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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 and Stephanie Ward and Roy and 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
TOM BEHRENS • GREG BERLOCHER • PAUL BRADSHAW • HERMAN BRUNE • JOE DOGGETT • CALIXTO GONZALES • KENDAL HEMPHILL • CAPT. MIKE HOLMES • BOB HOOD • STEVE LAMASCUS • PATRICK LEMIRE • LOU MARULLO • JIMMY D. MOORE • TED NUGENT • DOUG PIKE • LENNY RUDOW • WAYNE C. WATSON • MATT WILLIAMS • REAVIS WORTHAM •
TROPHY QUEST COORDINATOR KAYAKING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR SALTWATER EDITOR POLITICAL COMMENTATOR ASSOC. OFFSHORE EDITOR HUNTING EDITOR FIREARMS EDITOR SALTWATER RIGS EDITOR BOWHUNTING EDITOR NORTH HOTSPOTS EDITOR EDITOR AT LARGE SENIOR OFFSHORE EDITOR BOATING EDITOR LEGAL AFFAIRS EDITOR FRESHWATER EDITOR HUMOR EDITOR
A D V E R T I S I N G
ARDIA NEVES VICE PRESIDENT/ADVERTISING DIRECTOR NICOLE MCKIBBIN • NATIONAL MARKETING REP. DENISE BELL • NATIONAL MARKETING REP. 1745 GREENS ROAD, HOUSTON, TX 77032 PHONE 281/227-3001 • FAX 281/227-3002
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• SUBSCRIBER SERVICES MANAGER • FIELD REPRESENTATIVE • NEWSTAND REPRESENTATIVE
P R O D U C T I O N
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A D M I N I S T R A T I O N
DENNISE CHAVEZ NATIONAL ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/RECEIVABLES MANAGER 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. Contents may not 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. Periodical postage paid at Houston, TX 77267-9946 and at additional mailing offices.
MEMBER AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATIONS
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FEATURES JULY 2009 • Volume XXV • NO.3 NO MORE RED SNAPPER?
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While the feds wring their hands over perceived red snapper shortages, catches in Texas waters in 2008 — a season hammered by bad weather and high gas prices — point to a completely different picture of the fishery’s health.
by Capt. Mike Holmes RED SCHOOLS
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Most anglers think of redfish as solitary creatures — the classic spot and stalk quarry. The reality is, redfish sometimes school in aggregates that will make the hardiest wadefisherman’s knees wobble.
ON THE COVER: COASTAL: A school of redfish is a beautiful sight to behold, and not as uncommon as many anglers might think.
Photo by: Gerald Burleigh
by Calixto Gonzalez TROTLINING 101
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Trotlining for catfish lost some popularity, as more “glamorous” fishing came into vogue. But for putting meat on the table, no other technique gives the angler more favorable odds than a trotline’s 24/ 7 window of opportunity.
ALSO IN JULY:
by Paul Bradshaw
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MOTTLED DUCK REVIVAL In order for these ducks to continue rebounding on the Texas coast, hunters are encouraged to turn in any banded birds they shoot.
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From our 25th Anniversary Archives, April 1991. by Robert Sloan
by Chester Moore, Jr.
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WHITETAIL CRIMINAL UNDERGROUND Poaching has deep roots in Texas. And when you build a high-stakes business around the production of world class whitetail, the high fences sprouting around deer country become an irresistible temptation for game thieves.
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RETURN OF THE EASTERN TURKEYS
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TF&G REPORT: PERRY SIGNS CROSSBOW LEGISLATION Now legal during archery season. by Don Zaidle
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COLUMNS and DEPARTMENTS JULY 2009 • Volume XXV • NO.3
COLUMNS 10 Editor’s Notes
59 Texas Saltwater
Hysteria & Gun Powder
Answering Email
by DON ZAIDLE TF&G Editor-in-Chief
DEPARTMENTS
by CALIXTO GONZALES TF&G Saltwater Editor
16 Chester’s Notes
60 Hunt Texas
Texas Hunting and Fishing Regs Circa 1976
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YOUR LETTERS
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TF&G REPORT
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BIG BAGS & CATCHES
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TRUE GREEN
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TROPHY QUEST
Landowners Unite For Eastern Turkey
by CHESTER MOORE, Jr. TF&G Executive Editor
by BOB HOOD TF&G Hunting Editor
18 Commentary Respecting Our Flag
by KENDAL HEMPHILL TF&G Commentator
20 Doggett at Large Respect For the Classics
by JOE DOGGETT TF&G Senior Contributing Editor
61 Texas Freshwater
22 TexasWild
Alaska Bear Heaven
Got Kids? Hook’em With Bream
by TED NUGENT TF&G Editor-at-Large
by MATT WILLIAMS TF&G Freshwater Editor
58 Texas Offshore
62 Open Season
Live Bait Means Bigger Gulf Fish
Séance Treachery
by DOUG PIKE TF&G Offshore Editor
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Letters CROSSBOWS—ARE YOU SERIOUS? I just read Don Zaidle’s Editors Notes, “Crossbows Revisited,” from the April 2009 issue, and I have to say the only good argument you have is the Draw-Loc argument. But two wrongs don’t make a right. I think the Draw-Loc in archery season is just as wrong as crossbows in archery season. I think we need to put our efforts into making it illegal also. Hunting with a crossbow is almost just like hunting with buckshot. You load it when you get in your blind, aim, take the gun off of safety, and you have about the same lethal range. The only difference is the bang. Drawing your bow undetected is a huge piece of the puzzle you are just ignoring. I think a lot of gun hunters will pick up a crossbow for the extra month of hunting because it is just like hunting with a gun. Sight it in once and put it up until you need it. By the way, I do hunt public land and accidental fires with a crossbow are a real possibility since they will be walking around with a loaded weapon. Trip, fall, gun goes off. It’s that easy.
undying love for crossbow hunting that grows with each season. It’s a bunch of foolishness that crossbow hunters are restricted to our arm of choice only during gun season. It’s just not fair that we can’t get the same advantages as the other “bow” hunters. I completely agree with everything Zaidle wrote—it made me want to stand and cheer! Thanks again for a great article. It’s good to know we finally have a voice in the outdoor world. Jay Whitfield Via email
A TF&G READER IN ITALY Congrats for TF&G. It witnesses very well our wildlife obsession. Let me tell you a short story about my personal record. It is Saturday March 21 and after my job, I put my tent and my rods into my car to reach what I call “Monsters
Lake.” It is 9:40 p.m. and I am trying to sleep when suddenly my bite alarm screams like a devil. I run out and I try to stop the fury and the madness at the end of the line. It is so heavy and I hope nothing is going wrong. Finally, after 20 minutes, my personal record is on the bank. When I weighed it, the scale shows 20 kilograms. Luca Ferrara Italy, via email
CHEERS FOR HERMAN Herman, Herman, Herman! Oh, if only there were more like him! TF&G is a fine hunting and fishing magazine, and Herman just makes it great. I love his stories, wit, and down-home humor. Keep up the great work. I cannot wait for the next one. Ray Shay Via email
Jeremy Hunt San Angelo, TX
PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCA FERRARA
As serious as a Category 5 hurricane— and so is the Texas Legislature (see TF&G Report elsewhere in this issue). Anti-crossbow rhetoric and misinformation notwithstanding, reason and common sense prevailed and crossbows are now legal for archery season. —Don Zaidle Don Zaidle recently wrote an opinion column about allowing crossbows during archery season. I am happy to say I am such a hunter. I am blessed to have the use of all my limbs, and have several guns in my arsenal. Not to mention my wife is a compound bowhunter (she even shoots with fingers and no release—bad girl, huh). Yet, I have an
Luca Ferrara, a TF&G fan from Italy, caught this monster carp in his homeland. Luca is also a bowhunter and has aspirations of coming to Texas to hunt. Executive editor Chester Moore has promised him an adventure when he makes it over here.
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I am a freshman at Sam Houston State University. I am writing to commend Herman Brune on his stories. They all provide an escape from studying and college parties. I usually turn to his column first. Over the past three years, through reading his stories, he has somewhat become a hero and I would like to meet him one day. Cody Degelia Via email
FLOUNDER CONSERVATION
does stand for conservation. Keep up the good work.
Bassmaster and Texas Fish & Game. Thank you for giving us something to look forward to every month.
Johnny Phelps Via email
Bill Hickenbottom Via email
COOL BASS STUFF
Send your letters to : Editor, Texas Fish & Game 1745 Greens Rd Houston TX 77032 Email: editor@fishgame.com
Thank you for the great largemouth bass stories you have virtually every month. No one in Texas comes close to what you have, and now the only magazines I read are
Great job TF&G and Chester Moore did on the flounder issue. Chester is my hero. Just keep five trout and five flounder. We can all live with that. Capt. Dana Dooley Via email I think the new flounder regs are great! This will not be anything different for me, as this is what I have been doing, anyway, with the exception of November regs. I hope this works. Barry Markham Via email Thanks to TF&G for its groundbreaking coverage on the flounder issue. No one has had more on the issue over the years, and I dare say if it were not for all of the flounder stories you put out there, these new regulations would not have passed. I also appreciate your new True Green section for its real take on environmentalism without all of the crazy politics. Your magazine is really ahead of its time in many ways, and light years ahead of the competition on the real issues. Elaine S. Via email Thank you Chester Moore and TF&G for spearheading the comeback of the flounder. I have been following your coverage for a long time, and the reason I started reading was everyone told me if I wanted to see flounder, yours was the only publication really covering it. This was back around 2001 and they were right. I have great respect for the fact Chester is donating book proceeds to a flounder fund, and this magazine really T E X A S
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Editor’s Notes by Don Zaidle| TF&G Managing Editor
Hysteria & Gun Powder OUTS OF HYSTERIA ARE ENDEMIC TO THE human condition. The recent outbreak of “swine flu” sparked everything from school and business closures to people walking around wearing surgical masks; local emergency medicine protocols mandated the masks for first responders. Ostensibly enacted as prophylactic measures against the disease, the true reasons amounted to nothing more than media-hype induced hysteria. The number of deaths worldwide stood at 108 at the end of May—108 deaths among a world population of 6 billion. Do the math. “Closing schools is not effective” in stemming spread of the virus, said Dr. Richard E. Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “So far, the severity of illness we’re seeing in this country is similar to what we’re seeing with seasonal flu.” In other words, swine flu is no bigger deal than any other flu strain; the tiny number of deaths attributable to individuals weakened by pre-existing health conditions. Communications-media induced hysteria is not new. Orson Wells’ 1938 radio broadcast of an adapted version of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds prompted credulous listeners to panicked actions that included shooting an innocent water tower mistaken for an invading alien spacecraft. The most pervasive and sustained modern hysteria involves firearms and appurtenances thereto. Media hype, misinformation, and outright lies has convinced many that guns are not only evil incarnate, but capable of autonomous mayhem. Ammunition is the newest object of gunphobic hysteria and related propaganda, inciting panic over everything from lead poisoning to possible injury from exposure to loose ammunition.
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The case of one George Fath of Steuben County, Indiana, well illustrates the extremes of ammo hysteria. While cleaning his yard, Fath found a .22 rimfire cartridge, the detritus of a previous tenant. Fearing for the safety of his children, Fath decided to destroy the evil object—by smashing it with a hammer. Now, the ignorance factor alone is sufficient to make the event remarkable, but Fath’s recollection of events juxtaposed with the facts pushes this into Twilight Zone territory. Predictably, the tiny cartridge exploded when Fath struck it with his mighty hammer. According to news reports, Fath stated: “It went off and went into my belly and knocked me on my butt.” His wife called 911 and the police came, but responding officers reported that the “bullet” didn’t actually hit Fath. “Fath was not bleeding, and it did not appear that Fath was struck with the bullet. Fath suffered a minor abrasion to the area of his stomach,” according to the official police report. Nonetheless, Fath told a local TV news crew the bullet did go in his stomach, and doctors removed it at the hospital: “I smacked by the bullet and fell down and blood came pouring out. I was hitting it to smash it. I didn’t expect it to go bang.” Fath vowed to never again hit a bullet with a hammer; Steuben County Sheriff Rick Lewis said no one should ever hit a bullet with anything. Okay, sound advice, perhaps, but then Lewis pulled a real boner. After first demonstrating a severe lack of understanding of simple physics (more on that shortly) by stating, “The round can go anywhere. It could hit the person striking it with a hammer, a neighbor, a child in the yard. There’s just no controlling where the bullet will go,” Lewis compounded the absurdity of the situation and struck a blow in the name of hype and hysteria by stating that, if someone finds a “bullet,” don’t throw it in the trash but, “Call local law enforcement and we can take care of it.” Let’s think about that last statement. As most Texas Fish & Game readers know, finding a “bullet” is equivalent to finding a stone. A bullet is just a chunk of cuprous lead, &
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harmless unless you throw it forcefully at somebody. I suspect the sheriff meant “cartridge,” the complete system of case, primer, powder, and bullet that comprises bona fide ammunition. Ammo ignorance notwithstanding, of all of the insipid hysteria attached to this incident, one aspect eclipses all others from a law enforcement standpoint—the sheriff ’s suggestion to “Call local law enforcement [if you find a cartridge] and we can take car of it.” Imagine if you will the potential mayhem unleashed by a single individual with a mischievous streak and armed with a single 500round “brick” of .22 rimfire ammo, seeding streets and neighborhood lawns with “bullets” for the citizenry to find: ensuing panic, 911 system jammed with calls, and the entire police force tied up with “ammo recovery duty.” If caught, what charges might the perpetrator garner—terrorism? inciting panic? littering? Absurdity is hysteria’s stepchild, evidenced by incidents like the preceding and nonsensical governmental actions such as California’s lead bullet ban; attempts to mandate that ammo manufacturers inscribe cases and bullets with serial numbers; suspending students on “weapons charges” for making slingshots out of pencils, rubber bands, and paper clips; banning venison donations to charity food banks due to hysteria over “lead contamination.” Pertaining to the danger of loose ammunition: When an unconfined cartridge explodes, the bullet might move a few inches at most. The much lighter case can travel a few tens of feet at a far from lethal velocity. (I am working on a video production that demonstrates this, available for viewing on the new soon-to-launch fishgame.com website.) The worst danger is should the case strike someone in the eye. An unconfined cartridge explodes with but a tiny fraction of the power released when confined in a firearm chamber. But, it is a component of a gun, for God’s sake! Won’t someone please think of the children!
E-mail Don Zaidle at editor@fishgame.com
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Crossbows Now Legal In Archery Season N A NEAR-UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE TEXAS Legislature has legalized crossbows for the October archery-only deer and turkey season. The legislation, HB 968, cleared the House by a 146 to 1 margin, and the Senate 29 to 2. Governor Rick Perry signed the bill into law over the Memorial Day weekend in May. It becomes effective 1 September 2009 in time for the upcoming October season. “We should all be looking for productive and innovative ways to get more hunters into the field, not unnecessarily restricting them,” Perry told Texas Fish & Game. “This cross-
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bow bill does exactly that, and I am proud to sign it into law and open up more opportunities for all Texans.” Prior to the passage of HB 968, crossbows were legal only during the general gun season for deer and turkey, and during archery season only by individuals with a certified disability that precluded use of a compound, recurve, or longbow. The bows remain legal year-round for non-game animals such as predators and feral hogs. A relatively small contingent of bowhunters, mostly members of the Lone Star Bowhunters Association (LSBA) and
Traditional Bowhunters of Texas (TBOT), opposed the bill. The list of witnesses testifying in a public hearing before the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee shows 10 in favor and two against the bill. Those in favor included several individuals representing themselves, and representatives from Academy Sports & Outdoors, the NRA-ILA Manager of Hunting Policy, Texas political fixture and five-time Speaker of the House Gib Lewis, the North American Crossbow Federation, and outdoors
Gov. Perry signed the bill over the Memorial Day weekend.
BIG BAGS & CATCHES
REDFISH—NORTH PADRE ISLAND
TURKEY—KROOKED RIVER RANCH
SAILFISH—SEA OF CORTEZ
Danielle DeLaGarza caught this 31-inch redfish using live mullet and light tackle at North Padre Island Seashore while fishing with her husband Alex.
Texas Fish & Game’s own Nicole McKibbin proudly shows off the gobbler that she bagged while hunting with fiancé Mark Becka at Krooked River Ranch, Texas. The turkey had a 10-1/4-inch beard and 1-inch spurs.
Tyler Busby of Spring Branch, Texas, caught this 6-foot sailfish while fishing with his dad in the Sea of Cortez, while staying in Cabo San Lucas. He went out for 6 days starting at 4 am, and was a trooper in the rough seas.
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TF&G Report TV personality Keith Warren. LSBA President Jack Jetton and one other individual testified against the bill. Six other witnesses were registered in favor and one against but did not testify. Some critics of the legislation claimed it was a move by “big-money interests” to bypass TPWD and take the case to the legislature. In fact, TPWD had no rulemaking authority regarding crossbows in archery season since existing law did not allow crossbows. A change in the law—which only the legislature can do—was therefore the only means of making crossbows legal in archery season. According to a “Statement of Intent” filed by the bill’s author, District 3 House Representative Mark Homer: “The purpose of this bill is to allow all hunters to hunt with crossbows during the bowhunting season. Allowing all individuals to hunt with a crossbow during open archery season would increase interest in hunting and help foster generations of hunters and wildlife conserva-
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tors. Many people treat crossbows the same as other archery equipment. This bill would open up access to archery season to those who are not disabled but do not have the upper body strength to enjoy traditional archery equipment, such as children or older hunters.” In a seeming minor concession to the bill’s opponents, the final version of the bill included a small addition by the Senate to exempt “counties that do not have a firearm season.” In effect, this provision currently applies only to Grayson County, which was already bowhunting-only when the crossbow legislation was introduced. Representative Larry Phillips, who sits on the House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and whose District 62 includes Grayson County, cast the lone “nay” vote in the House. Senator Bob Deuell, who sits on the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs and whose District 2 includes Fannin County, which borders Grayson County, and
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Senator Glenn Hegar, District 18, cast the dissenting votes in the Senate. Bill supporters cite increased hunting opportunity, hunter recruitment and retention, and fiscal benefits for both government and businesses. —Don Zaidle
Flounder Stocking History As the tiny flounder slipped from the dip net into the waters of Old River Bayou near Bridge City, a crowd of onlookers smiled proudly. At just 2 inches long, the flounder swam a couple of feet, rested on the bottom, and disappeared with near-perfect camouflage. Over the next few minutes, officials with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) released approximately 750 more like it, making fisheries history. This May 2009 event was the first TPWD-reared southern flounder stocking, and like the initial redfish release in 1983, it
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TF&G Report harbingers a new age of coastal fisheries conservation. “These fish were spawned at Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson, raised in our ponds, and grown to a size we felt would be good for release,” said Sea Center Texas Director David Abrego. “Although the stocking is small compared to the millions of redfish and trout we put out, it represents years of work and shows we have overcome many hurdles with flounder. We are now in the process of taking steps to produce them in much larger numbers.” Flounder have been in decline due to shrimping related by-catch, commercial harvest, and a variety of other factors for more than 30 years. “Although the Sabine system is better off than some other areas in Texas, we are still about 50 percent below the numbers we saw in the 1980s,” said TPWD Sabine Lake Ecosystem Leader Jerry Mambretti.
According to Mambretti, new flounder regulations that take effect September 1 should go a long way toward allowing the fish to make a comeback. Combined with a fullfledged stocking program, the southern flounder’s future is looking bright. “This year is definitely symbolic for positive changes with flounder, and this stocking is something many people have been waiting to see for a long time,” Mambretti said. Flounder are not prolific spawners like redfish and speckled trout, so the program will require many breeder fish. “We have been working with concerned local anglers and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), specifically the Golden Triangle Chapter, to catch brood fish for the hatchery,” said Shane Bonnot of Sea Center. “We have also used fish anglers have donated through the Texas Coastal Bay Teams events in the past. To expand our flounder capabilities, we will expand our efforts to collect broodstock.”
To preserve genetic integrity, TPWD will stock Sabine Lake only with offspring of Sabine caught fish. The same applies to Galveston and other areas along the coast. “It takes a lot to produce flounder, but it is a goal we have been working on for a while now and it is certainly well worth it. We look forward to the day we can drive up with tens of thousands of flounder to release at a time,” Bonnot said. The tide was coming in strong on the day of the first stocking, giving the little flounder an extra push to make it into prime marsh with cover and food needed to reach maturity. No one knows for sure how many will reach saddle blanket size, but one thing is certain: There is much hope for the Texas flounder fishery, some of which is now swimming in the marshes surrounding Sabine Lake. —Chester Moore
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Chester’s Notes by Chester Moore, Jr. | TF&G Executive Editor
Texas Hunting and Fishing Regs Circa 1976 OGS MAY NOT BE USED TO HUNT MINK except in Camp, Delta, Hopkins and Rains Counties. Those words jumped off the page and into my mind, inspiring a confused stare and an audible, “Huh?” Digging through a box of junk at my parents’ house, I found an old Texas Parks & Wildlife Department regulations manual from 1976. Upon opening it, my eyes went directly to the furbearer rules and read the quirky statute listed above. I wondered if anyone ever really hunted minks with dogs and why it was prohibited. Minks with dogs? Weird. As I delved further, the manual became a virtual time machine, allowing me to travel back to a far different era in wildlife and fisheries management. The information contained within was eye opening and, in some cases, shocking. For example: Did you know at the time there was a black bear season in 33 counties? Yes, just over 30 years ago black bears were legal game in many parts of the Lone Star State. The seasons were all over the place, from Angelina County in the Pineywoods to McMullen County down near Mexico. Then there was Delta County north of Dallas, and Winkler along the New Mexico state line. Strangest of all, however, was Galveston County, which had a bear season of November 16-December 31 and a bag limit of one. The definition of archery equipment was unique as it called for very specific requirements. “In taking game animals and game birds, a bow must be capable of shooting a hunting arrow equipped with a broadhead hunting
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point for a distance of 130 yards… Arrows may not be poisoned, drugged or explosive.” That was probably written for high-tech outlaws who figured the dynamite they were using for fishing would make bowhunting equally effective. Admit it—we all know some of these people. Going back to the furbearers, fox could be taken only in Shelby County if they were found destroying domestic stock, or unless the State Health Officer declared rabid foxes to be a menace to public health. Apparently, minnows (it does not say which kind) were a precious commodity at the time, because many counties had restrictions on the number you could have in possession. Dozens of municipalities allowed no more than 200 at a time. Bell, Coryell, Falls, and Johnson counties had a 125-minnow limit, while Wichita County only allowed someone to possess 50. I use more than that on a good crappie trip. The freshwater fish limits section was wild because, apparently, we had rainbow and brown trout as well as Coho salmon, and the bag limit was five daily. I know Texas has stocked rainbows off and on—but salmon? We also had a three-fish daily limit for northern pike and muskellunge. Yes, I am as confused as you are. Bow and arrow, spear guns, and spears were legal for rough fish only in freshwater, but all fish in saltwater. In the Gulf of Mexico, seines and gill nets up to 2000 feet with no less than 1-1/2-inch square mesh could be used. They were prohibited only within one mile of a pass and one mile of Horace Caldwell Pier on Mustang Island or Bob Hall Pier on Padre Island, and within 1000 feet of the Gulf shoreline of Padre Island in Nueces County. License fees were quite different and &
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showed just how much inflation has impacted our pocketbooks. A fishing license for both residents and non-residents was $4.25. A resident hunting license was $5.25 while a non-resident had to pay a whopping $37.50. A trapper’s license was $5 while a whitewinged dove stamp was $3, which seems expensive considering the price of a general hunting license back then. Even more interesting than the price of licenses were the types of licenses available. There was the duck blind license, which was required for constructing blinds in Harrison and Marion Counties. The non-resident retriever dog training or field trail license was mandatory for all out-of-staters visiting areas where captive reared chukar, mallard duck, and pheasant were killed. The hunting boat license was a requirement for guides using boats to transport hunters. My personal favorite was the beaver-otter trapping license, which had a price tag of $50. It was required for a resident of Texas to trap or take beaver or otter outside their county of residence. It is almost hard to imagine a time when such regulations were in place. Black bears are now a protected species, gill nets were eventually banned, and you can trap beaver in any county you like. The discovery of this manual brought me back to a time when the life of an outdoors lover was much simpler and more geared toward those with a deep connection to the land and sea. Seeing practices like trapping fall by the wayside in such a short time made me ponder how a regulations manual might look 30 years from now. How much of what we now hold sacred will be legal? On the other side of the coin, what new opportunities might arise if, for example, hatchery technology perfects captive rearing of snook, or if the bear population increases to huntable numbers? The possibilities are intriguing and a bit frightening. Contact Chester Moore at cmoore@fishgame.com.
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Commentary by Kendal Hemphill | TF&G Commentator
Respecting Our Flag VERY INDEPENDENCE DAY, WHEN THE FLAGS go up on just about every home and business in just about every town in America, I remember a scene from the late 1960s. Some protestors had gathered in front of the White House, and one of them burned an American flag. I asked my father why he did that. Dad said, “He’s against the war, son. He’s cutting off his nose to spite his face.” To an eight-year-old boy, that explanation did not help much. Later, I understood more about the war, but less about why an American would burn Old Glory. The banner does not represent the current government administration; it represents the country. Desecrating it probably did more harm than good for the protestor’s cause. After the horrible tragedy of 11 September 2001, patriotism flourished in America, and flags were everywhere. That wave has faded somewhat, but the flags still come out in late June, as they always have. Unfortunately, some are displayed improperly—not out of disrespect, but ignorance. Everyone knows, of course, that the American flag should never touch the ground, and that if it does, it should be burned in a formal ceremony, preferably on Flag Day (June 14). We all know that it should fly upside down only as a signal of extreme distress; that it should be lowered to half-staff to designate mourning; and should never fly below the height of any other flag. Beyond that, the rules are sometimes vague. The Second Continental Congress adopted Old Glory as the official flag of the United States of America on 14 June 1777. The 94th Congress amended the latest rules
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for flag etiquette on 7 July 1976. The regulations are strict and rigid, and are meant to ensure we show the proper respect for the emblem of our nation. We should not fly the Stars and Stripes in inclement weather; all-weather flags excepted. It should fly only during the daylight hours, but may fly at night if properly illuminated. It should be in or near every polling place on election days, and in or near every schoolhouse on school days.
We have room in this country for but one flag, the Stars and Stripes. We have room for but one loyalty, loyalty to the
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—Theodore Roosevelt
In processions, such as parades, the flag should fly only on a staff, never draped over a vehicle, animal, or person. It should always lead any line of flags, or at its own right in a display of flags abreast. In a group of flags displayed not in a line, the U.S. flag should be at the center. If hung vertically from a staff projecting horizontally from a building, the union of the flag (white stars on a blue field) should be at the peak of the staff, away from the building. If hung vertically over a sidewalk or street, the union should be at the top, and on either the north side (on east-west streets) or on the east side (on north-south streets). When displayed flat against a wall, verti&
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cally or horizontally, the union should be to the flag’s right, the observer’s left. It should be above and behind any podium or speaker, in the position of superior prominence. If hoisted on a staff at such a function, the flag should be to the speaker’s right, and any other flag on the speaker’s left. The flag should never be used as a cover for any statue or display, or as a receptacle or wrapping for any object. When flown at half-staff, the flag should be raised to the top of the staff for a moment, and then slowly lowered to half-staff. When removed for the day from half-staff, it should be raised to the top of the staff for a moment, and then lowered. On Memorial Day, the flag is to be flown at half-staff until noon, and then raised to the top of the staff. If used as a covering for a casket, the flag should be placed with the union over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave. The most common inappropriate use of the American flag is probably as apparel. It should never be used as a garment of any type, and no representation of the flag should be worn on the body. If it is, it should be burned in a formal flag retirement ceremony. A flag patch may be worn on uniform apparel of military personnel, firefighters, police officers, or members of patriotic organizations. The most blatant inappropriate use of the American flag is probably when pictures, words, or emblems are displayed on it, such as happened this year during the presidential inauguration. The symbol of our country is not mine. It is not yours. It is ours. We should display it proudly and constantly, and always accord it the respect and honor it deserves.
E-mail Kendal Hemphill at commentary@fishgame.com
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Doggett at Large by Joe Doggett | TF&G Senior Contributing Editor
Respect For the Classics HAVE RESPECT FOR THE THINGS THAT WENT before. The traditional sports of fishing and hunting especially cultivate this feeling. The timeless essence of the wild outdoors inspires the concept that what was good then remains valid now. Also important, the link to the past can help put things in perspective. We often get too caught up in the latest technology, the “cutting edge” equipment that provides the extra advantage. However, sometimes, making a task too easy when fishing or hunting detracts from the quality of the experience. It is for this reason that I increasingly am drawn to and fascinated by gear that was the “good stuff ” when I was a kid. Sadly, that was more than 50 years ago. Now, I mean proven equipment, not clunky and ineffective items. Just because a gadget has cultivated decades of dust or rust does not necessarily make it good. What was junk then remains junk now; but a quality rod or gun that the masters of yesteryear wielded remains a valid tool. It might not be as effective as today’s top-end counterpart, but it certainly works—and works well in skilled hands under proper circumstances. As an example of enduring excellence, I offer the Winchester Model 12 pump-action shotgun. The gun was introduced in 1912 and was the choice for generations of hardcore wingshooters. Several new pump guns might be smoother and faster, with upgraded materials and components, but the old Model 12 remains legitimate. I own a Model 12 that was manufactured in 1941. The gun was old when I bought it in 1976, and it is a heck of a lot older now. Thousands of low-brass and high-brass shells have been run through its silvered action. The Model 12 has never misfired. I do not shoot “Old Hungry” much anymore,
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but I have total confidence that it will perform with a silky clatter and a salty chatter the next time it is raised over game; and more than 60 years of honest patina in the fields and marshes only make it that much more attractive. As sportsmen strive for superior performance, the tendency to “trick out” basic concepts becomes overwhelming. I am not totally sold on that push, either. Today’s bowhunter with a high-tech rig might do well to look at a simple recurve bow or, better, a longbow. I have a longbow on my wall, not in my hands, but it is an awesome piece of gear. I bartered for it about 20 years ago on a trip to Papua New Guinea. A half-naked guy in a dugout canoe miles up the Kekori River was toting it. The bow of fired cane is almost 6 feet; the two bamboo arrows are approximately 4 feet. The pull is manly, extremely manly, in fact. It is a primitive setup but, trust me, you would not feel entirely comfortable standing in the open about 20 steps from a full draw—or even a half draw. No question, the nearest compound rig would be far more efficient, but that is just the point. The longbow by whatever issue is the pure essence of archery. The straight pull demands serious conditioning, and utmost hand-to-eye judgment is required when releasing the arrow. There is something appealing about that simple approach. Casting reels are another example. The industry is obsessed with putting over-engineered reels on the water. Whatever happened to the pride of the “educated thumb” earned by hours of effort? To gain a better perspective on the backto-basics approach, look at the old reels made by companies such as Shakespeare, Pflueger, and Langley—the freewheeling equipment that preceded the push-button, star-drag products ushered by the original red Ambassadeur 5000 (introduced from Sweden to the U.S. market during the mid1950s). The old American reels (derived from the original “Kentucky” casting reels) were not clunkers. No, the finely tuned, narrowframed models such as the Shakespeare Sportcast and the Langley Lurecast weighed scant ounces, lighter than most of today’s &
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low-profile reels. You can cup one in the palm of your hand. The old pros loaded them with 10- or 12pound braided line and, when lightly oiled and properly adjusted, these small, simple reels were blazingly fast with 1/4- to 1/2ounce payloads—but you had to learn how to use them. Accuracy and distance did not automatically come out of the box. For this reason, plug casting was the master’s game, and it remains exciting. A basic levelwind reel with no internal drag and no anti-reverse mechanism allows fish to fight. Today’s average plug caster has no idea how much drain a star drag puts on a fish. The old reels provide one-on-one contact. You control the pressure with your thumb on the spool, and this becomes high drama with, say, a 6- or 8-pound redfish, or a solid bass plowing for cover. I am not claiming that a 60-year-old Sportcast is the ultimate casting machine. It is not. It has limited applications (for example, the retrieve ratio is excruciatingly slow, maybe 3-to-1), and you do not want any part of a 20-pound stud jack. Nonetheless, pick the right arena, and it can carry the game to a higher level. Locate a clean old reel of A-Team status, oil it up, and give it a go. Most remain ridiculously cheap, maybe $50 or $75 in excellent condition. If you put emphasis on fun while fishing, you might be amazed at what you have been missing with that overengineered product on today’s shelf. Also important: If you put in the “sweat equity” required to command the old reel, you will understand that the top-shelf pluggers from your grandfather’s day wielded a polished game without the add-ons and crutches deemed necessary in our current market. The point of this thesis is to respect our roots, and to remember that the easiest way is not always the most satisfying way. Looking back, not ahead, can put a fresh perspective on being outdoors.
E-mail Joe Doggett at doggett@fishgame.com
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Ted Nugent’s TexasWild by Ted Nugent | TF&G Editor-at-Large
Alaska Bear Heaven ET’S GET ONE THING STRAIGHT RIGHT NOW: As much as I love Alaska, I love Governor Palin more.
L
Okay, then, on with the bear hunting story. My American bowhunting dream hit warp speed in September 1977 as I embarked on my first out-of-state bowhunt into the wilds of the Last Frontier. Everybody dreams of hunting Alaska, and with visions of my hero, Fred Bear, crouching behind that big rock on the gravel beach with Ed Bilderback and arrowing the world record brown bear, I felt like I had died and gone to heaven as I landed in Anchorage. As a man of steadfast priorities, I have manipulated my life to return to Alaska many times since, and for the last six years it has become a springtime ritual to board my own Valiant Maid fantasy fishing-trawler at the docks of Craig and sail southwest into the Prince of Wales archipelago. With sons and brothers, we are the blessed ones to be the guests of the Sims family on their Eldorado scow for a week of incredible giant black bear hunting over bait. This is a simple excursion—not a commercial operation, just good friends and family living the Alaska dream. It is spectacular in every way. On this trip, eldest son Toby and I joined Gary Sims, Captain Kenny, and Admiral Susan, master deckhands Kevin, Sean and Cody, and master bowhunter and tournament archer Chuck Cooley from New York. A better boatload of American BloodBrothers would be hard to gather, and we all settled into the Alaska groove immediately. Alaska weather is all of the above, with everything from bright, sunny, warm cloudless days to pure, rotten, nonstop, cold, dreary, wet snotfests for days. Improvise, adapt, and 22
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We could tell by the fidgetiness of this bear that the threat of a larger, dangerous bear was a reality. After about 30 minutes on the bait, the boar’s head jerked up and it scrambled off into the tangles of old growth timber and blowdowns. Within minutes, we saw why: A huge, broad-shouldered behemoth ambled in amongst the jumbles of logs and old Nuge arrowed this bear during the last few minutes of stumpage, and cautiously approached the bait. This is an Alaskan hunt. why we bowhunt POW. A bucket-headed beast stood 15 overcome is the only attitude in God’s coun- yards before me gobbling up bait when I try, and we were ready for anything. picked a spot on its angling side and sent a Our first morning dawned clear and pleas- fine arrow into the targeted tuft of hair. ant, perfect for optimal bear activity, and Toby Arrow impact was absolutely perfect. The and I settled into our tree stands in the breath- giant exploded for 25 yards and then stopped. taking boreal forests from time immemorial. A Toby and I were convinced it would tip over soaring bald eagle welcomed us into its realm; and die right there, but to our dismay, it redheaded woodpeckers and the occasional shook, wiggled a bit, then merely walked off weasel or martin scuttled about the moss- into the dark forest without even a limp. draped forest floor with us. Toby and I were still convinced we had a Normally, prime bear hunting is a late dead bear, but the series of events that were afternoon affair with the best opportunities about to unfold tested our grasp of science and usually occurring those last magical hours understanding of ursine anatomy. before dark. This day, we were on stand by We had a decent bloodtrail for 100 yards, 9:30 A.M. and giddy with anticipation. The then it petered out completely. Perturbed, we Nugent bear hunting tribe is batting 100 per- examined the videotape footage and were cent on these trips with one or more of us immediately reassured of our eye-witnessed always bringing home a giant black rug-steak arrow placement. for our efforts. I am convinced that Prince of Deciding to gather reinforcements back at Wales (POW) is bear-hunting mecca, so the Eldorado, we played the tape on the HD adrenalin surges for the duration. big screen and stopped the frame when the It was one hour on the snoot when the first arrow struck. What we saw shocked everyblack bear arrived. Ultra cautious and con- body, for the arrow did indeed hit perfectly— stantly on red alert, the handsome 300-pound but upon impact, the nearly horizontal arrow boar tiptoed in and took its good old time get- abruptly turned near vertical and instead of ting to the bait. penetrating the ribcage, sliced just under the Normally, a 300-pound bear is a keeper skin following the contour of the ribcage, exitpretty much anywhere, but at POW, we were ing on the outside of the ribs on the same side confident that beasts twice that size were in it hit. Phenomenal. My tree stand was quite the neighborhood, so we captured wonderful high, and the angle of the shot rather acute, footage of the bruin, but I did not take the thereby allowing the broadhead to slide down shot. the rib instead of blasting through it. &
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I’ve bow-killed many a fine beast with what by all appearances would be the exact same hit, but on this gravity-defying occasion, Mr. Murphy had gone overboard and stretched his evil touch a little too far. I was devastated. This bear was not hurt in the least. I was. So, as any bowhunter worth his salt, I fought the depression, vowed to not give up, improvised, adapted, overcame, and continued bowhunting every morning and afternoon. That same first day out, Chuck Cooley had a little better luck, arrowing a genuine monster 500-pound trophy bear. Chuck’s giant bear would be one for the record books, but more importantly, his first bowhunt in Alaska and his first bear ever would glow in his hunter’s heart forever. Struck by a 28-inch Easton Axis carbon arrow tipped with a razor-sharp 100-grain SlikTrick broadhead from Chuck’s 52-pound Sims DeadZone bow, the boar made it a few hundred yards through the forest before it succumbed. I blew it on two more giants over the next two days, and to say I was feeling bad would be an understatement. But, so goes bowhunting, and as guys that refuse to give up, Toby and I headed out on our last morning hunt only three hours before we had to pack up and leave. Murphy must have been off duty this day, for the sun came out, the sky cleared up, and after two hours on stand, a fat black bear sauntered in. Unfortunately, this little furball was only a little over 100 pounds, and I just wasn’t interested in such a small rug. Then, with less than 30 minutes left to hunt, we heard a series of low grunts from our right. A little sow tore out of there and a larger boar took his good old time making its way to the bait site, giving us all of the nerve-spanking adrenalin a bowhunter could ever want. When the shot setup was perfect, I sent a lovely arrow right into the good stuff and my beautiful, fat, 300-pound boar died after 10 leaps over 20 yards in about five seconds. Party time, baby! He was a dandy; maybe not the behemoth 500-pounder we are accustomed to up here, but a dream trophy black just the same. Most importantly, the perfect arrow I had told everyone would be my next arrow was just that. Amazingly, the position of this fine boar was exactly the same as my first ill-fortuned shot five days earlier. The arrow hit looked exactly the same, too, but this time, it didn’t follow the ribs but smashed through them and
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passed completely through. I was elated. Toby expertly videotaped the entire celebration and we documented another sensational bowhunt for all to see on Spirit of the Wild TV. We don’t produce a hunting show; we simply film and document honestly how we celebrate our natural hunting lifestyle. What you see is what you get, and it is as natural as the tooth, fang, and claw of the wild that we so revere. I feel the words of Geronimo every time I
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go afield: “When all the bison are gone from the prairies, and the elk no longer can be heard in the mountains, and all the deer have disappeared from the forests, I will hunt mice. For I am a hunter, and I demand my freedom.” Amen and pass the SpiritWild backstraps, baby.
E-mail Ted Nugent at bowhunting@fishgame.com
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y now, offshore fishermen should know that the open season for red snapper in federal waters for 2009 began June 1 and will close August 2. This is even shorter than the 2008 season, and the reason for the cut in days is that NOAA Fisheries estimated recreational fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico caught 1.2 million pounds more than their quota for the year. Federal law requires that the harvest level for a species considered both overfished and undergoing overfishing (as red snapper are deemed) must be reduced the following year. In my humble opinion, this is a curious situation. The 2008 red snapper season ran for 65 days. During that time, South Texas was hammered by Hurricane Dolly, and the Louisiana coast took a hard hit from Gustav. Before, between, and after these storms (Ike missed the 2008 season, but will have an effect on the 2009 season in many ways) was a lot of unfishable, windy weather. Weather conditions are not calculated in the NOAA catch estimates, which are extrapolations of telephone and dock interviews mixed in with scattered head boat reporting. Also evidently not considered was the price of fuel in the summer of 2008, which certainly reduced fishing days even when the weather was good. With diesel nudging $6/gallon in some areas at the fuel dock, charter boats were forced to dramatically raise prices, either up front or by charging the customer for the fuel used on each trip. Most captains reported drastically reduced trip numbers, with even regular customers calling to say they just couldn’t afford it this year. With all these factors working against a big catch of red snapper, to go over the set quota by 1.2 million pounds—while under a two-fish per day possession limit—is not possible. If it were, there would certainly be no shortage of red snapper. At the snapper meeting held in Seabrook, Texas, early last 26
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NOAA scientists on a research vessel measuring a red snapper.
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summer, a friend and charter boat operator who serves on several Advisory Panels to the Gulf Council (including the one on snapper) predicted this would happen. At that time, the only factors that would negatively impact the snapper catch were fuel costs, high winds, the short season, and the twofish limit. My friend’s opinion was should we be told that we exceeded the quota under such conditions, it should be considered a criminal act against this fishery. &
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At the Seabrook meeting, it was obvious from listening to Dr. Roy Crabtree of the Gulf Council (and NOAA Fisheries) that Texas was to bear the brunt of the blame for the shortened season because our state refused to mirror federal laws on snapper. By keeping the season open all year with a four-fish bag limit, Texas was catching so many extra snapper that all who fish in federal waters must suffer. Of course, he did not mention that NOAA Fisheries catch estimates are published before Texas has come up with its own figures for snapper, which means fish caught in Texas waters are not
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Although the red snapper fishery in Texas coastal waters remains viable and open, federal regulations in offshore waters make the popular species all but inaccessible.
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included. Florida and Alabama had also decided to not comply with some or all of the federal restrictions in their state waters. At this point, it appears certain that Florida will cave in completely, and the fisheries service will toss a bone of 12 extra fishing days to snapper fishermen as a reward, extending the season to August 14. That Texas drew a line in the sand, publicly stating that the federal data on snapper populations and catch numbers was flawed, and that closed seasons are not the optimum way to manage such a species, is very unpopular with federal regulators. Even though there are not that many snapper within nine miles of Texas beaches (except in some exceptional spots like the rocks off Port Mansfield and at scattered wrecks found inshore along the coast), we still probably have more productive snapper fishing than some portions of Florida’s west coast. Should we be punished for that? As further evidence of the ill feeling against Texas, a
new regulation forces charter and head boats that hold a federal reef fish permit to follow the more restrictive of state or federal limits when fishing in state waters. In the public comment period, many complaints about this requirement were voiced. There was a feeling that this would put federally permitted for-hire vessels at a competitive disadvantage against vessels without federal permits, since the intermitted boats could allow their customers four fish per day—provided they could find and catch them. Federal response to these complaints was that this rule was meant to help prevent overharvest, and if these overages were not curtailed, more restrictive federal regulations—like even shorter seasons, even smaller bag limits—would be required. There was a time when red snapper were considered a “meat fish” that only head boats actively fished for. This changed when several things occurred around the same time. First, king mackerel, the darling of the small boat fleet, were considered so overfished that a closed season and restrictive bag limits were placed on them. With a twoT E X A S
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fish limit considered shockingly low after no limits at all for so long, “sport” boats needed something else to fish for when their snapper limit was filled early in the day while they were still far from shore. New, affordable GPS units and vastly improved electronic fish-finders helped these fishermen discover spots that were either completely unknown or closely kept secrets of commercial fishermen and old time charter skippers—and these spots held big snapper, lots of them. Now the increased pressure on snapper is bringing this era of sport fishing in the Gulf to a close. Kings are no longer subject to a closed season, and are actually considered a success story for open-water fisheries management, but the limit is still two fish. Virtually all other species an offshore fisherman might transfer his main attention to are already under tight limits, from triggerfish to amberjack. Dolphin are one notable exception, but I do not expect this to last. Times change, and not always for the better.
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When redfish school, intense action is in the offing.
im Brewster and I had beat the water to foam, and all we had for our trouble was one scrawny, 16-inch trout for three hours worth of fishing. We had alternated between topwaters and live shrimp, soft plastics and live shrimp, and cut bait and live shrimp. Other than the one scrawny trout, the only thing we attracted was one very fat, very happy tern dive-bombed our popping corks to steal our live bugs right off the hook. Now the tide was almost at full slack, and it looked like a promising day was going to turn out to be a total waste. I pulled into the shallow, muddy flat of Cullen Bay in an act of desperation. I zipped through a channel between two spoil islands out into the wide bay, and my eyes almost popped out of my head. “Jim! Get ready to cast!” I blurted. “That is the biggest school of redfish I’ve ever seen in my life!” 30
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Jim looked and shook his head. “I don’t see it,” he said. “There’s too much current on the water.” “That’s not current, dude!” I yelled. “That’s the school! Cast right at them!” Jim underhanded an un-weighted half ballyhoo at the school and hooked up to a 27-inch red. I cursed him for throwing in the middle of the batch, flipped my own ‘hoo into the gigantic aggregate of spots, and hooked up to a twin to Jim’s fish. The school scattered for the points of the compass, but quickly regrouped. After we landed our two reds, I eased into an intercept with the redfish, and we repeated the gunwale shuffle. After three redfish each, all ranging between 26 and 28 inches, the school moved out of the bay and into Laguna Madre proper. As Jim and I made the 20-minute run back to White Sands Marina, he looked me. “That school was so big, I thought it was the wind on the water!” School Spirit: To most anglers thinking, the redfish is a solitary beast. It is a denizen of shallow water found tailing in singles or pairs, and rarely in groups larger than &
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three or four. They are the classic spot-andstalk quarry—fisherman against fish, mano y pectoral, and all that literary tripe. The reality is, even the most rogue of personalities prefers the company of its contemporaries for a while. Redfish are no different. Sometimes, they will school up in aggregates that can make your knees weak and your breath short. “Fish school for pretty simple reasons,” said fisheries biologist Alex Ochoa. “Primarily, they’ll school for security. Schools provide strength in numbers, even if you are a large pelagic species such as yellowfin tuna. It’s hard for predators to key in on a single fish when you have several of the same size and species grouped together. It’s kind of like trying to focus on a single quail when you bust a big covey.” It is hard to believe that a predator such as a mature redfish would need the security of a large school, but the Gulf of Mexico and bays of Texas are a region where things are
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Red “schoolies” are not always “dinks.”
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either eating or being eaten. There is always something out there bigger than you, and with sharper teeth. “Another reason that fish school is to locate food,” Ochoa said. “Fifty sets of eyes can find forage a lot faster than a single pair.” This principal might apply best in late summer, when ideal forage becomes a bit harder for fish to locate. Redfish collect in large numbers and concentrate forage species near the surface. There is some very impressive school-fishing on the big bays of Sabine, Galveston, Matagorda, and Corpus Christi during the hotter months. Several years ago, on a trip to Sabine Lake with Captain Skip James, we spent the afternoon hopping from one school of redfish and speckled trout to another. These schools, some of which must have been at least an acre across, were corralling menhaden and shrimp and tearing into them. If a school ceased being active, James would
scan about until he spotted another one, and off we went. The usual tip-off to a school of redfish at work is a flock of gulls diving into the bait that is trying to escape the terror below, only to face death from the sky. Birds are not the only clue that anglers should watch for. Nervous bait darting about the surface is another tip to activity beneath the waves. Even a single bird hovering over and scanning a fixed area of water can be the hint that there is a school of hungry redfish prowling below. Group Love: “A third reason that redfish school is when staging for a spawn,” said Ochoa. “Mature, larger fish aggregate for the annual spawn, and they then migrate through passes into the open Gulf to spawn.” These vast schools of brood redfish do not move out to their spawning sites immediately upon entering the Gulf of Mexico. They hold in areas for a time, perhaps waiting for water temperature to hit a certain point. When this happens, no baitfish is safe. These big spawners will eat everything T E X A S
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that fits in their mouths, as television personality Keith Warren learned one day on the Louisiana Coast. “We were fishing the short rigs out of Venice when we spotted a large flock of pelicans sitting on the surface of the water,” Warren said. “We went over to check out what they were doing. They were on the biggest school of giant redfish that I have ever seen. These fish were the size of your leg.” Over the next two days, Warren and his fishing partner caught so many giant reds that they were sick and tired of them. They started trying to find something the fish would not hit. They threw bare jigheads, bare hooks, bubblegum—the reds ate them all. “It was the most incredible spectacle I’ve ever seen,” Warren said. “There were thousands of them, and they were all hungry.” Singles and pairs of redfish make for fine sight-casting. If you want to learn about a different style of fishing for Ol’ Spottail, you might want to look for the right school.
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any years ago, my wife and I were newlyweds, still in college, and broke. So, when spring break rolled around, we did not head south to the traditional raucous spring break hangouts of Corpus or Cancun. Instead, we threw our camping gear into my pickup bed and headed to East Texas to meet a friend at Toledo Bend, and introduce my wife to trotlining for catfish. She giggled like a schoolgirl (I probably did, too) when pulled up the line and found yet another catfish hanging from a hook. It is also where she discovered that catfish grunt, but that is another story. Running a trotline for cats was once not only summertime recreation, but in many cases, a means to dinner. More recently, trotlining for catfish has lost some popularity over the past few decades, as more “glamorous” fishing came into vogue. In most angling situations, the fisherman has to be in the right place with rod and reel in hand when the fish bites in order to catch it. However, when you use a trotline the odds tip favorably since you have bait in the water 24 hours a day, and a single trotline can stretch for hundreds of feet and cover almost the entire water column. Most trotlines are no frills setups, but just like with any fishing rig, anglers like to add their own touches that they swear helps catch more fish. Before you try to delve into these tricks, you need to understand the basics of trotlining. After that, you are free to do anything you like within Texas Parks & Wildlife Department regulations. By legal definition, a trotline is: “A nonmetallic main fishing line with more than five hooks attached and with each end attached to a fixture.” To go a little deeper, the main line of a trotline may not exceed 600 feet, but realistically, trying to set out and run a line more than 200-300 feet long is too much hassle. Also, a single trotline cannot have more than 50 hooks, and there must be a minimum of 3 feet spacing between each hook. Each trotline must have two gear tags (one on each end) within 3 feet of the first hook. Gear tags must have the name and address of the user, along with the date it was set out; tags are valid for 30 days. This 30-day restriction is to ensure anglers do not 34
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leave their lines out for years, snagging fish and lower units. As a courtesy to other anglers and boaters (not to mention for the benefit of your trotline), it is a good idea to mark trotlines in shallow water with floats (which can act as your tag if properly marked) so that anglers trolling the shoreline looking for bass do not end up with your trotline wrapped around their trolling or main motor prop. Setting and running a trotline can be a very simple process, especially for two people. Doing it by yourself is possible, but not recommended since you will have to contend with hooks, fish, and bait all by yourself. With hooks flailing, there is a good chance one could end up embedded in you or your clothing—and the last place you want to be is alone in the dark, hung on a trotline with a hooked 30-pound or bigger flathead powerfully tugging toward deep water on the other end. The first step in successful trotlining is locating an ideal spot or something reasonably close. A location sporting a creek channel with a flat on each side (preferably with standing timber on each flat) will hold catfish that stay in the creek during the day, and come up to feed on the flats at night. Tie one end of the hookless main line to an anchor spot on one side of the channel, and stretch it across to the anchor point on the other side. Leave some slack in the line so you can weight it down in the middle. Start at one end of the main line, pulling yourself hand-overhand along the line. The angler &
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Pre-Rigged
Trotlines & Kits With pre-rigged trotlines or “kits,” you can save time and money at the sacrifice of versatility. Bass Pro Shops offers two kits:
Big Catch Trotline:
Sports 25 stainless steel clips with a brass swivel to eliminate tying the drops to the main line and twisting of the staging or main line by heavy fish. Includes 150 feet of 320-pound main line and 25 4-0 hooks. $18.99 from Bass Pro
Ec o n o l i ne :
Fe a t u r e s machine pressed brass spacers with swivel pre-attached to the main line. Includes 25 drop-lines, 25 4-0 hooks, and 150 feet of 295-pound main line. $12.99 from Bass Pro
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Running a trotline alone is risky business; always have a partner.
PHOTO BY GRADY ALLEN
in the front of the boat places hooks on the line, leaving one of the middle hook loops open (you will see why in a minute), while the angler in the back baits each hook on the first pass. Minnows work well as bait for smaller channel cats, but tend to catch crappie and bass. (It is illegal to keep game fishes caught on a trotline; they must be released, even if dead.) Over the counter prepared baits are always available, and bream, shad, and other non-game fishes work quite well, as does chunks of chicken or beef liver and beef heart (available from custom processing meat lockers). Another key to any trotline is the weight used to keep the line down near the bottom. I have seen everything from cinder blocks to old wheels used, but these can be abrasive at
best. A cheap way to make multiple weights and have them readily available is to fill coffee cans with Sakrete and place an eyebolt in the top middle. Clip a small $2 fake (not approve for climbing purposes) carabiner to the eyebolt. After baiting the line, go back to the middle hook loop you left open and clip the weight to it. Running a line is similar to the initial baiting. Pull yourself along the line with the angler in front unhooking fish and the guy in the back rebaiting. There might not ever be a big-time tournament where trotliners turn into instant millionaires by bringing in the biggest sack of catfish, but among those looking for a meal, and some unbeatable excitement, there is no better way to fish. Just try feeling the thump of a large fish on the end of the line and not smile.
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Mottled Ducks:
by Chester Moore, Jr. 36
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than Port Arthurbased biologist Charles Stutzenbaker authoring an awesome book on the species, the first real boost for mottled duck came a couple of years ago via a multiagency study involving Ducks Unlimited (DU), The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), Delta Waterfowl, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Louisiana State University, and
Long-term, the species is way down This pair of mottled duck along with many others was and the damage lured into a live trap set by TPWD officials on Pleasure caused by Hurricane Island last year. The male has an olive to yellow solid Ike to marshes on the color bill, while the female has an orange or brown bill Upper Coast will likewith dark blotches. ly contribute to a poor hatch in the region this year. “Brackish marshes on the WMA and neighboring private ranch land, which would normally be at or below 10 parts per thousand salinity, are still up in the teens,” said Michael Rezsutek, PhD, a TPWD wildlife biologist at Murphree WMA at the time of this writing. Rezsutek said little freshwater is available for use by mottled duck broods, and that will likely lead to a very low production of mot-
Traps baited with rice are set in key areas where mottled duck are common. This is the most common way of catching the birds. TPWD also uses cannon nets set over bait and sprung when a bunch of birds show up. Biologists also catch them via airboats at night when the birds are molting and cannot fly.
other stakeholders. The project motivated waterfowl managers to look closer at the species—but what about hunters? “A few years ago, we would kind of over-
Metal leg bands with unique identification numbers as well as a toll free phone number are fitted unto the ducks, enabling hunters to report banded birds. TPWD officials hope hunters this season report all banded mottled ducks, as the information is very helpful for managing this important local species. PHOTOS BY GERLALD BURBEIGH
look mottled ducks, but now we’re starting to see them as important and sort of a trophy bird,” said Doug McKee of Beaumont, a regular at the Anahuac National Wildlife 38
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Refuge and longtime Jefferson County leaseholder. “I think a lot of that has to do with all the press the species has received and the fact we’re not seeing as many as we used to see.”
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tled duck this season. Put simply, more information on this at risk-species is crucial to its management, so it is extremely important for hunters who shoot mottled ducks to turn in band numbers. “We need more hunters to turn in mottled duck band information,” said Tucker Slack with the J.D. Murphree WMA. “If you shoot a mottled duck with a band, please call the number on the band and turn in the data, because that gives us good information about them.” I personally know hunters who have balked at turning in mottled duck bands in the past because they assumed they were
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Tara Bayliss, a TPWD intern, releases a mottled duck captured and banded in Jefferson County.
When a hunter shoots a banded bird and turns in the data, he receives a certificate in the mail that features information on where the bird was originally banded, its sex, and approximate age.
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banded nearby. That is why last year Texas Fish & Game distributed posters in partnership with DU all along the coast, soliciting hunters to turn in mottled duck band information. Having personally watched Murphree WMA staff band these birds and spoken with officials about the conservation problems, I was inspired to study mottled duck more closely and raise public awareness. This species is highly symbolic of the Texas Gulf Coast, and I believe the more we appreciate them, the more we can see the value of the wonderful habitat that gives it life, and gives waterfowlers so much joy. Enjoy this up-close and personal look at the process of catching and banding mottled duck. TPWD works very hard on this project every summer, from Port Arthur down to the Middle Coast region. Kudos to the agency for its efforts to learn more about this native Texas duck.
