatures were higher than the usual 40°F low and 70°F high. On several days, the fish were really turned on.

On December 14 the skies were overcast, and it was 60°F when I went to the south shore of West Matagorda Bay. The water in the back lakes and bayous was really low, green, and had 18 inches of visibility. When the water is low, grass shrimp, crabs, and baitfish have to leave the protection of grassy areas and move into deeper water, and then they become easy pickings for redfish.

I had just barely enough water to float my kayak, six inches, as I paddled into the bayou and witnessed two schools of redfish chasing grass shrimp in a gut that was 18 inches deep.

I saw eight reds break the water at the same time, gulp shrimp and then roll back beneath the water. When water in a back bayou is less than 12 inches deep and you find holes or guts that hold 18 to 24 inches of water, you will find redfish.

In late December, on a mostly sunny day with an air temperature of 75°F, I fished a winding bayou on the north side of West Matagorda Bay. I was kayaking by a spot where water drained from the bayou into the bay and I heard splashing.

When I went around a corner, my kayak drifted over a school of redfish that, unawares, were resting on the bottom. I scared the hell out of them and when they all scattered simultaneously they scared the hell out of me, so my lure did not hit the water in search of those reds. The water was pouring out of the bayou, and a dozen red drum were com42

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This redfish is in hot pursuit of a shrimp.

ing my way, chasing little shrimp and baby pinfish. This time I placed my pearl/chartreuse three-inch paddletail Bass Assassin in front of them and caught a 22-inch keeper.

Then I headed into the bayou looking for more of this fun action. Soon I hooked a 24-inch redfish. But there was a problem: the strong fighting red ran past the bow of my kayak and headed out of the bayou. It swung |

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the 15-foot kayak such that it would be going out of the bayou instead of in.

In the process the bow got hung up on the bank, and the stern was stuck on the opposite side of the bayou. Now, like all fishermen, when I have a big fighting fish on, I hold the rod tip high and lean back. I learned that if you are doing that and the kayak is suddenly stuck, you are going in the water.

It was only a foot and a half deep, but I filled up my waders with water as I fell in, and let go of the rod to catch the two-wayradio and Yeti water container. I quickly put them into the kayak and grabbed the rod before the fish could take off and run with it, and finished fighting the fish standing up in gooey mud.

On December 17 the tide was outgoing and the air temperature was 75°F when Eddie Vacek and his nephew, Jake, went to the south shore of East Matagorda Bay and fished from Eddie’s boat. They had a good day in warmer than normal weather and both limited on trout that were from 17 to 22 inches. They caught one redfish.

PHOTOS: MIKE PRICE

11/11/17 10:15 AM

Even though we are experiencing warmer than normal weather, we still have blue northers that visit with a vengeance. It was on such a day that my 13-year-old grandson Ian and I kayaked a spot on the north side of West Matagorda Bay. It was shallow water (one to three feet deep) adjacent to deep water (12 feet deep).

The air temperature was 44°F and the water temperature was 50°F. The wind was whipping at 20 mph and there was a light drizzle just to add to the misery. But the fish were biting.

Ian was using a yellow Sparkle Beetle from H&H Lures and I was fishing a five-inch Wedge Tail Minnow from Egret Baits. We were fishing the change of tide, from outgoing slowly to incoming slowly.

As soon as he started fishing, Ian hollered, “Fish on!” For about an hour and a half we had hits and catches galore, it was rare “fishing heaven.” Our hands were so cold we had a difficult time holding the paddles to return to our launch spot, but it sure was fun.

When most days are on the cool side and the water temperature is cool and then a warm spell intervenes, the fish are ready to

Focus: GALVESTON t CONTINUED FROM PAGE

Reds might take either route, but also feed on shallow reefs and bars when the sun warms the water. Offshore can be a wonderland if the weather allows long runs for tuna and wahoo. Closer in, bluefish are willing to keep anglers busy and entertained.

BEST TIME: December fishing is often something we do just to “get out”—and there is nothing at all wrong with that.

Email Mike Holmes at ContactUs@fishgame.com

BAIT: If dead bait is all you have, use it and be thankful. A little imagination in presentation

eat. And if it is absolutely miserable, but you have an irresistible itch to get out and fish, find a shallow spot next to a deep hole.

your kayak, and there are many bayous and lakes nearby. If the wind is coming from the northwest, west, or southwest you will be on a leeward shoreline. This spot will also work on a southeast wind if it is under 10 mph.

THE BANK BITE

Email Mike Price at ContactUs@fishgame.com

MATAGORDA has a new launch spot for kayak fishers. It is located 2½ miles south of the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge and goes into East Matagorda Bay. There is a place to park and launch

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and selection can not only relieve boredom, but increase the payoff.

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11/11/17 10:15 AM

Coastal Focus: MID COAST :: by Capt.

CHRIS MARTIN

Mid-Coast Winter Transition

week the fish will actually begin transitioning to their wintertime pattern. However, anyone who has logged any significant amount of time fishing for cold-water trout and reds knows that these fish will soon become choosy and hard to please.

That’s one reason why it’s so important for anglers to locate signs of fish in the area before dropping anchor and spending a lot of time wading any one spot, especially given the potential for really cold water or extreme weather conditions right now.

One vital fish sign this time of year is bait activity in the immediate area. Although this is important throughout the year, bait activity is almost essential when things get really cold.

Fish metabolism slows tremendously once temperatures drop as their body adapts to upcoming colder conditions and less food.

When this happens, the fish may eat as little as once every day.

They will conserve as much energy as possible by using no more effort than absolutely necessary to catch their prey. For this reason, it makes sense that fish might prefer one large meal to several smaller meals.

Large horse mullet should become one of your greatest targets over the next few months, as your chance for success can multiply whenever you cast in their direction after you witness them jump above the water’s surface.

A second thing anglers can do to enhance their wintertime success is to locate a bottom structure that’s primarily thick, dark mud.

The mud acts as an insulating blanket for the fish when water temperatures drastically decline.

Because it has a dark color, the mud tends to absorb heat from the sun, and does not reflect the sunlight as well as lighter-colored sand does. Because of its physical properties, the dark mud is also capable of retaining whatever little heat it is able to absorb and thereby presents a little bit warmer environment which becomes rather attractive for bait fish and game fish alike.

Good places to look for bait activity are

D

ECEMBER 21 IS THIS YEAR’S first official day of winter. Bay water temperatures, however, usually start dropping well before that which instinctively pushes the trout and the redfish into a winter fishing pattern weeks ahead of winter’s true starting point.

No one can say for sure which day of what

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muddy shallows that have immediate access to deeper water. On cold, sunny days, the fish will often venture from the safety of the depths to look for food and warmth atop the mud flats.

Some good examples of just such places include flats along the Intracoastal Waterway between Port O’Connor and San Antonio Bay. Some of the shell islands in open-water in San Antonio Bay, Espiritu Santo Bay, and Mesquite Bay also offer ample mud next to some rather deep water.

Remember that now it’s cold, the fish are going to slow down. Slow the speed of the retrieve for whatever type of artificial bait you happen to be tossing. You can try different speeds to see what works best, but the rule of thumb is that once you think you’re reelingin slow, slow down even more.

If you’re working plastic tails, try to imagine what the action of your bait looks like as you work the lure across the bay floor. One plastic-tail tactic that’s a big producer in cold water is to create a small, trailing mud cloud directly behind your lure. This is achieved by dragging the lure across the mud with an extremely slow and continuous retrieve.

Accompany this with an ever so slight twitch of the rod tip every few moments. If you’re tossing top water baits, experiment with different retrieves until you find one that works best.

One method that’s popular is the slow walk-n-stop. You give the bait a few twitches of the rod tip, Then let the bait sit motionless for a count of five seconds. It’s a retrieve that takes patience, but it’s proven quite effective over the years on cold-water fish. Give it a try next time you’re out on the water this month hunting for what can often be some very persnickety trout and redfish.

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

G A M E ®

11/11/17 10:15 AM

Coastal Focus: ROCKPORT :: by Capt.

MAC GABLE

The Eye... of Tears

I

T WAS NOT A QUESTION OF IF, just when.

Those who live in the Rockport area knew this in spite of what appeared to be the area’s ability to deftly dodge a direct hit by hurricanes for the last 83 years. In itself, it may be seen as a blessing or a curse, for it eerily lured us into a mindset of invulnerability, or at least a sense that a near miss was not that bad.

Most who live here now, knew little if anything about the hurricane of 1934. That storm wasan estimated category 2 which hit Rockport directly, claiming 19 lives.

Kids were riding on the backs of cattle where Fulton, Texas is now located to avoid waves which swept across the peninsula into Copano Bay. The great hurricane of September 8, 1900, which hit Galveston, Texas, is still the gauge many here on the Texas coast use to compare hurricanes. Eight thousand lost their lives; it was estimated to be a Cat 3.

I often think I would have been a storm chaser had I not been a guide. Admittedly I am a weather-tracking nut. I love storms. I love their confounding nature. They give me a sense of insignificance and remind me how delicate life here is.

To say I feel at peace in the presence of a storm is no over statement. I fish in them, take rain baths under the valleys of my roof (getting laughed at by my neighbors). It’s not unusual for me to launch my Haynie just to go check out a storm.

Even at its inception, Harvey gave me none of these sentiments or emotions. Instead I had thoughts that came to me in waves, I believed driven by emotion.

Four days before Harvey hit Rockport, my mind saw a high-level map of the Yucatán peninsula. In the vision, there was a black mass just inland from the bay of Campeche. A small red area appeared in the middle of the black

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seeds for Harvey were sewn off the coast of Africa. The fertile waters of the Lesser Antilles enriched its growth where it grew to tropical storm intensity. It entered the Caribbean Sea only to weaken and all but dissipate.

As it moved westward across the Yucatán Peninsula some meteorologists believed it was a dead storm. On August 23, it moved westward in the Bay of Campeche where it began writing its own history. Again, it accelerated to tropical storm intensity, then to a Cat 1 hurricane, the third of the season and the first major hurricane of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season. On August 24, its movement shifted northwesterly. In less than 24 hours it exploded to a Cat 4, its course locked on a head-on collision with Rockport Texas.

At this point, meteorologists predicted the east side of the eye to go over Lamar (where we lived) and Holiday Beach, Texas.

The 30 plus sheets of plywood in my garage had been and were a pain in the butt. Most were cut to window size and I had them propped up against the far wall. My wife Lisa and I didn’t like them, they were just in the way and a nice hiding place for bugs, frogs and snakes.

We had gotten good at ignoring them in that “I wish you were gone kinda way”. This day however they seemed to be calling my name especially loud. The plywood had but one purpose—to board our home up in the event of a storm. I had used them over the years in what proved to be false predictions.

It’s about a 1/2 day of work, so I wasn’t exactly brimming with motivation to start the task, especially when, in the past, the boarded-up doors and windows served little to no purpose.

Yet the unsettling feeling I had wouldn’t let go, so three days prior to ground zero (when the hurricane hit) with screw gun in hand, I started boarding up.

The ribbing from neighbors made me feel a bit like what Noah must have felt when he built the ark. “Been playing with a baseball again? Broke windows, huh? New window coverings? Nice!” I was totally disgruntled.

Yet, as I stopped and glanced out over the bay, my thought was “It’s coming!”, so we kept on

mass and as it moved over the water the red area grew larger.

It was like an old-time movie reel, I could see the black mass moving frame to frame, and the red image clearing. First it looked like a Nazi swastika, then it crystalized into the number four.

These thoughts stayed with me. They were troubling, for I could make no sense of the them, which is not unusual for me. As time passed I couldn’t shake the feeling something ominous was afoot. What the hell, this is crazy, I thought. “Time to move on!” I said out loud.

Being the weather nut I am, I had been tracking the Niño effect and the water’s warming trends, especially in the Gulf of Mexico.

I was interested to see whether the warming affects fishing long term in our bays. In August, based on NOAA data, there were 8 to 12 spots in the gulf showing to be two to three degrees warmer than the rest of the gulf waters.

These areas, known as eddies, are of much interest these days, primarily for global climate reasons. For my purpose, they were simply too far off shore to affect our bays, so I watched them every few days to see if they were moving toward our coastline. I know, I needed to get a real job, right? Well, being me can be a full-time job, or at least it’s what I’ve been told.

A tropical storm is always of interest to guides for it can mean a lot of cancelled trips.

Every so often, along with my buddies, we would check tropical storm/Harvey’s whereabouts, trying to assess its business impact. I can’t say I’m an overly spiritual man. I am a Christian. I believe that means nothing without practical application and so I try to live by those standards.

Karma to me sounds like something to eat. I haven’t tried to align my chi and I don’t go looking for my Zen place. However, I do think there are forces at work in this universe for good and evil and over the next few days I would come to recognize if ever there was a storm spawned by these evil forces or Satan, it was Harvey.

The predictions for Harvey, in terms of direction and intensity, had been off. The F I S H

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Forecast: ROCKPORT I was tired, but my tired brain began to connect the dots and so we finished the house, then began boarding our cottage as well. By the time we were through in the very late afternoon Harvey was a household name and was rapidly becoming a Cat 3. Could it be the red 4 I saw in my head?

