Texas Fish & Game July/August 2021

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Port Arthur: Where the Big 3 Are Really Big

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Gunning for Upland Birds

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

by ROY and ARDIA NEVES TF&G Owners

ROY AND ARDIA NEVES

Getting Into the Spirit

PUBLISHERS

CHESTER MOORE

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EDITOR IN CHIEF

HE WORD “SPIRIT” OCCUPIES A LOT OF REAL ESTATE IN OUR LANGUAGE. It can have the deepest of deep religious meanings, when it defines the pinnacle of divinity, The Holy Spirit. Then, it can wade into shallower depths of context as it describes something as superficial as loyalty to a high school football team. “C’mon Timmy... where’s your Fightin’ Nutria Spirit?”

The word can represent changes in mood. Happy? You’re in good spirits. Depressed? Your spirits are low. It can get spooky, when someplace is said to be haunted by spirits. It can take on a sinister connotation, as when someone is “spirited away.”

“Spirit” defines strength of character and determination. It also describes inspired and innovative creators, embodied in the “entrepreneurial spirit.” It shows up in legalese when “the spirit of the law” is expounded upon. In the realm of libations, it describes the hard stuff, as in “beer, wine and spirits.” And, it can take on a figuratively combative tone, as when people engage in a “spirited debate.”

Then, there is the patriotic connotation. The “American Spirit” is a term that has been co-opted by both sides of the political spectrum and overused to the point of cliché. What the term means is open to interpretation, depending especially on which end of that spectrum a person is drawn toward.

Does the American Spirit mean America First? Or, does it mean America, the World’s Beacon of Democracy? Does it represent the values of a hardworking but generous people, or does it represent the self-indulgent urges of winner-take-all competitiveness? Was it embodied in the insurgent mob of January 6th and the looting rioters of last summer? Or, do we see it in the day-after-day sacrifices of the nurses and doctors, first responders, and other essential workers who bravely took on a global pandemic? It all depends on perspective. Too many of us have allowed the extreme voices of the political and cultural landscape to color our perspectives and our perceptions, to the point that it has become damned difficult to believe in anything, spiritual or otherwise.

Some have been caught up in the crowd-think that produces riots and mass hysteria, others have become cynical and angry and have lost the ability to trust institutions, leaders and each other.

In between are the optimists, who, God bless them, have kept the faith and have kept trudging forward in the belief that Right, Justice and Common Sense will win out.

We’re pulling for the optimists.

Every July this nation celebrates its founding, and we are always drawn—even now, in the face of divisive unrest—to feelings of pride and optimism. Even though the National Anthem has itself become a lightning rod of controversy, we cannot listen to it without getting goose bumps. It doesn’t matter if it is being played by a military band, or by Jimi Hendrix. The effect is almost always the same. Sure, the tune was purloined from a British drinking song and the lyrics may be a bit stilted (“America the Beautiful” is by far the more poetic of the two), but the musical cues of “The Star Spangled Banner” have the power to trigger something deep in anyone who truly feels they are part of this unique, 245-year experiment in human self rule. If that’s not spiritual, what is?

So, you may be wondering, what has all of this got to do with fishing and hunting?

Not much. Other than, July has come again with its yearly reminder to all Americans, including anglers and hunters, to appreciate this majestic land and its resources, and the freedoms we have been blessed with that allow us to enjoy them. Fireworks and barbecues are great. But the Fourth of July, like Thanksgiving, Veterans Day and Memorial Day, should also be a time for reflection and gratitude, for the great fortune that all Americans—no matter how they became American—share. We live in a nation that stretches across a breathtaking span of beauty and abundance, with countless examples of human creativity and ingenuity. These natural wonders and feats of human inspiration include the resources that allow outdoors sports to flourish. But these are blessings that require vigilance. We don’t need to Make America Great Again. We need to keep it great by remembering it is bigger than any single interest group or political ambition. Remember, and be thankful for it.

That’s the spirit!

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C O N T R I B U T O R S JOE DOGGETT DOUG PIKE LENNY RUDOW MATT WILLIAMS PETE ROBBINS LOU MARULLO LARRY WEISHUHN DUSTIN ELLERMANN REAVIS WORTHAM STAN SKINNER LISA MOORE

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SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR BOATING EDITOR FRESHWATER EDITOR BASS FISHING EDITOR HUNTING EDITOR WHITETAIL EDITOR EDITOR SHOOTING EDITOR HUMOR EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR

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July/August 2021 | Vol. 38 • No. 2

FEATURE ARTICLES

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DOVE DONE RIGHT If you’re one of the 300,000 Texans looking forward to September 1, you’ll want to bone up on these tips for making the most out of the coming dove season.

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by Matt Williams

PORT ARTHUR: WHERE THE BIG 3 ARE REALLY BIG Big trout. Big reds. Big flounder. For great action for super-sized specimens of the Big 3, Port Arthur should be on your radar.

by Chester Moore

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GUNNING FOR UPLAND BIRDS Getting the best boom for quail, pheasant, dove, and chachalaca.

COVER STORY

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by TF&G Staff

GREAT WHITES IN TEXAS WATERS!

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OUTFITTED FOR SURF AND PIER

The presence of great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico is undeniable.

Now, a great white off the Texas coast has been confirmed.

The keys to success on the beach or from a pier is understanding their unique ecosystems and outfitting yourself with proper gear.

by TF&G Staff

story by Chester Moore

COLUMNS

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TEXAS OUTDOOR NATION

by CHESTER MOORE

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Pike on the Edge

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Texas Boating

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Bare Bones Hunting

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Texas Tactical

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Open Season

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Editor’s Notes

PREPPING FOR THE FALL Be prepared to stay safe in the outdoors this fall.

by TF&G Staff

by DOUG PIKE

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by LENNY RUDOW

by LOU MARULLO

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by REAVIS Z. WORTHAM

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Sportsman’s Daybook

DEPARTMENTS

by DUSTIN ELLERMANN

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Fish & Game Forecast Center

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Letters

from TF&G Readers

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Fish & Game Photos

by TFG Readers

Outdoor Directory

Guides, Outfitters & More

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LETTERS to the Editor Flounder Coins THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE flounder coins you sent my son! Having his first-ever flounder recognized is a big deal.

Thank you for what you are doing for our flounder fishery.

Bruce Smith THE FLOUNDER COINS ARE A great idea! I read the article about them at fishgame.com and was impressed with your heart for the fishery. I am going to be catchand-release only fishing for flounder this year seeking the really big fish. My goal is to earn some of those coins for 20-inch and over fish.

Chester’s Flounder Revolution coins

program “Moore Outdoors’ ‘ on Newstalk AM 560 KLVI who found a body burning while teal hunting with his son south of Houston.

Another caller revealed that in the 70s he and his father were out at night fishing near High Island, TX and saw someone against the shoreline burying something and decided to leave. Turns out it was serial killer Dean Coryl who killed dozens in and around his home in Pasadena and buried bodies at the Higher Island area.

Remote areas are often the most peaceful but due to the isolation can be extremely dangerous.

I see these human-related threats falling into four categories. *Idiot Hunters: These are those rare , unethical, clueless hunters who should not be in the woods (and give the rest of us a bad name).

Every year stories of people shooting someone because they heard something coming through the bushes. This is probably statistically the most dangerous human threat because of the widespread nature of hunters in America. *Poachers: Encountering a poacher in the woods can be dangerous if they assume you will turn them in or if you make the mistake of confronting them instead of law enforcement handling the duties. It’s not as dangerous as it is in Africa where organized crime and even terror cells are involved in high stakes rhino and

Mason Jones Editor: Thank you so much! I believe this new era of Flounder Revolution will be the best ever and we expect some great things to come for the fishery and for anglers who participate.

If you catch and release a flounder measuring 20 inches or more you qualify for one of our flounder awards tokens. If your child or grandchild catches their first flounder they can get a First Flounder award token. Email photos to chester@chestermoore.com.

Dangers CAN YOU ELABORATE ON WHY YOU think humans are the biggest danger in the woods? I read one of your columns about finding a hidden shack in the woods and was intrigued because I’ve never ran into any crazies.

Herman Stone Editor: There is nothing more dangerous than people, especially in remote areas. In my opinion this is undeniable. Sure, in grizzly country it’s debatable but elsewhere it’s just a fact.

The stories are omnipresent.

Take for example the caller to my radio 6

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elephant poaching but it is a potential threat. *Drug Trade: Finding meth labs and pot farms is not good. People do not want their operations found out and will go to any length to stop someone from squealing. *Predators: This is the scariest level. This is coming across someone hunting humans whether to rape, kill or terrorize.

We should not be afraid of the great outdoors but also should go in with our eyes open to the potential (human) dangers.

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Email your comments to: editor@fishgame.com

Send Your Comments to: Texas Fish & Game 3431 Rayford Rd Suite 200-408 Spring, TX 77386 editor@fishgame.com

PHOTO: CHESTER MOORE

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EDITOR’S Notes

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

Thankful for Outdoor Friends

up not two feet from his blind and quietly slipped away.

I was frustrated.

We hunted that lease one more year before moving to one near Brady, but after the 90-91 season, I never hunted with my friend again.

I was his best man, and he was in my wedding. We worked out together for more than a decade, but there was no more hunting.

Growing up I thought it would be great to have lifelong hunting and fishing friends,

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T STANDS OUT IN MY MIND AS IF it were yesterday.

A beautiful ringtail (ringtail cat) crawled out of a hole in the base of a live oak that had been cut nearly to the ground and sat atop as if it owned the world.

I had seen ringtails before but always at night crossing the road or around the barn on our Menard County deer lease. Seeing one in broad daylight, just before the sun started to fade behind the hills was exciting.

It was more brightly colored than I thought and just an absolutely beautiful creature.

That was 26 years ago when I was a junior in high school and had saved my hard-earned money to get on a deer lease in the Hill Country.

The sheer amount of game in that part of the state blew my mind and getting to spend extended time there was motivation for me to save the money and help make it happen.

A close friend of mine saved up money that year to get on the lease too. I used to drag him through the woods behind my house when we were in elementary school and hunt rabbits and squirrels.

He had an interest in deer hunting that year, but it was obvious from the first weekend up there it was not going to last long. We put him on the best spot on the lease, at the juncture of a 100-acre oat field and a thicket with a fence line just behind his blind, but he said he never saw any deer.

The fourth weekend of the season I found out why.

I walked to his blind because he did not come in for lunch and he was dead asleep.

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My friend walked away from the wild.

I walked further beyond the pavement and down the trail of an amazing pursuit that has led me to this point in life.

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and today only one remains. My dear friend Lewis Hogan still loves the outdoors, but is not quite as enthusiastic as I am. He might, by the way, be the most fun person I have ever spent outdoor time with-intentionally and unintentionally.

I remember that 90-91 season as one where I pushed harder and focused more than the other hunters. I walked a mile to my blind every day (one way) and stayed in the field long hours. At home, I studied books about whitetail behavior and did everything I could to be successful.

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the oaks along the creek bottom and the coyotes howled in the distance. Life seemed grand as I encountered my first genuine monster buck at near point-blank range. I started dating my wife Lisa around this time and had wonderful times with her showing her the sights of the beautiful Hill Country and sharing my passion for all things wildlife.

I say all of this, because I truly believe some people need time away from the city, away from all distractions to be absorbed by true wilderness. Some of us need a connection to nature.

My friend walked away from the wild. I walked further beyond the pavement and down the trail of an amazing pursuit that has led me to this point in life.

I thank God for that opportunity and for that beautiful ringtail that so interested me on that autumn day.

I shot a buck just before dark that day and another a couple of weeks later. It was a successful deer season. However, my greatest memory was of that tiny mammal sitting proudly on the tree. It taught me that some of the greatest prizes from our hunting trips are not antlers or even a nice bowl of warm deer chili. It was the encounters.

And now I have new outdoor friends like Josh, Todd, Mike and Pastor Chris, and they all bless me. We along with Lewis seek those encounters.

There is something about encountering the elusive that continually draws me down the path of wildness. It was the right place for me at the right time.

There were many formative wildlife experiences before that, but I was at a crossroads in my junior year in high school. That year I took the path less traveled and it took me here.

That’s not a bad place to be.

« Email Chester Moore at cmoore@fishgame.com

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PIKE on the Edge

by DOUG PIKE :: TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

Keep Freeze-Surviving Trout Off Your Stringers That finding, however, doesn’t take into account the extreme difficulty and high potential for inaccuracy in the counting of live saltwater fish—or even dead ones— especially when every coastal angler in Texas is demanding right-now answers.

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We’re all catching trout, at least those of us who know where to look and what to throw.

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ONE OF US WILL EVER FORget this past February’s freeze.

In addition to killing people and wildlife and plants statewide, it also exposed the greed and self-absorption of people who don’t care much about Texas’s coastal fisheries.

I’ll concede that our coastal anglers were not legally bound after the freeze to stop targeting speckled trout, nor required by law to quit laying trout fillets on the grill. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department did reduce the daily bag along roughly the southern half of the coast from five fish to three, but they left the number up my way at five.

By not changing the bag limit statewide, by not seriously considering (publicly) a temporary moratorium on retention of trout, TPWD sent a message that almost nothing had changed. They implied we could continue down the same path we had followed prior to this brutal weather event.

Almost immediately after the minimal changes were announced, lines were drawn. I want to believe that most experienced fishermen leaned my way and ignored TPWD’s well intended, but misleading generosity and that we opted instead to lay off taking trout altogether for a while. That, undeniably, would have given the remaining stock time to spawn at least once and expedite the species’ recovery.

On the other side were fishermen, mostly younger people from my observation (but not many folks are older than me anymore), who couldn’t wait to get back to stringing speckled trout. They were offered no reason to be conservative, especially along the upper Texas coast, because they perceived TPWD’s favorable assessment of the surviving trout population and subsequent instruction to stay the course as indicative of there being nothing wrong.

Under pressure after the freeze from impatient Texas fishermen who wanted definitive numbers and guidelines, TPWD raced dozens of wardens and biologists to the coast to count dead fish.

Given the sense of urgency surrounding that project, their counts were about as good as could be expected. However, I have great confidence and good evidence that they missed dead trout. Lots of them—especially along the upper coast.

That’s not a knock on TPWD staff—hindsight’s always so clear—as much as it is a recommendation that when the next fish-killing freeze happens, we give the department reasonable time to make its assessments and draw its conclusions.

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event, I do see things returning to normal.

Temperatures in the 90s are reminder enough that every Texas winter is followed by a Texas summer. The world’s still turning, all fish still are spawning, and our speckled trout population is in recovery.

People are catching fish. We’re all catching trout, at least those of us who know where to look and what to throw.

In a sidebar, I’m forever tickled by anglers’ incessant hue and cry over any proposed reduction in the bag limit on speckled trout.

No matter the limit through recent decades, 20 when we were forced start counting, then 10 and now five, the average licensed coastal angler who targets speckled trout for the day returns with one.

Whatever the limit, though, there’s always someone who sees that magic number of fish on a stringer as a measure of their skills behind a rod and reel. Who’s really better, though? The angler who worked all day to catch five “beepers” (barely keepers) and put them all on the cleaning table, or the fisherman who caught and released 30 trout to six pounds before lunch, trailered the boat and went home to catch a baseball game?

During my Sunday radio show on May 2, I came up with an idea to show our support for conservation, especially of speckled trout just now but generally of all Texas fisheries.

Instead of posting a photo of dead specks on a cleaning table, occasionally release all your trout that day and do this: Coil your stringer, set it down, and post a picture of that “zero” on social media captioned with, “This isn’t how many fish I caught today, but it’s how many I killed.”

We’ll never know how many trout we had before the February freeze, and we’ll never know how many we had on a specific day since. But whatever the true count on any given day, no matter how many speckled trout actually swam in Texas that day, wouldn’t more be better?

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HE 2021 DOVE SEASON IS JUST AROUND THE CORner. For many of the state’s 300,000-plus dove hunters, the September 1 opener in the North and Central zones won’t get here soon enough.

Opening day of dove season is to Texas hunters what that first flicker of Friday night lights is to high school football junkies.

It’s a really big deal. However, it’s not just because it’s the opening kickoff for a long line of hallowed hunting seasons that lure thousands of Texans to the woods and water before winter gives way to another spring.

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PHOTOS: MATT WILLIAMS; INSET, ADOBE

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Texas dove hunting is as rich in tradition as tailgate parties.

Tasty bacon-wrapped breasts are often served up in the wake of banner shoots alongside busy croton fields or isolated water holes.

There is plenty to like about dove hunting, but one of the really cool things is it’s a highly social sport. Hunters can converse and poke fun among themselves without much worry of spooking the birds. It also poses the challenge of hitting dipping, darting, diving targets. Doves are known to come zipping in unannounced from odd angles, often at speeds in excess of 40 mph.

Another neat thing about dove hunting is it doesn’t cost a lot.

In fact, dove hunting represents what is arguably the best opportunity for a high-quality, low-cost hunting experience.

The September 1 opener falls on a Wednesday this year. Don’t sweat it if weekday work obligations force you to sit out the first act. Texas has a 90-day dove season divided into two splits.

If you can’t shake loose until Labor Day weekend, just roll with it and play it as if the first day in the field is opening day. A late start could add up to some better shoots, anyway. There will likely be more hunters in the field to help keep the birds stirring.

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may bump into as many as six dove species, but only four of them are legal to shoot— mourning doves, white-winged doves, whitetipped doves and Eurasian collared doves.

Mourning doves and whitewings are the most plentiful.

Brown, Throckmorton, Coleman, Taylor, Medina, Bexar, Uvalde, Williamson, Bell, Karnes, Live Oak, Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Atascosa and Matagorda are among the top dove hunting counties. The tallest whitewing numbers are found in counties west of San Antonio (Bexar, Atascosa, Medina, Frio, Uvalde), south of Houston (Wharton, Matagorda) and around Rio Grande Valley (Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr.)

Hunt where the doves are, such as grain fields and watering spots.

Modified or improved cylinder choke tubes are preferred for dove hunting. These chokes pattern nicely out to 40 or 45 yards, which is pushing the effective range for most wing shots.

Here some things you can do to improve your chances having an enjoyable and productive dove hunt: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Most dove hunters are mediocre shots at best, at least that’s what the numbers say. The average dove hunter brings down one bird for every five shots fired. Do the math. That’s 75 shots, or roughly three boxes of shotshells, for a 15-bird limit.

Hopefully, the ammo crunch will have eased up by the time this issue hits the streets. If so, spend a little time at the skeet range to brush up before the season gets underway. Even the best wingshooters get rusty during the offseason.

SHOTGUN CHOICES: Think 12 gauge and 20 gauge. The hard-hitting 12 gauge may not be the best choice for everyone, but I am a devoted fan. It slings lots of shot.

Youths and ladies might opt for the lighter weight 20 gauge. A 16 gauge isn’t bad, either, if you can find ammo to feed it. Shotgun style is a matter of preference. Some guys like pumps. Others like autoloaders, double barrels and over-and-unders.

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION: Doves have extremely good eyesight. Wear drab clothing, preferably a camouflage material that blends with the surroundings. Keep your head down and use the bill of your cap to hide your face when doves are approaching.

USE PREMIUM AMMO: Steer clear of “blue light special” ammo. Quality ammunition costs a little more, but it will increase your kill ratio because it patterns better.

USE THE RIGHT CHOKE: The choke dictates the degree of bore constriction at the muzzle end of the barrel. The tighter the constriction, the tighter the shot pattern. Less restriction allows the shot pattern to expand. A full choke is a bad choice for dove hunting. It restricts the shot pattern too much and narrows the shooter’s margin of error.

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BE MOBILE: Doves like to fly certain routes. Don’t be afraid to change locations if birds are consistently skirting you, unless it will infringe on other hunters. Sometimes moving 30 to 40 yards is all it takes.