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Wolf Delisting Popular Among Elk Fans NTERIOR SECRETARY KEN SALAZAR’S announcement that wolves would be taken off the endangered species list has drawn support from members of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). “Overall, it’s good news because two of the three states in the northern Rockies that are most affected are a step closer to the state-regulated hunting seasons they need to manage wolves in concert with other resident wildlife,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. Allen noted activist groups have already promised lawsuits to hinder the progress of conservationists, so resolution could still be some time away. The federal announcement came less than 48 hours after the Elk Foundation board of directors released a new policy statement that wolf populations in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming should now be managed through state-regulated hunting. The official board action was covered by the Associated Press and appeared in news outlets around the West and even USA Today. “When it was listed as endangered in 1974, the wolf had almost disappeared from the continental United States. Today, we have more than 5500 wolves, including more than 1600 in the Rockies,” Salazar said. Allen said wolves are a concern to the Elk Foundation because of the predators’ impacts to local elk herds, elk hunting success and participation, livestock and landowners, rural economies, and the organization’s own ability to facilitate collaborative conservation successes in the future.
I
Snapper Management a Bust From Beginning ACCORDING TO LOUISIANA’S SEA GRANT, THE FIRST FEDERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) APPLIED TO RED SNAPPER WAS COMPLETED IN 1981. IT DESCRIBED RAPIDLY DECLINING COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL HARVESTS OF RED SNAPPER. A 13-inch minimum size limit was the first regulation in 1984. Since then, there have been more than 35 amendments to the federal FMP that includes red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. According to reports: “In 1988, the first red snapper stock assessment showed that the species was both overfished and undergoing overfishing. That designation required action from both the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Coun- Red snapper management at the federal level cil (Gulf Council) and NOAA Fisheries to began in 1984 and has been through nearly 40 develop a plan to both limit harvest and regulatory changes with very little results. rebuild the population. “The assessment concluded that fishing mortality (commercial and recreational harvest plus by-catch mortality) needed to be cut by 75 percent in order to recover the species by 2000. “The Gulf Council, believing that the impacts to fishers from a 75 percent cut would be too severe, subsequently opted for measures that would reduce mortality by 20 percent, thus postponing additional restrictions to the future while making recovery of the red snapper in a timely fashion much less likely.” After all these years, the snapper fishery is still considered “overfished” by most experts, although new data suggests computer modeling use to manage the fishery might not be so accurate after all. The controversy continues. —Staff Report TG 40
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PHOTO COURTESY NOAA.
—Staff Report TG
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Delta student Jeremy Stempka with a mallard hen at Hen House 33.
Mallard Hen Returns To Hen House EN HOUSES ARE A SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE means of protecting mallard nests. Popularized by Delta Waterfowl, they are used throughout the prairie pothole region to boost mallard numbers. According to Delta officials, last year a mallard hen was found incubating a clutch of 10 eggs in the same hen house where she hatched the previous year. Hen house 33, located in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, has hatched four clutches of mallard ducklings in three years. Hen houses are an easy do-it-yourself project, and installed in your own backyard provided a small, personal wetland. For more information, see www.deltawaterfowl.org/henhouses
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—Staff Report TG
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PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL, NOAA
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PHOTO COURTESY DELTA WATERFOWL
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The killing of billfish for tournaments and trophies is considered passé in most regions. These fish face enormous troubles with the deepwater longline fishery as well as uncontrolled harvest in many nations. This new agreement will help to foster a deeper respect for these amazing fish in Central America.
Central American Nations Agree on Billfish Plan FTER NEARLY A YEAR, ALL SEVEN countries of Central America have approved an agreement with The Billfish Foundation (TBF) to create a sustainable management plan for billfish and other popu-
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NOAA Says Flower Gardens Face Threats DUCKS UNLIMITED (DU) HATCHED A new NOAA report on the health of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary indicates the FROM THE MINDS OF WATERFOWL sanctuary’s marine life and habitats are in good overall condition, but face emerging threats from potential HUTERS 72 YEARS AGO AND CON- oil spills, invasive species, commercial development, climate change, and underwater noise pollution. TINUES TO CONSERVE HABITAT FOR “The report shows us that even though the sanctuary is 115 miles offContinued on page 42 WATFOWL AND OTHER WILDLIFE. shore, this special T E X A S
lar game fishes vital to growing sport fishing and tourism in the region. The announcement comes on the heels of similar on-going work last year by TBF of enhancing recreational sport fishing in the countries of Mexico, Peru, and Costa Rica. TBF has been working with governments for the expansion of conservation measures and laws to protect billfish, mainly from overfishing by commercial interests, while implementing tag and release programs for sportsmen. TBF’s Dr. Russell Nelson and Herbert Nanne met in Managua, Nicaragua, in late February to formally adopt a Central American agreement Continued on page 42
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GREEN BILLFISHING ACCORD Continued from page 41 to develop a sustainable management plan for marlin, sailfish, dorado, swordfish, and other highly migratory species important to the region’s sport fishing tourism sectors. The agreement between TBF and the Organization of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Isthmus of Central America (OSPESCA) was signed by OSPESCA president, Steadman Fagoth Muller of Nicaragua, and Nelson. Nanne is TBF’s Central American Conservation Director and Nelson is its scientific director. Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama make up the seven countries in the region, all members of OSPESCA. “This agreement between TBF,
OSPESCA, and the seven nations of Central America was created and approved by all parties over the past 10 months,” said TBF President Ellen Peel. “We now look forward to the hard work of establishing a regional data collection protocol and moving on with improved conservation measures for billfish in the region.” “There are so many positives to working with OSPESCA and its seven member nations in developing a management program in the region that can be a winwin for all,” Nelson said. “Billfish have a very high potential in these waters and high economic and social value if the responsible practice of sport fishing ethics and conservation are fostered.” This Central American agreement could have positive ramifications in the Gulf, as billfish are highly migratory. —Staff Report TG
ECAUSE ACCESS TO HEALTHY PUBLIC LANDS and waters for the enjoyment of responsible recreation is of paramount importance, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and Tread Lightly! will work together to educate outdoorsmen on the ethical use of offhighway vehicles (OHV). “A major goal for Tread Lightly! is to further incorporate our important message of responsible OHV use into the hunting, fishing, and shooting sports communities,” said Tread Lightly! executive director, Lori McCullough. “With its extensive membership and quality, in-depth educational programs, NWTF is a perfect partner for Tread Lightly!” NWTF will help distribute informaocean place is connected to other habitats in the tion through its chapter system of Gulf that are also vulnerable to human activi2350 chapters in North America to ties,” said G.P. Schmahl, sanctuary superinteneducate people on the ethical use of dent. “The report serves as a benchmark of the OHVs. current health of the sanctuary that will Industry statistics say that four out of help us develop effective ways to preevery five all terrain vehicle owners serve and protect it for future generaactively engage in hunting, fishing, or tions to enjoy.” both. While habitat conditions were “We want to help educate hunters deemed good, water and living resource and anglers on how they can use quality were rated lower in the report, primarily because of recent findings of their vehicles and ATVs off of the high levels of ciguatoxin and mercury in paved road to enjoy the great outfish, and concerns over the abundance doors without damaging critical of key fish species such as grouper, wildlife habitat or important waterjacks, and snapper. sheds,” said Joel Pedersen, NWTF Director of Land Access Programs. Continued on page 48 “Hunters are still the original and greatest conservationists. We think The Flower Gardens rise out of the Gulf of this partnership will raise awareness Mexico, creating the world’s northernmost and continue to motivate positive major coral reef system. behaviors, which will in turn help keep trails and hunting areas open.” IMAGE COURTESY OF NOAA —Staff Report TG
FLOWER GARDENS Continued from page 41
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GREEN
Rollover Pass Closure Bad for Anglers ROLLOVER PASS. ITS MERE MENTION CONJURES IMAGES OF ANGLERS LINED SHOULDER TO SHOULDER CATCHING FLOUNDER
This photo shows “Macho B” just as he was released back into the wild and was coming awake from a tranquilizer shot. There is now a controversy over the animal’s death.
AND CROAKER DURING THE FALL RUNS AND SPECKLED TROUT IN THE SUMMER. IT IS FAMILIES ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS AND GENERATIONS OF TEXANS PASSING DOWN A RICH ANGLING TRADITION. That might all end soon if Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson gets his way. He wants to close the pass to stave off erosion on the Bolivar peninsula and the silting in of the Intracoastal Canal and East Galveston Bay. This has sparked a firestorm of controversy among anglers on the upper coast who cut their angling teeth at the super popular pass on the Bolivar Peninsula, and those concerned about its impacts to the Galveston Bay ecosystem. Rollover Pass provides some of the finest access to quality fishing on the Texas Gulf Coast, and it is all about bank fishing. For generations, anglers ranging from the well heeled to those who can barely afford the gas to get there have fished side by side at this hotspot and enjoyed the angling opportunities it provides. It is a place that cuts across socio-economic lines and brings people together for a cheap, safe, and wholesome good time. Those well-heeled anglers can afford to fish elsewhere, but what of the thousands who rely on Rollover for their best shot at quality fishing from the bank. Bank fishing spot after bank fishing
COMMENTARY
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Death of Jaguar Sparks Investigation AT THE REQUEST OF THE ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT, THE ARIZONA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE IS REVIEWING THE FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES RELATED TO THE INITIAL CAPTURE OF THE JAGUAR KNOWN AS “MACHO B.” First profiled in our May 2009 edition of True Green, this jaguar captured the imagination of many in the wildlife community after it was accidentally captured in a snare in Arizona, fitted with a radio collar, and then died shortly thereafter. Game and Fish Director Larry Voyles took this action after the department received new information concerning the events surrounding the February 18 capture. “The new information requires further review into its validity, and at my request, the Attorney General’s Office has agreed &
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to independently conduct that review,” said Voyles. Game and Fish has also been made aware that Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-AZ, has requested that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capture, recapture, and euthanization of the jaguar, and that USFWS has agreed to do so. In an official statement on the issue, Game and Fish Department officials said: “...We welcome the investigation and will fully cooperate with it. We will not speculate on its outcome. In the event this investigation reveals any inappropriate conduct or actions, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Department will take appropriate measures. The Department and Commission did not authorize or condone intentional initial capture of this jaguar.” —Staff Report TG
PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
TF&G FIRST, May 2009
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Seminar Highlights Solving Water Woes THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM WILL PRESENT THE FIFTH ANNUAL SHORT COURSE ON “WATER ISSUES & TECHNOLOGIES: PROCESS WATER, WASTEWATER, AND DESALINATION” 24 AUGUST 2009 AT COLLEGE STATION. The Separation Sciences Program, Food Protein and Development Center, and The Global Petroleum Research Institute (GPRI) organized the list of speakers and laboratory demonstrations. The theme is “water conservation through technology.” Researchers and industry specialists share their experiences in water re-use for industrial and municipal applications.
Dr. Sanjeev Kalaswad, from the Texas Water Development Board, begins the program speaking about the various water issues in Texas. It then shifts to experts such as General Electric Water Technology representative Mark Wilson, who explains the purpose of this science is to keep freshwater in the ecosystem. “In 2007, 5 billion gallons of freshwater were used fracturing wells in the Barnett Shale north of Fort Worth,” said Wilson. “That’s 5 billion gallons taken from ground water or surface water, used to fracture a well, and then injected down a disposal well where it is no longer in play in the system. Our job
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is to re-use that water in the oil patch and save from taking more from municipalities, agriculture, or wildlife.” Dr. Lee Clapp, TAMU environmental engineer, then speaks about the impact that desalination concentrate discharge has on water quality in coastal bays, estuaries, and marshes. Dr. Gene Theodori, Sam Houston State University, will discuss his findings concerning public willingness to adopt desalination of oilfield brine. With 20 experts scheduled to speak, the water researchers and consultants are complemented by industry separation science specialists who presenting seminars with handson demonstrations showing varying types of water clean-up technology. This technology includes reverse osmosis, membrane filtration, the use of ozone to clean water, and absorbent technologies. Contact: Connie Conaway, 979-8452272 —Herman W. Brune TG
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GREEN ROLLOVER PASS spot are becoming off-limits to anglers, and it reflects in studies by the American Sportfishing Association, which found access was the No. 1 problem for anglers across America. Losing Rollover Pass would deal a huge blow to tens of thousands of families in the region, not only because they lose this landmark, but also because of what it symbolizes. If Rollover Pass ceases to exist, so does a rich tradition that so many of us grew up enjoying. And while the headlines speak of layoffs, cutbacks, and stock market crashes on a daily basis, losing Rollover would be a true sign of the times. While it might not be tied to the subprime mortgage crisis or the shrinking value of the U.S. dollar, it is another prime example of the average American coming out on the short end of the stick. I admit there are legitimate scientific and economic reasons both for and against closing the pass that merit discussion, but closing the pass without looking at alternatives would be foolish. It is ironic that just as our government rushes to fix a financial crisis that was years in the making and happened under its supposedly watchful eye, something similar is happening on the Bolivar Peninsula. State government officials want to close Rollover without offering alternatives. The American people are not buying what the government is selling on the corporate bailouts, and the people of the Upper Coast are questioning the wisdom of hurrying a closure of Rollover Pass when the problems associated with it have built for years. Let’s hope the voices of the people will be heard before a Texas tradition becomes a distant memory.
.—Chester Moore TG
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Continued from page 44
Whitetail Watch Program Goes Nationwide IN AN ATTEMPT TO HELP CURB THE CRIME OF POACHING ACROSS THIS COUNTRY, WHITETAILS UNLIMITED (WTU) NOW HAS AVAILABLE AN ANTIPOACHING PROPERTY BOUNDARY SIGN SUITABLE FOR USE ANYWHERE IN THE U.S. THE SIGN ENCOURAGES ANYONE WHO SEES SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO REPORT IT TO THE PROPER WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. The new Whitetail Watch components include boundary property signs, wallet cards, and decals as visible reminders to poachers that local citizens are on the watch and will report any suspicious activity. “All ethical hunters have an obligation to help fight poaching,” said WTU Executive Director, Pete Gerl. “It’s as simple as &
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being aware of what’s happening around you while in the field and reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate wildlife law enforcement agency. Poaching steals from all of us, damages our natural resources, and casts a negative light on the sport of regulated hunting. Wardens and law enforcement can’t be everywhere, and they need the help of all hunters to catch those who think laws and regulations don’t apply to them” Whitetail Watch boundary property signs, wallet cards, and decals are available at no charge, in small quantities, by contacting WTU headquarters at 1-800- 2745471. Larger quantities are available at a very reasonable cost. —Staff Report TG
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“It’s a fun, interactive event — it’s about camaraderie and competition,” said Governor Rick Perry about OGT sporting clay shoots.
OGT ClayStoppers a Booming Success IN SPITE OF THREATENING SKIES AND A SEVERE WORK ALERT AT THE CAPITOL THAT KEPT A NUMBER OF LEGISLATORS AND THERS FROM ATTENDING, THE AUSTIN CLAYS SHOOT BENEFITING OPERATION GAME THIEF (OGT) AT TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS IN LATE APRIL HAD MORE PARTICIPATING SHOOTERS AND RAISED A RECORD AMOUNT OF MONEY. “It’s a fun, interactive event — it’s about camaraderie and competition,” said Governor Rick Perry. “And it raises money for programs of interest to outdoorsmen.” Perry has participated in all five of the
The report points to the need for continued research on how the removal of predatory fish species can affect the rest Continued from page 42 of the ecosystem. Prepared by the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, the peer-reviewed Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Condition Report also notes gaps in protection for other reefs and banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico could compromise the condition of the Sanctuary, which is important to the overall health of the ecosystem throughout the region.—Staff Report TG
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Operation Clay Stoppers events in Austin. OGT Committee chairman and originator of the event, Joe McBride, said: “In these uneasy times, you have to give the public an innovative way to contribute to critical causes like game and fish law enforcement. These shoots afford participants a fine time, a lot of fun, a terrific meal prepared by the game wardens, coveted prizes, and hunting trips along with the opportunity to be part of a great movement.” The next OGT shoot will be at the brand new South Texas Shooting Complex operated by the Laredo Gun Club on May 30. Five-person teams can enter for $750, and individual shooters for $150. Each shooter must provide his own shells. Top shooters will choose from several unique prizes and a raffle offers a chance for anyone to win guns. OGT operates a 24-hour toll free hotline for reporting game law violations (800792-GAME [4263]). Contact: Lt. Eric Howard, 512-3898801, eric.howard@tpwd.state.tx.us —Staff Report TG
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numerous along jetties and along the beachfront. Chuck Schneider, who has been fishing the coast for 25 years, said he can hang a few mackerel at one of his favorite fishing spots, the Freeport Jetties, but not intentionally: “Usually I’m looking for speckled trout
ALK TO MOST TEXAS SALTWATER ANGLERS about how to catch Spanish mackerel, and they first will kind of look at you as if you are somewhat strange. When
along the Freeport Jetties, one of my favorite locations.” He has a boat, but he prefers to walk the jetties for trout—and mackerel: “If I don’t
Spanish mackerel are caught along the Texas coast, they are usually caught by accident while fishing for other species such as speckled trout. If you are fishing with pure monofilament, braid, or fluorocarbon, you probably never will get a close-up look at the fish. There is the solid hit, the hard run, and then nothing: no fish, no bait or lure—just limp line to reel in. The mackerel cut your line with its sharp teeth. In the spring, when the water temperatures rise to 72, and later in the summer is when you hear most about anglers hooking up with Spanish mackerel. They can be
Anglers should not use color to determine a Spanish mackerel from a juvenile king. Colors can change and anglers can get in trouble.
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY NOAA
by Tom Behrens
have a lot of time, want to go hit a place in a hurry, I love to walk the rocks and throw lures. Once the water temperature warms, the speckled trout [and mackerel] can really turn on. You will see the mackerel schooling on the surface. The water almost boils with fish. Lot of times, you can ID the fish by the birds feeding on the water. The Spanish mackerel just boil on the surface.” Lance Robinson, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department biologist said the A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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mackerel really like salty, clear water: “That’s why you rarely see a Spanish mackerel in the bays, unless it’s at a spot like San Louis Pass, which leads to West Bay and Christmas Bay. They like clear water because they are sight feeders. Most of the time, we hear of people catching them around the jetties, or off the beachfront in the surf.” Anglers fishing from the rocks or wading the surf specifically for mackerel need a casting or spinning outfit that can cast “a country mile.” Reel speed ratio should be 6:1 or higher,
as you want your lure moving fast enough to draw a reaction strike. Mackerel take great pleasure in nailing a fast-moving lure. Spanish mackerel are not meticulous as to color. Schneider catches them on silver spoons intended for trout, but mackerel will hit a wide variety of colors. “A mack will hit a MirrOlure, and I even catch some on tout tails, but a silver spoon always works best,” Schneider said. Schneider agreed with Robinson that the mackerel prefer clear water: “The cleaner the water, the more Spanish mackerel you are going to find. [You want] real clean, real blue water, generally beyond the guts. They &
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In This Issue
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HOTSPOTS FOCUS: CORPUS TO BAFFIN • Night-Fishing Middle Coast Structure | BY CHESTER MOORE
GEARING UP SECTION
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HOTSPOTS FOCUS: LOWER COAST • Working the Color Change | BY CALIXTO GONZALES
NEW PRODUCTS • What’s New from Top Outdoor Manufacturers | BY TF&G STAFF
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SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK • Tides, Solunar Table, Best Hunting/Fishing Times | BY TF&G STAFF
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TEXAS TESTED • MirrOlure; Prospec Electronics | BY TF&G STAFF
HOW-TO SECTION
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COVER STORY • Almost a King | BY TOM BEHRENS
HOTSPOTS & TIDES SECTION
BOWHUNTING TECH • Target Panic: A Bowhunter’s Nightmare | BY LOU MARULLO
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SALTWATER BAITS & RIGS • Offshore Spinnerbait-Swimbait | BY PATRICK LEMIRE
TEXAS BOATING • Hooks in a Haystack | BY LENNY RUDOW
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TEXAS HOTSPOTS • Texas’ Hottest Fishing Spots | BY CALIXTO GONZALES & JD MOORE
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HOTSPOTS FOCUS: UPPER COAST • Jetties & Surf Best Options | BY CAPT. EDDIE HERNANDEZ
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HOTSPOTS FOCUS: GALVESTON COMPLEX • West Bay Wonderland | BY CAPT. MIKE HOLMES
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FRESHWATER BAITS & RIGS • Striped Bass Teaser | BY PAUL BRADSHAW
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HOTSPOTS FOCUS: MATAGORDA • Sharks=Trout, & Vice-Versa | BY BINK GRIMES
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TEXAS KAYAKING • Crow Wing Pro Angler Kayak | BY GREG BERLOCHER
HOTSPOTS FOCUS: ROCKPORT • Live Bait Rules | BY CAPT. MAC GABLE
generally don’t stay in the guts like your whiting, hardheads, trout, and reds.” Sometimes, anglers confuse Spanish
The “Straw” Lure FOR YEARS, FLORIDA ANGLERS HAVE fashioned a very effective Spanish mackerel lure using a small treble hook, a length of leader, and an ordinary drinking straw. Some anglers report that a McDonald’s straw works better. Some say it is the stripes. Snip a small length of the straw at a 45-degree angle and thread it onto a length of leader with a treble hook at the end. Add a split shot at the top of the straw to keep it in place and give it some weight for casting. Trolled fast enough to “smoke” in the water (leave a trail of bubbles), a soda straw lure will be jumped all over by Spanish mackerel. The “straw lure” not only catches mackerel, but speckled trout and other species also seemed attracted to this home made lure.
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TEXAS GUNS & GEAR • The .357 Magnum on Game | BY STEVE LAMASCUS
WILDERNESS TRAILS • Friendly Ghosts | BY HERMAN W. BRUNE
mackerel with its cousin, the king mackerel, when the fish are young. “People will catch these juvenile kings and say the fish are Spanish mackerels. We will have to tell them that, no, it’s not. It’s a king mackerel. The most definitive identifier is the location of the lateral line,” Robinson said. “If you ever look at the side of a king mackerel, the lateral line makes a dip just beyond the gill operculum, goes back, and then makes a deep drop down toward the belly of the fish, and runs towards to the caudal fin. Spanish mackerel, regardless of size, have more of a gradual decline in the lateral line. The juvenile kings have that same deep drop. “We try to remind anglers to try to stay away from color as an identifying characteristic; colors can change. Fish have the ability to change colors. Once they have been on ice for a while, they change colors. Color is just not a consistent identifier for species.” Kings get much bigger than Spanish mackerel. Schneider said the biggest Spanish mackerel he ever caught was about 4 pounds, with most fish running 1-3 pounds. During the summer months, again, the key to finding the Spanish mackerel is locating clear water, but not necessarily much farther out in the Gulf, such as the rigs as some &
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INDUSTRY INSIDER • Cove Harbor Marina; Fishing Tackle Unlimited; and more | BY TF&G STAFF
SHOOT THIS • Shooting Sticks | BY STEVE LAMASCUS TROPHY FEVER • The Changing Prairie, Part 2 | BY MICHAEL LANIER FISH THIS • U.S. Reel SuperCaster 240X Spinning Reel | BY GREG BERLOCHER
OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE
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NEWS FROM THE COAST • New Flounder Rules Approved | BY TF&G STAFF DISCOVER THE OUTDOORS • Classifieds | BY TF&G STAFF TEXAS TASTED • Seafood Rellenos | BY BRYAN SLAVEN PHOTO ALBUM • Your Action Photos | BY TF&G STAFF
anglers believe. The mackerel can still be found along the jetty rocks up to about three miles offshore. For anglers fishing from boats and specifically want to target Spanish mackerel, the pros say to troll spoons at varying depths from the surface to 5-6 feet deep. Once mackerel are located, troll around the edges of the school or cast to the fish trying to pick off individuals without spooking the school. Spanish mackerel are good eating if you happen to catch a few. The key to their eating quality is bleeding the fish. “Cut them on the tail and let them drain,” Schneider said. “They have very red meat; if you bleed them and eat them fresh, they are pretty good. When I am filleting them, I cut the blood line out of them and end up with some pretty good white meat filets.” If the water is clear and you are fishing inshore, make sure you have a wire leader tied on, or a good supply of replacement lures nearby.
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Luhr Jensen Power Pop. Snook want to kill these Easter Eggs. If fish aren’t rising to your topwater, fish along the drop-off with large live shrimp on a split shot rig. With all the snags in the area, a fluorocarbon leader is a very good idea.
Snooker a Snook with Topwaters LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Brownsville Ship Channel GPS: N26 2.124, W97 13.108
SPECIES: snook BEST BAITS: live shrimp, topwaters CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956551-9581 TIPS: Cast toward the riprap along the shoreline to find snook of all sizes on patrol. Anchor or drift about 30-50 feet off the shoreline to give yourself some casting room and work topwaters. A personal favorite is the
LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Highway 100 Shoreline (shore access) GPS: N26 4.953, W97 14.414 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp, cut ballyhoo; shad tails in red/white, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Luke Bonura, 956-4572101 TIPS: The shoreline that parallels Highway 100 from Bayview to Port Isabel is a local hot spot. Fish the edge of the drop-off beyond the sand bar. Live shrimp or half a ballyhoo under a popping cork are both productive techniques. Fish soft plastics such as the Queen
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by Calixto Gonzales, South Zone Fishing Editor and JD Moore, North Zone Fishing Editor
Cocahoe or Norton Bull Minnow on a 1/4ounce jighead. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Marker 124 GPS: N26 3.830, W97 9.920 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp/popping cork, topwaters; soft plastics in chartreuse patterns CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956551-9581 TIPS: The best time to fish this area is during an early morning high tide. Fish the gut formed between Long Bar and the submerged spoil banks along the ICW. You can drift the entire length of the gut. Focus on the color change (clear to sandy-green) along the spoils. Trout ambush baitfish along there. Live shrimp under a popping cork is the standard, but don’t avoid top waters early in the morning, especially along the breaklines.
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LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Monstropolis GPS: N26 5.137, W97 9.993 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live bait, cut ballyhoo; topwaters; soft plastics in red/white, New Penny; gold spoons CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956551-9581 TIPS: It is hard to believe that one of the most productive redfish spots in the LLM is right next to the Causeway. Watch for tailing reds and nervous bait near the shoreline. Set yourself up on an intercept to the prowling reds and pitch a weightless tail or a 1/4 gold spoon across their paths. If you can’t spot any working fish, back off into deeper water and fish a live shrimp or mullet under a popping cork, or start prospecting with a bone colored topwater such as a SkitterWalk or Top Dog. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: The Saucer GPS: N26 27.652, W97 21.702 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp; Gulp! Shrimp in Nuclear Chicken, Lime Tiger; soft plastics in chartreuse patterns; gold spoons CONTACT: Captain Ruben Garcia, 956459-3286
TIPS: Start in shallow water early in the day, and move back deeper near the ICW as the sun rises. If the wind begins to pick up around mid morning, then watch either for a color change to form, or look for potholes to fish around. Live shrimp under a popping cork, or a Gulp! Shrimp under same. Avoid the head of midday or windless days. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: South Bay GPS: N26 1.583, W97 11.101 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live shrimp/popping cork; topwaters; cut ballyhoo CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956551-9581 TIPS: For a novel experience, try night fishing South Bay. Some really big redfish have been brought over the gunwales in the dark over the years. Cut bait on a bottom rig is the most popular way to fish for night stalking reds, but there is something about working a Super Spook in the dark and hearing that big splash, and feeling that hard tug that gets the blood going and the sleep out of your eyes. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Green Island GPS: N26 23.468, W97 19.725
SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live shrimp, finger mullet; soft plastics in clear/red, red/white, Pearl/red; topwaters CONTACT: Captain Luke Bonura, 956-4572101 TIPS: Fish the area between the Island and the ICW in long drifts. Redfish cruise around floating algae clumps and grass beds. Fish closer to the island on an incoming tide. Watch for herds of reds cruising the shallows early in the morning. LOCATION: Padre Island Shoreline HOTSPOT: North of Access 5 GPS: N26 14.000, W97 16.830 SPECIES: tarpon BEST BAITS: topwaters in Bone, Bone/chrome; MirrOlure 51MR in green/silver/white CONTACT: Quick Stop, 956-943-1159 TIPS: Tarpon hunters can cruise up and down the beach and watch the clear surf breakers. Pods of 20- to 40-pound fish swim up and down parallel to the beach in search of forage. The sun illuminates the clear water, and their shadows are easily visible to the sharp eye. When you spot some tarpon working, pull over, hop out, and start fan casting. If a tarpon sees your plug, he’s going to take it usually. Trout and redfish rods add an exciting dimension to this type of fishing, but tie on a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader (Yo Zuri pink fluorocarbon material is a good choice) to prevent ‘poons from chafing off your favorite plugs.
Croaker Slay Baffin Trout LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Los Corrales
GPS: N27 14.807, W97 29.904 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: topwaters early; soft plastics in Limetreuse, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse; live croaker C6
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CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361-9856089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: Trout will go deeper in the summer to escape the surface heat of July. Use live croaker or shrimp around depth breaks. Rig them on a Texas Rattlin’ Rig Chatterweight for a little extra sound. Topwaters can be worked near the shoreline early in the morning. LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Penascal Point GPS: N27 15.852, W97 25.436 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: topwaters early; soft plastics in Limetreuse, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse; live croaker CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361-9856089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: Topwaters in the shallows are very effective, especially when the tide is up. As the sun gets higher in the sky, switch over to soft plastics and fish deeper water. Live croaker fished in deeper water with a 1/4- or 1/2ounce Texas Rattlin’ Rig Chatterweight don’t live very long. LOCATION: Aransas Bay HOTSPOT: Oil Rigs GPS: N28 2.124, W97 00.194 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Gulp! Shrimp/float; live croaker, pinfish; Gulp! Swimming Shad CONTACT: Captain Paul Braly, 361-4496795 TIPS: The wellhead and shell pads that dot the deep water of Aransas Bay are trout magnets. Anchor up-current of a pad or head and drift baits and lures back to the trout, that sit in ambush in eddies and breaks, waiting. Live croaker and pinfish (piggy perch) are very good choices, as a large white shrimp when you can find them. Fish jigs across the current and let them swing into ambush points.
CONTACT: Captain Paul Braly, 361-4496795 TIPS: Wade the shorelines of San Jose Island early for redfish. Topwaters and gold spoons can be fished early. As the day progresses, turn your attention to deeper water (3- to 4-foot) and drop-offs. Live shrimp or mullet are tough to beat, but soft plastics and the gold spoon get more than their fair share of reds. LOCATION: Aransas Bay HOTSPOT: Hog Island Cut GPS: N27 53.782, W97 2.684 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live bait; topwaters; gold spoons; soft plastics in Avocado/chartreuse, Motor Oil/chartreuse, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Paul Braly, 361-4496795 TIPS: Again, wade near the shoreline early in the morning. Topwaters work well here, especially when the fish are cruising around in 2 to 3 feet of water. Fish a gold spoon with your rod tip held high and skim it over the tops of grass and shell. Very little action is needed, but an occasional tick of the rod tip might trigger a strike from a following fish. LOCATION: Rockport HOTSPOT: St. Charles Bay GPS: N28 8.228, W96 6.679 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: topwaters and soft plastics in dark patterns; live bait CONTACT: Captain Paul Braly, 361-4496795 TIPS: The north end of St. Charles becomes an excellent choice as summer rumbles along. Trout stack up on the drop-offs along the deeper reefs. Topwaters early in the morning can cause blowups that get the heart pumping. Live baits or soft plastics can be fished under popping corks, or free-lined if the fish are near the bottom.
LOCATION: Aransas Bay HOTSPOT: Super Flats GPS: N27 53.782, W97 2.684 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live bait; topwaters; gold spoons; soft plastics in Avocado/chartreuse, Motor Oil/chartreuse, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse
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SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: soft plastics in chartreuse, Glow/chartreuse, Pearl/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Randy Foreman, 409985-7619
TIPS: Fish the deeper water and near the bottom for good numbers of speckled trout. “Glowing” soft plastics are good choices because they tend to stand out a bit more and capture the fish’s attention. Swim lures in the current, or cast it around and under nervous bait. Use larger (1/4-ounce) jighead for better control in the current. Be sure to get a Louisiana license if you are going to cross into Cajun territory (three-day permits are available for a nominal fee). LOCATION: Sabine Pass
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HOTSPOT: Short Rigs GPS: N29 38.884, W93 42.237 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: soft plastics in Glow/chartreuse, Pearl/chartreuse, Green Tomato, Strawberry/white CONTACT: Captain Randy Foreman, 409985-7619 TIPS: Trout hold around the cover provided by the structure of short rigs. Anchor uptide of the legs and fish the mid-depths. If trout are holding deeper, use heavier jigheads to get down to them. Use fluorocarbon or braided line. There are more sharp cutoffs than the barnacle-encrusted legs to worry about. LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Cotton’s Bayou GPS: N28 30.602, W96 12.603 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live bait; soft plastics in chartreuse patterns, Plum/chartreuse; Gulp! baits CONTACT: Captain Mark Talasek, 979-2440044, 979-479-1397 TIPS: Fish the shorelines and grassbeds with topwaters early in the morning. Hop soft baits along the bottom and near sand or shell later
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in the day. Trout come up to feed on baitfishes that are holding near the vegetation. LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Jetties GPS: N28 35.666, W95 59.000 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live bait; soft plastics in chartreuse patterns, Plum/chartreuse; Gulp! baits CONTACT: Captain Mark Talasek, 979-2440044, 979-479-1397 TIPS: The jetties are always good for trout, especially the deeper holes during the heat of July. Fish will be holding in deeper, or near the rocks where current eddies push bait down and past them for easy pickings. Live bait is always good, as are soft plastics and Gulp! tails in high-vis colors. Use a 1/4-ounce jighead with lures, and free-line live baits with as little weight as possible to prevent snags. LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Beachfront GPS: N28 43.213, W95 41.828 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live bait, soft plastics CONTACT: Captain Mark Talasek, 979-2440044, 979-479-1397
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TIPS: Soft southeasterlies and green water to the beach create “cupcake” conditions for fishermen seeking surf-running trout. Experienced fishermen anchor beyond the third bar and fish the guts for the fat dime-silver specks that roam the beachfront in July. Watch for diving birds or flitting bait to tip you off to the presence of fish. Keep your weather radio on, too. You never know when a summer squall may pop up and you need to head for cover.
C-rigs the Road to Choke Bass LOCATION: Choke Canyon HOTSPOT: Roadbed GPS: N28 29.482, W98 20.353 SPECIES: largemouth bass
BEST BAITS: Carolina-rigged Watermelon/red plastics; crankbaits in shad patterns CONTACT: Robin McFarlane, 210-4164563
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TIPS: Fishing this roadbed with Carolinarigged Watermelon/red plastics and crankbaits in the 10- to 18-foot depth will put bass in the boat any day. LOCATION: Choke Canyon HOTSPOT: Greyhound Point GPS: N28 29.245 W98 23.275 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: shallow-diving shad colored crankbaits; weightless flukes/floating worms; lightweight Texas-rigged Senkos. CONTACT: Robin McFarlane, 210-4164563
TIPS: Work the flats and timber with your shallow-diving crankbaits thoroughly. Then slow down, working the same area, with weightless flukes or a floating worm in the variety of Watermelon colors or white with a stop and go retrieve. Using the stop and go retrieve mimics a wounded baitfish, which will trigger the interest of those bass that are in the area. LOCATION: Rio Grande River HOTSPOT: River above Anzalduas Dam GPS: N26 25.100, W97 57.220 SPECIES: largemouth bass
BEST BAITS: plastic worms in black, Black Grape; willow leaf spinnerbaits in chartreuse/white, white CONTACT: Anzalduas State Park, 956-5199550 TIPS: Rio Grande River bass fishing is good enough that local tournaments are held here year around. The action reaches a peak during July. Look for anything that can provide some cover for bass such as stickups, overhangs, docks, and boat house. If you see a wash that flows into the river, fish deeper water where the point is. Bass will key in on that spot. These are river bass, so they put up a surprisingly stout fight for smaller fish. LOCATION: Falcon Lake HOTSPOT: Little Tiger GPS: N26 41.428, W99 7.779 SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: prepared baits, cut bait, night crawlers CONTACT: Falcon Lake Tackle, 956-7654866 TIPS: Catfishing is hot business in the summer. The fishing is good, but the temperature can get up into the hundreds during the day. Take plenty of water and your Bimini Top, and you’ll be ok. Then you can focus on fishing the hardwoods around the creek bed with cut shad or a dipbait for the literally thousands of catfish that swim around in this area. Falcon is as good a catfish lake as it is a bass lake; maybe better. Reap the bounty.
Granger Crappie Take Jigs LOCATION: Lake Granger HOTSPOT: Main Lake Point GPS: N30 41.738, W97 21.460
SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: 1/32-ounce marabou jig CONTACT: Tommy Tidwell, 512-365-7761, www.gotcrappie.com TIPS: Find brush piles in 7 to 15 feet of water and work jig very slowly over the brush. C12
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Use Berkley Crappie Nibbles to increase catch rate. BANK ACCESS: Wilson Fox Fishing Dock
Hummer Whites LOCATION: Lake Aquilla HOTSPOT: bubbler / aerator GPS: N31 54.871, W97.656 SPECIES: white bass
BEST BAITS: live shad, chartreuse jigs, Tail Hummers, Little Georges CONTACT: Randy Routh, 817-822-5539, www.teamredneck.net TIPS: White bass will school up early along
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riprap, with most catches coming on Tail Hummers and Rat-L-Traps. After the sun gets up and the schooling activity stops, move to the bubbler and throw Tail Hummers and Little Georges and finish up by catching easy limits of whites. Be sure to use your binoculars to locate mid-day schooling activity along Triplett Point. BANK ACCESS: Tailrace Fishing Pier, white bass on jigs.
Contact South Regional Fishing Editor Calixto Gonzales by email at cgonzales@fishgame.com Contact North Regional Fishing Editor JD Moore by email at hotspotsnorth@fishgame.com
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Jetties & Surf Best Options HINGS REALLY BEGIN TO HEAT UP ON SABINE in July in many ways. Actually, we are well beyond the heating process. I am not complaining, though, because the fishing can be just as hot as the weather. The jetties, short rigs, and surf are
T
loaded with trout and reds. Throwing topwaters early and bright-colored soft plastics once the sun begins to penetrate the sandy green water should be your keys to a successful trip. At the jetties, start at the boat cut or the end and work the entire wall. Pay special attention to rock piles and washouts. When you hit a group of fish, work that area thoroughly before moving on; 1/4ounce leadheads should be all you need most of the time, but make sure you have some a little heavier in case the wind picks up. Live baits such as finger mullet, shad, and shrimp are also very effective in these hot summer months. Place a split shot about 18 inches above a Kahle hook, or rig it with a popping cork. Both of these techniques
THE BANK BITE LOCATION: McFaddin Beach SPECIES: speckled trout, redfish BAIT/LURES: finger mullet, live shrimp, soft plastics, silver spoons BEST TIMES: Moving tide can be very effective when the fish decide to get lockjaw on plastics after the water heats up. Another thing many people do not realize is that, at times, the fish really stack up north of the boat cut. Again, topwaters, bright-colored soft plastics, and live bait aggregate the hot setup. It is usually a lot less crowded north of the cut, so you can spend more time fishing instead of maneuvering around boats. Remember that tidal movement is very important. Both incoming and outgoing tides can be productive. In addition, the channel side can be just as good as the Gulf side at times. The short rigs are also still holding nice trout and reds. Soft plastics and live finger mullet or shad should get the job done. You might also get to tangle with some oversized Spanish mackerel, gafftop, and sharks. Drifting or wading the surf is another exciting option in July. Trout and reds cruising the guts looking for an easy meal are more than willing to take soft plastic, mullet imitation, or silver spoon. Wherever you are on Sabine in July, remember to prepare for the hot weather. To call it hot is an understatement. Bring plenty of extra water and wear a hat and good sunglasses. Apply sunscreen early and often. Do not forget you will need a Louisiana fishing license to fish anywhere on the east jetty, Louisiana surf, or short rigs. Contact: Eddie Hernandez, ehernandez@fishgame.com
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West Bay Wonderland LTHOUGH I HAVE DONE CONSIDERABLY more fishing in the surf and offshore than in the bays, I did live on Chocolate Bayou off Chocolate Bay for nearly 25 years. During this time, I fished the bayou, Chocolate Bay, and West Bay. I pulled a “sportsman’s” shrimp net many miles in both Chocolate and West Bays, and crossed West Bay frequently when I ran outboard boats, on my way to the Gulf through San Luis Pass, or sometimes down the Intracoastal to Freeport. In all those years, I ran only one bay charter. My good friend, the late Tom Wheelis, who ran Lute’s Marina on Choco-
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late Bayou, called and asked me to take two couples who listed a boat with a head compartment as a higher priority than catching many fish. As I had often envied the bay guides who came in wearing clean white shorts at the end of the day (while I was spattered with slime from chum and cut bait, covered with caked on salt, and with my own clothes soaked with sweat), I finally agreed to do the trip to see how the “other half ” actually lived. Also, the money was right. For the first part of the day, we drifted along the Galveston Island shoreline, west to east, because that was the direction a stiff breeze would take us. The two gentlemen members of the party were oil company executive, and were discussing “bidness” as
they half-heartedly fished. When they discovered that in my “day job” I worked in research for a rival company, it seemed best that I retreat to the tower, where I could do some casting of my own, see the water much better, and hardly hear their conversations at all. As evening approached and we had not caught a thing, I threaded the heavy 24-foot hull through the channels behind the Pass. Because the early summer water was clear, this was not that difficult a task. Even under the bridge, we could pretty much see the anchor on bottom in 25 feet of water, but still no fish. When the tide peaked, I decid-
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THE BANK BITE LOCATION: Galveston West End Surf ALTERNATE SPOT: Wading Galveston Island State Park, Bay Side SPECIES: In the surf, jack crevalle, shark, stingray on the long rods; specks and rat reds on trout gear. On the bay side, look for specks as the main target, flounder as a fallback. BEST BAITS: Live or fresh cut mullet will catch anything in the surf, including big trout. For action on specks between the bars, use live shrimp under a popping cork, or your favorite artificials. Johnson Sprite spoons in silver cast really well in a wind, and are proven trout killers. BEST TIMES: Jacks and shark under 100 pounds are daytime visitors to the surf. Look for rays and the occasional “bull” red at night. Trout are best on an early morning incoming green tide. Bay side, fish tidal movement, but it is more comfortable in early morning or late afternoon A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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Sharks = Trout, & Vice-Versa NLY A RIPPLE CLIMBED ON THE SAND AS THE incoming green tide ushered hundreds of finger mullet into the waistdeep confines of the first gut. I could not get the anchor out quickly enough before my friends bailed over the gunnels and began dancing the dog. The first slurp of the morning came only a couple of casts in to the session as an angry Gulf speck sucked down the plastic plug. The trout were thick and hungry. I had seen this scene played out many times before, but honestly, it never gets old. Catching trout in the surf on topwaters is that special. “There is nothing quite like it,” said guide Bobby Gardner of Matagorda. “Surf trout seem to fight harder and hit the plug with more force than the ones we catch in the bay.” Indeed, speckled trout appear to have more vigor in the ocean, probably because
O
they are much lower on the food chain than in bay estuaries. In the bay, only sharks and sometimes bull redfish predate trout, while the Gulf is home to many wolves like sharks and kingfish. So, if you are a surf-running speck, you better be quick, aggressive, and agile. That goes for waders, too. One July afternoon a couple of summers ago, a group of 6-foot blacktips decided to crash my party. I was in the trout thick, catching one every cast on a Pearl/chartreuse MirrOlure She Dog, when a fin appeared. Every trout I caught was 35 pounds, but the sharks wanted only the big ones. It was frustrating to see all those 25-inchers reduced to 10, and all my plugs ripped away. “When the sharks show, you might as well leave the area,” Gardner said. “It doesn’t happen every day, but when those gray linebackers get in a feeding frenzy, you need to move elsewhere.” Tales of sharks in the shallows are not meant to scare waders off the beach like in the fictional town of Amity in Jaws, just provide awareness of what lurks in the ocean. “The sharks don’t want us, just our fish,” Gardner said. “I have been wading all my life and have never had a life-threatening problem.” Though sharks are a nuisance, one thing their presence predicts is plenty of fish to be caught.
THE BANK BITE WHERE: San Luis Pass SPECIES: trout, redfish, black drum, flounder, whiting, gafftop BAITS/LURES: live shrimp, Bass Assassin, Gulp!, Sand Eel, Trout Killer, topwaters WHEN: During outgoing and incoming tides “They are there for a reason. If there was not any food around, the sharks would be someplace else,” Gardner said. He chooses to make a trip to the boat to unload his catch when he gets more than five fish on his stringer; or, he uses a wading bucket or donut-type basket to hold his fish. “Just keep your eyes open and unload your fish when you get close to the boat,” he said. “If you leave those fish on that stringer for a long time, especially if a few are bleeding, you are asking for trouble. The baskets help, but if the sharks really want it, they will eat it.” Here is hoping for light winds and calm seas.
Contact: Bink Grimes, www.binkgrimesoutdoors.com.
HOTSPOTS FOCUS: GALVESTON COMPLEX Continued from Page C15 ed to move back inside the bars behind the pass. There we beached the boat where we could get it off later, and my passengers got out to walk the exposed sandbars and wade the edge of the channels. The one gentleman who was an experienced angler caught a very nice flounder C16
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there, which made his day, as he was an avid flounder chaser and it was his largest to date. I worked hard for these folks, even stopping at some favorite spots in the bayou on the way back to Lute’s. Our catch was not spectacular, but we had a very pleasant day on the water. The ladies brought enough food for an army, the gentlemen got their business conducted, and I was not &
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nearly as dirty and smelly as I usually am after an offshore trip.
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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Live Bait Rules KNOW SOME GUIDES THAT HAVE GREAT DAYS fishing, and I know some that are truly great guides. I fall probably somewhere in between. People frequently ask me the best method for selecting a saltwater fishing guide, and my response is always the same: There is no foolproof method. Find someone you trust that has had a good experience with a guide, and then ask for names of others that have fished with that guide. Check those sources and his credentials and you are about as close to a good selection as you can get. Most clients never ask their guides for credentials, such as a Coast Guard license, proof of a random drug screen program, and insurance to cover their clients in the case of an accident. A Coast Guard-approved vessel
I
would be nice as well. These are documents and statements for safety, not indicators this person can catch fish. I do not fish in 30-knot winds. Yes, I know how to, and can, and do catch fish in gale force winds, but I have yet to have a client tell me they had a good time on the water in these conditions. If they are new clients, they seldom return for another trip. The chances for mishaps and injuries more than triple in high winds and stormy seas; it is just better to fish another day. If you are one that has pushed a guide into taking you on the water when he has recommended canceling the trip due to inclement weather, you have more than likely pushed the limits of your guide and more that likely exceeded your own. Marine disasters occur for reasons less than this. ST. CHARLES BAY: We are in the summer patterns now, so early morning and late evening fishing with a moving tide is best. Drifting is the key. Egg Point and the Boy Scout Hole are good areas to free-line shrimp while drifting. As the day heats up, look for deeper cuts
THE BANK BITE LOCATION: South end of LBJ Causeway SPECIES: speckled trout, redfish BAIT/LURES: gold/red spoon BEST TIMES: Moving tide like the mouth of Cavaso Creek using mud minnows on a Carolina rig. On those rare calm early mornings, topwaters in Bone and red in the shallows are killer. COPANO BAY: Free-lined croaker on Lap Reef will produce keeper trout. Use cut bait on a fish-finder rig against the northwest shoreline for slot reds. Berkley Jerk Shad will be effective for trout and reds at the mouth of Mission Bay on incoming tides. ARANSAS BAY: Work the cuts on the south side of Mud Island using mud minnows on a Carolina rig. The transition off Nine Mile Point is a good place for trout using a popping cork and live shrimp. Jay Bird Reef will produce keeper reds using cut menhaden or mullet. CARLOS BAY: Early morning, fish the cut on Cedar Point using free-lined shrimp or finger mullet for reds. The south side of the Third Chain Islands is good for trout and reds using a non-rattle popping cork and Berkley Gulp! Shrimp. MESQUITE BAY: Wade the south side of Roddy Island using Berkley Sand Eels in Watermelon and Electric Chicken colors for reds and trout. Drift across Bray’s Cove using Bass Assassins in Morning Glory and Blood colors for reds and flounder. Late evening is a good bet to put fish in the box. AYERS BAY: The south side of Second Chain Island is a good place for reds using sea lice on a Carolina rig. Wade-fish into Rattle Snake Island using topwaters such as a Super Spook in sliver/red and Bone colors.
Contact Capt. Mac Gable at Mac Attack Guide Service, 512-809-2681, 361-790-9601 C18
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THE BANK BITE LOCATION: Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park, FM 629, Loyola Beach SPECIES: speckled trout BAITS: For drum, dead shrimp and crab. For trout, soft plastic shrimp imitation and topwaters work best. BEST TIME: Mornings and evenings
Night-Fishing Middle Coast Structure OST ANGLERS ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE outstanding fishing on the Middle Texas Coast during the hot days of summer. In the cool of night, however, the fishing can be even better, and as anyone who has ventured the waters of the Texas coast after hours knows, anything can happen under the cover of darkness. This is especially true around structure like the oilrigs and docks in the ship channels and along the Intracoastal Waterway, where large schools of speckled trout are often present after hours. Many times, these big rigs will create eddies or areas of slack water. If they do, that is usually the spot you will find the trout. The current in the ship channels can be intense, and many of the small baitfishes like glass minnows end up in the eddies, and of course the trout have figured this out. I like using live glass minnows for bait, and have had good luck using live mud minnows, which in my opinion are the most underrated bait for trout. I usually fish them on a free-line with just a 1/8-ounce split shot rigged a few inches above the hook to let it slowly sink. Anglers should be mindful many of the biggest trout will not strike hard at first. If something begins to run off with your bait, let it keep going until it starts to put on pressure and then set the hook. Corpus Christi Bay has many rigs and wellheads in the local bays to consider. Any of these rigs can hold good numbers of fish, but it seems the best action is around the rigs closest to deep water. Quite a few of these rigs have good lighting, but bringing a green light or two along can make a big difference. Around bay rigs, it is best to let the anchor down upcurrent and then let out
M
enough line to put you close to the structure. Be careful not to make too much noise, especially if you are fishing in an aluminum boat like mine. Trout can be spooky at times, and you certainly do not want to scare away any potential redfish. For these bay rigs, bring along some popping corks for fishing live shrimp or shad, as they seem to be more effective than free-lines in many scenarios. Also, do not be afraid to put out a couple of rods in holders with big live bait, like a whole mullet, in the back of the boat to draw the strike. Proper boat positioning is crucial for success at any rig or large structure, like a dry dock. Position the boat at the corner of the downcurrent side if possible. If the seas are
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not choppy, consider hooking up as close to the structure as you can safely. Game fish like speckled trout bond to the structure. My best advice for choppy waters is to get as close to the rig as possible with the bow facing into the current. Once you are hooked up, put out a couple of green lights to lure trout. Rig trout will eagerly take offerings of live bait as well as soft plastics and small, silver spoons. The key is to fish when the water is clear; if it is sandy green or even gin clear, there will likely be trout to catch, but if the waters are murky, chances are the fishing action will be poor. Email Chester Moore at cmoore@fishgame.com
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Working the Color Change ISHING HEATS UP WITH SUMMERTIME temperatures, but that doesn’t mean Lower Laguna Madre is shore-toshore with keeper trout. By July, plenty sizeable trout have moved out of the quickly-warming flats into deeper water. There is plenty dink trout, too, if all you
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want is have your line tugged. If seeking larger fish, or you want to take home a couple or three for the fryer, change your focus from the flats to a slightly murkier target. The color change that forms where the grass flats near the South Padre Island Convention Center meets up with the sand and spoils of the ICW is an excellent summertime fishing choice. Speckled trout utilize the change in water clarity (which switches from gin-clear to “trout green” so abruptly that a sharply-defined boundary is formed) as cover to ambush prey. Fish sit in the more opaque, slightly milky-green water and wait for hapless forage fish to wander by. The color change also provides fish a safety zone where they can easily retreat when bigger predators approach.
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THE BANK BITE LOCATION: Pirates Landing Fishing Pier GPS: N26 4.450”, W97 12.33 SPECIES: speckled trout, sand trout, mangrove snapper TIP: Night-fish on the full moon with live shrimp on a free-line rig A great feature about the color change is that it is a short hop from Jim’s Pier, or any other area marina. It is easy to find because there are no obscure landmarks to remember, and if the bite is on, as it often is in April, you do not have to burn more gas looking for a more productive area. Simply
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keep your eyes peeled for the color boundary, especially where spoil islands form guts next to the ICW, and you have found your destination. One of the better color changes forms on either edge of the ICW around Marker 118. The key word when fishing the color change is “slow.” A long, slow drift is the most effective strategy because it allows you to efficiently cover the zone between the clear and sandy water. Begin your drift just inside boundary and allow the wind to dictate your direction. A straight southerly wind will push you parallel to the boundary line, and a southeasterly provides a more perpendicular drift. If the wind is a little stiffer than usual, a drift sock will slow you down to a more efficient speed. Predators feed mostly on baitfishes in July, so it is important that the bait and lures you use reflect that trend. Soft plastics always work, especially the Gulp! Jerk Shad. I prefer to fish with a 3-inch Alameda float, or one of the new rattle floats Texas Tackle Factory produces. These two floats are made of hollow plastic loaded with small BBs. When worked, the floats not only pro-
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vide the bloop of a good popping cork, but the rattles add to the racket and continue to provide sound while the rig is at rest; fish home in on the rattle corks more effectively. A 24-inch, 20-pound fluorocarbon leader, 1/8-ounce jighead, and your favorite plastic tail round out the float rig. Another excellent choice for the color change is the venerable Norton Bull Minnow. This classic shad tail sports a tail that gives off tons of vibration, and trout seem to like the familiar profile. Glow/chartreuse and Glow are very effective in the sandy green water of the color change. Clear/gold flake and clear/silver flake are effective on sunny days. If fish are moving out onto the grass flats, switch to chartreuse. To finish off the illusion, liberally slather on a mullet- or pogy-flavored scent such as Carolina Lunker Sauce. The scent also leaves a slick behind the bait that trout and redfish will follow. Other shad tails such as the H&H Queen Cocahoe or Berkley Power Mullet are also very effective. Again, colors such as Glow/chartreuse, Pearl/chartreuse, or the ageless Strawberry and white are the stan-
dards you want in your tackle box. When the sun gets higher in the sky, keep out an eye for dark patches of weeds scattered throughout the sandy bottom inside the color change. These clumps of grass offer another ambush point that speckled trout utilize when feeding. Cast over or parallel to these patches and work your bait through or near them. Again, the key word is “slow,” so make sure your drift doesn’t move you through the strike zone too quickly. Do not discount a clump as too small. I once caught a 27-inch trout that ambushed my bait from a weed clump the size of a garbage can lid. The guts that spoil islands form parallel to the ICW are a bit narrow. It doesn’t take much to blow up a productive hole and ruin the fishing for everyone. If you see a flotilla of boats working an area, give them a wide berth and ease into place with as little motor as you can. Your passengers will appreciate not getting cussed out, and the other boaters will appreciate not having to cuss. Contact: Calixto Gonzales by email at cgonzales@fishgame.com.
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Tides and Prime Times
JULY 2009 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.
T13 T7
T6 T5 T17
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY is shown in the lower color boxes of the Calendar pages. Use the SOLUNAR ADJUSTMENT SCALE below to adjust times for points East and West of Galveston Channel.
T15 T16
AM & PM MINOR phases occur when the moon rises and sets. These phases last 1 to 2 hours.
T14 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
SOLAR & LUNAR ACTIVITY: Sunrise: 6:34a Sunset: 7:51p
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.
T20
AM Minor: 9:11a AM Major: 2:57a PM Minor: 9:40p PM Major: 3:25p
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.
Moonrise:9:27a Moon Set: None Moon Overhead:
T21
4:55p
TIDE CORRECTION TABLE Add or subtract the time shown at the right of the Tide Stations on this table (and map) to determine the adjustment from the time shown for GALVESTON CHANNEL in the calendars.
KEY T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6
PLACE Sabine Bank Lighthouse Sabine Pass Jetty Sabine Pass Mesquite Pt, Sab. Pass Galveston Bay, S. Jetty Port Bolivar
HIGH -1:46 -1:26 -1:00 -0:04 -0:39 +0:14
LOW -1:31 -1:31 -1:15 -0:25 -1:05 -0:06
KEY PLACE HIGH Galveston Channel/Bays T7 Texas City Turning Basin +0:33 +3:54 T8 Eagle Point +6:05 T9 Clear Lake +10:21 T10 Morgans Point T11 Round Pt, Trinity Bay +10:39
T22 T23
KEYS TO USING THE TIDE AND SOLUNAR GRAPHS TIDE LE VEL GRAPH: 12a
Tab: Peak Fishing Period
6a
12p
6p
12a
Green: Falling Tide
AM/PM Timeline Light Blue: Nighttime
BEST:
7:05-9:40 PM
Gold Fish: Best Time
Blue: Rising Tide Red Graph: Fishing Score
Blue Fish: Good Time
SOLUNAR AC TIVIT Y: MINOR Feeding Periods (+/- 1.5 Hrs.) Time Moon is at its Highest Point in the Sky
AM Minor: 1:20a
PM Minor: 1:45p
AM Major: 7:32a
PM Major: 7:57p
12a
AM/PM Timeline
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MAJOR Feeding Periods (+/- 2 Hrs.)
