Texas Fish & Game June 2020 Issue

FEDS LAUNCH A

Land Rush FOR THE OUTDOORS

June 2020 | $3.95

Two Month Snapper Season Opens What Is Killing Texas Rabbits?

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

by ROY and ARDIA NEVES TF&G Owners

ROY AND ARDIA NEVES

Book Smarts

PUBLISHERS

CHESTER MOORE EDITOR IN CHIEF

W

E’VE BEEN IN THE BOOK PUBLISHING BUSINESS FOR ALMOST AS LONG as we’ve been putting out this magazine. It all began, oddly enough, when former TF&G editor Larry Bozka slipped on a cheap door mat at an oil change shop and broke his hip. That was back in 1998. Laid up for a couple of months and unable to travel any farther than the distance from his couch to the bathroom, Bozka took advantage of the down time to write his magnum opus, “Saltwater Strategies.”

Since then, we’ve published more than a dozen titles, covering the vast spectrum of the Texas outdoors. From saltwater and freshwater fishing to deer, hog and waterfowl hunting. We have tapped into the deep talent pool of writers who contribute to TF&G and who possess an abundance of outdoor knowledge and the skills to communicate it.

At the same time we’ve been building our library of titles, the printing and publishing industries have been in an epic struggle against the tides of cultural and technological change. Book publishing, especially, has been turned inside out and squeezed into a wafer-thin version of its former self. Ever since a balding, weirdly smiling gnome created Amazon.com and invented a whole different way of reading, books have transformed from physical objects of familiarity and comfort into ethereal states of pixilated text and images or sound.

It might suck for the guys owning and operating those 50-ton printing presses that once dominated the publishing world, but from the publisher’s point of view, this is not a bad thing. Our business is creating products that deliver information. Paper and ink, delivery trucks and inventories that gather dust on retail or warehouse shelves are no longer the most efficient way to package and distribute these products. E-books and audiobooks are the future of reading, whether we like it or not. Personally, we like it. Professionally, we love it.

So, we have started issuing our books in electronic and audio formats.

The first two existing titles are “Pat Murray’s No-Nonsense Guide to Coastal Fishing,” by Pat Murray himself, and “Wadefish Texas,” by Bink Grimes. An entirely new book, “String Theory for Bowhunters,” by our own Lou Marullo is also now available.

C O N T R I B U T O R S JOE DOGGETT DOUG PIKE TED NUGENT LOU MARULLO MATT WILLIAMS CALIXTO GONZALES LENNY RUDOW STEVE LAMASCUS DUSTIN ELLERMANN REAVIS WORTHAM KENDAL HEMPHILL TOM BEHRENS GREG BERLOCHER RAZOR DOBBS CAPT. MIKE HOLMES STAN SKINNER NICOLE BECKA CYNDI DELANA LISA MOORE

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR EDITOR AT LARGE HUNTING EDITOR FRESHWATER EDITOR SALTWATER EDITOR BOATING EDITOR FIREARMS EDITOR SHOOTING EDITOR HUMOR EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR DIGITAL CONTRIBUTOR DIGITAL CONTRIBUTOR CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR

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The audiobooks are available for download on our website (Fishgame.com/fishgamegear) and from most audiobook sources, the most prominent being Barnes & Noble (nookaudiobooks.com). They will also be available soon on audiobook giant Audible.com.

As we complete the formatting of each E-book, all of our titles will soon be available for download at FishGame.com/fishgamegear, as well as at the aforementioned galaxy-sized Amazon.com (where you can also still purchase the original paper and ink versions.)

An extra benefit to the re-formatting is that we are also able to freshen up the content of the books and revise any outdated information. So, if you have read the originals, you still might benefit from reading or listening to the electronic versions.

Please, take a look, or a listen. We hope you like what you see and hear.

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E-mail Roy at rneves@fishgame.com and Ardia at aneves@fishgame.com

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TEXAS FISH & GAME (ISSN 0887-4174) is published monthly by Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., LLC., 3431 Rayford Road, Ste 200-408, Spring, TX 77386. ©Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., LLC. All rights reserved.

Content is not to be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission. The publication assumes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs and manuscripts. Subscription rates: 1 year $24.95; 2 years $42.95; 3 years $58.95. Address all subscription inquiries to Texas Fish & Game, 3431 Rayford Road, Ste 200-408, Spring, TX 77386. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for response. Give old and new address and enclose latest mailing address label when writing about your subscription. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: TEXAS FISH & GAME, 3431 Rayford Road, Ste 200408, Spring, TX 77386. Address all subscription inquiries to TEXAS FISH & GAME, 3431 Rayford Road, Ste 200-408, Spring, TX 77386.

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Contents June 2020 | Vol. 37 • No. 2

FEATURE ARTICLES

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RETURN OF THE REDS An expanded red snapper season opens this month in Federal waters.

by TF&G Staff

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COVER STORY JAWS IN THE GULF? Texas waters host a wide variety of shark subspecies. Are great whites now joining them? In the cover photo, Cynthia Mascorro-Bonilla caught, tagged and released this female bull shark at South Padre Island.

JOIN THE CLUB East Texas hunters are tapping into the power of deer hunting co-operatives to greatly improve conditions.

by Matt Williams

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RABBIT PLAGUE A highly contagious virus is killing wild rabbits in several West Texas counties.

by TF&G Staff

story by Chester Moore photo by Cynthia Mascorro-Bonilla

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TEXAS OUTDOOR NATION

COLUMNS

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Editor’s Notes

by CHESTER MOORE

Pike on the Edge

by DOUG PIKE

Bass University

by PETE ROBBINS

Texas Boating

by LENNY RUDOW

Bare Bones Hunting

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by DUSTIN ELLERMANN

Open Season

by REAVIS Z. WORTHAM

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The TF&G Report • News of the Nation Texas HotShots • Trophy Photos Fish & Game Forecast Center

56 Sportsman’s Daybook Fish & Game 60 j Hunting Center

DEPARTMENTS

Texas Tactical

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The federal goverment wants to expand hunting & fishing lands.

by TF&G Staff

by LOU MARULLO

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Letters

by TFG Readers

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Fish & Game Photos

by TFG Readers

Outdoor Directory F I S H

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LETTERS to the Editor A Letter of Hope

fish, bring them home, clean them, and have a fish fry. Explain to your children how God provided us with fish so that we can have something to eat.

In Romans 8:28 the Bible says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

During this time, I encourage you to trust in God, realize that He has a plan for your life, and that He is in the business of bringing good out of bad. Sometimes all that we can change is our perspective or our attitude, and that can make all of the difference in the world!

Brian Johnson (www.duckdogtrainer.com.)

SPRINGTIME IS DEFINITELY HERE and the warmer temperatures are a welcome sight to all. Not only are these warmer temps a good thing concerning Covid 19, but they also make fishing much easier for the average bass fisherman. There are plenty of bass up shallow, and they are biting.

With so many people out of work due to the current situation, the lakes bays, and rivers are full. The parking lots at many reservoirs are overflowing to the grass. There are more people fishing on a Tuesday at Lake Sam Rayburn than there used to be on a crowded tournament weekend. If you are among the multitudes who are fishing, remember that we still have certain guidelines to follow.

Like it or not, it is what it is, and we need to be thinking of others at this time. You can currently still fish in most areas, but be sure to practice the proper social distancing and hand washing procedures.

If you aren’t one for the crowds, there is a good chance that fish can be caught much closer to home than you may realize. Most of the canals, ditches, and ponds in our area hold numbers of bass.

There are also bayous and rivers that can be fished as well as some area marshes. If a trip to the lake isn’t an option, yet you find yourself going stir crazy, grab a pole and head to the nearest water hole to try your luck. Obviously, you need to make sure that you aren’t trespassing.

Once you find a place to fish, take time to enjoy your surroundings. Appreciate the fact that you are able to be outdoors and thank God for your blessings. While we are not supposed to be intermingling with others during this time, we can still interact with those members of our family who live in our house.

You may find that the teenager who never wants to fish is now interested, since there aren’t many other things to do. Use this bad situation as an opportunity to bond with the members of your own household.

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Light Is Winning I DON’T KNOW IF YOU’VE EVER heard of the HBO show “True Detective,” but its original season was based on a novel

by Carter Dickson that I read in Professor Bowden’s Detective Fiction class back at UT entitled The Long Bright Dark. The book was as much a study of the rebirth of Rust Cohle’s idealism as much as a gripping mystery. His final line to his partner, Marty Hart, always struck me: “You see all those stars peaking through the night sky? Once, there was only dark. If you ask me, the light is winning.”

I believe that right now, that sentiment is apropos for what we as a nation and a people are experiencing. We are beginning to see the light beginning to peek through this very dark period in our lives and history.

There are two vaccines going through the beginning of clinical trials.

In most of the major hot spots around the country—New York, Los Angeles, Austin, San Antonio, Seattle, the curve is showing signs of flattening. Though the toll of COVID 19 is staggering, it is nowhere near the grim projections of a month ago.

Even so, there is still a malaise in this nation. In all my life, I have never felt such a sense of misery and gloom among Ameri|

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cans as I do now. Not after 9/11. Not after some of the great national crises we have endured.

You and I know the power of hope (as Andy Dufresne once said, “Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best thing. And good things never die”).

I sense—without a bit of hyperbole—a lot of people have forgotten the enduring, fierce, unrelenting tenacity of hope.

It’s something that is simple, but very germane to the idea of hope to which we as anglers, hunters, and outdoorsmen and women can relate. I am proposing an article at fishgame.com (available now) about a fishing trip that Captain Dan Land took with a couple of young anglers and the magic of the experience. On back-to-back casts, they each caught a 30-inch-plus trout on Baffin.

Imagine that!

With the rest of the world mired in the worst pandemic since the 1918 Spanish Flu, these guys went out on one of the legendary fishing destinations on the Texas Coast and had a trip to remember. Shelter in place may save you physically, but we are more than flesh and blood. We are souls. We are spirits.

Staying home will help us survive, but we need to live too.

Calixto Gonzalez (Saltwater Editor) Editor: Cal, wrote me this email and I found it quite inspiring. So, I thought I would share with all of you, since it’s a message of high positivity for all of us.

« Send Your Comments to: Texas Fish & Game 247 Airtex Drive Houston, TX 77090 editor@fishgame.com

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EDITOR’S Notes

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

Operation: Covert-19

hunting and fishing closures would be animal rights groups.

It is no secret there has for decades been a widespread effort to end hunting, fishing, and trapping.

In my opinion, widespread efforts now exist to use this crisis to shut out hunters and anglers.

I call it Operation Covert-19.

This operation is taking genuine concern and fear of the spreading of the virus and putting it on the least likely place to catch it—in the woods and on the water.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott dared to deem hunting and fishing “essential activities” while bureaucrats all over the nation found different ways to restrict hunting and fishing.

Operation Covert-19 will come in three waves.

1. The aforementioned closures in various states and municipalities around the nation.

2. Anti-hunting groups (which I have been monitoring on social media) have been promoting the myriad stories about wildlife returning to areas and showing no fear in national parks etc. now that people are out of the way. It has been promoted as a “return to nature’s true ways” and is extremely widespread. Look for numerous television programs to come out on this topic in the coming months on major networks. The lack of people in wilderness areas will be heralded and they will mention hunting and fishing closures as a positive for wildlife.

3. As fish and wildlife agencies around the nation scramble for funding (and it’s already happening) these groups will push for season closures because of a lack of surveys. Many wildlife and fisheries surveys that happen seasonally to determine whether bag limits, seasons, etc. were shut down.

4. They will also take advantage of the lack of funding for enforcement and research in some areas and push for incremental closures. It won’t be statewide, but will be piece by piece. Mark my words.

This is coming.

If this crisis looms into fall you will major hunting clampdowns around the nation. The fishing closures will continue and most likely increase. There has already been talk about COVID-19 potentially becoming a seasonal issue, so access could be changed on an annual basis.

One of the animal rights groups I am monitoring has its sole focus as ending hunting, and they are salivating at the opportunities described in this

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T WAS THE ARCHDUKE FERDInand moment in the ongoing struggle for hunting and fishing access and opportunities.

Just as the assassination of the Archduke was the first domino that fell in the game of death and chaos called World War 1, Washington’s full closure of hunting, fishing and public land access has signaled a new level of attack on consumptive outdoor pursuits.

In a decree issued in March and last updated just before this went to press, all recreational fishing and shell fishing were closed in Washington until further notice statewide in response to the governor’s order to “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” and “limit the spread of coronavirus.”

This also applied to hunting and even extended to all camping on state lands, boat launches, and day-use recreation areas.

Similar restrictions soon appeared in Oregon, California, and a host of other states. Not all were state closures as some counties and cities shut down lake access and public land use under their jurisdiction.

Sadly, I knew this would happen—actually, I predicted it.

In my podcast Higher Calling (on ITunes, Iheartradio) I predicted animal rights groups would use this crisis to push temporary bans on access and do so through weak and easily influenced bureaucrats.

That has happened all over the place.

Even the great outdoor state of Montana has had numerous lakes shut down because of COVID-19.

The confirmation that animal rightists were using this as an opportunity was when officials with the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Department made a major press announcement. They were being inundated with reports of telecalls and social media messages of all hunting and fishing closed there.

The reports were untrue. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out the only people who would have the motive, funding, and energy to do telecalls faking

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column. They are daily praising the closures we’ve already had and have even posted comments about the pandemic being a good thing because it’s killing people who kill animals.

I can’t emphasize enough this will be done on local levels. States with initiative and referendum procedures, which allow for issues to be voted on by the public if they have enough signatures, may see some statewide battles.

This process is how animal rightists have seen numerous bear and mountain lion hunting closures over the last 20 years.

We are truly living in a brave new world. No one can accurately predict where this is headed in terms of the virus itself and the economy. However, knowing the animal rights crowd, I am fully confident the things I have written about here are already in play.

Texas will see far less of it than other states, but we should get in the fight anyway. We should support the right to access hunting and fishing in other states.

The Trump Administration just proposed expanding federal refuge hunting and fishing by more than 2.3 million acres, which is a very good thing. But don’t let that fool you. That has no impact on Operation Covert-19.

The rats that run the animal rights groups are in the shadows and waiting for the right time to emerge in each municipality. A quick economic comeback would lessen their impact and a cure, as would a dissipation of the virus.

If you see any fishing or hunting closure in local venues, continue to email me at chester@chestermoore.com. You can be watchmen on the wall so to speak and help us keep the public educated about what’s going on.

We can win this thing if we’re willing to do the research and stand up to these threats when they come.

The public’s health and economy should be the first priorities, but we can’t be lax in defending our right to hunt and fish-even during a pandemic.

« Email Chester Moore at cmoore@fishgame.com

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PIKE on the Edge

by DOUG PIKE :: TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

Cool Down and Be Thankful

degrees and the bass were on beds and the bays were coughing up giant trout and “gianter” reds!

Instead of seeing the shutdowns as overrestrictive impositions, how about maybe we look at it as Nature hitting its “Pause” button.

We pause, for weeks or maybe even months, and we return to lakes and bays and a beachfront that never in my lifetime have had such a chance to heal themselves.

We pause also to rekindle familial relationships, to oil our reels, sharpen our hooks and address chores that should have been addressed years ago. And we pause to familiarize ourselves with what’s truly important.

Many of us look at fishing, and hunting— and for the sake of discussion—as some sort of right. But as the COVID-19 pandemic worsened, we found out we were wrong.

Outdoor recreation is a privilege, one we shouldn’t take lightly.

The health of our nation, our state and our communities—our people—took priority as this year unfolded, even if it meant giving up something we loved for a while. Worse, we endured regular notices that the closures would continue for a little longer—and a little longer.

But accept the rules we did, some of us more than others. Most anglers, with varying attitudes about doing so, followed the guidelines. I appreciated those who understood and accepted the changes, and I was disappointed in those who thumbed their noses at efforts to get us more quickly back to safety.

Capt. Scott Null, who shut down his guiding as ordered by our governor and lost considerable revenue for doing so, explained it this way.

“It’s like staying on the water when you know the weather’s about to get really bad,” he said. “Most of the time, nothing happens.

But if something goes wrong…”

That something could have been (and likely was, somewhere) the unknown transmission of a dangerous virus from passenger to guide or guide to passenger, who then brought it home and unknowingly shared it with a neighbor, who took it to the grocery

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T THIS WRITING, FIRST week of April, there are jurisdictions in Texas where fishing is prohibited.

Mostly, these boat-ramp barricades and no-cast zones were enacted by smaller communities and towns across the state, especially along the coast, as a means of discouraging visits by people from larger cities where there were more cases of the coronavirus.

Honestly, who could blame them?

I was a little surprised that fishermen who called those quiet places “home” complained most loudly. By gosh, they didn’t want anyone telling them not to fish, and more than a few of them ignored the regulations.

Well, I didn’t want stop chasing trout, either, especially with fishing so good as these words were finding the page. I wanted to fish, too, but not at the risk of my life or anyone else’s life.

To endure a time of no fishing, whether it ended a week after I submitted this column or continues even as you read this page, is tough on any of us who truly are passionate for the water and its resources.

Rather than become bitter about what we can’t do, cliché as it may sound, how about being thankful for what we have? We’re still in Texas, and we still have some of the finest freshwater and saltwater fishing in the world.

That some places were off limits for a period of time is hardly cause for so much grousing as I saw and heard. Comparatively, most of the world has never had a single day of fishing on par with what we routinely experience.

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store, and…

A 95-year-old grandmother, when asked about COVID-19, said it was nothing compared to her experiences during the Great Depression. That period of despair and hopelessness persisted for more than a decade.

Since then, we’ve pressed through years-long wars and terrorism and other things that easily could have crippled weaker nations, weaker people. And we grew stronger from each of those dreadful experiences.

Interestingly, however, through all those trials, we never were asked to give up outdoor recreation—unless you count being drafted and sent to war, which counts double as having to give up outdoor recreation. As a nation, though, here at home, people who had the time and inclination still could step away from the ugliness and wet a hook.

Sounds a little simplistic, I know, but it highlights the gravity of the threat this virus posed (poses) to our nation.

As we crawl out of the hole and into the light, whenever that is (and hopefully we’re already started up that path), let’s do a couple of things differently.

Start by showing greater appreciation. For everything. Whether you catch anything or not, next time you fish, be grateful the ramp was open, the bait camp had minnows or live shrimp.

Whatever you see and feel and hear and smell that day. Be thankful for it. Remind yourself that in the blink of an eye, what we love can be taken away.

Same as it was for so many thousands of families right here in the United States. In a relative blink, they saw loved ones die, and their suffering far outweighs that from being told to put down a fishing rod for a while.

« Email Doug Pike at ContactUs@fishgame.com

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IN 2005, TIDE MAGAZINE PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE I WROTE about great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.

Titled “Jaws in the Gulf?” it was honored in the Texas Outdoor Writers Association Excellence in Craft competition that year, but it was quite controversial. Naysayers said I was crazy for claiming great whites existed in the Gulf, despite both scientific and anecdotal proof in the story.

In 2014, the claim of great whites in the Gulf was vindicated when “Katharine” and “Betsy”, two young great whites were verified in Gulf waters. I wrote about them here and at our website, fishgame.com.

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A great white approaches a diving cage.

2,076 pounds at the time of her capture off the coast of Nova Scotia moved into the Gulf just as the coronavirus closures began.

The last “ping” of her tag at the time of this writing was offshore somewhere west of the Mississippi River in Louisiana.

This is the first mature great white tagged

by Ocearch to show up this far west in the Gulf.

I have long said if one pinged in Texas, I would gather up every bit of fish oil I could find, head to the last known location, and put out a chum slick that would draw sharks from Cuba.

I’ve seen great whites in the Pacific but seeing one in the Gulf would be incredible.

In fact, I’m a little envious of Capt. Scott Fitzgerald.

The guide at Madfish Charters was fishing for amberjack this spring about 8.5 miles off the coast of Panama City, Florida when he felt a big bump in his boat according to a report from USA Today.

A large great white shark attacked his trolling motor.

“He knocked the boat two feet to the side, then grabbed the trolling motor and started

Both of these sharks were fitted with SPOT transmitters by research/conservation group OCEARCH. These tags communicate with satellites and when the information from those tags is fed back to OCEARCH, it allows the public to view their movements at OCEARCH.org.

When, Katharine, all 2,300 pounds of her, staked out the stretch of coastline off of Panama City Beach, Florida., people paid attention. More than four million logged onto the OCEARCH website, crashing the server that week and causing a media firestorm.

“Those two sharks, Katharine in particular, drew an enormous amount of attention to great white sharks in a very positive way, and the interactive nature of the site, gave people a way to see great white movements take place in a way never before possible,” said OCEARCH founder Chris Fischer.

