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FInside FISH GAME
:: by ROY & ARDIA NEVES TF&G Owners/Publishers
Oh, What a Tangled Web...
ROM TIME TO TIME, WE
use this space to report on changes, updates and challenges related to our “adventures” in cyberspace. As many readers know, Texas Fish & Game has had a presence on what old-timers call e World Wide Web since the early days of Compuserve and screeching modems.
We launched www.FishGame.com in 1995. In the succeeding decades, we have gone through a number of site overhauls— all of them frustrating and painfully slow, and never quite meeting our expectations
And so now, on the threshold of the site’s thirtieth year in existence, we’ve embarked on another e ort to redesign it.
Website creation and design, in 2024, is supposed to be easy-peazy, according to the ads you see everywhere from services like GoDaddy, WIX, and a hundred others. Got a business? Upload your logo, a few photos and a list of your products and/or services, and voilà, minutes later your site is up and running and your user tra c is piling up.
But in OUR business, it just doesn’t work that way. As a media outlet, our main product is the site itself and the content we create. We do have physical products—shirts, books and our magazines, Fish & Game and Lakes & Bays—but it is the stories that we produce and curate that draw visitors to the site and, hopefully, keep them coming back.
Since we’ve been doing this for so long, there is a LOT of content. In our favor, we’re not a conventional news media outlet, so most of what we have in our archives is “evergreen,” not perishable like breaking news stories.
A story about time-honored techniques for
catching largemouth during the spawn, or targeting bull reds in the fall, or stalking late season bucks, has no expiration date. is makes it imperative for us to keep all of this material available and easy to access.
Our site has more than 11,000 articles— and more get added on a daily basis. And while some of our content is reporting on stories from other sources that Editor-in-Chief Chester Moore personally curates, most of our content is original, created by Chester, Lenny Rudow and the other members of our pro sta . ere is no algorithm scraping the work of other sources and passing it o as ours.
So the task of improving the way all this content is presented is no small endeavor. We’ve had our team, Troy and Melinda Buss and Sharon Heir, working on it for the be er part of the past year. We started rolling it out in July. e goal is to make the site cleaner, organized be er, and most of all, faster to load
and deliver the information you’re looking for. Check it out at FishGame.com and let us know what you think.
Breaking the Sound Barrier
One of the rst things we did as a part of our site renovation was to incorporate audio into our stories, allowing you to listen to them. We began this process with the articles in the digital editions of the magazine. ese audio versions are quite good and make it easier than ever to take our digital issues on the road, or water. You can download the entire issue and listen to it anywhere, any time.
Our plan is to phase in audio versions of as many of the non-issue articles posted on the site as well as those in our digital magazine editions.
Stay tuned.
Email Ardia at aneves@fishgame.com
Email Roy at rneves@fishgame.com
A Great Loss, but a Grand and Lasting Legacy
BOB SEALY WHO, WITH HIS wife Donna, founded the Big Bass Splash tournament series, died in July a er a hard-fought ba le with cancer.
Bob was a lifelong avid sherman who was also a visionary entrepreneur. In 1984, he envisioned a tournament series that would enable everyday anglers to compete in pro-level tournaments with the opportunity to take home pro-level winnings.
contests were distinguished not only by the big payouts but also by his own stage presence. As gi ed a showman as he was a businessman, Bob knew how to keep an audience riveted to the action at his events.
ose events have contributed millions of dollars to charities such as Ronald McDonald House and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Bob Sealy
e Big Bass Splash made a huge splash of its own in the world of amateur competitive shing. ousands of anglers were drawn to the tournaments, rst held on Sealy’s home lake of Sam Rayburn, later spreading to other Texas lakes, and then to venues in other states. Bob’s
We’ve been partners with Bob and Donna for almost thirty years and count them—and their daughter Nicole, who now runs Sealy Outdoors— as cherished friends.
Bob Sealy will most certainly be missed. But his legacy will outlive us all. •
Pike on the Edge Strikes a Nerve
Editor: In our previous edition (July/ August 2024), Doug Pike’s column “ ere is No ‘I’ In Speckled Trout” struck a serious nerve.
Our editors and regular contributors have their own opinions and we’re glad to let them share them here. Doug Pike has been a valued member of our editorial team for decades and has both the experience—and wisdom—to use that privalege with care.
If anything, the amount of feedback we got reinforces something we already know: regulations on speckled trout remain controversial.
Below is a sampling...
SOME BS THERE I SUPPOSE. BEEN
shing as long as you have, and you have no business giving that advice. Like it or quit shing is a rude response period. Mother Nature controls the trout population more than man.
I sh on average three days per week. ere are plenty of trout; surveys are skewed in my opinion. Me and friends I sh with do not keep trout over twenty inches and I believe most shermen conserve the resource.
I’ll part with some a dose of your own advice: Let up or stop writing.
Butch Hooker
I AGREE WITH YOU ON THE CURrent regulations on specks. I remember the 10 and the 5 sh limits. Due to the previous freezes and I believe the increased pressure put on the trout population it’s ge ing dicult even to get a 3 sh limit.
We have shed Port O’Conner for over 25 years and some weekends it’s just crazy with the number of boats. During the rst year of the covid asco it was like the 4th of July every weekend. e one place that is still holding up is the surf, if you can get there.
Rex Clinton Brenham
u LETTERS to the EDITOR
:: by TF&G READERS
TRY AS MEN MIGHT, NO ONE CAN control mother nature...no regs will stop the next freeze. All guide licenses should be revoked rst before any recreational anglers are subjected.
Just like federal snapper regs, this one is unfavorable for recreational anglers.
Kim Hickle
Email Your Comments to editor@fishgame.com
Cougar Caught in Action on a Trail Cam
THESE IMAGES OF A COUGAR stalking a feeder near Silver, Texas were captured in the pre-dawn hours of successive mornings last January.
ey were sent to us by Shawn Campbell, of TX Hunts and Leases (www.txhuntsandleases.com). •
:: by CHESTER MOORE, JR. TF&G Editor-in-Chief
A Texas Boy in Grizzly Country
IT FELT LIKE PARADISE.
e li le boy who grew up seeing pictures of men y shing in Montana streams in Sports A eld, Field & Stream and Outdoor Life was doing it as a man. Rainbow trout were biting and hi ing a dry
CALIXTO GONZALEZ WAS A valuable contributor to Texas Fish & Game for many years.
Starting o writing Hot Spots reports for the Lower Coast, former EditorIn-Chief Don Zaidle saw his talent and quickly started having him do features.
When I came on as Executive Editor, Cal was the rst and only choice to replace me as Saltwater Editor. He was real. He was unique and he had heart.
Miles and miles of it in fact.
e rst I heard of Cal was when a Louisiana guide service had some writers from Texas and Louisiana over to a lodge in Johnson Bayou, La to gather content. I had been assigned to go do a destination piece in Arkansas for Texas Fish & Game, so I had to decline the invite.
A friend of mine called a er the event
y shed in the Cherry River shing access area just outside of Bozeman, MT.
down in case it was a bear.
It’s not like they can’t swim.
Suddenly I hear the lapping of water.
I had just caught a nice rainbow that jumped as if it were a sail sh, when I heard grunting in the tall grass behind me.
I was on the stream’s edge, down a rock embankment that was about 10 feet above me at a distance of 25 yards or so. e grass was tall leading to this spot and as I gently turned my head, I saw movement.
Whatever was in the bushes grunting was black with grizzled grey.
Was it a bear? Perhaps even a grizzly? is particular location was out of the range of common grizzly sightings, but it was still technically in their range and black bears were certainly in the area.
I decided not to do anything out of the ordinary and to keep casting.
I heard the grunt again, but this time a single grunt, mu ed by increasing winds blowing from the mountains in front of me.
I had just arrived from a delayed ight and hadn’t yet bought bear spray. I had no way to carry a sidearm in this location and the stream wasn’t deep enough to retreat into and dri
Cal’s Last Column
and said, “Who in the heck is this Calixto Gonzales guy? It was super tough shing. He caught the only big trout that we could use for photo purposes and released it.” at intrigued me.
Almost afraid to look, I turned my head to the right and there stood a poodle. It was one of those big, standard poodles. is old poodle was black with grizzled grey and was grunting as it drank. It sounded as if it had a really bad cold.
I was never so relieved to see a poodle in my life.
I walked down and gave it a pat on the head and about that time, I heard someone hollering, “Suzie! Suzie! Come here!”
I walked up the bank and saw a man with desperation in his eyes.
“Are you looking for a poodle,” I asked.
“Yes sir. She got away from me, and I was concerned a bear or mountain lion might have go en her.”
“No, she’s down at the stream drinking,” I replied.
Suzie saw her owner and ran to him, grunting all the way.
I couldn’t help but laugh at the poodle and myself.
Cal and I also bonded over this: No one would have picked us to make it in the outdoors business or at least few would have.
Here was me the long-haired guy in metal bands and Cal the red-headed Hispanic dude with a snarky sense of humor and wit that went over most people’s heads. But we both did, and we both ended up in Texas Fish & Game which we talked about being so special to us frequently.
At some point Cal started missing deadlines. It happens. It’s happened to me. But in
I later learned it was simple. He believed in catch-and-release of truly big trout. He was doing what Cal o en did-living out his beliefs despite the consequences.
He was doing what Cal o en the consequences.
Cal and I bonded over professional wrestling. We both loved it our entire lives. When he told me he used to drive “Dirty”
Cal and I bonded over professional wrestling. We both loved it our entire lives. When he told me he
Cal’s case, it was a lot. too
Dick Murdock around during his la er years of wrestling in Texas, his cool factor went way up.
Dick Murdock around of wrestling in Texas,
And it was always some wild explanation of some sort of health calamity and some of them sounded maybe too wild to be true. I’ll be honest and say at one point I thought Cal might have some real health issues, but maybe he was exaggerating. I was unfortunately very wrong.
Cal had many health issues and
Here I was in Montana and my rst close encounter was with a poodle.
Ha!
e next morning, I found myself in the incredible Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park.
As the sun rose, the silhoue es of American bu alo (bison) do ed the horizon.
Truly wild bison are a rare commodity and seeing them in person is a powerful experience when considering their nearly extinct status 120 years ago.
While slowly driving through this incredible se ing, a couple of beautiful pronghorn caught my a ention.
I pulled over to take some photos.
Another gentleman had just stopped to do the same and as we adjusted our lenses, his wife shouted from their truck.
“Bison!”
Turning around, we found ourselves nearly eye to eye with a massive bull bison.
And he looked angry.
Really angry.
e whites of his eyes showed as he grunted at the distance of about 15 feet which
le behind a loving family during the peak of the covid pandemic. He passed away in a Houston hospital at a time none of us could go see him.
I had spoken with Cal about six months before the pandemic and he was doing good then. But he asked me then, “Hey pal, if I pass away could you write my last column?”
A tear rolled down my cheek and I said, “Of course my friend. It would be an honor but it’s an honor I hope to never do. I want you to be with us as long as we exist at Texas Fish & Game.”
When Cal passed, I knew in my gut it would take a long time for me to write the column. I tried immediately and then deleted the le. It didn’t honor Cal correctly. TF&G owners Roy and Ardia Neves and I as well as few contributors wrote a tribute, but I couldn’t get the column done.
It wasn’t the right time.
He transcend outdoors media. As an educator he put deep love and mentorship into young people. As a man, he fought hard for what he believed in. And as a friend, he always
means we were about 1/2 second away from 1,500 pounds of fury.
We gently backed up and then a couple of other bison that just crossed the road caught his a ention.
He immediately ran out and slammed into one of them. e other, younger bull struck back but then ran o leaving the big bull on its own.
He then proceeded to roll in the dirt, grunt and buck up and down like a bronco.
Yes, this was the same bison that walked right up to us a few seconds earlier.
Bison hurt more people in Yellowstone than any other animal.
People look at them as large ca le from the dairy farm because they are unafraid of people in the park.
It’s called con dence people, not docility.
I’m well aware of bison dangers and in fact avoided shing in what looked to be an incredible spot in the Lamar Valley due to bison presence. Not only were there big bulls but lots of babies there.
Being between a momma bison, a calf and a shing hole is not a good idea.
put a big smile on my face like when me, Cal and Dustin Warncke did one of Dustin’s podcasts together.
I hadn’t laughed that hard in years. is will o cially be Cal’s last column.
I nally found a way to give Cal a sendo worthy of his awesomeness and it was inspired by a li le boy I met in Wyoming. e li le boy lost his mother, has no father in his life and has had some issues ing in with people. He was smart. He was funny and he so loves the great outdoors.
He reminded me of some of the kids Cal would talk about that he had helped. He always wanted the poor underdog to enjoy the great outdoors as much as the “in crowd’.
So, in Cal’s honor, I sent him a rod and reel combo.
And through the rst September edition of the Texas Fish & Game e-newsle er, we will post a story asking for kids that might be dealing with special challenges.
We will give away ve rod and reel combos in honor of Calixto Gonzalez-my friend and a friend to Texas Fish & Game.
I shed elsewhere and did quite well. is trip not only brought me information but clarity. Sometimes only being in wild places does that for me. I’m just glad I’m writing a column about my bison encounter instead of being the subject of a story someone else wrote.
“Wildlife Journalist A acked by Bison” is not a headline I want to read any time soon. e phenomenal trip would also include bighorn sheep, wolf packs an actual bear sighting, and a lot of trout.
But the big takeaway was when you’re in the wild, be prepared for anything, even an old, coughing poodle.
uEmail Chester Moore at cmoore@fishgame.com
Our very last conversation ended up being about our mutual faith in Christ, so I know Cal is in a truly be er place. I wish he was here with us, and I wish his column still ran on our pages.
But I am glad I can nally write Cal’s last column and make it a vehicle to help those less fortunate connect to shing.
Cal might’ve wanted us to throw in some lucha libre masks to the kids too, but I know he would have been overjoyed to see that his legacy still carries on powerfully.
Cal, I miss you buddy.
e greatest honor I have ever been asked to do in my career Is writing your last column. I love you and so do a whole lot of other people.
—Chester Moore •
:: by JOE DOGGETT
TF&G Senior Contributing Editor
The Most ‘Missable’ Missiles
MANY WINGSHOOTERS
agree that the mourning dove is our most “missable” bird.
e mourner is the smallest of our signi cant game species, weighing a smidgin over four ounces (an ounce or so less than the chunky whitewing).
And it ies fast. Based on studies done by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the mourning dove hits high gear at around 40 mph and redlines on a honkin’ south wind at 50-plus.
And when hastened by an errant pa ern of pellets a dove is capable of an amazing gantlet of twists and turns and dips and dives calculated to confound even a veteran September gunner.
Teal appear to be a close match, but the diminutive ducks are slower than doves. Both bluewings and greenwings look faster than they are; ight studies peg them in the 30-mph range, lagging most “big ducks” like mallards.
Teal are shi y li le rascals, but the ocks usually are fragmenting over decoys out in front. ere’s no such thing as the typical dove shot.
e mourner is a justi ably challenging target, and a clean miss is nothing to be ashamed of— assuming an incomer is not trying to land on your head. So, what is a reasonable average?
During the ‘60s, when I was a edging wingshooter, the “Big ree” outdoor magazines (Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Sports A eld) routinely stated that the national average on mourning doves was one bird bagged for each seven shots.
at woeful statistic persisted for several
DOGGETT at Large
decades, and I never did accept it. I still don’t. at’s terrible shooting. Most of the guys I have hunted doves with over the years probably went one-for-two, maybe one-for-three. One-for-four was a bad day.
decades, and I never did accept it. I still don’t. guys hunted doves with over the years probably went was a bad day.
ey were—and are—good shots, but nothing extraordinary, just avid wingshooters with average coordination and proper equipment and considerable experience. at is my honest recollection from more than 60 years of dove hunting.
A slick trick is to bag a limit “inside a box.” at would be 15 birds on the current limit with no more than 25 shells, a snappy performance in most any gunslinging company. is is especially true on a slow hunt when the hunter must “take ‘em as they come.”