I immediately got the coordinates for Harvey’s eye and its direction. I tingled from head to toe—Harvey was in direct line with the warm water eddies I had looked at in the gulf. The warmer waters would feed the storm.

For me the data points were coming together in my mind. The nagging and consuming thoughts some may call divine intervention, were a warning. I was now on notice to make ready and help alert everyone I could that a Cat 4 named Harvey was going to wreak havoc on our much-loved coastal gem.

I phoned, texted, emailed everyone I knew, including the county commissioner, to please please take this storm seriously. It was strengthening, and I believed it was coming right down the throat of a NOT READY Rockport. No one was joking now, and a panicked preparation began.

We helped as many as we could before nightfall. Tired, Lisa and I decided to sleep and leave early the next morning. We both were too exhausted to drive. By early dawn the rains and wind had started. Harvey had grown over night and was now speeding up on a collision course with our city. The warm eddies in the gulf were like a shot of steroids to an uncaring, unfeeling monster whose energy was about to be unleashed.

We knew some of our neighbors were going to stay and attempt to ride the storm out. We begged them to leave with us but to no avail. It’s a horrible feeling to walk away from neighbors you care about and every tangible thing you hold dear knowing all could be gone when you return.

The vision/thought now made complete sense. In the midst of loading our belongings I stood in the living room of our home and asked my wife Lisa if she would pray with me.

“Dear Lord, be with our neighbors and loved ones. Place your guardian angels around them, keep them safe from the storm’s attack.

If it be Your will, protect our home that it might be used in Your service.” The tears began that morning as Lisa and I left our

boarding.

We had most of the main house finished when my brother showed up from Austin. He hopped out of the truck and said “that small depression is now a Cat1. Thought you could use some help.” His presence was like a visit from an angel. Big brothers, what would we do without them?

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neighbors, our home and loved ones in the arms of God. Rain and wind was pelting my truck as we drove away. About two miles down the road, my phone rang. It was a fellow guide and dear friend.

“Mac, you better leave. It’s showing Harvey’s eye going right over the top of you in Lamar.” This was not the answer to our prayer we were hoping for.

Part two next month.

••• FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS our bays will be hazardous to navigate. How hazardous? Suffice it to say our neighbor’s second story roof now sits at the cut between St Charles Bay and Aransas Bay. Debris is wide-spread and some wellknown cuts have been moved or are filled-in and no longer navigable. There are reds and trout to be caught though, and those who are adventurous can find some fantastic action.

A few bait stands have reopened, but lack consistency. Call ahead to confirm. Some hotels have re-opened. and the infrastructure for places to stay grows daily.

Bank fishing is good for reds using cut mullet. You may need to use a cast net to catch your own bait. Soft plastics are preferred now with new penny, morning glory and white colors with chartreuse tails being the best.

My advice is to fish cheap—don’t use high dollar lures. The likelihood of tangling in underwater debris and losing the lure is high.

As I navigate the bays I will give updates on each bay, but for now, even though all guides need the business, they are reluctant to launch a boat due to the potential of lower unit and prop damage. Rockport is open for business.

We are rebuilding fast and furiously since Harvey’s unwelcome visit. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Merry Christmas!

Here’s Wishing You Tight Lines Bent Poles and Plenty of Bait!

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

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11/11/17 10:15 AM

Coastal Focus: ARANSAS/CORPUS :: by Contributing Editor TOM BEHRENS

W

HEN MY FAMILY AND I moved to Houston in the 1970s, the first chance I had to try my luck with artificials along the Texas coast was with the venerable Kelley Wiggler soft plastic shrimp tail.

It was a steep learning curve to figure out what weight lead head jig to use with the Wiggler, what color, and how to put action into the retrieve. Red/white was the go-to choice of color by just about any angler you met along the coast.

Cabela’s lists more than 625 different styles and brands of soft plastic lures with probably double or triple as many different colors and color combinations.

As I talked with a guide friend, Capt. John Little of Corpus Christi, we got into a discussion about the soft plastic shrimp tails, which ones he prefers and how to use them when fishing the Upper Laguna Madre.

Even though the winds may be blowing hard from the north in December, he ties on an 1/8-ounce lead head. “A lot of folks will switch over to a heavier weight in high wind,” Little explained, but I stick with the 1/8-ounce just because the presentation of that lure is more natural.”

He works soft plastic shrimp tails over sand pockets all along the King Ranch shoreline this time of the year. His ultimate choice is based not on a brand name, but the shape, action, or lack of action, and color.

“I typically use Gambler Flapp’n Shad,” he said. “The difference between the Down South and Gambler is the shape of the tail.

The Down South has kind of like a willow tail instead of big round tail. The Gambler Flapp’n Shad has a rounder tail. That little variance creates more of a reaction strike from fish as it drops; the trout seem to react

“ Soft plastic bait choices have exploded over the past 25 years.

“

Shrimp Tail Story

THE BANK BITE LOCATION: Portland Shoreline

with the colors and color names. Chickenon-a-Chain is a chicken chained up, right?

Or Drunk Monkey is a long tail primate who has had one too many drinks swinging from the rafters.

Little’s color choices are pretty simple.

In clear water, it’s a clear or natural-looking bait. “For dark or murkier water, you go to a bright or darker color,” he said.” If it’s really overcast, you use a darker presentation such as a red/black choice, or a pink.” Pink isn’t a darker colored soft plastic? “Sometimes pink will work really well in overcast conditions” With all the different tail types, does Little add any extra action to stimulate the fish into striking? “If the tail is vibrating or mov-

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ing on the retrieve, just reel it in,” he said.

“Otherwise you have to impart action to the bait as you retrieve.

“That’s why you have to know the experience and skill of your clients you are guiding.

If they don’t fish much, or haven’t used soft plastics, you switch over to live shrimp under a popping cork. I’ve used rattles before, but I never had any luck with them. I don’t use any other scents or attractants.”

“Another variant to consider, Gamblers have some sort of a scent on them,” said Little. “Not sure what it is, but when you open up a packet it sort has a garlic smell.

Berkley’s Gulp isn’t a soft plastic by virtue of the definition of a soft plastic, but the bait packs an attractant smell that draws fish in.

“On some soft plastics you have to work it, have to know what you are doing to get a fish to strike. You can’t just do a blind cast, reel it in, and catch one.”

Soft plastic bait choices have exploded over the past 25 years. You can still find Kelley Wigglers on the shelves, although owned by a different person now. Or make another choice, examine the different tails and color selections.

to it a little better.”

Little describes it (Down South) as an ‘effortless bait.’ “Cast it out; it doesn’t take much action from the angler. The tail moves as you retrieve it.”

Bass Assassins come in a variety of different type of tails from the traditional paddle tail, to a long straight tail, to curly tails.

What about the different colors in any of the baits? There are the traditional colors such black, white, purple, etc. There are some where the bait manufacturer gets creative

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SPECIES: Speckled trout, redfish, black drum BEST BAIT: Live shrimp, mullet TIPS: Fish early for the best bite

Email Tom Behrens at ContactUs@fishgame.com

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11/11/17 10:15 AM

Coastal Focus: BAFFIN BAY :: by Capt.

SALLY BLACK

Trout & Ducks

draws a strike by throwing a few of these different lures on days when the top water bite is on.

Stretches of warm and sunny days will bring redfish and black drum up shallow to feed. Take a break from the trophy trout hunt to walk up to the sandy beaches of Baffin Bay and sight cast. Whether you toss a smaller paddle tail on the Black’s Magic 1/32oz jig head, like a 4-inch Saltwater Assassin Sea Shad in White, Sugar and Spice or Chicken on a Chain, or go with the irresistible 3-inch Chartreuse Gulp “Swimming Mullet”, big reds and black drum are shallow for one reason… to eat.

Make a natural presentation (cross a redfish’s path about an inch or two in front of their mouths) and they cannot say no. Black drum don’t really like to chase their food, they like to find it, so observe which way they are moving and put the Gulp right in front of them and stop, letting the lure rest on the bottom.

As soon as they get close, move the lure less than an inch. When the black drum tips his tail up, he’s got the lure, so set the hook. Black drum fishing is the most highly under-rated sport on the Coast.

Plus, the black drum is delectable table fare.

Fly fishermen use these same techniques for reds and drum and nice, sunny days. Use a white clouser with bead-chain eyes, tied on a number 4 hook, or a small, white crab pattern and these two fish will not say no. Sometimes, black drum prefer a black crab, but either way, use a fly that you can see. It’s important to be able to see the fly and its proximity to the feeding end of your prey. Presentation is everything, so keep an eye on the fly for better hook-ups and more fun.

The month of December delivers a high-quality dose of everything to outdoorsmen on Baffin Bay. Trophy trout, ducks, sight-casting reds and black drum and fly fishing.

Some days are better for ducks than fish; some days deliver all of the above. It’s a great dilemma to have. Be prepared for a big-time experience by keeping duck gear at the ready, trophy trout lures and fly rods set up. Using the right gear is so important for successful outdoor experiences.

The arsenal should include a good 12-gauge shotgun, some high quality shells, like Black Cloud in #2 or something similar. Don’t shoot cheap, junky shells because being on a duck hunt shouldn’t

T

HE MAGICAL COMBINATION of fishing and duck hunting in December is perfect for the outdoor adventurer on Baffin Bay. While you fish, it’s a great opportunity to scout for the next duck hunt. While hunting ducks, fishermen are watching the water for bait movement and trying to decide where the next fishing spot is going to be.

Trophy trout season is in full swing now, and Baffin Bay does not fail to deliver. Big trout move up shallow and are feeding up to survive the winter and begin preparation for the spring spawn.

Mother Nature has conveyed a message to them that winter is coming with the drop in water temperatures. After a long, lazy summer without any worries and so much food in the system, these fish finally get into gear and they are eating big mullet.

A lure of choice would be the Saltwater Assassin “Die Dapper” in either the Snowstorm color (which is a white variant), or the Morning Glory (which is black with a chartreuse tail). These two lures are the go-to for targeting big trout.

These wide-bodied paddle tails, hooked up on the 1/32 oz. jig head “Black’s Magic” are deadly because they can swim along the bottom or even be suspended, with the light weight of the jig head, and big trout cannot resist this natural “mullet” action.

Top waters can be very productive on the right days. A One-Knocker Spook, She-Dog, Yozuri 3DB, Skitterwalk or Super Spook, Jr in various colors tossed up shallow can be deadly.

Something to remember working a topwater when the water is chilly is to pause the retrieve from time to time. This gives a hungry trout time to suck that lure down. The pause is important and will catch a lot of fish.

The sound that all of these top water lures make is what attracts a fish to strike. Some lures have low thuds, some have high-pitched rattles, and some have quieter presentations. Find the sound that 48

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include mis-fires or wounded ducks that get away.

Make the investment in good shells and keep your gun clean and ready to go.

When seeking trophy trout on Baffin Bay, anglers should upgrade rods to a 6 foot 6 inch or 6 foot 9 inch medium light with a light, sturdy casting reel. Braid or mono is an angler’s choice, but, a reel that is not reliable will take away from your trophy trout experience.

Make sure that the reel is lubed up and ready to cast light weight lures with minimal back lashes or tangles. Know how to adjust the reel’s brakes and spool tensioner, based on the weight of the lure being casted.

Fly fishermen and sight casters follow similar rules to ensure a quality experience. Time on the water or in the duck blind is precious, so having the right tools for the job are crucial.

Early winter comes quickly in South Texas and can include cold temperatures or a step back to summertime. In the event of chilly mornings, good waders and jackets are essential to keep a focus on either ducks or fish, not hypothermia.

Get geared up and ready for anything because Baffin Bay is bringing it all. It’s the home of the largest and heaviest trout on the Texas Coast and it’s usually the end of the road for most ducks coming down the fly way because of the lack of pressure on the saltwater and the abundance of fresh water on the King and Kenedy Ranches.

Our lodge is ready to host groups of up to 20 people, including a cozy fire ring and unbelievably great food served up by Chef Adam.

Recently, the Orvis Company endorsed Baffin Bay Rod and Gun for Wingshooting and Fly Fishing. This will open up so many doors and a knowledge base for both of these sports that are second to none.

Contact Capt. Sally Black at 361-205-0624 Email: Sally@CaptainSally.com Web: www.BaffinBayRodandGun.com Facebook: Baffin Bay Rod and Gun Twitter: @CaptainSally Instagram: baffin_bay_rod_and_gun

G A M E ®

11/11/17 10:15 AM

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

Lully-Pops

T

HERE IS A LULL IN FISHING on the Texas coast during December. Deer hunting rules the state.

Most anglers have put away their boats and rods to look for Ol’ Mossyhorn.

Anglers in the know realize that means they have the bay all to themselves, along with the hungry redfish that are looking for a winter meal.

Mature (mostly over 26 inches, and quite a few over the 28 inch slot) redfish are schooling up or “herding,” as many locals say.

