November 2012

Digital Edition

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Deer Blind

CONFESSIONS

NOVEMBER 2012 | VOL. XXIX • NO. 7 | $3.95

Rules of the Game:

THE SCIENCE OF

Guns

The Biggest Danger

Spoon Feeding Bass: SET A DEEP

URBAN ANGLING:

Fishing in the Hood Whitetail Hunting

IN THE WOODS

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

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

Roy Neves PUBLISHER

Don Zaidle EDITOR-in-chief

Chester moore Executive EDITOR

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

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

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CONTENTS FEATURES

NOVEMBER 2012 • Volume XXIX • NO. 7

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FISHING IN THE HOOD

There are fishable water bodies within walking distance of neighborhoods in most major Texas cities.

Here are 5 tips for inland and 5 tips for coastal urban fishing that will give you an advantage.

by Chester Moore

cover story: Rules of the Game: Guns Afield Part 10 in our year-long look at hunting and fishing regulations explores the laws governing the use of firearms for hunting.

STORY:

Spoon Feeding Bass

When temperatures drop, so do bass.Get the “drop” on deep water bass by dropping a flutter spoon into the cool autumn depths.

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Story by Steve LaMascus Cover Photo by Cody Conway

by John N. Felsher

ALSO IN November:

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The Biggest Danger in the Woods

People, not bears, or mountain lions, or wolves, or UFOs, or Bigfoot, are the biggest danger in the woods.

by Steve LaMascus

Deer Stand Confidential A collection of five of the most bizzare hunter “confessions” this writer has heard from guides and other sportsmen he’s shared a deer stand with.

STORY:

The science of whitetail hunting

Modern scienctific research and technological innovation has vastly improved hunting methods and equipment, as has increased what we know about the deer we hunt.

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by Gayne C. Young

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CONTENTS COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

NOVEMBER 2012 • Volume XXIX • NO. 7

COLUMNS

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Notes 10

Wheels of

Commentary 19 ‘Recoil’

by DON ZAIDLE TF&G Editor-in-Chief

by Kendal Hemphill TF&G Politcal Commentator

8 letters 12 TF&G Report 12 big bags &

Texas Saltwater 29 Spin

38 texas dept. of

Adventure

Remorse

Cycle

by Calixto Gonzales TF&G Saltwater Editor

Chester’s Notes 11 Flounder

Texas Freshwater 33

Honey, I Caught a

by CHESTER MOORE TF&G Executive Editor

by matt Williams TF&G Freshwater Editor

Doggett at Large 14 Whitetail

Hunt Texas 37

How to Ruin a

by JOE DOGGETT TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

by bob hood TF&G Hunting Editor

Pike on the Edge 16

Surviving the Texas

Texas Bow Hunting 41

The Best of

by Doug Pike TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

by Lou Marullo TF&G Bow Hunting Editor

TexasWild 18

Re-Creation as

Open Season 48 Glasses

by Ted nugent TF&G Editor At Large

by reavis wortham TF&G Humor Editor

Reflections

Tune-Up

Outdoors

Recreation

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defense

42 True green

Dead Guy!

Digital:

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10/8/12 5:04 PM

Letters to the Editor The Possum Who Mocks No More

It’s ALL “Consumptive”

Deer Belong to the People

After reading Don Zaidle’s October issue column, “ The Possum Who Mocks No More,” I remembered a few of my own “if you have ever/ you might be” situations: — Had to explain blood in the bed of the truck to border patrol agents at the checkpoint on highway 59 south of Freer.

Doug Pike’s sentence, “The subjects of hunting and fishing and all outdoors things ‘consumptive’...”, (Pike on the Edge, October 2012) stuck a nerve. He reminds me that: Yellowstone is “consumptive.” The infrastructure and tourists have consumed the wilderness itself. It is a Disneyland with

Ted Nugent says that in all states but Texas, a high-fence landowner can hunt deer year-round. My neighbor has a high fence, he opens a big gate and puts a feeder just inside his fence, and when the deer come in to feed, he closes the gate and captures them.

I called my local game warden to see if he could do it legally in Texas. They told me there was no law to keep him from doing it.

I believe in Texas the whitetail deer belong to the state (that’s you and me).

Even if they are inside a high fence, they should be hunted only when it is legal to hunt them in all of the State of Texas.

“ Yellowstone is ‘consumptive.’ The infrastructure and tourists have consumed the wilderness itself.

“

— Had to explain to the game warden why in September you have deer stacked like cordwood in the bed of the pickup. (MLDP type 3 management hunting) — Used a shotgun to retrieve a white and chartreuse ChatterBait stuck in a tree above the beaver lodge on the cross-over dam at the back of the pond.

— Shot a big water snake under the dresser in the lake house bedroom with a .357 and rat shot (and then replaced your baseboard and some minor sheetrock repairs).

wildlife managed to entertain the guests. It is no longer a wild and natural place, it is settled country with a high human population density.

Hunters and fishermen move quietly through the Rockies in small numbers, needing little or no infrastructure, and leave little or no trace of their presence. As human hunters, they are a 15,000-year-old element of the North American ecosystem. They are not guests or spectators.

Larry McNiel Via email

New (Old) Fan Chester Moore, I really enjoy my magazine—most of the writers are dead on. I think you do an outstanding job.

I will admit it took me a little while to warm up to you, but now I am addicted.

Please continue your crusade for east Texas outdoors. We really do have it great in Texas.

Thanks again Chester, you have a new (actually old) fan.

Ricky Foux Sr Via Email

Send your Comments to:

Jay Bute El Lago, Texas

Editor, Texas Fish & Game 1745 Greens Rd Houston TX 77032

Tim Sharp Plano, TX

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Editor’s Notes

by Don Zaidle | TF&G Editor-in-Chief

Wheels of Adventure

I

am fond of reminiscing about special times afield (aren’t they all—and don’t we all?).

It inevitably takes me back to my youthful days roaming the woods like an adolescent Sasquatch, hunting with gun, bow, steel trap, and string.

Acquisition of a rusty, flea-market Schwinn propelled me into theretoforeunknown mobility—figuratively and literally. The handlebar basket carried sundries and possibles, and the rear fender platform—augmented with the industrious and creative application of baling wire—handled overflow.

Carrying a firearm was a bit problematic.

Strapped horizontally across the handlebars proved incompatible with narrow, brushlined trails. Tied vertically along one of the front forks worked well—until bike and I took a header off a shallow but steep embankment. It took Pop the better part of a day to straighten the barrel of my single-shot 20-gauge with a house-mover’s jack beneath the tractor drawbar.

I tried carrying various long arms across my back with makeshift rope slings, and I think I still have a few thorns and maybe a rock or two embedded in my backside after too many unhappy convergences of speed, gun barrel, and low-hanging limbs.

Notwithstanding all the bumps, grinds, crashes, and wrecks, I’d not trade my days as a bicycling outdoorsman for a sure-enoughgood coonhound. The unfettered mobility accented inevitable adventure, and heaped immeasurable wealth onto a treasure of experiences and memories.

His note tells the tale: Over 14 years of dove hunting, I’ve gradually streamlined the gear that I take into the field. My shotgun, an orange vest, a box of shells, two plastic decoys, and a water bottle are my essential items, but now they are joined by the bicycle.

The hot walk down to my favorite mesquite tree is now a short, breezy ride along a cow path as I elevate myself on the pedals to look for doves.

I got my bike from helping a friend move across town. Ten dollars and some elbow grease later, I had a lean, mean, hunting and fishing machine.

I recommend that anyone bring a bike hunting. Besides the healthy exercise, you save time better spent hunting and add another element of enjoyment to your hunting experience. Let’s face it; riding a bike is a lot of fun, too.

reminders of misadventure and misspent youth. All the doctors and all the king’s men couldn’t put us together again after a bicycle wreck of any import—and in my case, just pedaling one would be a wreck.

Nonetheless, I am gratified to see young woodsmen revisiting the old ways with new trappings and contraptions. It portends tales of the “old days” shared with their children and grandchildren, and assures the longevity of the axiom: “There is no time like the old time, when you and I were young.” —Oliver Wendell Holmes Email Don Zaidle at DZaidle@fishgame.com

—Hunter Krenek As George Bernard Shaw observed, youth is wasted on the young. Many outdoorsmen my age bear the weight of scars, badly healed bones, and other

Hunter Krenek on his $10 hunting bike.

So, it was with happy nostalgia that I received a note and photograph from reader Hunter Krenek, an avid hunter scraping by on a college student’s budget.

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Chester’s Notes

by Chester Moore | TF&G Executive Editor

Flounder Reflections

A

five-pound flounder launched into the air as it clutched a huge white shrimp in its jaws.

The flying flatfish cleared the water by a minimum of two feet and sent dozens of smaller shrimp scurrying across the surface. To call this sight awesome would be cliché but I was certainly left in a state of…well…awe.

A lifetime of pursuing flounder beyond simply fishing for them has given me incredible opportunities to see things that shatter preconceived notions about these fascinating fish. And I am excited to share these with you as we enter the fall flounder run.

Flounder can be surprisingly acrobatic, especially when they are feeding in frenzy on a specific type of baitfish. Out of all the fish I have pursued none get tunnel vision, so to speak, over prey items like flounder. When they are locked on tiny menhaden (shad) they often refuse other offerings and feed with enough enthusiasm to leap for joy.

Last fall my father Chester Moore, Sr. and I not only observing flying flatfish but also saw them “rolling.”

We would see mud boils all over the particular cut we were fishing and occasionally see a glimpse of brown or a shrimp jumping.

Upon closer examination we were able to verify they were flounder feeding on shrimp in an unusual way.

They would rocket from the bottom, sweep through the shrimp and roll back down in a clockwise direction. We saw this dozens of times in the course of a week and each time the strikes were conducted in exact fashion. You had to be close to verify they were flounder and we had that opportunity many times.

An even stranger phenomenon was also viewed last fall. I watched several small male flounder gathered around big females in the Photo Chester Moore

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channel at Sabine Pass. This was the last week of November and there were several egg-laden females with males right on them.

Were these fish spawning in the channel?

We know they spawn in the Gulf but is it possible that a remnant actually spawns in our deep man-made channels?

These fish were in three feet of water on the edge of a 30-foot drop-off. Perhaps they were simply staging together to run but the females looked as if they were about to burst.

Even more intriguing was the fact the males would seemingly defend the area around her like a bass does on a bed.

I would pitch a 2.5-inch Sassy Shad from Mr. Twister toward them and the males would hit the lure, swim away with it and drop it. It was really weird and a year later still has me wondering what was going on.

I have always believed flounder were territorial to the point of migrating back to the exact areas every spring. And while I have no concrete proof of that there is evidence to suggest they stay in the same areas during their spring to fall tenure.

In 1996, I began an ongoing floundertagging program with Capt. James that took an interesting turn a year later. In April of 1997, I caught and tagged a flounder in Bridge Bayou.

Three months later Mike Denman of Orange caught the flounder in the same cut about 100 yards from its initial capture.

That is three months and only 100 yards of movement, which shows definite territoriality.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department officials have found genetic differences between flounder populations based on bay systems.

Fish from Galveston are different than those in the Matagorda Area, etc.

Wouldn’t it be cool to know the flounder you released when it was 12 inches was the same one you caught a few years later when it was 24 inches or maybe even larger than that?

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gigging as well as restricted bag limits across the board. This is allowing more flounder than ever to have a chance at making it to their genetic potential.

The state record of 13 pound was caught

by Herbert Endicott in Sabine Lake in 1976. That’s nearly 40 years of a standing record but I believe it will be shattered within this decade.

I got to hold a 13-pound, 11-ounce flounder that was housed at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute three years ago. That fish was caught when it was in the nine pound class and it was kept in captivity Chester shot this photo of a huge flounder during the first November closure three years ago.

The genetics are out there for a new state record.

as a brood fish for a couple of more years until its death. That fish had a chance to live and shows that the very coding it takes to allow for the growth of mega flounder is out there.

UTMSI biologist Jeff Kaiser let me feed this monster fish by hand and it was amazing to watch the careful, meticulous way it approached to take the shrimp from my hand.

It swam up slowly, gave the shrimp a good look-over, cracked its mouth open and then engulfed it with precision.

There is a lot more to flounder than we know. Part of my life’s mission is to continually gain a deeper understanding of this misunderstood and quite miraculous fish.

No other inspires me more.

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

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The TF&G Report Federal Appeals Court Rules Penalties Too Steep In Butler Poaching Case The sentencing phase of an aging poaching case involving two East Texas brothers who pled guilty on felony charges of conspiracy and wildlife trafficking in Kansas recently turned another page.

On Sept. 13, the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver published documents indicating that the penalties handed down to James Bobby Butler and Marlin Jackson Butler, both of Martinsville, have been overturned.

In June 2011, U.S. Senior District Judge Wesley Brown sentenced the Butlers to prison time and ordered them to pay brisk fines for their part if what some dubbed the largest trophy deer poaching case in Kansas history.

James Butler was initially sentenced to

41 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $50,000 in fines and restitution for his part in the crimes. Meanwhile, Marlin Butler was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $20,000 in fines and restitution.

Both men also were ordered to serve three years on supervised release after the prison terms were served. Special conditions of the supervised release include no hunting, fishing or guiding.

According to court documents, the brothers operated a hunting camp called “Camp Lone Star” in Comanche County, Kan., between 2005 and 2008. There, prosecutors say they sold guided hunts to nonresident hunters for

the purpose of illegally hunting and killing white-tailed deer and mule deer. The hunts reportedly sold for $2,500 to $5,500 each.

Initially, the case involved the poaching of more than 100 deer by as many as 60 clients.

In March 2011, the brothers pleaded guilty to helping clients kill 25 whitetail bucks illegally. James Butler pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, one substantive Lacey Act count and one count of obstruction of justice for instructing an employee to dispose of some deer mounts before investigators arrived.

Marlin Butler pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and one Lacey Act count.

The Lacey Act is a federal law that makes it illegal to knowingly transport and sell, in interstate commerce, any wildlife taken or possessed in violation of state law or regulation.

B i g B a g s&C a t c h e s

Catfish

Ling

Speckled Trout

Grimes County

Freeport

Port Aransas

Connor Frank of Katy brought in this 37-pound blue cat on his family’s ranch near Anderson in Grimes County.

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Karen Suomela of Cypress caught her first ling while fishing out of Freeport with her family. The Ling measured 42 inches and weighed 26 pounds. Her proud husband Robert took the picture.

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Ben Koehler caught this 7 Lbs. 5 Ozs. trout that was 29.25-inch the day after his 17th birthday while fishing in the Port Aransas area.

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Photo: courtesy The Wichita Eagle

The Lacey Act prohibits transferring zebra mussels from one state to another.

—Staff Report

One Blind Spider Forces Redesign of $15-million Highway Project

According to court documents filed last week, the Tenth Circuit Court did not debate the fact that the Butler brothers broke the law. However, it did take issue with the value the U.S. District Court in Wichita placed on the individual deer when it levied sentences against the two men.

The court also indicated that the terms of James Butler’s supervised release are too restrictive and would prevent him from continuing his occupation as the manager of commercial deer operation, where he has worked since 2006.

According to Jim Cross, public information officer for the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District of Kansas, the case will now go back to the U.S. District Court in Kansas for reevaluation and resentencing.

It is worth noting the Judge Brown died last January at the age of 104. A new judge will be appointed to reevaluate the findings and hand down sentencing to the Butler brothers.

Cross said via email that the judge at the second sentencing hearing “will consider both sides’ arguments about the market value of the animals that were killed. The judge also will reconsider the special conditions of Butler’s supervised release. He could change the conditions, or provide additional findings that would justify the original conditions.”

Cross said no date had been set for the second sentencing as of press time.

—Matt Williams

City of Sherman’s Drinking Water Violates Lacey Act

The City of Sherman is defying federal law by pumping drinking water out of Lake Texoma.

Because of zebra mussels, every time the city pumps water out of Lake Texoma, it is violatThe Braken Bat Cave Meshweaver ing the Lacey Act, a fedspider. eral law partially designed to protect the environment.

Regulators have known about the questionable pumping practice for years.

The border between Texas and Oklahoma runs right through Lake Texoma. The exact location of that border was in dispute until 2000, when the two states The state decided after consulting with finally hashed it out for good. the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the However, the commission drawing the Federal Highway Administration to release border missed the $150 million Texoma the contractor working on the project.

Pump Station.

—Staff Report All the pumps that used to be in Texas are now in Oklahoma.

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Photo: courtesy Jean Krejca

At a press conference in Wichita KS in June 2011, federal prosecutors displayed more than 100 trophy mounts seized as evidence in the Butler cae.

The recent discovery of a single endangered spider at the construction site of a $15.1 million highway underpass in San Antonio means the state will have to completely redesign it.

The San Antonio Express News reports The state has put the project connecting Texas 151 and Loop 1604 on the Northwest Side on hold indefinitely and released the contractor.

Hydro-geologist George Veni first identified the dime-sized Braken Bat Cave Meshweaver spider, which is blind as a species, in 1980 in northwestern Bexar County, about five miles from the construction site.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) redesign will have to steer away from any significant excavation of the area where the spider might live.

Construction of an underpass is “highly unlikely,” TxDOT-San Antonio spokesman Josh Donat said. “We’ve been asked to avoid further excavation if we can.”

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Doggett at Large

by Joe Doggett | TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

Whitetail Tune-Up

A

new deer season is approaching faster than a 7mm Magnum bullet flying down the back sendero. Well, it seems that way. But, turn around twice while trying to climb into the nearest tower blind or tree stand, and the opening day of the 2012/13 general rifle season will be here.

And, on the subject of “general rifles,” many beginners will be toting new rifles into the field. That’s great; most over-the-counter rifles in the popular deer calibers are excel-

conspires to be buck-misser.

The let-off should be crisp and clean, with no creep or slack. It’s been said that the pull on a good trigger breaks like the snapping of a glass rod—and that’s as good a description as you ever need to know. A spongy trigger is dreadful and, regardless of pull, you never will do your best work with one.

Many current bolt rifles offer externally adjustable triggers. A properly sized screwdriver can take up the slack and set the pull.

You don’t want too heavy; you don’t want too light (a hand-held digital scale is needed to test the pull).

A pull of about three-and-a-half to four pounds is a good compromise for a deer rifle in average hands.

A pre-set trigger of six to eight pounds

ADD A RECOIL PAD – The felt “kick” from a center-fire rifle definitely can undermine accuracy. Some calibers, of course, are worse than others but most of the popular deer cartridges will give you a bit of a pop.

Any center-fire caliber with “Magnum” affixed to it is a potential eye-crosser.

Felt recoil is most pronounced when sighting-in from a bench rest at a rifle range; you are aiming at a routine piece of paper and snugged into the stock, with nowhere to go, and you are keenly aware that your shoulder is about to get punched. The fact that the guy seated next to you is shooting a grass-withering, ground-shaking African boomer only adds to the “flinch-itis.”

All things being equal, a heavy rifle is more pleasant to shoot than a light one. The added mass of an eight- or 9-pound rig helps LEFT: A new rifle can be compromised if you cut corners with cheap glass, so upgrade your optics as well.

RIGHT: Make sure your trigger pull is right.

lent performers.

I’m referring primarily to bolt rifles, the overwhelming choice among Texas buckslayers.

The typical center-fire bolt-action rifle from a reputable manufacturer probably can shoot tighter than the average shooter can hold it. But, as fine as today’s deer rifles are, the savvy hunter can upgrade performance with three simple steps: TUNE THE TRIGGER – Proper trigger pull is a major element of accurate shooting.

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(often done by the factory to discourage “accidental” discharge) is too heavy for the serious and conscientious hunter. You really have to work to make the thing fire—and anxious and prolonged effort can lead to a bad flinch.

Conversely, a two-pound trigger is too light; this is not a target rifle and you don’t want a premature discharge in excited hands.

Even with an adjustable trigger, if you’re not comfortable with what’s going on, take the rifle to a qualified gunsmith. A “trigger job” is an inexpensive fix that can make a big difference in shooting ability.

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absorb the kick. And the deer hunter spends most of the time sitting and waiting. Chances are, the rifle is either propped in the corner of a box blind or braced against the seat and rim of a tripod. Or maybe it’s secure in a padded holder while “high racking” on ranch roads.

Weight simply is not an issue (as it might be for the hunter on foot in the high country). I’d say the heavier the better with any caliber that makes a loud “Bang!” Also worth note, the heavy rifle is easier to hold steady.

But, regardless of rifle weight, a good and relatively inexpensive way to tame kick Photos: Joe Doggett

10/8/12 11:50 AM

is to add one of the recoil-displacing butt pads (the Pachmayr Decelerator is a fine example). Some can be slipped on, others are custom-fitted by a gunsmith. They look good, unobtrusive, and are claimed to reduce 20 to 30 percent of the felt recoil.

How this space-age material can do this, I can’t say, but the proper pad will make a noticeable difference, more of a push than a sharp pop.

As a final observation, take comfort in the truth that recoil is utterly meaningless during the excitement of shooting at real game. I say this with complete confidence, all the way up to a .416 Remington Magnum detonated into the chest of a Cape buffalo at 29 paces.

I was staggered (by the 10-pound gun not the bull) but never felt a thing.

USE PREMIUM BULLETS – Excellent highquality cartridges are available over-thecounter, and the “good stuff” can tighten 100-yard bench groups by an inch or more.

Premium cartridges with custom bullets are significantly more expense than bulk fac-

tory loads, but the extra money is well-spent.

This especially is true if you balance the cost (say, $40 or $50 per 20-round box) against the sum of a season.

And you can hedge the expense by using bulk loads for rough “on paper” sighting-in or casual practice; once the rifle is about where your want it, switch to the premium loads for fine-tuning.

A few minor adjustments might be necessary, but you should have a nice tight group within a handful of premium cartridges.

Most deer hunters prefer a three-shot group about one to two inches at 100 yards; this allows “hold on” capability to about 250 yards with most popular calibers.

If you’re really serious about this, invest in at least two different premium choices.

The rifle might favor one cartridge/bullet combo over another. Maybe—maybe not.

Worst case, you’ve got extra cartridges for future use. Better too many than not enough.

UPGRADE YOUR OPTICS – A fine new rifle is a joy to own but don’t cut corners with cheap glass. Most rifle scopes look more-or-less the same, but they most assuredly are not.

You get what you pay for in the real world of jarring recoil and accidental bumps. Not to mention humid heat, bitter cold, and nagging drizzle. Also worth note, many chances at deer occur under conditions of poor visibility, such as early and late in the day or back in the shadows of cover.

The quality scope gathers light, enlarges image, and sifts through the confusion.

And, unless you back the truck over the rig or drop it from a tower stand, it will provide years of reliable service.

Remember this: A rifle, regardless of pedigree, shoots only as well as the optics you aim it through. An “el cheapo” scope is a waste of money; do it right, or at least as right as you can reasonably afford, the first time.

These three simple steps can make a difference on opening day. Oh, yes—here’s one more:

Email Joe Doggett at JDoggett@fishgame.com

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Pike on the Edge

by Doug Pike | TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

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reparation is critical to survival in an outdoor emergency, and most of us aren’t nearly as prepared as we think.

By outdoor emergency, for this discussion, I mean something between running out of ice at the beach house and two weeks of mountain winter behind enemy lines.

Somewhere between those two situations are countless, legitimately frightening scenarios in which any of us might find ourselves. And which, if our packs are light and minds are weak, might kill us.

Among friends, we talk brave talk about our experiences—sidestepping a snake that might have been a cottonmouth or huddling in the bottom of a boat while a thunderstorm passed—those issues are marshmallows in the sea of manure that is true survival.

You don’t need military-grade training to survive the average hunting or hiking or fishing trip, but neither would it hurt any of us to have some genuine skills (and the tools to execute them) tucked away.

Thanks to reality television, for example, we’ve all seen people build fires from nothing but stick and string and little slivers of whatever they scraped off the side of a tree.

But could you start a fire? In a cold rain? In the dark?

Most of us could not. Which is why, even for non-smokers, there should be windproof lighters in our packs. And some dryer lint or Vaseline-soaked cotton balls or commercial kindling, all in a waterproof bag.

Three ounces, tops, for the lot of it. And in exchange, you get fire.

No other animal gets fire. It provides light, warmth and comfort, and it is one heck of a predator deterrent. Let McGyver do it 16 |

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“ Let McGyver do it with flint and a pocketknife; you bring your lighter.

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Surviving the Texas Outdoors

with flint and a pocketknife; you bring your lighter and oily rag.

Few of us carry enough water to maintain healthy hydration in a long-term emergency.

Water’s heavy. We leave camp or the dock with a pint or two, and most of that likely is gone by the time something goes wrong.

Since it’s impractical to carry more, pack instead some purification tablets or maybe one of those “super filters” that turn swamp slime into mineral water. Or if you really want to go hard core, a flimsy poncho that won’t keep you dry but will help you gather dew or rainwater.

If you’ve got daylight, a functional GPS unit and a strong sense of where you can get help, consider heading in that direction.

I like to leave strands of bright surveyor’s ribbon, like Hansel’s breadcrumbs, when I ditch main trails to follow blood or a fresh track. And in a survival situation, I’d use the permanent marker that’s (almost) always in the day bag to write brief notes on the ribbon.

Note to young people: An old-school compass is a reliable navigation tool when the batteries in that handheld GPS fail.

(Carry spare batteries. And a compass.)

I’ve met several men over the years who took great pride in hiking deep into public hunting areas to avoid crowds and intercept quality animals. A couple of them hunted Colorado routinely, one liked Wyoming, and a few more did (and still do) their hunt-

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ing here in Texas.

To a man, they all preferred to “travel light.” They had lots of ground to cover and knew it well. Familiarity, however, can breed a false sense of security.

One misstep so far from help, so deep in the woods that there is no phone signal and nobody to hear you holler, can render even the toughest man helpless. A sprain, a cut, a sting, a bite. Any could happen in a blink and leave you in need of quick, albeit minor medical attention. You do carry at least a modest first-aid kit, right?

Firing three evenly spaces shots, the adage goes, is a universally recognized call for assistance. But answer honestly: If you heard three shots ring out a mile away, would you climb down from your deer stand and race in that general direction?

And what if you’re hurt while bowhunting? That’s the twist in an old joke about a lost hunter and his firing shots to raise help.

So what’s the smart thing to do in a real tight spot? Avoid getting into a jam in the first place.

Let somebody who isn’t leaving camp know where you’re going, where else you might go on a lark, and when you absolutely positively can be expected to return.

Don’t overdo it, but do pack basic “hang tight for 12-24 hours” gear that’s targeted to overnight low temperatures where you are.

Muscle up to carry one extra bottle of water, some energy bars, a little rope, multi-tool, some ibuprofen and that fire-starting kit.

And a cool head.

On overwhelming odds, a truly lost person has a better chance of being found by staying calm and staying put. Rig yourself a makeshift shelter, build a fire and enjoy a little quiet time.

Funny how often we talk about everyday pressures and desperately wanting more time to ourselves. If you ever get it, by choice or by circumstance, make the most of it. They’ll find you all too soon.

Email Doug Pike at DPike@fishgame.com

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Ted’s TexasWild

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

Re-Creation as Recreation

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determined by many things in life, starting with responsible diet, ample exercise and the disciplined avoidance of poisons like bad foods in irresponsible portions, alcohol, drugs, chemicals and tobacco. But equal

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That the ‘Motor City Mad Man’ can sit silently for hours in a tree stand is testimony to the healing powers of nature.

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I

hadn’t even seen any critters from my treestand yet, and already the cleansing had begun. Sure, my mind, the indefatigable adventure engine that it is, was flashing back to exciting musical ideas and moments, I plunged occasionally into the painful abyss that is American politics gone mad, and of course I as always wondered what was going on at my many other stand locations, just knowing that they were all surrounded by giant bucks and targets galore.

But, thank God, for the most part, I was well on my way to the physics of spirituality that is our sacred time afield, clearing the mind of life’s constant responsibilities, activities and stresses, pursuing the happiness that is our pure instinctual predatorship. The great Fred Bear nailed it when he stated how our hunting time “will cleanse the soul.”

Indeed.

I lovingly call my daily hunts and hunting grounds “the Obama free zone,” for each of those magical hours preparing to ambush and kill game is so totally consuming on every level that the ugliness of so much of life fades away with each stimulating moment on stand. God knows we need that now more than ever.

When we talk about “recreation,” we are indeed identifying the essential need to get away. Europeans have long celebrated extended four month summer holidays in contrast to America’s tradition of two week escapes. Being down to my favorite eight or ten careers, my need for recreation can be discussed in life or death terms, and quite honestly, it matters not who you are of what you do for a living, all human beings need battery recharging at regular intervals to keep an even mind and a healthy perspective on life’s priorities.

Physically and psychologically, our overall good health and well-being will be

to those obvious choices, health experts all agree that stress vaporizing recreation plays just as an important role in quality of life as anything we do.

Mrs. Nugent and most people prefer the beach. Families have always enjoyed theme parks and resorts. Golf anyone? And I’m sure those choices perform adequate “recreating” of their energies and spirit. To each his own I always say.

But I’m here to tell you my fellow sporters, God knows there is no greater escape from life’s pressures than this primal, natural hunting lifestyle, and for those of us that love and crave it, I do believe we are on the ultimate path to the happiest and stress free lives.

I have conducted media interviews non-

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stop throughout the year for more than 45 years now, and because of my reputation for putting on the most intense musical rockouts known to mankind, even at the tender age of 64, I am constantly asked where all my energy and inexhaustible passion for the music comes from. For 45 years I have told them emphatically that my hyper animal spirit is a direct result of my being clean and sober all my life and equal doses of my hunting lifestyle. That the high strung, dare I say maniacal MotorCity Madman can sit silently and statuesque in a treestand for hours and hours on end, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, is powerful testimony to the healing powers of nature. And of course all educated souls know conclusively that nothing says nature like the pureness of tooth, fang and claw reasoning predatorship.