Here are several proven observations for upgrading the average in the dove eld: Using an improved-cylinder or skeet choke is a great way to look good. Most high-percentage shots at incomers and passing birds are within 20 to 35 yards, and the open choke throws a wide, dense pa ern of 7 ½’s or 8’s within that range.
When pass shooting or jump shooting, when most chances are at 40 or beyond, a modi ed or full choke is the be er choice. Standing under a ight line of ocks trading from feeding elds to water or roost is a classic example of the specialized pass-shooting drill. Walking a goatweed eld or corn stubble and ushing long birds feeding on the ground is a good example of jump shooting.
And when 40-plus gunning is the plan of the day, you might leave the “el cheapo” water-hole loads in the truck and equip with premium 7 ½’ or even 6’s. Frankly, near or far, quality shotshells are never a bad idea on a serious dove hunt. A few extra dollars per box is cheap insurance.
Regardless of hunting method or choke selection, using discipline can be a major factor in improving the average.
Granted, practice is the best way to upgrade performance on di cult angles and distances, but if you increasingly are frustrated over a growing mound of empty shells, you might pass the next awkward chance with tangled feet or confounding lead.
Yet another aming miss followed by sweaty epithets erodes con dence. Back o , se le down, and wait for an ice-cream shot. A hot dove eld allows this option.
Discipline also means knowing the terrain and avoiding shots that might drop a bird into
heavy brush or over an irrigation levee or property fence line. A clean kill means li le if the bird cannot be recovered.
“Bam-Bam-Bam!” is ruinous for a decent average, so avoid emptying an autoloader or pump at long range as an unscathed dove zooms past. Repeated three-shot salvos surely delight shotshell manufacturers, but they seldom do much for adding u to the game bag.
Obviously, a double gun only goes “BamBam!” but the reasoning is the same.
Either way, the rst shot out past 40 yards almost always gives the best odds of a hit. A er that, let it go—you are about to swing through the unworthy realm of “skyblasting.” e exception would be if the rst shot dusted the dove. en empty the gun and hope you can rake the cripple down.
A proven way to pad percentages on incomers is to turn 40-yard shots into 25- or 30-yard pokes. is is not a luau. You are hunting.
Wear drab clothing, use low cover to break the hungry pro le, and strive to station in (cooling) shade. But avoid burrowing into an overhead tangle of branches that restricts the high eld of view. You are waiting and watching for doves, not armadillos.
If circumstances allow, place several decoys and when a bird is within clean range rise to the occasion slowly and smoothly without frantic waving of arms and gun.
e same goes when walking and ge ing caught o guard (“Over you! Over you!”). Don’t lurch for cover or try to outdraw Ike Clanton at the OK Corral.
Early-season doves are accustomed to casual pedestrian movements, so just ease to an indi erent halt and keep your cheek down on the stock as you thumb the safety and pivot and swing.
Texas is the nation’s mother lode of dove hunting. A new season is approaching, and it promises to be a good one. I’m ready with my old Winchester Model 12 and my new Dove Gear Ultimate Bird Vest and a sack of MOJO decoys. And, as always, I hope to make that rst shot count. u
Email Joe Doggett at ContactUs@fishgame.com
Scan to Hear Audio Version
HAT IS THAT?” MY FISHing partner (and now former Texas Fish & Game colleague) Nicole Becka asked me and our boat captain Robert Scherer.
As she pointed toward the tip of the Port Aransas Je ies, several long black ns stood out of the water.
At rst, I had no idea when I was looking but when a ash of silver caught my eye it became obvious.
Tarpon!
A school of silver kings were feeding on mullet about 50 yards south of us and now our a ention switched to them. As we cast everything in the tackle box at them Nicole nally got
a hookup on a topwater. It didn’t last long but we got a big thrill watching the four foot tarpon bust out of the water and show its deep red gills as it shook its head.
Tarpon are a fairly common sight at the Port Aransas Je ies and also at the je ies in Port Mans eld and Port O’Connor.
O cials with the state’s Tarpon Observation Network (TON) report that each year, anglers target Texas tarpon nearshore with some success.
“Although current tarpon populations are not what they once were, conservation e orts have led to increased opportunities for Texas anglers. Typically, in late summer and early fall, anglers pursue tarpon with a fair degree of success.”
Now is the time when tarpon begin schooling in areas such as the stretch between High Island and Galveston, around Port O’Connor, and Port Mans eld.
TON advises that most tarpon are o en hooked incidentally while shing for other species. However, the tarpon’s habit of supplementing oxygen intake by gulping air (o en referred to as “rolling”) can alert anglers to their presence.
“Tarpon are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on a variety of prey. Anglers typically use dead or live sh for bait, such as menhaden or mullet, but live crab, live shrimp, and arti cial
Scan to Hear Audio Version
COMPOSITE PHOTO: TF&G; INSET, MARK DAVIS
The author with a large blacktip shark he caught and released near the jetties at Southwest Pass, Louisiana.
baits (including ies) that resemble bait sh or shrimp can tempt a hungry tarpon as well. e hard bony plates in their mouths make tarpon di cult to hook, but circle hooks have been found to provide the best hookup ratios. Due to the presence of sharp gill plates, anglers typically use long 80# test or heavier leaders to prevent cut-o s. Nonetheless, hooking a tarpon and bringing it to hand is easier said than done, with most hookups resulting in the tarpon winning the ba le.”
Although contact with tarpons is rare for us, another acrobatic oceanic predator is abundant, and we catch many: sharks.
Sharks, particularly blacktips and their close cousin the spinner sharks, put on extremely impressive acrobatic displays, arguably outdoing even tarpon. e easiest spot to nd sharks is around je ies or nearshore oil and gas platforms. Bring along some chum like menhaden oil or throw out chunks of pogey to a ract the big sh. Canned jack mackerel also makes great chum and is very inexpensive. All you have to do is punch holes in the can and put it in a lingerie washing bag or sh basket tied
o to the boat.
Back in the day, targeting tarpon around jetties in Texas was super popular as the species was more widespread nearshore. Now, they are coming back in some areas in seemingly larger numbers, offering more opportunity.
Another economical chumming method involves taking a ve-gallon bucket, punching it full of holes, and rigging weights in the bo om. Tie the bucket to the boat with enough rope to sink at least 10 feet down and ll it with sh guts,
old shrimp, cut menhaden, or any kind of smelly stu . is will create a chum slick that will draw in sharks from all around.
A few years ago, two of our ne law o cers, Jimmy Owens and Jason Loughlin, invited me out to chase sharks at the je ies.
When we arrived, there were few big ones to tangle with, but the rocks were swarming with hundreds of blacktips from 2-3 feet in length. We decided to try our luck with topwaters and had a blast for several hours watching the feisty predators chase and occasionally destroy our Top Dogs, She Dogs, and Super Spooks.
If you think you had fun with topwaters, try catching sharks on them. It takes things to a whole new level. If you want to purposely get sharks to come to the surface to hit topwaters, try taking out a pail of wet sand or mud and live glass minnows or nger mullet.
Take several of the baitsh, clump them up in the sand, and throw them overboard. e sh will escape at di erent depths, driving the sharks crazy. Once they start surfacing, you can skip the sand and just throw over the live bait to keep them surfaced.
ere was the time my father hooked into a stingray that weighed well over 200 pounds. It took him and my cousin Frank Moore on a two mile ride.
I was in another boat and lost contact with them a er we started catching sh. A er a frantic search, we approached Frank’s boat to nd my Dad lying in the bo om, drenched in sweat and Frank now ghting the behemoth that was now apping on the surface.
And by the way the meat was great. Nowadays we would not kill such a big ray, but it was hard to argue with Dad’s logic back then.
Many of you have had amazing je y and other near-shore Gulf encounters as well. ere have been millions of man hours spent chunking spoons and shing shrimp under a popping cork along these sh super highways.
Over the years, shing je ies has provided some of the most interesting experiences of my life.
“What are you going to do with it?” I asked.
“Son, I fought it for two hours, we’re going to eat it.”
Don’t think for a second that you can’t enjoy these kinds of encounters in an alumust exercise extra caution in any smaller cra of course but as you can see my adventures have been
minum boat. You many.
e rst day my schedule meshes with calm winds you can bet I will be there, chasing hard- ghting sh and expecting the unexpected.
Blacktip Shark
WE’RE ON THE CUSP of another duck season in Texas and Clay Shipes is anxious to see how things shake out on lakes and rivers across the Pineywoods.
Shipes knows a thing or two about ducks and duck hunting. He is Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Regional Migratory Game Bird Specialist for East Texas.
The 35-year-old biologist began his career with a well spent four-year stint at the 25,000-acre JD Murphree
Wildlife Management Area, a wintering waterfowl wonderland near Port Arthur, then hired on with Ducks Unlimited overseeing multiple states across the southeast. Shipes returned to Texas in 2020 and he’s been riding shotgun over eastern Texas ever since.
The biologist spends a wealth of time afield throughout the year. Come fall and winter, his 20 gauge is always close by. When he isn’t duck hunting, he’s thinking about it.
“Duck hunting is pretty much my passion,” says Shipes. “I do most of my hunting on public waters.”
Shipes says there is no shortage of sweet spots across
the Pineywoods for duck hunters to stage a decoy spread. Experience has taught him the best hunting prospects always happen when the right conditions are present.
The biologist said the most important factors to consider are water conditions, food and hunting pressure. Some of the best shoots occur when there are plenty of groceries available in the shallows to attract birds and hold them when they pass through the area. This is especially true for dabblers like early teal, mallards, shovelers, pintail and gadwall.
Dabblers feed primarily in the shallows, often in water so skinny it can barely float a decoy.
The birds will eat insects and other invertebrates, but they love to munch on new growth terrestrial vegetation and seeds they can easily reach in a feeding posture that sometimes puts their heads beneath the surface and their butts in the air.
Mud flats ripe with flooded vegetation on any number of public reservoirs can be magnets for migrant teal looking for a spot to loaf and recharge for their journey south. The same is true for second growth rice fields spurred to life by timely rains.
“One thing to note is ducks are usually most a racted to new water and new food sources when areas are freshly ooded,” Shipes said. “In the Pineywoods region, we are really dependent on water and landscape scale ooding that opens up large areas of habitat for ducks.”
ere was certainly no shortage of water in eastern Texas as late spring gave way to summer. Some reservoirs were several feet above normal in late June a er big storms in late April and May caused major ooding in parts of the region.
How last spring’s high water will stack up for fall hunting prospects depends on what happened in the months that followed. Shipes said the best case scenario would be if the summer turned o dry enough that sunbaked shorelines were able to grow some dense stands of successional seed producing plants.
en, come fall and winter, we start ge ing steady rains that ood these areas and set a dinner bu et ripe with goodies.
“ e good news about that is we have water, and hopefully it helped grow some good stands of submerged aquatic vegetation during the summer,” he said. “ e problem is that we had very li le to no early successional seed producing plants, because all of our wetlands were standing in water. Last year we struggled with water and there was li le to no habitat available for birds.
Most likely the rain stopped at some point this summer, Shipes added. “With the wet conditions we had going into summer, it shouldn’t take too much moisture in the fall to provide water and habitat for ducks in
our region come fall/winter. Hunters should be sure to focus on areas where there is food available, especially if it’s newly ooded. ey also need to look at areas where they will be able to hide. at’s one of the biggest mistakes I see — not doing a good job of hiding from incoming ducks.”
Top 5 Picks
As earlier mentioned, there are a number of good duck hunting lakes in eastern Texas, but some have much richer histories than others. In the following segments, Shipes highlights his Top 5 Pineywoods duck hunting waters:
No. 1: Lake O’ the Pines
SIZE: 18,700 acres
CONTROLLING AUTHORITY: U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers
COMMENTS: It’s a large reservoir with plenty of submerged aquatic vegetation in certain years. e best hunting typically occurs at the lake’s shallower upper reaches around expanses of hydrilla and other aquatic vegetation. e lake is known for supporting large numbers of diving ducks like scaup, bufe heads, when the conditions are right.
No. 2: Toledo Bend
SIZE: 181,600 acres
CONTROLLING AUTHORITY: Sabine River Authority
COMMENTS: It’s a massive reservoir where good hunting can be found in large expanses of cypress swamps creeks and backwater areas up and down the lake on both the Texas and Louisiana sides; some of the best at the shallow northern reaches. e North Toledo Bend Wildlife Management Area is a wellknown hotspot when not overrun with giant salvinia. Hunters must have an Annual Public Hunting Permit to access the area. Shipes says swamps and backwaters are prone to holds large numbers of gadwall, and it’s not uncommon the see ra s of divers in big, open water areas.
No. 3: B.A. Steinhagen (Dam B)
SIZE: 10,647 acres
CONTROLLING AUTHORITY: U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers
COMMENTS: Downstream from Sam Rayburn on the Neches River, it’s a shallow reservoir with an abundance of aquatic vegetation like hydrilla, American lotus and
non-bene cial water hyacinth and giant salvinia. Good hunting also awaits upstream in ooded oxbows. Hunters with dogs should be cautious, especially during the early teal season, as alligators are present. Shipes says Dam B has a rich history of holding large numbers of divers, primarily canvasbacks.
No. 4: Caddo Lake
SIZE: 26,800 acres
CONTROLLING AUTHORITY: U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers
COMMENTS: It’s a shallow, natural lake shared between Texas and Louisiana. Large expanses of bald cypress span the scenic water body, along with abundant native and non-native aquatic vegetation. It holds plenty of resident wood ducks and a racts good numbers of canvasbacks, scaup, wigeon, teal, gadwall and mallards when the weather elements set up right. Shipes says waterfowl use hinges heavily on the giant salvinia. It’s usually best in seasons following oods that ush the noxious plants downstream.
No. 5: Lake Livingston
SIZE: 90,000 acres
CONTROLLING AUTHORITY: Trinity River Authority
COMMENTS: Texas’ second largest reservoir is built on the Trinity River, which acts as a major corridor for migrant waterfowl winging their way south for the winter. Shipes says there are a number of large, shallow ats and creeks at the lake’s upper reaches that can hold large numbers of puddle duck when the conditions are right. Teal, gadwall and mallards will ll most straps.
BEST LAKES FOR EARLY TEAL:
Blue-winged teal are the predominant species found on Pineywoods waters during the early season. Shipes says naming the region’s best teal lakes is di cult because the birds are very unpredictable, prone to move through the area very quickly and usually don’t use the same areas from year to year.
“You hear a lot about people killing teal on several di erent lakes, but the ones I hear the most about are Toledo Bend and Caddo,” Shipes said. “ is has to do with location and depends highly on the food available from year to year.”
This May Come as a Shock
IF
YOU FORGET EVERYTHING
else you read here, remember this. It could save your life: Where there is thunder, there is always lightning. And a lightning bolt knows no boundaries.
Lightning has been known to strike objects as far away as 12 miles from the storm that produced it. Being outdoors when lightning is a possibility is risky business. I’ve interviewed a couple of anglers over the years who were struck by lightning and lucky enough to live and tell about it.
In 1996, Toledo Bend shing guide Stephen Johnston got popped while guiding a pair of o -duty remen. I’ve told his story before. It is always worth retelling in the name of boating safety. Johnston didn’t own a cell phone at the time and weather apps didn’t exist. Television forecasters had predicted storms to move into the area around noon, so Johnston gured they would have a few hours to sh in the morning. e guide said the skies turned hazy about mid-morning and a light drizzle began to fall.
“ ere hadn’t been any lightning or thunder to speak of. Nothing,” Johnston recalled. “Next thing I know, I’m si ing on the front deck, straddling the trolling motor, facing to the back of the boat. I still had my shing rod in my hand, and I remember looking down at my hand. My index nger and thumb were glowing like the cap on an orange Magic Marker. I couldn’t feel my le arm or leg.”
