April 2012

Texas Fish & Game « APRIL 2012 • VOL. XXVII NO. 12 I nland EDITION

Inland Edition

www.FishGame.com

Spring Turkey

BASICS

APRIL 2012 | VOL. 27 • NO. 12 | $3.95

Rules of The Game:

Texas Turkey Plus:

Those #@%!

Turkeys

PLAYING Tag WITH

CCA

AFTERNOON

Catfish DELIGHTS

NEVER GRIN AT A

Grinnel

LAKE CALCASIEU’S

Gator Trout

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www.FishGame.com Published by Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., LLC. Texas Fish & Game is the largest independent, family-owned outdoor publication in America.

Owned by Ron & Stephanie Ward and Roy & Ardia Neves.

Roy Neves PUBLISHER

Don Zaidle EDITOR-in-chief

Chester moore Executive EDITOR

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

Joe Doggett Doug Pike Ted Nugent Bob Hood Matt Williams Calixto Gonzales Lenny Rudow Steve LaMascus Lou Marullo Kendal Hemphill Reavis Wortham Greg Berlocher Paul Bradshaw Capt. Mike Holmes Dustin Ellermann Lisa Moore John Gisel

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

A D V E R T I S I N G

Ardia Neves

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

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CONTENTS rod & Gun Hackberry

FEATURES

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tesy photo: Cour

april 2012 • Volume XXVII • NO. 12

AFTERNOON CATFISH DELIGHTS

All-day channel catfish strategies that will help extend your effective fishing well into the afternoon.

by Matt Williams

ON THE COVERS:

LA’s Gator Trout Just 25 miles inside the TexasLouisiana state line, and responsible for 3 of Louisiana’s top 10 speckled trout last year, Lake Calcasieu is an attractive draw for Texas anglers looking to hook a Gator Speck.

STORY:

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playing tag

Success (and sob) stories from CCA’s million-dollar, coastwide, summer-long tournament, the State of Texas Angler’s Rodeo.

by John N. Felsher

those #@%! turkeys

reguy, photo: Natu

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canstock

by Calixto Gonzales

The maddening, frustrating, and just plain mean things turkeys do to hunters every spring.

by Paul Bradshaw Rules of the Game: Texas Turkey

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Part 4 in our series year long series: The laws and regulations governing turkey hunting in Texas, what they mean and why they exist.

STORY:

NEVER GRIN AT A GRINNEL

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Grinnel, a.k.a. Bowfin, are gaining new respect from freshwater sport fishermen who appreciate a good fight.

by Bob Hood

by Chester Moore 4 |

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CONTENTS COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

april 2012 • Volume XXVII • NO. 12

COLUMNS 14 Chester’s Notes

Flounder Q&A

DEPARTMENTS

by CHESTER MOORE TF&G Executive Editor

8 letters

16 Doggett at Large

Cranky

10 TF&G Report

by JOE DOGGETT TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

18 Pike On the Edge Thank Your Lucky

Lone Star

45 Hunt Texas

Picking a Cat Fight

10 big bags & catches

by Doug Pike TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

by bob hood TF&G Hunting Editor

20 TexasWild

46 Texas Saltwater

department of defense

by Ted nugent TF&G Editor At Large

by Calixto Gonzales TF&G Saltwater Editor

50 True green

21 Commentary

48 Texas Freshwater

by Kendal Hemphill TF&G Politcal Commentator

by matt Williams TF&G Freshwater Editor

Check, Check, Double Check, Check Again

Killed with Kindness

The Dark

Half

34 NEW! texas

Operation Buckbrush

41 Texas Bow Hunting 64 Open Season

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A Day to

Remember

by Lou Marullo TF&G Bow Hunting Editor

by reavis wortham TF&G Humor Editor

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Letters to the Editor Long Range Shots at Big Game Your article for the February edition of FishGame was one of the best I have ever read in many years of hunting/shooting reading. You told the TRUTH. Television and the written word has seemingly “increased long range shooting” from 300 yards of yesteryear to a current of 1000 yards plus. My numbers stack up with yours - in 50 plus years of hunting the longest shot I ever made was 325 yards. I guesstimate my average range for a whitetail deer during my lifetime has been just under a hundred yards.

Lloyd Cage Via Email Thanks, pardner, for the kind words.

There is one thing you can be sure of: When you read my columns in Texas Fish & Game, you will be reading what I believe to be the unvarnished truth. I may be wrong on occasion, but I will never be untruthful.

Thanks again, and good hunting.

Steve LaMascus I absolutely, agree with everything you had to say in that piece. Not only the bad image aspect, but the technical aspects of it as well.

I am by no means a trained expert in long range shooting but at the age of 45 and having started at the age of 6, I have done a good bit of shooting.

My Grandfather, on my mother’s side, was a career army officer and a WWII veteran. He retired as a Colonel in 1968 and managed the Rod & Gun Club at Fort Hood.

Near the end of WWII, as they were sweeping across Germany his unit came upon a Luftwaffe airfield, which had a small armory. In it he found several pre-war manufacture Mauser 98s, still wrapped in cosmoline, never having been fired. He managed to get 4 of them home after the war ended.

In 1960, he was stationed in Germany again. He’d always planned on making 8 |

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hunting rifles out of those, so he had his brother ship 3 of them to him. One was lost in shipping, but he had a German gunsmith build hunting rifles from the barreled action of 1 and rebarreled the other. One he left in the 8x57 JS caliber and the other is 30-06. These are much better quality than any “sporterized” Mausers I’ve ever seen, with pretty nice Monte Carlo stocks. Not awesome wood, but the shape is right on.

He told me he paid the gunsmith 2 boxes of cigars, a bottle of Rye Whiskey and $80.

When I was 14, my Grandfather started letting me use the 8x57 to deer hunt and that went on into my 20s when one day he told me I could have it. I was so enamored with that rifle and still am. For many years I was a one rifle man, until I took up elk hunting and bought a Sako L691 in 300 Wby. That Mauser gave me the bug and I learned all I could about ballistics and shooting.

I keep the Sako calibrated at 300 yards.

With 180 grain Nosler Partitions, which have a BC of .474 and a MV at around 3,200 fps, Its tragectory is flat enough that it’s about 4 3/4 inches high at its peak, well within reasonable limits. It only drops about 9 inches at 400 yards, so it’s point blank out to 350 and you can keep it on the hair (not have to elevate above the critter’s back) out to 400. I killed my first bull at 468 yards, but had not and never have since attempted anything beyond 300 yards. The bull only made it 70 yards and when we field dressed it, only about 2/3 of the heart remained.

You’re right about all of the variables and what can and does go wrong and I’ve done enough hunting and shooting to get it and I don’t like the ideas that these shows put in people’s heads. Unless you’re a very experienced shooter, 150 yards should be your limit and even experienced shooters shouldn’t attempt longer shots than 300 yards unless conditions are optimum and then 350 yards is pushing ethical limits.

John Taylor Via Email

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Pride in Our Pigs The hog problem in Texas is not funny.

They are a threat to most wildlife we call game birds and game animals in this State. If you have to deal with them on a daily basis, its no laughing matter. Pike pokes fun with his PLAN, but the only plan that I have seen that comes close to making since is the article on POISON. You cannot control Feral Hogs with bullets. Please don’t make this problem a joke. It is not going away unless we have a plan that will protect our native wildlife.

Larry McNiel Via Email Great article. You have taken lemons and made lemonade. Great plan. Maybe you need to think about getting proper work set up your own LLC and do it as a business. Just food for thought. Have a geat day.

Michael Lanning Via Email I was recently in your state. Decided to try hunting hogs. Non-resident license, $375.00, plus $175.00 per hog at any place I tried to get to hunt. Kind of pricey to hunt vermin. So drove up to Oklahoma, $175.00 for non-resident and $250.00 per day of hunting anywhere I tried to go, so still pricey for a vermin unless you have a lot of expendable income, of which most people I know do not. So as of yet I am still unable to convince any of my friends to try hog hunting in your fair state.

Thanks for listening to my complaints.

Gene Schwickerath Via Email

Send your Comments to: Editor, Texas Fish & Game 1745 Greens Rd Houston TX 77032 Email: editor@fishgame.com

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Husband and Wife Win NWTF Award Hats off to Dale and Kitty Bounds.

Through the years the East Texas couple has dedicated countless hours of their time towards various wildlife conservation projects and worked tirelessly to preserve our hunting heritage for future generations through their volunteer efforts with the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Their efforts were recently recognized on the national level, when they were presented with the C.B. McCleod Award during the NWTF’s National Convention and Sports Show held in Nashville, Tenn. The prestigious award is presented annually to a NWTF volunteer who has logged a lifetime of dedication to wildlife conservation.

of NWTF in the late 1980s.

He has since served nearly a decade as president of the organization’s Texas State

Photo: NWTF

The TF&G Report

Dale and Kitty Bounds of Lufkin recently received the C.B. McCleod Award at the National Wild Turkey Federation’s National convention held in Nashville, Tennessee.

A former videographer with the U.S. Forest Service, Dale Bounds was a key player in forming the Pineywoods Chapter

Chapter and ramrodded NWTF programs that cater to youth and handicap hunters.

Kitty Bounds has been equally instrumental those programs. Additionally, she organized the first-ever NWTF Women in the Outdoors event in Texas.

Big Bags&Catches

Jack crevalle

Largemouth bass

Redfish

Galveston

Smithville

Port O’Connor

Bryan Wright, 15, of Houston, caught this 42 inch Jack Crevalle on the Galveston beach using a live finger mullet on 15 pound test line. Bryan worked the fish down the beach for about 40 minutes, followed by his brother Evan and his father shouting encouragement.

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Mitchell Chambers and Samantha Cooney with a 14.1-pound largemouth bass caught out of a 3 acre private tank near Smithville.

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Michaela Rendon, age 11, with her father Mike Rendon and her 41-inch Redfish caught and released off Port O’Connor last August. Her mom, Andrea, says it was a great way for Michaela to learn the value of Catch and Release.

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QDMA Opposes Expansion of Captive Deer Breeding “There are no benefits for deer hunters in the growth of the captive deer-breeding industry--only risks.”

That is the assessment of Kip Adams, a certified wildlife biologist and Director of Education & Outreach for the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA).

QDMA is urging hunters in seven states to oppose the expansion of the deer-breeding industry, which QDMA perceives as a growing threat to wild deer and the deer-hunting heritage. Legislation designed to loosen or dismantle regulatory barriers to white-tailed deer breeding and farming is being considered in Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.

“It is QDMA’s mission to protect the future of white-tailed deer and our hunting heritage, and we oppose anything that puts those at risk,” said Adams.

In opposing the proliferation of “deer breeding,” QDMA is referring to captive deer facilities where controlled, artificial breeding technology is used primarily to produce whitetail bucks with enormous, often grotesque antlers – an industry that includes sales of semen, artificially impregnated does, and live bucks to other breeders or to captive deer shooting facilities. Current estimates suggest there are nearly 10,000 deer breeding operations in North America, and the number is growing as the industry pushes to expand into areas where it was historically not legal.

“Some argue this is an innocent endeavor with no negative impacts to wild deer or the everyday deer hunter. As CEO of North America’s leading whitetail conservation organization, I emphatically and unapologetically disagree,” said Brian Murphy, QDMA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Not only does this industry undermine the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation in which wildlife is a public resource, it also threatens the health of wild deer and the public’s perception of hunting.”

The distribution map of chronic wasting disease (CWD) – a fatal disease of deer and elk – suggests the disease likely arrived in

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several new states through transportation of live deer, either legally or illegally, and not through natural deer movements. Legalizing deer breeding in new areas increases the incentive for illegal transportation of untested animals at a time when these human-aided movements must be stopped. Transporting any captive whitetails is risky, as there is no acceptable and practical live-animal test for CWD. Once CWD appears in wild deer in a new area, slowing the spread of the

disease requires costly investigation, testing and surveillance efforts for many years and often requires drastic reductions in deer populations. There is currently no known way to decontaminate an environment once CWD is present.

In more than 40 states, regulatory authority over captive deer facilities is held by state agriculture agencies, or shared between agriculture and wildlife agencies. QDMA recommends that wildlife agencies have sole

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TF G&Report responsibility because they have more experience with wildlife species and wildlife disease issues, and they fully understand what is at stake with regard to transmission of diseases like CWD to free-ranging deer.

“QDMA’s current effort is to halt expansion of the deer-breeding industry,” said Adams. “We also want sole jurisdiction for existing facilities to remain with or be reassigned to state wildlife agencies. Considering the implications for our hunting heritage, we can’t afford to allow this industry to expand.

The ramifications of being wrong are simply too great.”

Outlook Promising for Spring Turkey Despite lingering dry conditions in some parts of Texas, prospects for this year’s spring turkey season remain promising, thanks to a carryover of mature gobblers, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists.

Rio Grande spring turkey hunting season in the 54-county South Zone runs March 17-April 29 with special youth-only weekends set for March 10–11 and May 5–6. In the 101 counties comprising the North Zone, the season opens March 31 and runs through May 13 with special youth-only weekends set for March 24–25 and May 19–20.

“We had phenomenal production in 2010, which means there should be plenty of two-year-old birds out there,” said Jason Hardin, TPWD turkey program leader.

“Last yearTexashunters harvested the fewest birds on record, which can be attributed mainly to the drought. That also means greater carryover of mature birds.”

Hardin expects hunters this spring will get plenty of gobbling activity from the 2010 year class and barring any late wet cold fronts, productivity and survival prospects are favorable this spring.

“Our biggest concern is having wet cold fronts once the hens are on the nest,” he explained. “If we can get poults on the ground and then in the trees, survival increases dramatically.”

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overall health of turkey populations going into the spring hunting season thanks to some timely winter rainfall.

“Parts of the state are greening up with a lot of forbs so the birds should be in good condition going into the breeding season,” he noted. “If we can stay green for a couple more weeks we’ll be in good shape.”

Hunters are reminded several regulation changes take effect for the 2012 season.

TPWD closed spring turkey hunting in the following 15 East Texas counties in response to low populations and harvest numbers: Cherokee, Delta, Gregg, Hardin,Houston, Hunt,Liberty,Montgomery, Rains, Rusk, San Jacinto,Shelby, Smith,TylerandWalker.

Closing spring turkey seasons in these counties will enable biologists to reassess Eastern turkey restoration efforts in areas having suitable habitat, restock sites and provide brood stock protection. The agency’s goal is to reopen hunting once the Eastern turkey populations in the affected counties are capable of sustaining harvest.

Also effective for the 2012 season, TPWD is delaying spring Eastern turkey hunting in the remaining 28 counties having an open season by two weeks, to run from April 15-May 14. Biologists say the delay gives hens time to begin nesting prior to the season opening.

Also new this season, hunters may harvest gobblers and bearded hens during the spring season in counties having a bag limit of four turkeys. Hunting is for gobblers only during the spring season in all other counties.

All harvested Eastern turkeys must be taken to a check station within 24 hours. To find the check station nearest you, contact a TPWD field office or call (800) 792-1112.

Top 10 Invasive Species Threats to Hunting & Fishing

tions; destroying spawning habitat; encrusting boats and docks, and wreaking havoc on equipment and on fishing.

2. ASIAN CARP for taking over rivers and streams, replacing sport fish populations; impeding navigation and causing injury, even possible death, to boaters on the waters.

3. CANADA THISTLE for choking out native prairie grasses and plants; providing no food value; driving deer, wild turkeys and other wildlife out of traditional habitat.

4. HYDRILLA for limiting access for boating, fishing and waterfowl hunting; dense beds destroying sport fish spawning grounds; out competing native plants and, once mature, degrading fishing.

5. BUCKTHORN for killing hardwood forests; eliminating native mast producing trees important to deer and turkey; choking woodland travel corridors and decreasing overall productive habitat.

6. ROCK SNOT – DIDYMO for smothering food sources for trout and salmon; covering spawning habitat and insect life with ooze; wreaking havoc on fishing and access to fishable waters.

7. EMERALD ASH BORER for destroying 100 million ash trees, creating loss of habitat and fire zones imperiling wildlife, humans and property. At stake, 7.5 billion trees.

8. WHIRLING DISEASE for killing trout and salmon. When an infected fish’s death occurs, millions of parasitic spores release back into the water, which are virtually indestructible surviving for up to 30 years to kill again.

9. FERAL HOGS for wanton destruction of habitat; consumption of acorns and mast denying essential food from deer, wild turkey and quail; eating eggs of ground nesting birds; killing fawns and maliciously uprooting riparian areas.

10. PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE for eliminating productive fish and wildlife habitat to the tune of 500,000 acres of wetlands annually; offering no food value; reducing waterfowl nesting and fish nursery areas.

Wildlife Forever recently announced its list of the “TOP 10″ Invasive Species Threats to Hunting & Fishing.” That list includes: 1. ZEBRA & QUAGGA MUSSELS for devastating the food chain, reducing fish populaF i s h

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Chester’s Notes

by Chester Moore | TF&G Executive Editor

Flounder Q&A

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nterest in flounder fishing is at an all-time high.

I am blessed to communicate with more flounder fishermen than probably anyone on the planet through this magazine, its website and my Flounder Revolution® and Flatfish University ™ projects.

Since I get questions on flounder on a daily basis, many of which are repeated, I thought it would be fun to answer them in this format. If you have further questions after reading email me and I will answer on my blog at fishgame.com April 10.

Is the 5 flounder bag limit in Texas Q: and two per person limit in November actually helping flounder?

Without question. Since those regulaA: tions were put into place two years ago, the numbers according to random samplings are the highest since 1998. If you restrict harvest in particular during the spawning period or the migration to spawning you cannot help but increase numbers. Whether you agree with the regulation or not, the conservation impact is being felt in a big way.

I caught a flounder that was part white and part brown. Someone told me it was a piebald and that it had probably been stocked by the state. Is this true?

Well, a fish with that coloration would definitely be considered a piebald but there is no way to tell if it was a state stocked fish. Texas only started stocking flounder (in very limited numbers) two years ago and every few years someone would send me a photo of a piebald flounder so they have been around longer than the stocking program.

Do you think the state record in Texas will ever be broken?

Yes. Herbert Endicott in the Sabine Lake area caught Texas’ state record

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flounder in 1976 and the fish weighed 13 pounds. With the flounder fishery on an upswing and more fish getting a chance to reach their maximum potential, the odds of producing a fish that is larger than the current record is out there. I held a fish in my own hands in 2009 that was 11 ounces bigger than the state record. It was one of the brood fish at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas and while the fish lived part of its life in captivity, it was nine pounds when caught and in a couple of years grew to maximum proportions. The potential is definitely out there.

What are your top three favorite flounder lures?

Wow, this is a tough one because I use many during the course of the year. My favorite variety are without a doubt curltail grubs and I have lots of different ones over the years. Now, my most frequently used curltails are the 3-inch pink Meeny from Mr. Twister and the Gulp! 4-inch Swimming Mullet in smoke color. I caught most of my flounder this fall on a 2.5-inch clear/silver flake/black back Sassy Shad. Other good ones are the 2-inch smoke colored grubs from Southern Pro, a company that chiefly produces crappie lures.

Could halibut, a flounder’s much larger close cousin live in Texas waters?

They might be able to live for a while but probably could not reproduce well since they are adjusted to cold water.

Halibut are my dream fish, since they can get several hundred pounds.

The world record weighed 459 pounds and was caught in 1996 by angler Jack Tragis in Alaskan waters. Can you imagine the “thump” that fish gave when it struck?

Does color really make a difference when using lures for flounder?

In the fall run when the fish are pouring through the passes and into the Gulf not necessarily. However, in most cases it can make a huge difference. I catch flounder 12 months of the year in water ranging from muddy to gin clear and have found they will not take colors like hot pink when water is super clear but require them to even look at

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a lure in stained waters.

My rule of thumb is the clearer the water, the more natural the lure color. The murkier the water, the more obtrusive. I have used one color and got zero bites and switched and immediately got hit in the same location.

Color matters.

Are mud minnows or finger mullet better live bait for flounder?

I personally like mud minnows but some swear by finger mullet. Flounder will devour both but in truth I rarely use either. I caught somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 flounder this year and only caught three of those on live bait. Of course one was a monster that hit a nine-inch long live mullet but that is another story for another day.

What exactly is Flatfish University™ and Flounder Revolution® about?

Flatfish University ™ is my highly detailed, very specific clinics that are limited to a small number of people per session. They are intensive learning sessions about flounder fishing and are sponsored

by Mr. Twister. At the time of this writing the next class on the books will be held at Bass Pro Shops in Pearland Sat. April 21 and will deal specifically about flounder fishing in bayous, marsh and river systems.

Go to www.flatfishuniversity.com for more information.

Flounder Revolution® is my conservation movement highlighted by a monthly replica tournament (March-Nov.) that promotes anglers releasing flounder 20 inches or more. The largest fish each month gets a pair of Costa Sunglasses as well as a replica of their catch provided The Fish Mount Store and funded by the Coastal Conservation Association. We also have a First Flounder project that gives kids certificates of recognition for their catches. For more information go to www.flounderrevolution.com.

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Catch Chester on the radio Fridays, 6pm on 560 KLVI Beaumont, (www.klvi.com) Email him at cmoore@fishgame.com

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Doggett at Large

by Joe Doggett | TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

Cranky hey’re sometimes called Idiot Baits.

This is because just about anybody can chunk one out and reel it in —a no-brainer for catching fish in suitable water. In more correct circles, they’re commonly known as lipless crankbaits.

The first I recall were the Heddon Sonic and the Pico Perch in the mid- to late-’50s.

Actually, the early sub-surface, flat-sided plugs were not designated as “lipless crankbaits” because nobody back then knew what a crankbait was. Fred Young hadn’t carved a Big O yet.

Several sinking plugs with dished metal lips were available, such as the Heddon River Runt, but they lacked the jive and fish-killing juju of the true crankbaits.

And at least two early products from Texas, the Hellbender by Whopper Stopper of Sherman and the Bomber by Bomber Bait Company of Gainesville, were floating/ deep-diving plugs. But the concept in each was reversed, with a wide, flat metal tail providing the dig and wobble. They often were used when trolling open water for bass or white bass (usually with a small trailer jig) in the deep, rocky reservoirs of North Texas.

The original floating/shallow-diving crankbait was the Big O, hand-carved from balsa in 1972 by Fred Young of Oak Ridge, Tenn. His stubby fat creation with its short, wide plastic lip became an overnight monster on the fledgling BASS tournament circuit.

The Big O spawned the hysteria of the “alphabet plugs” that eventually became known as crankbaits. This, no doubt, is because the alphabet ran out of letters.

But I digress.

The early lipless crankbaits perhaps are better identified as swimming baits and, to reiterate, two early ones that stood out were the Heddon Sonic and the Pico Perch.

The compact, fast-sinking Sonic (with a sweeping shark-type dorsal fin reminiscent of the car tail fins of the era) was a radical departure from traditional elongated surface

and near-surface plugs, but being backed by the venerable Heddon Lure Co. gave it a measure of credibility. Still, Sonics didn’t exactly fly off the tackle shelves.

The Pico Perch was manufactured by Padre Island Bait Co. of Corpus Christi.

The acronym was shortened to Pico.

The wide-sided Pico Perch looked a bit awkward but the slanting face with its flat edge (to impart a tight wobble) probably was the superior design; it’s enough to say that Heddon blatantly issued a knock-off, the Bayou Boogie.

But, I stray again.

Being a kid and a rookie, I failed to take the early swimming baits seriously. This was due to the urban ponds I was forced to fish in and around Houston. The weed-choked venues were not suitable for the swimming plug concept.

You need an open-water racetrack for these sinking, fluttering plugs with twin sets of exposed trebles to really work without repeatedly snagging or fouling.

I was much more comfortable dawdling around the coontail pockets and edges with traditional floating Heddon bass lures such as the Tiny Torpedo, Chugger Spook and Lucky 13. Not to mention the Arbogast topwater plugs from the Fred Arbogast Company of Akron, OH. That lineup included the Hula Popper and the Jitterbug.

Then, during the early ‘60s, the Rapala Original Floating Minnow from Finland hit the market, and the hand-carved balsa floater/shallow diver with its bright foil finish set a new standard. It made the old Heddon and Arbogast plugs look dated and lame.

The slim “airy” balsa Rapala was a bitch (pardon my Finnish) to cast, but if you hit anywhere near a log jam or weed bed, shallow bass just crushed it. I submit it was the first “superbait.”

But it wasn’t a good open-water sub-surface offering—no sink rate beyond two feet.

The sinking swimming baits filled that niche. The Pico Perch, being a Texas product, probably out-sold the Sonic in local markets. It was a legitimate choice in relatively open water and along with

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the Heddon Sonic/Bayou Boogie helped anglers reach suspended fish.

But all were a bit lacking. The concept was valid but something, maybe eye appeal, was missing. Remember, lures catch fishermen as well as fish.

The first true swimming bait to hit a bona fide home run was the Hot Spot, manufactured by Cotton Cordell, of Hot Springs, Ark. The streamlined flat-sided lure was constructed of hard plastic and carried the proven concept of the slanted face. It looked good, cast well, and caught fish—lots of fish.

It still does.

Cordell’s Hot Spot is celebrating its 50th anniversary but the lure really took off during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Not coincidentally, the popularity followed the impoundment of new reservoirs all across the South and Southwest. The original Hot Spot’s profile closely imitated a 2 1/2- to 3-inch threadfin shad —the primary forage for bass in the new lakes.

The Hot Spot’s success was followed by numerous other swimming baits, notably the Bomber Pinfish.

But the all-time champion swimming bait was—is—the Rat-L-Trap, by Bill Lewis Lures of Alexandria, La. It was introduced during the ‘70s and is claimed by the company to be the biggest-selling lure of all time.

The Rat-L-Trap resembles, well, the original Hot Spot with the addition of a subtle dorsal fin (shades of the old Sonic) and a hollow rattle chamber. And it’s OK to call it a “lipless crankbait” since it gained popularity following the introduction of the original lipped crankbait, the Big O. But, by whatever name or brand, it’s hard to fish a swimming bait wrong, assuming you can keep the fluttering retrieve above clinging vegetation. The huge trump is the ability to cover a lot of open water at a rapid tempo while presenting an attractive offering.

For idiots and experts alike, the swimming baits just might be the greatest lures ever made.

Email Joe Doggett at jdoggett@fishgame.com

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Pike on the Edge

by Doug Pike | TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

Thank Your Lucky Lone Star long time ago in a space far away, I filled an entire column with nothing but one-line acknowledgements of things that made me glad and proud to be an outdoors-loving Texan. Since then, my passion for this state and its resources only has grown. Here, without referencing the original and something for everyone, is my revised list.

Huge bass and lots of them. Improving numbers of pintails. A wildlife and fisheries department that listens to its constituents.

Snook expanding their range northward.

More than 100 state parks. Birding opportunities that are the envy of states and nations worldwide.

A state full of folks who, almost unanimously, dislike wild hogs. Texas ranchers who have rebuilt herds of animals either extinct or nearly so in their native habitats around the world. Neighborhood ponds that hold more fish than most people realize. Just enough winter to let you wear your heavy coat but not enough to make you buy a snow shovel.

Big trout on topwaters. Big trout on topwaters. Big trout on topwaters.

Little trout (the rainbow variety) on dry flies in the Guadalupe river. The sound of air over wings as two dozen teal bank sharply over the decoys. Any Texas sunrise or sunset.

The Big Bend, which is big enough to swallow a couple of northeastern states. A governor who, when a coyote threatened his daughter’s puppy, drew his sidearm and eliminated the threat.

Hundreds of volunteers who have removed nearly 30,000 abandoned crab traps from Texas bays during the past 11

years. Thousands of volunteers who annually remove trash – left by people who usually aren’t Texans - from our beaches and lakeshores.

Never being more than a short drive, no matter where you live or happen to be, from the country. Mosquitoes. Yes, mosquitoes, because they minimize crowding at a couple of favorite walk-in fishing spots.

King mackerel driving you crazy with their short strikes. King mackerel on the line when you start hiding the hook deeper in the bait. King mackerel on plugs.

Seeing and hearing 30,000 snow geese lift off a roost at once. Convincing a single, old blue goose to lock its wings and hang over a rag spread.

More than 100 state parks, every one of which has something unique to offer its visitors. A coastline that spans hundreds of miles and is open to the public, end to end.

Springtime crappie jigging with a cane pole, from a float tube.

Enough squirrels in the woods to warm the barrel of a .22 and fill a skillet. A tremendous variety of snakes, most of which won’t hurt you. (Learn which are which.)

Kayak fishing for anything, anywhere, anytime. Climbing a tree to get your bearings. Climbing a tree just for fun.

Red snapper fishing, even though federal mismanagement has left us with a two-fish limit during a coffee break of a season. Great quail hunting – presuming a mild, not too wet spring and summer. Bluegills the size of dinner plates, and no shortage of them.

The respect country kids have for guns, their parents and their teachers. The first time you draw an arrow on a deer and nothing goes wrong.

Watching a wake bulge behind a topwater plug just before the bass hits the gas and strikes. Stalking whitetails in the woods and finding out you’re not as stealthy as you thought. Learning to surf on waves that don’t punish you for beginners’ mistakes.

Having the confidence to paddle into summertime storm swells.

The jolting result of a perfect cast to a rolling tarpon. Cooking Texas-sized steaks

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over a wood fire in deer camp. Tying a fly, then using it the next morning to catch a tailing redfish.

Flipping creek-side rocks with kids to see what’s beneath them. Black bears now in two corners of the state. No confirmed Bigfoot sightings, but lots of people who are absolutely, positively certain they exist.

Wading Baffin Bay in late-winter, catching monster trout, and realizing you and your friends are only people you’ve seen all day. Following a set of animal tracks just to see where they go.

No really big mountains, but some beautiful and challenging climbs if that excites you. Opening day of dove season, whether you actually hunt or just hang around the trucks to eat barbecue and tell stories.

Poking a flashlight through the flap and realizing it’s only a raccoon making that noise outside the tent. Standing waist-deep in clear surf and filling out a limit of 3-pound trout. The glint of sunlight off antlers, after hours of waiting, at the edge of a sendero.

Catching catfish on bait that smells goshawful horrible but really works. Throwing away the towel on which you wiped the excess catfish bait from your hands.

Mallards and wood ducks fighting for air space between the limbs in a flooded river bottom. Not being able to lift a water bottle, despite being parched, after a threehour fight with a blue marlin. Dove hunting around a stock tank – just you, your dad, and your dog.

A grape-sized bobber dancing, bouncing, and then slipping deliberately beneath the surface. Helping a guy rock his boat off a sand bar. Or having someone show up to help you do the same. Actually hitting an escaping goose with that third shot.