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SWEET SPOTS: The best hunting is always where the doves are, and that can change from one day to the next, often in coincidence with shifts in weather patterns. Places with abundant forage such as harvested grain fields, sunflowers or goat weed patches are magnets for doves, as are watering spots including tanks or ponds with plenty of bare ground along the edge.

USE A DECOY: Careful placement of a battery-operated dove decoy such as the Mojo Voodoo will at times bring birds into shooting range. The decoy attaches to a steel stake, which elevates it about three feet above the ground. Four AA batteries power a small motor that causes the wings to spin in tight circles. Doves can spot the flashy white wings from a considerable distance. At times, the decoys can work almost like magic.

GET LEGAL: Every hunter, regardless of age, is required to have a hunting license and proof of HIP certification on their license.

A migratory bird stamp also is required of hunters 17 and older.

Hunt Safe: The No. 1 cause of hunting accidents is tracking birds and pulling the trigger just they cross paths with other hunters. It is called swinging on game.

Know the whereabouts of every hunter, whether they are a member of your party or not. It is also a good idea to make sure other hunters know your location. If you decide to change spots, make sure everyone knows it.

It is easy to get excited out there. Don’t take shots you might later regret.

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HE PRESENCE OF GREAT WHITE SHARKS in the Gulf of Mexico is undeniable. Now, a great white off the Texas coast has been confirmed.

Last February, we broke the story about Acadia, a 1,000-pound female great white tagged by research group Ocearch in Nova Scotia in September 2020.

With her satellite tag “pinging” about 140 miles off the Texas coast, she has “z-pinged” twice which means the trans-

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mitted signal did not give an exact location. That means Acadia could be farther from the coastline or perhaps closer.

Digging past easily accessible research data, there is fascinating information about great whites in the Gulf.

In a 2014 I wrote a piece for Tide magazine called “Jaws Rising” that included an excerpt from Seasonal Distribution and Historic Trends in Abundance of White Sharks in the Western North Atlantic published by PLOS One.

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Acadia is the great white shark that showed up off the Texas coast. She was tagged last fall off the coast of Nova Scotia.

Sharks, Skates & Rays, the presence of great whites in Texas waters is mentioned as far back as the 1950s.

A great white shark seven feet long was caught in 15 fathoms, 12 miles off Port Aransas, Texas on February 9, 1950. Seven days later, a second great white 11 feet, 4-inches long was caught in the same area.

Ten days later, a third, this one 12 feet, 2 inches long, was caught there. Yet, there has never been a previously reported catch in Texas waters.

The research of Ocearch has shown numerous tagged great whites using the Gulf of Mexico over the last decade, but there are other sharks, not tagged, showing up as well.

In early March 2021, a 12-foot great white was caught and released on Pensacola Beach

PHOTO: COURTESY OCEARCH

It details that redfish are among the items preferred by the Gulf’s great whites.

“Analysis of white shark stomach contents from this region are extremely limited, however, documented prey items include dolphins, sharks, red drums, sea turtles, and squid.”

Great whites feeding on redfish might seem at odds with the images we see of them throwing sea lions into the air in the northern Pacific and off the coast of South Africa, but as time goes on, it seems there is much to learn about these intensely apex predators.

NOAA has some extremely interesting older data on great whites in the Gulf of Mexico. Their earliest recorded white shark was off the coast of Sarasota, Florida on a set line in the winter of 1937. Another specimen was caught in the same area in 1943.

In February 1965, a female was captured in a net intended for bottlenose dolphins at Mullet Key near St. Petersburg. In addition, National Marine Fisheries Service officials reported 35 great whites as bycatch in the Japanese longline fishery in the Gulf from 1979 through 1982.

In the 1963 book Shadows In the Sea;

by a group of Idaho anglers fishing with Big John Shark Fishing Adventures. In 2015, Gabriel Smeby caught and released a ninefooter off Panama City Beach, Florida.

And although these recent confirmed catches and scientific surveys of the past are insightful, I was the kid who saw Jaws and wanted to get in the water. I remember standing with my Dad at the end of the 61st Street Pier in Galveston at age 12, pondering whether there were any great whites in the Gulf and even in Texas waters.

There definitely are now, and if trends continue more are on the way.

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FISH & GAME DESTINATIONS

Big Flounder. Big Redfish.

Big Speckled Trout.

THOSE ARE THE THREE MOTIVATING FACTORS FOR ANGLERS along the Texas Gulf Coast, and for great action for super-sized specimens of the Big 3—and much more—Port Arthur should be on your radar.

On the shores of Texas’s northernmost bay, Port Arthur’s Sabine Lake offers ample opportunity for anglers in bay boats and kayaks, as well as those who prefer to fish from the bank.

Sabine Lake is where it all starts.

Texas’s smallest major bay system holds the state record flounder caught by Herbert Endicott in 1976.

Few fish records have held that long, showing the magnitude of the catch. Fortunately, the skin mount of Endicott’s fish is on display at the Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur.

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Red snapper are within reach of anglers fishing the oil rigs and reefs south of Sabine Pass.

33.62-pound freshwater drum (gaspergou).

The reason for those huge freshwater fish in the system from time to time is that Sabine Lake is fed by both the Sabine and Neches Rivers, two major systems, and has solid freshwater flow during spring and early summer.

This struggle of fresh and salt is what makes the ecosystem so fertile.

My favorite part of the greater Sabine Lake ecosystem is the marshes along the Louisiana shoreline. The winding canals that feed the rich estuary into the lake provide some of the best flounder and redfish action in the country. I have spent many mornings watching the sunrise over the marsh and sat

PHOTO: CHESTER MOORE

Seeing this historical fish is worth the visit, but there is much more there, ranging from natural history to music history.

The Gulf of Mexico out of Sabine Lake gave up the state record redfish, a 59.50-pounder caught by Artie Longron in 2000.

The water body record speckled trout is 11.50 pounds caught by Kelly Rising in 2002.

Not surprisingly, Sabine Lake also holds several saltwater records for typically freshwater species.

That includes Bobby Hutchinson’s 42.78pound blue catfish, Dale William’s 50.15pound flathead, and Michael McKinney’s

Nathan Childress caught his first-ever black drum while fishing the seawall at Pleasure Island.

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August is Redfish Tournament Time

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UGUST IS A BUSY MONTH FOR TOURNAMENT REDFISH action in Port Arthur.

The Contender Series One Man takes place August 11. It will attract some of the top anglers on the Gulf Coast to fish for a $10,000 prize, heavyweight championship belt and a chance to fish the Elite Redfish Series tour.

The 2021 Elite Redfish Series Pro Team Tour then competes at Port Arthur August 13-14.

“The Port Arthur Pass” is the finale of the 2021 Elite Redfish Series tournament season. At its

in wonder at the incredible beauty.

I’ve fished all along the Gulf Coast of Texas, and it is one of the few areas other than Lower Laguna Madre where one can find true solitude. Hit those marshes on a Tuesday morning in the middle of February, and you will probably see no one else out there.

On the opposite side of the lake is Pleasure Island, and it brings anglers some of the best bank fishing and crabbing anywhere.

The Walter Umphrey Pier at the causeway is a popular destination. It is strategically positioned at the juncture of Sabine Lake and Sabine Pass that flow into the Gulf of Mexico. That means outgoing tides bring action from the lakeside, and incoming currents bring in everything from big redfish to sharks from Gulf waters.

The seawall around the Pleasure Island Yacht Basin has another popular pier, but perhaps even more productive is its seawall.

Many anglers like to walk the wall with live finger mullet or mud minnows and verticalfish for flounder. Both the north and south levees on Pleasure Island offer miles of bank fishing opportunity. The revetment areas off both levees offer easy kayak access and can provide some good paddling and fishing opportunities.

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conclusion, the team with the most points will take home the T.O.Y. title, Championship Trophy and the $70,000 Tidewater Yamaha McClain Trailer Rig. This event will also qualify the top two teams to move onto the $50,000.00 ESPN televised November Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship.

The Port Arthur Pass weighins are free to the public and begin at 3 pm Friday and Saturday at the Sabine Pass Port Authority and Marina.

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Mexico.

At times, the mid to upper reaches of the Sabine Jetties holds incredible numbers of speckled trout, and the first thing anglers should be mindful of is water clarity.

I have seen pockets of clear water at jetties produce fish when other areas seemed barren of specks. Sandy green water is good.

Clear water is excellent, but chocolate-colored water means you need to go somewhere else.

Savvy anglers should look for emerging slicks, the small round spots of fish oil spilled when trout feed on shad and other prey. The smaller the slick, the better because it means the fish are still nearby. Avoid fishing slicks around crab traps. Those usually come from the bait inside.

Shrimp jumping along the surface and birds are a more obvious sign, although, at the jetties, birds usually lead to Spanish mackerel more than trout. Birds on the lake are traditionally trout or reds. Birds at the jetty area could be anything.

Moving toward the bottom layer of the ecosystem, redfish rule.

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start because, during tidal movements, you have a lot of baitfish moving through. The boat cuts in a jetty system have the most intense tidal flow because they are a small opening. You will get lots of shrimp, shad, and crabs pushing through, and the reds will lie in wait.

Another great spot to find bull reds at the jetties any time is the deep holes usually found around the southern tip of the rocks and back about 50 yards. These spots are where the current wraps around the rocks and carves out large holes.

The Sabine Jetties are arguably the greatest spot on the Texas coast to catch a 40-inch plus redfish.

Surf anglers will also find ample opportunities in the area as Sea Rim State Park offers quality access to beach areas managed by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Additionally, there is access a little farther down the road through the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge.

Like the jetties, this area is known for bull redfish but is also an excellent spot to catch big blacktip sharks.

If you want abundant opportunities to catch big fish, give the Port Arthur area a try.

There’s plenty of places to fish and plenty of fish to catch.

To request a free Sabine Lake Fishing and Waterways Guide in the mail, check out visitportarthurtx.com.

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6/17/21 5:37 PM

Texas BOATING

by LENNY RUDOW :: TF&G Boating Editor

ElectroFishing

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LANCING AT THAT HEADline you might guess we’re about to get into an ill-fated conversation about batteries, jumper cables, and fish floating belly-up.

You’d be wrong.

Not only because the practice of zapping fish into submission is both unsportsmanlike and illegal, but also because there’s a better way to use electricity to catch more fish from your boat.

LEARNING HOW TO FULLY UTILIZE YOUR ELECTRONICS The fishfinder and chartplotter tend to be the only pieces of electronics fully harnessed by the average boat-owning angler. They use GPS to get to the hotspot, and the fishfinder to peer beneath the water. That’s fine. It’s also just the beginning of how you can utilize marine electronics as fish-catching tools.

AIS is thought of by most people as a safety feature, but it can come in handy to anglers as well. Commercial boats have it, and that includes shrimpers. Just about everyone knows that shrimp boats attract predators—everything from king mackerel to blackfin tunas— but finding those boats offshore can be a challenge sometimes. If, that is, you don’t have AIS. If you do have it, you’ll not only know where they’re located, but also where concentrations of multiple shrimpers are, which way they’re heading, and at what speed.

ANCHOR ALARMS are one thing most of us rarely use. These are just for overnight cruisers, afraid they may drag anchor… right?

Wrong. Anchor alarms are also useful to fishermen, especially when you’re not anchored.

Drift fishing is actually an ideal time to apply anchor alarm tech to enhance your

angling prowess.

Stop thinking of it as it relates to anchoring, and instead, simply look at it as a way of keeping track of your boat’s position. Boat positioning is key when it comes to drift fishing. In most common scenarios, you’ll be positioning your boat over a wreck, reef, or some other form of structure or live bottom that attracts fish.

These features are nearly always limited in size, whether the productive spot is just 50 yards long or it stretches for half a mile. Either way, when you have your boat properly positioned for a drift you can set an anchor alarm to go off when your boat’s traveled outside of that productive area.

Once you familiarize yourself with the basic mechanics of an anchor alarm you’ll be able to set one at whatever distance you choose in a matter of seconds with a couple of keystrokes or taps on the LCD screen, so the time investment is minimal. But it will save you time at the end of each drift, as compared to the usual practice of just going for a while without any bites until you figure it must be time to reposition.

AUTOPILOT is another vastly under-utilized fish-catching tool. Obviously, these can make life easier while trolling by allowing you to leave the helm and help with tasks such as setting the spread or cranking in fish. But their value goes well beyond that. Autopilot can also be used to return to exact spots where you got a hit (assuming you were fast enough to press the MOB button), Many have settings for clover-leaf or spiral patterns which allow you to work the water immediately around a spot where you got a hit so you can relocate a moving school of fish. Finally, when you’re working with a thick spread, which is sensitive to sharp turns (read: mass tangles ensue) autopilot can help smooth out the bumps by allowing you to dial in smooth, steady turns in increments down to one degree.

RADAR can be used to find flocks of birds, but it takes a fairly thick flock to be picked up by old-tech units. Modern solid-state and “broadband” units work much better for this purpose. In either case, many anglers who try to use radar to find birds, get burned a time or two by mis-identifications and ghost returns, and shelve the idea.

The trick to using radar to find birds successfully? Stop trying to spot a seagull from a million miles away and zoom down to a one-mile range. Then try moving range out a half-mile at a time and watch the screen for a minute or two at each range, out to five miles (or farther with some units).

You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to see a cluster of five or 10 birds a few miles off, which probably disappear into nothingness at a 15 or 20-mile range. Although five miles may not seem like a huge distance, that’s significantly farther than people can commonly spot birds with binoculars, much less the naked eye.

Learn to use your boat’s entire electronics suite in your angling pursuits, and you absolutely, positively will catch more fish. And you can leave those jumper cables sitting back on land in the truck, where they belong.

DIGITAL CHARTOGRAPHY exists in, or can be added to, almost every GPS/ chartplotter, and today’s digital charts offer

Email Lenny Rudow at ContactUs@fishgame.com

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stellar detail. In many cases, you can set your chartplotter to display contour lines down to one-foot intervals and in most cases, at least to three-foot intervals.

Although no digital charts are error-free, they can prove invaluable when you’re out on the water looking for drop-offs and structure. A less-often utilized ability, however, is to study up on new destinations before you go there.

Taking your time and zooming in on all different features, contours, channels, and structure allows you to build a mental picture of an area prior to arrival. Many of us already do this while pondering over a paper map or chartbook, but doing so on your chartplotter will provide vastly more detail and definition than any paper chart can provide.

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EXAS IS LIKE ITS own country.

With massive geographical boundaries and many unique cultures, Texas is as big and diverse as many nations.

For wingshooters, Texas’s hunting diversity is second to none, and it comes with a unique challenge only available within its borders.

The Texas Upland Bird Slam involves the taking of dove, quail, pheasant, and chachalaca. These birds require hunting from the far north to

the Mexico border and offer opportunities from the Louisiana line to El Paso.

Let’s take a look at how, when, and where to bag these birds, and it starts with the right shotgun.

SHOTGUNNING IN STYLE The CZ All-Terrain Series offers a unique shotgun in 12 and 20 gauge perfect for everything from dove to wild turkeys.

Clad in OD Green and walnut, these shotguns stand out without being ostentatious. The muted green Cerakote finish makes them ideal for

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fieldwork, increasing their hardiness and making them near impervious to the elements.

The stand-out feature of this series of scatterguns is a small but revolutionary addition to the ejector/extractor of the break-open variants.

To make them more ideal for use while handling dogs on a quail hunt, for example, each of the All-Terrain over/unders and side-by-sides have a set of rare earth magnets installed in their extractor or ejectors.

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Quality pheasant hunts are available in 37 Texas counties.

unlike any other in terms of hunting these sporting birds.

Yes, we said “mourning doves alone.”

According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), Texas has seven species of doves and pigeons. Of these, only four (mourning dove, white-winged dove, whitetipped dove, and European collared dove) are currently hunted.

Dove hunters only need $48 to get in on thousands of acres of prime dove hunting

down. Never will a dog-handler accidentally dump shells out of their gun while bending over to work with their dog.

DOVE TIME Some 400,000 Texas hunters take to the field and bag somewhere in the neighborhood of five million doves beginning September 1.

With the mourning dove population alone exceeding 30 million, this state is

Texas holds the most consistent quail population in America, but even in Texas seasons can fluctuate.

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habitat.

That’s the price of an Annual Public Hunting Permit (APH), which unlocks access to many dove-specific leases and hunting land totaling more than 900,000 acres.

Dove (and small game) leases are distributed from South Texas (Brooks County) to the Panhandle (Hansford County) and from the Beaumont region (Orange County) to far West Texas (Hudspeth County).

Around 80 percent of the acreage is located in Dallas/Ft Worth (Reg. 4), Austin/ Waco (Reg. 6), Houston/Beaumont (Reg. 7), San Antonio/Corpus Christi (Reg 8).

WE’VE STILL GOT QUAIL! Quail numbers are down nationwide, but South, Central, and West Texas, as well as well-managed properties in the Panhandle, still have substantial populations.

The most commonly hunted quail here is the bobwhite. A beautiful (and tasty) bird famous for flushing at the very last second, makes up most of the quail bagged in Texas.

Number two is the scaled quail, most often referred to as “blue quail” in Texas.

According to TPWD officials, scaled quail occur throughout the Chihuahuan desert and are the most common quail in the Trans Pecos.

They are also present in the Edward’s Plateau and Panhandle. These wary birds

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Shotgun Diversity CZ’S ALL-TERRAIN SERIES COMES IN 12- or 20-gauge and the option of 28 or 30-inch barrels, depending on the model.

Equipped with sling swivels, these shotguns are ready out of the box. Almost all models come  Bobwhite AT with extended chokes.

Texas is the only state to offer a season for chachalacas.

 Drake AT

often run instead of flying in retreat and can make impressive speeds.

In the Trans-Pecos, the beautiful Gambel’s quail is present and in huntable numbers. Public land for hunting them is scarce, but Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area is an option.

Quail season kicks off October 30 and runs through February 27.

CHACHALACA? HUH? The plain chachalaca typically occurs in small groups of three to five individuals. They are found in tall, thorny thickets, scrubland, and second-growth forest edge along the Gulf-Caribbean slope from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas and Nuevo Leon, Mexico, south to Honduras and Costa Rica, according to TPWD officials.

Texas is the only state to have enough of these unique birds to offer a season, and they are available to hunt in four counties (Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy).

Secretive and often difficult to spot in their native habitat, these unique gamebirds offer a challenging hunting experience for the outdoorsman. The upcoming season is October 30 to February 27 with a daily bag limit of five birds.

Texas Parks & Wildlife offers hunting on five units of the Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area. These include the Baird, Anacua, Carricitos, Longoria, and Tucker Units.

region.

According to TPWD records, the first pheasants in the High Plains and Northern Rolling Plains of Texas immigrated from western Oklahoma in 1939 or 1940.

Various attempts at pheasant stockings have occurred at the state and private level from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast (which used to have a season), but the Panhandle is where the birds flourish.

With a December 4 to January 2 season this year, most Texas pheasant hunting is by Panhandle area residents.

Still, there is a hardcore group of hunters who make the annual trek to get in on hunting what could be the most beautiful upland bird in the big, open spaces of the Panhandle.

 Redhead AT

 Upland Ultralight AT All species of the Texas Upland Bird Slam are huntable with either 12 or 20 gauge, with the 20 being most popular with the dove and chachalaca hunters and 12 having the edge on quail and pheasants.

Models including the following: • CZ Bobwhite G2 All-Terrain 20 Gauge • CZ Upland Ultralight All-Terrain 20 Gauge • CZ Upland Ultralight All-Terrain 12 Gauge • CZ Bobwhite G2 All-Terrain 12 Gauge • CZ Redhead Premier All-Terrain 12 Gauge • CZ Drake All-Terrain 20 Gauge • CZ Drake All-Terrain 12 Gauge • CZ 1012 All-Terrain • CZ Redhead Premier All-Terrain 12 Gauge • CZ Redhead Premier All-Terrain 20 Gauge

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Get more details on the web here: cz-usa.com/product/cz-all-terrain-series.