Johnston said one of his clients dropped to the oor. e other was knocked out of the back seat and onto the rear deck. Luckily, everyone survived. Johnston thinks the lightning hit his shing rod and exited the boat through the transom-mounted transducer.
e electrical surge fried the boat’s wiring harness, fuse box and electronics. It also killed three bass his customers were holding in the livewell for photos later on.
“ at day de nitely changed my thinking
Texas FRESHWATER
about lightning,” Johnston said. “I used to be one of those who waited to hear that rst clap of thunder before I got o the water, but that doesn’t work for me anymore. Nowadays, I’m able use my cell phone to keep close check on the weather. If bad weather is coming, I’m long gone before it gets there. We were lucky that day.”
Dangerous as it is, lightning doesn’t kill near as many people as you might think. National Weather Service data shows lightning kills about 20 people each year in the United States, while injuring hundreds of others. Some survivors su er lifelong neurological damage.
Between 2013-22, 19 people were killed by lightning in Texas, according to gures from the National Lightning Safety Council. Texas ranked second behind Florida (51) in lightning-related deaths during that time period. Bo omline: Lightning is nothing to be messed with.
Neither are big winds. High winds can turn a calm reservoir into a dangerous sea of tall rollers in a ma er of minutes. Last May, a nasty storm blew in on Toledo Bend and caused a 28-foot pontoon boat to capsize. e boat was occupied by six people, two of which drowned.
If the forecast calls for 15-20 m.p.h. winds, it’s a safe bet it will be ripping across unprotected water. e bigger the water body, the longer the fetch area for tall waves to build. Ge ing caught in rough water in a boat can spell disaster, especially in a small boat. You can also get into trouble in a bigger boat, especially if the driver lacks experience. Operating a boat safely in rough water takes skill that can only be learned from time on the water.
If high winds are in the weather forecast, it might be smart to boat another day. Otherwise, adjust your launching and shing locations to wind protected areas to avoid ge ing into a bind. is is especially true on large bodies of water.
Boater Ed Mandatory
Texas is a mandatory boater education state. Completion of a Boater Education Course, or a TPWD prescribed equivalency exam, is required of anyone born on or a er September 1, 1993, who operates any vessel over 15 horsepower, wind-blown vessel over
::
by
MATT WILLIAMS
TF&G Freshwater Fishing Editor
14 feet and all personal watercra on Texas waters.
Children under 13 are prohibited from operating a PWC unless accompanied on board by a person at least 18 years of age who is legally authorized to operate one. To operate a vessel alone in Texas, a boater must be 13 years of age to operate a vessel of more than 15 horsepower; or windblown vessel over 14 feet in length; and meet boater education requirements.
Boaters can nd a selection of online boater courses that can be taken anytime on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s boater education web page. In-person courses are available. Paddlers can also access a free paddling safety course online.
Fees for the course start at $11 for a basic course and vary depending on in person or online courses. For more information on boater education in Texas, check out tpwd. texas.gov/education/boater-education.
It is worth noting that the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society recently announced that proof of completion of a boater education course will be required of all anglers competing as boaters in B.A.S.S. shing tournaments, regardless of age. e only exceptions are High School and Junior events, where competitors are not allowed to operate the boat.
e new rule becomes e ective in January, 2025. B.A.S.S. says the submission of proof of a completed course is a simple, one-time process and is valid for life.
Email Matt Williams at contactus@fishgame.com
EXAS DEER HUNTERS are spoiled.
Let’s admit it. Most deer hunting is done by putting out a feeder, driving an ATV to a stand and sitting and waiting. Oh, there’s plenty of effort involved and sometimes a whole lot of time in the stand but it’s not like hiking miles into public land, carrying a climbing stand and waiting over an unbaited area for a deer to walk by.
We sometimes get the idea that hunting with feeders is the only way. But the fact is some deer, especially some big bucks, become feeder shy.
Feeder-shy deer, particularly mature bucks, often avoid areas with heavy human scent or regular disturbances. These deer learn to associate feeders with potential danger, especially in heavily hunted areas.
As a result, they become more elusive and harder to hunt using conventional
methods. However, these same bucks can often be found near natural food sources, which they perceive as safer and more familiar.
The first step in hunting deer without feeders is scouting. Texas is diverse, with habitats ranging from dense forests to open plains, each offering different natural food sources. Key foods for deer in Texas include acorns, persimmons, wild grapes, and various forbs and browse plants. Oaks are abundant in many parts
of Texas, and acorns are a staple in a deer’s diet. Look for areas with high oak tree density, particularly where white oaks grow, as their acorns are preferred by deer due to their lower tannin content.
Persimmons are another excellent food source, and these sweet fruits are highly a ractive to deer. Identify persimmon trees in your hunting area and note when they are fruiting, which generally occurs in the fall, aligning well with deer season. Wild grapes, plums, and other
native fruits can also draw deer, o en found in forest edges or clearings. In areas without abundant mast (nuts and fruits), deer rely heavily on forbs (broad-leaved herbaceous plants) and browse (leafy parts of woody plants). Identifying areas rich in these plants can lead you to deer hotspots.
Once you’ve identi ed potential feeding areas, the next step is se ing up your hunting location. is involves understanding deer movement pa erns and positioning yourself advantageously. Use trail cameras to monitor activity around natural food sources, helping you identify when deer are visiting these areas and establish their movement pa erns. Place cameras at varying heights and angles to cover a broad area and avoid
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spooking deer with visible equipment. Position your stand or blind downwind of the feeding area to avoid detection, as mature bucks are particularly sensitive to human scent. Ensure you account for prevailing wind directions and set up your stand at a comfortable distance, allowing for a clear shot while remaining concealed. Utilize natural cover to your advantage, hunting from ground blinds made of natural materials or positioning yourself in thick brush to enhance your concealment. Avoid cu ing too much vegetation as it can alert deer to human presence.
Understanding when to hunt is as crucial as knowing where to hunt. Deer are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. Plan your hunts around these peak activity periods for the best chance of success. Arrive at your stand well before dawn for morning hunts, minimizing disturbances and allowing you to se le in before deer begin moving. Be prepared for a longer wait as deer may not appear until the rst light.
For evening hunts, set up in the a ernoon and remain patient until dusk, as deer o en move towards feeding areas as daylight wanes, making evening hunts particularly e ective near natural food sources.
For those looking to take their hunting to the next level, consider incorporating advanced techniques such as spot and stalk or still hunting. Spot and stalk require patience and stealth, scanning open areas and using binoculars to spot deer from a distance, then carefully stalking your prey using terrain and vegetation for cover. is technique is particularly e ective in open plains or lightly wooded areas.
In places like the Big icket region of Texas, this is nearly impossible.
Still hunting involves moving slowly and quietly through the woods, stopping frequently to listen and observe. is method requires excellent knowledge of the terrain and deer behavior, as well as the ability to remain silent and undetected. is can be problematic on deer leases because hunters are o en limited to fairly small areas so keep that in mind and be safe when even remotely approaching someone else’s hunting area.
Creating mock scrapes and rubs using deer scent can also a ract bucks, relying on natural deer behavior rather than food, making it a viable alternative for those avoiding feeders.
Hunting deer without corn feeders o ers several distinct advantages. Without the concentrated human scent and activity
around feeders, deer experience less pressure and are more likely to follow their natural pa erns. is method challenges you to develop a deeper understanding of deer behavior, habitat, and movement.
Pursuing deer in Texas without using corn feeders or bait is a rewarding endeavor that tests your skills and knowledge as a hunter. By focusing on natural food sources, understanding deer behavior, and utilizing strategic setups, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy a more authentic hunting experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, embracing these techniques will enhance your appreciation for the challenges and rewards of hunting deer in Texas.
We’re not saying stop feeding. In fact, these kinds of hunts aren’t always easy so you might nd yourself back on the stand waiting for the 4:30 corn dispensing to begin.
But it o ers a way to pursue deer in a di erent way that might connect you with the big bucks that are avoiding your feeder like the plague.
Deer will usually hit natural food sources such as mast crops before hitting corn.
IAnd Away We Go!
HAD BEEN PUTTING OUT VINE-
yard Max every chance I had. e near seven-hour drive was one I did not relish making until I could start seriously hunting in October. ankfully a friend agreed to put out the aromatic and nutritional Vineyard Max “bait” in an area I had found far from any existing deer feeder or deer blind. I had found the “middle of nowhere” spot the previous fall while walking and ra ling. I had “struck o ” across county with my ra ling horns walking at 45-degrees into the wind, stopping every quarter of a mile to ra le. It was during one of my ra ling sessions a most interesting buck had charged in, and, was gone before I could raise my ri e. Something that occasionally happens when ra ling.
e buck was a massive ten-point, main beams spreading well outside his ears, with tines nearly a time and half the length of his ears. I saw him long enough to “guesstimate” he gross-scored in the high 150’s B&C. His clean hocks, skinny neck and other age-indicating body characteristics suggested he was certainly no older than four. Because of his age, I was glad he did not hang around very long. I fear I might have talked myself into shooting him, breaking my self-imposed veyears or older minimum age if he had.
e buck much reminded me of another I had seen in northeastern Texas where I hunt with friends who own the ranch. His antlers were nearly as big, although not quite as wide. e west Texas buck, ra led in was nearly 20-inches outside. e northeastern Texas buck, also appeared to be no older than four. His spread was barely 17-inches, outside. His tines and beams were easily as long, and I suspected more massive. I passed him knowing if he lived at least one more year, he could become a buck “to write home about.”
Both bucks made it through the 2023 hunting season. I saw them just before they cast their antlers in mid-March.
anks to fortuitous rains during the antler growing season, deer on both properties
Texas WHITETAILS
and many others have not had a “hungry day” this year.
late August conducting our annual night-time
ing for deer to get a good idea of current buck
ted both bucks and both have grown bigger
I spent time on both properties during late August conducting our annual night-time spotlight census, and, spent several days looking for deer to get a good idea of current buck to doe ratios and fawn survival rates. I spotted both bucks and both have grown bigger bodies and antlers.
I very seldom, if ever use trail cameras, and even when the landowners do, I do not care to see the photos they procure. I like hunting old style, scouting the property hoping to spot bucks I plan to hunt in real life and then going one-on-one with the chosen deer. If
:: by LARRY WEISHUHN TF&G Whitetail Hunting Editor
and does, with the guns mentioned.
I will continue using Vineyard Max to draw deer into “the middle of nowhere,” targeting those bucks which seldom if ever show up at “corn feeders.” I will also be using Vineyard Max to concentrate does in remote area. Does will a ract bucks as the rut approaches.
I come out on top, “Hooray!” If the bucks come out on top, same “Hooray!”
As our 2024 whitetail season approached, I sighted-in my Mossberg Patriot bolt-action ri es in 6.5 PRC and 7mm PRC (www.mossberg.com) topped with Stealth Vision scopes (www.stealthvision.com), my open-sight Rossi lever-action ri es (www.rossiusa.com) and long-eye relief scoped Taurus Raging Hunter revolvers (www.taurususa.com) with appropriate Hornady ammunition. All are ready!
I will not be hunting opening day of our Texas’ 2024 Archery/MLDP season, I’ll be in British Columbia, Canada hunting moose. But I can assure you as soon as I return, I will be hunting Texas whitetails. I have several bucks, including the two I passed last year, and I am hoping to “encounter” this fall and winter, as well as others. My intention this fall and winter is to take whitetails, both bucks
Later in the season when I am hunting does to harvest our quotas, I will be using Vineyard Max to toll them away from established feeders and normal hunting areas, so those areas are not associated with hunting. I will remind you of one whitetail fact when it comes to taking an older mature buck, always my goal with bucks; the best time to take a buck of size and age, which you know something about, is the rst legal opportunity.
If you do not bow hunt and hunt on property not under a MLD Permit, you might consider ge ing a crossbow and becoming procient with it, which does not take long. Not unlike the proverbial early bird ge ing the worm, the early hunter quite o en gets the big buck!
Email Larry Weishuhn at ContactUs@fishgame.com
One of the several young whitetail bucks Larry passed during the 2023 hunting season
HOW Anti-Hunting Groups Are MAKING IT HARDER TO HUNT PREDATORS ...EVEN IN TEXAS
STORY BY PAUL FUZINSKI
AS A HUNTER AND CONSERVATIONIST, THE importance of preserving our outdoor heritage for future generations is vital. The recent attacks on predator hunting across the United States serve as a reminder of the incremental, yet dangerous threats posed by anti-hunting groups. They are methodically using predator hunting, arguably the low hanging fruit of the hunting world, as a means to introduce higher restrictions on hunting laws—a strategy often referred to as the “death by a thousand cuts.” Here we dive into how the shortening of the coyote hunting season in Michigan, driven by public perception rather than scientific evidence, parallels the current ban on “canned” mountain lion hunts in Texas.
e issue at hand is far more signi cant than the mere reduction of hunting seasons. It represents a fundamental challenge to our rights and hunting traditions. Recently, in Michigan, the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) decided to close the year-round coyote hunting season for three months, from April 15th to July 15th. is decision was based on unsubstantiated social pressures rather than scienti c evidence, thereby limiting the opportunities for Michigan hunters to manage coyote populations e ectively during this period.
Michigan is representative of a broader nationwide trend of chipping away at hunting rights. e NRC’s decision prioritizes public perception over sound scienti c management, a dangerous precedent that threatens the entire conservation community. When decisions are guided by social perceptions instead of science, we as hunters risk losing not only our hunting opportunities but also the e ective management of wildlife populations that are responsible for the healthy, huntable numbers of animals.
In Michigan, the NRC’s actions were not based on any concrete data or scienti c studies. Instead, they relied on wildly vague notions of public perception, without providing any evidence to back up their claims. To add insult to injury, these restrictions were put on the table by trapping and hunting groups, likely due to “perceived pressures” from anti-hunting groups (whatever that means?). If we continue down this path, it won’t be long before other hunting opportunities, ones much closer to the species you prefer to hunt, are similarly restricted, leading to an erosion of our hunting rights. e signi cance of predator hunting, particularly for species like coyotes, extends beyond the act itself. Predator hunting plays a crucial role in managing wildlife populations and maintaining ecological balance. In conservation, dollars are already stretched thin, and resources limited. Hunting is, as part of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, a vital resource for the control of game species. at is partly why we are required to buy game tags and o en report harvest numbers, so state DNR agencies can keep track of how many individual animals are removed from a population every year. is data is then used to steer regulations that control populations of game species to keep the numbers healthy and sustainable.
Anti-hunting groups are well aware of the implications of these incremental restrictions. ey view all common methods of predator hunting and trapping as objectionable and aim to use public perception to further their agenda. It’s much easier to show a gruesome image of a dead coyote and cute coyote pups to appeal to people’s emotions than it is to explain the complicated and nuanced reasons as to why hunting and management are necessary to keep animal species healthy across the board. e parallels between Michigan’s coyote hunting restrictions and Texas’s ban on “canned” mountain lion hunts are striking. While overall lion numbers may indeed still need investigation, no one has proven there ever were any “canned lion hunts” or at least they were never presented to the public. at and Ohio’s coyote situation have animal rights ngerprints all over them.
In states like Colorado and California, we see the long-term e ects of such terrible policies. ese states have experienced a gradual degradation of hunting opportunities, with trapping and other methods of predator control being outlawed. is slippery slope is a real threat, and hunters must remain vigilant to prevent similar outcomes in their states.
As hunters and conservationists, our passion is driven by a desire to ensure that future generations have the same, if not be er, opportunities to enjoy the outdoors that we all love so much. e ght to preserve predator hunting is about more than just a threemonth coyote season or “canned” mountain lion hunts—it’s about safeguarding our hunting heritage and ensuring that sound science guides wildlife management decisions.
e Michigan United Conservation
Clubs (MUCC) is actively challenging the NRC’s decision. ey are ling an appeal and requesting the administrative record of the decision to understand the basis for this awed policy. eir approach is grounded in scienti c research, which clearly shows that localized management of coyote populations during the spring period is essential. ey presented hundreds of pages of peer-reviewed research to the NRC, demonstrating that the spring period is the optimal time for managing coyote populations. Unless there is any shred of evidence that hunting is directly degrading the overall health of a species population, whether it is coyote, mountain lion, deer or raccoon, hunters should be up in arms any time their right to hunt is challenged, especially since we are footing the bill for the conservation e orts that keep these populations healthy and in balance!
