Texas Fish & Game April 2018 by Texas Fish & Game

Watch Those Hooks! Livinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Bream April 2018 | $3.95

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Ditch Digging Catfish Helping a Boat Hero

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

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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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Contents April 2018 | Vol. 34 • No. 12

COVER STORY

FEATURE ARTICLES HOOKED! Getting poked by the business end of a fish hook is no fun. Here’s what to do if you or a fellow angler gets hooked.

by Matt Williams

AGAINST THE WIND

LIVIN’ THE BREAM Bream (a.k.a. bluegill, redear, etc.) is the hottest game on many spring lakes.

by Matt Williams

Spring winds can be a real beast. But here are a few tips for catching redfish on windy waters.

story by Chester Moore photo by Capt. Sally Black

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

HELPING A HERO When a Kingwood pastor’s boat was damaged rescuing Harvey flood victims, his dealer and manufacturer stepped up.

A chance find on a hunting trip launches a search to solve a 73-year old mystery.

COLUMNS Editor’s Notes

by CHESTER MOORE

Pike on the Edge by DOUG PIKE

Commentary

by Kendal Hemphill

Texas Boating by LENNY RUDOW

6 72 74

by LOU MARULLO

Self Defense

by DUSTIN ELLERMANN

Open Season

by REAVIS Z. WORTHAM

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Small creeks and even bar ditches can be productive catfish holes.

by Jeff Stewart

Coastal Focus Columns

by Chester Moore

Texas Hotspots

News of the Nation + Texas HotShots

Sportsman’s Daybook

CRAZY TEXAS GOBBLER FACTS Odd things you might not have known about Texas turkey.

Tides & Prime Fishing Times

DEPARTMENTS Outdoor Directory

by PETE ROBBINS

Bare Bones Hunting

DITCH DIGGING FOR CATFISH

TEXAS OUTDOOR NATION

Bass University

M A R C H

by Matt Williams

by Chester Moore

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MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Letters

by TFG Readers

Industry Insider by TFG Staff

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Fish & Game Photos by TFG Readers

Texas Tasted by Bryan Slaven

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LETTERS to the Editor Animal ID and Fish Question MY NAME IS ROBERT LYONS AND I live just outside of Beaumont. I’m 47 years old and have been reading and enjoying your writings for many years. I had a couple of questions for you if you have a minute 1. I’ve spent a lot of time on Pine Island Bayou near Hwy. 105 for the last 20 years or so. I’ve seen a few beavers and lots of trees that beavers have cut, but never an otter. The attached picture is about 50 yards from the bayou. It looks like an otter to me, but some other people are saying it’s a beaver. What do you think? 2. I’ve fished the Sabine Lake/Jetty area off and on my entire life. I caught a fish this summer that I’ve never seen before. It’s been a while, so I don’t remember the exact details, but I’ll do my best. It was caught around lighthouse cove. I believe it was on a free-lined live shrimp, but it could have possibly been on dead shrimp on the bottom. It was around 10-12 inches long and a brownish color. Its body was a little similar to a croaker, but it was much thinner around the mid body. It had sharp pointy teeth, but not very many of them. I know this description isn’t very good, but I was wondering if you had any idea what it might be? Thank you very much,

This bobcat photo graced the cover of our February 2013 issue.

Bobcat Truth HEY CHESTER, GREAT ARTICLE about the livelihood of bobcats, and I couldn’t agree with you more. I hunt in Alice, and we see bobcats quite often in the area. One time in particular, it was 2014 in mid-December as I was deer hunting near a small pond that had a high levee encompassing it. At the time it was holding water and was having some decent whitetail action the past couple days, so I had my eyes scouting the area frequently. It was getting later in the afternoon when I noticed some low stealth movement in the brush. Five minutes later, I couldn’t believe my eyes, out of the south Texas mesquite thicket strolls 3 bobcats graciously walking together. Surprisingly enough they all three made their way to the pond to get a drink of water. After doing

Robert Lyons Editor: Thank you so much for the great photo and the interesting question. The photo is definitely an otter. No question about that. Otters are generally shy animals and capturing one on a game camera is quite an accomplishment. I am not 100 percent on the fish, but it sounds like a sand trout which is brown and has big Dracula-looking teeth. It also could have been a small mangrove snapper, a species showing up more frequently on the Upper Coast. 6

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so, they roamed around in the area for 10 minutes or so and made their way back into the thicket. It was one of those hunting moments that you will never forget, it was truly an amazing sight to witness. Best Regards,

Robert Brown Editor: Thanks for the great story. The bobcat has become one of my favorite animals due to their agility, beauty and ability to survive and thrive in the shadow of man. I know you will always cherish that memory.

Email your comments to: editor@ﬁshgame.com

PHOTO: CHESTER MOORE

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

The ‘Green Movement’ is Killing Wildlife

T’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY. IT always has been and always will be. The cash cow of the “green movement” and its singular focus on climate change has birthed a monster that is bilking billions from the public. It is also directly taking funds that might otherwise do things that can be tangibly measured—such as purchase South American rainforest to save it from commercial ranching. Another possible use would link habitat corridors to establish safe travel ways for tigers in Asia. Does anyone really think any of the money going toward “climate change” is making a difference or ever will? Even if America were to acquiesce to even the strongest emissions standards do you really think China and other developing countries will? Really!? When is the last time (other than two paragraphs ago) you heard anything about saving the rainforest? It was the thing to save 25 years ago. The rainforest is even more endangered now as are its inhabitants, but public interest has waned. Now corporate environmental saviors in various charities and governments around the world have found something more lucrative—climate change. Ironically, the rainforest loss is linked to climate change, but you can’t get poor countries in South America to pay billions for protecting forest lands. You can however syphon billions out of the western world for the grandiose idea of reducing carbon emissions. Remember—it’s all about the money. We are allowing animals including all subspecies of tigers, all varieties of rhinoceros, the vaquita porpoise and a host of other highly vulnerable animals to slip into extinc|

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“ Does anyone really think any of the money going toward ‘Climate Change’ is making a difference or ever will?

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tion with little or no mainstream interest in funding their protection. The so-called “green movement” people constantly say they care about wildlife and the environment, but if they had been watching more closely, species such as the vaquita would not be down to 30 specimens. Their problem is poaching, and if someone had jumped on the issue 20 years ago things would be radically different.

But that was about the time focus shifted from the rainforest to “global warming” which has now morphed into “climate change”. That way if they find out temperatures are actually decreasing they can save face. “Climate change” gives them a lot of leeway. I have nothing against trying to reduce carbon emissions. It needs to happen across the board. I do have a problem with some of the rarest animals, plants and habitats disappearing |

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When is the last time you heard anything about saving the rainforest?

when just a fraction of the funds fattening the pockets of the climate change hierarchy would make a radical difference in their survival. Stop being naive. We will not make a dent in actual carbon emissions, but many will have a dent in their pocketbook because you believed the sales pitch of people with agendas other than true conservation. I highly advise investing in small conservation projects that are directly saving habitat from destruction, aiding anti-poaching crusades and funding research that could save endangered species. “Aim small, miss small” is a key tenet of accurate shooting. It’s also a good way to think about efforts to save the planet’s rarest animals and habitats.

« Email Chester Moore at cmoore@ﬁshgame.com

PHOTO: BIGSTOCK

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

Have Fun While Keeping Your Job

CROSS THE REGION WHERE I live, the first months of the year are a big deal for outdoors enthusiasts. In addition to ongoing hunting seasons and some incredible fishing, the first quarter also features the nation’s largest under-one-roof boat show and the equally impressive Houston Safari Club Expo. Truth be told, probably thousands of hours of productivity are lost during the first three or four months of each New Year across southeast Texas. Whether the professional absences are excused, depends in great part on place of employment. In Texas, that translates to whether the boss has any taxidermy in that corner office. In my profession, it’s easy to holler “work” when I’m on the way out the door carrying a rod or a gun. For most people, however, hunting, fishing and golf can’t be validated as “on duty” activities. Here are some tips on doing what you want to do, what we all would rather do than work—and keeping your job. (Disclaimer: None of these ideas was given thought much past the concept stage, none of them has been tested, and it’s unlikely that any but the most understanding boss would fall for more than one of them per year. And, finally, I never used any of them to cover an outdoor trip.) First, no matter how young and healthy you are and feel, avoid using sick days to cover your adventures. Once you’ve burned those, you’ll have to drag yourself into the office even when you should, for legitimate health reasons— such as not infecting the entire staff—stay 10

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home. By using vacation days, personal days and community service days, if your employer offers such a thing, you hold those sick days in reserve for the fall openings of deer and waterfowl seasons. I have a friend who hangs onto as many designated “off” opportunities as possible and negotiates to work on paid holidays—all those Mondays the nation takes off to celebrate important dead people. He’ll work, he tells his superiors, in exchange for specific days off down the road. Usually, he swaps Mondays for Fridays so he can get a head start on well-timed long weekends in the outdoors. He’s in a particular segment of retail where being in his store on national-holiday Mondays is almost like having the day off. Almost nobody buys what he sells on holidays, but the |

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doors have to be open. I knew another guy years ago who deliberately owned an older-model car, meticulously maintained, and blamed some of his “unforeseen” absences on breakdowns. This particular must be used carefully and on alternating days. Nobody’s car has dead batteries or busted water pumps only on Fridays. In this sidebar, I’m not suggesting that anyone… Shame on you for claiming a family member died, but here’s how to pull it off. Set up a couple of weeks in advance—sick and getting sicker; one weekend to go see; false alarm; another, a little later, for the funeral. This only works if nobody at work knows your family.

Email Doug Pike at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

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TF&G COMMENTARY by KENDAL HEMPHILL :: TF&G Political Editor

Hot & Cold Running Sea Turtles

habitat has, in some areas, been polluted or otherwise destroyed. Personally, I consider killing a sea turtle a heinous act, akin to killing a bald eagle, or worse, and I believe most hunters would agree. But people are not the only problem, or even the biggest problem, sea turtles face. Female sea turtles leave the ocean and lay their eggs in nests on beaches. The number is determined by the species of turtle, but most lay about 100 eggs in a nest, and build from two to eight nests per season. Turtles don’t reach maturity, and therefore don’t breed, until they are around 20 years old, and sometimes they skip a season or two. Still, that’s a lot of eggs. Unfortunately, few of the babies have a chance to reach maturity, or even make it to the water. The eggs generally hatch at the same time, and make a mad dash for the surf. On the sand, they are prey to myriad predators, most of them birds, and often less than half reach the ocean. Once in the water, they’re vulnerable to just about every fish looking for an easy meal. Life is pretty tough, for a sea turtle, even without the problems caused by humans. Weather has been an issue lately, and many turtles have been stunned by the freezing temperatures along the Gulf Coast. One Florida facility took in 850 turtles during the cold snap at the first of the year. Volunteers along the Texas coast braved the harsh weather to save as many turtles as they could. So it seems strange that one of the biggest threats to the green sea turtle, according to the Washington Post and other mainstream news media, is heat. There’s no question that temperature plays a part in the life of a sea turtle. Unlike most critters, the sex of sea turtles is determined by the temperature of the sand in which its egg is laid. If the sand is about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, a nest of eggs will hatch about half males and half females. If the temperature drops below 81.86 degrees, the hatchlings will all be male. Above 87.8 degrees, and they’ll all be female. Because of this, some researchers are

’M A PROPONENT OF HUNTING, not only as a source of healthy protein and hearty recreation, but also as a conservation tool. So readers are often surprised to learn that I’m opposed to circuses and zoos. For some reason, many people equate support for hunting with support for animal abuse. I consider it abusive to imprison a wild animal. I don’t consider it abusive to kill it in fair chase. On the other hand, some animal rights groups seem to have no problem with zoos and circuses, Hunters, as a group, are people who love and support animals, which is why they happily supply most of the money necessary for wildlife conservation and research. It is typically hunters who report the majority of the poaching and other game law violations to law enforcement authorities. We realize how important it is to obey regulations for the health of the species and the planet as a whole. It’s also a way to support honorable ethics and to show our respect for the creatures we hunt. Consequently, I was concerned when I was sent a news article claiming that climate change is causing problems for green sea turtles. Of the seven species of sea turtles, two—leatherbacks and Olive Ridleys—are currently listed as vulnerable. Hawksbills and Kemp’s Ridleys are critically endangered, and two species, loggerheads and greens, are listed as endangered. There is apparently not enough data on flatbacks to determine their status. Human depredation is part of the problem. Sea turtles have been heavily hunted for their eggs, skin, shells, and meat, and their 12

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claiming climate change is behind a phenomenon they’re seeing lately in Australia. The warmer temps brought on by global warming, they claim, are causing all the baby green sea turtles to be born female. I think they’re lying. And here’s why. The green sea turtle mates in March, and the females crawl up on the sand and build their nests between May and September. Those are definitely the warmer months, in the Northern Hemisphere. If the problem of sea turtles all being born female was being documented in, say, the Florida Keys, it would make sense that warmer weather was a key factor. No pun intended. Australia, however, happens to be located in the Southern Hemisphere, where the months of May through September are the coldest of the year. Warm sand is hard to come by down there during that time. I don’t doubt the researchers’ word that most or all of the babies are being born female, but it seems that, if temperature were the culprit, they would all be males instead. Maybe I’m wrong about this, and I admit I’m no expert on sea turtles. But if climate change were definitely the problem, I would expect the sea turtles in the Caribbean, where the weather is warmer year-round, to all be born female. So far there is no evidence of that happening. As a firm believer in being good stewards and protectors of wildlife, I believe we should do all we can to defend creatures such as sea turtles. But we must base our actions on sound science. Blaming everything on climate change not only may be wrong, it may blind us to the real culprit we face.

« Email Kendal Hemphill at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

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HERE IS NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT inadvertently getting poked by the business end of fishing hook. Just ask Longview bass pro Jim Tutt. Tutt has accidentally impaled himself multiple times over the years, but it was an incident involving another angler that sticks in his mind the most. The anglers were fishing in a tournament at Beaver Lake in Arkansas. Tutt had dumped his boat in the water well before blastoff to ready his tackle for the day. It was still dark outside when he heard a weak voice coming from a nearby boat stall. “Tutt… Tutt… please come over here.” “When I got there I recognized the guy,” Tutt said. “He was standing on the dock with his hand over his mouth, and he told me not to laugh. When he lowered his hand I saw a Pop-R dangling from his mouth. One of the trebles was buried in his lip, and he asked me to try to get it out.” Tutt didn’t bother to ask how it happened. Instead, he reached for numbing medication in his boat and used it to deaden his friend’s lip before attempting to remove the hook with needlenose pliers. “I tried twice and it stretched his lip out about six inches,” Tutt said. “He was hollering and in some serious pain by then. His lip was swollen, and it had turned black, but he wanted me to keep trying. On the third try, he pressed his hand against his lip to keep it from stretching out so much. I managed to yank the hook out that time. It was a pretty bad deal.” In hindsight, the lip-hooked angler may have been better off

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making a trip to the local ER, rather than hunting down a parking lot surgeon to do the chore. Although some hooks are easier to remove with minimal risk for collateral damage than others, some jobs are better left for the professionals if you can get to one. Without question, the most serious are those that involve removing hooks embedded around the eyes, ears and nose or in close proximity to tendons, ligaments or veins. Hooks around the eyes are especially dangerous for obvious reasons. Those that are embedded in the ear or nose could do serious damage to cartilage and hypersensitive tissue if they are not removed correctly. One of the main things that can make hook removal such an intricate process is the way they are made. There are several different styles of hooks (treble hooks, worm hooks, circle hooks, etc.….) frequently used for fishing. One feature most share in common is they have a barb that protrudes outward near the point. The purpose of the barb is to help hold the hook in place in the fish’s mouth once it penetrates. Unfortunately, the barb sticks just as well in human flesh as it does in fish flesh. It can cause significant damage beneath the skin by ripping and tearing sensitive tissue if a deeply embedded hook isn’t removed the proper way.

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story by MATT WILLIAMS

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Think Ahead to Prevent Accidents THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT A FISHING TRIP FROM GOING

sour because of some sort of freak accident is to use your head and take measures to prevent accidents from occurring. Here are some good examples to follow: • Always wear eye protection with shatterproof lenses. This will protect your eyes from hooks and weights that might ﬂy in your direction. • If you get hung in the brush, go to the bait to work it free at close range or cut the line rather than yank and pull from a distance. A bullet weight or crankbait that suddenly pops free from a limb under heavy pressure 10 to 15 yards away could become a dangerous projectile traveling at a high rate of speed.

As earlier mentioned, you should consider the location of the hook and the type of hook in question as you determine whether it can, or should, be removed without seeking medical attention. These factors also can play a role in deciding which removal method might work best.

able fishing time or go to the expense of visiting the ER. A hook buried past the barb in the palm of the hand, finger, leg or another location where it isn’t serious threat for further injury can often be removed using the “advance and cut” or the “string-yank” techniques. Naturally, neither is pleasant to endure. You can ease some of the pain by icing the area around the hook for a few minutes ahead of time. • Advance and Cut: Usually works best in situations where the hook point is located near the surface the skin. It’s painful to think about, but the entire point of the hook and the barb must be advanced through the skin using pliers. That way the point and barb (or the eye) can be removed using dikes. This allows the barbless hook to be backed out or pulled through with limited resistance. It’s important to cover the hook point and barb with a hand or towel before cutting to prevent the flying piece of metal from doing further damage. • String-Yank: Usually works best on hooks that are embedded past the barb at a downward angle, but not so deep that the hook point is turned upward toward the skin. It is best performed with a second set of hands. To do it, wrap or tie a 12- to 18-inch section of strong fishing line securely (braid

The very best way to deal with a fish hook injury is to avoid getting hooked in the first place. In the event you or a fishing partner do get impaled by a fish hook, you should remain calm and do everything possible to prevent a bad situation from getting worse. Lots of anglers get hooked by treble hook lures while attempting to remove the hook from the mouth of a slippery, flopping fish. Things can get really dicey when that happens, so the first order of business is to take the fish out of the equation. The next is to cut the line and remove the bait from the hook by cutting it with dikes for releasing it from the O-ring. With the bait out of the way you can more easily assess the situation and determine which method of removal might work best.

Ways to Remove Hooks Although the best (and safest) course of action for removing any hook is to enlist the help of a doctor, many anglers have learned to rely on a couple of proven self-removal techniques. They don’t want to sacrifice valu|

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Video shows KVD extract a treble hook from his own hand.

First Things First

• Plenty of anglers get hooked by their partners on the back cast. If multiple passengers are onboard, be aware of everybody’s location before every cast. • To bring big fish on board that are caught on crankbaits, topwaters and jerkbaits, always use a landing net. Trying to get a lip lock on a large fish in the water when its mouth is bristling with treble hooks is very risky business. • It’s always a good idea to use pliers when removing treble hooks. Fish are prone to flop unexpectedly. All it takes is a split second to jerk a hook into your hand.

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is often preferred) around the bend of the hook, then depress the shank of the hook downward towards the skin so the barb and point is turned at the exact angle they went in. A quick, firm jerk on the string by your partner should pop the hook right out. There are several good videos on the Internet that illustrate both removal methods. Two of the best that I’ve seen show Bassmaster Elite Series pros Kevin VanDam and Jason Christie as they have large treble hooks extracted from their hands. You can see them at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pVY-0o-vQ3o and www.youtube. com/watch?v=_tamnAb32MI. Another good source for visual aid is Netknots.com. This website provides stepby-step instructions for both removal methods in animated format. You can see them at www.netknots.com/ fishing_knots/hook-removal-string-yank and www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/ hook-removal-advance-and-cut.

After It’s Out Once the hook has been removed, clean the wound thoroughly using soap/water, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, then cover it with a bandage to prevent infection-causing bacteria from taking hold. It also would be wise get a tetanus shot if your immunizations are not up date. If you develop an infection or other problems, pay a visit to a doctor immediately.

VIDEO FRAME: COURTESY BASSMASTER

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Catching Spring Reds on Windy Waters STORY BY CHESTER MOORE

IND IS CERTAINLY NOT AN evil force, but you would be hard pressed to find an angler on the coast who does not think of it in an extremely negative light. With limited time to fish many of us find ourselves at the boat dock with big winds keeping us away from our best fishing holes and scrambling to make something positive happen. Some of the best redfish haunts are in some of the most wind-prone areas. Ever tried to fish a seagrass flat in 30 mile per hour winds? No fun. What about hitting that clear marsh pond you found the evening before only to find it murky from a stiff west wind. The good thing about redfish is there are lots of them and

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they can be found in various places, giving us an opportunity to score even in brutal winds. Here are some tips to help you score on reds no matter the situation.