There is so much more to Texas, of course, so many more opportunities to enjoy this state’s unmatched resources. Add to this list, or start your own.

Email Doug Pike at dpike@fishgame.com

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Ted’s TexasWild

by Ted Nugent | TF&G Editor-at-Large

Check, Check, Double Check, Check Again

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lright, I better write this while I’m still seething. I am so angry my blood boils, my eyes are bloodshot, I twitch, turning beet red, lips pursed so tight it hurts, fuming, seeing red, snarling, forehead furrowed deeply with a full body scowl to scare the devil himself. Did I mention that I am really, really angry?

The first word in this piece is alright.

Well, nothing is all right, I assure you.

Anything but.

Being that I fancy myself Mr. Cocked Locked and absolutely ready to ROCK, Captain Detail, Mr. Smarty Pants Know it all master of all things shoot, hunt, ambush sniper world, it is with great pain, humility and consternation that I am compelled to share with you how Mr. Murphy can sneak into our psyche no matter how dialed in, prepared or attentive we may otherwise dedicate ourselves to be.

Personally, at this point in time, I suck.

Okay, in the real world of meaningful priorities like God, family, health, country and freedom, my painful evening on deerstand last night doesn’t really qualify as all that upsetting. We miss. Get over it. Yet here I am, head hung and forlorn like little Teddy just lost his favorite puppy dog.

Here’s how it unraveled; Throttling onward nonstop with much gusto for my truly inspiring 2011-2012 hunting season, I had a wonderful meeting with my SpiritWild Ranch hunters as the rain poured down on our little chunk of Texas hunting heaven.

Everyone was excited to be at our special camp with the barometer and temperature plunging, making for some optimal critter encounter conditions.

Master guide Paul Wilson organized the guys to head out for their killer blinds, and I decided to return to my Ranch King portable tucked into a nice jungle of cedars

and tangled blowdowns on the edge of the big hay field.

With rain pelting my snug little coop, I smacked away on my laptop writing more invigorating celebrations of our beloved hunting lifestyle, not really expecting shooter beasts to arrive in the pouring rain.

Next thing I know, a highly desirable, elusive “Alberta” whitetail 10 point is smack dab in front of me eating corn at the Hang Em High feeder before it even went off.

YIKES! I’ve never had a shot at this particular buck that looks like he belongs in the forests of Alberta, Canada, and I was about to implode with excitement at the opportunity before me.

I carefully turned on the SpiritWild vidcam, silently set down my laptop, reached for my bow, then zoomed in on the trophy beast.

He was joined by his girlfriend, then out of nowhere, a spotted axis doe poked her head out of the scrub into my little clearing.

Axis! Axis deer are so incredibly elusive on SpiritWild Ranch that we are lucky to get a quick glimpse at them but few times each year. I knew that if a doe was here, the herd must be close behind.

One by one, the majestic Chital deer emerged, including monster stag after monster stag, right there in front of me, within 20 yards. I captured all their antics as they jockeyed for position until the biggest baddest buck went broadside.

Like a million times before, I picked a spot, gracefully drew back my arrow, and let er rip for a gimme trophy of a lifetime.

And ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the embarrassing NumbNut of The Year Award goes to, (drumroll) Teeeeeddddd Nuuuuuugent!!

My orange Lumenok told no lie as it

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zinged six inches under the huge stags brisket. At about 18 yards ya all!

I’m here to tell you I was supremely aghast. With my Robin Hood sniper arrow routine going so beautifully all season, how can this possibly be?

As the sickness in my stomach began to subside, I nocked an arrow in the garage, took aim at the Big Green target at 15 yards and sent two arrows touching each other, SIX INCHES LOW! I cradle and protect my bow with tender loving care each and every day. How the sights could have gotten that far off from one day to the next will forever be a mystery.

But since I have written and raved about it so many times over the years, I may want to obey my own rules of bowhunting and take a “feel” shot before each hunt, and I think I shall.

It’s not only an archery thing, but as we all know, each year somebody at many camps somewhere will experience the heartbreak of a bad shot for inexplicable reasons.

Inexplicable that is until we admit that we all know things can go wrong, so we really oughtta plan on them and do everything in our power to keep them from happening.

Under most conditions, there will be an opportunity to take that pre-hunt test shot with both bow and or gun so we can be certain everything is tight, sighted in and in order before that long awaited moment of truth on the beast.

Mr. Murphy is a predator, an indiscriminate, soulless, uncaring predator, and as his prey, we best be aware that he is ubiquitous, so check, check and double check, then check again to keep the punk at bay.

I’m on my way to my stand now, and I just took a shot to be sure I am ready.

I am ready, and vow to always be ready forevermore.

Email Ted Nugent at tnugent@fishgame.com

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Commentary

by Kendal Hemphill | TF&G Political Commentator

F

riends of Animals, according to its own website, is a “non-profit, international animal advocacy organization,” which “works to cultivate a respectful view of nonhuman animals, free-living and domestic.” The group’s stated goal is “to free animals from cruelty and institutionalized exploitation around the world.”

So you would think Friends of Animals would be happy to work with other groups and individuals who want to save animal specie from extinction, especially groups who already have a proven, successful track record in that area. Not so much.

FoA’s president, Priscilla Feral, was featured in a “60 Minutes” program recently about exotic game hunting in Texas. Feral represented what you’d call the “opposition” to the hunting of exotic game animals on private ranches, or anywhere else, for that matter. She thinks it’s wrong to hunt animals at all, anywhere, at any time, regardless of the situation.

To be clear, the issue here is not “canned hunts,” in which fair chase methods are absent. Those do exist, but most exotic game ranches offer ethical hunting opportunities, with no guaranteed kill. Feral believes that killing an animal, no matter the difficulty of the hunt, is wrong.

Feral is clearly aware that the scimitarhorned oryx is almost extinct in its native Africa, since she has been involved in creating a preserve in Senegal to help them out.

But while there aren’t many of the oryx left in Africa, there are anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 of them alive and well, living on private ranches in the U.S., where they are hunted as a game animal.

Feral is opposed to these ranches, of

“

To be clear, the issue here is not ‘canned hunts.’

“

Killed With Kindness

course, even though African preserves have proven largely ineffective. When asked if she’d rather the animals went extinct, or were kept alive and continued to thrive because of hunting, her answer was that it would be better if they didn’t exist at all.

The truth is, without the financial incentive hunting provides, the scimitar-horned oryx, and some other specie that have been brought back from the brink of extinction on

Texas hunting ranches, would be gone forever. Some exotics have been reintroduced into their native lands using stock raised in the U.S., and there are quite a few groups with greater numbers in Texas than where they originated.

Money drives the train, and without hunting there is no money. David Bamburger knows that. He doesn’t like hunting, but he is realistic enough to admit that without it, there would be no reason for ranchers to stock their ranches with exotic game.

During the late 1970s, when the scimitarhorned oryx was just about to exhale its last gasp, Bamberger offered to save them. He was sent almost every one of the animals left in the world, and brought them back from the edge of the abyss. Without Bamberger’s help, that species, and possibly some others, would be history.

Bamberger was interviewed during the “60 Minutes” program, and pointed out that if the only incentive to save animals from extinction was altruism, they are doomed.

He doesn’t allow hunting on his property, but has helped to stock many ranches with exotics for the express purpose of hunting.

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Take away the ranchers’ ability to make money, and the market will dry up overnight.

Exotic game hunting is a billion dollar industry in Texas, and creates over 14,000 jobs. Still, Feral believes hunting these animals is “ludicrous” and “immoral” and “obscene,” and that no one is entitled to hunt them. She just doesn’t seem to get it, doesn’t understand that hunting is good for exotic game animals as a whole.

Neither does U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), who, together with U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), sponsored a bill, which will soon go into effect. This bill makes it illegal to hunt the scimitar-horned oryx and some other specie in the United States without a federal permit.

The Sportsmanship in Hunting Act of 2011, or H.R. 2210, which has been touted as a great victory by the Humane Society of the United States, is worded to make all exotic game hunting sound as if the animals are shot while held in pens the size of your living room. In fact, most of these hunts take place on hundreds of acres, and the hunters often go home empty-handed. But then, politicians rarely allow truth to get in the way of passing a juicy piece of legislation.

Cohen and Sherman are, no offense, about a sharp as a couple of croquet balls.

What they have done is negated the effect of thirty years of conservation efforts, by David Bamberger and others, and signed the death certificates for these animals.

The value of the scimitar-horned oryx has already dropped by half. Within ten years there will be virtually none of them left in America, and shortly thereafter they will probably disappear forever. There is just no reason for them to survive without hunting.

And they won’t.

And that’s the problem. These idiots, with the best of intentions, have paved the road to extinction for animals they are sincerely trying to help.

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All-day channel cat strategies that will help extend your effective fishing well into the afternoon by matt williams 22 |

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THE LORDLY LARGEMOUTH MIGHT BE America’s fish. But here in Texas, there are armies of fans helplessly devoted to the lowly channel cat. The following is so strong that Ictalurus punctatus won third in a Texas Parks and Wildlife angler popularity vote behind largemouth bass and crappie.

I’ve often wondered why channel cats rank so far down the hit list. They are abundant statewide, fun to catch and usually more cooperative from one day to the next than the other two put together. Plus, channel cat are protected by liberal limits and they make for some outstanding table fare.

Here’s an angler’s guide of tips to help you become more proficient at catching ol’ whiskers:

Slip Cork and Hook

This is as simple as it gets. The slip cork keeps the bait elevated off the bottom while at the same time acting as a reliable signpost to let you know when a fish takes the bait.

You can adjust the slip cork to target different water depths quickly and easily by slid-

ing a bobber stop or piece of rubber band up or down the main line.

The slip cork set-up can be used in combination with a variety of baits - live, dead or prepared - for targeting channel cat around rocks, retaining walls, boat docks or anywhere else they live.

Lake Fork fishing guide Gary Paris likes to make use of the slip cork rig in a variety of situations. One of his favorites is to drift prepared punch or stink baits over submerged creek beds or channel ledges in water ranging 2-8 feet deep.

The guide prefers to tie or anchor the boat upwind from channel swings or straightaways whenever possible. “This allows the wind to work for you,” Paris said. “The wind keeps the cork and bait away from the boat. Plus, it carries the scent of the punch

bait down the straightaway or into the creek bend. This will attract fish from distance.”

Paris always uses a treble hook (No. 4) in combination with his punch bait. He adds a split shot sinker just above the hook to keep the bait down and make the cork standing erect.

Cormorant Roosts

Flocks of double-crested cormorants migrate to Texas lakes each fall and winter.

They spend part of their time dining on shad and other succulent forage. The rest is spent lounging on stumps and standing timber, where they periodically relieve their clogged bowels over the course of the day.

While most of the birds head back north in late spring, there are some resident populations on a few Texas lakes. Fork is among them.

Channel and blue cat like to gather beneath roost trees to pick off the high proChannel and blue cats are attracted to the poop dropped by lounging cormorants.

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tein cormorant poop when it goes splat on the surface. Anglers have learned they can get their line stretched by tossing various baits around the roost trees to simulate the droppings.

Paris and Cedar Creek fishing guide Jason Barber are most fond of chicken gizzards, mainly because the meat is tough and hard to get off the hook. The bait also makes a nice “splat” when it hits the surface. Both guides prefer to use no weight in combination with a heavy-duty worm hook, braided line and a stiff rod.

“It’s real important to approach the roost trees very quietly to avoid spooking the fish,”

Baiting a Hole

Catfish are one big olfactory gland. They will feed by sight. But most often they go where their noses lead them.

One of the best ways to insure some success with channel cat is to chum a hole or two using soured maize, chicken scratch or milo. Bagged range cubes intended for feeding cattle also work well.

The idea behind chumming is to ignite a feeding frenzy and concentrate the fish into a specific spot. For best results, secure the boat so it doesn’t move and scatter some soured grain up down one side of the boat. A coffee

Chuming with soured maize, chicken scratch or milo can ignite a catfish feeding frenzy and concentrate the fish in a specific area.

Paris said. “I like to stay 30-40 feet away when I make my casts and I try to land the bait as tight to the stump or tree possible.”

Another way to score around roosts is to anchor upwind and cast a Carolina style rig to the fringes using punch bait, chicken liver, night crawlers or shrimp. A slip cork rig also can be effective in this situation.

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can or two will usually get the job done.

Drop a glob of stink bait or earthworm into a swarm of catfish and bites are just about guaranteed.

Most of the fish caught over baited holes will range 1-3 pounds, but bigger fish will show up on occasion.

Lake Palestine guide Ricky Vandergriff likes to keep several spots baited, even when he isn’t fishing them. He says it is good insurance, because it trains the channel cats

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Channel Cat Profile channel catfish spawn in late spring or early summer when water temperatures reach 75°F. Males select nest sites which are normally dark secluded areas such as cavities in drift piles, logs, undercut banks, rocks, cans, etc. Males guard the nest, and may actually eat some of the eggs if they are disturbed.

The eggs, if not devoured, typically hatch in about a week. Fry remain in the nest, under the guardianship of the male, for about another week. In clear water, young fish appear to be much more susceptible to predation and survival rates

during the first year of life are much lower. Channel catfish less than 4 inches in length feed primarily on small insects.

Adults are largely omnivorous, feeding on insects, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and even some plant material. Channel catfish in Texas reach sexual maturity in 3-6 years. Most are mature by the time they reach 12 inches in length.

Channel catfish are most abundant in large streams with low or moderate current.

Channel catfish are native to North America east of the Rockies from south-

to hang close to the areas.

“Channel cats are just like bunch of dogs,” he said. “Once you start feeding them on regular basis, you can’t hardly run them off.”

Chumming will work just about anywhere, but tends to be most effective in areas with some sort of defined bottom contour change nearby. Vandergriff likes to bait

on main lake or secondary points close to a channel drain or slough. Timber flats adjacent to a creek or river channel also can be good.

Bait Doctor

Channel cat are generally pretty cooperative once you push their button, but some-

ern Canada, south into northeastern Mexico, and east of the Appalachians with the exception of much of the coastal plain north of Florida. The species has been widely introduced in other areas as far west as California. Today channel catfish range throughout Texas, however, it is believed that the species was not native to the upper Rio Grande and Pecos basins.

Channel catfish in excess of 36 pounds have been landed in Texas waters. The North American record stands at 58 pounds.

—Texas Parks & Wildlife

times it may be necessary to throw them a change up. One of Vandergriff’s favorite tricks is to alter the pale color of shrimp and chicken hearts by soaking them in chartreuse Dip-N-Dye. “It makes the bait glow beneath the surface, plus it gives it a garlic flavor and scent,” Vandergriff said.

Prior to dying the shrimp, Vandergriff will remove the shell and soak the soft bodies in salt water for 2-3 days. This increases their firmness and makes it harder to rob the baits off the hook.

Where the Wind Blows

Wind churns up waves that press zooplankton and other microorganisms against the shoreline. This lures in bream, shad, minnows and other forage, which in turn attracts larger predators.

Any windy shoreline can be good, but wind-blown points can be particularly attractive to channel cats. Points cluttered with logjams, stumps or scattered vegetation can be especially good.

A Carolina style rig is ideal for bottom fishing these types of places. Using a short leader (12 inches) will help detect subtle bites.

Another key ingredient to the Carolina rig is a two-inch Comal cork in chartreuse, red or pink. Pegged about three inches above the hook, the cork will float the bait slightly off the bottom and adds some color beneath the surface.

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Success (and Sob) Stories from CCA’s Million-Dollar Coastal Tournament by calixto gonzales 28 |

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MIKE AMELING DIDN’T KNOW whether to laugh or cry. For years he had renewed his Coastal Conservation membership with an eye towards winning one of the STAR Tournament categories and the grand prize that went with it. Since retirement from teaching high school math, he’d average 150 days per year on Lower Laguna Madre, with occasional forays to Baffin Bay and Port Aransas, and he’d always caught plenty of speckled trout and redfish; some of the trout were real bruisers, too. Certainly he would eventually score a winner. The law of averages was on his side, right?

Then one bright May morning he was wading a back bay in Port Mansfield’s famed East Cut and spotted a tailing redfish. He laid his gold Red Ripper directly in front of the fish’s path and the spottail obliged by zipping forward and nailing the shiny offering. Five minutes later, he slipped his wade net under the fish. That’s when he noticed the CCA tag in its shoulder.

“I started thinking about the truck and

the boat,” Ameling recounted. “I was an accountant, so I began figuring out in my head how much the IRS was going to hit me for the prize value. I figured I’d sell my old truck and boat to pay that off and ride in style on the highway and on the water.”

Then the cold, slimy tailfin of Reality slapped Ameling right in the face.

The date he caught the redfish was May 25th, a full three days before the tournament officially started.

“Well,” Ameling said with a shrug, “he still tasted good on the half-shell.”

The Hunt for Red Gold

Near misses like Amelings are part of the mystique of the Coastal Conservation Association’s annual Star Angler’s Rodeo.

Certainly, the most coveted category is the tagged redfish division. Sixty redfish with special CCA tags are released into Coastal waters between Port Isabel and Port Arthur. As CCA Rodeo rules state, the first five qualified anglers (that is, members in good standing of CCA or it’s youth organization—New David Holt, caught the first tagged redTide—who are over fish of the 2011 tournament on June six years of age at the 2 and registered it at Roy’s Bait & time of the competiTackle in Corpus Christi. tion) to bring in a tagged redfish that he/or she caught by noncommercial hook and line (although casting of said hook and line and netting by another PhotoS: CCA TEXAS

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Paul Resendez, 2nd Tagged Redfish caught on June 2 and turned it in at Indianola Fishing Marina on West Matagorda Bay.

is permitted) wins a new Ford F-150 “Texas Edition” pickup truck and Haynie 23 Bigfoot with a Mercury 150 Optimax and Coastline Trailer. The next five redfish turned in with a tag earn the lucky anglers the Haynie Bigfoot.

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The Angler’s Rodeo has served as a boon for CCA membership. Roughly 40,000 anglers participate in the tournament annually, which means that there are that many active CCA members annually.

Several members join—and stay—specifically for the tournament.

“I can say that I renew every year for that truck and boat,” said Gene “Scooter”

3/8/12 9:25 AM

S.T.A.R. Weigh Stations 2682 E. Roundbunch Orange, TX 77630 (409) 886-1115 SGS Causeway 3897 MLK Dr. Port Arthur, TX 77640 (409) 985-4811 Sportsmans Supply 5310 S Gulfway Dr Sabine Pass, TX 77655 (409)971-2535 Stingaree Marina 1296 Stingaree Road Crystal Beach, TX 77650 (409) 684-3067

Marburger’s Sporting Goods 1400 Bayport Blvd.

Seabrook, TX 77586 (281) 474-3229

Shell Food Mart 4717 State Highway35 S Palacios, TX 77465 (361) 972-3131

Fat Boys Bait & Tackle 601 Jones Lake Road Galveston, TX 77554 (409) 655-5150

Russell’s Bait & Tackle Harbor Road # 1 Matagorda, TX 77457 (979) 863-7620

GYB Bait & Tackle 715 Holiday Drive Galveston, TX 77550 (409) 762-3168

Indianola Fishing Marina 8 Bell Street (end of Hwy. 316/Ocean Drive) Indianola, TX 77979 (361) 552-5350

Surfside Marina 827 Gulf Rd Surfside Beach, TX 77541 (979) 230-9400

Baytown/Cove area -TBA

McGee. “Those prizes and the tournament keep me coming back.”

It may seem as a cynical way of boosting membership rolls; however, much like church, the important part is getting people through the door in order to work on them.

Stanford Knowles of the Cameron County Chapter of CCA pointed out that the members that join for the Rodeo still receive other membership benefits, such as Tide, the organization’s magazine, and full privileges to attend meetings.

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Woody’s Sport’s Center 136 W. Cotter Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-5252

The Fishing Center 13th @ Intercoastal Waterway Port O’Conner, TX 77982-0447 (361) 983-4440

Sargent Area - TBA

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Roy’s Bait & Tackle 7613 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 992-2960 Harbor Bait & Tackle 123 W. Harbor Port Mansfield, TX 78598 (956) 944-2367 South Shore Bait & Tackle 125 W. South Shore Drive Port Isabel, TX 78578 (956) 943-1027

“Members can still come to meetings and have input,” he said. “(Membership) enables them to be better informed about our goals, activities, and coastal issues. It’s a win-win scenario for all.”

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A Tough Out

Observers marvel at the seeming extravagance of the prizes offered in the tagged redfish program. Ten top-of-the-line boats and five Ford trucks are nothing to sneeze at. It should be noted, though, that there are 40,000 possible participants endeavoring to catch 10 of 60 tagged redfish among literally hundreds of thousands of reds spread over 900 miles of Texas coastline. Moreover, though some consider redfish a “dumb” fish, they are still wild critters that are not easily fooled. A goodly amount of skill, and more than a little luck, is involved.

Knowles points out that most of the tagged reds are caught in the mid and upper coasts. “Not many (are caught) in the Valley (Lower Laguna Madre),” he said.

“I don’t know why.”

Catching a tagged redfish, however, doesn’t necessarily guarantee a prize. Over the years, plenty of tagged redfish get caught, but only a few qualify. 2011 saw 12 redfish caught, but only three won prizes. In 2010, for example, CCA reports that 13 tagged redfish were caught, but only six actually qualified. Of the three 2011 redfish, one was weighed in at Roy’s Bait and Tackle in Corpus Christi, a second in Port Aransas, and a third in Indianola.

The Rodeo rules are very clear in what tagged reds qualify. The redfish must be caught between the start and end dates of the tournament—this year it is from dawn, 25 May to 5 p.m. Labor Day—the tag must be intact and still attached to the fish, the fish cannot be frozen, spoiled, or mutilated, fish cannot be transferred from one angler to another, and it must be weighed in at an official CCA weigh-in station. Breaking any of these rules will disqualify the fish.

The rules, however, aren’t in place to discourage anglers from joining CCA and participating. To the contrary, the rules guarantee that anglers in the tournament are protected from not only from cheaters, but even being accused of cheating. As McGee pointed out, an angler has to go through so much to win the tournament that no one can argue his or her worthiness of the prize.

“And that keeps me coming back,” he said.

Him along with 39,999 of his closest fishing buddies.

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3/5/12 11:47 AM

Texas Department of Defense Defensive Tactics

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ou can’t learn everything you need to know from a book, that is the truth.

However, you can learn a great many good tidbits of information that you might otherwise never find. I recommend reading a lot, especially if you carry a handgun and intend to use it for personal protection. You see, the truth is that you will never know how you will respond until that time comes. When you are faced with the choice of dying or fighting, many people choose to fight. However, many will turn tail and run, and be shot in the back. Well chosen books will help you prepare mentally for that sudden violent confrontation that you hope never comes, but for which you

are preparing.

Truth: “If you are involved in a fair fight, your tactics suck.” (Quote from Clint Smith, Thunder Ranch.)

Here is another truth: If you are ever faced with a situation where you are facing a person who appears to be intending to kill you, or at least to do you great bodily harm, you are much better off to attack than to run, or even wait for his next move. You see, most such hyenas never expect their victims to attack. They actually expect you to cower and plead for your life, or turn and run. That is what the sheep of the world do.

Books You Need to Read OVER THE LAST CENTURY or so there have been a lot of books written on the subject of self-defense. These books range from the ridiculous to the indispensable. I doubt that you will ever really “need” to read the books written on the various martial arts, such as Kung Fu and Jujitsu, but if you do read them you will probably be more prepared for conflict than if you had not. However, since we are talking primarily about the self-defense firearm in this department, we will ignore the hand-to-hand books and go to those I feel really are the best on the subject of gunfighting.

The best book I have ever read on the subject of gunfighting and self-defense is the book by former Navy SEAL, Don Mann, titled “The Modern Day Gunslinger: Defensive Tactical Handgun Training.”

Don Mann covers every aspect of the art and science of gunfighting; he tells of tactics, weapons, and preparedness.

Everything in the book is real-life and

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by Steve LaMascus When faced with a sheep dog, especially one who carries a gun and is trained to use it very well, they simply don’t know what to do. If you attack, you may have a couple of seconds to do the job while they are shocked at your response. That couple of seconds can save your life.

Also, be aggressive! Don’t do it halfway.

If you attack, attack with every fiber of your being, with every ounce of your strength, and keep attacking until he is no longer a threat.

If you are doing it with your fists and feet, keep at it until you are physically unable to do it any longer. If you are using a gun, keep at it until you are absolutely certain that the threat is no longer a threat. I repeat, be aggressive.

When you decide to make your move, try to be deceptive. If you are right handed, raise your left hand and scream, “Oh, my God, don’t hurt me,” as you go for your useful, because Mann has been there, done that, and worn out a dozen of the tee shirts in actual combat. Mann has given us a text book on the subject of gunfighting and self-defense that is based on his very real experience. If you carry a gun and are serious about being able to use it in a life-on-the-line situation, read this book. Better yet, buy the book and read it several times a year, and then practice what it says. It might save your life.

Another great book is “Principles of Personal Defense,” by Jeff Cooper, a retired combat marine who has also been there and done that. He is one of the best at putting in writing the tactics that will allow you to react properly to a sudden violent threat and save your own life. In the foreword it says, “ Principles of Personal Defense is the fighting man’s Continued on page 37 u PhotoS: David Grossman; Photo canstock credit

3/7/12 9:30 AM

Whether defending with fist or firearm, attack aggressively and do not stop until the threat has been neutralized.

gun. Misdirect the hyena. Take out your wallet—always carry your wallet in your weak side pocket—fumble with it and drop it at arms length to your weak side. If you are

carrying something, toss it at his eyes before you begin your draw. A man will invariably flinch if something is thrown at his face, and he will usually try to fend it of with his strong

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hand. If his strong hand is holding a gun, you just got your break. However, for this to make a difference you will have had to have practiced with your gun to the point where

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Texas Department of Defense

you can draw it and hit the target with it in less than 2 seconds from a cold start. If you can’t do that, anything else above is only going to get you killed.

Know everything you can possibly know about everything around you. In other words, be alert.

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you at about as much of a disadvantage as possible. It makes you a sheep, waiting to be sheared.

Try to be a sheep dog, not Instead be a one of the sheep. sheepdog.

Do not be caught in Condition White – ever. If you are walking along the San Antonio River Walk with your wife or girlfriend, be in condition yellow. Do not let your loved one block your draw. Get used to sitting or standing with your back to a wall, facing the most likely danger zone. Know what and who is around you, including what is behind you.

Pick out the possible dangers -- dark areas, When you walk up to your car, have the people standing around in places that people keys in your hand, but not your gun hand. shouldn’t stand around in; the same face you Do not walk up to the door of your car, stop, have seen several times that seems to pop reach into your pocket and fumble for your up every time you turn around. It may be keys with your arms full of packages. This completely innocent and coincidental, but type of action is tantamount to an engraved anything suspicious deserves a mental Postinvitation to an armed robber. It also puts It Note to keep an eye open should it be seen

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Self Defense Books guide to mental conditioning – plain and simple. And there is no better work on the subject – period.”

Since mental preparedness is the first line of defense, you really should read this book. If you have read any of my articles you will find some of the principles espoused by the late Col. Cooper in them, whether I learned them from his writings or from my own experience.

Cooper, in his later life, was known as The Guru, and lived up to the name. He was one of the best and his books are all but indispensable to anyone who carries

a gun for self defense.

One of my personal heroes is the late U.S. Border Patrol, Assistant Chief Patrol Agent, ret., Bill Jordan. Bill was a giant of a man and the fastest man with a six-gun that ever trod the banks of the Rio Grande. He was in multiple gunfights and knew whereof he spoke on the subject of self-defense. His book, “No Second Place Winner,” is still one of the finest treatises on the subject of gunfighting.

I had the privilege of meeting Bill Jordan when I was in high school in Eagle Pass, Texas, in 1968. Bill came to the school and gave a demonstration of his skill with a handgun. I was amazed at what he could do with a revolver. I tried

for the next 40 years to match his speed and accuracy and have finally decided that I do not have the physical ability to do so. However, in attempting to match his skills, and in practicing those skills regularly, I became much better than I would have been had I not met Chief Jordan and read his fine book.

When I was in the Border Patrol Academy I wrote to Bill wanting to buy his book, and he sent me a signed copy.

Sometime later someone decided they needed it worse than I did and took it. I have had a real problem forgiving whoever it was. I replaced the book, but the new one just isn’t the same.

again. Never let anyone sneak up behind you when you are isolated. This is exactly what the bad guys do. If you see someone suspicious walking up to you—or very conspicuously not walking precisely toward you, but always getting closer—when you are alone, make it known to them that you are aware of their presence. “Hey, guys. Know

the difference between a sheep and a sheepdog?” If there are several of them, make it known that you are armed and prepared to fight. “My Glock says that this is a really bad idea.”

Most importantly, you always need to be the designated driver. If you are drinking, leave the gun at home. Too many mistakes

have been made and blamed on alcohol. I have seen and heard of drunk cops making some inconceivably boneheaded decisions. If you carry a gun, especially if you are a law enforcement officer, do not drink!

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—Steve LaMascus

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3/2/12 3:48 PM

PART 4 OF OUR YEAR-LONG SERIES

The Laws and Regulations on Hunting Turkey in Texas, What They Mean and Why They Exist

unlike anglers who fish for largemouth bass and saltwater fish who must go through an encyclopedia of regulations to see how large, how many and where they can fish, spring turkey hunters are blessed. Or are they?

Most of us who hunt spring turkeys know we are required to have a hunting license and tag the birds after they have been shot, but does everyone really know all there is to know about Texas turkey hunting regulations?

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Actually, spring turkey hunting regulations are very simple, but it pays to know all of them so you don’t have to pay later after you have made a mistake and violated the law.

Take a trip through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Outdoor Annual regulations booklet and you can learn a lot about what you can and cannot do to stay within the boundaries of the law.

The Rio Grande species of turkeys is the most numerous in Texas and is found basically west of the Trinity River. The Eastern turkey species, once virtually eliminated by commercial hunting, unlawful hunting, and changing land use practices, have been restocked in counties as far north as Red River to extreme southeast Texas. They have done well in some counties, not so well in others.

Although Rio Grandes and Easterns appear similar in stature, the hunting regulations for them differ considerably, including means and methods, annual limits, and when they may be hunted. Let’s begin with the “when.”

This spring’s Rio Grande turkey season in 101 North Zone counties will run March 31-May 13, with special youth-only seasons set for March 24-25 and again May 19-20.

The Rio Grande turkey season in South Zone will be March 17-April 29 in 54 counties with special youth-only seasons set for March 10-11 and May 5-6. An additional eight South Texas counties will have an April 1-30 season and one-gobbler limit with no special youth seasons.