Smaller fish, 18-24 inchers, are also schooling up and partaking of the annual mullet run that occurs in the fall. It isn’t uncommon to find schools of redfish chasing hapless schools of finger mullet against either the spoil banks shorelines immediately west of the IntraCoastal Waterway, or the Padre Island shoreline.

These aren’t small pods of redfish, either.

On more than one occasion, while fishing with Captain Jimmy Martinez (956-5513581), I have seen schools of large redfish numbering hundreds of fish. A strawberry field of that size is something to behold.

Some fishermen who still remember Laguna Madre before Hurricane Beulah, remember schools three times that size.

Schools that size, however, are more than enough for the modern fishermen with aspirations of latching onto the sort of line-peeling action these fish can provide.

“The east side of Laguna Madre is just full of redfish,” said Captain Martinez. “If there is a little wind and some moving water, you can drift into them over and over again. The action can be non-stop.”

Gaswells Flats is an excellent starting point when looking for September reds. This broad flat on the south side is deep enough for drifting, but still shallow and clear enough for sight fishing.

Look for tailing reds, or when the tide

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Local fishermen interested in tangling with a real bull more than 40 inches should look to Boca Chica Beach, across Brazos Santiago Pass. It is a bit of a drive to get there.

Take US 77 to Brownsville, take the Boca Chica exit, and continue until it turns into SH 4, and ends at the beach. It is well worth the drive.

Most anglers prefer using large spinning outfits. I prefer a Shimano eight-foot Terrez paired with a Stradic 8000 FJ loaded with 50-pound Power Pro. Use a fish finder rig with a one- to two-ounce pyramid or flat sinker and a 5/0 Khale or Circle Hook. Cut bait works well, but live mullet or pinfish works best.Some fishermen will drive down to the mouth of the Rio Grande to castnet baits, but you can also find some finger mullet in the first gut along the beach. Cast your rig into the second gut right up against the third bar.

It may take some work to find and land a true Boca Chica bull, but many will consider it well worth the effort.

is in, for disturbed water and skipping bait.

The water is sometimes clear enough that you might actually be able to spot the fish themselves. You’ll often see fishermen standing on their center console, or in a fish tower looking for these brutes.

Lure selection for these fish is pretty straightforward. The Pettys stick to the venerable gold spoon for their reds. A ¼-ounce gold weedless spoon is an effective, classic lure for redfish.

As I mentioned earlier, these redfish are feeding primarily on large mullet and other baitfish. Topwaters such as the Top Dog, Skitterwalk, or River2Sea Wideglide are also good choices. The three most popular patterns for these are bone, Halloween (black back/gold sides/orange belly), and chrome/ blue.

Swimbaits such as the Storm Wildeye Shad and Berkley Power Swim Bait have also started to develop a following among LLM fishermen. The wobbling, throbbing action of these baits throws off an incredible amount of vibration, and I’ve had redfish come from a good way off to kill these baits.

If you prefer bait, live shrimp under a popping cork is always tough to beat, but cut ballyhoo is a solid close second. Take the front half of a six-to-eight inch ‘hoo, break off the beak, and run a 3/0 Kahle hook up through the chin. Cast the bait out in front of a school of reds, and work the lure back as you would a topwater. Redfish will not ignore it.

Fishermen who prefer staying close to Port Isabel or South Padre Island would do well fishing the Pasture, which is just north of the Queen Isabella Causeway, Mexequita Flats and South Bay. All produce excellent numbers of redfish in the winter. It’s important though, to pay attention to the tides, otherwise you’ll be waiting a while for high tide.

Anglers looking for something bigger than the typical slot redfish should consider surfing. Some of the real giants of the species start roaming the surf up and down the Texas Coast.

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THE BANK BITE LOCATION: North Brazos Jetties SPECIES: Speckled Trout TECHNIQUES: Fish live shrimp under a popping cork near the rocks. Soft plastics work too.

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.

A Grand Slam for a Dollar

by TOM BEHRENS

LOCATION: Galveston HOTSPOT: Dollar Flats GPS: N 29 26.544, W 94 54.316 (29.4424, -94.9053)

LOCATION: Galveston HOTSPOT: Sea Wolf Park GPS: N 29 20.319, W 94 47.118 (29.3387, -94.7853)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder BEST BAITS: Soft plastic tails in either pearl, Limetreuse or Pumpkin Seed CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gpfishgalveston.com TIPS: Capt. Marcaccio says the last week in December is always the best week because of moon phase.

LOCATION: Galveston HOTSPOT: Jetties GPS: N 29 19.836, W 94 42.412 (29.3306, -94.7069)

LOCATION: Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Jacks Pocket GPS: N 29 44.077, W 94 45.852 (29.7346, -94.7642)

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SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Live bait under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gpfishgalveston.com TIPS: “Live bait probably not available, but if you find it you want to throw a popping cork, or slip sinker rig at the

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LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Burnett Bay GPS: N 29 46.042, W 95 03.373 (29.767367, -95.056214)

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jetties.” Capt. Marcaccio

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic tails in either pearl, Limetreuse or Pumpkin Seed CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gpfishgalveston.com TIPS: “Stay long in a place in the winter time. If you make one or two drifts, drift two more. It’s just a matter of turning their head. They are pretty docile when the water temperature gets low.” Capt. Marcaccio

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of drop-offs. The fish are going to be looking for deeper areas.” Capt. Sinegal

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Voodoo Mullet with a 1/4 oz. jig head CONTACT: Capt. Marshum Sinegal 281-725-8399 takendragfishing@yahoo.com galveston/sabinelaketake-n-dragguide service.com TIPS: “The main thing in December is finding different pockets where the water goes from two to four feet in front

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic tails in either pearl, Limetreuse or Pumpkin Seed CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gpfishgalveston.com TIPS: “Burnett Bay and Clear Lake should produce the bigger fish.” Capt. Marcaccio LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Tabbs Bay GPS: N 29 41.635, W 94 56.542 (29.6939, -94.9424)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic tails in either pearl, Limetreuse or Pumpkin Seed CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gpfishgalveston.com TIPS: “If you’re fishing soft plastics the retrieve needs to be slower while working four to seven feet of water for trout. Retrieve on or near the bottom over mud and scattered shell.” Capt. Marcaccio LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Clear Lake Channel GPS: N 29 33.133, W 95 1.945 (29.5522, -95.0324)

G A M E ®

11/11/17 10:15 AM

FISHING HOTSPOTS u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic tails in either pearl, Limetreuse or Pumpkin Seed CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gpfishgalveston.com TIPS: “Clear Lake should produce Black Drum.” Capt.

Marcaccio LOCATION: Galveston West Bay HOTSPOT: Cold Pass GPS: N 29 4.901, W 95 8.136 (29.0817, -95.1356)

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LOCATION: Galveston West Bay HOTSPOT: Campbell’s Bayou GPS: N 29 20.33, W 94 53.569 (29.3388, -94.8928)

LOCATION: Galveston West Bay HOTSPOT: Greens Cut GPS: N 29 16.245, W 94 59.539 (29.2708, -94.9923)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic tails in either pearl, Limetreuse or Pumpkin Seed CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gpfishgalveston.com TIPS: “Burnett Bay and Clear Lake should produce the bigger fish.” Capt. Marcaccio

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic tails in either pearl, Limetreuse or Pumpkin Seed CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gpfishgalveston.com TIPS: “Look for off-colored water…really critical in West Bay. The fish are hiding in that type of water. Trout in West Bay will usually be in the 16-17 inch size.” Capt.

Marcaccio

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastic tails with a 1/4 oz. jig head CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “Making long drifts we usually get some trout and redfish.” Capt. Countz LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay HOTSPOT: Half Moon Shoal GPS: N 28 43.371, W 95 46.228 (28.7229, -95.7705)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic tails on a 3/8 oz. jig head CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “We look for bait action and then start drifting the River, plugging the west bank. If it’s colder we will fish more out toward the deeper water in the middle.” Capt.

Countz

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastic tails with a 1/4 oz. jig head CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “During this time we see a big sand trout, some gulf trout, up to 18 inches long.” Capt. Countz

LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay HOTSPOT: Raymond Shoal GPS: N 28 40.449, W 95 53.898 (28.6742, -95.8983)

LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay HOTSPOT: Cottons Bayou GPS: N 28 30.552, W 96 12.453 (28.5092, -96.2076)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout & Redfish BEST BAITS: Soft Plastic tails with a 1/4 oz. jig head CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net

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LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay HOTSPOT: Bird Island GPS: N 28 43.86, W 95 45.617 (28.7310, -95.7603)

LOCATION: Matagorda HOTSPOT: Colorado River GPS: N 28 35.683, W 95 58.981 (28.5947, -95.9830) SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic tails in either pearl, Limetreuse or Pumpkin Seed CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gpfishgalveston.com TIPS: “Throwing tails would be especially good in the small bays of upper Trinity. Water temperature should be in the 60s. Don’t leave the house until 7:30 a.m., get on the water by 8, and off the water by 3:30 p.m.” Capt.

Marcaccio

www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “Drift off-color water in five to six feet deep. Bump is slowly off the bottom, trying not to get hung up in shell.

The fish are down deep, and the bait is stirring up the mud.” Capt. Countz

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SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Topwater Lures CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net

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FISHING HOTSPOTS www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “I love wading West Bay in the wintertime. Early December we will do some topwater early.” Capt. Countz LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay HOTSPOT: Greens Bayou GPS: N 28 29.733, W 96 14.143 (29.4956, -96.2261)

bigtrout67@yahoo.com lagunaatascosarodandgun.com TIPS: “We’re using live bait, either sardines or shrimp.

I rig it as a bottom dropper, an 1 1/2 oz. sinker about 12 inches and a #4 Kahle hook, fishing close to the bottom.

Put it in the water and let it sit.” Capt. Read LOCATION: Port O’Connor HOTSPOT: Jetties GPS: N 28 25.212, W 96 19.544 (28.4202, -96.3257)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish BEST BAITS: Sardines or shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Stephen Read 713-515-0473 bigtrout67@yahoo.com lagunaatascosarodandgun.com TIPS: “Water depth is the key. Once you find the fish at a certain depth when the tide is moving, they will always be at that depth. You will catch fish.” Capt. Read LOCATION: Sabine Lake HOTSPOT: Blue Buck Point GPS: N 29 48.102, W 93 53.72 (29.8017, -93.8953)

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SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Soft Plastic tails or Topwater baits CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: Lakes off the beach: “There are a series of little lakes just off the beach. A lot of people go there and wade fish, also a lot of kayakers.” Capt. Countz LOCATION: Port O’Connor HOTSPOT: Bird Lake GPS: N 28 24.01, W 96 24.992 (28.4002, -96.4165)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout & Flounder BEST BAITS: Voodoo Shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. Marshum Sinegal 281-725-8399 takendragfishing@yahoo.com galveston/sabinelaketake-n-dragguide service.com TIPS: “I think the bird action is going to be later than people think. You will have a flounder bite going on in Sabine, bird action going on in Sabine.” Capt. Sinegal LOCATION: Sabine Lake HOTSPOT: Johnson Bayou GPS: N 29 51.055, W 93 47.293 (29.8509, -93.7882)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Sardines or shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Stephen Read 713-515-0473

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout & Flounder BEST BAITS: Voodoo Shrimp under a popping cork 2 0 1 7

MIDDLE COAST

Trout & Reds for Corpus Christmas

SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Topwater Lures CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “After a big front blows the water out I like going fishing on the low tide for redfish. They will come out of the back lakes in the little troughs running out of the peninsula.” Capt. Countz LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay HOTSPOT: Three Mile Cut GPS: N 28 38.483, W 95 55.583 (28.6414, -95.9264)

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CONTACT: Capt. Marshum Sinegal 281-725-8399 takendragfishing@yahoo.com galveston/sabinelaketake-n-dragguide service.com TIPS: Drift and work the birds: “From Blue Buck you can almost see all the way down to Madam Johnson to look for the bird action. You also have a lot of schooling redfish.”

Capt. Sinegal

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by TOM BEHRENS LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay HOTSPOT: Shamrock Cove GPS: N 27 44.017, W 97 9.747 (27.7336, -97.1625)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout & Redfish BEST BAITS: Soft Plastic shrimp tails CONTACT: Capt. Levi Price 830-613-1865 captlevi@tstar.net TIPS: “I always catch fish off the flats. Put the trolling motor down and move along until you start seeing fish.”

Capt. Price LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay HOTSPOT: Nueces Bay GPS: N 27 51.893, W 97 21.13 (27.8649, -97.3522)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout & Redfish BEST BAITS: Live shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: “Don’t hesitate to throw in an area a hundred times if you are looking for that big trout before you start moving down the shoreline.” Capt. McPartland

G A M E ®

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FISHING HOTSPOTS LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay HOTSPOT: Corpus Christi Wells GPS: N 27 44.764, W 97 11.141 (27.7461, -97.1857)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastic shrimp tails CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: “Fan cast, throw a few different types of baits and styles until you find something the fish are keying on.”

Capt. McPartland LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: South Jetties GPS: N 27 49.966, W 97 2.548 (27.8328, -97.0425)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastic shrimp tails CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: “You definitely want to slow your retrieve, but more so it’s continually walking to find the fish.” Capt.