Moon Overhead: 8:50a 6a
12p
6p
12a
Time Moon is Directly Underfoot (at its peak on opposite side of the earth)
Moon Underfoot: 9:15p
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LOW +0:41 +4:15 +6:40 +5:19 +5:15
KEY PLACE T12 Pt Barrow, Trinity Bay T13 Gilchrist, East Bay T14 Jamaica Beach, W. Bay T15 Alligator Point, W. Bay T16 Christmas Pt T17 Galveston Pleasure Pier
HIGH +5:48 +3:16 +2:38 +2:39 +2:32 -1:06
LOW +4:43 +4:18 +3:31 +2:33 +2:31 -1:06
KEY T18 T19 T20 T21 T22 T23
PLACE San Luis Pass Freeport Harbor Pass Cavallo Aransas Pass Padre Island (So. End) Port Isabel
SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK IS SPONSORED BY:
NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION
Yellow: Daylight
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 a wide variety of wildlife species.
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LOW -0.09 -1:02 -1:20 -1:31 -1:45 -0:42
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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION
= New Moon = First Quarter = Full Moon = Last Quarter = Best Day
BEST:
= Peak Fishing 7:45-9:40 AM Period = FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS
Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score
MONDAY SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
TUESDAY
29
30
THURSDAY
Jul 1
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2
3
SUNDAY
4
5
Set: 8:21p Sunrise: 6:22a Set: 12:46a Moonrise: 2:44p
Set: 8:21p Set: 1:18a
Sunrise: 6:22a Moonrise: 3:44p
Set: 8:21p Set: 1:51a
Sunrise: 6:23a Moonrise: 4:42p
Set: 8:21p Set: 2:28a
Sunrise: 6:23a Moonrise: 5:39p
Set: 8:21p Set: 3:08a
Sunrise: 6:24a Moonrise: 6:33p
Set: 8:21p Set: 3:53a
Sunrise: 6:24a Moonrise: 7:23p
Set: 8:21p Set: 4:42a
AM Minor: ——-
PM Minor: 5:58p
AM Minor: 12:31a
PM Minor: 6:42p
AM Minor: 1:14a
PM Minor: 7:25p
AM Minor: 1:56a
PM Minor: 8:08p
AM Minor: 2:40a
PM Minor: 8:52p
AM Minor: 3:25a
PM Minor: 9:37p
AM Minor: 4:11a
PM Minor: 10:24p
AM Major: 5:58a
PM Major: 6:21p
AM Major: 6:42a
PM Major: 7:05p
AM Major: 7:25a
PM Major: 7:49p
AM Major: 8:08a
PM Major: 8:33p
AM Major: 8:52a
PM Major: 9:17p
AM Major: 9:37a
PM Major: 10:03p
AM Major: 10:24a
PM Major: 10:49p
Moon Overhead: 7:34p
12a
WEDNESDAY
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 9:08p
Moon Overhead: 8:21p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 9:57p 12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 11:38p
Moon Overhead: 10:47p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
Sunrise: 6:22a Moonrise: 1:45p
Tides and Prime Times for JULY 2009
Moon Overhead: None 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
FEET
FEET
Moon Underfoot: 7:12a
0
BEST:
8:00-9:40 PM
BEST:
9:00-11:20 PM
Moon Underfoot: 9:32a
Moon Underfoot: 10:22a
Moon Underfoot: 11:12a
Moon Underfoot: 12:03p
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
2:20-4:10 PM
3:10-4:40 PM
4:00-5:30 PM
4:50-6:40 PM
+2.0
TIDE LEVELS
+1.0
BEST:
7:20-9:10 PM
Moon Underfoot: 8:44a
TIDE LEVELS
+2.0
Moon Underfoot: 7:57a
-1.0 Low Tide: 3:51 AM 0.65 ft High Tide: 10:14 AM 1.17 ft Low Tide: 5:40 PM 0.11 ft
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
1:06 AM 5:07 AM 10:26 AM 6:31 PM
1.05 ft 0.96 ft 1.16 ft -0.11 ft
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
3:19 AM 8:06 AM 10:22 AM 7:19 PM
1.22 ft High Tide: 4:43 AM 1.16 ft Low Tide: 8:04 PM 1.18 ft -0.27 ft
1.37 ft High Tide: 5:34 AM -0.37 ft Low Tide: 8:47 PM
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1.48 ft High Tide: 6:43 AM 1.46 ft -0.43 ft Low Tide: 10:06 PM -0.41 ft
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0
-1.0
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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
6
TUESDAY
7
WEDNESDAY
8
THURSDAY
9
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
10
11
12
Sunrise: 6:24a Moonrise: 8:09p
Set: 8:21p Set: 5:35a
Sunrise: 6:25a Moonrise: 8:50p
Set: 8:21p Set: 6:30a
Sunrise: 6:25a Moonrise: 9:26p
Set: 8:21p Set: 7:26a
Sunrise: 6:26a Moonrise: 9:59p
Set: 8:20p Set: 8:22a
AM Minor: 4:59a
PM Minor: 11:12p
AM Minor: 5:48a
PM Minor: ——-
AM Minor: 6:37a
PM Minor: 12:26p
AM Minor: 7:26a
PM Minor: 1:15p
AM Minor: 8:14a
PM Minor: 2:03p
AM Minor: 9:01a
PM Minor: 2:50p
AM Minor: 9:47a
PM Minor: 3:36p
AM Major: 11:12a
PM Major: 11:37p
AM Major: ——-
PM Major: 12:00p
AM Major: 12:26a
PM Major: 12:49p
AM Major: 1:15a
PM Major: 1:37p
AM Major: 2:03a
PM Major: 2:24p
AM Major: 2:50a
PM Major: 3:11p
AM Major: 3:36a
PM Major: 3:57p
Moon Overhead: 12:29a
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 2:06a
Moon Overhead: 1:18a 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Sunrise: 6:26a Set: 8:20p Moonrise: 10:29p Set: 9:17a
SUNDAY
Moon Overhead: 2:52a 12a
6a
12p
6p
Sunrise: 6:27a Set: 8:20p Sunrise: 6:27a Set: 8:20p Moonrise: 10:57p Set: 10:10a Moonrise: 11:25p Set: 11:04a
Moon Overhead: 4:17a
Moon Overhead: 3:35a 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 4:57a 12a
6a
12p
6p
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
MONDAY
Tides and Prime Times for JULY 2009
12a
FEET
FEET
Moon Underfoot: 12:53p +2.0
-1.0
Moon Underfoot: 3:14p
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
6:00-8:00 PM
6:45-9:00 PM
7:00-9:00 PM
7:30-9:30 PM
Moon Underfoot: 3:56p BEST:
8:00-10:00 PM
Moon Underfoot: 4:37p
Moon Underfoot: 5:18p +2.0
BEST:
BEST:
2:30-5:00 AM
3:30-5:30 AM
TIDE LEVELS
0
Moon Underfoot: 2:29p
TIDE LEVELS
+1.0
Moon Underfoot: 1:42p
High Tide: 7:06 AM 1.43 ft High Tide: 7:25 AM 1.39 ft High Tide: Low Tide: 10:41 PM -0.37 ft Low Tide: 11:14 PM -0.31 ft Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
C24
• J U L Y
2 0 0 9 /
T E X A S
F i s h
7:43 AM 12:27 PM 2:53 PM 11:44 PM
&
1.35 ft High Tide: 8:02 AM 1.32 ft 1.21 ft Low Tide: 12:49 PM 1.12 ft 1.22 ft High Tide: 3:50 PM 1.15 ft -0.22 ft
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
12:13 AM 8:21 AM 1:26 PM 4:51 PM
-0.11 ft 1.29 ft 1.01 ft 1.06 ft
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
12:41 AM 8:39 AM 2:06 PM 6:09 PM
0.04 ft 1.25 ft 0.88 ft 0.96 ft
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
1:10 AM 8:53 AM 2:47 PM 7:52 PM
0.22 ft 1.20 ft 0.71 ft 0.87 ft
+1.0
0
-1.0
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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:
= Peak Fishing Period
7:45-9:40 AM
= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS
Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score
MONDAY
TUESDAY
13
WEDNESDAY
14
THURSDAY
15
Set: 8:19p Set: 8:19p Sunrise: 6:29a Set: 12:54p Moonrise: 12:26a Set: 1:54p
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
16
17
SUNDAY
18
19
Sunrise: 6:29a Moonrise: 1:01a
Set: 8:19p Set: 2:58p
Sunrise: 6:30a Moonrise: 1:43a
Set: 8:18p Set: 4:05p
Sunrise: 6:30a Moonrise: 2:33a
Set: 8:18p Set: 5:13p
Sunrise: 6:31a Moonrise: 3:32a
Set: 8:18p Set: 6:18p
AM Minor: 10:32a
PM Minor: 4:22p
AM Minor: 11:18a
PM Minor: 5:07p
AM Minor: ——-
PM Minor: 5:52p
AM Minor: 12:27a
PM Minor: 6:40p
AM Minor: 1:16a
PM Minor: 7:30p
AM Minor: 2:08a
PM Minor: 8:23p
AM Minor: 3:03a
PM Minor: 9:20p
AM Major: 4:22a
PM Major: 4:42p
AM Major: 5:07a
PM Major: 5:29p
AM Major: 5:52a
PM Major: 6:16p
AM Major: 6:40a
PM Major: 7:06p
AM Major: 7:30a
PM Major: 7:59p
AM Major: 8:23a
PM Major: 8:54p
AM Major: 9:20a
PM Major: 9:52p
Moon Overhead: 5:38a
12a
6a
12p
Moon Overhead: 7:06a
Moon Overhead: 6:21a
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 7:56a 12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 9:51a
Moon Overhead: 8:51a 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 10:55a 12a
6a
12p
6p
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
Sunrise: 6:28a Set: 8:20p Sunrise: 6:28a Moonrise: 11:54p Set: 11:58a Moonrise: None
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
Tides and Prime Times for JULY 2009
12a
FEET
FEET
Moon Underfoot: 5:59p +2.0
-1.0
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
4:00-6:20 AM
5:00-7:00 AM
7:15-9:30 PM
Moon Underfoot: 8:23p BEST:
8:20-10:30 PM
Moon Underfoot: 9:21p
Moon Underfoot: 10:23p
Moon Underfoot: 11:28p
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
2:00-3:30 PM
3:00-5:30 PM
3:30-5:30 PM
+2.0
TIDE LEVELS
0
Moon Underfoot: 7:31p
TIDE LEVELS
+1.0
Moon Underfoot: 6:43p
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
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1:38 AM 9:00 AM 3:28 PM 9:53 PM
0.43 ft 1.16 ft 0.52 ft 0.86 ft
• J U L Y
0.67 ft 1.15 ft 0.30 ft
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
T E X A S
F i s h
Low Tide: 2:08 AM High Tide: 8:57 AM Low Tide: 4:12 PM
2 0 0 9 /
12:04 AM 2:38 AM 8:38 AM 5:01 PM
&
0.95 ft 0.91 ft 1.18 ft 0.07 ft
High Tide: 8:08 AM Low Tide: 5:55 PM
1.27 ft High Tide: 7:44 AM -0.17 ft Low Tide: 6:51 PM
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
1.38 ft High Tide: 4:49 AM -0.40 ft Low Tide: 7:48 PM
1.51 ft High Tide: 5:20 AM -0.60 ft Low Tide: 8:44 PM
1.60 ft -0.74 ft
+1.0
0
-1.0
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= New Moon = First Quarter = Full Moon = Last Quarter = Best Day
Tides and Prime Times for JULY 2009 MONDAY SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
20 Set: 8:17p Set: 7:18p
Sunrise: 6:32a Moonrise: 5:51a
AM Minor: 4:02a
PM Minor: 10:18p
AM Major: 10:18a
PM Major: 10:51p
Moon Overhead: 12:00p
12a
6a
12p
6p
21
WEDNESDAY
Set: 8:17p Set: 8:10p
Sunrise: 6:32a Moonrise: 7:05a
AM Minor: 5:03a
PM Minor: 11:19p
AM Major: 11:19a
PM Major: 11:50p
6a
12p
6p
Set: 8:16p Set: 8:55p
Sunrise: 6:33a Moonrise: 8:17a
AM Minor: 6:04a
PM Minor: ——-
AM Major: ——-
PM Major: 12:49p
Moon Overhead: 2:04p
Moon Overhead: 1:04p 12a
22
THURSDAY
12a
6a
12p
6p
23
FRIDAY
24
SUNDAY
25
26
Set: 8:16p Set: 9:35p
Sunrise: 6:34a Moonrise: 9:25a
AM Minor: 7:05a
PM Minor: 12:51p
AM Minor: 8:04a
PM Minor: 1:51p
AM Minor: 9:01a
PM Minor: 2:49p
AM Minor: 9:55a
PM Minor: 3:43p
AM Major: 12:51a
PM Major: 1:19p
AM Major: 1:51a
PM Major: 2:17p
AM Major: 2:49a
PM Major: 3:13p
AM Major: 3:43a
PM Major: 4:07p
Moon Overhead: 3:00p 12a
SATURDAY
6a
12p
6p
Set: 8:15p Sunrise: 6:34a Set: 8:14p Set: 8:15p Sunrise: 6:35a Set: 10:11p Moonrise: 10:30a Set: 10:44p Moonrise: 11:33a Set: 11:17p
Moon Overhead: 4:41p
Moon Overhead: 3:52p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
Sunrise: 6:31a Moonrise: 4:39a
TUESDAY
Moon Overhead: 5:28p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
FEET
FEET
Moon Underfoot: None +2.0
BEST:
0
Moon Underfoot: 2:33a
Moon Underfoot: 3:27a
Moon Underfoot: 4:17a
Moon Underfoot: 5:05a +2.0
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
1:00-3:30 PM
2:00-4:30 PM
3:00-4:30 PM
4:00-5:30 PM
4:30-6:30 AM TIDE LEVELS
+1.0
BEST:
12:00-3:00 PM
Moon Underfoot: 1:35a
TIDE LEVELS
5:00-7:00 PM
Moon Underfoot: 12:32a
-1.0 High Tide: 5:52 AM Low Tide: 9:38 PM
1.63 ft High Tide: -0.80 ft Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
6:22 AM 10:43 AM 1:38 PM 10:31 PM
1.60 ft 1.42 ft 1.47 ft -0.75 ft
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
6:50 AM 11:17 AM 3:14 PM 11:21 PM
1.53 ft High Tide: 7:14 AM 1.43 ft 1.26 ft Low Tide: 12:03 PM 1.05 ft 1.42 ft High Tide: 4:40 PM 1.33 ft -0.60 ft
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
A L M A N A C / T E X A S
12:09 AM 7:37 AM 12:54 PM 6:06 PM
-0.35 ft 1.34 ft 0.79 ft 1.21 ft
F i s h
&
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
12:55 AM 7:58 AM 1:50 PM 7:39 PM
-0.03 ft 1.26 ft 0.53 ft 1.11 ft
G a m e ® / J U L Y
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
1:40 AM 8:17 AM 2:48 PM 9:22 PM
2 0 0 9
0.33 ft 1.20 ft 0.28 ft 1.05 ft
•
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+1.0
0
-1.0
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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:
= Peak Fishing Period
7:45-9:40 AM
= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS
Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score
MONDAY
TUESDAY
27
Set: 8:13p Set: None
Sunrise: 6:36a Moonrise: 2:36p
29
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
30
31
SUNDAY
AU G 1
2
Set: 8:12p Sunrise: 6:37a Set: 12:28a Moonrise: 3:34p
Set: 8:12p Set: 1:08a
Sunrise: 6:38a Moonrise: 4:29p
Set: 8:11p Set: 1:51a
Sunrise: 6:38a Moonrise: 5:20p
Set: 8:10p Set: 2:39a
Sunrise: 6:39a Moonrise: 6:07p
Set: 8:10p Set: 3:31a
AM Minor: 10:47a
PM Minor: 4:36p
AM Minor: 11:38a
PM Minor: 5:26p
AM Minor: 12:02a
PM Minor: 6:14p
AM Minor: 12:48a
PM Minor: 7:01p
AM Minor: 1:35a
PM Minor: 7:47p
AM Minor: 2:20a
PM Minor: 8:33p
AM Minor: 3:05a
PM Minor: 9:18p
AM Major: 4:36a
PM Major: 4:59p
AM Major: 5:26a
PM Major: 5:50p
AM Major: 6:14a
PM Major: 6:39p
AM Major: 7:01a
PM Major: 7:26p
AM Major: 7:47a
PM Major: 8:13p
AM Major: 8:33a
PM Major: 8:58p
AM Major: 9:18a
PM Major: 9:43p
Moon Overhead: 6:16p 6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 7:54p
Moon Overhead: 7:04p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 8:44p 12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 10:25p
Moon Overhead: 9:34p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 11:15p 12a
6a
12p
6p
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
WEDNESDAY
28
Sunrise: 6:35a Set: 8:14p Sunrise: 6:36a Moonrise: 12:35p Set: 11:51p Moonrise: 1:36p
12a
Tides and Prime Times for JULY 2009
12a
FEET
FEET
Moon Underfoot: 5:52a
0
-1.0
BEST:
5:30-8:45 PM
BEST:
12:00-2:00 PM
Moon Underfoot: 8:19a BEST:
12:30-3:00 PM
Moon Underfoot: 9:09a
Moon Underfoot: 10:00a
Moon Underfoot: 10:50a
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
2:00-4:00 PM
3:00-5:00 PM
4:00-6:00 PM
+2.0
TIDE LEVELS
+1.0
BEST:
5:00-7:00 AM
Moon Underfoot: 7:29a
TIDE LEVELS
+2.0
Moon Underfoot: 6:40a
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
2:23 AM 8:32 AM 3:48 PM 11:24 PM
0.68 ft 1.18 ft 0.08 ft 1.08 ft
Low Tide: 3:05 AM High Tide: 8:40 AM Low Tide: 4:50 PM
0.98 ft High Tide: 5:37 AM 1.19 ft Low Tide: 5:47 AM -0.08 ft High Tide: 8:03 AM Low Tide: 5:52 PM
1.22 ft High Tide: 4:31 AM 1.22 ft Low Tide: 6:52 PM 1.22 ft -0.18 ft
1.37 ft High Tide: 5:08 AM -0.24 ft Low Tide: 7:46 PM
1.46 ft High Tide: 5:41 AM -0.28 ft Low Tide: 8:35 PM
1.48 ft High Tide: 6:06 AM -0.29 ft Low Tide: 9:16 PM
1.46 ft -0.27 ft
+1.0
0
-1.0
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Engel USA Takes Coolers to a Higher Degree THE ENGEL 65-QUART ICE CHEST KEEPS provisions ice-cold for up to ten days. The Engel 65-quart rugged ice chest is the “coolest” choice among outdoor enthusiasts as it keeps provisions ice-cold through even the longest, hottest and most rugged outdoor excursions. The Engel 65-quart’s ingenious design boasts a full 2 inches of quality polyurethane insulation for superior ice retention, and a freezer-style lid gasket that
Engel 65-qt. ice chest creates an airtight, virtually leak-proof seal. Rotationally molded from highimpact plastic, the Engel 65quart offers seamless, double-walled construction that can stand up to the rigorous beatings of any outdoor adventure. A rugged, fulllength hinge, low-profile marine grade latches, and dual locking corner holes make this a certified Grizzly bear proof cooler. Other amazing features of the Engel 65quart include rubber nonskid / nonmarking feet and Engel’s unique “oneC30
• J U L Y
2 0 0 9 /
T E X A S
F i s h
turn” drain plug system. Plus, molded handgrips and heavy-duty rope handles allow for easy loading and unloading. To learn more about the innovative Engel 65-quart durable plastic ice chest, or to find out about the company’s entire line of high-performance coolers, 12-volt refrigerators/freezers and unique game/fish bags — visit them online at www.engel-usa.com.
American X-Box Armors Up TRUCK COVERS USA INTRODUCES THE NEW 2009 American X-Box. With new innovative features and products, Truck Covers USA sets itself apart from the competition. LINE-X Protective Coatings adds the protection of LINE-X XTRA, a sprayon urethane coating fortified with DuPont KEVLAR to this American Work Cover version. The LINE-X permanently bonds to the top-of-the-line tool box inside and out, providing a weathertight seal to protect against extreme heat, cold, moisture, abrasion and rust. The increased tensile strength rating makes the American X-Box resistant to scratches, gouges and punctures. The American X-Box enhances the look of any work truck with convenience and ease of
American X-Box, fortified with Kevlar Line-X coating.
use, while providing protection and security like no other. A tool box and truck cover that really works! Please contact Truck Covers USA for further information on this fabulous new American Work Cover edition – the American X-Box. You can reach them at 888808-2872 or by visiting them on the web at www.truckcoversusa.com and filling out the contact information form.
Leading Kayak Redesigned for Performance THE TOP ANGLER KAYAK ON THE market is back for 2009 with a total redesign. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon has always been rigged for the ultimate fishing experience, and we’ve upped the ante with new outfitting, new deck features and new, refined hulls for increased performance. Now, the most versatile sit on top on the market can be further individualized, just as you like it. The real headliner for anglers is the improvement of the total experience made possible by a series of outfitting and deck innovations. The new SlideTrax accessory system and new Orbix hinged hatch covers ensure that the Tarpon can be rigged to suit. The redesigned 2009 Tarpon series also offers improved performance with enhanced bow lift for gliding through surf and significantly increased tankwell storage space. Raised floors offer an even drier and
Wilderness Systems’ Tarpon angler kayak &
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
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more comfortable ride in the seating area. The Tarpon Angler is available, with or without rudder, in three sizes: 120, 140 and 160. It is a rotomolded plastic kayak, also available in Ultralite (120 size only). Prices range from $1000-1425.00 for plastic and $1600-1825.00 for Ultralite. The Tarpon is also available without the Angler package. Visit: www.wildernesssystems.com for more information.
Drury Outdoors 20th Year DVDs FOR 20 YEARS, MARK AND TERRY DRURY HAVE been flagship innovators in the world of outdoor TV production, and the May 12th release of Whitetail Madness 12, Dream Season 12 and Volume 9 of the 100% Wild Fair Chase series, will serve as the ultimate celebration of the ground-breaking style and deer hunting tactics that have kept Drury Outdoors on top for two decades. All together, it’s over 7 hours of giant whitetail kills and encounters, with more inches of antler and more reasons to watch than ever before. Whitetail Madness Drury Outdoors 20th Anniver12 catalogs a year sary DVD. of big-buck fanaticism from shed hunting in March to the blowing snow of the late muzzleloader season. Of the 18 kills by bow, gun and muzzleloader, 7 score over an astounding 160”. Dream Season 12 continues Team Drury’s redefinition of the American dream - sharing the hunt with family. Bonds are reinforced and plenty of huge bucks hit the turf in this year’s edition. Here’s Your Sign, Volume 9 in the 100% Wild Fair Chase series is a how-to on closing the deal using deer sign full of heartthumping big-deer waylays. “Twenty years ago, Terry and I set out to capture the heart and soul of our sport in a way that’s never been done. It started with a motto ‘Our Videos Are Different,’ and
Page C31
we’ve remained dedicated to on-screen innovation ever since. How can we make this more relevant to our audience? What do American deer hunters want to see? We’re positive our Platinum Anniversary whitetail titles are more than they could’ve asked for,” said Mark Drury. The three new 20th Year Platinum Edition DVDs hit shelves everywhere May 12th to commemorate Drury Outdoors’ platinum anniversary. If you’re a deer hunter, you’ll agree it was worth the two decades’ wait. For more information call 1-800-9909351 or go to www.druryoutdoors.com
New SunBuster Quick Draw Dude SUNBUSTER’S QUICK DRAW DUDE SET COMES with our exclusive Extreme Green and Purple ShotReader lenses. Packaged in a slender, easy to carry impact resistant clip on case, it comes with our oversized cleaning cloth and lanyard.
The Extreme Green is a dark lens that when it performs, thinks it is a light/clear lens. It selectively filters light so orange and red targets appear much brighter. Additionally, this lens provides minimal squint control for the shooter. The Purple ShotReader lens is terrific for all other light conditions. Specifically designed to tone down the color green, while enhancing other colors of the spectrum, amplifying orange and red targets and brown vegetation. It is the perfect choice for all types of clay target presentations including upland bird hunting. Working great against wooded backgrounds this lens will provide you with the necessary shooting advantage to see better and shoot better. Both lenses provide 100% protection from UVA/UVB rays, while exceeding ANSI optical standards. This is the perfect ensemble that every shooter needs. For more information call 631-391-9000 or visit www.sunbuster.info.
SunBuster Quick Draw Dude shooting eyewear.
A L M A N A C / T E X A S
F i s h
&
G a m e ® / J U L Y
2 0 0 9
•
C31
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Cove Harbor Marina an Industry Leader O SAY THAT TEXANS LOVE BOATING WOULD be a tremendous understatement, considering that as of September 2008, nearly 594,000 registered boat owners spanned the Lone Star state. It is easy to see the widespread appeal, given that Texas offers more square miles of inland water than any other state, creating a virtually endless playground for families to enjoy year-round water sport activities. And when it comes to fishing, it doesn’t hurt that Texas lays claim to one of the world’s most
T
thrilling and sought after destinations right here on the Gulf Coast. One outfit leading the way in delivering an unmatched, full-service boating experience to boat owners from across the state and beyond is Cove Harbor Marina and Drystack in Rockport. Led by Tim Hendon, principal of Austin-based real estate development company Legend Communities, Cove Harbor combines a healthy lineup of offerings and conveniences to its customers in a location that is second to none. Aransas Bay, Redfish Bay, and the Intracoastal Canal are immediately accessible, with some of the Gulf ’s top fishing hotspots less than 20 minutes away. Hendon, whose background includes more than 25 years in development and operations management for numerous real estate interests in southeast and Central Texas, credits the success of Cove Harbor to its ability to simplify the boating experience for customers.
Cove Harbor Marina
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• J U L Y
2 0 0 9 /
T E X A S
F i s h
&
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
“Whether we’re taking care of a lifelong Gulf Coast fisherman or a family that heads out for fishing and water sports a few times per month, it is critical that we offer services to accommodate our clients’ unique needs and allow them to spend their time simply having fun,” said Hendon. Cove Harbor’s state-of-the-art facilities include both drystack storage and a new 163-slip floating marina, bringing the total combined capacity to over 600 boats. Drystack storage provides protection from rain, sun exposure, and storm damage while maintaining and prolonging the life of a boat. This service is offered for boats up to 34 feet, as well as wave runners and kayaks. Similar to valet service, customers simply call ahead and the Cove Harbor staff has the boat ready and waiting. The floating marina, which features Brazilian Ipe wood on the decks and walkways, moves naturally with the tide to provide the greatest degree of peace of mind regardless of weather conditions. It includes 30- to 50-foot long wet slips capable of handling up to 70-foot boats, with full electrical setup, clean-out station, and a secure, lighted parking lot. Future plans call for the development of a restaurant and condominiums. Of equal appeal are the many high-end services that customers take advantage of through boat storage with Cove Harbor. The site is fully enclosed with 24-hour security, and the skilled staff go above and beyond with attention to detail, such as a key drop-box in the event of a late return, emergency towing, and salt water marine removal. Storm hauling, or storage during serious weather situations, is even made available to non-clients of the marina, as are boat rentals for those interested in fishing without the responsibilities of ownership. PHOTO COURTESY COVE HARBOR MARINA
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Other on-site amenities that help Cove Harbor stand apart include a ship’s store, convenience store, work racks, power wash station, fish cleaning station, inside locker storage, and clean bathrooms and showers. “We are continuously striving to achieve the highest level of service, and to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers, whether boating novices or everyday enthusiasts,” said Hendon, who, in addition to his work with Cove Harbor, also operates Legend Communities’ Sandy Creek Yacht Club in Volente, and the newly opened Rough Hollow Yacht Club & Marina in Lakeway. Cove Harbor is located at 121 North Cove Harbor Road in Rockport. Marina hours during the summer are from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter. Contact: Cove Harbor Marina, 361790-5438 www.CoveHarborMarina.com —Staff Report
Fishing Tackle Unlimited: 30 Years Serving Anglers ON VALENTINE’S DAY 2009, FISHING TACKLE Unlimited (FTU, formerly known as Cut Rate Tackle) celebrated 30 years in operation. It has been a rollercoaster ride, but the business is healthy and going strong. With two locations in the Houston area and the recent addition of an online store, FTU has the ability to service freshwater, inshore, offshore, kayak and fly-fishers from all over the world. As lifelong anglers, Joe and Danny Meyer know what anglers need and where to find it. FTU customers vary from weekend anglers to professional fishing guides. Over the years, they have provided high quality gear and excellent service to anglers from many walks of life. Many of their customers have been loyal shoppers since the beginning and come in just to share their latest fishing story. Although FTU has been around for 30 PHOTOS COURTESY FISHING TACKLE UNLIMITED
with his dad at Heights Tackle House. Once he was old enough, he started working at the tackle store and joined the Air Force after high school. After returning to Houston, his career path took a little dif-
Left: the original Cut Rate store on Telephone Road in Houston; Below: FTU’s huge new store at I45 and South Beltway 8.
years, the Meyer brothers have been in the tackle business for more years than either would like to admit. Joe started as an enthusiastic young man looking for a part-time job to support his fishing habit when he walked into a tackle store with his dad at 13 years of age and landed his first job. After studying business at the University of Houston, he went to work at one of the first K-Mart stores in the Houston area. After opening Kmart store No. 13 here in Houston, his career was on the fast track he quickly promoted up to district manager. He spent several more years with Kmart, managing the sporting goods departments of Kmart stores in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Joe acknowledges that his time with K-Mart taught him a great deal about the retail business. Just like Joe, Danny started hanging out in a tackle store at an early age. He remembers building his first rod at the age of nine and fondly recalls spending all his free time A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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ferent direction when he chose to go on the road as a tackle manufacturer sales representative. After several years on the road, he joined his brother in a tackle manufacturing business. It was not long before they agreed it was time to get out of the manufacturing business and open the retail store of their dreams. It all began on 14 February 1979 with a 2500-square-foot retail space on Telephone Road in Houston. Then known as Cut Rate, the brothers were committed to being the No. 1 source for fishing tackle. There was nothing cut rate about the quality of tackle they carried. This commitment led to one expansion after another, including an additional location on I-10 at Campbell. In time, the two stores just did not seem to be big enough. This meant moving the store to an available space on I-45 South at the Fugua Exit. This 32,000-square-foot space was the ultimate location, on the freeway to Galveston. In 2002, Joe and Danny never &
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dreamed they could possibly run out of space in this enormous location. With the addition of specialty lines like Tommy Bahama clothing, a complete fly shop within the store, and a kayak department, every inch of the store is now filled with everything any angler could ask for. The duo marks their success by how many life-long loyal customers they have. They see it as a testament to their determination to provide the best service and quality products available, while also maintaining a sales staff of experienced anglers to assist the customers in selecting the proper gear. Through the years, they have also established some long-time friends within the fishing tackle industry. These valued relationships and reputation have led to partnerships that directly benefit their customers. For example, Simms Fishing Products chose FTU as its first Saltwater Concept Store, giving FTU customers access to some of the best high-tech waders and fishing accessories on the market. When manufacturers want to know what products Gulf Coast anglers are looking for, Joe and Danny are among the first they call. Contact: Fishing Tackle Unlimited, 281481-6838, www.fishingtackleunlimited.com —Chester Moore
LaserLure Signs Boyd Duckett LASERLURE, INC. HAS SIGNED 2007 BASSMASTER Classic champion Boyd Duckett to a major sponsorship contract. LaserLure, a Shreveport, Louisiana, manufacturer of laser beam-infused lures, sought Duckett because of his popularity and reputation for seeking creative approaches to competitive fishing, according to Mike Lopez, LaserLure’s National Sales Manager. “We are delighted to welcome Boyd Duckett to our team. At LaserLure, we know that we’ve developed an innovative, exciting new product and we’re equally certain that we’ve formed a partnership with an angler that will bring the right kind of attenC34
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tion to our product,” Lopez said. Duckett, of Demopolis, Alabama, became one of the country’s best-known anglers in 2007. He not only won the Bassmaster Classic, he set a single-season BASS earnings record by winning $864,000. That year, he also won the BASS Legends “major” tournament and finished in the top 12 during five nationally televised events. Duckett also took the title in the made-for-television Ultimate Match Fishing competition on the Outdoor Channel. “I’m really proud to be part of the new LaserLure team, because the company has created a truly innovative product. LaserLure has taken a great idea and turned it into products that work,” Duckett said. “I think people that know me understand that I’m really careful to make sure I associate with high-quality, top-flight sponsors. And LaserLure is a terrific, growing company. It’s always my intention to work with folks that let me have a voice in how their products are advanced and marketed. LaserLure is giving me that opportunity, and I’m excited about this partnership.” LaserLure produces water-activated, computer-controlled lures that come in five body styles. Contact: LaserLure, 877-527-5873, www.laserlure.com —Staff Report
Blue Wave Boats’ New 1900 STL BLUE WAVE BOATS OF SEMINOLE, OKLAHOMA, IS proud to introduce the newest member of the Super Tunnel family, the 1900 STL. The 1900 STL brings the already popular shallow-water line a whole new level of class and style. This fully lined 100 percent composite boat has a modified hull for unsurpassed shallow-water performance. With its standard features that no other shallowwater boat has, it will blow you away. The exceptional shallow-water handling provided by the superior rounded tunnel, slot transom, and modified hull are just some of the &
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exclusive features to Blue Wave’s design that will set it apart after just a few minutes in the water. A full liner interior and 100 percent composite construction make the new 1900 STL the premium model in Blue Wave’s superior line of super-tunnel, center-console bay boats. The 1900 STL has a roomy interior with a non-skid, anti-glare finish and is packed with standard features that will more than meet the needs of any avid fisherman, while staying true to Blue Wave’s style of building family fishing boats. The storage is unbelievable, utilizing every possible inch of space in an organized, secure layout that keeps everything out of the way and available for easy access. With a large forward oval livewell and rear baitwell, plus multiple insulated forward fish/storage boxes, you won’t run out of room for all the fish that this outstanding shallow-water access boat will net you. With an only 8- to 10-inch draft and the superior handling provided with the 1900 STL hull and rounded tunnel, you will notice the difference from our competitors right away. Blue Wave specially designs anti-splash chines that direct the wake down and away from the boat, giving you the smooth, dry ride that our boats are known for. Blue Wave Boats has been in the business of building quality boats for over 35 years. Blue Wave Boats, owned and operated by the Parks family, is renowned for its handcrafted boats and famous for their dedicated customer service. Blue Wave Boats prides itself in building every center-console and dual-console boat in its lineup to customer specifications. Every boat produced in the new state-of-the-art Seminole factory has a hand-laid fiberglass hull with full foam flotation that is virtually unsinkable. All Blue Wave boats have a Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty so that families can enjoy their boat for generations to come. Contact: Blue Wave Boats, 405-3820349, www.bluewaveboats.com —Staff Report
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MirrOlure Soft Plastic Baits
PHOTO BY LENNY RUDOW
MIRROLURE MIGHT BRING HARD PLUGS AND swimbaits to mind, but that will soon be changing with its new line of soft plastic lures. The new series includes four different body styles in three sizes, and each has a surprise or two in store.
The Mullet style is 5 inches long and has a slender body with a single, slowly tapered tail. MirrOlure molds in a notch where the body thins out, which allows the tail to wiggle a little more vigorously than on some competing baits. The Minnow style is a split-tail plastic in a 4-inch version. The Shad is a paddle-tail style shad body 4 inches long. The Sardine is another paddle-tail, but an inch shorter with molded dorsal and caudal fins. When I tested these new softies, there were a few things I liked right out of the bag. All of these lures are packaged in zipperlock plastic bags that are significantly smaller than the competitor’s bags, which saves tacklebox space. It also eliminates the feeling you are getting ripped off when you open those over-sized bags for the first time and they seem half empty. The MirrOlure bags are crammed full, though, with eight lures in the 5-inch versions and 10 in the 3- and 4inch versions. PHOTO LOWER RIGHT COURTESY PROSPEC ELECTRONICS
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One minor beef with the packages: They are not notched and are tough to rip, so you will need a blade to get them open the first time. In the water, they perform just as you would expect, and I found that fish were more than willing to smash them. These baits are not scented, so you will need to generate a reaction strike and be quick on the hookset, or add your own scent of choice. The upside here is that the plastic is tough as nails, and a dozen strikes has little to no effect. These tails are not oily or goopy, so handling them does not make your fingers slick and smelly. Color patterns vary quite a bit, and it is a safe bet you will find your favorite among them. I was stoked to discover that my No. 1 favorite pattern, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse, was present and accounted for. Contact: L&S Bait Company, 727-5847691, www.mirrolure.com —Lenny Rudow
Infinity 6912M Marine Speakers IF YOU WANT A MARINE STEREO SYSTEM SO sweet you can rock the boat even when it is tied up to the dock, then you need to choose your components carefully. Many “marine” systems are merely automotive stereos with a different label on the box. Speakers are particularly sensitive to the marine environment, and many called “marine” will selfdestruct just a season or two after first splashed with saltwater or hit with a washdown hose. Make sure you get a pair designed and built for boats, not simply outdoor use. A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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One new model of speakers introduced for real-world outdoor marine use is the Infinity 6912M. After trying a pair, I can say without hesitation that these will do your ears right whether you are blasting Buffet or pumping out Pearl Jam. The 6912M is a 6x9-inch oval-shaped speaker that requires a 3-1/16-inch mounting depth. That means if you have to cut fresh holes, the speakers are shallow enough to fit in the inwales of most boats without a problem. I found plenty of space aft of the helm in my 22-foot Glacier Bay test boat. The downside to oval speakers is that they probably will not fit the cutouts already present from manufacturer-installed speakers. During installation, I appreciated the fact that Infinity included both stainless-steel mounting hardware and stick-on gaskets in the box. Once these 100-watt RMS/300watt peak-to-peak puppies were in place, I hitched up the wires, tuned in, and turned up the volume. Sound quality was excellent, thanks to the polypropylene woofer cone, rubber surround, 36 to 20,000 Hz frequency response, and 96 dB sensitivity. Naturally, I gave these speakers my patented blast with the washdown test, and they kept singing right through the soaking. Longevity is built in. Look to the integrated basket and grill assembly. Unlike many marine speakers built with a soft plastic that becomes brittle after aging in the sun, Infinity speaker construction is harder, UV-resistant plastic. They also have a chromed appearance, so they offer a bit more bling then your usual marine speakers. That means your boat will not just sound better, it will look better, too, whether you are jamming while jigging or just rocking out at the dock. Contact: Prospec Electronics, 843-8499037, www.prospecelectronics.com —LR &
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Shooting Sticks HE PROFESSIONAL BUFFALO HUNTERS OF the 1870s were renowned for their marksmanship. They used heavy, large-caliber rifles, which they shot from the most solid positions they could. Most of these hunters habitually carried and used “shootin’ sticks.” Shooting sticks are simply two sticks about 3 feet long, tied, lashed, or bolted together near one end, and padded with leather, rubber, or some other material to soften the contact between the gun and the sticks. For many years, the use of shooting sticks was almost a lost art.
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We were taught “position shooting.” We shot from prone, kneeling, or sitting, or found a solid object to use as a rest. Carrying around a set of sticks didn’t occur to most of us. I have killed literally hundreds of coyotes, foxes, and bobcats, and the vast majority of them were shot from a sitting position. Then a wise man reinvented the bipod, and for years, most rifles you saw had a Harris Bipod clipped to the front sling swivel. The problem with this was (and still is) that it made the gun heavier, poorly bal-
by Steve LaMascus anced, difficult to carry, and hard to shoot from any position except one that used the bipod. Realistically you had to either use the bipod or pass the shot. Then some other wise man, possibly contemplating old paintings showing buffalo hunters using their shooting sticks, tied a couple of sticks together with a piece of rubber cut from
an old inner tube. He could carry the sticks around, use them if he needed them, or drop them if he had to take a quick off-hand shot. Shortly after that, another brilliant person decided that if the sticks were made in short sections that had a male and female end, connected with bungee cord, they could be folded up and carried in a belt pouch. When needed, they were drawn from the pouch, C36
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flicked open, and the stretch cord would pull the male end into the female end and, presto, the shooter had a set of sticks (e.g. Stoney Point Steady Stix). I have been using shooting sticks for years. My accuracy is just about doubled as compared to shooting off my knees. Nowadays, there are sticks, such as the Bog Pod, that I have been testing for the last few months, which telescope so that they can be used from almost any position. I am a firm believer in the use of shooting sticks. They increase accuracy, aid in sure hitting, and give confidence to the shooter. I used to make my own. Just go the hardware store and buy two 3/4-inch dowel rods, a bolt small enough to fit through a hole in the sticks without weakening them too much, a nut for the bolt, and washers to fit on the screw between the sticks. Sit on the floor with your unloaded rifle, cross the sticks, find how long they need to be, mark and cut them to fit, leaving about 4 to 6 inches of rod above the point where they cross. Next, drill a hole the appropriate size in the sticks and put them together using the screw, nut, and washers. Last, find an old inner tube (a very small bicycle tube is best) and either place it over the tops or cut it in strips and wrap it around the sticks from the top down to the place where they cross. The rubber can be stapled, taped, or glued in place. All this construction takes about 10 minutes. After you have purchased your sticks, or built your own, go to the range and practice with them until you find the best positions from which to shoot. It will surprise you at how accurately you can shoot using these simple aids. Once again, we have learned something valuable from our ancestors.
PHOTO COURTESY STONEY POINT STEADY STIX
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The conservation work of groups like Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl is crucial along the Texas Coast. Without wintering habitat for species like this green-winged teal, a huge part of the migratory cycle is incomplete.
The Changing Prairie Part 2 HE PRAIRIE THAT YOU SEE TODAY TO THE west of Garwood is not the same as the prairie I remember as a young boy. Fields sit dormant, offering very little reason for those migratory waterfowl seeking a winter home at the end of a long journey to lock their wings and spiral down to rest and feed. The outlook for the future of waterfowl hunting on the prairies of my home would appear to be gloomy, but if hunters of any species share just one attribute, it is hope. Take heart, because hope is on the horizon. Over time and pushed by the need to diversify their operations, farmers have come to recognize hunting as viable source of income. They have learned that those that quiver at the sight of teal buzzing the decoys, pintails pitching in from high above, or the thunder of a roost as it awakens with the voices of 20,000 snow geese, will pay dearly to spend the morning with those of like mind in a cold, wet field. Farmers have adapted practices to take advantage of our addiction and bring in needed income. They pump water, plant forage, and alter their rotations to help attract and hold ducks and geese. The diversified farmer will be the salvation of the future of waterfowling on the prairies of the Texas Gulf Coast, and most certainly across this nation. These farming practices will
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continue, and waterfowl will be present on my home prairie as long as there are those willing to “pay to play.” This brings me to the point of this essay: The chance for a youngster to pursue the wild birds of the north and develop a passion for waterfowling is no longer present as it was for me. The urbanization of this nation has resulted in most kids being raised far from the rural life that I experienced, and the opportunities that it offered.
by Michael Lanier Those that remain here are often deprived of those same opportunities because hunting has become such an important part of the diversified farmer’s operation. Those birds are income, and our own kids are often deprived of the chance to go hunting because hunting rights have been leased, and the cost of gun, ammo, licenses, stamps, and all the paraphernalia that goes with it is often prohibitive. The future of waterfowling—not only on the Garwood prairie but also on the prairies and marshes A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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across this nation—are dependent on those that have developed an addiction to hunt these spectacular birds. We must take it upon ourselves to pass on the opportunity to hunt to a new generation. As the length of the days begin to grow shorter and the north winds begin to blow, it will stir the ducks and geese to follow their ancestral ritual of migration. The skies on the wintering grounds will continue to be filled with the sights and sounds of our winter visitors as long as there are those waiting to share the morning with them. Change is inevitable, as nothing stays the same, but would it not be unfortunate if one of the world’s greatest spectacles, the timely migration of millions of waterfowl, failed to occur because no one remained who’s inner being was moved by their airborne antics and high-pitched calling. I think so, and I hope I am not in the minority. If your passion is waterfowling, become a supporter of one or more of the waterfowl organizations such as Ducks Unlimited or Delta Waterfowl. These organizations and their lobbying efforts hold the key to nesting success on the breeding grounds. Most importantly, involve your kids or kids that you have contact with in our sport. Without them developing the same passion and addiction you and I share, our generation might very well be the last to experience waterfowling as it is today. Without new generations to pick up the torch, the backdrop in the paintings by renowned artists such as Terry Redlin, John Cowan, and a long list of others might be all that future artists have to produce on canvas, still beautiful but somehow lacking.
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Target Panic: A Bowhunter’s Nightmare OW SEASON IS APPROACHING QUICKLY, and although the familiar scent of fall has not fully arrived, we all know it is not too far behind. By now, we all should be practicing hard to ensure a season full of fun and success. One problem we might run into while flinging our arrows at our backyard target is a little thing known in the archery world as “target panic.” If you are one of the many who have experienced this, then you know how hard it is to fix this “not so small’ problem. I must admit I still occasionally experience this phenomenon. I have to tell you it is not fun to watch your arrow fly way off target. The sad thing is you absolutely know you had target panic the minute the arrow leaves the string. For those of you who have never had this problem, you should consider yourselves fortunate. What is “target panic?” It most commonly comes in two forms. One is the inability to hold your sights on a target and, consequently, releasing the arrow too quickly. It is normal to waiver around a little bit as you put your sights on the bull’s-eye. If you have ever played those computer-hunting games, you will see that they have even factored that normal moving of your bow hand in the video game. For some reason—and I will not pretend to know why—with practice, your brain will work with your release finger and you will learn to squeeze at the correct time. Another form of “target panic” is all too familiar to me (and I know that I am not alone). I could be shooting every day and being very consistent, grouping my arrows
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nicely, when unexpectedly comes this errant shot spoils the group. Where did that come from? The very first thing I do when this happens is look around to make sure no one was watching me. If I am unfortunate enough to be practicing with a friend when this occurs, I am forced to just suck it up and take the demeaning laughter in stride. After extensive research, I have discovered the reason for my particular form of target panic. Apparently, I take my eyes off the target for a split second to watch my arrow leave the bow. For that instant, I forget about my follow-through and that I should squeeze the trigger instead of punch it. Although you could never convince me of that at the time, the fact remains my arrow is nowhere near the target. There are many releases on the market that are geared to help overcome target panic. One idea was to use your middle finger instead of your first finger. The thought behind this was that your brain uses your first finger more frequently than your middle one. This in turn would bring an element of surprise in the actual release, which will end up with a more accurate shot. Thumb releases use the same concept. Some companies have also developed a “back tension” release. When you set your sights on your target, you imagine your shoulder blades trying to touch each other. As you put the tension in your back, the release will give way and, again, the element of surprise will help your arrow fly true. A very effective way to help correct target panic is to “re-train you brain.” Once &
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you know the correct shooting form, using the same anchor point and a good followthrough, you just need to execute this shot consistently over and over until it becomes second nature to you. The easiest way to achieve this is to return to the basics. Stand very close to your target (5 yards). After making sure that it is safe beyond your target area, close your eyes and draw your bow. Do this a few times without an arrow. Just concentrate on every move you make. It might be good to exaggerate it a little by going in slow motion. Remember, never actually release the bowstring while there is no arrow nocked. A “dry fire” could damage your bow. Now, try it again with an arrow. Continue to stay very close to your target and, with your eyes closed, feel your release. Concentrate with every move. You will not be able to make the mistake of following your arrow because your eyes will be closed. You will soon be amazed at how everything will just feel right. Of course, without sight, you will not be worrying about grouping your arrows. The whole point of this exercise is to “re-train your brain.” Do not try to rush things. Take your time and enjoy it. When the time is right to finally open your eyes, shoot from 20 yards and remind yourself to slow down, think, and remember follow-through. After a while, you should be shooting better and it will all be second nature to you. Although these words might help you curb this thing called “target panic,” I still believe that every once in a while you still might send an arrow off to Never Never Land. By working on it, however, the odds will be in your favor to help avoid this. I do hope Peter Pan returns some of my arrows soon. This is getting expensive.
E-mail Lou Marullo at lmarullo@fishgame.com
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NILGAI—PALITO BLANCO
BUCK—VICTORIA COUNTY
AXIS—JUNCTION
Lewis Garcia of Corpus Christi, Texas, shot this 420-pound bull Nilgai while deer hunting on his family’s 50-acre ranch in Palito Blanco, Texas, in Jim Wells County. The ranch does not border King Ranch, as it is actually 6 miles away.
Santiago Torres, age 13, harvested this buck at River Creek Ranch in Victoria County. He shot the buck at 75 yards with a .308. It was 110 pounds field dressed. Torres is from New York City and was visiting Paul Mondolfi of Victoria, Texas.
Gary Volk of Round Rock, Texas, took this 6-point, 28-inch axis at his wife Cheryl’s parents’ Roe Ranch in Junction, Texas. After 2 years of watching this deer, he was in full velvet and tasted great.
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giving up the ability to cruise or enjoy other activities, then choosing the right craft is a whole lot tougher. The boat that is perfect for you is out there, but you must choose carefully.
Hooks in a Haystack
The Space Race
EMEMBER WHEN YOU SIGNED THE CHECK for that first new boat, giddy in the belief that it would be your perfect fishing machine? After a few trips, you discovered that as sweet as it was, your brand new boat had some down sides. Few of us ever find our ideal boat. We know a better boat is out there somewhere, but time and money prevent us ever finding it. Some people shop for years, then settle for a rig that is merely acceptable because it was a great deal, while others own a boat but never stop shopping for a new one. Even more often, people buy the boat they think is perfect, only to discover that it really is not right for them. If you want an angling machine without
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Open deck space is the No. 1 factor when it comes to increasing fishability on a boat. That is why center consoles with open aft and forward cockpits are so popular among serious anglers. Of course, many of us also want or need a cabin, or at least a large center console with a head inside. To judge how much deck space is enough, use this simple formula: To have plenty of casting room, you need about 25 square feet of deck per angler. That can include forward and aft space, and does not include people who are not actively fishing. The center console design maximizes space, which should not preclude the
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choice because some consider such craft hardcore fishing boats. In fact, the center console layout works well for many other water sports, like skiing, tubing, and diving. It is also more family-friendly than one might think. Most over 21 feet are headequipped, and the increased usable exterior space means room for more people onboard. Other designs maximize deck space and still provide good fishability. One of the most popular is the dual-console, which provides more protection for operator and crew with full windshields. Most also have heads in the console, usually on the passenger side. Since the forward cockpit is typically arranged for maximum seating, dual-consoles work well for bringing lots of guests or family members aboard. Unfortunately, thanks to all those seats, the forward deck usually has room for only one angler. Walkarounds will appeal to anglers who feel they really need a cabin. While the deep side decks might give the impression of 360-degree fishability, they are rarely wide enough to stand in, and best used only for transiting to and from the bow. Some walkaround boats have small bow areas that are comfortable to fish from, but they usually will not accommodate more than a single angler and he will have to navigate back to the cockpit to get bait, rigs, and other items. It is also nearly impossible to land a fish from the bow of a cabin boat because it is such a long reach to the water. The same is true of cuddy-cabin or express boats, except that they might (or might not) have more difficult bow access. This design typically has more interior cabin space because the side decks are not recessed. One advantage is that you get cabin rod racks, often enough to stow two or three rods per side. Hull design also has an impact on a boat’s fishability. As is true with all types of boats, deeper Vs tend to ride more
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smoothly, but rock more at rest or at slow speeds in a beam sea. If you troll a lot, remember you will also be rocking and rolling when fishing. Shallow water anglers must consider draft. Usually, the deeper V a boat has, the more water it needs to float. That is why “offshore” style center consoles cannot creep into the same backwater shoals as bay-style center consoles.
Haves & Have-Nots No matter what type of boat you are considering, if you plan to fish, there are a few must-haves and must-have-nots to bear in mind. There is no question you will need to have rodholders in the boat; if you plan to troll, these will have to be angled aft, with forward holders angled off to the sides. Many boats can be retrofitted with holders, but not all. When considering a boat, take note of gunwale width for surface mounting. If it is not sufficient to allow surfacemounted holders, side-mounts could be an option; you will also want to check out gunwale construction material. Gunwales constructed of foam or balsa coring with a thin fiberglass skin might not provide a sufficient bite for screws to hold on side-mount rodholders. A livewell is another must-have. Many
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boats are built with integrated wells these days, but they are not all equal. Look for one that is rounded inside and seals tightly. Those with integrated drains are better than those with standpipes, which can shake loose and allow the well to drain by accident. Stay away from pump-share arrangements. Many inexpensive builders save a buck by plumbing the livewell and raw-water washdown to a single pump with a valve to change its purpose, but these rigs often have sub-par water pressure and the pump, forced to do double-duty, tends to fail regularly. Speaking of washdowns, these are another absolute must for a fish boat. Blood, scales, and chum make one heck of a mess and can even cause unsafe conditions on-deck; the best non-skid becomes slick when covered in fish goo. Even if it has a dedicated pump that looks hefty, make sure you try out the washdown when sea-trialing a new boat. What you do not want if you plan to fish is carpeting. Nothing ruins carpet more quickly than scales and fish blood, and no matter how hard you might try to keep it clean, by the second or third trip, your entire boat will smell like a chum bucket. Hooks have a way of burying themselves in carpet. Stick with fiberglass decking. The second no-no for a fishing boat is a radar arch or a wakeboard towing arch that goes over the center of the cockpit. Try to
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fish from a boat with one of these overhead encumbrances, and the first time you cast you will sheer off the top half of your fishing rod. That can be painful—almost as painful as thinking you have bought the perfect boat until you try to go fishing in it and discover otherwise.
E-mail Lenny Rudow at boating@fishgame.com
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U.S. Reel SuperCaster 240X Spinning Reel ACKLE MANUFACTURERS ARE RARELY satisfied with their products, and constantly tinker with them to catch more fish—and anglers. Think back at some of the relatively recent developments in the fishing tackle industry: red hooks, soft plastic baits that look alarmingly real, and handpoured boutique baits. Having grown a bit jaded from the menagerie of tackle crossing my desk claiming to be revolutionary, I was skeptical of any reel asserting to dramatically increase casting distance. The claims were simple: The SuperCaster 240X from U.S. Reel made longer casts and provided the angler more control. We would see. A firm believer in being equally talented with level-wind, fly, and spinning gear, I have no built-in bias against spinning tackle. Spinning tackle is superior to bait-casting reels in certain situations, so a reel claiming to provide “Ferrari-like” performance would not be lost on a spinning neophyte. I spooled the 240X with Berkley 12-pound Big Game mono and headed to the lake. All of the spinning reels in my tackle closet feature a “long nose” and narrow spools. The 240X spool is pug-nosed and relatively wide in diameter. It turns out this design offers several advantages. Having been the fly-fishing editor for this publication for many years, I am very familiar with line memory. Coil fishing line tightly on a spool and leave it for an
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extended period, and the line will take on “memory” in much the same way women’s hair remains curly when they take out the hair curlers. Large arbor fly reels are now the norm, as they minimize memory in a fly line. The SuperCaster 240X offers the same advantage, allowing line to be stored in larger coils, which reduces memory. The spool’s wide diameter also helps minimize line twist. Note that is minimize, not eliminate. Due to the physics involved, there is no way to add line to a spinning reel without inducing some amount of twist. Min-
by Greg Berlocher imizing the amount of twist is a big help. U.S. Reel does a good job of spelling this out in their product literature. Level wind aficionados boast of educated thumbs, which they use to slow revolving spools and controlling payloads. Spinning reels can be controlled in the same manner by cupping your hand around the spool to slow or stop the flow of line. The only problem with this approach is that you must hold your rod in one hand and use your free hand to feather the line, thereby
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leaving the rod handle unattended. See the problem? In addition to featuring a wide diameter, the spool’s face is pug nosed, extending a mere fraction of an inch beyond the bail. This is where the added control comes from. Rather than using your free hand to feather &
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line coming off the reel during a cast, all the angler has to do is extend the index finger of their casting hand to the spool lip to brake or stop the line. In the future, spinning aficionados will be said to have “educated index fingers” instead of thumbs. Being able to cast and feather your line with the same hand allows you to maintain contact with the reel handle. Having spent the last 40 years feathering line with my free hand, I must admit it took me a while to break old habits. Given a little practice, I was able to feather the line as shown in the instruction sheet. The picture was, indeed, worth a thousand words. Sine the reel features a large diameter spool, the drag washers behind it have more surface area. This is a superior design to stacking a number of smaller washers to achieve the same surface area. Larger drag washers dissipate heat better than smaller ones. Although the two bass I caught on the reel gave a good account of themselves, they never tested the drag like a stoked up redfish charging across a grass flat. Nonetheless, the drag design is very sound. I found casting distance with some lures increased, while with others there was no improvement. I could make longer casts with leadhead jigs and hard-bodied plugs, which is a definite plus on the coast. However, the reel could not overcome the wind resistance of big buzzbaits or spinnerbaits, and casting distance was not improved. If extra yardage on every cast would be a benefit, check out the U.S. Reel SuperCaster line of reels. The 230X and 240X are designed for braid and 6- to 14-pound mono. The 180X is designed for lighter line in the 4- to 8-pound range. Overall, I give the U. S. Reel SuperCaster extremely high marks. It is a welldesigned and built reel, and at $84.99, an extremely good value.