I swear to God, sitting in my deer stand or duck blind, I am so thoroughly tuned into my surroundings with a clear and present attentiveness to see critters before they see me, that it can best be described as an out of body experience. You know what I’m talking about.

All we have to do is think we see an antler yonder in the bush, a possible movement in the scrub, and VIOLA!! to quote Jimi Hendrix, “there ain’t no life nowhere!”

The beasts own us. We know it and we like it. The driving instinct to provide protein for our families is so powerful, even in this modern room service day and age, that the primary force of survival blocks out all other thoughts, all images, all desires. When I tell everyone about my natural high via nature and the hunting lifestyle, this is what I’m talking about.

So head for the hunt everytime with a lust for life, a craving for the kill, and the yearning for venison. Re-create your spirit, mind, body and soul, and come out stronger, ready to rock after every hunting season.

Email Ted Nugent at TNugent@fishgame.com

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10/8/12 11:00 AM

Commentary

by Kendal Hemphill | TF&G Political Commentator

‘Recoil’ Remorse

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tarting a new magazine is a shaky proposition at best these days, but it would probably be easier if the editor could manage to avoid alienating most of the readership in the fourth issue. Unfortunately that’s what happened to ‘Recoil,’ a new periodical focusing on tactical weapons and gear that debuted last year.

Editor Jerry Tsai, in a fourth edition article about the latest version of the Heckler & Koch MP7, wrote, “The MP7A1 is unavailable to civilians and for good measure. We all know that’s technology no civvies should ever get to lay their hands on.

This is a purpose-built weapon with no sporting applications to speak of.”

Predictably, Tsai was immediately buried under a wave of mail from irate readers, and they weren’t upset about his use of a preposition at the end of a sentence.

His agreement with H&K’s decision not to let anyone except the military and law enforcement play with their new toy was bad enough, but his implication that a ‘sporting purpose’ should be required for civilians to own any weapon was the match that lit the fuse.

A ‘Dump Recoil Magazine’ Facebook page popped up overnight, and was overwhelmed with posts calling for Tsai’s head on a platter. He made a quick apology that was more of a ‘you misunderstood what I said’ statement than an ‘I made a mistake’ statement, which only made things worse.

A few days later Tsai apologized again, this time for real, on the ‘Recoil’ website, but by then the damage was too deep for the dipstick.

Of course, we’ve seen this kind of thing before. Six years ago Jim Zumbo suffered image: Facebook

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from a similar, and equally public, case of foot-in-mouth disease, and only resurrected his tarnished reputation after months of profuse apologies and groveling. ‘Recoil’ magazine, unless the publishers’ pockets are very deep indeed, may not be able to follow suit. Once the ship sprung the leak, the lifeboats went quickly, containing many of the magazine’s sponsors and advertisers, such as ITS Tactical, Magpul Industries, and Silencerco, among others.

On one hand, it’s difficult to blame the companies that have chosen to distance themselves from this fiasco. Public opinion is vital to a manufacturer’s reputation, and in today’s competitive retail environment, siding with someone who holds views in opposition to those of your customers is akin to signing your own bankruptcy forms.

Damage control is to be expected.

On the other hand, when something like this happens, the gun community needs to circle the wagons and support one another more than ever. No doubt, by the time this column sees ink, the antis will have latched onto Mr. Tsai’s faux pas like a pit bull onto a T-bone, which is the same thing that happened to Zumbo. They will also, without question, attempt to capitalize on the dissention among our ranks, claiming we ‘shoot our own wounded.’ We do ourselves a disservice if we play into their hands.

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spent months pointing out that the Second Amendment has nothing to do with sporting arms. After a while, content that those who were willing to listen had received the message, we all moved on to other topics.

Obviously, we were mistaken. Even among the ‘gun community’ there seem to be those who are yet dreadfully misinformed, if the editor of a tactical firearms magazine can step so deeply into the kimchi. Mr. Tsai seems to belong to the faction that has resisted all efforts at education, and still fail to realize there is no requirement whatever for an American to need a gun in order to justify owning it.

Granted, Jerry Tsai is from California where, as ‘Soldier Systems Daily’ pointed out, there is a great deal of anti-gun public opinion, and such an environment may have given Tsai a myopic view of freedom, as pertains to Second Amendment rights. Still, that’s no excuse.

Beyond the issue of right vs. need, Mr. Tsai seems to believe civilians are, somehow, less capable of safely operating the MP7A1 than law enforcement and military personnel.

This despite evidence that police often lack sufficient firearms training, such as the recent incident outside the Empire State Building in which a man pulled a gun on two police officers on a busy street. The officers fired sixteen rounds, killing the perpetrator and wounding nine innocent bystanders. The bad guy, who never got off a shot during the exchange, was standing about six feet from the officers when he pulled his gun.

Time will tell whether ‘Recoil’ can recover from the debacle of ignoring the meaning of the Second Amendment. The bigger question is whether America can . . .

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Photo: Cody Conway

10/8/12 3:50 PM

The Laws and Regulations Governing the Use of Firearms for Hunting in Texas Part Ten of Our Year-Long Series

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WHOA. WAIT A MINUTE. Don’t get excited. In this piece I am not going to give you a bunch of safety rules. If you need that then you need a lot of training before you ever read this. Safety afield is the most basic and the most important of all the gun handling qualities and you should know them all before you ever put a bullet in a gun.

This is going to focus on the more abstruse aspects of the gun in the field.

Let’s say you bow hunt on a place near the Mexican Border. You are there the first week of whitetail bow season. You’re pumped, man! You have done all the work needed by driving out at least once a month all summer long. All the stands and blinds are in top shape, the feeders are all filled, and the camp house is in A-1 condition.

The first morning of the hunt you get up, gather up your bow and broadheads, slip the little Walther PPKS and its holster onto your belt, just in case you should run into a group of illegal aliens that decide to take your wallet or your truck, and you head to the blind.

About 9:00am a nice buck comes to the feeder. He is wary, but after nearly an hour he is in position and you manage to draw your bow without frightening him. You send a razor-sharp broadhead through his ribs and the hunt is over. You go over, pick up the blood trail, and in a few minutes you find the buck. Immediately upon finding the buck you take out your wallet, get out your license, remove the proper tag, fill it out, cut out the date with your pocket knife, attach the tag to

the buck’s antlers with a plastic zip tie, and begin the job of field dressing.

As you finish cleaning your deer a Texas game warden drives up. He gets out of his vehicle, identifies himself, checks out your deer, looks at the tag. Then he asks you if you have a concealed handgun license. You answer that you do not. At this he takes out his ticket book and begins to write out a citation.

“Wait just a danged minute,” you say.

“I have done everything exactly according to the law. That tag is filled out properly. I do not need to have a CHL to carry my handgun on private property—especially way out here in the woods, a hundred miles from the nearest city. What the heck are you writing me a ticket for?”

Well, what is that warden writing a ticket for?

As you may have guessed, it is illegal to carry a firearm while “hunting with a broadhead hunting point during the Archery-Only season.” The exception is that a holder of a concealed handgun license may carry a concealed handgun. However, if you do have

a CHL and decide to carry a handgun, it must be concealed, even though you are on private property. If it is not concealed, it is still illegal. On the other hand, if you are not hunting you can carry a handgun anyway you want, with or without a license.

There are many things a person must know if he or she is to safely and legally carry a firearm afield. First, he must know if the gun he is intending to employ is legal for the purpose. For instance: When hunting deer the law prescribes that the firearm is “any centerfire.”

Next he must know if the gun is sufficient for the purpose. Again for instance: You can legally hunt deer with a .17 caliber centerfire. The truth, however, is that the little sub-caliber rifles are not intended for big game, but only for varmints. Deer and other big game should never be hunted with such diminutive calibers. Also, don’t believe Bob when he tells you it is legal to hunt deer with a .22 Magnum. The .22 WMR is a rimfire and therefore illegal for deer.

Your cousin from Oklahoma comes to see you in Texas. While he is here you and

The Cover Story Photo Shoot FOR THIS MONTH’S COVER STORY, photographer Cody Conway shot several closeups of TF&G’s own Dustin Ellermann as he sighted in with a Savage 110 BA chambered in .338 Lapua.

Firing bullets up to 300 grains with ballistic coefficients up to .818 surpassing 2,600 fps the .338 Lapua is an extremely effective long-range cartridge with capabilities of shooting over a mile and taking down any game animal on the planet.

Savage 110 BA is the most affordable .338 Lapua rifle on the market and accuracy rivals custom .338 rifles that cost three times as much.

The Savage BA series are also chambered in .308 Winchester and .300 24 |

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Winchester Magnum.

Dustin’s rifle is topped off with a Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50mm (30mm) M1 along with high Leupold rings. The Leupold scope features an advanced tactical milling reticle that has half mil hashes, an open center, and crosshair illumination.

Zeroing the rifle was a breeze with the tactical scope knobs and Dustin’s second shot at 300 yards was dead center after only one adjustment after initial mounting.

—Editor

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he decide to take a .22 and shoot a few cottontails that have been hanging around your vegetable garden. Question: Does he need a hunting license?

Answer: Yes, he does. Any person, hunting anything in the State of Texas, needs a hunting license. That includes exotics like axis deer and aoudad.

Your cousin, Bubba, comes to your lease for a deer hunt. The first morning he drags out a Springfield M1A with a 20 round magazine. As he starts out the door of the bunkhouse with his “assault rifle” Joe Bob Bighead, the legal expert of the group, tells him he can’t hunt deer with his gun and its 20 round magazine. He says the law requires that the magazine hold not more than 5 rounds. Is he correct?

No, he is not correct. In the Great State of Texas the only magazine restrictions apply when hunting migratory birds.

Then, due to the infinite illogic of the U.S. Government, you are limited to a firearm that will hold no more than 3 rounds, with 2 rounds in the magazine.

So, does that mean that when you hunt quail you must use a shotgun with only 2 rounds in the magazine? No on both counts.

First, you are not restricted to the federal regulation and may use a shotgun with the magazine block removed. Second, you are not restricted to a shotgun. Quail are not migratory, so are not covered under that law.

Since turkeys are not migratory, can you hunt them with a rifle? Well, yes and no.

During the fall season, which corresponds with deer season, and only for Rio Grande turkeys, you can hunt them with anything that is legal for deer. Rifles and handguns are specifically forbidden for hunting eastern turkeys. During the special spring season it is illegal to hunt any turkey with anything except a shotgun, bow, or crossbow.

Now you are hunting on a lease in Maverick County. You have been hunting a specific buck for three years. Finally one morning you see him. He is on the neighbor’s ranch, but he is following a doe toward your lease. After a couple of eternities he finally jumps the fence, runs a few steps into your lease, and stops to sniff the air. He rolls his lips back over his teeth, sticks his big, Roman nose up in the air, and then urinates down both his black stained hocks. At this point you shoot him through the ribs. The bullet hits him perfectly, penetrates both his lungs, exits the far side and goes whining on across the fence the monster buck just

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jumped.

Question: Have you violated any law?

Answer: Yes, you have. It has recently become a violation if your bullet crosses any property line, into a property that you do not own or lease. It is called “trespass by projectile.” While it might seem stupid and may be almost impossible for an officer to prove, it is nonetheless a law that you should consider before you press that trigger.

There are many things to know and consider before you head out into the pastures

with your firearm. The above covers those that I believe are, at the most, often misunderstood, but they are not all there is to contemplate. It would serve you well to read the Outdoor Annual from cover to cover before the beginning of each season. It might save you an expensive ticket and a ruined hunt.

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Redfish & Trout Illustrations: George Knighten; graphic layout: Texas Fish & Game

10/8/12 3:44 PM

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amount of water surrounding Texas cities never ceases to amaze me.

From the Gulf Coast to the Panhandle, we are blessed to have myriad water bodies within walking distance of most citizens and yet a good portion of these areas are never touched by anglers.

The reason?

People think the grass is greener in the other pasture so what is under their noses is often looked at as lesser than what is down the road.

Strategies For Bank Fishing in Urban Areas

Economic realities however are starting to change that and overlooked spots are starting to look more appealing.

The following are five tips for coastal and five tips for inland urban fishing that will give you an advantage.

Live Bait Instead

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more current typically means cooler water and that is always an advantage during that time of year.

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In canals cutting through coastal subdivisions and marsh lakes intersecting highways, land bound anglers tend to fish with dead shrimp. It does catch fish but usually non-target fish like croaker, hardheads and pinfish and it also draws in crabs. Get a cast net and use live bait. Mullet, shad and croaker will get you a much better shot at catching reds, specks and flounder than dead shrimp ever will.

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Night Bite: Any type of light draws in fish and many of the urban areas have many well-lit spots that nearly no one fishes. Target these spots for speckled trout and redfish, especially if they also have a good current flow or nearby access to deep water.

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Avoid Shipping Traffic: Many anglers on the coast fish near ship channels but one of the problems is large ships muddy up the water and in turn mess up the fishing. If you have an idea on what times you are least likely to have boat traffic you stand a better chance of catching fish.

Float it: Many of the bank spots on the coast have thick oyster growth and many tangles.

Fishing your live bait or soft plastic under a popping cork can save you much frustration and also help draw strikes by creating the sounds of feeding fish.

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Current Connection: Many of the urban coastal lakes and canals have poor current flow due to a variety of factors. Search out spots with stronger flow and you will find more fish.

Flounder rely on current to stimulate their feeding response and during hot months,

catfish than the shallow areas many anglers target.

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Downsize: Bass can be spooky in urban areas so anglers can serve themselves well by downsizing their lures. Use smaller crankbaits, spinners and topwaters for best results.

Bayou Bounty: The bayous in the southern and eastern regions hold many catfish. Some of the best spots to catch them are in the drainage canals and cuts feeding into and out of them during and after a rain. If you are rained out at work, grab your rod and some stinkbait and seek catfish.

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Covering Ground: The major disadvantage of bank fishing is the inability to cover lots of ground. If there is ample room to cast rig up with something like a spoon or crankbait with which you can cover a long distance. You may be surprised with a little practice how far you can get with a line lure and lure. Pattern casts starting parallel to the shore and work the entire area around you with precision.

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Winter Warmups: One of the best times to catch bass and catfish is during winter warm-ups. Target areas exposed to the sun at mid-day and early afternoon and you will see increased fish activity.

fish throughout the summer, and trout throughout the winter.

Fishing-related information (how-to-fish, fish identification, etc.) are available at each lake and “would-be” anglers have access to basic fishing equipment at little or no charge.

“City partnerships are in place for each of the lakes in the program; cities contribute a proportion of program costs; this contribution amounted to about 19 percent of program costs in 2011,” Bonds said.

“The Neighborhood Fishin’ program receives a large portion of its support from funds donated by the Texas Bass Classic Foundation. Gulf States Toyota, based in Houston Texas, is the primary benefactor of the Texas Bass Classic Foundation.

Other private partners assist with funding specific

lakes within the program.”

The target audience for this program is adults 25-54 years of age with children who live within a ten-mile radius of the TPWD stocked lakes.

“These busy urbanites do not have much time and either do not know how to fish or simply are not aware of this close, easy-to-use fishing opportunity. Many are dual-income or single working parents who would like to spend more quality time with their children,” Bonds said.

“And that is exactly what we would like to help facilitate.”

For a complete list of participating locations and more information on the program go to http:// www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/management/ stocking/urban_catfish.phtml

Deep Pools: With a little study it is easy to find where deep pools exist in city streams and creeks. These spots will hold the most bass, perch and

Neighborhood Fishin’ Program The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) had a great new project called the Neighborhood Fishin’ Program (NFP) that directly targets this kind of fishing in urban areas.

“Neighborhood Fishin’ is a program that provides year-round recreational fishing opportunities in major urban areas, emphasizing youth and family participation,” said Craig Bonds TPWD Region 3 Inland Fisheries Director.

“Success of the program relies upon an effective partnership between TPWD businesses, local governments, volunteers and users. This program is expected to increase participation in fishing while attracting more urban/sub-urban youth and families to public parks.”

Bonds said as part of the program, selected public park lakes receive frequent stockings of cat-

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10/11/12 4:56 PM

Texas Saltwater

by Calixto Gonzales | TF&G Saltwater Editor

Spin Cycle

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was walking on air.

I was 12 years old and for the first time tried a technique I had read about in an issue of Texas Fisherman: wadefishing the flats. The location was the flats adjacent to the Port Isabel Ship Channel on Long Island. The article recommended using a gold spoon or soft plastics for best results.

I had limited resources (my meager allowance was dedicated to keeping up with Marvel Comics’ *Dark Phoenix* saga), and thus a limited tackle box. I did have a gold Beetle Spin with a pumpkinseed splittail on it. I figured the rig was close enough to do in a pinch.

The trout seemed to agree with me. I caught seven nice fat trout in an hour’s wading. Danny Hernandez, my father’s friend and my host for the weekend, was impressed and suggested we fish together after I took my catch to process (that was the pinnacle of the entire afternoon; I had earned the respect of an accomplished angler).

I was gutting and gilling my prizes when a guide walked up and asked where I’d caught the trout. Unaware of the unspoken proscription in regards to revealing a fishing spot, I told him. When he asked me on what, I was just as eager to answer: “A Beetle Spin.”

“That’s bull(hockey), son,” he said, spitting a Day’s Work stream. “You can’t catch trout on a bass lure.”

I never used that lure in saltwater again.

If an expert said I was doing it all wrong, who was I to argue? Obviously, my piscatorial success was an aberration, a fluke.

Spinnerbaits are not for saltwater.

The next time I tried a spinnerbait was during a press event sponsored by Lindy and Old Bayside on Sabine Lake. We were rigging Old Bayside Shrimp and Shad tails on ¼-ounce jigheads, hooking them up on

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spinnerbaits, and casing along cane-studded marsh banks. We absolutely hammered the redfish and speckled trout. I also hooked— and lost—the biggest flounder I have ever seen when I let the bait sit on the bottom while I pulled out a backlash. When I started to take in line, the big flatty clobbered the bait so hard it cleared the surface.

I was a fool to have believed someone over my lying eyes. The spinnerbait’s effectiveness for trout, redfish, snook, and even flounder is well known. Its versatility and ease of use lend it to a variety of inshore applications. It comes in a variety of sizes, and can be cast long distances to cover wide patches of water on flats, but its design means it can still be fished super shallow without burying in sea grass.

Moreover, as any bass fisherman will tell you, the arm of a safety pin-style spinnerbait acts as a deflector to make the lure virtually weedless. They are compact enough to sharpshoot into tight spaces among mangroves, pier pilings, and sand pockets.

The ball-bearing swivel-mounted blades have a ton of flash and action, and can be worked to buzz, throb, flutter, or wobble, depending on the imagination of the angler.

They come in a variety of styles, colors, and designs that are even more diverse.

Remarkably, even though respected and popular fishing tackle companies such as H&H, Bass Assassin, and Strike King make effective and productive spinnerbaits for saltwater, and any of the spinnerbaits designed for bass fishing are equally strong medicine for inshore predators, they lag behind traditional saltwater lures in popularity and usage. Anglers who do use them know a gem when it twinkles from the bottom of the tackle box.

One contingent of Texas anglers who should take a closer look at spinnerbaits is those whose affections gravitate to that linesided, underbite-faced thug, the snook.

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The spinnerbait is designed to be fished around stickups, overhanging trees, docks, and other visible structures; in other words, typical snook habitat in classic spots such as South Bay and the Brownsville Ship Channel.

With a fast-tipped, medium-action casting or spinning rod, any snook-focused fisherman can accurately cast a ¼- or 3/8-ounce white- or smoke-patterned safety pin-style spinnerbait into tight spots and work them back to the boat at a variety of speeds.

When snook are strafing baitfish, buzzing the bait close to the surface and creating a wake can lead to explosive strikes. If a snook takes to following behind the bait, as is their wont at times, lowering your rod tip to make the lure dip and flutter could (and in my experience usually does) provoke a strike. If you are a Robalo fan, the spinnerbait should be in your arsenal.

The spinnerbait is a useful search bait when fishing a broad flat. You can tie on a 3/8- or ½-ounce skirted or plastic tail-dressed bait and make long casts to cover as broad an area as desired.

Depending on rod position, you can buzz the lure back to the boat (rod tip up) or “roll” it just over the top of seagrasses (rod tip down). When crossing over a sand hole, you can slow down your retrieve and the bait will drop into the pocket with a flutter that should entice any lurking trout, redfish, or flounder to take a kill shot.

The only limits to using the spinnerbait in saltwater is an angler’s imagination. There isn’t any real wrong way to fish one. Work it in deep water on a slow, steady retrieve when trout are sulking below. Fish it with a wire leader along jetties when Spanish mackerel are rampaging. Throw it under the birds. Throw a black one at night under a fool moon.

The important thing is to throw one.

G a m e ®

Email Cal Gonzales at cgonzales@fishgame.com |

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10/9/12 1:55 PM

Spoon

Feeding

Bass

Get the ‘drop’ on deep water bass by dropping a flutter spoon into the cool autumn depths

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PHOTOS: BIGSTOCK; GRAPHIC LAYOUT: TEXAS FISH & GAME

10/8/12 12:09 PM

WHEN TEMPERATURES DROP in the fall, so do bass. To get

the “drop” on deep bass, anglers sometimes need to “spoon feed” them.

In deep water, few angling techniques work more effectively than vertically jigging a 1/4- to 1-ounce spoon. Small, heavy and compact, a jigging spoon sinks quickly and looks like a dying shad.

“A jigging spoon is often overlooked by bass fishermen,” said Roger Stegall, a professional bass angler. “It’s about the most effective bait for fishing deep water. I’ve actually caught largemouth bass on a jigging

spoon in 55 feet of water.”

A jigging spoon works exceptionally well when bass hunker down near the bottom in deep holes. However, bass sometimes hover off the bottom. Even in deep water, fish typi-

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cally look skyward because they can see prey silhouetted against surface glare. Although anglers can effectively cast jigging spoons, a “flutter spoon” may be a better option when targeting suspended bass in deep water.

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“A flutter spoon is not a bait that many fish typically see in the South so bass really go for it,” said Dave Wolak, a professional bass angler. “I often use flutter spoons to fish rocky ledges in deep, clear lakes. In a situation where fish get on top of a ledge in current, the current positions the fish so that they relate more to the bottom. Just keep fan-casting and let it flutter to the bottom.

Jerk it way up off the bottom and let it flutter down again.”

Unlike a short, chunky jigging spoon, a flutter spoon consists of a long thin, oblong sheet of concave metal that may measure seven or eight inches long. It looks more like something an angler might troll in the Gulf of Mexico for king mackerel than to tempt largemouths on Lake Palestine, but largemouth lovers find their own “offshore” applications for this lure.

“It’s a well-known technique for catching giant bass at Lake Fork,” Wolak recalled.

“Anytime I’m offshore fishing in deep water around ledges, I keep a big flutter spoon handy. I look for fish on the graph. I let the spoon flutter through where the fish are and jerk it as hard as possible.”

Made more for casting than a vertical jigging presentation, a flutter spoon works best in deep lakes with hard bottoms, rock piles, ledges, humps and creek channels such as Amistad, Falcon or Fork. In lakes with more submerged

grass, like Lake Conroe, Toledo Bend or Sam Rayburn, anglers can still work flutter spoons. Don’t throw a spoon into the weeds, but try to wobble it just over the submerged grass tops or along the edges.

Even in shallow weedy areas such as along the Texas coast, anglers might find places to throw flutter spoons. In marshes and estuaries, many pipeline canals, bayous, rivers and shipping channels often hold deep water, frequently lined with rocky or grassy shorelines that drop off sharply. Run a flutter spoon parallel to the drops or along riprap shorelines.

While anglers can use flutter spoons to tempt bass in the shallows, the bait works best for targeting bass suspended in deep water, often the most difficult fish to catch.

Suspended bass typically means inactive fish. They might not rise to strike topwaters or see Texas-rigged worms and jigs dragging bottom far below them, but they might smack something passing irresistibly close.

“Frequently, big bass suspend in water more than 30 feet deep and are nearly impossible to catch with anything but a flutter spoon,” Wolak explained. “When bass suspend, look for arches on the graph about halfway between the surface and the bottom.”

In early fall, threadfin shad often migrate up creek channels in major reservoirs.

Pro angler Dave Wolak with a bass he caught using a flutter spoon while fishing a south Texas lake.

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Anglers may see schooling bass chasing shad and churning the surface. Flutter spoons work exceptionally well for tempting schooling bass. Even after the bass stop attacking shad on the surface, largemouths often follow shad schools, suspending just beneath the baitfish waiting to strike targets of opportunity.

“A spoon is a good fall pattern when the shad start to group up in the mouths of creeks,” Wolak said. “With a flutter spoon, I jerk it right through the school. I jerk it way up off the bottom and let it flutter down again. Eventually, it will fall in a certain way that looks like a big shad to a hungry lunker largemouth. Quite often, that action triggers strikes from fish that wouldn’t hit anything else.”

Cast a spoon where schooling fish appeared and let it sink several feet. A flutter spoon sinks with a horizontal wobble or flutter, like a large dying shad. The sunshine glints off the metal, creating fish-attracting flash. Anglers could allow the spoon to hit bottom or let it sink halfway to where fish suspend. After it hits bottom or the correct depth, jerk it vigorously several feet up through the water column and let it sink again.

If possible, keep working a spoon up through the baitfish school. As a spoon flutters down beneath a baitfish school, it might provoke a reaction strike as it passes through the correct depth. Experiment with different retrieval speeds and depths to see what works best.

Flutter spoons also work well in reservoirs where giant bass feed heavily upon larger gizzard shad like Lake Texoma.

Flutter spoons probably entice fewer hits than jigging spoons, but usually attract bigger largemouths and stripers feeding on more substantial prey.

“A big flutter spoon really stands out in a school of shad,” Wolak advised. “It’s a big, wide bait with a long profile. I use it when bass are feeding upon big baitfish like gizzard shad. Because it’s such a big bait, it also tends to attract bigger fish.”

Since fish most often strike spoons as the bait falls in the water column, let it sink on a relatively slack line, but pay attention to any adverse line movements. Anglers many not even feel the strike or just feel a slight thump, but if the line stops prematurely before hitting bottom or moves in a contrary way, set the hook!

Photo: John N. Felsher

10/8/12 12:09 PM

Texas Freshwater

by Matt Williams | TF&G Freshwater Editor

Honey, I Caught a Dead Guy!

I

’ve heard some bizarre fish stories through the years, but none to compare Daniel Elias’ tale “I Caught I Dead Guy.” Elias is an aspiring bass pro from Phoenix, AZ. who posted his story on the Texas Fishing Forum web site in response to another thread titled “Most Unusual Catch.” After reading it, I contacted Elias by private message asked to share it with TF&G readers. Hold on your hats, ‘cause this one is a doozy.

Elias wrote: “I wrote this article a while back and after reading the “Most Unusual Catch” thread I figured I’d share it here. ***True Story*** Most of us at one time or another have caught something out of the ordinary while fishing. I’m no exception. Among the things I’ve hooked into are fishing rods, anchors, and an official U.S. Border Patrol hat, but one day at Apache Lake, AZ I caught something I will never forget.

I was pre-fishing the lake with Richard, a friend of mine, in early March. It was sunny and calm with the water hovering around 61 degrees. By early afternoon we had already figured out a solid pattern and felt good about our chances in the next day’s tournament. The water was unusually clear for Apache Lake and with a pattern already in place we decided to see if we could locate some bigger smallmouth on beds.

We fired up the boat and made a run up the lake over to the flats near Turtle Island.

We dropped the trolling motor and began our search for spawning fish.

We had been looking for all of about two or three minutes when I looked down into about 8-9 feet of water and noticed something down in the pea gravel. It appeared to be a small black object but I wasn’t able to make out exactly what it was.

I called Richard over and we both fixed our eyes on the unknown object and starting making guesses as to what it could be. Was it a battery, a sonar unit, a tacklebox, or just someone’s garbage? We weren’t sure but for whatever reason we decided we had to find out.

We both tied on heavy jigging spoons and began attempting to snag the unknown item. Unfortunately we were having a difficult time getting our hooks to grab onto it. They seemed to just slide right over and when they did catch they only held momentarily before the hook would pop free after the slightest pressure was put on the line.

After trying for about 10 minutes with no luck we were just about to give up when my hook solidly grabbed the object. I tried to lift it up but could only get it a foot or two off the bottom. It was way too heavy for my rod to handle.

Richard leaned over the side of the boat and slowly began to handline it to the surface. As it came closer and closer it became apparent that this unknown object was some sort of black plastic rectangular box. It was about half the size of a car battery but it had a lid on it. My hook had wedged in the crack beneath the lid and slid up to where there was a small latch. After a minute or so Richard was able to get his hands on it and he lifted it up and onto the deck of the boat.

I pulled my hook out and set my rod down while Richard opened the latch and lifted the lid. He reached into the container and pulled out two river rocks and set them on the deck. My hand followed and I pulled out a sealed plastic bag. We looked at the black/grey powder inside unsure of what it was.

We both made some guesses as to what the powder was and thought it was possibly some sort of drugs. I handed the bag to Richard so he could take a closer look. After T e x a S

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handing it over I began to examine the box.

It didn’t look like anything special but when I flipped the lid back down I noticed a white sticker on it. I wiped the mud off of the label with my finger and to my complete surprise this is what it read...

This box contains the cremation remains of: Bernard C. Gilley November ??, 1999 What!? I was just holding the cremation remains of this guy, and Richard had them in his hands right now! I’m sure you can imagine what was going through my head at this point.

I silently held out the label for Richard to see. Without words he put the bag back inside the box, I placed the two river rocks back inside as well and we latched it back up. We slipped the container back into the water and let it fall to the bottom.

As we left the area we started to think out loud. Aren’t you supposed to spread the ashes of the deceased into the water and not just sink the entire container they came in? I guess that question will never get answered but I will always wonder.

I have fished that lake many times since then and every time I put my boat on the water I ask out loud, “Bernie, please help me catch some fish today, buddy. You know I never intended to disturb you from your final resting place.”