Despite the best e orts of MUCC, the NRC’s decision was in uenced by social perceptions, ignoring the scienti c evidence. It’s important to remember that this is not a ba le against public opinion, but a ght to ensure that wildlife management is guided by the best available science. We must vehemently resist the trend towards social and emotional governance and advocate for policies based on sound biological principles. at is what we, as hunters, are paying for. Every hunting license, tag, gun, bow and box of ammo purchased is funding all the science based research going into maintaining healthy, huntable populations of game species.
e a ack on predator hunting is a critical issue that a ects all hunters, regardless of their preferred game. e recent decisions in Michigan and Texas highlight the dangers of allowing social perceptions to dictate wildlife management policies. We must stand together and advocate for science-based management to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same hunting opportunities that we cherish. It has been proven time and time again that the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is e ective, conserves wildlife and is self-su cient in its funding. No ma er if implemented in America, Africa or anywhere in the world, it simply works. When hunters ban together and protect wildlife, while enjoying the fruits of their conservation dollars, everyone wins.
Coyotes need to be managed like any other animal.
HE EARLY TEAL season in Texas is an exciting time for waterfowl hunters.
It’s offers the first crack at ducks and gives dog owners a time to get some real in-the-field training as well.
With that said, early teal season has some inherent dangers that should not be overlooked.
Texas’ wetlands and marshes, prime teal hunting grounds, are also home to alligators. These big lizards pose a sig-
nificant threat to both hunters and their retrievers. When hunting, always scout the area during daylight before the hunt to identify any potential alligator signs. Alligators are most active at dawn and dusk, the same times hunters are usually in the field.
Keep your retriever close and avoid sending them to retrieve birds in areas where alligators have been spotted. If you must hunt when gators are present, use a boat to retrieve downed birds or do it yourself-cautiously. Very few gators will pursue a person, but many will go after a dog.
A vigilant eye and cautious approach can prevent tragic encounters. Additionally, training your retriever to respond immediately to commands is crucial for their safety. A well-trained dog that returns promptly when called can avoid many dangers.
Also keep in mind gators are not just on the coast. There are gators throughout the eastern third of the state and in some river systems a couple of counties removed from the Gulf.
Early teal season coincides with the peak activity of snakes, including venom-
ous species like cottonmouths and rattlesnakes. These reptiles are often found in the same wetland areas where teal are hunted. Wearing snake-proof boots and gaiters can provide an extra layer of protection for hunters navigating through tall grass and swampy terrain.
For your retriever, keep them on a leash or under close control until you have thoroughly checked the area for snakes. Training your dog to avoid snakes can also be life-saving. Various trainers offer snake avoidance training, which conditions dogs to recognize and steer
clear of these dangerous reptiles.
The early teal season in Texas is notorious for its high temperatures. The combination of physical exertion, heavy gear, and humid conditions can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Hunters should dress in lightweight, breathable clothing and stay hydrated. Carry plenty of water not only for yourself but also for your retriever.
Take frequent breaks in shaded areas to cool down. It’s important to recognize the signs of overheating in dogs, which include excessive panting, drooling, and
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lethargy. If your retriever shows any of these symptoms, cool them down immediately with water and seek veterinary care if necessary.
By being cautious about alligators, prepared for snakes, and proactive in heat management, hunters can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for themselves and their dogs.
OVE HUNTING IS A CHERished tradition in Texas, where the start of the dove season is eagerly anticipated as the official kick-off of the hunting season.
Hunting is a year-round affair in Texas with hogs and exotics but as far as native game, doves are the first offering.
Once the hunt concludes, the best part begins-dinner! Here are two delicious recipes to honor this tradition: Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Dove and Dove in Creamy Mushroom Sauce.
Two Tasty Treats to Celebrate the Year’s First Hunting Season by
TF&G Staff
BACON-WRAPPED GRILLED DOVE
Ingredients:
• 12 dove breasts, deboned
• 12 slices of bacon
• 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced
• 12 small cubes of cream cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toothpicks
• Barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dove Breasts: Rinse the dove breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Stuff the Dove Breasts: Place a slice of jalapeño and a cube of cream cheese in the center of each dove breast.
3. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed dove breast with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
4. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill the Dove Breasts: Place the baconwrapped dove breasts on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is crispy and the dove is cooked through. Brush with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling, if desired.
DOVE IN CREAMY MUSHROOM SAUCE
Ingredients:
• 12 dove breasts, deboned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dove Breasts: Rinse the dove breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Dove Breasts: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the dove breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they release their juices and become tender.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine and Cook: Return the dove breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the dove breasts are cooked through and tender.
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Whether grilled to perfection with a smoky, bacon-wrapped exterior or simmered in a luxurious creamy mushroom sauce, these dove recipes celebrate the unique flavors of this prized game bird. Each dish not only honors the tradition of dove hunting in Texas but also brings family and friends together around the table to savor the fruits of their labor.
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“CAST AND BLAST” ADVENTURE IN TEXAS o ers a fun mix of shing and hunting that can happen on the same day or on the same trip.
Most of this is done in the context of private hunting lodges and out ers which o er cast and blast packages as part of their services. For those on a budget, a fun way to do it is to hit public land.
Yes, Texas is 97 percent privately owned but we have ample land to do weekend or even weeklong cast and blast trips that can be fun for the whole family.
To make these fun and fruitful you need to be well-prepared with the right gear and game plan. Here’s a detailed guide on what you need to bring, covering both freshwater and saltwater shing, as well as hunting.
License and Permits
Fishing License: Before casting a line in Texas waters, secure a shing license. is is mandatory for both freshwater and saltwater shing. Check for any speci c endorsements or stamps needed for certain sh species or regions.
Hunting License: A valid hunting license is essential for pursuing any game in Texas. Be aware of the di erent types of hunting licenses available, such as those for residents, non-residents, and speci c game.
Special Permits: Depending on the game or sh you’re targeting, additional permits might be required. For instance, a federal duck stamp is necessary for hunting waterfowl, and certain areas may have unique regulations. A prime example of a potential surprise is that you need a free sandhill crane permit to hunt these beastly birds.
Clothing
Weather-Appropriate Gear: Texas weather can be unpredictable, ranging from scorching heat to sudden downpours. Pack layers, including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also essential to protect against the sun.
Camouflage: Essential for hunting, camouflage clothing helps you blend into the environment. Choose patterns that match the specific terrain, whether it’s woodland, marsh, or in the prairies.
Comfortable Boots: Invest in sturdy, waterproof boots suitable for both hiking and wading. Break them in before your trip to avoid blisters and discomfort.
Safety and Navigation
First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit is vital. Include items like bandag-
es, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications. A snakebite kit can also be beneficial in certain areas.
GPS and Maps: A handheld GPS device and detailed maps of the areas you’ll be exploring are crucial. Familiarize yourself with the terrain and mark key locations such as your camp, water sources, and hunting spots.
Hydration and Nutrition: Carry plenty of water, especially in Texas’s hot climate. Hydration packs or water bottles with filters are convenient. Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, jerky, and energy bars to keep you fueled throughout the day.
Freshwater Fishing Gear
Medium-Heavy Spinning Rod: Choose a rod that’s versatile enough to handle various freshwater species. A medium-heavy spinning rod provides
the strength needed for bigger sh while maintaining sensitivity for smaller bites.
Spinning Reel: Opt for a smooth, high-quality spinning reel. A reel with a reliable drag system will help you manage the ght of a strong sh and prevent line breakage.
Lures: Stock your tackle box with a variety of lures. So plastics mimic the movements of bait sh and are e ective for bass. Crankbaits and spinners are a must. Also bring plenty of worms in your favorite colors. If you come across grassy waterways, they will nullify your hard baits.
Hooks and Weights: Bring an assortment of hooks and weights. Use smaller hooks and lighter weights for species like crappie and larger, stronger options for cat sh and bass.
Line: Choose an 8-12 lb. test line for general freshwater shing. Heavier lines are be er for areas with dense cover or larger sh.
Net: A landing net is crucial for safely bringing sh to shore on public land. O en you will be bank shing and most of the areas not easy to sh. A net can be a big bene t in ge ing the sh to shore.
Cooler: Keep your catch fresh by storing them in a cooler with plenty of ice.
Saltwater Fishing Gear
Surf Rod: A long, sturdy surf rod is ideal for casting into the ocean. It provides the leverage needed to ght larger saltwater species.
Saltwater Reel: Saltwater reels are designed to resist corrosion from saltwater. Choose a reel with a strong drag system and high line capacity for handling big sh. If you plan on targeting sharks make sure you’re not under gunned. Even a six foot long blacktip can spool you.
Lures: Equip your tackle box with
Kayaks can be great for fishing and hunting on a public lands cast and blast waterfowl hunt.
spoons, and live bait rigs. Live bait rigs are highly effective for species like redfish and trout.
Hooks and Weights: Saltwater fishing requires larger, stronger hooks and weights. Circle hooks are great for catchand-release, as they tend to hook fish in the corner of the mouth.
Line: Use a 15-20 lb. test line for
general saltwater fishing. Braided line is strong and has a smaller diameter, allowing you to cast farther.
Fishing License: Ensure your license includes saltwater fishing.
Waders: Chest waders allow you to venture deeper into the surf, increasing your casting range and are especially important in the fall and winter. Most
Pliers: Saltwater pliers are essential for removing hooks from the toothy mouths of saltwater fish.
Hunting Gear
Rifle: Select a rifle appropriate for the game you plan to hunt. For deer, a .30-06 or .308 is a popular choice, offering good range and stopping power. For wild hogs, a .223 or .300 Blackout can be effective.
Ammunition: Bring enough ammunition for both practice and hunting. Ensure your bullets are suited for the specific game and comply with local regulations.
Binoculars: High-quality binoculars are crucial for spotting game at a distance. Look for ones with a magnification of at least 8x to 10x.
Rifle Scope: A reliable rifle scope enhances accuracy. Choose one with good light transmission for dawn and dusk hunting.
Game Calls: Use calls specific to the species you’re hunting. Deer calls can attract bucks during the rut, while hog calls mimic the sounds of feeding or distressed pigs.
Rangefinder: A rangefinder helps
Texans don’t use waders in the summer and early fall.
Practice Safety
Always prioritize safety. Follow all guidelines for both shing and hunting, including wearing appropriate safety gear and handling rearms responsibly.
Inform someone of your plans and expected return and carry a communication device like a satellite phone if you’re venturing into remote areas.
determine the distance to your target, ensuring accurate shots.
Game Bags: Lightweight, breathable game bags are essential for transporting your harvest and keeping it clean and cool.
Scent Eliminator: Use sprays and washes to reduce your scent, increasing your chances of ge ing close to wildlife.
Knife: A sharp hunting knife is indispensable for eld dressing game. Choose one with a durable blade and comfortable handle.
Planning
Research the areas you’ll be visiting, including local regulations and seasonal restrictions. Understanding the habits of your target species can also enhance your success.
Make lodging arrangements in advance if you’re staying overnight and inform someone of your itinerary for safety reasons.
Check the Weather
Monitor the weather forecast leading up to your trip. Be prepared for heat, rain, and cold, and adjust your packing list accordingly to stay comfortable and safe.
By bringing the right gear and being well-prepared, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable “cast and blast” trip in Texas. Whether you’re reeling in bass in a tranquil lake or hunting ducks on the coast, this is a formula to have the trip of a lifetime.
Kayaks can be great for fishing and hunting on a public lands cast and blast waterfowl hunt.
Texas Bass Study Yields Surprising New Data
BIOLOGISTS FROM THE TEXAS
Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) have completed an innovative study that tracked the movement and behaviors of largemouth bass at Toledo Bend Reservoir and Lake Fork. e goal of the multi-year initiative, which launched in 2020, was to learn more about sh behavior and help anglers be more e ective when they target largemouth bass.
In 2018, anglers began reporting a decline in catch rates, and many assumed that these declines were a ributed to decreased sh populations. Despite reduced catch rates reported in surveys of anglers during 201820, the electro shing data that biologists gathered on sh populations remained consistent. Biologists wanted to explore if increased shing activity on the lakes had
altered the behavior of the sh, which in turn led to a decrease in angler catch rates.
e study at Toledo Bend and Lake Fork focused on seasonal habitat use, the movement and home range of largemouth bass and how it correlated with angling activity. It also explored the e ects of boat motor noise and angling activity on sh behavior.
On both lakes, biologists monitored the movement pa erns of individual largemouth bass ranging from 16 to 24 inches in length. Biologists implanted radio transmi ers into 43 sh at Toledo Bend and 38 sh at Lake Fork to track them over a two-year period.
When the results came in, biologists were intrigued by the movement and home ranges of largemouth bass.
“Some of the biggest surprises were the small home ranges that these sh actually
NEWS of the OUTDOOR Nation
had and how li le of an area they occupied throughout the course of a year,” said Jake Norman, Inland Fisheries Division Tyler District Supervisor. “I think most anglers and even biologists, me included, expected to see more seasonal movement especially of individual sh. Overall, we just didn’t see that happen on a larger scale. For example, on Lake Fork, the average total home range these sh occupied was 60 acres or less over the course of the entire study, and the average core use area was just over 10 acres.”
Norman pointed out that the bulk of these sh have home areas and don’t migrate throughout the lake. e time of year didn’t seem to have a big e ect on movement and neither did the weather or lake levels.
“ ere wasn’t a large movement of sh back and forth from the bank to o shore structure,” said Norman. “It highlights that some sh just like to stay in shallow areas and some just like to be more o shore. Fish movement appeared to be the same throughout all four seasons and stable the whole year without a lot of seasonal movement.”
e study also revealed some interesting ndings about boat noise and the subsequent reaction by sh when hearing a motor. Biologists indicated that 59 percent of all the relocated sh reacted to boat noise in some capacity.
Norman added that sh size was a relevant indicator for how likely they were to react. ey found that sh over 20 inches were more likely to react to boat noise. In addition, sh that were in vegetation reacted more o en than when vegetation wasn’t present.
In terms of structure and habitat, the study found that, in general, largemouth bass exhibited habitat preferences.
e results of the study provide insight to anglers on how to target sh and to sheries biologists in their approach to management.
“A big ‘take home’ of this study is how important it is to be as stealthy as possible when shing for largemouth bass,” added Norman. “When anglers are sight- shing and see a sh on a bed, they should do everything
they can to make a cast to the fish before it knows they are there. Truthfully, that should be the angler’s mindset throughout all the seasons no matter if they are fishing in a foot of water or 30-plus feet of water. Doing everything you can to be as stealthy as possible will increase your chances of catching the fish you are targeting.”
Overall, when it comes to locations, the traditional target spots proved to be the best when angling for largemouth bass.
“The fish in these studies still selected more of what I call ‘high percentage spots’ like drops, points creeks and other habitat structure,” said Norman. “The places where anglers typically look for to target bass are the areas the fish are still utilizing the most. The study also shows that they are really educated and are very wary when noting an anglers’ presence, which could correlate to the reported lower catch rates.”
The study indicated that fish could also be found in featureless flats — areas that typically had less pressure from anglers. However, in those areas they were more spread out and less concentrated.
The results could also present fisheries
managers with two different approaches to habitat installment and enhancement. The first is to concentrate efforts in the high percentage areas, and the second would install more habitat in the flats to help concentrate more fish into a small area around the habitat structures.
Artificial Reef Program Enlarges Sabine Site
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE’S
(TPWD) Artificial Reef Program, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Friends of Sabine Reef, have added a fourth artificial reef site to the Sabine Pass area.