Email Greg Berlocher at fishthis@fishgame.com
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The .357 Magnum on Game TRULY HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY DEER I HAVE killed with a handgun. As a scientific wild guess, I would say around 20, but do not hold me to that. Several of those were deer previously wounded, caught in fences, hit by cars, wounded by other hunters, and otherwise in need of euthanasia. I have also taken javelina, feral hogs, coyotes, and numerous small game animals with a handgun. Many of those animals were killed with a standard 4-inch Smith & Wesson Model 686 .357 Magnum, the gun I carried on duty with the Border Patrol before we transitioned to semi-autos, and before it could cost you your job for shooting a coyote or jackrabbit while on duty. Another favorite was an old 6-inch Model 28 Highway Patrolman that I let a young friend in need of a handgun talk me into giving away. I am still looking for a replacement, by the way. This past deer season, I was invited to help reduce the deer herd on the place next to mine. The shooting would be easy and close range, so I decided to use a handgun. While pondering which gun to use, it dawned on me that I have almost never intentionally chosen a .357 to hunt deer. When I used the .357, it was usually because it was what happened to be in my holster at the moment. I therefore decided that my old but pristine Model 27 needed a bit of a workout. I rummaged through my loaded ammo and came up with a couple of boxes of hand-
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loads of 160-grain Thompson gas check bullets (Lyman mold #358156) that I cast from wheel weights and loaded over 15grains of 2400. This is a stout load, but the Model 27 is a stout gun. I have shot many of these loads in it over the years, and it is still tight as a bank vault. Muzzle velocity of this load in my 6-inch M27 is about 1350 feet per second; plenty for the doe or spike buck that I was to kill. A few rounds on the range showed the old gun was still sighted for the load. I was ready. Predawn found me sitting with my friend, Joe Robinette, in a pop-up blind near a stock tank. In front of me glittered the ubiquitous golden kernels of corn that would draw the deer close. In fact, a half-hour before shooting light, there were already several deer chewing noisily on the crunchy morsels. One of them, a young doe, stood patiently 50 yards away as Joe noisily poured the corn out of a mangled tin bucket. As soon as Joe ducked into the blind with me, the little deer strolled over and unceremoniously began breakfast. I was envious. I had missed breakfast this morning in my lazy desire to get a few more minutes sleep. Luckily, the coffee maker was set to brew, so I did manage a cup of hot, strong brew. By the time it was light enough to see my sights, about 20 deer were in front of us. It was mostly does, but a few smaller bucks were mixed in. One was a nice 8-point buck, but I was looking for a long spike, and I soon found it. The buck was probably 11/2 years old, with spikes about 6 inches long. It was my meat, if it ever got into a position where I could shoot it without endangering any of the other deer. With all the jostling for position, the deer were constantly moving, like a crowd of women at a Wal-Mart closeout sale. Finally, the spike was in the clear. I cocked the big .357, rested it on my Bog Pod shooting sticks, set the sights on the shoulder of the deer, and gently squeezed the trigger. A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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At the report, pandemonium reigned. Deer jumped, bucked, ducked, spun, clashed, and ran everywhere. Dust hung like fog in the still air, making it difficult to keep track of my deer. We thought it ran to the right, disappearing into the brush near the stock tank, but with deer zooming around like a frightened covey of quail, we were not certain. We waited 15 minutes for it to get a bit lighter and for the deer to bleed out. I was sure of the shot, but it never pays to rush things unless you actually see the deer fall. If a hunter pushes a wounded deer too quickly, it will run on adrenalin until it dies and the hunter might not find it. If he waits a few minutes, the deer usually will not go far, and will lie down and expire quickly and quietly. We need not have worried. I walked to where I thought the deer went and found it stretched out on the trail to the tank, deader than nickel root beer. It had not gone more than 40 yards. If the brush had been a bit thinner, we would have seen the buck fall. The bullet hit exactly where I wanted, but had apparently glanced off a rib and come out farther back than I expected. I have seen this happen several times with the .357 or .38 Special, and once with a .45 ACP. The bullets tend to turn at odd angles when striking bone. The fact that a stubby pistol bullet is not as stable as a longer rifle bullet and deflects to a greater degree is something the handgun hunter should consider when shooting at game. It is also one of the reasons I choose heavier bullets when hunting with a handgun than I do when selfdefense is the issue. In this case, the 160grain semi-wadcutter penetrated about 16 inches of deer. I would say that is more than enough penetration for most situations. Well, there you have it. Even in this modern era of the mega-magnums, the .357 Magnum will still kill a deer. Although it was birthed in 1935, it is still one of the top handgun cartridges in the world. It has done well for me over the years in a wide range of
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Offshore SpinnerbaitSwimbait HE OFFSHORE SPINNERBAIT-SWIMBAIT IS A spinnerbait upgrade with a stinger hook added. I first made one of these modifications many years ago, using various sizes of Snapper Slappers as the base. This is another obvious variation up to a much larger size that, at this time, isn’t available. Building your own is the solution. Target species include ling, dolphin, wahoo, and kingfish. To build one of these baits as illustrated, start by cutting a 16-inch piece of 360pound hard wire. Use lighter wire, and it won’t hold its shape properly when retrieved. Slightly bend then hold one strand of the wire with a small pair of needlenose pliers. Form a loop over the pliers and around the base wire using four barrel-wraps to complete the loop. At a point about 3-1/2 inches from the just-formed line/leader attachment eye’ s straight wire (not the barrel wrap’s wire), bend this wire almost 180 degrees. Insert the wire through the swimbait’s line/leader attachment eye. Hold with the needlenose pliers again and do the four barrel-wraps to complete the wire loop. Next, twist the excess off as when finishing a haywire twist. The last four barrel-wraps in the wire are now done, forming the top eye with the small ball bearing in it at that same 3-1/2 inches from the eye. Now attach the No. 4-1/2 chrome willow
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blade to the swivel with a split ring. The final wire wrapping is done on the 80pound wire for the stinger hook. With the 7inch Tsunami Swimbait I used, that 3-1/2 inches returns for the eye-to-eye dimension of the stinger wire, putting the bend of the stinger hook about 1 inch past the tail of the swim bait. The final bending of the wire frame is now done by hand to straighten the two legs and align the three eyes with each other for straight tracking on the retrieve. Twist the eyes of the stinger wire so that when on the swimbait’s hook, the stinger hook will trail bend side up. I always complete these rigs by spray painting all wires with camo blue or camo green spray paint, topped off with a coat of matte clear to kill the surface shine. The look of this rig is that of a small group of baitfish. Before spray-painting the 360-pound wire, use masking tape to cover the swimbait and the spinner blade. Hang the wires in a safe area and spray away, giving time to dry between the color and clear coats. The paints I use are Rust-O-Leum 7727 Royal Blue and 7435 John Deere Green, topped by 7902830 Matte Clear. &
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When the paints are thoroughly dried, remove the masking tape, place the eye of the stinger wire over the swimbait’s hook bend, with the stinger hook bend side up. To finish, I cut a small square of surgical tubing and carefully pass the hook point through it, ending with this piece at the swimbait’s hook bend mid-point, acting as a keeper that won’t let the stinger loop come off the swimbait’s hook. Fishing the Offshore Spinnerbait-Swimbait is straightforward. After a sink, various speeds and rod tip twitches give the look of a frantic pod of baitfish. Your rod tip pointed at the line’s entry into the water makes for a solid hookset with an upward or side sweep. Build yourself some of these magnum Offshore Spinnerbait-Swimbaits. There are big predators out there in our Texas offshore waters, waiting to eye ‘em and eat ‘em.
E-mail Patrick Lemire at saltrigs@fishgame.com
ILLUSTRATION BY PATRICK LEMIRE
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HAVE NOT CAUGHT A TON OF STRIPERS IN MY life, mostly because I was raised fishing farm ponds and now live next to lakes where striped bass are not stocked. However, the few that I have been lucky enough to hook have given me a great appreciation for the strength of these line-sided brutes. I still have a reel somewhere that has gears broken from a battle it lost with a
because you find a school of fish feeding on a certain point today does not mean they will be there tomorrow. An angler who sits waiting for stripers to come to them might be waiting for a long time. Therefore, instead of sitting still and waiting for them, smart striper anglers get on the move as well and learn how to troll in likely spots (humps, points, deep-water timber) where stripers will be chasing bait. One of the most popular methods of trolling for stripers is to use an umbrella rig. An umbrella rig looks like the frame of an umbrella, minus the cloth, with legs sticking out in all directions. On each leg of the umbrella you attach a jig, tube, swimbait— anything you think will catch a striper, leaving one of them
doubledigit striper. One of the more successful fish stocked by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, these saltwater transplants (and their white bass hybrid) are eager to bite when located, but locating them is the tricky part. Unlike largemouth bass (which technically is not a bass at all, but a sunfish), striped bass do not sit under a log or in a blowdown waiting for some unsuspecting baitfish to happen by. While they do relate to structure to a degree, stripers are a more aggressive fish that school up and go hunting for dinner, which puts them on the move. Stripers might stay in the same general area, but just
hanging farther back than the rest. The thought process behind this is to trick the stripers into thinking they are chasing a school of baitfish, prompting them to attack the weak straggler at the back of the group. It is a great system that works remarkably well, but if you are just a part-time striper angler and do not want to invest a lot of money in umbrella rigs, you are not out of luck. You can still make a poor-man’s teaser rig, which is just a slight variation to a standard trolling rig, with the items already in your tackle bag. Look in the pile of gear littering the bot-
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tom of your boat and pull out the following: two large white tube baits, an egg sinker between 1 and 3 ounces, a couple glass beads (optional but recommended), a swimbait, and two small split shot. Start by running your main line through the nose and out the back end of one of the tubes. Slide the egg sinker on the main line and push it up into the tube bait. Follow this with the glass beads on the main line before tying it to the barrel swivel. On the other side of the swivel, tie on a leader 3-6 feet long; fluorocarbon is preferable, but monofilament works. Run this leader through the nose and out the back end of the other tube bait. At the end of the leader, tie on your swimbait or, if you prefer to fish live bait, tie on a bait hook so you can troll minnows, shad, or cut bait. The last step is to crimp a split shot on the leader about a foot from the barrel swivel, slide the tube bait up to it, then crimp the other split shot behind the tube so that it will not slide up to the swivel or back to the bait while trolling. The two tube baits used in unison with the swim bait attract more stripers than the swim bait would by itself. Now it is just a matter of locating an area holding fish and hanging on. E-mail Paul Bradshaw at freshrigs@fishgame.com
TEXAS GUNS & GEAR Continued from Page C43 situations, usually resulting in one-shot kills. Of the several coyotes I have shot and seen shot with the .357 Magnum, I do not remember a single one not killed instantly. Most of the time, when I have a choice I prefer the larger calibers, primarily because they allow a larger margin for error, but the old .357 performs brilliantly ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL BRADSHAW
when the shooter does his part. My conclusion is that a .500 or .460 Smith & Wesson, or .454 Casull is not needed for shooting deer. A .357 will get the job done, and a .41, .44, or the old .45 Colt with proper handloads is plenty of gun for any white-tailed deer that ever lived. If you want a cannon and you can shoot it well (most mere humans cannot), go for it, but do not let anyone persuade you that the A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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standard “magnum” calibers are insufficient. Plus, the .357 is much easier to shoot well than the big boomers, and it is still where you shoot them that counts.
E-mail Steve LaMascus at guns@fishgame.com
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Crow Wing Pro Angler Kayak TERN INDUSTRIES, A COMPANY WIDELY known for their personal flotation devices, has introduced a new sit-ontop kayak at an extremely attractive price, helping to foster more affordable kayaking. The company’s new Crow Wing Pro Angler features an advanced hull aimed squarely at the fishing market. Bill Bragman, owner of Yak-Gear is the distributor for Texas and the four surrounding states. Most folks who spend time on the water are familiar with the Stern Industries brand. Its life jackets are popular with recreational boaters and anglers alike, but you might not
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know the company has a division called Crow Wing Kayaks. The plastic vessels resemble miniature versions of high-sided aluminum boats seen plying the Great Lakes. The new Crow Wing Pro Angler is a traditional sit-on-top kayak. The Crow Wing Pro Angler is 12 feet in length and measures 30 inches across at its widest point. Since they suffer less wigglewaggle than short kayaks, longer boats are much more efficient in the water. As such, longer hulls are better choices for anglers, as we often paddle several miles. The Crow Wing Pro Angler features a Swede form hull. Hulls with their widest point exactly amidships are known as symmetrical hulls. Some kayak hulls are wider nearer the front, which are referred to as fish form. If the widest spot is aft of amidships, they are known as Swede form, a tip of the hat to the racing kayak the Swedish Olympic team unveiled at the Olympic Games close to 100 years ago. The widest part of the hull is directly underneath the paddler’s hips and torso. Rather than keep
the hull width uniform throughout the length of the boat, the hull tapers nicely at the bow and stern, making it more efficient in the water. Stability is not a huge factor if you never venture into water over a foot deep. If you fish in lakes, deep bays, or beyond the breakers, stability rates much higher on the priority list. I like the interior layout of the Pro Angler. One notable feature, or lack thereof, is the center console. There is not one. If you have big feet or your wading
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booties make them look bigger, the leg wells in some brands of kayaks are cramped. With your legs in place, there is precious little room for anything else. The Pro Angler’s open cockpit design allows you store things between your knees. Serious photographers will love this boat as you can nestle multiple cameras equipped with telephoto lenses within easy reach. A removable, waterproof center console is in the works for those who want added storage capacity. On either side of the cockpit, a small channel is molded into the hull providing a resting place for your paddle. Yak-Gear paddle keepers are installed on the sides, allowing you to secure the paddle if you plan to leave it alone for an extended period. Kayakers love to tinker, and tricking out a boat is definitely one of the fun aspects of kayaking. The Crow Wing Pro Angler can be purchased as a bare hull, providing the do-it-yourself angler the ultimate in customization projects. You can decide what C46
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type and brand of hardware goes on your kayak, and exactly where it is mounted. Fresh from the factory, the hull tips the scales at 58 pounds and comes in a variety of colors. The carrying capacity is a generous 300 pounds; equipped with Yak-Gear outriggers, the capacity increases to 500 pounds. The tank well features a molded-in recess for a milk crate or 5-gallon bucket. Unless you buy a bare hull, the Pro Angler comes equipped with two flush-mount rod holders.
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At press time, Bragman had just received his first shipment of Pro Angler hulls and has dealers lined up in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and the Hill Country. The manufacturers suggested retail price for the Crow Wing Pro Angler is in the $600 price range. Considering that most comparable fishing kayaks gear retail in the $800-1000 range, the Crow Wing Pro Angler represents a dramatic shift in affordability. Most leisure markets are highly elastic and kayaking is no different. When prices
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come down, sales volume goes up. The retailer will likely make less profit per hull, but lower prices attract customers who are new to kayaking, and experienced paddlers looking for a second boat. With every new hull they sell, the retailer gets to sell another paddle, backrest, accessories, and a PFD. As I recall, Stern Industries is in that business, too. Email Greg Berlocher at kayak@fishgame.com.
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New Flounder Rules Approved AT ITS SPRING MEETING, THE TEXAS PARKS & Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to enact a one-month, November closure to commercial and recreational gigging of southern flounder along the Texas coast and implement a November reduction in the hook-and-line bag limit to two fish. Additionally, the Commission enacted a year-round reduction in the recreational bag limit to five fish and the commercial bag limit to 30 fish in possession, with a minimum length of 14 inches for both. “Chairman Holt and the Commission
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showed real leadership and vision in their conservation efforts,” said Mark Ray, CCA Texas chairman. “These regulations will provide an important step in the recovery of this vital Texas fishery.” Late last year, Coastal Conservation Association Texas (CCA Texas) initiated a grassroots campaign calling for additional conservation measures to save declining southern flounder stocks. Thousands of CCA Texas members petitioned the TPW Commission to enact stronger regulatory measures to restore flounder stocks. CCA Texas called for the closure the flounder fishery to all gigging during the months of October, November, and December, and year-round reductions in the recreational and commercial bag limits.
Additionally, CCA Texas fought successfully to allow continued hook-and-line fishing for flounder. “The Commission did a great thing for marine conservation,” said Robby Byers, CCA Texas executive director. “We called for additional months of closure to gigging because we feel that is where the real problem lies. Additionally, it is important to note that recreational anglers greatly reduced their bag limit. I am pleased that the Commission took this important first step of closing November to gigging without locking out all hook-andline angling.” According to Texas Park and Wildlife Department (TPWD) analysis, southern flounder population numbers have shown a steady and dramatic decline for a quarter of a
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century. TPWD’s seasonal coast-wide gill net catch rate has declined by more than 50 percent since 1982. According to TPWD, most flounder gigged during the months of October through December are females. CCA Texas supports the principle that allowing more flounder to escape and complete their spawning cycles, the better chance the species has to recover.
Whooping Crane Numbers Down THE TRUMPETING SOUND OF CRANES OVERHEAD is a cherished sound of spring in Texas, but as endangered whooping cranes depart Texas this spring for breeding grounds in Canada, fewer birds will be making the trip. According to Tom Stehn, whooping crane coordinator with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2008-2009 was the worst winter on record in terms of bird deaths for the last remaining wild flock of whooping cranes (Grus americana). Stehn is based at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge near Rockport, Texas, where the whoopers return every winter. The birds spend summers at Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada. Stehn reported that total winter mortality is “...estimated at 6 adults and 15 chicks, totaling 21 whooping cranes, a loss of 7.8 percent of the flock that was a record 270 birds in the fall.” When added to 34 birds that left Texas in spring 2008 and failed to return in 2009, Stehn said 20 percent of the flock was lost during the last 12 months. The upshot is that only 249 birds will make the trip north this year. After an encouraging multi-year comeback in which flock numbers have grown each year, this marks the first year bird numbers have declined since 2001. Stehn attributes the winter losses to poor habitat conditions in wintering grounds on the middle Texas coast. Low rainfall in 2008 resulted in saltier bays and fewer blue crab, the primary food source for wintering whoopers. In addition, according to Stehn, whoopers are further stressed when they must leave the bays to fly inland seeking freshwater. Several emaciated whooping crane carcasses were found, and refuge staff even took the unusual step of providing supplemental feeding over the winter in addition to burning upland areas to make acorns more available.
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Occasional setbacks are not new to the whooping crane recovery story, a species that numbered only 49 as recently as 1975, according to Lee Ann Linam, biologist in the Wildlife Diversity Program at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. “Although whooping crane numbers have experienced an amazing upward climb since conservation efforts began in the 1930s, over the course of their recovery, we have occasionally seen short-term dips in the population,” Linam said. “The losses this winter do emphasize the important role Texas has in
maintaining the health of its bays and estuaries, especially in safeguarding stream-flow during low rainfall periods.” Stehn seconds those concerns, noting poor feeding conditions on the wintering grounds have often been followed by a poor reproduction season in Canada. The birds usually migrate in small family groups of two to five birds, but sometimes share habitats with the smaller, more widespread sandhill crane. —Staff Report
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Friendly Ghosts HE CONVERSATION LULLED AND MY TWO guests and I jerked in surprise when a young woman’s voice called from farther inside the house. “Dad!” I looked at my two friends, “Did you hear that?” I asked. They both nodded and the older gentleman said, “It sounded like a girl’s voice.” “Yeah, that’s my daughter Sam. She must
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have come in my back bedroom door.” It seemed odd. We were seated in the dining room waiting for a spring storm to let up. Sam might be a college journalism student, but I figured she had better sense than to walk around the house in a downpour to come in the backdoor. In a sudden move, the chair was empty and my steps were quick. The circuit took only seconds. My eyes snapped, searching. Something was strange and the hair stood up on my neck. “Sam? Sam?” Her bedroom door was closed—from the outside. The hallway was vacant and I ignored the felt presence in my bedroom. It slipped away completely in the master bath. Sam wasn’t there. For a long moment, all was silent. Thoughts rippled through my mind, flowing like water, flowing
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like passing time. This is not that unusual, but it would be nice if it didn’t happen when there was company in the house. “Well, guys, we must have been hearing things. C’mon, the rain is quitting. Let’s go outside and get something done before it starts again.” Mother Earth was here longer than mankind’s intellect can fathom. Some folks say there are no original thoughts. So, many humans let someone else do the heavy thinking. They won’t take the time to hear the stories a child tells. They miss the coon tracks that appear in the sand at a new housing development. Bills, iPods, fashion statements, a preferred lifestyle of noise and personal clutter keep them from seeing the sky, or when seasons transform colors. They march to the
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daily thumping, droning, ear-bursting beat of society’s pulse. It drives them from birth, through school, into mortgage, through life, and to death until the pulsing beat stops— and there is no more than cold dirt waiting. And yet, there are those who sit quietly and listen and watch and understand. They see when the seasons change. They know when a neighbor is in need, and when a friend wants to be alone. They comprehend the simple reasoning in a pioneer heart. And when they strain inward for sight, and hold themselves still, those that were here before might whisper into their mind. Hermann Brune had a problem. His new bride didn’t like living so far out in the brush. This neck of the woods was where his dad, Ludwig, had settled when he came from Germany; but now, Mary Laas Brune decided the homestead was too far from civilization. She told Hermann that if they were going to stay married they must move closer to town. If assumptions are correct, the female species had Hermann in a predicament. Fortunately, brother Florence Brune had a solution. He owned land in Shaw’s Bend and offered a trade. In 1888, Hermann built their home atop a gravel hill, beneath giant spreading live oaks, overlooking Yaupon Creek. An open field stretched from those creek banks to Rocky Creek. This ground had deep sandy loam for cotton and corn. Across that drainage was another field that was part blackland and part sand that ended on the banks of the Colorado River. It was on this hill in Shaw’s Bend that Hermann and Mary made a life together. They had six children. Deborah was the oldest, then came Lina, Emma, Frieda, Herman, and Ernest. For a while, everything was good. However, Mary died a year after birthing Ernest. With a farm to run, Hermann couldn’t see how to care for the infant and other small children. But out in the Pineywoods lived an old maid, and Hermann approached her to be his housekeeper. Her name was Ernestine Kansteiner and she rebuffed the belabored farmer. She pronounced it immoral for a woman to live in a man’s house unless they were married. If assumptions are correct, the female species again had Hermann in a predicament. So, 10 weeks after Mary’s death, Hermann married Ernestine. Like any family story, the hilltop witnessed good times and bad, but for the most part, it
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was good. The girls married and produced thriving families of their own. Ernest died from pneumonia while home on leave from WWI, and Herman married Laura Kuhn and stayed on the farm. Then in 1924, Herman took down the original house and built the one that stands today. He adorned the hallway with mounted deer heads and coonhounds were tied beneath the giant oaks. In the southeast bedroom, Thurman E. Brune was born. However, this room would be hard to recognize these days because now it belongs
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to his granddaughter, Sam. The present Herman W. Brune took up residence in 1983. Then in 1985, a bachelor buddy, Lance Muegge, visited and slept a few months in the spare bedroom. He was the first of a few guests to mention something I’d already noticed. “Hey, did you know you have ghosts?” “They ain’t ghosts. I don’t believe in ghosts, or hoodoos, or black panthers. This
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TEXAS SALTWATER
Aerich Oli ve Texas Sla r m (flound er, trout, Fishing w redfish) it Capt. Cha h his papaw, rl Newton o es f Redfish C harters
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Hannah a
nd Andre w Redfish Rockport Red Runn er
For Classified Rates and Information call Dennise at 1-800-750-4678, ext. 5579. PALACIOS
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PROPERTY FOR SALE
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Beverly Newton ots Redfish with 16 sp y, Fishing with hubb of on wt Ne es arl Ch Capt. Redfish Charters
Dennis Miller apper 13-pound State Sn ors tdo Ou nd Be al ast Co
L-R Fred Pyse, Justi n Gilbreath, Joe Su llivan Hybrid Striper Striper Express Gu ide Service
TEXAS FRESHWATER
TEXAS HUNTING
OUTDOOR SHOPPER
BAFFIN BAY
For Classified Rates and Information call Dennise at 1-800-750-4678, ext. 5579. EAST TEXAS
SPOTLIGHT: NON-TYPICAL OUTFITTERS FAYETTE COUNTY
ADVERTISERS, SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS TODAY!
VACATION RENTAL
Non-Typical Outfitters, located in Palacios, Texas, is a year-round guide service that offers some of the best fishing and duck hunting found anywhere on the Gulf Coast. Specializing in flounder gigging, Captain Josh Arscott offers adventures on a new custom flounder boat, or more traditional walking trips. With the new TPWD regulations cutting flounder limits to five fish per angler, this is the last summer to enjoy the tenfish limit before the new rule goes into effect on September 1. Flounder gigging is also a great way to beat the heat, as all flounder trips are run after dark. Shallow water bay fishing is also available for speckled trout and redfish. Fly and wade are the preferred method for Captain Josh, who will take you to the skinniest water in Matagorda Bay on a Waterline flats boat. Great open water duck hunting is available during the winter months. With an amazing variety of species coming to the decoys, it is a waterfowler’s dream! Call Captain Josh at 432-386-0240 or visit www.nontypicaltexas.com for more information on how to plan your next Gulf Coast adventure. —Non-Typical Outfitters A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish 1 jar your favorite red salsa
Seafood Rellenos HIS IS A GREAT WAY TO ENJOY A TRADITIONAL favorite without the hassle and calories and frying. I hope you enjoy it.
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- 4 poblano peppers; rinsed, roasted, sweated, and peeled. Cut a slit down one side and remove seeds; set aside. - 24 med to large shrimp; peeled, deveined, and grilled on a skewer (no spice or liquids, just dry). Grill 4-5 minutes or until opaque. Remove from grill and from skewer, chop into bite size pieces; set aside. 1 large onion (1015 if available), chopped 1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 3 stalks celery, rinsed and chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 6 Roma tomatoes-rinsed and chopped 1 Tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped 1 14-oz can chicken broth 1 tsp limejuice 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp white pepper 2 Tbs Texas Gourmet Sweet Chipotle Season All 5 cups cooked cilantro rice 1 Tbs ground cumin 4 cups freshly grated Monterrey jack cheese
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, jalapeno, celery, garlic, white pepper, Sweet Chipotle Season All, and cumin. Heat until all are soft. Add tomatoes and lime juice. Cook until liquid has reduced, then add the chicken broth and cilantro. Reduce to medium heat, add 1 cup rice, then add 2 cups of Monterrey jack cheese. Stir until combined. Remove from heat. With Individual baking dishes: Place 1 cup of cooked cilantro rice in bottom of dish. Lay a roasted and seeded poblano pepper on the rice and open up the pepper. Stuff with shrimp mixture until full. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup Monterrey jack cheese. Cover with foil. Place baking dish(es) in preheated 350degree oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes uncovered. Repeat for all peppers. Remove from oven and spoon on 2-3 Tbs of your favorite red salsa; garnish with a couple cilantro leaves.
Cilantro Rice This is a great side dish that can accompany fajitas, seafood, grilled meats, and, of course, enchiladas. 1 Tbs chicken base (better than bouillon) 1 tsp minced garlic 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 cup chicken stock 1 Tbs vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced fine 1-1/2 cups long grain white rice 1-1/2 cups Roma tomatoes, diced fine 1/2 jar Texas Gourmet’s Fire Roasted Salsa, or 8-oz red salsa 1 Tbs salt Place the chicken base, garlic, cilantro, and chicken stock in a blender and puree. Transfer to a saucepan and bring to a boil. In a separate large skillet, add the vegetable oil and onion, brown lightly. Add the rice and stir until rice is heated through and coated with oil. Add the stock and cilantro mixture and cook on low heat, covered, for 18 minutes. Add the salsa, Roma tomatoes, and salt. Continue cooking until the liquids are absorbed and the rice is done.
Borracho Beans This is a great side or supper dish, and can be mashed into refried beans as well. With the addition of the beer, the beans do not keep well and must be refrigerated after cooking, if not kept on a hot stove or fire. Serves 12 to 14.
WILDERNESS TRAILS Continued from Page C51 hill has been home to lots of folks. It’s natural not to feel alone or to feel a friendly spirit nearby.” “Yeah, that’s sort of what I felt. But I thought I heard them murmur.” C54
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“Well, you were half asleep and thought you heard something.” Lance nodded. Through the years, a few other people mentioned similar occurrences and the matter was always explained as kindly spirits. When the present company left, I picked up &
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the phone and dialed. “Hello, Sam, are you okay?” “Yes, Daddy.” “Alright, I was just checking!” E-mail Herman W. Brune at wilderness@fishgame.com. PHOTO BY BRYAN SLAVEN
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4 cups uncooked pinto beans 4 qt water 1 lb bacon or salt pork, chopped 1 onion, peeled and chopped 2 serrano chilies, chopped 1 cup cilantro, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp freshly ground pepper salt to taste 1 can beer
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Brown the bacon and drain off half the fat then add the onion. Cook 3-4 minutes then add the remainder of the ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce to a light boil, then cover and cook for 2-3 hours or until beans are tender and have made a soup-like consistency.
Contact Bryan Slaven, "The Texas Gourmet," at 888-234-7883, www.thetexasgourmet.com; or by email at texas-tasted@fishgame.com.
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CRAPPIE—SAM RAYBURN
CRAPPIE—LAKE WACO
LARGEMOUTH BASS—LAKE AUSTIN
Colton Cater, age 4, caught his first fish, this crap- Kennidy Hargrove proudly shows off the “white Patrick Macaluso proudly shows off this largeperch” that won her a third-place spot in that mouth bass that he caught while fishing off of his pie, while fishing at Lake Waco. division of the Sealy/McDonald’s tournament on grandmother’s dock on Lake Austin. Sam Rayburn on the third day of fishing.
HALIBUT—COOK INLET, ALASKA
DRUM—TEXAS
L-R Tony Cummings of Grand Prairie, Texas, congratulates Philip Schoeneck of Dallas, on their halibut catch in Cook Inlet, just offshore of Ninilchik, Alaska. The largest halibut was 86 pounds, followed by a 56-pounder.
James Littleton of Lytle, Texas, caught the largest fish of his life, a 39-inch drum, while wearing his lucky hat.
SHEEPSHEAD—DICKINSON
HYBRID STRIPER—LAKE BELTON
Rayfield Conley, III of League City, Texas, caught this 10-pound, 2-ounce sheepshead near Moses Lake in Dickinson, Texas. He later released it to give a younger fisherman the chance for a battle.
Ryan Ego, son of Alan Pomykal, recently caught this Mike Ray shot this javelina while hunting on the Rio 16-inch, 1-1/2-pound hybrid on Lake Belton. It was Grande in Terrell County, Texas. close to midnight and he was getting bored when he felt the striper bite on his minnow.
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JAVELINA—TERRELL COUNTY
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TRETCHING FROM THE NORTHEAST CORNER of Texas to the Gulf of Mexico in the southeast section of the state, lays a necklace of lakes shimmering with freshwater fishing possibilities—the “Jewels of the Pineywoods.” All of them offer some form of excellent fishing, and many are famous for producing trophy bass, stringers of slab-sided crappie, or catfish as long as an angler’s leg. Situated on Lake Fork Creek between Emory and Quitman, Lake Fork is the best trophy bass fishing lake in the United States, and maybe the world. Major species in Fork are largemouth bass, crappie, channel and blue catfish; and the fishing opportunities for all of them are excellent. Anglers come from all over the world to sample the bass fishing on Fork. More than half of the 50 largest bass caught in the state have been caught from this storied reservoir. These include the former state record, a 17.67-pound fish, and the current record bass that weighed 18.18 pounds. Bass over 10 pounds rarely raise an eyebrow of inter-
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est from local anglers, since more than 200 bass have been caught from Fork that weighed at least 13 pounds. Winter to early spring is the best time of the year to set the hook on a double-digit fish, but they do get caught year-round. Fishing the beds in shallow water during the spawn is the best bet for hanging a trophy. Plastic lizards, jigs, and spinnerbaits are all good lures for tricking a big sow into biting. Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife District Office, 903-593-5077; Sabine River Authority, 903-878-2262; Lake Fork Area Chamber of Commerce, 903-780-6595
by Barry St. Clair Toledo Bend is the largest reservoir in Texas at 181,000 surface acres. The lake shares its eastern border with Louisiana. Major species are largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, white and striped bass. The fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and sunfish is excellent, and white bass and striped bass are good. A L M A N A C / T E X A S
Guide Jeff Kirkwood works over some sunken timber on Lake Fork.
Due to its size, there are nearly limitless areas to fish for bass and crappie. Starting in late winter, largemouth bass relocate from deep water to shallow areas and build nests to spawn. This is prime time to catch them along shoreline areas and in the backs of creek channels. Topwater lures, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs are all good lure choices. Post-spawn fish move to creek channels with timber or vegetation, and to main lake points. Crankbaits, jigs, and Carolina- or Texas-rigged plastics are the go-to lures for bass holding in deeper water. Lipless crankbaits and buzzbaits worked along the edges of vegetation will also produce exciting action. The lake record for largemouth bass is just over 15 pounds. Crappie fishing is excellent year-round on small jigs and minnows. White bass make an annual early spring spawning run
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In This Issue
I31 I32 I38
TEXAS TESTED • MirrOlure; Prospec Electronics | BY TF&G STAFF
OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE SECTION
SHOOT THIS • Shooting Sticks | BY STEVE LAMASCUS
I33 I44 I46
FISH THIS • U.S. Reel SuperCaster 240X Spinning Reel | BY GREG BERLOCHER
HOW-TO SECTION COVER STORY • Jewels of the Pineywoods | BY BARRY ST. CLAIR
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HOTSPOTS & TIDES SECTION
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TEXAS HOTSPOTS • Texas’ Hottest Fishing Spots | BY CALIXTO GONZALES & JD MOORE
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SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK • Tides, Solunar Table, Best Hunting/Fishing Times | BY TF&G STAFF
GEARING UP SECTION
I26 I28
NEW PRODUCTS • What’s New from Top Outdoor Manufacturers | BY TF&G STAFF INDUSTRY INSIDER • Cove Harbor Marina; Fishing Tackle Unlimited; and more | BY TF&G STAFF
I34 I36 I39
BOWHUNTING TECH • Target Panic: A Bowhunter’s Nightmare | BY LOU MARULLO
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SALTWATER BAITS & RIGS • Offshore Spinnerbait-Swimbait | BY PATRICK LEMIRE
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FRESHWATER BAITS & RIGS • Striped Bass Teaser | BY PAUL BRADSHAW
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TEXAS KAYAKING • Crow Wing Pro Angler Kayak | BY GREG BERLOCHER
TEXAS BOATING • Hooks in a Haystack | BY LENNY RUDOW TEXAS GUNS & GEAR • The .357 Magnum on Game | BY STEVE LAMASCUS
WILDERNESS TRAILS • Friendly Ghosts | BY HERMAN W. BRUNE
up the Sabine River in the northern part of the reservoir. They gather at the mouth of the river and other flowing tributaries by the thousands and are easily fooled by small spoons, spinners, jigs, and crankbaits. Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife District Office, 409-384-9572; Jasper Chamber of Commerce, 409-384-2762; Sabine River Authority, 409-565-2273 Sam Rayburn is an 115,000-acre impoundment located on the Angelina River about 20 miles north of the city of Jasper and 18 miles west of Toledo Bend Reservoir. Major species include largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white and hybrid striped bass. Fishing opportunities for all species ranges from excellent to good. Largemouth bass fishing is what compels most anglers to come to Sam Rayburn. Big Sam, as it is affectionately called, offers miles of shoreline habitat attractive to bass. The annual spring season is when most anglers hit the shallows to capitalize on the spawn. Topwaters, jigs, soft plastic lizards, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits are effective lures. The Florida strain bass has been heavily stocked into Rayburn for the last 30 years, and the bass population remains high and healthy. During the summer, anglers have
the best luck fishing weed beds along creek channels, main lake points, and timbered areas with jigs, spoons, and deep-diving crankbaits. Crappie fishing is excellent year-round. Hybrid stripers can be found along the creek channels in the Farmer Flats area, north of the dam, along the dam face, and on main lake points in the southern portion of the reservoir. Swimbaits, jigs, and slabs are popular lures. Contact: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 409-384-5716; Texas Parks and Wildlife District Office, 409-384-9572; Jasper Chamber of Commerce, 409-3842762 Compared to most bass fishing lakes in East Texas, Lake Pinkston at only 500 surface acres is a tiny jewel of clear water located on Sandy Creek just west of the city of Center. But don’t let its size fool you. Pinkston is a trophy largemouth bass fishery with some impressive credentials. It has produced a bass that weighed 16.9 pounds and once held the state record slot. The lake supports reasonable amounts of aquatic vegetation, primarily hydrilla, and has submerged standing timber. Major species include largemouth bass, crappie, and sunfishes.
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TROPHY FEVER • The Changing Prairie, Part 2 | BY MICHAEL LANIER SALTWATER TALES • Almost a King | BY TF&G STAFF SPORTSMAN’S NOTEBOOK • Million Dollar Grant to Aid Coastal Wetland | BY TF&G STAFF NEWS FROM THE COAST • New Flounder Rules Approved | BY TF&G STAFF
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DISCOVER THE OUTDOORS • Classifieds | BY TF&G STAFF
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PHOTO ALBUM • Your Action Photos | BY TF&G STAFF
TEXAS TASTED • Seafood Rellenos | BY BRYAN SLAVEN
Anglers come to Pinkston hoping to catch a trophy-sized bass, and the numbers of large fish in this tiny reservoir gives them an excellent opportunity to do so. Spring is the season when most large bass are caught. Spinnerbaits, topwater lures, and Texasrigged plastics worked over the nests account for a large number of successful catches. Jigs and Senko-type lures will also take fish when they are spawning. During the summer months, fishing the edges of vegetation with topwaters and crankbaits early and late in the day are productive methods to generate strikes. Bass will also school in late summer near the dam. Small crankbaits, spoons, and jerkbaits are good choices to entice them. Contact: The City of Center, 936-5982941; Texas Parks and Wildlife District Office, 409-384-9572 And there you have it, a quick peek inside the jewelry store of fishing that is East Texas. Space limits mentioning the other “Jewels of the Pineywoods,” but they are no less gleaming in their own right. Check them out and be prepared to appreciate these sparking gems the Pineywoods Region of Texas has to offer.
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Calixto JD
the snags in the area, a fluorocarbon leader is a very good idea.
Topwater Snook LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Brownsville Ship Channel GPS: N26 2.124, W97 13.108
SPECIES: snook BEST BAITS: live shrimp, topwaters CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956551-9581 TIPS: Cast toward the riprap along the shoreline to find snook of all sizes on patrol. Anchor or drift about 30-50 feet off the shoreline to give yourself some casting room and work topwaters. A personal favorite is the Luhr Jensen Power Pop. Snook want to kill these Easter Eggs. If fish aren’t rising to your topwater, fish along the drop-off with large live shrimp on a split shot rig. With all I4
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LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Highway 100 Shoreline (shore access) GPS: N26 4.953, W97 14.414 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp, cut ballyhoo; shad tails in red/white, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Luke Bonura, 956457-2101 TIPS: The shoreline that parallels Highway 100 from Bayview to Port Isabel is a local hot spot. Fish the edge of the drop-off beyond the sand bar. Live shrimp or half a ballyhoo under a popping cork are both productive techniques. Fish soft plastics such as the Queen Cocahoe or Norton Bull Minnow on a 1/4-ounce jighead. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Marker 124 &
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by Calixto Gonzales, South Zone Fishing Editor and JD Moore, North Zone Fishing Editor
GPS: N26 3.830, W97 9.920 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp/popping cork, topwaters; soft plastics in chartreuse patterns CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956551-9581 TIPS: The best time to fish this area is during an early morning high tide. Fish the gut formed between Long Bar and the submerged spoil banks along the ICW. You can drift the entire length of the gut. Focus on the color change (clear to sandy-green) along the spoils. Trout ambush baitfish along there. Live shrimp under a popping cork is the standard, but don’t avoid top waters early in the morning, especially along the breaklines. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Monstropolis GPS: N26 5.137, W97 9.993 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live bait, cut ballyhoo; topwa-
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ALL GPS COORDINATES VERIFIED BY
ters; soft plastics in red/white, New Penny; gold spoons CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956551-9581 TIPS: It is hard to believe that one of the most productive redfish spots in the LLM is right next to the Causeway. Watch for tailing
reds and nervous bait near the shoreline. Set yourself up on an intercept to the prowling reds and pitch a weightless tail or a 1/4 gold spoon across their paths. If you can’t spot any working fish, back off into deeper water and fish a live shrimp or mullet under a popping cork, or start prospecting with a bone
colored topwater such as a SkitterWalk or Top Dog. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: The Saucer GPS: N26 27.652, W97 21.702 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp; Gulp! Shrimp in Nuclear Chicken, Lime Tiger; soft plastics in chartreuse patterns; gold spoons CONTACT: Captain Ruben Garcia, 956459-3286 TIPS: Start in shallow water early in the day, and move back deeper near the ICW as the sun rises. If the wind begins to pick up around mid morning, then watch either for a color change to form, or look for potholes to fish around. Live shrimp under a popping cork, or a Gulp! Shrimp under same. Avoid the head of midday or windless days. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: South Bay GPS: N26 1.583, W97 11.101 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live shrimp/popping cork; topwaters; cut ballyhoo CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956551-9581 TIPS: For a novel experience, try night fishing South Bay. Some really big redfish have been brought over the gunwales in the dark over the years. Cut bait on a bottom rig is the most popular way to fish for night stalking reds, but there is something about working a Super Spook in the dark and hearing that big splash, and feeling that hard tug that gets the blood going and the sleep out of your eyes. LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Green Island GPS: N26 23.468, W97 19.725 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live shrimp, finger mullet; soft plastics in clear/red, red/white, Pearl/red; topwaters CONTACT: Captain Luke Bonura, 956457-2101 TIPS: Fish the area between the Island and the ICW in long drifts. Redfish cruise around floating algae clumps and grass beds. Fish closer to the island on an incom-
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ing tide. Watch for herds of reds cruising the shallows early in the morning. LOCATION: Padre Island Shoreline HOTSPOT: North of Access 5 GPS: N26 14.000, W97 16.830 SPECIES: tarpon BEST BAITS: topwaters in Bone, Bone/chrome; MirrOlure 51MR in green/silver/white CONTACT: Quick Stop, 956-943-1159 TIPS: Tarpon hunters can cruise up and down the beach and watch the clear surf breakers. Pods of 20- to 40-pound fish swim up and down parallel to the beach in search of forage. The sun illuminates the clear water, and their shadows are easily visible to the sharp eye. When you spot some tarpon working, pull over, hop out, and start fan casting. If a tarpon sees your plug, he’s going to take it usually. Trout and redfish rods add an exciting dimension to this type of fishing, but tie on a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader (Yo Zuri pink fluorocarbon material is a good choice) to prevent ‘poons from chafing off your favorite plugs. LOCATION: Laguna Madre @ Port Mansfield HOTSPOT: West Bay GPS: N26 30.251, W97 24.389 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Gulp! Jerk Shad in Limetreuse, Pearl; soft plastics in red/white, Firetiger CONTACT: Captain Terry Neal, 956-9442556, www.terrynealcharters.com TIPS: Wade or drift the deep potholes in the area with soft plastics, or your favorite redfish lures to find pods of reds cruising the flats in this area. If you can locate the depth break, wade parallel to it and cast along the break. Watch for trout chasing bait along the grasslines.
Croaker Slay Baffin Trout LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Los Corrales I8
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GPS: N27 14.807, W97 29.904 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: topwaters early; soft plastics in Limetreuse, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse; live croaker CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361-9856089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: Trout will go deeper in the summer to escape the surface heat of July. Use live croaker or shrimp around depth breaks. Rig them on a Texas Rattlin’ Rig Chatterweight for a little extra sound. Topwaters can be worked near the shoreline early in the morning. LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Penascal Point GPS: N27 15.852, W97 25.436 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: topwaters early; soft plastics in Limetreuse, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse; live croaker CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361-9856089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: Topwaters in the shallows are very effective, especially when the tide is up. As the sun gets higher in the sky, switch over to soft plastics and fish deeper water. Live croaker fished in deeper water with a 1/4- or 1/2-ounce Texas Rattlin’ Rig Chatterweight don’t live very long. LOCATION: Aransas Bay HOTSPOT: Oil Rigs GPS: N28 2.124, W97 00.194 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Gulp! Shrimp/float; live croaker, pinfish; Gulp! Swimming Shad CONTACT: Captain Paul Braly, 361-4496795 TIPS: The wellhead and shell pads that dot the deep water of Aransas Bay are trout magnets. Anchor up-current of a pad or head and drift baits and lures back to the trout, that sit in ambush in eddies and breaks, waiting. Live croaker and pinfish (piggy perch) are very good choices, as a large white shrimp when you can find them.
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Fish jigs across the current and let them swing into ambush points. LOCATION: Aransas Bay HOTSPOT: Super Flats GPS: N27 53.782, W97 2.684 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live bait; topwaters; gold spoons; soft plastics in Avocado/chartreuse, Motor Oil/chartreuse, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Paul Braly, 361-4496795 TIPS: Wade the shorelines of San Jose Island early for redfish. Topwaters and gold spoons can be fished early. As the day progresses, turn your attention to deeper water (3- to 4-foot) and drop-offs. Live shrimp or mullet are tough to beat, but soft plastics and the gold spoon get more than their fair share of reds. LOCATION: Aransas Bay HOTSPOT: Hog Island Cut GPS: N27 53.782, W97 2.684 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live bait; topwaters; gold
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spoons; soft plastics in Avocado/chartreuse, Motor Oil/chartreuse, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Paul Braly, 361-4496795 TIPS: Again, wade near the shoreline early in the morning. Topwaters work well here, especially when the fish are cruising around in 2 to 3 feet of water. Fish a gold spoon with your rod tip held high and skim it over the tops of grass and shell. Very little action is needed, but an occasional tick of the rod tip might trigger a strike from a following fish. LOCATION: Rockport HOTSPOT: St. Charles Bay GPS: N28 8.228, W96 6.679 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: topwaters and soft plastics in dark patterns; live bait CONTACT: Captain Paul Braly, 361-4496795 TIPS: The north end of St. Charles becomes an excellent choice as summer rumbles along. Trout stack up on the drop-offs along the deeper reefs. Topwaters early in
the morning can cause blowups that get the heart pumping. Live baits or soft plastics can be fished under popping corks, or freelined if the fish are near the bottom.
Look Deep for Specks LOCATION: Sabine Lake
HOTSPOT: East Pass GPS: N29 58.920, W93 47.135 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: soft plastics in chartreuse, Glow/chartreuse, Pearl/chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Randy Foreman, 409985-7619 TIPS: Fish the deeper water and near the bottom for good numbers of speckled trout. “Glowing” soft plastics are good choices because they tend to stand out a bit more and capture the fish’s attention. Swim lures
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ALL GPS COORDINATES VERIFIED BY
in the current, or cast it around and under nervous bait. Use larger (1/4-ounce) jighead for better control in the current. Be sure to get a Louisiana license if you are going to cross into Cajun territory (threeday permits are available for a nominal fee). LOCATION: Sabine Pass HOTSPOT: Short Rigs GPS: N29 38.884, W93 42.237 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: soft plastics in Glow/chartreuse, Pearl/chartreuse, Green Tomato, Strawberry/white CONTACT: Captain Randy Foreman, 409985-7619 TIPS: Trout hold around the cover provided by the structure of short rigs. Anchor uptide of the legs and fish the mid-depths. If trout are holding deeper, use heavier jigheads to get down to them. Use fluorocarbon or braided line. There are more sharp cutoffs than the barnacle-encrusted legs to worry about. LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Cotton’s Bayou GPS: N28 30.602, W96 12.603 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live bait; soft plastics in chartreuse patterns, Plum/chartreuse; Gulp! baits CONTACT: Captain Mark Talasek, 979244-0044, 979-479-1397 TIPS: Fish the shorelines and grassbeds with topwaters early in the morning. Hop soft baits along the bottom and near sand or shell later in the day. Trout come up to feed on baitfishes that are holding near the vegetation. LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Jetties GPS: N28 35.666, W95 59.000 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live bait; soft plastics in chartreuse patterns, Plum/chartreuse; Gulp! baits CONTACT: Captain Mark Talasek, 979244-0044, 979-479-1397 TIPS: The jetties are always good for trout, especially the deeper holes during the heat of July. Fish will be holding in deeper, I10
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or near the rocks where current eddies push bait down and past them for easy pickings. Live bait is always good, as are soft plastics and Gulp! tails in high-vis colors. Use a 1/4-ounce jighead with lures, and free-line live baits with as little weight as possible to prevent snags. LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Beachfront GPS: N28 43.213, W95 41.828 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live bait, soft plastics CONTACT: Captain Mark Talasek, 979244-0044, 979-479-1397 TIPS: Soft southeasterlies and green water to the beach create “cupcake” conditions for fishermen seeking surf-running trout. Experienced fishermen anchor beyond the third bar and fish the guts for the fat dime-silver specks that roam the beachfront in July. Watch for diving birds or flitting bait to tip you off to the presence of fish. Keep your weather radio on, too. You never know when a summer squall may pop up and you need to head for cover. LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Beachfront GPS: N28 43.213, W95 41.828 SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live bait, soft plastics, spoons CONTACT: Captain Mark Talasek, 979244-0044, 979-479-1397 TIPS: redfish also roam the beachfront. When the wind lies down and small waves prevail, fishermen can have quite a time with spoons and soft plastics. If the water greens up nicely, then the fishing can be quite memorable. Live bait also works quite well.
C-rigs the Road to Choke Bass LOCATION: Choke Canyon HOTSPOT: Roadbed GPS: N28 29.482, W98 20.353 SPECIES: largemouth bass
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BEST BAITS: Carolina-rigged Watermelon/red plastics; crankbaits in shad patterns CONTACT: Robin McFarlane, 210-4164563 TIPS: Fishing this roadbed with Carolinarigged Watermelon/red plastics and crankbaits in the 10- to 18-foot depth will put bass in the boat any day. LOCATION: Choke Canyon HOTSPOT: Greyhound Point GPS: N28 29.245 W98 23.275 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: shallow-diving shad colored crankbaits; weightless flukes/floating worms; lightweight Texas-rigged Senkos. CONTACT: Robin McFarlane, 210-4164563 TIPS: Work the flats and timber with your shallow-diving crankbaits thoroughly. Then slow down, working the same area, with weightless flukes or a floating worm in the
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variety of Watermelon colors or white with a stop and go retrieve. Using the stop and go retrieve mimics a wounded baitfish, which will trigger the interest of those bass that are in the area. LOCATION: Rio Grande River HOTSPOT: River above Anzalduas Dam GPS: N26 25.100, W97 57.220 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: plastic worms in black, Black Grape; willow leaf spinnerbaits in chartreuse/white, white CONTACT: Anzalduas State Park, 956519-9550 TIPS: Rio Grande River bass fishing is good enough that local tournaments are held here year around. The action reaches a peak during July. Look for anything that can provide some cover for bass such as stickups, overhangs, docks, and boat house. If you see a wash that flows into the river, fish deeper water where the point is. Bass will key in on that spot. These are river bass, so they put up a surprisingly stout fight for smaller fish. LOCATION: Falcon Lake
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HOTSPOT: Little Tiger GPS: N26 41.428, W99 7.779 SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: prepared baits, cut bait, night crawlers CONTACT: Falcon Lake Tackle, 956-7654866 TIPS: Catfishing is hot business in the summer. The fishing is good, but the temperature can get up into the hundreds during the day. Take plenty of water and your Bimini Top, and you’ll be ok. Then you can focus on fishing the hardwoods around the creek bed with cut shad or a dipbait for the literally thousands of catfish that swim around in this area. Falcon is as good a catfish lake as it is a bass lake; maybe better. Reap the bounty.
Granger Crappie Take Jigs LOCATION: Lake Granger HOTSPOT: Main Lake Point
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Hummer Whites BEST BAITS: live shad, chartreuse jigs, Tail Hummers, Little Georges CONTACT: Randy Routh, 817-822-5539, www.teamredneck.net TIPS: White bass will school up early along riprap, with most catches coming on Tail Hummers and Rat-L-Traps. After the sun gets up and the schooling activity stops, move to the bubbler and throw Tail Hummers and Little Georges and finish up by catching easy limits of whites. Be sure to use your binoculars to locate mid-day schooling activity along Triplett Point. BANK ACCESS: Tailrace Fishing Pier, white bass on jigs
LOCATION: Lake Aquilla HOTSPOT: bubbler / aerator GPS: N31 54.871, W97.656 SPECIES: white bass
LOCATION: Belton Lake HOTSPOT: Back of Cedar Creek GPS: N31 09.881, W97 27.484 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Reef Runner, No. 400 Rip Shad crankbaits in Mooneye Minnow or chrome and black; Caroling rigs with 5-inch black Zoom Finesse worms CONTACT: Bob Maindelle, 254-368-7411, www.HoldingTheLineGuideService.com TIPS: This creek has abundant shad typically holding over the shoulders of the submerged creek channel. In the upper end, a deep-diving crankbait on light line can scrape these shoulders. Once fish are located, use a Carolina rig to thoroughly cover area. BANK ACCESS: Temple Lake Park LOCATION: Lake Fork HOTSPOT: Wolf Creek GPS: N32 50.719, W95, 32.160 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Zara Spook, buzzbaits, poppers, shallow- to medium-diver baits in shad patterns; Tiki Sticks in Green Pumpkin, Watermelon, and Watermelon Red CONTACT: Michael Rogge, 903-3833406, www.lake-fork-guides.com TIPS: Work topwaters over the grass in Rodgers Creek and Wolf Creek. Use crankbaits and wacky rigs in same area. BANK ACCESS: Fork Public Park, catfish, largemouth bass I14
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LOCATION: Lake Ray Hubbard HOTSPOT: 66 Rock riprap GPS: N32 55.033, W96 30.112 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Scum Frog, 700 Series Bandit crankbaits, Tornado on Carolina rig CONTACT: Jeff Kirkwood, 972-853-0949, www.fishinwithjeff.com TIPS: The Scum Frog bite is a great way to star the day and sometimes fished all day. As the day wears on, the bite will slow, but if you want to see larger fish, stay with it. Later, the better areas are hydrilla beds on the river, main lake, and riprap. Bandit cranks will most definitely pick up some solid fish on the edges of the many humps around the lake. BANK ACCESS: Robertson Park, catfish on cut shad with 1-ounce weight under hook LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOTS: Main Lake Points GPS: N33 09.192, W96 26.173 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: white/Chartreuse buzzbaits, Tornado fished on Carolina rig, 700 Series Bandit crankbaits CONTACT: Jeff Kirkwood, 972-853-0949, www.fishinwithjeff.com TIPS: Fish the main lake points and riprap. BANK ACCESS: Ticky Creek Park, largemouth bass LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: Holiday Point GPS: N32 05.973, W95 26.550 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Carolina-rigged French Fry or BA Hawg CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff, 903-5302201, www.rickysguideservice.com TIPS: Fishing will be good early and late on the south end of the lake. Work all points, moving slowly from one to the next, working all points south of The Villages Marina. BANK ACCESS: North end of Kickapoo Creek Bridge LOCATION: Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir HOTSPOT: East Side of Big Island
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GPS: N31 01.258, W97 31.797 SPECIES: largemouth bass (schooling) BEST BAITS: small poppers and soft plastics CONTACT: Bob Maindelle, 254-368-7411, www.HoldingTheLineGuideService.com TIPS: Look for topwater action during stable weather conditions up through midmorning, later on overcast days. Bass Assassin-style soft plastics and small Repel Pop R’s to match the forage size will do well. After the topwater bite dies, go with Watermelon Seed or Smoke with blue/red fleck soft plastics in and around emergent and submerged timber’.
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BANK ACCESS: Marina Ramp, bream on worms/bobber LOCATION: Lake Texoma HOTSPOT: Alberta Creek GPS: N33 57.542, W96 36.012 SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: Pencil Popper, buzzbait, and other topwater baits; slabs CONTACT: Bill Carey, 877-786-4477, bigfish@striperexpress.com TIPS: During early morning, several large schools will surface around the lake. These schools can be a mile long and a half-mile
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wide. Cast Pencil Popper for great action. After surface action ends, locate the schools of fish with your electronics, then vertically drop slabs and use a fast retrieve. Hang on, for the fish will try to pull the rod from your hands. BANK ACCESS: Washita Point and Dam LOCATION: Tradinghouse Creek Reservoir HOTSPOT: Redfish Point GPS: N31 33.834, W96 56.919 SPECIES: red drum BEST BAITS: medium- to deep-running crankbaits CONTACT: Jimmy D. Moore, 254-7442104, rayado@earthlink.net TIPS: A fairly deep creek channel comes around the point and meanders southward toward the South Levee. Work sides with a crankbait. If no luck, switch to a deep-running crankbait to get down to cooler water. BANK ACCESS: South Levee and old park just past the levee; cut bait for catfish, Texasrigged plastic worms for largemouth bass
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south of where the Island Flats drop off into deeper water. Fish suspended in 32 feet of water with baits at 22 feet on the ledge, using trolling motor and working back and forth along the ledge. After the sun gets up high, change to downrigging/trolling Chartreuse jigs with white trailers at 22 feet deep. Zigzag boat to make baits rise and fall. BANK ACCESS: Loafer’s Bend shoreline, stripers and whites on topwaters
Contact South Regional Fishing Editor Calixto Gonzales by email at cgonzales@fishgame.com Contact North Regional Fishing Editor JD Moore by email at hotspotsnorth@fishgame.com
LOCATION: Lake Waco HOTSPOT: Reynolds Creek GPS: N31 55.452, W97 24.628 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, Carolina-rigged worms CONTACT: Jimmy D. Moore, 254-7442104, rayado@earthlink.net TIPS: Begin fishing at the south entrance to Reynolds Creek, working the edge of flooded timber on the left side using buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. Work your way to the third bend and then change sides, working your way back to the entrance of creek. Also work the lake side of the standing timber with a Carolina rig with a Watermelon Red worm. Many large bass have been caught from this area of Reynolds Creek, all the way back to the third bend. BANK ACCESS: Reynolds Creek Park, largemouth bass on spinnerbaits and mediumrunning crankbaits LOCATION: Lake Whitney HOTSPOT: McCowan Flats GPS: N31 55.782, W97 25.112 SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: live shad, Chartreuse jigs with white trailers CONTACT: Randy Routh, 817-822-5539, www.teamredneck.net TIPS: Striper limits will come on live shad A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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Tides and Prime Times
JULY 2009 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.