Turning to East Texas, you will find the spring season in 28 counties will be April 15-May 14. This may seem like just a mixture of dates to some but it’s more than that.

Rio Grande turkey hunters are allowed to shoot four turkeys per year, gobblers only or bearded hens in the spring in most counties, any sex during the fall, and other limits in a few counties. Eastern turkey hunters, on the other hand, may hunt turkeys only during the spring season and are limited to one bird per year.

Also, Rio Grande turkey hunters only are required to tag the birds they shoot with a tag from their hunting license. Eastern turkey hunters not only are required to tag their birds but they also are required to take their birds to designated check stations within 24 hours of the kill and their birds can only be field-dressed.

For Rio Grande turkeys in counties

restricted to gobblers only and/or bearded hens, a male turkey must have one leg including the spur attached to the bird, or the bird, accompanied by a patch of skin with breast feathers and beard attached, is acceptable as proof of sex. An exception is that a receipt from a taxidermist or a signed statement from a landowner or his agent stating the hunter’s name, date it was killed, the sex of the turkey and whether the bird had a beard will suffice.

There are other differences in hunting regulations for Eastern and Rio Grande turkeys. For one, Rio Grande turkeys may be hunted with any legal firearm, including rim fire and center fire rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and bows and arrows, including crossbows.

The only weapons that can be used to hunt Eastern turkeys are shotguns and archery equipment, including crossbows.

The reason Eastern turkey hunters cannot use rifles and handguns to hunt turkeys during the spring season is, in my opinion, the result of an attitude toward spring turkey hunting dating back to when it first began to gain popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.

Most hunters at that time shot turkeys while hunting deer, not using calls to entice them into close range. As more hunters learned the excitement of calling turkeys, attitudes changed, not only in Texas but elsewhere.

Nevertheless, no changes were made in weapons legal for Rio Grandes, just for the newer Eastern turkey regulations.

Most spring turkey hunters today prefer to go into the woods, use a call to draw the birds to within close range and shoot them with a shotgun. Others, however, prefer the “ambush” approach and shoot them from their “deer blinds” over game feeders, along trails and elsewhere. However one chooses to hunt spring turkeys is his or her own game. I like the shotgun approach and apparently others did, too, when the Eastern turkey hunting regulations were established.

Hunting is hunting, so give it all you have whatever your preference is.

Another difference in hunting regulations for the two species of turkeys is that Rio Grande turkeys may be hunted over baited areas, Eastern turkeys may not.

If you will look at your hunting license, you will find there are four tags there for turkeys, and they are listed as Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4. The ones numbered 1 and 2 can be used for turkeys taken in any county with a four-bird annual bag limit.

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Tag No. 3 is for one Eastern turkey or for one Rio Grande Turkey.

Tag No. 4 is for a turkey taken in any county with a four-turkey annual bag limit or for turkey in Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Fayette, Jackson, Lavaca or Milam counties where the bag limit is one turkey for the spring season only.

Many other turkey hunting regulations are common sense, such as no hunting is allowed from public roads or rights of ways to public roads and no turkeys may be hunted while they are on their roosts.

Here are a few other regulations you may be interested in: Anyone hunting turkeys, regardless of age, is required to have a Texas hunting license. A resident is a person who has lived continually within the state for six months prior to license application and can purchase a hunting license for $25. An Upland Game Bird Stamp Endorsement ($7) also must be purchased with that license to hunt turkeys.

A non-resident may purchase a special spring turkey hunting license for $126 with no Upland Game Bird Stamp Endorsement required.

A youth hunting license can be purchased by anyone under age 17 and no stamp endorsements are required. Senior citizens age 65 and older can buy a hunting license for $7 but the stamp endorsements are required to hunt turkeys and other game.

Anyone applying for a hunting license must submit their Social Security number.

That is required by federal law and a hunting license will not be sold to anyone who refuses to provide their Social Security number.

Also, anyone born after Sept. 2, 1971 must pass a Hunter Education Course. The minimum age for that requirement is age 9. The course costs $15. Persons age 17 or older can purchase a one-year deferral from the Hunter Safety course requirement for $10. Proof of having taken a Hunting Safety course or having purchased a deferral must be in the hunter’s procession while hunting but is not required to be submitted while purchasing a hunting license.

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Texas Bowhunting

by Lou Marullo | TF&G Bow Hunting Editor

A Day to Remember

O

h I love this time of year. The days are a little longer. The air is a little warmer and the turkeys are sounding off every morning. April, on every Texas calendar, should have a great big picture of a beautiful Rio Grande turkey, and they are beautiful. The colors they sport set them apart from the other species out there.

However, here in the great State of Texas, we are blessed to have three out of the four species of turkeys.

Last month I wrote about different equipment to use while bow hunting these critters.

If you review my column for April, you will get a good idea of what type of broadhead to use and also different ideas on how we like to hunt turkeys with our bow. I will not bother repeating myself. I am sure that if you are serious enough to take your bow to the turkey woods, then you are diligent enough to research the knowledge you will need to harvest one of these birds.

I thought I would write about introducing a child to hunting. What better way for a child to learn to love the outdoors than to visit the turkey woods. I know there are some very proud Moms and Dads out there that have witnessed their child take a whitetail with a rifle, and they should be proud. But try to put yourself in a child’s mind for a moment. How exciting it is to hear a gobbler sound off in the distance. Your little hunter will learn that as you do your best to sound like a hen, that gobble is getting louder and louder and your child’s undeniable smile will get bigger and bigger. He or she will learn that the bird is looking for them and the hunters are in a great hiding place. What kid doesn’t like hide and seek?

I had the opportunity to take my little guy out to try his luck on turkeys last year. We spend the previous summer in the yard having some fun shooting our bows. He actually

got to be pretty good, if I do say so myself.

He told me he would rather hunt with a bow but I decided that on the day of the hunt I would also bring along his Mossberg 20 gauge youth Bantam 500 pump action bow—I mean shotgun—just in case!

I took the time to do my scouting trips and I was confident that I knew where the birds like to roost. A scouting camera proved that the birds like to use this one field near a narrow woodlot. I traveled to the spot the day before our planned hunt and after looking around for the best location, I set up my Carnivore blind. It was getting late in the afternoon, so I decided to wait in the blind until sunset to do a little last minute scouting.

It was not long before I heard the first bird fly up to its roost. Soon, the entire flock of birds made a racket as they flew up to a safe branch and comfortable spot to spend the night. Perfect. Tomorrow morning we will have some action for sure.

By the time I finished telling my new hunting buddy about all the birds I had heard, he was so excited it was like going to bed Christmas Eve. I am not even sure he slept at all.

Morning came much too early for me, but Justin was already up and getting ready.

After a small breakfast, we hopped in the truck and set out for the turkey woods.

Under a blanket of darkness, we walked through the field trying to be as quiet as a field mouse. I had to laugh a little when we walked by the scouting camera. It flashed and scared my little guy clean out of his boots! I never knew he could jump that high.

We sat comfortably in the Carnivore portable blind and enjoyed a few snacks while we waited for sunrise.

I wrote about the Carnivore blind by Ameristep last month and I really cannot say enough about it. It is perfect for turkey hunting especially if you are introducing a child to this new experience. He could move about freely without any chance of being seen by those wary birds.

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like the bird was in the blind with us. We both looked at each other and smiled. I never knew he could have such a big smile.

I double-checked our decoy set up to and was convinced that it would fool any birds that entered the field that morning. Soon the hens were making their soft tree calls and the woods woke up to a turkey serenade.

I took my hat off and vigorously slapped it up against my leg to mimic the sound of a bird flying down. Then, I yelped with my mouth call just as quiet as I could as if to say “Hey, I’m here and everything is alright.

Come join me.” The gobbler sounded off immediately. This time with a double gobble. Moments later the birds started to fly out of their roosts, and Justin was ready. I could see the excitement in his eyes as he waited for the first bird to walk into view.

With his bow in hand, he glanced over to me as if he needed some kind of approval. I simply nodded my head and reminded him “Aim small, miss small.”

We could hear the birds walking closer to us. Looking out through the mesh on my side, I saw the first turkey. As he approached the decoys, he had absolutely no idea that he was about to have a bad day. My new hunter drew his bow back and took careful aim.

The arrow flew true and the Gobbler Getter broadheads did their job.

This was a day that neither one of us would soon forget. It seemed like it was all over too soon, but the memory of that hunt would last a lifetime.

I never knew I could be so proud.

Have fun and be safe out there.

Email Lou Marullo at lmarullo@fishgame.com

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RESTING WITH HIS BACK against a tree, the hunter (who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent) had been calling all day with limited success.

Actually it was zero success.

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The hunt was so slow that his companions, his dad and a family friend, had fallen asleep. That’s right, asleep, which is somewhat understandable considering what they’d seen that afternoon.

Then right in front of him stood a turkey. It hadn’t gobbled, putted, purred, fanned, strutted… nothing, as it came into the calling that a Photo:Natureguy, canstock

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The maddening, frustrating, and just plain mean things turkeys do to hunters.

few minutes ago the hunter thought he was doing for his own entertainment. Putting the bead of his shotgun on the gobbler’s head our hunter squeezed the trigger and the bird never moved. By never moved, I mean it literally never moved. Just stood there not even blinking trying to figure out what that loud noise was.

by Paul Bradshaw It’s hard to tell who was more stunned, the shooter or the turkey, but the gobbler regained his senses quicker and took off running right in front of the hunter’s dad who was woken up by the shotgun blast just in T e x a S

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time to shoot the quickly escaping bird.

His name is Tom, he weighs 20 pounds, has the mental capacity of a rotten peach pit, and this spring he is going to make you look really really stupid. Dang turkeys.

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never hunt them again if they had to choose between turkey and deer. Why? Because honestly, deer can be boring. We sit over feeders and watch them with cameras and basically hope they come by.

Turkey, on the other hand, excite the senses. Most of the time you’re not sitting there hoping one walks by, you can hear or see them and know exactly where the turkey is and are trying to convince it to come your way with calls and decoys. Turkey hunting involves more interaction between predator and prey than just about any other form of hunting.

It’s the ultimate game of tag, and 90% of the time the turkey wins.

Mike Fisher isn’t originally from the great state of Texas (he got here as quick as he could), but we won’t hold that against him because when it comes to turkey hunting he knows his stuff. Thankfully he took the time one evening to talk turkey with me so that I could pass along to you a few tips to keep you from cussing the birds like the hunter at the beginning of this article.

“You have to understand,” Mike shared, “when you are calling a gobbler in that you are doing the exact opposite of what happens in nature. Normally, the hens go to the tom, not the other way around.”

The reverse nature of calling in gobblers is what leads to probably the most frustrating event in turkey hunting, the bird that hangs up out of range. The bird comes in, doesn’t like what it sees and refuses to cross an imaginary line just outside of shotgun range.

Years ago Mike had a turkey do this to him one morning but with a little ingenuity he still bagged the bird. He and his hunting partner had been working a big tom all morning. It would come up to a small ridge 80 yards away looking for the lonesome hen that was calling, then move out and start to walk away when it couldn’t find it. This went on for a while until Mike had finally had enough. The next time it moved away Mike slipped up to the ridge and hid. When he was in place his partner called, the bird came back to the exact same spot looking for love one last time and it was game over.

It doesn’t always work out that well though. There was the time that Mike had a tom fly down from the roost and land almost in his lap, just slightly left of directly in front of him. The only problem was there was a small sapling in the way. Mike couldn’t move his gun to the left and shoot the bird just yards away. To add insult to injury, after the first bird walked off behind him another larger turkey flew off the roost and did the exact same thing. Dang turkeys.

Sometimes you have to let the birds go in order to get them later. “Don’t educate the birds,” Mike advised. “It’s a long season, so you might have to let them walk right now in order to get them later.” An old bird is a smart bird so if you let him know you’re in the woods, you just made him ten times harder to kill.

Mike put his “let him walk” theory into action a few years back to take a fat West Texas gobbler. There really are no big

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trees in West Texas, but Mike had located the largest trees in the area he was hunting and sure enough they had turkeys roosting in them. Sneaking in before dark, Mike set up next to the trees, overlooking a powerline right of way, where the birds would fly down to when the sun got up. It was the perfect set-up, but someone forgot to mention it to the birds.

The sun started up and on cue a pair of gobblers pitched out of the tree and into the opening landing just out of range.

Normally, a few hits with a mouth call would bring them in the few yards needed for the shot but unfortunately they landed with a bunch of hens. I don’t care how pretty you are or how seductive your calling is, you are no match for a turkey hen. So Mike just let them walk. As far as the birds knew he was never even there.

Fortunately, Mike knew where the birds were feeding and later that afternoon set up between the feeding grounds and the roost.

While the birds made their way back to the roost, he sat rock solid, not making calling at all, and had the whole flock pass in front of him before he took a shot and bagged a gobbler.

Turkey can be one of the most insanely frustrating animals to hunt, making you feel like slate call toting imbecile. But just call in your first bird, just one little bird, and you might never want to hunt anything else.

Dang Turkeys!

Photo: Brenda C, Bigstock

3/5/12 11:52 AM

Hunt Texas

by Bob Hood | TF&G Hunting Editor

Picking a Cat Fight

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he thrills of calling predators hit me hard as a teenager. Wayne Weems was alive then and making wooden mouth-blown game calls in my hometown of Fort Worth. His calls eventually expanded to 45-rpm portable record players and later cassettes.

Fast forward decades later to the early 2000s when the excitement of attracting a predator in close while mimicking an injured animal led me to the mountains of Mexico at Rancho Caracol, a 5-star hunting operation that catered mainly to whitewing dove and quail hunters.

When ranch owners Barry and Dean Putegnat offered me the use of their pickup truck and an electronic predator call on their ranch to see if I could call up a “big cat,” I leaped at the opportunity. The Putegnats have worked with U.S. and Mexico wildlife researchers to document the presence of five species of wild cats on their huge ranch_ ocelot, bobcat, margay, jaguar and jaguarundi.

They set out trail cameras at watering facilities they had constructed and waited for the results.

I went to one of the watering sites and called up a large bobcat and photographed it although the direction of the sun that morning didn’t lend to a great photo. I remember the hunt well but, afterwards, learning more about jaguars, I wondered if I really wanted to call up a cat that often exceeds more than 200 pounds in size. After all, the jaguar’s name comes from the Native American name yaguar, which means “he who kills with one leap.”

My thoughts about jaguars were renewed last hunting season while eating lunch at the Wagon Wheel restaurant in the Mills County seat of Goldthwaite. The Hill Country town is one of my favorite places

Photo: Bob Hood

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to visit, shop and talk with locals, especially during the hunting seasons. It remains as one of the few towns that still display a “Welcome Hunters” banner across its main street, holds raffles on the town square with items geared towards hunters and their families, and, plain and simple, it is a very comfortable place to be a guest.

While enjoying my lunchtime meal, I turned through the local newspaper, the Goldthwaite Eagle, to an article about a spotted cat shot by three hunters in 1903.

Along with the article was a photograph of the big tan and orange cat with black spots which was the last jaguar reported killed in the Hills Country area.

The saga, written by Judy Wigley of

The picture of the 1903 jaguar killed by hunters in Mills County hangs in the Mills County Historical Museum in Goldthwaite.

Goldthwaite, began with two men, Henry Morris and Homer Brown, set out to hunt raccoons, bobcats, ringtail cats, gray fox or whatever else their dogs would tree. On the way, they were joined by a young friend, John Walton.

As the story goes, the trio were armed with small caliber rifles, a shotgun and a Colt .45 revolver. Their hounds picked up a trail quickly and the chase was on. Their quarry climbed into a tree and the three hunters rushed to see what their dogs had at bay. What they saw was the biggest cat they had ever seen.

It was a huge jaguar, the third largest feline in the world behind the tiger and lion. It is the largest cat species on the T e x a S

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Western hemisphere and originally native to the southwestern United States, Mexico and potions of Paraguay and Argentina. It resembles a leopard with habits resembling mostly that of a tiger with a stalk-andambush feeding tactic.

One of the men shot at the cat but it leaped from the tree and escaped into the brush. The dogs immediately pursued it but the cat responded in defense by killing some of the dogs. Walton went for help and the big cat later attacked a horse before being shot in the shoulder with a load of buckshot.

Morris eventually killed the jaguar, which was taken to Center City where local citizens came to get a close-up look at the huge spotted cat estimated to weigh 200 pounds.

No one knows for sure who removed the jaguar’s pelt but it ended up in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. The Mills County Historical Museum has requested it be sent to their museum but were told by a Smithsonian representative that the hide was folded and to brittle to be moved, said Peggy Blackwell of the Mills County Historical Museum.

Nevertheless, the Mills County Historical Museum at Goldthwaite does have a blown-up framed photo of the three hunters, some of their dogs, and the huge jaguar taken by them in 1903, which she allowed me to photograph.

Some historians say the last jaguars killed in Texas were one shot in the Rio Grande Valley in 1946 and one killed in Kingsville in 1948, but those are only the last to be reported. The jaguar’s presence in Texas no doubt is history, or is it?

We now have black bears reappearing in East, Central and West Texas, there are javelinas as far north in Texas as eastern Knox County, migratory species of ducks such as the masked duck appearing outside their normal ranges, and more. No, your chances of seeing a jaguar in Texas are slim, but don’t ever say never.

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3/8/12 9:40 AM

Texas Saltwater

by Calixto Gonzales | TF&G Saltwater Editor

The Dark Half had never seen anything like it.

It was the first time I’ve ever nightfished the April full moon, but Captain Jimmy Martinez swore it was going to be one of the “most awesome fishing trips of your life.” I’ve had lots of great fishing trips, and a few that were truly memorable, so my curiosity was piqued.

Martinez timed our trip to Lower Laguna Madre’s famed South Bay to coincide with an outgoing tide and the full moon.

Fortunately for me, the full moon was on Holy Thursday this particular year, which meant I wasn’t going to have to either skip school the next morning or show up and zombie-walk through the day. Jimmy ran his blue Shallow Sport through the dark bay with expertise that I may never develop, and we arrived at our destination quickly and safely. We anchored just up-current from a spot where a series of channels cut through the ultra-shallow bay converged and the water poured off the flats into the deeper water—the famed Washing Machine.

By the time we reached the spot, the moon was rising and the outgoing tide was in full force. The powerful currents from the falling tide formed eddies and rips in the hole, and even though we had no night light I could tell there were some hefty fish in the eddies. The pops and slurps of their feeding on shrimp and baitfish thrown off the flats gave them away. We baited free-line rigs with big brown shrimp and hastily flicked them into the maelstrom.

The action was fast and intense over the next two hours, until the tide went completely slack and turned the flats into a muddy parking lot. When we finally put up or rods, Captain Martinez’s fish box was loaded with near limits of trout, redfish, black drum, a flounder that hit a Mirrolure that I’d thrown out on spec, and one 7 pound mangrove

snapper. That did not include the myriad snook, small trout and two oversized redfish we’d released.

Jimmy wasn’t exaggerating with his prediction. It was an awesome experience, except for the two hours of cleaning fish.

Spring is most Texas Coastal anglers’ favorite season. Mild weather means a chance to start wetting lines more frequently, and the warming waters stimulate trout, redfish, flounder, and other inshore species into stretching their fins and looking for prey.

Strong tides send fresh water into the bays, and bait hatches mean that there plenty of food for all. It’s a great time to fish.

Springtime anglers can find some superlative fishing opportunities if they are willing to lose some sleep. Night fishing when the tulips bloom is a strategy that every dedicated saltwater fisherman should consider, especially when the moon is full.

Because of the springtime hatches of mullet, menhaden, shrimp, and other prey species, falling springtime tides tend to push more prey off flats and into dropoffs and edges than a winter tide. Predators tend to aggregate around these dropoffs to take advantage of the buffet feast that they run into. The spring tides of the full moon (by the way, spring tides do not refer to the season, but rather to the idea that the tides of the full and new moons “spring” or surge more water than neap tides) increases the flow on and off of flats and pushes even greater quantities of bait into the loving maws of these hungry beasties. The darkness of night provides greater security to gamefish from even larger predators, but the full moon still allows them to hunt by sight as well as smell and vibration. The combination makes for hellacious nighttime action.

The kicker is that anglers don’t need to purchase or rig lights to attract fish to an area at night (although it couldn’t hurt). The fish are already concentrated and on the feed.

The best areas for a springtime night trip are those with good water flow and a clear dropoff that will aggregate the gamefish. Hannah’s Reef in Galveston Bay is an excellent nighttime spot, especially for

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wade fishermen who will find stability in the shell and sand bottom, and good fish holding structure on the points of the reef.

South Bay, the Land Cut, the Humble Channel, and Baffin Bay are also good night spots (although the latter can be a bit hairy because of the super shallow areas and the hidden rocks; anglers who are bold enough to night fish Baffin would do well to go with someone who knows the bay intimately or otherwise set up before dark and fish until dawn). Guts and points as well as reefs are good spots to focus on because of their effect on current and flow.

A good bet is to visit a prospective night fishing spot during the daytime and observe how water flows off or around the area. Mark where eddies and breaks form, because those are areas that will hold bait and fish. When you return at night, you have a better idea of where to target your casts for maximum effectiveness.

As for tackle, obviously live bait is deadly effective, especially a live shrimp or small finger mullet. When fishing flats near shorelines, a live mud minnow will often outfish any other bait. Rig bait on a free-line rig. If the current is a little stronger than expected, put a #3 split shot 10 inches above your bait to get it down into the water column.

Of course, if you want to save the trouble of using bait, there are a plethora of lures that work well at night.The DOA Shrimp is a great choice. Toss the ¼ ounce sized lure onto the flats and let the current take it into the eddies. A twitch from the rod tip completes the illusion. The glow pattern is the best choice, followed by glow/pink. Gulp!

Shrimp in glow are also deadly.

Some anglers have tried using topwaters at night. There is something about hearing a loud, unseen splash or chug and feeling your rod almost pulled from your hands that can be addictive.

So much so, it could cause some fishermen’s sleep cycles to be disrupted!

Email Cal Gonzales at cgonzales@fishgame.com

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3/5/12 10:58 AM

Texas Freshwater

by Matt Williams | TF&G Freshwater Editor

Operation Buckbrush

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ake Fork is arguably the greatest Texas bass lake of all time. But let’s face the facts. Time is catching up with the 27,000-acre reservoir near Quitman. While the lake still kicks out its share of wallhangers, it just ain’t what it used to be. Not even close.

One of the main reasons is the shift in habitat dynamics that have taken place there over the last 27 years. Early on, Fork was a jungle of cover that was almost impenetrable in places. The maze of trees and brush served as the ultimate playground and nursery for bass to thrive, and the ideal setting for anglers to soak their baits.

Much of that cover has since deteriorated and the fishing quality has gradually changed because of it. Thus the reasoning behind an aggressive habitat enhancement project put in motion last fall by Texas Parks and Wildlife inland fisheries staff and ambitious members of the Lake Fork Sportsman’s Association.

Armed with shovels, gloves and hopeful attitudes, the men teamed up and got their hands dirty as they launched what may be one of the most viable efforts of its kind ever attempted on a public water body in Texas.

I say viable, because this habitat enhancement project actually has a legitimate chance working — with a little help from Mother Nature, of course. I call it the project “Operation Buckbrush.”

Buckbrush is a slang term anglers sometimes use in reference to buttonbush, a woody shrub that can survive when flooded by several feet of water for long periods of time.

Once established, buttonbush is highly prolific. The plant provides excellent cover for bass, crappie and various forage species.

It can be very beneficial during the spring months, when spawning activity takes place.

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Furthermore, buttonbush provides anglers with a challenging jungle of shallow cover where they can pitch, flip and drop their lures.

While buckbrush is already established on many lakes across East Texas, it is most beneficial for fish on water bodies that are prone to fluctuate several feet from one year to the next. As water levels drop, the plant is able colonize on the dry ground. The new growth provides additional cover for the fish as the lake refills, while also serving as

a breeding ground for tiny microorganisms that substantiate the aquatic food chain.

Bottomline: It’s great for the fishery and great for fishing.

Countless anglers have often wondered what it might be like if such a dynamic ever came to exist at Lake Fork. With any luck, they may begin finding out within the next few years.

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unteers “salted” the lake with about 400 buttonbushes. The two-year-old plants were purchased using LFSA and TPWD funds.

The bushes, most 3-4 feet tall, were divided and planted at several different sites in Glade and Big Caney creeks left dry by the prolonged drought. The plantings were performed at varied elevations to optimize survival and propagation with future water level changes.

This is the first time in several years Fork has dropped this low, but it won’t be the last.

Increased water usage by the City of Dallas is expected to cause fluctuations up to five feet annually. Factor in natural evaporation and annual fluctuation could double that, especially in a drought situation.

Fisheries biologist Kevin Storey of Tyler says buckbrush is nothing new at Fork.

Mature stands can be found all over the lake.

Problem is, the woody cover is restricted to areas that are too shallow to do the fishery any good.

“There are buttonbush plants in the lake, but they are confined to the edge of the water at full pool,” explained Storey. “This is a consequence of a long history of stable water levels that have prevented the plants from spreading towards the lake. When the lake is full the existing plants are only in a few inches of water and no real benefit to aquatic habitat. The buttonbush we just put out should be in several feet of water once the lake refills, which should make them available cover for bass.”

Storey says he is hopeful the plants become established well enough in the months ahead that they will begin to spread by next year.

“When they produce seed, we are optimistic that these will further spread the plants,” he said. “The most noticeable impact of the plants will be felt when water levels return to normal.”

Email Matt Williams at mwilliams@fishgame.com

PhotO: Eric Engbretsen

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3/5/12 11:00 AM

TRUE GREEN

Fighting Marsh Loss in J.D. Murphree WMA The environmental and economic benefits of wetlands and prairies along the Texas Gulf Coast are tremendous, and the marshlands south of Port Arthur are no exception. Coveted by anglers and hunters for their abundant wildlife, these marshes also provide floodwater storage and storm surge protection for the citizens and industries of Chambers, Jefferson, and Orange

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TRUE GREEN photo: Ducks Unlimited

Due to saltwater intrusion, subsidence and scouring storm surges, the Salt Bayou Unit has degraded over the years, reducing the amount of emergent vegetation. Once areas lose their vegetation, they also lose many of their benefits to waterfowl and other wetland-associated wildlife and fish.

Counties. Unfortunately, these coastal marshes are disintegrating.

Marsh loss is a problem for most of the Gulf Coast, but a solution recently applied in Jefferson County may serve as the model for other areas. That solution is the use of material dredged from shipping berths, canals, and waterways in a manner that benefits degraded emergent marshes.

“Millions of cubic yards are dredged for navigational purposes each year,” Ducks Unlimited Director of Conservation Programs Jerry Holden said. “Where it’s logistically possible, it makes sense to utilize that material to address coastal wetlands loss.”

Golden Pass LNG, NOAA Fisheries, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart-

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ment agree with this perspective. When the opportunity arose to use dredged material from nearby Golden Pass LNG’s berthing facility to restore emergent marsh within the Salt Bayou Unit of the J.D. Murphree

Wildlife Management Area, the three groups enlisted the engineering and restoration capabilities of Ducks Unlimited.

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TRUE GREEN CONTINUED... photo: Ducks Unlimited

Murphree WMA t Continued from page 51 “We’ve worked with DU for many years, and we recognize their expertise in wetlands restoration,” TPWD Area

Manager for J.D. Murphree WMA Jim Sutherlin said. “This area has long been important for waterfowl, other wildlife, and fisheries, and we want to ensure that we continue to provide quality habitat.”

J.D. Murphree WMA provides important habitat for waterfowl that winter along

DU staff supervise the placement of dredged materials during construction.

the Texas Gulf Coast and yearround habitat for Mottled Ducks as well as other wildlife and fisheries. Over the past 100 years, accelerated loss of emergent coastal wetlands has reduced vegetation, soils, and long-term resource sustainability within the area. Scouring surges from Hurricanes Ike and Rita further exacerbated this trend in habitat loss.

“Storms are a natural event along the Gulf Coast, and healthy marshes should be able to recuperate from their effects. However, due to various man-made changes, the marshes no longer receive sustaining sediments from upstream river flows,” DU Regional Biologist Greg Green explained.

“Now when the fertile, organic soils of the marsh are lost, the area becomes more of an open water body with diminished value to wildlife and fisheries.”

This is where dredged soil material can come to the rescue. More than 3.2 million cubic yards of material were pumped over 4 miles through a temporary pipeline from the Golden Pass LNG berth, located north of Sabine Pass along the Sabine-Neches Waterway, to designated areas within the Salt Bayou Unit last year. DU provided engineering and technical support during project design and implementation.

“The beneficial placement of dredged material on an existing marsh is similar to placing a thin layer of topsoil on a struggling lawn,” Green said. “You don’t pile it up in a big mound that will bury the lawn, but spread it so that grass can grow through it.”

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... photo: Ducks Unlimited

From the air, you can see the 1,500-acre project area freshly supplemented with dredged material and adjacent broken marsh (foreground).

When the dredge material is initially placed, it can resemble an unattractive moonscape. It doesn’t take long, however, for vegetation to reestablish itself and return the marsh to a lush and diverse environment.

Sutherlin advises: “Our user public may find short-term inconvenience from the restoration project, but the long-term dividends for wildlife and fisheries habitat improvement are well worth it.”

Projects like this one require partners with a unified vision. “This is the diverse partnership model that DU encourages and seeks to nurture along the Gulf Coast. We feel that the future of wetlands, waterfowl, and coastal sustainability depend on it,” Holden said.

“Golden Pass LNG could have taken a more traditional route by placing the

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dredge material in a containment area. The fact that they considered using the material in a positive way and encouraged their dredging contractors to do whatever was necessary to make the project work best for marsh restoration deserves much credit and attention,” Green said.

The partners have already improved 1,500 acres of emergent marsh soils, and plans are underway for similar restoration projects elsewhere on J. D. Murphree WMA. —Staff Report «TG

3/2/12 3:39 PM

TRUE GREEN CONTINUED...

CCA Takes Steps to Open Cedar Bayou The Coastal Conservation Association Texas recently announced a $500,000 matching grant to initiate a new push in generating the funding to open Aransas County’s Cedar Bayou and Vincent Slough. After decades of negative impacts from siltation and low water flows, an estimated $6.5M effort will be required to open the vital connection from Mesquite and Aransas Bays to the Gulf of Mexico.

“It is not often that there is an opportunity to reopen a vital and iconic pass,” said Robby Byers, CCA Texas executive director. “There is still a lot of money to be raised and a lot of work to do, but CCA Texas kicked off a critical next step with

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this financial support.”