Launch in The Interior Many of us go to certain boat launches because of easy access or they are a quick shot to many places in the bay system. If the winds are howling, running across the bay or even launching on it can be dangerous but there are many smaller ramps I the interior. Galveston Bay has dozens like this as does the Aransas Bay complex. Reds will be in the interior cuts in the spring and in marshes. There may be more on the flats or reefs but there are always reds in the cuts and marshes. By launching in them you can have a

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safe run and can fish when that may not be a viable option elsewhere.

Fish the Channel On big, windy days I will fish popping corks rigged with Gulp in the ship channel and try to let the cork be pushed by the wind toward the shore. Typically, small baitfish in shrimp will also be against this shoreline and so will the redfish. Make sure you are using a weighted cork, so you can make long casts and so the wind does not push it around too much.

to fish cut bait to get it. Redfish are cut bait connoisseurs and will gladly accept your offerings. You will also occasionally catch drum and trout which of course is a nice bonus. I prefer using cut mullet but cut croaker and shad can be effective.

Run North

On windy days when the water is murky simply fishing cut bait instead of the usual lures you prefer can score nice catches. Do you want redfish on the half shell? Sometimes you need

If the bay system you are fishing is seriously salty then redfish can be found way up into the river systems north of the bay itself. Run into some of the protected bayous up the river and look for shrimp and shad. If you can get live shrimp this is by far the best bait for this setting and my preferred rig is simply a light (1/16 or 1/8 oz.) split shot rigged above a wide gapped hook.

Cut Bait

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Jetty winds can be brutal, but are manageable from the right direction.

Do not be surprised if you catch bass. They can tolerate salty water and like everything else devour shrimp.

Use the Jetty Rocks Windy days are usually brutal at the jetties but sometimes if you get the right wind (east

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or west for example) you can fish one side or the other safely. Big reds in the spring will feed right along the edge of the rocks at the boat cut on the larger jetty systems which is a difficult spot to fish as the current is strong and boats are constantly moving through.

Anglers should consider using a gold spoon here and line the boat up parallel with the rocks, cutting across the current to hit both sides of the boat cut. With a heavy spoon anglers can cast a long way and pick up 20 or so yards of the opposite side and then race it across the cur-

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Spring reds are likely to be in interior cuts and marshes, which are less windy.

rent and usually pick up the fish just as the spoon makes my side of the cut. When tides are moving in, the Gulf side of the jetties is generally much better to fish and requires some different tactics. The most productive and least pressure spot for redfish big enough to put in the

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frying pan is at the very southern tip of the jetties. These spots are super current laden and if you take the time to check them out with your electronics, you will see all kinds of fascinating structures to fish. This spot will likely be hard on a windy day, but I have fished the Sabine Jetties

enough to know that on an east wind I can fish in a little pocket just north of the tip of the west jetties and cast toward the end to a good spot that produce lots of reds.

If There is No Wind As bad as high winds are no wind can be

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PHOTO: JOHN N. FELSHER

Success on clear days after a front can be a challenge, due to higher barometric pressure.

if it gets below 29.80 things can get a little shaky. If it is above 30 and falling you have ideal conditions. Remember if you are fishing high-pressure days, use light line, small lures and be ready for a soft bite. Even reds like a delicate approach when the pressure is high. Don’t be afraid to tie on two-inch shad imitations and fish them slowly in any of the locations we have mentioned. It will yield fish when nothing else will.

worse. Seriously. The reason is high barometric pressure. Barometric pressure is probably the least understood aspect of fishing and it is one I am continually exploring. High pressure puts strain on fish and typically makes them bit finicky and sometimes not at all. Pressure that is falling or is on a downward trend means a strong bite. That is why the day immediately following fronts is beautiful (clear skies with high pressure) but the fishing is subpar. Some suggest pressure over 30.20 is too high and 22

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3/9/18 2:23 PM

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

Let’s Talk

HESE DAYS, JUST ABOUT everyone stepping aboard your boat has a cell phone in a pocket. Although phones do provide incredibly convenient communications, any time your boat leaves the dock you can’t rely on them 100-percent. The VHF radio on your boat is far more reliable, when it comes to emergency situations. If your boat is large enough you probably have a fixed-mount VHF. If not, you should have a handheld stowed aboard. Even if you do have a fixed unit, having a handheld in your emergency bag serves as a back-up. It also allows you to take your most important communications device

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with you when you jump onto someone else’s boat. In both cases, make sure you have a unit that’s JIS/IP level six or higher in its waterproofing rating. “JIS” (Japan Industrial Standard) and “IP” (International Protection, also often seen as IPX) are similar, reliable ratings. A level of six means that the radio (or fishfinder, chartplotter, or any other item carrying the rating) can withstand exposure to powerful water jets spraying 100 liters per minute, for three minutes. A rating of seven means that the unit can withstand immersion under one meter of water for half an hour. A rating of eight means that the radio has survived immersion deeper than one meter. Another important aspect to VHF communications is DSC, or digital selective calling. DSC

essentially gets you a “panic button” on the VHF. Press it, and the radio will automatically transmit your vessel’s information and exact GPS location directly to the USCG. Because it’s digitally processed and uses narrow receiver bandwidth, it also boosts range over normal voice communications. All fixed-mount VHF radios sold in the US have had DSC capabilities for more than a decade. However a relatively low percentage of them are active and ready for use. To have DSC active, you must take a few steps ahead of time. First, you need to get GPS data to the radio via a NMEA2000 connection. This is a lot easier than it sounds, and essentially consists of merely connecting two wires (a “data-out” from your GPS/chartplotter with a “data-in” on your VHF, plus a common ground).

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In some cases even this isn’t necessary, as a few newer VHF models have GPS built right in (including some DSC-capable handhelds). The second step is registering the radio, by going to the BoatUS web site and filling out a short, painless form online. In it, you merely provide the info the Coast Guard would need in an emergency, such as the type of boat the radio is on, its usual area of operation, the owner’s age and name, and similar basic data. The process is free, and takes maybe 10 minutes. At the end, you get assigned an MMSI number, which you then program into your radio. Okay: you have your VHF, you’ve registered it, it’s DSC active, and you’re ready to hit the water. What else do you need to know about VHF communications? For starters, remember that channel 16 is reserved for distress calls and contacting the Coast Guard in an emergency, only Channel 13 is used by commercial ships for bridge-to-bridge communications, and it’s best for recreational boaters to stay off of this channel, as well. And channel 22A is used for safety broadcasts and Coast Guard communications (after contacting them on 16, you’ll usually be asked to

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switch to 22A). Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A are considered non-commercial, and are commonly used by the recreational boating community. Remember that people are expected to keep VHF communications brief and to the point, because your use of the channel effectively blocks other boaters from using it. f you’re communicating with a boat that’s close by (within a mile or so), you should switch over to low power (one watt, on most units). That will limit the distance of your broadcast and also limit the number of other boaters you may be “stepping on.” In an emergency, of course, rules of courtesy go out the window. Make sure your radio is set to full power (usually 25 watts), and is tuned to channel 16. You should begin your broadcast by stating either “mayday” or “pan-pan,” three times over. Mayday is the correct call sign to use when you’re in a life-threatening situation. Pan-pan is the appropriate call sign to use when you’re in a situation that could become life threatening in the near future. Then, clearly give your boat’s name, exact

location in latitude and longitude, and state the nature of your emergency. Speak slowly and clearly, and wait for a response from the Coast Guard. Depending on the situation they will usually trigger a response, then come back to you with questions of increasing detail—the age and sex of each of the people onboard, whether anyone has any medical training, if everyone aboard is in good health, and so on. Why not just try calling the Coast Guard on the phone first, and use the VHF as a back-up? If you’re in need of help, VHF broadcasts are not only heard by the USCG, but also by any near-by boats. When your radio is on you can get emergency alerts regarding incoming storms, or regarding other boats which may need assistance. Also, cell phones can drop calls unexpectedly, and VHF radios do not. Although the USCG suggests you always carry those phones aboard, they also say you should never depend on them. Make sure you have a DSC-active VHF onboard and ready to use, at all times.

Email Lenny Rudow at ContactUs@fishgame.com

3/9/18 2:38 PM

The BASS University Bulk Up in April with Matt Herren

N A TYPICAL YEAR, THROUGHout most of Texas, the spawn is long since over by the time April rolls around. Whether it’s south at Falcon, though, or east toward Rayburn, high water often remains. Only small numbers of fish have moved offshore. The rest continue to recover from the spawning ritual or to guard their newborn fry. That’s when Elite Series pro and Bass University instructor Matt Herren puts a flipping stick in his hands and goes to work.

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He’s no stranger to Texas waters, with a 2016 Toyota Texas Bass Classic title to his name. In addition to that win on Ray Roberts, he’s a threat to win any time oversized fish are in play. So when Herren speaks, you should listen. In April he believes “It’s all a flip bite.” Not just any flip bite, though. He’s trying to agitate bass that may be in a weakened state, hoping to replicate some of their fiercest enemies. He believes that they’re often most threatened by oversized baits.

That might be a bulky jig with a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver 4.20 on the back. In fact, that’s often his first choice because it has an exposed hook and creates a lot of disturbance in off-colored water. Increasingly he finds himself Matt turning to a TexasHerren rigged Double Wide Beaver, a 5.2-inch creature bait that consistently produces big bites. “A beaverstyle bait imitates a lot of different things in the

PHOTO COURTESY MATT HERREN

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

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food chain,” he said. “But if you turn it sideways, it has almost exactly the same profile as a small bluegill “Around the spawn, big bass absolutely detest bluegills more than just about anything.” His three favorite colors—Blank Check, Sprayed Grass and Payback—all provide a lot of flash and a mix of colors. He varies them depending on water color and the patterns on the forage he spies. Because this is a large piece of plastic, it requires a hook with a lot of gap, and Herren favors a 6/0 heavy duty extra wide gap from Hayabusa, which he said penetrates easily and keeps fish pinned. That’s half the battle with an 8- or 10-pound bass in heavy cover—getting them out once they’ve bit. He said that with today’s stronger rods, better lines and quality hooks the key is “have a firm hook set, but don’t overpower it, because you can literally tear a fish up with it. Just bury the hook and hang on.” Additionally, he believes that “rate of fall is really critical,” and sometimes a 3/8 ounce weight will get bites when a ½ ounce won’t, or vice versa. He’ll use anything from 1/8 up to a full ounce in most Texas bush flipping situ-

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ations, but when given a choice between two close ones he’ll err on the side of going heavier. “Sometimes with a light weight, it’ll get all wrapped up or hung up on a limb, and you’ll think you’re on the bottom when you’re really not,” he explained. Herren’s rod of choice for this technique is the aptly named Kistler KLX Stump Grinder, a 7-foot 6-inch extra-heavy action flipping stick made in Magnolia, Texas precisely for this situation. It’s the same rod he uses for flipping a jig in these circumstances, paired with a 7.3:1 Ardent Grand baitcasting reel. The reel only weighs 5.9 ounces, but it’s deceptively strong and well-suited for hand to hand combat. He prefers to use 25-pound test Gamma fluorocarbon “whenever I can get away with it, because it doesn’t saw into the branches.” Yet, there are times when it’s simply impossible to use anything but braid. In those instances he calls on Gamma Torque, most frequently in the 70-pound strength. Herren believes that April flipping fish in Texas can be patterned, and that the dominant patterns vary from lake to lake within the state. On some bodies of water the fish seem to prefer the bushes in the drains, and on others they

prefer those on massive spawning flats. Either way, his typical starting point is to target the “big isolated” bushes wherever they occur. Although he believes a bulky creature bait is the best way to amass a big bag, he believes that sticking with it is the best way to undermine your consistency on the water. “There comes a time after the spawn when they want something wiggly, like a lizard,” he said. “When I know they’re there, but I can’t catch them on a beaver-style bait, that’s when I switch up. My new favorite bait for that is the Reaction Innovations Man Bear Pig,” a five-inch elongated soft plastic that combines some of the best attributes of the Sweet Beaver with some taken from other creature baits. The lesson is to remain somewhat flexible, but also resolute, because keeping a flipping stick in your hands is the best way to put yourself in position for a flooded brush beatdown.

Email Pete Robbins at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

3/8/18 1:36 PM

N OPENING DAY OF THE ARKANSAS RIFLE DEER season Ashley Rogers of Huntsville, Arkansas, was deer hunting with her father, Brandon. They were hunting on a large island of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property landlocked by the Arkansas River near Ft. Smith. The flood-prone island is open to the public, but many times the only way to access it is by boat. “There are several islands along the river that are open to the public,” Brandon said. “This particular one is horseshoe shaped, about 3/4 mile wide and a mile long. We hunt out there about a half-dozen times a year. They still run deer with dogs on the mainland, so a lot of the deer will take refuge on the island once the dog pressure starts. It’s a pretty good spot. We usually kill a pretty good buck out there every year.” It was mid-morning when a young buck appeared about 40 yards away from their hunting spot on the ground. Ashley steadied for the shot, but just as she touched the trigger the deer spooked and ran away. Her father was pretty sure she missed, but went to look for blood anyway. What they found instead was a relic from the past. Brandon called the find better than any monster buck. “As we walked up to the spot where the deer had been standing, I noticed a vine hanging down with a bullet hole in it,” he said. “I was showing the bullet hole to Ashley when she looked down on the ground and saw a bottle. It was in pretty plain view.” “Look daddy, it’s a bottle….. and there’s note in it,” Ashley said. Closer inspection revealed there was indeed a piece of paper inside, and that the bottle was not manufactured in modern times. Numbers embossed on the heel of the bottle indicated a production date of 1934. “It was a brown-colored bottle made from really thick glass with a metal lid,” Brandon said. “It looked like a medicine bottle of some sort, probably 6 1/2 or 7 inches tall. You could tell it was pretty old, but it was in real good condition.”

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A Chance Find on an Arkansas Hunting Trip Launches a Search that Solves a 73-Year-Old Mystery | story by matt williams PHOTO COURTESY BRANDON ROGERS

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path downstream couldn’t have been smooth sailing for the little brown bottle. “There have been a bunch of huge floods since then,” Brandon said. “It’s amazing that the lid didn’t leak or that bottle didn’t get broken during all that time. My guess is it spent some long periods of time on dry land and just gradually got washed downstream. We had a big flood The note here last spring, and reads, “I put the whole island was this ‘boddle’ completely underwain a big ﬂood ter. We’re thinking April 25, 1944.” that it may have just been uncovered or washed in there from somewhere.”

Curious to learn more about the contents, he removed the rusty lid and attempted to extract the paper inside. “The paper was really brittle,” he said. “It would crumble every time I touched it. At that point we thought the note would be more interesting than the bottle so we decided to bust it open, but I made Ashley wait 1 1/2 hours until lunch before we did it. I wish now that we wouldn’t have broken the bottle, but at the time we didn’t know of any other way to get to the note.” What Brandon discovered when he cracked open the bottle sounds like something out of a shipwreck flick. Someone stranded at sea stuffs an SOS note into a bottle and sets it adrift in hope that someone might find it and come to their rescue. However, the note doesn’t show signs of distress, but it is intriguing, just the same. “I put this boddle (sic) in a big flood April 25, 1944. Whoever finds it write and tell me.” Victor Elliott, Box 875, Fairfax, Okla. Naturally, the mysterious note got Brandon’s imaginative juices flowing. It sent him on a modern day wild goose chase to find out about the note’s origin as well as the person who wrote it. His first inclination was to check weather histories for the time frame when Elliott said bon voyage to the old bottle. It was launched roughly 300 miles upstream from where his daughter found it at rest in the woods, more than 73 years later. “There was a big flood on the Arkansas River up in Kansas between April 21-23,” Brandon said. “The river passes through Oklahoma and comes pretty close to Fairfax, where Victor Elliott lived.” There weren’t any locks or dams built along the Arkansas back then, but the snake30

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BRANDON IS A MACHINIST AND co-owner of Sportsman Innovations in Huntsville, Arkansas, not a private investigator. But he learned the ropes of detective work pretty quick. His first step in trying to solve the mystery took him to the Internet to look for clues and to solicit any help in locating Victor Elliott or his family so he could return the note to the rightful owners. “We did Google searches, Facebook posts and posted to a couple of hunting forums,” he said. “We even called couple of phone numbers that we found or someone suggested we try, but didn’t have any luck with those.” It was a Google search performed during the early stages of the investigation that ultimately turned up the most concrete lead of all — www.findagrave.com. The free website keeps millions of grave records for nearly 500,000 cemeteries in 238 different countries. The website’s search engine located a Victor Floyd Elliott who was born in Fairfax, Oklahoma on May 5, 1930. According to the website, Elliott died on December 4, 1986 and is buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Temple, Texas. The website has pictures of Elliott’s headstone, which also bears the name of his widow, Betty A. Elliott, along with the date the couple was married - June 2, 1951. It also lists a contact link for George Robbins II, the |

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family historian. “We still didn’t know whether we were barking up the right tree or not, but I went ahead and sent George a message anyway,” Brandon said. “I heard back from him the same night.” Turns out Robbins is Elliott’s nephew and lives in Sierra Vista, Arizona. He provided Brandon with an extensive family history and even e-mailed some photos of his Uncle Vic holding him as a young boy in the 1950s. Robbins explained that Elliott was the youngest of four children and was raised on a crop/cattle ranch known as the Tallchief Farm near Fairfax. He served in the U.S. Air Force, got married in 1951 and eventually moved to Eddy, Texas. near Temple. “I have many good memories of Vic,” Robbins wrote. “Vic never knew a stranger, always had a smile and a joke for you—just a really neat guy to be around. Us kids always called him Hoss because he looked like and was built like Dan Blocker who played Hoss Cartwright on the TV show Bonanza.” One of the phone numbers Brandon called with no answer was that of Elliott’s widow, who still has a landline listed in the phone directory alongside a Temple address. “I dialed the phone number just for grins,” he said.” Elliott’s wife of 35 years answered on the third try. Not surprisingly, Mrs. Elliott, now 88, was shocked when Brandon passed on the news that a message in a bottle launched into the Arkansas River by her husband nearly 74 years ago had been found by a 10-year-old girl in Arkansas. The Box 875, Fairfax, Oklahoma address written in the note remains a vivid memory in her mind. “That’s it - oh my goodness!” she exclaimed. “That’s where he grew up. I wrote that address many times over the years, sending Christmas cards and such. What a great Christmas present this is to know somebody found a note from him after such a long, long time. “Vic was a such big, kind and wonderful man,” she added. “It doesn’t surprise me to find out he did something like that. They lived close to the water, but Vic also had special permission to drive a school bus when he was just 14-years old. Who knows, he might have pulled the bus off the road and threw the bottle in the river.” That, too, will forever remain a mystery.