My non-boaters always look at me like I am crazy until I tell them the story. I think Bernard has helped me out through the years because Apache has become one of those lakes where I always seem to do well.

As a matter of fact, Richard and I won that tournament the next day.

Thanks Bernie!”

Just goes to show you never know what you might reel in when you make a cast into a public reservoir.

G a m e ®

Email Matt Williams at mwilliams@fishgame.com |

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10/8/12 9:55 AM

The Biggest

Danger Woods in the

People, not bears, or mountain lions, or

wolves, or UFOs, or Bigfoot, are the biggest danger in the woods. They are a danger to others and a danger to themselves. And the less experienced they are, the greater a danger they are.

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10/9/12 1:48 PM

One day many years ago, I was a young Border Patrol agent stationed in Laredo, Texas. Our territory included the rugged miles and miles of the Mexican Border between Laredo and the Maverick County line, where the agents stationed in Eagle Pass and Carrizo Springs took over. I loved to work that country because it is as close as you can get to untrammeled wilderness in Texas.

This particular day I was working about 20 miles north of Laredo, signcutting (tracking). I was on foot, walking a trail that was left by a group of illegal aliens as they attempted to enter the U.S. without going through the proper channels. I had found their tracks where they crossed the old Mines Road (named for the large but little known Palafox Coal Mine that sits almost on the banks of the Rio Grande) and had been following their tracks for an hour or more. I knew I was getting closer by the way the sign looked, so I had called Laredo Sector for an airplane to assist me as my partner took the vehicle and drove the roads and senderos ahead of me, trying to find where they had crossed. Since he had not cut their tracks in front of me, I suspected that I was very close.

I had my head down, intently looking for sign (you almost never track a man, you find sign of his passing, with a track just often enough to keep you on the right trail).

Suddenly I had a funny feeling that someone was watching me and looked up to see a deer blind a hundred yards or so off to my right.

I glanced at the deer blind and then did a double take. A second look revealed a rifle

barrel sticking out of the blind, and the barrel was pointing at me. I had no place to go so I stopped and looked more closely at the blind. Sitting there was a deer hunter, intently watching me through the scope of his rifle.

Dropping the trail, I walked over to the blind, where I apologized to the hunter for spoiling his morning hunt. Then I told the blithering idiot that if he ever pointed a loaded rifle at me again he had better pull the (expletive deleted) trigger, because if he didn’t I was going to stick it so far down his throat that it would hit daylight before yesterday’s breakfast.

He quickly apologized and admitted that he had not thought of the fact that he was pointing a loaded, high-powered rifle at a human being. He just didn’t have any

binoculars and was wanting to see me better through his scope. The fact is, however, that he could very easily have killed me without intending to, and that is how so many of the accidents that happen in the woods are caused.

Since the initiation of the Hunter Safety Classes in the State of Texas, the number of hunting accidents has fallen dramatically. Sadly enough, however, they still do happen, and the vast majority of them are caused by sheer carelessness.

One time many years ago I was in a deer camp when one of the hunters (to use the term very loosely) came in and told the group that he had not seen any deer that morning, but that he had gotten one good “sound shot.” I thought he was kidding at first, but he was not. He said he was going back after lunch to see if he hit the animal.

When I asked him how he knew it was a deer and not a “wetback” he turned as white as a bar of Ivory Soap. He said he was from East Texas, where they hunted the deep woods and took sound shots all the time, because the only animals in the woods there (at that time) were deer and varmints. He had never considered that there would be any humans wandering around in the brush. Luckily, he had hit nothing with his “sound shot.” I hope he learned from the event, but I wouldn’t count on it. If it had been my hunting camp he would have been gone so fast his ears would have popped, but I was merely a visitor.

Another time I was witness to a couple of Nimrods holding an impromptu shooting match. They were shooting at a tree limb with their deer rifles. They were trying to cut the limb off the mesquite tree to which it belonged. The only problem was that about a half-mile directly behind the mesquite tree was a big, white ranch house with a red roof. That these two clueless idiots didn’t kill someone at the ranch house (It was actually the headquarters of the ranch, with a ranch house, barn, stables, guest house, T e x a S

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and bunk house) is purely because of divine intervention.

Another incident that comes to mind is one where a landowner was driving a hunter around in his pickup. The hunter was standing up in the back of the truck.

Each time he thought he saw something he tapped on the top of the cab to get the driver to stop. At one point the hunter tapped on the cab, the driver stopped, and the hunter shot at a really big buck. He missed. In the excitement of the moment the driver reached over and grabbed his rifle, a .375 H&H Magnum, if memory serves, although why he would have had such a cannon on a deer hunt escapes me. Anyway, the rifle was in the front seat, the barrel up. When the driver pulled on the rifle, attempting to get it out of the window, the trigger caught on the seat, and the rifle went off.

The bullet went through the top rear of the cab. The hunter started screaming but the driver was stone deaf from the muzzle blast of his elephant rifle. Knowing, however, that it went off in the general direction of the hunter in the back, he bailed out to see what his carelessness had wrought. Luckily his bullet had missed the hunter, who was wounded slightly from flying fragments of the bullet and the metal of the cab. Again, divine intervention seemed to be at work.

Remington Firearms Company has come under fire of late because people are accusing them of producing faulty rifles. The complaint is that the guns can go off when the safety is pushed off, without the trigger being pulled. I was not a witness to any of these incidents, but I doubt them, nonetheless. I have been involved in incidents where the shooter pushed off the safety using the front of the trigger guard as a purchase for his trigger finger. When he pushed off the safety with his thumb, his finger slipped off the trigger guard and struck the trigger, firing the gun. While I hate like heck to admit it, I was one of those. I was a youngster at the time, and the rifle was an old Eddystone 1917 Enfield, but I still should have known better. I did learn from my mistake and never

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10/9/12 1:48 PM

‘Odd’ Murder of a Deer Hunter IN LATE SEPTEMBER 2012, searchers found the body of a hunter reported “lost” in Wilkes County, Georgia.

He had been murdered.

Jeffery Sean Gebhard reportedly went deer hunting with a friend over

the weekend, and was reported to the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office as “lost in the woods” on Saturday night.

A search helicopter found his body early Sunday morning in a remote, marshy area.

Citing the on-going investigation, law

enforcement has not divulged the facts of the case, saying only that it was murder with odd circumstances.

use the trigger guard to gain more leverage when I push off the safety. Stay away from the trigger!

I simply cannot go into all the ways a careless hunter can cause rack and ruin.

Every time I think I have heard it all, something else happens to make me realize just how inventive such people can be. All I can tell you is that if you use a gun the only way to make sure it is safe is to keep it pointed in a safe direction.

Never get so excited that you lose your ability to be safe. If it wasn’t exciting, most of us would not hunt, but in the back of your mind you should always be thinking safety, first, last and always.

Never get into a vehicle with a round

in the chamber. If our driver above had adhered to this rule he would not have come close to killing his hunter, who, I believe, was his son.

Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to destroy or kill.

Always know what it is you are shooting at (no sound shots) and know what is behind your target (no ranch houses). Remember that the bullet may not stop at your target. A high-powered bullet will generally penetrate completely through a deer. I have seen two deer, and in another incident, two hogs, killed with one shot.

Do not use the scope on your rifle to glass. Take along a good binocular and use it to look at your game before you reach for

your rifle. If you look at something through your riflescope, you are pointing the gun at whatever it is. Those nasty little gremlins might just decide to make your rifle go off at that moment and you might kill a young Border Patrol agent doing his best to perform his duty to you and the country.

Be safe. There will always be another deer, but if you take the life of an innocent person, you cannot change it. Once your gun has fired you cannot call back that bullet. It simply is not worth the risk of the destruction of two lives – his and yours.

God bless all of you who hunt. Just don’t screw it all up for nothing.

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10/9/12 1:48 PM

Hunt Texas

by Bob Hood | TF&G Hunting Editor

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once watched a friend ruin a young male English pointer named Sam by literally the push of a button. My friend thought Sam was false pointing, just as he had done earlier in the morning on some meadowlarks and field mice, so he pushed the button to power the electric collar scrapped to Sam’s neck. The shock sent Sam wheeling to his left with a loud yelp. In an instant, a covey of about eight bobwhites flushed from the bush where Sam had been pointing.

That’s not exactly the message anyone would want to give a bird dog, but it would be one he would remember: if you scent quail and point them, you get disciplined. I scolded my friend for the obvious impatience he had had with his young dog by reminding him that his pointer wasn’t even a year old, and that if Sam wanted to point meadowlarks and field mice, that was okay. It was okay because Sam should be allowed to have fun running through the pasture, smelling everything out there, and having a good time rather than being taught to be afraid to hunt. After all, he was like a young boy or girl exploring the outdoors and having fun tossing rocks into the river or turning rocks over to see what was underneath, just for the fun of it. Those are the types of things that build future hunters, man and bird dog alike.

Over the years, I have seen many impatient and unskilled dog owners take the hunting out of their bird dogs by similar tactics as those used on Sam. I bet you have, too. A harsh rebuke, smack on the butt, mild electric shock, or just as bad—doing nothing at the right time to prevent a dog from acquiring bad habits—will prevent even the best bird dog from reaching the height of its potential.

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I have seen many impatient dog owners take the hunt out of their bird dogs.

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How to Ruin a Good Dog

Over the years, I have hunted behind a wide variety of excellent bird dog breeds, including English pointers and setters, German wirehairs and shorthairs, spaniels, red setters, pointing Labs, and others. To me, upland game bird hunting is about one thing: the dogs. Sure, camaraderie with hunting buddies, just being outdoors, and the rush of the flush all make a hunt a great experience; but watching the dogs work puts the cream in the ice cream.

I have admired the gusto of long-ranging dogs like male pointers and the diligent,

close-in work of spaniels and others. And who could ever forget the first point of a quail, pheasant, or other upland bird made by their puppy?

Matt Brown, owner of the S.M. Brown Game Bird Ranch located on a Texas Family Heritage Ranch north of Nocona on the banks of the Red River, shares the same feelings about bird dogs. Brown has been breeding and training bird dogs for years, and it was while on a 21-mile canoe-kayak trip down the Red River with him and his son, Colton, last summer that I learned just how far ahead of the game Brown is with bird dogs and bird dog owners. He has developed new plans not only to train bird dogs but also to train their owners how to do it themselves while supplying one of the key ingredients—plentiful supply of quail.

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the well-managed lands also provides prime habitat for a large number of wild bobwhites.

Unlike many other areas of Texas, such as to the west and south, above-average yearly rainfalls that spur good quail habitat are normal in the Nocona area. Releases of bobwhite quail, pheasant, and chukar combined with wild quail populations provide hunters with excellent upland bird hunting opportunities.

“It is no great news that bobwhite quail populations have declined drastically all across the country,” Brown said. “I got to thinking that since I have the quail, why not let bird dog owners bring their own dogs up here where they can get expert advice from a professional trainer, while training their dogs themselves over a lot of quail. I have my own dogs that I use on regular hunts, but I think the opportunity for someone to bring their own dogs to a place with lots of quail and train them under the guidance of a professional trainer and a lot of quail on the ground is great. There are several mistakes some dog owners make while trying to train their dogs themselves; every dog is different; they have different temperaments; but there are things you can do to bring out the best in them.”

Recognizing the potential in a particular dog, being aware of the strengths and weaknesses of a particular breed, addressing attitude changes, and learning how the dog is developing are things a good bird trainer does well. Passing that knowledge over to the dog’s owner while he is in the field with his dog over lots of quail is a good concept, and very likely will be adopted by other bird dog trainers, especially those who have quail hunting operations where they can provide lots of quail for the dogs. To me, putting a young dog into large numbers of quail is a big part of the equation, but just as important is knowing the dos and don’ts of training a bird dog. I just wish Sam and his owner had been as fortunate to have both.

G a m e ®

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Texas Department of Defense Gun Fighting

D

on Zaidle, our illustrious Editorin-Chief, and a person well acquainted with guns and gunfighting, just sent Dustin and me a lecture syllabus called Police Gunfighting. It seems to originate from California State University at Fresno, written by Mark Stevens, Lt. Col. United States Marine Corps, for

The Silent Advantage A SUPPRESSOR is probably the coolest accessory you can attach to a firearm. Commonly called “silencers”, many folks believe the urban legend that suppressors are illegal for civilian ownership. While they are over-regulated by the government, suppressors are legal for civilian ownership if you complete the

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by Steve LaMascus & Dustin Ellermann

a class in Criminal Justice.

It is full of valuable information on police gunfights and you will undoubtedly see more of it in these columns in the future, but for the moment, what I want to touch on is one simple, or not-so-simple, statement that caught my attention: “However, the nature of police gunfighting has changed little [since the 19th Century], and always seems to involve the worst of circumstances: close proximity, poor lighting, foot chases, inadequate facts, and innocent bystanders.”

You undoubtedly took notice of the fact that the statement is aimed at police encoun-

ters, but I want to point out to you something that may not have occurred to you. Every one of those things, with the possible exception of foot chases, will most likely prevail if and when you are called upon to use your personal weapon in self-defense.

Most gunfights take place at less than 7 steps; most of them occur in poor lighting; you will almost never have enough information, except that the person confronting you intends to do you or someone else personal harm; and last but certainly not least, there will very often be other persons around that could be injured or killed by a stray bullet

paperwork, have an extra $200 to submit as a tax and around 9 months to wait for the ATF to clear the transfer.

If the only knowledge you have of suppressors is from Hollywood then you’ll be pretty surprised when you experience a real one for yourself. Hollywood suppressors sound more like alien laser guns than the actual sound. The industry likes to call “silencers” suppressors because although the muzzle report itself is very muffled the main sound you will hear is the ballistic crack of the bullet itself. Physics do not allow an object traveling over the speed of sound to be

silent in the atmosphere, and the ballistic crack can be surprisingly loud. The best comparison of a bullet’s ballistic crack is about the same as the muzzle report of a standard rifle fired .22LR. Any cartridge firing a bullet over roughly 1,100 feet per second will produce this un-suppressible crack, therefore sounding a bit louder than Hollywood’s deceitful sound effects.

If you shoot lower velocity calibers that are below the speed of sound as a pistol .22LR and .45 ACP you will have a major reduction in sound signature comparable to a pellet rifle. But cross the supersonic threshold and the neighbors will definitely know you are up to something. Subsonic specialty ammunition is available for most pistol calibers and even .223 and .308 but it won’t cycle in your semi-automatic rifle and will have as little ballistic effectiveness as a flying crochet needle. But with new loads as the .300 AAC Blackout, these AR-15 style rifles will cycle with 220-grain ammunition at a subsonic speed. These bullets drop like a rock, but

A CMMG .300 AAC Blackout AR15 with Aimpoint Micro sight, LaRue Tactical mount, and 7.62 GEMTECH Titanium Sandstorm Suppressor, resting on a 5.11 Tactical 42” Double Rifle Case.

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should you roll the dice.

Before you are confronted by such a situation you need to think about what you will do, in advance. You need to go to your firing range, do your practice, and think about these things, because you will almost certainly not have time to contemplate what you will do when the time comes to act, or not act. To demonstrate, I will tell you a story.

I once got into a situation where I should have been killed. To this day I believe that God Almighty was watching over me that day.

I was patrolling the Rio Grande with a fellow agent named Joe Martinez. We pulled up to a high bluff and saw a boat in the water on the other side of the river.

Several people were loading suitcases into the boat. We decided that it was a family of illegal aliens being boated across by one of the many such “boatmen” who charged a fee for rowing prospective illegal entrants across the deeper parts of the river.

Since it appeared to be a situation in which no real danger was involved, and since we could not forecast which direction the group would go once they reached the U.S., we split up; I went downstream and Joe went upstream.

I found a notch in the bluff on the river trail and hid to see what transpired. In a few minutes I heard footsteps coming my direction. When the group got to me I stepped out in front of them and told them to stop, that they were under arrest. That was when I discovered that the one in front was a mean-looking cholo with a nickel plated semi-automatic stuck in his belt, butt to the front in the typical “Mexican carry.”

At that point I should have pulled my gun and stepped back to cover the group.

Instead I reached out and grabbed the gun in the head cholo’s belt. The next thing I knew I was in a life-and-death struggle for the gun. Also, there had been three of them and I did not know where the others were.

Thank God they did not just shoot me.

They ran.

I fought the one I had hold of with teeth, knees, and anything else I could use. I had his gun and he reached over and grabbed the butt of my .357. Again, thank God, the thumb snap did not let go and he couldn’t get my gun out of the holster. After what felt like a few centuries I managed to yank his gun from his belt.

When the fight was over I grabbed my

radio and called Joe, yelling that it was a load of Marijuana and the mules were armed.

Joe caught one of them at the edge of the water and managed to capture him without gunfire. After it was all over we discovered that all three were armed and that all the other two would have had to do was step up and pop me in the head while I was fighting the leader. I made a grave error, but I learned from it. From then on I did not step

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out in front of anyone without my gun ready for action. It turned out that the gun I took from the leader was a nice Star 9mm.

The average cop is a pitiful shot. He carries his handgun because he has to. He shoots it only when he is required to qualify.

If he is given ammunition for practice he hoards it instead of shooting it and becoming more proficient.

The average cop, when faced with an armed opponent fails entirely to do what he

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Texas Department of Defense was taught. He grabs his gun and sprays the countryside, often shooting until the gun in empty without touching his opponent. I am astounded with the number of gunfights in which nobody is hit. Often this happens at almost contact distance. For instance the Internet just carried a story about two 15-year veteran police officers with New York City who killed an armed opponent in front of the Empire State Building – and wounded 9 innocent civilians in the process.

The bad guy killed his target person in the building and wounded no one else.

If you are going to carry a gun, practice with it. And don’t just stand in front of a target and shoot for score. Practice realistic scenarios. Shoot and move. Shoot from different positions – from prone and from flat on your back or on your side. Shoot with your off hand. Shoot at a target that you can

only see a small part of.

Gunfighting ability is not genetic. Just because you are a Texan does not mean you have some inherent skill with a handgun.

The best gunfighters in the world practice almost every day. They shoot many thousands of rounds in practice for every one they shoot in combat. I am told that the Navy SEALs have no limit on the amount of ammunition they can fire in practice.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all our law enforcement agencies could have such “limitations?”

You don’t have to shoot a million rounds to be proficient with your chosen weapon, but you do have to practice often and well.

Your practice has to be smart, more so than simply copious. Firing 20 rounds a week is better than going out once a year and firing a couple hundred, but firing 50 rounds a

week is even better. That comes out to 2600 rounds a year. I have been told that a thousand rounds a year is required for maintaining proficiency. I don’t know, but I think it takes more than that, and it certainly takes more than that to gain that proficiency in the first place. Once you have become good with your gun it is probably okay to back off a bit on the practice, but the best of the best continue to shoot as much as they can, even if they have to reload to do it.

When you go out to practice, keep those things mentioned at the beginning of this article in the back of your mind; “close proximity, poor lighting, foot chases, inadequate facts, and innocent bystanders.”

—Steve LaMascus

“Silencers” t Continued from page 38 they sure are easier to throw.

The first advantage of a suppressor is of course sound suppression. Most highend suppressors allow the shooter to not need muffs or plugs while shooting.

Some folks may prefer to still use ear protection with centerfire calibers but I find it isn’t necessary. It makes a social shoot much more enjoyable because you can all carry on a conversation while t Continued from page xx is also an shooting.

This quieter report advantage in a tactical situation. Firing an unsuppressed weapon in a close quarter area such as a residence will result in hearing loss and reduced situational awareness. Further the noise suppression is also a training aid when introducing beginners to shooting sports. A shooter flinching under noise, muzzle blast and recoil will find themselves shooting a much tighter group with a “can” on the end of the barrel.

Another tactical advantage is the elimination of the muzzle flash. The unburnt powder that would normally light up the darkness like a firework is almost completely eliminated inside the suppressor. A can eliminating this flash

Story Jump

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A “Top Shot” built Ruger 22/45 with Tactical Solutions upper, Burris Fastfire sight, Volquartsen trigger set and magazine with GEMTECH Outback IID suppressor.

guards your night vision by preventing the temporary blindness from muzzle flash. It is also a lifesaver for SWAT entry teams when raiding a drug lab or crime scene where flammable substances are present.

Suppressors also will help reduce recoil because of the extra weight at the end of the barrel as well acting as a muzzle brake. They increase accuracy because they act as a perfect muzzle crown for escaping gasses and finally they also increase velocity by somewhat extending the barrel of the firearms and pushing the bullet a little bit faster.

Texas recently repealed the law ban-

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ning sound suppressors from hunting game animals so the transfer period might get even longer. If you are considering acquiring one before fall of 2013 you’ll need to act fast and find a Type III dealer in your area. Silencers are a great for hunting because they will minimize game scare in the area, reduce noise pollution in the community, and reduce hearing loss while hunting. It also lets you hunt more successfully with your kids, and have the coolest firearm accessory available.

—Dustin Ellermann Photo: Cody Conway

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Texas Bowhunting

by Lou Marullo | TF&G Bowhunting Editor

N

ovember…to me that means RUT! Man, I LOVE this time of year.

It is full of surprises, excitement and bow hunting success every year. If you have done your scouting homework then the odds will be in your favor for scoring on a nice whitetail this season.

Your stands are already in place, you know where all the food sources are and your backyard target is screaming for a rest. You are ready! Now all you need is a nice whitetail to walk into one of your shooting lanes.

We all hope for that perfect scenario when we are in our stands, but what if the deer didn’t get to read the script? I know this may be hard to believe, but sometimes those darn animals seem to always mess things up!

Remember, in the early stages of the rut, the bucks will be where the does are. OK, bucks will be with the does the entire rut, but in the early stages, hunt the trails that the does frequent. That could be tough if your hunting haven is in the middle of a big woods. Ideally, you should hunt where the woods narrows causing a natural bottleneck.

If you set your stand in the middle of that bottleneck and hunt with the wind in your face, you should have no problem seeing any deer that tries to sneak through that bottleneck. Advantage hunter.

If you decide to hunt the preferred food source, then I would suggest you place your stand in the woods about 40 yards or so from the edge of the field. Many new hunters give in to the urge of placing their stands right on the edge of the woods and the field.

You will certainly see many does from there, but it is common for the bucks to hang back in the woods in what is known as a staging area. The smart bucks will wait until almost dark before venturing out with the does. You should have some good luck by being smart too. Wait deeper in the woods and the bucks

“

November... to me that means Rut!

“

The Best of Times

will soon appear. Advantage hunter.

The middle of the rut brings with it a different method of hunting. This is the time of year where deer really respond well to deer calling and scents. Some of my friends will disagree, but I have had tons of luck using scents to attract bucks into a shooting lane.

And hey, that’s fun!

This is when you should pay more attention to scrapes (when the deer scrape the ground and leave their scent to attract does).

But not any scrape. There are plenty of

those along the edges of fields. That only tells us a buck has been there. Find the scrapes that are in the woods. Look hard because where you find one scrape, there should be more. Try to find a scrape that has an overhanging branch over it. This is a primary scrape and one that is visited often.

Keep your scent to a minimum by wearing rubber boots and rubber gloves when you inspect the activity at a scrape. You should see signs of small branches broken from the buck rubbing his orbital scent glands on the branches. He may have licked the branch and broken the end off. Again, you do not want to set your stand up too close to that scrape. Try to get about 20 yards from the scrape and remember to keep the wind in your face. Sit back and relax! There should be some buck action in no time at all.

Advantage hunter.

I love to rattle during this time of the rut.

The best time is early in the second phase of the rut or right at the tail end of the first phase. It does not work every time. What does? When it does work, I guarantee that you will never forget it.

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may think. There are different grunts during the rut that whitetails like. It is all about fooling the animal to get him into your accuracy range. Bucks are more aggressive during this time and I have found that a snort-wheeze call will drive a dominant buck out of his hide. Does it work every time? No, but when it does, get ready for a great show!

The post rut brings it’s own challenges.

The bucks are getting call-shy. Most of the does are already bred and the bucks know it.

Scents or calling deer do not work as well as a few weeks before. This all means that you have to change your tactics for a successful hunt.

Once again you should hunt the food sources. The does will be there and the bucks will follow to look for any available does. There are a small percentage of does that will go into estrus 28 days after the first rut and the bucks will be hot on their trail.

While all of the tactics you just read about will still work during this time of year, it is more likely that success will be found at the food source.

You may be able to find the buck of your dreams in a small patch of woods or even living in a hedgerow. Believe it or not, deer have been known to hide in the wide open.

What I am saying is that whitetails will live in the smallest of areas, the most unlikely areas that is free of human scent. Advantage deer. Oh well, it is what it is!

The main problem you may run into is the fact that the whitetails have been hunted for months already. Human scent has been left everywhere in the woods and the deer are extremely alert and very skittish. To get a whitetail into bow range would prove to be difficult at best. Try not to get discouraged though. This is all part of a challenging hunt. Isn’t that one of the main reasons we hunt with a bow in the first place? Hey, if it was easy, everyone would do it and it would not be special to you at all. Accept the challenge and enjoy the hunt and most of all, hunt safe and have fun out there.

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TRUE GREEN NEW WEAPON AGAINST POISON IVY With more than half of all adults allergic to poison ivy, oak, and sumac, scientists are reporting an advance toward an inexpensive spray that could reveal the presence of the rash-causing toxic oil on the skin, clothing, garden tools, and even the family cat or dog. photo: Wikipedia

Using the spray, described in

Coyotes Lead an Urban Predator Incursion For at least six years, a coyote community has maintained its existence within about a third of a square mile in a location just a few miles from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

“That’s an indication that they don’t have to go far to find food and water. They’re finding everything they need right there, in the suburbs of Chicago,” said Stan Gehrt, an associate professor of environment and natural resources at Ohio State University who has led the tracking of coyotes around Chicago for 12 years. “It amazes me.

“The coyote is the test case for other animals. Raccoons, skunks, foxes – they’ve already been able to penetrate the urban landscape pretty well. The coyote is the most recent and largest. The jury’s out with what’s going to happen with the bigger 42 |

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ones,” he said.

The bigger ones include wolves, mountain lions, and bears.

the American Chemical Society journal, The Journal of Organic Chemistry, would enable people to wash off the oil or avoid further contact in time to sidestep days of misery.

It takes only 0.04th of a drop of the oil to trigger a reaction, and the oil is invisible. Scientists thus sought to begin developing a way to make the oil visible and allow inspection for contamination after venturing outdoors.

—Staff Report «TG

—Staff Report «TG

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photo: Ducks Unlimited

TRUE GREEN Venomous Fish on Mid Texas Coast Video shot by scientists with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies is the first documented confirmation that a new non-native marine predator may pose a threat to the ecology of the waters along the Texas coast.

Lionfish, venomous marine fish previously found mostly in the western Pacific Ocean, have been appearing in the Caribbean since the 1980s. While lionfish A group of DU Legacy Greenwing memmoist-soil habitat managed for waterfowl are becoming increasingly sighted bers and their families gathered at Mad within the WMA. These two moist-soil around the Gulf of Mexico, most Island Wildlife Management Area near impoundments provide some of the most previous reports have come from Matagorda, Texas on July 21, to dedicate popular hunting areas at Mad Island areas east of Louisiana, particularly Texas’s third Legacy Greenwing project.

WMA. in Florida’s coastal waters. These Legacy Greenwing members are sponsorBoth projects enhanced waterfowl habipredators measure up to approxilevel youth members of Ducks Unlimited. tat and public hunting opportunities. mately 18 inches and feed on small Texas has more than 400 Legacy Green—Staff Report «TG wings, more than 100 of whom now have fish and invertebrates. Because their names engraved on a bronze plaque at they have few natural the dedication site. enemies, lionfish may DU has worked with Texas Parks negatively impact native and Wildlife Department (TPWD) over species in the newlythe years on several projects to enhance invaded ecosystems. waterfowl habitat on Mad Island WMA. “Reported sightings Most recently, the Big Muddy Lake water in the Texas coastal area control structure project improved manageare rather recent ment capabilities on more than 460 acres and, to the best of of emergent and submerged marsh habitats our knowledge, this in Big Muddy and Cane lakes. is the first confirmed A second project to install a new deepView the Harte video of Lionfish on the mid Texas water well increased water management video documentation of Coast at: fishgame.com/VideoBlog.php?p=3622 u capacity to approximately 200 acres of a lionfish from the Texas coastal region,” said Dr. Matthew Ajemian, a post-doctoral TAKE THE BITE OUT OF PAIN: Black mamba snake venom has been shown to fellow with the HRI at Texas A&M make a better painkiller than morphine, but without most of the side effects, say University-Corpus Christi.

French scientists. The predator uses neurotoxins to paralyze and kill small animals. It is one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa. As reported in the journal “Nature,” Researchers tested the venom of 50 species before finding the black mamba pain-killing proteins, called mambalgins.

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Texas Legacy Greenwing Project Dedicated

—Staff Report «TG |

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Science The

of

Whitetail Hunting

by paul bradshaw I know you’re not going to believe

this but there was a time when hunters would wear red plaid jackets, used open sighted 30-30’s, and wouldn’t know the difference between a cover scent and potpourri if you asked them.

Yet, they still killed deer. Heck, just a couple decades ago I killed a deer while sitting in a homemade ground blind made from a bent electrical conduit frame and covered in bulk scrap fabric that I believe was striped.

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Deer hunting has come a long way since then.

Not only have we used advancements in technology to improve our hunting equipment, we have also used it to give us a better understanding of our quarry.

Years ago when I first started deer hunting it was a common thought that deer, and most mammals other than humans were color blind; only seeing the world in shades of black, white, and grey. In the past few years we’ve figured out that we were probably wrong in this assumption and deer see a lot more colors than we originally thought.

In the early 90’s, a study was conducted at the University of Georgia regarding what deer can really see. The conclusion of the study was that deer are not completely color blind, but rather red/green color blind like some humans. I’m one of those humans.

Since we can’t really stick a color pallet in front of a deer and ask them what colors they see, let me describe what I see in hopes that this helps you understand them better.