Cedar Bayou is a natural pass that separates St. Joseph’s Island from Matagorda Island. Dredging efforts date back to the 1930s, but partial efforts, siltation and misplacement of spoil materials have eventually led to the pass and adjacent Vincent Slough being sealed.

Along with the kick-off funding, CCA Texas will partner with Aransas County in providing funds to secure a professional fundraiser to pursue the needed dollars to complete the dredging project. To date, Aransas County has already secured $500,000 in Coastal Impact Assistance Program funds for the project.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the economic and environmental future of Aransas County and the State of Texas,” said Judge C.H. Mills. “Our partnership with CCA in this important effort is a much-needed boost to push this initiative forward.”

After a protracted application and approval process, Judge Mills signed the dredging permit for Cedar Bayou and Vincent Slough on August 3, 2011. Although the pass has been dredged numerous times through history, this is the largest and most comprehensive effort slated to date.

“Anytime you can open a pass between the Gulf and bay, you are creating a tremendous benefit for the bay and the anglers who enjoy it,” said Mark Ray, CCA Texas Chairman.

—Staff Report «TG

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOHN N. FELSHER

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ABOUT 2-1/2 HOURS FROM HOUSTON and 25 miles east of the Texas-Louisiana line, Calcasieu Lake south of Lake Charles, La., attracts many Texans seeking to land giant speckled trout. Most Texans run out of Hackberry down the western shoreline on La. 27.

“I’ve fished the lake since the early 1970s and usually bring over about 70 to 100 customers each year,” said J. B. Gibson, a businessman from Spring, Texas. “I’ve caught several trout over 8 pounds. My biggest weighed about 8.5 pounds. On Thanksgiving weekend in 2010, my grandson and I caught 25 trout over 5 pounds.”

Calcasieu Lake measures 12 miles long by nine miles wide and covers about 52,700 acres of the Calcasieu River delta. The lake sits adjacent to the Calcasieu Ship Channel, a deeper, wider and straighter version of the old Calcasieu River course. The channel cuts a swath 40 miles long, 400 feet wide and 40 feet deep from Lake Charles to the Gulf of Mexico.

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The ship channel hits Calcasieu Lake at Turner’s Bay on the north end. Farther south, several openings including the Washout and Nine-Mile Cut connect the channel to the lake and bring in baitfish and predators with tides from the Gulf. At the southwest corner, West Cove extends across the channel. Reefs near Long Point and Commissary Point hold fish. Trout also hang around old rock jetties in the southern part of the lake.

“Probably about 85 percent of our clients come from Texas, mostly from the Houston area,” said Capt. Guy Stansel of Hackberry Rod and Gun (888-762-3391/ www.hackberryrodandgun). “During a north wind, Turner’s Bay is always full of fish. In a

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south wind, I fish West Cove, which has a lot of big oyster reefs. The south bank of Big Lake is another good area. The reefs off the east bank near Commissary Point have been really hot in the past few years.”

Known locally as Big Lake, the body of water solidified its reputation for giant trout between May 1997 and May 2004 when it delivered three double-digit specks to the Louisiana state record book. In addition, the lake contributed four trout to the Louisiana fly-fishing book including the 9.31-pounder state fly record caught by Capt. Jeff Poe of Big Lake Guide Service (337-598-3268/ www.biglakeguideservice.com) in December 1996.

Tim Mahoney holds the official lake record with an 11.16-pounder he caught in May 2002. Anglers sometimes catch record book trout, but never submit the paperwork or officially weigh the fish. In May 2000, Stuart Roy caught and released a 32-inch trout with a 17-inch girth that some biologists estimated weighed between 12.5 and 13 pounds. Although the lake hasn’t produced a Top 10 all-tackle fish since 2004, John K. Mayne did add a trout to the

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Louisiana fly-fishing book in April 2008.

When Hurricane Rita devastated southwest Louisiana in September 2005, it shut down fishing for months. The reprieve from fishing pressure helped the system. In addition, the state lowered the daily trout limit on Calcasieu Lake and other southwestern Louisiana waters from 25 to 15 per day and mandated that anglers can keep no more than two speckled trout 25 inches long or longer per day.

“The fishing has been some of the best I’ve seen in the more than 30 years that I’ve been guiding,” Stansel said. “Calcasieu Lake still produces a lot of big trout, but not like it did during that phenomenal run in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The lake still produces several 8- and 9-pound trout each year and an occasional 10-pounder. One day in late December 2011, my nephew Brett caught about 40 trout, all between 4 and 7 pounds.”

Although Calcasieu anglers could land a Louisiana record speckled trout during any month, the spring typically produces the biggest fish. All three trout in the all-tackle list came in May. March produced two top 10 fish on the Fly list, while April added another.

“We’ve caught some trout over 8 pounds in the past couple years on my boat, but nothing over nine pounds in that time,” advised Capt. Erik Rue of Calcasieu Charter Service (337-598-4700, calcasieucharters. com). “May is typically one of the key times to catch big trout in Calcasieu Lake when the water warms up and the fish get really active. Topwaters are one of the best ways to catch big trout.”

Trout three pounds and larger primarily eat fish instead of shrimp and largely feed upon mullets, menhaden, pinfish and croakers. Topwater baits mimic baitfish, particularly mullet. For catching big trout in the spring, look for mullet schools. Watch for any frenzied action on the surface and toss topwaters into the ruckus.

“We catch a lot of fish on topwaters in the spring,” Stansel advised. “In the spring, when I’m looking for big trout I fish oyster reefs in West Cove with topwaters. A chrome and black She Dog is my favorite topwater bait. Finding baitfish is the key to catching big fish. In April, I look for mullet because pogies haven’t quite schooled up yet. Also look for good tidal movement. In the spring, I like an incoming tide, but either incoming or outgoing is good as long as it’s moving.”

Anglers also catch trophy trout on live bait. Attach a live croaker or mullet about six inches long to a circle hook and free line it over a good reef. Anglers can also rig it on a Carolina rig with a slip sinker and a long leader or dangle a live baitfish under a cork.

For trout numbers, drift the mid-lake reefs and toss 1/4-ounce jigheads tipped with plastic. Let the jighead fall to the bottom and hop it along the bottom. Hot colors for soft plastics include black and chartreuse, purple and chartreuse and glow with a char-

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treuse tail.

For area information, contact the Southwest Louisiana Conventions and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-456-SWLA or visit www.visitlakecharles.org. Anglers who fish with a licensed charter captain can buy a three-day non-resident license for $5. For more license information, call 888-7652602 or you can visit their website at: www.wlf.louisiana.gov/licenses/fishing.

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Grinnel, a.k.a. Bowfin, Are Gaining New Respect from Freshwater Sport Fishermen Who Appreciate a Good Fight by chester moore 60 |

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I LIKE MEAN FISH. BY VIRTUE of being predators most of the fish we pursue have “mean” or aggressive tendencies but there is something exciting about fish that are outright vicious.

Take the grinnel (bowfin) for example. They are as mean as they are ugly and they are really ugly.

Dwelling in everything from big rivers to tiny sloughs, they destroy other fish and fishing tackle with extreme prejudice. While fishing near Bluebird Fish Camp on the Sabine River back in 1996 my wife Lisa had one break her rod, explode the gears in her reel and just before I could net the behemoth (this was a legitimate giant), it of course broke the line.

Yikes!

My first encounters with grinnel came fishing the gully down the street from our family home in West Orange. Fishing dead shrimp on the bottom we would routinely catch grinnel in the 3-6 pound class and every once in awhile we would get on a monster that would snap our lines.

Most anglers are familiar with these fish only by chance. Grinnel more readily hit artificial lures more than any other rough fish and have spooked many bass fishermen over the years.

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Photo: Chester Moore

Moore and his daughter Faith with a grinnel they caught in a small pond.

I will never forget my cousin Frank Moore and I fishing an area called the “Burnt Out Bridge” on the Louisiana side of the Sabine River just across from Orange.

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It is absolutely loaded with grinnel and each bass fishing trip over the years has yielded several of these ugly creatures.

We were catching some bass on a black

crawworm with chartreuse pinchers but the grinnel started biting and the bass did not have a chance. I put on a topwater and told Frank, “I have never caught a grinnel on a topwater so maybe I will be able to get a bass.”

Famous last words.

On the very first twitch of the plug, a gigantic boil occurred over the plug in the tea-stained water. For a moment I thought I had on the biggest bass of my career but soon realized it was a 10-pound class grinnel. I was upset for a second and then realized I would have to be crazy to complain about fighting such a powerful fish.

According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, grinnel spawn in the late spring.

“Nests are constructed by males in shallow, weedy areas. Vegetation and silt are removed from the nest by males and the adhesive eggs attach to any hard structure that is left, such as roots, gravel, wood, etc.

Eggs hatch in 8-10 days. Males guard both incubating eggs and fry which may remain in the nest for about nine days after hatching.”

“Initially, bowfin young feed on small

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invertebrates such as cladocerans (water fleas). By the time they reach about four inches in length they are primarily piscivorous, although crayfish can make up a substantial proportion of the diet, and frogs are also consumed. Young fish may grow as much as 12-14 inches during their first year.

Bowfins tend to be found in deeper water during the day, and migrate into shallower areas used to feed at night. Their swim bladder is used as a lung and they may be seen surfacing to renew their air supply from time to time.”

In my opinion, grinnel are one of the best fish to seek in the pursuit of getting young people hooked on fishing. Virtually every neighborhood slough, bayou and backwoods pond in the eastern half of the state is loaded with them and they will hit pretty much anything.

The best setup is dead shrimp on a Carolina rig fished on the bottom although last year I caught some big ones using Black Salty Baitfish rigged under a popping cork.

Look for areas with slow moving water and scout by watching for the fish rolling at the water’s surface. Set up for 30 minutes and if you do not get bit, move. Grinnel tend to find bait quickly when you offer it to them.

I am actually going to target big grinnel this year and have a goal of catching a 15-pounder. I will probably do this in a particular system of sloughs across from Orange in Louisiana and will be using the Black Salty Baitfish under a popping cork fishing 40-pound Spider Wire Ultra Cast with a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader. Rigged on my Abu Garcia Veritas rod with a Penn Conquer reel I can cast this with surprising precision and plan on sighting casting to grinnel rolling in the sloughs.

I will also try some lure fishing. Last year I had a monstrous one blow up on a Super Spook worked along the edge of a bank in this area. I am hunting monsters so I will only be using big plugs.

For anglers serious about lure fishing for grinnel spinnerbaits and buzzbaits seem to work great as do small chuggers like the Pop-R. I am not the only angler who thinks grinnel flat out rock. Check out bowfin anglers. com and you will see there is an entire community of anglers who think this super strong fish are worth pursuing.

The grinnel which by the way is also known as choupique, cypress bass, dogfish and mud marlin in addition to the common

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“bowfin” tag in my opinion rank with fish like South America’s payara and wahoo in the mean department.

Typically caught in the blue water of the Gulf these mackerel shaped, toothy fish hit with absolutely amazing power and speed and can spool you before you can say, “wahoo”.

Because of their beautiful markings and affinity for hitting lures, wahoo have gained a strange sort of respectable image by the blue water community. The truth is however they

are plain old meanies that are in the same category as the grinnel in the slough down the street from my house.

Admittedly, the wahoo is much finer on the grill and is definitely more attractive to look at but at the end of the day mean is mean.

And in that department grinnel are second to none.

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Open Season

by Reavis Wortham | TF&G Humor Editor

Modern Camo old camo.”

“Formal or casual?”

I didn’t think anything could surprise me these days, but that did. “Uh, people come here to buy formal camouflage, or camouflage for formal occasions?”

“Either. You can get a fancy shirt or jacket over there,” the salesman waved vaguely toward the north. We have several patterns to choose from for all formal occasions. Or you can get collared shirts to wear when you simply go out to eat for example.”

“Formal drawers?” Jerry Wayne asked.

“Aisle three.”

I watched Jerry Wayne leave.

The salesman had a thought. “Hey, we’re out of boxers in Real Oak.” Jerry Wayne sighed. “All right. I’ll see if you have any sleeveless tee shirts.”

“Maybe not his size,” the salesman turned back to us. “All right. Do you want dress shirts?”

“I want to hunt,” Doc answered.

Apparently, the salesman hadn’t heard that comment in the high end store. “Most of our clients don’t…hunt.” He spat the word.

“I…do,” Doc spat back. What happened to this place? It used to be an outdoor store.”

“Well it is, sir. We sell fashion outdoor clothing.”

“Like this boonie hat?” I asked, turning so they could see how it looked on my head.

The salesman stepped forward and removed it for me. He put it back on the rack. “This hat is very expensive.”

I took it down, looked at the price tag, and replaced it very carefully on the hook.

“He ain’t kidding. That isn’t a hunting hat.”

Salesman indicated a rack of clothes.

“We sell very specific gear for specific outdoor engagements. For example, see that you man over there? He’s looking for climbing gear.”

The man turned and I read 14,778 printed on the back of what I would have called a windbreaker, but I’m sure had some type of catchy name such as Summit Arctic Chillblain Wind Turner.

Doc regrouped. “I just want some camouflage to blend in while I’m turkey hunting this month.”

“Blend in with what?”

Wrong Willie couldn’t stand being silent any longer. “Blend into the terrain, the vegetation, the woods.”

Salesman stared.

“Blend in with the understory structure,” Willie continued, unable to help himself.

“You know, the habitat, environment, ecological niche.”

“Oh, why didn’t you say so?” Salesman asked. “Let’s look over here.”

He ruffled through a rack and handed Doc a shirt. At least I think it was a shirt.

It contained more pockets than a herd of kangaroos. There were even pockets on the sleeves, not to mention tiny pockets in the underside of the collar.”

“This is urban camouflage,” Willie said.

“Right.”

“There are no turkeys in urban areas.”

Salesman looked us up and down. I realized he was about to make a statement that would render him senseless, so I joined the conversation. “Doc is interested in more of a woodland pattern. Do you have something like that?”

Another shirt appeared.

“This one is patterned after the alpine regions of the Swiss Alps.”

“Too far, and I don’t have a hunting license for Switzerland. Maybe mesquite patterns, or even high desert? Maybe an old tiger stripe from the sixties?”

“I’ll look in the back,” Salesman said and left.

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“They have this shirt,” Willie said, holding up just we’d asked for.

It was a beautiful tiger stripe pattern.

In keeping with modern fashion, it was properly faded. The cuffs were worn and frayed. Patches were artfully arranged on the back. The collar was rolled, abused and frayed also.

The whole thing looked as if it had been stoned washed. We were all impressed with the garment’s authenticity. Doc tried it on and was disappointed that it didn’t fit.

I slipped it on. A little big, the shirt worked perfectly. “How much do you think this is?” I asked Doc. We looked but couldn’t find a tag. Willie went back toward the racks to see if he could locate another. We waited for a while and when Salesman didn’t return, we headed for the check out counter.

“You gonna buy that?” Doc asked.

“You don’t even know how much it is, and in this store, it could be a lot.”

“I have to have it,” I said and got in line.

We hadn’t been there for more than a moment when we heard a huge uproar back toward where we’d just been. A tough, hard-looking gentleman with a long gray pony tail was giving Salesman a good chewing out.

“I just took off my shirt to try on another one and someone took it!” He shouted.

“What kind of place is this that a man can’t even try on clothes without being robbed blind?”

I wondered that myself as I handed the shirt to Jerry Wayne and slipped out the front door with Doc and Willie. We figured Jerry would really need his new drawers after Ponytail got through with him.

“Walmart?” Doc asked.

“Shoulda gone there first,” I answered, and we waited for Jerry Wayne to appear.

Email Reavis Wortham at rwortham@fishgame.com

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Flounder

Basics by chester moore

I KNOW FLOUNDER. A large portion of my career has been dedicated to the pursuit of flounder and the knowledge to help other anglers (and myself) catch them. They are fascinating, fun and tasty fish that are totally different from redfish and speckled trout.

PHOTO: CHESTER MOORE

The aim of this article is to give you the basics on tackle and techniques to get you started or perhaps improve your odds of catching flounder.

Location: If you cannot find fish, it is impossible to catch them so let us start with where they lurk. From late February

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through early April, flounder funnel into the passes from the Gulf of Mexico to establish residence in the bays. Targeting efforts around passes linking the Gulf to bays as well as the ship channels linking bays to the lower portion of rivers is great during this time period, particularly in the early part of the spring “run” or migration. During fall the majority of the

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GEARING UP SECTION

Texas Hotspots • Texas’ Hottest Fishing Spots | by calixto gonzales, bob hood, & george

tested • Biobor, 76 texas Smoove Wax | TF&G daybook • industry insider • Galveston 96 sportsman’s Tides & Prime Times | TF&G 77 Bay Foundation | TF&G and game gear • Hot 78 fish New Outdoor Gear | TF&G OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE by

knighten

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by

by

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SECTION

FISHING FORECAST SECTION

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COVER STORY • Flounder Basics | by chester moore

HOW-TO SECTION

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by bob hood

hotspots focus: upper coast • The Action Heats Up in April | by capt. eddie hernandez

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hotspots focus: galveston • The Weather Factor | by capt. mike holmes

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hotspots focus: matagorda • Let Me Re-Introduce You to Matagorda Bay | by bink grimes

68 kayaking • Casting for 84 72 atexas Cause | 73 paul’s tips • Camping Kit | 86 texas guns & gear • 30 Cali74 ber Marketing | texas boating • Get REAL | by lenny rudow

by greg berlocher

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paul bradshaw

by bryan slaven

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tf&g Photos • Your Action Photos | by TF&G readers

hotspots focus: rockport • Avoid Spring Breakdowns | by capt. mac gable hotspots focus: lower coast • Snapper and Kings | by calixto gonzales

by steve lamascus

flounder return to the Gulf and funnel back out through the same areas beginning in late October through early December. The biggest migrations at this point center on cold fronts, which purge the marsh and shallow bay systems.

O n c e the fish establish themselves in the bays, the best places to target numbers of fish are

tales • Spring Turkey 104 hunting Basics | texas tasted • Sugar Cured 106 Wild Turkey | OUTDOOR CLASSIFIED 108 DIRECTORY • Guides, Gear and More | TF&G

the cuts linking marsh to bay.

Concentrate your first efforts in the mouths of cuts leading into bays from large marsh systems. Look for cuts that are wide enough and deep enough to flush lots of marsh water on tidal movements. Try the first couple of major points, eddies and the first “S” turn inside tributaries with moving water. Flounder typically haunt the edge line of such areas.

Baitfish like juvenile menhaden, which are not yet strong enough this time of year to fight the currents, tend to rest in the slack water. It is very important not to overlook this predator/prey relationship for flounder.

www.FishGame.com Many anglers make the mistake of looking for larger baitfish like mullet and larger menhaden to find flounder, but that is not the way to go in the spring.

Flounder are opportunists and they will go after the easiest thing to catch and during spring, which is menhaden.

Tides dictate how flounder will be feeding. On a fast falling tide, they move in close to the drainage in tight schools. When it is falling slowly, they might scatter out around the mouth of a specific drainage or up into the marsh. They will do the same thing during the first hour or so of an incoming tide.

Then they will usually move into the cuts.

Another good area to look for spring flounder is along the main shorelines of bay systems. Attacking vast shorelines would be a waste of time and end up in dogged CONTINUED ON PAGE 68

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Passes and cuts are prime target areas for flounder anglers.

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Get REAL

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re you a REAL boat lover, or are you just a wannabe? REAL boat lovers will lay on coat after coat of wax, until their pride and joy shines so brightly it attracts moths in the moonlight.

REAL boaters will change their outboard engine oil so often that they get Christmas cards from Exxon-Mobile. And REAL boaters position the trailer just so each and every time they back into the driveway, because the boat is sure as heck going to look perfect in the next Google Earth picture. What about those wannabes? They couldn’t care less. Their boats look drab and dingy, and they even (shudder) defer maintenance. The worst offenders have probably also committed one of these top

10 bone-headed boat maintenance blunders—you REAL boaters will avoid them, at all costs.

sander in one place for more than a second or two, you might grind your way right into the gel coat. Instead, always use light pressure and move that sander constantly.

THE GASKET GAFFE

HAZEMAKER

Re-using the gaskets that seal your lower unit and powerhead engine plugs is a huge no-no. Many of these are compression-gaskets, which are only meant to be used once.

Recycling might seem like a good idea but in this case, it could lead to leaking oil and grinding gears—use a new gasket, each and every time you replace those plugs.

STATIC SANDING

Sanding down the bottom before a fresh paint-job is a miserable maintenance chore, and any sane person would try to speed it along. But resist the temptation to push and grind in any one particular spot as you sand; although there may be a high-point or a bump you need to get rid of, if you hold that

What kind of marine moron destroys the ability to see through his Lexan, plastic, or clear canvass windscreen? The one who uses Windex or a similar ammonia-based cleaner. That stuff is formulated for glass, and glass only. Use it on one of these other common windscreen materials, and you’ll cause them to turn yellowed, hazy, and brittle.

ALUMINUMAZING MISTAKE

Is the aluminum on your boat becoming pitted and discolored? Then there’s a good chance that when you wax your boat, you fail to massage your metal. Just like fiberglass and other apparently “solid” surfaces, aluminum does have tiny pores

Cover story: flounder basics t CONTINUED FROM PAGE 66 frustration so you have to have a strategy. Instead of looking over eight miles of shoreline, narrow your search down to an eighth of a mile. You must eliminate water to successfully bag flounder outside of the migration periods.

The first step I take while eliminating water on a strange ecosystem is to look for a shoreline that has stands of roseau cane.

Roseau cane has an intricate system that is somewhat like a smaller version of mangrove and it gives baitfish a place to linger, hide and dodge larger predators.

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are responsible for most flounder catches.

This rig simply consists of an egg weight rigged above a swivel and attached to a leader that is attached to a hook. It is best dragged across the bottom slowly so slowmoving flounder get a chance to grab it.

When you feel thump or the rig simply stops moving as if it is hung, let it sit for 10-20 seconds and then set the hook. This will give the flounder a chance get the large baitfish in its mouth deep enough to make a hookset.

I prefer fishing with artificial lures for flounder and last year caught 102 in four days while using Mr. Twister’s Sassy Shad (2.5 inch) and their curl-tailed grubs.

Shad imitations and curl-tailed grubs rigged on an 1/8 or ¼-ounce jighead and tipped with a small piece of shrimp are deadly for flounder and are great fished in F i s h

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the marshy areas described above although they can be just as effective at fishing dropoffs in ship channels and around boat docks and ramps where flounder congregate during the fall run.

The optimum rod for flounder fishing is one with a backbone. Flounder have a very bony mouth which is why it is hard to set a hook on them. I like to use a medium-heavy spinning rod and spool it with heavy braided line. Braid does not stretch, so using it in conjunction with a stiff rod helps penetrate the bone in a flounder’s mouth and avoids the frequent loss of fish at the boat that happens when anglers fish with light rods and monofilament line.

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and cracks—and this is where salt can crystallizes and cause that nasty pitting. Keep it coated with wax, however, and you’ll fill in those gaps. One note of caution: Waxed aluminum does become slippery, so you’ll want to leave steps and grab-rails wax-free.

ORBITAL OUTRAGE

An orbital buffer works wonders when you’re waxing your hullsides, but make sure you tape over the rub-rail, or that buffer will leave ugly streaks of white where you should see shiny a black surface. If you don’t want to do a tape-job, another option is to simply stop a couple of inches below the rubrail, and do the remainder by hand. Also look out for rubber, vinyl, or plastics on vent caps, through-hulls, and other items, any of which can be discolored by wax.

FIBERGLASS FAUX PAS

When you’re repairing chips, dings, and gouges in a fiberglass boat, one of the toughest jobs is matching the gel coat color. But be careful—if you match it perfectly and apply that gel coat immediately, and you may actually be ruining the job. The color can change as the gel coat dries, and just what type of change occurs can be different depending on the type of gel coat, ambient temperature, and the type of pigment you’re using. So before you do your repair, mix a test-batch and allow it to harden. That way you can compare the final product with your hullsides and you’ll know exactly what kind of change to expect. Then you can adjust the coloration accordingly.

TIP-TOP TROUBLE

Sure, well-oiled teak looks great on any boat. But if you’re a wannabe in search of a quick fix, you’ll oil that teak while it’s still affixed to the boat. Big mistake—you’re bound to accidentally get some of the oil on the fiberglass next to the teak. And that stuff can permanently stain gel coat, and turn it a rust-orange color. Boaters who care will remove the teak from the boat, oil it up, allow it to dry, and then secure it back in place.

FAST FLUSH FAILURE

Maybe you care enough about your boat’s powerplant to flush it with freshwater after each and every use. But, do you flush it for long enough? Many boob-ish boaters mistakenly think that as soon as the water runs cool, it’s been flushing for plenty of time. Not so. In fact, the engine experts say it takes a solid five minutes before you can be sure all of those salt crystals have been washed away. This is extremely important, not only to prevent corrosion but also to prevent those crystals from acting as abrasives and wearing on your water pump impeller.

So take your time, let that water flow for the full five, and get this maintenance chore done right.

painting. The first is your fishfinder transducer, which is plastic. Let that paint dry on the face of the transducer, and your fishfinder’s performance will suffer and chemicals in the paint may even cause permanent damage. The second item to look out for is your zincs. In order to work properly these need full exposure; cover them with paint, and they can’t do their job.

SCRUB-A-DUB-DOH!

Even the seemingly simple chore of a wash-down can cause damage to your dream-boat over time. The common issue here arises when you have a stiff-bristle brush and you use it on every inch of your boat. Stiffies will cause miniscule scratches in your gel coat and outboard cowls, especially if you bear down and push as you scrub. Over time, that’ll make the shiny finish look dull and worn. Instead, these surfaces should always be scrubbed with soft bristles or a rag.

So there you have it, ten blunders you need to watch out for or your boat will be in for some serious maintenance mayhem. We know you REAL boaters will pay heed.

And as for you wannabes, well, just leave the waxing to us.

E-mail Lenny Rudow at LRudow@fishgame.com

PAINTING PAINS

Bottom paint belongs in just one place, on your boat’s bottom. But wannabes might get carried away when they start rolling on this job. Two items, specifically, should always be avoided when you’re bottom

Cover story: flounder basics t CONTINUED FROM PAGE 68 in how long to wait for hookset.

When using curl-tailed grubs other soft plastics, I weight 2-3 seconds if the fish hits super hard and 10-15 if I only feel pressure on the line or a light tap. These lures go into flounder’s mouth much easier than a live, wiggling mullet or minnow so they frequently strike with fury.

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This is only the tip of the iceberg for flounder fishing. These fish are as complex as largemouth bass and if you want to get serious about pursuing them I recommend picking up my book “Flounder Fever” available at fishgame.com and taking one of my Flatfish University ™ courses available at www.flatfishuniversity.com.

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you can always email me for additional help.

I am sort of an ambassador for flounder and am excited you have chosen to get involved in their pursuit and hope to be of assistance as you further interest in Texas’ flatfish.

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Casting for a Cause

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ishermen can make a big difference in people’s lives. Steven Schmidt and Jim Dolan are good examples.

Two regular guys with regular jobs; both are making a big difference.

Schmidt is an avid fisherman that works for NuStar Energy in Corpus Christi. The company believes in giving back to the community and Schmidt chairs a committee of co-workers that will be hosting the 5th annual Casting for a Cause Fishing Tournament on Friday, June 8th.

Dolan is a senior pilot for American Airlines who ferries passengers safely around the globe in large jets. Dolan, also an avid fisherman, is the driving force behind Heroes on the Water (HOW), a group that introduces wounded veterans to kayak fishing.

I met Dolan for lunch several years back and he gave me an overview of HOW. As we noshed on fish tacos, Dolan shared his vision for the upstart organization and the challenges of balancing a full time career with his passion for helping those wounded in the line of duty. HOW’s volunteers take wounded vets kayak fishing and the freedom of paddling a kayak is often very liberating to those on crutches and in wheelchairs.

Fun and fellowship are the mainstays of the program; catching a few fish along the way only adds to the enjoyment.

In many cases, the participants are in a very dark place in their lives. After a few hours on the water, it’s not uncommon for groups of soldiers to drift off to an isolated area and share their innermost thoughts with each other. In many cases, it is the first time that they’ve ever shared their trials and tribulations with another person. Volunteers are aware of this and give those preferring

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solitude plenty of personal space.

HOW works to restore warriors’ hearts through kayak fishing. Their mantra: Paddle. Fish. Heal. Dolan gave me heartwrenching stories of vets they helped and by the end of our meal we were both dabbing our eyes with our napkins.

Heroes on the Water was chosen as the organization’s name as they extend support to police officers, firemen, and other first responders who may have been injured in the line of duty, not just veterans. You can learn more about HOW from their website at www.heroesonthewater.org.

During our initial phone call I discovered that Schmidt, like me, owns both a bay boat and multiple kayaks and gravitates to the paddle craft whenever possible. This affinity for kayak fishing led him to include kayakers in the Casting for a Cause Tournament. “In reality, many of those fishing from a kayak are those that can’t afford a boat,” Schmidt explained. “This tournament is about having fun and raising money for charity and we wanted to include as many people as possible,” The Casting for a Cause Tournament will be held on Friday, June 8th. Tournament headquarters is at Marker 37 on South Padre Island, just across the JFK Causeway.

Boating anglers fish in 1- 4 man teams while kayak teams fish in 1 -2 man teams.

Entry fees are modest: $125 per person for those who fish from a boat and $75 per person for kayakers.

The captains’ meeting, held on Thursday night June 7th, has a distinct celebratory flavor. “The tournament is meant to be a good, fun event,” Schmidt continued.

“We have a large crawfish boil and there is a lot of socializing. Individual fishermen can make new friends at the captains’ meeting and even form teams as late as Thursday night” Sponsors have donated a treasure chest of goodies to the tournament and all will be given away as door prizes at the captains’ F i s h

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meeting. Last year, the tournament gave away over $10,000 worth of door prizes; the least expensive prize was $250 in value.

Regardless whether Lady Luck shines on you during the prize drawing, everyone receives a gift bag and tournament T-shirt.

To learn more about Casting for a Cause, you can call email Schmidt at steven. schmidt@nustarenergy.com All proceeds from the tournament are given to different charities. “We are pleased to report that Casting for a Cause received over $62,000 in cash donations and over $10,000 in in-kind donations last year,” Schmidt explained. “Our goal for 2012 is to raise over $100,000.” The NuStar Foundation is responsible for handling all of the money and then distributing the funds.

Some of the charities supported include Boy Scouts of America, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Heroes on the Water. Casting for a Cause is HOW’s largest single contributor.

With the generous support of the NuStar Foundation, HOW has been able to launch 38 chapters across the country over the last few years and volunteers have served over 5,000 wounded veterans to date.