« PHOTO COURTESY BRANDON ROGERS

3/9/18 2:49 PM

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

It’s Turkey Time in Texas

URKEY TIME WILL SOON BE here, and that means it is time to start preparing for your successful hunt and a delicious turkey dinner! I absolutely love turkey season. I think it is because you do not hunt the bird; he hunts for you! When you use a turkey call to sound like a lone hen looking for love, that tom turkey will sound off with a loud gobble. Let the games begin! It does not matter whether your choice of weapon is the bow or gun, the rules of this game remain the same. First and foremost, you need to locate the flocks. Most hunters simply drive the back roads and stop once in a while, shut the vehicle off, call and listen for a response. I like to go a step further and get off the pavement to find a roosting spot. A turkey might not use the same tree every night to roost, but he should be in the general area. Certainly, he would be close enough to hear a hen call. Once I find an area with many droppings and signs of turkeys scratching the ground in search of a meal, I make a mental note of the area and then leave. Too many times, a hunter will call the turkey during the pre-season and wait until he comes in, just for the excitement of seeing the bird. Well, all you did was educate that turkey to the sound of your fake call. That will make it harder for you to fool him when the season actually begins. If you find where turkeys have scratched the ground, you will see that it is always in a V shape. That useful information will tell you what direction the birds are heading. The point of the V is the way they are traveling. You can

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excited hen. Sometimes they use this call when the birds fly down from the tree in the early morning hours. The purr is followed by a soft cluck that lets the tom know the hen is ready “Come find me!” The kee-kee run, or lost turkey call, is not usually used in the spring. There are many different calls to try, the box call, push button calls, wing bone calls and also diaphragm calls with different configurations. Some have two or three latex pieces. Some have split latex and some have the latex cut in a v shape. They all sound different. You can sound like a young hen or a raspy old boss hen. These calls can be a little difficult to use and require some practice—away from the wife! Here is a little trick to remember. If the tom turkey is already with a group of hens, you will not be able to call him into your set-up. But you may be able to call the hens to you, and the tom will follow. Most of the time, when you try to call the hens in, the boss hen will purposely lead the flock away from you, and they will follow her. She will be the call that sounds raspy and will be easily distinguishable from the other turkeys. When you hear her call, interrupt her with a call of your own. Make it sound raspy and that you mean business. She will probably call over and over, and you should interrupt her every time. Nine times out of ten, she will seek out this intruder to give her a piece of her mind. The important thing is that she will also drag that tom along with her and— Game Over! Good luck next month. Remember to have fun and hunt safe.

plan a nice ambush spot for the next time. A turkey’s main defense is its amazing eyesight, then its hearing. I think that if a turkey could smell, we would never get them. If they see the slightest movement that’s out of place, the familiar “put put” sound will alarm the rest of the birds, and the entire flock will run for the hills…so to speak. Hunting out of a portable blind is really the best way to be successful. Any movement you make is hidden, and it is a great tool if you want to bring a young hunter with you. Many times, a child will move out of boredom and swear he or she is not moving at all. Hunting out of a portable blind, the child will be able to watch other animals in the woods without being detected, and that will stir their interest even more for the outdoor world. I do not have an explanation for this, but you can set a portable blind up in the middle of a field, place a few decoys around you, and the turkeys will come right to you. The blind does not bother them at all. As a matter of fact, I once had a tom brush his wing feathers along the outside wall of the blind I was in. For a minute, I thought he was going to stick his head in the window to say hello. I was hunting with my bow that morning, and believe it or not, he was too close for me to shoot. I had to wait until he walked closer to my decoys and away from the blind. Another big mistake that turkey hunters make is that they call too often and much too loud. I would recommend you listen to the pros call on Youtube or on a turkey hunting DVD. You will learn the many different calls the birds use. Better yet, go hide in the woods and just listen. The vocalization of a turkey is soft except for the gobble. The yelp is the most used call during this time of year. Super easy to do on a box call. You cannot miss with this call. It might be the only one you can master, but it will be all you need. The cluck is the sound of a relaxed turkey. You must be careful, however, so you do not sound like a put, which, as I said earlier, is their warning call. The cackle is the sound of an F I S H

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Self DEFENSE by DUSTIN ELLERMANN :: TF&G Contributing Editor

Shooting from a Tripod

This easily installs and allows for smooth elevation and windage rifle movements to engage different targets as well as a moving target if needed. Best of all, the Reaper Grip is secure. I’ve left my heavier 7.62 LaRue OBR on the

Shooting from a tripod topped off with the Kopjager Industries Reaper Grip.

IPODS ARE A POPULAR shooting aid usually mounted to a rifle. Depending on the leg length, they allow the shooter to easily find a stable shooting position whether prone, seating, kneeling or even standing. However over the past few years, many shooters have begun using a tripod as a shooting aid. This is obviously more stable, but understandably larger as well. However a tripod does work well and I’ve enjoyed integrating one into my range setup. At first I tried the budget version of the HOG saddle, dubbed the PIG Saddle, coupled with a SLIK DX700 PRO Tripod. The PIG saddle runs $135 and another $100 for the tripod. I opted not to purchase a ball head to save $165, but in reality, it needs one to make it more useful. The PIG saddle was still functional. I just had to lower legs to adjust my shooting angle. However during a review video of the Gemtech Integra 300BLK rifle (check out the video at www.fishgame.com) the rifle fell out of the PIG saddle causing my optic to lose zero and me to lose confidence in the PIG mount. Sure I could have torqued it tighter. However, it has 90 degree clamps that made me feel I was going to either break it or strip out the threads if I squeezed it too much more on a rounded rifle handguard. Also, the adhesive pads began to shift. This led me to order a higher quality tripod rifle rest. Produced in Texas, the Kopjager Industries Reaper Grip is a well thought out solution. I mounted it on the same SLIK tripod, but the Reaper Grip has its own set of adjustments that takes place of a ball mount.

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mizing recoil. But in reality, all the movement pushing toward one leg causes the system to rock back, then inconsistently pivot the rifle in one direction or the other. The most consistent setup is to square an odd leg toward the target. This way, the rifle’s recoil consistently rocks

tripod even with a 50-round X-Products drum magazine without fear of it falling out. This extra secure grip is because of the contoured jaws of the rifle clamp that will secure to any shaped rifle that I’ve tested in it. The price of $329 reflects the quality of the Reaper Grip. I found the tripod quicker to set up than a bench rest when out in the field or running ATVs to a back woods range. Resting off of an ATV or truck is never comfortable. Shooting prone or from a bench does offer the most stable position most of the time, but it is difficult to see over brush, grass, and terrain. Tripods allow the marksman to shoot in a comfortable, natural, standing supported position. I’ve even set up on truck beds to give myself extra elevation, and the tripod is an excellent option for that situation. At first I experimented with placing the odd leg of a tripod toward myself to assist in mini|

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back onto two legs and comes back to rest on the single front in the same position. In addition to range time and static hunting, I found the tripod helped younger and weaker shooters while hunting as well. From a ground blind the tripod would allow them ease of motion and a solid position. Occasional shooters probably won’t find a tripod worth the investment, but serious shooters should consider integrating it into their skills toolbox.

« Email Dustin Ellermann at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

PHOTO: DUSTIN ELLERMAN

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T’S LATE SPRING, AND the weather isn’t the only thing heating up around here. Water temperatures are on the rise at lakes all across the state and the fish are biting. One of the hottest games going these days is bluegillin’. Actually, bluegillin’ isn’t a game. It’s the term my good friend Lonnie Stanley of Huntington coined years ago to describe bream fishing. Bream is an umbrella term often used in reference to a wide variety to pint-size sunfish such as redear, bluegill, red breast and longear. Bream can be found in big numbers in public reservoirs and community lakes all across the state as well as in private stock tanks and ponds. Some of the best are found in eastern Texas, where the water quality is good with good habitat to support abundant populations of fish. Although bream can be caught year-round, the best time to go after them is during late spring through the summer months. The fish like to loaf in the shade around docks, piers and bulkheads, but perhaps the best way to run up the score is to find them on spawning beds. Left: Walker McGuire shows just how satisfying an experience bream ﬁshing can be, especially for kids. Inset: Bream can literally be a handfull.

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Bream gather in large groups and fan out beds for spawning. The beds, often slightly larger than a dinner plate, are usually stacked side-by-side on points, ridges, humps or shorelines that offer a hard bottom riddled with gravel or shell. Spawning “colonies” can easily contain 50 more beds. Beds are easy to identify in clear water, because they appear lighter than the surrounding bottom. From a distance a large spawning colony looks sort of like a giant honeycomb. If the water is clear enough to see the beds, you will be able to tell pretty quick if anyone is at home. Bream swarm around active spawning beds, and they are super aggressive toward something perceived as an intruder. Bream can be taken with assorted baits, live, dead or artificial. Just remember you aren’t dealing with Moby Dick. Think small. Small jigs cast on ultra-light spinning gear are deadly on spawning bream, or you can catch them on flyfishing gear using a small popping bug, nymph or a select sub-surface lure. Probably the most elementary way to go after bream is with a 10- to 14-foot B&M Black Widow telescoping pole. The lightweight pole has a

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single line tie at the tip. Guides and a small reel can be added if you want, but it really isn’t necessary. Fourpound test mono line the length of the pole allows for covering plenty of water sufficiently. The biggest mistake beginning bream fishermen make is using a hook and bait that’s too large. Sunfish have small mouths, so you need to use a combination they can inhale easily. A long shank hook with a narrow bite is ideal. Best baits are crickets, small waxworms or artificials such as Berkley Power Wigglers or Fish Fry. Both come in multiple colors, are inexpensive and are much cleaner to use than the real thing. Another key ingredient of a good long-pole rig is the cork. Use a float the fish can pull under easily. One of the best around is the Shy Bite by Thill. Bream may not be big, but they are a blast to catch on light tackle. They also make great table fare when deepfried golden brown and paired with hush puppies, french fries and fresh tomatoes with a slice of sweet onion. Think I’ll head to the lake to catch a few.

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Catﬁsh from Creeks & Bar Ditches SMALL CREEKS AND DRAINAGE ditches (bar ditches) can hold a surprising number of catfish. In fact, when looking for places to go catfishing, these smaller bodies of water generally go unutilized by all but the few locals who know the secrets held in their waters. Not every one of them is going to hold channel cats. There are five species of catfish in Texas waters, and the channel cat is the most sought-after, but these ditches and creeks often hold

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bullheads (mud cats). Bullheads are not generally thought of as particularly good table fare, but if caught in good cold running water and handled properly, they can be quite good eating. When you start looking for a fishing hole here are a few things I look for. I always start off with the obvious and look for creeks and canals crossing under roads I drive regularly—not just any creek, but creeks that always hold water year-round. Holding water all year, offers the resident fish time to

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mature and get a bit of size to them. I also like one that runs relatively close to a larger body of water. Often catfish will travel upstream in these creeks following baitfish or seeking refuge from much larger predators in the main waters. That being said, those away from larger waters still hold some great fun

PHOTO: US FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE

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story by JEFF STEWART and fishing. No matter which creek or stream you fish, just look for the larger, deeper pools as they generally provide suitable habitat for better numbers and larger sizes of creek cats. The tackle needed for taking advantage of these micro bodies of water, can be as simple as a cane pole with a few feet of line and a hook—or as elaborate as your best bass fishing rig with slip sinkers and circle hooks. It’s really up to you how fancy you want to make it.

I find that a short 5 ½-foot rod or shorter with an ultralight reel and 8- to 10-pound line plenty to take just about any creek cat in Texas. Tight lining on the bottom as well as using bobbers can produce catfish. A wide variety of tackle and techniques can be employed, and there really is no wrong way. As long as your hook is in the water and baited you are doing it right. One of the most useful baits in my creek fishing arsenal is bacon. I have caught more fish in creeks on bacon

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than just about anything. always love to use bacon, but I never go up or down the creek without a container of nightcrawlers and some Little Stinker stink bait of some flavor. Usually, I like to use the cheese flavored and smear it all over whatever bait I am using. Scent carried downstream will bring the cats in for a look at what you have to offer.

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When a Kingwood Pastor’s Boat Suffered Major Damage Rescuing Hurricane Harvey Flood Victims, His Dealer and the Manufacturer Stepped Up STORY BY CHESTER MOORE 38

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HEN HURRICANE HARVEY’S FLOODwaters inundated the Kingwood area Mark Barnhill knew he needed to take action. Being the Care Pastor at Woodridge Baptist Church means he has a heart for people, and it was heartbreaking to think of many of his church members trapped in dangerous situations. “I knew I had to do something,” he said. “So I decided to get in my Blue Wave Pure Bay and see if I could get to some of them and bring them to safety.” Launching into the neighborhood was a strange sensation according to Barnhill. Areas he normally drove were now a navigable path for his boat. “About the time I went out, the Cajun Navy started showing up, as well as police rescue and helicopters,” Barnhill said. “It was quite the scene. I came up to an apartment complex and figured out a way to get to some of the people and bring them back to safety.” “I had them walk down to a spot in the water. and then we loaded them in. I was really glad I could do something to help.” The current was extremely strong at this point, and Barnhill’s boat was pulled into a hard spot that caused major damage to the hull. “We kept on going, but I knew it was bad. Really bad,” Barnhill said. Having purchased his boat at Mt. Houston Marine he decided to give them a call. The company had experienced major flooding themselves, but managed to open up a week after the flood hit. Pastor Mark Barhill, “We had just done some left, with Mark work on his boat not too terMcKenzie of Mt. Houston Marine and ribly long before the storm, Danny Miller of but this was different,” said Mt. Northwest Fiberglass. Houston’s Mark McKenzie. T E X A S

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Hear more of Mark Barnhill’s Hurricane Harvey story in this interview video at FishGame.com

“This situation was special because the damage was done in the service of others, so I knew we had to do something.” McKenzie contacted Blue Wave and

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board, and we all did what it took to get him fixed up,” McKenzie said. Barnhill was blown away by the generosity and appreciates all parties involvement. “It just shows there are great boat companies, dealerships and people who work on boats out there, Barnhill said. “It shows there are many caring people out there and that makes this very special.” McKenzie jokingly said the next time he gets a call from Barnhill, it better be to brag about a bunch of trout he caught, not for repair work. “I look forward to him being able to enjoy the boat the way it was intended, to fish out on the bay; but I am glad he was able to use it to help others who were in a terrible situation. I am glad we were there to help.”

Danny Miller of Northwest Fiberglass. Both agreed to take care of Barnhill’s boat free of charge. “Blue Wave and Danny jumped right on

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HE CONVERSATION COULD NOT HAVE BEEN more cloak and dagger if it were on the pages of a Hollywood script. We were in the basement of the Las Vegas Convention Center at the SHOT Show where small companies show their new products. I noticed some brochures about wild turkey management on this particular gentleman’s table and as soon as he noticed the Texas Fish & Game logo on my shirt, he took a look around and said something that quite frankly shocked me. “You know there are Gould’s turkeys out in extreme West Texas,” he said. “Gould’s?” I asked. “Yes sir, I saw them on a hunt last year. We were literally standing yards away from Mexico, but there were Gould’s out pretty close to El Paso,” he said. When pressed for more info he had little to say other than he was as blown away by the sighting as anyone. He had been traveling from a lodge in Texas to hunt Gould’s in Mexico. The Gould’s turkey is hunted in Mexico and is known to have isolated pockets in New Mexico and Arizona, but this was the first I heard of Gould’s in Texas. If anyone has information, photos or videos of these majestic birds that are part of the Royal Slam of turkeys (Eastern, Osceola or Florida, Rio Grande and Merriam’s, along with Gould’s) please send to cmoore@fishgame.com. I have investigated some studies done in New Mexico and there is a pocket of Gould’s fairly close to Texas, but so far, we have no conclusive proof. Although this Mexican bird’s status is controversial, very few Texas hunters know that there is also a population of Merriam’s turkey in the state. According to “Texas Turkey Talk,” a treatise on native birds compiled by Ralph Suarez, the Merriam’s turkey, is the least common subspecies of turkey in Texas and is located in a few isolated mountainous areas of West Texas. “The historic range of the Merriam’s turkey occurs throughout the western coniferous forest mountain regions of the United States including the states of Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. Populations exist in the Guadalupe and possibly Franklin Mountains of Texas.” “The Merriam’s habitat predominately consists of ponderosa pine, but Douglas fir, southwestern white pine, piñon pine, and assorted junipers and oaks may also be found throughout their current range in Texas. Merriam’s inhabit arid, mountainous territory with an average rainfall between 15 and 23 inches, steep terrain, temperature range between 35 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 10,000 feet. At present, viable populations of Merriam’s inhabit the Davis Mountains and Guadalupe Mountains in Texas.” The Rio Grande turkey is the most abundant species in Texas with estimates showing around 500,000 birds. However, even they face challenges.

REPORT: NEWS 46 u TF&G OF THE NATION Reported by TF&G Staff

HOT 46 u TEXAS SHOTS Trophy Photos from TF&G Readers

48 u TEXAS COASTAL FORECAST

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

58 u TEXAS FISHING HOTSPOTS

by Tom Behrens, Dustin Warncke and Dean Heffner

66 u SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK Tides and SoLunar Data

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Top: Meriam’s tom and hen. Bottom: Rio Grande tom.

Take, for example, a study conducted in Rio Grande turkey country, the Edwards Plateau. There, researchers used chicken eggs to simulate turkey nestings and found that hogs destroyed 28 percent of them. On the other hand, some researchers, including V.G. Henry debate the hog’s effectiveness at nest predation. They argue that hogs are “haphazard nest predators” and are “not additive to nest predation, but only replaced that which would have occurred by other predators either driven off or preyed upon by feral hogs, especially snakes.” Research conducted on other groundnesting animals, including reptiles may shed some light on the potential for hogs to harm turkey nests. In Georgia, for example, 80 percent of sea turtle nests were lost on Ossabow 44

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Island from hog predation. “There is no doubt that feral hogs have a negative impact on their environment,” said Rick Taylor, a retired feral hog specialist with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). “Research certainly suggests that they can and do destroy the nests of turkeys and other ground-nesting birds.” According to TPWD, the earliest stocking attempts utilized pen-reared turkeys and later the Rio Grande subspecies trapped in the western half of Texas. Both methods failed to create a sustainable turkey population in east Texas. “Beginning in the late 1970s, TPWD began releasing wild trapped Eastern turkeys from neighboring states. By 2003, more than 7,000 Eastern turkeys had been stocked |

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into east Texas, utilizing a block stocking approach. “This method called for stockings of 15 to 20 birds per site with 5 to 10 sites scattered across a particular county. While this method was successful in several areas of the state, most of the stocked birds disappeared without creating a sustainable population.” Intensive efforts saw turkey hunting opened throughout most of the region. However, recent years have seen many counties lose turkey hunting because of declining numbers. At the same time, feral hog populations have skyrocketed. Is there a connection? Speaking of eastern turkeys, TPWD is not giving up on them and neither is the National Wild Turkey Federation. In 2015, the Gus Engeling WMA was the initial site of what TPWD described as a “Super Stocking” plan for turkeys. This plan calls for stockings of 80 turkeys on each site (three in total)—three hens for each gobbler—about 240 birds in total. “It’s the same old story,” said Jason Hardin TPWD Upland Bird Program Leader. “The birds were essentially wiped out by subsistence and market hunting along with extensive habitat loss in the later parts of the 19th Century,Hardin said, but with the help of the NWTF, we have been able to bring the birds back all across the country.” The NWTF’s Texas State Chapter is playing a significant role in footing the bill for transferring the birds. Help with the gas bills and plane tickets have been a real boost, Hardin said. “We couldn’t do what we do without NWTF volunteers and employees. This is all part of NWTF’s new ‘Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt Initiative.’ Hopefully, one of these days we’ll have enough birds so we will not need to rely on other states for our Eastern wild turkey restoration efforts.” There is a lot more to turkeys in Texas than meets the eye. They are fascinating birds, worthy game animals and the subject of intensive conservation efforts.

« PHOTOS: TOP, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; BOTTOM, TPWD

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The NATIONAL

News of TEXAS

Improvements Underway at J.D. Murphree WMA DUCKS UNLIMITED AND THE TEXAS Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) completed a project in early December to improve more than 1,500 acres of important marsh habitat on the Salt Bayou Unit of J.D. Murphree WMA. The environmental and economic benefits of wetlands and prairies along the Texas Gulf Coast are tremendous, and the marshlands south of Port Arthur are no exception. Coveted by anglers and hunters for the abundant wildlife, these marshes also provide storm surge protection for the citizens and industries of Chambers, Jefferson, and Orange Counties. The Salt Bayou Water Control Structure was installed in 1995 to prevent

A barge is used to make improvements to the Salt Bayou Water Control Structure.

Multiple leaks have developed, and many of the flap gates are either missing or inoperable. As such, the structure no longer functions properly, and TPWD staff cannot control the influx of saltwater into the northern reaches

the influx of saltwater into the north end of the Salt Bayou system. Since then, the structure has been degraded by corrosion from exposure to high saline waters and sustained physical damage caused by hurricanes.

REDFISH

WHITETAIL

Galveston

Doss

Elois Spivey caught her ﬁrst redﬁsh, which happened to be a 38-inch bull she caught from the Pelican Island drawbridge area near the Galveston Ship Channel. She is pictured with her grandson, Amun Jackson.

Lowell Mower, of Houston, with the largest buck ever taken off the White Ghost Ranch in Doss, Texas.