McPartland

SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Soft Plastic shrimp tails CONTACT: Capt. Levi Price 830-613-1865 captlevi@tstar.net TIPS: “A good place for redfish…the deep water with a muddy bottom holds a good strip of warm water. The fish on low tides will stack up along the sides of the edges.”

Capt. Price

LOCATION: Redfish Bay HOTSPOT: Morris & Cummins Cut GPS: N 27 52.624, W 97 6.866 (27.8771, -97.1144)

LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Emmords Hole GPS: N 27 30.186, W 97 19.733 (27.5031, -97.3289)

11/11/17 10:15 AM

FISHING HOTSPOTS u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

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LOWER COAST

Trout Tide Rises on Baffin SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics on a 1/8 oz. jig head CONTACT: Capt. John Little 361-816-9114 captjohnlittle@sbcglobal.net TIPS: “The King Ranch shoreline will keep you out of the high north winds. You will be able to work areas and cast a little bit easier without the north wind in your face.”

Capt. Little LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Pure Oil Channel GPS: N 27 31.839, W 97 18.449 (27.5307, -97.3075)

by TOM BEHRENS LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Tide Gauge Bar GPS: N 27 18.248, W 97 27.593 (27.3041, -97.4599)

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Three Islands GPS: N 26 16.621, W 97 17.732 (26.2770, -97.2955)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics on a 1/8 oz. jig head CONTACT: Capt. John Little 361-816-9114 captjohnlittle@sbcglobal.net TIPS: “For clear water us a clear or natural colored tail.

For dark or murkier water, use a bright or darker color. It it’s really over cast, use a darker presentation, like a red/ black or pink.” Capt. Little LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Cat Head GPS: N 27 18.382, W 97 26.263 (27.3064, -97.4377)

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SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Live shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. George Strader 956-434-9971 gfcsfishing@yahoo.com spicharterfishing.com TIPS: “In the heavier winds the fish are coming off the drop-offs, getting where the grass is, catching them on plastics or cut mullet using a bottom rig.” Capt. Strader LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Unnecessary Island GPS: N 26 12.592, W 97 16.582 (26.2099, -97.2764)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. John Little 361-816-9114 captjohnlittle@sbcglobal.net TIPS: “We will be using live shrimp under a popping cork if we are drifting.” Capt. Little

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics on a 1/8 oz. jig head CONTACT: Capt. John Little 361-816-9114 captjohnlittle@sbcglobal.net TIPS: He likes to use a 1/8 oz. jig head. “A lot of folks will switch over to a heavier weight in high wind, but I stick with the 1/8 oz. just because the presentation is more natural.”

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics on a 1/8 oz. jig head CONTACT: Capt. John Little 361-816-9114 captjohnlittle@sbcglobal.net TIPS: Capt. Little says to stand in knee deep water and fish the rocks and sand pockets.

LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: King Ranch Shoreline GPS: N 27 29.134, W 97 21.108 (27.4856, -97.3518)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish BEST BAITS: Live shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. George Strader 956-434-9971 gfcsfishing@yahoo.com spicharterfishing.com TIPS: “Trout and reds will be on gas wells in December under winds 15 or higher out of the north.“ Capt. Strader

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Oil Field Flats GPS: N 26 15.079, W 97 15.943 (26.2513, -97.2657)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. George Strader 956-434-9971 gfcsfishing@yahoo.com spicharterfishing.com TIPS: Rigging the popping cork: one ounce weight and a 4/0 J hook, fishing it about 10 inches off the bottom.

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FISHING HOTSPOTS PINEY WOODS

Hybrids Go to School on Conroe

by DUSTIN WARNCKE LOCATION: Caddo Lake HOTSPOT: Big Cypress Bayou Cuts and Bends GPS: N 32 44.320, W 94 07.979 u TAP FOR (32.738663, -94.132985)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Umbrella rigs, chatterbaits, crankbaits, topwaters

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CONTACT: Caddo Lake Guide Service/Paul Keith 318-455-3437 caddoguide1@att.net www.caddolakefishing.com TIPS: This late fall/early winter time of the year the bass are really feeding up. Shad is the main food source for them now so any white or shad colored lures like the ones listed above work great. Stay in the main channel and other creeks and concentrate on the cuts, intersections and bends along the edges of the channel. Sometimes you might find them schooling on a nearby flat from the channels.

LOCATION: Lake Conroe HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 30 25.083, W 95 35.55 (30.4181, -95.5925)

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936-661-7920 admin@fishdudetx.com www.fishdudetx.com TIPS: The hybrid stripers are schooling around ledges along the river channel. Find the schools of shad and you will find the hybrids. This time of year they will run shad up on these ridges. During the day they will move deeper around the area. Find the depth the baitfish are in and you will find the fish. As the water temperatures drop they will be in the 30 to 40 foot depths. Live shad will be the bait of choice in deeper water but the swim shad will work as long as you can control your retrieve to keep the bait in the depth the fish are going to be in. The depths will vary from one day to the next. Today they may be in 20 foot of water and tomorrow they may be in 40 foot. It all depends on the schools of shad. Good luck and good fishing!

LOCATION: Lake Fork HOTSPOT: Little Caney Creek GPS: N 32 49.6979, W 95 33.426 (32.8283, -95.5571)

SPECIES: Hybrid Stripers BEST BAITS: Live shad, Storm Swim shad CONTACT: Richard Tatsch

11/11/17 10:15 AM

FISHING HOTSPOTS u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: Crappie

BEST BAITS: Minnows, Electric Chicken (pink/green or chartreuse) colored jigs CONTACT: Doug Shampine 940-902-3855 doug@lakeforktrophybass.com www.lakeforktrophybass.com TIPS: December crappie fishing on Lake Fork means a change in the way we look at the size of the crappie.

Normally we can only keep a crappie that is 10” or better. But starting in December we keep our first 25 with no

10” rule. So now it will be easier to get your limit, which is 25 per person per day. Unless we have a lot of cold weather in November, the crappie fishing in December will be very good. I normally find crappie in my brush piles in the 18-26 foot range. The crappie will be feeding up for the colder months so the bite will be aggressive. Late December they will start showing up on the deeper flats in the mouth of Little Caney, so watch your electronics for bait fish and the crappie will be close by.

LOCATION: Lake Fork HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 32 48.738, W 95 36.372 (32.8123, -95.6062)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Lipless rattle baits, spinnerbaits, 1/2 oz.

Universal Jigs from Finch Nasty Bait Co. in black and blue rigged with a Grandebass Mega Claws in Green Pumpkin, umbrella rigs CONTACT: Lance Vick 903-312-0609 lance@lakeforkbass.com www.guideonlakefork.com TIPS: “Everyone should be hunting in December but if you feel the need to catch a bass, look for shallow grass on secondary points leading to flats. Fish with lipless rattle baits or slow roll a spinnerbait, If that doesn’t work try a 1/2 oz. “”U Jig”” from Finch Nasty. Flip standing timber in the creek channel, which swings 2 to 10 feet deep. In the case of deep fish, they may be suspended over humps and points 20-30 feet deep. Try an umbrella rig. Good fishin’ to all and Merry Christmas!”

LOCATION: Lake Livingston HOTSPOT: 190 Road Bed - Middle Bridge GPS: N 30 51.8406, W 95 25.356 (30.8640, -95.4226)

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SPECIES: Blue Catfish BEST BAITS: Fresh 4” cut shad, fresh chicken livers, Danny King’s Punch Bait CONTACT: David S. Cox, Palmetto Guide Service 936-291-9602 dave@palmettoguideservice.com www.palmettoguideservice.com TIPS: Anchor directly on top of the old bridge. Fish straight down to the top of the old road bed 15 feet deep.

For the bigger blue cats, fish the deeper side of the old bridge in 18-22 feet. Water here is about 30 feet deep.

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FISHING HOTSPOTS BANK ACCESS: Launch out of Governor’s Point on the west side near Point Blank.

LOCATION: Toledo Bend North HOTSPOT: “Fisherman’s Wharf” River Ledge/Bar GPS: N 31 46.644, W 93 49.602 u TAP FOR (31.7774, -93.8267)

ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: White Bass & Crappie BEST BAITS: Slab spoons & Rat-L-Traps for the sandies and shiners and jigs for the crappie.

CONTACT: Greg Crafts, Toledo Bend Guide Service and Lake Cottages 936-368-7151 gregcrafts@yahoo.com www.toledobendguide.com TIPS: My Annual Christmas gift to you: two “Hotspot” species in one location. Catch both crappie and white bass. Here on Toledo Bend we are blessed to be able to fish year round. December is the time to kill two birds with one stone, or I should say two limits of fish with one rod and two baits in the same relative location. December is a prime month to be fishing on the north-end of the lake for both crappie and white bass. The crappie will be bunched up on the main lake river channel ledges over planted and natural brush. The white bass will be on the channel sandbars.

kingscreekadventures@yahoo.com www.kingscreekadventures.com TIPS: The technique we are using this month is drift fishing for catfish. Fish long stretches in deep water throughout the lake. Fresh cut shad or roughfish is the best bait.

Just cover lots of water in various depths from 20’ to 40’ deep. Use big tackle for big fish!

teamredneck01@hotmail.com www.teamredneck.net TIPS: Winter time fishing is here. The water is cold and the bite is hot! The cold water temperatures have pushed the bait from the creeks and they have ganged up in a “safety in numbers” type of deal in the main lake. Some of the satellite schools of stripers have merged into larger schools and are trapping the bait to the surface and up in the cuts along the shoreline as well as in the mouths of some of the creeks. This has been trapping the bait between colder shallow water and the open water. With the 3/4 oz. lead head and swim bait you can make long casts and count your bait down about a foot per second. Then make a medium to slow retrieve and really load the boat.

On days that the fish aren’t pushing the bait to the surface we are making long casts with the swim baits and slow trolling (strolling) with the trolling motor set on a medium slow speed. Remember the water is cold and the shad are lethargic. When think your fishing slow enough, slow down a little more. RSR lures 1 oz. chartreuse and holographic slabs and the white with holographic are producing a lot of white bass. Find the schools on ledges and edges and drop the slab to the bottom, bouncing it up and down.

Remember to work it slowly and try different columns of the water to figure out which depth produces fish.

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

LOCATION: Cooper Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 33 18.318, W 95 41.13 (33.3053, -95.6855)

SPECIES: White Bass and Hybrid Stripers BEST BAITS: Zoom Super Fluke in shad color rigged on a 1 1/2oz jig head CONTACT: Tony Parker’s Guide Service (903)348-1619 tawakonifishing@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/tonyparker.fishingguide TIPS: I will be using a technique called “dead sticking.”

This is fishing an artificial lure like you would live bait. I will locate schools of hybrids and white bass in the deepest part of the lake around schools of bait. The fish and baitfish will be suspended in the deeper sections of the lake. Once I find what I am looking for on my electronics I will drop my lure down to the depth where I located the schools of fish. Once I get it down to the right depth I will drift over these schools of fish. The bite will usually be just a thump. Set the hook on any thump you feel. This is one of the best times of the year for big numbers of large fish.

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PRAIRIES & LAKES

Whitney Winter Wonders

by DUSTIN WARNCKE and DEAN HEFFNER LOCATION: Lake Whitney HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 31 54.8279, W 97 21.1019 (31.9138, -97.3517)

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SPECIES: Striped Bass & White Bass BEST BAITS: 1/2 oz. Stripaholic jigs from www.rsrlures. com with 4” chartreuse swim baits, 1 oz. slabs CONTACT: Randy Routh 817-822-5539

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass and Crappie BEST BAITS: Bass: spinnerbaits and Rat-L-Traps | Crappie: minnows and jigs CONTACT: Carey Thorn 469-528-0210 thorn_alex@yahoo.com TexasOklahomaFishingGuide.com TIPS: For bass, throw spinnerbaits and Rat-L-Traps along the weed line. Crappie are under the bridge this time of year. Minnows and jigs are your best bet right now.

LOCATION: Cedar Creek Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 32 18.906, W 96 9.72 (32.3151, -96.1620)

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LOCATION: Eagle Mountain Lake HOTSPOT: Twin Points Humps GPS: N 32 53.16, W 97 29.672 (32.8860, -97.4945)

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SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: Slabs with a fly 12 “ above, or Mepps spinnerbaits CONTACT: Johnny Stevens 817-597-6598 johnnystevens@1scom.net johnnysguideservice.com TIPS: This area has two very large humps surrounded by deeper water. During the lake fall shad congregate around these humps and the sand bass follow. I find the shad and fish on the electronics and jig straight up and down with a slab and fly and many times you will get a double. For people who like to cast. Fan cast over the humps with a

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SPECIES: Blue Catfish BEST BAITS: Fresh cut shad or other cut bait CONTACT: Jason Barber 903-603-2047

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FISHING HOTSPOTS Mepps spinner worked very slowly off the bottom.