Last year a team travelled all the way from Michigan to fish the tournament and will do so again this year. A travelling contingent of 20 kayakers from Austin will also make a repeat trip to Corpus Christi in early June. In addition, 14 wounded vets took part in the tournament last year and the number will likely grow this year.

Schmidt and Dolan are both veterans and both love to fish. Two regular guys with regular jobs; both are making a big difference.

Greg Berlocher can be reached for question or comment at GBerlocher@fishgame.com.

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t’s that time of year again where the weather is perfect. Not too cold, not too hot, not too rainy, not too dry.

It is just right for taking the kids out for a weekend of camping. While the majority of the time the level of enjoyment of a family camping trip is dependent on nature cooperating, if you don’t have the right gear with you then it doesn’t matter how nice it is outside because the trip will be a bust.

We’ll get to what you should take on every camping trip, no matter what, in just a minute but first I just want to point out that all of these items should be dedicated to camping, and only camping.

You shouldn’t borrow them from your normal everyday used items because you will be sitting there trying to flip pancakes over the fire wondering where your spatula is and remember that it’s in the drawer at the house. Go ahead and spend a few extra dollars to buy camping specific gear, and then store it in a large plastic tub replenishing anything used after each trip.

The first thing in every camping kit should be a cast iron skillet. Find one at a camping store, garage sale, steal one from your mom but find one and dedicate it “the camping skillet.” Yes, they weigh more than a modern skillet, but you can use them to cook just about anything from cornbread to frying fish. We use ours for every meal throughout a day starting with eggs and ending with fajitas. Just clean it with some warm water after each use then give it a light coating of vegetable oil and it’s ready for the next meal. A good 10 inch skillet should handle anything you throw in it.

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because when you take kids camping they swim, fall in puddles, or get rained on every time.

When not strung between trees drying towels, the rope can be used to lash loads down in the back of the truck or be used to tie up the ends of a tarp for a shelter.

A camping trip isn’t complete without a campfire (it has the word camp right in it so you know the two go hand in hand) so the camping kit must have a way to start a fire.

Preferably it should have three or four ways to start a fire just in case some of them don’t work. Throw a couple packs of waterproof matches in the kit. If you can’t find waterproof then take some standard strike anywhere kitchen matches and dip the ends in melted wax. When it hardens, the matches are waterproof. Take along a butane lighter A L M A N A C

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and magnesium fire starting striker too just in case the matches get wet. For easy fire starting, take some lint out of the lint catcher on your clothes dryer and put it in a plastic bag to carry with you. The lint will take a spark and catch fire quickly.

One item you cannot go camping without is a roll of trash bags. Don’t get the small household ones that rip if you sneeze on them and only hold a few gallons. Buy the large (55 gallon) industrial strength bags. Their main purpose around camp is for trash since you want your campsite to be cleaner when you leave than it was when you arrived but the bags will become invaluable when it rains. They can be used to keep just about everything dry and even turn into emergency ponchos if you’re really desperate.

The last camping kit item we’ll go over is lighting. At a minimum there needs to be one flashlight per camper and a couple lanterns since at least half the time camping is in the dark. Make sure there is at least one headlamp in the pack, a few LED lights for close up work, and one spotlight to check the things that go bump in the night.

illistration by paul bradshaw

Camping Kit

doesn’t get mad when you borrow hers (and ruin or lose it). Hit up a garage sale and you can find some pretty cheap.

The second item every camping kit should have is rope and not just four or five feet of it. I mean 100 feet or more of parachute cord (paracord). The uses for paracord are endless. The majority of the time we use ours as a clothes line

E-mail Paul Bradshaw at PBradshaw@fishgame.com

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have spent most of my writing career trying to combat the pie-in-thesky propaganda of the more cartoonish claims about our guns, cartridges, and hunting and shooting gear. Sometimes I have succeeded, but mostly my efforts have been akin to pounding in the side of a battleship with my bare hands. Still, I try, and will continue to try to bring some semblance of sanity to the subject. So, here goes again.

In 1892 the .30-40 Krag cartridge was chosen by the U.S. Army to replace the .45-70. Thus the .30-40 became the first American smokeless powder cartridge (No, the .30-30 was the first smokeless sporting cartridge). Although the .30-40 was a .30 caliber (.308”) it was at the time considered a small bore. The ballistics of the new cartridge were pretty impressive when compared to the old black powder cartridges. The Hodgdon website shows a 180-grain bullet at up to 2450 feet per second. Compare this to the .45-70, which fired a 405-grain lead bullet at about 1400 feet per second. The actual difference in effective range was tremendous. The .4570 dropped over 2 feet at 200 yards when sighted in for 100; the new .30-40, on the other hand, shooting a 180-grain round nose bullet, only dropped about 6 inches at 200 yards when sighted for 100. The shooters of the day quickly figured out that it was much easier to hit an animal at long range with the smaller, faster .30-40. And the smaller, faster bullet killed just as well as the big, slow slug, maybe even better.

Now, the line of progression from the .30-40 patriarch is pretty much as follows:

1895-.30-30 Winchester 1903- .30-03 74 |

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Now there are many other very good cartridges that fit somewhere in this genealogy, but these serve to demonstrate my point.

That being, since the invention of the .3040 Krag, the actual increase in the power and efficiency of the various .30 caliber cartridges has been less than stellar, since t h e .30-06 was

pressures, and runs head on into the Law of Diminishing Returns.

Another example of our stagnation is the .220 Swift. The Swift was introduced in 1935. It gave a 48-grain bullet a muzzle velocity of 4140 feet per second. It is – still, today, in 2012 – the fastest factory .22 caliber ever produced. Seems strange that in ¾ of a century we haven’t figured a way to better the old Swift, but there it is.

The moral of this story is simple: That even though the manufacturers tell you that the newest and best cartridges are head and shoulders above those that came earlier, the truth is somewhat different. The manufacturers must bring out something new relatively frequently or their sales grow stagnant.

So they have to convince you,

Photo: wikimedia commons

30 Caliber Marketing

1906-.30-06 1920-.300 Savage 1925-.300 H&H Magnum 1944-.300 Weatherby Magnum 1963-.300 Winchester Magnum 1999-.300 Remington Ultra-Magnum 2001-.300 Winchester Short Magnum 2007-.300 Ruger Compact Magnum

1895 Winchester .30-.30 lever action rifle.

introduced in 1906 it has been all but stagnant, and it has been absolutely stagnant since the 1944 birth of the .300 Weatherby. The truth is that barring some miraculous breakthrough in chemistry, leading to a new type of rifle propellant, we have gone just about as far as we can go.

When Roy Weatherby blew out the .300 H&H Magnum to make the .300 Weatherby, he reached just about the limit of what can be done with the .30 caliber. A careful handloader can, in most rifles, push the .300 Weatherby to somewhere around 3300 feet per second with 180-grain bullets.

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the buyer, they have something new that you can’t live without.

Usually that isn’t true. Usually they have something new that has been reinvented from something old, or that is enough like something already on the market that it is redundant. (A look through one of P.O. Ackley’s books will really open your eyes.)

The Winchester Super Short Magnums are a perfect example. They are good cartridges, but they are not a bit better than cartridges that are already on the market.

Winchester, however, sold a trainload of them by persuading the consumer that they were the best things since sliced bread, and that they couldn’t live without one of these new wunder kinder in a ultra-light, shortaction rifle. The truth is that the .25-06, .257 Roberts, .22-250, .220 Swift, 6mm Remington, .300 Winchester Magnum, 7mm Remington Magnum, and several others, are every bit as good as the WSMs and

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WSSMs; and the ultra-light, short-action rifle is usually a detriment rather than an advantage to the shooter.

Point: While a short, light gun is great to carry, you eventually have to shoot the thing, and shooting a longer, heaver rifle is considerably easier. If you are going to be traipsing dozens of miles across the country, wearing a backpack and carrying along your camp and grub, in search of your trophy, then, possibly, an ultra-light rifle is the way to go, but at best the difference in weight is going to be something like 2 pounds. If you hunt from a box blind and seldom walk more than a half-mile, I fail to see why you need such a short, light miracle weapon.

You make the decision for yourself; I made mine a long time ago.

I truly feel sorry for the marketing guys in the gun industry, some of who are dear friends of mine. They have to figure out some way to persuade the consumer to buy something he probably does not need. You see, if you have a .30-06, you really don’t need a .308. If you have a 7mm Remington Magnum, you have no need whatsoever for

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a 7mm WSSM, or any other 7mm Magnum.

If you have a 7mm Mauser, you don’t really need a .280 Remington, or any other deer caliber, since the old 7x57 is one of the finest big game cartridges ever invented – and it was introduced in 1892.

If you have a .22-250 you have no need of any of the other .22 caliber varmint rifles, especially if you reload.

And so on and so forth, ad infinitum.

But the marketing guys of the gun industry – and also the research and development guys – have to figure out some way to sell guns. If they sell no new guns, they do not stay in business. So the manufacturers invent new cartridges, make claims for them that make them seem like the answer to a hunter’s prayers, and the company sells more guns and stays in business – which I am all for, since it helps to guarantee our national freedom.

Now just because we do not need any other guns or calibers really has no bearing on the subject at all for the died in the wool gun lover. I know these things, but I still

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have a gun safe full of fine guns. I have, for instance, two 7mm Mausers and a 7mm Remington Magnum. I have several 30-06s, an old .30-30 Marlin, a .308 T/C Icon, and a custom-built .30-338 Winchester Magnum. I have a custom .25-06 and a Kimber .257 Roberts, and just bought a nice old Remington Model 721 in .270 Winchester. I only need one of the 7mms or one .30-06, and the .270 will do anything that all the others will do, but if I sat down to decide which I would sell, I would probably have a stroke before I could make the decision. Need and desire seldom go hand in hand. And who am I to damage the Wall Street ratings of our fine firearms manufacturers.

So there it is. That is the truth as I see it.

Sorry if I busted your balloon. And my sincerest apologies to all my friends in the gun manufacturing and advertising industries. I just thought it needed to be said.

E-mail Steve LaMascus at SLamascus@fishgame.com

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standards. Sludge-dispersants are also in this formulation, to help keep the fuel sysYou invested a lot in that engine—so tem clean and prevent filter clogs. In fact, protect it. One way we can help keep our this stuff is effective enough that its use is diesels chugging along longer is by using recommended by everyone from Detroit the proper fuel additive, Diesel to Caterpillar to and whether you’re talkthe US Army. ing about an engine in a So, just where does truck, a generator in the this stuff come from? shed, or the powerplant Biobor has been develin your boat, chances are oping fuel additives Biobor has an additive for over 45 years, and that will extend engine currently is in use in life. railroads, marine diesel BioborMD is the fuels, standby power marine formulation and generators, construction it’s engineered to enhance equipment, bulk blendfuel performance, increase ing, bulk storage, petrolubricity and lower chemicals, home heating exhaust emissions. Cetane oil, diesel trucking, and levels are raised up to RV’s world-wide. Their three levels for easier additives are available in BioBorMD marine diesel cold starting, increased eight-ounce and 16 oz. performance additive. fuel lubricity and more “Easy Squeeze” containers complete combustion, while which allow you to prethe entire fuel system is cleaned of sludge. measure the dosage, or you can get it in That means fuel ignites sooner, burns quart, gallon, five gallon, and even 55 gallonger, burns hotter and burns more comlon containers. Plus, this is a home-grown pletely. Meanwhile, lubricity gets a boost of company—Hammonds, the company that 12.5-percent. Added bonus: This additive produces Biobor products, is located in also contains corrosion inhibitors, which Houston. Check out the entire Biobor line, with continued use significantly reduces at www.biobor.com. fuel system corrosion, preventing costly leaks and spills. Double-added bonus: BioborMD also allows water and fuel to mix, so water is removed from the tank as You spend hours waxing your boat, the fuel is burned. That eliminates algae RV, or ATV, to protect it from the eleand bacteria problems, prevents water ments and keep it looking good. Then build-up, and reduces fuel tank and system after using it, you give it a scrub-down, corrosion problems. And, yes, BioborMD and wash away half of that protective waxy is safe for use in on-the-road vehicles, too. shell. Oops. The problem is, most fiberBioborJF, on the other hand, is ideal glass washes contain citrus or pine. These for use in any diesel that has fungi, bacteingredients make great de-greasers but as rial, or micro-organism issues. But it’s more they go to work stripping away the grime, than a mere microbiocide; BioborJF also they also strip away your coat of wax. contains those lubricity-boosting ingredients Don’t you wish you had a cleaner that that are so important with today’s low would quit stripping your wax but still get sulfur fuels, and brings them up to ASTM rid of the icky stuff? That’s what Smoove

Get Smoove

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is all about. This new cleaner was developed by boat detailers who were sick and tired of washing away their own hard work.

The answer was to develop a washand-wax with a PH-balanced blend of cleaners, a synthetic emulsion ingredient and wax infused into the mix. The result?

A high-foaming wash that breaks loose dirt particles, without stripping away the waxy surface on fiberglass. The wax emulsion, meanwhile, adds extra protection to the existing wax.

To test this stuff out, I first gave my boat’s hullsides a fresh coat of paste wax. Then over the next month, I gave the boat weekly wash-downs Smoove wash for after uses in salt boats and RVs. water. One thing I noticed when I started using Smoove was the smell; they call is “purplicious,” but to my nose, if left the boat smelling like grape Hubba-bubba buble-gum. Yummy. The scrub-downs went well, with plenty of suds taking off salt, road-grime from the trailering trips—always a toughie, after long hauls—and dried fish blood. But at the end of the month, my original wax job was still pretty darn shiny. In fact, the water still beaded up as if the wax was much fresher. And since this stuff is biodegradable and phosphate-free, I didn’t feel a moment’s guilt during the rinse-down.

Smoove comes in a concentrate, in quart ($18.95) and gallon ($57.95) jugs.

Check it out at www.smoovewax.com.

PHOTOs: biobor, smoovewax

Diesel Delight

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A Conservation Tax Incentive Championed by the Galveston Bay Foundation is Supported by Majorities of Both Parties in House.

Over 300 U.S. Representatives, including Galveston Bay area Representatives Gene Green and Pete Olson, have co-sponsored the Conservation Easement Incentive Act. H.R. 1964 which makes permanent a recentlyexpired tax incentive that helps organizations like the Galveston Bay Foundation (“GBF”) work with landowners to conserve important natural or historic resources in our community.

“GBF is thrilled that Congressman Green and Congressman Olson have joined with so many of their colleagues to make this important conservation tool permanent,” said Bob Stokes, GBF President. “We look forward to working with them to get the bill passed.”

Landowners can retire the development rights on their land by donating a conservation easement to a land trust like GBF – keeping farm, ranch and forest lands in productive use, protecting important fish and wildlife habitat, and conserving our scenic and historic heritage.

Since the incentive expired at the end of 2011, landowners with modest incomes now receive little tax benefit from restricting what may be their family’s most valuable asset. By allowing donors to deduct a larger portion of their income over a longer period of time, H.R. 1964 will help thouT F & G

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sands of family farmers, ranchers, and forest owners afford to conserve their land.

As an example, under permanent law, an agricultural landowner earning $50,000 a year who donates a conservation ease-

“ HR 1964 will help thousands of family farmers, ranchers and forest owners.

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One Thing Congress Agrees On: Land Conservation

ment worth $1 million could take a total of no more than $90,000 in tax deductions.

Under the expired incentive, that landowner could have taken as much as $800,000 in tax deductions – still less than the full value of their donation, but a significant increase.

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Bayou and Galveston Bay, and efforts within the local community in Houston and Harris County to ensure that unused land is donated to provide access and open space in this region,” said Congressman Gene Green. “I’m glad the Galveston Bay Foundation is leading this initiative.”

“We are thrilled that majorities of Republicans and Democrats can agree on supporting the work of local land trusts like the Galveston Bay Foundation that are so important to their communities,” said Rand Wentworth, president of the Land Trust Alliance, which represents 1,700 land trusts nationwide. “We look forward to working with Congressman Green and Congressman Olson to restore this important conservation tool.”

The full list of 300 co-sponsors is available at www.lta.org/easementincentive/ cosponsors. They include the Chairman, Ranking Democrat and 32 of 37 members of House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax measures. A broad coalition of sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, farmers, ranchers and national conservation groups are working together to make this incentive permanent in the 112th Congress.

The mission of the Galveston Bay Foundation is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of the Galveston Bay estuarine system and its tributaries for present users and for posterity.

The Foundation was incorporated in 1987, and is a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. GBF is located at 17330 Highway 3 in Webster, Texas. For further information, contact GBF at 281-332-3381 or visit the website at www.galvbay.org.

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EPIC expands its line of wearable adventure cameras with their new EPIC 1080. With the ability to record in stunning 1920x1080 High definition, the EPIC 1080 captures all the action of the hunt with sharp, high-resolution video and crisp, clear audio. The 168º wide-angle lens brings true perspective to the video, with the option of five different video resolution settings.

The EPIC 1080 also doubles as a still image camera with the ability to shoot 8mp images with an action setting of up to 9 sequential images. External LCD screen displays number of video files in memory, as well as battery life and resolution setting.

With multiple mounting devices the EPIC 1080 is ready for any hunting adventure.

The EPIC 1080

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $199.99.

Founded in 2007, EPIC offers a variety of specialty cameras, along with a variety of accessories.

For more information, contact: Stealth Cam, LLC, 3385 Roy Orr Blvd. Grand Prairie, TX 75050, Phone: 877-2698490, www.epicactioncam.com or email info@epicstealthcam.com

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Tenzing TZ 2220 daypack

Tenzing Hauls it All in High Gear

Hunt light and fast and still carry everything needed with the new Tenzing TZ 2220 daypack.

The TZ 2220 is a featherweight at 4 pounds, yet offers an amazing storage capacity of more than 2,220 cubic inches.

Its unique combination of materials, features and designs puts you in control of the day instead of allowing your pack to limit the capabilities.

The internal aluminum frame stay provides a lightweight but sturdy structure to this daypack that distributes the load evenly and effortlessly from shoulders to hips.

Hip supports are padded, and the pack’s is availback pad is channeled able now. for air-cooled comfort.

EPIC’s The TZ 2220 specs include HD features 11 total comEPIC 1080 HD adventure cam 1920x1080P digital partments and six specialvideo with full audio, ized zip pockets to allow five video resolutions (1080P @ 30FPS, strategic organization of essentials and easy 960P @ 30FPS, 720P @ 30FPS, access to them. The pack is H2O compat720P@ 60FPS, WVGA @ 60FPS), ible (2-liter) with a hydration port, and H.264 video compression, 8 MP still deep side pockets are especially generous cam with 1-9 action sequence, 168-degree with space. Two compression straps on the wide-angle lens. It accepts up to 32GB lower part enable additional attachments of SD memory cards, has a 10 –30 second more gear. self-timer and 4X digital zoom. It also Four lateral compression straps help operates in upside down mode. It runs on secure the load. Plus there are tie-down 3 “AAA” batteries straps and a foldout boot to allow quick

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Produce Epic Action Videos

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attachment of your bow or gun centered on the pack’s back in a vertical position for hands-free hiking and climbing. A foldout rain cover for the daypack provides additional protection to all contents.

Like all Tenzing packs, the TZ 2220 features advanced strength panels reinforced with Dyneema®, considered the world’s strongest fiber that is incredibly light, for unmatched protection against rips, punctures and failures.

The TZ 2220 is available in Realtree Max-1 and Realtree AP camo patterns, and retails for $199.99. For more information visit www.TenzingOutdoors.com.

Shop for innovative, new and hardto-find outdoor gear at www.FishandGameGear.com

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t’s been a long wait but April has finally arrived and it is evident by looking at and listening to anglers up and down the coast. Tackle shops, and boat ramps are full of people walking around with optimism and excitement on their faces and in their voices.

After a long winter, and being teased with hints of spring that rode into town with March, it is finally here. April could possibly be the month with the largest welcoming committee coast wide. It marks the true beginning of spring. Southerly winds will dominate and assist strong incoming

“ Southerly winds will dominate and assist strong incoming tides bringing pretty water.

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The Action Heats Up in April

tides in bringing pretty water deep into the far reaches of the Sabine ecosystem.

Baitfish that had been hanging tight to their comrades will begin to scatter and venture throughout the system, thus opening the window of opportunity for predator fish and anglers alike.

We now have the green light to fish basically anywhere we want, and to do it with confidence. Sand and grass are once again players as water temperatures below the mid 50s are no longer a factor. Mud bottoms will hold fish year ‘round but as the water continues to warm, more and more fish will follow bait to sandy flats and shorelines.

This is the first chance we’ve had in awhile to catch trout in the surf and at the jetties. Some of these yellow mouthed beauties will hold here for a while before making their way down the channel and into the bay.. Throwing top waters early is good choice to help locate the fish. From there you can pretty much choose your weapon.

In the lake, both the north and south revetment walls should be primed to take off in a big way. Always a popular destination, and very easily accessible for bank fishermen, trout , reds, and flounder will begin to show up with the hordes of bait fish that utilize it for forage and protection. Again, top waters early and soft plastics like Flounder Pounder’s CT Shad and GULP! Jerk Shad should get good results. Also, look for bird activity to increase on the south end and main lake as we progress through the month with large schools of trout and redfish beginning to consistently push pods of shrimp to the surface.

the bank bite Location: North Revetment (Pleasure Island) Species: Trout, reds, flounder Baits/Lures: Topwaters, Jerk baits, soft plastics and live shrimp Best Times: Moving tides Contact Eddie Hernandez at, EHernandez@fishgame.com

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The Weather Factor

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xperienced Gulf Coast anglers know that weather is the single most important factor in our fishing experience. While a person CAN fish in about any weather conditions – and many do so – both the success of the effort and the total enjoyment of the trip are greatly determined by the weather. In the Galveston Bays, heavy rains in the Trinity River watershed are not uncommon in most years during spring. Trinity Bay and East Bay can be “washed out” by muddy, fresh water caused by the river’s flooding. When this occurs, fishermen who want to catch something other than blue cats will head to the jetties or consider fishing the surf until bay waters clear up. On calm mornings, those who can make it through the boat cut in the north jetty and work the outside bar along the beach with live shrimp and/ or “shrimp tail” jigs alternated with silver spoons should find action working schools of mullet and watching for birds working smaller baitfish or shrimp. West Galveston Bay has only the run-off from Chocolate Bay to muddy the waters, and that comes from Chocolate Bayou and Hall’s Bayou, so much of the bay might not be affected.

When these waters are too off-color to even target redfish, the back side of San Luis Pass usually holds clear water somewhere, and the Pass offers a Gulf outlet for careful boaters on calm days.

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Chocolate Bay and various brackish water streams. This is also when the reefs in Trinity Bay, the Seabrook shoreline, and the shallow bays and saltwater lakes off Galveston Bay will be holding fish on good tides.

Wind is as much a factor in fishing efforts as rain, or lack of rain. Too much wind makes drifting difficult because it pushes the boat too fast, so a drift anchor —or just a bucket on a rope—might be necessary. Anchoring near a deep spot and fishing with weighted shrimp or sinking plugs is one good windy day tactic. Finding a spot protected from the wind by a shoreline or even a shallow reef fronting deeper water can allow top water lures to pay off on a day when their commotion would go unnoticed in more open water. Alligator Cut, where the ICW passes through Alligator point at the junction of Chocolate Bay and West Bay can be good on days like this, if there isn’t too much barge traffic. In less than gale force winds, tying off to one of the pilings on the tire reef in West Bay and drifting live

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shrimp under a cork can produce and saves the trouble of watching where your drift is taking you – which can be a safety issue.

April is the beginning of spring, which can be a period when the weather is as good as it gets, but knowing how and where to fish when the weather is less than perfect can increase fishing success and enjoyment.

the bank bite Location: Galveston Jetties, Gulf side.

Species: Trout, reds, flounder, panfish.

Best Baits: Live shrimp, mud minnows, finger mullet Best Times: During moving tide Capt. Mike Holmes runs tarpon, shark, and bluewater trips on a classic 31 Bertram.

To book a trip, call 979-415-0535.

Email him at MHolmes@fishgame.com.

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Let Me Re-Introduce You to Matagorda Bay

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Live Bait Live shrimp is the chosen natural offering in April, and be ready to catch a variety of species. I start on the north shoreline of West Matagorda Bay around Shell Island.

Tides are normally above normal this time of year and speckled trout, redfish, black drum and sheepshead hang tight to the

Plugs and Plastics East Matagorda Bay’s mud and shell bottom delivers every month, weather permitting, and April is no exception. The west end of the bay around Raymond Photo: Bink Grimes:

t’s officially spring and you haven’t a clue where to fish.

Join the club.

If you are like most anglers, you probably haven’t wet a line in 2012. The majority of anglers curse the winter and save valuable vacation time for spring weather conducive to short sleeves, bikinis and bright skies. Since you haven’t fished since the fall, here are a few Matagorda starting points:

reefs. As the name implies, Shell Island is about a mile-long piece of oyster that attracts lots of fish. There are guts, channels, highs, lows and many other changing terrains that make the reef such a producer.

Nearby Twin Island and Mad Island Reef are within eyesight if you need a change of scenery.

Shoals is a drifter’s dream with lumps and clumps of shell that hold trout and redfish.

Top producers are Bass Assassins, TTF Flats Minnows, Norton Sand Eel Jrs and Gulps under a rattling cork. Best colors are Chicken on a Chain, Opening Night, glow and salt/pepper.

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Why more anglers don’t drift with topwaters is a mystery to me. It does take patience, but in April the persistence often pays off with heavy trout and burly redfish.

Most people don’t realize it but redfish come to the surface and school in East Bay, and when you find them it’s hard to get your plug back with mangled hooks.

Wading

rOlures give you a shot at some of the heaviest trout of the year. Never dispel redfish working tight to the grass because there will be a lot of them around Boiler Bayou, Kain Cove, Three Mile and Brown Cedar Flats.

Don’t be surprised if you run in to a flounder are two in the same locales. Many flatties will be moving back to the bays and a Gulp or paddletail worked gingerly along the bottom should get thumped.

the bank bite Location: LCRA jetty park Species: Large black drum and redfish Baits: cracked blue crabs Capt. Bink Grimes owns and operates Sunrise Lodge on Matagorda Bay (www.matagordasunriselodge.com).

Contact him at BGrimes@fishgame.com

Photo: Bink Grimes:

Most waders can’t wait for April because glass minnows begin to show in West Bay. The little anchovies are not hard to locate

– dozens of brown pelicans do it for you.

Find the minnows and you will find the fish. Trout and redfish fight for a spot on flats like Cotton’s Bayou, Green’s Bayou, Middle Grounds and the Pipeline. The incoming tide is the key, so know the currents and fish appropriately. Most fishers will try to mimic the silvery-white minnows with glow, pearl, salt/pepper and Opening Night plastics, but plum, black, chartreuse and avocado coax fish too.

The south shoreline of East Matagorda Bay comes alive during April due to the swollen tides. Topwaters, Corkies and Mir-

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Avoid Spring Break Downs

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f we were honest with ourselves April has not been the beginning of spring as it has in years past. As each year passes, it just seems to me that spring is coming earlier and earlier, with mid to late March being arguably a more accurate prediction of the spring bloom, hatch and bait migration into our bay systems.

One thing is for sure: April is a busy month at our favorite boat ramps and the parking lots tend to be full to overflowing with trucks and trailers of anglers shaking off the wet (we wish and hope) and cold of the Texas winter months, eager to get into the warmer southern breezes off of Mother Gulf. Living close enough to the St. Charles Bay boat ramp, my wife Lisa and I often pick up trash bags, bottles and other stuff that is left from either less than environmentally-conscious folks or in-a-hurry anglers who allow stuff to blow out of their boats and trucks. Suffice it to say we are close enough that we get to see it all. The good and the bad. This time of year is when we see rusty trailering skills, bad boat preparation and folks fiddling with old fishing line or reels that just didn’t make it through the winter, many of which were probably stored with a good layer of salt that tends to invite grease worms and gremlins onto our favorite tackle. April is also one of the busiest months for towing services, which has included me, on occasion.

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This topic fascinates me for it’s not just weekenders or the occasional angler but even hardcore gotta-wet-a-line kinds of folks who do know how to care for a boat. And yes, it even includes us guides. With the fishing season slowing in the winter months our boats don’t get the use that they do in spring, summer and fall.

My experience is that most of the problems are from cracked lower units where the boat has been stored outside with water from the last fishing trip still resting in the water jackets of the unit. When water freezes (and, yes saltwater does freeze) it has more fracturing power than you can imagine and aluminum (what most, if not all, lower units are made of) doesn’t have the strength to withstand this pressure as other heavier metals do.

But I gotta say that fuel or, rather, bad fuel, is the number-one cause of most tow jobs that I have been involved in. Ethanollaced fuel is one culprit. Leaving it idle in the fuel rails or carburetor of an outboard is almost like pouring acid water into your tank. I could write a whole article on that one issue, but do yourself a favor and just look on the internet or ask an experienced boat mechanic and you will get all you ever want to read or hear about ethanol and its effects on today’s outboard motors.

I am preaching to the choir here a little bit, for I’m as guilty as anyone and can write this article from my own—I’m ashamed to say—experience. I get busy at the end of the peak fishing season, grab my bow to hunt and just plain forget to do what I know needs to be done to my boat, motor and trailer. My boat is my friend. It is a companion on the water. It is my lifeline back home after long days fishing. I talk to her (when I’m by myself). The hum of the outboard is like music to me, so there is no need for a stereo. The fine tunes it plays are all I need for a day’s fishing. I stroke her console and thank her for getting me back through storms and rough seas. She, aside from my wife, is one of, if not my favorite, F i s h

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thing. She does so much for me and all she asks in return is to be taken care of. Is a seven dollar bottle of STA-BIL too much to ask? It takes all of 30 seconds. Is disconnecting the fuel line and running the motor out of fuel that much work? Or taking an air hose and blowing the residual water off of the lower unit too intrusive on my time?

One weekend this past year there were five boats blocking the boat ramp because their trailers were in such bad shape they couldn’t load their boats. A nice project for those warmer winter days is to launch your boat, tie it up, and take some time to inspect your trailer. You can’t do this right with the boat on the trailer. Take a screw driver and poke the runners for rotted wood. A 2x4 or 2x6 costs about 4 dollars at Lowes. Replace bad runner carpet ($10.00 to $12.00 if you look around). If you are going to staple it, then glue it as well. I use SST screws and Gorilla glue. Look at your fenders and replace nuts, bolts or screws as needed. If you have leaf springs, clean them with a wire brush and treat them with a petroleum based product to hinder the rust. If you have a galvanized trailer check it for rust and wire-brush the rust off and treat the area with a cold galvanized paint (not as good as hot dip galvanized but holds up pretty well).