Visit FishGame.com to upload your own TEXAS HOT SHOTS and Vote for our next Winners 46

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of Salt Bayou. Ducks Unlimited provided survey, design, engineering, and construction oversight services to restore management capabilities to the unit. Once completed, the structure will allow TPWD to reliably control salinity and water levels in the Salt Bayou Unit and restore beneficial wetland plant communities. J.D. Murphree WMA provides important habitat for waterfowl that winter along the Texas Gulf Coast and year-round habitat for mottled ducks as well as other wildlife and fisheries. Over the past 100 years, accelerated loss of emergent coastal wetlands has reduced vegetation, soils, and long-term resource sustainability within the area. The $540,000-project contributes to the overall goal of the Salt Bayou Watershed Restoration Plan. This is a multi-partner, long-term effort to conserve the Salt Bayou system and ensure its continued benefits for wildlife, fisheries, and the community. This project was included as a match in a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) proposal submitted by Ducks Unlimited in July 2017. If awarded

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full funding, DU, TPWD, and Jefferson County will have leveraged $1,000,000 in NAWCA grant funds. This will complete future projects that will enhance and restore 3,400 acres of waterfowl habitat on the Texas Gulf Coast. —Andi Cooper

Wardens Crack Down on Illegal Wildlife Trade TEXAS GAME WARDENS MADE MULtiple criminal cases against individuals attempting to make online sales of various threatened and protected wildlife species, as well as state and federally regulated natural resources. Navigating through internet forums and online marketplaces where trade in both live wildlife and wildlife parts are known to occur, wardens were able to negotiate undercover transactions with willing sellers to purchase things like a taxidermied great blue heron, raptor talons, American alligator heads and live box turtles.

During the operation, game wardens conducted 20 cases using online searches and mobile apps to uncover illegal items for sale. The investigations netted numerous seizures of wildlife resources, and resulted in issuance of 18 citations and 18 warnings. Citations included charges for sale and possession of threatened and or protected species, sale of migratory duck parts, sale of American alligator parts (no retail dealer permit), commercial exotic snake permit violations, Illegal sale of game fish, no fish dealer’s license, and failure to possess a nongame dealer permit. All citations issued were class C misdemeanor violations punishable by fine from $25 — $500. Additional covert wild web operations have been conducted elsewhere around the state, with the most recent crackdown in Houston last May. The public is urged to help augment game warden efforts by notifying Operation Game Thief at 800-792GAME. —TPWD

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Coastal Focus: SABINE :: by Capt. EDDIE HERNANDEZ

April Brings Some Consistency to Sabine

EATHER PATTERNS AND conditions become slightly more stable and predictable in April, so the translation here on Sabine Lake equals plenty of opportunity. With the exception of some pretty intense winds (which will occasionally give you a break), and the possibility of a severe storm or two, it marks the beginning of some muchawaited consistency for catching the Big Three. A little consistency and some normalcy will be more than welcome along the coast and the bay systems after taking some hard hits from Harvey as well as a very non-typical winter. New hatches of baitfish and shrimp will ride the big tides and begin to stack up as they invade the entire system. Your odds of having

a successful trip are pretty high from the north end of the lake to south of the Causeway. You shouldn’t have to work very hard to catch fish. A good starting point is the ship channel at the LNG plant which is just about a mile south of the Causeway. Bumping plastics off the bottom in about three to seven feet usually works well. Trout, reds and flounders love hanging out on this bank because of the abundance of bait and the makeup of the bottom structure. The best trout bite, however, should be on the reef, just north of the Causeway Bridge. This is where the biggest numbers of specks typically show up first every spring. This oyster superstructure is like a magnet for baitfish of all kinds. From sand eels to crabs, it provides a safe haven that gives them

some comfort as hungry predators are lurking nearby. Let the wind and current determine where you start your drift, and drag soft plastics over the shell. Use ¼ ounce or heavier lead heads, depending on the speed of the drift to ensure your lure gets down to the shell. Eight inch Gillraker worms and other longer baits are very effective as trout rely heavily on sand eels as a major part of their diet. Tomato, Firetiger and Pumpkin/Chartreuse are great color choices. Other good bait choices are Assassins, Norton, Bull Minnow, Sand Eel Jr and H & H Cocahoe Minnow in Red Shad and Limetreuse. If you’re looking for some serious redfish action, try the eastern bank from Blue Buck Point to Willow Bayou. Glow, Roach and Limetreuse plastics rigged on ¼ ounce lead heads are hard for these reds to resist. Topwaters like Skitterwalks and She-Dogs are very good locator baits. When you find them, you can work them over by bouncing plastics off the bottom or rigging one under a popping cork. The best flounder bite should be early on high tides. Work the mouths of the bayous, drains and cuts on the Louisiana shoreline. Drag chartreuse, glow and smoke curl-tail grubs tipped with fresh peeled shrimp. Don’t be scared to get in the bayou and fish the banks, but make sure you have your Louisiana license. Let’s pray this spring brings a little normalcy so we can have a little consistency and catch some fish.

THE BANK BITE LOCATION: Keith Lake Fish Pass (Hwy 87 South of Port Arthur) SPECIES: Trout, redﬁsh, ﬂounder, croaker BAITS/LURES: Soft plastics, fresh dead shrimp, mud minnows BEST TIMES: Early and late with moving tides

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Coastal Focus: GALVESTON :: by Capt. MIKE HOLMES

Getting Ready For Spring!

HE WINTER OF 2017-2018 saw more cold weather on the upper Texas coast than had been around for a few years. We experienced not only freezing temperatures—although brief—but one event of significant snow, and a couple more periods of light snow. Global warming is evidently coming at us in a gradual way? In spite of the cold spells, no reports surfaced of significant fish kills, so the most obvious result of the weather was some discomfort for those engaging in outdoor pursuits, especially on or near the water. Besides our coastal winters being normally mild, however, they are also of a relatively short duration. Still, this in no way makes the arrival of spring less of a relief. With warmer spring breezes and tidal waters, come fishing conditions that are more productive and enjoyable. All segments of our habitat in the Galveston area offer renewed opportunities for the angler seeking both sport and fresh seafood. Bait species show more regularly in tidal streams that are part of the bay system. The return of shrimp and forage species such as shad, mud minnows, and finger mullet will be the key to action with croaker, sand trout, and the smaller black drum. Flounders return from the Gulf to begin hunting for food and shelter for breeding in more protected bay waters. Speckled trout and immature redfish spend more time in the bays or in close inshore waters such as the surf near passes and the Gulf outlets of coastal streams. As the water warms, more offshore species will be found hunting near the surf zone and

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these passes. Among these will be Spanish mackerel. Bigger game such as tarpon will also hunt these spots, as well as some sharks from ankle biter size to an occasional one in the true monster size. More common, yet largely unappreciated are bluefish. Nowhere near as popular as they are on the east coast, blues spawn in the Gulf in cooler water. They can be big enough at times to be great light tackle sport. Blues are also good eating when handled properly. Blues should be cleaned promptly, well bled, and thoroughly washed. All red meat should be removed from the fillets. They fry up nicely and taste pretty darn good. Fishermen with boats can venture out farther and often reap rewards. Rigs and bottom structure close to shore often hold legal-sized

snappers, quantities of sand trout, and sometimes groupers. Ling will feed in these areas at times, occasionally king mackerel also. Bull-sized redfish are always a possibility. Inshore waters are not as well-populated with gamefish as they will be in only a month or so, but a warm current can make them well worth a try. Bait is always a big key to fishing success, and spring is when schools of mullet and quantities of shrimp, along with several other types of baitfish, squid, and small crabs begin to be more active in the surf and nearshore waters. Although it’s still early in the year, good CONTINUED ON PAGE

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Coastal Focus: MATAGORDA :: by Contributing Editor MIKE PRICE

Where Are They?

Waterway and Mad Island Cut. In the back of a bayou I found several schools of redfish working the shorelines, and I found trout foraging where the water dropped from one foot to three feet deep. Jeff also got into redfish in the gut. When the water temperature was close to 70°F on the south shore of West Matagorda Bay, working a deep gut paid off. On another day in early April, with water temperatures between 70° and 73°, we had an incoming tide. It was a partly cloudy day with air temperatures starting at 63° and going up to 84° with winds from the south 10- to 15-mph. I decided to launch my kayak into a lake on the south side of East Matagorda Bay. Throwing a Chicken on a Chain colored Bass Assassin I caught 22- and 25-inch redfish and a 17-inch trout, plus some undersized reds in the lake. Then I decided to fish the bayou that led to the bay, the confluence of the bayou and the bay, and out into the bay, but I didn’t get any hits. So on this day and under these circumstances, the fish were holed up in a backwater lake that was from one to three feet deep. Jeff Wiley and I were on the south shore of

N THE MONTH OF APRIL, WATER temperatures are typically between 70°F and 80°F. This stimulates the fish to feed and move. Sometimes you find the fish in the backwaters, sometimes they are at the confluence of the bay and the backwaters; sometimes they are in the bay, and sometimes they are on the shoreline. On April 7 last year, Jeff Wiley and I fished a gut on the south shore of West Matagorda Bay. The water temperature was 72°F, tide incoming and then outgoing strong. Initially the wind was from the northeast, which later switched to the southeast. We launched at Matagorda Harbor, but could not go through the Diversion Channel into the bay because the water was too low. So, we went through Braggs Cut, the Intracoastal

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West Matagorda Bay on April 20th last year. Jeff decided to work the shoreline of the bay, and I paddled my kayak into a cove. In late April the water temperature can climb into the high seventies and on this day it was 76°. I worked my way around the sides of the cove, running my soft plastic Sparkle Beetle lure over shallow oyster reefs and allowing it to fall to the bottom in the center of the cove, which was three feet deep. I only managed to catch one 17-inch flounder and a couple of little redfish. Jeff wade-fished along the shoreline of the bay, using a gold spoon, casting both into the bay and up against the shoreline. He did all the good, catching two 26-inch reds. Two other fishermen were near us, and they boat-fished about 100 yards off the shoreline and caught seven keeper-sized trout. So on this day and under these circumstances the fish were on the shoreline and in the bay. Four days later, after the wind had blown hard from the north for two days, it dropped to five mph out of the north. I was not sure whether the bay had enough time to allow sediment that had turned it brown to fall out of the water. So, I was pleasantly surprised to find trout-green water with visibility of 12 to 18 inches. The water temperature had dropped to 70°, and the tide was coming in slowly. Bob Turner was fishing with me, and he tried the shoreline with no results and then he drifted in his kayak out into the bay and caught a keeper-sized redfish. He got on the two-way radio and told me they might be biting in the bay. I had started fishing at the mouth of a bayou, and then I went into the bayou, but could not find a bite. While I was fishing the backwaters, I kept hearing fish jumping in the bay, and I saw bottlenose dolphins working the bay. So after getting Bob’s call I moved into the bay and driftfished. Before long, I had a solid hit and watched the yellow mouth of a good-sized trout trying to shake off the lure as I worked it in. I put the 21-inch trout on the stringer and re-drifted the same area where the action continued. Bob and I both caught good numbers of trout and redfish near sandbars in the bay

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on that day. When the water temperature is between 70° and 80° the fish could be anywhere, but when the water temperature is below 70° or warmer than 80°, fish look for deeper water. The other factor that I thought of on this day was a comment from Tim Garcia from El Campo. “Those fish get riled up the day before, and one to two days after a norther,” he opined. The month of April brings multiple fishing challenges: strong springtime winds, low or off-colored water, the occasional norther, and fish that are scattered. However, the plentiful amount of forage fish and hungry predators, makes it also one of the best months of the year to fish East and West Matagorda Bays. One of the keys to catching in April is to patiently work backwaters, the bay, shorelines, and points where bayous and lakes meet the bay until you find them.

THE BANK BITE RIVER ROAD ON THE TRES PALACIOS RIVER River Road goes south from FM 521 a half mile east of the bridge going over the Tres Palacios River. Take River Road until you come to a bridge. You can bank ﬁsh next to the bridge or along the

Focus: GALVESTON t CONTINUED FROM PAGE

fishing can be had—and really good fishing is not too far in the future!

THE BANK BITE

BAIT: Cooler water favors the use of natural baits that leave a scent trail in the water, but plastic jig tails and ﬂashing spoons will draw strikes as well—especially on warm, sunny days.

LOCATION: Again, when temperatures are still on the cool side, deeper water will be more productive for all species. On warm days bay reefs and sandbars in the surf will begin to hold ﬁsh. The immediate area of passes and river mouths should be productive. Night ﬁshing can pay off in the deeper water of passes and the ship channel within the protection of the jetties—especially under lights.

BEST TIME: Anytime a potential fisherman thinks some time near, or on, the water is favorable for one’s mental well being is a good time to fish—and sometimes a good fish dinner might be the result!

Email Mike Holmes at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

SPECIES: Trout, reds, and ﬂounders will return

bank. Shrimp fished on a bottom rig will attract trout, redfish, flounders, or catfish. Fishing from the bridge can be especially productive when water is high and outgoing.

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with warm tides, and should be hungry. Nearshore waters of the Gulf can harbor both inshore and some offshore species, depending on water and weather conditions. As always, tidal movement is important.

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Email Mike Price at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

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3/13/18 6:14 PM

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

Early-Season Tactics for Mid-Coast Flounder

NGLERS CAN OFTEN locate speckled trout and redfish almost every month of the year along our section of the Texas

when flounders start making their spring trek back into the bay systems from their wintering grounds in neighboring Gulf waters. So, if it’s flounders you’re after, our region of the coast is a good place to be this month. If you’ve ever spent any amount of time fishing for flounders with a rod and reel, you may have discovered that flounders tend to be attracted to structure much more so than do trout or reds. When I say structure, I mean almost anything you can imagine. There’s the typical structure like grass-covered sand flats, and oyster reefs that happen to be covered with a thin layer of mud, but the list doesn’t stop there. Flounders can be found at the base of fence posts, around pier legs, and on top of flat pieces of concrete in the water. There’s just no telling where you might happen upon them! Some folks prefer hunting springtime flounders out of a shallow water boat. Many claim this tactic allows them to cover quite a bit of shoreline in much less time, but I always prefer to get out of the boat and wade. I think doing so allows for a more stealth approach, and it also offers me a much better opportunity to be thorough in my investigation of the area. You may have heard, and may still hear today, that there’s no better bait for flounders than a mud minnow. However, artificial baits work well, also. A lot of flounders have been taken over the years on bottom-hugging crank baits such as MirroLures or gold and silver Johnson Sprite spoons, as well as a wide range of plastics— shrimp tails, flounder pounders, sand eels, shad, bull minnows, etc. Some of you may have even experienced a flounder hitting your top water plug. It’s happened! Once you decide on which structure to approach and which bait you are going to use,

coastline. However, saying the same thing about being able to find flounders year-round is another story altogether. These coastal flat fish do not endure cold temperatures very well, and usually search for warmth in deeper water. This month is around the time each year

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you will still be in need of one key-ingredient for successful flounder fishing. That ingredient is water movement, or current. These flatfish don’t move around a lot. Instead, they often tend to sit stationary in one spot on the bay floor while they let the moving water do all the work of washing food in their direction. Water movement is favorable in most any fishing scenario, but it is downright crucial for prosperous flounder fishing. There is any of a number of ways to setup to take full advantage of moving water. However, one way has been effective over and over again—the reverse-funnel method. It works like this. First, try to find a bayou, or inlet capable of draining water out of a back lake area and into a larger body of water such as the main bay system. Next, set-up your wading session along the shoreline on the main bay side adjacent to the mouth of the bayou or inlet Do this about an hour prior to the peaktime of the next falling tide. Tidal changes can move great amounts of water in a relatively short period of time. When this happens at the mouths of these small drains, the effect is similar to turning a funnel upside-down and pouring water through the small end of the funnel. The water is now exiting the funnel at the larger end. As the water flows out of the back lake through the constriction of the small bayou or inlet, substantial amounts of sediment and food morsels are also washed into the main bay system. When this happens, you need to be in place and ready for action. A lot of “old salts” might even tell you flounder fishing doesn’t get any better than that, unless of course you happen to be doing this right at, or around, the time of a full-moon. Until next time, have fun out there and be safe!

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

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3/13/18 6:14 PM

Coastal Focus: ROCKPORT :: by Capt. MAC GABLE

One Person’s Trash is Another’s Treasure percent built from Harvey debris. Honestly, it was too much fun! I literally had my pick of pressure-treated wood and a wide variety of roofing material. I think anyone who goes through such a horrific storm should have a memento, lest we forget just how devastating these gigantic storms can be. The pump house, although it’s not the best to look at, has already been baptized—a superstitious way of keeping future storms away. Well, I can hope, anyway. Neighbors

“ I know many of you are tired of hearing about Harvey.

“

HEN SANFORD AND SON was created, I am pretty sure they let my Dad write the script. He threw nothing away, and many folks had lots of laughs where he was concerned. The apple didn’t fall too far from the tree, for I seem to have inherited that gift, or, so many, including my wife, say. I believe it’s a gift to find a use for what others would throw away. My wife Lisa has several favorite pieces of clothing that were either fished out of the bay or found on the road dead, all a proud gift from yours truly. I know many of you are tired of hearing about Harvey, but for us Rockport locals Harvey is now forever etched in our way of life. It seems one of the benefits of the hurricane (we have to try hard to find them) is an excuse to literally clean house. This, of course, has been made easy for most residents as their belongings were cast to the four corners of three counties. Still, for someone with my frugal tendencies, I am amazed at what’s being thrown away. Rockport is truly a junk yard dog’s paradise now. Yes, the growl of sanitation and debris removal trucks is a sound we have come to accept, knowing it won’t go away any time soon. On my daily excursions, whether it be in my truck or on a run or bike ride, I have yet to take an outing which doesn’t produce an urgent stop to investigate some piece of paraphernalia I spied. The items range from rods and reels to lures and even boat motors. I personally have located three kayaks and four aluminum boats that were IMHO good to go. Needing a memento from Harvey, I decided to build a pump house to cover our water wellhead and its necessary equipment. The pump house, I decided, would be 100

named it the Harvey house, and it’s 100 percent made from Harvey debris. It truly irks me that more of this debris isn’t being utilized to rebuild our community. I understand wanting to start anew, but a fairly good percentage of the items going to our landfills are not only usable but far better than the same items new. Last estimate from our county commissioner is 300 million cubic yards of debris has been collected. A small percentage is being burned in high heat furnaces (mostly wood) the rest is headed for landfills. (To get an idea, 300 million cubic yards is about the size T E X A S

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of 40,000 Goodyear blimps.) If you visit Rockport, the 35 Bypass between Rockport and Aransas Pass is the staging area for just part of the debris. It is truly a sight to behold. Much to my wife’s chagrin, I am forever picking up wood and driving the nails out to build God only knows what. My fishing arsenal seems to be growing as well. The area is a treasure trove of old lures, saltwaterdunked reels. Occasionally I find a rod that’s not broken. Pick your size of ice chests. Being light and easily blown by the wind, they were everywhere. Use a little Clorox and sniffy-jiffy spic and span, one has a new/old fish box. They also make nice, portable live wells. Of course, the treasure is not limited to just land-bearing folks. Just a few days ago, I fished a Nike wind breaker out of the muck, hosed it off; and our closet now has another garment. For the do-it-yourselfer fiberglass guy, this is a resin-laying person’s dream. Slightly damaged boats are being totaled. For someone who has wanted a boat, but can’t afford new and is not afraid of some elbow grease, a solid bay boat can be made ready and not cost a fortune. We in the land of plenty seem to have forgotten, or maybe never knew, the value of things. Why put so much importance on having things, when it can all be gone in the blink of an eye? Ask someone who’s seen the lack of things growing up. A/C units, refrigerators, stoves, freezers that are perfectly good are headed to our landfills. Why? —simply because we can replace them—not always because we should. I know people in other countries who would kill for many of these things we are throwing away. Recently some visitors from our southern border country were here asking whether they could have some of the stuff in our tobe-hauled-off debris piles. This family had driven up with their kids to help and were put tarping roofs etc. Yet when they asked if they could have the throw-aways the answer was mostly no. Amazing!

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Forecast: ROCKPORT demolition debris, appliance, electronics, hazardous waste. With just a little more effort three of these categories, possibly four, could be isolated and used across our planet to help rebuild and vitalize disaster-stricken, war-torn, or otherwise poor / below poverty level cities/ countries. If you believe the experts between 700 million to a billion people live at and below poverty level. If you have never been in a disaster area, I hope you never will be. For those who have, think about how much the things we throw away could be utilized in other parts of our shrinking planet. It’s not difficult science. We simply need to decide to do it. April is usually the month many anglers wait for. It can be bull tide time. With the higher tides come plentiful bait, followed closely by our predator friends we love to fish for. It remains to be seen whether the infrastructure will be able to keep pace with the many visitors that frequent our area this month. A new industry is taking hold as renting semi-permanent RVs to weekenders is shaping up. This might be a good option instead of a hotel. Regardless, securing a place before you come is still the best idea.