T13 T7
T6 T5 T17
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY is shown in the lower color boxes of the Calendar pages. Use the SOLUNAR ADJUSTMENT SCALE below to adjust times for points East and West of Galveston Channel.
T15 T16
AM & PM MINOR phases occur when the moon rises and sets. These phases last 1 to 2 hours.
T14 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
SOLAR & LUNAR ACTIVITY: Sunrise: 6:34a Sunset: 7:51p
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.
T20
AM Minor: 9:11a AM Major: 2:57a PM Minor: 9:40p PM Major: 3:25p
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.
Moonrise:9:27a Moon Set: None Moon Overhead:
T21
4:55p
TIDE CORRECTION TABLE Add or subtract the time shown at the right of the Tide Stations on this table (and map) to determine the adjustment from the time shown for GALVESTON CHANNEL in the calendars.
KEY T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6
PLACE Sabine Bank Lighthouse Sabine Pass Jetty Sabine Pass Mesquite Pt, Sab. Pass Galveston Bay, S. Jetty Port Bolivar
HIGH -1:46 -1:26 -1:00 -0:04 -0:39 +0:14
LOW -1:31 -1:31 -1:15 -0:25 -1:05 -0:06
KEY PLACE HIGH Galveston Channel/Bays T7 Texas City Turning Basin +0:33 +3:54 T8 Eagle Point +6:05 T9 Clear Lake +10:21 T10 Morgans Point T11 Round Pt, Trinity Bay +10:39
T22 T23
KEYS TO USING THE TIDE AND SOLUNAR GRAPHS TIDE LE VEL GRAPH: 12a
Tab: Peak Fishing Period
6a
12p
6p
12a
Green: Falling Tide
AM/PM Timeline Light Blue: Nighttime
BEST:
7:05-9:40 PM
Gold Fish: Best Time
Blue: Rising Tide Red Graph: Fishing Score
Blue Fish: Good Time
SOLUNAR AC TIVIT Y: MINOR Feeding Periods (+/- 1.5 Hrs.) Time Moon is at its Highest Point in the Sky
AM Minor: 1:20a
PM Minor: 1:45p
AM Major: 7:32a
PM Major: 7:57p
12a
AM/PM Timeline
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MAJOR Feeding Periods (+/- 2 Hrs.)
Moon Overhead: 8:50a 6a
12p
6p
12a
Time Moon is Directly Underfoot (at its peak on opposite side of the earth)
Moon Underfoot: 9:15p 2 0 0 9 /
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LOW +0:41 +4:15 +6:40 +5:19 +5:15
KEY PLACE T12 Pt Barrow, Trinity Bay T13 Gilchrist, East Bay T14 Jamaica Beach, W. Bay T15 Alligator Point, W. Bay T16 Christmas Pt T17 Galveston Pleasure Pier
HIGH +5:48 +3:16 +2:38 +2:39 +2:32 -1:06
LOW +4:43 +4:18 +3:31 +2:33 +2:31 -1:06
KEY T18 T19 T20 T21 T22 T23
PLACE San Luis Pass Freeport Harbor Pass Cavallo Aransas Pass Padre Island (So. End) Port Isabel
SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK IS SPONSORED BY:
NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION
Yellow: Daylight
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 a wide variety of wildlife species.
T9 T8
T3 T2 T1
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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
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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION
= New Moon = First Quarter = Full Moon = Last Quarter = Best Day
BEST:
= Peak Fishing 7:45-9:40 AM Period = FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS
Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score
MONDAY SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
TUESDAY
29
30
THURSDAY
Jul 1
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2
3
SUNDAY
4
5
Set: 8:21p Sunrise: 6:22a Set: 12:46a Moonrise: 2:44p
Set: 8:21p Set: 1:18a
Sunrise: 6:22a Moonrise: 3:44p
Set: 8:21p Set: 1:51a
Sunrise: 6:23a Moonrise: 4:42p
Set: 8:21p Set: 2:28a
Sunrise: 6:23a Moonrise: 5:39p
Set: 8:21p Set: 3:08a
Sunrise: 6:24a Moonrise: 6:33p
Set: 8:21p Set: 3:53a
Sunrise: 6:24a Moonrise: 7:23p
Set: 8:21p Set: 4:42a
AM Minor: ——-
PM Minor: 5:58p
AM Minor: 12:31a
PM Minor: 6:42p
AM Minor: 1:14a
PM Minor: 7:25p
AM Minor: 1:56a
PM Minor: 8:08p
AM Minor: 2:40a
PM Minor: 8:52p
AM Minor: 3:25a
PM Minor: 9:37p
AM Minor: 4:11a
PM Minor: 10:24p
AM Major: 5:58a
PM Major: 6:21p
AM Major: 6:42a
PM Major: 7:05p
AM Major: 7:25a
PM Major: 7:49p
AM Major: 8:08a
PM Major: 8:33p
AM Major: 8:52a
PM Major: 9:17p
AM Major: 9:37a
PM Major: 10:03p
AM Major: 10:24a
PM Major: 10:49p
Moon Overhead: 7:34p
12a
WEDNESDAY
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 9:08p
Moon Overhead: 8:21p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 9:57p 12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 11:38p
Moon Overhead: 10:47p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
Sunrise: 6:22a Moonrise: 1:45p
Tides and Prime Times for JULY 2009
Moon Overhead: None 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
FEET
FEET
Moon Underfoot: 7:12a
0
BEST:
8:00-9:40 PM
BEST:
9:00-11:20 PM
Moon Underfoot: 9:32a
Moon Underfoot: 10:22a
Moon Underfoot: 11:12a
Moon Underfoot: 12:03p
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
2:20-4:10 PM
3:10-4:40 PM
4:00-5:30 PM
4:50-6:40 PM
+2.0
TIDE LEVELS
+1.0
BEST:
7:20-9:10 PM
Moon Underfoot: 8:44a
TIDE LEVELS
+2.0
Moon Underfoot: 7:57a
-1.0 Low Tide: 3:51 AM 0.65 ft High Tide: 10:14 AM 1.17 ft Low Tide: 5:40 PM 0.11 ft
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
1:06 AM 5:07 AM 10:26 AM 6:31 PM
1.05 ft 0.96 ft 1.16 ft -0.11 ft
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
3:19 AM 8:06 AM 10:22 AM 7:19 PM
1.22 ft High Tide: 4:43 AM 1.16 ft Low Tide: 8:04 PM 1.18 ft -0.27 ft
1.37 ft High Tide: 5:34 AM -0.37 ft Low Tide: 8:47 PM
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1.48 ft High Tide: 6:43 AM 1.46 ft -0.43 ft Low Tide: 10:06 PM -0.41 ft
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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
6
TUESDAY
7
WEDNESDAY
8
THURSDAY
9
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
10
11
12
Sunrise: 6:24a Moonrise: 8:09p
Set: 8:21p Set: 5:35a
Sunrise: 6:25a Moonrise: 8:50p
Set: 8:21p Set: 6:30a
Sunrise: 6:25a Moonrise: 9:26p
Set: 8:21p Set: 7:26a
Sunrise: 6:26a Moonrise: 9:59p
Set: 8:20p Set: 8:22a
AM Minor: 4:59a
PM Minor: 11:12p
AM Minor: 5:48a
PM Minor: ——-
AM Minor: 6:37a
PM Minor: 12:26p
AM Minor: 7:26a
PM Minor: 1:15p
AM Minor: 8:14a
PM Minor: 2:03p
AM Minor: 9:01a
PM Minor: 2:50p
AM Minor: 9:47a
PM Minor: 3:36p
AM Major: 11:12a
PM Major: 11:37p
AM Major: ——-
PM Major: 12:00p
AM Major: 12:26a
PM Major: 12:49p
AM Major: 1:15a
PM Major: 1:37p
AM Major: 2:03a
PM Major: 2:24p
AM Major: 2:50a
PM Major: 3:11p
AM Major: 3:36a
PM Major: 3:57p
Moon Overhead: 12:29a
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 2:06a
Moon Overhead: 1:18a 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Sunrise: 6:26a Set: 8:20p Moonrise: 10:29p Set: 9:17a
SUNDAY
Moon Overhead: 2:52a 12a
6a
12p
6p
Sunrise: 6:27a Set: 8:20p Sunrise: 6:27a Set: 8:20p Moonrise: 10:57p Set: 10:10a Moonrise: 11:25p Set: 11:04a
Moon Overhead: 4:17a
Moon Overhead: 3:35a 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 4:57a 12a
6a
12p
6p
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
MONDAY
Tides and Prime Times for JULY 2009
12a
FEET
FEET
Moon Underfoot: 12:53p +2.0
-1.0
Moon Underfoot: 3:14p
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
6:00-8:00 PM
6:45-9:00 PM
7:00-9:00 PM
7:30-9:30 PM
Moon Underfoot: 3:56p BEST:
8:00-10:00 PM
Moon Underfoot: 4:37p
Moon Underfoot: 5:18p +2.0
BEST:
BEST:
2:30-5:00 AM
3:30-5:30 AM
TIDE LEVELS
0
Moon Underfoot: 2:29p
TIDE LEVELS
+1.0
Moon Underfoot: 1:42p
High Tide: 7:06 AM 1.43 ft High Tide: 7:25 AM 1.39 ft High Tide: Low Tide: 10:41 PM -0.37 ft Low Tide: 11:14 PM -0.31 ft Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
I20
• J U L Y
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T E X A S
F i s h
7:43 AM 12:27 PM 2:53 PM 11:44 PM
&
1.35 ft High Tide: 8:02 AM 1.32 ft 1.21 ft Low Tide: 12:49 PM 1.12 ft 1.22 ft High Tide: 3:50 PM 1.15 ft -0.22 ft
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
12:13 AM 8:21 AM 1:26 PM 4:51 PM
-0.11 ft 1.29 ft 1.01 ft 1.06 ft
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
12:41 AM 8:39 AM 2:06 PM 6:09 PM
0.04 ft 1.25 ft 0.88 ft 0.96 ft
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
1:10 AM 8:53 AM 2:47 PM 7:52 PM
0.22 ft 1.20 ft 0.71 ft 0.87 ft
+1.0
0
-1.0
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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:
= Peak Fishing Period
7:45-9:40 AM
= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS
Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score
MONDAY
TUESDAY
13 SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
WEDNESDAY
14
THURSDAY
15
Set: 8:19p Set: 8:19p Sunrise: 6:29a Set: 12:54p Moonrise: 12:26a Set: 1:54p
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
16
17
SUNDAY
18
19
Sunrise: 6:29a Moonrise: 1:01a
Set: 8:19p Set: 2:58p
Sunrise: 6:30a Moonrise: 1:43a
Set: 8:18p Set: 4:05p
Sunrise: 6:30a Moonrise: 2:33a
Set: 8:18p Set: 5:13p
Sunrise: 6:31a Moonrise: 3:32a
Set: 8:18p Set: 6:18p
AM Minor: 10:32a
PM Minor: 4:22p
AM Minor: 11:18a
PM Minor: 5:07p
AM Minor: ——-
PM Minor: 5:52p
AM Minor: 12:27a
PM Minor: 6:40p
AM Minor: 1:16a
PM Minor: 7:30p
AM Minor: 2:08a
PM Minor: 8:23p
AM Minor: 3:03a
PM Minor: 9:20p
AM Major: 4:22a
PM Major: 4:42p
AM Major: 5:07a
PM Major: 5:29p
AM Major: 5:52a
PM Major: 6:16p
AM Major: 6:40a
PM Major: 7:06p
AM Major: 7:30a
PM Major: 7:59p
AM Major: 8:23a
PM Major: 8:54p
AM Major: 9:20a
PM Major: 9:52p
Moon Overhead: 5:38a 6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 7:06a
Moon Overhead: 6:21a 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 7:56a 12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 9:51a
Moon Overhead: 8:51a 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 10:55a 12a
6a
12p
6p
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
Sunrise: 6:28a Set: 8:20p Sunrise: 6:28a Moonrise: 11:54p Set: 11:58a Moonrise: None
12a
Tides and Prime Times for JULY 2009
12a
FEET
FEET
Moon Underfoot: 5:59p
0
-1.0
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
4:00-6:20 AM
5:00-7:00 AM
7:15-9:30 PM
Moon Underfoot: 8:23p BEST:
8:20-10:30 PM
Moon Underfoot: 9:21p
Moon Underfoot: 10:23p
Moon Underfoot: 11:28p
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
2:00-3:30 PM
3:00-5:30 PM
3:30-5:30 PM
+2.0
TIDE LEVELS
+1.0
Moon Underfoot: 7:31p
TIDE LEVELS
+2.0
Moon Underfoot: 6:43p
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
1:38 AM 9:00 AM 3:28 PM 9:53 PM
0.43 ft 1.16 ft 0.52 ft 0.86 ft
Low Tide: 2:08 AM High Tide: 8:57 AM Low Tide: 4:12 PM
0.67 ft 1.15 ft 0.30 ft
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
12:04 AM 2:38 AM 8:38 AM 5:01 PM
0.95 ft 0.91 ft 1.18 ft 0.07 ft
High Tide: 8:08 AM Low Tide: 5:55 PM
1.27 ft High Tide: 7:44 AM -0.17 ft Low Tide: 6:51 PM
1.38 ft High Tide: 4:49 AM -0.40 ft Low Tide: 7:48 PM
1.51 ft High Tide: 5:20 AM -0.60 ft Low Tide: 8:44 PM
1.60 ft -0.74 ft
+1.0
0
-1.0
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= New Moon = First Quarter = Full Moon = Last Quarter = Best Day
Tides and Prime Times for JULY 2009 MONDAY SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
20 Set: 8:17p Set: 7:18p
Sunrise: 6:32a Moonrise: 5:51a
AM Minor: 4:02a
PM Minor: 10:18p
AM Major: 10:18a
PM Major: 10:51p
Moon Overhead: 12:00p
12a
6a
12p
6p
21
WEDNESDAY
Set: 8:17p Set: 8:10p
Sunrise: 6:32a Moonrise: 7:05a
AM Minor: 5:03a
PM Minor: 11:19p
AM Major: 11:19a
PM Major: 11:50p
6a
12p
6p
Set: 8:16p Set: 8:55p
Sunrise: 6:33a Moonrise: 8:17a
AM Minor: 6:04a
PM Minor: ——-
AM Major: ——-
PM Major: 12:49p
Moon Overhead: 2:04p
Moon Overhead: 1:04p 12a
22
THURSDAY
12a
6a
12p
6p
23
FRIDAY
24
SUNDAY
25
26
Set: 8:16p Set: 9:35p
Sunrise: 6:34a Moonrise: 9:25a
AM Minor: 7:05a
PM Minor: 12:51p
AM Minor: 8:04a
PM Minor: 1:51p
AM Minor: 9:01a
PM Minor: 2:49p
AM Minor: 9:55a
PM Minor: 3:43p
AM Major: 12:51a
PM Major: 1:19p
AM Major: 1:51a
PM Major: 2:17p
AM Major: 2:49a
PM Major: 3:13p
AM Major: 3:43a
PM Major: 4:07p
Moon Overhead: 3:00p 12a
SATURDAY
6a
12p
6p
Set: 8:15p Sunrise: 6:34a Set: 8:14p Set: 8:15p Sunrise: 6:35a Set: 10:11p Moonrise: 10:30a Set: 10:44p Moonrise: 11:33a Set: 11:17p
Moon Overhead: 4:41p
Moon Overhead: 3:52p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
Sunrise: 6:31a Moonrise: 4:39a
TUESDAY
Moon Overhead: 5:28p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
FEET
FEET
Moon Underfoot: None +2.0
BEST:
0
Moon Underfoot: 2:33a
Moon Underfoot: 3:27a
Moon Underfoot: 4:17a
Moon Underfoot: 5:05a +2.0
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
1:00-3:30 PM
2:00-4:30 PM
3:00-4:30 PM
4:00-5:30 PM
4:30-6:30 AM TIDE LEVELS
+1.0
BEST:
12:00-3:00 PM
Moon Underfoot: 1:35a
TIDE LEVELS
5:00-7:00 PM
Moon Underfoot: 12:32a
-1.0 High Tide: 5:52 AM Low Tide: 9:38 PM
1.63 ft High Tide: -0.80 ft Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
6:22 AM 10:43 AM 1:38 PM 10:31 PM
1.60 ft 1.42 ft 1.47 ft -0.75 ft
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
6:50 AM 11:17 AM 3:14 PM 11:21 PM
1.53 ft High Tide: 7:14 AM 1.43 ft 1.26 ft Low Tide: 12:03 PM 1.05 ft 1.42 ft High Tide: 4:40 PM 1.33 ft -0.60 ft
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
A L M A N A C / T E X A S
12:09 AM 7:37 AM 12:54 PM 6:06 PM
-0.35 ft 1.34 ft 0.79 ft 1.21 ft
F i s h
&
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
12:55 AM 7:58 AM 1:50 PM 7:39 PM
-0.03 ft 1.26 ft 0.53 ft 1.11 ft
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
G a m e ® / J U L Y
1:40 AM 8:17 AM 2:48 PM 9:22 PM
2 0 0 9
0.33 ft 1.20 ft 0.28 ft 1.05 ft
•
I23
+1.0
0
-1.0
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NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:
= Peak Fishing Period
7:45-9:40 AM
= FALLING TIDE = RISING TIDE = DAYLIGHT HOURS = NIGHTTIME HOURS
Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score
MONDAY
TUESDAY
27
Set: 8:13p Set: None
Sunrise: 6:36a Moonrise: 2:36p
29
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
30
31
SUNDAY
AU G 1
2
Set: 8:12p Sunrise: 6:37a Set: 12:28a Moonrise: 3:34p
Set: 8:12p Set: 1:08a
Sunrise: 6:38a Moonrise: 4:29p
Set: 8:11p Set: 1:51a
Sunrise: 6:38a Moonrise: 5:20p
Set: 8:10p Set: 2:39a
Sunrise: 6:39a Moonrise: 6:07p
Set: 8:10p Set: 3:31a
AM Minor: 10:47a
PM Minor: 4:36p
AM Minor: 11:38a
PM Minor: 5:26p
AM Minor: 12:02a
PM Minor: 6:14p
AM Minor: 12:48a
PM Minor: 7:01p
AM Minor: 1:35a
PM Minor: 7:47p
AM Minor: 2:20a
PM Minor: 8:33p
AM Minor: 3:05a
PM Minor: 9:18p
AM Major: 4:36a
PM Major: 4:59p
AM Major: 5:26a
PM Major: 5:50p
AM Major: 6:14a
PM Major: 6:39p
AM Major: 7:01a
PM Major: 7:26p
AM Major: 7:47a
PM Major: 8:13p
AM Major: 8:33a
PM Major: 8:58p
AM Major: 9:18a
PM Major: 9:43p
Moon Overhead: 6:16p 6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 7:54p
Moon Overhead: 7:04p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 8:44p 12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 10:25p
Moon Overhead: 9:34p 12a
6a
12p
6p
12a
6a
12p
6p
Moon Overhead: 11:15p 12a
6a
12p
6p
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY
WEDNESDAY
28
Sunrise: 6:35a Set: 8:14p Sunrise: 6:36a Moonrise: 12:35p Set: 11:51p Moonrise: 1:36p
12a
Tides and Prime Times for JULY 2009
12a
FEET
FEET
Moon Underfoot: 5:52a
0
-1.0
BEST:
5:30-8:45 PM
BEST:
12:00-2:00 PM
Moon Underfoot: 8:19a BEST:
12:30-3:00 PM
Moon Underfoot: 9:09a
Moon Underfoot: 10:00a
Moon Underfoot: 10:50a
BEST:
BEST:
BEST:
2:00-4:00 PM
3:00-5:00 PM
4:00-6:00 PM
+2.0
TIDE LEVELS
+1.0
BEST:
5:00-7:00 AM
Moon Underfoot: 7:29a
TIDE LEVELS
+2.0
Moon Underfoot: 6:40a
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
2:23 AM 8:32 AM 3:48 PM 11:24 PM
0.68 ft 1.18 ft 0.08 ft 1.08 ft
Low Tide: 3:05 AM High Tide: 8:40 AM Low Tide: 4:50 PM
0.98 ft High Tide: 5:37 AM 1.19 ft Low Tide: 5:47 AM -0.08 ft High Tide: 8:03 AM Low Tide: 5:52 PM
1.22 ft High Tide: 4:31 AM 1.22 ft Low Tide: 6:52 PM 1.22 ft -0.18 ft
1.37 ft High Tide: 5:08 AM -0.24 ft Low Tide: 7:46 PM
1.46 ft High Tide: 5:41 AM -0.28 ft Low Tide: 8:35 PM
1.48 ft High Tide: 6:06 AM -0.29 ft Low Tide: 9:16 PM
1.46 ft -0.27 ft
+1.0
0
-1.0
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Engel USA Takes Coolers to a Higher Degree THE ENGEL 65-QUART ICE CHEST KEEPS provisions ice-cold for up to ten days. The Engel 65-quart rugged ice chest is the “coolest” choice among outdoor enthusiasts as it keeps provisions ice-cold through even the longest, hottest and most rugged outdoor excursions. The Engel 65-quart’s ingenious design boasts a full 2 inches of quality polyurethane insulation for superior ice retention, and a freezer-style lid gasket that
Engel 65-qt. ice chest creates an airtight, virtually leak-proof seal. Rotationally molded from highimpact plastic, the Engel 65quart offers seamless, double-walled construction that can stand up to the rigorous beatings of any outdoor adventure. A rugged, fulllength hinge, low-profile marine grade latches, and dual locking corner holes make this a certified Grizzly bear proof cooler. Other amazing features of the Engel 65quart include rubber nonskid / nonmarking feet and Engel’s unique “oneI26
• J U L Y
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turn” drain plug system. Plus, molded handgrips and heavy-duty rope handles allow for easy loading and unloading. To learn more about the innovative Engel 65-quart durable plastic ice chest, or to find out about the company’s entire line of high-performance coolers, 12-volt refrigerators/freezers and unique game/fish bags — visit them online at www.engel-usa.com.
American X-Box Armors Up TRUCK COVERS USA INTRODUCES THE NEW 2009 American X-Box. With new innovative features and products, Truck Covers USA sets itself apart from the competition. LINE-X Protective Coatings adds the protection of LINE-X XTRA, a sprayon urethane coating fortified with DuPont KEVLAR to this American Work Cover version. The LINE-X permanently bonds to the top-of-the-line tool box inside and out, providing a weathertight seal to protect against extreme heat, cold, moisture, abrasion and rust. The increased tensile strength rating makes the American X-Box resistant to scratches, gouges and punctures. The American X-Box enhances the look of any work truck with convenience and ease of
American X-Box, fortified with Kevlar Line-X coating.
&
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
use, while providing protection and security like no other. A tool box and truck cover that really works! Please contact Truck Covers USA for further information on this fabulous new American Work Cover edition – the American X-Box. You can reach them at 888808-2872 or by visiting them on the web at www.truckcoversusa.com and filling out the contact information form.
Leading Kayak Redesigned for Performance THE TOP ANGLER KAYAK ON THE market is back for 2009 with a total redesign. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon has always been rigged for the ultimate fishing experience, and we’ve upped the ante with new outfitting, new deck features and new, refined hulls for increased performance. Now, the most versatile sit on top on the market can be further individualized, just as you like it. The real headliner for anglers is the improvement of the total experience made possible by a series of outfitting and deck innovations. The new SlideTrax accessory system and new Orbix hinged hatch covers ensure that the Tarpon can be rigged to suit. The redesigned 2009 Tarpon series also offers improved performance with enhanced bow lift for gliding through surf and significantly increased tankwell storage space. Raised floors offer an even drier and more comfortable ride in the seating area.
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The Tarpon Angler is available, with or without rudder, in three sizes: 120, 140 and 160. It is a rotomolded plastic kayak, also available in Ultralite (120 size only). Prices range from $1000-1425.00 for plastic and $1600-1825.00 for Ultralite. The Tarpon is also available without the Angler package. Visit: www.wildernesssystems.com for more information.
Drury Outdoors 20th Year DVDs FOR 20 YEARS, MARK AND TERRY DRURY HAVE been flagship innovators in the world of outdoor TV production, and the May 12th release of Whitetail Madness 12, Dream Season 12 and Volume 9 of the 100% Wild Fair Chase series, will serve as the ultimate celebration of the ground-breaking style and deer hunting tactics that have kept Drury Outdoors on top for two decades. All together, it’s over 7 hours of giant whitetail kills and encounters, with more inches of antler and more reasons to watch than ever before. Whitetail Madness 12 catalogs a year of big-buck fanaticism from shed Drury Outdoors 20th Anniverhunting in March sary DVD. to the blowing snow of the late muzzleloader season. Of the 18 kills by bow, gun and muzzleloader, 7 score over an astounding 160”. Dream Season 12 continues Team Drury’s redefinition of the American dream - sharing the hunt with family. Bonds are reinforced and plenty of huge bucks hit the turf in this year’s edition. Here’s Your Sign, Volume 9 in the 100% Wild Fair Chase series is a how-to on closing the deal using deer sign full of heartthumping big-deer waylays. “Twenty years ago, Terry and I set out to capture the heart and soul of our sport in a way that’s never been done. It started with a motto ‘Our Videos Are Different,’ and we’ve remained dedicated to on-screen inno-
Page I27
vation ever since. How can we make this more relevant to our audience? What do American deer hunters want to see? We’re positive our Platinum Anniversary whitetail titles are more than they could’ve asked for,” said Mark Drury. The three new 20th Year Platinum Edition DVDs hit shelves everywhere May 12th to commemorate Drury Outdoors’ platinum anniversary. If you’re a deer hunter, you’ll agree it was worth the two decades’ wait. For more information call 1-800-9909351 or go to www.druryoutdoors.com
New SunBuster Quick Draw Dude SUNBUSTER’S QUICK DRAW DUDE SET COMES with our exclusive Extreme Green and Purple ShotReader lenses. Packaged in a slender, easy to carry impact resistant clip on case, it comes with our oversized cleaning cloth and lanyard. The Extreme
Green is a dark lens that when it performs, thinks it is a light/clear lens. It selectively filters light so orange and red targets appear much brighter. Additionally, this lens provides minimal squint control for the shooter. The Purple ShotReader lens is terrific for all other light conditions. Specifically designed to tone down the color green, while enhancing other colors of the spectrum, amplifying orange and red targets and brown vegetation. It is the perfect choice for all types of clay target presentations including upland bird hunting. Working great against wooded backgrounds this lens will provide you with the necessary shooting advantage to see better and shoot better. Both lenses provide 100% protection from UVA/UVB rays, while exceeding ANSI optical standards. This is the perfect ensemble that every shooter needs. For more information call 631-391-9000 or visit www.sunbuster.info.
SunBuster Quick Draw Dude shooting eyewear.
A L M A N A C / T E X A S
F i s h
&
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•
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Cove Harbor Marina an Industry Leader O SAY THAT TEXANS LOVE BOATING WOULD be a tremendous understatement, considering that as of September 2008, nearly 594,000 registered boat owners spanned the Lone Star state. It is easy to see the widespread appeal, given that Texas offers more square miles of inland water than any other state, creating a virtually endless playground for families to enjoy year-round water sport activities. And when it comes to fishing, it doesn’t hurt that Texas lays claim to one of the world’s most thrilling and sought after destinations right here on the Gulf Coast. One outfit leading the way in delivering
T
up of offerings and conveniences to its customers in a location that is second to none. Aransas Bay, Redfish Bay, and the Intracoastal Canal are immediately accessible, with some of the Gulf ’s top fishing hotspots less than 20 minutes away. Hendon, whose background includes more than 25 years in development and operations management for numerous real estate interests in southeast and Central Texas, credits the success of Cove Harbor to its ability to simplify the boating experience for customers. “Whether we’re taking care of a lifelong Gulf Coast fisherman or a family that heads out for fishing and water sports a few times per month, it is critical that we offer services to accommodate our clients’ unique needs and allow them to spend their time simply having fun,” said Hendon. Cove Harbor’s state-of-the-art facilities include both drystack storage and a new 163-slip floating marina, bringing the total combined capacity to over 600 boats. Drys-
Cove Harbor Marina
an unmatched, full-service boating experience to boat owners from across the state and beyond is Cove Harbor Marina and Drystack in Rockport. Led by Tim Hendon, principal of Austin-based real estate development company Legend Communities, Cove Harbor combines a healthy lineI28
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tack storage provides protection from rain, sun exposure, and storm damage while maintaining and prolonging the life of a boat. This service is offered for boats up to 34 feet, as well as wave runners and kayaks. Similar to valet service, customers simply call ahead and the Cove Harbor staff has &
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
the boat ready and waiting. The floating marina, which features Brazilian Ipe wood on the decks and walkways, moves naturally with the tide to provide the greatest degree of peace of mind regardless of weather conditions. It includes 30- to 50-foot long wet slips capable of handling up to 70-foot boats, with full electrical setup, clean-out station, and a secure, lighted parking lot. Future plans call for the development of a restaurant and condominiums. Of equal appeal are the many high-end services that customers take advantage of through boat storage with Cove Harbor. The site is fully enclosed with 24-hour security, and the skilled staff go above and beyond with attention to detail, such as a key drop-box in the event of a late return, emergency towing, and salt water marine removal. Storm hauling, or storage during serious weather situations, is even made available to non-clients of the marina, as are boat rentals for those interested in fishing without the responsibilities of ownership. Other on-site amenities that help Cove Harbor stand apart include a ship’s store, convenience store, work racks, power wash station, fish cleaning station, inside locker storage, and clean bathrooms and showers. “We are continuously striving to achieve the highest level of service, and to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers, whether boating novices or everyday enthusiasts,” said Hendon, who, in addition to his work with Cove Harbor, also operates Legend Communities’ Sandy Creek Yacht Club in Volente, and the newly opened Rough Hollow Yacht Club & Marina in Lakeway. Cove Harbor is located at 121 North Cove Harbor Road in Rockport. Marina hours during the summer are from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter. Contact: Cove Harbor Marina, 361790-5438 www.CoveHarborMarina.com —Staff Report
PHOTO COURTESY COVE HARBOR MARINA
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retail store of their dreams. It all began on 14 February 1979 with a 2500-square-foot retail space on Telephone
Fishing Tackle Unlimited: 30 Years Serving Anglers ON VALENTINE’S DAY 2009, FISHING TACKLE Unlimited (FTU, formerly known as Cut Rate Tackle) celebrated 30 years in operation. It has been a rollercoaster ride, but the business is healthy and going strong. With two locations in the Houston area and the recent addition of an online store, FTU has the ability to service freshwater, inshore, offshore, kayak and fly-fishers from all over the world. As lifelong anglers, Joe and Danny Meyer know what anglers need and where to find it. FTU customers vary from weekend anglers to professional fishing guides. Over the years, they have provided high quality gear and excellent service to anglers from many walks of life. Many of their customers have been loyal shoppers since the beginning and come in just to share their latest fishing story. Although FTU has been around for 30 years, the Meyer brothers have been in the tackle business for more years than either would like to admit. Joe started as an enthusiastic young man looking for a part-time job to support his fishing habit when he walked into a tackle store with his dad at 13 years of age and landed his first job. After studying business at the University of Houston, he went to work at one of the first K-Mart stores in the Houston area. After opening Kmart store No. 13 here in Houston, his career was on the fast track he quickly promoted up to district manager. He spent several more years with Kmart, managing the sporting goods departments of Kmart stores in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Joe acknowledges that his time with K-Mart taught him a great deal about the retail business. Just like Joe, Danny started hanging out in a tackle store at an early age. He remembers building his first rod at the age of nine and fondly recalls spending all his free time with his dad at Heights Tackle House. PHOTOS COURTESY FISHING TACKLE UNLIMITED
Left: The original Cut Rate store on Telephone Road in Houston; Below: FTU’s huge new store at I-45 and South Beltway 8.
Once he was old enough, he started working at the tackle store and joined the Air Force after high school. After returning to Houston, his career path took a little different direction when he chose to go on the road as a tackle manufacturer sales representative. After several years on the road, he joined his brother in a tackle manufacturing business. It was not long before they agreed it was time to get out of the manufacturing business and open the
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Road in Houston. Then known as Cut Rate, the brothers were committed to being the No. 1 source for fishing tackle. There was nothing cut rate about the quality of tackle they carried. This commitment led to one expansion after another, including an additional location on I-10 at Campbell. In time, the two stores just did not seem to be big enough. This meant moving the store to an available space on I-45 South at the Fugua Exit.
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This 32,000-square-foot space was the ultimate location, on the freeway to Galveston. In 2002, Joe and Danny never dreamed they could possibly run out of space in this enormous location. With the addition of specialty lines like Tommy Bahama clothing, a complete fly shop within the store, and a kayak department, every inch of the store is now filled with everything any angler could ask for. The duo marks their success by how many life-long loyal customers they have. They see it as a testament to their determination to provide the best service and quality products available, while also maintaining a sales staff of experienced anglers to assist the customers in selecting the proper gear. Through the years, they have also established some long-time friends within the fishing tackle industry. These valued relationships and reputation have led to partnerships that directly benefit their customers. For example, Simms Fishing Products chose FTU as its first Saltwater Concept Store, giving FTU customers access to some of the best high-tech waders and fishing accessories on the market. When manufacturers want to know what products Gulf Coast anglers are looking for, Joe and Danny are among the first they call. Contact: Fishing Tackle Unlimited, 281481-6838, www.fishingtackleunlimited.com —Chester Moore
LaserLure Signs Boyd Duckett LASERLURE, INC. HAS SIGNED 2007 BASSMASTER Classic champion Boyd Duckett to a major sponsorship contract. LaserLure, a Shreveport, Louisiana, manufacturer of laser beam-infused lures, sought Duckett because of his popularity and reputation for seeking creative approaches to competitive fishing, according to Mike Lopez, LaserLure’s National Sales Manager. “We are delighted to welcome Boyd Duckett to our team. At LaserLure, we know that we’ve developed an innovative, I30
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exciting new product and we’re equally certain that we’ve formed a partnership with an angler that will bring the right kind of attention to our product,” Lopez said. Duckett, of Demopolis, Alabama, became one of the country’s best-known anglers in 2007. He not only won the Bassmaster Classic, he set a single-season BASS earnings record by winning $864,000. That year, he also won the BASS Legends “major” tournament and finished in the top 12 during five nationally televised events. Duckett also took the title in the made-for-television Ultimate Match Fishing competition on the Outdoor Channel. “I’m really proud to be part of the new LaserLure team, because the company has created a truly innovative product. LaserLure has taken a great idea and turned it into products that work,” Duckett said. “I think people that know me understand that I’m really careful to make sure I associate with high-quality, top-flight sponsors. And LaserLure is a terrific, growing company. It’s always my intention to work with folks that let me have a voice in how their products are advanced and marketed. LaserLure is giving me that opportunity, and I’m excited about this partnership.” LaserLure produces water-activated, computer-controlled lures that come in five body styles. Contact: LaserLure, 877-527-5873, www.laserlure.com —Staff Report
Blue Wave Boats’ New 1900 STL BLUE WAVE BOATS OF SEMINOLE, OKLAHOMA, IS proud to introduce the newest member of the Super Tunnel family, the 1900 STL. The 1900 STL brings the already popular shallow-water line a whole new level of class and style. This fully lined 100 percent composite boat has a modified hull for unsurpassed shallow-water performance. With its standard features that no other shallowwater boat has, it will blow you away. The &
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exceptional shallow-water handling provided by the superior rounded tunnel, slot transom, and modified hull are just some of the exclusive features to Blue Wave’s design that will set it apart after just a few minutes in the water. A full liner interior and 100 percent composite construction make the new 1900 STL the premium model in Blue Wave’s superior line of super-tunnel, center-console bay boats. The 1900 STL has a roomy interior with a non-skid, anti-glare finish and is packed with standard features that will more than meet the needs of any avid fisherman, while staying true to Blue Wave’s style of building family fishing boats. The storage is unbelievable, utilizing every possible inch of space in an organized, secure layout that keeps everything out of the way and available for easy access. With a large forward oval livewell and rear baitwell, plus multiple insulated forward fish/storage boxes, you won’t run out of room for all the fish that this outstanding shallow-water access boat will net you. With an only 8- to 10-inch draft and the superior handling provided with the 1900 STL hull and rounded tunnel, you will notice the difference from our competitors right away. Blue Wave specially designs anti-splash chines that direct the wake down and away from the boat, giving you the smooth, dry ride that our boats are known for. Blue Wave Boats has been in the business of building quality boats for over 35 years. Blue Wave Boats, owned and operated by the Parks family, is renowned for its handcrafted boats and famous for their dedicated customer service. Blue Wave Boats prides itself in building every center-console and dual-console boat in its lineup to customer specifications. Every boat produced in the new state-of-the-art Seminole factory has a hand-laid fiberglass hull with full foam flotation that is virtually unsinkable. All Blue Wave boats have a Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty so that families can enjoy their boat for generations to come. Contact: Blue Wave Boats, 405-3820349, www.bluewaveboats.com —Staff Report
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MirrOlure Soft Plastic Baits
PHOTO BY LENNY RUDOW
MIRROLURE MIGHT BRING HARD PLUGS AND swimbaits to mind, but that will soon be changing with its new line of soft plastic lures. The new series includes four different body styles in three sizes, and each has a surprise or two in store.
The Mullet style is 5 inches long and has a slender body with a single, slowly tapered tail. MirrOlure molds in a notch where the body thins out, which allows the tail to wiggle a little more vigorously than on some competing baits. The Minnow style is a split-tail plastic in a 4-inch version. The Shad is a paddle-tail style shad body 4 inches long. The Sardine is another paddle-tail, but an inch shorter with molded dorsal and caudal fins. When I tested these new softies, there were a few things I liked right out of the bag. All of these lures are packaged in zipperlock plastic bags that are significantly smaller than the competitor’s bags, which saves tacklebox space. It also eliminates the feeling you are getting ripped off when you open those over-sized bags for the first time and they seem half empty. The MirrOlure bags are crammed full, though, with eight lures in the 5-inch versions and 10 in the 3- and 4inch versions. PHOTO LOWER RIGHT COURTESY PROSPEC ELECTRONICS
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One minor beef with the packages: They are not notched and are tough to rip, so you will need a blade to get them open the first time. In the water, they perform just as you would expect, and I found that fish were more than willing to smash them. These baits are not scented, so you will need to generate a reaction strike and be quick on the hookset, or add your own scent of choice. The upside here is that the plastic is tough as nails, and a dozen strikes has little to no effect. These tails are not oily or goopy, so handling them does not make your fingers slick and smelly. Color patterns vary quite a bit, and it is a safe bet you will find your favorite among them. I was stoked to discover that my No. 1 favorite pattern, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse, was present and accounted for. Contact: L&S Bait Company, 727-5847691, www.mirrolure.com —Lenny Rudow
Infinity 6912M Marine Speakers IF YOU WANT A MARINE STEREO SYSTEM SO sweet you can rock the boat even when it is tied up to the dock, then you need to choose your components carefully. Many “marine” systems are merely automotive stereos with a different label on the box. Speakers are particularly sensitive to the marine environment, and many called “marine” will selfdestruct just a season or two after first splashed with saltwater or hit with a washdown hose. Make sure you get a pair designed and built for boats, not simply outdoor use. A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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One new model of speakers introduced for real-world outdoor marine use is the Infinity 6912M. After trying a pair, I can say without hesitation that these will do your ears right whether you are blasting Buffet or pumping out Pearl Jam. The 6912M is a 6x9-inch oval-shaped speaker that requires a 3-1/16-inch mounting depth. That means if you have to cut fresh holes, the speakers are shallow enough to fit in the inwales of most boats without a problem. I found plenty of space aft of the helm in my 22-foot Glacier Bay test boat. The downside to oval speakers is that they probably will not fit the cutouts already present from manufacturer-installed speakers. During installation, I appreciated the fact that Infinity included both stainless-steel mounting hardware and stick-on gaskets in the box. Once these 100-watt RMS/300watt peak-to-peak puppies were in place, I hitched up the wires, tuned in, and turned up the volume. Sound quality was excellent, thanks to the polypropylene woofer cone, rubber surround, 36 to 20,000 Hz frequency response, and 96 dB sensitivity. Naturally, I gave these speakers my patented blast with the washdown test, and they kept singing right through the soaking. Longevity is built in. Look to the integrated basket and grill assembly. Unlike many marine speakers built with a soft plastic that becomes brittle after aging in the sun, Infinity speaker construction is harder, UV-resistant plastic. They also have a chromed appearance, so they offer a bit more bling then your usual marine speakers. That means your boat will not just sound better, it will look better, too, whether you are jamming while jigging or just rocking out at the dock. Contact: Prospec Electronics, 843-8499037, www.prospecelectronics.com —LR &
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Shooting Sticks HE PROFESSIONAL BUFFALO HUNTERS OF the 1870s were renowned for their marksmanship. They used heavy, large-caliber rifles, which they shot from the most solid positions they could. Most of these hunters habitually carried and used “shootin’ sticks.” Shooting sticks are simply two sticks about 3 feet long, tied, lashed, or bolted together near one end, and padded with leather, rubber, or some other material to soften the contact between the gun and the sticks. For many years, the use of shooting sticks was almost a lost art.
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We were taught “position shooting.” We shot from prone, kneeling, or sitting, or found a solid object to use as a rest. Carrying around a set of sticks didn’t occur to most of us. I have killed literally hundreds of coyotes, foxes, and bobcats, and the vast majority of them were shot from a sitting position. Then a wise man reinvented the bipod, and for years, most rifles you saw had a Harris Bipod clipped to the front sling swivel. The problem with this was (and still is) that it made the gun heavier, poorly bal-
by Steve LaMascus anced, difficult to carry, and hard to shoot from any position except one that used the bipod. Realistically you had to either use the bipod or pass the shot. Then some other wise man, possibly contemplating old paintings showing buffalo hunters using their shooting sticks, tied a couple of sticks together with a piece of rubber cut from
an old inner tube. He could carry the sticks around, use them if he needed them, or drop them if he had to take a quick off-hand shot. Shortly after that, another brilliant person decided that if the sticks were made in short sections that had a male and female end, connected with bungee cord, they could be folded up and carried in a belt pouch. When needed, they were drawn from the pouch, I32
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flicked open, and the stretch cord would pull the male end into the female end and, presto, the shooter had a set of sticks (e.g. Stoney Point Steady Stix). I have been using shooting sticks for years. My accuracy is just about doubled as compared to shooting off my knees. Nowadays, there are sticks, such as the Bog Pod, that I have been testing for the last few months, which telescope so that they can be used from almost any position. I am a firm believer in the use of shooting sticks. They increase accuracy, aid in sure hitting, and give confidence to the shooter. I used to make my own. Just go the hardware store and buy two 3/4-inch dowel rods, a bolt small enough to fit through a hole in the sticks without weakening them too much, a nut for the bolt, and washers to fit on the screw between the sticks. Sit on the floor with your unloaded rifle, cross the sticks, find how long they need to be, mark and cut them to fit, leaving about 4 to 6 inches of rod above the point where they cross. Next, drill a hole the appropriate size in the sticks and put them together using the screw, nut, and washers. Last, find an old inner tube (a very small bicycle tube is best) and either place it over the tops or cut it in strips and wrap it around the sticks from the top down to the place where they cross. The rubber can be stapled, taped, or glued in place. All this construction takes about 10 minutes. After you have purchased your sticks, or built your own, go to the range and practice with them until you find the best positions from which to shoot. It will surprise you at how accurately you can shoot using these simple aids. Once again, we have learned something valuable from our ancestors.
PHOTO COURTESY STONEY POINT STEADY STIX
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The conservation work of groups like Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl is crucial along the Texas Coast. Without wintering habitat for species like this green-winged teal, a huge part of the migratory cycle is incomplete.
The Changing Prairie Part 2 HE PRAIRIE THAT YOU SEE TODAY TO THE west of Garwood is not the same as the prairie I remember as a young boy. Fields sit dormant, offering very little reason for those migratory waterfowl seeking a winter home at the end of a long journey to lock their wings and spiral down to rest and feed. The outlook for the future of waterfowl hunting on the prairies of my home would appear to be gloomy, but if hunters of any species share just one attribute, it is hope. Take heart, because hope is on the horizon. Over time and pushed by the need to diversify their operations, farmers have come to recognize hunting as viable source of income. They have learned that those that quiver at the sight of teal buzzing the decoys, pintails pitching in from high above, or the thunder of a roost as it awakens with the voices of 20,000 snow geese, will pay dearly to spend the morning with those of like mind in a cold, wet field. Farmers have adapted practices to take advantage of our addiction and bring in needed income. They pump water, plant forage, and alter their rotations to help attract and hold ducks and geese. The diversified farmer will be the salvation of the future of waterfowling on the prairies of the Texas Gulf Coast, and most certainly across this nation. These farming practices will
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continue, and waterfowl will be present on my home prairie as long as there are those willing to “pay to play.” This brings me to the point of this essay: The chance for a youngster to pursue the wild birds of the north and develop a passion for waterfowling is no longer present as it was for me. The urbanization of this nation has resulted in most kids being raised far from the rural life that I experienced, and the opportunities that it offered.
by Michael Lanier Those that remain here are often deprived of those same opportunities because hunting has become such an important part of the diversified farmer’s operation. Those birds are income, and our own kids are often deprived of the chance to go hunting because hunting rights have been leased, and the cost of gun, ammo, licenses, stamps, and all the paraphernalia that goes with it is often prohibitive. The future of waterfowling—not only on the Garwood prairie but also on the prairies and marshes A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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across this nation—are dependent on those that have developed an addiction to hunt these spectacular birds. We must take it upon ourselves to pass on the opportunity to hunt to a new generation. As the length of the days begin to grow shorter and the north winds begin to blow, it will stir the ducks and geese to follow their ancestral ritual of migration. The skies on the wintering grounds will continue to be filled with the sights and sounds of our winter visitors as long as there are those waiting to share the morning with them. Change is inevitable, as nothing stays the same, but would it not be unfortunate if one of the world’s greatest spectacles, the timely migration of millions of waterfowl, failed to occur because no one remained who’s inner being was moved by their airborne antics and high-pitched calling. I think so, and I hope I am not in the minority. If your passion is waterfowling, become a supporter of one or more of the waterfowl organizations such as Ducks Unlimited or Delta Waterfowl. These organizations and their lobbying efforts hold the key to nesting success on the breeding grounds. Most importantly, involve your kids or kids that you have contact with in our sport. Without them developing the same passion and addiction you and I share, our generation might very well be the last to experience waterfowling as it is today. Without new generations to pick up the torch, the backdrop in the paintings by renowned artists such as Terry Redlin, John Cowan, and a long list of others might be all that future artists have to produce on canvas, still beautiful but somehow lacking.
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Target Panic: A Bowhunter’s Nightmare OW SEASON IS APPROACHING QUICKLY, and although the familiar scent of fall has not fully arrived, we all know it is not too far behind. By now, we all should be practicing hard to ensure a season full of fun and success. One problem we might run into while flinging our arrows at our backyard target is a little thing known in the archery world as “target panic.” If you are one of the many who have experienced this, then you know how hard it is to fix this “not so small’ problem. I must admit I still occasionally experience this phenomenon. I have to tell you it is not fun to watch your arrow fly way off target. The sad thing is you absolutely know you had target panic the minute the arrow leaves the string. For those of you who have never had this problem, you should consider yourselves fortunate. What is “target panic?” It most commonly comes in two forms. One is the inability to hold your sights on a target and, consequently, releasing the arrow too quickly. It is normal to waiver around a little bit as you put your sights on the bull’s-eye. If you have ever played those computer-hunting games, you will see that they have even factored that normal moving of your bow hand in the video game. For some reason—and I will not pretend to know why—with practice, your brain will work with your release finger and you will learn to squeeze at the correct time. Another form of “target panic” is all too familiar to me (and I know that I am not alone). I could be shooting every day and being very consistent, grouping my arrows
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nicely, when unexpectedly comes this errant shot spoils the group. Where did that come from? The very first thing I do when this happens is look around to make sure no one was watching me. If I am unfortunate enough to be practicing with a friend when this occurs, I am forced to just suck it up and take the demeaning laughter in stride. After extensive research, I have discovered the reason for my particular form of target panic. Apparently, I take my eyes off the target for a split second to watch my arrow leave the bow. For that instant, I forget about my follow-through and that I should squeeze the trigger instead of punch it. Although you could never convince me of that at the time, the fact remains my arrow is nowhere near the target. There are many releases on the market that are geared to help overcome target panic. One idea was to use your middle finger instead of your first finger. The thought behind this was that your brain uses your first finger more frequently than your middle one. This in turn would bring an element of surprise in the actual release, which will end up with a more accurate shot. Thumb releases use the same concept. Some companies have also developed a “back tension” release. When you set your sights on your target, you imagine your shoulder blades trying to touch each other. As you put the tension in your back, the release will give way and, again, the element of surprise will help your arrow fly true. A very effective way to help correct target panic is to “re-train you brain.” Once &
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you know the correct shooting form, using the same anchor point and a good followthrough, you just need to execute this shot consistently over and over until it becomes second nature to you. The easiest way to achieve this is to return to the basics. Stand very close to your target (5 yards). After making sure that it is safe beyond your target area, close your eyes and draw your bow. Do this a few times without an arrow. Just concentrate on every move you make. It might be good to exaggerate it a little by going in slow motion. Remember, never actually release the bowstring while there is no arrow nocked. A “dry fire” could damage your bow. Now, try it again with an arrow. Continue to stay very close to your target and, with your eyes closed, feel your release. Concentrate with every move. You will not be able to make the mistake of following your arrow because your eyes will be closed. You will soon be amazed at how everything will just feel right. Of course, without sight, you will not be worrying about grouping your arrows. The whole point of this exercise is to “re-train your brain.” Do not try to rush things. Take your time and enjoy it. When the time is right to finally open your eyes, shoot from 20 yards and remind yourself to slow down, think, and remember follow-through. After a while, you should be shooting better and it will all be second nature to you. Although these words might help you curb this thing called “target panic,” I still believe that every once in a while you still might send an arrow off to Never Never Land. By working on it, however, the odds will be in your favor to help avoid this. I do hope Peter Pan returns some of my arrows soon. This is getting expensive.
E-mail Lou Marullo at lmarullo@fishgame.com.
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NILGAI—PALITO BLANCO
BUCK—VICTORIA COUNTY
AXIS—JUNCTION
Lewis Garcia of Corpus Christi, Texas, shot this 420-pound bull Nilgai while deer hunting on his family’s 50-acre ranch in Palito Blanco, Texas, in Jim Wells County. The ranch does not border King Ranch, as it is actually 6 miles away.
Santiago Torres, age 13, harvested this buck at River Creek Ranch in Victoria County. He shot the buck at 75 yards with a .308. It was 110 pounds field dressed. Torres is from New York City and was visiting Paul Mondolfi of Victoria, Texas.
Gary Volk of Round Rock, Texas, took this 6-point, 28-inch axis at his wife Cheryl’s parents’ Roe Ranch in Junction, Texas. After 2 years of watching this deer, he was in full velvet and tasted great.
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giving up the ability to cruise or enjoy other activities, then choosing the right craft is a whole lot tougher. The boat that is perfect for you is out there, but you must choose carefully.
Hooks in a Haystack
The Space Race
EMEMBER WHEN YOU SIGNED THE CHECK for that first new boat, giddy in the belief that it would be your perfect fishing machine? After a few trips, you discovered that as sweet as it was, your brand new boat had some down sides. Few of us ever find our ideal boat. We know a better boat is out there somewhere, but time and money prevent us ever finding it. Some people shop for years, then settle for a rig that is merely acceptable because it was a great deal, while others own a boat but never stop shopping for a new one. Even more often, people buy the boat they think is perfect, only to discover that it really is not right for them. If you want an angling machine without
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Open deck space is the No. 1 factor when it comes to increasing fishability on a boat. That is why center consoles with open aft and forward cockpits are so popular among serious anglers. Of course, many of us also want or need a cabin, or at least a large center console with a head inside. To judge how much deck space is enough, use this simple formula: To have plenty of casting room, you need about 25 square feet of deck per angler. That can include forward and aft space, and does not include people who are not actively fishing. The center console design maximizes space, which should not preclude the
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choice because some consider such craft hardcore fishing boats. In fact, the center console layout works well for many other water sports, like skiing, tubing, and diving. It is also more family-friendly than one might think. Most over 21 feet are headequipped, and the increased usable exterior space means room for more people onboard. Other designs maximize deck space and still provide good fishability. One of the most popular is the dual-console, which provides more protection for operator and crew with full windshields. Most also have heads in the console, usually on the passenger side. Since the forward cockpit is typically arranged for maximum seating, dual-consoles work well for bringing lots of guests or family members aboard. Unfortunately, thanks to all those seats, the forward deck usually has room for only one angler. Walkarounds will appeal to anglers who feel they really need a cabin. While the deep side decks might give the impression of 360-degree fishability, they are rarely wide enough to stand in, and best used only for transiting to and from the bow. Some walkaround boats have small bow areas that are comfortable to fish from, but they usually will not accommodate more than a single angler and he will have to navigate back to the cockpit to get bait, rigs, and other items. It is also nearly impossible to land a fish from the bow of a cabin boat because it is such a long reach to the water. The same is true of cuddy-cabin or express boats, except that they might (or might not) have more difficult bow access. This design typically has more interior cabin space because the side decks are not recessed. One advantage is that you get cabin rod racks, often enough to stow two or three rods per side. Hull design also has an impact on a boat’s fishability. As is true with all types of boats, deeper Vs tend to ride more
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smoothly, but rock more at rest or at slow speeds in a beam sea. If you troll a lot, remember you will also be rocking and rolling when fishing. Shallow water anglers must consider draft. Usually, the deeper V a boat has, the more water it needs to float. That is why “offshore” style center consoles cannot creep into the same backwater shoals as bay-style center consoles.
Haves & Have-Nots No matter what type of boat you are considering, if you plan to fish, there are a few must-haves and must-have-nots to bear in mind. There is no question you will need to have rodholders in the boat; if you plan to troll, these will have to be angled aft, with forward holders angled off to the sides. Many boats can be retrofitted with holders, but not all. When considering a boat, take note of gunwale width for surface mounting. If it is not sufficient to allow surfacemounted holders, side-mounts could be an option; you will also want to check out gunwale construction material. Gunwales constructed of foam or balsa coring with a thin fiberglass skin might not provide a sufficient bite for screws to hold on side-mount rodholders. A livewell is another must-have. Many
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boats are built with integrated wells these days, but they are not all equal. Look for one that is rounded inside and seals tightly. Those with integrated drains are better than those with standpipes, which can shake loose and allow the well to drain by accident. Stay away from pump-share arrangements. Many inexpensive builders save a buck by plumbing the livewell and raw-water washdown to a single pump with a valve to change its purpose, but these rigs often have sub-par water pressure and the pump, forced to do double-duty, tends to fail regularly. Speaking of washdowns, these are another absolute must for a fish boat. Blood, scales, and chum make one heck of a mess and can even cause unsafe conditions on-deck; the best non-skid becomes slick when covered in fish goo. Even if it has a dedicated pump that looks hefty, make sure you try out the washdown when sea-trialing a new boat. What you do not want if you plan to fish is carpeting. Nothing ruins carpet more quickly than scales and fish blood, and no matter how hard you might try to keep it clean, by the second or third trip, your entire boat will smell like a chum bucket. Hooks have a way of burying themselves in carpet. Stick with fiberglass decking. The second no-no for a fishing boat is a radar arch or a wakeboard towing arch that goes over the center of the cockpit. Try to
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fish from a boat with one of these overhead encumbrances, and the first time you cast you will sheer off the top half of your fishing rod. That can be painful—almost as painful as thinking you have bought the perfect boat until you try to go fishing in it and discover otherwise.