This new 20-acre reef, named HI-54 Shallow, is approximately eight miles from the Sabine Pass jetty and 1.7 miles from the coastline of Sea Rim State Park. HI-54 Shallow will consist of artificial materials that will be deployed to help create a new artificial reef habitat for aquatic life as well as enhance fishing opportunities for saltwater anglers and divers along the Gulf of Mexico.
The Gulf of Mexico’s sea floor is mostly comprised of a vast, featureless plain of mud and sand, and lacks natural reefs or structures for marine animals and plants to settle upon. That’s where artificial reefs come into play.
Artificial reefs have historically been placed in aquatic environments: coastal, marine and freshwater to enhance the receiving ecosystems. With a generous monetary donation from the Coastal Conservation Association and other partners’ donation of deployment materials, this new reef is focused on repurposing and reusing various outdated materials: obsolete concrete and metal pieces that would otherwise sit in a landfill, serving no purpose.
Scan to Hear Audio Version q
—TF&G Staff Repor
Excitement in Autumn SABINE
Reported by CAPT. EDDIE HERNANDEZ
IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE AN outdoorsman.
ese next two months are special and should rank very close to the top of most hunter’s and angler’s list of favorites. Outdoor activities that had been placed on the back burner during the sweltering summer months are now shi ing rapidly toward the front. Even though it may not feel like it just yet, there is denitely something in the air reminding us that seasonal changes are very much within our grasp.
of the seasons well before we can feel it. Meanwhile, the heatwave continues to linger but knowing what the coming weeks will bring is enough to get us, as well as the bait and sh, excited.
tidal movement is important, so plan accordingly. Work both points over really well and pay particular a ention to areas where the current forms small eddies.
Trout and red sh usually like it either bounced o the bo om or worked a li le higher in the water column. Key on areas that are holding bait and if you’re lucky enough to see shrimp skipping within range, cast as close to it as possible.
upon on dove load and of course, shing.
It is now time to start thinking seriously about practicing with your bow, mowing and trimming at the deer lease, stocking upon on dove load and of course, shing. Here on Sabine Lake the big three are feeding aggressively and taking a variety of arti cial lures as well as the real thing. It’s as if they can sense the changing
Fishing the mouths of Willow and Bridge Bayous should produce some pretty impressive stringers of trout, reds and ounder. ese areas have a long history of a racting and holding bait sh and are go to spots for many Sabine anglers year round. Good tidal movement keeps shad, shrimp, mullet and glass minnows moving in and out. at, in turn, keeps the hungry predators on the prowl. ese sh will gladly accept any of these baits as well as an assortment of arti cials.
Great choices for so plastics include DOA CAL Series, Down South Lures and Zoom Super Flukes. Topwaters such as She Dogs and Ski er Walks in bone and pink/silver plus Catch 2000s and gold spoons should also get good results. Good
For ounder, slowly drag a Gulp swimming mullet or curl tail grub tipped with fresh peeled shrimp on a 1/8 oz. lead head. Once you feel the trademark “thump”, give it a couple of seconds then pop him really good to ensure the hook is buried in its bony mouth. Another proven option for ounder is to rig your lure about two feet under a popping cork. Cast up current and let the tide drag it. Look for subtle changes in the cork because more o en than not a ounder won’t take it under. If it starts to lean and stops moving, reel in the slack and set the hook.
Enjoy this special time of year and good luck in whatever outdoor activities you pursue. Maybe we’ll see you here on Sabine.
SCHOOL HAS BEEN BACK IN session for a few weeks with summer coming to an end a er a few very hot months. is is also the time of year that red sh start to school up as well to feed on migrating bait pods and to head o shore to spawn in the Gulf. But Scan to Hear Audio Version
Reported by CAPT. DEREK YORK
they are not the only ones, speckled trout are also cruising the bays in deeper waters and marsh drains looking for easy meals. Early Fall brings lots of opportunities in the outdoors from dove and teal to Football and Fishing. It’s a great time to spend on the water with less people crowding the boat ramps and excellent shing to be had. I spend a lot of time taking people to chase red sh at the je ies and along the beachfront. We are mostly targeting the larger bulls with cut bait on the bo om, but you will eventually run into some surfacing schools of red sh which are quite a site to see! When shing the je ies, I usually position my boat to allow us to sh the rocks with lighter gear and then have 2-4 rods rigged up for shing the bo om on the opposite side out towards deeper water away from the rocks. One of the cool things we have been seeing more and more of when cruising just o shore is large schools of Tarpon surfacing. Tarpon have quite a devoted following here in Texas with its own set of preferred types of lures, but they are very opportunistic feeders and will surprise people every once in a while, and take a piece of cut bait or live bait. You be er hold on when that happens!
Back in the bay, speckled trout shing remains strong when dri ing oyster reefs in deeper water with so plastics and croaker. I like to make long casts with this type of shing and prefer to use 3/8oz or 1/2oz jig heads to get the bait out there. When using live bait, I will tie about 18” of uorocarbon leader to a cha er weight with a khale hook. is works much like a “Carolina rig” for bass shing. Both are very productive when on sh. Always keep your eye out for slicks popping up and seagulls as a clue to where these trout are located on the reefs. Black Drum, Sheepshead, Sharks and other species such as Tripletail and Jack Crevalle are also around in decent numbers this time of year in all the usual places. I’m always looking out for oating debris and crab traps with any types of shadows
HOTSPOTLIGHT
ANAHUAC
THE NORTH END OF TRINITY BAY HAS SOME OF THE RICHEST AND MOST DIVERSE angling opportunities in the entire Galveston Bay Complex. Selected HOTSPOTS are shown in the table below, and on the map.
next to them. ese are perfect locations for Tripletail to be hiding to ambush baitsh. e Jacks are easy to see when they are busting bait on the surface and are a blast on light and heavy gear, just make sure you have enough line on your spool. So be sure to get out and enjoy this time of year on Galveston Bay and remember to take someone new shing!
IHOPE EVERYONE ENJOYED their summer vacation and were able to spend some time on the water. Maybe one of you won a prize in the STAR Tournament? It’s been another hot one. I’m ready for some fall weather and football. is is one of the best times for shing of the year.
e rst cool front is going to trigger the shrimp migration into the gulf. Schools of shrimp will slowly head south during the back of a full moon. Trout and red sh will school up as well to feed. When you catch one sh another one will usually be close. If you’re wading, stay in the area and fan cast before moving on. If you’re dri ing, cir-
possesses, gigging at night is an adventure. You can see everything in the bay system from the lighted boat. Flounder migrate every year so cold weather doesn’t a ect them as much.
Give me a call for your next adventure to Matagorda.
cle back around quietly if you quit ge ing bites. ese sh will disperse if spooked. Live bait always works well but arti cial does just ne in the fall.
e je ies can be a hot spot as well. North winds become more common in turn calming the surf. e shrimp migrate through these channels which can create a feeding frenzy. I have seen acres of reds on top of the water around the je y this time of the year. Beautiful gold ra ing on the surface. It’s a site to see. Trout and reds will gorge themselves preparing for the cold winter. Most any bait you throw will draw a strike.
When the wind blows one of my favorite spots is the diversion channel where it dumps into west Matagorda Bay. e shorelines provide protection from heavy winds. ere are oyster reefs li ered along the grassy shores. is provides protection from predators for shrimp and other bait. Scores of red sh roam these areas. I mainly use a popping cork to keep from hanging up on the reefs. is is another place where reds pod up and feed.
Trout numbers seem to be rebounding from the freeze a few years ago. Lower bag limits and conservation have helped. Most of the tournaments have adopted catch, weigh and release or live weigh ins. With the number of tournaments this has allowed the population to mature more. Practicing catch and release is also important.
Flounder numbers remain constant to previous years. Just a slight decline. But the past several years have been stellar. For those wanting to experience what the bay system
BEST BAITS: Red shad soft plastics, topwaters early, drift or anchor
TIPS: Red shad soft plastics, topwaters early, drift or anchor; avoid midday
LOCATION: Galveston Bay
HOTSPOT: Willies Head Island
GPS: N 29 32.155, W 94 48.524 (29.5359-94.8087)
SPECIES: Redfish
BEST BAITS: Gold spoons, Live shrimp, troll/ wade/drift close to bank
TIPS: Gold spoons, Live shrimp, troll/wade/drift close to bank; dawn through morning
LOCATION: Galveston East Bay
HOTSPOT: Elm Grove Point
GPS: N 29 28.541, W 94 40.438 (29.4757-94.6740)
SPECIES: Flounder
BEST BAITS: Live mud minnows, soft plastics
TIPS: Anchor at mouth with outgoing tide, fish jumping shad; dawn thru dusk
LOCATION: Galveston East Bay
HOTSPOT: Pig Pen
GPS: N 29 25.176, W 94 44.116 (29.4196-94.7353)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Live shrimp
TIPS: Fish shrimp under cork; dawn through dusk
LOCATION: Galveston Trinity Bay
HOTSPOT: Jack’s Pocket
GPS: N 29 44.077, W 94 45.852 (29.7346-94.7642)
SPECIES: Redfish
BEST BAITS: Croaker, shrimp, soft plastics
TIPS: Anchor/throw croaker, drift/throw soft plastics/ shrimp; all day
LOCATION: Galveston West Bay
HOTSPOT: Chocolate Bay Shoreline
GPS: N 29 10.392, W 95 9.005 (29.1732-95.1501)
SPECIES: Redfish
BEST BAITS: Jigs
TIPS: Troll down shoreline with red/white jigs under cork; dawn through morning, afternoon through dusk.
LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay
HOTSPOT: Brown Cedar Flats
GPS: N 28 43.847, W 95 42.66 (28.7308-95.7110)
SPECIES: Redfish
HOTSPOT: Intracoastal Waterway
GPS: N 28 38.828, W 96 2.425 (28.6471, -96.0404)
SPECIES: Flounder
BEST BAITS: Finger mullet, mud minnows
TIPS: Fish the bottom with live finger mullet using a slip slinker; dawn-morning.
LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay
BEST BAITS: Topwaters, soft plastics
TIPS: Drift with topwaters or bounce soft plastics near the bottom; morning-midday, dusk.
LOCATION: Matagorda East Bay
HOTSPOT: Drulls Lump
GPS: N 28 42.285, W 95 50.066 (28.7048-95.8344)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Shrimp, mullet
TIPS: Anchor or drift using shrimp under cork or mullet; morning-afternoon.
LOCATION: Matagorda West Bay
HOTSPOT: Palacios Bayou
GPS: N 28 35.679, W 96 10.781 (28.5947, -96.1797)
SPECIES: Flounder
BEST BAITS: Mud minnows
TIPS: Fish the bayou from its edge, with the moving tide; avoid midday, afternoon.
LOCATION: Sabine Lake
HOTSPOT: East Pass
GPS: N 29 59.027, W 93 46.562 (29.9838-93.7760)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Soft plastics, live bait
TIPS: Fish soft plastics in red/white. Natural mullet works best
Tactics for Fall Fishing PORT
O’CONNOR
Reported by CAPT. KIM GOULDEN
AS WE MOVE THROUGH
the dog days of summer, our a ention turns towards fall with cooler temperatures and hungry sh. If you like shing during summer, you will absolutely love it in the fall and winter. When air temps begin to decrease, water temperature will do the same. Cooler water will encourage targets like speckled trout to hang around shallow water longer. A at with sand pockets, grass beds, proximity to deeper water, ipping bait and water movement is going to be a good bet.
If you’re interested in shing with articial lures, this can be a great time of year to try them out.
Below are a few common challenges I see during fall/early winter and some suggestions.
1. CHANGING WIND DIRECTION OR NO WIND. Wind plays a signi cant role in water movement. Water movement is important for sh to eat. If you have no wind or tidal movement, nd a point with adjacent drop-o s. Water will naturally gravitate around this type of structure, giving you some movement. Even the slightest pu of breeze can immediately result in a bite. Frequently changing wind direction o en requires adjustments from anglers. is can be a tough one. ere’s no one rule for this. You may be able to adjust
your direction and/or presentation to continue drawing a bite. Or, you may have to relocate altogether.
2. LURE WEIGHT.
When targeting speckled trout in shallow water, try lighter jigheads. Avoid using heavy jigheads to lengthen a cast. at heavy jighead will divebomb to the bo om and/or wear out your arm trying to keep it in the strike zone. Instead, opt for a 1/16oz with a smaller hook gap and pair with a MirrOLure Lil John XL. is combination casts like a bullet and provides plenty of erratic action with minimal e ort. Trout, red sh and ounder are o en willing on this combination.
Texas Custom Lures 1/16oz 2-0 Watermelon Red jighead with a Watermelon Red Gli er MirrOLure Lil John XL is a deadly combination.
3. APPROACHING YOUR FISHING AREA TOO FAST.
Once you have selected the area you want to sh, slow down and idle up to the area or use a trolling motor. is will give you time to evaluate bait presence, water movement and color changes. Being
stealthy by easing into an area quietly and walking a li le bit if you are wading can work big in your favor. Bumped sh may still eat, but spooked sh may take much longer to return to normal.
If you are new to fall and winter shing, consider pu ing this on your short list this year. It truly is a magical time of year on the Texas Gulf Coast.
As always, be safe and be nice to each other on the water. Tight lines!
CONTACT CAPT. GOULDEN:
Email: KimGouldenFishing@gmail.com
Online: PortOConnorFishingTrip.com
Storming Into Fall UPPER LAGUNA MADRE
Reported by CAPT. RICHARD THOMPSON
THE SUN HAD BARELY crested the horizon, casting a so , golden glow over the shoreline. ere, amidst the symphony of morning birds, was the sound of trout gulping on their top water delights of shad and shrimp. is scene sets the stage and what becomes the reality for us wade shermen’s happiness and tranquility. It’s all about the entirety of the experience for shing in our South Texas coastal heaven.
In the month of September, we still are not out of the woods for tropical weath-
CAPT. RICHARD THOMPSON
CAPT. KIM GOULDEN
er and disturbances in our Gulf system. Depending on the size and where the systems come in, it can have either a positive or negative e ect for your bay system.
CORPUS CHRISTI BAY
For instance, there was a storm that landed below Brownsville, and we are about 100+ miles North here in the Upper Laguna. e storm surge had pushed water into areas and ooded ats that we weren’t used to shing. We were able to target the roaming reds cruising these areas because of the lower barometer and the bite was phenomenal as these reds were in a feeding frenzy devouring our baits.
On the other hand, it can ush the bay system with new clean water from the Gulf, which also assists with the cleaning of our oating grass we must deal with a er the dog days of Summer have beaten down our ecosystems.
A typical pre-Fall morning starts at 6:00 a.m. as we too want to send out the breakfast bell to our targeted species of trout and red sh. e strategy we focus on during this time of year hasn’t changed much as our Summertime pa erns are still in play.
Our mornings start o by wading shallow shorelines with sand pockets and will have a drop o close by as these sh troll looking for easy bait. We want to ensure we can grab their a ention with a smaller top water lure. For example, Mans eld Knockers is one of my favorite go to. When I change over to so plastic, I personally like to go to one of my con dence set up’s which consists of a Salty Head pink lead and a MirrOlure Lil John Purple Demon if I’m wanting a smaller pro le so plastic. If I’m wanting a larger pro le I go to a variety of Coastal Brew Bait colors.
ere’s a lot to be said proving the hook up ratio is greater when one uses what they are comfortable and con dent using.
We now transition and position ourselves at drop o s as the a ernoons remain warm in the mid 80’s to mid 90’s. e water temperature re ects the same and the sh begin to ascend to the cooler deeper waters. ese drop o s do not have to be tremendously deep, a foot or two is where the sh have moved to. We will change our lead head to an 1/8
MIDDLE COAST
or ¼ oz to get our bait down to where the sh are suspended. is time of the year can provide some unforge able memories and moments on the water, so reach out to us here at R&K Coastal Out ers. We will hook you up!