We’d rather it goes in a landfill than be put to good use in Mexico or anywhere else on our rapidly resource-depleting planet. I know this sounds like wishful thinking, pie in the sky, tooth fairy stuff, but it’s not too far a stretch. We are asked to separate our debris into six separate stacks: household trash, vegetation (trees etc.), construction/

and live shrimp. Cast directly into the grass on high tide and fish the edges on low tide. Bartell Island is a good place for black drum using fresh dead shrimp under a silent cork. CARLOS BAY: Wades down the shoreline of Cedar Reef work well for reds and trout. A bubble cork with a DOA shrimp is a killer here. Some decent black drum are still on Cedar Reef. Peeled shrimp on a light Carolina rig is the best bet here. MESQUITE BAY: Beldon Dugout is still good for reds using free-lined finger mullet. The spoil area just off Bludworth Island is a good spot to wade from. Catch reds using Berkley Jerk Shad in new penny and rootbeer colors. AYERS BAY: The shallow shell reefs off the southeast shoreline are good for reds and black drum. Live shrimp under a silent cork works well for the black drum and free-lined mud minnows for reds. Here’s Wishing You Tight Lines, Bent Poles, and Plenty of Bait! Capt. Mac Gable; Mac Attack Guide Service;1-361-790-9601, 1-512-809-2681.

THE BANK BITE

••• COPANO BAY: This is a productive bay when we experience the high tides of spring. Trout and reds that were all but gone during the winter, magically appear. Live shrimp is a good choice here. Free-lined is best or soft plastic in morning glory and nuclear chicken color. The three-inch shrimp version is a good choice. Cut bait still works well here for reds, especially at the mouth of Copano Creek. Trout frequent this area as well.

ST. CHARLES BAY: The mouth of Big Devil Bayou is a good place for reds, using finger mullet. Some black drum move through this area as well. The shell reefs just off Indian Head Point is a good place for trout using mud minnows free-lined.

GOOSE ISLAND SHORELINE is a good place to be, especially during high tide. Wading or bank ﬁshing can be productive for reds and some large trout. I like the largest shrimp you can ﬁnd here under a rattle cork. You must pay to get land access via Goose Island State Park. Check ahead as the park can be closed for Harvey repairs.

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

ARANSAS BAY: Grass Island Reefs is a good spot for trout using a popping cork 54

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3/13/18 6:14 PM

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

Tried and True: The Popping Cork is using, and that’s the depth the fish are at,” he said.

POPPING THE CORK: “If it’s real calm I don’t pop the living heck out of it. I want to make some noise, but not to the point where it scares fish off.” LEADER LENGTH: “Depends on getting the bait just above the bottom, not on the bottom, just above the grass line.”

“

As with any popular method of ﬁlling limits, there are lots of types of popping Corks.

“

HE POPPING CORK/SHRIMP combo is undoubtedly the most used technique along the coast to catch speckled trout. Why? Because it features one of a speck’s favorite foods, and it’s easy to use for a novice angler as well as a seasoned pro. When the cork disappears, as one guide says, “Fish On!” As with any popular method of filling limits, there are lots of different types of popping corks and how to rig them. Guide Tommy Countz uses a Mid Coast cork, a conventional dome type cork. You pop it and get that distinct plop sound. “I’ll put a three foot, 20- to 25-pound fluorocarbon or monofilament leader with a single hook under the cork,” he said. “I like the single hook because it doesn’t kill so many little fish. Sometimes I’ll pinch a piece of buckshot about six inches above the hook just to keep the hook down in the water.” Jack McPartland uses a Cajun Thunder football-shaped cork—not your conventional popping cork—but worked like a popping cork. Metal beads are on the bottom and plastic beads on the top. “I think the metal beads on the bottom are there to provide weight to keep the cork floating in the upright position,” he said. “You pop it just the same. It has a wire extending from both ends, one to tie to the reel line, and the other to the leader line.” The Cajun comes in a variety of colors, as most of the different types of corks do. McPartland doesn’t have a favorite color. If he has several different anglers fishing with him, each one has a different color cork on the end of their line with different length of leader under the cork. “Whichever angler is catching the most, I know from the color of his cork what length of leader he or she

HOOKS: “With a treble hook you won’t miss as many fish,” said McPartland. “I put a 1/16 ounce jig head with a Gulp or Down South soft plastic on the hook when live shrimp are scarce. Rig the soft plastic like you do a live shrimp. Pop the heck out of them, jig them around, and they catch fish.”

Email Tom Behrens at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

Capt. Daniel Land, who in April will be spending much of his time in Baffin Bay, prefers a Woody Cork. He describes the cork as having a wood grain appearance on the bottom and the top painted orange. The corks are already rigged and have a good-sized cup T E X A S

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in the top. “The popping noise from the cup in the top of the cork creates a noise like a trout exploding on the shrimp when the fish are feeding, Land said. “It also has beads attached to the top and bottom of the cork that give it a good clicking sound, mimicking the clicking noise of jumping, popping shrimp.” Land likes a 1/16-ounce jig head with the shrimp. “The jig head gets the bait down a little quicker when you’re popping it, rather than fluttering around the surface and not being in the strike zone.” “Treble or straight hook will work, but it’s a lot easier to use a jig head,” Land continued. “When you have to re-rig a line you don’t have to put on split shot and then tie on the treble hook. Tie the jig head on, and it’s ready to go.” For the Baffin he likes a foot-and-ahalf leader. Line choice is important for Land. He spools his reels with Hook Spit Platinum Braid. He claims his fish numbers have gone up since switching line. “The braid blends into the water a lot better than the other colors such as pink and green,” he said. “On cloudy days, if the water is just a little off-color, it blends really well. For those guys who don’t like to use a leader, you can tie the hook straight to the braid.” He uses 30-pound. test if there is light wind. “You can cast a little further. If the winds are blowing pretty well, I’ll move it up to 40-pound. test. With the 40-pound test you can feel the bite a little bit better.” The kinds of popping corks described here only scrape the top of the list of what’s available to the coastal angler. By varying the retrieve, frequency of popping, and the depth of bait, the popping cork is one of the best rigs for catching trout that can be found.

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3/12/18 5:29 PM

Coastal Focus: BAFFIN BAY :: by Capt. SALLY BLACK

A Magic Combination on Bafﬁn Bay

HERE’S ONE BIG REASON that the April guide’s calendars at BBR&G fill up first. Historically, it’s the month that will produce the heaviest trophy trout caught all year on Baffin Bay. Trout, after surviving the winter and conserving their body movement and energy are heavy. Then, Mother Nature, with an ever so gradual rise in water temperatures, tells these big girls to get ready to spawn. They just keep eating, and much more voraciously than during the cold weather of the winter. The crescendo of the right water temperatures, moderate weather, the new moon phase and Mother Nature’s prompting, happens in late April. The result is the undeniable urge for trout to spawn. One thing learned over the years, 90% percent of these gigantic spotted sea trout are feeding and spawning in shallow water. Knee deep or so, is the best place to look—along shorelines with sand pockets, grass lines and most importantly, bait. Big(ger) mullet is the food of choice for these hungry girls, in the “right size” of 4 to 12 inches. A trout can eat 2/3rd of its body length, so, keep this in mind. Many a trout has been caught with a “big” mullet tail hanging out of its mouth. Throw that big top water up on the bank, drag it down into the “zone” and let it hang there for a minute. Then, commence a stopand-go retrieval. Irritating the spawning Big Mama will result in a heart-stopping crash and a nerve-wracking hook-up of one big ol’ trophy! You must keep your cool as there is only one way to land a fish of a life-time—slowly, and considering the power on the other end of the line. 56

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Everyone knows it is all about the picture, so the pressure to land a big fish is undeniable. Do almost anything but DO NOT GRAB THE LINE! This is the biggest mistake trophy trout anglers make. Slowly let that big trout circle around, keep pressure and land it when the time is right with a boga grip or a good net. Now let the celebration begin! Next, after catching all of the big girls you can, head shallow—really shallow when the sun gets right. Now, start stalking for big reds, black drum, an occasional big trout and flounder. This is the magic combination for the month of April. Early mornings target trophy trout, and put a few on your stringer to eat. Then, stalk shallow and sight cast for all of the other fish in the bay. Use a conventional rod and lures such as Saltwater Assassin four-inch Sea Shad paddle tails on our Black’s Magic 1/32oz jig heads, or twist on a four-inch Chartreuse Gulp Swimming Mullet. More and more anglers are bringing a fly rod along for just this occasion as well. Since the Orvis Company has endorsed Baffin Bay Rod and Gun as a fly fishing lodge, Baffin has become more recognized for this sport, which is a lot more like hunting than fishing. Walking along shorelines with structure such as mixed sand and grass, grass lines, sand bars near drop offs and big sand flats is good exercise. It will result in a cathartic spot and stalk adventure, which is great whether you catch fish or not! Fly casting for trophy trout is a new adventure for the lodge. Blind casting with sinking tip line and bigger flies in the zones known to house these big girls has been really productive. |

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What’s the difference between tossing a four-inch fly into a big trout pothole with a fly rod, or conventionally prospecting that same area with a four-inch Saltwater Assassin Sea Shad? The fly presentation is a little more natural, a little slower and can be recast many times while a conventional fisherman is reeling up the line. Hard core fly fisherman travel all over the world to blind cast for trophy fish, WHY NOT BAFFIN? It’s worked, and it’s an unbelievably new way to look at an old quest. Come give this new game a try. Remember, it’s all about that picture. See you soon to experience the awesome opportunities available to fishermen and hunters at Baffin Bay Rod and Gun. We offer awesome fun for family groups, corporate groups or some serious trophy hunters. Our lodge sleeps 20, and we have a beautiful pool and lots of privacy, with a fantastic staff and a five-star chef. Please give our booking manager, Marcie, a call at (361) 720-9394 to book your trip today. #FUN; #Adventure; #WeAreBaffinBay; #PersonalBestTrout; #GetThatFishPicture; #trophytroutonthefly; #SeeYouAtBaffinBayRodandGun; Email: Sally@CaptainSally.com; Facebook: Baffin Bay Rod and Gun; Twitter: @CaptainSally; Linkedin: Capt. Sally Black; Instagram: @ Baffin_Bay_Rod_and_Gun; YouTube: Baffin Bay Rod and Gun Channel.

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 ®

3/12/18 5:30 PM

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

April Showers Bring… Trout

T’S BEEN A CRAZY WINTER. Fronts blowing sometimes twice, even three times a week have made the weather, and anglers, pretty squirrelly. The more stable weather of April is a welcome change for the fishermen, and the fish. Mexequita Flats is nestled in between the Old Queen Isabella Causeway and the Brownsville Ship Channel portion of the Intra Coastal Waterway. Beginning with the spring tides of late April, warm Gulf waters flood over these grass and sand flats quickly boosting water temperatures over the magic 70-degree mark. If you are looking for an area where trout and redfish and bait are going to gather, this is it. Like many of the other productive regions in Lower Laguna Madre, Mexequita is a broad grass flat, pockmarked by sand pockets, or potholes. Trout will lurk around these potholes, especially early in the morning. Live shrimp or soft plastics such as a DOA Shrimp or Gulp! Shrimp are very productive when fished under a popping cork or Alameda float. If redfish is your preference, big, noisy topwaters such as a Top Dog, Jr. or a Poppa Dog are good choices early in the morning. These topwaters are smaller, which serves two purposes. First, they match the size of young-of-the year baitfish. Second, the smaller baits seem easier for uber-aggresive reds to zero-in on. Don’t be afraid to go Old School and toss a 7MR. These little buggers resemble small ballyhoo perfectly. Redfish and trout, both, will strike it with abandon.

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ings, but don’t hesitate to cast in between the pilings. Pieces of the causeway have fallen into the water, and some of the larger fish tend to hold around these isolated concrete chunks. If you fish parallel to the defunct bridge, you might luck into a pompano, or even a snook that gravitated to the structure. Don’t be surprised if you latch onto a good-sized trout or flounder around the Old Causeway. The pilings create current eddies that both fish hold around and wait for the tide to push bait by them. Fish parallel to the current eddies, cast your bait into it and let it drift with the current. Keep a finger on your line. If you feel a tap, drop your rod tip and let the line come tight, then set the hook. If you prefer fishing with hardware, the DOA Shrimp, Z-Man Shrimp, or an unweighted Gulp! Shrimp are perfect for fishing eddies around the Old Causeway. The donothing action of these lures makes them look like an actual shrimp being taken where the current will. Let the bait drift on a semi-slack line and give it a twitch every five seconds or so. No predator will let that sucker drift by their noses. Another very good part of the Old Causeway is the curve where the bridge joins the mainland or Long Island, as the case may be. Speckled trout, redfish and flounders congregate around the drop-off formed by the roadbed. You can use either live bait, including finger mullet, on a ¼ ounce fish-finder rig, or you can bounce a soft plastic such as a shrimp or shad tail on a ¼ ounce jighead off the drop-off and into the deeper water. Either technique is very effective to put fish in the box. Lent is over, but fresh fried fish never gets old!

Another topwater that has been very successful for me is a LiveTarget Mullet walking bait. It looks and moves so much like a mullet that I’ve had other baitfish gather around it. As the day grows longer, switch to a ¼ ounce gold or bronze spoon and swim it slowly. A chartreuse or red plastic trailer seems to enhance the attractiveness of the spoon. Because Mexequita is literally within sight of the Brazos-Santiago Pass, it is affected by tides more than most of the other popular fishing areas. The most effective time to fish is during an incoming tide when the flats are flooded by fresh water directly from the Gulf. Trout and redfish become very active and start prowling the flats. Once the flood tide is reached, then they’ll settle around the potholes and ambush any hapless prey that swims by. Conversely, be careful not to be caught on Mexequita during an outgoing tide. The place becomes a vast desert when the water drains. It isn’t uncommon to see some tunnel-vees and even scooters trapped in the flats until flood tide, which really stinks on a two-tide day! The afore-mentioned Old Queen Isabella Causeway is another short run, and it also doesn’t get as much attention as other more popular areas. Part of that may be the general belief that the area is strictly a bait fisherman’s paradise full of mangrove snappers, sheepsheads, and other panfish. That, in fact, is very true. It is thus a great spot to bring big and small kids who are more concerned with just getting their line stretched than catching the state record trout. On a good day, you may find some jumbo whiting, and cosmopolitan pompanos also crash the party. Mangrove snappers and sheepsheads that hang around the pilings are tough fish, and a 13-inch mangrove or 15-inch sheepshead can be quite a handful on light tackle. Even the lowly whiting can put up a spirited fight on lighter tackle. A standard free-shrimp rig—18- to 24-inch leader, #1 short-shank hook and #3 split shot, with a lively shrimp pinned on it is perfect to entice these structure-lurking battlers. You’ll find plenty of fish around the crumbling pilF I S H

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Email Cal Gonzales at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

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

Specks in a Van Down by the Bay

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

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.

by Tom Behrens

LOCATION: East Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Van-Ta-Un Flats GPS: N 29 32.794, W 94 45.805 (29.5466, -94.7634)

GPS: N 29 30.802, W 94 40.581 (29.5134, -94.6764)

u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters and soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@goﬁshgalveston.com goﬁshgalveston.com TIPS: “If it’s above 60 degrees, birds should be working, following shrimp migration.” Capt. Marcaccio

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters and soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gofishgalveston.com TIPS: “Van-Ta-Un flats has a lot shell and some mud. When you have easterly, southeasterly wind they are light out, same for Pig Pen and Fat Rat Pass…good shoreling to wade.” Capt. Marcaccio LOCATION: East Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Hanna’s Reef GPS: N 29 28.471, W 94 43.251 (29.4745, -94.7209)

LOCATION: East Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Pig Pen GPS: N 29 25.176, W 94 44.116 (29.4196, -94.7353)

SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Topwaters and soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gofishgalveston.com TIPS: “The topwater bite is more difficult, but they will work. Wade shorelines using a Baby Spook or a small She Pup, worked slowly and carefully.” Capt. Marcaccio

LOCATION: East Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Deep Reef

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u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters and soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@goﬁshgalveston.com goﬁshgalveston.com TIPS: Capt. Marcaccio’s favorite soft plastic colors are plum, limetruese and pearl. He likes the Chicken Boy Lures, a new bait because it has a double tail. LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Sun Gas Wells GPS: N 29 38.932, W 94 48.436 (29.6489, -94.8073)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters and soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@goﬁshgalveston.com goﬁshgalveston.com TIPS: Drifting East Bay reefs: “Drift Little Hannas and Deep Reef if the water temperature is under 60 degrees. Fish are suspended over shell and mud.” Capt. Marcaccio

LOCATION: East Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Tire and Tong Reef GPS: N 29 33.144, W 94 37.785 (29.5524, -94.6298)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters and soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@goﬁshgalveston.com goﬁshgalveston.com TIPS: “Drift and start checking out well heads, C Lease and Sun Oil.” Capt. Marcaccio LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Exon C Lease Wells GPS: N 29 40.446, W 94 45.579 (29.6741, -94.7597)

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FISHING HOTSPOTS BEST BAITS: Topwaters and soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@goﬁshgalveston.com goﬁshgalveston.com TIPS: “Drift, not anchor. Get a bite and go back around, and keep working it until the there are no more bites.” Capt. Marcaccio LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay HOTSPOT: Half Moon Shoal GPS: N 28 43.371, W 95 46.228 (28.7229, -95.7705)

SPECIES: Redﬁsh BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordaﬁshing.com TIPS: “The key is to use enough leader under the popping cork to get the shrimp down deeper…again make long drifts.” Capt. Countz

LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay HOTSPOT: Middle Ground GPS: N 28 30.742, W 96 13.488 (28.5124, -96.2248)

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

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordaﬁshing.com TIPS: South of Bird Island and towards the east: “Same thing, just a big mud ﬂat.” Capt. Countz

LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay HOTSPOT: Tripod GPS: N 28 40.147, W 95 54.813 (28.6691, -95.9136)

LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay HOTSPOT: Greens Bayou GPS: N 28 29.738, W 96 13.565 (28.4956, -96.2261)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “Look for bait; bait is the key to finding a lot of fish. Check the drains.” Capt. Countz LOCATION: Matgagorda West Bay HOTSPOT: Long Reef GPS: N 28 40.388, W 95 53.09 (28.6731, -95.8848)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordaﬁshing.com TIPS: “There’s some big mud ﬂats south of this area. Look for slicks or bait activity. Make long drifts using live shrimp under a popping cork.” Capt. Countz

SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redﬁsh BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordaﬁshing.com TIPS: Capt. Countz’s favorite soft plastic baits are MirrOlure Marsh Minnows in black, Morning Glory and Chicken-on-a-Chain while using a 1/4 ounce lead head.

LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay HOTSPOT: Chinquapin Reef GPS: N 28 43.994, W 95 47.954 (28.7332, -95.7992)

LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay HOTSPOT: Cullen Houses GPS: N 28 30.45, W 96 12.381 (28.5075, -96.2064)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordaﬁshing.com TIPS: “East Bay in the past few years has produced some big trout out of the middle of the bay driﬁng instead of working the shoreline.” Capt. Countz

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “If I’m wading, I like West Bay, fishing for redfish, starting the day throwing a topwater bait.” Capt. Countz

SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “All that area has oyster reefs lining the shoreline. I like to fish when the tide is falling…then we will move out on the grass beds.” Capt. Countz LOCATION: Sabine Pass HOTSPOT: Jetties GPS: N 29 40.03, W 93 49.877 (29.6672, -93.8313)

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FISHING HOTSPOTS BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics CONTACT: Capt. Bill Watkins 409-673-9211 4097862018@sbcglobal.net www.ﬁshsabine.com TIPS: Capt. Watkins ﬁrst choice in baits is the MirrOlure Lil John, using a variety of colors…Opening Night White, Kitchen Sink, clear with gold and silver glitter and Watermelon Red. “Early in the morning I like the Glow Little John…hard to beat.” LOCATION: Sabine Pass HOTSPOT: Beachfront GPS: N 29 40.356, W 93 53.319 (29.6726, -93.8887)

•••

by Tom Behrens

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LOCATION: Mesquite Bay HOTSPOT: Ayres Reef GPS: N 28 10.44, W 96 50.238 (28.1740, -96.8373)

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SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Menhaden and Mullet cut bait CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: “Redfishing in any of the bay systems should be great. On flats look for pot holes or working mullet.” Capt. McPartland

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Popping cork and shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: Artiﬁcials: Spoons, 1/4 maybe 3/8 oz. “My favorite spoon color is copper.” Capt. McPartland LOCATION: Carlos Bay HOTSPOT: Dunham Island GPS: N 28 7.109, W 96 55.041 (28.1185, -96.9174)

LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: Traylor Island GPS: N 27 55.955, W 97 4.494 (27.9326, -97.0749)

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SPECIES: Redﬁsh BEST BAITS: Menhaden and Mullet cut bait CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: Flats: “The light colored patches are the pot holes. Fish cut bait in the pot holes.” Capt. McPartland

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Popping cork and shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: “I prefer not weight when throwing cut mullet. I will use a small egg weight if I’m using live bait like a perch or ﬁnger mullet.” Capt. McPartland

LOCATION: Mesquite Bay HOTSPOT: Cedar Bayou Flats GPS: N 28 7.317, W 96 49.323 (28.1220, -96.8221)

LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: Super Flats GPS: N 27 54.669, W 97 2.196 (27.9112, -97.0366)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters and soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@goﬁshgalveston.com goﬁshgalveston.com TIPS: “Southwest winds pretty much stymies West Bay, but in Campbells it’s deer water, 10-12 feet deep, with several shell pads between Sand Island and Swan Lake.” Capt Marcaccio

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Scalding Hot Trout Action on Spalding

LOCATION: Carlos Bay HOTSPOT: Spalding Reef GPS: N 28 6.269, W 96 54.471 (28.1045, -96.9079)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics CONTACT: Capt. Bill Watkins 409-673-9211 4097862018@sbcglobal.net www.fishsabine.com TIPS: “When fishng at the end of the jetties, the trout will suspend at about 10-12 feet deep. I will float the bait down to them and then dead stick it.” Capt. Watkins LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Campbell’s Bayou GPS: N 29 21.063, W 94 53.276 (29.3511, -94.8879)

BEST BAITS: Popping cork and shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: “If I don’t see mullet jumping in 2-3 minutes I move to another spot.” Capt. McPartland

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FISHING HOTSPOTS BEST BAITS: Popping cork and shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: “If live shrimp is not available I will use a Down South soft plastic on the hook.” Some of McPartland’s favorite colors are red/white tail and Spicy Pumpkin Seed/ chartreuse tail. LOCATION: Redﬁsh Bay HOTSPOT: Outside Dagger GPS: N 27 50.644, W 97 9.149 (27.8441, -97.1525)

CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: Mullet jumping: “Just a few jumping here and there is a sign there are redﬁsh. Obviously if you see a big wad moving you know the reds are present.” Capt. McPartland LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Kennedy Shoreline GPS: N 27 14.567, W 97 25.459 (27.2428, -97.4243)

TIPS: Switching to a braid line has inclrease his catches. The thinner diameter line is harder for the ﬁsh to see. LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: North Bird Island GPS: N 27 28.402, W 97 18.599 (27.4734, -97.3100)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordaﬁshing.com TIPS: “You can ﬁsh the rocks with topwaters and and not get hung up.” Capt. Countz

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Popping cork and shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: Capt. McPartland chooses the Down South soft plastics because it is a softer bait, “more like a real shrimp.” LOCATION: Redﬁsh Bay HOTSPOT: Dagger Flats GPS: N 27 49.754, W 97 10.61 (27.8292, -97.1768)

LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Night Hawk Bay GPS: N 27 33.196, W 97 16.369 (27.5533, -97.2728)

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SPECIES: Redﬁsh BEST BAITS: Popping cork/shrimp ro soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Daniel Land 361-876-7610 rdhuntng16@yahoo.com

SPECIES: Redﬁsh BEST BAITS: Menhaden and Mullet cut bait

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Popping cork/shrimp ro soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Daniel Land 361-876-7610 rdhuntng16@yahoo.com TIPS: Capt. Land uses a jig head for the hook under the poppig cork instead of a treble hook. “It’s a lot easier to use the jig head. The jig head lets the shrimp sink instead of ﬂuttering around on the surface.”

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Baffin, Baffin and More Baffin

by Tom Behrens

LOCATION: Bafﬁn Bay HOTSPOT: North of Carrallos Shoreline GPS: N 27 15.162, W 97 29.177 (27.2527, -97.4863)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “A lot of times you can fish the edges of the rocks where you see the trout, in between the rocks and pick up some better fish.” Capt. Countz

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FISHING HOTSPOTS LOCATION: Bafﬁn Bay HOTSPOT: Black Bluff Bar GPS: N 27 14.166, W 97 31.067 (27.2361, -97.5178)

summertime.” Capt. Countz LOCATION: Bafﬁn Bay HOTSPOT: Tide Gauge Bar GPS: N 27 18.248, W 97 27.593 (27.3041, -97.4599)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “The sun heats the rocks and fish get up and around them, also baitfish the trout feed on.” Capt. Countz LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Penescal GPS: N 27 15.672, W 97 25.29 (27.2612, -97.4215)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: 1/16 ounce lead head and Marsh Minnows CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordaﬁshing.com TIPS: “Wade down the edge throwing out into the deeper water, working the bait slow.” Capt. Countz LOCATION: Bafﬁn Bay HOTSPOT: Center Rocks GPS: N 27 16.138, W 97 34.704 (27.2690, -97.5784)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: 1/16 ounce lead head and Marsh Minnows CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordaﬁshing.com TIPS: “I like throwing a 1/16 ounce lead head because it doesn’t sink real quick, along with a paddletail soft plastic.” Capt. Countz LOCATION: Bafﬁn Bay HOTSPOT: Kieberg Point Rocks South GPS: N 27 16.371, W 97 36.636 (27.2729, -97.6106)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Popping cork/shrimp ro soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Daniel Land 361-876-7610 rdhuntng16@yahoo.com TIPS: “Both drifting with live shrimp under a popping cork or a soft plastic will catch ﬁsh,” said Capt. Land. His favorite colors on the soft plastics White Ice, Key Lime Pine and Purple Rain.

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by Dustin Warncke

LOCATION: Lake Livingston HOTSPOT: The Pocket | Off the River Channel GPS: N 30 55.662, W 95 15.054 u TAP FOR (30.9277, -95.2509)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Texas rigged Watermelon Seed or June Bug creature baits, Texas rigged June Bug or black chartreuse lizards, shad pattern or Fire Tiger colored medium diving crankbaits CONTACT: David S. Cox, Palmetto Guide Service 936-291-9602 dave@palmettoguideservice.com www.palmettoguideservice.com TIPS: “Look for clear or green water here in the spring. The river channel can be muddy but the water may be clear in the Pocket. Fish soft plastics around boat houses, key in on brush piles and lay-downs. Fish crankbaits off rocky points here. BANK ACCESS: Launch at Highway 19 bridge at Riverside, Texas, Carolina Cove Marina, Bethy Creek Resort” LOCATION: Caddo Lake HOTSPOT: Ames Basin and Red Belly GPS: N 32 42.756, W 94 5.3579 (32.7126, -94.0893)

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••• SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: 8.5”-10” V&M Wild Thang worm, senkos, swim jigs CONTACT: Caddo Lake Guide Service/Paul Keith 318-455-3437 caddoguide1@att.net www.caddolakefishing.com TIPS: Fish the cypress trees on these lake flats in 2’-5’ of water. I like to cast and pitch the soft plastics to the base of the cypress trees that sit in areas that hold hydrilla. Colors of choice are black/blue, black/red flake, watermelon/red and junebug. Black/blue 1/2 oz swimjigs thrown past the trees and swimming it past them can be a deadly presentation in the spring too. Most of my largest bass

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: 1/16 ounce lead head and Marsh Minnows CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: “The Tide Gauge Bar is like a big sandbar that runs the length of Baffin. It’s a lot like fishing the surf in the

Pick the Pocket for Livingston Bass

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FISHING HOTSPOTS from Caddo Lake have come in April and May. LOCATION: Lake Conroe HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 30 24.894, W 95 34.776 (30.4149, -95.5796)

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1-3 feet where you see a lot of bass show up. But over the years the bigger bass have gotten smart and will spawn deeper (4-7 ft.). That is where I look for the trophy bass. everal places to look will be Burch Creek, Glade Creek, Running Creek and Oil Well Bay. Fish the areas protected from a strong north and south wind. Fish either Texas rig or Carolina rig very slow. LOCATION: Lake Fork HOTSPOT: Main Lake Shallows GPS: N 32 52.974, W 95 32.316 (32.8829, -95.5386)

SPECIES: Hybrid Stripers & Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Live shad, Storm Swim shad CONTACT: Richard Tatsch 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 bait 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. This is also a good time of year to find black bass schooled up feeding along channel edges and ledges. Once you find them they should be big. Carolina rigs worked extremely slow should do the job. Good luck and good fishing! Bank Access: Stowaway Marina” LOCATION: Lake Fork HOTSPOT: Running Creek GPS: N 32 54.414, W 95 31.3559 (32.9069, -95.5226)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Texas rig or Carolina rig using a light bullet weight with a baby brush hog in green pumpkin or watermelon red. Dip the tail in Spike-It chartreuse. CONTACT: Doug Shampine 940-902-3855 doug@lakeforktrophybass.com www.lakeforktrophybass.com TIPS: April bass fishing on Lake Fork is the time to catch the bass of a lifetime. Over the 18 years I have guided on Lake Fork I have seen more 10 pound plus bass caught by my clients in April than any other month. There are a lot of big females shallow in April and have one thing on their mind and that is to spawn. I do not bed fish for the big bass, in fact I fish deeper for the bigger bass than the

••

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Richland Whites Spawn in the Flats

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Bream imatating lures, top water lures such as poppers and plastic frogs CONTACT: Lance Vick (903) 312-0609 lance@lakeforkbass.com www.guideonlakefork.com TIPS: “April is my favorite month to fish Lake Fork. I know I say that a lot but, really, April is the bomb! Why? Because it is top water season! There are more fish shallow than any other time of the year. Fish are still spawning and lots of fish are guarding fry. Therefore, bream imitators are on top of the lure list. Poppers and soft plastic frogs are go to lures for awesome top water action. Poppers are best used in more open water areas around stumps and over submerged grass. On days with less wind, use frogs. Get busy when you are throwing in the junk, over emergent grass, under boat docks and around stumps. Remember when working the popper and the frog you will get three times the bites if you work the lure like a Zara Spook. Walking the dog, the zig zag side to side action, keeps the lure in the strike zone much longer than a straight pull with popping action. Remember to pause your lure around points of grass, stumps or corners of boat docks. Good fishin’ to all!” LOCATION: Toledo Bend HOTSPOT: McDonald’s Boat Lane GPS: N 31 45.558, W 93 49.632 (31.7593, -93.8272)

•••

by Dustin Warncke & Dean Heffner

LOCATION: Richland Chambers Lake HOTSPOT: 309 Flats GPS: N 31 59.274, W 96 8.3939 (31.9879, -96.1399)

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SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: Top water lures, Lil’ Georges, slabs CONTACT: Royce Simmons 903-389-4117 simmonsroyce@hotmail.com www.gonefishin.biz TIPS: The white bass spawn is normally over in March and the fish make their way to the main lake and go on an “eating frenzy.” You are likely to see top water action, have suspended fish that will bite Lil’ Georges, and you can always catch fish on slabs bumped off the bottom! April and May are the two easiest months of the entire year to get your limit (25 per fisherman) of whites on RC! It’s definitely the time of the year to get the kiddos, or adults who think like kids, out on the water! It’s all about family fishing fun!

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

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SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: Slab spoons, Rat-L-Traps, shallow diving crankbaits CONTACT: Greg Crafts, Toledo Bend Guide Service and Lake Cottages 936-368-7151 gregcrafts@yahoo.com

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www.toledobendguide.com TIPS: The white bass will be moving back into the main lake returning from the river after their spawn. Work the north end river channel sand bars with slab spoons, Rat-LTraps and shallow diving crank baits. Use your electronics to locate the baitfish and watch for the birds. You will find the whites. Try to locate a number of schools and rotate fishing those areas so as not to over fish one location. The whites will remain in those locations unless we have a weather change or the location is over fished.

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FISHING HOTSPOTS lots of action in the best areas.

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 lines. Bass ﬁshing is especially good at the dam, by the banks and near the timber under the bridge. Crappie are under the bridge at night this time of year. Minnows and jigs are your best bet right now. LOCATION: Cedar Creek Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake Shoreline and Coves GPS: N 32 15.6617, W 96 4.344 (32.2610, -96.0724)

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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-in. above or a Mepps spinner 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 spring the shad congregate around these humps and the sand bass follow. I find the shad and the 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 Mepps spiner worked very slowly off the bottom.

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SPECIES: Catﬁsh BEST BAITS: Fresh cut shad CONTACT: Jason Barber (903) 603-2047 kingscreekadventures@yahoo.com www.kingscreekadventures.com TIPS: Fish early at daylight around rocks and retaining wall areas near the mouth of all major coves and on main lake shoreline areas. Take large weighted ﬂoat or bobber and fresh shad on a 1’ to 3’ leader with 2/0 to 4/0 circle or khale hook with no extra weight. Throw right against rocks or walls and be ready. There should be a shad spawn and

LOCATION: Fayette County Reservoir HOTSPOT: Boggy Creek Timber GPS: N 29 56.502, W 96 43.998 (29.9417, -96.7333)

SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: CJ’s punch bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk 979-229-3103 weldon_edna@hotmail.com www.fishtales-guideservice.com TIPS: The spawn is in the later stages right now. Work the stumps in this area with corks, fishing close to the bottom using treble hooks. LOCATION: Gibbons Creek Reservoir HOTSPOT: Boat Ramp at Big Cedar Tree GPS: N 30 37.3499, W 96 3.2279 (30.6225, -96.0538)

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SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, grey jigs CONTACT: Weldon Kirk 979-229-3103 weldon_edna@hotmail.com www.ﬁshtales-guideservice.com TIPS: There is a large cedar tree east of boat ramp. The water here is about 18 feet deep. Try different depths close, under the limbs of the tree. LOCATION: Granbury HOTSPOT: Indian Harbor Ditch GPS: N 32 24.576, W 97 44.91 (32.4096, -97.7485)

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SPECIES: Largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Jig and pig, soft plastics and spinner baits. CONTACT: Michael W. Acosta, Unfair Advantage Charters 817-578-0023 TIPS: Work your presentation around bedding areas/ seawalls and shallow structure. Small feeder creeks near housing additions will have numerous beds. The river above Granbury will also have blacks spawning in shallow ﬂats off of creek channels. Black bass action is excellent is good on soft plastics worked near bedding grounds.

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3/13/18 6:14 PM

FISHING HOTSPOTS Largemouths are on the beds in the backs of sloughs and creeks.Granbury water temperatures are in the 70’s. Spring patterns are in full force. Stripers are active and are moving upstream to attempt to spawn. White bass spawning is essentially ending and crappie are spawning in the shallows. Wintering Birds are still in place and are pointing anglers to active feeding fish on the main lake. Passing cool fronts/storm fronts continue to dominate the weather pattern. White bass and stripers are pushing baitfish to the surface and the birds will help. Jigs with soft plastics and jigging slabs continue to put stripers and sandbass in the boat. Catfish action is great on cut shad and hotdogs fished under deeper docks and creek entrances.

CONTACT: Tommy Tidwell (512) 365-7761 crappie1@hotmail.com www.gotcrappie.com TIPS: “Now is the peak of the spawn for crappie. They can be found all over the lake in very shallow water next to the banks. All you need is a good crappie pole, preferably 10 feet long. Use a slip bobber rig and set it 12 to 18 deep depending on the water color and location. Last year on my best springtime trip, we had our bobbers set at 8 inches. That is how shallow the crappie were. Just keep trying different spots until you hit the jackpot. Good luck and good ﬁshing.”

LOCATION: Granger Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake Creeks, Rivers and Sloughs GPS: N 30 39.84, W 97 24.0119 u TAP FOR (30.6640, -97.4002)

LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 33 4.3259, W 96 27.3419 (33.0721, -96.4557)

ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: Live minnows

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foot diver crankbaits, black and blue jigs CONTACT: Carey Thorn 469-528-0210 thorn_alex@yahoo.com TexasOklahomaFishingGuide.com TIPS: Look in 1-12 feet of water for bass this time of year. Some huge ﬁsh in the 10+ pound range are lurking. Find structure like concrete, rocks or sandy bottoms. LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: Flat Creek GPS: N 32 12.996, W 95 32.9939 (32.2166, -95.5499)

u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: White and chartreuse spinnerbaits, 1 to 6

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Mister Twister’s Comida, Big Eye Jig trailed with the Mister Twister Pocket Craw, Mister Twister 12” Buzz Worm CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff 903-561-7299 or 903-530-2201 ricky@rickysguideservice.com

3/13/18 6:14 PM

FISHING HOTSPOTS Pencil Poppers and Zara Spooks on shallow banks. ”There is nothing more exciting than top water striper ﬁshing on Lake Texoma with Striper Express,” says Jimmy Houston.”

rickysguideservice.com TIPS: Very good fishing this time of year. Fish 3-7 foot with Mister Twister’s Comida. Fish very slow along the shoreline. Also consider fishing a Big Eye Jig trailed with the Mister Twister Pocket Craw. Cast to any stumps or lay down near the shore. Another great spring time bait is the Mister Twister 12” Buzz Worm fished with small bullet weight in the same location. LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: Brushy Point Shoreline GPS: N 30 20.2559, W 96 33.3359 (30.3376, -96.5556)

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

ONLINE MAP

u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

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

SPECIES: Catﬁsh BEST BAITS: Cut Shad, CJ’s punch bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk 979-229-3103 weldon_edna@hotmail.com www.ﬁshtales-guideservice.com TIPS: Shad are coming shallow this time of year. Fish close to the shoreline in 1-3 foot of water. Tight line or use a cork depending on structure. LOCATION: Lake Texoma HOTSPOT: Mill Creek Cut and Plater Flats GPS: N 33 49.7339, W 96 45.3059 (33.8289, -96.7551)

u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: Striped Bass & White Bass BEST BAITS: 5” flukes in Baby Bass and Ice colors, Pencil Poppers, Zara Spooks CONTACT: Bill Carey 903-786-4477 bigfish@striperexpress.com www.striperexpress.com TIPS: “April on Lake Texoma. Spring fishing is in full swing. Thousands of stripers are staging and ready to run up the tributaries. The males go up river first and the large females are on the prowl. Egg-laden females will tip the scales at 20 pounds. Your best baits are soft plastics. The Zoom Fluke in the 5 length and 4 chartreuse Sassy Shad tails. Worm your tail on ¾ or 1 oz. jig head. Fish the cuts, main lake points and the mouths of feeder creeks. Structure like humps, ditches and ledges will hold schools of hungry stripers. Texoma has the largest white bass, commonly called sandies. We expect the record to fall in April. The lake holds 3-pound females. Sand bass with eggs should get close to 4 pounds. Our personal best was a 6-year old boy that landed a 19 inch 3.5 pound sandy. Top water fishing will begin the first week of April. Cast 6

A P R I L

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brush piles while the smaller fish move up shallow. This is my favorite time of the year to catch good quality fish on this lake. Bouncing around from pile to pile is a good way to fill the cooler. I will try a few different depths each day until I find a pattern for that day, as the month moves on and the temperature rises I tend to get a little bit shallower. The white bass bite is great at the mouth of creeks on nearby humps or ledges. There will be a day or two when it seems they have disappeared and it’s due to them moving up into the creeks, where a lot of walk in fisherman will absolutely slam them. White road runners and just about anything flashy will yield a high catch.