I’m often asked to explain what I can see and the best way to put it is, I can see colors, just not the same ones you do. Subtle differences between colors are lost on me.

Rainbows, I can see maybe two colors in them, just don’t ask me which two because I don’t know. In the woods, reds, greens, and browns all blend together while blues and purples tend to stand out. That’s why hunters in red plaid jackets could hunt without worrying about the deer seeing them.

Another finding from the study is that deer lack a UV filter on their eyes, meaning it might be possible for them to see UV light. So those UV inhibiting sprays you see advertised might be worth the investment.

More recent studies have also determined that when talking about visual acuity, deer don’t see as well as we do. Their vision is slightly blurry, along the lines of 20/40 vision which means they could barely pass a basic Department of Transportation eye exam to get a drivers license. You just thought that when a doe was bobbing and weaving its head it was trying to get you to move, it was actually just trying to get you into focus. This might be one of the reasons

that decoys work so well. Deer recognize the shape as deer-like but have to get close to see the detail which puts them into bow or rifle range.

While deer don’t see as clearly as we do they can still detect motion fairly easily. So as a hunter all this means that the biggest key isn’t wearing the latest camouflage but sitting still.

Raise your hand if you have ever been busted by a deer that heard you blink your eye’s 1000 yards away in a stiff wind?

We’ve all been there right. Being really quiet, not making a sound, but somehow a deer hears us and bolts out of sight. They must have supersonic hearing then right?

Right?

Well, not so much. According to research conducted by Dr. Kenneth Risenhoover at Texas A&M University, deer can hear only slightly better than we can. Since the researchers couldn’t make a noise then ask the deer “Did you hear that?” they hooked sensors to anthisized deer’s heads to measure the electrical response when noises at certain frequencies were played. This gave them a fairly good idea of what frequencies a deer can hear and it is right around the same range you and I can hear. So, in reality a deer isn’t going to bust you at a great distance if you make a small sound. Plus, those dumb looking deer whistles on the front of cars, they don’t really work because if you can’t hear them neither can the deer.

While deer can’t hear any better than you, we can make the assumption that they can pinpoint where sounds come from better than you or I can. Go ahead; try to turn your ear backwards, without touching it, to hear something behind you like a deer can.

Can’t do it can you? If you can I want to see pictures. When you make a sound the deer can tell exactly where it came from easily, so you need to be quiet.

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the woods, like you are in your recliner. If you are sitting in the house watching television while munching on Cheetos and there is a bump in the attic you notice it, stop what you’re doing, and listen for it again. If it is a slight noise you might just dismiss it but if it sounds significant you go check it out because it’s not natural. If a deer is browsing on acorns and hears metal hit metal, or a cough, or squeak of a ladder stand shifting, it stops what it is doing and listens. If the noise is loud or strange enough, it might bolt. If it is soft and only happens once, then it will probably go back to feeding.

So a deer can’t hear any better than you can and really sees worse than you do, but when it comes to the sense of smell, he kicks your rear. I’m not even going to pretend to understand the research involved or try to interpret it for you but studies have shown mammals have around 1000 genes related to the ability to interpret smells. In humans less than 40% of these genes are actually functional while other mammals use all 1000.

So other mammals, that includes deer, are capable of deciphering hundreds, if not thousands of more smells than we are. Plus, studies conducted on roe deer in the 1970’s show that their olfactory epithelium (the area inside the nose that actually catches the scent) is up to nine times larger than ours.

So not only can deer interpret more scents but they have a larger area in their nose to catch these scents.

If that doesn’t make you feel bad enough, even more recent research has indicated that deer are able to interpret pheromones and scents at the same time independently of each other. So a buck can smell a doe and you at the same time, meaning that cover scents might not be nearly as effective as we once thought. The best way to combat this is to not leave any scent at all, although that seems almost impossible sometimes.

The sport of whitetail hunting has come a long way and through the use of scientific research we have gained a better understanding of the deer we chase, knowing more about them than ever before. What we’ve figured out is that our grandfathers in their red plaid jackets really knew what they were doing.

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by Gayne C. Young

Confessions of Real

Hunters!

l a i t en

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Box Blind Hanky Panky!

Tasered by the Cops!

Trigger Happy Hunting Guides! r Thesi t Mo

e t a m i t n I rets!

Sec

As an outdoor writer I seldom hunt alone.

I’m usually with a guide or, if the outfitter wants a story encompassing more than just my hunt, a guide and another hunter. The latter setup has allowed me a lot of great hunting in the past two decades but even more in the way of strange stories told in the confines of a deer blind.

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These “confessions” run from the humorous to the asinine to the flat out way-too-weird-tobe-telling-a-stranger.

Here is my countdown of the five oddest confessions I’ve ever been witness to while in a deer blind. Although I use no names, trust me, the following is all 100% true.

5. Not Sure If I

Believe It But Know I Don’t Want To Think About It “Pretty small blind, huh?” the guide commented as we settled in for our morning hunt. I nodded in agreement and scrunched into the half a chair I was directed to by flashlight.

“Yeah,” the guide continued. “Tight a’ space as it is, you wouldn’t believe what my girlfriend n’ I did in here the other night. We tore it up bruth’a. Tore it up!

Wild and wooly I’m telling ya’. Wild and wooley!”

Why did this guy repeat everything twice?

Noticing the extra 40 or so pounds my guide was carrying around his mid-section and having met his equally gut-endowed girlfriend I found this a rather disturbing mental picture.

Still, much like passing a car wreck that you just can’t help but look at I found myself studying the small blind wondering how if what he said was true was true they did what they did.

But I didn’t think about it for long. It was just too gross an image.

4. Tricky Nicky The question of, “Ya’ ever seen a Meth head lit up?” was posed to me by a parttime guide and full-time Beaumont police officer a few years ago. In all fairness, I must reveal that I had asked to hear cop stories the night before.

I just found this one an odd story to tell

in the confines of a blind before sunrise.

“You think we’ll see any deer?”

“Hey. You ever seen a Meth head lit up?”

The Meth addict in question was “Tricky Nicky” who apparently had a bad habit of cutting herself when tweaked out of her gourd (And to think I thought Meth was a bad habit). “This one time ‘ol Tricky Nicky was hole’d up in tha’ corner of this store just running glass over her arms and neck. Just cutting herself up! We tried to get her to stop but she wasn’t buying any so I shot a spark into her to keep her from really hurting herself. She jumped ‘round like a lightning bolt on crack (Or Meth.).

Took two hits to drop her.”

Lovely.

3. You’re Telling Me This Now?

One guide waited until the second day of my hunt to tell me how he had accidently shot a hunter he was guiding only a year earlier. “I thought the safety was on,” is how he began the story. “I guess it wasn’t.

When I dropped the rifle it just went off.

Shot him right there in front of his son. I felt horrible but accidents happen, right?”

Uh, not if you’re careful and practice proper gun safety they don’t.

I watched the guide so meticulously for the rest of my hunt that I actually missed out on several deer.

Do you blame me?

2. We Should All

1. You Might Want to

Get That Checked

I doubt if I’ll ever hear anything in a deer stand that rivals my number one confession pick.

And I really hope I never do.

“You ever have your prostate checked?” is how my oddest encounter in a deer stand began. From there it spiraled further and further into an abyss of feeling uncomfortable as this older guide shared with me his personal history and his new found knowledge of the male anatomy.

“Had the cancer on mine last year,” the old man explained. “It’s been in remission for six months now.”

I nodded and offered my congratulations. He continued to “educate” me.

“It’s the gland that makes that milky white fluid that’s mixed in with y’er seeman.”

That’s enough. Really. Thank you.

“Yeah, I never gave all the inside parts a lot of thought ‘till the doc gave me my first rectal exam. You ever had one? Ain’t gonna lie. The exam ain’t no fun. Y’er in their freezing y’er cojones off in a paper gown that’s open in the back. Then the doctor comes on in n’ puts on a pair of gloves n’ starts greasing his fingers up with a big tube a’ goo.”

Thank God a deer walked into the open at this point.

BeA fellow So hunter Lucky explained to a guide

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the company where an industrial flash fire left him with burns over 80% of his body had allowed him the privilege of hunting “whenever and wherever I want for the rest of my life.” The hunter went on to say, “In a way that day turned out to be one of the luckiest days of my life. Can’t tell you how many hunts I’ve been on since that day and the folks over at Cabela’s know my name cuz I buy so much from ‘em. It was better than winning the Lotto.”

Think I’ll stick with Lotto tickets myself.

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Open Season

by Reavis Wortham | TF&G Humor Editor

Glasses

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illie was driving us down the highway near the lease when his phone vibrated. He made the usual rude comment that can’t be repeated in this publication, then unclipped the device from his belt.

“There’s no use in me looking at this,” he said. “I can’t see the screen without my glasses and I can’t drive with them on.”

“It isn’t safe for you to drive and try to read text messages anyway,” I said.

He glared across the truck cab. “I didn’t say I was going to look at it. I want you to look at it for me.” He thrust the phone in my direction.

“It’s your wife,” I said, squinting at the tiny screen. Like Willie, my eyes aren’t so good and even the highest magnification in my trifocals wasn’t strong enough. I pulled the glasses down on my nose and tried again. “You want me to read what she wrote?”

“Why didn’t she just call me?” he asked.

“I hate this text message stuff.”

“I don’t know. Why don’t you call her and ask?”

“Because she’ll get mad and complain for five minutes that I called her instead of answering her text. Just read it.”

“Get milk and soap on the way home.”

“All that trouble for milk and soap,” Willie griped.

“It wouldn’t have been any trouble if you’d just not answered the phone. No one said it was a law that we have to immediately check these infernal devices the minute they ring.”

“There’s the game warden,” Willie said and raised his fingers from the steering wheel in a wave. I waved also, just to be polite.

The passing game warden raised his own fingers, then pulled quickly onto the shoulder and whipped around to follow.

“Willie looked into the rear view mirror. “I think he’s coming after us for some reason.”

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I turned to look through the back glass. “He saw your buck’s foot sticking up over the truck bed. Bet he just wants to check it.”

“Okay.”

Willie pulled over to the side so the officer could examine the buck.

The game warden coasted to a stop behind us and we met him behind the truck. “Morning boys,” he said.

We exchanged pleasantries for a while, shivering slightly in the chilly sunshine. I handed Willie’s phone back to him when my own vibrated. While they talked, I raised my glasses to see better and examined the little screen of my own Blackberry.

“Your wife wants you to get bread, too.”

“Why did she tell you?” he asked.

“Because you didn’t answer her text a minute ago.”

The game warden raised his eyebrows.

Willie held up his hands. “I wasn’t texting while I drove. He was reading it for me.”

Married himself, the game warden laughed and then stepped up into the truck bed to better read the deer tag Willie had attached to the buck’s antler. After a moment, he unwired the tag and dropped back onto the ground.

“Uh, sir, I believe you’ve used the wrong tag.” He looked apologetic.

“Are you sure?” Willie asked, frowning and beginning to worry.

The game warden fished in the pocket of his starched shirt and retrieved a pair of reading glasses. Perching them on his nose, he checked the tag again. “Yep. This is the wrong one.”

Willie produced his own glasses and peered at the offending tag. “The writing on here is so small I can barely make out the words. Here Rev, read this.”

The game warden took out his ticket book as I attempted to read the type. We all looked up when Doc and Jerry Wayne pulled up behind the game warden’s car.

“They’re with us,” I told the officer.

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“Morning gentlemen,” Doc said. “Officer.”

They joined us on the safe side of the truck.

“Are you under arrest?” Jerry Wayne said hopefully.

“It’ll be for getting old,” Willie sighed.

“I used the wrong tag on my deer.”

I handed the tag to Doc, who produced his own pair of reading glasses. “I can’t see this. Jerry Wayne, can you read it?”

Jerry Wayne is the only one of us who doesn’t wear glasses. He played the trombone for a moment to get the tiny words into focus, and then handed the tag to the game warden. “Yep. Wrong one.”

“Sorry Willie,” the officer said, handing him the ticket. “I don’t have a choice.”

“I know,” he sighed and propped his reading glasses on his nose again. “I can’t hardly read this ticket, either.”

We passed the ticket around until it once again wound up in Jerry Wayne’s hands and he read it to us.

“See you later boys,” the game warden said. “And Willie, I’d get those groceries for your bride before you get home, too.”

“Oh, yeah,” Doc said. “I meant to tell you. She called me and said she wants eggs, too. Y’all need to answer your phones.”

“Fine,” Willie said. “And while I’m at the store, I’ll see if they have stronger reading glasses.”

Email Reavis Wortham at rwortham@fishgame.com Graphic illustration: TF&G; Photos, Bigstock

10/8/12 11:15 AM

Digital Edition

Gun Cleaning

Basics by steve lamascus

Photo: Steve Lamascus

I AM ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT for a good used gun. Over the years I have found some truly marvelous old guns that were in fantastic condition. One thing, though, seemed to be consistently wrong with them. Almost without exception, they were so dirty that they simply could not shoot to their full potential.

One in particular was sold to me because it was “shot out,” or so thought the previous owner. I bought it to use as a basis for a custom rifle. After I spent several days, off and on, cleaning the gunk out of the barrel, I found that it was practically new, mechanically.

Just last year I bought an old Remington Model 700 in .22-250. Again I was told that it was old and very used.

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hardly used, at all. After I cleaned all the metal fouling out of the barrel it will consistently shoot three-shot groups of less than an inch.

So, since it seems that cleaning a gun is a lost art, what is the proper manner of cleaning Ol’ Thumper?

First you need a supply of cleaning patches of the proper size, preferably cotton, but certainly absorbent; brass brushes, also of the right size; a good cleaning rod, preferably one coated with some material to prevent picking up grit and ruinF i s h

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DIGITAL ALMANAC Table of Contents GEARING UP SECTION

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texas tested • 3M, Blue Wave, Streamlight, Diawa, Coveralls | by TF&G staff

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industry insider • Yamaha ATV’s, Rock River Arms | by TF&G staff

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fish and game gear • Hot New Outdoor Gear | by TF&G staff

FISHING FORECAST SECTION

COVER STORY • Gun Cleaning Basics |

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by steve lamascus

hotspots focus: upper coast • Bayou Bruisers | by capt. eddie hernandez

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hotspots focus: galveston • Explain ‘Nautural Bait’ | by capt. mike holmes

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hotspots focus: matagorda • The Run has Begun | by

paul’s tips • Thrills and Chills |

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hotspots focus: rockport • Another Victim | by capt. mac

texas guns • The Best Rifle Ever Made for Deer Hunting | by

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hotspots focus: lower coast • Near Shore Snapper |

HOW-TO SECTION

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texas boating • Games People Play | by lenny rudow texas kayaking • Fins & Feathers | by greg berlocher by paul bradshaw

steve lamascus

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

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sportsman’s daybook • Tides & Prime Times | by TF&G staff

OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE SECTION

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texas tasted • Slaven’s Venison Stew with Red Wine | by

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OUTDOOR CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY • Guides, Gear and More | by TF&G staff tf&g Photos • Your Action Photos | by TF&G readers

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bryan slaven

bink grimes

gable

by calixto gonzales

www.FishGame.com ing the barrel; some rags, old tee shirts will work; solvent for metal fouling and powder solvent, or something that does both at the same time, and high grade gun oil (not WD-40, which, according to a chemist friend of mine, can turn into a gummy mess over time. I use almost exclusively products

by Birchwood Casey, but there are many quality products on the market); a good cleaning cradle of some kind; and if it is a bolt action, a bore guide that fits your rifle’s action; and last, a jag on which to put the patches.

If you are cleaning a gun from which you cannot remove the barrel or bolt, you must clean it from the muzzle. This is a poor way to do it, but is better than no cleaning at all.

Placing a rag between the chamber and the action parts will catch most of the grit and gunk that comes out of the barrel.

If it is a break-action gun, like a side-byside or over-under shotgun, you can remove the barrels from the action and clean both without difficulty.

A bolt action rifle or shotgun is cleaned by removing the bolt, inserting the rod guide into the action (a rod guide is not necessary with a shotgun), and then cleaning through the rod guide, thereby preventing the cleaning rod from rubbing against the side of the

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bore, which can cause it to be worn into an oval, which ruins accuracy.

Now for cleaning: First dampen a patch with solvent, place it on the jag, and run it through the barrel.

Let the solvent soak in for a few minutes and then repeat the process. I usually do this 3 times, but will continue if the barrel is especially dirty.

Next I run one dry patch through the barrel. After the dry patch, I replace the patch jag with a brass brush, dip the brush in the solvent, and brush the bore, thoroughly. I usually brush the bore both ways 5 times – that is 10 passes through the barrel with the brush. Then I replace the brush with the jag, dampen the jag with solvent, and run it through the bore, followed by a dry patch. If the dry patch comes out reasonably clean, I will run one more damp patch and one more dry patch through the barrel and call it good.

However, if the bore still shows signs of being dirty. I repeat the process from beginning to end until it is clean.

Metal fouling is another, more insidious

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problem. Some perfectly good barrels will be prone to collecting metal from the bullet jackets. I have a Pac Nor match grade barrel that for all appearances is perfect, but that metal fouls more than most. I must really work to get the fouling out of it. Here’s how: First get a solvent that will remove metal fouling. Most of them today will do this. I use Hoppes Number 9, and it works very well except in the most aggravated cases. If you prefer something else, that’s fine, but make sure it will not damage the bore, as some more aggressive solvents can do.

First clean the barrel as described above.

Next wet a patch with the solvent and scrub the barrel, again. Wait 10 minutes and repeat. Continue this until the patches quit coming out with the telltale blue stains.

When the patch comes out clean, run two dry patches through the barrel, wipe the muzzle with a dry cloth, and stand the gun muzzle down on a cloth or towel somewhere to allow any excess solvent to run out. Do not leave the solvent in the barrel; it can cause damage, which can destroy accuracy.

When you are satisfied, wipe off the external

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metal parts with a rag and a rust preventive lubricant. Birchwood Casey’s Barricade is good, so is Rusteprufe, and I expect there are other good products on the market.

If this process does not get the job done, then you will need to learn Cleaning 201, but that is for another article.

There are many variations of the cleaning process, and you may find that some other method works best for you. I have found through many years of trial and effort that the above keeps my bores in great shape. I have rifles that I have been using for more than 40 years that are still bright and shiny, with the lands and grooves as crisp and sharp as the day they were made.

Just the other day I shot a few test groups through a Model 70 Winchester that I got as a graduation gift when I graduated from the Border Patrol Academy in 1980. It shoots better today than it did the day my brother, David, gave it to me.

Take care of your guns and they will, literally, last lifetimes.

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on’t you hate it when you go to buy a new car, and the $19,999 MSRP of the one you’re looking at magically climbs to $40,000 by the time you get the package you want? Car manufacturers and dealers have a funny way of adding things that they call “options,” like bumpers and air-conditioning, which most sane people would call must-haves.

Well, unfortunately, this is also true of boat manufacturers. When the list of options for a boat is twice the length of the list of standard features, you know it’ll take hours with a calculator to get from the sticker price to the real-world price.

Plenty of those “options” are real necessities which you can’t leave the dock without. So the next time you go to buy a boat, make sure you know what the actual price is going to be, before you make any decisions.

You’d like some tips on common things to look for? Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for.

1. A Compass

It’s truly amazing that most new boats sold today either aren’t fitted out with a compass, or force you to pay extra to get one at the time of purchase. Anyone who leaves the dock without a compass is playing fast and loose with their own safety, unless you always—and I mean always—have the boat ramp within sight. It’s extremely easy to get turned around on the water, especially if fog sets in or rain reduces visibility. And a compass is the only sure-fire way to know what direction you’re heading in.

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2. Leaning Posts & Helm Seats

Shocking but true: There are some manufacturers out there that will list their boats without including the cost of any seating at the helm. And, just how many boats do you think leave the factory without somewhere to sit? None. But they still consider the seats optional, just to give your calculator and your brain a work-out. Even worse, in at least two cases I know of, manufacturers of center console boats actually consider the console itself “optional.” Really? Yes, really.

3. Power Plants

Of all the options you choose, the power plant will unquestionably have the single largest impact on your boat’s purchase price. And I can see why many manufacturers would list the engine as an option; different buyers will make very different choices when it comes to power. So you’ll just have to grit your teeth on this one, and figure it into your calculations. But as you do so, there are a couple of important points to bear in mind. First off, remember that some manufacturers will include under-sized engines on their list, to keep the introductory price as low as possible. Even if you don’t care about being the fastest guy on the water, it’s often a mistake to get the smallest engine offered. In some cases, once you load down the boat with gear, fuel, and passengers, you might not even be able to get on plane. And secondly, consider resale

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“ Plenty of ‘options’ are real necessities which you can’t leave the dock without.

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Games People Play

What about GPS? Do you really need a compass, if you have a chartplotter at the helm? Unquestionably, yes. Electronics fail with shocking regularity, and even if your unit doesn’t fail, the satellite constellation could. Don’t laugh—it’s happened before, due to solar flares and accidental jamming caused by other consumer electronics. So when you make your tally, be sure to include the cost of a compass.

value. A lot of buyers out there do like going fast, and if you choose a small power option it can make it harder to sell the boat when you’re ready for an upgrade.

4. Cushions & Fillers

How would you like sitting on solid fiberglass, or the plastic of a bare cooler?

Yeah, that’s what we thought. But there are a few manufacturers out there who price their boats without including any cushions.

Just imagine going through a steep choppy bay, with an unprotected butt!

In some other cases, you can also opt for fillers and cushions that turn a bow deck into a larger casting platform or a sunpad. This may or may not be a musthave depending on your situation, but it can add hundreds of dollars to the bottom line, so remember to figure in the cost if this is something you’ll opt for.

5. Tops & Sun Protection

The Texas sun can do a lot of damage, if you don’t have any way to get some shade on your boat. But few fishing boats come with standard tops. That means you’ll have to make choice, usually between a Bimini top and a T-top. Biminis are by far less

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expensive (they’ll add a few hundred dollars to the cost of an average boat, versus a $1,500 or $2,000 for a T-top). But they’re also a pain to put up and take down, they get in the way when fishing, and many need to be lowered when running or they’ll get damaged by the wind. T-tops, on the other

hand, are sturdy enough that they allow you to add options like rocket launchers, spreader lights, elevated VHF antennas, and even outriggers or radar. Of course, a guy who spends most of his time on lakes or reservoirs simply doesn’t need this stuff. So figure out your needs ahead of time, and it’ll

be easier to figure in the cost of a top when you’re looking at that boat.

6. A Console Head

This may not count as a must-have for you, but if you plan on taking a female guest more than a few miles from the dock and your boat is big enough, you’ll be better served by having one onboard. On smaller boats, of course, this is a non-issue. But, why do so many builders advertise that their center console has a head compartment – yet the boat doesn’t come with a head? It’s a lot more common than one might think.

7. Rodholders

Your average boat comes with a pair, in the gunwale. A few builders add a second pair, or maybe some vertical rodracks at the console. But how often do you look at a new boat, and wish it had more rodholders?

I’d say 90-percent of the time—and I’ll bet most of you agree.

8. USCG Safety Gear

Some high-end builders include safety gear like life jackets, a fire extinguisher, flares, and a throw cushion but the majority do not. Many don’t offer it as an option, either, but expect you to go the marine supply store, and purchase it on your own.

Here’s the catch: If you want your fire extinguisher mounted on the boat so it’s accessible, USCG regulations stipulate it must be attached to the mount it came with, which requires screwing or through-bolting.

Many boaters don’t particularly like the idea of drilling holes in their brand new boat.

Wait a sec, won’t the dealership install a fire extinguisher for you? Sure, for a price, of course.

E-mail Lenny Rudow at LRudow@fishgame.com

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good duck blind, like a good fishing spot, requires a lot of effort to get to. An early wake up call, industrial strength coffee, a predawn trip across lakes or bay that leaves cheeks raw and digits numb, followed by a workout session lugging bags of decoys through sucking mud that would tax any NFL lineman is mandatory. Or so you think.

Duck hunting from a kayak is a pleasurable pursuit and the notion that one must go miles from the ramp to find fins and feathers is a flawed one.

One of my favorite venues is an isolated back bay near the Coastal Bend. The little bay is separated from its larger partner by a squat highway bridge. The bridge is low enough to block airboats from passing underneath; large patches of oyster shell armor the bay floor and are an effective deterrent to outboards. Kayaks, on the other hand, have no problem skimming over the hostile oyster beds.

I generally have my little bay all to myself and have yet seen another hunter or fisherman. It is only a matter of time though.

Secret spots rarely remain secret but they often remain productive for long periods.

Hunting ducks from a kayak is basic hunting at its best. A shotgun, ammo, license and stamps, and a dozen decoys will get you started. If you have always wanted to try duck hunting but were scared of the investment or didn’t want to store hundreds of decoys, this is a great way to get started.

As our state’s population continues to increase, so does hunting pressure. Over the last three decades, the size of a typical decoy spread has increased significantly. As a young waterfowl hunter, several dozen “dekes” were enough for me to get the D I G I T A L

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attention of passing puddle ducks; however, as hunting pressure has increased the size of hunters decoy spreads have increased as well. It is now commonplace to see spreads numbering in the hundreds.

Although decoy bags are bulky, they are easy to lash onto your hull. Bungee cords of different lengths can be used individually or in combinations to achieve the proper length. If you don’t have a forward hatch that you can slide your shotgun all the way into, lash your gun case to the side of your hull.

Kayaks can transport duck hunters into a completely new world, one where there are very few humans and ducks decoy much easier. These spots aren’t always obvious but they are around if you look. You must train your eye, much like seeing waking and tailing redfish. What is frustrating to the neophyte becomes second nature after just a few seasons.

Two of the best tools I know for finding these gems are Texas Lakes & Bays (published by Texas Fish & Game) and a road atlas. Start by looking for small roads that hug a shoreline of a targeted lake or bay.

Always consider legal access when scouting launch sites. Although it may be just a short jaunt to the water from a road, it may not be legal. Look for No Trespassing signs and don’t break the law.

Scouting an area beforehand pays dividends. What if others arrive before you? Is there enough area to park safely? Is there enough area to hunt without interfering with another hunter or hunters? Answers to these questions may affect your decision to hunt in a particular area or not.

If you don’t mind a little extra gear, carry four light poles with you that you can jam into the mud on shore, making a simple framework to which you can hang the drape on.

A second cammo drape is needed to cover your hull. Drag your hull up into the shoreline grasses away from your blind and then make it blend into the scenery with the drape.

The last recommended item is a folding stool. In a tip of the hat to Father Time, I find it easier time rising from a seated position than a squatting one. Aluminum stools can be lashed to the deck of your kayak and their weight is negligible, Most of the areas you will hunt in are near shallow water but this doesn’t preclude you from travelling through some deep areas to get to blind. Chest waders inhibit the best swimmers and capsizing is a potential deadly event. Be smart and wear your PFD until you get to your blind.

One of the reasons I like to hunt from a kayak is all the “fishy” looking areas I go to. Once the sun rises and the birds stop decoying, it is time to stow the shotgun and pull out the rod. Bright bluebird skies and shallow water are the perfect mix for game fish that want to enjoy some warmer water.

If you love duck hunting but have shied way of late due to all the effort, consider hunting this year from a kayak. Contrary to popular opinion, productive duck blinds don’t always take a lot of effort to get to.

Scouting during the season is helpful too. A quick drive-by might reveal 6 pickups parked next to the spot you had high hopes for. To the diligent go the rewards.

Since they are quick and easy to assemble, shore blinds are the kayak hunters best friend. Take advantage of any brush on the shoreline and fortify it with a cammo drape.

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ast month we talked about early season hot weather hunting. This month we’re going to move straight to cold weather hunting. Why you ask? Because on average the first frost in the majority of the state is around the middle of November. So in about a month and a half the weather can go from highs in the 90’s to freezing, s o you really need to know how to hunt in the heat one day and freezing temperatures the next if you want to have the best chance at success.

We’ll hit the most obvious issues caused by cold weather first then move onto the ones that most hunters never even think of. First, colder weather means more clothes. More clothes mean more bulk. Have you ever tried shooting your bow while wearing your heavy hunting jacket? Sleeves get in the way, breast pockets get in the way, and strings rub across fabric making unnatural noises. Practice in your backyard with your heavy clothing on so you know what to expect in the stand.

Bow hunters also need to be concerned with being able to pull their bow back in cold weather. Cold muscles are stiff and don’t want to work. The best way to practice for this is first thing in the morning when you wake, go put on your hunting coat, go to the backyard, and shoot one arrow at your target. That’s it, just one because in a hunting situation that’s all you’ll have. This will give you a better understanding of what

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weapon itself.

Have you ever raised your rifle on a massive buck only to look through the scope and see nothing but fog? We’ve all done it.

After sitting in the stand for hours your rifle gets cold and as you bring it to your face you exhale, instantly fogging up the scope. To stop this from happening, practice holding your breath or inhaling as you bring the rifle up

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to your shoulder, only slowly exhaling after your cheek has touched the stock.

Below freezing temperatures can have an adverse effect on the function of your firearm as well. Proper maintenance of your hunting rifle includes lubricating the bolt and firing pin. The only problem with this is that sometimes oil can build up and overtime leaving you with an excess amount of lubrication on the firing pin. When it gets really cold this oil can congeal. The pin might still be able to move but not with enough force to make the round fire. I’ve had this happen to me on at least one occasion. Yes, it is frustrating. So make sure you lubricate your rifle, but don’t go overboard.

One area of cold weather that most hunters rarely consider is the effect on your rifle after the hunt. When you get in from a cold weather hunt one of the first things you do is bring your rifle into a warm truck, house, camper, or hunting cabin. A rifle that has been in the woods all day will probably be the coldest item in the room or truck cab.

The problem with this is that as the warmer air contacts the cold rifle the moisture in the air will start to form condensation on the metal surfaces. It can even form on the inside of the barrel. Most of the time this moisture will go unnoticed until it starts to form rust on the barrel.

Every time you come in from a cold weather hunt you should wipe down the rifle and apply a thin coat of oil both inside and out.