FINISHING WITH PHEASANTS

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Texas has quality free-ranging, wild pheasant hunting in 37 counties in the Panhandle

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Bare Bones HUNTING

by LOU MARULLO :: TF&G Hunting Editor

Rios on the Ranch

After a few hours, and not hearing any gobbles, we decided to split up to cover more ground. As the wind picked up, I stayed in the blind, and Chester took cover in a cluster of trees about 200 yards closer to the tree line. No birds that night although Chester did see some in the distance.

Back at the Double Draw Ranch, our host, Gene was preparing an outstanding meal; one of many I might add. My normal cuisine does not include Mexican fare, but after a few days of delicious Mexican food, I think I might have spoken a little Mexican before I left for home.

Or at least I tried to.

The crawdads were so hot, it took a day or two for the swelling in my lips to subside. But it was good.

There was a chill in the air that first afternoon. However, when morning came, I soon realized that I did not bring enough warm clothes to Southwest Texas. After all, isn’t it supposed to be nice and hot there at the end of April?

I had on everything I could and still shivered in the blind. I would have welcomed the “chill” in the air. Now it was just freezing cold.

I heard lots of birds that day—all day.

However, they never showed themselves despite all the sexy calls I was making.

Apparently, the males decided to wander off with the females instead of coming into my setup and my plastic hen. Oh well… that’s why they call it hunting and not shopping.

Tomorrow is another day, and the weatherman promised warmer temperatures. He lied.

Back at the ranch, the rest of the hunting party had arrived. To my surprise, there were guys from all over the United States. How cool is that? Colorado, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, New York and Texas were all represented.

Most of us had been hunting turkeys for years, but we had four guys who were new at this sport. That made it all the more enjoyable when they got so excited about seeing the birds. I told them just wait till they come in gobbling, and you know you are going to get a shot. Your hearts will explode out of your chest! You veterans reading this know exactly what I’m talking about.

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T WAS COLD. VERY COLD. CERtainly, too cold for Texas. As I shivered in my blind, the wind seemed to blow right through me, but I was bound and determined to score on a nice Rio Turkey with my bow and arrow this morning.

I could hear the gobbler getting closer and closer. A last-minute check on my equipment gave me confidence that I would soon have a big tom on the ground. Louder and louder the gobbles came. First a double and then a triple gobble.

This tom was hot for some action, and I was happy to oblige, just not with the action he expected. I could hear his footsteps just outside the blind as I prepared for a close-range bow shot.

A few months ago, my good friend, Chester Moore, invited me back to Texas for what he called the first annual Hunt/Fish Podcast.

Basically, it was a turkey hunt with some fishing included, while enjoying the good company of a few writers and podcast guys. Of course, I immediately agreed and wasted no time dusting off the old bow and shooting many arrows so that when the moment of truth came, I would be ready.

Chester and I arrived at the Double Draw Ranch near Junction Texas and was soon greeted by the friendly face of Gene Hennigan, owner of the Double Draw. I knew after a conversation with Gene that this was going to be a great time, and I was not disappointed. We were the first to arrive.

After a short tour of the ranch, we decided to get an afternoon hunt in, if time allowed.

Our plan was set. For the first evening, we would hunt together.

We agreed that if the bird came right in, I would take it with the bow. However, if the bird decided to hang up out of bow range, which they often do, Chester would fill his tag with his shotgun.

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Of course, this trip meant that we would all be involved in doing different podcasts including one that included everyone there doing a “round table” discussion. I have to say, sitting down and talking to these guys brought a feeling of camaraderie that’s very rare to find Here were 11 hunters with the same interests and many different backgrounds. Some devoted their time strictly to podcasting. One came from a television show background in Oklahoma. All in all, spending time with these guys and breaking bread together was just as enjoyable as the turkey hunt itself.

Before I go any farther, I should finish the story from the beginning of this column.

That tom was so close to my blind that I heard every footstep. Then suddenly he gobbled at my decoy. Believe me when I say it was LOUD! I said to myself “Self, if that turkey takes just a few more steps, he is going to have a bad day.”

There I was at full draw anxiously waiting for that tom to offer me a shot. All was suddenly quiet, except for the real hen that continued to call to him. After a few choice words that I cannot print here, I realized that the only one having a bad day was me. No turkey.

The funny thing was that out of 11 hunters, not one of us brought back a turkey. Most of us saw them. All of us heard them everywhere, but the hens made this hunt a real challenge.

A special thanks to a few people. First, Chester, thanks once again for inviting me for this hunt and podcast. It was all very enjoyable.

Secondly, I need to give a shout out to Derek York for putting this first annual Hunt/ Fish Podcast together and taking care of every detail. Thanks Derek.

To all the guys who shared a story or two and a lesson on calling turkeys…thank you.

Last but certainly not least, a huge thank you to Gene Hennigan for letting us hunt the Double Draw Ranch. It was a real treat to see all the different animals on the property and a pleasure to have met you, a true gem of a man that I can now call friend.

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Email Lou Marullo at ContactUs@fishgame.com

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6/17/21 5:41 PM

URF AND PIER FISHING IS WHERE the heart and soul of the coastal angling community resides.

Most coastal anglers started on a lonely stretch of surf or spending summer nights on a pier catching trout, redfish, flounder, and sharks. Although many have taken their efforts into the blue waters of the Gulf or the shallow back bays, the beach is still a big draw for fishermen on the Texas coast. The key to success here is an understanding of this unique ecosystem and proper gear.

Calcuttaoutdoors.com has created a site where anglers can easily connect with the right surf and pier gear across many brands to make trips to these sandy destinations fun and fruitful.

The following are our top picks for quality, affordable surf and pier gear.

SQUALL 3700 TACKLE BAG WITH BAIT BINDER The Squall Binder 3700 Tackle Bag/Bait Binder Combo is all about flexibility and utility. When it

Fishing from a pier or a beach is still a big draw for anglers.

comes to surf and pier fishing, organizing the various kinds of tackle required is a necessity.

The bag comes with four 3700-size trays and a tackle binder loaded with pages for all of your tackle.

Instead of carrying two bags with you, now you can combine all of your tackle needs into one.

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The Squall Binder 3700 Tackle Bag / Bait Binder Combo

RENEGADE FISH COOLER Renegade fish cooler bags feature a highquality waterproof zipper and a wide opening for easy access when loading or unloading ice and fish. They are also loaded with open-cell foam insulation for superior insulating properties to keep your catch cool and fresh. Material skin is durable, rugged, and lightweight.

It also features strong carry handles and a padded shoulder strap for easy transport. That feature alone makes it a worthy acquisition as any serious pier and surf angler know,s getting

gear to the spot is half the battle.

READY2FISH SALT JUST ADD BAIT COMBO This combo is highlighted by the No Knots Fishing System featuring a snap that is already tied onto your line. It offers a sevenfoot, medium-heavy action, two-piece rod with a split, EVA grip and a pre-spooled size 50 spinning reel.

On top of that you get a 35 piece tackle kit including snelled hooks, snell hook holder, fishing bell, sinkers, barrel swivels, mirror

beads, single drop rig, double drop rig, and hooks CALCUTTA LIVE BAIT (CIRCLE HOOK RIGS) TWO-PACK Circle hooks are popular with anglers seeking bull redfish, black drum, and more.

This two-pack comes with pre-rigged leaders ready to tie on and chunk into the surf.

SOUTH BEND CLAMP-ON ROD HOLDER The clamp-on rod holder easily clamps on

Oh, Calcutta

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ALCUTTA OUTDOORS IS A LEADING GLOBAL DESIGNer, manufacturer of consumer products for the outdoor sports and recreation market.

They provide consumers with a wide range of performance-driven, innovative products, including fishing rods, fishing tackle, coolers, drinkware, outdoor apparel, paddle sports, and marine accessories.

Calcuttaoutdoors.com is a place to find fishing and marine

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products across virtually every spectrum of the industry and get “how-to” tips on everything from surf fishing for big predators to fly fishing.

Check it out for all of your fishing and marine needs.

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PHOTOS: COURTESY CALCUTTA OUTDOORS

6/17/21 5:41 PM

piers and holds all styles of rods, including pistol grip models. It features a tough enameled finish and heavy-duty material along with an adjustable rod rest position.

These are super handy on piers and will help ensure your rod doesn’t sail into the sea when you have your back turned.

SQUALL TORQUE SERIES 11-INCHLONG REACH PLIERS AND HOOK REMOVER Pliers are a must when dealing with toothy fish caught on piers.

The Calcutta Squall Torque Series Long Reach pliers are made with carbon steel and corrosion-resistant finish and are 11 inches long. The new torque non-slip, golf-inspired grip provides a cushioned grip for comfort and has even more grip when wet.

Their hook removers are also handy and feature 420 stainless steel tube and plunger, non-slip, molded handles for a firm grip, a spring-loaded plunger for ease of use, and a wrist lanyard for security.

INVINCIBLE MARINE PORTABLE CLAMP LED ALL-AROUND LIGHT Designed for the nighttime operation of small boats and tenders without 12-volt electrical systems, these can also work great to hook to your utility table or even rod holders in the surf or on those piers without lights.

Removable for safekeeping. These lights do not meet coast guard regulations, but they don’t need them in the surf or pier zone.

Surf and pier fishing are places the man who fishes for marlin in the Pacific can spend

quality time with his family. And it’s the place where the angler who can only afford to fish at the beach can enjoy exciting fishing action.

The beach brings people together under the banner of enjoying our ocean resources.

And Calcuttaoutdoors.com is a place where those anglers can find their needs not only for the surf but also for that marlin, mackerel, and much more.

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BALLOON TIRE AND SURF BEACH CART As previously noted, getting your gear onto the pier is half the battle. The Sea Striker balloon tire fishing cart is a practical mix of features, performance, and value that helps get the job done, even in challenging conditions. Move your beach items and your surf fishing gear to any beach, including soft and loose sand beach locations.

This cart can carry 125 lbs. of gear and is constructed of a strong galvanized steel tube with a durable, corrosion-resistant powder coat finish, and seven glass-filled nylon, injection molded rod holders, and thick and durable 13-inch polyethylene balloon tires.

This versatile cart features: • Seven durable molded rod/accessory holders\ • Corrosion-resistant powder-coated galvanized steel construction • The capability to hold up to a 55-quart cooler.

• 13-inch balloon beach tires with a wide profile and low-pressure design (two to four PSI), perfect for travel through soft sand.

These tires are made to be versatile enough to take your cart anywhere while making them ideal for all types of sand, including soft or loose sand. The tires are made of durable polyurethane for long-lasting performance.

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ETTING READY FOR A HUNTING OR FISHING EXPEDITION isn’t as easy as it looks.

Oh, you can throw a few things together and head out the door. However, if you really want to be prepared for a safe, fun time in the great outdoors you’ll need to plan.

We could easily fill this space with tips on setting up your deer feeder or maintaining your boat, but we have that kind of information somewhere in 34

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SECTION: 34  SPECIAL PREPPING FOR FALL Reported by TF&G Staff

& GAME 42  FISH FORECAST CENTER SALTWATER

Reported by Capt. Eddie Hernandez, Capt. Michael “Sharky” Marquez, Capt. Mark Talasek, Capt. Mac Gable, Capt. Joey Farah and Capt. Gerad Meritt

& GAME 52  FISH FORECAST CENTER FRESHWATER

Reported by TF&G Staff

60  SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK Tides and SoLunar Data

every issue and in our TF&G e-newsletter on a weekly basis.

This article was inspired by some data we received from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) that involves tragedies on Texas waters.

We love our readers and want to give you information on how to be prepared to stay safe in the great outdoors.

In 2020, boating accidents were at a 30-year, all-time high. Fatalities on CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE  COMPOSITE PHOTO: TF&G

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Getting PREPPED for a SAFE FALL

When you go off-trail on public land you never know what you will encounter.

It’s best to be prepared.

Texas waterways increased 45 percent in 2020 from 2019, while fatal accidents

on the water rose by 61 percent. Overall, accidents on the water were up 67 per-

cent, and injuries were up by 64 percent.

More than 70 percent of boating accidents that occurred in 2020 were on open motorboats or personal watercraft. The months of May through August traditionally have the highest numbers of injuries and fatalities statewide, with weekends seeing the peak figures.

“This year alone from January through April 2021, Texas experienced a 40 percent increase in open water-oriented fatalities. This includes boating and swimming incidents and is compared to the same period in 2020. Overall, in 2020, 55 boating fatalities and multiple boat accidents and injuries occurred on Texas waters.”

Let’s check out some safety tips from the U.S. Coast Guard to make sure you stay safe on the water.

FILE A FLOAT PLAN This can be as easy as telling a loved one where you are headed and when you plan to return. Leaving this crucial information with someone on shore can help rescuers narrow down where to look if PHOTO: USFWS

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Getting PREPPED for a SAFE FALL you don’t return when scheduled. If time allows, you should always try to fill out a completed float plan and update it as changes occur. Every piece of information you provide may be more helpful than you may think.

WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET! Make sure the lifejacket is Coast Guard-approved and fits properly. Just as important as wearing one yourself, you should always make sure the people with you also have one on.

Even if you think having a lifejacket on board your boat is enough, or if you are a strong swimmer and don’t need one—just wear your lifejacket. It’s so much easier

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to be prepared for the worst than it is to reach for a stowed life jacket in a tense moment.

There are so many different types of life jackets these days, you can easily find one that fits your needs and lifestyle.

necessary. Cell phones don’t always have reception in the areas you may be going on your boat. So, it’s better to be prepared with extra equipment and not need it, than need it and not have it. The Coast Guard always monitors VHF Channel 16 for distress.

You should observe similar guidelines for venturing into the woods on a hunting

COMMUNICATION On a boat, the easiest thing to have is a working marine-band VHF radio and a handheld GPS. This will allow you to call for help and give rescuers your position if

Wearing a life jacket is crucial in staying safe on the water.

PHOTO: PUBLIC DOMAIN

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PHOTO: USFWS

Getting PREPPED for a SAFE FALL

Having communications when in remote areas is crucial and so is giving your loved ones a travel plan.

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or camping trip. These are recommended

by TF&G Editor-In-Chief Chester Moore who has been on a three year investigation into human dangers in the woods.

Moore said, “Some of the dangers out there aren’t just getting lost or bitten by a snake. There are criminal elements in the woods at times, and we have to be aware of these things.”

STRATEGIC PARKING Always park your vehicle facing out of the area. In a tight spot, you don’t want to have to back up and turn around during a retreat. Also, park in a spot in a clear area that you can see from a distance. If someone is waiting on you or has moved into the spot, it will give you a chance to assess the situation and prepare.

TRAVEL PLAN Similar to the Coast Guard’s float plan, hunters, campers and hikers need a travel plan. Leave your spouse or close friends a travel plan and let them know the points you plan to explore. If possible, leave written GPS coordinates. Give them a time frame of when you expect to arrive and return. Let them know to call for help if you have not returned by a certain time or day.

DON’T TRY TO BE A HERO If you see strangers poaching in the woods at night for example, don’t be a hero and try to stop them. They are armed and probably will use their weapons on you if you try to stop them. Call to report such activity to local game wardens and get out as quickly as possible.

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BUY AND CARRY A BEACON It is a good idea to carry a beacon

that will alert all rescue personnel at the touch of a button. Don’t rely just on a cell phone. You should have a similar beacon, especially if you’re venturing way off-trail on public land.

TALK TO LOCALS Not all information is on social media.

If you decide to hunt public land in another state, talk to locals in a gun shop or sporting goods store. They can give you good intel on the local area.

The great outdoors is the place where we create some of our best memories. It can also be the place where tragedy can strike if you’re not prepared. Let these tips be a starting point for your safety on the water and in the woods of Texas and beyond.

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6/23/21 12:23 PM

July and August Put the ‘Hot’ in Hotspots spring as we did not have to contend with any freshwater runoff from flooding to our north. Throw in the fact that we were also miraculously spared from any significant freeze-related fish kill in February, and it’s easy to see why our ecosystem has been as productive as is has.

Fast forward to mid/late summer It is hot and the fish are hungry. The jetties, short rigs and surf are loaded with trout and reds. Throwing top-waters early and light-colored plastics once the sun begins to penetrate the trout-green water should be your keys to a successful outing.

Work the entire wall at the jetties, paying special attention to rock piles and washouts.

When you hit a few fish, work that area thoroughly before moving on.

Live baits such as shrimp, shad and finger mullet are also very effective in these hot summer months. Place a split shot about 18 to 24 inches above a Kahle hook or rig it with a popping cork.

Both set ups can be very effective, espeCAPT. HERNANDEZ cially when the GHGSEddie@gmail.com fish decide to

SABINE Reported by CAPT. EDDIE HERNANDEZ

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HE TWO HOTTEST MONTHS of the year are upon us, and the temperature and the fishing action are both just about peaked out.

You’d be hard pressed to find temperatures and fish catching this hot and this consistent during any other two-month span.

The rod bending action has been steady since March here on Sabine. We started off the year with much higher salinity levels than we’ve had in several years prior.

Mother Nature gave us a break this

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get lockjaw on artificials as the water heats up in the summer months.

Many people don’t realize that often, the fish really stack up north of the boat cut.

Again, top-waters, light colored plastics and live bait should all produce strikes.

The competition is usually not as bad on that side of the cut, so you can spend more time fishing and less time maneuvering around boats. Keep in mind tidal movement is very important. Both incoming and outgoing tides can be productive.

Also, the channel side can be just as good as, or better than the Gulf side at times. The short rigs are also holding nice trout and some big reds. soft plastics and live finger mullet or shad should get the job done.

You might also get to do battle with some Spanish mackerel on steroids, gafftops and sharks. Drifting or wading the surf is another exciting option. Early mornings when the pretty water has found its way to the beach before the wind picks up are hard to beat.

Wherever you end up, remember to prepare for the hot weather. Bring plenty of extra water, and wear a hat, long sleeves and good sunglasses. Also, don’t forget to use sunscreen early and often.

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GALVESTON Reported by CAPT. MICHAEL MARQUEZ

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ALVESTON ISLAND IS truly an incredible place, jampacked with opportunities to catch a variety of trophy fish year-round. From chasing big wintertime trout and flounders in the Galveston Bay complex to running offshore in the heat of the summer for tuna, mahi mahi, kingfish, and more—this place never gets old.

One of my personal favorite species of fish to CAPT. MARQUEZ MichaelSharkyMarquez@gmail.com target here

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HOTSPOTLIGHT: is a redfish. These are some of the hardest fighting inshore fish and just an all-around blast to catch.

Slot redfish are commonly sought out by anglers for their great taste on the grill.

A slot red is a redfish that is between the length of 20 to 28 inches. The Texas bag limit allows anglers three slot redfish per person.

However, if you are looking for the fight of your life, the bull red is the fish to target.

These are redfish that exceed a length of 28 inches and are notorious for being one of the hardest fighting fish to catch inshore.

Catching a bull red is sure to bring you a memory-making experience that you will never forget.

So how do you get one of these big redfish to bite your line?

LOCATION: Structure, structure, did I say STRUCTURE? Yes. If you’re visiting Galveston and don’t have the luxury of a boat to fish from, the seawall is loaded with little jetties that run into the surf. This is a great habitat for baitfish that turns into a feeding ground for bigger predatorial fish.

There are also other fishing “Hot Spots” such as Seawolf Park and Lee & Joe Jamail Bay Park.

LIVE BAIT: I use a large shrimp or finger mullet on a Carolina-style rig (fishing the lower water columns). I like to cast out around the structures and let the live bait do all the work for me. Keep that slack out of your line and get ready to SET THE HOOK when you feel the bite.