LOCATION: Fayette County HOTSPOT: Pond at End of Discharge GPS: N 29 55.662, W 96 45.054 (29.9277, -96.7509)

TIPS: Now is a good time to catch blue catfish on jug lines fished all over the main lake. Depth of water really doesn’t matter. Some places to start would be windy sides of the lake. Shad are blown into these areas and thus concentrate the hungry blues. I like to use #11/0 Mustad circle hooks with no more that two hooks on each jug line.

Good luck!

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LOCATION: Lake Granbury HOTSPOT: Rough Creek GPS: N 32 24.9354, W 97 47.2602 (32.4156, -97.7877)

SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: CJ’s Punch Bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk 979-229-3103 weldon_edna@hotmail.com www.fishtales-guideservice.com TIPS: This pond is just right of discharge. Water is cooling here now. Rocks are close by and there is a sand bottom near rocks. Fish tight line here. Fish shallow at night and 10’ deep in daytime.

LOCATION: Gibbons Creek HOTSPOT: Island Near Boat Ramp GPS: N 30 37.098, W 96 3.4619 (30.6183, -96.0577)

SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: Shad or CJ’s Punch Bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk 979-229-3103 weldon_edna@hotmail.com www.fishtales-guideservice.com TIPS: Water is shallow here with stumps close to the bank. Anchor in stumps. Use tight line or slip cork close to the boat. Chumming helps the action heat up.

LOCATION: Granger Lake HOTSPOT: Open Lake Flats GPS: N 30 42.216, W 97 21.324 (30.7036, -97.3554)

LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 33 5.5079, W 96 28.6799 (33.0918, -96.4780)

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SPECIES: White Bass & Crappie BEST BAITS: Flukes CONTACT: Carey Thorn 469-528-0210 thorn_alex@yahoo.com TexasOklahomaFishingGuide.com TIPS: Both white bass and crappie will be suspended in about 18-25 feet this time of year. Tapping on the boat with a rubber mallet or a broom stick will usually call them

SPECIES: Blue Catfish BEST BAITS: Shad, cut bait CONTACT: Tommy Tidwell 512-365-7761 crappie1@hotmail.com www.gotcrappie.com 2 0 1 7

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LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: River Channel GPS: N 32 3.666, W 95 26.4479 (32.0611, -95.4408)

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SPECIES: White and Black Crappie BEST BAITS: Live minnows and small jigs (electric chicken, blue ghost, and chartreuse and white) CONTACT: Michael W. Acosta, Unfair Advantage Charters 817-578-0023 TIPS: Work over structure slowly and work deeper until you locate the best depth. Bridge pilings can also be a great choice on those colder days. Fish maybe suspended.

Water temperatures continue to fall into the 50’s. Winter patterns are in place after the first freeze. Wintering Birds have returned and are pointing anglers to active feeding fish from the dam to the river above Granbury. Passing cool fronts continue to dominate the weather pattern.

White bass and stripers are schooling early and late and then are on structure when not on the surface. Slabbing lead slabs and Mepps spinners are best for putting sandies in the boat. 5 inch swimbaits and jerkbaits worked slowly are putting stripers in the boat. Catfish action is great on cut shad and hotdogs in creek channels in 8 to 15 feet of water. Black bass action is good on Carolina rigs worked on drop offs near lake points. Largemouth bass to 7lbs are possible.

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in as they will come to investigate the noise. Dead sticking flukes is usually the best bet.

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: “ 1/4 oz. Big Eye Jigs in black/blue” CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff 903-561-7299 or 903-530-2201 ricky@rickeysguideservice.com www.rickeysguideservice.com TIPS: Bass fishing has been good in the river channel.

Pitch around the stumps located along the river channel in 4-6 feet of water. Fish your lure slow for best results.

LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: Rocky Creek Road Bed GPS: N 30 18.522, W 96 33.39 (30.3087, -96.5565)

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SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: Cut shad CONTACT: Weldon Kirk 979-229-3103 weldon_edna@hotmail.com www.fishtales-guideservice.com TIPS: Fish Carolina rig with shad using a 3/4 ounce egg sinker and tight line. Water is 18’ deep here.

LOCATION: Lake Texoma HOTSPOT: Juniper Point East GPS: N 33 51.888, W 96 49.8779 (33.8648, -96.8313)

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SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: “4”” to 6”” Sassy Shad on 1 oz. jig heads, Road Runner 1 oz. white jigs with a 7”” worm” CONTACT: Bill Carey 903-786-4477

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FISHING HOTSPOTS bigfish@striperexpress.com www.striperexpress.com TIPS: “Few anglers know how good fishing is in December. Cool water temperatures make the fish go into a frenzy. Large fish up to 20 pounds will be on the prowl.

A 4”” to 6”” Sassy Shad on a 1 oz. jig head will work the best. Texoma’s stripers prefer White Glow and chartreuse colors. Road Runner 1 oz. white jigs with a 7”” worm are deadly on the big fish holding an structure. Fish the main lake points, mouths of creeks and humps near deep water.

Always keep your eyes on the seagulls. Large schools of stripers can be under the birds. Bank Access: Juniper Point East” LOCATION: Ray Roberts Lake HOTSPOT: Johnson Branch GPS: N 33 24.084, W 97 2.812 (33.4014, -97.0469)

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SPECIES: Hybrid Stripers BEST BAITS: 1 oz. Silver Glitter RSR Shad slabs (www. rsrlures.com) CONTACT: Royce Simmons 903-389-4117

SPECIES: White Crappie BEST BAITS: Jigs CONTACT: Michael D. Homer Jr., TPWD 325-692-0921 michael.homer@tpwd.texas.gov TIPS: Fort Phantom Hill has seen a boost in its crappie population since catching water in 2015 and 2016. In December, crappie can be fished off the bottom with 1/814 oz. jigs. This same location has produced great crappie catches throughout the year.

PK Fish Action Mushrooms

by DUSTIN WARNCKE and DEAN HEFFNER LOCATION: Possum Kingdom HOTSPOT: Mushroom Tree Flats GPS: N 32 56.705, W 98 26.281 (32.9451, -98.4380)

LOCATION: Lake Alan Henry HOTSPOT: Main Lake Creeks GPS: N 33 1.6679, W 101 6.5459 (33.0278, -101.1091)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: “ Shaky head jigs, crankbaits, bass jigs” CONTACT: Norman Clayton’s Guide Services 806-792-9220 nclayton42@sbcglobal.net www.lakealanhenry.com/norman_clayton.htm TIPS: “In December the bass will be hitting crankbaits and jigs, especially shaky head jigs.

Depending on the amount of cool down, the bass will still be fairly shallow. Any of the steep banks close to deep water will be the place to start looking. If the water is still 50 degrees or above, the bass can still be caught up the creeks. Look up Gobbler, Ince, Rocky, Little Grape, and Big Grape Creeks using shad and blue gill colored crank baits.”

SPECIES: All species BEST BAITS: Live bait, crankbaits, jigs, and slabs CONTACT: Dean Heffner 940-329-0036 fav7734@aceweb.com TIPS: All the fish that will be making their annual spawn/ run up the Brazos will start to feed up into this area before pushing baitfish ahead of them up the river for 50 miles.

So this is a great spot to be in December. The stripers, white bass, catfish, largemouth and will be making this run as soon as any early spring floodwaters arrive. Live bait is best or even fresh dead shad, otherwise we troll RatLTraps, crankbaits, jigs and slabs. We always use the Mister Twister Curly Tail on our jigs (they add tremendously to how many fish you’ll catch because nothing else beats that tail action). Don’t forget these are our seed fish in years, so keep a few and release the rest. We are one of only two lakes in the state where stripers spawn naturally! The best eaters of stripers and hybrids are the 18- to 24-inchers, anyway. They won`t have as much red meat and are great with my picante sauce recipe. Just soak in Pace HOT Picante sauce 30 minutes to an hour, depending on if you want heat. They are perfect at 30 but if you soak in the frig for an hour ,then they are spicy hot. Then just batter with your favorite cornmeal mix, fry in peanut oil at 350 degrees

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SPECIES: Crappie/ White Bass BEST BAITS: Minnows, 3/4-1oz slabs CONTACT: Justin Wilson 214-538-2780 justinwilson371@yahoo.com TIPS: Winter weather is here but if you can bare the weather it can make for some excellent fishing. White bass bite has been consistent. Look for big schools of fish stacking up on points and flats close to creek channels in 20-30 foot of water. Slabs off the bottom have been the best with bucktail teasers tied on as well. With little boat traffic it’s been easier to stay on fish once you find them.

The crappie bite has been better than the past months and more keeper fish are being caught. Look for these fish holding close to brush piles in 20-30 foot of water. Jigs are working well but the quality of fish seems to be better on minnows. Bridge pylons and other concrete/rock structure has been good as well. Pro tip: Tie a bucktail teaser hook with a Palomar knot with a long enough tag end to tie your slab on to catch multiple white bass. I try to keep the teaser 12-18” above the slab.

LOCATION: Richland Chambers Lake HOTSPOT: Windsock Point GPS: N 31 56.586, W 96 7.452 (31.9431, -96.1242)

for 12 to 15 minutes and… pure bliss! LOCATION: Fort Phantom Hill Res. HOTSPOT: Main Body GPS: N 32 34.8359, W 99 41.202 u TAP FOR (32.5806, -99.6867)

simmonsroyce@hotmail.com www.gonefishin.biz TIPS: “As long as we have the normal pleasant December temperatures, you can fish the Windsock Point in the far Southeast corner of the lake near the dam and the Hwy 309 Flats. Expect to be on fish as fish will relate to the deeper sides ( 30’-35’ depths) of the Windsock Point and will be on or near the bottom. I use a 1 oz. RSR Silver Glitter slab and jig it slowly off the bottom. Keep the drag set loosely on your reel as this is a prime time to hook into a large hybrid striper. The initial “hit and run” is when most folks loose these large fish! The largest hybrid one of my customers has caught came on December 27th a couple of years ago and weighed 15.51 lbs.!”

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FISHING HOTSPOTS SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Live shad, top water plugs, jigs, and slabs CONTACT: Ken Milam 325-379-2051 kmilam@verizon.net www.striperfever.com.com TIPS: Stripers will be schooled on the upper end of the lake around Garret Island area. Watch for feeding flocks of sea gulls. Stripers, hybrid stripers and white bass will be feeding under those. But best bait will be live bait but artificials will work as well.

BIG BEND

Open a Box of Amistad Bass

by DUSTIN WARNCKE LOCATION: Amistad HOTSPOT: Box Canyon GPS: N29 31.55466 W101 9.9786 (29.525911, -101.16631)

LOCATION: Lake Austin HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 30 21.03, W 97 47.826 (30.3505, -97.7971)

Grin and Garret for Buch Stripers

LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Potters Creek Park GPS: N 29 54.1799, W 98 16.134 (29.9030, -98.2689)

by DUSTIN WARNCKE

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SPECIES: Striped Bass & White Bass BEST BAITS: 5/8 oz. Red Hoginar CONTACT: Capt. Steve Nixon, Fishhooks Adventures 210-573-1230

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Picasso Double Underspin, Picasso Flashback Rig, V&M Pacemaker Jigs, V&M Wild Lizzie 6.5, V&M Thunder Shad Jr, V&M Ledge Blade, Bass Mafia Boxes, Custom Angle Rods, StormR Cold Weather Gear CONTACT: Brian Parker - Lake Austin Fishing 817-808-2227 lakeaustinfishing@yahoo.com www.LakeAustinFishing.com TIPS: I consider December bass fishing in Texas the best month and the best weather to catch giants. Picasso Lures have 2 new baits, the Double Underspin and the Flashback. Use a V&M Thunder Shad and Thunder Shad Jr trailer. If there’s wind on the water, I will throw the Picasso Flashback loaded with V&M Thunder Shad Jr’s or The Picasso Double Underspin with a V&M Thunder Shad trailer. Cloudy or low light conditions I like using non glitter colors and sunny conditions I use some glitter trailers. If there’s no wind, I will go to deeper water and throw a V&M Pacemaker jig or a Texas rigged V&M Wild Lizzie 6.5. I work them very slowly or crawl it to entice those big girls to eat. If I feel the big fish want a moving bait deep I will tie on a V&M 1oz Ledge Blade with a Thunder Shad trailer and slow roll it across breaks.

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LOCATION: Lake Buchanan HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 30 51.582, W 98 25.4519 (30.8597, -98.4242)

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SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Plastic worms, lizards, jigs CONTACT: James Burkeen 830-734-9652 jjburkeen@gmail.com amistadfishin.com TIPS: Fish the plastic worms and lizards on a Carolina rig with an 18-inch leader and one-quarter ounce weight.

Fish the deep pockets in the middle of the draws and creek channels. Fish very slowly and look for a light bite. During the middle of the day, a deep-diving crank bait worked atop the grass in the deeper cuts will work. Let the lures tick the top of the grass beds for best results.

LOCATION: Lake Buchanan HOTSPOT: Garret Island Area GPS: N 30 50.814, W 98 24.9539 (30.8469, -98.4159)

capt.steve@sanantoniofishingguides.com http://www.sanantoniofishingguides.com TIPS: Fish from the point back to the swim beach casting out the spoon and try to maintain a depth of 20 to 40 feet.