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it will be like to sit in your stand for hours and only have one shot at a deer.

Rifle hunters aren’t without issues too.

Do you have a rubber recoil pad on the stock? Guess what, it will catch on your clothing when you try to shoulder your rifle.

The extra padding added to your shoulder from the additional clothing will also push your eye further away from the scope than normal, meaning you’ll be moving your head around trying to get a full field of view. Again, practice shouldering your rifle in the backyard in heavy clothing before you get t o the stand.

While we’re on the topic of rifles and scopes, let’s go ahead and look at how the cold affects the

E-mail Paul Bradshaw at PBradshaw@fishgame.com

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ver since I was old enough to read, I have poured over hundreds of articles that tried to pick the best allaround deer rifle. Weighing in with my pick, I am going to ignore a lot of myth and personal preference and pick one single rifle as the best ever made for hunting deer in all possible scenarios.

Deer in the United States are hunted in almost every conceivable type of terrain,

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from high mountains, to flat prairies, in dense forests, and on sandy deserts. So, we will first select a caliber suitably sufficient for all of these challenges.

Our perfect deer cartridge needs to be flat-shooting for all those long-range shots on the prairies and across canyons in the mountains. If we use it in heavy woods, it needs to hit hard and be capable of firing fairly heavy-for-caliber bullets.

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The Best Rifle Ever Made for Deer Hunting

For the heavy brush and forests, we want something that will shoot completely through a deer, leaving a good blood trail for tracking in dense cover. We also want a cartridge that will give deep, positive penetration for shots at poor angles, what Elmer Keith called “raking shots.”

These criteria rule out everything below 7mm caliber, as well as such wonderful calibers as the .35 Whelen and .338/06 because of their moderate range limitations.

The perfect cartridge is going to have to cover a The best lot of ground. As for long “universal” deer rifle range, it is reasonable to needs a set a limit of 400 yards.

7mm or .240 Anything farther is magnum. simply beyond the marksmanship of all but a very select few. This rules out all the normal woods cartridges like the .35 Remington, .30-30 Winchester, and .348 Winchester.

Deer cover the spectrum from Coues deer in Arizona and small Texas Hill Country deer that might dress out at 110 pounds, to the monsters of the northern United States and Canada that can weigh nearly as much as a spike bull elk. This means our cartridge selection must have power and versatility.

While the standard calibers like the .270 Winchester and .30-06 can handle most situations, I would prefer a bit more power for long-range shots at the largest deer.

The .300 magnums would fit our description quite well, and many hunters use them even for smaller deer species. However, they are more powerful than necessary and kick too much for many hunters to handle well.

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We also do not need the power of the .338 Winchester or .340 Weatherby, though either of those would certainly do the job.

This narrows the field to one of the smaller magnums in 7mm or .270. But, before we make our final cartridge selection, we need to decide which gun we want because some of the cartridges might not be chambered in our chosen gun.

Since we are using this rifle in every conceivable type of terrain and weather, it must be light enough to carry without undue strain, and must be weatherproof.

A heavy-barreled bolt-action rifle in one of the magnums would certainly take care of the accuracy and range problems, but is too heavy to carry all day on foot up and down mountains and across swamps, so they have to go, too. This leaves us with a rifle weighing less than 9 pounds loaded and scoped.

Since some of our hunting is in the thick stuff where we might need a fast second or third shot, we can rule out single shots. And although a good man with a bolt action can work a bolt faster than most would believe, the bolt action is slower than any of the levers, pumps, or semi-autos. Only one lever action, the Browning BLR, is offered in the calibers we are interested in, so it is definitely in the running.

At this time, no pump-action rifles are offered in any of the magnum calibers, so they are out. That is a shame, too, because the pump-action is one of the fastest and most reliable. In semi-auto, the only rifle I know of offered in magnum calibers is the Browning BAR. So, we seem to have narrowed our choices down to two--the BAR and BLR. Both are offered in several calibers that fit our needs for a mid-caliber magnum.

Of these two rifles, either will fit our needs, but our purpose is to pick a single rifle. Now, if we add one more straw to the camel’s back, we are left with only one entry.

Assume that some of our hunting will be on horseback, requiring carrying our rifle in a saddle scabbard. This is the realm of the lever rifle. Therefore, our choice of the most perfect deer rifle ever built is: The Browning BLR Lightweight ‘81 with 24-inch barrel in 7mm Remington Magnum caliber. Topped with a good variable scope of about 3-9X, we are set for almost anything.

There you have it. This is not a rifle I personally would choose for anything, but

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when we try to make one tool perform a multitude of tasks, we run the risk of choosing a tool that is not necessarily the best for anything. Still, the BLR is a fine gun, very durable and accurate, and is more than capable of fulfilling all the requirements we have placed on it in this column.

If you are one of those rare individuals satisfied with only one do-it-all gun, this is my suggestion to you. However, I will continue to pick the tool I think best for each

individual situation I encounter. After all, no law says I have to follow my own advice.

E-mail Steve LaMascus at SLamascus@fishgame.com Find more shooting tips in STEVE LaMASCUS’s Texas Guns Blog at www.Fishgame.com/blogs

10/19/12 11:01 AM

3M Peltor WS Tactical Sport

Photo: Cody Conway

Ear protection is a must for all shooters, but serious shooters and hunters demand high quality ear protection. Peltor has introduced a new set of muffs that meets and exceeds that demand.

The WS Tactical Sport electronic hearing protectors are loaded with features.

They are high quality surround sound protectors that block out harmful loud noises but also allow all safe sound to pass through. The quality of normal sound and conversations is so clear you will forget you

my headset while I was at the range. Also using them to listen to music while mowing was an added feature.

The muffs come with a rechargeable AAA battery system that has never failed with only a few charges over the past few months, battery life is rated for approximately 12-20 hours per charge or alkaline set. The talking menu has an electronic female voice and is easy to use. The muffs wore comfortably and have a low profile.

This Peltor model has a 20 DB reduction rating, comes with surround sound mics, speech mic, dual audio inputs (3.5mm and J22), orange and green colored covers, and are completely collapsible for storage in your range and hunting bag. These will hit the market this fall. Find out more at www.3M.com/OCCsafety —Dustin Ellermann

Blue Wave Evolution 1902

Photo: PARKS MFG.

Sophisticated hearing protection for hunters and shooters, from 3M.

Build boats for decades on end, and you’ll learn a thing or two. Bring multiple generations into the mix, and you’ll also see some new ideas pop up. The net result?

Just look at the Blue wave Evolution 1902.

Blue Wave is a family-owned company with multi-generational talent, and this boat brings the best of the old and the new.

The Evolution 1902 has the best attributes of a bay boat. It can run in under a foot of water, is laid out strictly for fishing, and can handle open bay waters. But it also has some perks that result from new ideas, like the huge AFD cockpit scupper drain system which won’t clog up, an oversized Pro Series livewell drain system, and a 45-degree entry anti-hangup bow.

Then, consider the hand of experience.

The boat’s construction reeks of knowledge, with touches like the use of 100-percent composites, a through-bolted rubrail, overboard-draining insulated fishboxes, Deutsche watertight electrical connections, and stainless-steel hardware. This is a fully-linered model, too, so it looks good both inside and out. Naturally, the boat also has full upright foam floatation built-in, along with some smart touches like a removable windshield, lockable rodboxes, and closedmolded hatches that are finished on both sides and fitted with gaskets.

Blue Wave is known for building diehard fishboats, so the extensive list of fishing features should come as no surprise. It has not one but two livewells, one in the stern and another in front of the console.

It’s pre-wired for a trolling motor, and a mounting surface for that motor is premolded into the bow. And options Blue Wave offers on the Evolution include a built-in tacklebox, and an oxygenation sys-

are wearing them. The next most useful feature is that they are Bluetooth compatible. Simply pair them with your cell phone and from then on any calls, music, text notifications etc. will sound crystal clear in your headset. I tested my set with my iPhone 4 and to answer a call simply press the Bluetooth button on the muffs while you leave your phone in your pocket. I also found it very useful to make voice memos on my phone through 60 |

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tem for the livewell.

The boat is 19’2” long, has a 96” beam, and weighs in at 1,305-lbs.

Maximum capacity is seven, and you can put up to 150 horses on the transom.

Check out www.bluewave.com.

—Lenny Rudow

Game Changer from Streamlight Weapon mounted lights are a must for tactical and varmint hunting rifles.

For a while the best option was to simply mount a tactical flashlight to your rifle, but Streamlight has introduced a complete game changer with the new TLR1s-HP model.

The proven TLR series have been known for their reliability, brightness and compact design. The new HP model pushes the envelope. HP stands for “high power” and it’s no joke. The polished deep dish parabolic reflector produces an amazingly bright and long range beam that reaches over 400 yards. Upon mounting it to my VLTOR AR rifle, I stepped out on my porch that evening to light up the forest. To my amazement I actually spotted a doe out at 200 yards within seconds. Had it been a standard flashlight of the past, I would have never seen anything that far or that clearly.

The TLR1s-HP weighs only 5 ounces and boasts of a C4 LED 200 lumen light that has over a 50,000-hour lifetime, and runs 1.75 hours on two 3v CR123A lithium batteries. It has a simple and solid Picatinny rail mounting system and the activation switch has a dual wings which allows the user to turn it on either momentarily or switch to steady on by switching it different directions. It is also available with a remote switch for convenient use when mounted on rifles. The “s” in the TLRs series is an extra tactical strobe function that is activated by tapping the illumination switch or remote.

The TLR1s-HP is a serious rifle light for serious users. If you are looking for a soft white light for close quarters home defense, this might be a bit blinding for it is far too bright. But if you are looking for an affordable rifle mounted, long range tactical and night hunting light that will go the distance, you will not be disappointed.

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Streamlight TLR!s-HP tactical light.

The standard TLR1-HP runs around for $125 and the remote strobe version TLR1s-HP around $150. For more information check out www.streamlight.com or call 1-800-523-7488.

—Dustin Ellermann

Diawa Saltiga If you like fast cars, fast boats, and even faster fishing reels, Diawa has a new offering you’ll want to hear about posthaste. The Saltiga Lever Drag Hyper Speed is out, and after turning the crank

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on this puppy, all I can say is it is indeed FAST! Hyper Speed models go up to a blistering 7.3:1 ratio, which means that with every crank of the handle, you can zip in 52 inches of line. For speed-jiggers, deepdroppers, and guys who simply like to bring in their fish fast, that simply can’t be beat. How did Diawa do it? Credit gears that are helical-cut and are beyond huge.

Otherwise, these reels share the same traits as the Saltigas we’ve come to know and love. They feature six ball-bearings, an offset handle with a grip that fits comfortably in your palm, a carbon drag system that’s super-smooth, machined aluminum side plates and spool, centrifugal casting brakes, and an infinite anti-reverse system.

These reels also come with a machinedaluminum rod-clamp, so you know they won’t work themselves free of the reel seat no matter how rough you are with them.

Different Hyper Speed models range from 20 pound-class (the SALD 20H S) to the 50 pound class (SALD 50H S).

30, 35, and 40 pound class models are also available. The 20 holds 260 yards of 40-lb. braid and 420 yards of 14 pound mono. With the lever drag set to “full”, it can put out 26 pounds of drag. The 50 holds 840 yards of 40 pound braid and

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Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., is producing new Tactical Black Grizzly 700 4x4 and Rhino 700 4x4 Special Edition (SE) models at its U.S. manufacturing facility, Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corp. of America (YMMC), in Newnan, Georgia.

Yamaha’s new SE Grizzly 700 4x4 ATV with Electric Power Steering (EPS) (MSRP $10,999) and Rhino 700 4x4 Side-by-Side vehicle (SxS) (MSRP $12,999) are both assembled at Yamaha’s U.S. factory and feature an all-new matte black body and cast aluminum wheels for tactical design and durability.

Yamaha’s 2013 Grizzly 700 4x4 and Rhino 700 4x4, including the new Tactical Black SE models, are the most off-road capable and durable in their classes both featuring Yamaha’s exclusive Ultramatic® automatic transmission, the most durable CVT system in the industry, and Yamaha’s On-Command® push-button 2WD, 4WD and 4WD diff-lock system.

“Yamaha is more involved in the outdoors than any other ATV manufacturer and has developed the new Tactical Black Special

Edition Grizzly and Rhino models based on the fast growing tactical enthusiast trend,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/ SxS group marketing manager. “Yamaha’s Grizzly 4x4 and Rhino 4x4 models are assembled at Yamaha’s U.S. state-of-theart factory by a highly trained and passionate U.S. workforce. Yamaha is proud to say the most durable and reliable ATV and SxS vehicles are assembled here in the U.S.A. – at the Yamaha factory in Newnan, Georgia.”

In 2010, Yamaha announced a long term production transfer strategy to move the great majority of its worldwide ATV production to the Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC) factory in Newnan, Georgia. Last year, Yamaha moved the production of its top-ofthe-line utility ATVs, the Grizzly 700 and Grizzly 550, to YMMC, and this summer, Yamaha is bringing its first sport ATVs to the U.S. factory – the 2013 Raptor 700 models.

The production transfer will continue through the end of 2013, and when complete, could result in Yamaha adding 200 or more American jobs at Yamaha’s U.S. factory as well as additional jobs at the company’s 125 North American

parts supplier companies. YMMC will ultimately be responsible for nearly all of Yamaha’s worldwide ATV production including both utility and sport models.

The new Tactical Black SE models join Yamaha’s complete line of award-winning and super reliable utility ATVs for 2013 including the Grizzly 700 FI (MSRP starting at $8,899) and Grizzly 700 FI EPS (MSRP starting at $9,499), Grizzly 550 FI (MSRP starting at $7,999) and Grizzly 550 FI EPS (MSRP starting at $8,699), Grizzly 450 (MSRP starting at $6,899) and Grizzly 450 EPS (MSRP starting at $7,499), Grizzly 350 Auto 4x4 (MSRP starting at $5,599), Grizzly 300 Auto (MSRP $4,199) and Grizzly 125 Auto (MSPR $3,699). Most of Yamaha’s utility ATVs come in multiple color options including Realtree AP HD camo.

Yamaha’s Rhino 700 4x4 SxS continues to be one of the highest quality, most versatile and off-road capable vehicles and for 2013 will be available in Red and Hunter Green (MSRP $11,499) and Realtree AP HD camo (MSRP $12,049).

More information on Yamaha’s 2013 ATV and SxS vehicles, including detailed color options, pricing, graphics kits and accessories is available at www.yamahamotor.com.

Photos: Yamaha Motors; Rock River Arms

Yamaha ATVs Made in America

Anodized Camo Applied to Rock River ARMs

Yamaha Tactical Black Grizzly 700 4x4.

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Rock River Arms, Inc., an industry leader well-known for producing a full line of high-quality AR15-style rifles, components, parts, and accessories introduces their RRA LAR-15 Hunter Series with WYL-Ehide™ and PRK-Ehide™ digital finishes, representing further growth in RRA’s expanding line of hunting firearms.

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The LAR-15 HUNTER Series Rock River Arms in WYL-Ehide or RRA LAR-15 Hunter Series PRK-Ehide have with WYL-Ehide. a free floated half quad rail, chrome moly barrel, tactical muzzle brake, collapsible stock, Hogue grip but what sets these rifles apart from other camouflaged ARStyle rifles is the anodized process RRA uses.

With many different models of camou-

flaged AR’s in the market, Rock River Arms stands out for their unique ability to build rifles to the quality, reliability and accuracy shooters demand and the new RRA LAR-15 Hunter Series rifles are no different.

Instead of film dipping or roll-on appliqué processes that may chip or deteriorate with gun cleaning chemicals or extreme weather conditions, the LAR-15 Hunter Series is

a digitally designed high resolution image of real wild hog hair – PRK-Ehide and real coyote fur – WYL-Ehide. This unique process is a hardcoat anodizing that digitally integrates the image the same as their standard black anodizing process.

t CONTINUED FROM PAGE 61 350 yards of 30 pound mono. And with the lever set to full on this big gun, it can put out a fish-crushing 40 pounds of drag.

My opportunity to test these reels came on a very unusual trip. We cruised far offshore, and tried deep-dropping for golden tilefish in 700’ of water. At that depth, it can take 15 minutes or more to crank in the line. But the Hyper Speed beat the rest of the crew to the surface, each and every time. That gave me time to rest—and bragging rights—while everyone else was still cranking. For more information, visit www.diawa.com.

—Lenny Rudow

Coveralls Has Your Boat Covered Boats are more to anglers than just a place to keep our fishing tackle. They are a major investment that can cost as much as a nice home (or at least as much as the vehicle that tows it) that care for with particular affection. We flush the engines after use, buy special soaps and polishes to wash the hulls and treat the upholstery. They’re our babies often much to a spouse’s chagrin. It is only natural that we’d want to protect them as much as we can.

Finding the right way to protect our boats can be tricky. Storing a boat in a garage, shed, or barn doesn’t shield the console and seats from build-up of dust, dirt, and grime and commercial storage can D I G I T A L

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Boatskinz by Coveralls provide modular protection for boat components.

be cost-prohibitive for the typical angler.

Tarps are an option, but even fitted canvas isn’t foolproof, as anyone who has pulled back a cover to discover that Swiss Family Opossum took up residence has discovered. Enter Coveralls.

Coveralls goes by the simple motto of “Protect your stuff!” Their Boatskinz marine covers are an effective means of doing just so. Rather than providing a single cover of material that, well, covers all, they offer a modular system that allows a boat owner to mix and match components to protect different parts of a boat. There are modules to accommodate center consoles, outboards, seats and leaning posts of varying sizes. There is no need to take a boat to a shop to have it measured for a custom-fitted tarp. Instead, one can choose from an array of sizes to mix-match covers to accommodate a specific boat.

I tried a set of Boatskinz for my Teacher’s Pet, a 20 foot Bay Quest center console with leaning post and 150 horsepower outboard. The covers are made of a lightweight, durable and waterproof material

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that is 100% UV proof, and reflects 95% of radiant heat critical for preventing vinyl from premature aging and cracking. The covers fit snugly over the console, leaning post, and outboard and drawstrings at the mouths of the covers allowed me to secure them tightly. It took me approximately 5 minutes to apply each cover, and I was able to do without help (have you ever tried putting a tarp onto a boat without help? It’s no fun). The silver color of the material looked sharper than the generic blue of canvas, too.

When I removed the covers prior to heading to the boat ramp (Coveralls advises not to travel with the Boatskinz on your boat), all three components were free of accumulated dirt and grit, and the vinyl was cool to the touch. I was impressed.

The true test came during a series of rainstorms that passed through the droughtstricken Rio Grande Valley in September.

Separate downpours dumped up to an inch of rain at a time When I checked my boat, which is parked in my driveway, and pulled off the Boatskinz, everything was dry and clean. Again, I had no trouble replacing the covers in short order.

Boatskinz are definitely worth the very reasonable cost of purchasing a set for your boat. Coveralls are also available for motorcycles, ATV’s, Jeeps, and motor scooters.

Check out the Coveralls website at www.coveralls.biz. You can also buy them online at www.FishandGameGear.com.

—Calixto Gonzales

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Barnett has redefined one of its most popular bows, the Quad 400, optimizing it to deliver the bolt to the target with devastating accuracy and speed.

With everything you expect from the industry leader in crossbows, the Quad 400 boasts key design features making it the ultimate hunting tool.

Barnett engineered the Quad 400 with a patented high-density, gas-assist molded stock with an accu-comfort thumbhole grip, a first in the industry. The high tech composite stock is lighter, more comfortable and contains an integrated cocking device attachment. A contoured cheek piece not only conceals the attachment, but also adds to its comfort and appeal. With 15.5 inches of power stroke, quad limbs and CNC machined cams, the Quad 400 will provide devastating accuracy with speeds of 345 fps and only 150 pounds of draw weight.

The CROSSWIRE string and cable system blends Barnett’s fibers with the industry’s toughest serving materials, ensuring the shooter has the most stable and reliable string in the industry. As a result, shooters experience a faster, quieter and more precise shot.

In addition, the crossbow comes with an Anti Dry Fire Trigger Safety System, making it even more reliable in all conditions. This Metal Injection Molded Trigger boasts a smooth 3.5 pull and contains the added safety precaution of the Anti Dry Fire feature, eliminating unintentional dry firing of your bow.

The Anti Vibration Isolation Foot Stirrup is included as well, allowing for 30 percent reduced vibration and noise The Quad 400 is available through 64 |

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wide and is proudly made in the U.S.A. For more info, visit www.barnettcrossbows.com.

retailers as a complete package with the crossbow, a Barnett illuminated 3x32 multi-reticle scope or a premium red dot sight, a quick-detach quiver and three high-quality Easton 20” arrows. The Quad 400 also allows for the integration of a crank-cocking device.

The Quad 400 is 37 inches long and 26.75 inches

Fish Vector new 12-volt underwater light system.

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Barnett Quad 400 crossbow.

Photos: Barnett Crossbows; Fish Vector; Bear & Son; Cor-Bon

Barnett Quad 400

Fish Vector Gets Fresh Fish Vector Underwater Lighting released the much awaited 12 volt DC model of the Fish Vector portable underwater lights on in September.

The new system runs from a 12 volt DC power source and produce over 20,000 lumens. The new system was specifically designed for fresh water night fishing but can and is being used in any water type where water clarity and conditions permit including offshore tuna fishing.

The new system has Fish Vector sound technology integrated

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into the system with an affected area range of 600 yards- 360 degrees around the light source.

The new system will run approximately 6 hours from a fully charged marine deep cycle battery stated Fish Vector C.E.O. Craig Dennis; This is an area we have been working on for a while but just kept hitting obstacles due to lack of power from a DC battery and wave length interference.

We finally hit a home run with input from several engineering specialist who solved the battery drain and harmonic interference issues. The new 12 volt system as with all of our portable lighting systems in comes with a stainless steel case and a limited lifetime warranty.

The new 12v DC system will retail in the $450.00 range and be available through online at www.fishvector.com and selected national and international retailers as of September 30th, 2012 Fish Vector can be reached at 985-718-0434 or contacted via email at info@fishvector.com

made in Alabama. It combines steels of different properties to produce blades with extraordinary toughness and edge-holding ability.

Beyond their distinctive look, Damascus blades have unique qualities that set them apart from other steels. The cutting edge has tiny saw-tooth carbides, formed by forging in a coal fire. This enables the blade to cut even when it feels dull to the touch. Every piece of Damascus steel is as unique as a thumbprint.

As are all Bear & Son knives, the 510D Sideliner is made in the USA, and has an MSRP of $159.99. For more information about Bear & Son knives, visit their web site, www.bearandsoncutlery.com

Bone Crushing Performance!

This is the ammunition line that started it all! In 1982, Peter Pi, Sr. began making custom hunting bullets for people making the trek to Africa to hunt the big five with a handgun. At that time, there The new 510D Sideliner from Bear & were no bullets Son provides a full range of features that available to stand make it a special knife. From the handsome up to the heavy Genuine India Stag BoneTM handle to hides, dense, the Damascus steel blade, it has a distincthick muscle and tive look. And the smooth Sideliner locking large, heavy bones system makes it so easy to use. in those animals.

With Bear & Son’s Working in the ball bearing garage of the famCor®Bon Hunter action, ily’s auto parts store, ammo. the Peter experimented with different designs and 3-inch loads to develop a bonded bullet either in modified spear JHP or JSP as well as a hardcast point blade opens round. He also created a easily with one hand and copper jacketed penetralocks securely open for safe tor bullet that was use. It folds neatly into its 4-1/8” designed with handle, perfectly contoured for coma heavy Bear & Son 510D fortable feel. For convenient carry and copper folding knife. ready for use the 4.5-ounce 510D has a belt clip.

Bear & Son is the only commercial jacket knife manufacturer offering knives with and a hard Damascus blades. And it’s a very special linotype core.

416-layer, high-definition Damascus steel, The bonded jack-

eted soft and hollow points have proven themselves on some of the smaller to large game in Africa. The Penetrator and Hard Cast loads, with their flat metplat cut a nice clean hole and have proven themselves on the largest of African game, including Cape Buffalo, rhinoceros and even elephant. While staying intact, these bullets will penetrate far enough to make sure they would take this very large game humanely.

The COR®BON Hunter line of ammunition has loads available for everything from coyote and whitetail deer to the largest North American game as well as the beasts of the Dark Continent. Available from 357 Magnum to the mighty 500 Magnum in handgun calibers and 300 Whisper to 500 Alaskan in rifle loads, COR®BON once again provides the greatest variety of calibers and loads available to help make your hunting trip a success.

For more information, visit the website: www.corbon.com

New Bear & Son 510D Damascus

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www.FishandGameGear.com

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Bayou Bruisers

ovember is here, and that means it is time for some serious fishing or, I should say, catching, here on Sabine Lake.

The shrimp have been on the move from the marsh to the bay for some time now, and the fish have them figured out.

The bird action in the bay is in full swing and the fall flounder run could really get cranking at any time.

The only obstacles we’ve got standing in our way are the cold fronts that will become a little more intense as we edge closer to the Christmas season. Ironically, it’s these same cold fronts that make November one of the best fishing months of the year on Sabine. We need the fronts and the low

It’s time for some serious fishing or, I should say, catching.

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tides that come with them to pull the shrimp from the marsh and add fuel to the feeding frenzy fire.

Make no mistake; you don’t want any part of Sabine, or any other bay system when a front is actually blowing through.

You do, however, want to be here a couple days later, once things have settled down and we’ve got light north winds.

I would recommend investing in a Louisiana fishing license because the bayous

on that side of the lake can absolutely come alive this month. The term “stupid good,” which is quickly gaining popularity in these parts, is probably the best way to describe how bayou fishing can be in between November cold fronts.

Believe it or not, fishing the birds in the bayous can be every bit as good as in the lake, if not better. That action usually peaks within the first two weeks of this month as seagulls, trout and reds intercept a lot of the shrimp before they ever make it to the bay.

When you find birds picking in the bayou, you can expect to stay on them for a while and catch big numbers of very solid trout, and bruiser redfish, some well over the slot.

Those big reds will also be roaming the shorelines along with some nice flounder that are beginning to stack up in anticipation of their migration to the Gulf.

The hottest action should be at the mouths of small cuts and drains within the bayou on outgoing tides. Dark soft plastics rigged on 1/8 oz. lead heads, dragged or bumped slowly along the bottom will definitely get their attention. Morning Glory, Red Shad and Root Beer are killer color choices.

We are right in the middle of some of the most consistent action of the year, and with the fall flounder run primed to blast off any

the bank bite day now, it will only get more exciting.

Location: North Revetment (Pleasure Island) Species: Trout, Reds, Flounder Baits/ Lures: Live Shrimp, Finger Mullet, Topwaters Best Times: Mornings and Evenings with moving tides Contact Eddie Hernandez at, EHernandez@fishgame.com 66 |

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Explain ‘Natural’ Bait?

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any times writers and experienced fishermen suggest using “natural” bait to entice more or bigger fish. Actually, there are at least a couple of ways “natural bait” could be defined. Normally we would think it would mean something the target fish would tend to eat in it’s everyday life, as a “natural” course of things. For speckled trout and most other inshore species, this would usually be expected to mean shrimp, small baitfish, or possibly small crabs. While all fish will go after shrimp, flounder tend to have a taste for mud minnows and finger mullet, black drum like crabs and large sea lice, redfish of all sizes often prefer mullet, shad, and crabs.

The other side of the “natural” description of bait is something – pretty much anything – that came out of the water you plan to fish, or even just a similar body of water. Offshore fishermen have long used brined baits such as mullet, mackerel, and flying fish for offshore trolling that often originate several oceans away. Packaged dead bait such as squid often comes from the Pacific, and the most popular of all offshore baits for species from red snapper to king mackerel has long been cigar minnows, also called ice fish. When the Florida inshore net ban took effect many years ago, anglers on the Texas Gulf were struggling to find bait.

Most switched to threadfin shad, and just kept fishing.

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taken with fairly large cut mullet or live 5 – 6-inch “finger mullet.” Two of the largest flounder I have caught came on large mullet heads fished on fairly large – 9/0 size – hooks. As I have mentioned in other columns, skipjacks – also known as “horse mackerel” – are good baits for trout and reds. Although my favorite bait for bull reds is a live mullet of 7 – 8 inches, I have also caught or seen them caught on large shad and on squid. I have tried cut pieces of eel bought in a bait shop that came from who knows where, and gotten gaff tops and reds on them. Fishing from a small boat a mile of so off the beach near San Luis Pass I have taken bull reds on big chunks of bonito being fished as shark bait.

One winter many years ago, when red snapper were still our top winter offshore fish, Rene Morales and I enjoyed excellent snapper fishing following the advice of a friend named Danny Stanley who suggested we load the bait well on Rene’s Grady White with live shrimp. Fished on mono

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leaders with the “gold” bait keeper hooks commonly used in freshwater, snapper of all sizes and some decent grouper were pretty easy to come by around rigs 18 or more miles off the beach. Winter fish are noted for taking bait tentatively, but when using the live shrimp snapper would inhale them – no finesse fishing here! Many offshore captains carry a box of frozen shrimp to chum for school dolphin, and then switch to pieces of squid for baiting the hooks when the fish “get started”. My preference was to always have bags of frozen small menhaden caught in a cast net inshore aboard for chum, and I have had customers who “didn’t know any better” thread several small menhaden on their hook and catch snapper.

After reading that some Florida tarpon fishermen considered a dead gaff top with the head and top fin cut off, and rigged by running a wire from the head end through the body to come out near the tail – with the

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very fall, flounder follow ebbing tides on their journey offshore. When they reach their destination, the larger females release their eggs for the smaller males to fertilize. Art Morris, Fishery Outreach Specialist for Texas Parks and Wildlife, said that spawning is a high energy act that requires a tremendous amount of protein to help the flounder get through it and recover afterwards. Therefore, prior to

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going offshore, flounder feed aggressively.

When flounder move through the bay systems on their way to the Gulf of Mexico, they pick certain places to rest and feed, such as the Matagorda Locks.