“We are solving the life history puzzle of ‘Jaws’ out of the Cape Cod area for the first time in history, and it has been interesting to see unfold.”

That story is continuing to unfold as Unama’ki, a massive adult female that was

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shaking it in his mouth,” Fitzgerald said.

“That’s when I ran up front and pulled it out of his mouth.”

How cool would that be?

Yes, you are probably thinking I am crazy at this point, but I have been a mega-fan of great whites since I first saw “Jaws.” It was the television airing in 1979, but that blockbuster debuted 40 years ago this summer and since then the great white has been the most iconic creature in the ocean.

A paper titled “Seasonal Distribution and Historic Trends in Abundance of White Sharks in the Western North Atlantic,” published by PLOS ONE sheds some fascinating light on white shark populations.

The study, which examined great white sightings from a wide variety of sources from 1800 to 2010, showed the range of white shark occurrence extended from the north coast of Newfoundland to as far south as the British Virgin Islands, as far east as the Grand Banks and Bermuda, to as far west as the coast of Texas.

Yes, Texas.

According to NOAA, their earliest recorded white shark was off the coast of

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Great white sharks have been tracked well into the western Gulf of Mexico.

Sarasota, Florida on a setline in the winter of 1937. Another specimen was caught in the same area in 1943. Also, National Marine Fisheries Service officials reported 35 great whites as by-catch in the Japanese longline fishery in the Gulf from 1979 through 1982.

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The presence of great whites in the Gulf has been verified by science but the information was rarely discussed until the appearance of “Katharine” and “Betsy,” a later Florida area visitor named “Costa” and now, “Unama’ki.”

There is a very good chance more great white sightings will take place in the Gulf and possibly Texas waters.

The removal of gill nets along the shallow areas of the Gulf Coast beginning in 1994 has given young great whites an advantage.

They use these areas as “nursery” and for decades were almost all killed in the nets.

Great whites are sexually mature at around 10 years of age so we are going on our third generation of whites born without the nets.

There is much to learn about great white behavior and though formerly out of reach, Ocearch’s cutting-edge approach has made knowledge of them possible.

Historical records from the 1900s show great whites in catch records from Florida to Port Aransas, Texas.

Without question these giants are not abundant in Gulf waters, but it’s obvious they don’t mind swimming in its warm currents—and I have a feeling Unama’ki, isn’t the only one out there.

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THE PRIVATE RECREATIONAL ANGLER RED SNAPper season opens Monday, June 1, 2020 for a projected 63 days in federal waters.

Red snapper fishing is open year-round in state waters. The season length is based on historical landing data, last year’s fishing effort data and the state’s allocation from the 2019 stock assessment.

Bag and size limits will remain unchanged; two fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum size limit in federal waters.

In state waters, it’s four fish per person daily with a 15-inch minimum.

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Tracy Allred holds a 38.25-inch red snapper she caught and released about 80 miles off Sabine Pass in January, 2013.

fishing from their own vessels.

The federally permitted for-hire sector, which allows recreational anglers to fish from charter boats or headboats, will remain in its current management structure set by the federal government.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has granted the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) the authority to establish the opening and closing of the red snapper fishery in federal waters off the Texas coast for private recreational anglers 18

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Texas must close the fishery when the state’s allotted poundage is reached. The red snapper season can also be closed in Texas if the Gulf-wide Total Allowable Catch is exceeded. TPWD’s Coastal Fisheries Division will be closely monitoring this fishPHOTO COURTESY TRAVIS ALLRED

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Bag and size limits are two fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum.

ery throughout the season and will close it when appropriate.

At this time, the Covid-19 pandemic is not expected to affect the red snapper season, but TPWD will continue to monitor the situation and anglers should follow guidance from local authorities. The public will be notified of any closings through TPWD’s

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website, social media accounts and news releases.

The public can help TPWD better manage this resource by downloading the iSnapper app on your smartphone and reporting your red snapper landings.

Editor’s Note: At the time of this writing

no changes had been made from coronavirus concerns and we don’t expect any changes, but it could happen. As we all have learned in the last few months, everything is in up in the air. Get up-to-date information at fishgame.com.

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The BASS University

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

Palaniuk Looks for Texas ‘Tweeners’ in Early June

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UNE IS A TIME OF TRANSItion for the transitory largemouth bass of Texas. They’ve left the shoreline areas where they fulfilled their reproductive duties. However, they’re not yet all the way out to their traditional offshore holding spots.

That may leave some anglers at a loss, but 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year Brandon Palaniuk knows that it can also be one of the best times to catch monster limits.

The veteran Idaho pro pointed to Keith Combs’s record-setting May 2014 victory in the Toyota Texas Bass Classic as an example of this phenomenon. Another example was Palaniuk’s own May 2017 victory in the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest on Sam Rayburn. Both times, the fish were in between stages.

He said that despite those two wins, he’s experienced the phenomenon more often in early June. Whenever it occurs it’s usually a three week swing, depending on the temperatures, the precipitation and other variables in the months and weeks preceding it.

“For me, it’s often about identifying the first major humps and drops in front of the spawning flats,” he said. “Usually in Texas that means 10 to 20 feet deep. The bass will group up in those staging areas. I’m also looking for secondary channels with good channel swings, which are even better if there’s brush or rock on them. On many Texas lakes, another place that can produce is a good drop with standing timber on it. The bass will use the timber as cover.”

Because there are often big groups of fish out there, Palaniuk wants to get them fired up. “They haven’t been pounded on offshore yet,” he said. “They’re not necessarily fresh, but they’re fresh in that area and they haven’t seen a lot of crankbaits yet.” He’ll typically start with a crankbait such as a Rapala DT16 in 20

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Caribbean Shad or Blue Back Herring.

“You’re usually trying to deflect it off of something, but sometimes there are suspended fish in the cover over 20 to 25 feet of water.

They push out off the drop and suspend. This is something that runs at the right depth. If you fish a soft plastic bait, you may end up fishing under those fish.”

After the crankbait bite fizzles a bit, he does turn to a soft plastic to perform mop-up duty.

On the big fish lakes of the Lone Star State, the Idaho pro favors an Xzone Lures Pro Series Blitz Worm, an 11-inch hunk of plastic with

an exaggerated ribbontail. He typically fishes it with a 3/8 or ½ ounce VMC tungsten weight and a 4/0 VMC Heavy Duty Extra Wide Gap worm hook.

“The worm is more about targeting specific stuff, such as a brush pile or one specific tree,” he said. “I keep it simple and use either green pumpkin or black and blue.”

The most important thing to remember about these fish is that they’re on the move.

Just because they were here yesterday doesn’t mean they’ll still be here today. However, you might want to idle over primo spots that weren’t good yesterday – they could be fully populated just hours later.

“I check places where they’re going to show up, and I’ll continue to check them,” Palaniuk said. “You’ll know that they just got there because they’ll have that ‘fresh fish’ look – big heads and long, skinny bodies. Then, when they start to put on some weight, they’re on the move again.”

Just because the school of your dreams has vacated an area that was uber-productive a day or two ago, doesn’t mean it’s finished until next year. Palaniuk said that in years of fishing in Texas, he’s seen spots be loaded one day, empty the next, and then loaded again on Day Three.

What happened?

Another fresh group of post-spawn bass moved in to start to put on the feedbag. If you have a spot that has held fish at this time historically, or looks too good to discount, it pays to idle through no matter what else you have going. “Don’t ever write that spot off,” he concluded. “There is almost always another group coming.”

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Email Pete Robbins at ContactUs@fishgame.com

Brandon Palaniuk

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PHOTO COURTESY BRANDON PALANIUK

5/12/20 7:18 PM

Texas BOATING

by LENNY RUDOW :: TF&G Boating Editor

Digital Switching on Boats: Want It? Need It?

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IGITAL SWITCHING SYStems have become common on high-end fishing boats over the past few years, but not everyone thinks this is a good thing. Should you consider owning a boat that has digital switching?

FLIPPING THE SWITCH: First off, let’s make sure everyone understands exactly what a digital switching system does on a boat.

Essentially, it replaces the toggle, push-button, or rocker switches at your helm with “virtual” digital switches that you control from an LCD touch-screen.

Usually these systems are fully integrated with your electronics, so that screen will likely be your MFD. (Boats that don’t commonly carry MFDs for fishfinder and chart plotters, may have a dedicated screen installed just for the switching).

With a swipe or a tap you can change the MFD from your fishfinder or chart plotter to a virtual switch panel, a listing of icons, or in many cases a basic schematic of the boat.

Everything from bilge pumps to livewells to lights then gets triggered with another tap or swipe on the screen. Essentially, it’s very much like using your phone to turn things on and off. In many cases you can actually connect your phone to your boat via Bluetooth, and then use an app to trigger these same functions.

If you have a cell phone or you’ve become accustomed to using your electronics with a touch screen interface, learning to use a digital switching system on a boat is instantaneous and virtually second nature. In fact, it’s often faster and easier to get used to than it is to hunt and peck for the right switch on a traditional panel.

On a panel you might have dozens to choose from, often with poor labeling or otherwise hard to ID icons or markings. So if you’re living in the modern world, score one for digital switching.

DIGITAL ADVANTAGES: Aside from ease of use, there are a number of advantages to operating a boat with a digital switching system: • Both weight and cost can be cut from a boat, because digital switching systems reduce the need for many multiple wires going to and from the helm (most operate via a single NMEA2000 “backbone” line).

Although it does require redesigning and changing build methods, a builder can quickly recoup the up-front costs with lower material expenses and simpler installation. Hopefully, they then pass some of the savings on to the customer.

• Digital switching is, in the long run, more reliable than mechanical switching. It’s scary to think about what will happen when a gremlin gets into the system, so just ask yourself how many times you’ve had a switch or a wired switch connection fail. It happens a lot more in the mechanical world (with its far more numerous physical wire-to-wire connections and switch contacts), than it does in the virtual one.

• Having a digital system allows for easy integration of remote monitor and control systems.

These allow you to check on your boat’s location, monitor its functions, activate switches, and trigger alarms from virtually anywhere. An app on your cell phone is the interface. In fact, many builders of high-end boats are now including remote monitor and control as standard features on their boats built with digital systems.

• Virtually all-digital switching boats are built with backups. Critical systems (such as bilge pumps, engine switches, and running lights) commonly can also be controlled with a physical switch panel, hidden away inside a console or a protected stowage compartment.

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DIGITAL DOWNFALLS: So far, digital switching systems sound great, right? But we all know there are downsides and trade-offs to everything associated with a boat. What are those T E X A S

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of digital switching?

There’s really just one: If the NMEA2000 system gets a gremlin, your entire boat can go down at once. In that case you’ll have to use your backup switches, which could be a bit inconvenient if they’re hidden behind a hatch or closeted away inside a console compartment.

Also consider that a misbehaving switch is usually fairly easy to fix, at least temporarily, on the spot. As long as you know how to strip a wire and jump a switch you can get things working.

But if there’s a problem in a digital system an onthe-water fix isn’t likely to happen.

Yes, this could be a pretty big drawback, especially considering how glitchy tech can get sometimes and how problematic (read: dangerous) having a boat with nonfunctional systems can be when you’re bobbing around out in the middle of nowhere. But again, you have to consider the bigger picture. Although a single issue may potentially bring down the entire system, utilizing the single system also means there’s only the single potential for failure. If you have 20 switches, you have 20 possibilities for failure. Sure, the problem is a bigger one if it arises digitally, but in the long run you’ll have far, far fewer problems. Don’t forget, you always have those back-up manual switches to fall back on.

So back to the original question: do you want or need a boat with digital switching? People who embrace new tech easily will almost certainly be quick to jump on board. Those salt-encrusted old-timers who detest change will likely never accept it.

Most of us will sit somewhere in-between. For now. Chances are that eventually, the vast majority of the new boats being built in this country will incorporate digital switching. Five years ago, there were just a handful of pioneers, but today it’s already becoming commonplace.

Although some of us will have trouble swallowing it, in the long run, digital switching systems will make our fishing boats better boats—in a number of ways.

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5/12/20 7:17 PM

TEXAS HUNTERS ARE TAPPING THE POWER OF DEER HUNTING COOPERATIVES story by matt williams

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EER AND DEER HUNTing have come a long way in eastern Texas over the years.

Back when I first moved here in the early 1980s, not many hunters shot does, and just about any deer with antlers had a bullseye on its back. A buck whitetail that was able to live beyond 3 1/2-years on open range without getting

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shot was more of an anomaly than ordinary. An eight-pointer with an 18-inch inside spread was considered a really good buck.

That’s not the case anymore. Life is good for deer and deer hunters in eastern Texas, and it appears to be getting better.

That’s because more hunters and landowners are learning the benefits of letting young deer walk. Instead, they spend their

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antlerless tags, care for the habitat and manage their herds with quality in mind.

The Co-op Advantage Many hunters have found it’s much easier to realize the benefits of deer management when multiple land managers are on the same page, rather than just one or two. Thus, the beauty of a “hunting cooperative.”

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A hunting cooperative is formed when a group of landowners or hunters on opposite sides of the fence voluntarily work together for the purpose of improving the quality of an existing deer herd, which ultimately enhances their hunting experience.

Co-ops generally consist of several adjoining properties following similar guidelines with common management goals in mind. Although there is no limit

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on how small or large a hunting co-op should be, the more folks that join in the effort, the merrier the party will usually be.

Don Dietz knows a thing or two about deer hunting co-ops. Dietz is a veteran wildlife biologist and deer hunter from Lufkin who has had a finger in managing some of the region’s very best hunting clubs over the years. Among others, he currently oversees 25 hunting clubs along

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both sides of the Neches River, which form the North Neches Management Co-op.

The clubs range in size from 653 acres to more than 9,000 acres. With roughly 79,000 acres under its umbrella, the NNMC is arguably among the largest hunting co-ops in the state.

Dietz, a recreational lease manager with Forestry Resource Consultants, has been overseeing the operation since its

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PHOTO: COURTESY BLAKE FLETCHER

PHOTO: COURTESY COURTNEY GEHRMANN

In 2015, Courtney Gehrmann took this big 12 pointer awhile hunting at Bobcat Ridge Hunting Club in Anderson County.

Bobcat Ridge is one of 25 clubs included in the North Neches Management Co-op, managed by Don Dietz since 2005.

mature bucks they had let walk the past season. When I asked them why they passed on legitimate bucks, they all said the same thing: ‘I want to see what he looks like next year.’”

I recently caught up with Dietz and asked him to share some insight on the ins and outs of forming a hunting cooperative.

On the process of starting a hunting co-op, Dietz said, “Pick a large area that has good connectivity, with very few inholdings of other property. It was easy for us since we manage 1.1 million acres in East Texas. I would look for a block at least 10,000 acres in size.

“If there is multiple ownership, everyone has to buy-in to the program or it will not work. Landholdings within a designated deer management association or co-op that won’t participate will just create turmoil, and the co-op will fail.

“Come up with your goals and a strategy.

Do you want to manage for trophy bucks or quality deer? Trophy buck management is

inception in 2005. Not surprisingly, he has witnessed hunter attitudes blossom and has seen the hunting quality improve exponentially with time.

“When we first started, hunters acted like we raised the rent and took away their bucks,” Dietz said. “Two years later they were showing me game camera pictures of

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Twin Lakes Hunting Club has been part of the NNM Co-op for several years now and hunters like Blake Fletcher (pictured here) are reaping the benefits. Fletcher’s mature buck taken during the 2018 season scoreed 162 B&C.

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much harder to sell, because too many hunters will not get to harvest a buck. Quality buck management allows hunters to shoot 3½-year-old bucks for several years until the program starts producing more 4½-year-old and older bucks.

“Also, make a conscious effort to harvest an adequate number of antlerless deer.

If the property is large enough, consider getting involved with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Managed Lands Deer Program.

On the most common obstacles a landowner/game manager can expect to encounter when starting and maintaining a co-op, he said, “Members shooting ‘mistake bucks’ that aren’t old enough is a big one.

“Another is failure to adequately punish a member for consistently shooting mistake bucks. Some clubs try to impose a fine for harvesting the wrong buck. That never works. The most effective way to deal with this problem is to prohibit the hunter from

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taking a buck the following year.

On how big should a co-op be to have noticeable impact on the deer herd, Dietz said, “At least 10,000 acres.”

“Following the rules and keeping everyone on the same program is imperative for a hunting co-op to work. So how does a co-op deal with a co-op member who bends the rules or doesn’t follow them?

“When you have control like we do, we threaten to cancel the lease,” Dietz said.

“We have only had to cancel one lease in the North Neches Co-op since 2005. However, once clubs get used to Managed Lands Deer Permits under the conservation option, they cherish hunting bucks early. You can threaten to take that away.”

Some land managers may be reluctant to join a co-op due to feeling restricted about what they can and cannot do/shoot. So, what are the best ways coax a “hold out” into joining the group?

“I would guess that the promise of better bucks and, therefore, increased lease revenue could help,” he said. “If they are just in it for friends and family, then being able to hunt during the rut with a rifle is enticing.

The bottom line is that under the TPWD Land Management Assistance Program, where you can get Managed Land Deer Permits, your deer season can go from just two months to five.”

A successful co-op isn’t just about managing the game. It’s also about managing the habitat. So, what are your thoughts on that? we asked.

“If you manage your deer population through harvesting does and culls, you will

Co-Op Power at Work for Eastern Turkeys IN 2004, NEARLY FOUR DOZEN EAST Texas counties (43) had a spring turkey season as the result of restocking efforts carried out between 1987-1995 using wild-trapped birds purchased from other states. However, the early restocking efforts didn’t pan out near as well over the long term as wildlife experts had originally hoped. By spring 2020, the number of ET counties with a spring gobbler sea-

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“Lactation (doe in milk) went from 50 percent to 70 percent,” Dietz said. “Buck ages jumped from an average 3.6 to 5 years old, while inside spread went from 14.5 inches to 16.6 inches. Basal circumference grew from 3.6 inches to 4.3 inches and buck live weights jumped from 112 pounds to 130 pounds. I did not require the clubs to score bucks until a few years back, but the 2017 bucks (200-plus) averaged 126 B&C, including culls. The observation data indicated 3.9 does for every buck in 2005. Last it showed 1.3 does per buck.

Co-op success doesn’t happen overnight.

Moreover, the amount of success can vary from one year to the next. So we asked how long it took to see a noticeable difference on the NNMC. “We noticed a difference in one year and have seen continuous success every year,” Dietz said. “We have had bucks harvested that scored in the 170s, 180s and 190s, including a 199 5/8 net non-typical taken on Bobcat Ridge in 2015. That buck qualified for all-time Boone and Crockett records.”

Communication is key in a hunting co-op.

How often do NNMC members get together for meetings?

Dietz replied, “We meet annually where my team and I present the harvest data and our expectations for next season.”

What is primary advantage of a hunting co-op? we asked.

“If you are shooting the right bucks,” Dietz said, “and letting the young bucks walk, you know your neighbor is doing the same thing.”

naturally improve your habitat,” Dietz said.

“However, I am a big believer in both fall and spring food plots. I also support feeding protein, but with one consideration—once you start you can’t quit.

“If you do need to stop feeding protein, then do it gradually. Supplemental feeding, even food plots for that matter, allows you to artificially carry more deer. Taking it away will cause you to have more deer than your habitat can naturally support.”

The NNMC went to a 4½-year-old minimum requirement prior to the 201819 season on quality bucks. What was the minimum prior to that, and for how long? we asked.

“In 2005, I made it mandatory to harvest only those bucks that were 3½ years old or older or those with an inside spread of at least 15 inches. In 2011-12, I dropped the spread rule and went with a straight 3½-yearold limit. Our hunters had learned how to age bucks on the hoof by then, and the average age of bucks harvested was already at four-years-plus.

Did the change meet with much resistance? We asked.

“The change met hard resistance in certain clubs, but after I told them I would try to find them another lease they accepted it, Dietz said. “After a few years, the most resistant clubs became the most protective of their bucks, often letting mature bucks walk just so they could see what they looked like the following year.”

We asked if Dietz has seen things change as far as deer and deer hunting quality within the co-op from 2005 to 2019.

son dropped to 13.

Restoration programs are still underway. The efforts are not near as widespread as they were 30 years ago, but they are significantly more intensive.

Current restocking efforts are limited to only a handful of areas that meet selective criteria calling for at least 10,000 contiguous acres and extensive habitat evaluations. Chosen areas, often com-

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prised of well-managed hunting cooperatives, are being “super stocked” 80 or more wild-trapped birds a ratio of 60 hens to 20 gobblers.

There are currently three wild turkey “priority areas” in eastern Texas comprising all or parts of 25 counties. Among the areas are the Neches River Priority Area, Sulphur River Priority Area and the Trinity River Priority Area. To learn more, contact TPWD wild turkey program leader Jason Hardin, jason.hardin@tpwd.texas.gov.