Jack your trailer up, pull your wheels off and inspect your bearings. They should be snug but not tight and spin without grinding. Take a wire brush and clean the back of your rims where they make contact with the axle and then put a thin coat of petroleum based oil or grease to keep the rust from ruining your rim (if you have aluminum wheels do it as well for they oxidize). When putting your lug nuts back on, use petroleum jelly or a best kept secret (Preparation H) as it will not wash off very easily and most of us old folks tend have a tube or two lying around. Pull your winch strap out and make sure it’s not dry-rotted. If not, treat it with WD-40 and it will last almost a lifetime.

Wax your boat on those warm days and that includes the console. I know it’s a lot

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of work, but divide it up in three or four days doing a section at a time. If you do this once a year your boat will keep its new boat luster.

Run your motor during the cold months if you can, allowing the water from the pisser (as we affectionately call it) to get hot before you shut it off. Make sure you drain it well and blow it out with an air hose if you can so it won’t freeze. When spring fever hits and you just gotta get that boat on the water for some hook-up action, you will feel even more energized knowing your beloved rig was well taken care of the past five months and that you don’t have to worry about being left at the boat ramp or even worse, being towed back to the ramp because you didn’t take proper care of her when old man winter was upon us.

There’s nothing more embarrassing than sitting at the ramp with a broken boat, motor or trailer after a long wait for spring. It’s nice and cold here as I write this with more cold weather on the way... don’t remember if I blew the water out of my lower unit ... gotta go!

• • • As bait moves into our bays with promise of warmer days ahead this is a good time to start visiting your local bait stands. This is also a great time to start switching colors on your lures and soft plastics.

approaching this area and a high tide is recommended.

Aransas Bay - Grass Island Reef is good for trout and reds using free lined live shrimp and on calm days top waters in blue and glitter gold colors. The rocks at the spoil area close to Dunham Bay are good for black drum and some nice flounder using free lined peeled shrimp or, if the wind dictates, a light Carolina rig.

Carlos Bay - On high tide the shell piles that surround Carlos Lake are good for reds using cut mullet or mud minnows. The key here is a strong moving tide through Carlos Cut as the reds ambush bait as it exits the current seeking relief in the shell. Wading Cedar Point is productive for reds and flounder using tandem jig headed grubs in white and electric chartreuse. Work the jigs slow for flounder and medium to fast for the reds.

Ayres Bay - Rattlesnake Island still holds a few black drum, with peeled shrimp under a silent cork the best approach. Few trout being caught at both ends of Ayres Dugout using live shrimp under a rattle cork.

the bank bite The southeast shoreline just off the LBJ causeway is the place to be for bigger trout this time of year. Be careful and respectful of the new construction. Wade out about a hundred yards and if you have a north wind that’s best, allowing for long casts into the shallow water close to the bank. Top water work well here even in semi-rough water.

Don’t be afraid to make noise with your lure. Preferred colors are bone/ white and silver and gold.

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

Mesquite Bay - Beldon Dugout is good for keeper reds using jumbo shrimp on a Carolina rig. Be patient with an hour’s wait being the norm. The reds here usually move to shallow water mid-day so early morning and late afternoon is best. Wade fishing the south shoreline for reds and trout using bass assassins in electric grape and new penny colors.

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

Copano Bay - Mudd minnows on a light Carolina rig are good for reds on the sand and shell of Lap Reef. Free-lined shrimp are good for trout on the deep edges of Shell Bank Reef, as water temperatures climb. Jig the shrimp a little faster with most strikes coming as the bait drops off the edge. The new causeway construction has energized the sheep head action on the old causeway bridge with small pieces of free lined shrimp or squid being a good choice.

St. Charles Bay – There are still some black drum hanging close to the mouth of Cavasso Creek, with peeled shrimp on a light Carolina rig the preferred bait. Soft plastics in morning glory and salt and pepper work well for reds and trout on the north shoreline close to Twin Creeks. A few reds are just now being caught in East Pocket using Berkley Jerk shad in new penny and salt and pepper colors. One must be quiet T F & G

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Snapper and Kings

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ost years, April is the first month to have consistently warm weather on the South Texas Coast. There is an occasional front that might trickle down, but they seldom stay long or cause a big chill. Every few years there is the wildcard northern that blows through and fouls everything up, but those are nowhere near the norm. In fact, these half-hearted cold fronts provide a bit of a boon to South Texas anglers because it lays down some of the strong winds that hang around long after the calendar has flipped over from March.

Offshore anglers wait for those days with baited—er, BATED—breath. When the spring winds lay down and the seas settle below 3 feet, sick days are taken, tons of ice and pounds of bait are purchased, hooks sharpened, and gas tanks filled. Anglers’ minds are filled with the echoes of screaming drags and visions of snapper and kingfish.

“You’ve gotta pick your days,” said Captain Richard Bailey (956-369-5090).

“But when you have some nice seas, say 2 to 3 foot, you can make it out and get your state limit of snapper and a couple of nice kings.”

There areas of rocks and wrecks in state waters within an easy run of the East Cut in Port Mansfield that still hold good numbers of keeper sized snapper. Kingfish also begin to show up around April, as well, and gravitate to the structure. Many an angler have sent a bait down to the snapper only to suddenly have the bait take off at the speed of sound for the horizon, leaving behind a nasty bird’s nest and a bitten off leader.

The easiest rocks to reach are the Nine Fathom Rocks (26.967833, -97.303500).

These rocks are loaded with 2-3 pound

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red snapper this time of year, which a few pushing 10 pounds mixed in for fun. The rocks aren’t a single reef or outcropping, but a field that spans over a parking lot-sized area. Some anglers tend to motor around the rock field and mark the rocks and watch for concentrations of fish. They set up drifts up-current or, if the tidal current is very strong, anchor up and fall back over the rock and begin fishing.

If the current isn’t too strong, anglers can actually rig up with relatively light tackle.

I’ve fished these rocks with heavy-action Shimano Clarus flipping rods and Calcutta 400 B reels loaded with 50 pound Power Pro. My wife is perfectly happy using her 7 ½ foot Joe Montemayor custom rod and Penn Conquer 7000, also loaded with 50 pound Power Pro. Similar rigs made by Okuma, Daiwa, and Quantum will fit the bill quite nicely.

The terminal rigging isn’t very complicated. Most anglers prefer using fish finder rigs (Carolina rig to freshwater fishermen) with a 2-6 ounce egg sinker (again, depending on current) threaded on 60-80 pound mono or fluorocarbon leader and a 6/0 to 9/0 circle hook (as per state regulations, all bait fishing for snapper must be done with circle hooks). The slip rig is easier to control than a dropper rig, which can drag along the bottom and snag.

If the current is especially strong, some switch to a knocker rig, where the sinker slides all the way down to the hook. When the rig hit’s the bottom, the fisherman will let out just a little slack to allow the bait some freedom.

The bait are the usual suspects for snapper fishing; squid, menhaden, or other cut fish. If you are targeting some bigger fish, and there are a few out there, try netting up some live pinfish and sending one down.

The big bruiser snapper seem to prefer their meals to be wiggling.

Do not ignore the chances at hooking a kingfish while you are turning your attentions to snapper. A couple of flat lines sent out with a whole ribbonfish on a kingfish F i s h

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rig is a great idea. Use a high-capacity reel with a clicker to warn you when a king takes a swipe at your offering.

Don’t be shy about trolling large plugs or a ribbonfish while puttering around the rocks or coming in or heading out to the rocks. These kingfish are roamers and could be all over the rocks, and they will clobber a trolled broken-back. Once, as I was cruising around the Nines at no-wake speed, I put out a rod with a Strike King King Shad behind the boat. I can’t tell you how big the king was that struck the lure, because as far as I know he’s still running with my plug in his face.

Again, as a word of caution: Be sure to pick your days carefully. As tempting as it may be to time your trip just in front of a spring front to take advantage of a window of slack weather, weather systems rarely arrive exactly when planned. I’ve seen some fronts fizzle out just north of the coast, but I have also seen them get a sudden surge of energy and come in up to 24 hours early.

Even within sight of the beach, the seas can suddenly turn into an ugly mess that can tax the most experienced boat handler. Check the weather forecast, and make sure that you have a relatively broad window of stable weather, leave a float plan with a friend, and make sure your radio and/or EPIRB is in working condition. Like Woodrow Call once said: Better to have ‘em and not need ‘em than to need ‘em and not have ‘em.

Besides, if the fishing is good, you want to be able to keep coming back.

the bank bite Location: Community Bar Species: Speckled Trout, Redfish Tips: Use soft plastics in red/white, purple/chartreuse or live shrimp under a popping cork. Fish the deep water between the shoreline and the bar.

Contact Calixto Gonzales at CGonzales@fishgame.com

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TIPS: Wade or drift using live shrimp under a cork or soft plastic lures like Norton Bull Minnow, or Norton Sand Eel. If wading the Corky worked very slowly is a good choice. Work the shell drop-offs and submerged ridges.

UPPER GULF COAST

East Bay Specks Live the Wild Life

by Capt. GEORGE KNIGHTEN gtkphoto@yahoo.com

LOCATION: East Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: The Wildlife Refuge GPS: N29 34.38054, W94 33.53382 (29.573009, -94.558897) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Top Dogs, MirrOlure 5” soft mullets, 51mr MirrOlures.

CONTACT: Capt. George Knighten, 832-310-9146, gtkphoto@yahoo.com TIPS: Great spot for trophy trout. Can be either wade-fished or drifted. Biggest trout will be caught wading using topwater lures or suspending mullet imitation lures. Drift using jerkbaits with 1/8-ounce leadheads; work the water column up and down.

LOCATION: East Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Hanna’s Reef GPS: N29 28.617, W1 34.00002 (29.476950, -1.566667) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp or soft plastic lures like Mirrolure’ss 5” Provoker CONTACT: Capt. George Knighten, 832-310-9146, gtkphoto@yahoo.com TIPS: If using live shrimp, use a popping cork set to about three feet, if using soft plastic lures, work the water column. Let the lure settle close to the bottom then pop it back up near the surface. Most strikes will occur when the lure is on the fall.

LOCATION: East Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Stephenson Point GPS: N29 32.29896, W94 41.1813 (29.538316, -94.686355) 88 |

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

SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Bass Assassins, Top Dogs, Corkys CONTACT: Capt. George Knighten, 832-310-9146, gtkphoto@yahoo.com TIPS: This is a great wade-fishing spot for redfish, use topwaters early, and then switch to soft plastic or slow sinking mullet like lures. Don’t be afraid to go very shallow, they can be with in feet of the bank.

LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Three-Mile Reef GPS: N28 38.568, W95 56.229 (28.6428, -95.93715) SPECIES: trout, redfish BEST BAITS: soft plastics in dark colors with chartreuse tail; live shrimp CONTACT: Captain Jay Huitt, 979-2403597, thecaptjay@yahoo.com TIPS: Drift the edge of the reef to locate good numbers of hungry trout and reds.

Wedge Tails and shad baits are good choices. Black/chartreuse and plum/chartreuse patterns on a 1/4-oz. head are most productive. If the fish are moody, try live shrimp 2-1/2 feet under a popping cork.

LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Kain Cove GPS: N28 39.69348, W95 51.20364 (28.661558, -95.853394) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: topwater and suspending mullet imitation lures like the Corky CONTACT: Bink Grimes Outdoors, 979323-9789 TIPS: A good wade-fishing spot for large trout. Use topwaters like the Top Dog or Super Spook. Any mullet imitation lure can work; Corky Fat Boys or 51 series MirrOlures are good. Look for signs of feeding fish like slicks and bait.

LOCATION: Galveston Jetties HOTSPOT: Galveston Jetties GPS: N29 19.7481, W94 42.46872 (29.329135, -94.707812) SPECIES: black drum BEST BAITS: cut blue crab CONTACT: Capt. George Knighten, 832-310-9146, gtkphoto@yahoo.com TIPS: Use cut blue crab fished on the bottom. Use a leader with a heavy weight fish out a little ways from the rocks. The channel sides of both the north and south jetties will be more productive. Best on a moving tide.

LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Oyster Farm GPS: N28 41.51892, W95 48.07122 (28.691982, -95.801187) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp, soft plastics, Corkys CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Counts, 281450-4037

LOCATION: Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: East Shoreline GPS: N29 38.16852, W94 42.68508 (29.636142, -94.711418) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: MirrOlure Provoker, Bass Assassins, Shad body soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. George Knighten, 832-310-9146, gtkphoto@yahoo.com

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TIPS: Drift in 6-8ft of water throwing soft plastic lures, use 1/4-ounce leadheads.

Key on slicks and watch for bait activity, either balls of shad or jumping mullet.

LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Jumbile Cove GPS: N29 11.16222, W94 59.85462 (29.186037, -94.997577) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Bass Assassins, topwaters, corky Fat Boys CONTACT: Capt. Greg Francis, 409939-1684, captgreg@saltwaterassault.net TIPS: Can be drifted or waded. Soft plastic lures like the Bass Assassins will work on the drift and topwater lures or slow sinking lures like the Corky Fat Boys will work when wading. Look for slicks and nervous bait to help you find the fish.

LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: West End Flats GPS: N29 5.43612, W95 7.26522 (29.090602, -95.121087) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Corkys, MirrOlures, topwater, Bass Assassins CONTACT: Capt. Greg Francis, 409939-1684, captgreg@saltwaterassault.net TIPS: Great wading spot can be accessed from the road. Be cautious of currents near the Pass. Can also be drifted using soft plastic lures. Biggest fish will be caught early morning on an incoming tide using either topwater or mullet like suspending baits.

GPS: N29 11.16672, W95 7.30128 (29.186112, -95.121688) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp, jerkbaits CONTACT: Capt. Greg Francis, 409939-1684, captgreg@saltwaterassault.net TIPS: Drift over shell humps using either live shrimp under a cork or work soft plastic lures. Key on areas with bait fish and watch for slicks to give away feeding fish.

MIDDLE GULF COAST

Chain Reaction on San Antonio Bay

by Capt. GEORGE KNIGHTEN gtkphoto@yahoo.com

LOCATION: San Antonio Bay HOTSPOT: 2nd Chain Reefs GPS: N28 11.80518, W96 48.66432 (28.196753, -96.811072) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live shrimp, jerkbait, and shad bodies CONTACT: Capt. Ben Wells, 361-7908107 TIPS: Can be drifted, or you can anchor up at the tips of the shell fingers. Redfish

will be on the edges of the fingers and in the guts between the fingers of shell. Live shrimp under a cork worked close to the bottom is very effective. Throwing lures while drifting.

LOCATION: Gulf of Mexico HOTSPOT: Bob Hall Pier (bank access) GPS: N27 34.55, W97 13.07 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live finger mullet, shrimp; soft plastics in red/white, Glitter, Glow CONTACT: Bob Hall Pier, 361-9488558 TIPS: If the sargassum weed isn’t too thick this April, night fishing for speckled trout can be steady. Most plank walkers use free-lined live shrimp or finger mullet, but soft plastics produce quite well, too.

Try the venerable Speck Rig with two Glow worms. If you hook a fish, then bring it in slowly, another trout may hit the trailing lure, and then the fun really begins.

LOCATION: Aransas Bay HOTSPOT: Traylor Island GPS: N27 56.706, W97 4.437 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live croaker, perch; soft plastics in Plum/chartreuse, Morning Glory CONTACT: Captain Marvin Engel, 361658-6674

LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Confederate Reef GPS: N29 16.04292, W94 55.36656 (29.267382, -94.922776) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live shrimp, soft plastic lures CONTACT: Capt. George Knighten, 832-310-9146, gtkphoto@yahoo.com TIPS: Good structure for redfish, heavy shell with guts. Drift the deeper water or wade the ridges. Live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic using a 1/8-ounce leadhead. You will hang up a lot if you let your bait drag the bottom but some days its worth LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Chocolate Bay T F & G

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TIPS: Fish the outside shoreline for aggressive speckled trout. Start in shallower water early in the morning, and then slowly work out to deeper water as the day progresses. If you prefer lures over live bait, fish with a 1/4-ounce head so that you can aggressively work deeper water. Don’t be surprised if these fish try and take the rod from your hands. Spring has sprung.

LOCATION: Aransas Bay HOTSPOT: Quarantine Shoreline GPS: N27 54.450, W97 3.490 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live finger shrimp; plastics in Bone, chartreuse patterns CONTACT: Captain Marvin Engel, 361658-6674 TIPS: Work the edges of deeper water with soft plastics or live bait. April begins the steady water warm up that stretches to June, and fish start feeding more aggressively. Either live bait or soft plastics will work; don’t be afraid to sling a topwater early in the morning along the shoreline.

LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay HOTSPOT: Dagger Island GPS: N27 50.032, W97 10.000 SPECIES: redfish, speckled trout BEST BAITS: live bait; soft plastics in Plum/chartreuse, Morning Glory, Limetreuse CONTACT: Captain Marvin Engel, 361658-6674 TIPS: Focus on the outside drop-offs of the island. Trout and redfish will be picketing the area, looking for prey to nail.

A lively croaker or live shrimp is touch to beat, but soft plastics worked along the edges will produce fish, too. Again, use a larger (3/16- to 1/4-ounce) jighead to get down to where the fish are while still working the lure at a good clip.

LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: JFK Causeway GPS: N27 38.052, W97 14.773 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastics in Plum/chartreuse, Rootbeer/red flake, Morning glory, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse.

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985-6089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: There is a reason why the Causeway is such a popular spot with ULM locals. There are more places to fish than you would ever want. Fish the edges of cuts and depth breaks along the causeway.

Topwaters are effective very early in the morning when thrown up on the shallows and fished back; you can also score with soft plastics fished on a 1/4-ounce jighead worked near the bottom at a good clip.

Shad tails that give off lots of vibration are best.

LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Emmord’s Hole GPS: N27 29.754, W97 19.970 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastics in Plum/chartreuse, Rootbeer/red flake, Morning Glory, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361985-6089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: Fishermen should work the edges of grasslines and drop-offs to locate prowling trout. Soft plastics under a Paradise Popper are effective. If the grasslines are in deeper water, switch over to a 1/8-ounce jighead and ditch the float.

LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: King Ranch N. of Point of Rocks GPS: N27 21.106, W96 23.433 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: soft plastics in Plum/chartreuse, Limetreuse, Rootbeer/red flake; live shrimp CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361985-6089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: Again, look for grasslines in deeper (4-foot) water and swim jigs along them.

Darker colors are the order of the season, with plum and rootbeer patterns moving to the front of the list of lure choices. Lighter colors should work when water begins to clear later in the month. If the fish are being finicky, switch over to live shrimp under a popping cork. That may get their attention.

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LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Humble Channel GPS: N27 39.153, W96 15.664 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: soft plastics in Plum/chartreuse, Limetreuse, Rootbeer/red flake CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361985-6089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: The edges of the Channel will hold some trout near deeper water, especially if April gets a bit windy. Fish soft plastics on 1/8-ounce jigheads. If you are fishing in deeper water, use darker patterns.

LOWER GULF COAST

Mangrove & Snook at Boca Chica

by CALIXTO GONZALES cgonzales@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Boca Chica Jetties (bank access) GPS: N26 3.904, W97 8.738 SPECIES: Mangrove snapper BEST BAITS: live shrimp, fresh shrimp, shiners, squid CONTACT: White Sand Marina, 956943-943-6161 TIPS: Shorebound anglers can have as successful a fishing trip as any boating angler. The only difference is that they have to tote all their stuff up to the truck and back. Mangrove snapper start piling up around submerged rocks around the jetties during spring. Most are 12-13 inches long, and put up a stout fight on most tackle. Live shrimp and fresh shrimp are the best baits, but larger fish seem partial to squid chunks or menhaden (locally called shiners).

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Boca Chica Jetties (bank access)

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GPS: N26 3.931, W97 8.990 SPECIES: snook BEST BAITS: live shrimp, live finger mullet; jerkbaits in Pearl, Smoke CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956-551-9581 TIPS: Snook are year-around denizens of the jetties, especially the deeper holes, but they are in pre-spawn mode in April, which makes them aggressive. Free-line a live mullet or large shrimp into the deep holes on the channel side of the jetty tip early in the morning. If you prefer lures, a Gulp! Jerk Shad or Slug-O in Pearl or Smoke patters rigged on a 1/4-ounce jighead is powerful medicine. Fish deep in the water column near the bottom. Don’t be surprised if you latch into a tarpon.

They hang around the tip, too.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Cullen Channel.

GPS: N26 15.159, W97 17.273 SPECIES: flounder BEST BAITS: live shrimp, finger mullet; soft plastics in clear/red, red/white, Pearl/ red CONTACT: Captain JJ Vasquez, 956239-2239 TIPS: Flounder lurk around the edges of the channel that feeds into Cullen Bay, especially during high tide. Cast your bait or jig parallel to the shoreline and near deeper water. A simple split-shot rig will work, but if the tide is strong, you may want to move up to a 1/4- to 1/2-ounce barrel sinker and short leader.

mustardmouth.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: South Bay GPS: N26 1.785, W97 11.011 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live shrimp, ballyhoo; topwaters early; soft plastics in white/chartreuse, Glow/chartreuse, red/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain JJ Vasquez, 956239-2239 TIPS: Spring tides push warmer water into South Bay, and redfish really put on the feedbag. Fish parallel to boat channels (but not in them; other anglers are entitled to use them) with live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics. If the tide is really up, then the redfish will be moving into the small guts that cut into the mangroves along the shoreline. Topwaters are good choices then.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: South Bay GPS: N26 1.785, W97 11.011 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp, ballyhoo;

topwaters early; soft plastics in white/chartreuse, glow/chartreuse, red/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain JJ Vasquez, 956239-2239 TIPS: The same influx of warmer water that gets redfish into a feeding mood has a similar effect on speckled trout. Fish further into the flats and work around sand holes with topwaters and live shrimp, The venerable Cocahoe Minnow is another good choice, especially if the wind picks up later in the day. They can also be fished under popping corks, much like live bait.

LOCATION: Arroyo Colorado HOTSPOT: Arroyo Mouth GPS: N26 21.604, W97 20.112 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live bait, Gulp! Shrimp in New Penny; soft plastics in red/white, New Penny, Rootbeer; topwaters CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 9546-551-9581 TIPS: The spoil flats around Colorado Island in the mouth of the Arroyo holds trout that are still cruising and waiting for

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Color Change GPS: N26 10.429, W97 12.759 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp; soft plastics in chartreuse, Nuclear Chicken, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 9546-551-9581 TIPS: The Color Change marks the boundary where the grass flats of Laguna Madre link up to the deeper water near the ICW. Fish the edges of grasslines, or around weed clumps that are visible along the bottom. Fish shrimp under a popping cork, or hop soft baits along the bottom.

Gulp! Shrimp in glow are absolute death in the murkier water. Use a soft touch, because a little tap could be a 20-inch-plus T F & G

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hapless prey to happen by. Topwaters will work early, but live bait is your best bet.

These fish are looking for something that smells and looks natural. Gulp! baits could also work, especially early in the morning.

LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Center Reef GPS: N27 16.206, W97 34.362 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: soft plastics in Strawberry/ black back, Plum/chartreuse, Rootbeer/red flake, Morning Glory, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse; Corkies in Plum, dark patterns CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361985-6089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: Trout are going to be cruising around the rocks of areas such as Center Reef, ambushing young of the year bait. A Corky Devil is a very popular early-spring lure, especially in dark patterns. Soft plastics should be rigged on smaller jigheads and fished very slowly. A noisy float such as an Old Bayside Paradise Popper wouldn’t hurt, either.

LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Center Reef GPS: N27 16.200, W97 34.360 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: soft plastics in Limetreuse, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse; Gulp! lures CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361985-6089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: Where there are trout, there will also be redfish. Fish soft plastics around the shallower parts of the reef. Again, the key is working your bait slowly and close to the bottom, where the fish are foraging for their prey.

LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Tide Gauge GPS: N27 18.248, W97 27.593 SPECIES: Speckled trout BEST BAITS: topwaters early; soft plastics in Strawberry/black back Plum/chartreuse, Rootbeer/red flake, Morning Glory, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361985-6089, 361-449-7441, brushcoun92 |

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Baits with split-tails are good options.

PINEY WOODS

Bass on the Bayou at Toledo Bend

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Toledo Bend Res. HOTSPOT: Martinez Bayou GPS: N31 20.94414, W93 40.17246 (31.349069, -93.669541) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: spinnerbaits, crankbaits, finesse soft plastics CONTACT: Greg Crafts, gregcrafts@yahoo.com, 936-368-7151, toledobendguide.com TIPS: Some bass will be in a post-spawn pattern and following the creek back to deep water. They will hold on structure near the bends and points. Other bass will still be on the beds. Start shallow with spinnerbaits and finesse plastics then crankbaits.

LOCATION: Caddo Lake HOTSPOT: Ames Basin GPS: N32 42.99354, W94 6.26364 (32.716559, -94.104394) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Flukes, Senkos, swim jigs CONTACT: Paul Keith, caddoguide1@att.net, 318-455-3437, caddolakefishing.com TIPS: The bass will remain in full spawn until May. Stick with fishing the cypress trees in one to three feet of water, especially where you find hydrilla, grass and other aquatic vegetation close to them.

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LOCATION: Lake Conroe HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N30 23.80734, W95 33.93102 (30.396789, -95.565517) SPECIES: hybrid striped bass BEST BAITS: live shad, Storm Swim Shad CONTACT: Richard Tatsch, admin@ fishdudetx.com, 936-291-1277, fishdudetx.com TIPS: Hybrid stripers are beginning to school on the surface in the mornings.

They will school around all main lake points with sandy bottoms. Find schools of shad and you will find hybrids. Fish the shallows early and deeper during mid-day.

LOCATION: Lake Livingston HOTSPOT: White Rock Creek GPS: N30 58.45476, W95 20.30172 (30.974246, -95.338362) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, jigs CONTACT: David S. Cox, dave@palmettoguideservice.com, 936-2919602, palmettoguideservice.com TIPS: Use live minnows or blackchartreuse jigs and fish north of the marina along the cut banks, targeting any stickups, brush piles and other structure you can find. Early-morning and late-evening hours produce the largest catches.

PRAIRIES & LAKES

Punch a Cat on Cedar Creek

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Cedar Creek Res. HOTSPOT: North End Points GPS: N32 16.54782, W96 8.10846 (32.275797, -96.135141) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Punch bait, live shad, shrimp CONTACT: Jason Barber, kingscreekadventures@yahoo.com, 903-

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603-2047, www.kingcreekadventures.com TIPS: Use medium action rods on 14-20-pound test line. Anchor close to the points and retaining walls using a float rig set one to three feet deep. Look for bait activity and the action should be good there.

LOCATION: Cedar Creek Res. HOTSPOT: Caney Creek GPS: N32 13.4817, W96 2.81448 (32.224695, -96.046908) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Rat-L-Traps CONTACT: Jason Barber, kingscreekadventures@yahoo.com, 903603-2047, www.kingcreekadventures.com TIPS: Cover lots of water and make long casts with a 3/4 or 1/2-ounce Rat-L-Trap in craw, chartreuse or chrome colors. Work slow to medium retrieves until the fish let you know what they want. Use a 7-foot medium-heavy rod and 15-pound test line.

LOCATION: Fayette County Res. HOTSPOT: Dam Rocks GPS: N29 54.87618, W96 43.70778 (29.914603, -96.728463) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Shad, worms, punch bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-2293103, FishTalesGuideService.com TIPS: Anchor 50-100 feet offshore where you still are on top of the rocks coming off the dam. Catfish are still spawning here. Fish straight down using a set or slip bobber close to the bottom. Chum with soured maize. Use a No. 6 or 4 treble hook.

LOCATION: Gibbons Creek Res. HOTSPOT: Crappie Hole GPS: N30 36.67968, W96 3.99804 (30.611328, -96.066634) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, jigs CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon-edna@hotmail.com, 979-2293103, FishTales-GuideService.com TIPS: Some trees are along this rocky shoreline in deep water. Fish will be around these trees as well as the underwater rocks for spawning. Look for structure on sonar unit. Use minnows or chartreuse jigs with yellow or black tails. Fish different depths.

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LOCATION: Lake Aquilla HOTSPOT: Snake Island GPS: N31 54.72192, W97 12.3543 (31.912032, -97.205905) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Little George, soft plastic grub, Flea-Fly CONTACT: Randy Routh, teamredneck01@hotmail.com, 817-8225539, teamredneck.net TIPS: Fish the grub with a Flea-Fly tied about 12-inches above the grub. Make long casts around the edge of the island. Bounce the grub back to the boat off the bottom.

When you hook a fish, let it swim around and another fish may hit the Flea Fly.

BEST BAITS: Long As, spinnerbaits, Mr. Twister Comedas CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff, ricky@rickysguideservice.com, 903-5617299, rickysguideservice.com TIPS: Fish the main lake pockets and backs of the creeks on the east side of the lake. Bass are in 1-5 feet of water. Gold Long As, chartreuse-white spinnerbaits and Watermelon-red Comedas work well.

Fish slow.

LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Main Lake Coves GPS: N33 5.6907, W96 26.45076 (33.094845, -96.440846) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Small minnows CONTACT: Billy Kilpatrick, straightlineguide@yahoo.com, 214-2327847, straightlineguide.com TIPS: Most fish are being caught at night as they move to shallow, warmer water in the coves. The fish stage at 3-5 feet during the day and often move to 1-2 feet at night. I use a lighted bobber with a No.1 crappie hook and 1/8-ounce weight.

LOCATION: Lake Lewisville HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N33 5.3223, W97 1.1673 (33.088705, -97.019455) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Secret 7 dip bait, cut or live shad CONTACT: Bobby Kubin, bobby@bobby-catfishing.com, 817-4552894, bobby-catfishing.com TIPS: Shad are spawning. Look for them along wind-blown points. Feeding egrets will give away their locations along shorelines. Anchor and fish fresh cut or live shad on a Carolina rig to catch a variety of species. Use punch baits for channel catfish.

LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: Main-Lake Pockets GPS: N32 9.15888, W95 26.7159 (32.152648, -95.445265) SPECIES: largemouth bass A L M A N A C

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LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: Big Creek Pavilion Shore GPS: N30 19.4715, W96 34.65198 (30.324525, -96.577533) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Shad, cut bait, punch bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-2293103, FishTales-GuideService.com TIPS: The lake is lower than normal.

Anchor away from the bank and fish toward the bank for channel cats. For larger blue cats, cast shad away from the bank.

Use punch bait for channel cats riggged on set corks and fish with a tight line.