The Matagorda Locks are located at the confluence of the Colorado River and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in the town of Matagorda, Texas. You can drive to this spot and fish from the bank, or take a kayak, canoe, or small boat across the ICW and fish the opposite shoreline. You can’t anchor between the east and west locks in a boat; the lockmaster will chase you off.

But the hot spot for flounder is right next to the lock gates on the south side. Some fishermen take canoes, kayaks, and little row

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boats across the ICW, giving a wide berth to recreational boats and barges. When they reach the south shore, they have to pull their boats completely out of the water.

November is the peak month for flounder migration and this is the reason that Texas Parks and Wildlife reduces the limit on flounder from 5 to 2. Some other bank fishing spots that may yield flounder in November are County Road 256, which runs parallel to the ICW east of Matagorda.

There are several places along this road where you can park and fish the ICW. Two public piers are on the Old Colorado River between Matagorda and the jetties. The jetties are accessible by four wheel drive vehicle, go past the Matagorda Bay Nature Park building and turn onto the beach, then take the sand track which goes left at the base of the jetty rocks, this will take you parallel to the jetty.

Redfish are often found in schools in November along East and West Matagorda Bay shorelines. Just past Rawling’s Bait Camp on FM 2031, where there are no more houses, is a cut into East Matagorda Bay, locals call it Rawling’s Cut. You can launch a kayak into this cut and paddle for miles along the south shore of East Matagorda Bay. I launched at this spot before dawn in late November; the tide was low and outgoing, water temperature was 68°F, it was a comfortable 72°, sunny, and the wind was light from the south. I paddled about three miles east and saw and fished four or five schools of tailing redfish.

Early November is a great time to look at the sky for a clue telling you where to fish. If you see gulls and terns aggressively swooping down to the water’s surface and coming up with shrimp, you can bet that fish are forcing the shrimp to the surface. Drifting either East or West Matagorda Bays, or wade or kayak fishing the lakes and bayous, can put you in position to cast to one of these fun filled feeding frenzies.

Matagorda flounder fisherman, Ronny Stilwell, likes November because it is the

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Galveston focus month when the decreasing water temperature reaches the magic 65°F, the temperature at which he believes flounder move offshore in mass. Others like November in Matagorda because of the action under the birds, and some fishermen like to sneak along the south shore of East Matagorda Bay in a kayak looking for tailing reds. Whatever your fishing pleasure, the Matagorda area in November offers opportunities to pursue it.

the bank bite Location: Oyster Lake Bridge Species: redfish, black drum, speckled trout Baits: live shrimp Tips: Falling tides force shrimp and redfish out of the back lake, where they funnel under the bridge en route to the bay.

Contact Mike Price at MPrice@fishgame.com

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t CONTINUED FROM PAGE 67 hook on the “head” end and hidden with the shaft concealed and the barbed bend curving outside the body – to be superior for sliver kings to even live bait, I gave this method a try. To date, I have hooked no tarpon I could verify, but have taken several decent surf sharks even while substituting large hardhead for gaff top – and lost some big, unidentified critters.

Some friends and I once talked a coworker out of trying large carp he killed with a bow in a lake as shark bait in a saltwater tournament. Actually, I suspect he used them anyway, and just didn’t tell us when they enticed no fish to hit. On the other hand, I have heard of live goldfish carp of the kind sold for catfish bait being used to catch large ling around anchored shrimp boats, and have used them myself with some success on snapper.

When I was still actively running offshore charters, I liked to take a good variety of bait types on trips when possible. On

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days when snapper had stopped hitting cigar minnows, a switch to squid would sometimes get them back in the mood.

Changing to chunks of cut mullet usually worked even better – and live finger mullet would really get them going. Piggy perch in the live well often mean amberjack or sow snapper in the fish box, and fresh cut bait from anything caught on the trip work better than previously frozen bait, as a rule.

Mud minnows will raw strikes from many offshore fish, and are easier to keep kicking in a live well than most other bait species.

Applying this same logic to inshore fishing by trying different bait types, both live and deceased in the course of a day makes just as much sense to me – maybe more – than tossing every lure in the tackle box, even if some of those natural baits might not be usually considered “natural” for the fish you might be seeking.

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Contact Capt. Mike Holmes at MHolmes@fishgame.com.

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Another Victim

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fter some lily-livered, picklepicking, pink-eyed, son of a bobtailed hyena low-lifes stole all my fishing gear and tools, I, like many insured Americans, was forced to pursue— and I do mean pursue—recovery for same through my insurance carrier of 30-plus years.

The IC (Intensive-I-Couldn’t-CareLess) Ward, also known as my insurance carrier, in their infinite wisdom assigned my claim to the first snot-nosed kindergartenlevel adjuster who could pass the state insurance adjuster’s exam. (It must have been an open book test.)

I’m sure you’ve been there before, but please let me rant a bit.

The items stolen totaled about $7000.

The claim was first adjusted to a recovery value of $359 because I didn’t know how to be dishonest or, if you will, “pad the claims list.”

Further, my Insurance Adjuster, who I will simply call “IA” (which can also stand for Incompetent Accountant) wasn’t sure what he was adjusting. After some inquiries through a maze of claim numbers, team numbers, and a list of people the “America’s Got Talent” show-dog winners couldn’t jump over, I was told that a new IA was assigned to my claim number. Not assigned to me, the person who has paid the bill without fail for the last 30-plus years, but assigned rather to this claim number, which now has superseded me in the hierarchy of importance.

The new IA quipped, “So, this is sporting equipment and tools? We can do a little better than that!”

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negotiable. I wasn’t aware that whoever mentioned price first (me) lost, that stolen business items were figured one way and stolen personal items another, that where it was stolen mattered or that, if it was—God forbid—attached to my truck, well that was another claim number and a different team!

I began thinking, Now I know where potential mass murderers come from.

At this point, I started to wonder how I was going to replace all the rods, reels, terminal tackle, etc. that I need in order to continue to operate as a fishing guide—and also replace all the tools I had acquired over the years—for $359.

Further, my new IA said the difficulty for him was deciding which items will be designated “replacement items” and which items were to be “prorated.”

“They all need to be replaced,” I said.

“Well, that’s the goal isn’t it?” he replied laughing. “We can assist you in replacing these items if you wish, for we have suppliers and contacts that might save you money once payment is issued.”

I replied, “You don’t even know what most of these items are based on the bazillion calls and questions you’ve made to me so far about the items, so how, for the love of God, are you going to help me shop for them?”

“Replacement value items, you see, are paid only after you send me a receipt for each item, which we then prorate based on the total percent of items we are paying for,” he said. “Do you fish for fun sir?”

“Define ‘fun’, please,” I said.

“Well, do you do it for recreation?” he asked.

Ah, the light came on. Would my recovery rate be more if it was business, or would it be less? Lord, they had me playing their game!

“I rarely get to fish,” I said (the truth).

“I am a guide and, as most people know, we pretty much bait hooks, net fish, and clean them.”

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“Well, did you ever have fun fishing with the items that were stolen?” he asked.

This was causing my blood to boil.

“Sir, for the last 30 years, I have paid my insurance bill faithfully. I have fixed items over the years myself that I could have claimed. The amount of claims I have had over the past 10 years is zero,” I said tersely.

“Have I ever fished for fun with the equipment that was stolen? I’m sure I have and if I haven’t then I should have!”

“That’s all very nice of you,” he said.

“But it doesn’t help on this particular claim.

I will call you in a few days with the new calculated payment amount. I need to make you aware for reasons of security this phone message may have been recorded.”

Three weeks later, I got a call that said my claim was awaiting information that I had provided IA No. 1, but had not gotten to IA No. 2, for they were not on the same team. Further, IA No. 2 had been replaced with IA No. 3 and I was requested to bring him up to speed on the progress of my claim number.

Luckily, my wife had faxed all the data to the IC office—copies they could not find, for it seems the claims office and my IC were 1500 miles apart. So, for three hours I unloaded on my IC agent, who got me on a four-way phone conference with another new IA, a team leader, a fire specialist, and the person who was actually going to process my claims check. After a strenuous round of negotiations with all four of them, the dollar amount went from 5 percent to 41 percent of my original claim.

For a brief moment, I felt like I had accomplished the impossible—until I realized I was getting less than half of what I needed to replace what was stolen.

It seemed to me that, had I been dishonest, I would have gotten more by padding my stolen items list, faking the age of the items, and fibbing about where the items had been stolen. The process seems to encourage a person to be less than honest,

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rewards them for being dishonest, and it appears to be an accepted practice. The truth is, stuff gets stolen. Is it caused by hard times, or just bad people, or both? I can only ponder.

Four months later, I received a check from my insurance company for some of my losses and, trying to be optimistic, I told myself at least I could replace some of the items. The next envelope was our bill. It seems my rates will be going up, due in part to my recent claims.

I could have secured my equipment better, and I could have paid more attention to the details in my insurance policy (things I will focus on in the future), but is it just me, or is there something wrong with this picture? It’s hard to tell who the worse thieves here are.

Lock up the turkey and have a great Thanksgiving.

•••

After looking at my records the past 7 years, I noticed fewer fish were caught during November, but their quality and size was much better. By now, the water temperatures have dropped a good 10 degrees and the hard northers that have hit play havoc with the water levels. Shell reefs and sand with patches of black mud close to deep-water egresses are the formula for some good bent pole action.

the dark mud off of Hamilton’s Reef using cut eel and squid.

St Charles Bay – Black drum are at the mouth of Cavasso Creek, use peeled shrimp on a light Carolina rig. Catch some reds at the mouth of Twins Creek using finger mullet and cut menhaden. Patience is needed here to put keepers in the box. Wade fishing the west shoreline just past Cavasso Creek is producing some nice trout using soft plastics in morning glory and pearl/red colors.

Carlos Bay – On colder days Carlos Trench and the deeper shell close by is a good place for trout and reds using Texas Red Killer in Who Dat color. Slow your retrieve down to a crawl and set the hook with the slightest tap. Use a stronger leader, as this is sharp shell country - 17lb to 25lb.

Mesquite Bay – Wade fish the San Jose shoreline close to Cedar Bayou for some keeper reds and trout. In this area where you find the trout, the reds will not be too far away. Cocahoe minnows in glow / chartreuse or as close as you can get is the ticket. Through mid-month, Braves Cove is good for flounder using jigs with white grubs tipped with small pieces of menhaden.

ping cork. Black drum action is good on the shoreline of rattlesnake island using fresh dead or frozen shrimp. #2 hooks or smaller work best on a light fish finder rig.

the bank bite The south end of the LBJ causeway on the west side is a good wade for reds. This is a soft bottom area in places so proceed slowly. A lot of fish work the salt grass edges on high tide with mud minnows and live shrimp the baits of choice, either free lined or under a silent cork. Look for the deeper holes as well as trout. Stay in these deep-water havens ambushing bait as the tide brings it close.

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

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

Ayers Bay – Mid Bay shell reef is good for gaff top using live shrimp under a pop-

Copano Bay – Some nice trout frequent the Italian Bend shoreline during warmer days. Electric grape soft plastics are best here using varying speed retrieves. The west shoreline just north of Copano Reef is good for reds using cut mullet on a fish finder rig, during high tide. Sheep head action is good close to the causeway pilings using small hooks and cut squid.

Aransas Bay – Black drum numbers are good on Deadman’s Reef using a light Carolina rig and peeled shrimp. The deepwater shell piles across from Nine Mile Point and close to the ICW are good for trout using New Penny Jerk Shad and free lined shrimp. Good numbers of gaff top over D I G I T A L

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n the Lower Texas Gulf Coast, the end of Federal Red Snapper Season after 45 too-short days in summer does not mean that fishing for the “rare” species is over (which, ironically, is not only no longer considered overfished, but is listed as a recovered species). It also doesn’t mean that you have to prepare for an expedition. The thirty mile trips out into the Gulf of Mexico, where you fish in depths up to 200-300 feet aren’t required to find the crimson reef fish.

There is plenty of good fishing for red snapper within Texas’ state waters (within nine nautical miles of shore) in late fall and early winter. The combination of near-shore oil and gas drilling rigs, rock-piles, wrecks, and holes, plus the rapid slope to deeper water, combine to create a red snapper fishery that is within easy access of both large boats and the “Mosquito Fleet” (watch for the related feature of the same title in an upcoming issue of Texas Fish & Game).

Add to that the new artificial reef that was dropped 6 miles off of the Mansfield Jetties, and a state limit of four red snapper per person is a reachable goal for anglers with a sound boat and a cooler full of mullet.

On a calm day, in fact, it isn’t that uncommon to find several bay and flats boats offshore, says Captain Richard Bailey (956-369-5090). Some anglers even make a quick hop out to the new artificial reef for a quick limit of snapper before coming back in and going after their specks and reds.

“A lot of people aren’t even aware of these fish,” added Captain Frank Vazquez (956-642-7040). “They just run right over them headed offshore. We have a lot of good snapper nearby, in shallower water (less than 100 feet).”

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“These are fish that are there year around,” Vasquez continued. “Especially in the winter. [Winter] is the best time to fish for them. You have to pick your days, because of the weather, but when you get out there, you’re going to find lots of nice snapper.”

“Nice snapper” usually means fish in the 18-22 inch range, with a few getting even bigger. You won’t find any of the 30 pound sows that inhabit wrecks and reefs further out in Federal waters, but you will get an occasional 20, according to Vasquez.

Few anglers will complain about a four fish limit of 6 to 8 pound snapper in the middle of two thirty minute runs out and back to port.

A closed commercial shrimping season (which generally runs from July until May) historically would help reduce bycatch pressure on red snapper for two months out of the year. Recently, the bycatch issue was reduced even further because of “lack of effort” caused by more shrimpers staying in port. The double whammy of falling prices for shrimp due to the abundance of farmraised foreign shrimp and rising prices for diesel have combined to drastically cut into many shrimpers’ profit margins. Simply put, there are fewer shrimp boats on the water because it is too expensive. The red snapper benefit from this drop in pressure, and more and more fish grow to maturity.

It may not be as simple as finding a calm day, running three miles out of the Mansfield or Brazos Santiago Jetties, and catching a cooler full of snapper, but it isn’t prohibitive for the recreational angler with a good set of electronics to locate some fish.

Many of these spots are in water between 50 and 70 feet deep and easily within sight of the beach. Places like the 60’s require pinpoint anchoring to settle on top of the rocks rather than over barren sand.

The shallower water allows fishermen to shelve the Penn Senator reels and white fiberglass rods and use tackle more reserved for redfish. Vazquez prefers using 20 pound

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class tackle for these beach-combing snapper. His go-to rigs are usually 7-foot Ugly StikTiger Rods and Pflueger Trion 66 bait casting reels loaded with 20 pound mono.

Terminal tackle includes 50 pound leaders, egg sinkers, and 5/0 circle hooks. The sinkers range from 1 ounce to 4 ounces if the current is on the strong side. On one winter trip with Vazquez, my friends Anibal Gorena and David Rutledge, my wife Sandie, and I battled snapper to 18 pounds on trout tackle. I used a 7-foot, 2-inch Shimano Crucial and Curado 300 DSV, and those snapper wore me out!

Any finfish will work as bait for up-close snapper. Menhaden is the most available bait this time of year, but you can also use pinfish, whiting, sand trout, or yellow-tail perch (those pesky little bait stealers that look like white bass). I also had a great deal of success with a 6-inch Gulp Curlytail grub pinned on a 3-ounce SPRO Bucktail, both in chartreuse. Typically, these snapper will be suspended from the bottom to within 20 feet of the surface, so work your bait or lure from the bottom up. If nothing happens, send your rig back down to the bottom and start over.

Chances are, however, if you locate the fish, something will happen before you work for too long.

the bank bite Location: Fred Stone Park Pier, Port Mansfield Species: Black drum.

Tips: Use fish finder rigs with fresh shrimp or crab chunks when available. Cast towards ICW. Night fishing is best.

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Contact Calixto Gonzales at CGonzales@fishgame.com

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UPPER GULF COAST

Christmas in November

by Capt. GEORGE KNIGHTEN & Capt. MIKE KUBECKA

LOCATION: Christmas Bay HOTSPOT: North Shoreline GPS: N29 4.07442, W95 11.6739 (29.067907, -95.194565) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Mirro-lure Provoker, Bass Assassins, Top dogs CONTACT: Capt. George Knighten, 832-310-9146 GalvestonBayGuideService.net TIPS: Protected from a north wind and holds good fish. Great wade-fishing spot.

Use topwater early, then go to soft plastic.

LOCATION: East Galveston HOTSPOT: North Shoreline GPS: N29 32.2392, W94 40.91352 (29.537320, -94.681892) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Gold spoons, shad body soft plastics, Bass Assassins CONTACT:Capt. George Knighten, 832-310-9146 GalvestonBayGuideService.net TIPS: Watch for diving pelicans and terns working over schools of redfish, watch for explosions in the water as the fish hit bait, also watch for large areas of nervous water, slicks and mud boils LOCATION: East Galveston HOTSPOT: Roll over Pass GPS: N29 31.36092, W94 30.00612 (29.522682, -94.500102) SPECIES: flounder BEST BAITS: live finger mullet, live shrimp, shad body soft plastics D I G I T A L

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GPS COORDINATES are provided in two formats: “Decimal Degrees” (degrees.degrees) and “Degrees and Minutes” sometimes called “GPS Format” (degrees minutes. minutes). Examples (for Downtown Austin): Decimal Degrees: N30.2777, W97.7379; Degrees and Minutes: N30 16.6662, W97 44.2739. Consult your manual for information specific to your GPS device.

CONTACT: Capt. Thomas Barlow 281-827-6815 texxan2000@yahoo.com TIPS: Fish the pass itself or the small bay behind the pass; remember November limits of only two. Use caution, strong currents at this pass!

LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Old Gulf Cut GPS: N28 42.9279, W95 53.21088 (28.715465, -95.886848) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Glow shrimp Tails and Free Lining live Bait (shrimp, Croaker, Finger Mullet) CONTACT: Capt. Mike Kubecka 979-240-9490 TIPS: Fish with the tides, falling and incoming are both great. Fishing under lights at night is the best.

LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: West End GPS: N28 40.49508, W95 52.6104 (28.674918, -95.876840) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Norton sand eels, soft plastic CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz, 281-450-4037 TIPS: Great bird action in this general area in November.

LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Intercostal

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GPS: N28 43.97358, W95 50.2767 (28.732893, -95.837945) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp Under Midcoast Popping Cork shrimp Tails CONTACT: Capt. Mike Kubecka 979-240-9490 TIPS: Fish Drop offs and drains. Fish like to hang out on the ledges.

LOCATION: East Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Tripod Area GPS: N28 40.518, W95 53.054 (28.6753, -95.884233) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: 1/4-ounce leadhead, Norton Limetreuse baits; switch to pink if the water is off color; topwaters in Bone or Clam colors CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz, 281-450-4037 TIPS: Birds should be working “full blast.” Get upwind and drift into where they are. Sometimes throwing a topwater bait under bird action will result in some better-sized fish.

LOCATION: Matagorda, Colorado River HOTSPOT: Selkirk Island south GPS: N28 41.758, W95 58.676 (28.695967, -95.977933) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: 3/8-ounce leadhead with Hogie double tail Lime colored baits CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz, 281-450-4037 TIPS: Plug the west bank while driftfishing. The west side is the deeper side and it has a shelf extending from the bank.

LOCATION: Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Anahuac Pocket GPS: N29 43.55544, W94 42.37608 (29.725924, -94.706268) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Bass Assassins, Mirro-lure Provoker, live shrimp under a cork CONTACT: Capt. George Knighten,

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832-310-9146 GalvestonBayGuideService.net TIPS: Great area to drift, key on slicks and bait. Also good area to watch for working birds.

LOCATION: Trinity Bay

HOTSPOT: Jacks Pocket GPS: N29 45.47364, W94 45.1827 (29.757894, -94.753045) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Bass Assassins, Mirro-lure Provoker, live shrimp under a cork CONTACT: Capt. George Knighten, 832-310-9146 GalvestonBayGuideService.net TIPS: Great bird action in this area in November.

LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Snake Island GPS: N29 9.57042, W95 2.55312 (29.159507, -95.042552) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: She Dogs, bass Assassins, Mirro-lure Provokers CONTACT: Capt. George Knighten, 832-310-9146 GalvestonBayGuideService.net TIPS: Good spot to wade or drift, the cove behind the reef is also a good spot.

LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Chocolate Bay GPS: N29 10.31688, W95 8.25918 (29.171948, -95.137653) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Bass Assassins, live shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Greg Francis 409-790-8107 captgreg@saltwaterassault.net TIPS: Drift fish the shell humps. Also look for birds, great bird action this month.

LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Greens Lake GPS: N29 16.3551, W94 59.69238 (29.272585, -94.994873) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Bass Assassins or live shrimp under a cork CONTACT: Capt. Thomas Barlow, 281-827-6815 texxan2000@yahoo.com TIPS: Work the grass along the shorelines, watch for mullet and bait activity.

LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Carancahua Reef GPS: N29 12.80298, W94 59.91642

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(29.213383, -94.998607) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Bass Assassins, live shrimp, Mirro-lure provoker CONTACT: Capt. Greg Francis 409-790-8107 captgreg@saltwaterassault.net TIPS: Drift the shell. Also look for birds, great bird action this month. Watch for slicks and bait.

LOCATION: West Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Jones Bay GPS: N29 18.41892, W94 55.81452 (29.306982, -94.930242) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Bass Assassins or live shrimp under a cork CONTACT: Capt. Thomas Barlow, 281-827-6815 texxan2000@yahoo.com TIPS: Drift the shell islands and surrounding shell. Work areas with active bait.

LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Colorado River GPS: N28 42.1851, W95 58.58856 (28.703085, -95.976476) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: Topwaters (Super Spook Juniors) shrimp tails (glow) live finger mullet and shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Mike Kubecka 979-240-9490 TIPS: Fish both top and bottom. Fishing under lights is real productive. Fish ledges and drop-offs. Look for bait.

MIDDLE GULF COAST

Wells Pay Off for Gas Speck-ulators

by Capt. GEORGE KNIGHTEN & Capt. CHARLIE NEWTON

LOCATION: Aransas Bay HOTSPOT: Natural gas wells GPS: N28 02.124, W97 00.194 (28.0354, -97.003233) SPECIES: speckled trout

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BEST BAITS: live pin perch and mud minnows, free lined with a 1/8-ounce slip sinker on a shock leader CONTACT: Capt. Marvin Engle, 361-668-0104 TIPS: It has to be a calm day to effectively anchor and fish the wells. Anchor about 80 feet out from the wells and cast up on the shell pads.

LOCATION: Copano Bay HOTSPOT: Reefs GPS: N28 08.123, W97 01.986 (28.135383, -97.0331) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: soft plastics, brighter colors on sunny days and dark colors on cloudy days CONTACT: Capt. Paul Braly, 361-949-6795 TIPS: Target the reefs on the eastern shoreline, both wade-fishing and fishing from the boat.

LOCATION: Rockport-Fulton HOTSPOT: Allyn’s Lake

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GPS: N27 58.740, W96 59.047 (27.979, -96.984117) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: soft plastics; brighter colors on sunny days and dark colors on cloudy days CONTACT: Capt. Paul Braly, 361-949-6795 TIPS: Wade fishing can produce some big redfish on the right days LOCATION: Mesquite Bay HOTSPOT: Little Bray’s Cove GPS: N 28 08.334, W 96 48.588 (28.138908, -96.809807) SPECIES: trout BEST BAITS: soft plastics; chartreuse Devil Eye on sunny days and plum Devil Eye on cloudy days; yellow bellied topwater baits for trout CONTACT: Capt. Paul Braly, 361-949-6795 TIPS: Fish from the boat; topwaters work early for trout.

LOCATION: Mesquite Bay

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HOTSPOT: Little Bray’s Cove GPS: N 28 08.334, W 96 48.588 (28.138908, -96.809807) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: soft plastics; chartreuse Devil Eye on sunny days and plum Devil Eye on cloudy days; yellow bellied topwater baits for trout CONTACT: Capt. Paul Braly, 361-949-6795 TIPS: Fish from the boat; topwaters work early for trout.

LOCATION: Offshore HOTSPOT: First Rigs GPS: N28 29.24772, W95 57.44994 (28.487462, -95.957499) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Fish Cut Bait on The Bottom Squid or Sardines CONTACT: Capt. Mike Kubecka 979240-9490 TIPS: Circle rig look on bottom machine for fish. Fish each rig out and move on to the next one.

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allel to the rocks. It won’t take long before you know if the redfish are in and feeding.

If they are, you’ll never forget the trip.

LOWER GULF COAST

Port Mansfield Reds Hit the Rocks

by CALIXTO GONZALES cgonzales@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Port Mansfield HOTSPOT: North Jetties GPS: N26 34.35798, W97 22.128 (26.572633, -97.368800) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Cut mullet, crab chunks, plastic swimbaits CONTACT: Captain Richard Bailey, 956-369-5090 TIPS: putter around the point of the jetties and com in 75 yards towards the beach. Anchor and fish on the bottom par-

LOCATION: Arroyo Colorado HOTSPOT: Arroyo Docks GPS: N26 20.88222, W97 24.06054 (26.348037, -97.401009) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp; Gulp! shrimp in rootbeer/gold CONTACT: Captain Cesar Anguiano, 956-456-1363 TIPS: Fish around unoccupied docks early in the morning for trout that are coming in to feed. Live shrimp or soft plastics on a 1/8th-ounce jighead work best. Fish the down=current side.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: South Jetty Tip GPS: N26 3.86034, W97 8.67666 (26.064339, -97.144611) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: live finger mullet, cut bait, soft plastics in gold patterns CONTACT: Quick Stop, 956-943-1159 TIPS: Redfish will be tracing the jetties as they migrate in and out of the pass channel and into the surf to feed before moving out to spawn. Stout tackle and fish finder rigs baited with cut mullet are standard, but swimbaits work too.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: ICW Shacks GPS: N26 23.93202, W97 20.59098 (26.398867, -97.343183) SPECIES: black drum BEST BAITS: live shrimp, fresh shrimp, Gulp! shrimp in New Penning, Rootbeer CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956-551-9581 TIPS: Schools of slot-sized black drum are moving into the bay in good numbers.

Anchor near the edge of the ICW near the East side shacks and fish with live or fresh shrimp on split shot rigs near bottom or slowly drag a Gulp! Shrimp on a 1/2ounce head.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Brownsville Ship Channel

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GPS: N25 57.67716, W97 22.49496 (25.961286, -97.374916) SPECIES: mangrove snap BEST BAITS: Freelined live shrimp, live finger mullet CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956-551-9581 TIPS: Fish around dock pilings and under barges for some larger mangroves.

Free-line live shrimp on a fluorocarbon leader. Bigger fish will eat a finger mullet.

Use a tight drag to horse big mangoes from around the barnacles or you’ll lose ‘em.

LOCATION: Port Mansfield HOTSPOT: North of Big Oaks GPS: N26 42.55638, W97 27.98472 (26.709273, -97.466412) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: soft plastics in Pearl/red, strawberry/white, bone, chartreuse topwaters.

CONTACT: Captain Danny Neu, 979-942-0165 TIPS: Look for redfish near the shoreline in clearer water. Intercept them with topwaters or soft plastics fished along the weedlines. Waders should walk parallel to the shoreline from the point northward.

LOCATION: Port Mansfield HOTSPOT: South of Port GPS: N26 32.36364, W97 24.8433 (26.539394, -97.414055) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: soft plastics in Pearl/red, strawberry/white, topwaters in Bone, chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Danny Neu, 979-942-0165 TIPS: An old, but productive spot. Fish just north of the developments that are along the shoreline south of port with live bait or soft plastics. Topwaters are good earlier in the morning. Don’t eschew turning around and casting towards shore.

LOCATION: South Bay HOTSPOT: Rear Mangroves GPS: N26 1.28778, W97 13.47246 (26.021463, -97.224541) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp Topwaters in Bone, white

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CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956-551-9581 TIPS: Move up near the mangrove treelines on high tide and cast into the shadows. Watch for cruising trout and nervous bait. Smaller topwaters such as the Spook, Jr. work best. This sharpshootingstyle fishing and casting at solitary, but bit, fish.

LOCATION: South Padre Island HOTSPOT: Andie Bowie Park Shoreline GPS: N26 8.4387, W97 10.1508 (26.140645, -97.169180) SPECIES: redfish BEST BAITS: Cut mullet, crab chunks CONTACT: Quik Stop, 956-9431159 TIPS: The stalwart surf angler will find some late-season redfish roaming the beach.

Use a bottom rig or fish-finder baited with cut mullet (good) or crab chunks (better).

Cast into the second gut, up against the third bar. Incoming tide is best.

LOCATION: South Padre Island HOTSPOT: The Pasture GPS: N26 5.85702, W97 11.1702 (26.097617, -97.186170) SPECIES: speckled trout BEST BAITS: live shrimp/popping cork, DOA shrimp in gold/glitter, Logic Tandems in Tequila Gold, Rootbeer/glitter CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez, 956-551-9581 TIPS: Cooler days and fewer—if any— jetskiers mean that the trout will stay on the grass flats for longer periods. Most of these trout are aggressive 15-16-inch fish and plenty of fun. Live shrimp or soft plastics under a popping are best. Drift slowly.

Shad CONTACT: Richard Tatsch, admin@fishdudetx.com, 936-291-1277, fishdudetx.com TIPS: Hybrid stripers are running shad along the ledges of the river channel and moving deeper occasionally. Live bait works best but the Swim Shad will work, too, if you control your retrieve to keep it at the depth where the fish are.

LOCATION: Caddo HOTSPOT: Big Cypress Channel GPS: N32 42.48204, W94 7.03602 (32.708034, -94.117267) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Swimbaits, Alabama rigs, spinnerbaits, swim jigs CONTACT: Paul Keith, caddoguide1@att.net, 318-455-3437, caddolakefishing.com TIPS: The bass will be in the bends of cuts off the Big Cypress with larger bass schooling. Fish shad or white colored lures.