HINT: If you made it this far in the post, you deserve to know my biggest secret to catching redfish with bait. If your first cast is unsuccessful (when using live shrimp), pinch the tail (making a small break in the shell, but leaving the tail intact). This will release scent and also give the shrimp an injured look in the water. Sometimes it’s just the thing you need to get those fish to react and bite.

ARTIFICIALS: For this time of year, I like to throw a white-bodied lure with a chartreuse tail when fishing around structures such as jetties, rocks, oyster reefs, and other areas. The redfish seem to react well to this color due to the replication of sand eels and mullets that are prominent in the Gulf Coast waters at this time.

Using a ¼-ounce jig head is best when targeting these fish. It will keep your lure in

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ANAHUAC NWR

THE ANAUAC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE IS LOCATED IN THE EASTERN CORNER of Galveston East Bay, across from the Bolivar Peninsula at Gilchrist. Selected fishing HOTSPOTS are shown in the table below, and on the map.

SPECKLED TROUT KEY

HOTSPOT NAME

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Marsh Point

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Tong Reef

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Little Pasture Bayou

REDFISH

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Anahuac Refuge Flats

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Little Pasture Bayou

FLOUNDER

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Anahuac Wildlife Refuge

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Rollover Bay

WADEFISHING

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Anahuac Refuge Flats

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Tire and Tong Reef

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Frozen Point

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Black’s

FACILITIES

KEY FACILITY NAME

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BEST BAIT & TACTIC

N 29 33.573, W 94 32.266 N 29 31.834, W 94 34.339 N 29 32.232, W 94 30.351 N 29 31.254, W 94 32.318

Work silver/white Mirrolures or Corkeys, slowly, Wade; avoid afternoon

N 29 33.804, W 94 32.374 N 29 31.254, W 94 32.318

Wade near grass, casting to mullet pods and shad; avoid midday, night

N 29 33.573, W 94 32.266 N 29 30.707, W 94 30.089

Mud minnows, shrimp, fish shoreline, Wade; dawn-afternoon

N 29 33.804, W 94 32.374 N 29 32.232, W 94 30.351 N 29 32.420, W 94 31.361 N 29 31.070, W 94 31.956

Wade depth changes and scattered clam shell; avoid midday

Fish outflows with outgoing tide, cast to current, bounce; avoid afternoon, night Drift reef edges, fish afternoon thru dusk & under full moon; afternoon - night Drift East Bayou side on outgoing tide, topwaters a.m. late p.m.; avoid midday, night

Drift grasslines, marsh, drains and scattered shell; avoid midday, night

Live shrimp, anchor, fish the bottom w moving tide; avoid midday, night

Wade shoreline and make long casts to oyster shell; avoid midday-dusk Wade both sides of point look for nervous bait / slicks; avoid midday Topwaters; reds closer to grass, trout out deeper; Octavoid midday

LOCATION

PHONE

N 29 30.838, Beach Time RV Park 1040 Rollover Ln, Gilchrist, TX 77617 (832) 216-4581 W 94 29.492 SOURCE: TEXAS LAKES & BAYS FISHING ATLAS 2021

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics SOURCE: Capt. Paul Marcaccio www.gofishgalveston.com TIPS: Drifting Campbell’s Bayou can produce trout in the 16–17-inch trout. Look for bird action.

UPPER COAST the lower water column where these redfish spend most of their time feeding.

For beginners starting out with artificials, you can’t go wrong with a reeling pattern such as (Bump-Bump-Reel-Repeat) over a two to three second duration. I continue changing my reeling pattern every few casts until I find one that the fish react to best.

FISH STRUCTURE: This is the perfect ambush point for big redfish to find an easy meal around. If you can find the bait, you can find the fish.

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT (rods and reels): • Spinning reel size 3500-4500 • 30Lb braided line • Medium action 15-30lb weight class rod These fish can put up a solid fight from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the gear you are using. The key is to have fun and enjoy every minute of it.

Ready to catch a redfish of a lifetime?

Visit our website outcastfishincharters.com to book your trip today.

LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Drulls Lump GPS: N 28 42.285, W 95 50.0659 (28.7048 -95.8344)

temperatures above. Most of the flounder population migrates to the Gulf of Mexico yearly, so they were spared.

I saw the same pictures of dead fish that flooded the internet. I have also seen good numbers of reds and flounders come across my boat lately. Not as many trout, but I’m still catching a few.

Conditions have not allowed us to drift deeper shell in the bay. When the wind calms we have caught and released trout to five pounds. I feel confident the numbers are still there—just maybe not as many.

Some things are not as good as they used to be. Matagorda bay is going to be OK. I have been fishing deeper channels off the intracoastal canal, catching reds and drum with live bait under a popping cork. An occasional trout has been in the mix.

Water temperatures continue to climb, replenishing the bay system with bait and fish from deeper gulf waters. Wade fishing grass beds along the shoreline has produced half limits of trout to three pounds.

Dark colored soft plastics have been the ticket. Flounder gigging has produced near limits at night as the spring run is in full swing. Conditions and catches should only improve. Capt. Mark Talasek – (979) 4791397.

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MATAGORDA Reported by CAPT. MARK TALASEK

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HE CONCERN OF THE 2021 “deep freeze” seems to be the topic of conversation among most anglers. Did it kill any big game fish? Did it hurt the bay system? Are the bays going to be ok?

The answer is yes to all. Yes, we lost some trout and red fish along with numbers of bait fish that lined the shores, dead.

But the bay system is alive and well.

Most of the fish retreated to the deeper waters of the intracoastal canal and Colorado River The deeper waters provided a thermal barrier CAPT. TALASEK from the frigid MarkTalasek@sbcglobal.net

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UPPER COAST HOTSPOTS

LOCATION: Campbell Bayou HOTSPOT: Sand Island GPS: N 29 20.3141, W 94 54.0286 (29.3386, -94.9005)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Berkley Gulp Shad or live shrimp SOURCE: Capt. Tommy Countz www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: You can catch big trout all year round. A lot of it deals with the weather. In July a lot of the big fish move into deep water. Drifting the deeper reefs especially in East Matagorda Bay can pay off.

LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Long Reef GPS: N 28 40.3998, W 95 53.0899 (28.6733 -95.8848)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Berkley Gulp Shad or live shrimp SOURCE: Capt. Tommy Countz www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: In dirty water, use a light color or a really bright chartreuse. In clear water, throw pink colors LOCATION: Galveston East Bay HOTSPOT: Big Pasture & Yates Bayou GPS: N 29 29.55, W 94 36.011 (29.4925 -94.6002)

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SPECIES: Redfish Best Bait: Live shrimp SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Fish grass shoreline, around bayou mouth; dawn-morn, dusk LOCATION: Galveston East Bay HOTSPOT: Bull Shoals GPS: N 29 28.716, W 94 44.424

(29.4786 -94.7404)

SOURCE: Capt. Paul Marcaccio www.gofishgalveston.com TIPS: Work reef top and edges, drift; dawn-midday, dusk LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Camp House GPS: N 29 40.478, W 94 42.609

(29.6746 -94.7102)

SPECIES: Redfish Best Bait: Topwaters continued on next page u

SPECIES: Redfish Best Bait: Live and artificial redfish bait SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Drift shallow reef on SE corner of island, hit reef edges; dawn thru dusk LOCATION: Galveston East Bay HOTSPOT: Elm Lake GPS: N 29 27.147, W 94 41.691

(29.4525 -94.6949)

SPECIES: Redfish Best Bait: Shrimp under cork SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Troll grassline, drift open water; dawn-morn, dusk LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: April Fool Reef GPS: N 29 29.077, W 94 54.773

(29.4846 -94.9129)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout Best Bait: Live shrimp, croaker

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SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: This spot is made for the wade; fish early LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Channel Marker 44 GPS: N 29 27.814, W 94 50.615 (29.4636 -94.8436) SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Areas with small baitfish will normally have the bigger trout.

LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Seabrook Pipes GPS: N 29 33.306, W 95 1.385 (29.5551 -95.0231)

SPECIES: Speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: August is one of my favorite months for true shallow water fishing.

LOCATION: Galveston West Bay HOTSPOT: Redfish Cove GPS: N 29 6.1009, W 95 6.5689 (29.1017 -95.1095)

SPECIES: Flounder Best Bait: Live shrimp, flounder jigs SOURCE: Capt. Paul Marcaccio www.gofishgalveston.com TIPS: Best with moving tide; dawn through morning, dusk and night LOCATION: Galveston West Bay HOTSPOT: Chocolate Bay Shoreline GPS: N 29 10.392, W 95 9 (29.1732 -95.1500)

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LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay HOTSPOT: Catchall Basin Flats GPS: N 28 43.7719, W 95 45.562 (28.7295, -95.7594)

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SPECIES: Speckled trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters and soft plastics SOURCE: Capt. Tommy Countz www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: Start the day wading until you find fish. Early morning, they are going to be shallow. Getting into mid-morning, and it gets hotter LOCATION: Sabine Lake HOTSPOT: Flats GPS: N 29 56.404, W 93 50.919 (29.9401, -93.8487)

SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Focus on schools of mullet, and especially the areas that have small bait fish.

SPECIES: Speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics

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LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay HOTSPOT: Cottons GPS: N 28 30.45, W 96 12.3816 (28.5075, -96.2064)

LOCATION: Galveston West Bay HOTSPOT: Chocolate Bayou GPS: N 29 11.6209, W 95 9.948 (29.1937 -95.1658)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout Best Bait: Live shrimp, croaker SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Work reef top and edges, drift; fish early

SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Weedless Gold Spoon SOURCE: Capt. Tommy Countz www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: On the deeper edges of the grass flats there will be still pretty decent numbers of redfish feeding, not visible, but grouped up, slicking along a drop-off.

SPECIES: Speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: By August anglers should be able to find trout in just about anywhere. Just look for the bird action.

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For the Love of a Favorite Animal ROCKPORT AREA Reported by CAPT. MAC GABLE

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TALK BY A HARVARD PROfessor I attended years ago, pointedly and matter-of-factly stated animals, and in particular dogs, were incapable of emotion.

Citing the prominent French scientist René Descartes, the Harvard professor stated dogs were a type of carbon-based machine filled with biological gears, pulleys, and connective cables. This machine, he went on, lacks the divine spark we humans have. It can’t think, but can be programmed to serve us, the master.

This machine (in the form of our favorite pet) eats without pleasure, cries without pain, acts without knowing, fears nothing, desires nothing and knows nothing. Although some evolutionary progress has been made over the past 1000 years, what we perceive to be emotion in an animal is nothing more than reaction to stimulus or a flight or fight response.

I was twenty at the time of this mindless rendering. Even then, I knew under scrutiny this leaky-vessel of philosophy would sink to the bottom in record time.

Fast forward to today. We know through studies of humans that chemical neuron processes are at work driving much of how we think, learn, and feel. It has also been shown animals, in particular dogs’ hormones, are very similar to humans and undergo the same chemical changes in reaction to emotional states as we do.

Researchers know the difference between us and animals is the development process or sequence of emotional learning. To put it simply, CAPT. GABLE humans have a ContactUs@Fishgame.com much broader

range of emotions, which developed over a much longer time frame.

It may take 20 years for a human to fully develop their broad range of emotional capability, whereas a dog’s brain is fully capable at six months. This short time frame has its advantages and disadvantages.

Learning in puppies is at the speed of light compared to human infants, but this rapid brain maturity also limits its emotional peak range. It is believed the average animal or dog, when mature, is the equivalent of a 2 1/2-year-old child.

What does this mean? Our favorite pet has all the basic emotions we have. They can be angry, fearful, disdained, happy, joyful, (dogs can even smile in their own way) and much like humans at 2 1/2 years of age they DO LOVE. Science says they cannot, however, feel shame, guilt or be prideful. In my humble opinion, I think the science here is in error— maybe not pride, but for sure guilt and shame. Ever come home to a disaster a dog makes and it’s nowhere to be found? You eventually find it cowering in its favorite hiding place with a guilty-as-sin look on its face.

On the rare days I got to fish by myself, he was always with me. He never turned down a fishing trip. He never got to reel in a fish, but was always by my side, his tail thumping against my leg, his tongue out with a panting T E X A S

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smile as I reeled in a fish. It was important he sniff the fish, give it a gentle lick, and then cock his head sideways telling me “Good job, now let it go.”

He was a leaner, meaning he always wanted to be touched by people. When he greeted you, he always needed to feel your touch.

After long days being left alone in the house, he never made a mess, He always waited, about to burst, for me to get home and let him outside.

He would always seek a bush to do his business even if the bush was a mile away, never making a mess in the yard. Every day for 17 years he got a dog bone—the highlight of his day. Should I forget, he gently reminded me.

Amazingly people volunteered to keep him if we had to leave town and couldn’t take him. He rode to Alaska and back (and many other places) in the back seat of my truck and was a great road trip companion.

He never attempted to bite anyone; I’m not sure he even knew how. He was trained to steer clear of water—how do you train a Lab to stay out of the water? —because our lake has alligators in it.

It was determined people would visit as much to see him as to see us. He would not bark unless something was wrong.

His grandfather was a Champion Tennessee Labrador hunting dog, and he was a champion sit in your lap dog. He respected me and listened to my every command except when I was being stupid.

He dearly loved my wife Lisa, and she him. In his last days his body eaten with cancer, his joints worn out and arthritic, he would always struggle and stand and wag his tail if she walked into the room. When she would leave the house, he would wait, staring out the window or standing in the driveway, his head pointed in the direction he last saw her until she came home.

His name was Diesel. Nicknames “D,” “Roo,” and “Rascal.” He was 17 years old. I

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cried when he died.

If you take your favorite pet fishing with you, bring water for it. They will drink almost anything. However, neither beer, soda nor Gatorade is a substitute for water.

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I LIKE FRESH MENHADEN THIS time of year. Frozen will do but fresh is better.

The summer heat seems endless, but there is no need to stay out all day. Half day trips, either early morning or late evening, can be just as productive and less taxing on one’s body.

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COPANO BAY: Cut mullet or menhaden work well in the Turtle Pen area freelined or on a light Carolina rig for reds. Lap Reef is a good spot for trout using croaker free-lined. Mud minnows will work as well.

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PORT O’CONNOR PORT O’CONNOR IS A MID-COAST FISHING HAVEN. LOCATED AT THE POINT SEPArating West Matagorda Bay from Espiritu Bay, Port O is the gateway to the Texas Coastal Bend. Selected HOTSPOTS are shown in the table below, and on the map.

SPECKLED TROUT KEY

HOTSPOT NAME

1

Boggy Bayou

2

Bill Day Reef

3

Big Bayou

FLOUNDER

1

Broad Bayou

2

Fisherman’s Cut

3

Little Mary’s Cut

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Big Bayou

SHEEPSHEAD

1

Matagorda Ship Channel

2

Intracoastal Waterway

SHARK The Hump

1

WADEFISHING 1

Broad Bayou

2

Little Jetties

FACILITIES

KEY FACILITY NAME

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GPS

BEST BAIT & TACTIC

N 28 28.004, W 96 24.817 N 28 24.847, W 96 26.598 N 28 25.364, W 96 24.796

Wade shoreline grass from Oyster Point to Oyster Lake; Oct-Mar, avoid midday, night

N 28 28.511, W 96 26.032 N 28 25.201, W 96 27.453 N 28 25.683, W 96 24.504 N 28 25.450, W 96 24.525

Minnows, Wade/Anchor near mouth on outgoing tide; Apr-Mar, Oct-Nov, all day

N 28 24.760, W 96 27.176 N 28 26.670, W 96 23.677

Anchor channel side or drift channel with bottom rigs; Mar-Sep, all day

N 28 25.125, W 96 22.484

Drift or Anchor in pass on outgoing tide, use cut bait; Apr-Nov, all day

N 28 28.524, W 96 25.674 N 28 26.670, W 96 24.058

Shrimp, wade near mouth on outgoing tide; Mar-Apr, Oct-Dec; avoid midday, night

GPS

Fish guts cutting thru reef, inside reef good in winter; Jan-Nov, dawn-am, aftn-night Topwaters, Bull Minnows, wade shoreline with moving tides; Spring, Fall, dawn-afternoon

Anchor on either side of cut, fish bay end or ICW end; Spring, Fall, avoid midday aftn Great gigging at night under lights, work moving tides; Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov, all day Anchor either side of bayou, cast into channel grass; Spring, Fall, avoid midday aftn

Anchor on either side of ICW, cast on grassy flats; AprOct, dawn thru dusk

Trout,, redfish, flounder, fish jetty sides and ends; March – Dec; dawn-morn, aftn-night

LOCATION

N 28 27.210, Park St, Off SH 185 W 96 24.323 N 28 26.685, Port O’Connor Jetty Washington St, SH 185 W 96 24.121 SOURCE: TEXAS LAKES & BAYS FISHING ATLAS 2021

PHONE

Bay Front Park & Pier

361-983-2898 361-552-2959

ST. CHARLES BAY: The opening that leads to Salt Creek is a good place for reds using finger mullet on a medium heavy Carolina rig. Some flounder and black drum are found in the back part of Cavasso Creek.

Use fresh dead shrimp on a light Carolina rig.

ARANSAS BAY: Wades down Blackjack Point can produce some nice trout and reds using free-lined croaker. The key here is to stay within casting distance of the salt grass and fan your cast 180 degrees from near shore to offshore. Dunham Bay is a good spot for reds using free-lined finger mullet.

Approach the back part of the bay quietly, using a trolling motor or drifting in.

CARLOS BAY: Inside Cedar Reef is a good spot for black drum and keeper reds.

Use fresh-dead shrimp and finger mullet, free-lined. The shell edges of Carlos Trench are good spots for trout using live shrimp and a rattle cork.

MESQUITE BAY: Wades near Bludworth Island can produce large trout using free-lined croaker. This area is best fished on high tide. The spoil area just off Roddy Island is good for sheepshead and black drum on live shrimp under a silent cork.

AYRES BAY: Drifts or trolling motor

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approaches to Second Chain Island are good for reds and trout using free-lined croaker.

Live shrimp under a popping cork works here as well. Wades near Ayres Point is good for trout using free-lined croaker.

BANK BITE: The shoreline near the airport is a good spot this time of year, early morning or late evening with a moving tide.

Wading is best, but this area can also be fished from the bank.

The go-to bait is live shrimp under a popping cork. Trout, reds, and black drum frequent this area. The area can be accessed through Howard Murph Park. Great sunsets here as well.

Shamrock Cove, and down south in the best shallow water redfish area on the coast, Nine Mile Hole, and Yarborough Pass.

The gas wells in Corpus Christi Bay lie in about seven to ten feet of water. When winds are light, live shrimp free-lined or under a popping cork can be very effective for specks and sand trout. Gafftops will also be close at hand there at the Wells, as well as in the structure along the Corpus Christi Bayfront.

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CORPUS CHRISTI BAY Reported by JOEY FARAH

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UMMERTIME FISHING HERE in the Coastal Bend will be hot. We offer so many places and styles of fishing here that your options are

endless.

I drifting and wade fish the extreme shallows, casting to redfish, drum, trout, and flounder. I make long casts with a 1/16th to 1/8th ounce jig head and a five-inch Down South Lures soft plastic. My favorite summertime color is Dirty Tequila.

The gold glitter turns the redfish on fire in the clear flats. For blind casting from the boat, I also use a very special weedless hook from Owner. It’s the Flashy Spinner. This weedless hook has a gold blade Ed spinner under the bait. I use a DOA shrimp body on this rig and have watched redfish and drum strike with wicked aggression.