LOCATION: Lake Tawakoni HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N32 49.65168, W95 57.75942 (32.827528, -95.962657) SPECIES: hybrid striped bass BEST BAITS: Strike King Redfish Magic CONTACT: Tony Parker, tawakonifishing@yahoo.com, 903-3481619, tawakonifishing.com TIPS: Fish the main-lake points and dam riprap. Move from point to point to catch hybrids and stripers attempting to

spawn. Stay on the windy side of the lake where wave action draws them in. Use the lure with a 1/2-ounce leadhead. Retrieve it slowly.

LOCATION: Lake Texoma HOTSPOT: The Islands GPS: N33 50.7237, W96 42.85416 (33.845395, -96.714236) SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: Coho Minnows, Sassy Shad jigs CONTACT: Bill Carey, bigfish@striperexpress.com, 877-7864477, striperexpress.com TIPS: Locate stripers around the islands, flats and main lake points in 5-30 feet of water. Cast 3/4-ounce white-glow Coho minnows and chartreuse Sassy Shad jigs.

At mid-month, try topwater lures and stickbaits. Some fish to 20-pounds may be caught.

LOCATION: Lake Whitney HOTSPOT: Striper Point GPS: N31 54.65322, W97 22.81272 (31.910887, -97.380212) SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: Swimbaits, live shad

CONTACT: Randy Routh, teamredneck@hotmail.com, 817-8225539, teamredneck.net TIPS: Big stripers are moving shallow.

Start early with a chartreuse swimbait and rip it back to the boat in 3-10 feet of water. Small swimbaits and Rat-L-Traps will catch a lot of white bass. After the sun is up, anchor and fish gizzard shad near grass.

LOCATION: Richland Chambers Res. HOTSPOT: Windsock Point GPS: N31 56.42784, W96 7.1991 (31.940464, -96.119985) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Slabs, Rat-L-Traps CONTACT: Royce and Adam Simmons, royce@gonefishing.biz, 903-389-4117, www.gonefishing.biz TIPS: White bass will be on the main lake areas such as Windsock Point and Pelican Island and hybrid stripers will be holding in 15-25 feet of water off the 309 Flats. Use a silver Slab and blue-chrome Rat-L-Trap.

PANHANDLE

One Word for Ivie Bass: Plastics

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: OH Ivie Res. HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N31 32.96094, W99 40.87092 (31.549349, -99.681182) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Plastic worms CONTACT: Dave Caudle, fishinwithdave@aol.com, 325-365-1020, fishinwithdave.com TIPS: Low water conditions have limited prime spawning areas but concentrated large female bass. Any rise to 13 feet or less is holding spawning bass. Use finesse or Texas-rigged worms in dark colors. Bass also hold on the points near deep bluffs.

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LOCATION: OH Ivie Res. HOTSPOT: River Channel GPS: N31 34.2951, W99 42.89484 (31.571585, -99.714914) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, jigs CONTACT: Dave Caudle, fishinwithdave@aol.com, 325-365-1020 TIPS: Crappie are in the trees along the river channel and holding close to 12 feet of water. Limits are possible on minnows and jigs. Channel catfish also are holding just off the channel in 12-25 feet over baited holes and hitting cheese baits best.

LOCATION: Possum Kingdom Res. HOTSPOT: Chimney Slough GPS: N32 54.79026, W98 28.28928 (32.913171, -98.471488) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Slabs, Sassy Shads CONTACT: Dean Heffner, fav7734@aceweb.com, 940-329-0036 TIPS: Learn to use a cast net and catch spawning shad early in the mornings to catch catfish and other game fish along the banks. The fish will be feeding on the shad in very shallow water. Cut shad or live shad will work.

LOCATION: Possum Kingdom Res. HOTSPOT: Chimney Slouth Area GPS: N32 53.84766, W98 28.20168 (32.897461, -98.470028) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits, live shad, Sassy Shads CONTACT: Dean Heffner, fav7734@aceweb.com, 940-329-0036 TIPS: White bass will be all over the lake chasing after spawning shad, especially during the morning hours. Watch for herons and egrets to lead you to the action.

Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits and live shad will work well.

LOCATION: Possum Kingdom Res. HOTSPOT: Cedar Creek GPS: N32 53.41956, W98 31.43058 (32.890326, -98.523843) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, Texas-rigged worms CONTACT: Dean Heffner, fav7734@aceweb.com, 940-329-0036 TIPS: Bass will be around the mouths T F & G

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of Cedar Creek, Caddo Creek and the Brazos River either spawning or feeding on shad in shallow water. Target the creeks that have had the most recent runoffs.

BIG BEND

Jerks, Swimmers & Spinners

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Lake Amistad HOTSPOT: Highway 90 Area GPS: N29 32.14098, W101 3.6096 (29.535683, -101.060160) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Jerkbaits, swimbaits, spinnerbaits CONTACT: Stan Gerzsenyl, stan@amistadbass.com, 830-768-3648, amistadbass.com TIPS: Spawning bass will be in the backs of the creeks everywhere from eight to 25 feet of water. Make long casts and reel the lures slowly. The bass will be very aggressive while spawning.

HILL COUNTRY

Canyon Stripers and Largemouth

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Potters Creek GPS: N29 54.1434, W98 16.6401 (29.902390, -98.277335) SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: Slab spoons, striper jigs CONTACT: Steve Nixon, steve@sanantoniofishingguides.com, 210573-1230, sanantoniofishingguides.com TIPS: Fish the Potters Creek Point from the shore where it meets the river channel with jigging spoons close to the bottom.

Striped bass and white bass stage on the point before moving to the main lake.

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LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Potters Creek GPS: N29 54.70074, W98 16.64784 (29.911679, -98.277464) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Drop-shot Picasso Shaky Head, Créme Big Pig Crème worms, Shaky Heads CONTACT: Kandie Candelaria, kandie@gvtc.com, 210-823-2153 TIPS: Fish drop-shot-Shaky Heads or worms in Watermelon-candy or Junebug on bright days off the rocky shelves in the backs of the creek and nearby coves. Darker colors work best in off-color waters. Fish the backs of the creeks out to the points.

SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS

Count the Bass on Three Fingers

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Falcon Lake HOTSPOT: Three Fingers GPS: N26 54.80892, W99 18.74196 (26.913482, -99.312366) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Jigs, plastic worms CONTACT: Robert Amaya, robertsfishntackle@gmail.com, 956-7651442, robertsfishntackle.com TIPS: Fish brown or black jigs with brown trailers slowly in and around all stickups, brush and other cover in three to four feet of water along the banks, especially the banks with rocks. Spinnerbaits also work well in the backs of the pockets.

On the Web Find thousands of Texas Fishing Hotspots online with our TEXAS LAKES & BAYS HOTSPOT FINDER app: www.FishGame.com/hotspots G a m e ®

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Tides and Prime Times

april 2012

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

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.

T9 T8 T7

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

T6 T17

T3 T2 T1

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 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 PLACE T1 Sabine Bank Lighthouse T2 Sabine Pass Jetty T3 Sabine Pass T4 Mesquite Pt, Sab. Pass T5 Galveston Bay, S. Jetty T6 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 Round Pt, Trinity Bay +10:39 T11

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

KEY PLACE

Pt Barrow, Trinity Bay T12

Gilchrist, East Bay T13 Jamaica Beach, W. Bay T14

Alligator Point, W. Bay T15

Christmas Pt T16

Galveston Pleasure Pier T17

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 PLACE

San Luis Pass T18

Freeport Harbor T19

Pass Cavallo T20

Aransas Pass T21

Padre Island (So. End) T22

Port Isabel T23

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

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

SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK IS SPONSORED BY:

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION T22 T23

KEYS TO USING THE TIDE AND SOLUNAR GRAPHS TIDE GRAPH:

Yellow: Daylight

12a

Tab: Peak Fishing Period

6a

12p

6p

12a

Light Blue: Nighttime

BEST:

5:30 — 7:30 AM

Green: Falling Tide

Gold Fish: Best Time

Blue: Rising Tide Red Graph: Fishing Score

Blue Fish: Good Time

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

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY:

12a

AM/PM Timeline

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AM/PM Timeline

AM Minor: 1:20a

PM Minor: 1:45p

AM Major: 7:32a

PM Major: 7:57p

Moon Overhead: 8:50a 6a

6p

Moon Underfoot: 9:15p

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MAJOR Feeding Periods (+/- 2 Hrs.) Time Moon is Directly Underfoot (at its peak on opposite side of the earth)

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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION

l = New Moon º = First Quarter l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter « = Best Day SUNDAY

= Peak Fishing 7:45-9:40 AM Period BEST:

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

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

TUESDAY

26

27

Sunrise: 7:15a Set: 7:33p Sunrise: 7:14a Set: 7:34p Moonrise: 9:26a Set: 12:48p Moonrise: 10:09a Set: 1:45p

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Sunrise: 7:13a Set: 7:34p Moonrise: 10:55a Set: 2:42p

Sunrise: 7:12a Set: 7:35p Moonrise: 11:45a Set: 3:37p

Sunrise: 7:10a Set: 7:36p Moonrise: 12:39p Set: 4:30p

28

29

º 30

SATURDAY

31

Sunrise: 7:09a Set: 7:36p Moonrise: 1:35p Set: 5:22p

Apr 1

Sunrise: 7:08a Set: 7:37p Moonrise: 2:34p Set: 6:14p

AM Minor: 8:43a

PM Minor: 9:07p

AM Minor: 9:36a

PM Minor: 10:00p

AM Minor: 10:29a

PM Minor: 10:53p

AM Minor: -----

PM Minor: 11:22a

AM Minor: 11:49a

PM Minor: 12:13p

AM Minor: 12:38a

PM Minor: 1:03p

AM Minor: 1:25a

PM Minor: 1:50p

AM Major: 2:32a

PM Major: 2:55p

AM Major: 3:24a

PM Major: 3:48p

AM Major: 4:17a

PM Major: 4:41p

AM Major: 5:09a

PM Major: 5:34p

AM Major: 6:01a

PM Major: 6:26p

AM Major: 6:50a

PM Major: 7:15p

AM Major: 7:38a

PM Major: 8:03p

Moon Overhead: 4:24p

12a

WEDNESDAY

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 6:01p

Moon Overhead: 5:12p 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 6:51p 12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 8:31p

Moon Overhead: 7:41p 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 9:21p 12a

6a

12p

6p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for april 2012

12a

feet

feet

Moon Underfoot: 4:00a

+2.0

-1.0

TIDE LEVELS

0

Low Tide: 12:40 am High Tide: 8:40 am Low Tide: 12:59 pm High Tide: 5:24 pm

0.07 ft.

1.20 ft.

0.99 ft.

1.10 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 5:36a

BEST:

BEST:

0.08 ft.

1.18 ft.

1.08 ft.

1.15 ft.

Low Tide: 2:09 am High Tide: 11:14 am Low Tide: 1:43 pm High Tide: 4:53 pm

T F & G

ALMANAC Digital.indd 97

BEST:

10:00P — 12:00A 11:00P — 1:00A

Low Tide: 1:22 am High Tide: 9:50 am Low Tide: 1:20 pm High Tide: 5:03 pm

Moon Underfoot: 6:26a

BEST:

7:00 — 9:00 AM

0.11 ft.

1.18 ft.

1.15 ft.

1.19 ft.

A L M A N A C

Low Tide: 3:04 am High Tide: 12:48 pm Low Tide: 2:21 pm High Tide: 4:55 pm

Moon Underfoot: 7:16a

BEST:

12:00 — 2:00 AM

F i s h

&

2:00 — 4:00 AM

0.16 ft. Low Tide: 5:15 am 1.24 ft. High Tide: 2:11 pm

G a m e ®

Moon Underfoot: 8:56a

+2.0

BEST:

1:00 — 3:00 AM

0.14 ft. Low Tide: 4:07 am 1.21 ft. High Tide: 1:46 pm 1.20 ft.

1.22 ft.

T e x a S

Moon Underfoot: 8:06a

TIDE LEVELS

+1.0

BEST:

9:00 — 11:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 4:48a

0.17 ft. Low Tide: 6:19 am 1.26 ft. High Tide: 2:30 pm Low Tide: 7:59 pm High Tide: 11:56 pm

A P R I L

2 0 1 2

|

0.18 ft.

1.26 ft.

1.05 ft.

1.13 ft.

+1.0 0 -1.0

97

3/29/12 10:28 AM

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

7:45-9:40 AM

= Peak Fishing Period

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

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

TUESDAY

2

Sunrise: 7:07a Set: 7:37p Moonrise: 3:35p Set: 7:05p

THURSDAY

Sunrise: 7:05a Set: 7:38p Moonrise: 5:41p Set: 8:53p

Sunrise: 7:03a Set: 7:39p Moonrise: 6:47p Set: 9:48p

«4

«5

FRIDAY

¡6

SATURDAY

«7

SUNDAY

«8

Sunrise: 7:02a Set: 7:40p Sunrise: 7:01a Set: 7:40p Sunrise: 7:00a Set: 7:41p Moonrise: 7:55p Set: 10:43p Moonrise: 9:05p Set: 11:38p Moonrise: 10:15p Set: None

AM Minor: 2:11a

PM Minor: 2:36p

AM Minor: 2:55a

PM Minor: 3:20p

AM Minor: 3:39a

PM Minor: 4:05p

AM Minor: 4:26a

PM Minor: 4:52p

AM Minor: 5:16a

PM Minor: 5:44p

AM Minor: 6:12a

PM Minor: 6:41p

AM Minor: 7:15a

PM Minor: 7:45p

AM Major: 8:23a

PM Major: 8:48p

AM Major: 9:08a

PM Major: 9:33p

AM Major: 9:52a

PM Major: 10:18p

AM Major: 10:39a

PM Major: -----

AM Major: 11:06a

PM Major: 11:30a

AM Major: 11:58a

PM Major: 12:27p

AM Major: 12:59a

PM Major: 1:30p

Moon Overhead: 10:11p

12a

3

Sunrise: 7:06a Set: 7:38p Moonrise: 4:37p Set: 7:58p

WEDNESDAY

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 10:59p 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

Moon Overhead: None 6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 12:08a 12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 1:42a

Moon Overhead: 12:46a 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 2:40a 12a

6a

12p

6p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for april 2012

12a

feet

feet

Moon Underfoot: 9:46a

+2.0

-1.0

TIDE LEVELS

0

BEST:

2:30 — 4:30 AM

0.21 ft.

1.24 ft.

0.89 ft.

A P R I L

ALMANAC Digital.indd 98

High Tide: 1:28 am Low Tide: 8:12 am High Tide: 3:04 pm Low Tide: 8:31 pm

2 0 1 2

Moon Underfoot: 12:19p

BEST:

3:00 — 5:00 AM

Low Tide: 7:18 am High Tide: 2:47 pm Low Tide: 8:02 pm

98 |

Moon Underfoot: 11:27a 5:00 — 7:00 PM

1.21 ft.

0.28 ft.

1.22 ft.

0.67 ft.

High Tide: 2:42 am Low Tide: 9:03 am High Tide: 3:22 pm Low Tide: 9:08 pm

T e x a S

1.32 ft.

0.39 ft.

1.21 ft.

0.42 ft.

F i s h

&

Moon Underfoot: 1:13p

BEST:

BEST:

6:00 — 8:00 PM

High Tide: 3:50 am Low Tide: 9:54 am High Tide: 3:41 pm Low Tide: 9:49 pm

G a m e ®

1.44 ft.

0.54 ft.

1.21 ft.

0.15 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 2:11p BEST:

7:00 — 9:00 PM

High Tide: 4:56 am Low Tide: 10:43 am High Tide: 4:00 pm Low Tide: 10:34 pm

T F & G

1.54 ft.

0.72 ft.

1.23 ft.

-0.08 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 3:11p

High Tide: 6:02 am Low Tide: 11:33 am High Tide: 4:20 pm Low Tide: 11:22 pm

+2.0

BEST:

8:00 — 10:00 PM 2:00 — 4:00 AM

TIDE LEVELS

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 10:36a

1.60 ft. High Tide: 7:09 am 1.63 ft.

0.91 ft. Low Tide: 12:23 pm 1.09 ft.

1.27 ft. High Tide: 4:42 pm 1.31 ft.

-0.26 ft.

+1.0 0 -1.0

A L M A N A C

3/29/12 10:28 AM

A l m a n a c

ALMANAC Digital.indd 99

T e x a S

F i s h

&

G a m e 速

A P R I L

2 0 1 2

|

99

3/29/12 10:28 AM

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

7:45-9:40 AM

= Peak Fishing Period

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

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

TUESDAY

9

10

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Sunrise: 6:57a Set: 7:42p Moonrise: 12:24a Set: 2:10a

Sunrise: 6:56a Set: 7:43p Moonrise: 1:19a Set: 2:54a

Sunrise: 6:54a Set: 7:44p Moonrise: 2:08a Set: 3:35a

11

Sunrise: 6:59a Set: 7:41p Sunrise: 6:58a Set: 7:42p Moonrise: 11:38p Set: 12:32a Moonrise: None Set: 1:22a

12

» 13

SATURDAY

14

Sunrise: 6:53a Set: 7:44p Moonrise: 2:50a Set: 4:14a

SUNDAY

15

Sunrise: 6:52a Set: 7:45p Moonrise: 3:28a Set: 4:52a

AM Minor: 8:21a

PM Minor: 8:52p

AM Minor: 9:30a

PM Minor: 10:00p

AM Minor: 10:36a

PM Minor: -----

AM Minor: 11:14a

PM Minor: 11:38a

AM Minor: 12:10a

PM Minor: 12:34p

AM Minor: 12:59a

PM Minor: 1:23p

AM Minor: 1:44a

PM Minor: 2:07p

AM Major: 2:06a

PM Major: 2:37p

AM Major: 3:14a

PM Major: 3:45p

AM Major: 4:21a

PM Major: 4:51p

AM Major: 5:24a

PM Major: 5:52p

AM Major: 6:21a

PM Major: 6:47p

AM Major: 7:11a

PM Major: 7:35p

AM Major: 7:55a

PM Major: 8:18p

Moon Overhead: 3:42a

12a

WEDNESDAY

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 5:44a

Moon Overhead: 4:43a 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 6:42a 12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 8:27a

Moon Overhead: 7:37a 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 9:14a 12a

6a

12p

6p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for april 2012

12a

feet

feet

Moon Underfoot: 4:12p

+2.0

-1.0

TIDE LEVELS

0

BEST:

3:00 — 5:00 AM

Low Tide: 12:14 am High Tide: 8:20 am Low Tide: 1:17 pm High Tide: 5:03 pm

ALMANAC Digital.indd 100

9:30 — 11:30 PM

-0.36 ft.

1.61 ft.

1.23 ft.

1.35 ft.

Low Tide: 1:10 am High Tide: 9:35 am Low Tide: 2:25 pm High Tide: 5:22 pm

Moon Underfoot: 6:13p BEST:

10:00A — 12:00P

Moon Underfoot: 7:10p BEST:

6:00 — 8:00 AM

-0.37 ft. Low Tide: 2:12 am -0.30 ft. Low Tide: 3:20 am -0.18 ft.

1.57 ft. High Tide: 10:54 am 1.52 ft. High Tide: 12:08 pm 1.47 ft.

1.32 ft.

1.36 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 8:02p BEST:

BEST:

12:00 — 2:00 AM

Low Tide: 4:37 am High Tide: 1:04 pm Low Tide: 7:35 pm High Tide: 9:55 pm

Moon Underfoot: 8:51p 2:00 — 4:00 AM

-0.03 ft.

1.41 ft.

1.12 ft.

1.15 ft.

Low Tide: 5:56 am High Tide: 1:43 pm Low Tide: 7:56 pm High Tide: 11:52 pm

Moon Underfoot: 9:36p

+2.0

BEST:

2:30 — 4:30 AM

0.12 ft. Low Tide: 7:10 am 1.34 ft. High Tide: 2:10 pm 0.97 ft. Low Tide: 8:21 pm 1.14 ft.

TIDE LEVELS

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 5:14p

0.28 ft.

1.27 ft.

0.80 ft.

+1.0 0 -1.0

3/29/12 10:28 AM

l = New Moon º = First Quarter l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter « = Best Day SUNDAY

Tides and Prime Times for april 2012

16

Sunrise: 6:51a Set: 7:45p Moonrise: 4:02a Set: 5:30a

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Sunrise: 6:49a Set: 7:47p Moonrise: 5:06a Set: 6:55a

Sunrise: 6:48a Set: 7:47p Moonrise: 5:38a Set: 7:44a

Sunrise: 6:47a Set: 7:48p Moonrise: 6:11a Set: 8:38a

18

« 19

« 20

SATURDAY

l 21

Sunrise: 6:46a Set: 7:48p Moonrise: 6:47a Set: 9:36a

« 22

Sunrise: 6:45a Set: 7:49p Moonrise: 7:25a Set: 10:36a

AM Minor: 2:24a

PM Minor: 2:46p

AM Minor: 3:02a

PM Minor: 3:24p

AM Minor: 3:40a

PM Minor: 4:01p

AM Minor: 4:18a

PM Minor: 4:39p

AM Minor: 4:58a

PM Minor: 5:20p

AM Minor: 5:42a

PM Minor: 6:04p

AM Minor: 6:29a

PM Minor: 6:52p

AM Major: 8:35a

PM Major: 8:57p

AM Major: 9:13a

PM Major: 9:34p

AM Major: 9:50a

PM Major: 10:11p

AM Major: 10:28a

PM Major: 10:50p

AM Major: -----

PM Major: 11:31a

AM Major: -----

PM Major: 12:16p

AM Major: 12:17a

PM Major: 12:40p

Moon Overhead: 9:58a

12a

17

Sunrise: 6:50a Set: 7:46p Moonrise: 4:34a Set: 6:11a

WEDNESDAY

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 11:23a

Moon Overhead: 10:41a 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 12:06p 12a

6a

12p

Moon Overhead: 1:34p

Moon Overhead: 12:49p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 2:20p 12a

6a

12p

6p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

12a

feet

feet

Moon Underfoot: 10:20p

+2.0

-1.0

TIDE LEVELS

0

BEST:

2:30 — 4:30 AM

High Tide: 1:24 am Low Tide: 8:14 am High Tide: 2:31 pm Low Tide: 8:46 pm

Moon Underfoot: -12:58a BEST:

3:30 — 5:30 AM

1.19 ft.

0.43 ft.

1.22 ft.

0.63 ft.

High Tide: 2:37 am Low Tide: 9:09 am High Tide: 2:49 pm Low Tide: 9:11 pm

5:00 — 7:00 PM

1.27 ft.

0.59 ft.

1.19 ft.

0.47 ft.

High Tide: 3:40 am Low Tide: 9:56 am High Tide: 3:05 pm Low Tide: 9:36 pm

T F & G

ALMANAC Digital.indd 101

1.35 ft.

0.74 ft.

1.18 ft.

0.33 ft.

A L M A N A C

Moon Underfoot: -12:16a

Moon Underfoot: 12:27a

BEST:

BEST:

5:30 — 7:30 PM

High Tide: 4:33 am Low Tide: 10:37 am High Tide: 3:20 pm Low Tide: 10:02 pm

T e x a S

1.41 ft.

0.88 ft.

1.19 ft.

0.22 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 1:11a BEST:

6:00 — 8:00 PM

High Tide: 5:22 am Low Tide: 11:12 am High Tide: 3:34 pm Low Tide: 10:29 pm

F i s h

&

1.46 ft.

1.00 ft.

1.21 ft.

0.14 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 1:57a

High Tide: 6:08 am Low Tide: 11:42 am High Tide: 3:47 pm Low Tide: 11:00 pm

G a m e ®

1.49 ft.

1.10 ft.

1.23 ft.

0.09 ft.

A P R I L

+2.0

BEST:

12:30 — 2:30 PM

1:00 — 3:00 PM

High Tide: 6:54 am Low Tide: 12:08 pm High Tide: 3:55 pm Low Tide: 11:33 pm

2 0 1 2

|

TIDE LEVELS

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: None

1.50 ft.

1.18 ft.

1.26 ft.

0.08 ft.

+1.0 0 -1.0

101

3/29/12 10:28 AM

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

7:45-9:40 AM

= Peak Fishing Period

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

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

MONDAY

TUESDAY

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

24

WEDNESDAY

25

Sunrise: 6:44a Set: 7:50p Sunrise: 6:43a Set: 7:50p Sunrise: 6:42a Set: 7:51p Moonrise: 8:07a Set: 11:36a Moonrise: 8:52a Set: 12:35p Moonrise: 9:41a Set: 1:31p

FRIDAY

Sunrise: 6:41a Set: 7:51p Moonrise: 10:32a Set: 2:25p

Sunrise: 6:40a Set: 7:52p Moonrise: 11:26a Set: 3:17p

26

27

SATURDAY

º 28

Sunrise: 6:39a Set: 7:53p Moonrise: 12:23p Set: 4:09p

SUNDAY

29

Sunrise: 6:39a Set: 7:53p Moonrise: 1:21p Set: 5:00p

AM Minor: 7:19a

PM Minor: 7:43p

AM Minor: 8:12a

PM Minor: 8:36p

AM Minor: 9:06a

PM Minor: 9:30p

AM Minor: 10:00a

PM Minor: 10:24p

AM Minor: 10:53a

PM Minor: -----

AM Minor: 11:21a

PM Minor: 11:45a

AM Minor: 12:10a

PM Minor: 12:34p

AM Major: 1:07a

PM Major: 1:31p

AM Major: 1:59a

PM Major: 2:24p

AM Major: 2:53a

PM Major: 3:18p

AM Major: 3:48a

PM Major: 4:12p

AM Major: 4:41a

PM Major: 5:06p

AM Major: 5:33a

PM Major: 5:57p

AM Major: 6:22a

PM Major: 6:47p

Moon Overhead: 3:08p

12a

THURSDAY

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 4:46p

Moon Overhead: 3:57p 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 5:35p 12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 7:13p

Moon Overhead: 6:24p 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 8:01p 12a

6a

12p

6p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

« 23

Tides and Prime Times for april 2012

12a

feet

feet

Moon Underfoot: 2:44a

+2.0

-1.0

TIDE LEVELS

0

BEST:

102 |

BEST:

8:00 — 10:00 PM

High Tide: 7:42 am 1.50 ft.

Low Tide: 12:33 pm 1.24 ft.

High Tide: 3:52 pm 1.29 ft.

Low Tide: 12:09 am High Tide: 8:34 am Low Tide: 1:01 pm High Tide: 3:37 pm

2 0 1 2

0.09 ft.

1.48 ft.

1.30 ft.

1.32 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 5:10a

BEST:

8:30 — 10:30 PM

A P R I L

ALMANAC Digital.indd 102

Moon Underfoot: 4:21a

BEST:

9:00 — 11:00 PM

Low Tide: 12:48 am High Tide: 9:31 am Low Tide: 1:38 pm High Tide: 3:28 pm

T e x a S

0.11 ft.

1.47 ft.

1.34 ft.

1.35 ft.

F i s h

Moon Underfoot: 6:00a BEST:

10:00P — 12:00A

Low Tide: 1:30 am High Tide: 10:31 am Low Tide: 2:53 pm High Tide: 3:08 pm

&

Moon Underfoot: 6:48a BEST:

11:00P — 1:00A 6:00 — 8:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 7:37a

0.15 ft. Low Tide: 2:18 am 0.21 ft. Low Tide: 3:10 am 0.27 ft. Low Tide: 4:10 am 1.46 ft. High Tide: 11:26 am 1.45 ft. High Tide: 12:08 pm 1.43 ft. High Tide: 12:38 pm 1.36 ft.

Low Tide: 7:47 pm High Tide: 10:03 pm 1.36 ft.

G a m e ®

T F & G

+2.0

BEST:

12:00 — 2:00 AM

TIDE LEVELS

+1.0

Moon Underfoot: 3:32a

0.36 ft.

1.40 ft.

1.10 ft.

1.12 ft.

+1.0 0 -1.0

A L M A N A C

3/29/12 10:28 AM

Tides and Prime Times for april 2012

30

WEDNESDAY

Sunrise: 6:37a Set: 7:55p Moonrise: 3:22p Set: 6:47p

Sunrise: 6:36a Set: 7:55p Moonrise: 4:25p Set: 7:42p

May 1

Sunrise: 6:38a Set: 7:54p Moonrise: 2:20p Set: 5:53p

2

THURSDAY

3

Sunrise: 6:35a Set: 7:56p Moonrise: 5:31p Set: 8:38p

FRIDAY

«4

Sunrise: 6:34a Set: 7:57p Moonrise: 6:40p Set: 9:34p

SATURDAY

«5

¡6

Sunrise: 6:34a Set: 7:57p Sunrise: 6:33a Set: 7:58p Moonrise: 7:51p Set: 10:28p Moonrise: 9:01p Set: 11:20p

AM Minor: 12:57a

PM Minor: 1:21p

AM Minor: 1:42a

PM Minor: 2:07p

AM Minor: 2:26a

PM Minor: 2:51p

AM Minor: 3:11a

PM Minor: 3:37p

AM Minor: 3:59a

PM Minor: 4:27p

AM Minor: 4:52a

PM Minor: 5:22p

AM Minor: 5:52a

PM Minor: 6:23p

AM Major: 7:09a

PM Major: 7:34p

AM Major: 7:54a

PM Major: 8:19p

AM Major: 8:39a

PM Major: 9:04p

AM Major: 9:24a

PM Major: 9:51p

AM Major: 10:13a

PM Major: 10:41p

AM Major: -----

PM Major: 11:07a

AM Major: 11:44a

PM Major: 12:08p

Moon Overhead: 8:49p

12a

TUESDAY

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 10:30p

Moon Overhead: 9:39p 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 11:36p 12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 12:21a

Moon Overhead: None 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 1:22a 12a

6a

12p

6p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

l = New Moon º = First Quarter l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter « = Best Day SUNDAY

12a

feet

feet

Moon Underfoot: 8:25a

+2.0

BEST:

BEST:

-1.0

Low Tide: 5:15 am High Tide: 1:01 pm Low Tide: 7:01 pm

ALMANAC Digital.indd 103

BEST:

2:00 — 4:00 AM

TIDE LEVELS

0

0.47 ft.

1.37 ft.

0.92 ft.

High Tide: 12:21 am Low Tide: 6:23 am High Tide: 1:20 pm Low Tide: 7:26 pm

Moon Underfoot: 10:04a 3:30 — 5:30 PM

1.17 ft.

0.60 ft.

1.33 ft.

0.67 ft.

High Tide: 1:51 am Low Tide: 7:31 am High Tide: 1:38 pm Low Tide: 8:02 pm

1.30 ft.