LOCATION: Caddo

HOTSPOT: Big Cypress Channel GPS: N32 42.48204, W94 7.03602 (32.708034, -94.117267) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Crappie jigs CONTACT: Paul Keith, caddoguide1@att.net, 318-455-3437, caddolakefishing.com TIPS: Crappie will be in the lotus pads along the edge of Big Cypress Bayou. Use chartreuse-white or red tube jigs and fish them off the bottom. This is my most productive time of the year for crappie.

LLOCATION: Livingston HOTSPOT: Wendell’s Hot Hole GPS: N30 41.3889, W95 2.97882 (30.689815, -95.049647) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Tsunami Zombie Eye Slabs, live shad CONTACT: David S. Cox, dave@palmettoguideservice.com, 936-291-9602, palmettoguideservice.com TIPS: Fish the jig slabs or shad off the

PINEY WOODS

Conroe Hybrids Make a Shad Run

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

OCATION: Conroe HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N30 22.79892, W95 35.40384 (30.379982, -95.590064) SPECIES: hybrid striper BEST BAITS: live shad, Storm Swim D I G I T A L

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bottom. Look for water depths of 11-14 feet. Keep the line tension tight as the slab falls. Most of the strikes will come while the slab is falling back to the bottom. Bank access is available at Governor’s Point.

LOCATION: Livingston HOTSPOT: Wendell’s Hot Hole GPS: N30 41.3889, W95 2.97882 (30.689815, -95.049647) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Tsunami Zombie Eye Slabs, live shad CONTACT: David S. Cox, dave@palmettoguideservice.com, 936-291-9602, palmettoguideservice.com TIPS: Fish the jig slabs or shad off the bottom. Look for water depths of 11-14 feet. Keep the line tension tight as the slab falls. Most of the strikes will come while the slab is falling back to the bottom. Bank access is available at Governor’s Point.

LOCATION: Toledo Bend HOTSPOT: Huxley River Run GPS: N31 45.00198, W93 50.16096 (31.750033, -93.836016) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: live shiners, artificial jigs CONTACT: Greg Crafts, gregcrafts@yahoo.com, 936-368-7151, toledobendguide.com TIPS: November is the beginning of crappie season on the north end of the lake. As the water temp starts to fall the crappie will move to the drops and ledges along the old river channel. Look for natural cover or, better yet, drop your own brush.

PRAIRIES & LAKES

Baptize a Jig for Lavon Crappie

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Lavon HOTSPOT: Baptist Encampment GPS: N33 3.26196, W96 30.16698 (33.054366, -96.502783) 78 |

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SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Crappie jigs CONTACT: Billy Kilpatrick, straightlineguide@yahoo.com, 214-232-7847, straightlineguide.com TIPS: There is lots of structure standing all around the lake. As the water cools the fish will hold off main lake points. The woods in front of Baptist Encampment, trees in Mallard Park area, and the north side of the power plant are prime areas.

SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Slabs, Rat-L-Traps CONTACT: Randy Routh, teamredneck01@hotmail.com, 817-822-5539, teamredneck.net TIPS: Watch your graph and you will see white bass stacked up on the edges of the humps. Drop one-ounce chartreuse slabs of blue and chrome Rat-L-Traps and bounce off the bottom. Keep an eye out for feeding birds and surfacing white bass.

LOCATION: Cedar Creek HOTSPOT: Caney Creek Docks GPS: N32 13.4817, W96 2.81448 (32.224695, -96.046908) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, buzzbaits CONTACT: Jason Barber, kingscreekadventures@yahoo.com, 903-603-2047, www.kingcreekadventures.com TIPS: Start at the docks in Caney Creek and work northward, fishing all of the docks you find. Cover the areas thoroughly but fish at a fast pace. The more water you cover, the more fish you will catch at this time of the year.

LOCATION: Cooper HOTSPOT: Main Lake Shorelines GPS: N33 19.62276, W95 41.44752 (33.327046, -95.690792) SPECIES: hybrid striper BEST BAITS: 4-inch Sassy Shad, Strike King Sexy Spoon CONTACT: Tony Parker, tawakonifishing@yahoo.com, 903-348-1619, tawakonifishing.com TIPS: The hybrids will be following shad in shallow water along the shorelines and on the points. You will have to hunt for them I have caught them as shallow as one-foot. They may be here one day, gone then next.

LOCATION: Fayette County HOTSPOT: Cedar Creek Bridge Pilings GPS: N29 56.44998, W96 44.55996 (29.940833, -96.742666) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Dip or punch bait, worms, cut shad CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTalesGuideService.com TIPS: The water here is close to 40-feet deep. An old submerged bridge is in deeper water. Mark it with a buoy, chum around the buoy and anchor as close to the buoy as possible. Fish straight down.

Expect a light bite and watch your line for movement.

LOCATION: Aquilla HOTSPOT: Deep Humps GPS: N31 54.25848, W97 11.9526 (31.904308, -97.199210)

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LOCATION: Cooper HOTSPOT: Main Lake Brushpiles GPS: N33 19.08486, W95 41.39088 (33.318081, -95.689848) SPECIES: crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows, jigs CONTACT: Tony Parker, tawakonifishing@yahoo.com, 903-348-1619, tawakonifishing.com TIPS: Lots of big crappie will hold in the Corps of Engineers brushpiles established when the lake was built. Most good lake maps show where these brushpiles are located. Fish the ones in 12-20 feet of water with jigs or minnows.

LOCATION: Lewisville HOTSPOT: Lake Lewisville Toll Bridge GPS: N33 8.3157, W97 0.07542 (33.138595, -97.001257) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Fresh shad, shrimp CONTACT: Bobby Kubin, bobby@bobby-catfishing.com,

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817-455-2894, bobby-catfishing.com TIPS: Drift the old river channel north and south of the Toll Bridge with fresh gizzard or threadfin shad for blue cats and shrimp for channel cats. Use a SanteeCooper rig, one-ounce weight, 36-inch leader. Drift speed should be less than 0.5 m.p.h.

LOCATION: Palestine HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N32 4.28856, W95 26.466 (32.071476, -95.441100) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Slabs, Rat-L-Traps CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff, ricky@rickysguideservice.com, 903-561-7299, rickysguideservice.com TIPS: Watch your graph and look for large schools of shad off the main-lake points. Work the Slabs off the bottom fishing vertically. Keep a Rat-L-Trap handy for any schooling action you may see.

LOCATION: Palestine HOTSPOT: Flat Creek GPS: N32 12.18384, W95 30.21264 (32.203064, -95.503544) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Jigs, Football Shakey Heads CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff, ricky@rickysguideservice.com, 903-561-7299, rickysguideservice.com TIPS: The bass are in the backs of the creeks and under boat docks. Fish edges of the channels and the docks slowly. The fish will be in this pattern all day. The new threadfin color is best for the Football Shakey Head. Also try Cobb and Kickapoo creeks.

areas.

LOCATION: Somerville HOTSPOT: Yegua Creek Park GPS: N30 18.41472, W96 32.08836 (30.306912, -96.534806) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Punch bait, worms, cut shad CONTACT: Weldon Kirk, weldon_edna@hotmail.com, 979-229-3103, FishTales-Guide Service.com TIPS: With water cooling look for fish shallow in search of baitfish. The area holds good cover. Use a tight line or cork set shallow and fish the edge of the vegetation. The area is best when a north wind is blowing. Bank fishing available at Welch Park.

LOCATION: Tawakoni HOTSPOT: Open Waters GPS: N32 50.4132, W95 56.08572 (32.840220, -95.934762) SPECIES: hybrid striper

BEST BAITS: Strike King Redfish Magic CONTACT: Tony Parker, tawakonifishing@yahoo.com, 903-348-1619, tawakonifishing.com TIPS: The hybrids will be schooling in water as deep as 30-40 feet in the open lake from Two Mile Bridge to the Dam. There are lots of submerged trees in that long stretch, so boat carefully. Watch for bird activity and use your trolling motor to move in.

LOCATION: Tawakoni HOTSPOT: Twin Points GPS: N32 51.7284, W95 54.75186 (32.862140, -95.912531) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Punch bait, dip bait CONTACT: Michael Littlejohn, michaellittlejohn@yahoo.com, tawakoniguideservice.com TIPS: Anchor off the points here after chumming them with soured maize cubes.

Fish punch bait or dip bait off the bottom on a Carolina rig with 4-0 treble hook.

Move to the other point when the action

LOCATION: Palestine HOTSPOT: Main Lake Pockets GPS: N32 4.48716, W95 26.47374 (32.074786, -95.441229) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Red worms CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff, ricky@rickysguideservice.com, 903-561-7299, rickysguideservice.com TIPS: The catfish are traveling the sandy points early and lake in a feeding mode.

Chum three or more points with soured maize and then fish them one at a time until you find the best concentration of fish.

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slows but re-chum before moving and return later.

catch some big hybrids here. Watch for surfacing action.

LOCATION: Tawakoni HOTSPOT: Dam Hump GPS: N32 50.83398, W95 54.27996 (32.847233, -95.904666) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Slabs, Rat-L-Traps, tailspinners CONTACT: Michael Littlejohn, michaellittlejohn@yahoo.com, tawakoniguideservice.com TIPS: Look for feeding bird activity and use Rat-L-Traps or tail-spinners. If the fish aren’t schooling near the surface, bounce the slabs off the bottom. The best action usually is in the mornings. Chartreuse, chrome or chrome-blue combinations are best.

LOCATION: Whitney HOTSPOT: Big Rocky Creek GPS: N31 52.61256, W97 23.68476 (31.876876, -97.394746) SPECIES: striper BEST BAITS: Wild Eyed Shad, bucktail jigs CONTACT: Randy Routh, teamredneck@hotmail.com, 817-822-5539, teamredneck.net TIPS: Cast out 30 feet behind the boat and turn your trolling motor on to medium speed. Drag the baits behind the boat at the mouth of the creek. White and chartreuse are the best colors to use. Bank access can be found at Walling Bend.

LOCATION: Richland Chambers HOTSPOT: Windsock Point GPS: N31 56.42784, W96 7.1991 (31.940464, -96.119985) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Silver Glitter RSR Shad Slabs, blue-chrome Rat-L-Traps CONTACT: Royce and Adam Simmons, royce@gonefishing.biz, 903-389-4117, www.gonefishing.biz TIPS: Watch for gulls and pelicans dipping down to pick up shad off the surface.

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Amistad Bass Stay in Bed

Possum Stripers and White Bass

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Possum Kingdom HOTSPOT: Costello Island North GPS: N32 54.52206, W98 27.64014 (32.908701, -98.460669) SPECIES: white bass BEST BAITS: Jigs, Slabs, spoons CONTACT: Dean Heffner, 940-329-0036, fav7734@aceweb.com TIPS: Stay north of Costello Island and run the breaklines at 20-25 feet. Rip the lures off the bottom and let fall slowly. You can expect to catch stripers, hybrids and white bass here but you also may catch catfish here on cut shad around chummed areas.

LOCATION: Possum Kingdom Lake HOTSPOT: Bird Island GPS: N32 56.095, W98 26.369 (32.934917, -98.439483) SPECIES: striped bass BEST BAITS: live shad; topwaters in Shad colors, crankbaits in white and chartreuse of varying depths, slabs and jigs in chrome and chartreuse CONTACT: Dean Heffner, 940-329-0036, fav7734@aceweb.com TIPS: Fish continue to follow migrating shad as they move toward warmer water.

Concentrate on flats 600 to 800 yards west of Bird Island, watching for birds to give away locations of shad balls and schooling stripers that are sure to follow. Stripers will be found under birds and running breaklines in depths of 20 to 30 feet. These breaklines are literally striper highways.

Work these areas with live bait or slabs and jigs. You should find many sand bass mixed in with stripers as a bonus. Fish in advance of cold fronts for peak action.

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LOCATION: Amistad HOTSPOT: Grassbeds GPS: N29 30.5052, W100 58.062 (29.508420, -100.967700) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Zara Spooks, Pop Rs, Ribbit Frogs, soft plastics CONTACT: Stan Gerzsenyl, stan@amistadbass.com, 830-768-3648, amistadbass.com TIPS: Cooler weather has put the bass on the move, feeding around the many small islands with grassbeds nearby. Try ”silent” topwaters such as the Ribbit Frogs or soft plastic jerkbaits early. Switch to a Zara Spook or Pop R if you are not getting hit.

HILL COUNTRY

Stripers Up a Creek at Canyon

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Potter’s Creek GPS: N29 54.23256, W98 14.58 (29.903876, -98.243000) SPECIES: striper BEST BAITS: One-ounce jigging spoons CONTACT: Steve Nixon, steve@sanantoniofishingguides.com, 210-573-1230, sanantoniofishingguides.com TIPS: Look for the striped bass and white bass along the creek channel. They will be suspended over the creek channel on the west side of the creek. Jigging

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spoons in white and chartreuse produce the best results in this area.

LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Lake Island Drive Shoreline GPS: N29 54.41598, W98 15.07698 (29.906933, -98.251283) SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Bass Kandie Baby Buster finesse worm CONTACT: Kandie Candelaria, kandie@gvtc.com, 210-823-2153 TIPS: Rig the Baby Buster worm on a drop-shot rig or Carolina rig with 3/4ounce Picasso Tungsten weight. Blue flecks, Junebug and Watermelon Candy are the best colors if the sun is high and bright and green pumpkin is best if it is overcast.

LOCATION: Granger HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N30 41.68092, W97 21.42876 (30.694682, -97.357146) SPECIES: catfish BEST BAITS: Zote soap, perch, large shad

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CONTACT: Tommy Tidwell, crappie1@hotmail.com, 512-365-7761, www.gotcrappie.com TIPS: Use jug lines for good-tasting bluecats. Perch, large shad and cut bait produce larger fish in 10-20-pound range.

Bait your lines at dusk and check the next morning. Cut the Zote soap into 1-inch cubes. Fish various depths and winy shores.

SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS

Falcon Bass Hold Up in Three Fingers

by BOB HOOD bhood@fishgame.com

SPECIES: largemouth bass BEST BAITS: Plastic worms, jigs, spinnerbaits, topwater lures CONTACT: Robert Amaya, robertsfishntackle@gmail.com, 956-765-1442, robertsfishntackle.com TIPS: The bass are feeding shallow, prowling around the stickups, laydowns and rocks. Use a chartreuse or white spinnerbait or topwater lure during early-morning hours and then flip Texas-rigged plastic worms in the cover once the sun gets up.

Find Thousands of Texas Fishing Hotspots with our HOTSPOT FINDER app: www.FishGame.com/hotspots

LOCATION: Falcon Lake HOTSPOT: Three Fingers GPS: N26 54.80892, W99 18.74196 (26.913482, -99.312366)

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Tides and Prime Times

NOVEMBER 2012

USING THE PRIME TIMES CALENDAR

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

T12

T4

T11

T10

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

T3 T2 T1

T9 T8 T7

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

T15 T16

T6 T17

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

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

T13 T5

T14

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

T18

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

T19

T20

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

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

T21

Tide Correction Table

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

KEY PLACE T1 Sabine Bank Lighthouse T2 Sabine Pass Jetty T3 Sabine Pass T4 Mesquite Pt, Sab. Pass T5 Galveston Bay, S. Jetty T6 Port Bolivar

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

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

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

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

KEY PLACE

Pt Barrow, Trinity Bay T12

Gilchrist, East Bay T13 Jamaica Beach, W. Bay T14

Alligator Point, W. Bay T15

Christmas Pt T16

Galveston Pleasure Pier T17

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

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

KEY PLACE

San Luis Pass T18

Freeport Harbor T19

Pass Cavallo T20

Aransas Pass T21

Padre Island (So. End) T22

Port Isabel T23

HIGH -0.09 -0:44 0:00 -0:03 -0:24 +1:02

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

SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK IS SPONSORED BY:

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION T22 T23

KEYS TO USING THE TIDE AND SOLUNAR GRAPHS TIDE GRAPH:

Yellow: Daylight

12a

Tab: Peak Fishing Period

6a

12p

6p

12a

Light Blue: Nighttime

BEST:

5:30 — 7:30 AM

Green: Falling Tide

Gold Fish: Best Time

Blue: Rising Tide Red Graph: Fishing Score

Blue Fish: Good Time

MINOR Feeding Periods (+/- 1.5 Hrs.) Time Moon is at its Highest Point in the Sky

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY:

12a

AM/PM Timeline

82 |

AM/PM Timeline

AM Minor: 1:20a

PM Minor: 1:45p

AM Major: 7:32a

PM Major: 7:57p

Moon Overhead: 8:50a 6a

12p

6p

Moon Underfoot: 9:15p

N O V E M B E R

ALMANAC Digital.indd 82

12a

MAJOR Feeding Periods (+/- 2 Hrs.) Time Moon is Directly Underfoot (at its peak on opposite side of the earth)

2 0 1 2

T e x a S

F i s h

&

G a m e ®

D I G I T A L

A L M A N A C

10/19/12 11:04 AM

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

7:45-9:40 AM

= Peak Fishing Period

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

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

MONDAY

TUESDAY

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

WEDNESDAY

¡ 30

THURSDAY

« 31

« Nov 1

Sunrise: 7:30a Set: 6:35p Sunrise: 7:30a Set: 6:34p Sunrise: 7:31a Set: 6:33p Moonrise: 7:11p Set: 10:16p Moonrise: 7:54p Set: 11:18p Moonrise: 8:40p Set: None

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

2

SUNDAY

3

Sunrise: 7:32a Set: 6:32p Sunrise: 7:33a Set: 6:31p Moonrise: 9:29p Set: 12:19a Moonrise: 10:20p Set: 1:16a

4

Sunrise: 7:33a Set: 6:31p Moonrise: None Set: 2:11a

AM Minor: 5:03a

PM Minor: 5:26p

AM Minor: 5:50a

PM Minor: 6:13p

AM Minor: 6:39a

PM Minor: 7:03p

AM Minor: 7:31a

PM Minor: 7:55p

AM Minor: 8:24a

PM Minor: 8:48p

AM Minor: 9:18a

PM Minor: 9:42p

AM Minor: 10:10a

PM Minor: 10:34p

AM Major: ——-

PM Major: 11:15a

AM Major: 11:38a

PM Major: 12:02p

AM Major: 12:27a

PM Major: 12:51p

AM Major: 1:19a

PM Major: 1:43p

AM Major: 2:12a

PM Major: 2:36p

AM Major: 3:06a

PM Major: 3:30p

AM Major: 3:58a

PM Major: 4:22p

Moon Overhead: 12:33a 6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 2:06a

Moon Overhead: 1:19a 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 2:54a 12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 4:31a

Moon Overhead: 3:43a 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

« 29

Sunrise: 7:29a Set: 6:35p Moonrise: 6:31p Set: 9:14p

12a

Tides and Prime Times for NOVEMBER 2012

Moon Overhead: 5:19a 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

feet

feet

Moon Underfoot: 12:56p

+2.0

-1.0

TIDE LEVELS

0

BEST:

6:00 — 8:00 AM

High Tide: 3:09 am Low Tide: 10:23 am High Tide: 6:04 pm Low Tide: 11:14 pm

BEST:

6:30 — 8:30 AM

1.50 ft.

0.28 ft.

1.70 ft.

1.39 ft.

High Tide: 3:22 am Low Tide: 10:53 am High Tide: 6:52 pm Low Tide: 11:37 pm

1:00 — 3:00 AM

1.52 ft.

0.23 ft.

1.70 ft.

1.46 ft.

D I G I T A L

ALMANAC Digital.indd 83

Moon Underfoot: 2:30p

High Tide: 3:31 am Low Tide: 11:27 am High Tide: 7:40 pm Low Tide: 11:59 pm

A L M A N A C

Moon Underfoot: 3:19p BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 4:07p BEST:

8:00 — 10:00 AM

T e x a S

BEST:

8:30 — 10:30 AM

1.54 ft. High Tide: 3:31 am 1.56 ft. Low Tide: 12:23 am 0.21 ft. Low Tide: 12:02 pm 0.22 ft. High Tide: 3:20 am 1.68 ft. High Tide: 8:33 pm 1.66 ft. Low Tide: 12:40 pm High Tide: 9:30 pm 1.51 ft.

F i s h

&

Moon Underfoot: 4:55p

G a m e ®

Low Tide: 12:59 am High Tide: 3:11 am Low Tide: 1:21 pm High Tide: 10:29 pm

+2.0

BEST:

9:00 — 11:00 AM

1.54 ft.

1.57 ft.

0.26 ft.

1.64 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 5:42p 10:00A — 12:00P

1.56 ft.

1.58 ft.

0.30 ft.

1.63 ft.

N O V E M B E R

TIDE LEVELS

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 1:43p

Low Tide: 1:08 am High Tide: 1:53 am Low Tide: 1:05 pm High Tide: 10:19 pm

2 0 1 2

|

1.56 ft.

1.57 ft.

0.36 ft.

1.62 ft.

+1.0 0 -1.0

83

10/19/12 11:04 AM

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

7:45-9:40 AM

= Peak Fishing Period

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

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

TUESDAY

5

»6

Sunrise: 6:34a Set: 5:30p Moonrise: None Set: 3:04a

Sunrise: 6:35a Set: 5:29p Moonrise: 11:07p Set: 3:56a

7

Sunrise: 6:36a Set: 5:29p Moonrise: 12:02a Set: 3:48a

THURSDAY

8

Sunrise: 6:37a Set: 5:28p Moonrise: 12:59a Set: 4:40a

FRIDAY

9

Sunrise: 6:37a Set: 5:27p Moonrise: 1:58a Set: 5:34a

SATURDAY

10

Sunrise: 6:38a Set: 5:27p Moonrise: 2:59a Set: 6:28a

SUNDAY

11

Sunrise: 6:39a Set: 5:26p Moonrise: 4:03a Set: 7:22a

AM Minor: 10:01a

PM Minor: 10:24p

AM Minor: 10:50a

PM Minor: ——-

AM Minor: 11:12a

PM Minor: 11:36a

AM Minor: 11:57a

PM Minor: 12:21p

AM Minor: 12:40a

PM Minor: 1:04p

AM Minor: 1:23a

PM Minor: 1:48p

AM Minor: 2:08a

PM Minor: 2:35p

AM Major: 3:49a

PM Major: 4:13p

AM Major: 4:38a

PM Major: 5:01p

AM Major: 5:24a

PM Major: 5:48p

AM Major: 6:09a

PM Major: 6:32p

AM Major: 6:52a

PM Major: 7:16p

AM Major: 7:35a

PM Major: 8:01p

AM Major: 8:21a

PM Major: 8:48p

Moon Overhead: 5:06a

12a

WEDNESDAY

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 6:39a

Moon Overhead: 5:52a 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 7:25a 12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 9:02a

Moon Overhead: 8:13a 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 9:55a 12a

6a

12p

6p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for NOVEMBER 2012

12a

feet

feet

Moon Underfoot: 5:29p

+2.0

-1.0

TIDE LEVELS

0

BEST:

10:30A — 12:30P

84 |

BEST:

1:00 — 2:00 PM

Moon Underfoot: 8:37p BEST:

2 0 1 2

T e x a S

F i s h

&

G a m e ®

Moon Underfoot: 9:28p BEST:

2:00 — 4:00 PM 2:30 — 4:30 AM

Low Tide: 2:46 pm 0.53 ft. Low Tide: 3:44 pm 0.64 ft. Low Tide: 6:18 am 1.07 ft. High Tide: 12:00 am High Tide: 11:22 pm 1.57 ft. High Tide: 11:43 pm 1.53 ft. High Tide: 11:00 am 1.23 ft. Low Tide: 6:23 am Low Tide: 4:47 pm 0.76 ft. High Tide: 12:33 pm Low Tide: 5:52 pm

N O V E M B E R

ALMANAC Digital.indd 84

Moon Underfoot: 7:49p

BEST:

11:30A — 1:30P

Low Tide: 1:53 pm 0.44 ft.

High Tide: 10:56 pm 1.60 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 7:02p

D I G I T A L

High Tide: 12:15 am Low Tide: 6:50 am High Tide: 1:48 pm Low Tide: 6:55 pm

+2.0

BEST:

3:00 — 5:00 AM

1.49 ft.

0.83 ft.

1.34 ft.

0.90 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 10:23p 3:30 — 5:30 AM

1.47 ft.

0.54 ft.

1.48 ft.

1.06 ft.

High Tide: 12:31 am Low Tide: 7:27 am High Tide: 2:55 pm Low Tide: 7:55 pm

TIDE LEVELS

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 6:15p

1.48 ft.

0.24 ft.

1.63 ft.

1.21 ft.

+1.0 0 -1.0

A L M A N A C

10/19/12 11:04 AM

ALMANAC Digital.indd 85

10/19/12 11:04 AM

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

7:45-9:40 AM

= Peak Fishing Period

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

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Sunrise: 6:40a Set: 5:26p Moonrise: 5:10a Set: 8:15a

Sunrise: 6:41a Set: 5:25p Moonrise: 6:19a Set: 9:07a

Sunrise: 6:42a Set: 5:25p Moonrise: 7:28a Set: 9:56a

l 13

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

«14

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

«15

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

17

«16

18

Sunrise: 6:42a Set: 5:24p Sunrise: 6:43a Set: 5:24p Sunrise: 6:44a Set: 5:23p Sunrise: 6:45a Set: 5:23p Moonrise: 8:34a Set: 10:41a Moonrise: 9:36a Set: 11:23a Moonrise: 10:30a Set: 12:02p Moonrise: 11:18a Set: 12:39p

AM Minor: 2:57a

PM Minor: 3:26p

AM Minor: 3:52a

PM Minor: 4:22p

AM Minor: 4:53a

PM Minor: 5:25p

AM Minor: 5:59a

PM Minor: 6:31p

AM Minor: 7:08a

PM Minor: 7:39p

AM Minor: 8:16a

PM Minor: 8:45p

AM Minor: 9:19a

PM Minor: 9:47p

AM Major: 9:11a

PM Major: 9:40p

AM Major: 10:07a

PM Major: 10:37p

AM Major: ——-

PM Major: 11:40a

AM Major: 11:43a

PM Major: 12:15p

AM Major: 12:52a

PM Major: 1:24p

AM Major: 2:01a

PM Major: 2:30p

AM Major: 3:05a

PM Major: 3:33p

Moon Overhead: 10:52a 6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 12:54p

Moon Overhead: 11:52a 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 1:58p 12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 4:00p

Moon Overhead: 3:00p 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 4:55p 12a

6a

12p

6p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

«12

12a

Tides and Prime Times for NOVEMBER 2012

12a

feet

feet

Moon Underfoot: 11:39p

+2.0

-1.0

TIDE LEVELS

0

BEST:

4:00 — 6:00 AM

86 |

BEST:

5:00 — 7:00 AM

High Tide: 12:50 am Low Tide: 8:09 am High Tide: 3:58 pm Low Tide: 8:50 pm

1.51 ft.

-0.03 ft.

1.75 ft.

1.35 ft.

ALMANAC Digital.indd 86

1.57 ft.

-0.26 ft.

1.82 ft.

1.46 ft.

2 0 1 2

Moon Underfoot: 1:26a BEST:

5:30 — 7:30 AM

High Tide: 1:12 am Low Tide: 8:55 am High Tide: 4:59 pm Low Tide: 9:42 pm

N O V E M B E R

Moon Underfoot: 12:23a

BEST:

6:00 — 8:00 AM

High Tide: 1:39 am Low Tide: 9:44 am High Tide: 6:00 pm Low Tide: 10:34 pm

1.62 ft.

-0.41 ft.

1.84 ft.

1.54 ft.

T e x a S

F i s h

7:00 — 9:00 AM

High Tide: 2:11 am Low Tide: 10:35 am High Tide: 7:01 pm Low Tide: 11:29 pm

&

Moon Underfoot: 2:29a

Moon Underfoot: 3:30a BEST:

G a m e ®

D I G I T A L

+2.0

BEST:

8:00 — 10:00 AM

1.65 ft. High Tide: 2:48 am 1.64 ft. Low Tide: 12:38 am -0.47 ft. Low Tide: 11:29 am -0.43 ft. High Tide: 3:31 am 1.82 ft. High Tide: 8:01 pm 1.75 ft. Low Tide: 12:26 pm High Tide: 8:58 pm 1.56 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 4:28a 9:00 — 11:00 AM

1.53 ft.

1.57 ft.

-0.31 ft.

1.67 ft.

Low Tide: 2:29 am High Tide: 4:28 am Low Tide: 1:25 pm High Tide: 9:46 pm

TIDE LEVELS

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: None

1.43 ft.

1.44 ft.

-0.12 ft.

1.57 ft.

+1.0 0 -1.0

A L M A N A C

10/19/12 11:04 AM

l = New Moon º = First Quarter l = Full Moon » = Last Quarter « = Best Day SUNDAY

Tides and Prime Times for NOVEMBER 2012

19

Sunrise: 6:46a Set: 5:22p Moonrise: 12:00p Set: 1:16p

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Sunrise: 6:47a Set: 5:22p Moonrise: 1:13p Set: 2:32p

Sunrise: 6:48a Set: 5:21p Moonrise: 1:47p Set: 3:14p

Sunrise: 6:49a Set: 5:21p Moonrise: 2:20p Set: 4:02p

º 21

22

23

SATURDAY

24

Sunrise: 6:50a Set: 5:21p Moonrise: 2:55p Set: 4:56p

25

Sunrise: 6:51a Set: 5:21p Moonrise: 3:31p Set: 5:54p

AM Minor: 10:17a

PM Minor: 10:42p

AM Minor: ——-

PM Minor: 11:08a

AM Minor: 11:31a

PM Minor: 11:54a

AM Minor: 12:13a

PM Minor: 12:35p

AM Minor: 12:53a

PM Minor: 1:15p

AM Minor: 1:31a

PM Minor: 1:53p

AM Minor: 2:10a

PM Minor: 2:33p

AM Major: 4:04a

PM Major: 4:30p

AM Major: 4:56a

PM Major: 5:20p

AM Major: 5:42a

PM Major: 6:05p

AM Major: 6:24a

PM Major: 6:46p

AM Major: 7:04a

PM Major: 7:26p

AM Major: 7:42a

PM Major: 8:04p

AM Major: 8:22a

PM Major: 8:44p

Moon Overhead: 5:46p

12a

20

Sunrise: 6:47a Set: 5:22p Moonrise: 12:38p Set: 1:53p

WEDNESDAY

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 7:20p

Moon Overhead: 6:34p 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

Moon Overhead: 8:04p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 9:32p

Moon Overhead: 8:47p 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Moon Overhead: 10:17p 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

feet

feet

Moon Underfoot: 5:21a

+2.0

-1.0

TIDE LEVELS

0

BEST:

10:0A — 12:00P

Low Tide: 4:15 am High Tide: 6:23 am Low Tide: 2:28 pm High Tide: 10:26 pm

1.25 ft.