CONTACT CAPT. THOMPSON:
Email: RandKCoastalOutfitters@gmail.com
Online: RandKCoastalOutfitters.com
Summer’s Last Stand
ROCKPORT
Reported by CAPT. JARED McCULLOCH
SEPTEMBER, THE FINAL stand of summer, with high temperatures and low winds, can turn any favorite shoreline into a dud. But there are still plenty of great areas to nd feeding sh. Locations with current movement, such as the surf, are ideal. While it can be a long run, the fast action with reds and trout will have you back at the dock before the temperatures soar. e bigger the croaker, the be er if you venture out there. If you prefer lures, the surf can still be your friend. Large topwaters to get their a ention, big 6” shrimp from DOA on a popping cork, and 5” or 6” swimbaits of your favorite brand can keep your line tight.
MIDDLE COAST HOTSPOTS
LOCATION: Copano Bay
HOTSPOT: 136 Bridge
GPS: N 28 4.508, W 97 13.179 (28.0751-97.2197)
SPECIES: Flounder
Color-wise, I like to keep it simple with natural colors in the surf, as the water is clean with minimal visibility issues. If September’s conditions aren’t to your liking, waiting for the rst cold front demonstrates stellar patience and self-control, allowing the ats to return to normal. Pothole shing with cut
BEST BAITS: Shrimp
TIPS: Work on flats near pilings, freeline shrimp very slowly; dawn through midday, dusk, night.
LOCATION: Corpus Christi Bay
HOTSPOT: Shamrock Cove
GPS: N 27 45.369, W 97 9.733 (27.7562-97.1622)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Soft plastics or live finger mullet
TIPS: The flats should be good for redfish and the deeper water over reefs should yield trout.
LOCATION: Espirito Santo Bay
piggies can produce plenty of angry bites and hard takes. Don’t be afraid to work on your casting accuracy and aim for the small holes. You will be impressed at how many bites come from a hole not much bigger than a slot red sh; so don’t discount a li le sand patch. Don’t get discouraged if the open sand against an island doesn’t have sh; back it up further and further o until you nd them. Generally, strong overnight tides will have these reds all over creation. e same goes for wading with lures. If you get a bite out of a sand pocket, work that lure through it every which way you can. Plum colors and medium-sized lures tend to be my go-to in the fall.
October holds one of my favorite stretches of shing and possibly some of my customers’ favorite shing as well. Bull reds pile up at the je ies, waiting on the next tide swing to push in and back out. Break out the heavier rods and 50-pound leader; you will need it. Swapping to circle hooks helps you wiggle free from the rocks without breaking o and also reduces throat and gill hooks, ensuring a healthy release of these old breeders. Bucktail jigs with 2 or 3-ounce weights work great this time of year, especially when you add a dead shrimp to the jig. Don’t forget to vent these reds before release to ensure they can return to depth quickly. Good luck out there and tight lines!
TIPS: Fish soft plastics under Maulers; wade shoreline in 2-4 feet of water; dawn through morning, afternoon through night.
LOCATION: Espirito Santo Bay
HOTSPOT: Farwell Island
GPS: N 28 21.61, W 96 27.652 (28.3602-96.4609)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Live croaker, plastics
TIPS: Wade or drift across spoil area in 3 to 5 feet of water; dawn through morning, afternoon through night.
LOCATION: Espirito Santo Bay
HOTSPOT: Pringle Lake
GPS: N 28 18.925, W 96 31.151 (28.3154-96.5192)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Topwaters, plastics, shrimp
TIPS: Drift with Topwaters, plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork; dawn through morning, dusk.
LOCATION: Port Aransas
HOTSPOT: Dagger Flats
GPS: N 27 49.7597, W 97 10.6099 (27.8293-97.1768)
SPECIES: Flounder
BEST BAITS: Soft plastics
TIPS: Drag it across the bottom; don’t bounce or jig the soft plastic. You actually drag it over the fish,
Scan to Hear Audio Version
CAPT. JARED McCULLOCH
making the fish react.
LOCATION: Port Aransas
HOTSPOT: Traylor Islands
GPS: N 27 56.6849, W 97 4.4609 (27.9448-97.0744)
SPECIES: Flounder
BEST BAITS: Gigging
TIPS: Anglers will have their chance for flounder in October as the season is closed in November. You can still fish with rod & reel for flounder, but no gigging.
LOCATION: Port O’Connor
HOTSPOT: Coast Guard Flats
GPS: N 28 29.6869, W 96 27.1009 (28.4948-96.4517)
SPECIES: Speckled trout
BEST BAITS: Super Spook Junior or soft plastics
TIPS: If you’re working stained water, then go with a darker color.
LOCATION: Redfish Bay
HOTSPOT: Estes Flats
GPS: N 27 56.541, W 97 5.944 (27.9424-97.0991)
SPECIES: Redfish
LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre
HOTSPOT: King Ranch Shoreline
GPS: N 27 29.134, W 97 21.1079 (27.4856-97.3518)
SPECIES: Redfish
BEST BAITS: Popping cork with live shrimp or Gulp
BEST BAITS: Live finger mullet
TIPS: Capt. McPartland says the redfish should start schooling in late August and continue into September.
LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre
HOTSPOT: Dead Man’s Hole
GPS: N 27 38.665, W 97 12.4279 (27.6444-97.2071)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Super Spooks or Skitter Walks
TIPS: When the fish are shallow, use a combination of live and topwater baits. The top color has been pearl/chartreuse.
TIPS: Best Gulp colors for use under a popping cork here are white or New Penny.
LOCATION: Upper Laguna Madre
HOTSPOT: Spoils along the Intracoastal
GPS: N 27 33.684, W 97 16.759 (27.5614, -97.2793)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout & Redfish
BEST BAITS: Shrimp under a popping cork or free lining live croaker
TIPS: When you use freeoined croaker, fish along the edges of sand or grass drop-offs, in waist deep water.
Summer Ends on a High Note
BAFFIN BAY
Reported by CAPT. GERAD MERRITT
HOT WITH AN OCCASIONAL cool down tends to be the trend this time of year around Ba n Bay, the Laguna Madre and Land Cut. e recent bay activity, as of the writing of this article, has proven to be fairly satisfactory. Bait along with strong numbers of upper slot size trout seem to be very healthy. Consistent rain and storms earlier in the summer brought our salinity down some and amended our water quality. On our calm, hot mornings, bait can be seen as you run through the bay and aquatic life is plentiful. I use these days to look for new sh and seem to nd good solid trout, the occasional red sh and black drum on spots I did not expect.
their food source (bait sh) or cooling o with the warmer water temperatures. More cold fronts will be on the way soon and we will begin winter shing. Get your waders ready and start planning your trip to Ba n to look for that once in a lifetime trophy trout!
Working an area with birds is not a normal practice for myself in Ba n Bay as they are more prone to holding ga op, hard head, and skipjacks. Every once in a while, I will stop to check it out and periodically have a li le luck. With that said, when we see bait working in a general area without birds, I will make the mental note and check it out at some point throughout the morning. If time and the game plan for the day allows, I will stop to check it immediately. I try not to second guess what my plan is from the start, but li le adjustments never hurt. is time of year, we are still (hopefully) shing with live croaker, even if we have to haul them in. We are either free lining them or shing a slip weight, cha er weight or simple split shot if the need or location calls for it.
At times in the Laguna or Land Cut, the current is too strong to keep everything in
order. If lines are tangling or bait won’t stay toward the bo om, I will a ach the slip weights. In certain conditions it is be er to add a cha er weight, and this can also help in a pinch. On average, I try to only use the cha er weights or split shots when having trouble keeping bait o the surface where birds can be a big problem. Using these types
of sinkers can help but also hurt in the bay as the various rock structures will snag your bait and hook. ese techniques need to be tended to frequently to avoid catching a famous Ba n Bay rock but can be rewarding when done properly.
Dri ing the ats, bellies, guts, and grass lines is also another technique this time of year. Covering as much ground as possible but remembering that a slow dri is key. You need to be ready to stop the boat once you have found your desired sh quality. Next you want to move with them as they are more than likely following
SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER are great times to sh the Lower Laguna Madre for big sh. e best thing about these months is we usually get very calm weather. And on the calmest of days the blue water will make its way close to shore, where boaters will make their way out to the inlet in pursuit of the “smoking” king sh. ere are many ways to target these sh and I have a few that I prefer myself. e main way most people target kingsh is by trolling heavy ra le traps or other deep diving hard baits in many colors from solid red to re tiger and my buddies personal favorite, the baby mahi. Troll these lures at slow speeds with a 5 to 6000 spinning reel and wire leader in depths from 30-60’.
Another popular tactic for king sh many anglers use is to dri out whole, dead ribbon
Scan to Hear Audio Version
CAPT. BRIAN BARERRA
CAPT. GERAD MERRITT
sh using a two-hook system and either a balloon to keep it a oat or a small weight to keep it suspended in the middle of the water column.
My personal favorite way to target these ashy sh is to Spot-Lock with my trolling motor along the current in the inlet and cast a 1 oz. jighead with 3” D.O.A. shad tails with a slow retrieve working it from the bo om and back up to the surface. ese sh have incredibly sharp teeth so take precaution when handling them.
Scan to Hear Audio Version
Another one of my favorite types of shing to do this time of year is to chase big snook in shallow water. With the warmer waters, these sh tend to get out of the deep water and spread out into the shallows hanging around on grassy points, ats, and shallow docks. Dri ing shallow ats in 2’ or less of water over sandy potholes, preferably in an area with active bait sh, is the best bet for this scenario. Big single hook topwaters and 30-40 lb. leader line (minimum) will bring these big sh to the boat. I prefer “walk the dog” style topwaters while making a long dri across the at, but I will go to a popper style topwater in areas where I’m shing shorelines or structure where the strike zone is smaller. During the heat of the day, it’s never a bad idea to spread the net and ing out a couple of nice live baits in shadowy areas. is is the time of the year when the chance to catch a true giant snook exists. So, wake up early and sh hard.
THE AREA AROUND PORT ISABEL, AT THE LOWEST END OF THE LAGUNA MADRE, offers some of the most exciting angling opportunities on the Texas Coast. The Laguna, South Bay, Brazos Santiago Pass as well as the Gulf surf are teeming with trout, reds, flounder—plus snook and other exotic species.
EAST TEXAS HOTSPOTS
Reported by TF&G STAFF
LOCATION: Lake Bob Sandlin
HOTSPOT: Charlie’s Ridge
GPS: N 33 2.615, W 95 4.615 (33.0436, -95.0769)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Live and artificial trout bait
TIPS: Night is the best fishing for this spot.
LOCATION: Brandy Branch Reservoir
HOTSPOT: Intake/Spillway
GPS: N 32 32, W 94 29.051
LOWER COAST
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
shores; dawn through morning.
LOCATION: Baffin Bay
HOTSPOT: ICW Spoils
GPS: N 27 16.674, W 97 23.821 (27.2779-97.3970)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Topwaters, plastics
TIPS: Drift rocks with topwaters early then switch to soft plastics; morning through afternoon.
LOCATION: ICW Lower Laguna Madre
HOTSPOT: South Cullen Bay
GPS: N 26 13.6519, W 97 17.5729 (26.2275-97.2929)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Super Spook in a bone color
TIPS: You can find trout, 24- to 29-inch trout
(32.5333, -94.4842)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Soft plastics
TIPS: Hydrilla forms a point at the intake. Hit the hydrilla edges with soft plastics; dawn, morning, dusk.
LOCATION: Caddo Lake
HOTSPOT: Main Lake Pad Fields
GPS: N 32 41.634, W 94 3.7979 (32.6939, -94.0633)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Hollow body frogs, V&M Wild Thang 8.5-inch worms, buzzbaits
TIPS: Fish the main lake pad fields using the hollow body frogs and buzzbaits where the pads are
a little scattered. Also make sure there are baitfish and hydrilla present. Use the large worms in colors of junebug and redbug with a 1/2 oz weight on the edges of the thick vegetation where it meets a drop off a channel or creek.
LOCATION: Lake Conroe
HOTSPOT: Caney Creek North Point
GPS: N 30 27.293, W 95 36.283 (30.4549, -95.6047)
SPECIES: Crappie
BEST BAITS: Minnows
TIPS: Fish live minnows vertically into the stumps to a depth of 25 feet; should work all day.
LOCATION: Lake Cooper/Jim Chapman
HOTSPOT: Cannon Creek
GPS: N 33 20.481, W 95 41.103
working off the color change in grassy areas, pulling them up out of the potholes.
LOCATION: ICW Lower Laguna Madre
HOTSPOT: Stover Point
GPS: N 26 12.138, W 97 17.8489 (26.2023-97.2975)
SPECIES: Redfish
BEST BAITS: Topwaters or soft plastics
TIPS: Fish all along the spoil banks off the ICW,
looking for the color change.
LOCATION: Lower Laguna Madre
HOTSPOT: Bowie Park
GPS: N 26 8.198, W 97 10.843 (26.1366-97.1807)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Croaker, ballyhoo
TIPS: Freeline croaker or ballyhoo, best after cold front, drift; dawn, dusk.
LOCATION: Middle Ground
HOTSPOT: Marker 2
GPS: N 27 5.898, W 97 26.604 (27.0983-97.4434)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Live shrimp, freeline with slide weight along the bottom
TIPS: Live shrimp, freeline with slide weight along the bottom.
HOTSPOTLIGHT:
CURRENT LAKE LEVELS EAST TEXAS
LAKE CAPACITY CURRENT %
As of 8/1/2024 AC. FT. AC. FT. FULL
Addicks -n.a.- -n.a.- -n.a.-
B A Steinhagen 69,186 65,761 95%
Barker -n.a.- -n.a.- -n.a.-
Bob Sandlin 192,417 192,417 100%
Caddo 29,898 29,898 100%
Conroe 417,577 417,577 100%
Crook 9,195 8,530 93%
Cypress Springs 66,756 66,756 100%
Fork 605,061 597,416 99%
Houston 132,318 132,318 100%
Houston County 17,113 17,113 100%
Jacksonville 25,670 25,670 100%
Jim Chapman 258,723 251,747 97%
Lake O’ the Pines 268,566 268,566 100%
Livingston 1,603,504 1,603,504 100%
Monticello 34,740 30,118 87%
Murvaul 38,285 38,285 100%
Nacogdoches 39,522 39,216 99%
Palestine 367,303 367,303 100%
Pat Mayse 113,683 113,402 100%
Sam Rayburn 2,857,077 2,857,077 100%
Striker 16,878 16,878 100%
Sulphur Springs 17,747 17,747 100%
Toledo Bend 2,236,450 2,153,504 96%
Wright Patman 231,496 231,496 100%
(33.3414, -95.6851)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Spinnerbaits
TIPS: Bump red/white spinnerbaits into submerged stumps. Morning to midday.
LOCATION: Port Mansfield
HOTSPOT: East of Bennie’s
GPS: N 26 30.407, W 97 22.974 (26.5068-97.3829)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST
Topwaters, plastics,
TIPS: Drift with topwaters, soft plastics or live shrimp; good all day.
LOCATION: Port Mansfield
HOTSPOT: The Saucer
GPS: N 26 29.018, W 97 22.572 (26.4836-97.3762)
SPECIES: Speckled Trout
BEST BAITS: Topwaters, plastics
TIPS: Topwaters or soft plastics, freeline and drift; dawn through dusk.
LAKE O’ THE PINES
SURFACE AREA: 19,780 acres
MAXIMUM DEPTH: 49.5 feet
IMPOUNDED: 1958
LAKE O THE PINES HAS A DIVERSE fishery, with excellent largemouth, catfish and crappie angling. The lake’s
native white bass population is also widespread.
Many artificial fish attractors have been installed in the lake. See this symbol... ...on the map.