0.74 ft.

1.31 ft.

0.38 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 10:56a BEST:

4:30 — 6:30 PM

High Tide: 3:06 am Low Tide: 8:36 am High Tide: 1:57 pm Low Tide: 8:43 pm

1.46 ft.

0.91 ft.

1.32 ft.

0.09 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 11:52a BEST:

5:30 — 7:30 PM

High Tide: 4:14 am Low Tide: 9:38 am High Tide: 2:17 pm Low Tide: 9:28 pm

1.61 ft.

1.07 ft.

1.35 ft.

-0.17 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 12:51p BEST:

7:00 — 9:00 PM

High Tide: 5:17 am Low Tide: 10:36 am High Tide: 2:40 pm Low Tide: 10:16 pm

1.73 ft.

1.21 ft.

1.41 ft.

-0.37 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 1:53p

+2.0

BEST:

8:00 — 10:00 PM

TIDE LEVELS

1:30 — 3:30 AM

+1.0

Moon Underfoot: 9:14a

High Tide: 6:20 am Low Tide: 11:33 am High Tide: 3:08 pm Low Tide: 11:07 pm

1.80 ft.

1.33 ft.

1.46 ft.

-0.47 ft

+1.0 0 -1.0

3/29/12 10:28 AM

Tides and Prime Times

MONDAY

TUESDAY

April 2012

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SYMBOL KEY

l

New Moon

2

First Quarter PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 7:18 am High Tide: 2:47 pm Low Tide: 8:02 pm

0.21 ft.

1.24 ft.

0.89 ft.

2:30 — 4:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:25a Set: 7:56p Moonrise: 6:37a Set: 7:26p AM Minor: 5:09a AM Major: 11:19a PM Minor: 5:29p PM Major: 11:39p Moon Overhead: 12:58p Moon Underfoot: 12:38a

9

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 12:14 am High Tide: 8:20 am Low Tide: 1:17 pm High Tide: 5:03 pm

-0.36 ft.

1.61 ft.

1.23 ft.

1.35 ft.

3:00 — 5:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:16a Set: 8:00p Moonrise: 11:17a Set: 12:55a AM Minor: 10:58a AM Major: 4:45a PM Minor: 11:25p PM Major: 5:11p Moon Overhead: 6:32p Moon Underfoot: 6:06a

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PRIME TIME

High Tide: 1:24 am Low Tide: 8:14 am High Tide: 2:31 pm Low Tide: 8:46 pm

1.19 ft.

0.43 ft.

1.22 ft.

0.63 ft.

2:30 — 4:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:08a Set: 8:05p Moonrise: 6:53p Set: 5:48a AM Minor: 4:24a AM Major: 10:37a PM Minor: 4:50p PM Major: 11:04p Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 12:16p

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PRIME TIME

High Tide: 7:42 am 1.50 ft.

Low Tide: 12:33 pm 1.24 ft.

High Tide: 3:52 pm 1.29 ft.

8:00 — 10:00 PM

Sunrise: 7:01a Set: 8:09p Moonrise: 1:18a Set: 11:51a AM Minor: 11:27a AM Major: 5:14a PM Minor: 11:53p PM Major: 5:40p Moon Overhead: 6:33a Moon Underfoot: 6:59p

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High Tide: 1:28 am Low Tide: 8:12 am High Tide: 3:04 pm Low Tide: 8:31 pm

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Last Quarter Good Day PRIME TIME 1.21 ft.

0.28 ft.

1.22 ft.

0.67 ft.

3:00 — 5:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:24a Set: 7:56p Moonrise: 7:07a Set: 8:20p AM Minor: 5:49a AM Major: 11:59a PM Minor: 6:10p PM Major: 12:20p Moon Overhead: 1:40p Moon Underfoot: 1:19a

10

Low Tide: 1:10 am High Tide: 9:35 am Low Tide: 2:25 pm High Tide: 5:22 pm

PRIME TIME -0.37 ft.

1.57 ft.

1.32 ft.

1.36 ft.

9:30 — 11:30 PM

Sunrise: 7:15a Set: 8:01p Moonrise: 12:15p Set: 1:46a AM Minor: 11:55a AM Major: 5:41a PM Minor: ----- PM Major: 6:08p Moon Overhead: 7:26p Moon Underfoot: 6:59a

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High Tide: 2:37 am Low Tide: 9:09 am High Tide: 2:49 pm Low Tide: 9:11 pm

PRIME TIME 1.27 ft.

0.59 ft.

1.19 ft.

0.47 ft.

3:30 — 5:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:07a Set: 8:05p Moonrise: 8:04p Set: 6:28a AM Minor: 5:14a AM Major: 11:28a PM Minor: 5:42p PM Major: 11:56p Moon Overhead: 12:44a Moon Underfoot: 1:12p

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Low Tide: 12:09 am High Tide: 8:34 am Low Tide: 1:01 pm High Tide: 3:37 pm

PRIME TIME 0.09 ft.

1.48 ft.

1.30 ft.

1.32 ft.

8:30 — 10:30 PM

Sunrise: 7:00a Set: 8:10p Moonrise: 2:02a Set: 12:50p AM Minor: ----- AM Major: 6:08a PM Minor: 12:20p PM Major: 6:33p Moon Overhead: 7:24a Moon Underfoot: 7:48p

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1.32 ft.

0.39 ft.

1.21 ft.

0.42 ft.

5:00 — 7:00 PM

Sunrise: 7:22a Set: 7:57p Moonrise: 7:38a Set: 9:15p AM Minor: 6:32a AM Major: 12:21a PM Minor: 6:54p PM Major: 12:43p Moon Overhead: 2:23p Moon Underfoot: 2:01a

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1.35 ft.

0.74 ft.

1.18 ft.

0.33 ft.

0.11 ft.

1.47 ft.

1.34 ft.

1.35 ft.

High Tide: 4:33 am Low Tide: 10:37 am High Tide: 3:20 pm Low Tide: 10:02 pm

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PRIME TIME

PRIME TIME 1.41 ft.

0.88 ft.

1.19 ft.

0.22 ft.

5:30 — 7:30 PM

0.15 ft.

1.46 ft.

1.36 ft.

1.36 ft.

10:00P — 12:00A

Sunrise: 7:05a Set: 8:07p Moonrise: 10:25p Set: 7:59a AM Minor: 7:12a AM Major: 12:57a PM Minor: 7:42p PM Major: 1:27p Moon Overhead: 2:40a Moon Underfoot: 3:10p

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Low Tide: 1:30 am High Tide: 10:31 am Low Tide: 2:53 pm High Tide: 3:08 pm

9:00 — 11:00 PM

Sunrise: 6:59a Set: 8:11p Moonrise: 2:40a Set: 1:48p AM Minor: 12:45a AM Major: 6:56a PM Minor: 1:08p PM Major: 7:19p Moon Overhead: 8:11a Moon Underfoot: 8:34p

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PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 12:48 am High Tide: 9:31 am Low Tide: 1:38 pm High Tide: 3:28 pm

6:00 — 8:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:13a Set: 8:02p Moonrise: 2:23p Set: 3:16a AM Minor: 1:16a AM Major: 7:29a PM Minor: 1:42p PM Major: 7:56p Moon Overhead: 9:13p Moon Underfoot: 8:47a

5:00 — 7:00 PM

Sunrise: 7:06a Set: 8:06p Moonrise: 9:15p Set: 7:11a AM Minor: 6:10a AM Major: 12:01a PM Minor: 6:39p PM Major: 12:25p Moon Overhead: 1:40a Moon Underfoot: 2:10p

Low Tide: 3:20 am -0.18 ft.

High Tide: 12:08 pm 1.47 ft.

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PRIME TIME

High Tide: 3:40 am Low Tide: 9:56 am High Tide: 3:05 pm Low Tide: 9:36 pm

6:00 — 8:00 PM

Sunrise: 7:21a Set: 7:58p Moonrise: 8:13a Set: 10:11p AM Minor: 7:19a AM Major: 1:08a PM Minor: 7:42p PM Major: 1:31p Moon Overhead: 3:09p Moon Underfoot: 2:46a

10:00A — 12:00P

Sunrise: 7:14a Set: 8:01p Moonrise: 1:18p Set: 2:33a AM Minor: 12:26a AM Major: 6:37a PM Minor: 12:50p PM Major: 7:04p Moon Overhead: 8:20p Moon Underfoot: 7:53a

PRIME TIME 1.44 ft.

0.54 ft.

1.21 ft.

0.15 ft.

High Tide: 3:50 am Low Tide: 9:54 am High Tide: 3:41 pm Low Tide: 9:49 pm

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 2:12 am -0.30 ft.

High Tide: 10:54 am 1.52 ft.

25

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PRIME TIME

High Tide: 2:42 am Low Tide: 9:03 am High Tide: 3:22 pm Low Tide: 9:08 pm

PRIME TIME

Sunrise: 6:58a Set: 8:11p Moonrise: 3:13a Set: 2:43p AM Minor: 1:29a AM Major: 7:39a PM Minor: 1:50p PM Major: 8:01p Moon Overhead: 8:55a Moon Underfoot: 9:16p

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Tides and Prime Times

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Apr 1

Low Tide: 6:19 am High Tide: 2:30 pm Low Tide: 7:59 pm High Tide: 11:56 pm

PRIME TIME 0.18 ft.

1.26 ft.

1.05 ft.

1.13 ft.

2:00 — 4:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:26a Set: 7:55p Moonrise: 6:09a Set: 6:33p AM Minor: 4:32a AM Major: 10:42a PM Minor: 4:52p PM Major: 11:02p Moon Overhead: 12:18p Moon Underfoot: None

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High Tide: 4:56 am Low Tide: 10:43 am High Tide: 4:00 pm Low Tide: 10:34 pm

PRIME TIME 1.54 ft.

0.72 ft.

1.23 ft.

-0.08 ft.

7:00 — 9:00 PM

Sunrise: 7:20a Set: 7:58p Moonrise: 8:51a Set: 11:07p AM Minor: 8:10a AM Major: 1:58a PM Minor: 8:34p PM Major: 2:22p Moon Overhead: 3:57p Moon Underfoot: 3:33a

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Low Tide: 4:37 am High Tide: 1:04 pm Low Tide: 7:35 pm High Tide: 9:55 pm

PRIME TIME -0.03 ft.

1.41 ft.

1.12 ft.

1.15 ft.

12:00 — 2:00 AM

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PRIME TIME

High Tide: 6:02 am Low Tide: 11:33 am High Tide: 4:20 pm Low Tide: 11:22 pm

1.60 ft.

0.91 ft.

1.27 ft.

-0.26 ft.

8:00 — 10:00 PM

Sunrise: 7:19a Set: 7:59p Moonrise: 9:34a Set: None AM Minor: 9:04a AM Major: 2:52a PM Minor: 9:29p PM Major: 3:17p Moon Overhead: 4:47p Moon Underfoot: 4:22a

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PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 5:56 am High Tide: 1:43 pm Low Tide: 7:56 pm High Tide: 11:52 pm

0.12 ft.

1.34 ft.

0.97 ft.

1.14 ft.

2:00 — 4:00 AM

8«

PRIME TIME

High Tide: 7:09 am 1.63 ft.

Low Tide: 12:23 pm 1.09 ft.

High Tide: 4:42 pm 1.31 ft.

2:00 — 4:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:18a Set: 7:59p Moonrise: 10:23a Set: 12:02a AM Minor: 10:01a AM Major: 3:48a PM Minor: 10:27p PM Major: 4:14p Moon Overhead: 5:39p Moon Underfoot: 5:13a

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PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 7:10 am High Tide: 2:10 pm Low Tide: 8:21 pm

0.28 ft.

1.27 ft.

0.80 ft.

2:30 — 4:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:12a Set: 8:03p Moonrise: 3:29p Set: 3:56a AM Minor: 2:05a AM Major: 8:18a PM Minor: 2:31p PM Major: 8:44p Moon Overhead: 10:05p Moon Underfoot: 9:39a

Sunrise: 7:11a Set: 8:03p Moonrise: 4:36p Set: 4:34a AM Minor: 2:52a AM Major: 9:05a PM Minor: 3:17p PM Major: 9:30p Moon Overhead: 10:57p Moon Underfoot: 10:31a

Sunrise: 7:09a Set: 8:04p Moonrise: 5:44p Set: 5:11a AM Minor: 3:37a AM Major: 9:50a PM Minor: 4:03p PM Major: 10:16p Moon Overhead: 11:49p Moon Underfoot: 11:23a

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21 l

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High Tide: 5:22 am Low Tide: 11:12 am High Tide: 3:34 pm Low Tide: 10:29 pm

PRIME TIME 1.46 ft.

1.00 ft.

1.21 ft.

0.14 ft.

6:00 — 8:00 PM

Sunrise: 7:04a Set: 8:07p Moonrise: 11:30p Set: 8:53a AM Minor: 8:17a AM Major: 2:02a PM Minor: 8:47p PM Major: 2:32p Moon Overhead: 3:40a Moon Underfoot: 4:10p

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Low Tide: 2:18 am 0.21 ft.

High Tide: 11:26 am 1.45 ft.

PRIME TIME 11:00P — 1:00A

Sunrise: 6:57a Set: 8:12p Moonrise: 3:43a Set: 3:36p AM Minor: 2:08a AM Major: 8:18a PM Minor: 2:28p PM Major: 8:38p Moon Overhead: 9:37a Moon Underfoot: 9:57p

High Tide: 6:08 am Low Tide: 11:42 am High Tide: 3:47 pm Low Tide: 11:00 pm

1.49 ft.

1.10 ft.

1.23 ft.

0.09 ft.

12:30 — 2:30 PM

Sunrise: 7:03a Set: 8:08p Moonrise: None Set: 9:51a AM Minor: 9:23a AM Major: 3:09a PM Minor: 9:53p PM Major: 3:38p Moon Overhead: 4:40a Moon Underfoot: 5:10p

28 º

Low Tide: 3:10 am 0.27 ft.

High Tide: 12:08 pm 1.43 ft.

PRIME TIME 6:00 — 8:00 AM

Sunrise: 6:56a Set: 8:13p Moonrise: 4:12a Set: 4:28p AM Minor: 2:44a AM Major: 8:54a PM Minor: 3:04p PM Major: 9:14p Moon Overhead: 10:17a Moon Underfoot: 10:37p

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High Tide: 6:54 am Low Tide: 12:08 pm High Tide: 3:55 pm Low Tide: 11:33 pm

PRIME TIME 1.50 ft.

1.18 ft.

1.26 ft.

0.08 ft.

1:00 — 3:00 PM

Sunrise: 7:02a Set: 8:09p Moonrise: 12:28a Set: 10:51a AM Minor: 10:27a AM Major: 4:13a PM Minor: 10:56p PM Major: 4:42p Moon Overhead: 5:39a Moon Underfoot: 6:06p

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PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 4:10 am High Tide: 12:38 pm Low Tide: 7:47 pm High Tide: 10:03 pm

0.36 ft.

1.40 ft.

1.10 ft.

1.12 ft.

12:00 — 2:00 AM

Sunrise: 6:55a Set: 8:13p Moonrise: 4:40a Set: 5:20p AM Minor: 3:19a AM Major: 9:29a PM Minor: 3:39p PM Major: 9:49p Moon Overhead: 10:57a Moon Underfoot: 11:17p

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April 2012 Tide Station Correction Table (Adjust High & Low Tide times listed in the Calendar by the amounts below for each keyed location)

NOT FOR NAVIGATION

PLACE Sabine Bank Lighthouse (29.47° N, 93.72° W) Sabine Pass Jetty (29.65° N, 93.83° W) Sabine Pass (29.73° N, 93.87°W) Mesquite Pt, Sabine Pass (29.77° N, 93.9° W) Galv. Bay, So. Jetty (29.34° N, 94.7° W) Port Bolivar (29.36° N, 94.77° W) TX City Turning Basin (29.38° N, 94.88° W) Eagle Point (29.5° N, 94.91° W) Clear Lake (29.56° N, 95.06° W) Morgans Point (29.68° N, 94.98° W) Round Pt, Trinity Bay (29.71° N, 94.69° W) Pt. Barrow, Trin. Bay (29.74° N, 94.83° W) Gilchrist, E. Bay (29.52° N, 94.48° W) Jamaica Bch., W. Bay (29.2° N, 94.98° W) Alligator Pt., W. Bay (29.17° N, 94.13° W) Christmas Pt, Chr. Bay (29.08° N, 94.17° W) Galv. Pleasure Pier (29.29° N, 94.79° W) San Luis Pass (29.08° N, 95.12° W) Freeport Harbor (28.95° N, 95.31° W) Pass Cavallo (28.37° N, 96.4° W) Aransas Pass (27.84° N, 97.05° W) Padre Isl.(So. End) (26.07° N, 97.16° W) Port Isabel (26.06° N, 97.22° W)

30

Low Tide: 5:15 am High Tide: 1:01 pm Low Tide: 7:01 pm

HIGH LOW -1:46

-1:31

-1:26

-1:31

-1:00

-1:15

-0:04

-0:25

-0:39

-1:05

+0:14

-0:06

+0:33

+0:41

+3:54

+4:15

+6:05

+6:40

+10:21

+5:19

+10:39

+5:15

+5:48

+4:43

+3:16

+4:18

+2:38

+3:31

+2:39

+2:33

+2:32

+2:31

-1:06

-1:06

-0.09

-0.09

-0:44

-1:02

0:00

-1:20

-0:03

-1:31

-0:24

-1:45

+1:02

-0:42

PRIME TIME 0.47 ft.

1.37 ft.

0.92 ft.

1:30 — 3:30 AM

Sunrise: 6:54a Set: 8:14p Moonrise: 5:09a Set: 6:14p AM Minor: 3:54a AM Major: 10:05a PM Minor: 4:15p PM Major: 10:25p Moon Overhead: 11:38a Moon Underfoot: None

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Spring Turkey

Basics by bob hood

If you never have hunted turkeys during the spring season, you have missed out on one of the most exciting times to be in the woods. It is one of the most exellerating and rewarding “vocal communications” ways to hunt wild game, much like rattling antlers to attract deer, bugling for bull elk 106 |

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or calling predators and waterfowl.

For many of us who have hunted turkeys during the spring seasons ever since they were established in Texas in the late 1960s, preparing for hunting them seems almost routine, but if there is anything missing it’s helping first-time turkey huntF i s h

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ers learn the basics so they, too, can reap the optimum experiences of what it is all about.

Preparing for a spring turkey hunt is a year-long effort for most serious turkey hunters that intensifies as opening day nears. It begins with practicing calling.

Photo: ygluzber, Canstock

THE WHITETAIL DEER RUT is an exciting period. The whistling wings of ducks over a blind can bring chills to hunters crouched below. However, the gobble-gobble-gobble of a tom turkey on a roost at the crack of dawn is what stirs the adrenalin of thousands of hunters on a cool spring morning.

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Like many of my hunting friends, I do it year-round, not only to stay in tune with the sounds I make but also to make sure my calls are in good shape.

There are many types of calls to choose from but the one or ones that become your favorite calls should be a personal choice, period. It doesn’t matter whether you use a box call, push-button call, diaphragm, slate, wing bone or any other type of call. What matters most is that you become comfortable using it and that you keep it in good condition.

Many calls come with instructional CDs or DVDs and they can help a beginner learn the basics of calling. The thing to remember is that you don’t have to learn all the sounds wild turkeys make in the woods to trick a tom turkey into walking to within 30 yards or less of you. Yes, there are times when some calls work but a soft series of three to six simple, soft yelps of a turkey hen have probably resulted in more gobblers being shot in the spring than any other types of calling.

The push-button and box calls are perhaps the easiest calls to learn with but that doesn’t mean they are the least preferred by veteran turkey hunters. I have used every type of turkey call made and my favorite still is the box call. That’s just a personal preference and the call you choose should become the same for you.

The next most important thing to do prior to the season is getting your clothes and gear together. Camouflage shirts, pants, gloves, caps, face masks and anything you carry your calls, decoys and other gear in such as turkey vests, backpacks, fanny packs, etc., should be checked to make sure they are in good shape. If not, replace them so you don’t have problems with them while hunting.

The same camouflage clothing you wear during deer or duck season usually will be just fine for the spring turkey season. The key is to wear clothing that will blend in with the environment. One of my favorites is the new Cedarflage clothing made in Eldorado which works well not only in cedar country but also anywhere in a good, shaded area.

Check your clothing and other gear to make sure zippers and other types of closures are in good working condition and address problems with seams and tears.

The gauge of shotgun you use for turkeys is another personal choice but most hunters T F & G

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use a 12-gauge with a 20-gauge the most popular “second choice.” There are a variety of shot sizes available today marketed as “turkey loads,” but No. 4. 5 and 6 shot will work well under most circumstances when you limit the range to about 30 yards.

Regardless what shot size you use, get a target and pattern your load at 30 yards or less. A good clean kill shot on a turkey can be made by aiming at the middle of the bird’s neck. Placing seven to 10 pellets in the head and neck area at that range will help insure a clean kill.

If your shotgun has a modified or improved cylinder you may want to purchase a tighter choke to make it more lethal on a turkey. The main thing is to pattern the loads you plan to use and become confident in them and the gun you are going to use.

I shoot a single-shot M66 Ithaca 12-gauge with a 30-inch full-choke barrel and have for more than 40 years. I do so because of the confidence factor you should build into any shotgun of your choice.

The only thing I have added to my Ithaca is a fiber-optic front sight, something I highly recommend for any turkey gun. A fiber-optic sight such as the Tru-Glo or High-Viz can be adjusted, much like the sights on rifles. They work well anytime but especially during low-light conditions.

Locating turkeys and where they usually travel should be fun, not a task. Most

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turkeys go to roost along creeks, rivers and other streams. Try to locate their roosting places prior to the season, but be careful during your scouting so you don’t bust them. Listen from a distance for the tell-tell gobbles of tom turkeys and the clucks and purrs of hens that they often make prior to flying down from their roost, then plan where you want to set up for a hunt 200 yards or so from the roost.

If you can’t locate a roost, set up in an area where you have seen tracks and other turkey sign. Hunting the edges of fields always is a good choice because turkeys often use fields as strutting areas and to feed. Fields are especially good places to use a decoy or two because they stand out well from large distances.

The main thing to remember when you attempt to call in a gobbler is not to overcall. You want the gobbler to think there is a hen nearby and you want him to come to you. Many gobblers will “hang up” when they hear excessive calling, thinking the hen is going to come to him and not vice versa.

If you think you have chosen a good area to set up in, stay there stay as still and as hidden as possible. Patience has killed more turkeys than anything else.

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Photo: Jim Olive

Sugar Cured Wild Turkey

W

ild turkey can be cooked on the barbecue pit or in an oven, but remember that it is a very lean meat. A good cure will allow the meat to retain its moisture while cooking.

Sugar Cure Mix 1 pint each of sugar and kosher salt into 1 - 1-1/2 gallons of cold water.

Place turkey in large disposable plastic bag.

Pour sugar saltwater solution over turkey.

Squeeze all the air out of the bag and tie it up tight and close to the bird. Place the bag in a refrigerator or a cooler lined with plenty of ice and allow to sit in solution for 8 - 10

hours or preferably overnight.

Remove bird from bag, pat dry and coat the entire bird inside and out with vegetable spray or olive oil. Place a peeled onion in the cavity, then sprinkle the bird all over inside and out with Texas Gourmet’s Sweet Chipotle Season All and Texas Gourmet’s Riverbed Steak Seasoning.

Oven Instructions Place the bird on a rack over a baking pan-breast side up. Place 4 layers of cheese-

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cloth over the breast. Place bird in preheated oven at 325 degrees, bake for 3-1/2 - 4 hours or until meat thermometer inserted into fleshy part of inner thigh (not touching bone) reaches 180 degrees. Remove from oven, discard the cheesecloth, and drape a piece of foil loosely over the bird and allow it 25 - 30 minutes to rest before carving. Serve with Texas Gourmet’s Black Bean Pico de Gallo and your favorite sides.

Pit Instructions Wrap the entire bird with 4 to 5 layers of cheesecloth (this will keep out excessive smoke and allow the baste to keep the bird moist during smoking). Use about 5 lbs. of charcoal to start, then add pecan & hickory wood, or a combination of them. Preheat the pit to about 300 degrees.

Place the bird, breast side up on the pit on the far end from the firebox, baste with basting sauce every 45 minutes, smoke at 275 - 300 degrees for 5 - 6 hours or until meat thermometer inserted into fleshy part of inner thigh (not touching bone) reaches 180 degrees.

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Join the Texas Gourmet Fanclub on Facebook, at http:// www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=152165096156. Come and share your favorite recipes, restaurants, and hangouts.

The Texas Gourmet is waiting on you!

Remove from pit, and drape a piece of foil over the bird for 30-40 minutes to rest the meat. Then remove and discard the cheesecloth, carve and serve with Texas Gourmet’s Black Bean Pico de Gallo and your favorite sides.

You Will Need: 1 wild turkey (domestic may be substituted) cleaned, skinned and thawed out 1 large disposable plastic bag (large enough to hold a 10 - 12 lb. turkey and 1-1/2 gallons of water) 1 basting brush Texas Gourmet’s Sweet Chipotle Season All Texas Gourmet’s Riverbed Steak Seasoning Cheesecloth (4 layers 10” x 10” for the oven and 6” - 10” x 6’ for the pit)

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1 pint sugar 1 pint kosher salt Baste for Turkey 3 sticks butter or margarine 1 tsp black pepper 1 cup of olive oil 2 tbs crushed dried rosemary leaves 2 cloves of minced garlic 1 tsp dried Thyme leaves 2 tbs Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp honey Juice of 1/2 lemon Heat ingredients to a boil. Use this to baste the turkey.

Email Bryan Slaven, “The Texas Gourmet,” at BSlaven@fishgame.com

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Daniel Striper Express Guide Servce

TEXAS HUNTING

TEXAS HUNTING

SOUTH TEXAS

NORTH EAST TEXAS

TEXAS SALTWATER BAFFIN BAY

Hook and Ladder

TEXAS SALTWATER

Rockport Redrunner

MIDDLE Coast GALVESTON

ROCKPORT

COLORADO HUNTING

Upper Coast (Sabine Lake)

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Hillman Guide Servce Shanna and Yvette Rockport Redrunners

TEXAS FRESHWATER

TEXAS FRESHWATER

TEXAS FRESHWATER

LAKE AMISTAD

EAST TEXAS

LAKE TEXOMA

Call captain david for rates and info 281.869.5518

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SPOTLIGHT: DEL RIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Lake Amistad is one of Del Rio’s main attractions, offering a wide expanse of clear, turquoise-colored water on the Texas/Mexico Border. The lake is part of the Amistad National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service. Amistad is the Spanish word for friendship, and the international lake and dam are centered by two bronze eagles, symbolizing the strong ties between the U.S. and Mexico.

Amistad National Recreation Area offers great opportunities for boating, houseboat vacations, camping, water sports, fishing, bow hunting for deer, and bird watching.

Surrounding Del Rio is the Seminole Canyon State Park and Historical Site, Shumla School, Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center, San Felipe Springs, Val Verde Winery, Whitehead Memorial Museum, Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum and the home of Laughlin Air Force Base.

Del Rio is a multi-cultural town with many opportunities to live, work and Play. Del Rio is one of the safest cities along the Texas/Mexico Border and Lake Amistad is among of the safest lakes for all of your recreational enjoyments. For additional information check out www.drchamber.com or call 1-800-889-8149 and see why we invite you to “Explore Del Rio – Home of Lake Amistad”.

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Whitetail Lovelady Redfish

Whitetail

Sabine Lake

Collinsworth County

Layne Tucker of Beaumont caught his first redfish while fishing with his grandfather on Sabine Lake.

Lane Turner shot his first big buck on the Sunday of Youth Weekend while hunting with his dad on his grandmother’s ranch, the 3T Ranch, near Lovelady.

Gunner Palacios, 13, shot his first buck while hunting with his cousin Matt Needham on their land near Wellington in Collinsworth County.

black Drum Clear Creek

Speckled Trout

Dennis McIntosh of Humble caught this 34-inch, 19-3/4-pound black drum in Clear Creek at League City.

He caught the drum on a dead shrimp seasoned with garlic and salt.

Catfish

Clear Lake

Brazos River

Sharon Stogner of League City caught her personal best, this 27-1/2-inch, 6.5-pound speckled trout while fishing with her husband Kyle in Clear Lake.

Luke Stout caught this 50-pound yellow cat on a jugline in the Brazos River. Two days before, he caught a 9-pound bass on Lake Weatherford.

It was the best week of fishing in his life (to date).

Feral Hog Llano Seven-year-old Tripp Parker’s first kill was this feral hog he took on the Waters Ranch in Llano County. Grandpa Barney Hedrick said when Tripp discovered hogs are where ham, pork chops and bacon come from, he wanted to hunt more of them.

Catfish Lake Fork Five-year-old Noah Darnell caught his first catfish all by himself at Lake Fork.

Redfish Sabine Lake Paul Owens of Beaumont caught this 32-inch bull red at the Causeway on Sabine Lake, between Christmas and New Year’s.

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

EMAIL: photos@FishGame.com

For best results, send MED to HIGH quality JPEG digital files only, please.

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

Blue Catfish Lake Livingston

BLACK DRUM Palacios Cliff Howard of Hempstead shows off a 36-inch, 40-pound black drum he caught at the Palacios Pier on the first night of a long-overdue vacation last Thanksgiving.

Josh Dodd, 14, caught this 15-pound blue catfish at Onalaska on Lake Livingston.

When the big cat hit, he experienced reel trouble and had to haul in the line by hand to land the fish.

Redfish Brazos River Coulton Grissett, 13, of Sugar Land caught his first redfish in the Brazos River at Jones Creek.

Feral Hog Columbus

Whitetail

Flounder

Rusk

Sabine Lake

Seth Hoffman, age 11, shot his first deer while hunting with volunteer sponsor Charles Dear. The hunt was donated by Rodney Newman.

Sean Patsfield of Mauriceville caught this stringer of flounder while he and his grandfather were fishing on Sabine Lake.

Brian Davis shot this wild boar at 10 yards from a ground blind while night hunting near Columbus. He used a .300 Win mag.

Whitetail Hurst WMA Teddy Thibodeaux, 14, shot three does in one evening hunt at the Justin Hurst WMA near Freeport. He was on a TPWD youth hunt and got his deer with a Rossi .243.

Flounder Matagorda Cameron Hayes, 7 yrs old, fought and landed this 20-inch flounder on his first wade adventure in East Matagorda Bay.

Redfish Sabine Lake Darien Adaway of Port Neches caught this redfish, his first, while fishing on Sabine Lake with his granddad.

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