Shallow water flats can be accessed along the back side of Mustang Island between Port A and North Padre. Explore the many trails leading to marshes and the edges of Corpus Christi Bay. I’ll be in the boat drifting the flats along CAPT. FARAH jfarah@yahoo.com East Flats,

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Look for old piers and cement structures, jetties and breakwaters. Gafftops are a large catfish that is great eating. They readily eat cut bait and dead shrimp for fishermen looking for fillets.

The beach is a summertime hotspot. Fish the first two guys at dawn with topwater lures for trout, then switch to a silver spoon or a three-inch DOA CAL SHAD on a 1/4- to ½-ounce jig head with a length of 40-pound leader for Spanish mackerel. Spanish Macs are fast, and they like a fast retrieve as well.

Their sharp teeth can cut the line easily, but their keen eyes can see wire leader, you will get many more strikes with mono leader.

We have an extended red snapper season this year so jump on a party boat or a private charter offshore for red snapper and lots of kingfish. Most trips will be successful within only a few miles of land.

Making it out to the closer rigs or the manmade reefs inside state waters can be fun and easy. Look online for their GPS locations and fish on the bottom with squid and shrimp. Drifting these reef structures with live hard tails is a sure bet to hang into big kingfish. Use small pieces of cut bait on small hooks to catch the hard-tail mackerel for bait.

Trout fishing with live croaker has been by far the most popular summertime fishing activity in years past, after the February fish kill, trout numbers fell to only 30 percent of years past. This is bringing many anglers to catch and release speckled trout so that we can rebuild our fishery.

Live bait fishing for trout is still popular and great fun. Live croaker along the edges of the larger islands in and along Corpus Christi Bay are great places to find schools of trout up along the strip of grass on the drop-off of the islands.

Free-line the croakers with a #6 wide-gap hook. Catch a few and release the rest so we can guarantee a great trout fishery for generations.

We will build memories for a lifetime along the shallow flats of the Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay. Come find out how exciting watching big redfish explode on shallow water top-waters against the orange glow of sunrise. Stop your heart in its tracks as you watch hundreds of black drum tailing in the flats while your bait softly floats down to them. Shallow water fishing adds the element of sight to your imagination.

MIDDLE COAST HOTSPOT: Pita Island GPS: N 27 36.169, W 97 17.1989 (27.6028, -97.2867)

MIDDLE COAST HOTSPOTS

LOCATION: Ayers Bay HOTSPOT: Ayers Reef GPS: N 28 10.434, W 96 50.3659 (28.1739, -96.8394)

LOCATION: Mesquite Bay HOTSPOT: Cedar Bayou GPS: N 28 4.3309, W 96 50.832 (28.0722, -96.8472)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder BEST BAITS: Live Croaker SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Look for shell piles and work the edges from a boat. Trout, redfish, and an occasional flounder can be caught. The trout are the easiest to catch using a croaker freelined.

LOCATION: Carlos Bay HOTSPOT: Cedar Reef GPS: N 28 8.251, W 96 53.049 (28.1375, -96.8842)

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder BEST BAITS: Live Croaker SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Close to the Aransas Wildlife Refuge, use live croaker over shell and mud where the edges drop off.

LOCATION: Nueces Bay HOTSPOT: East Nueces Bay GPS: N 27 52.2799, W 97 19.9979 (27.8713, -97.3333)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder BEST BAITS: Paul Brown Devil Eyes and Chickenon-a-Chain soft plastics SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: A favorite soft plastic is Devil Eye in a chrome with a chartreuse tail and a 1/4-ounce jig head. It’s a great redfish lure.

LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live Croaker or Live Shrimp SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: The month of July is a great time to fish around the island using live croaker.

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live Croaker or Live Shrimp SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Fresh water runoff doesn’t affect the trout like it does on other bays. The trout are CONTINUED ON PAGE

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As the Sun Ascends, Go Deeper for Trout & Reds BAFFIN BAY Reported by CAPT. GERAD MERRITT

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UMMER IS IN FULL SWING, and the trout and redfish bite is heating up along with the temperature. Currently, we are seeing solid fish on big rock structures.

I’m starting with shallow water fishing first thing in the morning and moving deeper as the day progresses. Once the cool morning air dissipates, the bay fish seek out the deeper, cooler water mid-morning and throughout the rest of the day. These fish will start the pattern again once the sun sets and temperatures decrease a little.

At one of my favorite spots to fish, the rock structure is large.

All summer long, I’m able to throw a CAPT. MERRITT bait on top of geradmerritt@gmail.com it and slowly drag it towards me. Once it hits the edge of the rock and sinks just a few feet deeper, a fish will typically engulf it, and the fight is on.

Whether it’s a soft plastic lure or a good healthy croaker, the feeling is like none other. Drifting over the edges of grass flats and drop offs is also currently working for a successful trip. Keep in mind that when the water is nice and clear, you want to try to target the sand pockets and work around them.

This helps fish locate bait and helps less experienced anglers stay out of the grass hang ups. Usually when I am fishing this way, I’m targeting more redfish and bigger trout, looking for the one every angler dreams of. Although it can be slower-paced fishing at times, it works for those who prefer to stay in the boat.

Keep in mind that after the big freeze

focusing early on the shallow edges LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Land Cut GPS: N 27 0.5195, W 97 26.8494 (27.0087, -97.4475)

back in February, Texas Parks and Wildlife commissioners have changed our trout limits in south Texas to a three fish per person bag limit and a length of seventeen to twenty-three inches.

This runs from the JFK causeway south to Brownsville and will hopefully be lifted in the coming months. But until then, let’s be patient and enjoy what we have.

LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: The Badlands GPS: N 27 18.447, W 97 25.993 (27.3075, -97.4332)

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LOWER COAST HOTSPOTS

LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Kennedy Shoreline GPS: N 27 15.598, W 97 27.6509 (27.2600, -97.4609)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout and Redfish BEST BAITS: Norton Sand Eels soft plastics with a 1/8 jig head SOURCE: Capt. John Little captjohnlittle@sbcglobal.com TIPS: There is not much traffic back in here; it’s pretty laid back, see two or three boats in a day as compared to 20-30 boats.

SPECIES: Speckled trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters early, soft plastics later in the day SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Target the shoreline along the Kennedy Ranch, T E X A S

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live Croaker SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Hook the croaker more to the tail along the lateral line, and kind of jig it backwards, free lining let it swim away from you.

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Baffin Bay

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Alazan Bay

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used to it, and the rain will clean up the water for us, reduce high salinity.

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LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: Lydia Ann Channel GPS: N 27 51.736, W 97 3.298 (27.8623, -97.0550)

HOTSPOTLIGHT:

ALAZAN BAY ALAZAN BAY IS ONE OF THREE EXTENSIONS OFF THE MAIN BODY OF BAFFIN BAY. Alazan Bay is the largest and eastern most of the three. The east shoreline from Starvation Point north is a series of points, cuts and tidal lakes. The western shoreline runs from Kleberg Point north and includes Cayo del Infeirnillo. Selected HOTSPOTS are shown in the table below, and on the map.

SPECKLED TROUT KEY

HOTSPOT NAME

1

Sloughs Rocks

2

Kleberg Point Rocks, South

REDFISH

1

Comitas Lake

FLOUNDER

1

Starvation Point Bar

BLACK DRUM

1 2 3

GPS

BEST BAIT & TACTIC

N 27 18.651, W 97 33.465 N 27 16.371, W 97 36.636

Anchor on rocks’ outer edge w live bait, tops in shlws.; May-Oct, dawn-morn, dusk

N 27 21.597, W 97 30.771

Wade or Drift targeting nervous water or bait moving; Apr-Jul, dawn-midday, dusk

N 27 17.566, W 97 32.867

Outstanding nighttime gigging spot when using lights; Jul-Oct, dawn-morn, dusk-night

Drift live shrimp under cork very slowy of top of rocks; Summer, Winter, dawn-am, dusk

N 27 20.284, Live shrimp under pop-n cork, drift the area; Apr.-July, dawn W 97 32.084 N 27 18.408, Live shrimp under pop-n cork, drift the area; Apr.-July, East Shore Alazon Bay dawn W 97 31.064 N 27 17.072, Live shrimp under pop-n cork, drift the area; Apr-July, Starvation Point dawn thru morning W 97 33.135 SOURCE: TEXAS LAKES & BAYS FISHING ATLAS 2021 West Shore Alazon Bay

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Skeeter Walker, Super Spook, or Corky SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Use topwater lures, but not broken backs.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Grass Flats GPS: N 26 1.399, W 97 10.5606 (26.0233, -97.1760)

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: South Bay GPS: N 26 1.785, W 97 11.0109 (26.0298, -97.1835)

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SPECIES: Speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft Plastics SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Fishing a bunch of schooling fish mostly. Use your trolling to move along to find the schools.

LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Boat Hole GPS: N 27 40.969, W 97 14.9989 (27.6828, -97.2500)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live Croaker or Live Shrimp SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Use a 4/0 Kale hook because the croaker down here aren’t very big, along with a 1/8-ounce barrel weight. The more natural the presentation, the better.

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SPECIES: Black Drum BEST BAITS: Live Shrimp, Gulp! Shrimp in New Penny, Pearl SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Fish the drop-offs and channel edges with bottom rigs with live or dead shrimp. Free shrimping rigs also work. A transient snook might also strike your offering. Bounce a Gulp! Shrimp on the bottom.

LOCATION: Port Mansfield HOTSPOT: Community Bar GPS: N 26 35.144, W 97 25.644 (26.5857, -97.4274)

SPECIES: Speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastics in red/white, limetreuse, pearl/chartreuse.

SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Use soft plastics around the edges of the Bar to find both trout and redfish. Fish slowly to work deeper water.

LOCATION: Port Mansfield HOTSPOT: The Saucer GPS: N 26 27.694, W 97 21.685 (26.4616, -97.3614)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live Croaker SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Use a bigger croaker; but the trout are aggressive whether the croaker is small or big.

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(30.4631, -95.6030)

The Dog and Cat and Crappie Days are Here

SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: Primos stink bait SOURCE: Richard Tatsch www.fishdudetx.com TIPS: Locate a stumpy area along a channel on the north end of the lake, toss some range cubes out and give it about 30 minutes. I use sponges to absorb the dipping bait with a #6 treble hook with a small egg sinker. Let it go to the bottom and wait on a little resistance. Once you feel it set the hook and hold on!

LOCATION: Lake Cooper HOTSPOT: Deep Well GPS: N 33 18.574, W 95 41.189 (33.3096, -95.6865)

catch. Just find a stump or other channel structure and throw stink bait at them.

• • •

EAST TEXAS HOTSPOTS LOCATION: Caddo Lake HOTSPOT: Alligator Bayou and Big Cypress Bayou GPS: N 32 41.5019, W 94 2.2319 (32.6917, -94.0372)

LOCATION: Lake Fork HOTSPOT: Ray Branch GPS: N 32 48.6059, W 95 34.296 (32.8101, -95.5716)

Reported by TF&G STAFF

W

ITH THE DOG DAYS OF summer here, it’s hard to believe the fish will be biting in this heat. But they are biting. Crappie are almost always active and very catchable on jigs and minnows. If you can find deeper brush piles, start early and plan to be off the lake by noon. The best places to look for the deeper bite will be at the mouths of creeks where brush piles or other structure are present.

In July, the catfish have finished eating all the shad they could hold after the shad spawn. They are back in the deep water along channel edges and are fairly easy to

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Crankbaits SOURCE: TPWD District Fisheries Office 903-593-5077 TIPS: Fish gold or firetiger deep crankbaits. Work them down and stop. Dawn through afternoon.

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: V&M Paddletail Frog and V&M Porkpin Worm SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Fish the edges of these creeks on the upper end of Caddo Lake with the white frogs on top and 1/8 oz. weighted Junebug colored worms on the bottom along the edges of the grass. Give extra attention to the bends and points.

LOCATION: Lake Conroe HOTSPOT: North Lake Area GPS: N 30 27.786, W 95 36.1799 |

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HOTSPOTLIGHT: CURRENT LAKE LEVELS LAKE

EAST TEXAS

CAPACITY AC. FT. Addicks 7,900 B A Steinhagen 69,186 Barker 46,122 Bob Sandlin 192,417 Bonham 11,027 Caddo 816,904 Coleto Creek 31,040 Conroe 410,988 Crook 9,195 Cypress Springs 66,756 Fork 605,061 Houston 130,147 Houston County 17,113 Jacksonville 25,670 Jim Chapman 260,332 Lake O’ the Pines 268,566 Livingston 1,741,867 Monticello 34,740 Murvaul 38,285 Nacogdoches 39,522 Palestine 367,303 Pat Mayse 113,683 Sam Rayburn 2,857,077 Striker 16,934 Sulphur Springs 17,747 Toledo Bend 1,243,801 Wright Patman 231,496 As of 6/16/2021

CURRENT AC. FT. 7,154 67,966 46,122 192,417 11,027 789,472 31,040 410,988 9,195 66,756 605,061 130,147 17,113 25,670 260,332 268,566 1,741,867 30,173 38,285 39,522 367,303 113,683 2,857,077 16,934 17,273 1,243,801 231,496

% FULL 91% 98% 100% 100% 100% 97% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 87% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 97% 100% 100%

Lake Hawkins

LOCATION: Lake Livingston HOTSPOT: The Hump GPS: N 30 40.8299, W 95 4.992 (30.6805, -95.0832)

 INSET

LAKE HAWKINS LOCATION: On Little Sandy Creek in Wood County, between Mineola and Hawkins, 4 miles off US 80.

SURFACE AREA: 633 acres MAXIMUM DEPTH: 30 feet IMPOUNDED: 1962

etated lake. The quality of the crappie fishery is sporadic. Blue and channel catfish have been stocked, but they are generally uncommon.

Lake Hawkins also is one of the few Texas lakes with a good population of chain pickerel .

LARGEMOUTH BASS IS A POPULAR sportfish in this clear, highly veg-

•

LOCATION: Lake Nacogdoches HOTSPOT: Dam GPS: N 31 35.314, W 94 49.494 (31.5886, -94.8249)

SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Live Shad, 1 ¼ oz. white slabs, spoons, Tsunami Holographic in hot pink/gold, 4-inch Swim Shad.

SOURCE: David S. Cox www.palmettoguideservice.com TIPS: Bounce baits off the bottom; look for strikes on falling baits. Troll Tsunami Swim Shad behind a #10 jet diver.



Located between Mineola and Hawkins off U.S. 80

•

and the mouth of Chaney. This is the deeper end of the lake, and you will find the crappie in the 24- to 27-foot range. My best color of jig will be blue ice using the Bobby Garland jig bodies.

SEE INSET

TIPS: Fish Texas-rigged black soft plastics. This is a very popular night spot.

LOCATION: Lake O the Pines HOTSPOT: Arms Roadbed GPS: N 32 45.790, W 94 36.554 (32.7632, -94.6092)

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Soft plastics SOURCE: TPWD District Fisheries Office 409-698-9114

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 

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TIPS: In July the main lake points will be active with plenty of schooling activity for both the Black and White Bass. Typically, early morning and late evening will be the prime feeding times. Start off shallow and back out to deeper water, if need be, with deep diving crank baits and soft plastics.

EAST TEXAS  CONTINUED FROM PAGE

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BEST BAITS: Crankbaits SOURCE: TPWD District Fisheries Office 903-938-1007 TIPS: Fish bright cranks, Carolina rigs. Work the brushpiles on long roadbed. Avoid midday. Night fishing good here.

LOCATION: Lake Wright Patman HOTSPOT: Dino’s Ledges GPS: N 33 15.037, W 94 13.215 (33.2506, -94.2203)

LOCATION: Lake Sam Rayburn HOTSPOT: Caney Flats GPS: N 31 08.475, W 94 14.353 (31.1413, -94.2392)

LOCATION: Lake Toledo Bend HOTSPOT: Still Water GPS: N 31 44.928, W 93 50.2619 (31.7488, -93.8377)

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Soft plastics SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Fish Carolina-rigged plastics. Hit ditches, flats, and humps. This is a good post-spawn area.

SPECIES: Black & white bass BEST BAITS: Top water plugs, Rat-L-Traps, crank baits, slab spoons and plastics.

SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear

SPECIES: Largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Crankbaits SOURCE: TPWD District Fisheries Office 903-938-1007 Fish chartreuse/blue crankbaits, using medium action, cast toward structure; avoid midday.

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•••

Fish Deeper for Bass and Crappie and cover. For bass, spend most of your time fishing points with deep diving crank baits and soft plastics. For crappie, look for channel bends or points with brush piles.

Stripers and Hybrids will be near dams and other cool water areas. The best bait will be live perch, shad, or minnows.

For catfish, this is a good time for drifting bobbers.

• • •

CENTRAL TEXAS HOTSPOTS

B

GPS: N 30 19.464, W 97 50.316 (30.3244, -97.8386)

ASS AND CRAPPIE ARE settled into their summer patters of holding near the thermocline, along deep-water ledges, points

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LOCATION: Lake Buchanan HOTSPOT: Dam Area GPS: N 30 45.1842, W 98 25.6254 (30.7531, -98.4271)

LOCATION: Lake Austin HOTSPOT: Main Lake Rocks, Shade Trees, and Shaded Docks

Reported by TF&G STAFF

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Jigs, Spinnerbaits, crankbaits SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Bass will be searching for cover and ambush positions throughout the lake. I break my guide trips into 3 approaches, mornings, daytime, and evenings.

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SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Live perch, shad, minnows, 1 oz. and |

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HOTSPOTLIGHT: CURRENT LAKE LEVELS

CENTRAL TEXAS

LAKE

CAPACITY AC. FT. Aquilla 43,243 Arlington 40,157 Athens 29,503 Austin 23,972 Bardwell 46,122 Belton 435,225 Benbrook 85,648 Buchanan 816,904 Canyon 378,781 Cedar Creek 644,686 Choke Canyon 662,820 Corpus Christi 256,062 Eagle Mountain 179,880 Georgetown 36,823 Gibbons Creek 25,721 Granger 51,822 Grapevine 163,064 Halbert 6,033 Hubert H Moss 24,058 Inks 13,962 Joe Pool 175,800 Lavon 406,388 Lewisville 563,228 Limestone 203,780 Lyndon B Johnson 115,249 Marble Falls 6,901 Martin 75,726 Medina 254,823 Mountain Creek 22,850 Nasworthy 39,522 Navarro Mills 49,827 New Terrell City 8,583 Ray Hubbard 439,559 Ray Roberts 788,167 Richland-Chamb. 1,087,839 Somerville 150,293 Stillhouse Hollow 227,771 Tawakoni 871,685 Texana 159,566 Texoma 159,566 Travis 1,113,348 Tyler 72,073 Waco 189,418 Waxahachie 10,780 Weatherford 17,812 Whitney 553,344 Worth 24,419 As of 6/16/2021

CURRENT AC. FT. 43,243 40,157 29,503 22,696 46,122 435,225 85,648 789,472 353,723 644,686 327,149 217,378 179,880 32,601 21,588 51,822 163,064 5,367 24,058 12,825 175,800 406,388 563,228 203,780 110,636 6,879 75,330 89,862 22,850 39,522 49,827 8,583 439,141 788,167 1,087,839 150,293 227,771 871,685 159,566 159,566 856,200 72,073 189,418 10,780 17,791 553,344 24,419

% FULL 100% 100% 100% 95% 100% 100% 100% 97% 93% 100% 49% 85% 100% 89% 84% 100% 100% 89% 100% 92% 100% 100% 100% 100% 96% 100% 100% 35% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 77% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

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1 1/2 oz. slabs, deep diving trolling type baits SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: If fishing with artificials is your thing, 1 oz. and 1 1/2 oz. slabs plus deep diving trolling type baits will be best.