E-mail Lenny Rudow at boating@fishgame.com
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U.S. Reel SuperCaster 240X Spinning Reel ACKLE MANUFACTURERS ARE RARELY satisfied with their products, and constantly tinker with them to catch more fish—and anglers. Think back at some of the relatively recent developments in the fishing tackle industry: red hooks, soft plastic baits that look alarmingly real, and handpoured boutique baits. Having grown a bit jaded from the menagerie of tackle crossing my desk claiming to be revolutionary, I was skeptical of any reel asserting to dramatically increase casting distance. The claims were simple: The SuperCaster 240X from U.S. Reel made longer casts and provided the angler more control. We would see. A firm believer in being equally talented with level-wind, fly, and spinning gear, I have no built-in bias against spinning tackle. Spinning tackle is superior to bait-casting reels in certain situations, so a reel claiming to provide “Ferrari-like” performance would not be lost on a spinning neophyte. I spooled the 240X with Berkley 12-pound Big Game mono and headed to the lake. All of the spinning reels in my tackle closet feature a “long nose” and narrow spools. The 240X spool is pug-nosed and relatively wide in diameter. It turns out this design offers several advantages. Having been the fly-fishing editor for this publication for many years, I am very familiar with line memory. Coil fishing line tightly on a spool and leave it for an
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extended period, and the line will take on “memory” in much the same way women’s hair remains curly when they take out the hair curlers. Large arbor fly reels are now the norm, as they minimize memory in a fly line. The SuperCaster 240X offers the same advantage, allowing line to be stored in larger coils, which reduces memory. The spool’s wide diameter also helps minimize line twist. Note that is minimize, not eliminate. Due to the physics involved, there is no way to add line to a spinning reel without inducing some amount of twist. Min-
by Greg Berlocher imizing the amount of twist is a big help. U.S. Reel does a good job of spelling this out in their product literature. Level wind aficionados boast of educated thumbs, which they use to slow revolving spools and controlling payloads. Spinning reels can be controlled in the same manner by cupping your hand around the spool to slow or stop the flow of line. The only problem with this approach is that you must hold your rod in one hand and use your free hand to feather the line, thereby
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leaving the rod handle unattended. See the problem? In addition to featuring a wide diameter, the spool’s face is pug nosed, extending a mere fraction of an inch beyond the bail. This is where the added control comes from. Rather than using your free hand to feather &
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line coming off the reel during a cast, all the angler has to do is extend the index finger of their casting hand to the spool lip to brake or stop the line. In the future, spinning aficionados will be said to have “educated index fingers” instead of thumbs. Being able to cast and feather your line with the same hand allows you to maintain contact with the reel handle. Having spent the last 40 years feathering line with my free hand, I must admit it took me a while to break old habits. Given a little practice, I was able to feather the line as shown in the instruction sheet. The picture was, indeed, worth a thousand words. Sine the reel features a large diameter spool, the drag washers behind it have more surface area. This is a superior design to stacking a number of smaller washers to achieve the same surface area. Larger drag washers dissipate heat better than smaller ones. Although the two bass I caught on the reel gave a good account of themselves, they never tested the drag like a stoked up redfish charging across a grass flat. Nonetheless, the drag design is very sound. I found casting distance with some lures increased, while with others there was no improvement. I could make longer casts with leadhead jigs and hard-bodied plugs, which is a definite plus on the coast. However, the reel could not overcome the wind resistance of big buzzbaits or spinnerbaits, and casting distance was not improved. If extra yardage on every cast would be a benefit, check out the U.S. Reel SuperCaster line of reels. The 230X and 240X are designed for braid and 6- to 14-pound mono. The 180X is designed for lighter line in the 4- to 8-pound range. Overall, I give the U. S. Reel SuperCaster extremely high marks. It is a welldesigned and built reel, and at $84.99, an extremely good value.
Email Greg Berlocher at fishthis@fishgame.com
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The .357 Magnum on Game TRULY HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY DEER I HAVE killed with a handgun. As a scientific wild guess, I would say around 20, but do not hold me to that. Several of those were deer previously wounded, caught in fences, hit by cars, wounded by other hunters, and otherwise in need of euthanasia. I have also taken javelina, feral hogs, coyotes, and numerous small game animals with a handgun. Many of those animals were killed with a standard 4-inch Smith & Wesson Model 686 .357 Magnum, the gun I carried on duty with the Border Patrol before we transitioned to semi-autos, and before it could cost you your job for shooting a coyote or jackrabbit while on duty. Another favorite was an old 6-inch Model 28 Highway Patrolman that I let a young friend in need of a handgun talk me into giving away. I am still looking for a replacement, by the way. This past deer season, I was invited to help reduce the deer herd on the place next to mine. The shooting would be easy and close range, so I decided to use a handgun. While pondering which gun to use, it dawned on me that I have almost never intentionally chosen a .357 to hunt deer. When I used the .357, it was usually because it was what happened to be in my holster at the moment. I therefore decided that my old but pristine Model 27 needed a bit of a workout. I rummaged through my loaded ammo and came up with a couple of boxes of hand-
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loads of 160-grain Thompson gas check bullets (Lyman mold #358156) that I cast from wheel weights and loaded over 15grains of 2400. This is a stout load, but the Model 27 is a stout gun. I have shot many of these loads in it over the years, and it is still tight as a bank vault. Muzzle velocity of this load in my 6-inch M27 is about 1350 feet per second; plenty for the doe or spike buck that I was to kill. A few rounds on the range showed the old gun was still sighted for the load. I was ready. Predawn found me sitting with my friend, Joe Robinette, in a pop-up blind near a stock tank. In front of me glittered the ubiquitous golden kernels of corn that would draw the deer close. In fact, a half-hour before shooting light, there were already several deer chewing noisily on the crunchy morsels. One of them, a young doe, stood patiently 50 yards away as Joe noisily poured the corn out of a mangled tin bucket. As soon as Joe ducked into the blind with me, the little deer strolled over and unceremoniously began breakfast. I was envious. I had missed breakfast this morning in my lazy desire to get a few more minutes sleep. Luckily, the coffee maker was set to brew, so I did manage a cup of hot, strong brew. By the time it was light enough to see my sights, about 20 deer were in front of us. It was mostly does, but a few smaller bucks were mixed in. One was a nice 8-point buck, but I was looking for a long spike, and I soon found it. The buck was probably 11/2 years old, with spikes about 6 inches long. It was my meat, if it ever got into a position where I could shoot it without endangering any of the other deer. With all the jostling for position, the deer were constantly moving, like a crowd of women at a Wal-Mart closeout sale. Finally, the spike was in the clear. I cocked the big .357, rested it on my Bog Pod shooting sticks, set the sights on the shoulder of the deer, and gently squeezed the trigger. A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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At the report, pandemonium reigned. Deer jumped, bucked, ducked, spun, clashed, and ran everywhere. Dust hung like fog in the still air, making it difficult to keep track of my deer. We thought it ran to the right, disappearing into the brush near the stock tank, but with deer zooming around like a frightened covey of quail, we were not certain. We waited 15 minutes for it to get a bit lighter and for the deer to bleed out. I was sure of the shot, but it never pays to rush things unless you actually see the deer fall. If a hunter pushes a wounded deer too quickly, it will run on adrenalin until it dies and the hunter might not find it. If he waits a few minutes, the deer usually will not go far, and will lie down and expire quickly and quietly. We need not have worried. I walked to where I thought the deer went and found it stretched out on the trail to the tank, deader than nickel root beer. It had not gone more than 40 yards. If the brush had been a bit thinner, we would have seen the buck fall. The bullet hit exactly where I wanted, but had apparently glanced off a rib and come out farther back than I expected. I have seen this happen several times with the .357 or .38 Special, and once with a .45 ACP. The bullets tend to turn at odd angles when striking bone. The fact that a stubby pistol bullet is not as stable as a longer rifle bullet and deflects to a greater degree is something the handgun hunter should consider when shooting at game. It is also one of the reasons I choose heavier bullets when hunting with a handgun than I do when selfdefense is the issue. In this case, the 160grain semi-wadcutter penetrated about 16 inches of deer. I would say that is more than enough penetration for most situations. Well, there you have it. Even in this modern era of the mega-magnums, the .357 Magnum will still kill a deer. Although it was birthed in 1935, it is still one of the top handgun cartridges in the world. It has done well for me over the years in a wide range of
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Offshore SpinnerbaitSwimbait HE OFFSHORE SPINNERBAIT-SWIMBAIT IS A spinnerbait upgrade with a stinger hook added. I first made one of these modifications many years ago, using various sizes of Snapper Slappers as the base. This is another obvious variation up to a much larger size that, at this time, isn’t available. Building your own is the solution. Target species include ling, dolphin, wahoo, and kingfish. To build one of these baits as illustrated, start by cutting a 16-inch piece of 360pound hard wire. Use lighter wire, and it won’t hold its shape properly when retrieved. Slightly bend then hold one strand of the wire with a small pair of needlenose pliers. Form a loop over the pliers and around the base wire using four barrel-wraps to complete the loop. At a point about 3-1/2 inches from the just-formed line/leader attachment eye’ s straight wire (not the barrel wrap’s wire), bend this wire almost 180 degrees. Insert the wire through the swimbait’s line/leader attachment eye. Hold with the needlenose pliers again and do the four barrel-wraps to complete the wire loop. Next, twist the excess off as when finishing a haywire twist. The last four barrel-wraps in the wire are now done, forming the top eye with the small ball bearing in it at that same 3-1/2 inches from the eye. Now attach the No. 4-1/2 chrome willow
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blade to the swivel with a split ring. The final wire wrapping is done on the 80pound wire for the stinger hook. With the 7inch Tsunami Swimbait I used, that 3-1/2 inches returns for the eye-to-eye dimension of the stinger wire, putting the bend of the stinger hook about 1 inch past the tail of the swim bait. The final bending of the wire frame is now done by hand to straighten the two legs and align the three eyes with each other for straight tracking on the retrieve. Twist the eyes of the stinger wire so that when on the swimbait’s hook, the stinger hook will trail bend side up. I always complete these rigs by spray painting all wires with camo blue or camo green spray paint, topped off with a coat of matte clear to kill the surface shine. The look of this rig is that of a small group of baitfish. Before spray-painting the 360-pound wire, use masking tape to cover the swimbait and the spinner blade. Hang the wires in a safe area and spray away, giving time to dry between the color and clear coats. The paints I use are Rust-O-Leum 7727 Royal Blue and 7435 John Deere Green, topped by 7902830 Matte Clear. &
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When the paints are thoroughly dried, remove the masking tape, place the eye of the stinger wire over the swimbait’s hook bend, with the stinger hook bend side up. To finish, I cut a small square of surgical tubing and carefully pass the hook point through it, ending with this piece at the swimbait’s hook bend mid-point, acting as a keeper that won’t let the stinger loop come off the swimbait’s hook. Fishing the Offshore Spinnerbait-Swimbait is straightforward. After a sink, various speeds and rod tip twitches give the look of a frantic pod of baitfish. Your rod tip pointed at the line’s entry into the water makes for a solid hookset with an upward or side sweep. Build yourself some of these magnum Offshore Spinnerbait-Swimbaits. There are big predators out there in our Texas offshore waters, waiting to eye ‘em and eat ‘em.
E-mail Patrick Lemire at saltrigs@fishgame.com
ILLUSTRATION BY PATRICK LEMIRE
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HAVE NOT CAUGHT A TON OF STRIPERS IN MY life, mostly because I was raised fishing farm ponds and now live next to lakes where striped bass are not stocked. However, the few that I have been lucky enough to hook have given me a great appreciation for the strength of these line-sided brutes. I still have a reel somewhere that has gears broken from a battle it lost with a
because you find a school of fish feeding on a certain point today does not mean they will be there tomorrow. An angler who sits waiting for stripers to come to them might be waiting for a long time. Therefore, instead of sitting still and waiting for them, smart striper anglers get on the move as well and learn how to troll in likely spots (humps, points, deep-water timber) where stripers will be chasing bait. One of the most popular methods of trolling for stripers is to use an umbrella rig. An umbrella rig looks like the frame of an umbrella, minus the cloth, with legs sticking out in all directions. On each leg of the umbrella you attach a jig, tube, swimbait— anything you think will catch a striper, leaving one of them
doubledigit striper. One of the more successful fish stocked by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, these saltwater transplants (and their white bass hybrid) are eager to bite when located, but locating them is the tricky part. Unlike largemouth bass (which technically is not a bass at all, but a sunfish), striped bass do not sit under a log or in a blowdown waiting for some unsuspecting baitfish to happen by. While they do relate to structure to a degree, stripers are a more aggressive fish that school up and go hunting for dinner, which puts them on the move. Stripers might stay in the same general area, but just
hanging farther back than the rest. The thought process behind this is to trick the stripers into thinking they are chasing a school of baitfish, prompting them to attack the weak straggler at the back of the group. It is a great system that works remarkably well, but if you are just a part-time striper angler and do not want to invest a lot of money in umbrella rigs, you are not out of luck. You can still make a poor-man’s teaser rig, which is just a slight variation to a standard trolling rig, with the items already in your tackle bag. Look in the pile of gear littering the bot-
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tom of your boat and pull out the following: two large white tube baits, an egg sinker between 1 and 3 ounces, a couple glass beads (optional but recommended), a swimbait, and two small split shot. Start by running your main line through the nose and out the back end of one of the tubes. Slide the egg sinker on the main line and push it up into the tube bait. Follow this with the glass beads on the main line before tying it to the barrel swivel. On the other side of the swivel, tie on a leader 3-6 feet long; fluorocarbon is preferable, but monofilament works. Run this leader through the nose and out the back end of the other tube bait. At the end of the leader, tie on your swimbait or, if you prefer to fish live bait, tie on a bait hook so you can troll minnows, shad, or cut bait. The last step is to crimp a split shot on the leader about a foot from the barrel swivel, slide the tube bait up to it, then crimp the other split shot behind the tube so that it will not slide up to the swivel or back to the bait while trolling. The two tube baits used in unison with the swim bait attract more stripers than the swim bait would by itself. Now it is just a matter of locating an area holding fish and hanging on. E-mail Paul Bradshaw at freshrigs@fishgame.com
TEXAS GUNS & GEAR Continued from Page I-39 situations, usually resulting in one-shot kills. Of the several coyotes I have shot and seen shot with the .357 Magnum, I do not remember a single one not killed instantly. Most of the time, when I have a choice I prefer the larger calibers, primarily because they allow a larger margin for error, but the old .357 performs brilliantly ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL BRADSHAW
when the shooter does his part. My conclusion is that a .500 or .460 Smith & Wesson, or .454 Casull is not needed for shooting deer. A .357 will get the job done, and a .41, .44, or the old .45 Colt with proper handloads is plenty of gun for any white-tailed deer that ever lived. If you want a cannon and you can shoot it well (most mere humans cannot), go for it, but do not let anyone persuade you that the A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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standard “magnum” calibers are insufficient. Plus, the .357 is much easier to shoot well than the big boomers, and it is still where you shoot them that counts.
E-mail Steve LaMascus at guns@fishgame.com
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Crow Wing Pro Angler Kayak TERN INDUSTRIES, A COMPANY WIDELY known for their personal flotation devices, has introduced a new sit-ontop kayak at an extremely attractive price, helping to foster more affordable kayaking. The company’s new Crow Wing
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Pro Angler features an advanced hull aimed squarely at the fishing market. Bill Bragman, owner of Yak-Gear is the distributor for Texas and the four surrounding states. Most folks who spend time on the water are familiar with the Stern Industries brand. Its life jackets are popular with recreational boaters and anglers alike, but you might not know the company has a division called Crow Wing Kayaks. The plastic vessels resemble miniature versions of high-sided aluminum boats seen plying the Great Lakes. The new Crow Wing Pro Angler is a traditional sit-on-top kayak. The Crow Wing Pro Angler is 12 feet in length and measures 30 inches across at its widest point. Since they suffer less wigglewaggle than short kayaks, longer boats are
much more efficient in the water. As such, longer hulls are better choices for anglers, as we often paddle several miles. The Crow Wing Pro Angler features a Swede form hull. Hulls with their widest point exactly amidships are known as symmetrical hulls. Some kayak hulls are wider nearer the front, which are referred to as fish form. If the widest spot is aft of amidships, they are known as Swede form, a tip of the hat to the racing kayak the Swedish Olympic team unveiled at the Olympic
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Games close to 100 years ago. The widest part of the hull is directly underneath the paddler’s hips and torso. Rather than keep the hull width uniform throughout the length of the boat, the hull tapers nicely at the bow and stern, making it more efficient in the water. Stability is not a huge factor if you never venture into water over a foot deep. If you fish in lakes, deep bays, or beyond the breakers, stability rates much higher on the priority list. I like the interior layout of the Pro Angler. One notable feature, or lack thereof, is the center console. There is not one. If you have big feet or your wading booties make them look bigger, the leg wells in some brands of kayaks are cramped. With your legs in place, there is precious little room for anything else. The Pro Angler’s open cockpit design allows you store things between your knees. Serious photographers will love this boat as you can nestle multiple cameras equipped with telephoto lenses within easy reach. A removable, waterproof center conI42
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sole is in the works for those who want added storage capacity. On either side of the cockpit, a small channel is molded into the hull providing a resting place for your paddle. Yak-Gear paddle keepers are installed on the sides, allowing you to secure the paddle if you plan to leave it alone for an extended period. Kayakers love to tinker, and tricking out a boat is definitely one of the fun aspects of kayaking. The Crow Wing Pro Angler can be purchased as a bare hull, providing the do-it-yourself angler the ultimate in customization projects. You can decide what type and brand of hardware goes on your kayak, and exactly where it is mounted. Fresh from the factory, the hull tips the scales at 58 pounds and comes in a variety of colors. The carrying capacity is a generous 300 pounds; equipped with Yak-Gear outriggers, the capacity increases to 500 pounds. The tank well features a molded-in recess for a milk crate or 5-gallon bucket. Unless you buy a bare hull, the Pro Angler comes equipped with two flush-mount rod holders. At press time, Bragman had just received
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his first shipment of Pro Angler hulls and has dealers lined up in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and the Hill Country. The manufacturers suggested retail price for the Crow Wing Pro Angler is in the $600 price range. Considering that most comparable fishing kayaks gear retail in the $800-1000 range, the Crow Wing Pro Angler represents a dramatic shift in affordability. Most leisure markets are highly elastic and kayaking is no different. When prices come down, sales volume goes up. The
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retailer will likely make less profit per hull, but lower prices attract customers who are new to kayaking, and experienced paddlers looking for a second boat. With every new hull they sell, the retailer gets to sell another paddle, backrest, accessories, and a PFD. As I recall, Stern Industries is in that business, too. Email Greg Berlocher at kayak@fishgame.com.
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Almost a King T
ALK TO MOST TEXAS SALTWATER ANGLERS about how to catch Spanish mackerel, and they first will kind of look at you as if you are somewhat strange. When Spanish mackerel are caught along the Texas coast, they are usually caught by accident while fishing for other species such as speckled trout.
If you are fishing with pure monofilament, braid, or fluorocarbon, you probably never will get a close-up look at the fish. There is the solid hit, the hard run, and then nothing: no fish, no bait or lure—just limp line to reel in. The mackerel cut your line with its sharp teeth. In the spring, when the water temperatures rise to 72, and later in the summer is when you hear most about anglers hooking up with Spanish mackerel. They can be numerous along jetties and along the beachfront. Chuck Schneider, who has been fishing the coast for 25 years, said he can hang a I44
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few mackerel at one of his favorite fishing spots, the Freeport Jetties, but not intentionally: “Usually I’m looking for speckled trout along the Freeport Jetties, one of my favorite locations.” He has a boat, but he prefers to walk the jetties for trout—and mackerel: “If I don’t have a lot of time, want to go hit a place in a hurry, I love to walk the rocks and throw lures. Once the water temperature warms, the speckled trout [and mackerel] can really turn on. You will see the
by Tom Behrens mackerel schooling on the surface. The water almost boils with fish. Lot of times, you can ID the fish by the birds feeding on
Anglers should not use color to determine a Spanish mackerel from a juvenile king. Colors can change and anglers can get in trouble. the water. The Spanish mackerel just boil on the surface.” Lance Robinson, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department biologist said the mackerel really like salty, clear water: “That’s why you rarely see a Spanish mackerel in the bays, unless it’s at a spot like San Louis Pass, which leads to West Bay and Christmas Bay. They like clear water because they are sight feeders. Most of the time, we hear of people catching &
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them around the jetties, or off the beachfront in the surf.” Anglers fishing from the rocks or wading the surf specifically for mackerel need a casting or spinning outfit that can cast “a country mile.” Reel speed ratio should be 6:1 or higher, as you want your lure moving fast enough to draw a reaction strike. Mackerel take great pleasure in nailing a fast-moving lure. Spanish mackerel are not meticulous as to color. Schneider catches them on silver spoons intended for trout, but mackerel will hit a wide variety of colors. “A mack will hit a MirrOlure, and I even catch some on tout tails, but a silver spoon always works best,” Schneider said. Schneider agreed with Robinson that
the mackerel prefer clear water: “The cleaner the water, the more Spanish mackerel you are going to find. [You want] real clean, real blue water, generally beyond the guts. They generally don’t stay in the guts like your whiting, hardheads, trout, and reds.” Sometimes, anglers confuse Spanish mackerel with its cousin, the king mackerel, when the fish are young. “People will catch these juvenile kings and say the fish are Spanish mackerels. We will have to tell them that, no, it’s not. It’s a king mackerel. The most definitive identifier is the location of the lateral line,” ILLUSTRATION COURTESY NOAA
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Robinson said. “If you ever look at the side of a king mackerel, the lateral line makes a dip just beyond the gill operculum, goes back, and then makes a deep drop down toward the belly of the fish, and runs towards to the caudal fin. Spanish mackerel, regardless of size, have more of a gradual decline in the lateral line. The juvenile kings have that same deep drop. “We try to remind anglers to try to stay away from color as an identifying characteristic; colors can change. Fish have the ability to change colors. Once they have been on ice for a while, they change colors. Color is just not a consistent identifier for species.” Kings get much bigger than Spanish mackerel. Schneider said the biggest Spanish mackerel he ever caught was about 4 pounds, with most fish running 13 pounds. During the summer months, again, the key to finding the Spanish mackerel is locating clear water, but not necessarily much farther out in the Gulf, such as the rigs as some anglers believe. The mackerel can still be found along the jetty rocks up to about three miles offshore. For anglers fishing from boats and specifically want to target Spanish macker-
The “Straw” Lure FOR YEARS, FLORIDA ANGLERS HAVE fashioned a very effective Spanish mackerel lure using a small treble hook, a length of leader, and an ordinary drinking straw. Some anglers report that a McDonald’s straw works better. Some say it is the stripes. Snip a small length of the straw at a 45-degree angle and thread it onto a length of leader with a treble hook at the end. Add a split shot at the top of the straw to keep it in place and give it some weight for casting. Trolled fast enough to “smoke” in the water (leave a trail of bubbles), a soda straw lure will be jumped all over by Spanish mackerel. The “straw lure” not only catches mackerel, but speckled trout and other species also seemed attracted to this home made lure.
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el, the pros say to troll spoons at varying depths from the surface to 5-6 feet deep. Once mackerel are located, troll around the edges of the school or cast to the fish trying to pick off individuals without spooking the school. Spanish mackerel are good eating if you happen to catch a few. The key to their eating quality is bleeding the fish. “Cut them on the tail and let them drain,” Schneider said. “They have very red meat; if you bleed them and eat them
fresh, they are pretty good. When I am filleting them, I cut the blood line out of them and end up with some pretty good white meat filets.” If the water is clear and you are fishing inshore, make sure you have a wire leader tied on, or a good supply of replacement lures nearby.
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Million Dollar Grant to Aid Coastal Wetlands UCKS UNLIMITED (DU) WAS AWARDED A North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant to enhance over 5,728 acres of wetland habitat in Chambers and Jefferson counties along the Texas coast. Partners contributed more than $2 million to match the $1 million received from the federal grant. The project will restore high priority wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds within the Chenier Plain of Texas. “This proposal represents a continuation of long-term efforts to protect and enhance important wetland habitats along the Gulf Coast. These habitats support a rich diversity of wildlife species,” DU Manager of Conservation Programs for Texas, Todd Merendino said.
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“The planned restoration activities will partially compensate for the region’s degradation and loss of fresh and intermediate marshes and prairie grasslands, and will maximize waterfowl and other migratory bird values on the project areas by improving breeding, migration and wintering habitat.” Emergent wetlands and coastal marshes of the Texas Gulf Coast provide critical migration and wintering habitat for millions of migratory birds. However, the region has experienced tremendous habitat alterations and wetland losses due to several factors including development pressures, urbanization, decreased rice agriculture, altered local and regional hydrology, and saltwater intrusion. The remaining wetland habitats within the Texas Gulf Coast support a rich diversity of wildlife species and are vital to wildlife population sustainability. “Successful delivery of this project will help ensure that the Texas Gulf Coast will continue to be one of the most important wintering and migration habitats in North
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America for continental populations of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wetlanddependent migratory birds,” Merendino said. Under this proposal, partners will restore and enhance 5,728 acres of freshwater and coastal wetlands and associated transitional upland habitats including native grasslands on public lands within the Chenier Plain of Texas. Grant funds will also be used to restore and enhance a total of 2,639 acres of fresh/intermediate coastal marsh on McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, Anahuac NWR, and J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Much of the infrastructures on the public lands within the region are “legacy” features that are degraded, inefficient or altogether inoperable. Constructed decades ago, the managed wetland units on the federal and state lands listed in the proposal provide less than optimal habitat values for wintering waterfowl. The project will replace degraded culverts and pipes with modern water control structures, improve existing levees, and construct new levees to provide dependably managed additional flooded habitat. Grant funding will also be used to construct terraces in a subsided marsh on Anahuac NWR. Terraces provide suitable conditions to re-establish submerged aquatic and emergent vegetation in the degraded marsh by reducing erosion and turbidity generated from wind-driven wave action. “Like all of our projects, the partners involved in the Texas Chenier Plains improvement project make it possible,” Merendino said. “This partnership project will enhance management capabilities on approximately 1,100 acres of freshwater coastal marsh habitat. The aging water management infrastructure is in need of upgrades to enhance wetland habitat for wildlife and especially migratory waterfowl,” said Jim Sutherlin, Area Manager at the J.D. Murphree WMA.
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Anglers Reminded of Reef Fish Requirements WITH THE SUMMER OFFSHORE SEASON IN FULL swing, NOAA Fisheries Service reminds anglers of several requirements for the Gulf of Mexico reef fish fishery for both the recreational and commercial fisheries.
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Turtle and Sawfish Placards and Release Gear Owners and operators of vessels with Gulf of Mexico reef fish commercial or charter vessel/headboat permits must: a. Follow protocols for the proper care and release of sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish, and b. Have specific release gear and instruction placards onboard.
These requirements must be met at all times, even when recreational fishing. For specific questions on sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish release protocols, contact Charles Bergmann at the NOAA Fisheries Service Pascagoula Laboratory: 228-7624591, Cell: 228-623-0748, email: Charles.Bergmann@noaa.gov. —Staff Reports
Reef Fish Gear All anglers in the Gulf of Mexico reef fish fishery must follow the requirements for circle hooks, venting tools, and dehookers. This includes: a. Using non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing with natural bait, such as live or cut bait b. Having at least one hollow-tubed venting tool onboard to deflate the body cavity of reef fish that will be released; and c. Having at least one dehooking device onboard. For specific information on reef fish gear, contact Michael Bailey at the NOAA Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office: 727-551-5743 or email Michael.Bailey@noaa.gov.
Vessel Monitoring Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Owners and operators of vessels with Gulf of Mexico commercial reef fish permits must: a. Have a type-approved VMS unit operating onboard their vessels, and b. Make a trip declaration prior to all fishing trips. Any time a vessel with a VMS unit leaves port, the owner/operator of the vessel must supply pre-trip information. Declarations can be made through the VMS terminal (computer) or through a call-in system accessible at 888-219-9228. If a vessel is being moved in port for activities such as fueling, changing docks, or getting ice, a trip declaration is not needed. Power-down exemptions are available. For additional information on VMS units, specifications, and reporting requirements, contact the Office for Law Enforcement (OLE) Southeast Region for information. For specific questions on VMS, OLE can be contacted at 800-758-4833. A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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New Flounder Rules Approved AT ITS SPRING MEETING, THE TEXAS PARKS & Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to enact a one-month, November closure to commercial and recreational gigging of southern flounder along the Texas coast and implement a November reduction in the hook-and-line bag limit to two fish. Additionally, the Commission enacted a year-round reduction in the recreational bag limit to five fish and the commercial bag limit to 30 fish in possession, with a minimum length of 14 inches for both. “Chairman Holt and the Commission
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showed real leadership and vision in their conservation efforts,” said Mark Ray, CCA Texas chairman. “These regulations will provide an important step in the recovery of this vital Texas fishery.” Late last year, Coastal Conservation Association Texas (CCA Texas) initiated a grassroots campaign calling for additional conservation measures to save declining southern flounder stocks. Thousands of CCA Texas members petitioned the TPW Commission to enact stronger regulatory measures to restore flounder stocks. CCA Texas called for the closure the flounder fishery to all gigging during the months of October, November, and December, and year-round reductions in the recreational and commercial bag limits.
Additionally, CCA Texas fought successfully to allow continued hook-and-line fishing for flounder. “The Commission did a great thing for marine conservation,” said Robby Byers, CCA Texas executive director. “We called for additional months of closure to gigging because we feel that is where the real problem lies. Additionally, it is important to note that recreational anglers greatly reduced their bag limit. I am pleased that the Commission took this important first step of closing November to gigging without locking out all hook-andline angling.” According to Texas Park and Wildlife Department (TPWD) analysis, southern flounder population numbers have shown a steady and dramatic decline for a quarter of a
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century. TPWD’s seasonal coast-wide gill net catch rate has declined by more than 50 percent since 1982. According to TPWD, most flounder gigged during the months of October through December are females. CCA Texas supports the principle that allowing more flounder to escape and complete their spawning cycles, the better chance the species has to recover.
Whooping Crane Numbers Down THE TRUMPETING SOUND OF CRANES OVERHEAD is a cherished sound of spring in Texas, but as endangered whooping cranes depart Texas this spring for breeding grounds in Canada, fewer birds will be making the trip. According to Tom Stehn, whooping crane coordinator with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2008-2009 was the worst winter on record in terms of bird deaths for the last remaining wild flock of whooping cranes (Grus americana). Stehn is based at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge near Rockport, Texas, where the whoopers return
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every winter. The birds spend summers at Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada. Stehn reported that total winter mortality is “...estimated at 6 adults and 15 chicks, totaling 21 whooping cranes, a loss of 7.8 percent of the flock that was a record 270 birds in the fall.” When added to 34 birds that left Texas in spring 2008 and failed to return in 2009, Stehn said 20 percent of the flock was lost during the last 12 months. The upshot is that only 249 birds will make the trip north this year. After an encouraging multi-year comeback in which flock numbers have grown each year, this marks the first year bird numbers have declined since 2001. Stehn attributes the winter losses to poor habitat conditions in wintering grounds on the middle Texas coast. Low rainfall in 2008 resulted in saltier bays and fewer blue crab, the primary food source for wintering whoopers. In addition, according to Stehn, whoopers are further stressed when they must leave the bays to fly inland seeking freshwater. Several emaciated whooping crane carcasses were found, and refuge staff even took the unusual step of providing supplemental feeding over
the winter in addition to burning upland areas to make acorns more available. Occasional setbacks are not new to the whooping crane recovery story, a species that numbered only 49 as recently as 1975, according to Lee Ann Linam, biologist in the Wildlife Diversity Program at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. “Although whooping crane numbers have experienced an amazing upward climb since conservation efforts began in the 1930s, over the course of their recovery, we have occasionally seen short-term dips in the population,” Linam said. “The losses this winter do emphasize the important role Texas has in maintaining the health of its bays and estuaries, especially in safeguarding stream-flow during low rainfall periods.” Stehn seconds those concerns, noting poor feeding conditions on the wintering grounds have often been followed by a poor reproduction season in Canada. The birds usually migrate in small family groups of two to five birds, but sometimes share habitats with the smaller, more widespread sandhill crane. —Staff Report
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Friendly Ghosts HE CONVERSATION LULLED AND MY TWO guests and I jerked in surprise when a young woman’s voice called from farther inside the house. “Dad!” I looked at my two friends, “Did you hear that?” I asked. They both nodded and the older gentleman said, “It sounded like a girl’s voice.” “Yeah, that’s my daughter Sam. She must have come in my back bedroom door.” It seemed odd. We were seated in the dining room waiting for a spring storm to let up. Sam might be a college journalism student, but I figured she had better sense
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than to walk around the house in a downpour to come in the backdoor. In a sudden move, the chair was empty and my steps were quick. The circuit took only seconds. My eyes snapped, searching. Something was strange and the hair stood up on my neck. “Sam? Sam?” Her bedroom door was closed—from the outside. The hallway was vacant and I ignored the felt presence in my bedroom. It slipped away completely in the master bath. Sam wasn’t there. For a long moment, all was silent. Thoughts rippled through my mind, flowing like water, flowing like passing time. This is not that unusual, but it would be nice if it didn’t happen when there was company in the house. “Well, guys, we must have been hearing things. C’mon, the rain is quitting. Let’s go outside and get something done before it starts again.” Mother Earth was here longer than mankind’s intellect can fathom. Some folks say there are no original thoughts.
So, many humans let someone else do the heavy thinking. They won’t take the time to hear the stories a child tells. They miss the coon tracks that appear in the sand at a new housing development. Bills, iPods, fashion statements, a preferred lifestyle of noise and personal clutter keep them from seeing the sky, or when seasons transform colors. They march to the
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Mother Earth was here longer than mankind’s intellect can fathom.
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daily thumping, droning, ear-bursting beat of society’s pulse. It drives them from birth, through school, into mortgage, through life, and to death until the pulsing beat stops—and there is no more than cold dirt waiting. And yet, there are those who sit quietly and listen and watch and understand. They see when the seasons change. They know when a neighbor is in need, and when a friend wants to be alone. They comprehend the simple reasoning in a pioneer heart. And when they strain inward for sight, and hold themselves still, those that were here before might whisper into their mind. Hermann Brune had a problem. His new bride didn’t like living so far out in the brush. This neck of the woods was where his dad, Ludwig, had settled when he came from Germany; but now, Mary Laas Brune decided the homestead was too far from civilization. She told HerI50
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mann that if they were going to stay married they must move closer to town. If assumptions are correct, the female species had Hermann in a predicament. Fortunately, brother Florence Brune had a solution. He owned land in Shaw’s Bend and offered a trade. In 1888, Hermann built their home atop a gravel hill, beneath giant spreading live oaks, overlooking Yaupon Creek. An open field stretched from those creek banks to Rocky Creek. This ground had deep sandy loam for cotton and corn. Across that drainage was another field that was part blackland and part sand that ended on the banks of the Colorado River. It was on this hill in Shaw’s Bend that Hermann and Mary made a life together. They had six children. Deborah was the oldest, then came Lina, Emma, Frieda, Herman, and Ernest. For a while, everything was good. However, Mary died a year after birthing Ernest. With a farm to run, Hermann couldn’t see how to care for the infant and other small children. But out in the Pineywoods lived an old maid, and Hermann approached her to be his housekeeper. Her name was Ernestine Kansteiner and she rebuffed the belabored farmer. She pronounced it immoral for a woman to live in a man’s house unless they were married. If assumptions are correct, the female species again had Hermann in a predicament. So, 10 weeks after Mary’s death, Hermann married Ernestine. Like any family story, the hilltop witnessed good times and bad, but for the most part, it was good. The girls married and produced thriving families of their own. Ernest died from pneumonia while home on leave from WWI, and Herman married Laura Kuhn and stayed on the farm. Then in 1924, Herman took down the original house and built the one that stands today. He adorned the hallway with mounted deer heads and coonhounds were tied beneath the giant oaks. In the southeast bedroom, Thurman E. Brune was born. However, this room would be hard to recognize these days because now it belongs to his granddaughter, Sam. The present Herman W. Brune took up residence in 1983. Then in 1985, a bachelor buddy, Lance Muegge, visited and slept a few months in the spare bedroom. He was the first of a few guests to mention something I’d already noticed.
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“Hey, did you know you have ghosts?” “They ain’t ghosts. I don’t believe in ghosts, or hoodoos, or black panthers. This hill has been home to lots of folks. It’s natural not to feel alone or to feel a friendly spirit nearby.” “Yeah, that’s sort of what I felt. But I thought I heard them murmur.” “Well, you were half asleep and thought you heard something.” Lance nodded. Through the years, a few other people
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mentioned similar occurrences and the matter was always explained as kindly spirits. When the present company left, I picked up the phone and dialed. “Hello, Sam, are you okay?” “Yes, Daddy.” “Alright, I was just checking!”
E-mail Herman W. Brune at wilderness@fishgame.com.
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TEXAS SALTWATER
Aerich Oli ve Texas Sla r m (flound er, trout, Fishing w redfish) it Capt. Cha h his papaw, rl Newton o es f Redfish C harters
ROCKPORT
CORPUS CHRISTI
ADVERTISERS, SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS TODAY!
GALVESTON
ros Ray Cisne sh fi d e R a Matagord ervice S e id u G n Hillma
UPPER COAST (SABINE LAKE)
Hannah a
nd Andre w Redfish Rockport Red Runn er
For Classified Rates and Information call Dennise at 1-800-750-4678, ext. 5579. PALACIOS
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PROPERTY FOR SALE
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Beverly Newton ots Redfish with 16 sp y, Fishing with hubb of on wt Ne es arl Ch Capt. Redfish Charters
Dennis Miller apper 13-pound State Sn ors tdo Ou nd Be al ast Co
L-R Fred Pyse, Justi n Gilbreath, Joe Su llivan Hybrid Striper Striper Express Gu ide Service
TEXAS FRESHWATER
TEXAS HUNTING
OUTDOOR SHOPPER
BAFFIN BAY
For Classified Rates and Information call Dennise at 1-800-750-4678, ext. 5579. EAST TEXAS
SPOTLIGHT: NON-TYPICAL OUTFITTERS FAYETTE COUNTY
ADVERTISERS, SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS TODAY!
VACATION RENTAL
Non-Typical Outfitters, located in Palacios, Texas, is a year-round guide service that offers some of the best fishing and duck hunting found anywhere on the Gulf Coast. Specializing in flounder gigging, Captain Josh Arscott offers adventures on a new custom flounder boat, or more traditional walking trips. With the new TPWD regulations cutting flounder limits to five fish per angler, this is the last summer to enjoy the tenfish limit before the new rule goes into effect on September 1. Flounder gigging is also a great way to beat the heat, as all flounder trips are run after dark. Shallow water bay fishing is also available for speckled trout and redfish. Fly and wade are the preferred method for Captain Josh, who will take you to the skinniest water in Matagorda Bay on a Waterline flats boat. Great open water duck hunting is available during the winter months. With an amazing variety of species coming to the decoys, it is a waterfowler’s dream! Call Captain Josh at 432-386-0240 or visit www.nontypicaltexas.com for more information on how to plan your next Gulf Coast adventure. —Non-Typical Outfitters A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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Seafood Rellenos (Served over Cilantro Rice) HIS IS A GREAT WAY TO ENJOY A TRADITIONAL favorite without the hassle and calories and frying. I hope you enjoy it.
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- 4 poblano peppers; rinsed, roasted, sweated, and peeled. Cut a slit down one side and remove seeds; set aside. - 24 med to large shrimp; peeled, deveined, and grilled on a skewer (no spice or liquids, just dry). Grill 4-5 minutes or until opaque. Remove from grill and from skewer, chop into bite size pieces; set aside.
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1 large onion (1015 if available), chopped 1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 3 stalks celery, rinsed and chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 6 Roma tomatoes-rinsed and chopped 1 Tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped 1 14-oz can chicken broth 1 tsp limejuice 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp white pepper 2 Tbs Texas Gourmet Sweet Chipotle Season All 5 cups cooked cilantro rice 1 Tbs ground cumin 4 cups freshly grated Monterrey jack cheese fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish 1 jar your favorite red salsa
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, jalapeno, celery, garlic, white pepper, Sweet Chipotle Season All, and cumin. Heat until all are soft. Add tomatoes and lime juice. Cook until liquid has reduced, then add the chicken broth and cilantro. Reduce to medium heat, add 1 cup rice, then add 2 cups of Monterrey jack cheese. Stir until combined. Remove from heat. With Individual baking dishes: Place 1 cup of cooked cilantro rice in bottom of dish. Lay a roasted and seeded poblano pepper on the rice and open up the pepper. Stuff with shrimp mixture until full. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup Monterrey jack cheese. Cover with foil. Place baking dish(es) in preheated 350degree oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 1020 minutes uncovered. Repeat for all peppers.
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Remove from oven and spoon on 2-3 Tbs of your favorite red salsa; garnish with a couple cilantro leaves.
Cilantro Rice This is a great side dish that can accompany fajitas, seafood, grilled meats, and, of course, enchiladas. 1 Tbs chicken base (better than bouillon) 1 tsp minced garlic 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 cup chicken stock 1 Tbs vegetable oil 1 medium onion, diced fine 1-1/2 cups long grain white rice 1-1/2 cups Roma tomatoes, diced fine 1/2 jar Texas Gourmet’s Fire Roasted Salsa, or 8-oz red salsa 1 Tbs salt Place the chicken base, garlic, cilantro, and chicken stock in a blender and puree. Transfer to a saucepan and bring to a boil. In a separate large skillet, add the vegetable
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oil and onion, brown lightly. Add the rice and stir until rice is heated through and coated with oil. Add the stock and cilantro mixture and cook on low heat, covered, for 18 minutes. Add the salsa, Roma tomatoes, and salt. Continue cooking until the liquids are absorbed and the rice is done.
Borracho Beans This is a great side or supper dish, and can be mashed into refried beans as well. With the addition of the beer, the beans do not keep well and must be refrigerated after cooking, if not kept on a hot stove or fire. Serves 12 to 14.
1 tsp freshly ground pepper salt to taste 1 can beer Brown the bacon and drain off half the fat then add the onion. Cook 3-4 minutes then add the remainder of the ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce to a light boil, then cover and cook for 2-3 hours or until beans are tender and have made a soup-like consistency.
Contact Bryan Slaven, "The Texas Gourmet," at 888-234-7883, www.thetexasgourmet.com; or by email at texas-tasted@fishgame.com.
4 cups uncooked beans (preferably pinto beans) 4 qt water 1 lb bacon or salt pork, chopped 1 onion, peeled and chopped 2 serrano chilies, chopped 1 cup cilantro, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 2 tsp ground cumin
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CRAPPIE—SAM RAYBURN
CRAPPIE—LAKE WACO
LARGEMOUTH BASS—LAKE AUSTIN
Colton Cater, age 4, caught his first fish, this crap- Kennidy Hargrove proudly shows off the “white Patrick Macaluso proudly shows off this largeperch” that won her a third-place spot in that mouth bass that he caught while fishing off of his pie, while fishing at Lake Waco. division of the Sealy/McDonald’s tournament on grandmother’s dock on Lake Austin. Sam Rayburn on the third day of fishing.
HALIBUT—COOK INLET, ALASKA
DRUM—TEXAS
L-R Tony Cummings of Grand Prairie, Texas, congratulates Philip Schoeneck of Dallas, on their halibut catch in Cook Inlet, just offshore of Ninilchik, Alaska. The largest halibut was 86 pounds, followed by a 56-pounder.
James Littleton of Lytle, Texas, caught the largest fish of his life, a 39-inch drum, while wearing his lucky hat.
SHEEPSHEAD—DICKINSON
HYBRID STRIPER—LAKE BELTON
Rayfield Conley, III of League City, Texas, caught this 10-pound, 2-ounce sheepshead near Moses Lake in Dickinson, Texas. He later released it to give a younger fisherman the chance for a battle.
Ryan Ego, son of Alan Pomykal, recently caught this Mike Ray shot this javelina while hunting on the Rio 16-inch, 1-1/2-pound hybrid on Lake Belton. It was Grande in Terrell County, Texas. close to midnight and he was getting bored when he felt the striper bite on his minnow.
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JAVELINA—TERRELL COUNTY
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TRETCHING FROM THE NORTHEAST CORNER of Texas to the Gulf of Mexico in the southeast section of the state, lays a necklace of lakes shimmering with freshwater fishing possibilities—the “Jewels of the Pineywoods.” All of them offer some form of excellent fishing, and many are famous for producing trophy bass, stringers of slab-sided crappie, or catfish as long as an angler’s leg. Situated on Lake Fork Creek between Emory and Quitman, Lake Fork is the best trophy bass fishing lake in the United States, and maybe the world. Major species in Fork are largemouth bass, crappie, channel and blue catfish; and the fishing opportunities for all of them are excellent. Anglers come from all over the world to sample the bass fishing on Fork. More than half of the 50 largest bass caught in the state have been caught from this storied reservoir. These include the former state record, a 17.67-pound fish, and the current record bass that weighed 18.18 pounds. Bass over 10 pounds rarely raise an eyebrow of inter-
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est from local anglers, since more than 200 bass have been caught from Fork that weighed at least 13 pounds. Winter to early spring is the best time of the year to set the hook on a double-digit fish, but they do get caught year-round. Fishing the beds in shallow water during the spawn is the best bet for hanging a trophy. Plastic lizards, jigs, and spinnerbaits are all good lures for tricking a big sow into biting. Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife District Office, 903-593-5077; Sabine River Authority, 903-878-2262; Lake Fork Area Chamber of Commerce, 903-780-6595
by Barry St. Clair Toledo Bend is the largest reservoir in Texas at 181,000 surface acres. The lake shares its eastern border with Louisiana. Major species are largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, white and striped bass. The fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and sunfish is excellent, and white bass and striped bass are good. A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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Guide Jeff Kirkwood works over some sunken timber on Lake Fork.
Due to its size, there are nearly limitless areas to fish for bass and crappie. Starting in late winter, largemouth bass relocate from deep water to shallow areas and build nests to spawn. This is prime time to catch them along shoreline areas and in the backs of creek channels. Topwater lures, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs are all good lure choices. Post-spawn fish move to creek channels with timber or vegetation, and to main lake points. Crankbaits, jigs, and Carolina- or Texas-rigged plastics are the go-to lures for bass holding in deeper water. Lipless crankbaits and buzzbaits worked along the edges of vegetation will also produce exciting action. The lake record for largemouth bass is just over 15 pounds. Crappie fishing is excellent year-round on small jigs and minnows. White bass make an annual early spring spawning run &
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In This Issue HOTSPOTS & TIDES SECTION
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SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK • Tides, Solunar Table, Best Hunting/Fishing Times | BY TF&G STAFF TEXAS HOTSPOTS • Texas’ Hottest Fishing Spots | BY CALIXTO GONZALES & JD MOORE
HOW-TO SECTION
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COVER STORY • Jewels of the Pineywoods | BY BARRY ST. CLAIR
BOWHUNTING TECH • Target Panic: A Bowhunter’s Nightmare | BY LOU MARULLO
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TEXAS BOATING • Hooks in a Haystack | BY LENNY RUDOW
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FRESHWATER BAITS & RIGS • Striped Bass Teaser | BY PAUL BRADSHAW
TEXAS GUNS & GEAR • The .357 Magnum on Game | BY STEVE LAMASCUS
TEXAS KAYAKING • Crow Wing Pro Angler Kayak | BY GREG BERLOCHER WILDERNESS TRAILS • Friendly Ghosts | BY HERMAN W. BRUNE
up the Sabine River in the northern part of the reservoir. They gather at the mouth of the river and other flowing tributaries by the thousands and are easily fooled by small spoons, spinners, jigs, and crankbaits. Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife District Office, 409-384-9572; Jasper Chamber of Commerce, 409-384-2762; Sabine River Authority, 409-565-2273 Sam Rayburn is an 115,000-acre impoundment located on the Angelina River about 20 miles north of the city of Jasper and 18 miles west of Toledo Bend Reservoir. Major species include largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white and hybrid striped bass. Fishing opportunities for all species ranges from excellent to good. Largemouth bass fishing is what compels most anglers to come to Sam Rayburn. Big Sam, as it is affectionately called, offers miles of shoreline habitat attractive to bass. The annual spring season is when most anglers hit the shallows to capitalize on the spawn. Topwaters, jigs, soft plastic lizards, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits are effective lures. The Florida strain bass has been heavily stocked into Rayburn for the last 30 years, and the bass population remains high and healthy. During the summer, anglers have
the best luck fishing weed beds along creek channels, main lake points, and timbered areas with jigs, spoons, and deep-diving crankbaits. Crappie fishing is excellent year-round. Hybrid stripers can be found along the creek channels in the Farmer Flats area, north of the dam, along the dam face, and on main lake points in the southern portion of the reservoir. Swimbaits, jigs, and slabs are popular lures. Contact: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 409-384-5716; Texas Parks and Wildlife District Office, 409-384-9572; Jasper Chamber of Commerce, 409-3842762 Compared to most bass fishing lakes in East Texas, Lake Pinkston at only 500 surface acres is a tiny jewel of clear water located on Sandy Creek just west of the city of Center. But don’t let its size fool you. Pinkston is a trophy largemouth bass fishery with some impressive credentials. It has produced a bass that weighed 16.9 pounds and once held the state record slot. The lake supports reasonable amounts of aquatic vegetation, primarily hydrilla, and has submerged standing timber. Major species include largemouth bass, crappie, and sunfishes.
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GEARING UP SECTION
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NEW PRODUCTS • What’s New from Top Outdoor Manufacturers | BY TF&G STAFF INDUSTRY INSIDER • Cove Harbor Marina; Fishing Tackle Unlimited; and more | BY TF&G STAFF TEXAS TESTED • MirrOlure; Prospec Electronics | BY TF&G STAFF
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SHOOT THIS • Shooting Sticks | BY STEVE LAMASCUS
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FISH THIS • U.S. Reel SuperCaster 240X Spinning Reel | BY GREG BERLOCHER
TROPHY FEVER • The Changing Prairie, Part 2 | BY MICHAEL LANIER
OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE SECTION
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DISCOVER THE OUTDOORS • Classifieds | BY TF&G STAFF
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TEXAS TASTED • Seafood Rellenos | BY BRYAN SLAVEN
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PHOTO ALBUM • Your Action Photos | BY TF&G STAFF
Anglers come to Pinkston hoping to catch a trophy-sized bass, and the numbers of large fish in this tiny reservoir gives them an excellent opportunity to do so. Spring is the season when most large bass are caught. Spinnerbaits, topwater lures, and Texasrigged plastics worked over the nests account for a large number of successful catches. Jigs and Senko-type lures will also take fish when they are spawning. During the summer months, fishing the edges of vegetation with topwaters and crankbaits early and late in the day are productive methods to generate strikes. Bass will also school in late summer near the dam. Small crankbaits, spoons, and jerkbaits are good choices to entice them. Contact: The City of Center, 936-5982941; Texas Parks and Wildlife District Office, 409-384-9572 And there you have it, a quick peek inside the jewelry store of fishing that is East Texas. Space limits mentioning the other “Jewels of the Pineywoods,” but they are no less gleaming in their own right. Check them out and be prepared to appreciate these sparking gems the Pineywoods Region of Texas has to offer.