LOCATION: Ray Roberts Lake HOTSPOT: Brush Pile GPS: N 33 23.392, W 97 3.126 (33.3899, -97.0521)

Coleman Cool for Bass & Hybrids

•••

by Dustin Warncke & Dean Heffner

LOCATION: Lake Coleman HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 32 2.0317, W 99 28.3785 (32.0339, -99.4730)

u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: Largemouth & hybrid striped bass BEST BAITS: Soft plastics, spinnerbaits CONTACT: Michael D. Homer Jr., Texas Parks & Wildlife Department 325-692-0921 michael.homer@tpwd.texas.gov TIPS: April is a great time to catch largemouth bass and hybrids. Pitching weedless soft plastics and spinners should produce a bite. The water tends to be clear, so ﬂashy colors should be considered.

u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

LOCATION: Lake Alan Henry HOTSPOT: Rocky, Gobbler and Big Grape Creeks GPS: N 33 1.674, W 101 6.534 u TAP FOR (33.0279, -101.1089)

ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: Crappie/white bass BEST BAITS: Minnows, White/chartreuse jigs, slabs CONTACT: Justin Wilson 214-538-2780 TIPS: Spring is here and with the water temperature rising the ﬁsh are schooling up getting ready to spawn. Crappie bite is getting better each day. Lots of ﬁsherman are starting to hit the creeks and that’s great but a lot of slab female crappie will stay and spawn on the main lake

T E X A S

F I S H

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Shad colored crankbaits, shaky head jigs, chatter baits CONTACT: Norman Clayton’s Guide Services

G A M E ®

3/12/18 5:30 PM

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3/12/18 5:30 PM

FISHING HOTSPOTS 806-792-9220 nclayton42@sbcglobal.net www.lakealanhenry.com/norman_clayton.htm TIPS: “In April the bass will still be chasing shad up the creeks and moving along the steep banks. The buck bass will also be moving into the flats to find a place to spawn. I will start by using shad colored crankbaits up Ince, Rocky, Gobbler, and Big Grape Creeks. I then will go to the steeper banks that are everywhere on Alan Henry. I will fish one far away with a shaky head jig. If I don’t get bit, I will keep moving until I find the fish. Most of the time the bass will be on the steep banks that the sun is directly hitting. I will still be looking for the warmest water in the lake which will require looking up several creeks. Also don’t forget to check the water far up the Brazos River.” LOCATION: Possum Kingdom HOTSPOT: Caddo Bay GPS: N 32 51.246, W 98 32.670 (32.8541, -98.5445)

(29.559249, -101.209640)

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SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Soft plastics, topwaters CONTACT: Stan Gerzsenyl 830-768-3648 stan@amistadbass.com amistadbass.com TIPS: Fish the backs of the cuts with topwater lures early, casting as close to the rocky banks as possible. After sunrise, ﬁsh Carolina-rigged plastics over the grass beds close to where the grass drops off into deeper water near the channels.

SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: Cut shad, live bait CONTACT: Clancy Terrill 512-633-6742 centraltexasfishing@gmail.com www.centraltexasfishing.com TIPS: “Trophy catfish on rod and reel are very good right now. Chances of catching 20 pound or bigger blues and flatheads are good. Fish the upper end of lake, double anchored, early and late in 15-25 foot. Mid day move to deeper water off steep ledges. Fish with large cut baits such as shad for blues and live bait for flatheads”

••

Guadalupe Stripers, Hybrids & Crappie

SPECIES: Stripers, hybrids, white bass BEST BAITS: Shad, jigs, swimbaits CONTACT: Dean Heffner 940-329-0036 fav7734@aceweb.com TIPS: The fish are spawning for the most part this month, even the shad are. Watch for any spring floods coming in and go to where the water is flowing if that happens because that where they will b e to move upstream and spawn. threadfin shad are of course best bait this time of year then net best is anything resembling them. We copy them while trolling with bucktail jigs tipped with a “Mister Twister” curly tail. They can`t refuse them. Stripers, white bass and hybrids will be suspended and I like to target them a half foot above them. It helps with the wounded presentation and produces more violent strikes. Smaller baits for crappie and medium for bass striper and most everything else. We like to take a to four-inch bait cut his head and tail off fresh dead and worm it on the hook for best catfish results. So “Quit wishin’ and Go Fishin’!”

••

Canyons Can Be Bass Havens

by Dustin Warncke

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u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

LOCATION: Lake Buchanan HOTSPOT: Upper End of Lake GPS: N 30 52.56, W 98 26.8859 (30.8760, -98.4481)

T E X A S

F I S H

u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

by Dustin Warncke

SPECIES: Striped Bass, White Bass and Crappie BEST BAITS: Radar 10 in chrome blue or chartreuse CONTACT: Capt. Steve Nixon, Fishhooks Adventures 210-573-1230 capt.steve@sanantoniofishingguides.com http://www.sanantoniofishingguides.com TIPS: “Troll the Luhr-Jensen Radar 10 in the main river channel from the rapids of the river to the mouth of the lake until you locate the fish and then fish the area of the river you find them in. This is one of my favorite times of year on Canyon Lake! On any cast you may catch a white bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie or even catfish. “

•••

A P R I L

LOCATION: Lake Buchanan HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N 30 46.188, W 98 24.6479 (30.7698, -98.4108)

LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Guadalupe River GPS: N 29 54.468, W 98 17.3759 (29.9078, -98.2896)

LOCATION: Amistad HOTSPOT: Upper River Canyons GPS: N29 33.55494, W101 12.5784

•••

SPECIES: Striped Bass, Hybrid Striper and White Bass BEST BAITS: Threadfin shad, topwater lures CONTACT: Ken Milam 325-379-2051 kmilam@verizon.net www.striperfever.com.com TIPS: The threadfin shad will be spawning along the points and other areas. Everything eats Threadfin shad. Look for white bass along the banks. The stripers will be there as well. Stripers as well as white bass will be caught on topwater baits. Have fun out there and obey the TPWD rules!

••

Cranks & Spinners Fool April Bass

•••

by Dustin Warncke

LOCATION: Coleto Creek Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 28 43.278, W 97 11.16 (28.7213, -97.1860)

G A M E ®

3/12/18 5:30 PM

FISHING HOTSPOTS u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, flukes (my personal favorite) CONTACT: Rocky’s Guide Service 361-960-0566 TIPS: April is usually a great month to bass fish. We can catch fish about any way we want to. The weather is usually good, the fish are very active and the bite is on. Anywhere you find fry you should find active fish. The top water bite should be great early morning or later evening. If it’s cloudy they will hit lures most all day. If it’s sunny go little deeper. Remember we are out there to enjoy. Take a friend or even a family member- heck, maybe even the wife? As always stay safe and enjoy!

LOCATION: Calaveras Lake HOTSPOT: North Road Bed GPS: N 29 18.583 W 98 18.450 (29.309722, -98.3075)

LOCATION: Falcon Lake HOTSPOT: Veleno Creek GPS: N26 53.60664, W99 14.57088 (26.893444, -99.242848)

u TAP FOR ONLINE MAP

SPECIES: Freshwater Redfish BEST BAITS: Queen Cocahoe Minnow glow or chartreuse CONTACT: Capt. Steve Nixon, Fishhooks Adventures 210-573-1230 steve@sanantoniofishingguides.com sanantoniofishingguides.com TIPS: Troll the Cocahoe on downriggers over the top of the road bed from 10 foot deep to 15 foot deep, most strikes come on the drop off of the road bed.

SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Lake Fork swimbaits, Skinny Deepers, 10-inch plastic worms, magnum plastic lizards CONTACT: Robert Amaya 956-765-1442 robertsfishntackle@gmail.com robertsfishntackle.com TIPS: Veleno Creek is a big bass haven in the early spring. Fish the flats close to the main creek channel and tributary creek channels. You will find post-spawn bass there along with spawning bluegills. The best lure colors are Watermelon red.

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3/12/18 5:30 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

MONDAY

Mar 26 Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

PRIME TIME

6:38 AM 3:05 PM 9:10 PM 11:41 PM

-0.25 ft. 1.37 ft. 1.09 ft. 1.13 ft.

2:00 — 4:00 AM

FEET

TUESDAY

Sunrise: 7:15a Set: 7:33p Moonrise: 2:49p Set: 3:50a AM Minor: 1:42a AM Major: 7:57a PM Minor: 2:11p PM Major: 8:26p Moon Overhead: 9:47p Moon Underfoot: 9:18a

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

7:46 AM 3:38 PM 9:09 PM

-0.23 ft. 1.34 ft. 0.97 ft.

9:30 — 11:30 PM

FEET

Sunrise: 7:14a Set: 7:33p Moonrise: 3:54p Set: 4:42a AM Minor: 2:35a AM Major: 8:49a PM Minor: 3:03p PM Major: 9:18p Moon Overhead: 10:44p Moon Underfoot: 10:16a

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

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

12p

12a 12a

WEDNESDAY

PRIME TIME

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

1:22 AM 8:47 AM 4:05 PM 9:30 PM

1.18 ft. -0.16 ft. 1.28 ft. 0.80 ft.

12:00 — 2:00 PM

FEET

12p

12a 12a

THURSDAY

Sunrise: 7:13a Set: 7:34p Moonrise: 4:58p Set: 5:29a AM Minor: 3:25a AM Major: 9:39a PM Minor: 3:52p PM Major: 10:06p Moon Overhead: 11:38p Moon Underfoot: 11:11a

PRIME TIME

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

2:40 AM 9:41 AM 4:29 PM 10:00 PM

1.25 ft. -0.03 ft. 1.22 ft. 0.61 ft.

5:00 — 7:00 AM

FEET

Sunrise: 7:12a Set: 7:34p Moonrise: 6:02p Set: 6:12a AM Minor: 4:14a AM Major: 10:27a PM Minor: 4:40p PM Major: 10:53p Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 12:04p

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

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

9a A P R I L

TexasOutdoorNation-1804-DIG.indd 72

12p 2 0 1 8

T E X A S

12a 12a

F I S H

12p

12a 12a

G A M E ®

3/12/18 5:30 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

FRIDAY

33p 42a : 8:49a : 9:18p

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

3:48 AM 10:30 AM 4:52 PM 10:33 PM

PRIME TIME 1.31 ft. 0.13 ft. 1.17 ft. 0.42 ft.

11:30P — 1:30A

FEET

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 7:11a Set: 7:35p Moonrise: 7:03p Set: 6:52a AM Minor: 5:01a AM Major: 11:14a PM Minor: 5:26p PM Major: 11:39p Moon Overhead: 12:30a Moon Underfoot: 12:55p

31 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12p

4:52 AM 11:16 AM 5:13 PM 11:10 PM

1.35 ft. 0.33 ft. 1.13 ft. 0.26 ft.

12:30 — 2:30 AM

FEET

+3.0

12a 12a

Sunrise: 7:09a Set: 7:36p Moonrise: 8:03p Set: 7:30a AM Minor: 5:50a AM Major: ----PM Minor: 6:14p PM Major: 12:02p Moon Overhead: 1:20a Moon Underfoot: 1:44p

PRIME TIME

12a 12a

12p

12a

SUNDAY

34p 12a : 10:27a : 10:53p

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

5:54 AM 12:00 PM 5:34 PM 11:48 PM

PRIME TIME 1.37 ft. 0.54 ft. 1.11 ft. 0.14 ft.

1:00 — 3:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:08a Set: 7:36p Moonrise: 9:01p Set: 8:07a AM Minor: 6:39a AM Major: 12:27a PM Minor: 7:03p PM Major: 12:51p Moon Overhead: 2:08a Moon Underfoot: 2:32p

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

= First Quarter

l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter

«= Good Day by Moon Phase 12a 12a

12p

T E X A S

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12a

F I S H

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3/12/18 5:30 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

MONDAY

2 «

PRIME TIME

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

6:55 AM 12:43 PM 5:52 PM

1.37 ft. 0.73 ft. 1.10 ft.

9:30 — 11:30 PM

FEET

TUESDAY

Sunrise: 7:07a Set: 7:37p Moonrise: 9:59p Set: 8:44a AM Minor: 7:30a AM Major: 1:18a PM Minor: 7:54p PM Major: 1:42p Moon Overhead: 2:55a Moon Underfoot: 3:19p

3 «

PRIME TIME

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

12:27 AM 7:59 AM 1:28 PM 6:05 PM

0.07 ft. 1.35 ft. 0.91 ft. 1.09 ft.

5:00 — 7:00 AM

FEET

Sunrise: 7:06a Set: 7:37p Moonrise: 10:55p Set: 9:22a AM Minor: 8:22a AM Major: 2:11a PM Minor: 8:46p PM Major: 2:34p Moon Overhead: 3:43a Moon Underfoot: 4:06p

Low Tide: High Tide: FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

12p

12a 12a

WEDNESDAY

PRIME TIME

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

1:08 AM 9:07 AM 2:19 PM 6:03 PM

0.05 ft. 1.32 ft. 1.05 ft. 1.10 ft.

11:00P — 1:00A

FEET

12p

12a 12a

THURSDAY

Sunrise: 7:05a Set: 7:38p Moonrise: 11:49p Set: 10:02a AM Minor: 9:15a AM Major: 3:04a PM Minor: 9:39p PM Major: 3:27p Moon Overhead: 4:30a Moon Underfoot: 4:54p

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide:

1:53 AM 10:23 AM

0.08 ft. 1.30 ft.

11:30P — 1:30A

FEET

Sunrise: 7:04a Set: 7:38p Moonrise: None Set: 10:44a AM Minor: 10:09a AM Major: 3:57a PM Minor: 10:32p PM Major: 4:20p Moon Overhead: 5:18a Moon Underfoot: 5:42p

8»

Low Tide: High Tide:

FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

9a A P R I L

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12p 2 0 1 8

T E X A S

12a 12a

F I S H

12p

12a 12a

G A M E ®

3/12/18 5:30 PM

37p 22a : 2:11a : 2:34p

38p 0:44a : 3:57a : 4:20p

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

FRIDAY

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide:

2:46 AM 11:48 AM

0.13 ft. 1.29 ft.

12:30 — 2:30 AM

FEET

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 7:02a Set: 7:39p Moonrise: 12:42a Set: 11:29a AM Minor: 11:01a AM Major: 4:49a PM Minor: 11:25p PM Major: 5:13p Moon Overhead: 6:06a Moon Underfoot: 6:30p

Low Tide: High Tide:

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12p

3:48 AM 1:11 PM

0.19 ft. 1.30 ft.

1:30 — 3:30 AM

FEET

+3.0

12a 12a

Sunrise: 7:01a Set: 7:39p Moonrise: 1:32a Set: 12:16p AM Minor: 11:51a AM Major: 5:39a PM Minor: ----PM Major: 6:03p Moon Overhead: 6:54a Moon Underfoot: 7:18p

PRIME TIME

12a 12a

12p

12a

SUNDAY

8»

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide:

5:00 AM 2:06 PM

0.25 ft. 1.31 ft.

2:30 — 3:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:00a Set: 7:40p Moonrise: 2:20a Set: 1:06p AM Minor: 12:16a AM Major: 6:28a PM Minor: 12:40p PM Major: 6:52p Moon Overhead: 7:42a Moon Underfoot: 8:06p

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

READING THE GRAPH

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

= First Quarter

l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter

«= Good Day by Moon Phase 12a 12a

12p

T E X A S

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12a

F I S H

G A M E ®

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3/12/18 5:30 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

MONDAY

PRIME TIME

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

6:11 AM 2:36 PM 9:37 PM 11:23 PM

0.29 ft. 1.31 ft. 1.07 ft. 1.08 ft.

4:00 — 6:00 AM

FEET

TUESDAY

Sunrise: 6:59a Set: 7:41p Moonrise: 3:05a Set: 1:58p AM Minor: 1:02a AM Major: 7:14a PM Minor: 1:26p PM Major: 7:38p Moon Overhead: 8:30a Moon Underfoot: 8:54p

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

7:11 AM 2:58 PM 9:10 PM

0.31 ft. 1.30 ft. 1.03 ft.

5:00 — 7:00 AM

FEET

Sunrise: 6:58a Set: 7:41p Moonrise: 3:47a Set: 2:51p AM Minor: 1:47a AM Major: 7:59a PM Minor: 2:10p PM Major: 8:22p Moon Overhead: 9:17a Moon Underfoot: 9:41p

13 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

12p

12a 12a

WEDNESDAY

PRIME TIME

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

12:51 AM 7:59 AM 3:17 PM 9:00 PM

1.14 ft. 0.34 ft. 1.29 ft. 0.94 ft.

12:00 — 2:00 PM

FEET

12p

12a 12a

THURSDAY

Sunrise: 6:57a Set: 7:42p Moonrise: 4:27a Set: 3:46p AM Minor: 2:29a AM Major: 8:41a PM Minor: 2:53p PM Major: 9:05p Moon Overhead: 10:04a Moon Underfoot: 10:28p

PRIME TIME

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

1:57 AM 8:41 AM 3:35 PM 9:09 PM

1.21 ft. 0.39 ft. 1.28 ft. 0.82 ft.

1:00 — 3:00 PM

FEET

Sunrise: 6:56a Set: 7:42p Moonrise: 5:05a Set: 4:42p AM Minor: 3:11a AM Major: 9:23a PM Minor: 3:34p PM Major: 9:46p Moon Overhead: 10:51a Moon Underfoot: 11:14p

15 l High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

9a A P R I L

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12p 2 0 1 8

T E X A S

12a 12a

F I S H

12p

12a 12a

G A M E ®

3/12/18 5:30 PM

41p 51p : 7:59a : 8:22p

42p 42p : 9:23a : 9:46p

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

FRIDAY

13 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME 2:55 AM 9:19 AM 3:53 PM 9:30 PM

1.29 ft. 0.45 ft. 1.27 ft. 0.66 ft.

1:30 — 3:30 PM

FEET

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 6:55a Set: 7:43p Moonrise: 5:42a Set: 5:39p AM Minor: 3:52a AM Major: 10:04a PM Minor: 4:15p PM Major: 10:27p Moon Overhead: 11:38a Moon Underfoot: None

14 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12p

3:49 AM 9:58 AM 4:10 PM 9:59 PM

1.37 ft. 0.55 ft. 1.26 ft. 0.49 ft.

2:30 — 4:30 PM

FEET

+3.0

12a 12a

Sunrise: 6:54a Set: 7:44p Moonrise: 6:18a Set: 6:36p AM Minor: 4:34a AM Major: 10:46a PM Minor: 4:58p PM Major: 11:09p Moon Overhead: 12:24p Moon Underfoot: None

PRIME TIME

12a 12a

12p

12a

SUNDAY

15 l High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME 4:44 AM 10:38 AM 4:26 PM 10:32 PM

1.45 ft. 0.67 ft. 1.25 ft. 0.31 ft.

3:00 — 5:00 PM

Sunrise: 6:52a Set: 7:44p Moonrise: 6:54a Set: 7:36p AM Minor: 5:19a AM Major: 11:31a PM Minor: 5:43p PM Major: 11:55p Moon Overhead: 1:12p Moon Underfoot: 12:48a

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

= First Quarter

l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter

«= Good Day by Moon Phase 12a 12a

12p

T E X A S

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12a

F I S H

G A M E ®

A P R I L

2 0 1 8

3/12/18 5:30 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

MONDAY

16 «

PRIME TIME

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

5:41 AM 11:21 AM 4:41 PM 11:10 PM

1.52 ft. 0.81 ft. 1.24 ft. 0.13 ft.

4:30 — 6:30 AM

FEET

TUESDAY

Sunrise: 6:51a Set: 7:45p Moonrise: 7:32a Set: 8:37p AM Minor: 6:07a AM Major: 11:51a PM Minor: 6:32p PM Major: 12:20p Moon Overhead: 2:02p Moon Underfoot: 1:37a

17 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME 6:41 AM 12:06 PM 4:52 PM 11:53 PM

1.57 ft. 0.97 ft. 1.26 ft. -0.01 ft.

11:30A — 1:30P

FEET

Sunrise: 6:50a Set: 7:45p Moonrise: 8:13a Set: 9:40p AM Minor: 7:00a AM Major: 12:47a PM Minor: 7:26p PM Major: 1:13p Moon Overhead: 2:54p Moon Underfoot: 2:27a

Low Tide: High Tide: FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

12p

12a 12a

WEDNESDAY

PRIME TIME

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

7:46 AM 12:56 PM 4:58 PM

1.60 ft. 1.14 ft. 1.28 ft.

11:30P — 1:30A

FEET

12p

12a 12a

THURSDAY

Sunrise: 6:49a Set: 7:46p Moonrise: 8:57a Set: 10:44p AM Minor: 7:58a AM Major: 1:44a PM Minor: 8:26p PM Major: 2:12p Moon Overhead: 3:48p Moon Underfoot: 3:21a

PRIME TIME

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

12:40 AM 8:58 AM 1:56 PM 4:52 PM

-0.11 ft. 1.61 ft. 1.28 ft. 1.33 ft.

12:00 — 2:00 AM

FEET

Sunrise: 6:48a Set: 7:47p Moonrise: 9:46a Set: 11:47p AM Minor: 9:00a AM Major: 2:46a PM Minor: 9:29p PM Major: 3:14p Moon Overhead: 4:45p Moon Underfoot: 4:17a

22 º Low Tide: High Tide:

FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

9a A P R I L

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12p 2 0 1 8

T E X A S

12a 12a

F I S H

12p

12a 12a

G A M E ®

3/12/18 5:30 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

FRIDAY

45p 40p : 12:47a : 1:13p

47p 1:47p : 2:46a : 3:14p

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide:

1:34 AM 10:15 AM

-0.16 ft. 1.61 ft.