5 miles northeast of Fairfield

LAKE FAIRFIELD LOCATION: 5 miles northeast of Fairfield, off FM 488, FM 3285, FM 2750 SURFACE AREA: 2,159 acres MAXIMUM DEPTH: 49 feet IMPOUNDED: 1969

ACCESS TO THE LAKE IS PROVIDED through Fairfield Lake State Park, which may be closed for wildlife management activities on occasion.

Check the park web page for closure notices and dates. The Big Brown

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LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Scuba Diver’s Point GPS: N 29 51.8879, W 98 12.8399 (29.8648, -98.2140)

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power plant was permanently shut down in 2018, so Lake Fairfield no longer offers warm-water winter fishing.

Timber is abundant in the upper end coves on the east side. Hydrilla forms a fringe around the reservoir.

Pockets of native pondweed provide openings in the hydrilla and make good ambush points. Cattails and cutgrass grow in shallow water on the shoreward side of the hydrilla.

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SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: 1/2 oz. white slab spoon SOURCE: Tommy Tidwell www.gotcrappie.com TIPS: This time of year, the white bass school up on humps and ridges feeding on shad. They can be caught very easily on slab spoons. White’s a good color, but color really doesn’t matter. The smaller 1/2 oz. slabs also work a little better than the larger ones.

The key is to find the whites feeding close to a high spot like a hump or raised roadbed. The top of the roadbed would be 10 to 12 feet under water with deep water all around. Position your boat on top of the high spot and jig the slabs off the bottom..

CENTRAL TEXAS SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Rapala Snap Rap in gold orange color SOURCE: Steve Nixon www.sanantoniofishingguides.com TIPS: Fish this area from 40 to 60 feet deep and look for schools of striped bass on your fish finder.

LOCATION: Cedar Creek Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 32 14.154, W 96 5.97 (32.2359, -96.0995)

LOCATION: Lake Joe Pool HOTSPOT: Lynn Creek Fishing Barge GPS: N 32 37.836, W 97 02.391 (32.6306, -97.0399)

SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: CJ’s punch Bait SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: There is a 20’ deep point here. Anchor on this point and chum straight down beside the boat.

SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: Cut shad or other cut bait SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: This month we are drifting bobbers. Set out several rods with floating rigs anywhere from 2’ to 6’ below the surface in 12’ to 35’ of water and drift with shad or other cut bait.

LOCATION: Gibbons Creek Res. HOTSPOT: Trees at Intake Channel GPS: N 30 36.8999, W 96 4.29 (30.6150, -96.0715)

SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Fish live minnows on a bobber, hit in, out and round the brush.

LOCATION: Eagle Mountain HOTSPOT: Pelican Island Humps GPS: N 32 54.592, W 97 30.002 (32.909871, - 97.500030)

SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: CJ’s Punch Bait SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Anchor near stumps/trees in 4–12-foot water.

Be sure to chum and expect fish to be near the bottom. Use a treble hook.

SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: slabs, crankbaits, topwaters SOURCE: Kolby Kuhn kolbymkuhn@gmail.com TIPS: Fish are in a Summer pattern and are aggressively feeding on shad. Look for fish feeding near the surface early and late in the day. Casting topwater lures or crankbaits will catch these fish. When the sun is up focus on deeper points and drop-offs in 10-20 ft of water on the humps.

LOCATION: Lake Granger HOTSPOT: Main Lake Humps and Ridges GPS: N 30 42.1979, W 97 21.8819 (30.7033, -97.3647)

LOCATION: Fayette County Res. HOTSPOT: Third Boat Ramp Point GPS: N 29 55.878, W 96 43.368 (29.9313, -96.7228)

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LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Main Lake Brush and Standing Timber GPS: N 33 4.5839, W 96 27.7379 (33.0764, -96.4623)

SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: 1/8 & 1/16 jigs with a painted pink head in black and chartreuse and white and chartreuse.

SOURCE: Carey Thorn whitebassfishingtexas.com TIPS: Concentrate on fishing 7ft-15ft as that will be the target for brush and standing timber. Some fish are still spawning in the button willows and submerged green willows around 2ft-6 ft.

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LOCATION: Lake LBJ HOTSPOT: Honeymoon Hump Area GPS: N 30 34.35, W 98 21.474 (30.5725, -98.3579)

SPECIES: Bass and Crappie BEST BAITS: Bass: Top water lures, buzzbaits, soft plastics, umbrella rigs, and lipless crankbaits; Crappie: jigs and minnows under slip bobbers.

SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Bass and crappie are settled into their summer patters of holding near the thermocline, along deepwater ledges and points. For bass, work topwaters, buzzbaits and lipless crankbaits before the sun comes up and just before dark. During the day, go deeper with soft plastics, umbrella rigs and spinnerbaits around grass edges. Find brush piles and you should find crappie. For this Hotspot there is plenty of vegetation in water less than 14’ plus it has fast break lines off the hump. There is also deep water close by to hold some big bass during the hot days.

cline around the rocks on I-30 and on the Power Plant Jetty. This stratification will be from 12 to 14 feet depending upon the wind and if we have had any rain.

Catch them on trick 4” worms on a shaky head or use deep diving crankbaits in perch pattern. Fish for them with buzz baits and top water lures in the grass above Hwy 66 early and very late.

LOCATION: Lake Ray Roberts HOTSPOT: Corps of Engineers Brush Pile GPS: N 33 22.711, W 97 3.31 (33.3785, -97.0552)

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Trick 4” worms on a shaky head, deep diving crankbaits in perch pattern, buzzbaits and top water lures.

SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: Black bass have moved just above the thermo-

SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: There are over 50 brush piles made by the Corps of Engineers on this Lake. Most are located on submerged points in 20-35 feet of water. They simply

LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: Kickapoo Creek GPS: N 32 16.374, W 95 28.338 (32.2729, -95.4723)

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Big Eye Jig in black/brown amber and chart/white spinnerbaits SOURCE: Ricky Vandergriff www.RickysGuideService.com TIPS: Fish the creek channel slow and fish the stumps and brush along the channel. Also, fish the islands with the big eye jig and a chartreuse/white spinner bait.

LOCATION: Lake Ray Hubbard HOTSPOT: IH-30 and Power Plant Jetty GPS: N 32 51.96, W 96 32.082 (32.8660, -96.5347)

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CENTRAL TEXAS dozed the timber on the main body of the lake and shoved it into piles. The piles were then cabled down to the ground. Fish minnows over them.

LOCATION: Richland-Chambers Res. HOTSPOT: 309 Flats GPS: N 31 58.368, W 96 6.99 (31.9728, -96.1165) early a.m. & late p.m. topwater schooling activity in July, and it will last through September. Check out the Hwy 309 Flats on the North Shoreline. Look for terns and egrets picking up bait over large schools.

Sometimes, the schooling fish will literally be chasing shad in 1-to-5-acre size schools.

SPECIES: White Bass and Hybrid Striper BEST BAITS: Clear or White Tiny Torpedos SOURCE: Royce Simmons www.gonefishin.biz TIPS: July is often the HOTTEST month of the year in Texas. It can also yield some of the HOTTEST white bass fishing you’ll experience the entire summer.

White bass on Richland Chambers normally begin

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SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: Hellbender/spoon SOURCE: Weldon Kirk www.fishtales-guideservice.com TIPS: Troll deep diving lures. Get spoons down close to the bottom. Watch for schooling right after daylight.

LOCATION: Lake Tawakoni HOTSPOT: Sycamore Cove GPS: N 32 55.818, W 95 58.8 (32.9303, -95.9800)

LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: North Schooling Area GPS: N 30 19.638, W 96 32.064 (30.3273, -96.5344)

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SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Carolina rigs, live shad SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: In August, Carolina rigging shad on 24” leaders is the ticket. Fish structure early in the day, hitting humps and sides of embankments. After the sun gets up and the water starts to turn warm, head out to deep water, around 35’-45’. Use electronics to search for schools of stripers. If you find a school that is moving super-fast, set up a slow drift, dragging large threadfins. If the schools seem to commit and hold under the boat, anchor and let them feed under you.

LOCATION: Lake Texoma HOTSPOT: Alberta Creek GPS: N 33 57.54, W 96 36.012 (33.9590, -96.6002)

LOCATION: Lake Whitney HOTSPOT: Hwy 22 and McCowan Flats GPS: N 31 57.2879, W 97 25.224 (31.9548, -97.4204)

SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Slabs and topwater plugs SOURCE: Bill Carey, Striper Express www.striperexpress.com TIPS: Early morning, several large schools will surface around the lake. These schools can be a mile long and a half-mile wide. Cast topwater plugs for great action. After the surface action ends, locate the schools of fish with your electronics. Then, vertically drop slabs and use a fast retrieve.

SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Down riggers with a 1/2 oz. buck tail jig with plastic trailers SOURCE: Randy Routh www.teamredneck.net TIPS: The thermocline has set in, and the stripers are hanging out on top of it. This time of year turns into a reaction type strike. The fish will feed early, late or even at night when it’s cooler. Using down riggers with a 1/2 oz. buck tail jig with plastic trailers. Troll the flats and ledges and edges anywhere from 13’ to 18’ down. Keep in mind the thermocline usually sets in at 22’ on Whitney so keep your baits above it.

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‘Cloud-Based’ Trick Helps Beat the Heat

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ULY AND AUGUST ARE OUR hottest months, but if you pick the right time and days, they can be very rewarding—and you can avoid sunburn. You have your early morning and late evening bites, of course, but also remember that fish can get very active on mostly cloudy days.

325-692-0921 TIPS: Coleman Reservoir is now full, and largemouth bass production has been great. The coordinates listed mark an old concrete structure surrounded by flooded brush. Fish the shoreline with spinner baits, whacky worms, Senkos, and trick worms for bass. Sunrise often produces a great top-water bite in the rear cove.

Reported by DEAN HEFFNER

Here’s a little trick that can work on even a partly cloudy/partly sunny day: Pick a bend in the lake where you can see good in two directions for a long distance. Watch for a cloudbank that will cover the sun for 10 minutes or more. During this sort of an “eclipse” of direct sunlight, the fish will school—and push baitfish to the surface—and feed until the sun pops back out. This is the time to throw topwaters, jigs, and slabs—or anything that will match a wounded shad.

Largemouth bass are in their usual ambush spots so pick your confidence bait and go after them. Any shady flats close to cover and a feeding flat will produce, but so will a lonely stump in the middle of a cove.

Crappie will be in a deep summer pattern, so fish the treetops in deeper water.

Crappie on most lakes should be around 20 feet in those spots. Fishing with a submerged light at night will produce nice limits of slabs.

Fish small minnows and jigs fished near deeper timber and bridge pilings.

Blue catfish prefer live or fresh dead shad or cut bait , whereas channel cats eat everything from stink bait to hotdogs.

Striped bass should congregate on the lower ends and are best on live shad fished near drop offs near feeding flats. Stripers can also be taken on deep crankbaits.

LOCATION: Lake Granbury HOTSPOT: Decordova Area on the Lower Ends GPS: N 32 25.269, W 97 41.402 (32 25.269, -97 41.402)

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Deep diving crank baits, worms, and flukes worked on a drop shot SOURCE: Texas Lakes & Bays Fishing Atlas Fishgame.com/fishandgamegear TIPS: The creeks of Ince, Little Grape, and Big Grape will have schools of shad out over the channels.

Follow the channel until you locate the schools of bass or shad. Then concentrate your efforts there.

LOCATION: Lake Coleman HOTSPOT: Rear Cove GPS: N 32 2.3976, W 99 27.6871 (32.0400, -99.4615)

LOCATION: Hubbard Creek Reservoir HOTSPOT: Main Lake SPECIES: Largemouth Bass GPS: N 32 47.974, W 99 00.084 (32.799567, -99.001404)

• • •

WEST TEXAS HOTSPOTS

SPECIES: Largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Live shad, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, slabs SOURCE: Natalie Goldstrohm, Natural Resources Specialist, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

LOCATION: Lake Alan Henry HOTSPOT: Creek Channels GPS: N 33 2.7719, W 101 3.8159 (33.0462, -101.0636)

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Texas Rigged Soft plastics, Spinner baits or lipless crankbaits SOURCE: Michael W. Acosta Unfair Advantage Charters 254-396-4855 TIPS: Look for shaded docks and stick ups with deeper water close by. Work main points and creek channels. Early topwater bite is possible. Largemouth numbers are great on soft plastics in back of sloughs near stick ups and on shaded docks later in the day.

BEST BAITS: Topwaters, buzzbaits, lipless crank-

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HOTSPOTLIGHT: CURRENT LAKE LEVELS LAKE

WEST TEXAS

CAPACITY AC. FT. Abilene 7,900 Alan Henry 96,207 Amistad 96,207 Amon G Carter 19,266 Arrowhead 230,359 Brady Creek 28,808 Bridgeport 366,236 Brownwood 130,868 Champion Creek 41,580 Cherokee 40,094 Cisco 29,003 Coleman 38,075 Colorado City 30,758 E V Spence 517,272 Elephant Butte 179,880 Falcon 1,960,900 Fort Phantom Hill 70,030 Graham 45,288 Granbury 132,949 Greenbelt 59,968 Hords Creek 8,109 Hubbard Creek 313,298 J B Thomas 199,931 Kemp 245,307 Kickapoo 86,345 Leon 27,762 Lost Creek 11,950 Mackenzie 46,450 Meredith 254,823 Millers Creek 26,768 Mineral Wells 5,273 Natural Dam 9,615 Nocona 21,444 N. Fork Buffalo Cr. 15,400 O C Fisher 115,742 O H Ivie 554,340 Oak Creek 39,210 Palo Duro 61,066 Palo Pinto 26,766 Pat Cleburne 26,008 Possum Kingdom 538,139 Proctor 54,762 Red Bluff 151,110 Squaw Creek 151,250 Stamford 51,570 Sweetwater 12,267 Twin Buttes 182,454 White River 29,880 As of 6/16/2021

CURRENT AC. FT. 7,154 96,207 96,207 19,266 229,635 18,643 366,236 130,868 25,406 40,094 29,003 34,744 10,878 123,122 179,880 188,762 70,030 45,288 131,809 10,948 4,124 313,298 45,463 245,307 78,914 27,762 11,950 3,926 89,862 26,768 5,273 8,061 21,444 15,400 6,341 331,358 29,678 619 26,766 26,008 538,139 54,762 69,862 151,250 51,570 10,187 93,867 5,362

% FULL 91% 100% 100% 100% 100% 65% 100% 100% 61% 100% 100% 91% 35% 24% 100% 10% 100% 100% 99% 18% 51% 100% 23% 100% 91% 100% 100% 9% 35% 100% 100% 84% 100% 100% 6% 60% 76% 1% 100% 100% 100% 100% 46% 100% 100% 83% 51% 18%

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baits, jigs SOURCE: Natalie Goldstrohm Natural Resources Specialist, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department 325-692-0921

 INSET

 SEE INSET

29 miles southwest of Wichita Falls

LAKE KICKAPOO LOCATION: 29 miles from Wichita Falls in southern Archer County.

SURFACE AREA: 6,028 acres MAXIMUM DEPTH: 48 feet IMPOUNDED: 1947

best catches are from the upper part.

Crappie are popular off the Kickapoo fishing barge (fee required) using jigs and minnows. Structure and fishing cover consists of rocky points, rip-rap and island shorelines. There is limited aquatic vegetation.

BASS TEND TO BE SHALLOW OFF points and islands. Catfish can be found throughout the reservoir but

•

ings, try fishing a top water such as a white/chartreuse buzz bait along the edges of the hydrilla mats. Once the water starts to warm up, switch over to a chrome lipless crankbait fished along the hydrilla edge. Also try using a black and blue football head jig and punch down into the holes of hydrilla.

SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, jigs SOURCE: Dean Heffner 940-329-0036 Fav7734@aceweb.com TIPS: Fish the treetops in 40 to 50 feet of water, at around 20 feet.

LOCATION: Possum Kingdom HOTSPOT: Stump Patch GPS: N 32 52.516, W 98 29.427 (32.875267, -98.49045)

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TIPS: August can be a great month for bass fishing around the islands at Hubbard Creek Reservoir.

Largemouth Bass will be waiting to ambush prey along the edges of the hydrilla mats. In the cooler mornT E X A S

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6/23/21 12:23 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK JULY/AUGUST 2021

Tides and Prime Times

USING THE PRIME TIMES CALENDAR

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

T12

T4

T11

T10 T9

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

T8 T17

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

T15 T16

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

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

T13 T6

T7

T3 T2 T1

T5

T14

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

T18

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

T19

T20

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

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

T21

TIDE CORRECTION TABLE

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

KEY T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

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

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

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

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

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

KEY T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T17

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

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

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

KEY T18 T19 T20 T21 T22 T23

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

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

SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK IS SPONSORED BY:

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION T22 T23

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

READING THE GRAPH

Moon Overhead

Fishing Score Graph

Moon Underfoot

Day’s Best Day’s 2nd Score Best Score

n

Best Day Overall

MOON PHASES

l = New Moon l = Full Moon = First Quarter º » = Last Quarter «= Good Day by Moon Phase 64

|

J U L Y / A U G U S T

TexasOutdoorNation-2107-DIG.indd 64

2 0 2 1

|

T E X A S

F I S H

&

G A M E ®

6/23/21 12:23 PM

JULY/AUGUST 2021

Tides and Prime Times MONDAY

28 FEET

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

1:21a 9:47a 4:06p 5:42p

-0.45 ft.

1.42 ft.

1.12 ft.

1.13 ft.

TUESDAY

29

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

2:12a 10:20a 4:51p 7:43p

-0.19 ft.

1.31 ft.

0.92 ft.

0.97 ft.

WEDNESDAY

Jun 30 Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

3:03a 10:46a 5:34p 9:46p

0.09 ft.

1.21 ft.

0.71 ft.

0.88 ft.

THURSDAY

Jul 1 Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

3:56a 11:07a 6:12p 11:48p

0.38 ft.

1.14 ft.

0.50 ft.

0.88 ft.

FRIDAY

2»

Low Tide: 4:56a High Tide: 11:23a Low Tide: 6:47p

0.65 ft.

1.09 ft.

0.29 ft.

SATURDAY

3

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

1:44a 6:26a 11:33a 7:19p

0.99 ft.

0.88 ft.

1.07 ft.

0.12 ft.

SUNDAY

4

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

3:23a 8:38a 11:35a 7:51p

1.13 ft.

1.04 ft.

1.08 ft.

-0.03 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

4:00 — 6:00 AM Sunrise: 6:21a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: None Moon Set: 10:23a

AM Minor: 9:36a AM Major: 3:23a PM Minor: 10:02p PM Major: 3:49p

Moon Overhead: 4:51a Moon Underfoot: 5:16p

12p

6p

BEST TIME

5:00 — 7:00 AM Sunrise: 6:22a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 12:02a Moon Set: 11:25a

AM Minor: 10:32a AM Major: 4:20a PM Minor: 10:55p PM Major: 4:44p

Moon Overhead: 5:41a Moon Underfoot: 6:04p

TexasOutdoorNation-2107-DIG.indd 65

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

5:30 — 7:30 AM Sunrise: 6:22a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 12:36a Moon Set: 12:22p

AM Minor: 11:21a AM Major: 5:10a PM Minor: 11:43p PM Major: 5:32p

Moon Overhead: 6:26a Moon Underfoot: 6:48p

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

6:00 — 8:00 AM Sunrise: 6:22a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 1:06a Moon Set: 1:17p

AM Minor: ----AM Major: 5:56a PM Minor: 12:06p PM Major: 6:16p Moon Overhead: 7:08a Moon Underfoot: 7:29p

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

7:00 — 9:00 AM Sunrise: 6:23a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 1:35a Moon Set: 2:10p

AM Minor: 12:26a AM Major: 6:36a PM Minor: 12:47p PM Major: 6:57p Moon Overhead: 7:49a Moon Underfoot: 8:10p

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

8:00 — 10:00 AM Sunrise: 6:23a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 2:03a Moon Set: 3:03p

AM Minor: 1:05a AM Major: 7:15a PM Minor: 1:25p PM Major: 7:35p

Moon Overhead: 8:30a Moon Underfoot: 8:51p

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

2:30 — 4:30 PM Sunrise: 6:24a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 2:33a Moon Set: 3:57p

AM Minor: 1:42a AM Major: 7:52a PM Minor: 2:03p PM Major: 8:14p

Moon Overhead: 9:12a Moon Underfoot: 9:33p

6/23/21 12:23 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK MONDAY

5

High Tide: 4:29a Low Tide: 8:23p

TUESDAY

6

1.26 ft.