The striped bass and white bass like to school in this area this time of year. Tight lines and fish on!

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SPECIES: Striped Bass and White Bass BEST BAITS: Striper: Live shad, 1 oz. Roadrunner jigs with flirt tails in white and yellow/chartreuse-any combination | White Bass: white and chartreuse slabs for jigging and small spinners and Rat-L-Traps for top water CONTACT: Clancy Terrill 512-633-6742 centraltexasfishing@gmail.com www.centraltexasfishing.com TIPS: Stripers should be improving with cooler water on the way. Cold water holds oxygen better than warm or hot water. These fish should be gathering together to make their migration up the lake but will be concentrated in the channel with feeding times on the deep ridges near the channels and over the tops of the trees. Drifting live bait or trolling 1 oz. Roadrunners with flirt tail seems to yield the best results. Fish mid-lake up towards Rocky Point. Whites are gathering and moving up the lake and should be found on ridges and humps from mid-lake to Garrett Island.

LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Cranes Mill Point GPS: N 29 54.1679, W 98 17.6879 (29.9028, -98.2948)

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SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Bass Assassin 5’’ Shad Assassin CONTACT: Steve Nixon, Fishhooks Adventures 210-573-1230 steve@sanantoniofishingguides.com www.sanantoniofishingguides.com TIPS: You can find the fish close to the river channel and around the point. Dead sticking the Shad Assassin close to the river channel on a slow drift produces some good catches this time of year.

LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: 1st Guadalupe Bend Area

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FISHING HOTSPOTS GPS: N 29 53.562, W 98 19.35 (29.8927, -98.3225)

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SPECIES: White Bass and Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Live shad, small shad-colored topwater lures, small spinnerbaits CONTACT: Clancy Terrill 512-633-6742 centraltexasfishing@yahoo.com www.centraltexasfishing.com TIPS: “Fish top water lures early in mornings scattered all over the lake. This action doesn’t last long so be prepared with small shad colored topwaters and small spinners.

Drift live bait on downwind side of the lake in coves and over ridges as well as near trees later in the morning and afternoon.”

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass and Crappie BEST BAITS: Top water lures, spinnerbaits, squarebilled crankbaits, and wacky-rigged worms CONTACT: Teach ‘Em to Fish Guide Service-Barry Dodd 210-771-0123 barry@teachemtofish.net www.teachemtofish.net TIPS: Both bass and crappie are still chasing schools of baitfish, so they are in one place today and another place tomorrow. The cool fronts are becoming more influential on the surface water temperature and can drop several degrees overnight. Game fish respond to prefrontal conditions with feeding frenzies but have lock-jaw with postfrontal conditions. This river bend area has lots of cover and shallows adjacent to deep water. Crappie, largemouth bass, white bass and stripers frequent this area.

LOCATION: Lake Buchanan HOTSPOT: Upper end of the Lake GPS: N 30 52.1759, W 98 26.13 (30.8696, -98.4355)

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LOCATION: Lake Buchanan HOTSPOT: Main Lake Coves and Ridges GPS: N 30 48.732, W 98 26.2739 (30.8122, -98.4379)

SPECIES: Striped Bass and White Bass

BEST BAITS: Live shad/perch, cut bait, jigs and slabs CONTACT: Ken Miliam 325-379-2051 kmilam@verizon.net www.striperfever.com.com TIPS: “Stripers will be on the upper end of the lake. The best bait is live shad or perch or even cut bait. But if you’re into fooling the stripers, jigs and slabs would be best.

White bass will also be in this area thinking about the spawn. So every thing will be looking for something to eat.”

LOCATION: Lake LBJ HOTSPOT: Colorado Arm Area GPS: N 30 40.53, W 98 24.738 (30.6755, -98.4123)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass and Crappie BEST BAITS: Top water lures, spinnerbaits, squarebilled crankbaits, and wacky-rigged worms CONTACT: Teach ‘Em to Fish Guide Service-Barry Dodd 210-771-0123 barry@teachemtofish.net www.teachemtofish.net TIPS: Both bass and crappie are still chasing schools of baitfish, so they are in one place today and another place tomorrow. The cool fronts are becoming more influential on the surface water temperature and can drop several degrees overnight. Game fish respond to prefrontal conditions with feeding frenzies but have lock-jaw with postfrontal conditions. This area has a good break lines and convenient to shallow water for crowding baitfish against the break. Work slowly moving up and down the break lines while watching for cover and schools of fish holding over the cover on your electronics.

SOUTH TEXAS

Coleto Bass Hide in the Hydrilla

by DUSTIN WARNCKE LOCATION: Coleto Creek Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 28 45.792, W 97 11.3219 (28.7632, -97.1887)

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even a little. Till next year may your bites be big and your fish be healthy. GOD bless us all!

LOCATION: Falcon Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 26 41.166, W 99 10.7759 (26.6861, -99.1796)

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Zoom pearl white or watermelon fluke using a 4/0 worm hook rigged weedless CONTACT: Rocky’s Guide Service 361-960-0566 TIPS: December is probably one of my favorite months to fish Coleto lake. Don’t let the fish fool you! They will be shallow around the hydrilla. Both ends of the lake will be good. I like the north end the best this time of year. I usually my twitch my lure slow letting it sink a little then twitch it here and there. The big ones can’t resist it. It’s not uncommon to catch from 30 to 50 fish a day. They might not be lake records but you’ll be sure to catch some nice ones. Sunny days I dip my lures in in chartreuse as it seems to trigger more bites. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to write these past articles. Dustin does a great job getting them out to you so I applaud him for his efforts.

Its not always in the catching for me, it’s mostly the fishing. We hope we have improved your fishing technique

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Crankbaits, spinner baits and plastics CONTACT: Scott Springer 361-274-4899 outfitterscott@yahoo.com TIPS: Water temperature will be cooling down and the fishing should really improve. Crank baits and spinners should be players but plastics will still be your best bet.

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Crankbaits in chartreuse and black patterns CONTACT: Scott Springer 361-274-4899 outfitterscott@yahoo.com TIPS: A few areas have shallow hydrilla, most of it being in the Mason Point area. With the water cooling down more now, fish should be moving into these areas. Also fish secondary points in the Four Fingers area.

LOCATION: Choke Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 28 28.518, W 98 21.7739 (28.4753, -98.3629)

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: 6:31a : 6:55p

: 7:58a : 8:24p

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

FRIDAY

Dec 1 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

12:43AM 7:49AM 3:23PM 8:12PM

PRIME TIME 1.30 ft.

-0.06 ft.

1.43 ft.

1.04 ft.

9:30 — 11:30 PM

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 6:55aSet: 5:20p Moonrise: 4:07pSet: 4:28a AM Minor: 2:31a AM Major: 8:44a PM Minor: 2:58p PM Major: 9:12p

2« High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

Moon Overhead: 10:48p Moon Underfoot: 10:20a

FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

1:04AM 8:31AM 4:23PM 9:09PM

1.33 ft.

-0.31 ft.

1.54 ft.

1.15 ft.

10:30P — 12:30A

Moon Overhead: 11:46p Moon Underfoot: 11:17a

FEET

+3.0

12a 12a

Sunrise: 6:56aSet: 5:20p Moonrise: 4:55pSet: 5:34a AM Minor: 3:21a AM Major: 9:35a PM Minor: 3:49p PM Major: 10:04p

PRIME TIME

9p

12a 12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a

SUNDAY

3«

PRIME TIME

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

1:29AM 9:16AM 5:21PM 10:04PM

1.36 ft.

-0.51 ft.

1.60 ft.

1.24 ft.

5:00 — 7:00 AM

Sunrise: 6:57aSet: 5:20p Moonrise: 5:48pSet: 6:42a AM Minor: 4:16a AM Major: 10:31a PM Minor: 4:47p PM Major: 11:02p Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 12:16p

FEET

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

READING THE GRAPH

Moon Overhead

+3.0

Moon Underfoot

+2.0

Day’s Best Score

Fishing Score Graph

+1.0

Day’s 2nd Best Score

Best Days Overall

MOON PHASES

l = New Moon

0

º

= First Quarter

l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter

«= Good Day by Moon Phase 12a 12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

T E X A S

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11/11/17 10:31 AM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

MONDAY

4l

PRIME TIME

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

1:59AM 10:04AM 6:20PM 11:02PM

1.39 ft.

-0.63 ft.

1.62 ft.

1.28 ft.

6:00 — 8:00 AM

TUESDAY

Sunrise: 6:57aSet: 5:20p Moonrise: 6:46pSet: 7:49a AM Minor: 5:18a AM Major: 11:34a PM Minor: 5:49p PM Major: ----Moon Overhead: 12:47a Moon Underfoot: 1:18p

FEET

5«

PRIME TIME

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

2:33AM 10:55AM 7:17PM

1.39 ft.

-0.66 ft.

1.59 ft.

6:30 — 8:30

Sunrise: 6:58aSet: 5:20p Moonrise: 7:49pSet: 8:53a AM Minor: 6:24a AM Major: 12:09a PM Minor: 6:56p PM Major: 12:40p Moon Overhead: 1:50a Moon Underfoot: 2:21p

FEET

8

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

+3.0

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

0

12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

12a 12a

9p

3a

6a

9a

WEDNESDAY

6«

PRIME TIME

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

12:06AM 3:12AM 11:48AM 8:14PM

1.28 ft.

1.34 ft.

-0.60 ft.

1.52 ft.

7:00 — 9:00 AM

Sunrise: 6:59aSet: 5:20p Moonrise: 8:55pSet: 9:53a AM Minor: 7:32a AM Major: 1:17a PM Minor: 8:03p PM Major: 1:48p Moon Overhead: 2:52a Moon Underfoot: 3:23p

FEET

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a 12a

THURSDAY

7

PRIME TIME

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

1:33AM 4:00AM 12:44PM 9:06PM

1.22 ft.

1.24 ft.

-0.45 ft.

1.44 ft.

8:00 — 10:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:00aSet: 5:20p Moonrise: 10:00pSet: 10:47a AM Minor: 8:39a AM Major: 2:25a PM Minor: 9:09p PM Major: 2:54p

10 » Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

Moon Overhead: 3:53a Moon Underfoot: 4:22p

FEET

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

0

12a

3a

66

6a

|

9a

12p

D E C E M B E R

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T E X A S

12a 12a

F I S H

3a

&

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a 12a

G A M E ®

11/11/17 10:31 AM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

FRIDAY

: 12:09a : 12:40p

a : 2:25a : 2:54p

8

PRIME TIME

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

3:29AM 5:16AM 1:42PM 9:53PM

1.08 ft.

1.09 ft.

-0.25 ft.

1.35 ft.

4:00 — 6:00 AM

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 7:00aSet: 5:20p Moonrise: 11:04pSet: 11:34a AM Minor: 9:42a AM Major: 3:29a PM Minor: 10:10p PM Major: 3:56p

9

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

Moon Overhead: 4:50a Moon Underfoot: 5:17p

FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

4:42AM 7:24AM 2:45PM 10:32PM

0.88 ft.

0.93 ft.

-0.02 ft.

1.26 ft.

4:30 — 6:30 AM

Moon Overhead: 5:43a Moon Underfoot: 6:09p

FEET

+3.0

12a 12a

Sunrise: 7:01aSet: 5:20p Moonrise: NoneSet: 12:17p AM Minor: 10:39a AM Major: 4:27a PM Minor: 11:05p PM Major: 4:52p

PRIME TIME

9p

12a 12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a

SUNDAY

10 »

PRIME TIME

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

5:29AM 9:31AM 3:54PM 11:06PM

0.66 ft.

0.84 ft.

0.23 ft.

1.18 ft.

5:30 — 7:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:02aSet: 5:20p Moonrise: 12:05aSet: 12:56p AM Minor: 11:30a AM Major: 5:18a PM Minor: 11:55p PM Major: 5:43p

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

READING THE GRAPH

Moon Overhead: 6:33a Moon Underfoot: 6:57p

FEET

Moon Overhead

+3.0

Moon Underfoot

+2.0

Day’s Best Score

Fishing Score Graph

+1.0

Day’s 2nd Best Score

Best Days Overall

MOON PHASES

l = New Moon

0

º

= First Quarter

l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter

«= Good Day by Moon Phase 12a 12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

T E X A S

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11/11/17 10:31 AM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

MONDAY

11

PRIME TIME

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

6:09AM 11:25AM 5:09PM 11:34PM

0.42 ft.

0.85 ft.

0.45 ft.

1.11 ft.

7:30 — 9:30 PM

TUESDAY

Sunrise: 7:02aSet: 5:20p Moonrise: 1:03aSet: 1:32p AM Minor: ----AM Major: 6:05a PM Minor: 12:16p PM Major: 6:28p Moon Overhead: 7:20a Moon Underfoot: 7:43p

FEET

12

PRIME TIME

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

6:46AM 1:02PM 6:27PM 11:59PM

0.20 ft.

0.93 ft.

0.63 ft.

1.07 ft.