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Sportsman’s Daybook Tides and Prime Times
JULY 2009
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1
PRIME TIME
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
3:19 AM 8:06 AM 10:22 AM 7:19 PM
Sunrise: 6:36a Moonrise: 4:06p AM Minor: 1:32a PM Minor: 1:56p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
6
PRIME TIME
High Tide: 7:06 AM 1.43 ft Low Tide: 10:41 PM -0.37 ft
Sunrise: 6:39a Moonrise: 8:33p AM Minor: 5:18a PM Minor: 5:43p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
Set: 8:43p Set: 5:49a AM Major: 11:30a PM Major: 11:55p 12:48a 1:12p
13
PRIME TIME
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
1:38 AM 9:00 AM 3:28 PM 9:53 PM
0.43 ft 1.16 ft 0.52 ft 0.86 ft
Sunrise: 6:42a Moonrise: None AM Minor: 10:50a PM Minor: 11:11p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
20
High Tide: 5:52 AM Low Tide: 9:38 PM
PRIME TIME 5:00 — 7:00 PM
Set: 8:39p Set: 7:41p AM Major: 10:37a PM Major: 11:09p 12:19p None
27 Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
4:00 — 6:20 AM
Set: 8:42p Set: 12:18p AM Major: 4:40a PM Major: 5:01p 5:57a 6:18p
1.63 ft -0.80 ft
Sunrise: 6:46a Moonrise: 4:53a AM Minor: 4:21a PM Minor: 4:53p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
PRIME TIME 2:23 AM 8:32 AM 3:48 PM 11:24 PM
0.68 ft 1.18 ft 0.08 ft 1.08 ft
Sunrise: 6:50a Moonrise: 12:56p AM Minor: 11:06a PM Minor: 11:30p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
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6:00 — 8:00 PM
• J U L Y
5:00 — 7:00 AM
Set: 8:35p Set: None AM Major: 4:54a PM Major: 5:18p 6:35p 6:11a
2 0 0 9 /
7
PRIME TIME
High Tide: 7:25 AM 1.39 ft Low Tide: 11:14 PM -0.31 ft
Sunrise: 6:39a Moonrise: 9:13p AM Minor: 6:06a PM Minor: 6:31p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
Set: 8:43p Set: 6:45a AM Major: ——PM Major: 12:19p 1:37a 2:01p
14
PRIME TIME
Low Tide: 2:08 AM High Tide: 8:57 AM Low Tide: 4:12 PM
0.67 ft 1.15 ft 0.30 ft
Sunrise: 6:42a Moonrise: 12:12a AM Minor: 11:36a PM Minor: 11:58p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
21 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
Set: 8:42p Set: 1:15p AM Major: 5:25a PM Major: 5:47p 6:40a 7:02p
1.60 ft 1.42 ft 1.47 ft -0.75 ft
Low Tide: 3:05 AM High Tide: 8:40 AM Low Tide: 4:50 PM
0.98 ft 1.19 ft -0.08 ft
Sunrise: 6:51a Moonrise: 1:58p AM Minor: 11:56a PM Minor: ——Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
&
12:00 — 3:00 PM
Set: 8:39p Set: 8:33p AM Major: 11:37a PM Major: 12:09p 1:23p 12:52a
28
F i s h
5:00 — 7:00 AM
PRIME TIME
6:22 AM 10:43 AM 1:38 PM 10:31 PM
Sunrise: 6:46a Moonrise: 6:06a AM Minor: 5:21a PM Minor: 5:53p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
T E X A S
6:45 — 9:00 PM
8 High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
1.22 ft 1.16 ft 1.18 ft -0.27 ft
PRIME TIME 1.35 ft 1.21 ft 1.22 ft -0.22 ft
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
Set: 8:43p Set: 7:41a AM Major: 12:44a PM Major: 1:07p 2:25a 2:48p
5:30 — 8:45 PM
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
7:15 — 9:30 PM
Set: 8:41p Set: 2:16p AM Major: 6:11a PM Major: 6:35p 7:25a 7:50p
1.53 ft 1.26 ft 1.42 ft -0.60 ft
1:00 — 3:30 PM
Set: 8:38p Set: 9:17p AM Major: ——PM Major: 1:07p 2:23p 1:54a
PRIME TIME 5:37 AM 5:47 AM 8:03 AM 5:52 PM
Sunrise: 6:51a Moonrise: 2:59p AM Minor: 12:21a PM Minor: 12:45p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
0.95 ft 0.91 ft 1.18 ft 0.07 ft
PRIME TIME 6:50 AM 11:17 AM 3:14 PM 11:21 PM
Sunrise: 6:47a Moonrise: 7:21a AM Minor: 6:23a PM Minor: 6:52p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
29
7:00 — 9:00 PM
PRIME TIME 12:04 AM 2:38 AM 8:38 AM 5:01 PM
Sunrise: 6:43a Moonrise: 12:42a AM Minor: ——PM Minor: 12:23p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
22
9:00 — 11:20 PM
Set: 8:44p Set: 2:07a AM Major: 7:44a PM Major: 8:08p 9:27p 9:03a
15
PRIME TIME
Set: 8:35p Set: 12:08a AM Major: 5:44a PM Major: 6:08p 7:23p 6:59a
7:43 AM 12:27 PM 2:53 PM 11:44 PM
Sunrise: 6:39a Moonrise: 9:48p AM Minor: 6:56a PM Minor: 7:19p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide:
THURSDAY
1.22 ft 1.22 ft 1.22 ft -0.18 ft
12:00 — 2:00 PM
Set: 8:34p Set: 12:43a AM Major: 6:32a PM Major: 6:57p 8:13p 7:48a
2 High Tide: 4:43 AM Low Tide: 8:04 PM
Sunrise: 6:37a Moonrise: 5:06p AM Minor: 2:15a PM Minor: 2:39p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
PRIME TIME 1.37 ft -0.37 ft
Set: 8:44p Set: 2:43a AM Major: 8:27a PM Major: 8:51p 10:16p 9:51a
9
PRIME TIME
High Tide: 8:02 AM 1.32 ft Low Tide: 12:49 PM 1.12 ft High Tide: 3:50 PM 1.15 ft
Sunrise: 6:40a Moonrise: 10:20p AM Minor: 7:44a PM Minor: 8:06p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
Sunrise: 6:44a Moonrise: 1:17a AM Minor: 12:45a PM Minor: 1:11p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
PRIME TIME 1.27 ft -0.17 ft
PRIME TIME
High Tide: 7:14 AM 1.43 ft Low Tide: 12:03 PM 1.05 ft High Tide: 4:40 PM 1.33 ft
Sunrise: 6:52a Moonrise: 3:58p AM Minor: 1:07a PM Minor: 1:32p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
2:00 — 4:30 PM
Set: 8:38p Set: 9:55p AM Major: 1:10a PM Major: 1:37p 3:19p 2:52a
30 High Tide: 4:31 AM Low Tide: 6:52 PM
8:20 — 10:30 PM
Set: 8:41p Set: 3:21p AM Major: 6:58a PM Major: 7:25p 8:15a 8:42p
23
Sunrise: 6:48a Moonrise: 8:34a AM Minor: 7:24a PM Minor: 7:51p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
7:30 — 9:30 PM
Set: 8:43p Set: 8:38a AM Major: 1:33a PM Major: 1:55p 3:11a 3:33p
16 High Tide: 8:08 AM Low Tide: 5:55 PM
2:20 — 4:10 PM
PRIME TIME 1.37 ft -0.24 ft
12:30 — 3:00 PM
Set: 8:33p Set: 1:22a AM Major: 7:19a PM Major: 7:44p 9:03p 8:38a
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Sportsman’s Daybook Tides and Prime Times
FRIDAY
3
Sunrise: 6:37a Moonrise: 6:03p AM Minor: 2:58a PM Minor: 3:23p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
1.46 ft -0.42 ft
PRIME TIME 12:13 AM 8:21 AM 1:26 PM 4:51 PM
Sunrise: 6:40a Moonrise: 10:49p AM Minor: 8:32a PM Minor: 8:53p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
-0.11 ft 1.29 ft 1.01 ft 1.06 ft
8:00 — 10:00 PM
Set: 8:43p Set: 9:34a AM Major: 2:22a PM Major: 2:43p 3:54a 4:15p
17
PRIME TIME
High Tide: 7:44 AM Low Tide: 6:51 PM
Sunrise: 6:44a Moonrise: 1:58a AM Minor: 1:34a PM Minor: 2:03p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
24 Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
3:10 — 4:40 PM
Set: 8:44p Set: 3:23a AM Major: 9:11a PM Major: 9:36p 11:06p 10:41a
10 Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
SATURDAY PRIME TIME
High Tide: 5:34 AM Low Tide: 8:47 PM
12:09 AM 7:37 AM 12:54 PM 6:06 PM
Sunrise: 6:48a Moonrise: 9:43a AM Minor: 8:23a PM Minor: 8:48p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
1.38 ft -0.40 ft
PRIME TIME
Sunrise: 6:53a Moonrise: 4:53p AM Minor: 1:53a PM Minor: 2:18p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
3:00 — 4:30 PM
Set: 8:37p Set: 10:30p AM Major: 2:10a PM Major: 2:35p 4:11p 3:46a
31 High Tide: 5:08 AM Low Tide: 7:46 PM
2:00 — 3:30 PM
Set: 8:41p Set: 4:29p AM Major: 7:48a PM Major: 8:17p 9:10a 9:40p
-0.35 ft 1.34 ft 0.79 ft 1.21 ft
JULY 2009
4
PRIME TIME
High Tide: 6:13 AM Low Tide: 9:28 PM
1.48 ft -0.43 ft
Sunrise: 6:38a Moonrise: 6:57p AM Minor: 3:43a PM Minor: 4:08p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
PRIME TIME 12:41 AM 8:39 AM 2:06 PM 6:09 PM
Sunrise: 6:41a Moonrise: 11:17p AM Minor: 9:19a PM Minor: 9:39p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
0.04 ft 1.25 ft 0.88 ft 0.96 ft
PRIME TIME
High Tide: 4:49 AM Low Tide: 7:48 PM
1.51 ft -0.60 ft
Sunrise: 6:45a Moonrise: 2:47a AM Minor: 2:26a PM Minor: 2:57p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
2:00 — 4:00 PM
Set: 8:33p Set: 2:05a AM Major: 8:06a PM Major: 8:31p 9:53p 9:28a
3:00 — 5:30 PM
Set: 8:40p Set: 5:37p AM Major: 8:42a PM Major: 9:12p 10:11a 10:42p
25
PRIME TIME 12:55 AM 7:58 AM 1:50 PM 7:39 PM
Sunrise: 6:49a Moonrise: 10:49a AM Minor: 9:19a PM Minor: 9:44p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
-0.03 ft 1.26 ft 0.53 ft 1.11 ft
4:00 — 5:30 PM
Set: 8:37p Set: 11:02p AM Major: 3:07a PM Major: 3:31p 5:00p 4:36a
PRIME TIME 1.46 ft -0.28 ft
2:30 — 5:00 AM
Set: 8:43p Set: 10:28a AM Major: 3:09a PM Major: 3:29p 4:36a 4:56p
18
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
4:00 — 5:30 PM
Set: 8:44p Set: 4:07a AM Major: 9:56a PM Major: 10:21p 11:57p 11:31a
11 Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
SUNDAY
5
PRIME TIME
High Tide: 6:43 AM 1.46 ft Low Tide: 10:06 PM -0.41 ft
Sunrise: 6:38a Moonrise: 7:47p AM Minor: 4:30a PM Minor: 4:55p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
4:50 — 6:40 PM
Set: 8:44p Set: 4:56a AM Major: 10:42a PM Major: 11:08p None 12:22p
12
PRIME TIME
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
1:10 AM 8:53 AM 2:47 PM 7:52 PM
0.22 ft 1.20 ft 0.71 ft 0.87 ft
Sunrise: 6:41a Moonrise: 11:44p AM Minor: 10:05a PM Minor: 10:25p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
3:30 — 5:30 AM
Set: 8:42p Set: 11:23a AM Major: 3:55a PM Major: 4:15p 5:16a 5:37p
19
PRIME TIME
High Tide: 5:20 AM Low Tide: 8:44 PM
1.60 ft -0.74 ft
Sunrise: 6:45a Moonrise: 3:46a AM Minor: 3:22a PM Minor: 3:54p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
3:30 — 5:30 PM
Set: 8:40p Set: 6:42p AM Major: 9:38a PM Major: 10:10p 11:14a 11:47p
26
PRIME TIME
Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:
1:40 AM 8:17 AM 2:48 PM 9:22 PM
0.33 ft 1.20 ft 0.28 ft 1.05 ft
Sunrise: 6:50a Moonrise: 11:53a AM Minor: 10:14a PM Minor: 10:37p Moon Overhead: Moon Underfoot:
4:30 — 6:30 AM
Set: 8:36p Set: 11:34p AM Major: 4:02a PM Major: 4:26p 5:47p 5:24a
PRIME TIME
New Moon
3:00 — 5:00 PM
First Quarter
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)
PRIME TIME SYMBOL KEY
Full Moon
4:00 — 6:00 PM
Last Quarter
A L M A N A C / T E X A S
F i s h
Good Day
&
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 PRIME TIME
BEST DAYS
G a m e ® / J U L Y
2 0 0 9
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Calixto
JD
by Calixto Gonzales and JD Moore
Granger Crappie Take Jigs LOCATION: Lake Granger HOTSPOT: Main Lake Point GPS: N30 41.738, W97 21.460 SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: 1/32-ounce marabou jig CONTACT: Tommy Tidwell, 512-3657761, www.gotcrappie.com
TIPS: Find brush piles in 7 to 15 feet of water and work jig very slowly over the brush. Use Berkley Crappie Nibbles to increase catch rate. BANK ACCESS: Wilson Fox Fishing Dock LOCATION: Lake Granger HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N30 41.619, W97 21.369 SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: slab spoons CONTACT: Tommy Tidwell, 512-3657761, www.gotcrappie.com TIPS: Work slab spoons over the ridges and humps out from the dam, Work spoons as close to the bottom as possible to catch the larger whites. BANK ACCESS: Wilson Fox Fishing Dock
Hummer Whites LOCATION: Lake Aquilla HOTSPOT: bubbler / aerator
GPS: N31 54.871, W97.656 SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: live shad, chartreuse jigs, Tail Hummers, Little Georges N6
• J U L Y
2 0 0 9 /
T E X A S
F i s h
CONTACT: Randy Routh, 817-8225539, www.teamredneck.net TIPS: White bass will school up early along riprap, with most catches coming on Tail Hummers and Rat-L-Traps. After the sun gets up and the schooling activity stops, move to the bubbler and throw Tail Hummers and Little Georges and finish up by catching easy limits of whites. Be sure to use your binoculars to locate midday schooling activity along Triplett Point. BANK ACCESS: Tailrace Fishing Pier, white bass on jigs LOCATION: Belton Lake HOTSPOT: Back of Cedar Creek GPS: N31 09.881, W97 27.484 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Reef Runner, No. 400 Rip Shad crankbaits in Mooneye Minnow or chrome and black; Caroling rigs with 5inch black Zoom Finesse worms CONTACT: Bob Maindelle, 254-3687411,www.HoldingTheLineGuideServic e.com TIPS: This creek has abundant shad typically holding over the shoulders of the submerged creek channel. In the upper end, a deep-diving crankbait on light line can scrape these shoulders. Once fish are located, use a Carolina rig to thoroughly cover area. BANK ACCESS: Temple Lake Park LOCATION: Lake Fork HOTSPOT: Wolf Creek GPS: N32 50.719, W95, 32.160 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Zara Spook, buzzbaits, poppers, shallow- to medium-diver baits in shad patterns; Tiki Sticks in Green Pumpkin, Watermelon, and Watermelon Red CONTACT: Michael Rogge, 903-3833406, www.lake-fork-guides.com TIPS: Work topwaters over the grass in Rodgers Creek and Wolf Creek. Use crankbaits and wacky rigs in same area. &
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
BANK ACCESS: Fork Public Park, catfish, largemouth bass LOCATION: Lake Ray Hubbard HOTSPOT: 66 Rock riprap GPS: N32 55.033, W96 30.112 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Scum Frog, 700 Series Bandit crankbaits, Tornado on Carolina rig CONTACT: Jeff Kirkwood, 972-8530949, www.fishinwithjeff.com TIPS: The Scum Frog bite is a great way to star the day and sometimes fished all day. As the day wears on, the bite will slow, but if you want to see larger fish, stay with it. Later, the better areas are hydrilla beds on the river, main lake, and riprap. Bandit cranks will most definitely pick up some solid fish on the edges of the many humps around the lake. BANK ACCESS: Robertson Park, catfish on cut shad with 1-ounce weight under hook LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOTS: Main Lake Points GPS: N33 09.192, W96 26.173 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: white/Chartreuse buzzbaits, Tornado fished on Carolina rig, 700 Series Bandit crankbaits CONTACT: Jeff Kirkwood, 972-8530949, www.fishinwithjeff.com TIPS: Fish the main lake points and riprap. BANK ACCESS: Ticky Creek Park, largemouth bass LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: Holiday Point GPS: N32 05.973, W95 26.550 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Carolina-rigged French Fry or BA Hawg CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff, 903-5302201, www.rickysguideservice.com TIPS: Fishing will be good early and late on the south end of the lake. Work all points, moving slowly from one to the next,
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working all points south of The Villages Marina. BANK ACCESS: North end of Kickapoo Creek Bridge LOCATION: Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir HOTSPOT: East Side of Big Island GPS: N31 01.258, W97 31.797 SPECIES: largemouth bass (schooling) BEST BAITS: small poppers and soft plastics CONTACT: Bob Maindelle, 254-3687411,www.HoldingTheLineGuideServic e.com TIPS: Look for topwater action during stable weather conditions up through midmorning, later on overcast days. Bass Assassin-style soft plastics and small Repel Pop R’s to match the forage size will do well. After the topwater bite dies, go with Watermelon Seed or Smoke with blue/red fleck soft plastics in and around
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• J U L Y
2 0 0 9 /
T E X A S
F i s h
&
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
emergent and submerged timber’. BANK ACCESS: Marina Ramp, bream on worms/bobber LOCATION: Lake Texoma HOTSPOT: Alberta Creek GPS: N33 57.542, W96 36.012 SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: Pencil Popper, buzzbait, and other topwater baits; slabs CONTACT: Bill Carey, 877-786-4477, bigfish@striperexpress.com TIPS: During early morning, several large schools will surface around the lake. These schools can be a mile long and a half-mile wide. Cast Pencil Popper for great action. After surface action ends, locate the schools of fish with your electronics, then vertically drop slabs and use a fast retrieve. Hang on, for the fish will try to pull the rod from your hands. BANK ACCESS: Washita Point and Dam
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6/1/09
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T E X A S
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F i s h
&
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
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F i s h
&
G a m e ® / J U L Y
2 0 0 9
•
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ALL GPS COORDINATES VERIFIED BY
LOCATION: Tradinghouse Creek Reservoir HOTSPOT: Redfish Point GPS: N31 33.834, W96 56.919 SPECIES: red drum BEST BAITS: medium- to deep-running crankbaits
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• J U L Y
2 0 0 9 /
T E X A S
F i s h
CONTACT: Jimmy D. Moore, 254-7442104, rayado@earthlink.net TIPS: A fairly deep creek channel comes around the point and meanders southward toward the South Levee. Work sides with a crankbait. If no luck, switch to a deep-running crankbait to get down to cooler water.
&
G a m e ® / A L M A N A C
BANK ACCESS: South Levee and old park just past the levee; cut bait for catfish, Texas-rigged plastic worms for largemouth bass LOCATION: Lake Waco HOTSPOT: Reynolds Creek GPS: N31 55.452, W97 24.628 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, Carolina-rigged worms CONTACT: Jimmy D. Moore, 254-7442104, rayado@earthlink.net TIPS: Begin fishing at the south entrance to Reynolds Creek, working the edge of flooded timber on the left side using buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. Work your way to the third bend and then change sides, working your way back to the entrance of creek. Also work the lake side of the standing timber with a Carolina rig with a Watermelon Red worm. Many
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large bass have been caught from this area of Reynolds Creek, all the way back to the third bend. BANK ACCESS: Reynolds Creek Park, largemouth bass on spinnerbaits and medium-running crankbaits LOCATION: Lake Whitney HOTSPOT: McCowan Flats GPS: N31 55.782, W97 25.112 SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: live shad, Chartreuse jigs with white trailers CONTACT: Randy Routh, 817-8225539, www.teamredneck.net TIPS: Striper limits will come on live shad south of where the Island Flats drop off into deeper water. Fish suspended in 32 feet of water with baits at 22 feet on the ledge, using trolling motor and working back and forth along the ledge. After the sun gets up high, change to downrigging/trolling Chartreuse jigs with white trailers at 22 feet deep. Zigzag boat to make baits rise and fall. BANK ACCESS: Loafer’s Bend shoreline, stripers and whites on topwaters
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Topwater Snook LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Brownsville Ship Channel GPS: N26 2.124, W97 13.108 SPECIES: snook BEST BAITS: live shrimp, topwaters
CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956-551-9581 TIPS: Cast toward the riprap along the shoreline to find snook of all sizes on patrol. Anchor or drift about 30-50 feet off the shoreline to give yourself some casting room and work topwaters. A personal favorite is the Luhr Jensen Power Pop. Snook want to kill these Easter Eggs. If fish aren’t rising to your topwater, fish along the drop-off with large live shrimp on a split shot rig. With all the snags in the area, a fluorocarbon leader is a very good idea.
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Croaker Slay Baffin Trout LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Los Corrales GPS: N27 14.807, W97 29.904 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: topwaters early; soft plastics in Limetreuse, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse; live croaker CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart, 361-9856089, 361-449-7441, brushcountrycharters.com TIPS: Trout will go deeper in the summer to escape the surface heat of July. Use live croaker or shrimp around depth
breaks. Rig them on a Texas Rattlin’ Rig Chatterweight for a little extra sound. Topwaters can be worked near the shoreline early in the morning.
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ALL GPS COORDINATES VERIFIED BY
Look Deep for Specks LOCATION: Sabine Lake HOTSPOT: East Pass GPS: N29 58.920, W93 47.135 SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: soft plastics in chartreuse, Glow/chartreuse, Pearl/chartreuse
CONTACT: Captain Randy Foreman, 409-985-7619 TIPS: Fish the deeper water and near the bottom for good numbers of speckled trout. “Glowing” soft plastics are good choices because they tend to stand out a bit more and capture the fish’s attention.
Swim lures in the current, or cast it around and under nervous bait. Use larger (1/4-ounce) jighead for better control in the current. Be sure to get a Louisiana license if you are going to cross into Cajun territory (three-day permits are available for a nominal fee).
C-rigs the Road to Choke Bass LOCATION: Choke Canyon HOTSPOT: Roadbed GPS: N28 29.482, W98 20.353 SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Carolina-rigged Watermelon/red plastics; crankbaits in shad patterns CONTACT: Robin McFarlane, 210-4164563
TIPS: Fishing this roadbed with Carolina-rigged Watermelon/red plastics and crankbaits in the 10- to 18-foot depth will put bass in the boat any day.
Contact North Regional Fishing Editor JD Moore by email at hotspotsnorth@fishgame.com Contact South Regional Fishing Editor Calixto Gonzales by email at cgonzales@fishgame.com
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Engel USA Takes Coolers to a Higher Degree THE ENGEL 65-QUART ICE CHEST KEEPS provisions ice-cold for up to ten days. The Engel 65-quart rugged ice chest is the “coolest” choice among outdoor enthusiasts as it keeps provisions ice-cold through even the longest, hottest and most rugged outdoor excursions. The Engel 65-quart’s ingenious design boasts a full 2 inches of quality polyurethane insulation for superior ice retention, and a freezer-style lid gasket that
Engel 65-qt. ice chest creates an airtight, virtually leak-proof seal. Rotationally molded from highimpact plastic, the Engel 65quart offers seamless, double-walled construction that can stand up to the rigorous beatings of any outdoor adventure. A rugged, fulllength hinge, low-profile marine grade latches, and dual locking corner holes make this a certified Grizzly bear proof cooler. Other amazing features of the Engel 65quart include rubber nonskid / nonmarking feet and Engel’s unique “oneN16
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turn” drain plug system. Plus, molded handgrips and heavy-duty rope handles allow for easy loading and unloading. To learn more about the innovative Engel 65-quart durable plastic ice chest, or to find out about the company’s entire line of high-performance coolers, 12-volt refrigerators/freezers and unique game/fish bags — visit them online at www.engel-usa.com.
American X-Box Armors Up TRUCK COVERS USA INTRODUCES THE NEW 2009 American X-Box. With new innovative features and products, Truck Covers USA sets itself apart from the competition. LINE-X Protective Coatings adds the protection of LINE-X XTRA, a sprayon urethane coating fortified with DuPont KEVLAR to this American Work Cover version. The LINE-X permanently bonds to the top-of-the-line tool box inside and out, providing a weathertight seal to protect against extreme heat, cold, moisture, abrasion and rust. The increased tensile strength rating makes the American X-Box resistant to scratches, gouges and punctures. The American X-Box enhances the look of any work truck with convenience and ease of
American X-Box, fortified with Kevlar Line-X coating.
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use, while providing protection and security like no other. A tool box and truck cover that really works! Please contact Truck Covers USA for further information on this fabulous new American Work Cover edition – the American X-Box. You can reach them at 888808-2872 or by visiting them on the web at www.truckcoversusa.com and filling out the contact information form.
Leading Kayak Redesigned for Performance THE TOP ANGLER KAYAK ON THE market is back for 2009 with a total redesign. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon has always been rigged for the ultimate fishing experience, and we’ve upped the ante with new outfitting, new deck features and new, refined hulls for increased performance. Now, the most versatile sit on top on the market can be further individualized, just as you like it. The real headliner for anglers is the improvement of the total experience made possible by a series of outfitting and deck innovations. The new SlideTrax accessory system and new Orbix hinged hatch covers ensure that the Tarpon can be rigged to suit. The redesigned 2009 Tarpon series also offers improved performance with enhanced bow lift for gliding through surf and significantly increased tankwell storage space. Raised floors offer an even drier and more comfortable ride in the seating area.
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The Tarpon Angler is available, with or without rudder, in three sizes: 120, 140 and 160. It is a rotomolded plastic kayak, also available in Ultralite (120 size only). Prices range from $1000-1425.00 for plastic and $1600-1825.00 for Ultralite. The Tarpon is also available without the Angler package. Visit: www.wildernesssystems.com for more information.
Drury Outdoors 20th Year DVDs FOR 20 YEARS, MARK AND TERRY DRURY HAVE been flagship innovators in the world of outdoor TV production, and the May 12th release of Whitetail Madness 12, Dream Season 12 and Volume 9 of the 100% Wild Fair Chase series, will serve as the ultimate celebration of the ground-breaking style and deer hunting tactics that have kept Drury Outdoors on top for two decades. All together, it’s over 7 hours of giant whitetail kills and encounters, with more inches of antler and more reasons to watch than ever before. Whitetail Madness 12 catalogs a year of big-buck fanaticism from shed Drury Outdoors 20th Anniverhunting in March sary DVD. to the blowing snow of the late muzzleloader season. Of the 18 kills by bow, gun and muzzleloader, 7 score over an astounding 160”. Dream Season 12 continues Team Drury’s redefinition of the American dream - sharing the hunt with family. Bonds are reinforced and plenty of huge bucks hit the turf in this year’s edition. Here’s Your Sign, Volume 9 in the 100% Wild Fair Chase series is a how-to on closing the deal using deer sign full of heartthumping big-deer waylays. “Twenty years ago, Terry and I set out to capture the heart and soul of our sport in a way that’s never been done. It started with a motto ‘Our Videos Are Different,’ and we’ve remained dedicated to on-screen inno-
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vation ever since. How can we make this more relevant to our audience? What do American deer hunters want to see? We’re positive our Platinum Anniversary whitetail titles are more than they could’ve asked for,” said Mark Drury. The three new 20th Year Platinum Edition DVDs hit shelves everywhere May 12th to commemorate Drury Outdoors’ platinum anniversary. If you’re a deer hunter, you’ll agree it was worth the two decades’ wait. For more information call 1-800-9909351 or go to www.druryoutdoors.com
New SunBuster Quick Draw Dude SUNBUSTER’S QUICK DRAW DUDE SET COMES with our exclusive Extreme Green and Purple ShotReader lenses. Packaged in a slender, easy to carry impact resistant clip on case, it comes with our oversized cleaning cloth and lanyard. The Extreme
Green is a dark lens that when it performs, thinks it is a light/clear lens. It selectively filters light so orange and red targets appear much brighter. Additionally, this lens provides minimal squint control for the shooter. The Purple ShotReader lens is terrific for all other light conditions. Specifically designed to tone down the color green, while enhancing other colors of the spectrum, amplifying orange and red targets and brown vegetation. It is the perfect choice for all types of clay target presentations including upland bird hunting. Working great against wooded backgrounds this lens will provide you with the necessary shooting advantage to see better and shoot better. Both lenses provide 100% protection from UVA/UVB rays, while exceeding ANSI optical standards. This is the perfect ensemble that every shooter needs. For more information call 631-391-9000 or visit www.sunbuster.info.
SunBuster Quick Draw Dude shooting eyewear.
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Cove Harbor Marina an Industry Leader O SAY THAT TEXANS LOVE BOATING WOULD be a tremendous understatement, considering that as of September 2008, nearly 594,000 registered boat owners spanned the Lone Star state. It is easy to see the widespread appeal, given that Texas offers more square miles of inland water than any other state, creating a virtually endless playground for families to enjoy year-round water sport activities. And when it comes to fishing, it doesn’t hurt that Texas lays claim to one of the world’s most thrilling and sought after destinations right here on the Gulf Coast. One outfit leading the way in delivering
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up of offerings and conveniences to its customers in a location that is second to none. Aransas Bay, Redfish Bay, and the Intracoastal Canal are immediately accessible, with some of the Gulf ’s top fishing hotspots less than 20 minutes away. Hendon, whose background includes more than 25 years in development and operations management for numerous real estate interests in southeast and Central Texas, credits the success of Cove Harbor to its ability to simplify the boating experience for customers. “Whether we’re taking care of a lifelong Gulf Coast fisherman or a family that heads out for fishing and water sports a few times per month, it is critical that we offer services to accommodate our clients’ unique needs and allow them to spend their time simply having fun,” said Hendon. Cove Harbor’s state-of-the-art facilities include both drystack storage and a new 163-slip floating marina, bringing the total combined capacity to over 600 boats. Drys-
Cove Harbor Marina
an unmatched, full-service boating experience to boat owners from across the state and beyond is Cove Harbor Marina and Drystack in Rockport. Led by Tim Hendon, principal of Austin-based real estate development company Legend Communities, Cove Harbor combines a healthy lineN18
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tack storage provides protection from rain, sun exposure, and storm damage while maintaining and prolonging the life of a boat. This service is offered for boats up to 34 feet, as well as wave runners and kayaks. Similar to valet service, customers simply call ahead and the Cove Harbor staff has &
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the boat ready and waiting. The floating marina, which features Brazilian Ipe wood on the decks and walkways, moves naturally with the tide to provide the greatest degree of peace of mind regardless of weather conditions. It includes 30- to 50-foot long wet slips capable of handling up to 70-foot boats, with full electrical setup, clean-out station, and a secure, lighted parking lot. Future plans call for the development of a restaurant and condominiums. Of equal appeal are the many high-end services that customers take advantage of through boat storage with Cove Harbor. The site is fully enclosed with 24-hour security, and the skilled staff go above and beyond with attention to detail, such as a key drop-box in the event of a late return, emergency towing, and salt water marine removal. Storm hauling, or storage during serious weather situations, is even made available to non-clients of the marina, as are boat rentals for those interested in fishing without the responsibilities of ownership. Other on-site amenities that help Cove Harbor stand apart include a ship’s store, convenience store, work racks, power wash station, fish cleaning station, inside locker storage, and clean bathrooms and showers. “We are continuously striving to achieve the highest level of service, and to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers, whether boating novices or everyday enthusiasts,” said Hendon, who, in addition to his work with Cove Harbor, also operates Legend Communities’ Sandy Creek Yacht Club in Volente, and the newly opened Rough Hollow Yacht Club & Marina in Lakeway. Cove Harbor is located at 121 North Cove Harbor Road in Rockport. Marina hours during the summer are from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter. Contact: Cove Harbor Marina, 361790-5438 www.CoveHarborMarina.com —Staff Report
PHOTO COURTESY COVE HARBOR MARINA
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retail store of their dreams. It all began on 14 February 1979 with a 2500-square-foot retail space on Telephone
Fishing Tackle Unlimited: 30 Years Serving Anglers ON VALENTINE’S DAY 2009, FISHING TACKLE Unlimited (FTU, formerly known as Cut Rate Tackle) celebrated 30 years in operation. It has been a rollercoaster ride, but the business is healthy and going strong. With two locations in the Houston area and the recent addition of an online store, FTU has the ability to service freshwater, inshore, offshore, kayak and fly-fishers from all over the world. As lifelong anglers, Joe and Danny Meyer know what anglers need and where to find it. FTU customers vary from weekend anglers to professional fishing guides. Over the years, they have provided high quality gear and excellent service to anglers from many walks of life. Many of their customers have been loyal shoppers since the beginning and come in just to share their latest fishing story. Although FTU has been around for 30 years, the Meyer brothers have been in the tackle business for more years than either would like to admit. Joe started as an enthusiastic young man looking for a part-time job to support his fishing habit when he walked into a tackle store with his dad at 13 years of age and landed his first job. After studying business at the University of Houston, he went to work at one of the first K-Mart stores in the Houston area. After opening Kmart store No. 13 here in Houston, his career was on the fast track he quickly promoted up to district manager. He spent several more years with Kmart, managing the sporting goods departments of Kmart stores in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Joe acknowledges that his time with K-Mart taught him a great deal about the retail business. Just like Joe, Danny started hanging out in a tackle store at an early age. He remembers building his first rod at the age of nine and fondly recalls spending all his free time with his dad at Heights Tackle House. PHOTOS COURTESY FISHING TACKLE UNLIMITED
Left: the original Cut Rate store on Telephone Road in Houston; Below: FTU’s huge new store at I-45 and South Beltway 8.
Once he was old enough, he started working at the tackle store and joined the Air Force after high school. After returning to Houston, his career path took a little different direction when he chose to go on the road as a tackle manufacturer sales representative. After several years on the road, he joined his brother in a tackle manufacturing business. It was not long before they agreed it was time to get out of the manufacturing business and open the
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Road in Houston. Then known as Cut Rate, the brothers were committed to being the No. 1 source for fishing tackle. There was nothing cut rate about the quality of tackle they carried. This commitment led to one expansion after another, including an additional location on I-10 at Campbell. In time, the two stores just did not seem to be big enough. This meant moving the store to an available space on I-45 South at the Fugua Exit.
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This 32,000-square-foot space was the ultimate location, on the freeway to Galveston. In 2002, Joe and Danny never dreamed they could possibly run out of space in this enormous location. With the addition of specialty lines like Tommy Bahama clothing, a complete fly shop within the store, and a kayak department, every inch of the store is now filled with everything any angler could ask for. The duo marks their success by how many life-long loyal customers they have. They see it as a testament to their determination to provide the best service and quality products available, while also maintaining a sales staff of experienced anglers to assist the customers in selecting the proper gear. Through the years, they have also established some long-time friends within the fishing tackle industry. These valued relationships and reputation have led to partnerships that directly benefit their customers. For example, Simms Fishing Products chose FTU as its first Saltwater Concept Store, giving FTU customers access to some of the best high-tech waders and fishing accessories on the market. When manufacturers want to know what products Gulf Coast anglers are looking for, Joe and Danny are among the first they call. Contact: Fishing Tackle Unlimited, 281481-6838, www.fishingtackleunlimited.com —Chester Moore
LaserLure Signs Boyd Duckett LASERLURE, INC. HAS SIGNED 2007 BASSMASTER Classic champion Boyd Duckett to a major sponsorship contract. LaserLure, a Shreveport, Louisiana, manufacturer of laser beam-infused lures, sought Duckett because of his popularity and reputation for seeking creative approaches to competitive fishing, according to Mike Lopez, LaserLure’s National Sales Manager. “We are delighted to welcome Boyd Duckett to our team. At LaserLure, we know that we’ve developed an innovative, N20
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exciting new product and we’re equally certain that we’ve formed a partnership with an angler that will bring the right kind of attention to our product,” Lopez said. Duckett, of Demopolis, Alabama, became one of the country’s best-known anglers in 2007. He not only won the Bassmaster Classic, he set a single-season BASS earnings record by winning $864,000. That year, he also won the BASS Legends “major” tournament and finished in the top 12 during five nationally televised events. Duckett also took the title in the made-for-television Ultimate Match Fishing competition on the Outdoor Channel. “I’m really proud to be part of the new LaserLure team, because the company has created a truly innovative product. LaserLure has taken a great idea and turned it into products that work,” Duckett said. “I think people that know me understand that I’m really careful to make sure I associate with high-quality, top-flight sponsors. And LaserLure is a terrific, growing company. It’s always my intention to work with folks that let me have a voice in how their products are advanced and marketed. LaserLure is giving me that opportunity, and I’m excited about this partnership.” LaserLure produces water-activated, computer-controlled lures that come in five body styles. Contact: LaserLure, 877-527-5873, www.laserlure.com —Staff Report
Blue Wave Boats’ New 1900 STL BLUE WAVE BOATS OF SEMINOLE, OKLAHOMA, IS proud to introduce the newest member of the Super Tunnel family, the 1900 STL. The 1900 STL brings the already popular shallow-water line a whole new level of class and style. This fully lined 100 percent composite boat has a modified hull for unsurpassed shallow-water performance. With its standard features that no other shallowwater boat has, it will blow you away. The &
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exceptional shallow-water handling provided by the superior rounded tunnel, slot transom, and modified hull are just some of the exclusive features to Blue Wave’s design that will set it apart after just a few minutes in the water. A full liner interior and 100 percent composite construction make the new 1900 STL the premium model in Blue Wave’s superior line of super-tunnel, center-console bay boats. The 1900 STL has a roomy interior with a non-skid, anti-glare finish and is packed with standard features that will more than meet the needs of any avid fisherman, while staying true to Blue Wave’s style of building family fishing boats. The storage is unbelievable, utilizing every possible inch of space in an organized, secure layout that keeps everything out of the way and available for easy access. With a large forward oval livewell and rear baitwell, plus multiple insulated forward fish/storage boxes, you won’t run out of room for all the fish that this outstanding shallow-water access boat will net you. With an only 8- to 10-inch draft and the superior handling provided with the 1900 STL hull and rounded tunnel, you will notice the difference from our competitors right away. Blue Wave specially designs anti-splash chines that direct the wake down and away from the boat, giving you the smooth, dry ride that our boats are known for. Blue Wave Boats has been in the business of building quality boats for over 35 years. Blue Wave Boats, owned and operated by the Parks family, is renowned for its handcrafted boats and famous for their dedicated customer service. Blue Wave Boats prides itself in building every center-console and dual-console boat in its lineup to customer specifications. Every boat produced in the new state-of-the-art Seminole factory has a hand-laid fiberglass hull with full foam flotation that is virtually unsinkable. All Blue Wave boats have a Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty so that families can enjoy their boat for generations to come. Contact: Blue Wave Boats, 405-3820349, www.bluewaveboats.com —Staff Report
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MirrOlure Soft Plastic Baits
PHOTO BY LENNY RUDOW
MIRROLURE MIGHT BRING HARD PLUGS AND swimbaits to mind, but that will soon be changing with its new line of soft plastic lures. The new series includes four different body styles in three sizes, and each has a surprise or two in store.
The Mullet style is 5 inches long and has a slender body with a single, slowly tapered tail. MirrOlure molds in a notch where the body thins out, which allows the tail to wiggle a little more vigorously than on some competing baits. The Minnow style is a split-tail plastic in a 4-inch version. The Shad is a paddle-tail style shad body 4 inches long. The Sardine is another paddle-tail, but an inch shorter with molded dorsal and caudal fins. When I tested these new softies, there were a few things I liked right out of the bag. All of these lures are packaged in zipperlock plastic bags that are significantly smaller than the competitor’s bags, which saves tacklebox space. It also eliminates the feeling you are getting ripped off when you open those over-sized bags for the first time and they seem half empty. The MirrOlure bags are crammed full, though, with eight lures in the 5-inch versions and 10 in the 3- and 4inch versions. PHOTO LOWER RIGHT COURTESY PROSPEC ELECTRONICS
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One minor beef with the packages: They are not notched and are tough to rip, so you will need a blade to get them open the first time. In the water, they perform just as you would expect, and I found that fish were more than willing to smash them. These baits are not scented, so you will need to generate a reaction strike and be quick on the hookset, or add your own scent of choice. The upside here is that the plastic is tough as nails, and a dozen strikes has little to no effect. These tails are not oily or goopy, so handling them does not make your fingers slick and smelly. Color patterns vary quite a bit, and it is a safe bet you will find your favorite among them. I was stoked to discover that my No. 1 favorite pattern, Pumpkinseed/chartreuse, was present and accounted for. Contact: L&S Bait Company, 727-5847691, www.mirrolure.com —Lenny Rudow
Infinity 6912M Marine Speakers IF YOU WANT A MARINE STEREO SYSTEM SO sweet you can rock the boat even when it is tied up to the dock, then you need to choose your components carefully. Many “marine” systems are merely automotive stereos with a different label on the box. Speakers are particularly sensitive to the marine environment, and many called “marine” will selfdestruct just a season or two after first splashed with saltwater or hit with a washdown hose. Make sure you get a pair designed and built for boats, not simply outdoor use. A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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One new model of speakers introduced for real-world outdoor marine use is the Infinity 6912M. After trying a pair, I can say without hesitation that these will do your ears right whether you are blasting Buffet or pumping out Pearl Jam. The 6912M is a 6x9-inch oval-shaped speaker that requires a 3-1/16-inch mounting depth. That means if you have to cut fresh holes, the speakers are shallow enough to fit in the inwales of most boats without a problem. I found plenty of space aft of the helm in my 22-foot Glacier Bay test boat. The downside to oval speakers is that they probably will not fit the cutouts already present from manufacturer-installed speakers. During installation, I appreciated the fact that Infinity included both stainless-steel mounting hardware and stick-on gaskets in the box. Once these 100-watt RMS/300watt peak-to-peak puppies were in place, I hitched up the wires, tuned in, and turned up the volume. Sound quality was excellent, thanks to the polypropylene woofer cone, rubber surround, 36 to 20,000 Hz frequency response, and 96 dB sensitivity. Naturally, I gave these speakers my patented blast with the washdown test, and they kept singing right through the soaking. Longevity is built in. Look to the integrated basket and grill assembly. Unlike many marine speakers built with a soft plastic that becomes brittle after aging in the sun, Infinity speaker construction is harder, UV-resistant plastic. They also have a chromed appearance, so they offer a bit more bling then your usual marine speakers. That means your boat will not just sound better, it will look better, too, whether you are jamming while jigging or just rocking out at the dock. Contact: Prospec Electronics, 843-8499037, www.prospecelectronics.com —LR &
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Shooting Sticks HE PROFESSIONAL BUFFALO HUNTERS OF the 1870s were renowned for their marksmanship. They used heavy, large-caliber rifles, which they shot from the most solid positions they could. Most of these hunters habitually carried and used “shootin’ sticks.” Shooting sticks are simply two sticks about 3 feet long, tied, lashed, or bolted together near one end, and padded with leather, rubber, or some other material to soften the contact between the gun and the sticks. For many years, the use of shooting sticks was almost a lost art.
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We were taught “position shooting.” We shot from prone, kneeling, or sitting, or found a solid object to use as a rest. Carrying around a set of sticks didn’t occur to most of us. I have killed literally hundreds of coyotes, foxes, and bobcats, and the vast majority of them were shot from a sitting position. Then a wise man reinvented the bipod, and for years, most rifles you saw had a Harris Bipod clipped to the front sling swivel. The problem with this was (and still is) that it made the gun heavier, poorly bal-
by Steve LaMascus anced, difficult to carry, and hard to shoot from any position except one that used the bipod. Realistically you had to either use the bipod or pass the shot. Then some other wise man, possibly contemplating old paintings showing buffalo hunters using their shooting sticks, tied a couple of sticks together with a piece of rubber cut from
an old inner tube. He could carry the sticks around, use them if he needed them, or drop them if he had to take a quick off-hand shot. Shortly after that, another brilliant person decided that if the sticks were made in short sections that had a male and female end, connected with bungee cord, they could be folded up and carried in a belt pouch. When needed, they were drawn from the pouch, N22
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flicked open, and the stretch cord would pull the male end into the female end and, presto, the shooter had a set of sticks (e.g. Stoney Point Steady Stix). I have been using shooting sticks for years. My accuracy is just about doubled as compared to shooting off my knees. Nowadays, there are sticks, such as the Bog Pod, that I have been testing for the last few months, which telescope so that they can be used from almost any position. I am a firm believer in the use of shooting sticks. They increase accuracy, aid in sure hitting, and give confidence to the shooter. I used to make my own. Just go the hardware store and buy two 3/4-inch dowel rods, a bolt small enough to fit through a hole in the sticks without weakening them too much, a nut for the bolt, and washers to fit on the screw between the sticks. Sit on the floor with your unloaded rifle, cross the sticks, find how long they need to be, mark and cut them to fit, leaving about 4 to 6 inches of rod above the point where they cross. Next, drill a hole the appropriate size in the sticks and put them together using the screw, nut, and washers. Last, find an old inner tube (a very small bicycle tube is best) and either place it over the tops or cut it in strips and wrap it around the sticks from the top down to the place where they cross. The rubber can be stapled, taped, or glued in place. All this construction takes about 10 minutes. After you have purchased your sticks, or built your own, go to the range and practice with them until you find the best positions from which to shoot. It will surprise you at how accurately you can shoot using these simple aids. Once again, we have learned something valuable from our ancestors.
PHOTO COURTESY STONEY POINT STEADY STIX
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The conservation work of groups like Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl is crucial along the Texas Coast. Without wintering habitat for species like this green-winged teal, a huge part of the migratory cycle is incomplete.
The Changing Prairie Part 2 HE PRAIRIE THAT YOU SEE TODAY TO THE west of Garwood is not the same as the prairie I remember as a young boy. Fields sit dormant, offering very little reason for those migratory waterfowl seeking a winter home at the end of a long journey to lock their wings and spiral down to rest and feed. The outlook for the future of waterfowl hunting on the prairies of my home would appear to be gloomy, but if hunters of any species share just one attribute, it is hope. Take heart, because hope is on the horizon. Over time and pushed by the need to diversify their operations, farmers have come to recognize hunting as viable source of income. They have learned that those that quiver at the sight of teal buzzing the decoys, pintails pitching in from high above, or the thunder of a roost as it awakens with the voices of 20,000 snow geese, will pay dearly to spend the morning with those of like mind in a cold, wet field. Farmers have adapted practices to take advantage of our addiction and bring in needed income. They pump water, plant forage, and alter their rotations to help attract and hold ducks and geese. The diversified farmer will be the salvation of the future of waterfowling on the prairies of the Texas Gulf Coast, and most certainly across this nation. These farming practices will
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continue, and waterfowl will be present on my home prairie as long as there are those willing to “pay to play.” This brings me to the point of this essay: The chance for a youngster to pursue the wild birds of the north and develop a passion for waterfowling is no longer present as it was for me. The urbanization of this nation has resulted in most kids being raised far from the rural life that I experienced, and the opportunities that it offered.
by Michael Lanier Those that remain here are often deprived of those same opportunities because hunting has become such an important part of the diversified farmer’s operation. Those birds are income, and our own kids are often deprived of the chance to go hunting because hunting rights have been leased, and the cost of gun, ammo, licenses, stamps, and all the paraphernalia that goes with it is often prohibitive. The future of waterfowling—not only on the Garwood prairie but also on the prairies and marshes A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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across this nation—are dependent on those that have developed an addiction to hunt these spectacular birds. We must take it upon ourselves to pass on the opportunity to hunt to a new generation. As the length of the days begin to grow shorter and the north winds begin to blow, it will stir the ducks and geese to follow their ancestral ritual of migration. The skies on the wintering grounds will continue to be filled with the sights and sounds of our winter visitors as long as there are those waiting to share the morning with them. Change is inevitable, as nothing stays the same, but would it not be unfortunate if one of the world’s greatest spectacles, the timely migration of millions of waterfowl, failed to occur because no one remained who’s inner being was moved by their airborne antics and high-pitched calling. I think so, and I hope I am not in the minority. If your passion is waterfowling, become a supporter of one or more of the waterfowl organizations such as Ducks Unlimited or Delta Waterfowl. These organizations and their lobbying efforts hold the key to nesting success on the breeding grounds. Most importantly, involve your kids or kids that you have contact with in our sport. Without them developing the same passion and addiction you and I share, our generation might very well be the last to experience waterfowling as it is today. Without new generations to pick up the torch, the backdrop in the paintings by renowned artists such as Terry Redlin, John Cowan, and a long list of others might be all that future artists have to produce on canvas, still beautiful but somehow lacking.
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Target Panic: A Bowhunter’s Nightmare OW SEASON IS APPROACHING QUICKLY, and although the familiar scent of fall has not fully arrived, we all know it is not too far behind. By now, we all should be practicing hard to ensure a season full of fun and success. One problem we might run into while flinging our arrows at our backyard target is a little thing known in the archery world as “target panic.” If you are one of the many who have experienced this, then you know how hard it is to fix this “not so small’ problem. I must admit I still occasionally experience this phenomenon. I have to tell you it is not fun to watch your arrow fly way off target. The sad thing is you absolutely know you had target panic the minute the arrow leaves the string. For those of you who have never had this problem, you should consider yourselves fortunate. What is “target panic?” It most commonly comes in two forms. One is the inability to hold your sights on a target and, consequently, releasing the arrow too quickly. It is normal to waiver around a little bit as you put your sights on the bull’s-eye. If you have ever played those computer-hunting games, you will see that they have even factored that normal moving of your bow hand in the video game. For some reason—and I will not pretend to know why—with practice, your brain will work with your release finger and you will learn to squeeze at the correct time. Another form of “target panic” is all too familiar to me (and I know that I am not alone). I could be shooting every day and being very consistent, grouping my arrows
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nicely, when unexpectedly comes this errant shot spoils the group. Where did that come from? The very first thing I do when this happens is look around to make sure no one was watching me. If I am unfortunate enough to be practicing with a friend when this occurs, I am forced to just suck it up and take the demeaning laughter in stride. After extensive research, I have discovered the reason for my particular form of target panic. Apparently, I take my eyes off the target for a split second to watch my arrow leave the bow. For that instant, I forget about my follow-through and that I should squeeze the trigger instead of punch it. Although you could never convince me of that at the time, the fact remains my arrow is nowhere near the target. There are many releases on the market that are geared to help overcome target panic. One idea was to use your middle finger instead of your first finger. The thought behind this was that your brain uses your first finger more frequently than your middle one. This in turn would bring an element of surprise in the actual release, which will end up with a more accurate shot. Thumb releases use the same concept. Some companies have also developed a “back tension” release. When you set your sights on your target, you imagine your shoulder blades trying to touch each other. As you put the tension in your back, the release will give way and, again, the element of surprise will help your arrow fly true. A very effective way to help correct target panic is to “re-train you brain.” Once &
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you know the correct shooting form, using the same anchor point and a good followthrough, you just need to execute this shot consistently over and over until it becomes second nature to you. The easiest way to achieve this is to return to the basics. Stand very close to your target (5 yards). After making sure that it is safe beyond your target area, close your eyes and draw your bow. Do this a few times without an arrow. Just concentrate on every move you make. It might be good to exaggerate it a little by going in slow motion. Remember, never actually release the bowstring while there is no arrow nocked. A “dry fire” could damage your bow. Now, try it again with an arrow. Continue to stay very close to your target and, with your eyes closed, feel your release. Concentrate with every move. You will not be able to make the mistake of following your arrow because your eyes will be closed. You will soon be amazed at how everything will just feel right. Of course, without sight, you will not be worrying about grouping your arrows. The whole point of this exercise is to “re-train your brain.” Do not try to rush things. Take your time and enjoy it. When the time is right to finally open your eyes, shoot from 20 yards and remind yourself to slow down, think, and remember follow-through. After a while, you should be shooting better and it will all be second nature to you. Although these words might help you curb this thing called “target panic,” I still believe that every once in a while you still might send an arrow off to Never Never Land. By working on it, however, the odds will be in your favor to help avoid this. I do hope Peter Pan returns some of my arrows soon. This is getting expensive.
E-mail Lou Marullo at lmarullo@fishgame.com.
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NILGAI—PALITO BLANCO
BUCK—VICTORIA COUNTY
AXIS—JUNCTION
Lewis Garcia of Corpus Christi, Texas, shot this 420-pound bull Nilgai while deer hunting on his family’s 50-acre ranch in Palito Blanco, Texas, in Jim Wells County. The ranch does not border King Ranch, as it is actually 6 miles away.
Santiago Torres, age 13, harvested this buck at River Creek Ranch in Victoria County. He shot the buck at 75 yards with a .308. It was 110 pounds field dressed. Torres is from New York City and was visiting Paul Mondolfi of Victoria, Texas.
Gary Volk of Round Rock, Texas, took this 6-point, 28-inch axis at his wife Cheryl’s parents’ Roe Ranch in Junction, Texas. After 2 years of watching this deer, he was in full velvet and tasted great.
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giving up the ability to cruise or enjoy other activities, then choosing the right craft is a whole lot tougher. The boat that is perfect for you is out there, but you must choose carefully.
Hooks in a Haystack
The Space Race
EMEMBER WHEN YOU SIGNED THE CHECK for that first new boat, giddy in the belief that it would be your perfect fishing machine? After a few trips, you discovered that as sweet as it was, your brand new boat had some down sides. Few of us ever find our ideal boat. We know a better boat is out there somewhere, but time and money prevent us ever finding it. Some people shop for years, then settle for a rig that is merely acceptable because it was a great deal, while others own a boat but never stop shopping for a new one. Even more often, people buy the boat they think is perfect, only to discover that it really is not right for them. If you want an angling machine without
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Open deck space is the No. 1 factor when it comes to increasing fishability on a boat. That is why center consoles with open aft and forward cockpits are so popular among serious anglers. Of course, many of us also want or need a cabin, or at least a large center console with a head inside. To judge how much deck space is enough, use this simple formula: To have plenty of casting room, you need about 25 square feet of deck per angler. That can include forward and aft space, and does not include people who are not actively fishing. The center console design maximizes space, which should not preclude the
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choice because some consider such craft hardcore fishing boats. In fact, the center console layout works well for many other water sports, like skiing, tubing, and diving. It is also more family-friendly than one might think. Most over 21 feet are headequipped, and the increased usable exterior space means room for more people onboard. Other designs maximize deck space and still provide good fishability. One of the most popular is the dual-console, which provides more protection for operator and crew with full windshields. Most also have heads in the console, usually on the passenger side. Since the forward cockpit is typically arranged for maximum seating, dual-consoles work well for bringing lots of guests or family members aboard. Unfortunately, thanks to all those seats, the forward deck usually has room for only one angler. Walkarounds will appeal to anglers who feel they really need a cabin. While the deep side decks might give the impression of 360-degree fishability, they are rarely wide enough to stand in, and best used only for transiting to and from the bow. Some walkaround boats have small bow areas that are comfortable to fish from, but they usually will not accommodate more than a single angler and he will have to navigate back to the cockpit to get bait, rigs, and other items. It is also nearly impossible to land a fish from the bow of a cabin boat because it is such a long reach to the water. The same is true of cuddy-cabin or express boats, except that they might (or might not) have more difficult bow access. This design typically has more interior cabin space because the side decks are not recessed. One advantage is that you get cabin rod racks, often enough to stow two or three rods per side. Hull design also has an impact on a boat’s fishability. As is true with all types of boats, deeper Vs tend to ride more
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smoothly, but rock more at rest or at slow speeds in a beam sea. If you troll a lot, remember you will also be rocking and rolling when fishing. Shallow water anglers must consider draft. Usually, the deeper V a boat has, the more water it needs to float. That is why “offshore” style center consoles cannot creep into the same backwater shoals as bay-style center consoles.
Haves & Have-Nots No matter what type of boat you are considering, if you plan to fish, there are a few must-haves and must-have-nots to bear in mind. There is no question you will need to have rodholders in the boat; if you plan to troll, these will have to be angled aft, with forward holders angled off to the sides. Many boats can be retrofitted with holders, but not all. When considering a boat, take note of gunwale width for surface mounting. If it is not sufficient to allow surfacemounted holders, side-mounts could be an option; you will also want to check out gunwale construction material. Gunwales constructed of foam or balsa coring with a thin fiberglass skin might not provide a sufficient bite for screws to hold on side-mount rodholders. A livewell is another must-have. Many
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boats are built with integrated wells these days, but they are not all equal. Look for one that is rounded inside and seals tightly. Those with integrated drains are better than those with standpipes, which can shake loose and allow the well to drain by accident. Stay away from pump-share arrangements. Many inexpensive builders save a buck by plumbing the livewell and raw-water washdown to a single pump with a valve to change its purpose, but these rigs often have sub-par water pressure and the pump, forced to do double-duty, tends to fail regularly. Speaking of washdowns, these are another absolute must for a fish boat. Blood, scales, and chum make one heck of a mess and can even cause unsafe conditions on-deck; the best non-skid becomes slick when covered in fish goo. Even if it has a dedicated pump that looks hefty, make sure you try out the washdown when sea-trialing a new boat. What you do not want if you plan to fish is carpeting. Nothing ruins carpet more quickly than scales and fish blood, and no matter how hard you might try to keep it clean, by the second or third trip, your entire boat will smell like a chum bucket. Hooks have a way of burying themselves in carpet. Stick with fiberglass decking. The second no-no for a fishing boat is a radar arch or a wakeboard towing arch that goes over the center of the cockpit. Try to
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fish from a boat with one of these overhead encumbrances, and the first time you cast you will sheer off the top half of your fishing rod. That can be painful—almost as painful as thinking you have bought the perfect boat until you try to go fishing in it and discover otherwise.
E-mail Lenny Rudow at boating@fishgame.com
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U.S. Reel SuperCaster 240X Spinning Reel ACKLE MANUFACTURERS ARE RARELY satisfied with their products, and constantly tinker with them to catch more fish—and anglers. Think back at some of the relatively recent developments in the fishing tackle industry: red hooks, soft plastic baits that look alarmingly real, and handpoured boutique baits. Having grown a bit jaded from the menagerie of tackle crossing my desk claiming to be revolutionary, I was skeptical of any reel asserting to dramatically increase casting distance. The claims were simple: The SuperCaster 240X from U.S. Reel made longer casts and provided the angler more control. We would see. A firm believer in being equally talented with level-wind, fly, and spinning gear, I have no built-in bias against spinning tackle. Spinning tackle is superior to bait-casting reels in certain situations, so a reel claiming to provide “Ferrari-like” performance would not be lost on a spinning neophyte. I spooled the 240X with Berkley 12-pound Big Game mono and headed to the lake. All of the spinning reels in my tackle closet feature a “long nose” and narrow spools. The 240X spool is pug-nosed and relatively wide in diameter. It turns out this design offers several advantages. Having been the fly-fishing editor for this publication for many years, I am very familiar with line memory. Coil fishing line tightly on a spool and leave it for an
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extended period, and the line will take on “memory” in much the same way women’s hair remains curly when they take out the hair curlers. Large arbor fly reels are now the norm, as they minimize memory in a fly line. The SuperCaster 240X offers the same advantage, allowing line to be stored in larger coils, which reduces memory. The spool’s wide diameter also helps minimize line twist. Note that is minimize, not eliminate. Due to the physics involved, there is no way to add line to a spinning reel without inducing some amount of twist. Min-
by Greg Berlocher imizing the amount of twist is a big help. U.S. Reel does a good job of spelling this out in their product literature. Level wind aficionados boast of educated thumbs, which they use to slow revolving spools and controlling payloads. Spinning reels can be controlled in the same manner by cupping your hand around the spool to slow or stop the flow of line. The only problem with this approach is that you must hold your rod in one hand and use your free hand to feather the line, thereby
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leaving the rod handle unattended. See the problem? In addition to featuring a wide diameter, the spool’s face is pug nosed, extending a mere fraction of an inch beyond the bail. This is where the added control comes from. Rather than using your free hand to feather &
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line coming off the reel during a cast, all the angler has to do is extend the index finger of their casting hand to the spool lip to brake or stop the line. In the future, spinning aficionados will be said to have “educated index fingers” instead of thumbs. Being able to cast and feather your line with the same hand allows you to maintain contact with the reel handle. Having spent the last 40 years feathering line with my free hand, I must admit it took me a while to break old habits. Given a little practice, I was able to feather the line as shown in the instruction sheet. The picture was, indeed, worth a thousand words. Sine the reel features a large diameter spool, the drag washers behind it have more surface area. This is a superior design to stacking a number of smaller washers to achieve the same surface area. Larger drag washers dissipate heat better than smaller ones. Although the two bass I caught on the reel gave a good account of themselves, they never tested the drag like a stoked up redfish charging across a grass flat. Nonetheless, the drag design is very sound. I found casting distance with some lures increased, while with others there was no improvement. I could make longer casts with leadhead jigs and hard-bodied plugs, which is a definite plus on the coast. However, the reel could not overcome the wind resistance of big buzzbaits or spinnerbaits, and casting distance was not improved. If extra yardage on every cast would be a benefit, check out the U.S. Reel SuperCaster line of reels. The 230X and 240X are designed for braid and 6- to 14-pound mono. The 180X is designed for lighter line in the 4- to 8-pound range. Overall, I give the U. S. Reel SuperCaster extremely high marks. It is a welldesigned and built reel, and at $84.99, an extremely good value.