-0.15 ft.

High Tide: 5:13a Low Tide: 8:56p

WEDNESDAY

7

1.35 ft.

-0.23 ft.

High Tide: 5:48a Low Tide: 9:30p

THURSDAY

8«

1.41 ft.

-0.29 ft.

High Tide: 6:20a Low Tide: 10:06p

FRIDAY

9l

1.45 ft.

-0.34 ft.

High Tide: 6:52a Low Tide: 10:41p

SATURDAY

10 «

1.46 ft.

-0.36 ft.

High Tide: 7:26a Low Tide: 11:17p

1.47 ft.

-0.36 ft.

SUNDAY

11 «

High Tide: 7:59a Low Tide: 11:54p

1.47 ft.

-0.33 ft.

FEET

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

3:30 — 5:30 pm

12a

6a

6p

5:00 — 7:00 pm

1.45 ft.

FEET

13

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

12:32a 9:01a 2:34p 3:51p

14

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

1:11a 9:25a 3:07p 6:05p

12a

6a

-0.11 ft.

1.35 ft.

0.95 ft.

0.99 ft.

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

6:00 — 8:00 pm

12p

6p

12a

6a

7:00 — 9:00 pm

AM Minor: 6:08a AM Major: 11:51a PM Minor: 6:35p PM Major: 12:22p

Moon Overhead: 1:12p Moon Underfoot: 12:46a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:26a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: 6:49a Moon Set: 9:17p

AM Minor: 5:16a AM Major: 11:29a PM Minor: 5:42p PM Major: 11:55p

Moon Overhead: 12:20p Moon Underfoot: None

6a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:26a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 5:55a Moon Set: 8:29p

AM Minor: 4:27a AM Major: 10:40a PM Minor: 4:53p PM Major: 11:05p

7:30 — 9:30 pm Sunrise: 6:27a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: 7:47a Moon Set: 10:00p

AM Minor: 7:03a AM Major: 12:50a PM Minor: 7:28p PM Major: 1:16p

Moon Overhead: 2:04p Moon Underfoot: 1:38a

Moon Overhead: 2:56p Moon Underfoot: 2:30a

MOON PHASES

Day’s Best Score

WEDNESDAY

-0.25 ft.

1.41 ft.

1.12 ft.

1.12 ft.

6p

5:30 — 7:30 pm

Moon Overhead: 11:30a Moon Underfoot: 11:55p

TUESDAY

12p

Sunrise: 6:25a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 5:05a Moon Set: 7:37p

AM Minor: 3:41a AM Major: 9:54a PM Minor: 4:06p PM Major: 10:18p

Moon Overhead: 10:41a Moon Underfoot: 11:05p

MONDAY

6a

BEST TIME

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

READING THE GRAPH

12a

Sunrise: 6:25a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 4:20a Moon Set: 6:43p

AM Minor: 2:59a AM Major: 9:11a PM Minor: 3:22p PM Major: 9:34p

Moon Overhead: 9:55a Moon Underfoot: 10:18p

12p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:24a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 3:40a Moon Set: 5:47p

AM Minor: 2:19a AM Major: 8:31a PM Minor: 2:42p PM Major: 8:53p

High Tide: 8:32a

6p

4:00 — 6:00 pm

Sunrise: 6:24a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 3:05a Moon Set: 4:52p

12 «

12p

BEST TIME

Day’s 2nd Best Score

THURSDAY

15

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

n

1:52a 9:45a 3:47p 8:38p

0.09 ft.

1.27 ft.

0.73 ft.

0.89 ft.

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

Best Day Overall

FRIDAY

16

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

2:36a 9:58a 4:32p 10:58p

0.36 ft.

1.20 ft.

0.45 ft.

0.91 ft.

SATURDAY

17 º

Low Tide: 3:26a High Tide: 10:06a Low Tide: 5:21p

0.66 ft.

1.17 ft.

0.15 ft.

SUNDAY

18

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

1:05a 4:28a 10:06a 6:12p

1.06 ft.

0.96 ft.

1.19 ft.

-0.15 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

8:00 — 10:00 pm Sunrise: 6:27a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: 8:47a Moon Set: 10:39p

AM Minor: 7:58a AM Major: 1:45a PM Minor: 8:23p PM Major: 2:10p

Moon Overhead: 3:46p Moon Underfoot: 3:22a

66

|

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

8:30 — 10:30 pm Sunrise: 6:28a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: 9:48a Moon Set: 11:15p

AM Minor: 8:52a AM Major: 2:40a PM Minor: 9:17p PM Major: 3:04p

Moon Overhead: 4:35p Moon Underfoot: 4:11a

J U L Y / A U G U S T

TexasOutdoorNation-2107-DIG.indd 66

2 0 2 1

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

AM Minor: 9:46a AM Major: 3:34a PM Minor: 10:09p PM Major: 3:58p

6p

12a

4:30 — 6:30 am

AM Minor: 10:38a AM Major: 4:26a PM Minor: 11:01p PM Major: 4:49p

T E X A S

Moon Overhead: 6:08p Moon Underfoot: 5:45a

F I S H

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:29a Sunset: 8:19p Moonrise: 11:49a Moon Set: None

Moon Overhead: 5:22p Moon Underfoot: 4:59a

|

12p

BEST TIME

4:00 — 6:00 am Sunrise: 6:28a Sunset: 8:19p Moonrise: 10:49a Moon Set: 11:48p

6a

&

12:00 — 2:00 pm Sunrise: 6:29a Sunset: 8:19p Moonrise: 12:50p Moon Set: 12:21a

AM Minor: 11:28a AM Major: 5:16a PM Minor: 11:51p PM Major: 5:40p

Moon Overhead: 6:55p Moon Underfoot: 6:32a

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

12:30 — 2:30 pm Sunrise: 6:30a Sunset: 8:18p Moonrise: 1:52p Moon Set: 12:54a

AM Minor: ----AM Major: 6:05a PM Minor: 12:17p PM Major: 6:29p

Moon Overhead: 7:44p Moon Underfoot: 7:19a

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

1:30 — 3:30 pm Sunrise: 6:30a Sunset: 8:18p Moonrise: 2:58p Moon Set: 1:29a

AM Minor: 12:40a AM Major: 6:53a PM Minor: 1:06p PM Major: 7:19p Moon Overhead: 8:36p Moon Underfoot: 8:09a

G A M E ®

6/23/21 12:23 PM

JULY/AUGUST 2021

Tides and Prime Times MONDAY

19 FEET

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

2:52a 6:12a 9:49a 7:06p

1.28 ft.

1.22 ft.

1.26 ft.

-0.41 ft.

TUESDAY

20

High Tide: 4:09a Low Tide: 8:00p

WEDNESDAY

21

1.47 ft.

-0.62 ft.

High Tide: 5:07a Low Tide: 8:54p

THURSDAY

22 «

1.60 ft.

-0.75 ft.

High Tide: 5:55a Low Tide: 9:47p

FRIDAY

23 «

1.65 ft.

-0.80 ft.

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

6:37a 12:05p 1:11p 10:39p

SATURDAY

24 l

1.63 ft.

1.42 ft.

1.42 ft.

-0.75 ft.

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

7:14a 12:06p 2:49p 11:28p

1.56 ft.

1.34 ft.

1.38 ft.

-0.63 ft.

SUNDAY

25 «

High Tide: 7:46a Low Tide: 12:34p High Tide: 4:06p

1.46 ft.

1.21 ft.

1.31 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

2:30 — 4:30 pm Sunrise: 6:31a Sunset: 8:18p Moonrise: 4:06p Moon Set: 2:08a

AM Minor: 1:28a AM Major: 7:42a PM Minor: 1:56p PM Major: 8:10p

FEET

6a

12p

6p

-0.43 ft.

1.36 ft.

1.06 ft.

1.21 ft.

4:00 — 6:00 pm

12:59a 8:40a 2:04p 6:42p

-0.18 ft.

1.27 ft.

0.88 ft.

1.09 ft.

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

1:41a 9:02a 2:57p 8:13p

12a

6a

0.10 ft.

1.19 ft.

0.70 ft.

0.99 ft.

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

6:00 — 8:00 pm

12p

6p

12a

6a

1:30 — 3:30 pm

AM Minor: 6:09a AM Major: ----PM Minor: 6:38p PM Major: 12:23p

Moon Overhead: 12:38a Moon Underfoot: 1:09p

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:34a Sunset: 8:15p Moonrise: 9:14p Moon Set: 6:56a

AM Minor: 5:08a AM Major: 11:24a PM Minor: 5:39p PM Major: 11:55p

Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 12:07p

6a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:33a Sunset: 8:16p Moonrise: 8:25p Moon Set: 5:49a

AM Minor: 4:09a AM Major: 10:25a PM Minor: 4:41p PM Major: 10:56p

2:00 — 4:00 am Sunrise: 6:34a Sunset: 8:15p Moonrise: 9:56p Moon Set: 8:03a

AM Minor: 7:08a AM Major: 12:55a PM Minor: 7:36p PM Major: 1:22p

Moon Overhead: 1:39a Moon Underfoot: 2:08p

Moon Overhead: 2:36a Moon Underfoot: 3:03p

MOON PHASES

Day’s Best Score

WEDNESDAY

28

6p

5:00 — 7:00 pm

Moon Overhead: 11:35p Moon Underfoot: 11:04a

TUESDAY

12p

Sunrise: 6:32a Sunset: 8:16p Moonrise: 7:28p Moon Set: 4:44a

AM Minor: 3:12a AM Major: 9:28a PM Minor: 3:43p PM Major: 9:59p

Moon Overhead: 10:32p Moon Underfoot: 10:02a

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

6a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:32a Sunset: 8:17p Moonrise: 6:25p Moon Set: 3:45a

AM Minor: 2:19a AM Major: 8:34a PM Minor: 2:48p PM Major: 9:03p

27

12a

BEST TIME

3:00 — 5:00 pm

MONDAY 12:15a 8:15a 1:15p 5:22p

12a

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

READING THE GRAPH

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

6p

Sunrise: 6:31a Sunset: 8:17p Moonrise: 5:16p Moon Set: 2:53a

Moon Overhead: 9:32p Moon Underfoot: 9:04a

26 «

12p

BEST TIME

Day’s 2nd Best Score

THURSDAY

29

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

n

2:20a 9:20a 3:51p 9:56p

0.39 ft.

1.13 ft.

0.53 ft.

0.95 ft.

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

Best Day Overall

FRIDAY

30

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

2:56a 9:34a 4:44p 11:57p

0.67 ft.

1.09 ft.

0.36 ft.

0.99 ft.

SATURDAY

31 »

Low Tide: 3:30a High Tide: 9:40a Low Tide: 5:34p

0.92 ft.

1.09 ft.

0.22 ft.

SUNDAY

Aug 1 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:

2:36a 4:01a 9:00a 6:22p

1.12 ft.

1.12 ft.

1.12 ft.

0.10 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

3:00 — 5:00 am Sunrise: 6:35a Sunset: 8:14p Moonrise: 10:32p Moon Set: 9:08a

AM Minor: 8:06a AM Major: 1:53a PM Minor: 8:31p PM Major: 2:18p

Moon Overhead: 3:29a Moon Underfoot: 3:54p

12p

6p

BEST TIME

3:30 — 5:30 am Sunrise: 6:35a Sunset: 8:14p Moonrise: 11:04p Moon Set: 10:08a

AM Minor: 9:00a AM Major: 2:48a PM Minor: 9:23p PM Major: 3:11p

Moon Overhead: 4:17a Moon Underfoot: 4:40p

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

4:30 — 6:30 am Sunrise: 6:36a Sunset: 8:13p Moonrise: 11:34p Moon Set: 11:06a

AM Minor: 9:50a AM Major: 3:40a PM Minor: 10:12p PM Major: 4:01p

Moon Overhead: 5:02a Moon Underfoot: 5:23p

T E X A S

TexasOutdoorNation-2107-DIG.indd 67

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

5:00 — 7:00 am

6p

5:30 — 7:30 am Sunrise: 6:37a Sunset: 8:12p Moonrise: 12:03a Moon Set: 12:54p

AM Minor: 10:38a AM Major: 4:27a PM Minor: 10:58p PM Major: 4:48p

AM Minor: 11:22a AM Major: 5:12a PM Minor: 11:43p PM Major: 5:33p

Moon Overhead: 5:44a Moon Underfoot: 6:05p

&

12p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:37a Sunset: 8:12p Moonrise: None Moon Set: 12:00p

F I S H

6a

Moon Overhead: 6:26a Moon Underfoot: 6:46p

G A M E ®

|

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

8:30 — 10:30 pm Sunrise: 6:38a Sunset: 8:11p Moonrise: 12:33a Moon Set: 1:48p

AM Minor: ----AM Major: 5:54a PM Minor: 12:05p PM Major: 6:16p

Moon Overhead: 7:07a Moon Underfoot: 7:28p J U L Y / A U G U S T

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

9:30 — 11:30 pm Sunrise: 6:38a Sunset: 8:10p Moonrise: 1:04a Moon Set: 2:43p

AM Minor: 12:25a AM Major: 6:36a PM Minor: 12:47p PM Major: 6:58p Moon Overhead: 7:50a Moon Underfoot: 8:12p 2 0 2 1

|

67

6/23/21 12:23 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK MONDAY

2

High Tide: 4:30a Low Tide: 7:08p

1.27 ft.

0.00 ft.

TUESDAY

3

High Tide: 4:53a Low Tide: 7:51p

WEDNESDAY

4

1.37 ft.

-0.08 ft.

High Tide: 5:14a Low Tide: 8:32p

THURSDAY

5

1.43 ft.

-0.15 ft.

High Tide: 5:34a Low Tide: 9:11p

FRIDAY

6«

1.47 ft.

-0.20 ft.

High Tide: 5:55a Low Tide: 9:47p

SATURDAY

7«

1.49 ft.

-0.24 ft.

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

FEET

6:19a 11:31a 1:29p 10:23p

SUNDAY

8l

1.51 ft.

1.32 ft.

1.33 ft.

-0.25 ft.

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

6:42a 11:26a 2:40p 10:59p

1.51 ft.

1.28 ft.

1.33 ft.

-0.22 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

2:00 — 4:00 pm Sunrise: 6:39a Sunset: 8:10p Moonrise: 1:38a Moon Set: 3:38p

AM Minor: 1:06a AM Major: 7:18a PM Minor: 1:29p PM Major: 7:41p

FEET

6a

12p

6p

1.49 ft.

1.20 ft.

1.31 ft.

-0.13 ft.

3:30 — 5:30 pm

11

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

12:13a 7:49a 1:05p 6:16p

12a

6a

0.03 ft.

1.39 ft.

0.89 ft.

1.19 ft.

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

6p

12a

6a

12a

Sunrise: 6:42a Sunset: 8:05p Moonrise: 6:37a Moon Set: 8:38p

AM Minor: 4:54a AM Major: 11:07a PM Minor: 5:20p PM Major: 11:33p

Moon Overhead: 11:56a Moon Underfoot: None

6p

12:30 — 2:30 pm

Sunrise: 6:42a Sunset: 8:06p Moonrise: 5:37a Moon Set: 7:57p

AM Minor: 4:05a AM Major: 10:18a PM Minor: 4:31p PM Major: 10:44p

12p

BEST TIME

11:30A — 1:30P

5:00 — 7:00 pm

Moon Overhead: 11:04a Moon Underfoot: 11:30p

12p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:41a Sunset: 8:07p Moonrise: 4:39a Moon Set: 7:11p

AM Minor: 3:17a AM Major: 9:30a PM Minor: 3:43p PM Major: 9:56p

AM Minor: 5:45a AM Major: 11:58a PM Minor: 6:11p PM Major: 12:24p

Moon Overhead: 12:49p Moon Underfoot: 12:23a

Moon Overhead: 1:41p Moon Underfoot: 1:15a

MOON PHASES

Day’s Best Score

WEDNESDAY

1.45 ft.

1.07 ft.

1.26 ft.

6p

4:30 — 6:30 pm

Moon Overhead: 10:12a Moon Underfoot: 10:38p

TUESDAY

12p

Sunrise: 6:41a Sunset: 8:07p Moonrise: 3:46a Moon Set: 6:21p

AM Minor: 2:32a AM Major: 8:44a PM Minor: 2:57p PM Major: 9:10p

Moon Overhead: 9:22a Moon Underfoot: 9:47p

High Tide: 7:29a Low Tide: 12:24p High Tide: 4:55p

6a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:40a Sunset: 8:08p Moonrise: 2:58a Moon Set: 5:29p

AM Minor: 1:48a AM Major: 8:00a PM Minor: 2:12p PM Major: 8:25p

10 «

12a

BEST TIME

3:00 — 5:00 pm

MONDAY 7:06a 11:50a 3:45p 11:36p

12a

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

READING THE GRAPH

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

6p

Sunrise: 6:39a Sunset: 8:09p Moonrise: 2:15a Moon Set: 4:34p

Moon Overhead: 8:35a Moon Underfoot: 8:58p

9«

12p

BEST TIME

Day’s 2nd Best Score

THURSDAY

12

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

n

12:52a 8:05a 1:50p 7:50p

0.26 ft.

1.32 ft.

0.67 ft.

1.14 ft.

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

Best Day Overall

FRIDAY

13

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

1:33a 8:16a 2:42p 9:40p

0.54 ft.

1.28 ft.

0.43 ft.

1.14 ft.

SATURDAY

14

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

2:15a 8:20a 3:39p 11:45p

0.85 ft.

1.27 ft.

0.19 ft.

1.24 ft.

SUNDAY

15 º

Low Tide: 3:02a High Tide: 8:08a Low Tide: 4:41p

1.15 ft.

1.32 ft.

-0.04 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

1:00 — 3:00 pm Sunrise: 6:43a Sunset: 8:04p Moonrise: 7:39a Moon Set: 9:16p

AM Minor: 6:37a AM Major: 12:25a PM Minor: 7:02p PM Major: 12:49p Moon Overhead: 2:31p Moon Underfoot: 2:06a

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12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

2:00 — 4:00 pm Sunrise: 6:44a Sunset: 8:03p Moonrise: 8:41a Moon Set: 9:50p

AM Minor: 7:30a AM Major: 1:17a PM Minor: 7:54p PM Major: 1:42p

Moon Overhead: 3:19p Moon Underfoot: 2:55a

J U L Y / A U G U S T

TexasOutdoorNation-2107-DIG.indd 68

2 0 2 1

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

AM Minor: 8:22a AM Major: 2:11a PM Minor: 8:46p PM Major: 2:34p

6p

12a

4:00 — 6:00 pm

AM Minor: 9:15a AM Major: 3:04a PM Minor: 9:39p PM Major: 3:27p

T E X A S

Moon Overhead: 4:53p Moon Underfoot: 4:30a

F I S H

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:45a Sunset: 8:02p Moonrise: 10:44a Moon Set: 10:56p

Moon Overhead: 4:06p Moon Underfoot: 3:43a

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12p

BEST TIME

3:00 — 5:00 pm Sunrise: 6:44a Sunset: 8:02p Moonrise: 9:43a Moon Set: 10:23p

6a

&

5:00 — 7:00 pm Sunrise: 6:45a Sunset: 8:01p Moonrise: 11:46a Moon Set: 11:30p

AM Minor: 10:08a AM Major: 3:56a PM Minor: 10:33p PM Major: 4:20p

Moon Overhead: 5:41p Moon Underfoot: 5:17a

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

4:30 — 6:30 am Sunrise: 6:46a Sunset: 8:00p Moonrise: 12:50p Moon Set: None

AM Minor: 11:02a AM Major: 4:49a PM Minor: 11:27p PM Major: 5:15p

Moon Overhead: 6:32p Moon Underfoot: 6:06a

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

11:00A — 1:00P Sunrise: 6:46a Sunset: 7:59p Moonrise: 1:57p Moon Set: 12:08a

AM Minor: 11:56a AM Major: 5:43a PM Minor: ----PM Major: 6:10p

Moon Overhead: 7:26p Moon Underfoot: 6:58a

G A M E ®

6/23/21 12:24 PM

JULY/AUGUST 2021

Tides and Prime Times MONDAY

16 FEET

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

1:59a 4:17a 6:52a 5:46p

1.42 ft.