EAST TEXAS
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
LOCATION: Lake Fork
HOTSPOT: Mouth of Running Creek
GPS: N 32 55.145, W 95 32.865 (32.9191, -95.5478)
SPECIES: Crappie
BEST BAITS: Jigs, minnows
TIPS: Fish at 22-27 feet with minnows or jigs in Electric Chicken; bite is good here all day.
LOCATION: Lake Houston
HOTSPOT: Powerlines
GPS: N 30 0.203, W 95 7.737 (30.0034, -95.1290)
SPECIES: Catfish
BEST BAITS: Minnows
TIPS: Cut minnows, drift or use flagged juglines.
LOCATION: Lake Livingston
HOTSPOT: Mouth of Harmon Creek
GPS: N 30 52.111, W 95 23.914 (30.8685, -95.3986)
SPECIES: Catfish
BEST BAITS: Cut bait
CENTRAL TEXAS HOTSPOTS
Reported by TF&G STAFF
LOCATION: Lake Austin
HOTSPOT: Emma Long Park
GPS: N 30 19.498, W 97 50.546 (30.3250, -97.8424)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Crankbaits
TIPS: Crankbaits work best; all day; All year, all day.
GPS: N 31 37.912, W 94 48.761 (31.6319, -94.8127)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Crankbaits, jigs
TIPS: Fish the deep bank with patches of hydrilla. Dawn to noon.
TIPS: Best when there’s current. Let your cut bait drift downstream; dawn through dusk.
LOCATION: Lake Murvaul
HOTSPOT: Point at Cut Through
GPS: N 32 2.653, W 94 26.925 (32.0442, -94.4488)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Jigs, crankbaits, plastics
TIPS: Fish the docks, look for brush; dawn, morning, dusk, night.
LOCATION: Lake Nacogdoches
HOTSPOT: Deep Bank
LOCATION: Bachman Lake
HOTSPOT: Main Lake
GPS: N 32 51.1859, W 96 52.014 (32.8531, -96.8669)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Small rooster tails and small creature baits (3-4 inches long)
TIPS: Bass are on fire shallow along the banks as shad are running shallow too. Fish in 1-5 feet of water using the bridge for shaded cover. Cast along the banks parallel as the fish are no more than five feet from the banks.
LOCATION: Lake Belton
HOTSPOT: Main Lake
GPS: N 31 8.3459, W 97 31.932 (31.1391, -97.5322)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits
TIPS: Crankbaits or spinnerbaits in a white or sexyshad color, worked from the shoreline out have been the best producer. The downside is you will have to cover a lot of water to get a bite, but the upside to that is when you do hold on, the fish are big and healthy.
LOCATION: Lake Buchanan
HOTSPOT: Main Lake
GPS: N 30 49.572, W 98 23.658
LOCATION: Lake O the Pines
HOTSPOT: Hurricane Creek
GPS: N 32 46.935, W 94 30.997 (32.7823, -94.5166)
SPECIES: White Bass
BEST BAITS: Minnows, spinnerbaits
TIPS: Fish minnows or chrome/black spinnerbaits. Watch for birds. Dawn through midday.
LOCATION: Lake Sam Rayburn
HOTSPOT: Franklin Branch
GPS: N 31 13.440, W 94 16.040 (31.2240, -94.2673)
SPECIES: Crappie
BEST BAITS: Roadrunners
TIPS: Work the island points and hydrilla with Roadrunner jigs in a slow roll.
(30.8262, -98.3943)
SPECIES: Striped Bass
BEST BAITS: Top water lures, slabs and jigs
TIPS: Stripers will be around mid-lake. Watch for top water fish. Look for seagulls working. Any top water lure will work as well as slabs and jigs for under water lures.
LOCATION: Canyon Lake
HOTSPOT: Comal Park Area
GPS: N 29 51.7079, W 98 14.28 (29.8618, -98.2380)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics
TIPS: Generally, just before a front arrives and as the front is pushing in, fish become more active and feed much more aggressively. This secondary point has deep and shallow water along with brush. The brush extends into the cove and along the bank.
LOCATION: Cedar Creek Lake
HOTSPOT: Main Lake Bridges
GPS: N 32 18.546, W 96 6.738 (32.3091, -96.1123)
SPECIES: Crappie
BEST BAITS: Jigs and minnows
TIPS: Fish all bridges and you’ll find the fish suspended around the pillars usually about 10 to 12 feet
LOCATION: Toledo Bend
HOTSPOT: Crappie Bend
GPS: N 31 30.698, W 93 42.659 (31.5116, -93.7110)
SPECIES: Crappie
BEST BAITS: Minnows, jigs
TIPS: Work channel bend edges to top with live minnows or jigs; dawn, morning, dusk, night.
LOCATION: Lake Wright Patman
HOTSPOT: Woodland Island
GPS: N 33 17.959, W 94 12.79 (33.2993, -94.2132)
SPECIES: White Bass
BEST BAITS: Slabs, topwaters
TIPS: Fish chartreuse slabs off bottom or fish topwaters. Work them slowly. Dawn through dusk.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY:
Dave Cox: www.PalmettoGuideService.com
Richard Tatsch: www.FishDudeTX.com
down regardless of the depth.
LOCATION: Coleto Creek Lake
HOTSPOT: Main Lake
GPS: N 28 43.4879, W 97 11.178 (28.7248, -97.1863)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Zoom pearl white fluke
TIPS: The heat is finally over. The water is starting to cool, and the fish are biting. This time of year, the fish are getting ready for winter. Topwater lures are good choice early morning and late evening. Zoom pearl white flukes are good, too. Dip it in a little chartreuse while the sun is high for better action.
LOCATION: Eagle Mountain
HOTSPOT: North of Dam
GPS: N 32 52.709, W 97 28.044 (32.8785, -97.4674)
SPECIES: White Bass
BEST BAITS: Slab with a fly 12 in. above it
TIPS: This area just north of the dam is a series of humps, ridges and ditches. Never seems to be any fish in the bottom of the ditches. Use your electronics and look on the top of ridges and along the slopes. When you locate fish anchor over them and use a vertical jigging method on them. If you prefer to cast to them, use a slab and fly combo and let it go to the bottom and hop it back to the boat.
LAKE AQUILLA
SURFACE AREA: 3,020 acres MAXIMUM DEPTH: 59.5 feet IMPOUNDED: 1982
THIS COMPACT RESERVIOR IS FED BY two major creek arms. It has abun-
dant standing timber, although much of it is in the upper shallows.
TPWD has installed artificial habitat in a number of locations around the lake. See this symbol... ...on the map.
CENTRAL TEXAS
LOCATION: Fayette County
HOTSPOT: Deer Stand Hump
GPS: N 29 55.944, W 96 43.7819 (29.9324, -96.7297)
SPECIES: Catfish
BEST BAITS: CJ’s punch Bait
TIPS: Anchor on the shoreline side of the hump which allows you to cast toward the shoreline or the hump. Excellent night fishing spot. Throw out buoy, chum around it, then cast at the chummed spot.
LOCATION: Granger Lake
HOTSPOT: Main Lake
GPS: N 30 42.402, W 97 20.964 (30.7067, -97.3494)
SPECIES: Crappie
BEST BAITS: Marabou jigs, Berkley Crappie Nibbles
TIPS: This is probably the best time of the year for crappie at Granger.They have been feeding heavily all summer and are very thick and fat. The weather is good this time of year and the crowds are scarce with most people hunting or watching football. Find any kind of structure in 6- to 12-feet of water and you will find some good quality crappie. Fish a jig vertically holding it very still right over the structure. Make sure you put a Crappie Nibble on the jig running it up to the body and not on the tip of the hook. Tie the jig using a loop knot. This will make a big difference in the number of fish you catch. Not all spots hold good
fish so if they are not biting in a good-looking spot, keep moving until you find them.
LOCATION: Lake Joe Pool
HOTSPOT: Deep Grass Along Dam
GPS: N 32 38.424, W 96 58.910 (32.6404, -96.9818)
SPECIES: Largemouth
BEST BAITS: Red bug baits
TIPS: Fish the middle of the grass early, deep edge later with Carolina rigged red bug. Midday.
LOCATION: Lake Lavon
HOTSPOT: Main Lake
GPS: N 33 2.646, W 96 31.116 (33.0441, -96.5186)
SPECIES: White Bass
BEST BAITS: Slabs, Rat-L-Traps, Rooster Tails, Road Runners, small Crappie jigs, and top water plugs up to 7 inches
TIPS: This time of year, they are starting to boil up
at about 8:30 in the morning till about 11:30 in the morning. Then they pop up again between 4:45 and 5:45 and go until 7:30pm. You can catch them on the surface even when it was dark. The wind will make it difficult locating them. The fish have been popping up between Collin Park and Lavonia which is near the railroad tracks. Move down the south bank all the way along the dam, and go to the railroad tracks, then go to the island and back to Collin Park. Move in circles until you see them. If they’re not up on the surface they should be located on one of the points. Or some kind of structure..
LOCATION: Lake LBJ
HOTSPOT: Flyin’ K Recreation Area
GPS: N 30 34.152, W 98 20.953 (30.5692, -98.3492)
SPECIES: Crappie
BEST BAITS: Minnows
TIPS: Float rigged minnows around shallow brush in 2-5 feet of water; avoid midday, evening.
LOCATION: Lake Lewisville
HOTSPOT: 2 Ditches East of 121 Cut
GPS: N 33 4.907, W 96 56.68 (33.0818, -96.9447)
SPECIES: Hybrid Striped Bass
BEST BAITS: Shad
TIPS: Fish live shad on bottom rigs; good all day.
LOCATION: Lake Limestone
HOTSPOT: Sanders Creek
GPS: N 31 25.915, W 96 19.811 (31.4319, -96.3302)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Always be on the lookout for vegetation, find it and fish it.
TIPS: Always be on the lookout for vegetation, find it and fish it; dawn through dusk.
LOCATION: Lake Palestine
HOTSPOT: Flat Creek and Saline Creek
GPS: N 31 12.852, W 95 32.316 (31.2142, -95.5386)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Big Eye Jig, Texas rigged baby Brush Hog and spinnerbaits
TIPS: Fish the back of Flat Creek near the dogwood ridge as well as the back of Saline Creek. Use a Big Eye Jig on and around the docks. Fish Texas-rigged baby Brush Hogs and spinnerbaits on the stumps.
LOCATION: Lake Ray Hubbard
HOTSPOT: 66 Bridge East
GPS: N 32 55.452, W 96 29.373 (32.9242, -96.4896)
SPECIES: Crappie
BEST BAITS: Jigs, minnows
CURRENT LAKE LEVELS
CENTRAL TEXAS
LAKE CAPACITY CURRENT %
As of 8/1/2024 AC. FT. AC. FT. FULL
Aquilla 43,243 42,567 98%
Arlington 40,157 36,905 92%
Athens 29,503 29,503 100%
Austin 23,972 22,957 96%
Bardwell 43,856 43,856 100%
Belton 432,631 432,631 100%
Benbrook 85,648 79,570 93%
Bois d’Arc 367,609 355,877 97%
Bonham 11,027 9,867 90%
Buchanan 822,207 599,407 73%
Canyon 378,781 218,668 58%
Cedar Creek 644,686 632,658 98%
Choke Canyon 662,820 140,365 21%
Coleto Creek 31,040 30,313 98%
Corpus Christi 256,062 105,624 41%
Eagle Mountain 185,087 162,311 88%
Georgetown 38,005 30,852 81%
Gibbons Creek 25,721 25,137 98%
Granger 51,822 51,822 100%
Grapevine 163,064 163,064 100%
Halbert 6,033 5,063 84%
Hubert H Moss 24,058 22,853 95%
Inks 13,729 12,998 95%
Joe Pool 149,629 149,629 100%
Lavon 409,757 409,757 100%
Lewisville 563,228 563,228 100%
Limestone 203,780 197,375 97%
Lyndon B Johnson 112,778 110,981 98%
Marble Falls 7,597 7,227 95%
Martin 75,726 74,739 99%
Medina 254,823 9,223 4%
Mountain Creek 22,850 22,850 100%
Navarro Mills 49,827 49,827 100%
New Terrell City 8,583 2,377 28%
Ray Hubbard 439,559 436,225 99%
Ray Roberts 788,167 788,167 100%
Richland-Chamb. 1,099,417 1,099,417 100%
Somerville 150,293 150,293 100%
Stillhouse Hollow 229,796 229,796 100%
Tawakoni 871,685 861,737 99%
Texana 158,975 158,665 100%
Texoma 1,243,801 1,243,801 100%
Travis 1,098,044 524,389 48%
Tyler 72,073 72,073 100%
Waco 189,418 189,418 100%
Waxahachie 11,060 10,450 95%
Weatherford 17,812 15,577 88%
Whitney 564,808 564,808 100%
Worth 24,419 16,571 68%
BEST BAITS: Road Runners, Picasso Jigheads and Pacemaker jigs.
TIPS: If you’re searching for white bass, just look for washing machine activity by the spillway and throw a white or silver Road Runner. Pay attention to the size you keep as the Game Wardens will check them. Crappie are hanging out in brush piles between 10 and 20 feet of water. Picasso jigheads with white and chartreuse jig bodies have been working consistently. Largemouth up to 10lbs have been under the schooling sandbass and in the 15-20 feet of water creeks.
Pacemaker Adrenaline jigs with a V&M Wild Craw Jr. or V&M J-Bug trailers in green pumpkin have produced early until noon.
LOCATION: Richland Chambers Lake
HOTSPOT: Creek Channels & Timbered Flats
GPS: N 31 56.424, W 96 7.38 (31.9404, -96.1230)
SPECIES: Catfish
BEST BAITS: Danny King’s Punch Bait on a #4 treble hook
TIPS: Late Summer can be slow fishing for many species, but you can always count on the Channel and Blue Cats on Richland Chambers for lots of action! Most of our fish come from areas where we have “baited” with a 5-gallon bucket filled with range cubes. I drill 1/4” holes in the bucket, tie it off to a tree, sink it, and the cubes dissolve over a period of a few days. The Catfish are attracted to the area. Throw out a little sour maize when you first arrive, and you will know within a few minutes if catfish are around. If you haven’t caught any fish in 10 minutes or so, move to another baited area. Most fish are in the 2-pound size range, but you might hook a “big blue!”
LOCATION: Lake Somerville
HOTSPOT: Yegua Park
GPS: N 30 18.552, W 96 31.6679 (30.3092, -96.5278)
SPECIES: Catfish
BEST BAITS: CJ’s punch Bait/cut bait
TIPS: The north shoreline of Yegua allows you to reach deeper water. Great catfishing, also white bass.
LOCATION: Stillhouse Hollow Res.
HOTSPOT: Dam Bluffs
GPS: N 31 1.699, W 97 31.849 (31.0283, -97.5308)
TIPS: Black jigs or live minnows, work bridge pylons; morning through midday.
LOCATION: Lake Ray Roberts
HOTSPOT: Spillway, Deep Channels, and Brush Piles
GPS: N 33 24.426, W 97 3.1979 (33.4071, -97.0533)
SPECIES: Crappie, White Bass, Largemouth Bass
SPECIES: Smallmouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Jigs
TIPS: With a black small hair jig, maximize the lure fall and watch the line; dawn through morning, dusk.
LOCATION: Lake Tawakoni
HOTSPOT: Rabbit Cove
GPS: N 32 52.872, W 96 0.227 (32.8812, -96.0038)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics
TIPS: This is a BIG FISH area, hit shallow brush, roadbed & docks; dawn, morn, dusk.
LOCATION: Lake Texana
HOTSPOT: Mustang Creek Bridge
GPS: N 29 1.445, W 96 30.3 (29.0241, -96.5050)
SPECIES: Crappie
BEST BAITS: minnows, jigs
TIPS: Fish live minnows under cork or white crappie jigs; this spot is productive all day.
LOCATION: Lake Texoma
HOTSPOT: Catfish Bay
GPS: N 33 59.147, W 96 37.065 (33.9858, -96.6178)
SPECIES: Striped Bass
BEST BAITS: Jigs, shad
TIPS: Cast jigs on main lake points & anchor with live shad in 30 feet; dawn through dusk.