Email Greg Berlocher at fishthis@fishgame.com
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The .357 Magnum on Game TRULY HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY DEER I HAVE killed with a handgun. As a scientific wild guess, I would say around 20, but do not hold me to that. Several of those were deer previously wounded, caught in fences, hit by cars, wounded by other hunters, and otherwise in need of euthanasia. I have also taken javelina, feral hogs, coyotes, and numerous small game animals with a handgun. Many of those animals were killed with a standard 4-inch Smith & Wesson Model 686 .357 Magnum, the gun I carried on duty with the Border Patrol before we transitioned to semi-autos, and before it could cost you your job for shooting a coyote or jackrabbit while on duty. Another favorite was an old 6-inch Model 28 Highway Patrolman that I let a young friend in need of a handgun talk me into giving away. I am still looking for a replacement, by the way. This past deer season, I was invited to help reduce the deer herd on the place next to mine. The shooting would be easy and close range, so I decided to use a handgun. While pondering which gun to use, it dawned on me that I have almost never intentionally chosen a .357 to hunt deer. When I used the .357, it was usually because it was what happened to be in my holster at the moment. I therefore decided that my old but pristine Model 27 needed a bit of a workout. I rummaged through my loaded ammo and came up with a couple of boxes of hand-
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loads of 160-grain Thompson gas check bullets (Lyman mold #358156) that I cast from wheel weights and loaded over 15grains of 2400. This is a stout load, but the Model 27 is a stout gun. I have shot many of these loads in it over the years, and it is still tight as a bank vault. Muzzle velocity of this load in my 6-inch M27 is about 1350 feet per second; plenty for the doe or spike buck that I was to kill. A few rounds on the range showed the old gun was still sighted for the load. I was ready. Predawn found me sitting with my friend, Joe Robinette, in a pop-up blind near a stock tank. In front of me glittered the ubiquitous golden kernels of corn that would draw the deer close. In fact, a half-hour before shooting light, there were already several deer chewing noisily on the crunchy morsels. One of them, a young doe, stood patiently 50 yards away as Joe noisily poured the corn out of a mangled tin bucket. As soon as Joe ducked into the blind with me, the little deer strolled over and unceremoniously began breakfast. I was envious. I had missed breakfast this morning in my lazy desire to get a few more minutes sleep. Luckily, the coffee maker was set to brew, so I did manage a cup of hot, strong brew. By the time it was light enough to see my sights, about 20 deer were in front of us. It was mostly does, but a few smaller bucks were mixed in. One was a nice 8-point buck, but I was looking for a long spike, and I soon found it. The buck was probably 11/2 years old, with spikes about 6 inches long. It was my meat, if it ever got into a position where I could shoot it without endangering any of the other deer. With all the jostling for position, the deer were constantly moving, like a crowd of women at a Wal-Mart closeout sale. Finally, the spike was in the clear. I cocked the big .357, rested it on my Bog Pod shooting sticks, set the sights on the shoulder of the deer, and gently squeezed the trigger. A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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At the report, pandemonium reigned. Deer jumped, bucked, ducked, spun, clashed, and ran everywhere. Dust hung like fog in the still air, making it difficult to keep track of my deer. We thought it ran to the right, disappearing into the brush near the stock tank, but with deer zooming around like a frightened covey of quail, we were not certain. We waited 15 minutes for it to get a bit lighter and for the deer to bleed out. I was sure of the shot, but it never pays to rush things unless you actually see the deer fall. If a hunter pushes a wounded deer too quickly, it will run on adrenalin until it dies and the hunter might not find it. If he waits a few minutes, the deer usually will not go far, and will lie down and expire quickly and quietly. We need not have worried. I walked to where I thought the deer went and found it stretched out on the trail to the tank, deader than nickel root beer. It had not gone more than 40 yards. If the brush had been a bit thinner, we would have seen the buck fall. The bullet hit exactly where I wanted, but had apparently glanced off a rib and come out farther back than I expected. I have seen this happen several times with the .357 or .38 Special, and once with a .45 ACP. The bullets tend to turn at odd angles when striking bone. The fact that a stubby pistol bullet is not as stable as a longer rifle bullet and deflects to a greater degree is something the handgun hunter should consider when shooting at game. It is also one of the reasons I choose heavier bullets when hunting with a handgun than I do when selfdefense is the issue. In this case, the 160grain semi-wadcutter penetrated about 16 inches of deer. I would say that is more than enough penetration for most situations. Well, there you have it. Even in this modern era of the mega-magnums, the .357 Magnum will still kill a deer. Although it was birthed in 1935, it is still one of the top handgun cartridges in the world. It has done well for me over the years in a wide range of
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HAVE NOT CAUGHT A TON OF STRIPERS IN MY life, mostly because I was raised fishing farm ponds and now live next to lakes where striped bass are not stocked. However, the few that I have been lucky enough to hook have given me a great appreciation for the strength of these line-sided brutes. I still have a reel somewhere that has gears broken from a battle it lost with a
because you find a school of fish feeding on a certain point today does not mean they will be there tomorrow. An angler who sits waiting for stripers to come to them might be waiting for a long time. Therefore, instead of sitting still and waiting for them, smart striper anglers get on the move as well and learn how to troll in likely spots (humps, points, deep-water timber) where stripers will be chasing bait. One of the most popular methods of trolling for stripers is to use an umbrella rig. An umbrella rig looks like the frame of an umbrella, minus the cloth, with legs sticking out in all directions. On each leg of the umbrella you attach a jig, tube, swimbait— anything you think will catch a striper, leaving one of them
doubledigit striper. One of the more successful fish stocked by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, these saltwater transplants (and their white bass hybrid) are eager to bite when located, but locating them is the tricky part. Unlike largemouth bass (which technically is not a bass at all, but a sunfish), striped bass do not sit under a log or in a blowdown waiting for some unsuspecting baitfish to happen by. While they do relate to structure to a degree, stripers are a more aggressive fish that school up and go hunting for dinner, which puts them on the move. Stripers might stay in the same general area, but just
hanging farther back than the rest. The thought process behind this is to trick the stripers into thinking they are chasing a school of baitfish, prompting them to attack the weak straggler at the back of the group. It is a great system that works remarkably well, but if you are just a part-time striper angler and do not want to invest a lot of money in umbrella rigs, you are not out of luck. You can still make a poor-man’s teaser rig, which is just a slight variation to a standard trolling rig, with the items already in your tackle bag. Look in the pile of gear littering the bot-
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tom of your boat and pull out the following: two large white tube baits, an egg sinker between 1 and 3 ounces, a couple glass beads (optional but recommended), a swimbait, and two small split shot. Start by running your main line through the nose and out the back end of one of the tubes. Slide the egg sinker on the main line and push it up into the tube bait. Follow this with the glass beads on the main line before tying it to the barrel swivel. On the other side of the swivel, tie on a leader 3-6 feet long; fluorocarbon is preferable, but monofilament works. Run this leader through the nose and out the back end of the other tube bait. At the end of the leader, tie on your swimbait or, if you prefer to fish live bait, tie on a bait hook so you can troll minnows, shad, or cut bait. The last step is to crimp a split shot on the leader about a foot from the barrel swivel, slide the tube bait up to it, then crimp the other split shot behind the tube so that it will not slide up to the swivel or back to the bait while trolling. The two tube baits used in unison with the swim bait attract more stripers than the swim bait would by itself. Now it is just a matter of locating an area holding fish and hanging on. E-mail Paul Bradshaw at freshrigs@fishgame.com
TEXAS GUNS & GEAR Continued from Page N29 situations, usually resulting in one-shot kills. Of the several coyotes I have shot and seen shot with the .357 Magnum, I do not remember a single one not killed instantly. Most of the time, when I have a choice I prefer the larger calibers, primarily because they allow a larger margin for error, but the old .357 performs brilliantly N30
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when the shooter does his part. My conclusion is that a .500 or .460 Smith & Wesson, or .454 Casull is not needed for shooting deer. A .357 will get the job done, and a .41, .44, or the old .45 Colt with proper handloads is plenty of gun for any white-tailed deer that ever lived. If you want a cannon and you can shoot it well (most mere humans cannot), go for it, but do not let anyone persuade you that the &
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standard “magnum” calibers are insufficient. Plus, the .357 is much easier to shoot well than the big boomers, and it is still where you shoot them that counts.
E-mail Steve LaMascus at guns@fishgame.com
ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL BRADSHAW
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Crow Wing Pro Angler Kayak TERN INDUSTRIES, A COMPANY WIDELY known for their personal flotation devices, has introduced a new sit-ontop kayak at an extremely attractive price, helping to foster more affordable kayaking. The company’s new Crow Wing
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Pro Angler features an advanced hull aimed squarely at the fishing market. Bill Bragman, owner of Yak-Gear is the distributor for Texas and the four surrounding states. Most folks who spend time on the water are familiar with the Stern Industries brand. Its life jackets are popular with recreational boaters and anglers alike, but you might not know the company has a division called Crow Wing Kayaks. The plastic vessels resemble miniature versions of high-sided aluminum boats seen plying the Great Lakes. The new Crow Wing Pro Angler is a traditional sit-on-top kayak. The Crow Wing Pro Angler is 12 feet in length and measures 30 inches across at its widest point. Since they suffer less wigglewaggle than short kayaks, longer boats are
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much more efficient in the water. As such, longer hulls are better choices for anglers, as we often paddle several miles. The Crow Wing Pro Angler features a Swede form hull. Hulls with their widest point exactly amidships are known as sym-
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metrical hulls. Some kayak hulls are wider nearer the front, which are referred to as fish form. If the widest spot is aft of amidships, they are known as Swede form, a tip of the hat to the racing kayak the Swedish Olympic team unveiled at the Olympic Games close to 100 years ago. The widest part of the hull is directly underneath the paddler’s hips and torso. Rather than keep the hull width uniform throughout the length of the boat, the hull tapers nicely at the bow and stern, making it more efficient in the water. Stability is not a huge factor if you never venture into water over a foot deep. If you fish in lakes, deep bays, or beyond the breakers, stability rates much higher on the priority list. I like the interior layout of the Pro Angler. One notable feature, or lack thereof, is the center console. There is not one. If you have big feet or your wading booties make them look bigger, the leg wells in some brands of kayaks are cramped. With your legs in place, there is precious little room for anything else. The Pro Angler’s open cockpit design allows you store things between your knees. Serious photographers will love this boat as you can nestle multiple cameras equipped with telephoto lenses within easy reach. A removable, waterproof center console is in the works for those who want added storage capacity. On either side of the cockpit, a small channel is molded into the hull providing a resting place for your paddle. Yak-Gear paddle keepers are installed on the sides, allowing you to secure the paddle if you plan to leave it alone for an extended period. Kayakers love to tinker, and tricking out a boat is definitely one of the fun aspects of kayaking. The Crow Wing Pro Angler can be purchased as a bare hull, providing the do-it-yourself angler the ultimate in customization projects. You can decide what type and brand of hardware goes on your kayak, and exactly where it is mounted. Fresh from the factory, the hull tips the scales at 58 pounds and comes in a variety of colors. The carrying capacity is a generous 300 pounds; equipped with Yak-Gear outriggers, the capacity increases to 500 pounds. The tank well features a molded-in recess for a milk crate or 5-gallon bucket. Unless you buy a bare hull, the Pro Angler comes equipped with two flush-mount rod holders.
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At press time, Bragman had just received his first shipment of Pro Angler hulls and has dealers lined up in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and the Hill Country. The manufacturers suggested retail price for the Crow Wing Pro Angler is in the $600 price range. Considering that most comparable fishing kayaks gear retail in the $800-1000 range, the Crow Wing Pro Angler represents a dramatic shift in affordability. Most leisure markets are highly elastic and kayaking is no different. When prices
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come down, sales volume goes up. The retailer will likely make less profit per hull, but lower prices attract customers who are new to kayaking, and experienced paddlers looking for a second boat. With every new hull they sell, the retailer gets to sell another paddle, backrest, accessories, and a PFD. As I recall, Stern Industries is in that business, too. Email Greg Berlocher at kayak@fishgame.com.
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Friendly Ghosts HE CONVERSATION LULLED AND MY TWO guests and I jerked in surprise when a young woman’s voice called from farther inside the house. “Dad!” I looked at my two friends, “Did you hear that?” I asked. They both nodded and the older gentleman said, “It sounded like a girl’s voice.” “Yeah, that’s my daughter Sam. She must have come in my back bedroom door.” It seemed odd. We were seated in the dining room waiting for a spring storm to let up. Sam might be a college journalism student, but I figured she had better sense than to walk around the house in a downpour to come in the backdoor. In a sudden move, the chair was empty and my steps were quick. The circuit took only seconds. My eyes snapped, searching. Something was strange and the hair stood up on my neck. “Sam? Sam?” Her bedroom door was closed—from the out-
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side. The hallway was vacant and I ignored the felt presence in my bedroom. It slipped away completely in the master bath. Sam wasn’t there. For a long moment, all was silent. Thoughts rippled through my mind, flowing like water, flowing like passing time. This is not that unusual, but it would be nice if it didn’t happen when there was company in the house. “Well, guys, we must have been hearing things. C’mon, the rain is quitting. Let’s go outside and get something done before it starts again.” Mother Earth was here longer than mankind’s intellect can fathom. Some folks say there are no original thoughts. So, many humans let someone else do the heavy thinking. They won’t take the time to hear the stories a child tells. They miss the coon tracks that appear in the sand at a new housing development. Bills, iPods, fashion statements, a preferred lifestyle of noise and personal clutter keep them from seeing the sky, or when seasons transform colors. They march to the daily thumping, droning, ear-bursting beat of society’s pulse. It drives them from birth, through school, into mortgage, through life, and to death until the pulsing beat stops—and there is no more than cold dirt waiting. And yet, there are those who sit quietly and listen and watch and understand.
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They see when the seasons change. They know when a neighbor is in need, and when a friend wants to be alone. They
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Some folks say there are no original thoughts. So, many humans let someone else do the heavy thinking.
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comprehend the simple reasoning in a pioneer heart. And when they strain inward for sight, and hold themselves still, those that were here before might whisper into their mind. Hermann Brune had a problem. His new bride didn’t like living so far out in the brush. This neck of the woods was where his dad, Ludwig, had settled when he came from Germany; but now, Mary Laas Brune decided the homestead was too far from civilization. She told Hermann that if they were going to stay married they must move closer to town. If assumptions are correct, the female species had Hermann in a predicament. Fortu-
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nately, brother Florence Brune had a solution. He owned land in Shaw’s Bend and offered a trade. In 1888, Hermann built their home atop a gravel hill, beneath giant spreading live oaks, overlooking Yaupon Creek. An open field stretched from those creek banks to Rocky Creek. This ground had deep sandy loam for cotton and corn. Across that drainage was another field that was part blackland and part sand that ended on the banks of the Colorado River. It was on this hill in Shaw’s Bend that Hermann and Mary made a life together. They had six children. Deborah was the oldest, then came Lina, Emma, Frieda, Herman, and Ernest. For a while, everything was good. However, Mary died a year after birthing Ernest. With a farm to run, Hermann couldn’t see how to care for the infant and other small children. But out in the Pineywoods lived an old maid, and Hermann approached her to be his housekeeper. Her name was Ernestine Kansteiner and she rebuffed the belabored farmer. She pronounced it immoral for a woman to live in a man’s house unless they were married. If assumptions are correct, the female species again had Hermann in a predicament. So, 10 weeks after Mary’s death, Hermann married Ernestine. Like any family story, the hilltop witnessed good times and bad, but for the most part, it was good. The girls married and produced thriving families of their own. Ernest died from pneumonia while home on leave from WWI, and Herman married Laura Kuhn and stayed on the farm. Then in 1924, Herman took down the original house and built the one that stands today. He adorned the hallway with mounted deer heads and coonhounds were tied beneath the giant oaks. In the southeast bedroom, Thurman E. Brune was born. However, this room would be hard to recognize these days because now it belongs to his granddaughter, Sam. The present Herman W. Brune took up residence in 1983. Then in 1985, a bachelor buddy, Lance Muegge, visited and slept a few months in the spare bedroom. He was the first of a few guests to mention something I’d already noticed. “Hey, did you know you have ghosts?” “They ain’t ghosts. I don’t believe in ghosts, or hoodoos, or black panthers. This hill has been home to lots of folks.
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It’s natural not to feel alone or to feel a friendly spirit nearby.” “Yeah, that’s sort of what I felt. But I thought I heard them murmur.” “Well, you were half asleep and thought you heard something.” Lance nodded. Through the years, a few other people mentioned similar occurrences and the matter was always explained as kindly spirits. When the present company left, I picked up the phone and dialed.
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“Hello, Sam, are you okay?” “Yes, Daddy.” “Alright, I was just checking!”
E-mail Herman W. Brune at wilderness@fishgame.com.
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TEXAS SALTWATER
Aerich Oli ve Texas Sla r m (flound er, trout, Fishing w redfish) it Capt. Cha h his papaw, rl Newton o es f Redfish C harters
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ADVERTISERS, SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS TODAY!
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For Classified Rates and Information call Dennise at 1-800-750-4678, ext. 5579. PALACIOS
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PROPERTY FOR SALE
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Beverly Newton ots Redfish with 16 sp y, Fishing with hubb of on wt Ne es arl Ch Capt. Redfish Charters
Dennis Miller apper 13-pound State Sn ors tdo Ou nd Be al ast Co
L-R Fred Pyse, Justi n Gilbreath, Joe Su llivan Hybrid Striper Striper Express Gu ide Service
TEXAS FRESHWATER
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OUTDOOR SHOPPER
BAFFIN BAY
For Classified Rates and Information call Dennise at 1-800-750-4678, ext. 5579. EAST TEXAS
SPOTLIGHT: NON-TYPICAL OUTFITTERS FAYETTE COUNTY
ADVERTISERS, SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS TODAY!
VACATION RENTAL
Non-Typical Outfitters, located in Palacios, Texas, is a year-round guide service that offers some of the best fishing and duck hunting found anywhere on the Gulf Coast. Specializing in flounder gigging, Captain Josh Arscott offers adventures on a new custom flounder boat, or more traditional walking trips. With the new TPWD regulations cutting flounder limits to five fish per angler, this is the last summer to enjoy the tenfish limit before the new rule goes into effect on September 1. Flounder gigging is also a great way to beat the heat, as all flounder trips are run after dark. Shallow water bay fishing is also available for speckled trout and redfish. Fly and wade are the preferred method for Captain Josh, who will take you to the skinniest water in Matagorda Bay on a Waterline flats boat. Great open water duck hunting is available during the winter months. With an amazing variety of species coming to the decoys, it is a waterfowler’s dream! Call Captain Josh at 432-386-0240 or visit www.nontypicaltexas.com for more information on how to plan your next Gulf Coast adventure. —Non-Typical Outfitters A L M A N A C / T E X A S
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Seafood Rellenos (Served over Cilantro Rice) HIS IS A GREAT WAY TO ENJOY A TRADITIONAL favorite without the hassle and calories and frying. I hope you enjoy it.
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- 4 poblano peppers; rinsed, roasted, sweated, and peeled. Cut a slit down one side and remove seeds; set aside. - 24 med to large shrimp; peeled, deveined, and grilled on a skewer (no spice or liquids, just dry). Grill 4-5 minutes or until opaque. Remove from grill and from skewer, chop into bite size pieces; set aside.
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1 large onion (1015 if available), chopped 1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 3 stalks celery, rinsed and chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 6 Roma tomatoes-rinsed and chopped 1 Tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped 1 14-oz can chicken broth 1 tsp limejuice 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp white pepper 2 Tbs Texas Gourmet Sweet Chipotle Season All 5 cups cooked cilantro rice 1 Tbs ground cumin 4 cups freshly grated Monterrey jack cheese fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish 1 jar your favorite red salsa
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, jalapeno, celery, garlic, white pepper, Sweet Chipotle Season All, and cumin. Heat until all are soft. Add tomatoes and lime juice. Cook until liquid has reduced, then add the chicken broth and cilantro. Reduce to medium heat, add 1 cup rice, then add 2 cups of Monterrey jack cheese. Stir until combined. Remove from heat. With Individual baking dishes: Place 1 cup of cooked cilantro rice in bottom of dish. Lay a roasted and seeded poblano pepper on the rice and open up the pepper. Stuff with shrimp mixture until full. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup Monterrey jack cheese. Cover with foil. Place baking dish(es) in preheated 350degree oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 1020 minutes uncovered. Repeat for all peppers.
PHOTO BY BRYAN SLAVEN
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Remove from oven and spoon on 2-3 Tbs of your favorite red salsa; garnish with a couple cilantro leaves.
Cilantro Rice This is a great side dish that can accompany fajitas, seafood, grilled meats, and, of course, enchiladas. 1 Tbs chicken base (better than bouillon) 1 tsp minced garlic 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 cup chicken stock 1 Tbs vegetable oil 1 medium onion, diced fine 1-1/2 cups long grain white rice 1-1/2 cups Roma tomatoes, diced fine 1/2 jar Texas Gourmet’s Fire Roasted Salsa, or 8-oz red salsa 1 Tbs salt Place the chicken base, garlic, cilantro, and chicken stock in a blender and puree. Transfer to a saucepan and bring to a boil. In a separate large skillet, add the vegetable
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oil and onion, brown lightly. Add the rice and stir until rice is heated through and coated with oil. Add the stock and cilantro mixture and cook on low heat, covered, for 18 minutes. Add the salsa, Roma tomatoes, and salt. Continue cooking until the liquids are absorbed and the rice is done.
Borracho Beans This is a great side or supper dish, and can be mashed into refried beans as well. With the addition of the beer, the beans do not keep well and must be refrigerated after cooking, if not kept on a hot stove or fire. Serves 12 to 14.
1 tsp freshly ground pepper salt to taste 1 can beer Brown the bacon and drain off half the fat then add the onion. Cook 3-4 minutes then add the remainder of the ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce to a light boil, then cover and cook for 2-3 hours or until beans are tender and have made a soup-like consistency.
Contact Bryan Slaven, "The Texas Gourmet," at 888-234-7883, www.thetexasgourmet.com; or by email at texas-tasted@fishgame.com.
4 cups uncooked beans (preferably pinto beans) 4 qt water 1 lb bacon or salt pork, chopped 1 onion, peeled and chopped 2 serrano chilies, chopped 1 cup cilantro, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 2 tsp ground cumin
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CRAPPIE—SAM RAYBURN
CRAPPIE—LAKE WACO
LARGEMOUTH BASS—LAKE AUSTIN
Colton Cater, age 4, caught his first fish, this crap- Kennidy Hargrove proudly shows off the “white Patrick Macaluso proudly shows off this largeperch” that won her a third-place spot in that mouth bass that he caught while fishing off of his pie, while fishing at Lake Waco. division of the Sealy/McDonald’s tournament on grandmother’s dock on Lake Austin. Sam Rayburn on the third day of fishing.
HALIBUT—COOK INLET, ALASKA
DRUM—TEXAS
L-R Tony Cummings of Grand Prairie, Texas, congratulates Philip Schoeneck of Dallas, on their halibut catch in Cook Inlet, just offshore of Ninilchik, Alaska. The largest halibut was 86 pounds, followed by a 56-pounder.
James Littleton of Lytle, Texas, caught the largest fish of his life, a 39-inch drum, while wearing his lucky hat.
SHEEPSHEAD—DICKINSON
HYBRID STRIPER—LAKE BELTON
Rayfield Conley, III of League City, Texas, caught this 10-pound, 2-ounce sheepshead near Moses Lake in Dickinson, Texas. He later released it to give a younger fisherman the chance for a battle.
Ryan Ego, son of Alan Pomykal, recently caught this Mike Ray shot this javelina while hunting on the Rio 16-inch, 1-1/2-pound hybrid on Lake Belton. It was Grande in Terrell County, Texas. close to midnight and he was getting bored when he felt the striper bite on his minnow.
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JAVELINA—TERRELL COUNTY
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Trophy Quest
Catfish Success Despite Illness & Ill Winds CCORDING TO CURLY OF THREE STOOGES fame, “If at first you don’t succeed, keep on suckin’ ‘til you do suck seed.”
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It was the third try for Trophy Quest winner Don Krysinski, his guest Doug Stegall, and guide Weldon Kirk to take trophy blue catfish on Gibbons Creek Lake. On the first try, Krysinski came down with the flu bug days before the trip. On the second try, high winds forced cancellation of the trip. High winds again threatened cancellation on the third try, but everyone had made up their minds they were going to fish this time. After all, the catfish bite whether or not the wind blows.
by Tom Behrens Gibbons Creek Reservoir, a coal-fired power plant reservoir close to College Station, has a reputation for its largemouth bass and catfish. Although Krysinski and Stegall did not net any double-digit cats, they did bring aboard 27 fish. The biggest fish, caught by Krysinski was 5 pounds.
HOW YOU CAN WIN! TEXAS FISH & GAME HAS GIVEN AWAY OVER 200 TROPHY QUEST TRIPS. TROPHY QUEST is free guided hunting or fishing trips within the state of PHOTO BY DON KRYSINSKI
Don Krysinski did not let high winds stop him from catching catfish on Gibbons Creek Reservoir. For Krysinski, who said he has fished for saltwater fish species along the coast and freshwater crappie, he never has tried his luck at catfishing. “I enjoyed it and thought it was quite interesting in the way Weldon went about it,” said Krysinski. They started the day soaking sponge hooks baited with stinkbait and catching a couple of fish. While the duo was bringing some channel cats into the boat, Kirk was busy setting up rods with slip corks. Kirk told them to reel in their hooks and they were going to fish under the birds. “We fished two or three different ways,” Kirk said. “I taught them some ways they had never fished before, especially under the birds using a slip cork and shad.” Fishing for cats under the birds was something new for Krysinski, especially since the birds were “big black birds” (cormorants) roosting in trees.
Texas. The package includes a guided trip for two people, one night's lodging and all food and beverage (non-alcohol). Winners are responsible for all travel expenses getting to and from the destination point. HERE'S HOW YOU WIN! If you are a TF&G subscriber, your name is automatically entered on our monthly Trophy Quest Trip drawing. If you are a subscriber and would like
“The birds were feeding on shad, but the shad weren’t completely digested when the birds relieved themselves,” he said. “The undigested shad hitting the water with a splat alerted the waiting catfish underneath that dinner was being served.” The slip cork, making the same kind of splat noise as it hits the water, simulates noise of the undigested shad hitting the water. As Kirk said, dangle a hook baited with a piece of shad about 4 feet under the cork and the catfish will not know the difference. Although the group caught their share of catfish, they did not get into any trophy blue catfish. According to Kirk, drifting open water is the ticket for big blues at this time of the year. The gusting wind was not cooperating for a slow enough drift. “We tried to drift-fish, but you really need to drift at about a half-mile to a mile per hour,” Kirk said. “With three socks out behind the boat we were going like 1-1/2 miles an hour. Drifting with four or five rods out behind the boat while holding your speed down will produce some big fish.” “For someone who wants to go out and have a good time, have no problems, no work, catfish fishing is a great thing, especially great for kids,” Krysinski said. SPECIES: blue catfish LOCATION: Gibbons Creek Reservoir GUIDE: Weldon Kirk, 979-229-3103, www.fishtales-guideservice.com
your name entered 15 more times in our next monthly drawing, simply send us an email with your name, address and phone number* to trophyquest@fishgame.com. You can still win even if you are NOT a subscriber. Simply email us with your name, address, and phone number* to trophyquest@fishgame.com and you're entered in our next drawing. One winner is chosen at random each T E X A S
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month. The winner must be available to go on one of two previously scheduled dates. If the winner is unable to attend on either dates scheduled for the TROPHY QUEST TRIP, the winner's name will be returned to the pool for future drawings and another winner will be drawn. *Phone numbers will ONLY be used to contact the winners and will not be used for any other purpose.
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by Matt Williams
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Most poachers conduct their illicit business under cover of darkness.
t was a cold and drizzly afternoon in Southeast Texas, the type of weather that sometimes puts big game on the move and poachers on the prowl. Buddy Lowery of Huntington had a feeling the outlaws might come calling, so he took refuge in a pine thicket across the road from his 2000-acre high fence enclosure in Angelina County, and waited. The property harbors a bountiful whitetail deer population and some monster bucks, along with a sizable herd of North American elk. Lowery was watching a magnificent 8X7 bull feeding across a distant ridge when he noticed a suspicious vehicle cruising slowly along the remote county road that parallels his game fence. The Suburban made several passes, stopping occasionally as the prying eyes inside sized up the trophy animal. Shortly before dark, Lowery got a phone
call from home and had to vacate his post. Sadly, he discovered the carcass of the bull lying in the pasture the following morning. The animal had been shot with a high caliber rifle and beheaded at the shoulders. Few clues were left behind, except for several sets of footprints, tire tracks, and a pool of blood at the base of the fence. Lowery, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) deputy game warden for 38 years had a good idea who the perpetrator was because he wrote down the license plate number of the Suburban. Unfortunately, he was unable to file charges in the case because he could not prove any wrongdoing. “We never were able to find out much or recover those antlers,” Lowery said. “My guess is he probably sold them to somebody. That was one giant bull, one of the biggest I had on the place. It’s bad enough to have to have one of your prize animals poached, but to see all that meat left out there to rot just made me sick.” The incident in question occurred years
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ago, but it reflects an ongoing problem facing everyone from deer hunters and landowners to wildlife breeders and law enforcement officers in all parts of the country. Poaching has especially deep roots in Texas, regarded by many as one of the nation’s leading states for whitetail bucks with king size racks. Driven by well-heeled hunters who are willing to spend big money to kill deer with large antlers, and land managers who have learned how to grow more of them, the Texas whitetail bonanza is a byproduct of a deer management revolution that has spawned a wave of high fences across South Texas and other parts of the state’s most storied deer ranges. Though the concept has proven effective for helping whitetail managers manipulate herds by keeping resident deer in and nonresidents out, a tall fence is often perceived
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by a game thief as an invitation to check out the goodies inside. If he finds what he is looking for, he will steal it. “That’s basically what a poacher is—a thief,” said Donnie Puckett, a retired TPWD captain game warden from Lufkin. “They are like a violator in any other crime. They are compulsive individuals sometimes willing to go to great lengths to get what they want without any regard for the rights or property of others.” The objective in many instances is to turn the fruits of another man’s labor into a generous payday by peddling enormous racks to rich collectors on the black market, or in some cases collecting lavish “guide” fees from unsuspecting clients who want to shoot a trophy themselves. Outlaws like those arrested at the climax of a 1997-98 undercover sting operation conducted by TPWD game wardens in South Texas were especially crafty; or at least they thought they were until they realized the group had been infiltrated by undercover TPWD game wardens. The 18month investigation billed Operation
Venado Macho resulted in 14 arrests and 124 charges involving the illegal harvest of more than a dozen trophy bucks. Not only does the operation rank as the largest of its kind in TPWD history, it marked an important point in time when lax Texas hunting laws began to grow some very sharp teeth. In 1999, the Texas Legislature passed a statute that elevated poaching involving whitetail deer, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope from a misdemeanor offense to a state jail felony. A convicted violator can go to prison for 2-10 years, face fines of $2000-$10,000, and be stripped of precious rights and privileges. The civil restitution fees are not pretty, either. The price tag on a buck deer with a Boone & Crockett score of 150 is $4125; a 200-inch deer taken illegally is valued at $16,500, according to Scott Vaka, TPWD assistant chief of wildlife enforcement. “Years ago, the most severe penalty a person faced for poaching a deer was a misdemeanor, a low level offense comparable to a speeding ticket—a slap on the wrist,” Vaka said. “But that is not the case anymore.
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Under the current laws, you could face multiple charges, jail time, brisk fines, restitution fees, and a felony conviction that will follow you for life.” Outlaws appear to have taken notice of the revamped game laws, or at least that is what the numbers indicate. According to David Sinclair, TPWD chief of wildlife enforcement, the number of cases filed by Texas game wardens for hunting without landowner consent has declined significantly since the new statute went into place. “At one time, we were filing as many as 500 cases per year, but now, with the state jail felony, it is down to about 50,” Sinclair said. “Whenever you take away somebody’s right to vote or possess a firearm, it really cuts into their activity. They tend to choose to go in a different direction. That is not say poaching is no longer a problem in Texas, but it is not near as big a problem as it used to be.”
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APRIL 1991
About this Article Restoration of the eastern turkey is among the most successful conservation efforts in the history of Texas wildlife. Although dates and statistics cited in this article are dated, they provide a historical backdrop for the current status and “then and now” comparison of eastern turkey conservation. —Don Zaidle, editor-in-chief
by Robert Sloan
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Thanks to a strong stocking program, it’s now possible for folks in some East Texas counties to see creatures like these roaming the hillsides.
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here are longbeard gobblers and lovesick hens wandering the Pineywoods. While deer hunting in the Pineywoods, you may have chanced a glimpse of an Eastern wild turkey. If not, maybe a distant yelp or cluck was noted while you deer or squirrel hunted or were hiking. Spring is mating and gobbling season for turkeys, a time of year when long-bearded gobblers strut about with tails fanned. It’s quite a sight, too. The head and neck of an excited gobbler will show red and white and blue colored, which is the reason Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey as the national bird. Gobblers will fan their tail feathers and exhibit an array of colors trying to lure enamored hens. But talking turkey in East Texas is like talking in tongues to an atheist—there is a bit of fascination, but little understanding. That is understandable, since turkeys were virtually extinct in the Pineywoods region of Texas. The history of deer and turkey parallel each other in East Texas. Biologist Gary Spencer says that by the end of the 1930s Great Depression era, practically all East Texas virgin timber had been cut and the last deer and turkeys had been harvested to put meat on the table of poor rural residents. And by 1940, most counties in East Texas were completely devoid of deer. Figure that with today’s population of wildlife in East Texas. White-tailed deer numbers are as high as they have ever been. That’s due in part to early stocking efforts of the Game, Fish and Oyster Commission following World War II. Spencer remembers that 15,613 deer were released by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department in a 51-year period since 1938. “By 1960, nearly all East Texas counties had been stocked with deer,” says Spencer. “Released deer found excellent habitat conditions. Deer numbers continued to increase rapidly through the 1970s and have now reached a peak over about 80 percent of the range.” The stocking effort of deer by biologists continues in East Texas. During February, South Texas deer were released in some parts of the Pineywoods where deer numbers had been decimated by dog hunters. (Deer hunt56
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The eastern turkey-stocking program is a major conservation success story.
ing with dogs is no longer legal in Texas.) The struggle to maintain a balance between wildlife and man continues. Within the last three years, about 1200 eastern wild turkeys have been released in the East Texas Pineywoods. That joint stocking effort has been the result of hard work and old-fashioned bartering by TPWD, landowners in East Texas, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and chapters of that organization like the Texas Wild Turkey Federation and their Pineywoods chapter. A lot of the funding was made possible via the Texas Legislature and donations from Champion International, Temple Inland, Kirby Paper, and International Paper. Biologist Gary Spencer says the stocking of eastern wild turkeys has come along much better than many people had anticipated: “We are finding the birds are spanning the range very well and getting good reproduction. We think there is a very bright future for the birds.” TPWD began releasing lots of birds in several East Texas counties about three years ago. Some of those counties are Trinity, Leon, Houston, Robertson, Hopkins, Delta, Wood, Franklin, Anderson, Rusk, and Freestone. There is about 23 million acres of eastern turkey habitat remaining from an original 30 million. &
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The goal has been to release 500 birds per year. That’s a high mark that is not always attained, but, as of the first of this year, 500 birds had been released since October 1990. The first batch of 38 turkeys was released in Trinity County during October. Later, 48 more were set free in Leon County. Spencer expects to be through stocking the entire range of eastern turkey habitat in three years. There will controlled stocking after that, kind of like what is being done with whitetails now. “We have the best population of Rio Grande turkeys in the nation,” says Spencer. “Within several years, we expect to have the best eastern turkey population, as well.” The turkeys being released cost upwards of $500 each, but the cash value is not always paid outright in hard green. For example, the 38 turkeys released in Trinity County were acquired in a river otter deal with West Virginia. The way it worked was, Texas paid for river otters trapped in Louisiana. Then we swapped an otter for a West Virginia eastern wild turkey on a one-to-one deal. Birds from that state are thought to be about as pure a strain of eastern turkey as are made. They are from old native stock, good birds that are adapted to the type of country found in East
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Texas. The eastern birds are found only in the humid eastern forests. That part of the U.S. runs from the Pineywoods up through Alabama, Florida, West Virginia, and into Canada. Original turkey releases took place in 1979. Those 64 birds were released on Champions Brushy Creek Management Area and Beef Creek. Over the next several years, 200 were trapped and relocated from within the state, mostly from the birds that had reproduced from earlier releases. From 1979 to 86, there were 200 birds released at 11 sites in eight counties. Currently, there are huntable populations of eastern wild turkeys in Texas, but there are few places where they can be hunted legally. Originally, turkeys were released on private land to keep poachers from damaging the population. Right now, more effort is being put into building a large population of these birds so that, by 1992, shotgun-only spring hunts for gobblers can be had. Re-establishing huntable populations of wild turkeys in East Texas has not been an easy chore. Trial and error has been a factor. The best thing to do is hunt Rio Grande
turkeys in Central and West Texas. Texas has by far the largest habitat of the Rio Grande turkeys. About a half-million strut across Central and West Texas. There is not that much difference in those birds and the eastern strain, except that the latter is a little heavier and has slightly different shaded feathers such as found on the chest. Texas has three subspecies of turkeys: Rio Grande, eastern, and Gould’s. According to Dr. Jim Dixon, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Forest Service in Nacogdoches, a nationally known expert on hunting and calling wild turkeys, there is also a Merriam’s turkey roaming the far reaches of the state in the taller mountains of West Texas where there are Ponderosa pines. Wild-trapped easterns are being released. Spencer says that eight hens and three gobblers are being released at sites throughout the range. It’s a block-type of stocking. Each group is released about eight miles from the other. From those releases, it is hoped that the birds will intermingle, produce offspring, and develop into wild ranging populations. “Spring hunts revolve around the interaction between hunter and bird,” says Dixon,
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who is fanatical about turkey hunting. “It’s like calling mallards or geese, or bugling elk. To me, it’s more exciting than ever. You can call and the gobbler will answer. Call some more and he gets closer and talks to you again. He’s drumming and strutting and coming in looking for a hen to mate with. It’s not shooting a turkey. That’s not what it’s about. It’s about calling one up close. It’s a thrilling deal.” By 1920, wild turkeys had been eliminated from 18 of the original 39 ancestral states; gone in New England by 1851, Wisconsin by 1872, Michigan by 1886, Indiana by 1990, and Nebraska by 1915. The return of the wild turkey since 1950 has been almost unbelievable. They now are found in every state except Alaska. There is an estimated 3.8 million birds, and there are spring gobbler seasons in 46 states. Wild turkey hunting is the nation’s fastest growing big game hunting sport. It was a group effort by concerned hunters that have brought the birds back to huntable populations.
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Texas Offshore by Doug Pike | TF&G Offshore Editor
Live Bait Means Bigger Gulf Fish OTHING YOU CAN HANG OFF A HOOK draws more strikes than live bait, but only a handful of Texans take advantage of that legitimate edge in deep
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water. My next king mackerel on a topwater plug or giant snapper on a fist-sized chunk of bonito will not be my first, and I am a fan of both strategies, but you will never see me turn down an opportunity to lower a wriggling, nervous hardtail into blue-black water. Through the years, I have heard (and used, admittedly) dozens of excuses for leaving port with only a box of lures and 40 pounds of sardine Popsicles. Lures do not die, and those ice-hard fish eventually melt into baits that work. Scavengers first and predators second, it does not take many calories to chase down a dead fish. King mackerel, ling, tuna, grouper, amberjack, and snapper all will eat a Chilly Willy. You probably will not catch the biggest fish in the area on a recently frozen anything, but you will not know that. Like most offshore anglers, you will presume that the heaviest or longest fish in your box is the best that spot had to offer. More often, however, the biggest gorilla in the jungle you are fishing knows better than to eat junk food. It lived long enough to reach superior size by watching other fish make mistakes, not by making them itself. To raise the bar and really bend the rod, try soaking at least one aggressively large, live bait at every stop. If you can stockpile enough for everyone on board to use livies, do so. If not, assign a different angler to “that rod” each time a fresh bait is lowered. There are not many, if any, Texas bait shops that offer live baits suitable for offshore 58
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fishing. You will have to either catch them yourself, or pay someone to do the work for you. Fortunately, it does not take great effort to load a baitwell. The Sabiki rig and its clones (multiple jigs dropped off a single main line about 6 feet long, with a weight at one end and swiv-
On the whole, recreational anglers tend to underestimate the ability of a high-level marine predator to swallow large prey. We look at a baitfish and figure that if we could not swallow it, neither could whatever we are trying to catch.
el at the other) all are excellent bait catchers over inshore structure or around any of the platforms and pipe stands between dry sand and the horizon. As a rule, you will catch more baits and lose fewer jigs on heavier versions of these rigs. Most baitfishes do not have especially sharp teeth, but tiny mackerel that often run in the same schools do. Adjust accordingly. Most of my Florida buddies know when they push away from the dock that they will &
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spend the day’s first hour (or 30 minutes if they get lucky) putting baits in their livewells. For them, catching baits is to fishing what lighting the grill is to a barbecue. If we followed their leads, we would catch more and bigger fish. That is embarrassing, as a Texan, but true. On the whole, recreational anglers tend to underestimate the ability of a high-level marine predator to swallow large prey. We look at a baitfish and figure that if we could not swallow it, neither could whatever we are trying to catch. And we were wrong. Bad news for small- and medium-sized fish in the open Gulf is that the difference between predator and prey is only a few inches and ounces. Offshore, no matter what fish you designate as bait, it is a safe bet there is something between the surface and the bottom that can eat it whole, break your line, and come back for seconds. Have as much light-tackle fun as you like with your plugs and thawed baits, but take your live-bait action seriously. If you are lowering a pound or two of swimming fish into prime water, it is a good idea to “heavy up” the setup, from hook and leader to line, rod, and reel. Any fish that can chase down and eat a foot-long bait will not be turned or beaten easily. Apply pressure from the onset, and never let up. If the fish is deep and within eyesight of any rough structure, it will turn that way. Once it ducks beneath a rocky ceiling or turns the corner on a platform leg, you have lost. The only remaining question is when the line will fail. Do whatever it takes to get that giant head turned and moving toward open water. Do that and you will win nearly every fight against the biggest, toughest fish in the Gulf. When you give any of them even an inch of advantage, it will take all your gear, a chunk of your stamina, and a tiny piece of your soul.
E-mail Doug Pike at offshore@fishgame.com
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Texas Saltwater by Calixto Gonzales | TF&G Saltwater Editor
Answering Email TRY TO RESPOND TO EVERY EMAIL I GET AS soon as I can. Lately, however, I have been swamped with teaching, deadlines, and family, so have been remiss in those duties. I therefore decided to combine duties and respond to a few here. How do I bait and set a trap to catch piggy perch? —J.H. By midsummer, one of the most effective speckled trout and redfish baits around is a 3- to 5-inch live pinfish (or piggy perch). Contrary to what some malcontent who assumed my identity and wrote in an August 2008 feature, there are plenty of bait stands on the Texas Coast that sell piggies this time of year. If you want to save some cash, however, throwing a cast net around docks and shallow grass beds will produce a few of these colorful little perch. A wire trap available at most tackle shops and big box stores (they look like scale-sized models of the crab pots used on Deadliest Catch) will work even better, but with less effort. You can bait the trap with diced pieces of shrimp, cleaning table scraps, old bacon, or even an old chicken bone (crab are also partial to the latter two, so don’t be surprised if you get a few of them in the trap). Captain Larry Corbett, my first saltwater mentor, rarely used bait, but if he was using pinfish, he would bait his trap with a can of fish-flavored cat food. He used a screwdriver to poke a bunch of holes in the can, put it in the trap, and dropped it in next to his boat slip. Once he caught all the bait he wanted, he threw the can away. No fuss, no muss. Set the trap anywhere you see small pinfish hanging around, such as next to a fish cleaning table, under a dock, or near a grass bed. Let it sit for at least a couple of hours. Four or five hours would be even better.
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Then, sally on over, retrieve your baits, and head out to your favorite fishing spot. You always mention eel-type plastics as effective tails for big trout. Where can I get some to try out? — S.M. I love using long soft plastics for trout. In early spring, they resemble emergent sand eels, which trout gobble up like candy. In late spring, summer, and fall, they mimic another favorite trout forage—small ballyhoo. The most popular versions are the 5-inch Berkley Power Bait, Gulp! Jerk Shad, and the venerable Bass Assassin, available at any big box store. The Norton Power Sand Eel is another classic, available at stores such as Academy and Wal-Mart. It has been my experience that the smaller, privately owned tackle shops such as Johnny’s True Value and Hook, Line and Sinker (which has been re-opened by the former employees of the store’s founder, Rip Masters) in Harlingen, Roy’s Bait and Tackle in Corpus Christi, and Houston’s Fishing Tackle Unlimited have a greater variety of color schemes than the big franchises. If you are looking for a color such as Tequila Gold or Cockroach, your best bet might to drive the extra miles to find one of the tackle shops near you. I read your column where you attacked animal rights advocates. It was the most biased, one-sided piece of (expletive) I have ever read. Are you ever going to give a member of the AR community the chance to rebut your mindless journalistic diarrhea? —K.W. Nope. My column, my rules. If you have a beef, write a Letter to the Editor. I know editor-in-chief Zaidle will publish it. You always write about using 7and 7-1/2-foot rods. Most of the fishermen I know prefer 6-foot, 6-inch and 6-foot, 9-inch rods. What is the difference? —Roger D. Remember the old Long Distance jingle? “Reach out and touch someone!” I prefer longer casting and especially spinning rods, because they allow me to lengthen my casting T E X A S
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distance by as much as 50-60 feet. That might not sound like much, but when you are drifting or wading a broad flat, a long cast helps you cover more water. Not only that, but a longer rod gives better control of topwaters at longer range, and takes up slack more quickly when setting the hook. The flex in a longer rod also helps cushion the pressure of no-stretch braids. My favorite rod is a 7-1/2-foot medium action rod with a fast tip. Paired with a 25sized spinning or casting reel, you have an excellent combo for trout, redfish, flounder, and snook. My husband and I are new to the Texas Coast. I’m still learning how to cook speckled trout. Do you have any good recipes that I can try? —A. Samaniego This is a very easy recipe that will have your husband coming back for thirds; you might want to set aside an extra portion for yourself. Prepare an egg wash of one egg and 1/4 cup of milk. Thoroughly crush some of your favorite crackers in a baking pan (I love Ritz). Dip your trout fillets in the egg wash and roll them in the cracker crumbs. Place the fillets on a cooking spray-coated cookie sheet and place in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes. Serve with tartar sauce, a lemon wedge, and your favorite green vegetables (steamed asparagus is a nice touch, but broccoli is fine, too). By the way, if you prefer a touch of spice in your fish, mix in a tablespoon of Redneck Shake with the cracker crumbs. Redneck is a spice combination that I happened upon recently. It is a low-sodium, no MSG blend that provides a rich, tangy flavor—spicy, but not overwhelming. Many spice blends overwhelm the delicate flavor of light-fleshed fish such as speckled trout. Redneck Shake does not. For more information and recipes, check out www.redneckshake.com.
E-mail Calixto Gonzales cgonzales@fishgame.com &
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Hunt Texas by Bob Hood | TF&G Hunting Editor
Landowners Unite For Eastern Turkey HE RESTORATION PROGRAM FOR EASTERN turkey in Texas is without a doubt one of the most successful efforts ever made to restock, protect, and nurture a wild species once virtually extinct from this state back to a huntable population. However, there is more to this story than just the stocking of more than 8000 turkey since 1987 for a bird that, decades ago, had disappeared from its former range. Individual landowners who provided protection of the turkey (for up to five years during restricted hunting laws in the counties after each of the stockings) have been a major portion of the backbone to the Eastern turkey restoration program. That goes without question. It sounds like a simple equation: The state stocks turkey acquired from other states, no hunting is allowed for five years thereafter, and the landowners upon whose lands they were stocked help protect them from illegal hunting. Fortunately, several Northeast Texas landowners have not drawn a line on their responsibility just yet. Early last April, while hunting for an Eastern gobbler at Mike Ford’s Rio Rojo Rancho in Red River County, I learned that some landowners who have seen the Eastern turkey expand on their properties want to reach out and connect with one another to provide better habitat for the birds—not just neighbor-toneighbor, but county-to-county. Ford, a former SMU quarterback and pro football player who has returned to his “roots” in Red River County with his wife, Lori, has a passion for raising trophy whitetail deer, but he also has a broad vision of ways to improve habitat for all wildlife. He is helping bring landowners together to do more for Eastern turkey through combined
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efforts that incur little expense to each landowner. Just call it “elbow grease.” Ford has helped organize the Red River Eastern Turkey Cooperative, a multi-county, grass-roots organization dedicated to improving habitat that not only benefits Eastern turkey, but also whitetail deer and other wildlife in those counties. Red River County was the first county to have an open spring Eastern turkey season. That took place in 1995, and now annually takes place during the month of April in 40 counties with a one-gobbler limit where only shotguns and archery equipment may be used. Also, all
“I tell them that rather than plowing all the way to the edge of the timber around their fields to just do nothing. Leave several yards close to the timber unplowed so native vegatation can grow,” Ford said. That will provide the turkey with additional nesting areas and it will benefit all other wildlife, too.
gobblers taken must be presented at a check station located within the county where the turkey was taken. Wildlife cooperatives are not new. There are several local wildlife cooperatives dedicated toward whitetail deer, and when Ford first told me about the Eastern turkey cooperative he has helped form, I thought it was a Red River County thing. I was wrong. “This is not a Red River ‘county’ cooperative, but includes the Red River basin that brings in other counties like Lamar, Red River, Bowie, and Fannin counties,” Ford said. “Our main goal is to bring landowners &
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in those counties together to improve habitat for the turkey, such as through prescribed burning, where everyone works together rather than just one landowner trying to do it all by himself.” When Ford is asked by someone what they need to do to improve habitat for turkey in their fields, he is quick to tell them to do nothing around the edges. “I tell them that rather than plowing all the way to the edge of the timber around their fields to just do nothing. Leave several yards close to the timber unplowed so native vegetation can grow,” Ford said. “That will provide the turkey with additional nesting areas and it will benefit all other wildlife, too. Just do nothing and let the native grasses and other vegetation grow up between their fields and the timber.” Ford said around 100 invitations were sent out to landowners in the Northeast Texas area prior to the group’s initial meeting. About 50 landowners attended that first meeting, including 25 who had not been sent invitations but had heard about the cooperative through others. That signals the strong interest among landowners throughout the area. Officials with the National Wild Turkey Federation are impressed, too. Ford said NWTF plans to help provide seeds for food plots that not only will benefit the Eastern turkeys, but other birds and animals as well. I am all for what the Red River Eastern Turkey Cooperative is about, and applaud Ford and other landowners for their growing efforts to work together to improve habitat beneficial to such a grand bird. I also am gratified by the cooperative’s plans to encourage youth participation through a variety of events in the future. I hope many other landowners realize the great strides they can make by working together for not only turkey, but all wildlife.
E-mail Bob Hood at hunting@fishgame.com.
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Texas Freshwater by Matt Williams| TF&G Freshwater Editor
Got Kids? Hook ‘em With Bream HAD JUST DROPPED ANCHOR IN A STILL-WATER pocket at the upper reaches of Toledo Bend Reservoir, when I suddenly realized I was not alone. Another boat was tied to a snag just around the corner. In it were a father and his young son, and it was easy to tell the kid was having a blast. He was yanking hand-size bluegill out of the water just as fast as his dad could bait the hook. “Bass fishing sucks!” the boy exclaimed. “Now, this stuff is cool!” It hurt to hear the lad make such nasty remarks about my favorite fish, but the pain eased as my mind began to race down memory lane. Bream fishing is where it all began for me, and it is a darned good thing. Like many kids, I had a hair-trigger for an attention span. If my dad had forced me to soak a plastic worm for bass during those formative years, I probably would not be the fishaholic I am today. Sadly, that is a mistake a lot of parents make. In many cases, they wind up costing themselves a valuable fishing partner for life, too. Kids like action—lots of it. If there is a freshwater species that covers that department better than bream do, I have not found it. Nor do I know of one that is available in more abundance. Bream (red-breasted sunfish, bluegill, long ear, and redear) are widely distributed in lakes, rivers, creeks, streams, and stock ponds all across the state. Even today, I still make time to go bream fishing at least a couple of times a year. Just call it a boyish rite of summer that I never outgrew. The thrill of watching a tiny float disappear under the drag of a feisty perch excites me just as much today as it did 40 years
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ago...maybe even more. I eat more fish now than ever, and none is more welcome on our dinner table than a mess of hand-size ‘gills fried golden brown. Bream will bite a hook during any season, but are most cooperative (and accessible) from late spring right on through the summer months. Beckoned shallow by warming water temperatures, the little panfishes like to loaf around shady boat docks, weed beds, flooded brush, or anything else that offers a place to hide from larger predators or a good ambush spot for pouncing on unsuspecting baitfishes and insects. Most spawning activity occurs from May to July, though it is entirely possible to stumble across an active spawning “colony” of sunfish as late as September. Bream like plenty of company when making babies. A spawning colony comprised of 50-100 nests in a small area is not usual, nor is it difficult to spot in skinny water that is clear. Individual spawning beds are circular in shape, usually about the size of a dinner plate. Most colonies are constructed on points, ridges and humps with a hard gravel or shell bottom mixed with stumps or scattered weed beds. Catching bream is not rocket science. In fact, a monkey could probably catch a mess if you handed him the right setup. That is why bream are such a good choice for youngsters. The fish are extremely comT E X A S
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petitive and usually run in gangs. Where you catch one, others are probably close by and they will clobber a wide variety of baits, both live and artificial. Fan-casting with small tube jigs rigged on ultralight tackle is a good way to locate concentrations of bream, but it is not the best avenue to take when introducing a youngster to the sport. The idea with kids is to keep things basic, and no technique is more elementary than a long pole outfitted with a small bobber and a tiny hook. My favorite panfishing system is built around a 9- to 12-foot B’N’M Bream Buster pole, which sells for under $20. The telescopic pole is extremely lightweight, which makes it easy to handle and fun to fish with. Rigging for bream is simple. Begin by tying a strip of 4-pound-test mono the same length as the rod to the line tie. One of the best floats on the market for bream fishing is the Thill “Shy Bite.” The thin, balsawood float is so sensitive it will detect even the most subtle bites. The Shy Bite attaches to the line using two rubber grommets, which allow for quick adjustments up or down. It is important to add a small split shot above the hook to make the float stand erect in the water. For hook choices and bait, think small to accommodate the bream’s small mouth. I prefer a No. 12 hook with a long shank and narrow bite. Tip the hook with a live cricket or sliver of night crawler to complete a fishing system that is deadly medicine on bream and other panfishes, even when placed in unskilled hands. E-mail Matt Williams at freshwater@fishgame.com &
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Open Season by Reavis Wortham| TF&G Humor Editor
Séance Treachery EONARD FLEMING INTRODUCED HIMSELF TO the partygoers gathered in the living room: “Darla said you all wanted to have some fun at this party, so I think we should all take turns introducing ourselves to the group before we get started.” I glared daggers at Youngster. It was his stupid party and we had agreed to attend simply because none of the Hunting Club members had anything planned for that particular Friday night. Darla introduced herself first: “Hello, you all know me. I’m Darla. I’m a homemaker and I just love to read murder mysteries, horror novels, anything in which the hero wields a sword, and I’m very fond of cats, Chico Marx, and books on the Afterlife.” She thought for a moment. “Oh, I have five kids, too.” The boys and I tried to slip outside by the pool, but after two were hauled back inside by an ear, we surrendered to the torture. “What’s your name?” Leonard asked me when my turn came around.
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“Huh? I didn’t hear you because my ear is hurting.” Woodrow rubbed his own throbbing ear and grinned at my discomfort. “Everybody knows me, anyway,” I grumbled and slipped out of the circle to stand beside the ranch dressing and raw carrots. Everyone had introduced themselves by the time I could hear again. “Now,” Leonard began, “let’s gather around the extraordinarily large table here and hold hands. We’re going to have a séance.” The War Department settled in on my left and Wrong Willie almost took the seat on my right. He suddenly realized that he would have to hold my hand. He shouldered his own
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Spousal unit into the chair and sat on the other side. The lights went out and Leonard lit several candles around the room. “Close your eyes, and I’ll try to contact my spirit guide, Butch.” Doc stifled a snicker. “Hey, Butch?” Leonard called softly. “There you are. Come on.” “Is Butch a spirit guide dog?” I whispered to the War Department. “Maybe that’s where Seeing Eye dogs go.” She successfully cracked a rib. It was mine. “Butch is here. Does anyone have any questions for Butch tonight? We are now in direct contact with the Other Side.” The candles on the mantle blew out. I suspected one of the Club members. “Yeah,” Woodrow spoke up. “Uncle Fred had an old humpback Browning when I was a kid and it disappeared after he passed away. Who got it?” All the guys made eye contact. This could be fun. Leonard spoke in a voice that simply could not have come out of him. It was Uncle Fred’s voice. “You little idiot,” he said to Woodrow. “You know dang good and well I had to sell that shotgun to get you out of trouble while you were in college.” Wo o d r o w ’ s eyes snapped wide open in the dim light. His wife frowned and looked over at him. “What trouble?” Two more candles blew out in the room. I had been watching. No one had moved. ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS ARMSTRONG
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Open Season I tried to get the attention off Woodrow. “Uh, I have a question, Uncle Fred. Can you ask my Great Granddad whether my dad really threw his old shotgun at a chicken and killed it after he missed with both barrels?” A different voice rolled out of Leonard. “Of course he did. How do you think it got that crack in the stock right through the checkering? I wore his tail out for that one.” My mouth went dry. No one in the room should have known that story. Another candle went out. The only source of light left in the room was the single candle in the middle of the table. The War Department spoke up. “Butch?” “Yes-um.” “Do you know how many shotguns and rifles my husband actually owns?” Moans drifted across the table. For a moment, I thought they were ghostly moans,
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but then I realized the sounds came from the Hunting Club members who suddenly realized the implications of this line of questioning. “He has 32 long guns and an even dozen handguns. Do you want to know how many he’s bought since you two got married a yearand-a-half ago?” “Now, wait a minute!” I began. Another moan filled the air. A thump came from under the table. Then another. The last candle went out. The only light in the room came from a streetlamp shining through the window. In horror, I saw the table begin to rise under out hands. I quickly looked around. Everyone was still holding hands. “YAAAHHH!” Then Leonard began to levitate, rising toward the ceiling. That was enough.
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Screams erupted from several more throats. “No more!” Wrong Willie shouted and bolted for the light switch. He turned it on. Leonard was standing beside the table. “But you were levitating!” I accused. “I was just standing up.” “Oh. But the table rose in the air.” “That idiot Delbert went to sleep and slid down onto the floor before we started. I felt him trying to get up for quite a while.” We were so shook up that everyone was ready to go home. I am still wondering why, though, the girls handed Leonard money before we left. They sure smiled a lot.
E-mail Reavis Wortham at humor@fishgame.com
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