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5/12/20 8:01 PM

EXAS PARKS AND Wildlife Department (TPWD) has received test results confirming that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) was diagnosed in a wild black-tailed jackrabbit in Lubbock County and a wild cottontail rabbit in Hudspeth County.

This marks the first confirmed cases of RHD in wild rabbits in Texas and follows the discovery of the disease in domestic rabbits in Hockley County. Since March 23, detections of the disease in both wild and domestic rabbits have occurred in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Mexico.

There have been reports of mortality events both in wild cottontails (genus Sylvilagus) and jackrabbits (genus Lepus) in El Paso, Hudspeth, Brewster, Terrell, Lubbock and Pecos Counties in Texas.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect both domestic and wild rabbit species. This disease is nearly always fatal and primarily affects adult rabbits.

The viral agent, Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), is a calicivirus, with two strains (RHDV-1 and RHDV-2) being reported in North America in recent years.

RHDV-2 is known to affect wild rabbits and was determined to be the agent in the Lubbock and Hockley County cases. RHD is a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD), but has been detected in Canada, Washington and Ohio.

RHDV appears only to affect rabbit species (lagomorphs). It is not known to affect humans, livestock or pets other than rabbits.

However, pets should not be allowed to consume dead animal carcasses.

“The loss of this prey species can affect big game populations as well as other populations like rodents due to a shift in what predators will go after,” said John Silovsky, TPWD Wildlife

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Division deputy director. “That’s especially true in fragile areas like the Trans Pecos.”

Often the only clinical sign is sudden death.

In less acute cases, clinical signs may include the following: dullness/apathy, not eating, ocular and/or nasal hemorrhage and congestion of the conjunctiva. Some may develop neurological signs such as incoordination, excitement or seizure-like episodes. Infections in young rabbits are usually subclinical and deaths are rare.

This is a highly contagious disease that spreads between rabbits through contact with infected rabbits or carcasses, their meat or their fur, contaminated food or water, or materials that come in contact with them. RHDV2 can persist in the environment for a very long time. These factors make disease control efforts extremely challenging once it is in the wild rabbit populations.

“Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will be monitoring wild rabbit populations to determine the extent of the disease,” said Dr. Bob Dittmar, TPWD wildlife veterinarian. “We are continuing to receive reports of dead rabbits from the western part of the state.

People can contact their local TPWD wildlife biologist if they notice sick or dead rabbits.

“We want to reassure everyone this disease does not affect people or pets,” Dr. Dittmar said. “TPWD will work with TAHC to keep the public informed as we learn more about the extent and severity of the disease.”

Domestic rabbit owners who have questions about RHDV2 or observe sudden death in their rabbits should contact their private veterinarian. Private veterinarians are requested to contact the USDA-APHIS or the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242, to report any suspected cases.

Report all unusual mass morbidity (sickness) or mortality (death) events to the TAHC. You can find more information on RHD in the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

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5/12/20 8:01 PM

Bare Bones HUNTING

by LOU MARULLO :: TF&G Hunting Editor

The Best Time to Scout

Maybe your lease has some oak trees on it.

If it does, then look to see whether it’s a red oak or white oak. You can easily distinguish between the two by the shape of their leaves. A red oak tree has leaves that are pointed on the tips, whereas a white oak tree has leaves that are rounded on the tips.

Whitetails love to eat acorns, both from a red oak tree and also a white oak tree. They prefer the white oaks. An acorn from a white oak tree is like candy to a whitetail deer.

I once hunted a place that was loaded with white oaks. The deer in the area were eating them almost as soon as they hit the ground.

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S I SIT TO WRITE MY COLumn for June, the entire world is trying to cope with the coronavirus, which has now reached pandemic levels.

Many infectious control doctors have given us their expert opinion as to what needs to be done to beat this horrible virus. Social distancing is one of the recommendations offered by the medical world, and I do believe this is helping the situation. What better way to practice social distancing than to go out to your favorite woodlot and scout for the upcoming seasons?

If fishing takes a backseat to hunting for your outdoor activities, then may I suggest you really take the time to check out every inch of your lease. Were there any big storms that might have blown down some trees and possibly change the pattern of any whitetail movement? If so, then it may be beneficial to move your tree stands accordingly.

I can remember once in a spot I was hunting about two hours from my house. I had a fantastic hot spot that produced nice bucks every year. One pre-season, I got a little lazy and never went to see if everything was the same as previous years. When daylight came, I was perched in a tree overlooking a big blow down that blocked the deer run that I was hunting.

You guessed it. The bucks were still in the area, but this new change forced the deer to move outside my accuracy range during bow season.

Now might also be a good time to scout-out some new property. I love to look for natural food plots that are located in the middle of the woods I am hunting. It might be an apple orchard with scrub apples still on the trees. |

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Start your scouting experience right from the comfort of your vehicle.

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The problem I had were the darn squirrels.

Those rodents would be scarfing the acorns up almost as fast as the deer were. I should remember to gather up my .22 rifle and clean out some of those tree rats.

Start your scouting experience right from the comfort of your vehicle. This time of year, the deer are feeding in the open fields as well as in the woods. Drive up and down some of those out-of-the-way roads, the kind that seem devoid of any traffic at all.

Then, check out every field you drive by. If you happen upon a field that produces a nice buck, stop and wait until dark to see where the buck leaves the field, if he chooses to do so.

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Your next step is to obtain permission to hunt or lease the property. Then, if you are fortunate enough to get that permission, it is time to get those boots in the woods and look for sign. Look for those hidden food plots I talked about earlier.

If a stream runs through the property, I would walk the edge and see whether you can locate a spot where the deer like to cross. The whitetails will need to drink.

If you locate where they cross, chances are they will stop to drink some water right there as well. As long as you have placed your tree stand downwind of the crossing, those whitetails might just offer you the perfect standing shot.

It’s a good idea to take note as to the prevailing wind direction once you decide to place a stand. It will do you no good at all if you take the time to walk the stream, find a nice spot for an ambush and just before the buck of your dreams comes in range, the wind sends your scent directly to his nostrils.

Not good!

Take your time to look around for a better tree. You might find there is no suitable tree to use right at the stream. No problem. Simply follow the trail and choose a different tree downwind of your ambush location.

The most important thing here to consider is the wind direction. I cannot stress to you how important that is. A human has about five million scent receptors. Compare that to a dog that averages about 220 million scent receptors.

Are you ready for this? A deer has 297 million scent receptors. Anyway, you get the picture. To be honest, I am surprised we could ever get a deer to come into bow range.

Hopefully, this horrible virus will be a distant memory by the time hunting season gets here. I am sure that, like me, you prefer to hunt with a buddy or two. Social distancing would not work during hunting season. In the meantime, while we all wait for opening day to arrive, stay safe, follow the CDC guidelines, and above all stay healthy.

Have fun and hunt safe.

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Texas TACTICAL

by DUSTIN ELLERMANN :: TF&G Contributing Editor

Another Look at the Diablo

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MERICAN GUN CRAFT IS now producing “The Diablo” double barrel 12 gauge shotgun pistols. That’s right—pistols.

Not only that, but they ship right to your door with no federal infringements such as a form 4473 or FFL because they are black powder muzzleloaders.

Just like the old howdah dangerous game defensive handguns, the Diablo can be a powerful up-close, bad-breath distance, getoff-me-or-I’ll-cut-ya-in-two last resort, doublebarreled-blaster.

Or it can be a very fun range toy.

Since the Diablo is a muzzleloader, the load is limited only by your imagination and risk-taking tendencies for the loads you wish to shoot. Being more safety conscious, I stayed close to the owner’s manual parameters of 60 grains of FFG under one ounce of shot or one .715-inch lead ball.

However, several folks on YouTube are experimenting with twice that amount and FFFG powder turning the Diablo into a real wristbreaker. The published loads were plenty pleasant enough for me to shoot single-handed.

The Diablo can take a little time to load being that it’s a several step process. You insert powder, powder card, ram it down, fiber (cushion) wad, shot, shotcard and ram it down again. Now all over again for the other barrel, and finally follow-up with #209 shotgun shell primers in the break-open breech.

For my testing I used a blend of #7 and #8 chilled lead shot designed for black powder shotguns and either 000 or 00 buckshot.

However, my favorite projectile was the solid .715-inch lead balls. They hit hard and would PHOTO: DUSTIN ELLERMAN

2006-Ellerman Col.indd 29

The double barreled 12 gauge Diablo loads from the muzzle and primes from the break-open breech with #209 primers.

As a self-proclaimed trigger snob I was pleased with the Diablo’s trigger. The grip itself was only comfortable enough for one hand.

The fit and finish of the firearm was excellent.

The Diablo is a quality build that will last for generations and be for everyone at the range. It comes in several variations from the black or nickel finish to black synthetic or wood grips.

It also comes with an 11-inch double hammer/double trigger version with a rail setup for hunting purposes.

Prices start out at $445 and you can find out more at AmericanGunCraft.com and watch my full video review on YouTube.

leave quite a mark.

However, I did have to learn my windage holds since each barrel had a different point of impact. I even shot the solid lead ball straight through a clear ballistic gel torso—and I do mean “through.” I figured the slower moving mass might not have too much penetration, but it traveled through more than14 inches of gel and kept moving.

I did attempt to chronograph the large lead balls with 60 grains of FFG and got an average of 260 fps out of that 6-inch barrel—not too fast. But remember, that’s a 525-grain ball so it’s got some heft. As I mentioned earlier, others have tested far hotter-hitting loads.

There is no choke in the double-barreled Diablo, so with naked shot it shows an extreme spread. For true hunting you would probably want to experiment with some type of flight control shotgun wadding rather than just the cards I used. However, for across-the-room, bad guy distance, two barrels of 00 buckshot from the Diablo would be quite catastrophic.

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PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

5/21/20 3:10 PM

.S. SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR DAVID L. Bernhardt has announced a historic proposal for new and expanded hunting and fishing opportunities.

Continuing the Interior Department’s significant efforts to increase recreational access on public lands, the proposal affects more than 2.3 million acres at 97 national wildlife refuges and 9 national fish hatcheries. This is the single largest expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in history.

For Texas, this includes the following:

REPORT: NEWS 34 u TF&G OF THE NATION Reported by TF&G Staff

• Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge: Expands existing white-tailed deer hunting to new acres.

& GAME 34 u FISH HOTSHOTS

• Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Opens dove and quail hunting on acres already open to other hunting and expands existing pheasant hunting to new acres.

Trophy Photos from TF&G Readers

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• Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge: Opens alligator, feral hog and nilgai hunting on acres already open to other hunting.

SALTWATER

Reported by Capt. Eddie Hernandez, Capt. Mike Holmes, Mike Price, Capt. Chris Martin, Capt. Mac Gable, Capt. Sally Black and Cal Gonzales

• Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge: Opens turkey and javelina hunting on new acres and acres already open to hunting, and expands existing migratory bird and big game hunting to new acres.

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“America’s hunters and anglers now have something significant to look forward to in the fall as we plan to open and expand hunting and fishing opportunities across more acreage nationwide than the entire state of Delaware,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Hunt Fish Chiefs have been instrumental in our effort over the past two years to streamline our regulations and identify new opportunities for sportsmen and women like no other previous administration.”

This proposed rule would create nearly 900 distinct new hunting and fishing opportunities (an opportunity is defined as one species on one field station in one state).

On top of last year’s expansion of 1.4 million acres for new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities, this proposal would bring the Trump Administration’s total expansion to 4 million acres nationwide.

“Once the effort to eliminate the threat of COVID-19 has been successful, there will be no better way to celebrate than to get out and enjoy increased access for hunting and Background: fishing on our public lands,” said Laguna Service Director Aurelia Skipwith.

Atascosa “I deeply appreciate everything National Wildlife sportswomen and men do for Refuge. conservation and our economy, so

FRESHWATER

Reported by TF&G Staff

56 u SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK Tides and SoLunar Data

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by Chester Moore

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A bobcat at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

Blind for wildlife viewing at Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

I am delighted when we can do something to expand opportunities for them. I hope it will help encourage the next generation of hunters and anglers to continue in this rich American tradition.”

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of units in the Service’s National WIldlife Refuge System, where the public may hunt to 399 and the number where fishing is permitted to 331. In addition, this rule proposes to formally open lands on nine units of the National FIsh Hatchery system to hunting |

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or sport fishing.

“The National Wild Turkey Federation is pleased that the Department of Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service remain committed to removing barriers for hunting and fishing by increasing access and opportunities,” said CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation Becky Humphries.

“Reducing barriers to hunting has been a key aspect of the NWTF’s hunter recruitment and retention efforts. The Service’s proposal to open 2.3 million acres ties directly to those efforts.”

“On behalf of Safari Club International and our members, thank you President Trump and Secretary Bernhardt for continuing to prioritize American sportsmen by opening up and expanding opportunities across 2.3 million acres of public lands,” said Safari Club International (SCI) CEO W. Laird Hamberlin.

“Hunting and fishing are an integral part of our nation’s culture, economy and care for the land. Increasing access and opportunities for people to take part in our sporting heritage strengthens broader conservation efforts,” Hamberlin said. “By delivering on their promise to improve and increase huntPHOTOS: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

5/21/20 3:11 PM

The Doeskin Ranch Unit of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.

ing and fishing access, this Administration continues to be a champion for America’s sportsmen, wildlife and wild places.”

“RMEF applauds Secretary Bernhardt for proposing to expand public hunting and fishing access at the nation’s wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries,” said President & CEO of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation R. Kyle Weaver.

“The 2020-2021 station-specific proposed rule for these facilities gives hunters and anglers new opportunities and access to 2.3 million acres of public lands and waters, building on the 1.4 million acres the Secretary opened and expanded access to last year. Opening and securing quality public access for hunters, hikers, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy lies at the heart of the RMEF mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. Expanded access at refuges and hatcheries gives recreationists immediate opportunities to practice safe, social distancing while enjoying the

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Wildlife Refuge in West Virginia.

The proposed rule also continues the effort from last year’s rule toward revising refuge hunting and fishing regulations, so they more closely match state regulations where the refuge is located.

This year’s rule also takes a further step in proposing revisions that ensure whenever refuge regulations depart from state regulations, for safety or conservation compatibility reasons, these extra regulations are consistent across all refuges in a given state.

The Department worked closely with the states in preparing the proposed rule The Service will seek comments from the public on the proposed rule at http://www. regulations.gov, Docket Number: FWS-HQNWRS-2020-0013, and will include details on how to submit your comments.

The Department intends to finalize the proposed changes in time for the upcoming 2020-2021 hunting seasons.

outdoors and long-term benefits to wildlife management.”

“The initiatives by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt in 2019 to increase hunting and fishing opportunities on more than 1.4 million acres nationwide, are unprecedented,” said Executive Director of the Houston Safari Club Foundation/ Houston Safari Club Joe Betar.

“We look forward to the Department of the Interior’s continued expansion of public land access for recreation in 2020.”

New proposed refuge opportunities include the opening of migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing at Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge in Florida for the first time; the opening of Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming to upland game and big game hunting for the first time; and the opening of sport fishing for the first time and the expanding of existing migratory bird, upland game and big game hunting to new acres at Canaan Valley National F I S H

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The NATIONAL

Game Wardens Encounter Hawks in Stores and More

News of TEXAS

wasn’t a hawk.

It was, in fact, a large nightjar or “nighthawk,” which feeds on insects, rendering the trap idea useless. Undeterred, the warden and his falconer friend resorted to the old game warden standby — a ladder and a net.

After what resembled a scene from America’s Funniest Home Videos, they were able to finally corral the bird in a back hallway and catch it in the dip net.

It was released outside, where it flew off unharmed.

The manager of the Office Depot store was very grateful that the bird was removed and would not be setting off the alarm system after closing.

THIS IS HAWKWARD: A Hardin County game warden was at the Beaumont District Office when he received a call from the manager of the local Office Depot store. The manager said they had a small hawk flying around inside the store and couldn’t get it to leave, even though they had the front and back roll-up doors open.

The warden recruited a licensed falconer who was experienced in handling and trapping birds of prey to help him catch the hawk. After the falconer arrived on scene with a hawk trap and some live bait, they soon discovered that although the bird resembled a hawk, it

BAD IDEA, THIS IS: A Hays County game warden received an image from a cellphone game

camera showing a man and woman trespassing and digging in an archeological Native American burial site. The warden went to the property and found the couple in a large hole previously dug by trespassers. Before the warden could say anything, the man stood up immediately and said he wasn’t digging for arrowheads and hates diggers.

The couple were husband and wife out on a date. They were both detained in handcuffs and separated at the front and back of the warden’s vehicle. The man admitted that he had a glass pipe in his pocket that he uses to smoke CBD oils. After a quick examination, the Baby Yoda glass pipe revealed small, clear and white crystals that looked like crystal meth.

The warden placed the pipe on the hood and went to the back of the vehicle to speak with the woman. She said she didn’t know the property was private, despite walking past multiple no-trespassing signs. The warden then walked back to the front of the

BLACK DRUM

WHITETAIL

Port Aransas

Atascosa County

Nina Garrett caught this 37-inch, 28-pound black drum while wadefishing for flounder in the east flats near Port Aranasas.

She quickly released the fish, which swam happily away.

Shannon Martin took this buck with his bow on a low fence ranch in Atascosa County. The buck measured by an official scorer at 207 0/8 gross. It had 24 points, 23 that could be scored.

Visit FishGame.com/HotShots to upload your own TEXAS HOT SHOTS 34

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vehicle and noticed the pipe was no longer on the hood. The man said he didn’t know where the pipe went.

Several feet in front of the vehicle, the pipe was found broken in half in the middle of a fresh footprint. Upon further examination of the hole where the couple was found, the warden found a small hand saw and freshly disturbed dirt.

The woman’s purse contained several gray rubber gardening gloves, each containing four Native American artifacts. The San Marcos Police Department took the couple to the Hays County Jail. While en route to jail, the man said he believed he had the coronavirus. He leaned forward against the partition and aggressively coughed toward the officers.

Both subjects were charged with criminal trespass and Antiquities Code violations.

The husband was also charged with possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence and harassment of a public servant. Cases pending.

FOOL ME ONCE: A Hays County game warden was contacted by a Hays County

FISHING FOR TROUBLE: A Williamson County game warden was contacted by a retired law enforcement officer who was fishing the Dickerson River Bottom of the San Gabriel River in Circleville. He saw a man using a cast net and catching white bass.

The retired officer said there was a group of six men, and one was using the cast net.

When the warden arrived on scene, he saw the man catching white bass with a cast net, then give it to another fisherman to manually hook the fish in the mouth onto a stringer.

The warden contacted the men and found that none of them had a fishing license. The man using the cast net caught 20 of the 25 fish on the stringer, two being undersized. Citations and civil restitution were filed, and the fish were donated to a needy family.

THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM: A Freestone County game warden was contacted by a landowner who said he allowed a man to hunt feral hogs on his property but had killed a deer in addition to the hog. The landowner explained that while driving his property, he found a fresh hog carcass, along with a fresh white-tailed doe.

The landowner asked the hunter what happened and was told that he “accidentally shot the doe when he was shooting at a hog.” The warden contacted the man, who admitted to shooting the doe, saying his “scope was off.”

Charges include hunting a white-tailed deer in closed season, failing to take hunter education and hunting without a license.

ALLIGATOR

NO SALE: A game warden was contacted about an Operation Game Thief incident in progress regarding an individual in Killeen selling crappie and catfish on a social media website. The warden located the post and found the seller’s address.

After arriving at the seller’s location, the individuals admitted to the warden that they had been trying to sell the crappie and catfish they caught at Stillhouse Hollow Lake on social media for the last two days, but no one purchased them. The warden issued a citation for the sale of protected game fish and seized seven blue catfish, one yellow catfish and a bag of crappie meat.

—TPWD

LOOK OUT BELOW: A Freestone County game warden arrested a suspect in an ongoing investigation that began in February relating to hog hunting from a

San Jacinto River Emilee Ulke bagged this gator near the San Jacinto River. It measured 8 feet, 9 inches.

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helicopter. A husband and wife were working cattle on their property when a helicopter began to hover over their property and shoot feral hogs. The husband waved his arms at the helicopter, and it flew off.

After the investigation, it was clear that the helicopter owner did not have a landowner authorization permit for the property in question. Charges were filed for using an aircraft to manage wildlife without having a landowner authorization permit

sheriff’s detective about trespassers digging for Native American artifacts on a private property in Buda. The landowner installed several game cameras hidden in trees to monitor the dig sites and caught a man, on two separate occasions, digging for artifacts during March and April 2019. The images were of high quality and showed the man’s face and unique tattoos on his arms.