1:00 — 3:00 AM

FEET

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 6:47a Set: 7:47p Moonrise: 10:41a Set: None AM Minor: 10:04a AM Major: 3:50a PM Minor: 10:34p PM Major: 4:19p Moon Overhead: 5:44p Moon Underfoot: 5:15a

Low Tide: High Tide:

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12p

2:35 AM 11:34 AM

-0.15 ft. 1.60 ft.

2:00 — 4:00 AM

FEET

+3.0

12a 12a

Sunrise: 6:46a Set: 7:48p Moonrise: 11:40a Set: 12:48a AM Minor: 11:08a AM Major: 4:54a PM Minor: 11:38p PM Major: 5:23p Moon Overhead: 6:44p Moon Underfoot: 6:14a

PRIME TIME

12a 12a

12p

12a

SUNDAY

22 º

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide:

3:44 AM 12:41 PM

-0.09 ft. 1.58 ft.

10:30A — 12:30P

Sunrise: 6:45a Set: 7:48p Moonrise: 12:42p Set: 1:46a AM Minor: ----AM Major: 5:55a PM Minor: 12:10p PM Major: 6:25p Moon Overhead: 7:42p Moon Underfoot: 7:13a

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

READING THE GRAPH

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

= First Quarter

l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter

«= Good Day by Moon Phase 12a 12a

12p

T E X A S

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12a

F I S H

G A M E ®

A P R I L

2 0 1 8

3/12/18 5:30 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

MONDAY

PRIME TIME

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

5:01 AM 1:31 PM 8:36 PM 10:25 PM

-0.00 ft. 1.54 ft. 1.14 ft. 1.16 ft.

11:30A — 1:30P

FEET

TUESDAY

Sunrise: 6:44a Set: 7:49p Moonrise: 1:45p Set: 2:39a AM Minor: 12:39a AM Major: 6:53a PM Minor: 1:07p PM Major: 7:22p Moon Overhead: 8:38p Moon Underfoot: 8:11a

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

6:18 AM 2:08 PM 8:26 PM

0.11 ft. 1.47 ft. 0.99 ft.

12:00 — 2:00 PM

FEET

Sunrise: 6:43a Set: 7:50p Moonrise: 2:49p Set: 3:27a AM Minor: 1:33a AM Major: 7:46a PM Minor: 2:00p PM Major: 8:13p Moon Overhead: 9:32p Moon Underfoot: 9:06a

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

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

12p

12a 12a

WEDNESDAY

PRIME TIME

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

12:30 AM 7:30 AM 2:36 PM 8:44 PM

1.19 ft. 0.24 ft. 1.40 ft. 0.79 ft.

12:30 — 2:30 PM

FEET

12p

12a 12a

THURSDAY

Sunrise: 6:42a Set: 7:50p Moonrise: 3:51p Set: 4:10a AM Minor: 2:22a AM Major: 8:35a PM Minor: 2:47p PM Major: 9:00p Moon Overhead: 10:24p Moon Underfoot: 9:58a

PRIME TIME

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

1:59 AM 8:34 AM 3:01 PM 9:10 PM

1.27 ft. 0.39 ft. 1.33 ft. 0.58 ft.

1:30 — 3:30 PM

FEET

Sunrise: 6:41a Set: 7:51p Moonrise: 4:52p Set: 4:50a AM Minor: 3:07a AM Major: 9:19a PM Minor: 3:32p PM Major: 9:44p Moon Overhead: 11:13p Moon Underfoot: 10:48a

29 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

9a A P R I L

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12p 2 0 1 8

T E X A S

12a 12a

F I S H

12p

12a 12a

G A M E ®

3/12/18 5:30 PM

50p 27a : 7:46a : 8:13p

51p 50a : 9:19a : 9:44p

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

FRIDAY

PRIME TIME

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

3:12 AM 9:30 AM 3:22 PM 9:40 PM

1.36 ft. 0.56 ft. 1.28 ft. 0.38 ft.

7:00 — 9:00 PM

FEET

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 6:40a Set: 7:51p Moonrise: 5:51p Set: 5:28a AM Minor: 3:50a AM Major: 10:02a PM Minor: 4:14p PM Major: 10:26p Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 11:37a

28 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12p

4:18 AM 10:22 AM 3:42 PM 10:11 PM

1.45 ft. 0.73 ft. 1.25 ft. 0.21 ft.

7:30 — 9:30 PM

FEET

+3.0

12a 12a

Sunrise: 6:40a Set: 7:52p Moonrise: 6:49p Set: 6:04a AM Minor: 4:33a AM Major: 10:45a PM Minor: 4:57p PM Major: 11:09p Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 12:24p

PRIME TIME

12a 12a

12p

12a

SUNDAY

29 « High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

PRIME TIME 5:17 AM 11:11 AM 4:00 PM 10:45 PM

1.51 ft. 0.89 ft. 1.24 ft. 0.09 ft.

8:00 — 10:00 PM

Sunrise: 6:39a Set: 7:53p Moonrise: 7:46p Set: 6:41a AM Minor: 5:18a AM Major: 11:29a PM Minor: 5:41p PM Major: 11:53p Moon Overhead: 12:47a Moon Underfoot: 1:11p

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

= First Quarter

l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter

«= Good Day by Moon Phase 12a 12a

12p

T E X A S

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12a

F I S H

G A M E ®

A P R I L

2 0 1 8

3/12/18 5:30 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

MONDAY

30 l

PRIME TIME

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

6:13 AM 11:59 AM 4:15 PM 11:19 PM

1.55 ft. 1.04 ft. 1.24 ft. 0.02 ft.

8:00 — 10:00 PM

FEET

TUESDAY

Sunrise: 6:38a Set: 7:53p Moonrise: 8:43p Set: 7:18a AM Minor: 6:04a AM Major: ----PM Minor: 6:28p PM Major: 12:16p Moon Overhead: 1:34a Moon Underfoot: 1:58p

May 1« High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

7:07 AM 12:48 PM 4:25 PM 11:54 PM

PRIME TIME 1.57 ft. 1.15 ft. 1.25 ft. -0.00 ft.

8:30 — 10:30 PM

FEET

Sunrise: 6:37a Set: 7:54p Moonrise: 9:38p Set: 7:56a AM Minor: 6:54a AM Major: 12:42a PM Minor: 7:18p PM Major: 1:06p Moon Overhead: 2:21a Moon Underfoot: 2:45p

Low Tide: High Tide: FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

12p

12a 12a

WEDNESDAY

PRIME TIME

High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

8:02 AM 1:48 PM 4:15 PM

1.56 ft. 1.24 ft. 1.26 ft.

9:00 — 11:00 PM

FEET

12p

12a 12a

THURSDAY

Sunrise: 6:36a Set: 7:55p Moonrise: 10:32p Set: 8:38a AM Minor: 7:46a AM Major: 1:34a PM Minor: 8:10p PM Major: 1:58p Moon Overhead: 3:09a Moon Underfoot: 3:34p

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide:

12:32 AM 8:59 AM

0.02 ft. 1.53 ft.

5:00 — 7:00 AM

FEET

Sunrise: 6:35a Set: 7:55p Moonrise: 11:24p Set: 9:22a AM Minor: 8:39a AM Major: 2:27a PM Minor: 9:04p PM Major: 2:51p Moon Overhead: 3:58a Moon Underfoot: 4:22p

Low Tide: High Tide:

FEET

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12a

9a A P R I L

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12p 2 0 1 8

T E X A S

12a 12a

F I S H

12p

12a 12a

G A M E ®

3/12/18 5:30 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK

FRIDAY

54p 56a : 12:42a : 1:06p

55p 22a : 2:27a : 2:51p

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide:

1:13 AM 10:00 AM

0.08 ft. 1.50 ft.

12:00 — 2:00 AM

FEET

SATURDAY

Sunrise: 6:34a Set: 7:56p Moonrise: None Set: 10:08a AM Minor: 9:33a AM Major: 3:21a PM Minor: 9:57p PM Major: 3:45p Moon Overhead: 4:46a Moon Underfoot: 5:11p

Low Tide: High Tide:

+3.0

+2.0

+1.0

12p

1:58 AM 11:02 AM

0.17 ft. 1.47 ft.

12:30 — 2:30 AM

FEET

+3.0

12a 12a

PRIME TIME

12a 12a

Sunrise: 6:34a Set: 7:57p Moonrise: 12:13a Set: 10:57a AM Minor: 10:26a AM Major: 4:14a PM Minor: 10:50p PM Major: 4:38p Moon Overhead: 5:35a Moon Underfoot: 5:59p

12p

12a

SUNDAY

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: High Tide:

2:49 AM 11:58 AM

0.26 ft. 1.44 ft.

1:00 — 3:00 AM

Sunrise: 6:33a Set: 7:57p Moonrise: 12:59a Set: 11:48a AM Minor: 11:18a AM Major: 5:06a PM Minor: 11:42p PM Major: 5:30p Moon Overhead: 6:23a Moon Underfoot: 6:46p

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

READING THE GRAPH

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

= First Quarter

l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter

«= Good Day by Moon Phase 12a 12a

12p

T E X A S

TexasOutdoorNation-1804-DIG.indd 83

12a

F I S H

G A M E ®

A P R I L

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3/12/18 5:30 PM

Industry INSIDER A Texas Hill Country Sporting Paradise JOSHUA CREEK RANCH, LOCATED in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, is nestled on an isolated stretch of the pristine Guadalupe River and Joshua Creek – just 45 minutes northwest of the San Antonio area. The ranch’s diverse terrain is a perfect habitat for the best upland bird hunting in Texas, as well as decoyed mallard duck hunting and

ta for Excellence in Wingshooting. “We try very hard to offer an exceptional customer experience -- from guided hunts and habitat management best practices to luxury lodging, meals and amenities, we always keep the Orvis Commitment to Partnership top-of-mind,” offered Kevin Welborn, Joshua Creek Ranch Director of

dove hunting excursions in season. Sporting enthusiasts also enjoy shooting on two scenic sporting clays courses and fly-fishing for rainbow trout. There’s trophy axis deer hunting year-round and whitetail deer and turkey hunting in season. With luxury lodging, gourmet dining and premier conference & event facilities, this sportsman’s paradise is a one-of-a-kind destination resort that is ideal for corporate events, family getaways, special occasions and milestone celebrations. Joshua Creek Ranch is the only lodge in Texas that is Endorsed by Orvis and recognized by Beret-

Marketing, Sales & Guest Services. “We have received more than 500 five-star customer reviews on our Orvis profile in just the last two years which suggests we’re doing a pretty good job so it’s nice to be recognized,” he said. Joshua Creek Ranch has been a pioneer in the wingshooting lodge business for more than 27 years. In only its third year in the prestigious Orvis Endorsed Program, the Texas Hill Country Ranch has already been a finalist for Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year twice – in 2016 and 2017. According to Welborn, “There are so

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T E X A S

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many things that make Joshua Creek Ranch special. In addition to our ideal location in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, attentive customer service and top-shelf amenities, the combination of hunting and sporting activities we offer is truly unique.” Non-hunters are also welcome to enjoy resort-like accommodations, fine dining and a wide range of outdoor sporting activities like fly-fishing for rainbow trout, bass and bluegill, sporting clays shooting on one of two scenic courses or kayaking float trips along the renowned Guadalupe River that serves as the Ranch’s northern boundary. “We try very hard to offer an exceptional customer experience -- from guided hunts and habitat management best practices to luxury lodging, meals and amenities, we always keep the Orvis Commitment to Partnership top-of-mind,” offered Kevin Welborn, Joshua Creek Ranch Director of Marketing, Sales & Guest Services. “We have received more than 500 five-star customer reviews on our Orvis profile in just the last two years which suggests we’re doing a pretty good job so it’s nice to be recognized,” Welborn added. For 2017, Joshua Creek Ranch guide, Eric Harrison, was also recognized as the best in the business as Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year. Eric has been with the ranch for more than 11 years and offers a truly unique experience for his wingshooting customers. According to Welborn, “Eric’s larger-than-life-never-met-astranger personality, dog work and patience with all customer skill levels truly set him apart.” Joshua Creek Ranch offers the perfect setting for hosting corporate conferences, retreats, special occasions, group events, weekend getaways and even destination weddings. To learn more, check them out online at www.joshuacreek.com.

—TF&G Staff

« PHOTO: JOSHUA CREEK RANCH

3/8/18 4:21 PM

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3/8/18 1:47 PM

Texas TASTED by BRYAN SLAVEN :: The Texas Gourmet

Texas Style Cajun Jambalaya

HETHER YOU ARE AT the fishing camp, the deer lease or just at home and wanting to make something good without breaking the bank, this is a great dish to cook up. Jambalaya is one of many wonderful Cajun dishes that can be prepared with whatever ingredients are on hand. Just follow the basic steps and raid your refrigerator or freezer for ingredients to prepare a filling and economical supper. Serve with tossed salad, French bread, and wine. Or serve with a cold beer as is traditional in Cajun country.

Ingredients to taste Salt and pepper to taste 6 green onions, chopped, including green tops 1/2 cup minced parsley Heavy cast iron pot, or heavy pot (A Dutch oven is perfect)

1 pound of peeled -raw shrimp tails 1 tablespoon of Texas Gourmet Sidewinder Searing Spice (available on our site) 3 tablespoons of butter (margarine will work) 1/3 cup of bacon drippings – or olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, rinsed and chopped 2 medium red or green bell peppers, chopped 2 fresh jalapenos, seeded and chopped 4 large garlic cloves, minced 1/2 pound of crisp, cooked bacon, cut into small pieces 1 pound of Andouille or kielbasa sausage cut into bite size rounds 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice 2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped 3 cups beef stock (see “basics”) or canned beef broth 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon red (cayenne) pepper, or 86

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Preparation Heat bacon drippings or olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium highheat. When hot, add the shrimp and season liberally with the seasoning blend. Stir-fry just until shrimp are firm and have turned coral pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same pot or Dutch oven, add the butter and heat pot to medium heat. Add onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic: cook until vegetables are wilted and transparent, about 8 minutes. Add bacon and sausage: cook, stirring occasionally, until sausage is lightly |

T E X A S

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browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove ingredients from pot and add the rice. Cook, stirring often, until rice is lightly browned. Don’t let the rice stick to bottom of pan. Add the cooked veggies and meat. Add tomatoes and stir until blended, scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pan. Add stock or broth and reserved shrimp. Add seasonings and reduce heat. Cover pan and simmer over low heat until rice is tender and no liquid remains, about 45 to 55 minutes.Stir in green onions and parsley. Serve hot, makes 6-8 servings. Bon Appetit!

« Email Bryan Slaven at bryan@thetexasgourmet.com

PHOTO: BRYAN SLAVEN

3/8/18 3:27 PM

Outdoor DIRECTORY Guides & Outfitters

Lodging

Destinations

Real Estate :: Gear

TEXAS FRESHWATER

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LAKE AMISTAD

LOWER TEXAS COAST

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NEW 2018 EDITION LAKE LIVINGSTON

DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS

www.FishandGameGear.com T E X A S

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3/8/18 1:53 PM

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

Discovery

“You don’t own a .45, do you?” “No, but I want one.” “What’s this receipt for?” “Groceries. We need to eat when we’re on the lease.” “This enough food for a dozen people.” “We get hungry.” “But you take stuff from the pantry. I’ve watched you load it up.” “Some of that is just in case.” “Of what?” “We get hungry.” “This mileage is off to Quanah.” “You know that, huh?” “I do, because you wrote it down last year.

HERE’S A LEGAL TERM called “discovery.” It really has to do with lawsuits, but the abbreviated definition is that “the process of discovery is to obtain evidence from the other party or parties by means of discovery devices such as a request for answers to questions or interrogation, a request for the production of documents, admissions and deposition.” In my case discovery came up because of that annual scourge, Income Tax. The War Department and I finally settled down at the kitchen island to pull together all the receipts and documents to file our taxes. It was a little more difficult this year, because a few months ago, some cretin broke into the truck parked in front of my house and lifted my travel journal. They probably thought it contained bank information or passcodes, but it was only a binder listing mileage and cash receipts. Part of my ire was that we had to rebuild the entire year’s worth of travel and associated costs from scratch. That’s when the trouble started, because the War Department closely examined every receipt and document for the past twelve months. When certain purchases came to light, she felt the need to depose me. “What’s this receipt from the Quanah feed store?” “Corn for the feeders on the lease.” “How many bags? I can’t read this.” “Six.” She poked at her calculator. “That doesn’t add up. What’s the rest?” “I don’t remember.” The Hairy Eyeball appeared, and the only sound in the house was the sound of Willie Dog escaping the coming scrape by charging out through the dog door. I was alone. “Uh, well, they had a box of .45 ammo that was cheaper than I’d seen it in a while.” |

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In my case discovery came up because of that annual scourge, Income Tax.

“

This doesn’t add up.” “It does if you knew that we went into Childress a couple of times.” “For what?” “To eat. We got hungry.” “There’s a pattern here. Fine, I can get a lot of this off the Amex printout, but these cash receipts here are for books. A lot of them. Why didn’t you use the card?” “Because I had cash.” “But you’re supposed to use the Amex card so we can have the printout to make this easier.” “Right.” |

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“You didn’t want me to know you were buying so many books, huh?” “Well…not exactly. I knew we’d be doing this, so I kept the receipts.” She sighed. “Okay, fine. This restaurant receipt isn’t travel.” “No, it’s for business meetings.” “Business meetings.” She stated it as if a lawyer was addressing a jury. “Perfectly legit.” “Can you spell audit?” “Yes, but we’re good.” I winced when she picked up a yellow receipt. “What’s this?” “Uh, something I bought.” “Good answer.” The Double Hairy Eyeball appeared. “What is it?” “It’s a surprise.” “I’m surprised. You know I can read this, right? It’s printed very clearly. For who?” “Well, like you see, it’s a Glock 43, and it’s for you.” “Me.” Her tone was flat. “Yeah, baby. It’s your birthday present.” “That’s in May, and you bought it in September.” “Surprise!” I thought I was out of the woods until she picked up another receipt from an entirely different gun shop. “Another shotgun?” “Remember your birthday is on our anniversary. Happy Anniversary!” “I’m gonna have to go through all of these one by one. Surprise.” I sighed and settled at the island for a long evening. “There might be another questionable receipt in there. I might have to plead the Fifth on that one.” “That’s only in a courtroom. It doesn’t work here.” I saw her standing behind the island, glaring, and looking like a judge on the bench. “It sure seems like it.”

« Email Reavis Wortham at ContactUs@ﬁshgame.com

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FERAL HOG Gause, Texas Gary Lackey downed this 250pound boar with a suppressed Bowers Vers 458, loaded with .358 Yeti Wildcat cartridges by MDWS. He was also using a Pulsar Thermal Imaging scope.”

SPECKLED TROUT Matagorda Eight-year-old Kylie Trotti caught this 23-inch speck while she and her dad, Ryan, were drift ﬁshing in East Matagorda Bay.

HYBRID STRIPED BASS

WHITETAIL

Lake Conroe

Polk County

William Pipkins caught this seven-pound, 21-inch hybrid striped bass on Lake Conroe.

Thirteen-year-old Zack Purvis of Corrigan killed his ﬁrst deer last November in Polk County.

REDFISH Sabine Lake Olivia Shearer caught her first redfish, while fishing the Louisiana shoreline on Sabine Lake with her dad, Chris. Olivia caught the 27-inch red with a Spiderman rod & reel. It was the only fish they caught that day, but they still had a big day.

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SEND YOUR 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.

REDFISH Galveston Fifteen-year-old Reagyn Pyfer of North Richland Hills shows off the 24-inch redﬁsh that she caught in the Galveston Channel on ﬁshing trip with her family.

REDFISH Copano Bay Alexis Guion caught and released this 33-1/2-inch redfish while fishing with her dad Jerry on Copano Bay. Dad’s holding the fish for the pre-release photo because it was too big!

CATFISH Victoria J.J. Guerra and his great-Grandpa Alex Guerra had a great day out on the Guadalupe River near Victoria.

YELLOW CATFISH Lake MacKenzie Lance Jerden, Billy Barron and Mark Hamilton with a 45-pound yellow cat they caught on Lake MacKenzie.

BLUEGILL Buffalo Springs Lake Si Solis caught this bluegill while ﬁshing with her dad, Shawn, at Buffalo Springs Lake on Father’s Day.

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