8:00 — 10:00 PM

Sunrise: 7:03aSet: 5:21p Moonrise: 1:59aSet: 2:07p AM Minor: 12:35a AM Major: 6:46a PM Minor: 12:58p PM Major: 7:09p

15

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

Moon Overhead: 8:05a Moon Underfoot: 8:27p

FEET

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

0

12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

12a 12a

9p

3a

6a

9a

WEDNESDAY

13

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

7:21AM 2:21PM 7:40PM

0.02 ft.

1.03 ft.

0.78 ft.

9:30 — 11:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:04aSet: 5:21p Moonrise: 2:53aSet: 2:41p AM Minor: 1:15a AM Major: 7:26a PM Minor: 1:37p PM Major: 7:48p Moon Overhead: 8:50a Moon Underfoot: 9:12p

FEET

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a 12a

THURSDAY

14

PRIME TIME

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

12:21AM 7:53AM 3:23PM 8:41PM

1.05 ft.

-0.13 ft.

1.12 ft.

0.88 ft.

10:30A — 12:30P

Sunrise: 7:04aSet: 5:21p Moonrise: 3:47aSet: 3:17p AM Minor: 1:54a AM Major: 8:05a PM Minor: 2:16p PM Major: 8:27p

17 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

Moon Overhead: 9:34a Moon Underfoot: 9:56p

FEET

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

0

12a

3a

68

6a

|

9a

12p

D E C E M B E R

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T E X A S

12a 12a

F I S H

3a

&

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a 12a

G A M E ®

11/11/17 10:31 AM

: 6:46a : 7:09p

: 8:05a : 8:27p

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

FRIDAY

15

PRIME TIME

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

12:42AM 8:23AM 4:13PM 9:32PM

1.05 ft.

-0.24 ft.

1.18 ft.

0.96 ft.

11:00A — 1:00P

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 7:05aSet: 5:22p Moonrise: 4:40aSet: 3:54p AM Minor: 2:33a AM Major: 8:44a PM Minor: 2:56p PM Major: 9:07p

16 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

Moon Overhead: 10:19a Moon Underfoot: 10:41p

FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

1:01AM 8:53AM 4:55PM 10:10PM

1.06 ft.

-0.32 ft.

1.21 ft.

1.01 ft.

11:30A — 1:30P

Moon Overhead: 11:04a Moon Underfoot: 11:28p

FEET

+3.0

12a 12a

Sunrise: 7:06aSet: 5:22p Moonrise: 5:33aSet: 4:34p AM Minor: 3:15a AM Major: 9:26a PM Minor: 3:38p PM Major: 9:49p

PRIME TIME

9p

12a 12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a

SUNDAY

17 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME 1:20AM 9:23AM 5:33PM 10:37PM

1.07 ft.

-0.36 ft.

1.23 ft.

1.03 ft.

8:00 — 10:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:06aSet: 5:22p Moonrise: 6:25aSet: 5:16p AM Minor: 3:58a AM Major: 10:10a PM Minor: 4:22p PM Major: 10:34p Moon Overhead: 11:51a Moon Underfoot: None

FEET

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

READING THE GRAPH

Moon Overhead

+3.0

Moon Underfoot

+2.0

Day’s Best Score

Fishing Score Graph

+1.0

Day’s 2nd Best Score

Best Days Overall

MOON PHASES

l = New Moon

0

º

= First Quarter

l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter

«= Good Day by Moon Phase 12a 12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

T E X A S

TexasOutdoorNation-1712-DIG.indd 69

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11/11/17 10:31 AM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

MONDAY

18 l

PRIME TIME

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

1:39AM 9:54AM 6:10PM 10:57PM

1.07 ft.

-0.38 ft.

1.22 ft.

1.04 ft.

5:00 — 7:00 AM

TUESDAY

Sunrise: 7:07aSet: 5:23p Moonrise: 7:15aSet: 6:02p AM Minor: 4:45a AM Major: 10:57a PM Minor: 5:09p PM Major: 11:21p Moon Overhead: 12:39p Moon Underfoot: 12:15a

FEET

19 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME 1:55AM 10:26AM 6:48PM 11:25PM

1.07 ft.

-0.37 ft.

1.21 ft.

1.03 ft.

5:30 — 7:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:07aSet: 5:23p Moonrise: 8:04aSet: 6:50p AM Minor: 5:34a AM Major: 11:19a PM Minor: 5:58p PM Major: ----Moon Overhead: 1:27p Moon Underfoot: 1:03a

FEET

22

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

+3.0

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

0

12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a 12a

3a

6a

9a

WEDNESDAY

20 «

PRIME TIME

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

2:05AM 10:59AM 7:26PM

1.05 ft.

-0.34 ft.

1.19 ft.

6:00 — 8:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:08aSet: 5:24p Moonrise: 8:50aSet: 7:41p AM Minor: 6:26a AM Major: 12:14a PM Minor: 6:50p PM Major: 12:38p Moon Overhead: 2:15p Moon Underfoot: 1:51a

FEET

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a 12a

THURSDAY

21

PRIME TIME

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

12:06AM 2:06AM 11:32AM 8:04PM

1.01 ft.

1.02 ft.

-0.29 ft.

1.17 ft.

7:00 — 9:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:08aSet: 5:24p Moonrise: 9:33aSet: 8:33p AM Minor: 7:18a AM Major: 1:06a PM Minor: 7:41p PM Major: 1:30p

24

Low Tide: High Tide:

Moon Overhead: 3:02p Moon Underfoot: 2:39a

FEET

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

0

12a

3a

70

6a

|

9a

12p

D E C E M B E R

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T E X A S

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F I S H

3a

&

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a 12a

G A M E ®

11/11/17 10:31 AM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

FRIDAY

: 11:19a : -----

: 1:06a : 1:30p

22

PRIME TIME

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

1:19AM 1:50AM 12:07PM 8:40PM

0.97 ft.

0.97 ft.

-0.21 ft.

1.14 ft.

8:00 — 10:00 AM

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 7:09aSet: 5:24p Moonrise: 10:14aSet: 9:27p AM Minor: 8:10a AM Major: 1:58a PM Minor: 8:33p PM Major: 2:22p

23

Low Tide: High Tide:

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

3a

6a

9a

12p

-0.12 ft.

1.10 ft.

8:30 — 10:30 AM

3p

6p

Moon Overhead: 4:35p Moon Underfoot: 4:12a

FEET

+3.0

12a 12a

12:43PM 9:13PM

Moon Overhead: 3:49p Moon Underfoot: 3:26a

FEET

Sunrise: 7:09aSet: 5:25p Moonrise: 10:52aSet: 10:21p AM Minor: 9:01a AM Major: 2:50a PM Minor: 9:24p PM Major: 3:13p

PRIME TIME

9p

12a 12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a

SUNDAY

24

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide:

1:22PM 9:42PM

0.01 ft.

1.06 ft.

9:30 — 11:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:10aSet: 5:25p Moonrise: 11:29aSet: 11:16p AM Minor: 9:51a AM Major: 3:40a PM Minor: 10:14p PM Major: 4:03p

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

READING THE GRAPH

Moon Overhead: 5:20p Moon Underfoot: 4:58a

FEET

Moon Overhead

+3.0

Moon Underfoot

+2.0

Day’s Best Score

Fishing Score Graph

+1.0

Day’s 2nd Best Score

Best Days Overall

MOON PHASES

l = New Moon

0

º

= First Quarter

l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter

«= Good Day by Moon Phase 12a 12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

T E X A S

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11/11/17 10:31 AM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

MONDAY

25 º

PRIME TIME

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

5:53AM 7:06AM 2:07PM 10:05PM

0.63 ft.

0.63 ft.

0.16 ft.

1.01 ft.

10:30A — 12:30P

TUESDAY

Sunrise: 7:10aSet: 5:26p Moonrise: 12:05pSet: None AM Minor: 10:40a AM Major: 4:28a PM Minor: 11:03p PM Major: 4:51p Moon Overhead: 6:06p Moon Underfoot: 5:43a

FEET

26

PRIME TIME

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

4:58AM 10:11AM 3:00PM 10:25PM

0.43 ft.

0.61 ft.

0.34 ft.

0.98 ft.

5:30 — 7:30 PM

Sunrise: 7:10aSet: 5:27p Moonrise: 12:41pSet: 12:12a AM Minor: 11:27a AM Major: 5:15a PM Minor: 11:50p PM Major: 5:39p

29

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

Moon Overhead: 6:53p Moon Underfoot: 6:29a

FEET

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

0

12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

12a 12a

9p

3a

6a

9a

WEDNESDAY

27

PRIME TIME

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

5:23AM 12:02PM 4:05PM 10:44PM

0.20 ft.

0.71 ft.

0.53 ft.

0.97 ft.

6:30 — 8:30 PM

Sunrise: 7:11aSet: 5:27p Moonrise: 1:18pSet: 1:10a AM Minor: ----AM Major: 6:01a PM Minor: 12:13p PM Major: 6:25p Moon Overhead: 7:41p Moon Underfoot: 7:17a

FEET

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a 12a

THURSDAY

28

PRIME TIME

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

6:00AM 1:28PM 5:23PM 11:05PM

-0.08 ft.

0.87 ft.

0.70 ft.

0.99 ft.

7:30 — 9:30 PM

Sunrise: 7:11aSet: 5:28p Moonrise: 1:58pSet: 2:10a AM Minor: 12:34a AM Major: 6:46a PM Minor: 12:59p PM Major: 7:12p

31 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

Moon Overhead: 8:33p Moon Underfoot: 8:06a

FEET

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

0

12a

3a

72

6a

|

9a

12p

D E C E M B E R

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T E X A S

12a 12a

F I S H

3a

&

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a 12a

G A M E ®

11/11/17 10:31 AM

a : 5:15a : 5:39p

: 6:46a : 7:12p

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

FRIDAY

29

PRIME TIME

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

6:42AM 2:37PM 6:44PM 11:31PM

-0.35 ft.

1.03 ft.

0.84 ft.

1.03 ft.

8:30 — 10:30 PM

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 7:12aSet: 5:28p Moonrise: 2:42pSet: 3:13a AM Minor: 1:20a AM Major: 7:33a PM Minor: 1:47p PM Major: 8:01p

30

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

Moon Overhead: 9:28p Moon Underfoot: 9:00a

FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0

0

0

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

7:28AM 3:36PM 7:57PM

-0.61 ft.

1.17 ft.

0.94 ft.

9:30 — 11:30 PM

Moon Overhead: 10:26p Moon Underfoot: 9:57a

FEET

+3.0

12a 12a

Sunrise: 7:12aSet: 5:29p Moonrise: 3:31pSet: 4:19a AM Minor: 2:08a AM Major: 8:23a PM Minor: 2:37p PM Major: 8:52p

PRIME TIME

9p

12a 12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

9p

12a

SUNDAY

31 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME 12:05AM 8:16AM 4:30PM 9:11PM

1.08 ft.

-0.82 ft.

1.26 ft.

1.02 ft.

10:30P — 12:30A

Sunrise: 7:12aSet: 5:30p Moonrise: 4:26pSet: 5:26a AM Minor: 3:01a AM Major: 9:16a PM Minor: 3:32p PM Major: 9:47p

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

READING THE GRAPH

Moon Overhead: 11:28p Moon Underfoot: 10:57a

FEET

Moon Overhead

+3.0

Moon Underfoot

+2.0

Day’s Best Score

Fishing Score Graph

+1.0

Day’s 2nd Best Score

Best Days Overall

MOON PHASES

l = New Moon

0

º

= First Quarter

l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter

«= Good Day by Moon Phase 12a 12a

3a

6a

9a

12p

3p

6p

T E X A S

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11/11/17 10:31 AM

T E X A S

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Fish Game CHRISTMAS

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HAT ARE YOUR memories of Christmas as a child?

I don’t remember many Christmas presents I received as a child.

Sure, I remember the X-Wing fighter I got after “The Empire Strikes Back” came out, a BB gun (I didn’t shoot my eye out) and a few other gifts, but in reality, I forget the many, many material gifts those who loved me gave to me.

I do however remember my

by Chester Moore

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A camera can be a great gift for someone—especially a kid to get them introduced in capturing outdoors moments.

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Fish Game CHRISTMAS late uncle Jackie Moore taking his time to build me a large live trap. It touched me that he would spend his time doing that for me.

I also remember my late father Chester Moore, Sr. taking me on my first deer hunt to the Hill Country on a day lease in Llano County when I was 12 years old.

Both of those men spent a lot time with me in the woods and on the water and helped create a deep love for the outdoors that exists to this day.

As we ready for Christmas and many of us struggle with financial issues, we have an opportunity.

The kids in our lives despite how much they might beg for the latest electronic technology really crave time with us. A

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Fish Game CHRISTMAS commitment to spend time and mentor them in the great outdoors could be the definitive event in their young life where you can speak life, blessings and strength into them.

Maybe you are a master duck caller or have a deep knowledge of whitetail behavior. Perhaps you can work a topwater plug better than most or have a real knack for finding redfish in the marsh.

Passing on this knowledge to youngsters is deeply rewarding and can do as much for you as it does for them. Don’t just limit this to kids in your family but think about reaching out to kids in your community.