In March 2020, the warden assisted a special agent with the Bureau of Land Management with a federal case involving the removal and sale of Native American corpses/bones and sacred burial beads from an archeological burial site. The warden shared game camera images of the Buda property trespasser with the agent. The agent recognized the man as an associate of the suspect he was actively investigating.

The agent provided the name, and the trespasser was identified.

The warden and the agent interviewed the trespasser and confirmed his identity through his unique tattoos. The trespasser handed over 18 Native American artifacts that were taken from the Buda property. Arrest warrants were obtained for Antiquities Code violations and criminal trespass. The subject turned himself in.

Cases pending.

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June Sets the Tune for Upper Coastal Fishing SABINE Reported by CAPT. EDDIE HERNANDEZ

• • •

I

GALVESTON

T’S THAT TIME AGAIN. IT’S time to flip another page on the calendar.

Things are heating up quite nicely along the Texas Coast as June has rolled into town and brought smiles to a lot of people’s faces. The people walking around with the biggest smiles of them all are probably the coastal anglers.

They are well-aware of what is about to happen. Flipping that page on the calendar was a lot like flipping a switch on the coastal fishing scene. For the Big Three, as well as a vast assortment of other species along the upper coast of Texas and within its fertile bay systems, it’s as if a giant window of opportunity begins to open this month right before our eyes.

As air and water temperatures continue pushing the mercury higher, the fish continue to get more active and aggressive.

Hordes of baitCAPT. HERNANDEZ fish and shrimp ContactUs@Fishgame.com are calling these

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one end of the bay to the other. Meanwhile, founders, trout and reds will be making life miserable for baitfish on the shorelines.

Ribbonfish, needlefish and shrimp will also be getting their attention on the numerous oyster reefs and clam beds. Bayous, cuts, drains and rivers will be holding their own as well.

While all of this is going on, the action in the surf, at the jetties and the nearshore gulf waters will be paradise for summertime saltwater specialists seeking anything from trout and reds to sharks and stingrays.

It is very hard for me not to stop at the jetties on nice June mornings, so more often than not, that is the heading I will take. The zig and zag of walking topwaters such as She Dogs and Skitterwalks tight against the rocks at first light can really drive the trout nuts.

Meanwhile, soft plastics such as Zoom Super Flukes and Down South Lures as well as MirrOLure 51MR and rattletraps will also produce serious strikes. Choose whichever heading is best for you and check out that window of opportunity that June brings to the upper coast.

Reported by CAPT. MIKE HOLMES

J rich ecosystems home for the summer, and warm, green, tidal-induced waters have the hungry predators on the prowl.

From early mornings to late evenings, rods will be doubled over and reels will be singing. Anglers up and down the vast Texas coastline will take advantage of milder, warmer conditions.

Bait preferences from topwater to cut mullet will all produce. The conditions are ripe, and the bait is present. So it’s time to get after it.

Here on the upper coast we are blessed with many choices on any given day. From Galveston to Sabine, schooling trout and redfish will push shrimp to the surface from |

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UNE IS ACTUALLY THE first month of summer for us on the upper Texas coast, which means it’s also good-bye to spring.

Although the weather will not reach the upper temperature extremes seen in July, Some very hot days are sure to be scattered in among these more moderate and comfortable times. This means warm weather fish species will become our main targets—which is a very good thing for coastal anglers.

Tidal streams such as bayous and creeks will see both feeding and spawning activities of popular species. This includes speckled trout, croakers, and flounders, although these fish seldom CAPT. HOLMES exhibit excesContactUs@Fishgame.com sive “runs,”

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to find and catch.

Although days are usually not so warm as to restrict fishing activity, night fishing can still be productive. The bay sides of Gulf passes can be very good spots for finding and catching fish this month, The Gulf sides of these passes can be excellent, and are usually very fishable.

Most decent bay boats are good for hitting the nearshore Gulf, and the passes provide good access points. Of course, when fishing around passes, a stronger weather eye might be necessary than in more protected bay waters. Avoid really strong currents when boating.

The surf is VERY good this month, and those choosing to wade here are rewarded in several ways. Good catches in favorable water conditions are at the top of the list. Of course, the surf can be fished effectively from beachfront piers and channel jetties as well.

Fishing from jetties also allows the choice of deep channel waters or shallower shoreline territory—while fishing basically from the same spot. River mouths duplicate these conditions, except without the rock jetties to fish off of—and against.

Gulf areas just past the surf line are the beginnings of an offshore territory. Nearly unlimited potential and variety of target species exists here, from pan fish to inshore game fish, to glamorous offshore gamesters including king mackerel, ling, and big sharks.

Of course, tarpon can be found in these same waters, as well as less flashy options like big black drums and massive stingrays that can test any anglers tackle and skill.

7

5 1

4

6 8

3

2 1

HOTSPOTLIGHT:

BIG BOGGY NWR

BIG BOGGY NATIONAL WILDLIFE RESERVE IS LOCATED ON THE NORTH SHOREline of East Matagorda Bay. Fishing areas include the Intracoastal Waterway, Boggy Lake, Big Boggy Creek, Big Boggy Cut and several reefs in the bay. Selected HOTSPOTS are shown in the table below, and on the map.

SPECKLED TROUT KEY

HOTSPOT NAME

GPS

BEST BAIT & TACTIC

1

Boggy Cut

N 28 44.043, W 95 49.658

Shrimp w pop-n cork, fish cut edges with moving tide, morning-afternoon.

2

Drulls Lump

N 28 42.285, W 95 50.066

Shrimp under cork, mullett, anchor or drift; morningafternoon.

REDFISH

3

Kilbride Reef

N 28 43.361, W 95 50.069

Salt & pepper Bull Minnows, drift, work reef top/ edges; dawn-morning, dusk.

4

Chinquapin Reef

N 28 43.994, W 95 47.954

Topwaters, soft plastics bouncing near bottom, drift; morning-midday, dusk.

Mud minnows, finger mullet, best with moving tides; midday

• • •

FLOUNDER

5

Boggy Cut

N 28 44.043, W 95 49.658

6

Boggy Flat

N 28 44.029, W 95 49.116

Flounder Pounder, mullet, good gigging when wading; midday-afternoon.

7

Third Cut

N 28 44.241, W 95 48.576

Mud minnows, finger mullet, best with moving tides.

N 28 44.043, W 95 49.658

Live shrimp or crab on a bottom rig, anchor till found; midday.

N 28 42.354, W 95 49.765

Live shrimp or crab under pop-n cork, anchor or drift; midday-afternoon.

BLACK DRUM

8

Boggy Cut

SHEEPSHEAD

9

Drull’s Lump

SOURCE: TEXAS LAKES & BAYS FISHING ATLAS 2020

instead doing that in protected bay waters.

Still, they will go through stronger than normal feeding periods that prod anglers into periods of activity.

Strong feeding activity, coupled with calm weather and mild temperatures result in some of the best and most comfortable fish-

Reported by MIKE PRICE

I

N ADDITION TO THE USUALLY targeted species of trout, redfish, and flounder, in June you will encounter many other swimming critters, and you can expect the weather to MIKE PRICE change quickly.

ContactUs@Fishgame.com I was

ing times in most years. Bay waters surrounding reef areas within easy reach of Gulf passes are prime areas for productive fishing.

In peak times, artificial lures such as plastic jigs and metal spoons can be very effective.

However, live baits such as shrimp and small forage fish including shad and mullet are easy T E X A S

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UPPER COAST in a bayou on the southeast side of West Matagorda Bay when I spotted a major Vee plowing through the water. The fish displayed its dorsal fin and intermittently showed its yellow tail fin.

I tossed my pumpkinseed/chartreuse Bass Assassin soft plastic lure in front and to the side of the fish and pumped the rod tip a couple of times. It altered course and hammered my lure.

I fish with a lightweight, medium-fastaction spinning rod, which performs well with up to 30-inch redfish, but this was not a redfish. The crevalle jack tore line off my reel while heading for the center of West Matagorda Bay. I raised my rod and recaptured line. The jack powered through the water again, and I repeated the process. It took 20 minutes to land that 18-pound crevalle jack.

I released the fish because the one time I tried to eat crevalle jack, I did not like the taste. However, in the 2019 book, Texas Seafood Cookbook by PJ and Benchalak Stoops they say, “Crevalle jacks are great, grilled with a piece of bacon wrapped around the red meat and a bright sauce.” (But almost anything tastes good wrapped in bacon!)

On that same day Mark Van Ness hooked a large sting ray that went for his soft plastic lure. Mark cut the line. The Texas Seafood Cookbook says, “Small stingrays make for quite nice eating, the wings may be cut off, then skinned, cut into chunks, and cooked like ribs.” However, this was a large stingray, and Mark did the right thing by cutting the line and avoiding an encounter with the poisonous barb.

We also caught redfish, trout, and flounders on that June morning. But at 10:30 a.m. the wind blew hard from the northeast.

Coming at us from the Gulf of Mexico was a massive, black storm system. We hurried back to the boat and managed to make it to the dock before the storm hit.

dicular to the beach. I waded into the first gut. I casted into the gut running parallel to the beach and-the opening in the sand bars that funneled wind and tide driven water into and away from the beach, but got no hits.

I fished the second gut, but I didn’t get any hits there either. So, I went to the second sand bar, stood in waist- to chestdeep water and casted seaward. Something bit the tail off of my five-inch Egret Baits Wedge Tail Minnow, probably a pesky ladyfish.

I put a new lure on and on the next cast a very large trout took the soft plastic minnow and ran with it. The trout then leaped out of the water and spat out the lure.

Next, I placed my lure near the corner where the gut running perpendicular to the beach met the gut running parallel to the beach. It was hit on the drop, and I netted a 19-inch trout. I had found the sweet spot.

On the next cast, my lure was hit again and on subsequent casts, I got a hit or catch on every cast—such fun!

Offshore June 1, the first day of red snapper fishing, I went offshore with Brain Tulloch.

Our first stop was rig 538, 28 nautical miles offshore from the Matagorda jetties, but we did not find red snapper there.

Then we moved to a wreck, six miles away, and couldn’t find the bite there either. So, we went to another rig six more miles away, where I went scuba diving while Brian and Lain Gay fished.

The surface water was green from recent rain and only had 20 feet of visibility and was dominated by barracuda and mangrove snappers. At 40 feet, the water temperature dropped about six degrees and visibility cleared to 50 feet.

I saw Atlantic angel fish and thousands of lane snappers. At 55 feet several amber-

The Surf There are days in June when the surf beckons. A faint, first morning light appeared in the east as I drove down the beach to a spot I call Surf 2.

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jacks came to see me. Queen angel fish and bar jacks swam around me, and below me were large red snappers. While I was diving, the boat fishermen had limited on red snappers and caught and had released an amberjack. Sometimes you have to make several stops to find red snappers, and they like cooler water.

Red snapper season starts on June 1. For the closing date see www.tpwd.texas.gov.

Amberjack season is closed from June 1 to July 31. Cobra and king mackerel can be taken year around. For federal regulations go to www.gulfcouncil.orgfishing-regulations/federal

• • •

UPPER COAST HOTSPOTS LOCATION: East Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Deep Reef GPS: N 29 31.863, W 94 39.093 (29.5311, -94.6516)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live Croaker CONTACT: Capt. Ronnie Scheck 713-906-2137 specksunlimited@gmail.com crystalbeachfishing.com TIPS: A lot of the time we will just drag the croaker behind the boat in a controlled drift, bumping the croaker off the bottom.

LOCATION: East Galveston Bay HOTSPOT: Siever’s Cut GPS: N 29 26.074, W 94 42.6919 (29.4346, -94.7115)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Live Croaker or soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Ronnie Scheck

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713-906-2137 specksunlimited@gmail.com crystalbeachfishing.com

slicks off the surf, you are missing a good time to wade the beach, catching trout. Same thing … look for bait activity, birds diving, slicks. Action can be fast and furious.

TIPS: At times Scheck fishes the shoreline up toward the channel, past Siever’s Cut. We cast the croaker and throw it up against the rock. It’s about 7 feet deep here. Lof of redfish and trout usually in there.

LOCATION: Sabine Lake HOTSPOT: Hickory Cove GPS: N 29 58.643, W 93 49.490 (29.9774, -93.8248)

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

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic shrimp tails with 1/8 1/16 oz jig head CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: Capt. Countz’s favorite colors in the MirrOlure soft plastics are glow/chartreuse tail, Purple Demon.

SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Mullet, shrimp CONTACT: Capt. Eddie Hernandez, Golden Hook Guide Service 409-721-5467 ghgs.eddie@gmail.com goldenhookguide.com TIPS: Fish live shrimp or mullet under popping cork.

Be on the lookout for boils.

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic shrimp tails CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: Anytime you get a light northwest wind that

LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay HOTSPOT: Exxon C Lease Wells GPS: N 29 40.446, W 94 45.579 (29.6741, -94.7597)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic shrimp tails CONTACT: Capt. Paul Marcaccio 281-788-4041 captpaul@gofishgalveston.com gofishgalveston.com TIPS: Know your shorelines. As you approach, look for drains and bayous, ambush points on incoming and outgoing tides. Outgoing is probably the most effective.

LOCATION: Matagorda Surf HOTSPOT: Surf GPS: N 28 35.569, W 95 59.268 (28.5928, -95.9878)

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UPPER COAST LOCATION: Sabine Lake HOTSPOT: Seawall Corner GPS: N 29 52.748, W 93 54.557 (29.8791, -93.9093)

TIPS: Anchor, cast bait, place rod in holder, wait LOCATION: West Matagorda Bay HOTSPOT: Cotton’s Bayou GPS: N 28 31.094, W 96 12.617 (28.5182, -96.2103)

SPECIES: Black Drum BEST BAITS: Shrimp, crab CONTACT: Capt. Eddie Hernandez, Golden Hook Guide Service 409-721-5467 ghgs.eddie@gmail.com goldenhookguide.com

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Chasing Mid-Summer, Mid-Coast Specks SAN ANTONIO BAY AREA Reported by CAPT. CHRIS MARTIN

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OR GULF COAST ANGLERS who fish the Texas coastal region for the highly desirable speckled trout, the month of June is certainly a great time to be looking for them out on area Texas bays.

June means that summer is well underway, and the water temperature is warm (but it’s not as hot as it’ll get in August). All sorts of bait will flood bayside shorelines this month.

Bait such as mullet, shrimp, crabs, mud minnows, and croakers will all be thriving in and around sand and grass flats throughout our bay systems.

CAPT. MARTIN Because of bayflatslodge@gmail.com this month’s

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Soft plastic shrimp tails later in the morning CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: Capt. Countz likes a small soft plastic such as the MirrOlure Lil John, rigged on a 1/16 oz. jjg head.

If you’re wading in two or three deet of water a light jig head keeps the bait from sinking real quick.

abundant food source, local speckled trout will be gorging themselves whenever possible.

This means June will be a prime catching time for speckled trout here along the Texas coast.

Get ready and come along as we enjoy one of the greatest times of the year for catching Texas speckled trout.

Anglers who have spent any time fishing our Texas saltwater bays know they should always keep an eye open for birds working over bait in open water. The birds (gulls and |

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pelicans) are natural-born anglers, and they know how to survive on catching baitfish.

If there’s a group of hungry deep-water trout pushing bait to the surface, you can bet that the birds will see it happening and will come running (or flying). You’ll probably catch some type of fish beneath the pelicans and terns, but fishing beneath the big seagulls tends to almost always produce better trout results. If you have a trolling motor when you happen upon this situation, use it to ease in on the action, as running up to the birds with your outboard will seldom produce the results you’re looking for.

Another great time for finding some bigger trout this month is when you’re able to get out on the water three days before and after a full moon. The big gals roam open structure like reefs and such, and a lot of big fish have been taken during this time. June’s full moon takes place on Friday, June 5th this year, so plan accordingly.

A lot of these fish will be eating croakers in June, and a lot of Texas anglers will be using croaker for bait. If you get into some nice trout, croakers will certainly catch them for you.

Of course, live bait enthusiasts can also always rely on live shrimp. You can fish either of these baits beneath a popping cork, freelined, or on the bottom. Whenever the June weather and wind allows, a lot of anglers enjoy fishing with live croakers in the surf. It’s a great time of the year to do it, but you have to have calm conditions to make it safe and

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you’ll be hooked for life. The MirrOlure She Dog, the Heddon Super Spook, and the Rapala Skitter Walk in bone, chrome, chartreuse, and black backs are all good candidates this time of the year.

Another high-producing bait for June is any of a wide variety of plastic tails available on the market. Plastics allow anglers versatility because they can be worked across the bay floor, or hung in tandem, while fished under a popping cork. They can even be rigged to follow behind a topwater bait. The condition of the water, the wind, or even the time of day may determine what color might work best on the trout, but some favorites include, white/chartreuse, root beer, tequila gold, plum/black, and avocado.

Some good places to locate trout along our mid portion of the Texas coast this month will include the many, many openwater shell reefs of San Antonio Bay on days with good weather.

When the wind blows you off the reefs, many of the outside shorelines of the backlake areas such as Long Lake, Contee Lake, Pats Bay, and Panther Lake will hold roaming pods of bait, and the trout won’t be far behind. Fish shallow early in the morning, then follow the bait out to deeper water as the sun begins heating the water.

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HOTSPOTLIGHT:

TRAYLOR ISLAND

TRAYLOR ISLAND IS LOCATED ON ARANSAS BAY, SOUTH OF ROCKPORT AND Northeast of Aransas Pass. A number of bayous flow through and around the island. Selected HOTSPOTS are shown in the table below, and on the map.

SPECKLED TROUT KEY

HOTSPOT NAME

GPS

BEST BAIT & TACTIC

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Traylor Island

N 27 55.995, W 97 04.494

Work grassline with Bass Assassin or croakers on freeline; dawn thru morning.

2

California Hole

N 27 55.561, W 97 04.848

Dark plastics, shrimp, fish always on the move, drift; dawn-morning, afternoon-dusk.

3

Shell Banks

N 27 55.310, W 97 04.420

Drift or anchor, shrimp under rattle float, fish 2-4 feet; dawn thru midday.

• • •

ROCKPORT AREA

REDFISH

4

Upper Estes Flats

N 27 57.058, W 97 05.331

Drift w gold spoons or anchor and fish sand holes; dawn-morning, afternoon-dusk

5

North Shoreline

N 27 56.180, W 97 04.471

Anchor, freeline live mullet, shrimp, perch in 1-4’ depth; avoid midday, night.

Live mud minnows, fish bottom, best during tidal move; avoid midday

Reported by CAPT. MAC GABLE

FLOUNDER

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Big Cut

N 27 57.130, W 97 04.339

7

Big Bayou

N 27 55.823, W 97 04.634

Live mud minnows, fish bottom, best during tidal move; avoid midday.

A

S I SIT BEHIND MY SANItized laptop computer this day, a microscopic bug has tipped our whole planet on its ear.

What does this have to do with fishing or hunting? Nothing I guess, and yet everything. How can I NOT write about the impact of this apparent biblical level pestilence and its impact?

A young couple was dutifully fishing CAPT. GABLE into what was a ContactUs@Fishgame.com 30-mph wind.

BLACK DRUM

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Yucca Cut

N 27 57.037, W 97 04.805

Live/dead shrimp, crab, C-rig, fish drops and edges; dawn thru dusk.

9

California Hole

N 27 55.561, W 97 04.848

Dead shrimp on C-rigs, anchor & fish sand pockets; morning-afternoon.

WADEFISHING

1

Quarantine Shoreline

N 27 54.750, W 97 03.783

Redfish, trout; live baits, best with S SE wind, fish grass; dawn thru midday.

2

East Traylor Shore

N 27 56.841, W 97 04.263

Redfish, trout; live baits, fish grasslines and pocket; dawn thru midday.

SOURCE: TEXAS LAKES & BAYS FISHING ATLAS 2020

enjoyable. Give it a shot if you get the chance.

A lot of us like to wade when fishing the coast, and you can fish live bait when you wade, but many of us prefer to toss lures at big June trout while wading.

What are some of the favorite trout lures?

Well, that will depend on whom you ask,

because you’re probably going to get a different answer from everyone. From a sheer excitement standpoint, topwater lure action can seldom be beat. You’ll agree the first time you witness a big trout swirl beneath your topwater and then inhale it in what appears to be similar to a flushing toilet. At that point, T E X A S

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MIDDLE COAST They sat on a bench with their Zebco reels, every other cast blown back into their face.

When they saw me, they quickly asked, “Do you know who owns this property?”

“It’s public access,” I told them. “You catching any fish?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“We’ve caught a bunch,” the male said to my amazement, then reached down and pulled up a stringer loaded with hard heads.

“Do you know what those are?” I asked.

“Yes sir, saltwater catfish. We drove down from Dallas and are trying get an ice chest full due to the hard times we are in. We have some neighbors who could really use them.

Do you know the limit on them?”