LOCATION: Lake Waco
HOTSPOT: Reynolds Creek
GPS: N 31 35.348, W 97 14.95 (31.5891, -97.2492)
SPECIES: Catfish
BEST BAITS: shad, prepared bait
TIPS: Fish the bottom; morning, dusk through night.
LOCATION: Lake Whitney
HOTSPOT: Striper Point / Whitney Hump
GPS: N 31 54.834, W 97 23.0879 (31.9139, -97.3848)
SPECIES: Striped Bass
BEST BAITS: Redfin and Live Shad
TIPS: Look for a shallow topwater bite at Striper Point and Whitney Hump. Make long casts with a redfin. Retrieve it back to the boat and make it wobble on the surface. When the Striper blows up, wait until the rod doubles up with the weight of the fish and THEN set the hook! After the sun gets up, back off the points, drift the same area in 18 feet of water.
TIPS: Lake Cisco has several lighted boat docks that can be fished at night for white bass and largemouth bass. The lights attract smaller bait fish therefore attracting feeding white bass and largemouth. Popper type top water baits work very well for enticing strikes. Fishing at night also allows fishermen to
escape the hot summer days. Weightless stick worm baits are also a great option.
LOCATION: Lake Coleman
HOTSPOT: Rear Cove
GPS: N 32 2.3976, W 99 27.6871 (32.0400, -99.4615)
SPECIES: Largemouth bass
BEST BAITS: Live shad, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, slabs
TIPS: Largemouth bass production has been great. The coordinates listed mark an old concrete structure that is surrounded by flooded brush. Fishing that shoreline into the rear cove works best with spinner baits, whacky worms, Senkos, and trick worms to catch bass. Sunrise often produces a great top-water bite in the rear cove. Occasionally hybrid striped bass can be caught in this cove, which these fish will put up a nice fight. Anglers targeting hybrids may have the best luck using live shad for bait or spinner baits, chrome or white suspending jerk baits, or slabs.
LOCATION: Lake Granbury
HOTSPOT: Twin humps near town
GPS: N 32 26.404, W 97 46.977 (32 26.404, -97 46.977)
SPECIES: White and Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: Holographic slabs in silver and chartreuse for sandies and crankbaits/soft plastics for largemouth
SOURCE: Michael W. Acosta Unfair Advantage Charter 254-396-4855
TIPS: Look for bait congregated on or near the bottom in around 15 to 20 feet of water. Look for surface feeding fish on humps and flats from in town to Decordova. Granbury water temperatures are generally in the 80’S as summer continues in September with a slow cool down towards fall (October). Summer patterns continue for most of September and the cooling will start in October for sure. The Texas heat is starting to taper off, but fishing continues to be best early and late. Thermoclines are starting to disappear, and lake turnover will occur as the surface cools. White bass are located near structure and are feeding on near drop offs in 15 to 20 feet of water. Largemouth bass number’s action is great on lipless crankbaits and soft plastics (red shad, blue fleck and black) fished near main lake points near stick ups. Largemouth bass to eight pounds are possible.
LOCATION: Lake Possum Kingdom
HOTSPOT: Sandy beach
GPS: N 32 53.354, W 98 31.599 (32.8892338, -98.5266583)
SPECIES: Striped Bass
BEST BAITS: Live shad, and trolling jigs
SOURCE: TJ Ranft
CURRENT LAKE LEVELS
WEST TEXAS
940-452-8439
ranftguideservice.com
Tactics: Use downriggers for trolling and fishing live shad strait down. September and October striper fishing on PK means covering ground and using different tactics daily. Trolling and live bait are solid tactics this time of year. If trolling, use jigs that are white, chartreuse, yellow, and the occasional pink. Down-rigging is a great way to get the jigs down
deeper in the water column but isn’t always necessary. Flatlining jigs out the back while trolling can also produce good numbers of fish. The fish will be transitioning into a fall feeding pattern, so always be prepared for some fast action when they decide to feed. The water temperature will range from mid 80s and fall into the mid 70s come late October.
LOCATION: Possum Kingdom
HOTSPOT: Gaines Bend
GPS: N 32 52.689, W98 28.001 (32.8781, -98.4667)
SPECIES: Largemouth Bass
BEST BAITS: live shad, perch, plastic worms, topwaters
TIPS: Bass love free swimming shad or perch, but jigs & pigs and worms are the staple this time of year. But don’t forget topwaters; bass are suckers for that bait.
LOCATION: Lake Proctor
HOTSPOT: Main Lake
GPS: N 31 58.6996, W 98 28.4398 (31.9783, -98.4740)
SPECIES: Hybrid Striped Bass
BEST BAITS: RatLTraps, crankbaits, slabs
TIPS: Hybrid striped bass have been stocked by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for many years to support the popular fishery. On the northwest and southeast sides of the island near the dam, there are humps that hybrids can commonly be found shoaling together. Trolling with chrome or white RatLTraps, deep diving crankbaits, or slabbing may produce a good catch. Heavy spinner baits with similar colors could be effective as well.
Lake Kemp has a rocky shoreline and an abundance of flooded vegetation. Water levels are currently higher,
which means improved largemouth prospects. Crappie action is good, especially near docks and on deeper rocks. White bass numbers are also healthy. The lake also has decent numbers of catfish.
Tides and Prime Times
The following pages contain TIDE and SOLUNAR predictions for our Base Point, Galveston Channel (N 29.317, W 94.88)
Tidal movement and daily phases of the moon have varying degrees of influence on many fish and game species.
AM & PM MINOR phases occur when the moon rises and sets. These phases last 1 to 2 hours.
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.
PEAK TIMES: Our Forecast Calendar uses both Tide and SoLunar projections to predict the best fishing times and days. Generally, if a SoLunar Period (Major/Minor) falls within an hour of sunrise or sunset, fishing conditions should be better. On certain days where Tidal Activity is stronger, the best fishing times may fall ouside the normal SoLunar range. While tides are not a direct factor in FRESHWATER FISHING, SoLunar Activity still accounts for increased feeding activity in freshwater species. It is also a prime factor in the movement and feeding habits of game species.
TIDE CONVERSION TABLE
Sportsman’s DAYBOOK
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
USING THE PRIME TIMES CALENDAR
TIDE PREDICTIONS are located in the White Area at the top of the Calendar Pages. You can use the CONVERSION TABLE below to make adjustments. It is keyed to 23 other tide stations along the Texas Coast (see these map icons: T1 ). Adjust low and high tide times, plus or minus in minutes, from the times given for the Base Point at Galveston Channel.
SOLUNAR ACTIVITY is shown in the Green Boxes on the Calendar pages. Moon Overhead and Underfoot times are given in the SoLunar Box and illustrated on the Fishing Graph.
Use the SOLUNAR ADJUSTMENT SCALE on the map below to adjust times for points East and West of our Base Point at Galveston Channel.
COBIA (ALSO REFERRED TO as ling, crabeater, or lemon sh) are a welcomed sight for any angler on the Texas coast this time of year. Known for their drag smoking ba les and tasty table fare, cobia are a fun sh to go out and target and luckily for us, these predators can be found swimming around inlets, buoys, oil rigs and underwater structures.
Once spo ed, cobia are o en mistaken for sharks, but are in no way related to them. Cobia are a part of the Rachycentridae family and are built with a stream-lined and powerful body with brown and white lateral stripes, a distinctive long dorsal n, a forked tail, and have both a wide head and mouth. eir mouth and jaw is lined with villiform teeth designed to prevent prey escape. Although not related, cobia do not have a swim bladder just like sharks, mackerel and ounder. is means they can only maintain their position in the water column by actively swimming.
All types of sh and shing are great, but the visual stimulation of seeing a snook hit a topwater or watching a tarpon roll is what really exhilarates me. at’s why shing for cobia is one of the top on my list. Cobia are not bashful by any means. In fact, they are curious and inquisitive. Capt. Brian Barrera and myself like to sh a few nearshore underwater shipwrecks for ling and I’ve learned to be ready to cast for these sh as soon as we start approaching the spot. Cobia congregate around these structures and as soon as they hear our motor, they start making their way to the surface and surrounding the boat.
Cobia will eat both real and arti cial baits, but they can be picky choosers. Depending on their mood, a ling will come right by the boat and inhale your lure or literally put their nose on it and reject it. I highly suggest having both lures and live or dead bait ready to o er them. Swimbaits and topwaters are
Going COASTAL
popular arti cials to use and live mullet or crabs are a cobia’s favorite. On my last outing for ling I had a D.O.A. Baitbuster (mullet imitation) with 40 lb. leader ready to serve them. I cast my lure by the school and with a constant retrieve worked the lure right under the water’s surface. Four or ve ling were ghting over my lure and trying to eat it at the same time. I hooked up to one and Capt. Brian Barrera cast a large topwater into the commotion and got one too. A er we landed those, the school disappeared. We were SpotLocked on top of a sunken ship in about 60’ of water using the Minn Kota Riptide Instinct
onboard at these sh. I understand the thrill as catching one is an achievement and the meal around the dinner a erwards is exceptional. Cobia meat is white, rm and has a delicious bu ery ocean taste to it thanks to
trolling motor and with the detailed Down and Side Imaging of the Humminbird Solix 12, we could see that the school had gone down into the wreckage. Using a Shimano Teramar 8’ Extra Heavy rod with a 6000 Spheros reel we threw out a live mullet rigged on a bo om weight down below. It didn’t take long for one of those ling to sni out that bait and we hooked up. It is important to have a rod with some backbone and proper leader line to e ectively pull them out of the structure, especially since cobia can reach upwards of 100 lbs. Fighting these powerful predators in deeper water is a fun and rewarding ba le.
Growing up, I remember the pure excitement on my dad and his shing buddies faces when they would spot a school of ling while o shore shing. Madness would ensue as they cast any and everything they had
their high protein diet made up of mostly crab. Once cooked, the llets are perfectly aky, and don’t fall apart like some other sh llets do.
A simple pan sear or blackening on these llets is all you need. I guarantee you will have no problem nding a few friends or family members to join you for dinner if this is what’s on the menu. Good luck in your pursuit of this magni cent and interesting species this fall.
Email Kelly Groce at contactus@fishgame.com
TF&G Contributing Editor
Skip Crosby is all smiles with a 51 pound cobia he caught at the South Padre Island jetties with Capt. Brian Barrera. These fish put up a fun and rewarding battle, leaving anglers wanting more.
Sargent
while fishing at Sargent under the guidance of her friend, veteran angler Heather Callihan.
Dominican Republic
BLACK DRUM Galveston
Andy Polk shows off a nice black drum that he caught while fishing near the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston.
Lake Bridgeport
caught this 19.8 pound yellow (flathead) catfish on lake Bridgeport on rod and reel, with a black/blue chatterbait.
Brody Svec caught his first dorado (mahi-mahi) while fishing out of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
SEND
CARP
Lake Travis
Twelve-year-old Reid McKallip caught this carp while fishing on Lake Travis with David Krupa. They caught the carp on bran flakes mixed with red soda.
No
TURKEY
Brownwood
Twelve-year-old Grayson Holland of Rusk County took his first Tom last spring while hunting on the Foley Ranch near Brownwood.
Undisclosed Location Grant Boehm with a redfish he caught at a location he chose not to reveal!
BLACK DRUM
Copano Bay Chuck Ayers caught this 40-inch black drum while fishing with cut bait on Copano Bay. The big drum was successfully released.
:: by PAUL FUZINSKI TF&G Contributing Editor
Who Picks Up the Tab?
WE ALL HAVE OUR PAS-
sions in the outdoors. For some, it’s hunting big game; for others, it’s hooking into huge largemouth bass, and some enjoy scanning the ats for red sh. e one thing we all have in common is a shared passion for wildlife, conservation, and the great outdoors.
America is unique in that not only do we have public lands, but we also allow our citizens, every single one of them, the opportunity to hunt and sh. is enjoyment, because of a few visionary individuals, comes with the added bene t of aiding in conservation e orts across the country. is conservation by proxy, in short, was created because of issues in the country’s past such as market hunting and the unbridled use of the land with li le understanding of the implications this would have down the road.
Regulations are now in place, and hunting licenses and excise taxes have been established to ensure there are resources available to help keep wildlife populations at healthy levels and to fund all the parts of the machine that make conservation e orts possible (restoration projects, research, salaries, etc).
According to a recent article by Russ Mason in Michigan Out of Doors Magazine, an Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies study showed that of the $3.7 billion collected in 2019, 70% came from only three funding sources: Hunting and shing license sales: 43%, Pi man-Robertson (excise tax on hunting equipment): 18% and Dingell-Johnson (excise tax on shing equipment): 8% is means that the majority of Americans
APTITUDE Outdoors
are paying li le to nothing that contributes towards the conservation of wildlife. ere have been a empts to broaden the funding mechanisms that contribute to conservation in the past, such as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act ( WA), but when push came to shove, this bill failed to pass. WA would have added $1.3 billion annually for state and tribal wildlife conservation e orts and targeted the conservation of a wider array of species than game animals. is hesitation to create new funding sources beyond the traditional hunting and shing community perpetuates the continued dependence on these groups to nance most conservation e orts.
annually
I’ve been seeking information that shows the contrary, and all roads have led back to the “hunting as conservation” model, otherwise known as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, as the major funding method for wildlife conservation in North America. Some “studies,” nothing more than anti-hunting activist articles on their websites, have stated that this is a fallacy, but they provide no substantial evidence or use data that le out key funding sources such as license sales, Pi man-Robertson, or Dingell Johnson.
As it stands, hunters and anglers, whether willingly or not, are footing the bill for conservation e orts in America. is is a great responsibility. If we want the game we love to be around, we must act (and spend) accordingly. We also need to be active in discussions and issues that arise when it comes to holding on to our right to hunt and sh.
ere are many groups out there dedicated to taking away, piece by piece, our ability to continue this great American tradition of hunting and shing. is is exacerbated by in ghting within the hunting and shing community. We do not need to agree on every aspect of hunting and shing, but we must get on the same page when it comes to protecting resources for future generations.
I just watched the state of Michigan close hunting on coyotes, with no scienti c evidence to explain why (see the feature story on page 24 for more on this). “Ballot box biology” is becoming more and more common and, I hate to say it, but it is our fault.
Outdoorsmen and women, are footing the bill for the conservation, yet are keeping our mouths shut when anti-hunters, and in some cases, hunters, come a er the sport. We should
be advocating to maintain all types of hunting and shing as long as they are legal and not detrimental to the overall health of the species. Just because you don’t hunt birds doesn’t mean if you see groups coming a er bird hunting, you shouldn’t care—you’re on the chopping block, it’s just not your turn yet.
As Fred Bear once said, “If you are not working to protect hunting, then you are working to destroy it.” is goes beyond funding mechanisms, personal hobbies, and legislative decisions. is is about standing up for your rights as an American and keeping alive a tradition that we all love so much.
e easiest way to get involved and make a di erence is to join a conservation organization. ey can amplify your voice and do all the messy legal and lobbying work that we all want li le or nothing to do with. Donate whatever you have more of, money or time, to organizations that contribute to conservation e orts. Stay informed by keeping up to date on conservation issues like you’re doing right now by reading this. If you have the ability, a end the public forums that your state wildlife agencies hold to get feedback about regulations and laws. Trust me, the anti-hunters are showing up, and we all need to start as well.
e North American Model has not only been revolutionary in how it has recovered many game species but also has made sure these e orts are funded and maintained by the ones who care and are most connected to the wildlife and beautiful outdoor spaces that this country has to o er— us, the outdoorsmen and women of this great nation. We have shown time and time again that we are proud and willing to put our money where our mouth is when it comes to conservation as opposed to those who talk but, when it comes time to open their wallets, are nowhere to be found (think WA). Don’t let outside in uences take away YOUR rights to hunt or sh. Get involved, stay involved, and ght for what is yours!