1.40 ft.

1.41 ft.

-0.23 ft.

TUESDAY

17

High Tide: 3:37a Low Tide: 6:52p

1.59 ft.

-0.37 ft.

WEDNESDAY

18

High Tide: 4:27a Low Tide: 7:54p

THURSDAY

19

1.70 ft.

-0.46 ft.

High Tide: 5:05a Low Tide: 8:51p

FRIDAY

20

1.72 ft.

-0.48 ft.

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

5:36a 11:03a 12:53p 9:44p

SATURDAY

21 «

1.69 ft.

1.47 ft.

1.48 ft.

-0.43 ft.

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

6:02a 10:55a 2:26p 10:32p

SUNDAY

22 «

1.61 ft.

1.37 ft.

1.48 ft.

-0.31 ft.

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

6:25a 11:13a 3:40p 11:16p

1.52 ft.

1.23 ft.

1.46 ft.

-0.13 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

1:30 — 3:30 pm Sunrise: 6:47a Sunset: 7:58p Moonrise: 3:05p Moon Set: 12:50a

AM Minor: 12:22a AM Major: 6:37a PM Minor: 12:51p PM Major: 7:05p

Moon Overhead: 8:23p Moon Underfoot: 7:54a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

2:00 — 4:00 pm Sunrise: 6:48a Sunset: 7:57p Moonrise: 4:12p Moon Set: 1:38a

AM Minor: 1:16a AM Major: 7:31a PM Minor: 1:46p PM Major: 8:01p

Moon Overhead: 9:23p Moon Underfoot: 8:53a

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12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

3:00 — 5:00 pm Sunrise: 6:48a Sunset: 7:56p Moonrise: 5:16p Moon Set: 2:33a

AM Minor: 2:11a AM Major: 8:26a PM Minor: 2:41p PM Major: 8:57p

Moon Overhead: 10:25p Moon Underfoot: 9:54a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

4:00 — 6:00 pm Sunrise: 6:49a Sunset: 7:55p Moonrise: 6:14p Moon Set: 3:34a

AM Minor: 3:06a AM Major: 9:21a PM Minor: 3:36p PM Major: 9:51p

Moon Overhead: 11:25p Moon Underfoot: 10:55a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

5:00 — 7:00 pm Sunrise: 6:49a Sunset: 7:54p Moonrise: 7:06p Moon Set: 4:38a

AM Minor: 4:00a AM Major: 10:15a PM Minor: 4:30p PM Major: 10:44p Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 11:55a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

12:00 — 2:00 pm Sunrise: 6:50a Sunset: 7:53p Moonrise: 7:50p Moon Set: 5:45a

AM Minor: 4:54a AM Major: 11:08a PM Minor: 5:22p PM Major: 11:35p Moon Overhead: 12:23a Moon Underfoot: 12:51p

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

12:30 — 2:30 pm Sunrise: 6:50a Sunset: 7:52p Moonrise: 8:28p Moon Set: 6:50a

AM Minor: 5:47a AM Major: ----PM Minor: 6:12p PM Major: 12:00p Moon Overhead: 1:17a Moon Underfoot: 1:43p

6/23/21 12:24 PM

Sportsman’s DAYBOOK MONDAY

23 l FEET

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

6:45a 11:42a 4:48p 11:56p

1.43 ft.

1.06 ft.

1.42 ft.

0.10 ft.

TUESDAY

24 «

High Tide: 7:04a Low Tide: 12:18p High Tide: 5:55p

WEDNESDAY

25 «

1.36 ft.

0.89 ft.

1.36 ft.

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

12:34a 7:20a 12:57p 7:07p

0.36 ft.

1.30 ft.

0.73 ft.

1.30 ft.

THURSDAY

26

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

1:08a 7:34a 1:39p 8:26p

FRIDAY

27

0.62 ft.

1.26 ft.

0.59 ft.

1.26 ft.

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

1:39a 7:42a 2:25p 9:59p

SATURDAY

28

0.88 ft.

1.25 ft.

0.48 ft.

1.25 ft.

Low Tide: 2:06a High Tide: 7:35a Low Tide: 3:15p

SUNDAY

29

1.10 ft.

1.26 ft.

0.40 ft.

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

12:00a 2:17a 5:42a 4:13p

1.31 ft.

1.29 ft.

1.32 ft.

0.34 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

1:30 — 3:30 am Sunrise: 6:51a Sunset: 7:51p Moonrise: 9:02p Moon Set: 7:52a

AM Minor: 6:38a AM Major: 12:26a PM Minor: 7:02p PM Major: 12:50p

12a

6a

12p

6p

2:00 — 4:00 am

1.44 ft.

0.29 ft.

3:00 — 5:00 am

AM Minor: 8:17a AM Major: 2:06a PM Minor: 8:38p PM Major: 2:27p

Moon Overhead: 2:53a Moon Underfoot: 3:15p

High Tide: 4:22a Low Tide: 6:19p

Sep 1

High Tide: 4:26a Low Tide: 7:14p

6p

12a

6a

1.59 ft.

0.19 ft.

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

3:30 — 5:30 am

5:00 — 7:00 am

6p

12a

6a

5:00 — 7:00 am

6p

12a

8:00 — 10:00 pm Sunrise: 6:54a Sunset: 7:44p Moonrise: None Moon Set: 1:28p

AM Minor: 10:39a AM Major: 4:28a PM Minor: 11:01p PM Major: 4:50p

Moon Overhead: 5:01a Moon Underfoot: 5:22p

12p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:54a Sunset: 7:45p Moonrise: 11:35p Moon Set: 12:32p

AM Minor: 9:52a AM Major: 3:41a PM Minor: 10:13p PM Major: 4:02p

Moon Overhead: 4:19a Moon Underfoot: 4:40p

12p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:53a Sunset: 7:47p Moonrise: 11:02p Moon Set: 11:37a

AM Minor: 9:04a AM Major: 2:54a PM Minor: 9:25p PM Major: 3:15p

AM Minor: 11:26a AM Major: 5:14a PM Minor: 11:48p PM Major: 5:37p

Moon Overhead: 5:44a Moon Underfoot: 6:06p

Moon Overhead: 6:28a Moon Underfoot: 6:51p

MOON PHASES

Day’s Best Score

WEDNESDAY

1.53 ft.

0.24 ft.

12p

Sunrise: 6:53a Sunset: 7:48p Moonrise: 10:32p Moon Set: 10:43a

Moon Overhead: 3:37a Moon Underfoot: 3:58p

TUESDAY

31

6a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:52a Sunset: 7:49p Moonrise: 10:02p Moon Set: 9:48a

AM Minor: 7:28a AM Major: 1:17a PM Minor: 7:50p PM Major: 1:39p

MONDAY

12a

BEST TIME

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

READING THE GRAPH

High Tide: 4:33a Low Tide: 5:17p

6p

Sunrise: 6:51a Sunset: 7:50p Moonrise: 9:33p Moon Set: 8:51a

Moon Overhead: 2:07a Moon Underfoot: 2:31p

30 »

12p

BEST TIME

n

Day’s 2nd Best Score

Best Day Overall

THURSDAY

2

High Tide: 4:35a Low Tide: 8:01p

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

FRIDAY

3

1.63 ft.

0.13 ft.

High Tide: 4:47a Low Tide: 8:43p

SATURDAY

4

1.64 ft.

0.09 ft.

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

FEET

5:03a 10:28a 1:11p 9:21p

SUNDAY

5«

1.65 ft.

1.44 ft.

1.47 ft.

0.08 ft.

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

5:20a 10:14a 2:24p 9:59p

1.65 ft.

1.36 ft.

1.51 ft.

0.11 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

12:30 — 2:30 pm Sunrise: 6:55a Sunset: 7:43p Moonrise: 12:11a Moon Set: 2:23p

AM Minor: ----AM Major: 6:01a PM Minor: 12:13p PM Major: 6:24p

Moon Overhead: 7:15a Moon Underfoot: 7:39p

70

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12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

1:00 — 3:00 pm Sunrise: 6:55a Sunset: 7:42p Moonrise: 12:51a Moon Set: 3:18p

AM Minor: 12:35a AM Major: 6:47a PM Minor: 1:00p PM Major: 7:12p

Moon Overhead: 8:03a Moon Underfoot: 8:28p

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2 0 2 1

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

AM Minor: 1:21a AM Major: 7:34a PM Minor: 1:47p PM Major: 8:00p

6p

12a

3:00 — 5:00 pm

6p

12a

4:00 — 6:00 pm

AM Minor: 2:55a AM Major: 9:08a PM Minor: 3:21p PM Major: 9:34p

Moon Overhead: 9:45a Moon Underfoot: 10:12p

F I S H

12p

Sunrise: 6:57a Sunset: 7:39p Moonrise: 3:23a Moon Set: 5:50p

AM Minor: 2:08a AM Major: 8:21a PM Minor: 2:34p PM Major: 8:47p

T E X A S

6a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:56a Sunset: 7:40p Moonrise: 2:27a Moon Set: 5:02p

Moon Overhead: 8:54a Moon Underfoot: 9:19p

|

12p

BEST TIME

2:00 — 4:00 pm Sunrise: 6:56a Sunset: 7:41p Moonrise: 1:37a Moon Set: 4:12p

6a

&

Moon Overhead: 10:38a Moon Underfoot: 11:04p

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

11:00A — 1:00P Sunrise: 6:57a Sunset: 7:37p Moonrise: 4:22a Moon Set: 6:33p

AM Minor: 3:42a AM Major: 9:55a PM Minor: 4:08p PM Major: 10:21p Moon Overhead: 11:30a Moon Underfoot: 11:56p

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

11:30A — 1:30P Sunrise: 6:58a Sunset: 7:36p Moonrise: 5:24a Moon Set: 7:12p

AM Minor: 4:29a AM Major: 10:42a PM Minor: 4:55p PM Major: 11:07p Moon Overhead: 12:22p Moon Underfoot: None

G A M E ®

6/23/21 12:24 PM

TexasOutdoorNation-2107-DIG.indd 71

6/23/21 12:24 PM

Texas TACTICAL

by DUSTIN ELLERMANN :: TF&G Contributing Editor

Henry Big Boy X

you would the ever-popular AR15. Available in .357 Magnum/.38 Special, .45 Colt, or .44 Magnum/.44 Special these rifles are unique and quite fun at the range.

Dare I say you now can even consider them a formidable tool in your defensive load-out?

As mentioned before, the 5/8x24 threaded barrel now allows for a suppressor, but also a flash hider or muzzle brake if desired.

The new Big Boy X models boast of a side loading gate instead of having to remove the inner magazine tube which is not possible when most muzzle devices are mounted. This

I

’VE ALWAYS REGARDED THE Henry lever rifles as top notch. Extremely solid, accurate, reliable, and something that will last long enough to be passed down to your grandchildren and beyond.

But many of us are addicted to suppres-

to raise your line of sight slightly, but you can easily adapt to it.

The action is smooth as any Henry lever rifle, but before using it in a defensive scenario I do recommend a bit of training. Lever rifles can still malfunction if the lever isn’t run correctly.

Always manipulate the lever smoothly, not too fast, and not too slow.

As far as accuracy, with the Bushnell RXS250 on the rail I would get one hole splatters on steel targets at 50 yards with any load. Shooting subsonic .38 Special wadcutters at 100 yards was nearly comical as you wait for the bullet Steering a bit off of the traditional lever action course, the Henry Big Boy X is easily outfitted with more modern accessories

sors and other firearm accessories that aren’t always compatible with the traditional firearms. Henry saw this void in the market and decided to fill it with the Big Boy X Model.

I was one of probably thousands of customers who has been asking Henry for a threaded lever gun for years. Although the rifle purist might balk at it, even Teddy Roosevelt saw how fun a suppressed lever rifle was. Rightfully so—the sealed breech makes for a quiet report and a quick and accurate shot. The threaded and suppressed .22LR Frontier models that we shoot at Marksmanship Camp is a popular favorite.

The Big Boy X now allows you to accessorize your pistol caliber lever gun nearly as 72

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J U L Y / A U G U S T

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allows the shooter to top off the magazine tube to 7 rounds on the fly.

In addition to the black synthetic stock, the fore end has a small section of picatinny rail perfect for mounting a bipod or tactical light as well as MLOK slots on either side.

If you decide you need more rail space than that, Midwest Industries now offers a full-length aluminum MLOK hand guard for Henry pistol caliber rifles such as this model.

The rifle includes swivel studs front and rear, and a rubber buttplate is very appreciated since plastic ones tend to slide around too much.

Fiber optic sights are included. However, I decided to install a Bushnell RXS-250 red dot optic on the carbine as well. The does force you |

T E X A S

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G A M E ®

to strike the target from that distance.

I suppressed my Big Boy X with the Griffin Armament Bushwhacker 46 suppressor and besides just being a range favorite, I will probably end up taking it hog or deer hunting with the more robust .357 Magnum loads in the future. You can find out more on this model as well as any other Henry offering at henryusa. com.

«

Email Dustin Ellermann at ContactUs@fishgame.com PHOTO: DUSTIN ELLERMAN

6/17/21 5:51 PM

Outdoor DIRECTORY Guides & Outfitters

::

Lodging

::

Destinations

::

Real Estate :: Gear

TEXAS FRESHWATER

TEXAS SALTWATER

TEXAS SALTWATER

LAKE TEXOMA

UPPER TEXAS COAST

LOWER TEXAS COAST

MID TEXAS COAST

HUNTING SOUTH TEXAS

TEXAS SALTWATER UPPER TEXAS COAST

LOWER TEXAS COAST

GET YOUR TF&G APPAREL HERE!

WWW.FISHGAME.COM

ORDER TODAY!!!

T E X A S

2107 Outdoor Directory.indd 69

F I S H

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6/17/21 5:51 PM

FERAL HOG

BASS

Rusk County

Lake Tawakoni

Trace Reeves took this hog in Rusk county while hunting with his best friend Jonathan Holland.

This is Trace’s first kill.

Parker Jarvis landed this bass on a chatterbait fishing with his grandfather, Marshall Jarvis, Jr.

WHITETAIL Jackson County Eighteen-year-old Brooke Burkhalter took her first whitetail, this nine-pointer, with a .243 that was a gift from her Paw Paw. She was hunting on the family ranch, in Jackson County near Ganado.

CATFISH Aledo Caleb Bredemeyer of Lubbock, with help from his Pop, shows of the catfish he caught in a private pond near Aledo.

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F I S H

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6/20/21 5:49 PM

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

WHITETAIL

FERAL HOG

Anderson County

Benjamin Ten-year-old Anthony Bond shot his first hog, with a .270, while hunting near Benjamin, in Northwest Texas.

Ten-year-old Reed Schnabel of Argyle shot his first buck on opening day last season. Reed shot the eight-pointer while hunting with his dad in Anderson County, using his own .243.

WHITETAIL Garden City Kannon Tarr got his first big buck during the snowy weather that hit West Texas last December.

Kannon was hunting with his dad, Stephen Tarr, on the Clark Ranch near Garden City. It was a proud moment for both Kannon and his dad to share the experience.

WHITE BASS Sabine River Lisa Barnett of New London caught this white bass while fishing in the Sabine River at Logansport, Louisiana.

T E X A S

2107-08-ReaderPhotos.indd 71

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6/17/21 5:52 PM

Open SEASON

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

A Shady Spot

T

HE HUNTING CLUB MEMbership was gathered in the large round booth in the corner of Doreen’s 24 HR Eat Gas Now Café. It was so hot outside the trees looked as if they were slumped in the heat.

“It smelled like dove season when I went outside this morning,” I told the guys.

Doreen came around for refills. “What does that mean?” she queried.

Doc held up his cup. “It’s the scent of dust in the air.”

She paused. “Did all of y’all know that?”

Nods all around.

“You guys are just weird.”

Wrong Willie sprinkled a few grains of salt into his coffee. “We’ve hunted together for so long, sometimes we think alike.”

“Yeah, like when we get to a field, we all want to hunt from the same place.” Jerry Wayne nudged Wrong Willie. “You always want to sit with me.”

“That’s because you always sit on the cooler.”

“Oh.” “Well, it’s true.”

I glanced out the window at birds sitting in the shade, their mouths wide-open in an effort to cool off. “Most of the time, shade is an issue, and we all know that doves are drawn to lone trees and corners.”

Doc laughed. “Remember when we were all scrunched up in the shade of that skinny little mesquite tree out by Wichita Falls?”

We laughed and laughed.

Doreen waited for several seconds after we stopped and sipped coffee. “Well?”

“Well, what?”

“What happened?”

Jerry Wayne frowned. “We scrunched up in the shade.”

We laughed some more.

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“I don’t get it.” Doreen began to steam, thinking we were messing with her.

I didn’t want to get thrown out into that hot parking lot…again. “What he means is that it was growing beside a water hole that had evaporated down to the size of a bathtub.”

Doc picked up the story. “It was a bird magnet. There wasn’t anything else anywhere close…”

Wrong Willie stepped in. “…and it was about a hundred yards from the truck…”

Jerry Wayne picked up the narrative. “… and as usual I got there first…”

Me: “No you weren’t. I was there first.”

Jerry Wayne: “Then I was second.”

Doc: “And before we knew it, all of us were there squatting in a circle.”

Me: “Everybody was facing out and the birds were flying straight in.”

Wrong Willie: “I think I flinched every time somebody shot…”

Jerry Wayne: “…because we were so close together.”

I pointed at him. “…and some people were shooting at my birds.”

“Hey, I simply reacted to motion.”

Doc laughed. “You missed a lot.”

That’s when the dialogue came fast and vicious.

“I didn’t miss that snake that was heading in our direction.”

“You think it smelled those birds we had?”

“I think it wanted our shade.” |

T E X A S

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“It got it.”

“Why didn’t y’all shoot the snake?”

“And waste a shell?”

“The way you were shooting, you needed all you had.”

“Hey, I got my limit. You were two short.”

“You got the last one off a tree branch on the way back to the motel.”

“It was flying.”

“Close. Its wings were open, and it was barely off the limb.”

“That’s flying.”

Seeing Doreen was lost again, I tried to bring her back. “If someone had been watching from above, they would have seen birds coming in…to the tree like it was a magnet, and all of us exploding away from the shade at the same time and running in different directions.”

Doreen sighed. “How do you guys remember all these details about a hunt years ago…”

Wrong Willie broke in. “Thirty years ago, I believe.”

She shook her head. “Like I was saying, so long ago and y’all remember all these details, but you can’t remember people’s names or what your wives tell you.”

We shrugged as one.

What could we say to that?

«

Email Reavis Wortham at ContactUs@fishgame.com

ILLUSTRATION: TF&G

6/17/21 5:53 PM

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6/17/21 5:24 PM