I have met kids right here in Texas who have never seen a deer or a raccoon

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A decade from now, the kid you buy an iPad for probably won’t remember it.

or a wild hog. They have never caught a fish or been in a boat.

A few years ago, we held a sleepover

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Bassmaster Elite Series pro Alton Jones takes a group of high school bass fishing kids fishing just before Christmas on Lake Bastrop a few years ago.

for boys at our church and did it with a campout theme. We had a grill setup and roasted weenies and marshmallows.

Numerous kids as old as 12 had never done that.

Think about that for a second. There are children in our area that have never done anything related to camping, much less hunting and fishing.

A decade from now, the kid you buy an iPad for won’t remember that, but he or she will remember the day they caught their first redfish or saw their first big buck.

No matter how far society has strayed from that original intent of Christmas based on the birth of Jesus Christ, the idea of giving continues. If you are so inclined,

put some meaning behind it this year and bless the kids of your life with the gift of outdoor mentoring this year.

Our family is strengthening our commitment to remind children in our lives the true reason for the season and to enable them to experience great things in our lives. Beyond all, that is our calling.

If we can help you help the kids in your

Editor-In-Chief Chester Moore and his daughter Faith prepare to snorkel with manatees in Crystal River, Florida.

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Fish Game CHRISTMAS life, get connected in the great outdoors, please contact me. We know there are many single mothers and others out there who don’t always have the resources.

Please feel free to reach out. We will be

glad to do what we can to come up with ideas about how to impact these families this Christmas.

Think about your early childhood for just a second. You probably thought you

could do anything. All things were possible. That’s why when teachers ask kindergarten students what they want to be

A simple squirrel hunt can become a cherished memory.

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At the end of the day mentorship involves investing time. By simply sharing links and maybe getting them a subscription, you can keep kids inspired between

than ours so when you get them involved you get all of them involved—with no hidden agendas.

Think back for a second to those pre-

field trips and outreach events.

Kids love to feel as if they are a part of something; and truthfully, they have much to offer. Kids’ hearts are much purer

cious memories you have of Christmas.

Maybe it was a new rod and reel or a cool tackle box, but maybe if you’re like me, the best memories are those times

Jaxon Slone encounters a doe on the Swenson Whitetail Ranch.

Outdoors excursions combine time with the outdoors-the best gifts possible.

when they grow up they get BIG answers such as “astronaut.” Kids really do believe they can be what they want to be.

Then at some point an adult comes along and quashes these ideas. They tell the kids no to have big hopes or they will get disappointed—or just flat out tell them they are not good enough to pursue their aspirations. For many this is a crushing defeat that lasts their entire lives and manifests itself in depression, anxiety and a deeply unfulfilled life.

You can do very simple things to help keep kids inspired.

Send them messages periodically about your trips in the great outdoors. Share cool videos and photos about their favorite animals and use your social media to salute them when they do participate in an outdoor event. Get them a subscription to Texas Fish & Game and show them how to use the app for their digital subscription. They can get access to the great outdoors 24-7.

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spent with people. Gifts are great, but showing your true love during this time of year is far more important.

Whether you are blessing a kid or kid at heart with your time, know that this Christmas, that’s what counts. Christmas is a time when anything seems possible.

Good things.

Merry Christmas!

« LEAD ARTWORK BY ALICIA TEMPLIN; INSIDE PHOTOS, CHESTER MOORE; CANSTOCK

Gifts are great, but even fishing and hunting items are not as special as time spent with loved ones.

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Bare Bones HUNTING

by LOU MARULLO :: TF&G Hunting Editor

Merry Christmas

a chipmunk searching for his breakfast, it will still entertain the perspective hunter.

It might only be a beautiful male cardinal that lands on a branch next to you, unaware of your presence. Whatever it is that happens during your companion hunt, I can assure you that, most of the time, a new hunter will be born.

Anyone who sees an unsuspecting animal up close, will experience their heart hammering in their chest. Older hunters, myself included, still have that same feeling.

I pray that I never lose that excitement. It is a major part of what hunting is all about. If your quarry appears and you make a clean, humane shot, that’s a bonus as far as I am concerned.

Getting up at dark thirty in the morning

I

CANNOT BELIEVE IT’S THAT SPEcial time of year once again. I am not talking about opening day. This is December and that means Christmas will soon be here. How fast a year rolled by. It has been 12 months since I took the tree down yet every once in a while; my feet still are finding a sharp tree needle.

One of my friends asked me once, “What do you get a guy who already has everything?”

I had to laugh a little when a woman standing close by said in a loud, robust voice, “My phone number.” It is true, however, that in my house, my family and friends always try to get me a Christmas gift that I can use while hunting.

This year, I have the perfect answer. Go hunting with me. Even if you are not a hunting enthusiast, come with me and see what nature has supplied for all of us to take the time to enjoy. As a matter of fact, if you have a child, then bring them along as well.

You see, I have reached a point in my life where I really do not care so much about bringing home venison. Oh I love the hunt and still am successful (most of the time). I just think that by introducing young and “not so young” people to this unique sport, it can only be a good thing, not only to the individual involved, but also for hunting in general.

I have watched as interest in hunting has dwindled year after year. If we, as hunters, want to see this sport survive, we have to make an all out effort to get non-hunters involved.

You only need to get them to accept your invitation to sit in a blind with you some morning. Watch their reaction when a whitetail deer feeds just a few yards away. Or look as their eyes open wide when they hear the woods around them wake to the symphony of a few morning gobbles. Even if all you see is a squirrel feasting on some nuts on the forest floor or |

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This year, I have the perfect answer.

Go hunting with me.

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may not appeal to some (ask my wife about that). It might deter them from the whole hunting experience. That’s okay. Offer them an afternoon hunt. The experience will be the same.

Of course, hunting is not for everyone no matter what you say or do. Some people find they simply have no time for it or they have other interests. My two sons are perfect examples.

My older boy went hunting with me. We had hunted a few times together, and we were going to hunt with friends who like to keep in contact with radios. Well, my son Eric watched, as a nice big buck started to head toward his stand. With his bow in hand, he |

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watched the big bruiser come 15 yards away— a “gimme” shot.

As Eric drew his bow back, a loud voice came over the radio.

“Anybody see anything?”

“Yes,” was my son’s reply. “ I just saw a huge buck raise his tail and run back the way he came.” That was the last time he ever went hunting.

My younger son’s first experience at success was a little different when I took him turkey hunting. I was the designated caller, and he would try to shoot his first bird.

To make a long story short, we had two gobblers sounding off from different directions. One was to the right of the decoy, and one to the left. Both were far off and every time I would use my call, both responded, and both were closing in.

Louder and louder the gobbles came when finally one of the birds came running in to the decoy. Adam waited until the bird fanned his tail and strutted for his new- found love.

A well-placed shot from his 20 gauge put the bird down.

I knew right then and there that he was hooked. He and I have had many good hunts since that exciting morning, but unfortunately for me, his career took him to Charlotte. That meant I was back to hunting solo.

However, he still calls me almost every day of the season to ask what I saw that day. He was bitten by the hunting bug, and the only cure is to get away from the pavement and enjoy the outdoors.

This Christmas, give your hunter something he or she could enjoy for years to come—a new hunting partner. If your hunter is like I am, then he or she will enjoy being a mentor to any newbie in the outdoors. Introduce them to the beauty of a gorgeous sunrise and let nature do the rest.

Happy Holidays and remember to 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

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RONG WILLIE CAME around the pop-up trailer, buttoning his coat. The skies were dark and gray. “There’s no elec-

tricity.”

“Probably the ice storm from two days ago.

You know how rural electric is,” I replied.

“I know I’m gonna freeze to death while we’re here.”

“You have those fancy new sleeping bags Jan bought you.”

He stomped his feet and glared at me. “My feet nearly froze off last weekend.”

“It’s deer camp. It’s supposed to be cold.

That makes deer hunting good. Buy some new socks.”

“Jan bought me some, but then again, she’s the one who gave me the sleeping bag last Christmas.” He shifted from one foot to the other. “I’m wondering if she’s trying to kill me for the insurance money.”

“Never mind. Put on your new socks and let’s go hunt some quail.”

His eyes lit up, and Willie hurried into the trailer. I saw it bounce and shift from his weight. The fire refused to start because all the wood was soaked from the rain and ice storm, so I dug out a block of Firestarter and piled some kindling on top.

Willie’s voice came through the canvas walls. “These are called Blizzard Socks.”

“They probably won’t work.”

He came out. “I told you this was going to be the coldest lease we ever had.” He walked around the smoking wood like a toddler, raising his feet high, trying his new socks. “These feel pretty good.”

“Most socks are going to feel good until you get still. Then your feet’ll get cold again.”

He opened his truck door and unshucked a shotgun from the case. “I can’t wait to shoot some quail. How long has it been?”

“ It’s deer camp. It’s supposed to be cold.

“

One Icy Day

year-old camo facemask into my coat, and it dropped out while I added wood to the fire late one night. The knit mask hissed and burst into flame, looking like it had been soaked in bacon grease all night.

I pulled my backup ski cap over my ears. “I never saw anything burn that good.”

“I have. Firestarters that are better than the ones you just used. You should have saved it, because that fire’s still not going.”

Staring at the windmill, I reached into the shell pocket of my vest and plucked one out.

Flipping the Remington over, I poked it into the loading gate, but something was wrong.

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gun. “You know, I haven’t used this one in a couple of years. I’ll have to remember where the bolt release is.”

“Right there under your thumb. Don’t push…”

He thumbed it and the bolt snapped shut, pinching his finger. Willie hopped around like a bunny, shaking his finger like he could flick the pain off.

I examined the shell in my hand, wondering if it was out of round, but no, it was a pristine 12-gauge shell. Then it hit me. I’d done it again.

The weekend before, I brought the twelve gauge, and mistakenly picked up the range bag full of 16-gauge shells. Because of that, I didn’t get to hunt, and had to act as Willie’s bird dog.

He didn’t like the way I stopped and pointed with my finger.

To make sure I didn’t make the same mistake again, I decided to go with my trusty old Remington 1100, the one I bought back in 1976 for $189 dollars.

I turned the shotgun in my hands. It was a Remington all right, but I’d picked up the War Department’s 20-gauge.

I sighed, checked the shells in the belt, and they were all for sure 12-gauge. “Uh, you didn’t bring any 20-gauge shells, did you?”

“No. We agreed to keep it consistent this weekend.”

I sighed again. “Oh, we’re consistent all right.” I led off. “I’ll flush and you shoot.”

He laughed loud and long, despite his injured finger. “You hold when I tell you.”

“Shut up.” I struck off.

“Hey!” I stopped. “What?”

“Keep your tail up while you retrieve, so I’ll know where you are.”

I showed him the tail a little early and stepped into the covey, laughing like a loon as they flushed and Willie missed every… single…shot.

Claimed it was because his feet were cold.

“About twenty-five years.”

I left the fire to get my own shotgun.

“There’s a covey right over there by the windmill. I was gathering wood the last two times we were here and jumped ’em in the same place each time.”

His face widened in delight. “Think about it. Quail hunting again only a hundred and fifty yards from camp. Man, I missed that!”

He thumbed shells into his gun while I strapped a game belt around my waist. “You know, my old vest wore out. I might need to get a new one.”

“You probably need to get you a new facemask, too, after yours fell in the fire last weekend.”

I shuddered. I’d tucked the 20-something

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SPECKLED TROUT Port O’Connor Karli Royal celebrated her ninth birthday with her first saltwater fishing trip, at Port O’Connor, topping her day off with her first keeper trout.

WHITETAIL Huntsville Twelve-year-old Caden Marullo bagged his first deer, an 8-point, while hunting with his Grandpa, Gerald Marullo.

RAINBOW TROUT Medina River Holland Cook caught this rainbow trout on the Medina River.

CATFISH Lake Conroe Ricky Vallo caught this 69-pound flathead while fishing from the bank on Lake Conroe.

CRAPPIE Lake Lavon Christian Pivarnik and his brother, Joseph, of McKinney caught this nice stringer of black crappie on minnows at Lake Lavon.

Their dad filleted the fish and Mom cooked a tasty dinner from this catch.

REDFISH Galveston Nicholas Cottingham caught this 24-inch slot red fishing the Galveston jetties with his family.

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SEND PHOTOS TO photos@FishGame.com For best results, send MED to HIGH quality JPEG digital files only, please.

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.

DORADO Offshore Colton Taubert caught a nice dorado while fishing out of Corpus Christi on the Fish & Fun II.

FERAL HOGS San Saba County Kristy (top) and Eric (below) Morua were able to take out two wild boars with their bow and arrow while hunting in San Saba County at a ranch in Cherokee.

CRAPPIE Sam Rayburn Seventeen-year-old Dallin Jensen caught a nice stringer of crappie (and 10 catfish) fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn with his grandparents Mike and Cindy Burks. It was not the size, but the number of fish that made the trip so memorable.

BASS Sweet Home Kenedy Busselman caught her first bass while fishing a small tank at Sweet Home, Texas with her “Opa” Sy Grothe.

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