1.27 ft.

0.12 ft.

1.48 ft.

Low Tide: 5:07 am High Tide: 8:38 am Low Tide: 3:36 pm High Tide: 10:59 pm

Moon Underfoot: 7:42a

BEST:

11:00A — 1:00P

1.02 ft.

1.13 ft.

0.36 ft.

1.39 ft.

Low Tide: 5:49 am High Tide: 10:39 am Low Tide: 4:50 pm High Tide: 11:26 pm

A L M A N A C

0.78 ft.

1.10 ft.

0.60 ft.

1.32 ft.

Moon Underfoot: 8:26a

BEST:

12:00 — 2:00 PM

D I G I T A L

ALMANAC Digital.indd 87

Moon Underfoot: 6:57a

BEST:

BEST:

7:30 — 9:30 PM 1:00 — 3:00 AM

Low Tide: 6:26 am High Tide: 12:23 pm Low Tide: 6:07 pm High Tide: 11:48 pm

T e x a S

0.55 ft. Low Tide: 7:01 am 1.15 ft. High Tide: 1:49 pm 0.80 ft. Low Tide: 7:19 pm 1.28 ft.

F i s h

&

Moon Underfoot: 9:10a

G a m e ®

+2.0

BEST:

2:00 — 4:00 AM

0.34 ft. High Tide: 12:08 am 1.25 ft. Low Tide: 7:33 am 0.96 ft. High Tide: 2:57 pm Low Tide: 8:22 pm

Moon Underfoot: 9:54a 2;30 — 4:30 AM

1.26 ft.

0.17 ft.

1.34 ft.

1.09 ft.

N O V E M B E R

TIDE LEVELS

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 6:11a

High Tide: 12:26 am Low Tide: 8:04 am High Tide: 3:50 pm Low Tide: 9:14 pm

2 0 1 2

|

1.26 ft.

0.04 ft.

1.41 ft.

1.18 ft.

+1.0 0 -1.0

87

10/19/12 11:05 AM

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION BEST:

7:45-9:40 AM

= Peak Fishing Period

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

Fishing Day’s Best Good Score Graph Score Score

26

WEDNESDAY

Sunrise: 6:52a Set: 5:20p Moonrise: 4:52p Set: 8:01p

Sunrise: 6:53a Set: 5:20p Moonrise: 5:38p Set: 9:04p

«27

Sunrise: 6:52a Set: 5:20p Moonrise: 4:10p Set: 6:57p

«28

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

¡ 29

SATURDAY

«Dec 1

«30

Sunrise: 6:54a Set: 5:20p Sunrise: 6:55a Set: 5:20p Sunrise: 6:56a Set: 5:20p Moonrise: 6:26p Set: 10:05p Moonrise: 7:16p Set: 11:02p Moonrise: 8:08p Set: None

SUNDAY

2

Sunrise: 6:56a Set: 5:20p Moonrise: 9:02p Set: None

AM Minor: 2:51a

PM Minor: 3:14p

AM Minor: 3:35a

PM Minor: 3:59p

AM Minor: 4:21a

PM Minor: 4:45p

AM Minor: 5:10a

PM Minor: 5:35p

AM Minor: 6:01a

PM Minor: 6:25p

AM Minor: 6:53a

PM Minor: 7:17p

AM Minor: 7:46a

PM Minor: 8:09p

AM Major: 9:03a

PM Major: 9:26p

AM Major: 9:47a

PM Major: 10:10p

AM Major: 10:33a

PM Major: 10:57p

AM Major: ——-

PM Major: 11:22a

AM Major: 11:49a

PM Major: 12:13p

AM Major: 12:42a

PM Major: 1:05p

AM Major: 1:34a

PM Major: 1:57p

Moon Overhead: 10:56p

12a

TUESDAY

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: None

Moon Overhead:11:31 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 12:39a 12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 2:16a

Moon Overhead: 1:28a 12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

Moon Overhead: 3:03a 12a

6a

12p

6p

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY

MONDAY

Tides and Prime Times for NOVEMBER 2012

12a

feet

feet

Moon Underfoot: 10:40a

+2.0

-1.0

TIDE LEVELS

0

BEST:

4:00 — 6:00 AM

88 |

BEST:

4:30 — 6:30 AM

High Tide: 12:43 am Low Tide: 8:33 am High Tide: 4:35 pm Low Tide: 9:53 pm

1.28 ft.

-0.05 ft.

1.45 ft.

1.24 ft.

ALMANAC Digital.indd 88

1.30 ft.

-0.11 ft.

1.46 ft.

1.28 ft.

2 0 1 2

Moon Underfoot: 1:04p BEST:

5:00 — 7:00 AM

High Tide: 1:00 am Low Tide: 9:04 am High Tide: 5:16 pm Low Tide: 10:16 pm

N O V E M B E R

Moon Underfoot: 12:15p

BEST:

6:00 — 8:00 AM

High Tide: 1:16 am Low Tide: 9:35 am High Tide: 5:55 pm Low Tide: 10:28 pm

1.32 ft.

-0.15 ft.

1.45 ft.

1.30 ft.

T e x a S

F i s h

1.33 ft.

-0.15 ft.

1.44 ft.

1.30 ft.

High Tide: 1:44 am Low Tide: 10:42 am High Tide: 7:14 pm Low Tide: 11:20 pm

G a m e ®

Moon Underfoot: 2:40p BEST:

6:30 — 8:30 AM

High Tide: 1:32 am Low Tide: 10:08 am High Tide: 6:34 pm Low Tide: 10:47 pm

&

Moon Underfoot: 1:52p

7:00 — 9:00 AM

Moon Underfoot: 3:26p

1.33 ft. High Tide: 1:52 am 1.31 ft. Low Tide: 12:11 am -0.14 ft. Low Tide: 11:16 am -0.11 ft. High Tide: 1:56 am 1.42 ft. High Tide: 7:54 pm 1.40 ft. Low Tide: 11:51 am High Tide: 8:32 pm 1.29 ft.

D I G I T A L

+2.0

BEST:

7:30 — 9:30 AM

TIDE LEVELS

+1.0

BEST:

Moon Underfoot: 11:27a

1.26 ft.

1.27 ft.

-0.05 ft.

1.38 ft.

+1.0 0 -1.0

A L M A N A C

10/19/12 11:05 AM

D I G I T A L

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Tides and Prime Times

MONDAY

TUESDAY

NOVEMBER 2012

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

1«

SYMBOL KEY

l

New Moon

5

º

First Quarter

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 1:53 pm 0.44 ft.

High Tide: 10:56 pm 1.60 ft.

10:30A — 12:30P

¡

Full Moon

«

»

6»

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 2:46 pm 0.53 ft.

High Tide: 11:22 pm 1.57 ft.

11:30A — 1:30P

High Tide: 3:31 am 1.56 ft.

Low Tide: 12:02 pm 0.22 ft.

High Tide: 8:33 pm 1.66 ft.

PRIME TIME

Last Quarter Good Day

PRIME TIME

best days

8:00 — 10:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:51a Set: 6:49p Moonrise: 1:37p Set: None AM Minor: 11:33a AM Major: 5:20a PM Minor: 11:59p PM Major: 5:46p Moon Overhead: 7:04p Moon Underfoot: 6:38a

7

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 3:44 pm 0.64 ft.

High Tide: 11:43 pm 1.53 ft.

8

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 6:18 am 1.07 ft.

High Tide: 11:00 am 1.23 ft.

Low Tide: 4:47 pm 0.76 ft.

1:00 — 2:00 PM

2:00 — 4:00 PM

Sunrise: 7:54a Set: 6:46p Moonrise: 3:49p Set: 3:23a AM Minor: 2:08a AM Major: 8:18a PM Minor: 2:28p PM Major: 8:39p Moon Overhead: 9:59p Moon Underfoot: 9:39a

Sunrise: 7:55a Set: 6:45p Moonrise: 4:19p Set: 4:16a AM Minor: 2:44a AM Major: 8:54a PM Minor: 3:04p PM Major: 9:15p Moon Overhead: 10:40p Moon Underfoot: 10:20a

Sunrise: 6:56a Set: 5:44p Moonrise: 3:49p Set: 4:08a AM Minor: 2:20a AM Major: 8:30a PM Minor: 2:40p PM Major: 8:51p Moon Overhead: 10:22p Moon Underfoot: 10:01a

Sunrise: 6:57a Set: 5:44p Moonrise: 4:21p Set: 5:01a AM Minor: 2:57a AM Major: 9:08a PM Minor: 3:18p PM Major: 9:29p Moon Overhead: 11:06p Moon Underfoot: 10:44a

12 «

13 l

14 «

15 «

High Tide: 12:50 am Low Tide: 8:09 am High Tide: 3:58 pm Low Tide: 8:50 pm

PRIME TIME 1.51 ft.

-0.03 ft.

1.75 ft.

1.35 ft.

4:00 — 6:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:00a Set: 5:41p Moonrise: 7:06p Set: 8:39a AM Minor: 6:00a AM Major: ----PM Minor: 6:25p PM Major: 12:12p Moon Overhead: 1:28a Moon Underfoot: 1:53p

19

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 4:15 am High Tide: 6:23 am Low Tide: 2:28 pm High Tide: 10:26 pm

1.25 ft.

1.27 ft.

0.12 ft.

1.48 ft.

10:0A — 12:00P

Sunrise: 7:07a Set: 5:37p Moonrise: 12:53a Set: 1:35p AM Minor: ----- AM Major: 6:02a PM Minor: 12:14p PM Major: 6:26p Moon Overhead: 7:18a Moon Underfoot: 7:42p

26

PRIME TIME

High Tide: 12:43 am Low Tide: 8:33 am High Tide: 4:35 pm Low Tide: 9:53 pm

1.28 ft.

-0.05 ft.

1.45 ft.

1.24 ft.

4:00 — 6:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:13a Set: 5:35p Moonrise: 8:43a Set: 7:12p AM Minor: 5:57a AM Major: 11:38a PM Minor: 6:28p PM Major: 12:12p Moon Overhead: 1:57p Moon Underfoot: 1:26a

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High Tide: 1:12 am Low Tide: 8:55 am High Tide: 4:59 pm Low Tide: 9:42 pm

PRIME TIME 1.57 ft.

-0.26 ft.

1.82 ft.

1.46 ft.

5:00 — 7:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:01a Set: 5:40p Moonrise: 7:57p Set: 9:30a AM Minor: 6:54a AM Major: 12:41a PM Minor: 7:20p PM Major: 1:07p Moon Overhead: 2:18a Moon Underfoot: 2:43p

20

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 5:07 am High Tide: 8:38 am Low Tide: 3:36 pm High Tide: 10:59 pm

1.02 ft.

1.13 ft.

0.36 ft.

1.39 ft.

11:00A — 1:00P

High Tide: 1:39 am Low Tide: 9:44 am High Tide: 6:00 pm Low Tide: 10:34 pm

PRIME TIME 1.62 ft.

-0.41 ft.

1.84 ft.

1.54 ft.

5:30 — 7:30 AM

High Tide: 2:11 am Low Tide: 10:35 am High Tide: 7:01 pm Low Tide: 11:29 pm

Low Tide: 5:49 am High Tide: 10:39 am Low Tide: 4:50 pm High Tide: 11:26 pm

PRIME TIME 0.78 ft.

1.10 ft.

0.60 ft.

1.32 ft.

6:00 — 8:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:03a Set: 5:39p Moonrise: 9:50p Set: 11:04a AM Minor: 8:46a AM Major: 2:34a PM Minor: 9:12p PM Major: 2:59p Moon Overhead: 4:00a Moon Underfoot: 4:25p

Sunrise: 7:02a Set: 5:40p Moonrise: 8:53p Set: 10:19a AM Minor: 7:50a AM Major: 1:37a PM Minor: 8:16p PM Major: 2:03p Moon Overhead: 3:09a Moon Underfoot: 3:35p

21 º

PRIME TIME 1.65 ft.

-0.47 ft.

1.82 ft.

1.56 ft.

22

Low Tide: 6:26 am High Tide: 12:23 pm Low Tide: 6:07 pm High Tide: 11:48 pm

12:00 — 2:00 PM

PRIME TIME 0.55 ft.

1.15 ft.

0.80 ft.

1.28 ft.

7:30 — 9:30 PM

Sunrise: 7:07a Set: 5:37p Moonrise: 1:56a Set: 2:11p AM Minor: 12:35a AM Major: 6:47a PM Minor: 1:00p PM Major: 7:13p Moon Overhead: 8:07a Moon Underfoot: 8:33p

Sunrise: 7:08a Set: 5:36p Moonrise: 3:02a Set: 2:49p AM Minor: 1:20a AM Major: 7:33a PM Minor: 1:46p PM Major: 7:59p Moon Overhead: 8:59a Moon Underfoot: 9:25p

Sunrise: 7:09a Set: 5:36p Moonrise: 4:10a Set: 3:31p AM Minor: 2:06a AM Major: 8:20a PM Minor: 2:34p PM Major: 8:48p Moon Overhead: 9:53a Moon Underfoot: 10:22p

27 «

28 «

29 ¡

High Tide: 1:00 am Low Tide: 9:04 am High Tide: 5:16 pm Low Tide: 10:16 pm

PRIME TIME 1.30 ft.

-0.11 ft.

1.46 ft.

1.28 ft.

4:30 — 6:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:14a Set: 5:35p Moonrise: 9:39a Set: 8:16p AM Minor: 7:02a AM Major: 12:48a PM Minor: 7:32p PM Major: 1:17p Moon Overhead: 2:56p Moon Underfoot: 2:27a

2 0 1 2

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F i s h

&

High Tide: 1:16 am Low Tide: 9:35 am High Tide: 5:55 pm Low Tide: 10:28 pm

PRIME TIME 1.32 ft.

-0.15 ft.

1.45 ft.

1.30 ft.

5:00 — 7:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:14a Set: 5:34p Moonrise: 10:28a Set: 9:20p AM Minor: 8:06a AM Major: 1:52a PM Minor: 8:34p PM Major: 2:20p Moon Overhead: 3:52p Moon Underfoot: 3:25a

G a m e ®

D I G I T A L

High Tide: 1:32 am Low Tide: 10:08 am High Tide: 6:34 pm Low Tide: 10:47 pm

PRIME TIME 1.33 ft.

-0.15 ft.

1.44 ft.

1.30 ft.

6:00 — 8:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:15a Set: 5:34p Moonrise: 11:11a Set: 10:21p AM Minor: 9:06a AM Major: 2:53a PM Minor: 9:32p PM Major: 3:19p Moon Overhead: 4:44p Moon Underfoot: 4:18a

A L M A N A C

10/19/12 11:05 AM

NOVEMBER 2012

THE MONTH, AT A GLANCE

FRIDAY

2

Low Tide: 12:23 am High Tide: 3:20 am Low Tide: 12:40 pm High Tide: 9:30 pm

SATURDAY PRIME TIME

1.54 ft.

1.57 ft.

0.26 ft.

1.64 ft.

8:30 — 10:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:52a Set: 6:48p Moonrise: 2:15p Set: 12:35a AM Minor: 12:01a AM Major: 6:13a PM Minor: 12:25p PM Major: 6:37p Moon Overhead: 7:52p Moon Underfoot: 7:28a

9

High Tide: 12:00 am Low Tide: 6:23 am High Tide: 12:33 pm Low Tide: 5:52 pm

PRIME TIME 1.49 ft.

0.83 ft.

1.34 ft.

0.90 ft.

2:30 — 4:30 AM

Sunrise: 6:58a Set: 5:43p Moonrise: 4:56p Set: 5:56a AM Minor: 3:37a AM Major: 9:48a PM Minor: 3:59p PM Major: 10:11p Moon Overhead: 11:51p Moon Underfoot: 11:28a

16 «

PRIME TIME

High Tide: 2:48 am 1.64 ft.

Low Tide: 11:29 am -0.43 ft.

High Tide: 8:01 pm 1.75 ft.

7:00 — 9:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:04a Set: 5:39p Moonrise: 10:50p Set: 11:45a AM Minor: 9:42a AM Major: 3:29a PM Minor: 10:07p PM Major: 3:54p Moon Overhead: 4:50a Moon Underfoot: 5:15p

23

Low Tide: 7:01 am High Tide: 1:49 pm Low Tide: 7:19 pm

PRIME TIME 0.34 ft.

1.25 ft.

0.96 ft.

1:00 — 3:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:10a Set: 5:36p Moonrise: 5:20a Set: 4:18p AM Minor: 2:56a AM Major: 9:11a PM Minor: 3:26p PM Major: 9:41p Moon Overhead: 10:51a Moon Underfoot: 11:21p

30 «

High Tide: 1:44 am Low Tide: 10:42 am High Tide: 7:14 pm Low Tide: 11:20 pm

3

Low Tide: 12:59 am High Tide: 3:11 am Low Tide: 1:21 pm High Tide: 10:29 pm

PRIME TIME 1.56 ft.

1.58 ft.

0.30 ft.

1.63 ft.

9:00 — 11:00 AM

Set: 6:47p Sunrise: 7:53a Moonrise: 2:49p Set: 1:33a AM Minor: 12:48a AM Major: 6:59a PM Minor: 1:10p PM Major: 7:22p Moon Overhead: 8:36p Moon Underfoot: 8:14a

10

High Tide: 12:15 am Low Tide: 6:50 am High Tide: 1:48 pm Low Tide: 6:55 pm

PRIME TIME 1.47 ft.

0.54 ft.

1.48 ft.

1.06 ft.

3:00 — 5:00 AM

4

PRIME TIME

Low Tide: 1:08 am High Tide: 1:53 am Low Tide: 1:05 pm High Tide: 10:19 pm

1.56 ft.

1.57 ft.

0.36 ft.

1.62 ft.

10:00A — 12:00P

Set: 6:47p Sunrise: 7:53a Moonrise: 3:20p Set: 2:29a AM Minor: 1:30a AM Major: 7:40a PM Minor: 1:51p PM Major: 8:02p Moon Overhead: 9:18p Moon Underfoot: 8:58a

11

PRIME TIME

High Tide: 12:31 am Low Tide: 7:27 am High Tide: 2:55 pm Low Tide: 7:55 pm

1.48 ft.

0.24 ft.

1.63 ft.

1.21 ft.

3:30 — 5:30 AM

Sunrise: 6:59a Set: 5:42p Moonrise: 5:35p Set: 6:50a AM Minor: 4:21a AM Major: 10:32a PM Minor: 4:44p PM Major: 10:56p Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 12:14p

Sunrise: 7:00a Set: 5:41p Moonrise: 6:18p Set: 7:45a AM Minor: 5:08a AM Major: 11:21a PM Minor: 5:33p PM Major: 11:45p Moon Overhead: 12:38a Moon Underfoot: 1:03p

PRIME TIME

PRIME TIME

17

Low Tide: 12:38 am High Tide: 3:31 am Low Tide: 12:26 pm High Tide: 8:58 pm

1.53 ft.

1.57 ft.

-0.31 ft.

1.67 ft.

8:00 — 10:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:05a Set: 5:38p Moonrise: 11:51p Set: 12:23p AM Minor: 10:35a AM Major: 4:23a PM Minor: 11:00p PM Major: 4:47p Moon Overhead: 5:40a Moon Underfoot: 6:04p

24

High Tide: 12:08 am Low Tide: 7:33 am High Tide: 2:57 pm Low Tide: 8:22 pm

PRIME TIME 1.26 ft.

0.17 ft.

1.34 ft.

1.09 ft.

2:00 — 4:00 AM

18

Low Tide: 2:29 am High Tide: 4:28 am Low Tide: 1:25 pm High Tide: 9:46 pm

1.43 ft.

1.44 ft.

-0.12 ft.

1.57 ft.

9:00 — 11:00 AM

Sunrise: 7:06a Set: 5:38p Moonrise: None Set: 1:00p AM Minor: 11:26a AM Major: 5:14a PM Minor: 11:50p PM Major: 5:38p Moon Overhead: 6:29a Moon Underfoot: 6:53p

25

PRIME TIME

High Tide: 12:26 am Low Tide: 8:04 am High Tide: 3:50 pm Low Tide: 9:14 pm

1.26 ft.

0.04 ft.

1.41 ft.

1.18 ft.

2;30 — 4:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:11a Set: 5:35p Moonrise: 6:31a Set: 5:11p AM Minor: 3:52a AM Major: 10:07a PM Minor: 4:23p PM Major: 10:38p Moon Overhead: 11:52a Moon Underfoot: None

Sunrise: 7:12a Set: 5:35p Moonrise: 7:39a Set: 6:09p AM Minor: 4:52a AM Major: 11:08a PM Minor: 5:24p PM Major: 11:39p Moon Overhead: 12:55p Moon Underfoot: 12:23a

PRIME TIME

PRIME TIME

PRIME TIME 1.33 ft.

-0.14 ft.

1.42 ft.

1.29 ft.

SUNDAY

6:30 — 8:30 AM

Sunrise: 7:16a Set: 5:34p Moonrise: 11:48a Set: 11:20p AM Minor: 10:00a AM Major: 3:49a PM Minor: 10:24p PM Major: 4:12p Moon Overhead: 5:31p Moon Underfoot: 5:08a

D I G I T A L

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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)

N O V E M B E R

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

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10/19/12 11:05 AM

Slaven’s Venison Stew with Red Wine

A

fixed on his every move. Back at the camp a fire is waiting to warm us up when we return and a pot of Venison Stew is on the stove simmering. Man, I can almost taste it right now!

This is a traditional dish that serves as a great meal all on its own. It can be baked in the oven if desired.

Yields: 8 main-dish servings Total Time: 2 hr 30 min Prep Time: 45 min

Ingredients:

2 pounds of venison backstrap, and 2 pounds of boneless beef sirloin tip or chuck roast, trimmed of fat and cut into 1 -inch chunks (2 pounds of lean eye of round or other type roast can be substituted for the venison, but you still need a total of 4 pounds of meat) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces 3 large parsnips, cut into 1/4 inch slices 2 ears of sweet corn, shucked and cut off of the cob fresh 6 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced thin(this results in a smoother flavor)

Photo: Bryan Slaven

s the weekend approached, the weather man predicted a blue northern, and we anxiously packed our gloves, flasks, coats and long johns for our hunting trip. The memories of frosty cold mornings in my stand at dawn with a good hot cup of coffee just sitting, shivering and listening to nothing but the wind cutting through the tree branches make me remember the love I have for the outdoors.

And then, I see a buck come into view and briefly forget about my cold feet as I become

Cook Time: 1 hr 30 min

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10/19/12 11:05 AM

1 large onion, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 10 small boiler onions peeled and left whole 10 small New potatoes, rinsed cleaned and quartered 2 tablespoons - all purpose flour 1- 29 0z. can diced tomatoes 2- 14 oz. cans of low sodium beef broth 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 2 cup(s) dry red wine ( I really like the peppery taste of a Shiraz for the stew) 4 sprigs fresh or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme ½ teaspoon of ground Cumin 1 teaspoon dried or fresh basil 2 pints of fresh mushrooms, sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices 1 red bell pepper, sliced into 3/4 inch pieces 1/2 pound of fresh green beans, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces 1 bag(s) (16-ounce) frozen peas

Join the Texas Gourmet Fanclub on Facebook, at http:// www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=152165096156. Come and share your favorite recipes, restaurants, and hangouts.

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350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours, stirring once.

Enjoy with some fresh Yeast rolls or biscuits. (Some like to serve the stew over egg noodles)

Email Bryan Slaven, “The Texas Gourmet,” at BSlaven@fishgame.com

Directions

In 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat oil on medium-high until hot.* Pat beef and venison pieces dry with paper towels. Add meat, in small batches, don’t crowd the meat in the pan and cook 5 to 6 minutes per batch or until well browned on all sides. With slotted spoon, transfer beef to medium bowl. * The meat pieces must be pat dry and not touching to brown properly.

To drippings in Dutch oven, add chopped onion, and cook over a low to med. heat for 10 minutes or until onion is browned and tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in flour, canned tomatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper; cook 2 to3 minutes, stirring. Add wine and heat to boiling, stirring until* browned bits are loosened from bottom of pan. * The browned bits that form on the bottom of the pan add tremendous flavor. This is known as the fond.

Return meat and any meat juices in bowl to Dutch oven. Add thyme, basil, cumin and the rest of the vegetables, except the peas; heat to boiling. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is fork-tender, stirring a few times*. Discard thyme sprigs if using fresh thyme. Just before stew is done, stir in peas and allow them to heat through for 4 to 5 minutes. * If baking the stew, cover and bake at D I G I T A L

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10/19/12 11:05 AM

Striper Express Guide Service

TEXAS SALTWATER

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BAFFIN BAY

GALVESTON

ROCKPORT / BAFFIN BAY

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ROCKPORT

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MIDDLE Coast

TEXAS FRESHWATER LAKE AMISTAD

MATAGORDA

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10/19/12 11:05 AM

Just Add Water Guide Service

Hook and Ladder

TEXAS FRESHWATER

TEXAS HUNTING

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LAKE TEXOMA

SOUTH TEXAS

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SPOTLIGHT: SPOTLIGHT: DEL RIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Lake Amistad is one of Del Rio’s main attractions, offering a wide expanse of clear, turquoise-colored water on the Texas/Mexico Border. The lake is part of the Amistad National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service. Amistad is the Spanish word for friendship, and the international lake and dam are centered by two bronze eagles, symbolizing the strong ties between the U.S. and Mexico.

Amistad National Recreation Area offers great opportunities for boating, houseboat vacations, camping, water sports, fishing, bow hunting for deer, and bird watching.

Surrounding Del Rio is the Seminole Canyon State Park and Historical Site, Shumla School, Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center, San Felipe Springs, Val Verde Winery, Whitehead Memorial Museum, Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum and the home of Laughlin Air Force Base.

Del Rio is a multi-cultural town with many opportunities to live, work and Play. Del Rio is one of the safest cities along the Texas/Mexico Border and Lake Amistad is among of the safest lakes for all of your recreational enjoyments. For additional information check out www.drchamber.com or call 1-800-889-8149 and see why we invite you to “Explore Del Rio – Home of Lake Amistad”.

D I G I T A L

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10/19/12 11:06 AM

Black Drum Trinity Bay Nine-year-old Camryn Dalstra caught this 18-inch black drum fishing on Trinity Bay with her father and sister Skyler.

Alligator Gar Copano Bay Chance White, age 10, from Magnolia caught this 5 1/2-foot, 85-pound Alligator Gar while fishing for reds and trout with live croaker on Copano.

This is his largest catch ever and “what a fight it put on!”

Black Drum Port Mansfield

Feral Hog

This drum was caught on shrimp at the Padre Island National Seashore on the Mansfield Jetties. Pictured are Clarence Roussett and Richard Roussett of San Antonio. They released several large drum and reds.

“It was a good fishing trip.”

Brik Balducci, age 16, of Alvarado shot this 200pound feral hog on Boles Ranch outside of Ranger, Texas.

Ranger flounder Port Isabel Matthew Mandes, 11 with his first flounder in Port Isabel. He was fishing with his mom and dad, Ray and Roni Mandes.

Mixed stringer

Speckled Trout

South Padre Island

East Galveston Bay

Lando Ochoa, Frankie Herrera and Kevin Kallus caught 3 kingfish, 2 red snappers, and 2 mutton snappers 10 miles offshore at South Padre Island in an 18-foot Shallowsport.

Hayden Feist of Conroe caught his first spec, a 25-incher, on live shrimp under a popping cork in East Galveston Bay.

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Golden Croaker

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Redfish Double

Trinity Bay

Padre Island National Seashore

Skyler Dalstra, 8, caught these two golden croaker while fishing with her dad and her sister Camryn (see left) on Trinity Bay.

Proud Dad Tim Wascher is pictured (left) with daughter Anna, age 7, and her 25-inch redfish; and (right) with daughter Elizabeth, age 9, and her 28-inch red. The Corpus Christi family caught the reds on live mullet while fishing the surf, 10 miles down the Padre Island National Seashore.

Whitetail Trinity

gafftopsail King Mackerel

Galveston Four-year-old Jackson Polk of Allen with the gafftopsail catfish that he caught all by himself while fishing near the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston.

Port Aransas Payton Beck, 12, of Port Aransas with his first offshore catch, a 15-pound kingfish caught while fishing with his grandfather, Dr. Hugh Pruett.

Gavin Gregory, age 10, of Tomball shot his first deer on a youth weekend hunt. He was hunting with his Dad, Michael Gregory, near Trinity and was shot the doe at about 80 yards with a .243 Remington rifle.

Catfish

Shark Galveston

Whitetail Real County Phil and Peyton Garza with Peyton’s first deer, a 6-point, 150-pound buck he shot on the Haby Ranch in Real County.

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Coleto Creek Jackson Colt Robinson of Yoakum caught his first catfish while fishing at Coleto Creek with his Dad, Grandy and Jim.

Eight-year-old Brooklyn Polk shows off the shark that she caught while fishing the Gulf side of the North Jetty with her Dad, Russell.

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