I have to say I’ve never been asked that question and truth be told I wasn’t real sure.

“I don’t think there is a limit, but call the game warden to make sure,” I said.

A young man sat in a lawn chair, rod in hand, next to his jacked-up, tricked-out truck, he was every bit of maybe 17 years old. On

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the ground next to him was a black drum with an old foldout ruler lying on top. I was on a run/walk.

He hollered at me and said, “Do you know the limit on this sheepshead?” I stopped, breathing hard, “It’s not a sheepshead, it’s a black drum and the minimum length is 14 inches, maximum 30 and one more than 52 inches.”

He wanted to talk, so I asked what he caught him on. “Bologna,” he said. “It’s all I could find. My buddy from Austin was supposed to be here with me, but he’s sick. They think it’s the virus, so he stayed at home, and I’m fishing by myself. Been here three hours, and this is all I’ve caught.”

I smiled. “Well, I’m not sure bologna is in high demand down here.”

“I don’t think I should party on the beach,” he said. “So I’m trying to catch some fish for my mom.”

“That’s a wise choice,” I told him. “See that stuff in the road about a block down?”

“Yes sir,” he said. “That’s about two quarts of fresh-dead shrimp some boater just tossed out on the road. If you beat the gulls to them, you’ll catch more fish.”

“THANKS!!” he said and took off at a run just ahead of the gulls.

You could hear the boat coming from a mile away—stereo cranked up—and feel the vibration of the bass as it echoed through our little community. Slamming hard into the dock, the designated “trailer backer” stumbled to his truck, three sheets to the wind.

“Think you can walk a straight line?” I asked as I stood talking to anther angler.

“Hell no,” he said. “What difference does it make. We’re all gonna die anyway?”

“One beer left!” came the call from the crunched boat. “We’ll pass it around,” another said as they all took a swig—a disaster waiting to happen on multiple levels.

“I think we should talk them out of their keys and get them to a hotel” I said to my |

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friend. Luckily, we were successful.

Having been snow-bound in Alaska for two months, I was just back home in March and desperate for some fresh fish. I had just texted my guide buddies “will work for fillets” when came a knock on our door.

The most precious little girl was standing way off our porch. “Captain Mac,” she said, “would you like some fresh trout? We cleaned them really well, and they don’t have no virus on them!”

Her dad, Les, a good neighbor of ours and a friend, had wade-fished that day and had done well. Through what must have been divine guidance, somehow they knew I was desperate for trout. Did I say she was precious? She was angelic! Thanks Kaitlyn!

I left a world that was “normal,” if there is such a thing. I returned to a world I did not recognize. The plane I traveled home on was empty. The airport I traveled through smelled like the inside of a bottle of antiseptic, and again seemed eerily empty.

Those I did see had masks on and/or heads covered with hoodies. People who would normally go to the bathroom on a seven-hour flight sat tight in their wiped-down seats holding their urges till the plane landed, ever fearful the dreaded monster had taken residence in the plane;s lavatories.

Like a scene from The Walking Dead, no one spoke. The shuffle of feet was all that was heard. My head was filled with horror stories of long lines for food, shortages of items that didn’t make sense. Gas was in abundance, toilet paper a past luxury.

The Blitz attack on the United Kingdom

by Germany in 1940 and 1941 came to my mind, but this was no ill-directed army, but rather the smallest of enemies. If you have read my articles, then you know I often said it was not a mighty army that would gravely challenge our great nation, but rather a bacteria or super bug virus.

However, even I was surprised at the global impact of COVID-19. My travels and interfaces of late allowed me to hear the voices and opinions of many. Some are doomsayers, others espouse the idea that it’s nothing more than the common cold.

The truth lies somewhere close to the middle between these two extremes. It seems to be the norm these days, driven by an overzealous media and our easily panicked masses.

How do I feel about it all?

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I am FEARFUL in that we don’t yet fully understand our adversary. I am ANGRY many will lose so much, and it didn’t have to be that way. I am ASHAMED as I saw panic and hoarding slap the face of decency and altruism.

Yet, I am HOPEFUL and ENCOURAGED by the act of a selfless little girl to bring one old man and his wife a gift of fillets—or a young man whose concern was getting fish for his mother and staying to himself—or the angler who put himself in peril to get some compromised fishermen to a safe place so as not to be a threat to themselves and others.

We need kindness and caring and yes, this can be accomplished from a safe distance.

With a “pay it forward” message, just get creative. The slightest glimmer of happiness and the smallest ray of hope is ALL we really need.

colored sand eels on a light jig head. Stay close to the shoreline and cast out into the deeper water.

MESQUITE BAY: The spoil area just off Roddy Island is a good spot for sheepsheads and black drums. Live shrimp under a popping cork works well here. Berkley gulp shrimp are effective too. Drifts across Brays Cove are good for trout and flounders.

Imitation shrimp jigged across the bottom

work well as do live shrimp.

AYRES BAY: Wades on Second Chain Island are good for trout using a free-lined croaker or Berkley Jerk Shad in sardine color.

This is a good spot for reds as well using mud minnows.

BANK BITE: The North end of LBJ causeway is a good setup for reds and black drums. The pier is no longer accessible, but

••• THIS MIGHT BE THE BEST TIME FOR artificials, given the current state of our planet. It requires less interaction, and it’s something an angler can count on. As of this writing there is plenty of live bait, but who knows going forward?

COPANO BAY: The reefs in front of Newcome Point is a good place for reds. If you can get finger mullet, that’s best on a light Carolina rig. Mission Bay is a good spot for reds and black drums using free-lined live shrimp or Berkley Gulp shrimp under a popping cork. I fish the mouth a lot, but the many reefs in this bay are good spots to try on high tide days.

ST. CHARLES BAY: Indian Head Point is a good spot for reds using new penny jerk shad or morning glory colored jerk shad.

This area is good for mud minnows as well on a VERY light Carolina rig.

ARANSAS BAY: Bartell Island is a good spot for black drums and reds with a moving tide. Finger mullet works best here free-lined. The grass shoreline of Blackjack Point is a good spot to wade for reds and trout. Morning glory-colored sand eels and nuclear chicken are good.

CARLOS BAY: Cape Carlos is a good spot for trout using a free-lined croaker. This area often holds reds as well. Ballou Island shoreline is good wading using new penny-

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MIDDLE COAST the sand shell shore is good for bank fishing and easily accessible. This is best-fished early morning with a moving tide. I think a live shrimp on a fish finder rig is the best bet.

• • •

CORPUS CHRISTI BAY

are hidden. When the sun is high on those calm days in June, the deeper water will also be where mature gamefish seek cooler water temperatures.

The Intracoastal Waterway that runs north and south from Port Aransas, all the way through the Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay to the Land Cut will be a great start. Anchor high along the shallows on the east side of the channel and throw into the deeper water. Or set anchor out away from the western edge and throw toward the shallow drop off. Look closely for side channels and bends and cuts along the edge, as well as sandy spots dropping off into the channel.

Fish will also school up in the extreme shallows during the summer months to hunt grass shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Trout will hunt the shallows during the night as the water cools off quickly. This offers these predators a chance to herd schools of mullet against shorelines.

Reported by JOEY FARAH

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UNE IN THE COASTAL BEND is as exciting as Coastal bay fishing gets. Summer is busting out of the gate and anglers have some of the best fishing of the year only a single cast away.

Choices are never set in stone and the best strategy for June is to be ready for anything.

The winds of spring normally fall slack as the summer sun shines bright. When the winds lie flat, turn toward deeper water where boat noise and CAPT. FARAH jfarah@yahoo.com displacement

Topwater baits along the King Ranch shoreline at sunrise can bring explosive action. Although floating grass may interrupt your efforts, the DOA PT-7 is a completely weedless topwater that walks the dog and brings monster trout and redfish up to the surface.

Redfish will also be high in the shallow flats, so sight casting to tailing redfish along the east side of the Laguna Madre can be world class. The shoreline of the National Seashore south of Bird Island has a beautiful sandy shoreline with a drop off into waist high grass.

Here you can see reds in the crystal-clear water along the beach, then later in the day, catch them blind casting gold spoons out off the deeper drop off. Mmiles and miles of shin-deep water in Nine Mile Hole is the best redfish action on earth. Schools of reds and black drum bask in the sun all day waiting for anglers to stalk them with DOA shrimp and gold spoons.

The live bait fishing at the start of summer revolves around live croaker fishing. Small live croakers should be fished in the sand pockets in the Laguna Madre as well as along the big rock piles of Baffin Bay. This is the Super Bowl of big trout fishing. Your chances of bringing a true monster trout this time of year in this bay system are the highest in the state.

These baits ignite an aggressive attack from speckled trout as they defend their spawning grounds from small baitfish. In the beginning of summer most redfish and drums will still be feeding on shrimp and crabs, so for them, live shrimp will be your ticket.

Live shrimp and popping corks over those rock piles in Baffin Bay will load you up on trout, reds, and drums. Drift the flats of the Meadows, and the Tide Gauge Bar on those windy afternoons. Don’t forget the beach!

When the Gulf goes flat, some of the best fishing around is along the miles and miles of open beaches on Padre Island. Silver spoons, topwater plugs, and DOA, 3-inch CAL SHADS fished in the first two guts at high tide and first light can bring in those thick surf trout. Come down and enjoy the best of summer saltwater fishing here. Always follow our hookups on Facebook at Joey Farah’s Backwater Fishing.

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MIDDLE COAST HOTSPOTS

treble-j-charters.com TIPS: If you find a drum school or pod diving deep or moving away when you get ready to cast to them, you are too close. This is a good time to add the light jig heads to get extra distance on your casts.

LOCATION: Aransas Bay HOTSPOT: Outside of Traynor Island GPS: N 27 56.688, W 97 4.4639 (27.9448, -97.0744)

LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay HOTSPOT: Portland Shoreline GPS: N 27 52.772, W 97 16.552 (27.8795, -97.2759) HOTSPOT: Northwest Shoreline GPS: N 28 8.618, W 97 7.718 (28.1436, -97.1286)

SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Popping Cork with Gulp CONTACT: Capt. James Sabo 361-726-5255 tailsupguideservice.com TIPS: Capt. Sabo likes fishing for redfish on the flats, free lining croaker in 3 to 5 feet of water, rigging with a swivel about 3 feet away from a 5/0 croaker hook, using a 30 lb. monofilament leader.

LOCATION: Copano Bay

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SPECIES: Black Drum BEST BAITS: Dead Shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Free lined live croaker CONTACT: Capt. Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 tcountz@sbcglobal.net www.matagordafishing.com TIPS: Free line a live croaker in grass bed pockets LOCATION: Port Aransas

5/21/20 3:12 PM

BEST BAITS: Freeline live croaker CONTACT: Capt. Marvin Engel 361-658-6674 CaptMarvinEngel@yahoo.com www.texasfishingguides.org/bigm TIPS: Hook the croaker right above the anal fin so he can swim around naturally, won’t be upside down or sideways in the water.

MIDDLE COAST HOTSPOT: Aransas Channel GPS: N 27 52.401, W 97 5.366 (27.8734, -97.0894)

SPECIES: Speckled trout BEST BAITS: Freeline live croaker CONTACT: Capt. Marvin Engel 361-658-6674 CaptMarvinEngel@yahoo.com www.texasfishingguides.org/bigm TIPS: Pop your line about every 15-20 seconds, reel 2-3 cranks to get slack out of the line.

SPECIES: Black Drum BEST BAITS: Dead Shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: Freeline weightless, or if more distance is needed, go with a 1/8 or 1/16 jig head to use with the dead shrimp.

SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Live or dead bait CONTACT: Capt. James Sabo 361-726-5255 tailsupguideservice.com TIPS: Sight fish for the redfish on the flats in the shallow, grassy water areas.

LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: Mud Island GPS: N 27 56.380, W 97 00.763 (27.939667, -97.012717)

LOCATION: Port Aransas HOTSPOT: Super Flats GPS: N 27 54.669, W 97 02.196 (27.91115, -97.0366)

LOCATION: Redfish Bay HOTSPOT: Flats GPS: N 27 51.1039, W 97 9.352 (27.8517, -97.1559)

LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Pita Flats GPS: N 27 35.066, W 97 17.658 (27.5844, -97.2943)

SPECIES: Speckled trout

SPECIES: Black Drum BEST BAITS: Dead Shrimp under a popping cork CONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland 361-290-6302 treblejcharters@yahoo.com treble-j-charters.com TIPS: The same terminal rigging will work for redfish, but probably cut mullet will work better than dead shrimp.

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Summer Fishing Gets Off To A Rocky Start BAFFIN BAY

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LOWER COAST HOTSPOTS

LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Badlands GPS: N 27 18.447, W 97 25.993

(27.3075, -97.4332)

Reported by CAPT. GERAD MERRITT

S WE TURN OUR ATTENtion to the warmer times here in June, we have to note that the water temperature is undeniably heating up.

Even though you will still find plenty of fish roaming around grass flats and slightly shallower water, this is the time to start concentrating on the biggest feature in Baffin Bay that sets it aside from most other estuaries— CAPT. MERRITT ROCKS. geradmerritt@gmail.com These rocks were formed far before you and I were even a thought. During this time of year, the rock systems will hold more fish than you will find in any other area of this wonderful paradise we call Baffin Bay. As fish try to escape the heat, deeper rocks will hold fish tightly, because of the cooler water they offer. Drifting slowly over these rocks will allow you to find fish that are schooling and feeding on either side of the rock pile.

When scouting out a spot and time to fish, it is important to remember trout and redfish are ambush-type feeders and are looking for the prime opportunity to hunt for a meal. An approach I tend to use consists of throwing live bait or lures on top of a rock pile. The key when using this method is to work it to the edge of the structure.

That is when the fun and excitement will begin!

Live croaker is my unquestionable go-to bait during the summer months. You will find it to be one of the most successful methods, as it matches closely with their behavioral feeding patterns for June. After

ful time for anglers to enjoy some sunshine, saltwater, and catch some amazing trout and redfish.

years of using this approach, I have learned that once fish gain the desire to begin eating croakers, they will continue to do so regularly for several months to follow.

While wade fishing during this time of year, I will typically look for two major factors that will allow for success. First, I try to find a deep shelf or bar that will allow me to stand on one side and cast deep. This will stimulate the ambush behavior in the fish and bring them to the edge of the bar or shelf as I work my preferred bait back to me.

Another effective method is finding “pot holes” in a grass line. These areas typically hold desirable fish, which can make for an incredible catch or the wade fisherman.

Bait choice plays a significant role in being successful while fishing these warmer months. Aside from live croakers, the use of top waters, corkies, and the “old school go-to” gold or silver spoon proves to work well in the grass flats.

Because of the unpredictability of wading or drifting with lures, it’s key to be prepared to change tactics quickly and frequently. I always have a backup plan for my next type and color of plastic I might try to avoid missing the opportunity to catch some of the most sought-after fish in Baffin Bay. All in all, June on Baffin Bay is a wonderT E X A S

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SPECIES: Redfish BEST BAITS: Live Croaker or shrimp CONTACT: Capt. John Little 361-816-9114 captjohnlittle@sbcglobal.net TIPS: Casting into grass pockets located along the grass lines can produce redfish and black drum using live or dead shrimp for bait.

LOCATION: Baffin Bay HOTSPOT: Center Reef GPS: N 27 16.138, W 97 28.051

(27.2690, -97.4675)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Dead shrimp CONTACT: Capt. John Little 361-816-9114 captjohnlittle@sbcglobal.net TIPS: After the trout quit biting we will target redfish in the Badlands, mouth of Baffin Bay as well, using live or dead shrimp.

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BEST BAITS: Live shrimp, topwaters in Bone, Gold spons CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez 956-551-9581 TIPS: Fish the mud/sand transitions in deeper water along the shoreline. Trout will mingle in the warmer water. Redfish will be prowling shallower water.

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HOTSPOTLIGHT:

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Cullen Channel GPS: N 26 15.6, W 97 17.415 (26.2600, -97.2903)

PENSACAL RINCON

PENSACAL RINCON IS LOCATED AT THE SOUTHERN MOUTH OF BAFFIN BAY, where it joins the Upper Laguna Madre. Selected FISHING HOTSPOTS are shown in the table below, and on the map above.

SPECKLED TROUT KEY

HOTSPOT NAME

GPS

BEST BAIT & TACTIC

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Penescal

N 27 15.672, W 97 25.290

Topwaters, wade under a full moon, large trout action happens here; night.

2

Penescal Point Reef

N 27 15.973, W 97 25.377

Drift live shrimp under cork very slowy on top of the rocks; morning, dusk.

3

Rocks at 4

N 27 16.599, W 97 25.003

Live shrimp, anchor upwind of rocks, cast to edge; morning, dusk.

4

Badlands South

N 27 17.152, W 97 25.053

Drift over flats with shrimp, anchor near grass. Best result with croakers; good all day.

REDFISH

5

Spoil Islands of ICW

N 27 15.095, W 97 24.761

Exude firetiger plastics, freeline shrimp, east side jigs; dawn thru morning.

6

Spoil Banks of Penascal Point

N 27 15.555, W 97 25.154

freeline live bait, work east dropoff, work bait slowly; dawn thru midday.

7

Penascal Rincon

N 27 16.018, W 97 25.444

tops, soft plastics, drift shallows w shrimp under cork; dawn thru midday.

N 27 17.392, W 97 24.510

mud minnows, best w moving tide or w S or SE wind; dawn-morn, dusk-night.

N 27 17.155, W 97 25.558

live shrimp under pop-n cork, drift the area; dawn thru midday.

N 27 16.386, W 97 25.266

Speckled trout, redfish, black drum, live shrimp, mullet; dawn thru morn.

FLOUNDER Between ICW Spoils

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BLACK DRUM Badlands South

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SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Kelley Wigglers soft plastics CONTACT: Capt. Joseph Prado 956-357-1301 josephpradoprado@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/joseph.prado TIPS: On calm days I like to throw Kelley Wigglers on a jig head.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Fishing Shacks GPS: N 26 26.4756, W 97 20.591 (26.4413, -97.3432)

WADEFISHING

1

Penescal Point Reef

SOURCE: TEXAS LAKES & BAYS FISHING ATLAS 2020

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: Atascosa Wildlife Refuge Shoreline GPS: N 26 10.244, W 97 18.155 (26.1707, -97.3026)

SPECIES: Black Drum BEST BAITS: Live Shrimp, Fresh Srhimp.

CONTACT: LG Outfitters 956-371-0220 lgonzales@lgoutfitters.com lgoutfitters.com

SPECIES: redfish

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TIPS: Anchor up near a set of pilings marks where a shack used to be, or where on may still be standing, and toss a live shrimp or fresh shrimp out on a fish finder or split-shot rig towards the edge of the ICW. If the current is pulling hard, you may want to go with the heavier weight of the former.

fish will be around the algaie feeding on it.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: South Bay GPS: N 26 1.583, W 97 11.101 (26.0264, -97.1850)

LOCATION: South Padre Island HOTSPOT: North Jetty GPS: N 26 4.048, W 97 8.881 (26.0675, -97.1480)

LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre HOTSPOT: South Bay GPS: N 26 1.771, W 97 11.0479 (26.0295, -97.1841)

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Gulp under a Popping Cork CONTACT: Capt. Joseph Prado 956-357-1301 josephpradoprado@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/joseph.prado TIPS: Freshwater runoff creates algae masses grow in different little back bays we have down here. All the

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SPECIES: Snook BEST BAITS: Topwaters, soft plastics in red/white, Bpne glitter, Bone/Chartreuse CONTACT: Captain Jimmy Martinez 956-551-9581 TIPS: Snook spread out over the flats sa the water tops 75 degrees. Topwaters and soft plastics are best.

Fish with a faster cadence.

SPECIES: Speckled Trout BEST BAITS: Gulp under a Popping Cork CONTACT: Capt. Joseph Prado 956-357-1301 josephpradoprado@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/joseph.prado TIPS: Tips on fishing freshwater runoff …if the coastal bays are overrun with freshwater, move out to the jetties to catch saltwater tidal movement.

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find the Hybrids. This time of year they will range in the water column from 16 foot to 28 feet. Find the depth the bait are in and you will find the fish. As the weather heats up the early morning bite will be best.

Live shad will be the bait of choice but the swim shad will work if you can control the depth. Good luck and good fishing! Bank Access: Stowaway Marina LOCATION: Lake Cooper/Chapman HOTSPOT: Deep Well GPS: N 33 18.574 , W 95 41.189 (33.3096, -95.6865)

Bass, Crappie, Hybrid Action Heats Up BEST BAITS: V&M wild thang 8.5 worm in colors of black/blue or Blue Flex. Frogs and buzzbaits in the grass and pads.

CONTACT: Caddo Lake Guide Service/Paul Keith 318-455-3437 caddoguide1@att.net www.caddolakefishing.com TIPS: Fish the large worms around the cypress trees in 3-5 ft. of water while fishing the frogs and buzzbaits in the same areas.

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

LOCATION: Lake Fork HOTSPOT: 154 & 515 Bridges or Main Lake Brush Piles GPS: N 32 51.498, W 95 31.956 (32.8583, -95.5326)

LOCATION: Lake Conroe HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 30 26.994, W 95 35.376 (30.4499, -95.5896) Reported by TF&G STAFF

EAST TEXAS HOTSPOTS

LOCATION: Caddo Lake HOTSPOT: Bird Island Area GPS: N 32 40.6206, W 94 5.0219 (32.6770, -94.0837)

SPECIES: Hybrid Stripers BEST BAITS: Live shad and Storm Swim shad CONTACT: Richard Tatsch 936)291-1277 admin@fishdudetx.com www.fishdudetx.com TIPS: The hybrid stripers are in full swing now and this is the time to catch trophy fish and possibly lake record Hybrids. They will be all around the lake on submerged points and humps. The use of electronics is a necessity! Find the schools of shad and you will

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass

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SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows and jigs in chartreuse or ice blue CONTACT: Doug Shampine 940-902-3855 doug@lakeforktrophybass.com www.lakeforktrophybass.com TIPS: June is a great month to catch a big mess of crappie on Lake Fork. The crappie have spawned and started moving back off shore and schooling up for the summer. A great place to look for them will be the 515 bridges both east and west and the 154 bridge in the east arm. But the best place will be if you can find brush piles in the lake from 18 to 22 feet. The crappie are hungry from the spawn and will be feeding aggressively. If you are interested in a crappie trip I fish out of a 22 foot bay boat and can handle several adults.

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15 Miles West of Carthage

HOTSPOTLIGHT:

LAKE MURVAUL

LOCATION: On Murvaul Bayou in Panola County, 15 miles west of Carthage SURFACE AREA: 3,397 acres MAXIMUM DEPTH: 36 feet IMPOUNDED: 1958 LAKE MURVAUL HAS AN EXCELLENT and highly utilized largemouth bass fishery.

CURRENT LAKE LEVELS LAKE

EAST TEXAS

CAPACITY AC. FT. Addicks -n.a.B A Steinhagen 69,186 Barker -n.a.Bob Sandlin 192,417 Bonham 11,027 Caddo 29,898 Coleto Creek 31,040 Conroe 410,988 Crook 9,195 Cypress Springs 66,756 Fork 605,061 Houston 130,147 Houston County 17,113 Jacksonville 25,670 Jim Chapman 260,332 Lake O’ the Pines 268,566 Livingston 1,741,867 Monticello 34,740 Murvaul 38,285 Nacogdoches 39,522 Palestine 367,303 Pat Mayse 113,683 Sam Rayburn 2,857,077 Striker 16,934 Sulphur Springs 17,747 Toledo Bend 2,236,450 Wright Patman 553,344 As of 5/11/2020

CURRENT AC. FT. -n.a.65,265 -n.a.192,417 10,890 29,898 22,014 390,177 9,195 66,756 605,061 118,698 17,113 25,670 260,332 268,566 1,741,867 30,800 38,285 39,129 367,303 113,683 2,857,077 16,934 15,258 2,231,228 507,591

% FULL -n.a.94% -n.a.100% 99% 100% 71% 95% 100% 100% 100% 91% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 89% 100% 99% 100% 100% 100% 100% 86% 100% 92%

•

Channel catfish are present in high numbers and provide excellent opportunities for anglers. Quality-size crappie are present with best fishing success in winter and spring. Sunfish (bluegill and redear) are present in good numbers with high numbers of fish over 6 inches available for harvest. Natural

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LOCATION: Lake Livingston HOTSPOT: 190 Road Bed GPS: N 30 45.15, W 95 10.3206 (30.7525, -95.1720)

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Jigs, soft plastics CONTACT: TPWD District Fisheries Office 409-698-9114 TIPS: This is a good spawning area. Use your electronics to find brush piles. Avoid midday.

SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: Jigging slabs, spoons, troll pet spoon on down rigger, Tsunami Zombie Eyes (1 oz pink/ silver glow) CONTACT: David S. Cox, Palmetto Guide Service 936-291-9602 dave@palmettoguideservice.com www.palmettoguideservice.com TIPS: “Key in on old bridge rails and road bed in 11 - 15 foot. Jig slabs and Tsunami Zombie Eyes right off the bottom. BANK ACCESS: Kickapoo Marina off 190 on Kickapoo Creek

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

LOCATION: Lake Nacogdoches HOTSPOT: Anderson Point GPS: N 31 37.411, W 94 48.952 (31.6235, -94.8159)

T E X A S

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habitat is present is present in the form of inundated timber, aquatic vegetation, and numerous creek channels.

An abundance of man-made structures (rip rap, boat houses and docks) provide additional structural habitat.

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rip rap. Great year round spot.

EAST TEXAS

LOCATION: Toledo Bend HOTSPOT: Wilson Creek (Poly Farm) River Bend Sand-Bar GPS: N 31 37.242, W 93 49.608 (31.6207, -93.8268)

TIPS: Fish bright cranks, Carolina rigs. Work the brushpiles on long roadbed. Avoid midday. Night fishing good here.

LOCATION: Lake Sam Rayburn HOTSPOT: 103 @ Attoyac GPS: N 31 19.727, W 94 18.199 (31.3288, -94.3033)

SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: Slab spoons, tail spinners, and RatL-Traps CONTACT: Greg Crafts, Toledo Bend Guide Service and Lake Cottages 936-368-7151 gregcrafts@yahoo.com www.toledobendguide.com TIPS: As the water continues to warm, the White bass will be moving further south down the lake fol-

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Soft plastics CONTACT: Mike Knight 936-635-2427 notechmike@hotmail.com www.easttxfishingguide.com TIPS: Fish soft plastics on a Carolina rig. Work the

Summer Patterns Take Shape on Central Lakes (30.3487, -97.8086)

lowing the old river channel, holding and feeding on the inside bend sand-bars. Use your electronics to find the bait fish and the Whites or Blacks will be close by. Drop a slab spoon or cast out a tail spinner. Schooling activity will be increasing as the water warms so keep a Rat-L-Trap handy. You might catch two fish on each hook and two or three following the bait up to the boat. Look for the Sea Gulls feeding on the bait-fish and you’ll find the schools of fish. It’s a great time to catch a lot of fish in a short term when they get bunched up.

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water or start skipping docks with a V&M Delta Bug. It’s very important to throw multiple times at the same spot when skipping or fishing docks and the reason is these fish are usually coming back from feeding in the mornings and are in metabolize mode (meaning they are digesting their meals from the morning feed).

So to trigger reaction strikes it is best to give that fish multiple opportunities to decide to eat again.

LOCATION: Bachman Lake HOTSPOT: Bridge GPS: N 32 51.576, W 96 51.378 (32.8596, -96.8563)

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: V&M Delta Bug, V&M Trickster, Picasso Tungsten, Picasso Inviz Wire Spinnerbait, Picasso Double Barrel Underspin CONTACT: Brian Parker - Lake Austin Fishing 817-808-2227 lakeaustinfishing@yahoo.com www.LakeAustinFishing.com TIPS: This will be post spawn feeding time on Lake Austin and other Lower Colorado River lakes. I start my mornings with a Picasso Inviz Wire Spinnerbait and work the sandy flats right by depth changes. As the sun comes up, I switch to a Picasso Double Barrel Underspin with a V&M Thunder Shad (usually in white or hitch color) and work the 8-12 feet of water column with a yo-yo action. When the sun gets high, I switch to a Carolina rigged V&M Trickster in 15+ feet of

Reported by TF&G STAFF

CENTRAL TEXAS HOTSPOTS

LOCATION: Lake Austin HOTSPOT: Lake Austin Flats and Docks GPS: N 30 20.922, W 97 48.5159

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SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: 1/16th jig in white and chartreuse or black and chartreuse under a 2 inch pegged bobber CONTACT: Carey Thorn 469-528-0210 thorn_alex@yahoo.com TexasOklahomaFishingGuide.com TIPS: Under the bridge, are all sorts of trees stuck on the pylons. They are sitting anywhere from 5 to 6 foot of water some a bit shallower. The Wataburger side,

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CURRENT LAKE LEVELS

CENTRAL TEXAS

LAKE

CAPACITY AC. FT. Aquilla 43,243 Arlington 40,157 Athens 29,503 Austin 23,972 Bardwell 46,122 Belton 435,225 Benbrook 85,648 Buchanan 816,904 Canyon 378,781 Cedar Creek 644,686 Choke Canyon 662,820 Corpus Christi 256,062 Eagle Mountain 179,880 Georgetown 36,823 Granger 51,822 Grapevine 163,064 Halbert 6,033 Hubert H Moss 24,058 Inks 13,962 Joe Pool 175,800 Lavon 406,388 Lewisville 563,228 Limestone 203,780 Lyndon B Johnson 115,249 Marble Falls 6,901 Martin 75,726 Medina 254,823 Mountain Creek 22,850 Nasworthy 9,615 Navarro Mills 49,827 New Terrell City 8,583 Ray Hubbard 439,559 Ray Roberts 788,167 Richland-Chamb. 1,087,839 Somerville 150,293 Stillhouse Hollow 227,771 Tawakoni 871,685 Texana 159,566 Texoma 1,243,801 Travis 1,113,348 Tyler 72,073 Waco 189,418 Waxahachie 10,780 Weatherford 17,812 Whitney 553,344 Worth 553,344 As of 5/11/2020

CURRENT AC. FT. 43,150 37,037 29,503 22,726 46,122 435,225 85,648 808,234 354,117 643,378 285,455 171,730 178,418 25,672 51,822 163,064 5,307 23,896 13,035 175,800 402,077 563,228 202,170 111,003 6,825 75,726 175,530 22,850 8,294 49,827 8,583 437,263 788,167 1,086,127 149,280 227,771 871,685 125,322 1,243,801 952,394 72,073 189,418 10,780 17,584 507,591 507,591

% FULL 100% 92% 100% 95% 100% 100% 100% 99% 94% 100% 43% 67% 99% 70% 100% 100% 88% 99% 93% 100% 99% 100% 99% 96% 99% 100% 69% 100% 86% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 99% 100% 100% 79% 100% 86% 100% 100% 100% 99% 92% 92%

HOTSPOTLIGHT:

LAKE BENBROOK LOCATION: On the Clear Fork of the Trinity River, off US 377 in Tarrant County, 10 miles southwest of downtown Fort Worth SURFACE AREA: 3,635 acres MAXIMUM DEPTH: 70 feet IMPOUNDED: 1952

•

LARGEMOUTH BASS ARE THE MOST popular sport fish in the reservoir.

Hybrid striped bass are stocked annu-

GPS: N 31 12.3899, W 97 30.756 (31.2065, -97.5126)

early in the morning and in the evenings. Bass will move from deeper water into the shallows looking for baitfish in the evenings and you will catch them still cruising and feeding in the morning. As the sun gets high in the sky they will move back deep. During these times crankbaits and spinnerbaits matching the color and size of the baitfish the bass are feeding on will be key. This is not to say that that you cannot catch them in the heat of the day. Look for shaded areas or large weed beds. Jigs work great here for punching the grass bed. Keep a close eye on your line while fishing grass beds, many times the Bass will hit it as soon as it comes through the matted grass. Good Luck and I’ll see you on the water.

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and Bass jigs CONTACT: Henry Niemiec 254-368-0294 surestrikeguideservice@yahoo.com TIPS: Bass will be in their summer pattern at this time of the year. The prime time to be on the lake is T E X A S

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ally and there is an excellent fishery for them. Channel and blue catfish are abundant; white bass and crappie provide good angling opportunities.

Lake Benbrook has little aquatic vegetation. Most structure is in the form of dead trees and underwater ridges or humps.

•

West, right up against the bank is anywhere from 6 to 9 foot. The east side of the bridge is 2 to 4 foot. So standing on the west side is best. Under the bridge behind WataBurger is good all day, but night time from 8 pm-4 am is killer with a 1/16 th jig-head white and chartreuse or black and chartreuse, under a 2 inch pegged bobber, but replace the peg with a glow stick.

LOCATION: Lake Belton HOTSPOT: Main Lake

10 Miles Southwest of Fort Worth

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CENTRAL TEXAS LOCATION: Lake Buchanan HOTSPOT: Dam Area/Lower End of Main Lake GPS: N 30 45.57, W 98 27.2699 (30.7595, -98.4545)

LOCATION: Canyon Lake HOTSPOT: Jacobs Point GPS: N 29 52.668, W 98 13.3259 (29.8778, -98.2221)

SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Live Shad CONTACT: Ken Miliam 325-379-2051 kmilam@verizon.net www.striperfever.com.com TIPS: Stripers and Hybrid fishing has been really good on the lower end of the lake! Fish in front of the dam on the sand and on deep water humps south of the Black Rock Park area.

SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Jigging spoon in white color CONTACT: Steve Nixon, Fishhooks Adventures 210-573-1230 steve@sanantoniofishingguides.com www.sanantoniofishingguides.com TIPS: Fish from the point back to the swim beach casting out the spoon and try to maintain a depth of 20 to 40 feet, the Striped Bass like to school in this area this time of year. Tight lines and Fish On!

LOCATION: Lake Buchanan HOTSPOT: Main Lake Points GPS: N 30 48.738, W 98 25.968 (30.8123, -98.4328)

SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: Slabs CONTACT: Jason Barber 903-603-2047 kingscreekadventures@yahoo.com www.kingscreekadventures.com TIPS: Fish mid-lake humps and points with slabs hopped along the bottom in 8’ to 16’.

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SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: Slab with a fly 12” above Slab CONTACT: Johnny Stevens 817-597-6598 817-597-6598 johnnysguideservice.com johnlu1313@gmail.com TIPS: This area just north of the dam is a series of humps and ridges. This area was used to supply earth for the dam. Use your electronics to check the slopes and humps. When you locate the fish anchor on them and use a vertical jig method on them. If you prefer to cast to them. Use a slab and jig combo and let it go to the bottom and hop it back to boat.

LOCATION: Fayette County HOTSPOT: Park Cove GPS: N 29 56.544, W 96 44.9639 (29.9424, -96.7494)

LOCATION: Coleto Creek Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 28 43.4759, W 97 11.334 (28.7246, -97.1889) |

LOCATION: Lake Eagle Mountain HOTSPOT: 200 Yards North of Dam GPS: N 32 52.588, W 97 28.067 (32.8765, -97.4678)

LOCATION: Cedar Creek Lake HOTSPOT: Mid-Lake Humps GPS: N 32 18.288, W 96 9.636 (32.3048, -96.1606)

SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Live shad or perch, topwater plugs, Long A Bombers and Red Fin lures CONTACT: Ken Miliam 325-379-2051 kmilam@verizon.net www.striperfever.com.com TIPS: Stripers will still be hitting top water plugs on main lake points where you see thread fin shad running. You can also find them near back of creeks. Live shad or perch ALWAYS work well but artificial lures such as the Long A bombers and Red fin type baits are also serious considerations.

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SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Topwater lures, weightless watermelon lizards, pearl white or watermellon flukes, white spinnerbaits CONTACT: Rocky’s Guide Service 361-960-0566 TIPS: What a great month to fish. The lake is at full level, there are lots of hiding places for the fry and insects are flying. Anything goes this time of year.

Some of my favorites are top water lures, spinnerbaits, flukes, and Texas rigs . I’d stay focused in back of creeks that have a lot of fry and fish top water early morning. Then I’ll find clear water during the afternoon and pitch white spinners during windy day. If no wind I’d throw pearl white or watermelon flukes. Just let it sink real slow. If they are there they will hit it.

Somtimes I’ll throw watermelon red lizard weightless.

Remember: Fish the back of creeks!

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SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: CJ’s punch bait CONTACT: Weldon Kirk 979-229-3103 weldon_edna@hotmail.com www.fishtales-guideservice.com TIPS: Spawn is mostly over by now. Fish will be shallow in the timber. Put chum around the trees and fish with a slip cork.

LOCATION: Granger Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake Brush Piles GPS: N 30 42.1079, W 97 21.066

(30.7018, -97.3511)

SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: 1/32 oz. Marabou jig CONTACT: Tommy Tidwell 512-365-7761 crappie1@hotmail.com www.gotcrappie.com TIPS: May is the beginning of the best crappie fishing at Granger Lake. The fish are biting in every spot that has brush. Concentrate on open brush piles in 6-12 feet of water. The key is finding the spots with the bigger fish. Those big slab sized crappie are normally in the smaller less obvious underwater cover. A few small sticks in 6 feet of water can produce some of the largest crappie of the year. There is no need to use minnows this time of year since the crappie are so hungry after spawning. I always use a Berkley Crappie Nibble on my jigs. It helps to make the fish hold the bait longer. Fish vertically over the cover and hold the jig still. Wait no longer than 5 seconds for a bite.

Then move the jig a little to a new location and do the same. If you feel cover and do not catch a crappie within 5 minutes, move to the next spot.

LOCATION: Lake Joe Pool HOTSPOT: Bowman Creek Bank GPS: N 32 37.246, W 97 03.879

(32.6208, -97.0647)

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SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: Minnows CONTACT: Carey Thorn 469-528-0210 whitebassfishingtexas@gmail.com whitebassfishingtexas.com TIPS: Fish live minnows. This spot has lots of bank access and plenty places fish. Avoid midday.

ricky@rickysguideservice.com rickysguideservice.com TIPS: Fishing south of the 155 bridge working points. Concentrate on 8 to 16 feet depths. Work the points for best results. Cobb creek has good points and I catch good numbers in this area. When fishing points I will fish the first point going into a creek and then move to the next inside the creek all the way to the back staying in the depths mentioned above. Try Carolina rigs as well.

LOCATION: Lake Ray Roberts HOTSPOT: 3002 Bridge GPS: N 33 26.053, W 97 06.616

(33.4342, -97.1103)

LOCATION: Lake Lavon HOTSPOT: Humps Between Power Plant and Dam GPS: N 33 2.676, W 96 28.266

(33.0446, -96.4711)

SPECIES: White Bass BEST BAITS: Small Flukes in Pearl White, chartreuse, and silver/black CONTACT: Carey Thorn 469-528-0210 whitebassfishingtexas@gmail.com whitebassfishingtexas.com TIPS: The main school will be located in 18 to 26 foot of water near the dam or somewhere around the main island. Also check the humps in between the dam and the powerhouse. Dead sticking small flukes right off the bottom.

LOCATION: Lake Palestine HOTSPOT: Cobb Creek GPS: N 32 5.4539, W 95 27.8339

(32.0909, -95.4639)

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: BD 7 Crankbait in shad color CONTACT: Ricky Vandergriff 903-561-7299 or 903-530-2201

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SPECIES: Crappie BEST BAITS: 1/16-oz. plastic jigs, white/chartreuse or black/chartreuse CONTACT: Cliff Spindle 940-727-3493 cliffspindle@yahoo.com spindleguideservice.com TIPS: In May the crappie spawn should be close to being over and the crappie are now migrating back out to the main lake. As they pass by the FM 3002 bridge they will often hang around the pilings of the bridge, and this is one of the most productive areas of the lake for crappie at this time of year. This bridge has support beams between the pilings that should be from 10 to 12 feet down,. The crappie normally will be from the support beam up. Slow reeling up and a pitch and swing technic works well under the bridge. Using a tandem rig is also affective. Some fisherman like to tie up and work one set of pilings. I personally like using the trolling motor and go from piling to piling, searching for the motherload. You get new fish daily under the bridge. Like I said they are migrating back to the main lake, so they are not always at the same set of pilings each day. Night fishing is very good under the bridge this time of year. Tie up on a set of pilings and set out your fishing lights. Once the bait starts coming to the light, the crappie should be close behind. Live bait will work best for night fishing. If you’re planning to just fish the bridge, don’t try it on a windy day: twoto four-foot waves will make it unfishable.

LOCATION: Richland Chambers Lake HOTSPOT: 309 Flats GPS: N 31 58.71, W 96 6.864

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ing patterns at Lake Texoma. Stripers are schooling in large groups across the lake. For best results this month, cast topwater plugs on shallow banks near deep water drop offs early in the morning. The topwater bite is exciting fishing this time of year. The go-to topwater plug is the Pencil Popper. When mid-morning rolls around, try tying 1.5 ounce slabs in chrome, white or chartreuse. Track large schools of fish in the main lake area and in river channels. The technique of choice this month is a fast retrieve; let your slab free fall to the bottom, reeling quickly to the surface. Pay attention as the stripers will hit on the fall. We call this technique “drop it and rip ‘em”.

Look for surfacing topwater action mid-month in the river channels and main lake areas.”

CENTRAL TEXAS (31.9785, -96.1144)

SPECIES: White Bass and Hybrid Striper BEST BAITS: Slabs CONTACT: Royce Simmons 903-389-4117 simmonsroyce@hotmail.com www.gonefishin.biz TIPS: May is my FAVORITE month of the Spring as the weather is more predictable, the temperature is pleasant and the fish are easy to find and catch!

The Hybrid Stripers and White Bass will be feeding aggressively in the Main Lake area all month long.

Silver RSR Slabs fished in 20’-30’ water off the 309 Flats will result in lots of White Bass action and the occasional LARGE Hybrid Striper. Look for the Gulls to help locate the baitfish that the whites are feeding on.

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits and Topwater Baits in natural colors CONTACT: Henry Niemiec 254-368-0294 surestrikeguideservice@yahoo.com TIPS: With the water temperatures in the upper 70’s and low 80’s and daytime temperatures reaching into the 90’s, now is the time to plan your trips in the early morning or late afternoon. Bass will move into the shallow water to feed when the sun goes down and move back to deeper water when it comes back up. Look for matted grass around the flats and also the timber around the back side of the island. Work around the timber on the shady side and along the edges and through the grass. If you have been bitten by the top water bug, this is the time of the year for some great top water action.

LOCATION: Lake Somerville HOTSPOT: Yegua Park Cove GPS: N 30 18.3239, W 96 32.034 (30.3054, -96.5339)

LOCATION: Lake Texoma HOTSPOT: The North End GPS: N 33 52.068, W 96 41.67 (33.8678, -96.6945)

SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: CJ’s punch Bait or Shad CONTACT: Weldon Kirk 979-229-3103 weldon_edna@hotmail.com www.fishtales-guideservice.com TIPS: Water is warming. Fish close to shore. Chum the area. If Lily pads are growing, fish the edge of them with slip corks.

LOCATION: Stillhouse Hollow Lake HOTSPOT: Main Lake GPS: N 31 0.8579, W 97 36.402 (31.0143, -97.6067)

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SPECIES: Striped Bass BEST BAITS: Slabs, jigs and topwater plugs CONTACT: Bill Carey 903-786-4477 bigfish@striperexpress.com www.striperexpress.com TIPS: “June is the beginning of the summer fish-

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LOCATION: Lake Whitney HOTSPOT: Big Rock Ledge and Island Flats GPS: N 31 53.652, W 97 23.0579 (31.8942, -97.3843)

SPECIES: Striped Bass and White Bass BEST BAITS: Live Gizzard Shad, Live Perch, Flutter Jigs, Stripaholic jig heads and trailers from www. rsrlures.com CONTACT: Randy Routh 817-822-5539 teamredneck01@hotmail.com www.teamredneck.net TIPS: “June can be a great time to not only catch a lot of fish but catch some big fish too. Two things are happening: they are coming off a spawn and are still gorging and they are on a feed in preparation for the hot summer months ahead when their metabolism will slow down and not want to use as much energy in chasing and foraging for bait fish. Look along the ledge that runs from the mouth of Big Rocky Creek towards Bird Island and fish around 18’ in 22’ to 28’ of water along the ledge. The rock bluffs along the shorelines can be good too, on a ledge where the River Channel cuts in close to the Bluffs. For White Bass, Bring a set of binoculars and glass the lake.

The Whites are schooling up on surface and make for some quick limits and a lot of fun.

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Summer Fishing Gets Wild in the West Rocky Creek, Gobbler, Little Grape, Ince Cove, and Big Grape Creeks. Many of the fish will be hanging off the steep banks and points. I will be using a swim jig, or a shaky head jig. Both of these will have a 7” or a 4” blue fleck worm on them. Any points around the dam are good places to start as well as the steep banks.

Don’t forget the flats for these can be very productive.

LOCATION: Lake Cisco HOTSPOT: Brush Pile Site 10 GPS: N 32 26.7564, W 98 59.0855 (32.4459, -98.9848)

LOCATION: Lake Amistad HOTSPOT: California Creek GPS: N 29 32.856, W 101 00.898 (29.5476, -101.0150)

Reported by DEAN HEFFNER

WEST TEXAS HOTSPOTS

LOCATION: Lake Alan Henry HOTSPOT: Dam Area and Major Creeks GPS: N 33 3.768, W 101 3.0959 (33.0628, -101.0516)

SPECIES: Largemouth bass, Crappie BEST BAITS: Largemouth bass CONTACT: Natalie Goldstrohm, TPWD 325-692-0921 TIPS: This is a special report/hotspot this month and thanks goes out to Natalie Goldstrohm. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department with the help of City of Cisco and the Still Waters Bass Club, has deployed Christmas tree brush piles in Cisco Reservoir. This particular location features both a rock pile and a brush pile in the lake arm near the dam. The rocky and woody structure should aggregate prey fish and largemouth bass to this location and should increase angler catch rates. A map of all of the brush pile sites at Cisco Reservoir can be found on the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website: tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/ recreational/lakes/cisco/structure.phtml).

SPECIES: Catfish BEST BAITS: Grubs, minnows, jigs CONTACT: Stan Gerzsenyl 830-768-3648 stan@amistadbass.com www.amistadbass.com TIPS: Use grubs, live minnows, tube jigs. Work the grass and rocks. Dawn to mid morning; dusk.

LOCATION: Lake Brownwood HOTSPOT: Rocky Point Across from Dam GPS: N 31 50.4363, W 99 0.5875 (31.8406, -99.0098)

SPECIES: Largemouth Bass BEST BAITS: Bass jigs as well as swim jigs and shaky head jigs. Both swim jigs and shakey heads will have a 4” or a 7” blue fleck worm CONTACT: Norman Clayton’s Guide Services 806-792-9220 nclayton42@sbcglobal.net www.lakealanhenry.com/norman_clayton.htm TIPS: The first of June will find some of the bass still on beds on the dam area of the lake. I like to use jigs to fish for these bass. I will cover the point of the hook with a piece of white worm so that I can see the bait and it seems that most of the time the bass will pick up the jig by the white piece of worm, and thus the bass will have the point of the hook in her mouth. Look for the beds in the clear water around and across from the dam. In the other parts of the lake, the bass will be off the beds, and moving out of

LOCATION: Lake Falcon HOTSPOT: Between Markers 2 and 3 GPS: N 26 34.022, W 99 08.664 (26.5670, -99.1444) SPECIES: Flathead Catfish BEST BAITS: Live sunfish, shad, cut bait CONTACT: Natalie Goldstrohm, TPWD 325-692-0921 TIPS: This rocky point has a dropoff of large boulders that are home to some decent size flathead catfish.

Live baits work best to land these fish, particularly sunfish, shad, and smaller carp. Cut carp and gizzard shad may also yield a good catch. These rocks also hold decent panfish and bass. Use live worms, a smaller trick worm, curly-tailed jig, or spinner baits.

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CURRENT LAKE LEVELS LAKE

WEST TEXAS

CAPACITY AC. FT. Abilene 7,900 Alan Henry 96,207 Amistad 1,840,849 Amon G Carter 19,266 Arrowhead 230,359 Brady Creek 28,808 Bridgeport 366,236 Brownwood 130,868 Champion Creek 41,580 Cherokee 40,094 Cisco 29,003 Coleman 38,075 Colorado City 30,758 E V Spence 517,272 Elephant Butte 1,960,900 Falcon 1,551,007 Fort Phantom Hill 70,030 Graham 45,288 Granbury 132,949 Greenbelt 59,968 Hords Creek 8,109 Hubbard Creek 313,298 J B Thomas 199,931 Kemp 245,307 Kickapoo 86,345 Leon 27,762 Lost Creek 11,950 Mackenzie 46,450 Meredith 500,000 Millers Creek 26,768 Mineral Wells 5,273 Natural Dam 54,560 Nocona 21,444 N. Fork Buffalo Cr. 15,400 O C Fisher 115,742 O H Ivie 554,340 Oak Creek 39,210 Palo Duro 61,066 Palo Pinto 26,766 Pat Cleburne 26,008 Possum Kingdom 538,139 Proctor 54,762 Red Bluff 151,110 Squaw Creek 151,250 Stamford 51,570 Sweetwater 12,267 Twin Buttes 182,454 White River 29,880 As of 5/11/2020

5 Miles North of Graham

HOTSPOTLIGHT:

LAKE GRAHAM LOCATION: On the Salt Creek in Young County, five miles north of Graham on US 380 SURFACE AREA: 2,444 acres MAXIMUM DEPTH: 45 feet IMPOUNDED: 1929

for largemouth bass and crappie can depend on season and water level.

Lake Graham is a power plant reservoir, but the plant operates only when demand is high so it does not provide consistent winter fishing. The hot-water discharge is located on the Eddleman portion of the reservoir.

•

HYBRID STRIPED BASS AND WHITE bass fishing are rated good. Fishing

www.robertsfishntackle.com

BEST BAITS: Small shad, ghost minnows, spoons CONTACT: Natalie Goldstrohm, TPWD 325-692-0921 TIPS: Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir has remained near full and caught some water back in March 2020.

Better areas for hybrid striped bass will be near the spillway. If you are fishing with live bait, try using small shad or ghost minnows (silversides). If you are fishing with artificial lures, try using something that will imitate shad such as silver spoons.

TIPS: Fish underwater points and drops, 8- to 12-in.

Senkos. Morning through afternoon.

LOCATION: Fort Phantom Hill Res. HOTSPOT: Spillway GPS: N 32 36.750, W 99 39.492 (32.6125, -99.6582)

CURRENT AC. FT. 7,346 93,088 1,149,990 19,266 216,111 25,542 365,072 121,558 27,100 40,094 25,356 36,619 13,267 137,169 474,733 409,223 70,030 44,035 131,403 11,875 6,166 303,666 47,301 245,307 78,803 26,723 11,836 5,077 207,704 26,768 5,273 26,398 21,364 14,730 10,169 393,505 36,428 2,112 25,425 26,008 530,656 53,798 98,095 151,250 51,570 12,133 122,025 5,757

% FULL 93% 97% 63% 100% 94% 89% 100% 93% 65% 100% 87% 96% 43% 27% 24% 26% 100% 97% 99% 20% 76% 97% 24% 100% 91% 96% 99% 11% 42% 100% 100% 48% 100% 96% 9% 71% 93% 4% 95% 100% 99% 98% 65% 100% 100% 99% 67% 19%

•

LOCATION: Lake Granbury HOTSPOT: Lower End GPS: N 32 22.659, W 97 42.009 (32.3777, -97.7002) SPECIES: Hybrid Striped Bass

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BEST BAITS: Live shad, Willow shaped Slabs, bucktail jigs with a curly tail CONTACT: Michael W. Acosta, Unfair Advantage Charters 817-578-0023 TIPS: Live shad worked near feeding flats.

Downrigging jigs near channel ledges near baitfish can help locate active fish. Live shad fished on a Carolina rig fished 15 to 25 feet down is hard to beat.

LOCATION: Lake Granbury HOTSPOT: Mid-lake GPS: N 32 26.404, W 97 46.977 (32.4401, -97.7830)

SPECIES: Channel Catfish BEST BAITS: Night crawlers, cut shad, prepared baits.

CONTACT: Michael Acosta, Unfair Advantage Charters

817-578-0023 unfairadvantagecharters.com TIPS: Look for docks near deeper water or work the backs of sloughs in the evenings and don’t be afraid to chum with soured milo/maize to draw the fish in.

Diced up shad can turn on the bite. A little water flow will also turn these fish on. Use small trebles for better hook-ups. Granbury water temperatures are in the 80s and the summer patterns are in place. The weather continues to heat up and with the day time heat, feeding is occurring mainly in the morning and evening.

LOCATION: Possum Kingdom HOTSPOT: Tabletop GPS: N 32 52.724, W 98 31.809 (32.8787, -98.5302)

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SPECIES: Striped, Hybrid & White Bass BEST BAITS: Live shad, topwaters CONTACT: Dean Heffner

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940-329-0036 fav7734@aceweb.com TIPS: June is one of my favorite months because the weather has finally settled down. Tabletop is mid-lake and just as it sounds.— great big tabletop coming out of the deep water with everything the fish want. You can catch almost all species on it through this month.

Live shad is best. Also there will be on cloudy days some top water action and as always the early bird gets the worm. Mister Twister curly tail worms work best. This is a great time of the year to fish at night also so don’t pass up any dock lights or tying up over brush and setting lights out and fishing around brush or bridge pilings or any other structure.

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Sportsman’s DAYBOOK JUNE 2020

Tides and Prime Times

USING THE PRIME TIMES CALENDAR

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

T12

T4

T11

T10 T9

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

T8 T17

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

T15 T16

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

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

T13 T6

T7

T3 T2 T1

T5

T14

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

T18

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

T19

T20

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

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

T21

TIDE CORRECTION TABLE

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

KEY T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

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

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

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

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

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

KEY T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T17

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

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

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

KEY T18 T19 T20 T21 T22 T23

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

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

SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK IS SPONSORED BY:

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION T22 T23

READING THE GRAPH

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

Moon Overhead

Fishing Score Graph

Moon Underfoot

Day’s Best Day’s 2nd Score Best Score

n

Best Day Overall

MOON PHASES

l = New Moon l = Full Moon = First Quarter º » = Last Quarter «= Good Day by Moon Phase 60

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JUNE 2020

Tides and Prime Times MONDAY

Jun 1 FEET

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

12:11a 5:34a 11:32a 6:42p

TUESDAY

2

0.91 ft.

0.59 ft.

1.08 ft.

0.11 ft.

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

2:11a 7:16a 11:14a 7:12p

WEDNESDAY

3

1.13 ft.

0.85 ft.

1.00 ft.

-0.32 ft.

High Tide: 3:38a Low Tide: 7:50p

THURSDAY

4«

1.35 ft.

-0.69 ft.

High Tide: 4:51a Low Tide: 8:32p

FRIDAY

5«

1.51 ft.

-0.97 ft.

High Tide: 5:56a Low Tide: 9:17p

SATURDAY

6l

1.61 ft.

-1.12 ft.

High Tide: 6:57a Low Tide: 10:04p

1.64 ft.

-1.14 ft.

SUNDAY

7«

High Tide: 7:57a Low Tide: 10:52p

1.63 ft.

-1.03 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

9:00 — 11:00 PM Sunrise: 6:20a Sunset: 8:13p Moonrise: 3:59p Moon Set: 3:26a

12a

6a

12p

6p

5:00 — 7:00 AM

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

9

1.59 ft.

-0.83 ft.

High Tide: 9:43a

1.53 ft.

Low Tide: 12:30a High Tide: 10:21a

12a

6a

-0.56 ft.

1.46 ft.

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

12:00 — 2:00 PM

12p

6p

12a

6a

7:00 — 9:00 PM

AM Minor: 6:17a AM Major: 12:02a PM Minor: 6:46p PM Major: 12:32p

Moon Overhead: 12:48a Moon Underfoot: 1:17p

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:15p Moonrise: 9:31p Moon Set: 7:03a

AM Minor: 5:18a AM Major: 11:32a PM Minor: 5:47p PM Major: -----

Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 12:19p

6a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:15p Moonrise: 8:27p Moon Set: 6:11a

AM Minor: 4:24a AM Major: 10:38a PM Minor: 4:52p PM Major: 11:06p

8:00 — 10:00 PM Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:16p Moonrise: 10:29p Moon Set: 7:59a

AM Minor: 7:19a AM Major: 1:04a PM Minor: 7:48p PM Major: 1:33p

Moon Overhead: 1:46a Moon Underfoot: 2:16p

Moon Overhead: 2:45a Moon Underfoot: 3:15p

MOON PHASES

Day’s Best Score

WEDNESDAY

10

6p

11:30A — 1:30P

Moon Overhead: 11:51p Moon Underfoot: 11:23a

TUESDAY

12p

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:15p Moonrise: 7:20p Moon Set: 5:24a

AM Minor: 3:34a AM Major: 9:48a PM Minor: 4:01p PM Major: 10:15p

Moon Overhead: 10:56p Moon Underfoot: 10:30a

MONDAY

6a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:14p Moonrise: 6:12p Moon Set: 4:42a

AM Minor: 2:49a AM Major: 9:02a PM Minor: 3:14p PM Major: 9:27p

READING THE GRAPH

12a

BEST TIME

4:30 — 6:30 AM

Moon Overhead: 10:04p Moon Underfoot: 9:39a

High Tide: 8:53a Low Tide: 11:40p

6p

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:14p Moonrise: 5:04p Moon Set: 4:03a

AM Minor: 2:04a AM Major: 8:17a PM Minor: 2:29p PM Major: 8:42p

8«

12p

BEST TIME

n

Day’s 2nd Best Score

THURSDAY

11

Low Tide: 1:18a High Tide: 10:47a

-0.26 ft.

1.38 ft.

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

Best Day Overall

FRIDAY

12

Low Tide: 2:07a High Tide: 11:01a

0.05 ft.

1.29 ft.

FEET

SATURDAY

13 » Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

2:57a 11:05a 6:22p 10:45p

0.35 ft.

1.20 ft.

0.67 ft.

0.77 ft.

SUNDAY

14

Low Tide: 3:55a High Tide: 10:59a Low Tide: 6:23p

0.61 ft.

1.11 ft.

0.44 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

8:30 — 10:30 PM

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

9:00 — 11:00 PM

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

10:00P — 12:00A

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

5:00 — 7:00 AM

11:00P — 1:00A

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

6:30 — 8:30 AM

7:30 — 9:30 AM

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:16p Moonrise: 11:21p Moon Set: 8:58a

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:17p Moonrise: None Moon Set: 9:58a

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:17p Moonrise: 12:06a Moon Set: 10:57a

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:17p Moonrise: 12:45a Moon Set: 11:54a

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:18p Moonrise: 1:20a Moon Set: 12:49p

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:18p Moonrise: 1:51a Moon Set: 1:42p

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:19p Moonrise: 2:21a Moon Set: 2:33p

Moon Overhead: 3:43a Moon Underfoot: 4:11p

Moon Overhead: 4:38a Moon Underfoot: 5:05p

Moon Overhead: 5:30a Moon Underfoot: 5:54p

Moon Overhead: 6:18a Moon Underfoot: 6:40p

Moon Overhead: 7:02a Moon Underfoot: 7:23p

Moon Overhead: 7:44a Moon Underfoot: 8:04p

Moon Overhead: 8:24a Moon Underfoot: 8:44p

AM Minor: 8:22a AM Major: 2:08a PM Minor: 8:50p PM Major: 2:36p

AM Minor: 9:23a AM Major: 3:09a PM Minor: 9:49p PM Major: 3:36p

AM Minor: 10:20a AM Major: 4:07a PM Minor: 10:44p PM Major: 4:32p

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AM Minor: 11:12a AM Major: 5:00a PM Minor: 11:35p PM Major: 5:23p

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AM Minor: 12:21a AM Major: 6:31a PM Minor: 12:41p PM Major: 6:52p

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Sportsman’s DAYBOOK MONDAY

15 FEET

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

1:25a 5:10a 10:43a 6:40p

TUESDAY

16

0.89 ft.

0.82 ft.

1.04 ft.

0.20 ft.

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

2:59a 6:58a 10:11a 7:01p

WEDNESDAY

17

1.03 ft.

0.96 ft.

1.00 ft.

-0.05 ft.

High Tide: 3:58a Low Tide: 7:26p

THURSDAY

18

1.15 ft.

-0.28 ft.

High Tide: 4:43a Low Tide: 7:54p

FRIDAY

19 «

1.24 ft.

-0.49 ft.

High Tide: 5:24a Low Tide: 8:25p

SATURDAY

20 l

1.31 ft.

-0.66 ft.

High Tide: 6:06a Low Tide: 9:00p

SUNDAY

21 «

1.38 ft.

-0.79 ft.

High Tide: 6:50a Low Tide: 9:38p

1.45 ft.

-0.87 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

8:00 — 10:00 AM Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:19p Moonrise: 2:49a Moon Set: 3:25p

12a

6a

12p

6p

5:30 — 7:30 AM

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

1.52 ft.

-0.88 ft.

23 «

High Tide: 8:20a Low Tide: 11:04p

1.56 ft.

-0.82 ft.

High Tide: 9:00a Low Tide: 11:51p

12a

6a

1.57 ft.

-0.68 ft.

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

5:30 — 7:30 PM

6p

12a

6a

6:00 — 8:00 PM

6p

12a

6:30 — 8:30 PM Sunrise: 6:20a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: 6:36a Moon Set: 9:02p

AM Minor: 4:59a AM Major: 11:12a PM Minor: 5:25p PM Major: 11:38p

Moon Overhead: 12:02p Moon Underfoot: None

12p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:20a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: 5:46a Moon Set: 8:05p

AM Minor: 4:11a AM Major: 10:24a PM Minor: 4:36p PM Major: 10:48p

Moon Overhead: 11:13a Moon Underfoot: 11:37p

12p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: 5:03a Moon Set: 7:06p

AM Minor: 3:28a AM Major: 9:40a PM Minor: 3:52p PM Major: 10:03p

AM Minor: 5:51a AM Major: ----PM Minor: 6:19p PM Major: 12:32p

Moon Overhead: 12:54p Moon Underfoot: 12:28a

Moon Overhead: 1:48p Moon Underfoot: 1:21a

MOON PHASES

Day’s Best Score

WEDNESDAY

24

6p

5:00 — 7:00 PM

Moon Overhead: 10:28a Moon Underfoot: 10:50p

TUESDAY

12p

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: 4:24a Moon Set: 6:08p

AM Minor: 2:49a AM Major: 9:00a PM Minor: 3:11p PM Major: 9:22p

Moon Overhead: 9:45a Moon Underfoot: 10:06p

MONDAY

6a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:19p Moonrise: 3:50a Moon Set: 5:12p

AM Minor: 2:13a AM Major: 8:23a PM Minor: 2:34p PM Major: 8:44p

READING THE GRAPH

12a

BEST TIME

4:30 — 6:30 AM

Moon Overhead: 9:04a Moon Underfoot: 9:24p

High Tide: 7:35a Low Tide: 10:20p

6p

Sunrise: 6:19a Sunset: 8:19p Moonrise: 3:19a Moon Set: 4:18p

AM Minor: 1:37a AM Major: 7:47a PM Minor: 1:57p PM Major: 8:07p

22 «

12p

BEST TIME

n

Day’s 2nd Best Score

THURSDAY

25

High Tide: 9:31a

1.50 ft.

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

Best Day Overall

FRIDAY

26

Low Tide: 12:40a High Tide: 9:50a

-0.45 ft.

1.38 ft.

FEET

SATURDAY

27

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

1:32a 9:57a 5:09p 7:31p

-0.14 ft.

1.22 ft.

0.66 ft.

0.68 ft.

SUNDAY

28 º Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

2:31a 9:55a 5:00p 11:12p

0.20 ft.

1.06 ft.

0.30 ft.

0.72 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

7:00 — 9:00 PM Sunrise: 6:20a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 7:31a Moon Set: 9:56p

8:00 — 10:00 PM

AM Minor: 7:48a AM Major: 1:34a PM Minor: 8:16p PM Major: 2:02p

Moon Overhead: 2:44p Moon Underfoot: 2:16a

|

6p

Sunrise: 6:20a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 8:31a Moon Set: 10:46p

AM Minor: 6:48a AM Major: 12:34a PM Minor: 7:16p PM Major: 1:02p

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12p

BEST TIME

Moon Overhead: 3:40p Moon Underfoot: 3:12a

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12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

8:30 — 10:30 PM Sunrise: 6:20a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 9:34a Moon Set: 11:32p

AM Minor: 8:49a AM Major: 2:35a PM Minor: 9:17p PM Major: 3:03p

6p

12a

10:00P — 12:00A

AM Minor: 9:50a AM Major: 3:36a PM Minor: 10:16p PM Major: 4:03p

T E X A S

Moon Overhead: 5:29p Moon Underfoot: 5:03a

F I S H

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:21a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 10:38a Moon Set: None

Moon Overhead: 4:36p Moon Underfoot: 4:08a

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12p

BEST TIME

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12:00 — 2:00 PM Sunrise: 6:21a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 11:43a Moon Set: 12:13a

AM Minor: 10:47a AM Major: 4:35a PM Minor: 11:13p PM Major: 5:00p Moon Overhead: 6:20p Moon Underfoot: 5:55a

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

12:30 — 2:30 PM Sunrise: 6:21a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 12:46p Moon Set: 12:51a

AM Minor: 11:42a AM Major: 5:29a PM Minor: ----PM Major: 5:54p Moon Overhead: 7:10p Moon Underfoot: 6:45a

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

1:00 — 3:00 PM Sunrise: 6:22a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 1:50p Moon Set: 1:27a

AM Minor: 12:08a AM Major: 6:20a PM Minor: 12:32p PM Major: 6:45p Moon Overhead: 7:59p Moon Underfoot: 7:35a

G A M E ®

5/21/20 3:12 PM

JUNE 2020

Tides and Prime Times MONDAY

29

Low Tide: 3:44a High Tide: 9:43a Low Tide: 5:27p

TUESDAY

Jun 30

0.56 ft.

0.96 ft.

-0.10 ft.

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

FEET

1:44a 5:37a 9:15a 6:05p

0.96 ft.

0.86 ft.

0.94 ft.

-0.50 ft.

WEDNESDAY

Jul 1

High Tide: 3:18a Low Tide: 6:48p

THURSDAY

2

1.20 ft.

-0.83 ft.

High Tide: 4:26a Low Tide: 7:34p

FRIDAY

3

1.38 ft.

-1.07 ft.

High Tide: 5:23a Low Tide: 8:22p

SATURDAY

4«

1.49 ft.

-1.19 ft.

High Tide: 6:16a Low Tide: 9:10p

SUNDAY

5«

1.52 ft.

-1.19 ft.

High Tide: 7:06a Low Tide: 9:58p

1.51 ft.

-1.09 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

8:00 — 10:00 PM

AM Minor: 12:55a AM Major: 7:08a PM Minor: 1:20p PM Major: 7:33p

6p

12a

6a

12p

6p

4:00 — 6:00 AM

3:30 — 5:30 PM

AM Minor: 1:41a AM Major: 7:54a PM Minor: 2:07p PM Major: 8:20p

1.46 ft.

-0.90 ft.

7«

High Tide: 8:32a Low Tide: 11:28p

1.40 ft.

-0.65 ft.

6a

1.33 ft.

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

5:00 — 7:00 PM

12a

Sunrise: 6:24a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 9:10p Moon Set: 6:42a

AM Minor: 5:01a AM Major: 11:15a PM Minor: 5:30p PM Major: 11:44p

Moon Overhead: None Moon Underfoot: 12:01p

6p

7:00 — 9:00 PM

Sunrise: 6:24a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 8:15p Moon Set: 5:44a

AM Minor: 4:06a AM Major: 10:21a PM Minor: 4:35p PM Major: 10:49p

12p

BEST TIME

6:00 — 8:00 PM

Sunrise: 6:23a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 7:15p Moon Set: 4:51a

Moon Overhead: 11:32p Moon Underfoot: 11:03a

AM Minor: 5:58a AM Major: ----PM Minor: 6:27p PM Major: 12:12p

Moon Overhead: 12:30a Moon Underfoot: 12:59p

Moon Overhead: 1:28a Moon Underfoot: 1:57p

MOON PHASES

Day’s Best Score

WEDNESDAY High Tide: 9:02a

12a

AM Minor: 3:15a AM Major: 9:29a PM Minor: 3:43p PM Major: 9:57p

Moon Overhead: 10:35p Moon Underfoot: 10:08a

8«

6p

Sunrise: 6:23a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 6:10p Moon Set: 4:02a

AM Minor: 2:27a AM Major: 8:40a PM Minor: 2:54p PM Major: 9:07p

TUESDAY

12p

4:30 — 6:30 PM

Sunrise: 6:23a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 5:04p Moon Set: 3:18a

Moon Overhead: 9:41p Moon Underfoot: 9:15a

MONDAY

6a

BEST TIME

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

READING THE GRAPH

12a

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:22a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 3:58p Moon Set: 2:39a

Moon Overhead: 8:49p Moon Underfoot: 8:24a

High Tide: 7:53a Low Tide: 10:44p

12p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:22a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 2:53p Moon Set: 2:02a

6l

6a

n

Day’s 2nd Best Score

THURSDAY

9

Low Tide: 12:09a High Tide: 9:20a

-0.37 ft.

1.25 ft.

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

Best Day Overall

FRIDAY

10

Low Tide: 12:48a High Tide: 9:27a

-0.07 ft.

1.16 ft.

FEET

SATURDAY

11

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

1:24a 9:26a 4:24p 7:56p

0.22 ft.

1.08 ft.

0.66 ft.

0.71 ft.

SUNDAY

12 » Low Tide: High Tide: Low Tide: High Tide:

1:58a 9:15a 4:41p 11:29p

0.48 ft.

1.01 ft.

0.44 ft.

0.74 ft.

FEET

+3.0

+3.0

+2.0

+2.0

+1.0

+1.0 0

0

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

7:30 — 9:30 PM Sunrise: 6:25a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 9:58p Moon Set: 7:42a

AM Minor: 6:56a AM Major: 12:43a PM Minor: 7:24p PM Major: 1:10p Moon Overhead: 2:25a Moon Underfoot: 2:52p

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

8:00 — 10:00 PM Sunrise: 6:25a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 10:40p Moon Set: 8:42a

AM Minor: 7:54a AM Major: 1:41a PM Minor: 8:20p PM Major: 2:07p

Moon Overhead: 3:18a Moon Underfoot: 3:44p

12a

6a

12p

6p

BEST TIME

8:30 — 10:30 PM Sunrise: 6:25a Sunset: 8:21p Moonrise: 11:17p Moon Set: 9:41a

AM Minor: 8:50a AM Major: 2:38a PM Minor: 9:14p PM Major: 3:02p

Moon Overhead: 4:09a Moon Underfoot: 4:32p

T E X A S

TexasOutdoorNation-2006 JuneDIG.indd 63

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

BEST TIME

4:00 — 6:00 AM

AM Minor: 9:42a AM Major: 3:31a PM Minor: 10:04p PM Major: 3:53p Moon Overhead: 4:55a Moon Underfoot: 5:17p

&

12p

6p

BEST TIME

Sunrise: 6:26a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: 11:50p Moon Set: 10:38a

F I S H

6a

4:30 — 6:30 AM Sunrise: 6:26a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: None Moon Set: 11:32a

AM Minor: 10:30a AM Major: 4:20a PM Minor: 10:51p PM Major: 4:41p Moon Overhead: 5:39a Moon Underfoot: 5:59p

G A M E ®

|

12a

6a

12p

6p

12a

6a

BEST TIME

5:30 — 7:30 AM Sunrise: 6:27a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: 12:21a Moon Set: 12:24p

AM Minor: 11:15a AM Major: 5:05a PM Minor: 11:36p PM Major: 5:25p

6p

12a

12:00 — 2:00 PM Sunrise: 6:27a Sunset: 8:20p Moonrise: 12:50a Moon Set: 1:16p

AM Minor: 11:57a AM Major: 5:47a PM Minor: ----PM Major: 6:07p

Moon Overhead: 6:20a Moon Underfoot: 6:40p J U N E

12p

BEST TIME

2 0 2 0

Moon Overhead: 7:00a Moon Underfoot: 7:20p

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5/21/20 3:12 PM

The Bighorns of Texas’ Elephant Mountain with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) showing me around, I was in awe at the stunning landscape.

With the Chihuahuan desert to the south and the high desert grasslands I stood at the top of the mountain located south of Alpine.

According to TPWD officials, Elephant Mountain WMA consists of 23,147 acres within the Trans-Pecos Ecological Region of West Texas.

“Elephant Mountain WMA was acquired through a private donation in 1985 for the purpose of conservation and development of

story by CHESTER MOORE

T

HERE IS SOMETHING about Elephant Mountain that desert bighorn sheep love.

I have heard that over the years through conversations with biologists and various wildlife officials but not until I was at the top of the mountain at the aptly-named Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) did I understand.

Having just photographed a beautiful herd of desert bighorns thanks to Benny Benavidez

The author photographed this herd of bighorns atop Elephant Mountain last year. This area is crucial for Texas’ very successful desert bighorn program.

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desert bighorn and large game animals, wildlife-oriented research, and other compatible recreational uses including public hunting.”

The most prominent feature of the area is Elephant Mountain itself (6,225 feet above sea level) which according to TPWD extends from the northern to southern property boundaries.

“The large flat-topped mountain of igneous origin rises nearly 2,000 feet above the surrounding tableland. The top of the mountain covers over 2,200 acres and is not open to the public to prevent disturbance to the desert bighorn herd.”

Imagine a fertile plain rising out of the desert and that is essentially what the top of the WMA looks like. It’s perfect for wild sheep and in fact, they seemingly can’t get enough of it.

In the early 2000s, a herd of bighorns was captured at Elephant Mountain and translocated to Black Gap WMA which is about 50 miles away as a crow flies.

Many of those bighorns ended up back at Elephant Mountain.

Bighorns, however, aren’t the only big game residents.

According to TPWD”s Dewey Stockbridge, the area offers public draw mule deer hunts with the area harboring a good population of desert mule deer and javelina.

“We have a good population of mule deer and enjoy having hunters come out every year for the draw hunts,” Stockbridge said.

Hunters possessing an Annual Public Hunting Permit can access dove, quail, and rabbit hunting along with camping.

Wildlife enthusiasts know the area for its herpetological biodiversity with several species of rattlesnakes present including the rare (in Texas) and dangerous Mojave green.

“The biodiversity here is strong including the reptiles. It is definitely a special place,” Stockbridge said.

TPWD’s desert bighorn sheep program leader Froylan Hernandez said one of the great triumphs of the program is being able to move sheep from Elephant Mountain to other areas in Texas to diversify their current range.

“We no longer have to get sheep from other states and a big part of that is how productive Elephant Mountain is for these animals. It is vital to our program along with the other Trans/Pecos WMAs.

«

&

G A M E ®

5/21/20 3:12 PM

Outdoor DIRECTORY Guides & Outfitters

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Lodging

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Destinations

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Real Estate :: Gear

TEXAS FRESHWATER

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UPPER TEXAS COAST

LOWER TEXAS COAST

DFW METROPLEX

MID TEXAS COAST

HUNTING SOUTH TEXAS

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2006 Outdoor Directory.indd 61

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5/12/20 7:53 PM

STINGRAY Galveston Wes Pyfer of Irving shows off the stingray that he caught while fishing near the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston.

BASS Near Bellville Fifteen-year-old Lexi Marie caught this largemouth bass in a lake near Bellville, using a hollow popping frog.

FERAL HOG Nacogdoches County Malachi Johnsen with his first hog, shot on a hunt in Nacogdoches County.

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5/12/20 7:57 PM

SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO photos@FishGame.com For best results, send MED to HIGH quality JPEG digital files only, please.

Also Enter our PHOTO CONTEST: FishGame.com/HotShots No guarantee can be made as to when, or if, a submitted photo will be published.

BLACK DRUM Upper Laguna Madre April Alvarez caught this 25-inch black drum while fishing along the King Ranch shoreline.

She caught the drum on Crab Bites.

BASS Sabine County While practicing social Distancing in Sabine County, Ryan Estes caught these two bass in a small pond just outside Hempill.

REDFISH Carancahua Bay Austin Loessin caught this redfish from his kayak while fishing in Carancahua Bay.

BASS Undisclosed Eleven-year-old Joseph “Walker” Bolka and his seven-year-old sister Alexis have enjoyed early success as anglers.

Walker caught this bass on a Googan Baits Crackin Craw. Alexis, on just her second fishing trip, caught this beauty on a Booyah Micro Spinner—her third fish of the day!

T E X A S

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5/12/20 7:57 PM

Open SEASON

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

Cherry Blend

Willie held up his hands. “Hey, I didn’t say I wanted to smoke it, and besides, tell him. It’s not my pipe.”

She swung those Eye Lasers onto Delbert who bit down on the pipe. “It ain’t lit. I’m just sucking on this cherry tobacco because I love how it tastes and smells.”

Willie leaned over and whispered. “I’m already Jonesing for a real puff.”

Willie’s fought a continuing battle with nicotine since I first met him about forty years ago. He’s moved from cigs when we were much younger, to cigars, then chewing tobacco, Copenhagen, and those little packets.

He quit chewing the first time when his daughter who was about two years old saw a half-full Coke bottle sitting beside his chair. Thinking his spit bottle was Coca Cola, she took a big ol’ drink and spent the next couple of hours puking all over the house while Wrong Willie suffered his wife’s wrath that truly hasn’t subsided until this day.

Pipe stem clamped in his teeth, Delbert slid into the opposite side of the booth and we shifted to make room, putting Willie in the middle. I was the first to take the plunge. “What’s that all about?”

“I always liked the way cherry tobacco tastes, and the other day I found Dad’s old pipe-stand out in the barn. There were a couple of these still in it, so I picked up some tobacco.”

“I remember fishing with dad while he smoked his pipe. Those trips are great memories, even when we weren’t catching anything, because I love that smell on the wind.”

Wrong Willie leaned forward. “Lemme smell it.”

Delbert produced the pouch and turned his head to sneeze. I handed him a napkin at the same time Willie opened the pouch and took a deep sniff. “Ahhhhh.”

Another sneeze built, and Delbert laid the pipe on the table. He turned his head. “AAAAchoooo!”

The dog in Jane’s arms barked and Doreen’s head swelled. “You better be sneezing into your arm.”

Delbert’s eyes watered and I knew he was about to go on one of his jags. His top number was 26 consecutive sneezes.

“I won’t count the one outside,” I said. “One.” Another violent sneeze. The dog barked again.

“Two.” Delbert built the Sneeze Face. I waited with glee until it erupted. “Three.”

It was then I noticed Willie fiddling with the tobacco pouch. He pulled out some of the cherry blend and tucked it into his cheek. “Man, that tastes good.”

I

WAS SITTING IN THE ROUND corner booth to the left of the door in Doreen’s 24 HR Eat Gas Now Café with Wrong Willie when Delbert P. Axelrod got out of his truck.

We’d been fishing, and he was the last one to arrive at Doreen’s for lunch.

Fishing with Delbert has always been an adventure; this day was no exception. He’d hooked himself, Doc, and his own soft tackle box. Lucky for him, the hook’s bite hadn’t penetrated Doc’s forearm past the barb.

Delbert passed a lady in the parking lot with one of those little cotton ball dogs, picking up her FiFi’s poop with what looked like a tissue or napkin.

Doc grunted, absently rubbing the puncture wound in his arm. “Maybe we’d have done better by using that little dog as a lure.”

Delbert sneezed big as he approached through the door. The lady dropped the warm little packet into her voluminous purse, dug around for a second, then handed him a fresh tissue from one of those little travel packs from her purse.

He took it, thanked her, and came inside. There was something different when he came through the door, and then we realized Delbert had effected a pipe.

Wrong Willie picked a fish scale off his hand, stopping when his eyes widened at the sight. “I loved smoking a pipe.”

“No smoking in here!”

I glanced up to see Doreen behind the counter, pointing a finger at Delbert, who held the door for the stuffy-looking woman with the dog in her arms. Doreen glared at the little animal baring its teeth at her. “No dogs allowed.”

“It’s my service dog.” The woman we’ll call Jane turned so we could all see a frilly little vest with the word. Emotional Support Dog on the side.

I started to open my mouth again when Doreen interrupted. “You have to hold it, then. I don’t want dogs running around the café.” With that, she turned the Hairy Eyeball on Wrong Willie. “And I don’t want to see any smoke coming from that nasty little burner, either.”

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Sneeze!

“Four. Hey, you can’t chew pipe tobacco.”

“Sure I can. Had an uncle who used to buy Cotton Boll twist, and shave it into his pipe when he wanted to smoke it, then chew the rest.” He paused as the nicotine rushed to his head. “Wow! Gnarly.”

Sneeze!

Bark!

Then came a long line of consecutive explosions.

“Five, six, seven…eighteen….nineteen.”

Doreen had finally had enough when she saw a pile of napkins in front of him. “Delbert, go outside and finish, and Jane, you need to take that dog out, too.”

“Well, I never!” Tears welling, she gathered her little dog and stood up. Her purse fell open on the table, spilling its contents.

Sneeze!

Bark.

“Twenty.”

We were getting close to a record. “Delbert, I think you’re allergic to pipe tobacco. Take another sniff.”

High on his first nicotine rush in five years, Willie slipped the pipe into his shirt pocket and howled as Delbert stood and sneezed a juicy one again. Delbert started for the door at the same time the little dog jumped from Jane’s arms and growled a warning whirr.

It charged, and Delbert dodged the evil little animal.

Sneeze!

“Twenty-one!”

Bark.

Eyes watering from another building sneeze, Delbert rushed past Jane’s table. There were no napkins in the holder, but he saw a wadded tissue beside her spilled purse. Snatching it up, he stuck it against his nose, and sneezed again…

“Twenty-two!” …and the contents of the little dog’s previous deposit pressed through the tissue and into his nose and spilled onto the table.

I put my chin on one hand to watch the next act as Doreen’s red face swelled like a balloon. “Bet that doesn’t smell like Cherry Blend.”

«

Email Reavis Wortham at ContactUs@fishgame.com

G A M E ®

5/12/20 7:48 PM

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