June 2015 texas sportsman

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INSIDE: FISHING FOR WORK OR FUN; BDS, DARGEL, FISH & CHIP

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14 Mary Ramirez and Laguna Lifestyles clothing are the coolest things on the market for those hot sultry days of fishing.

VIVA LAGUNA! LIVING IN STYLE

WHAT’S INSIDE

CHE IBARRA PRESENTS:

PHOTOS ON THE WATER

20

INSIDE: FISHING FOR WORK OR FUN; BDS, DARGEL, FISH & CHIP FISHING FOR WORK, FISHING FOR FUN

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Sportsman Tracking Outdoors shall be held harmless and indemnified against any third-party claims. Advertisements appearing in Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors is printed in the U.S.A. All correspondence to the publication become the property of Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors.

Volume 2, Isssue 3. June 2015. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are strictly those of the writers, photographers and contributors, and are not necessarily those of Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors or its publisher. Every effort has been taken to ensure the correctness and accuracy in the material published in this magazine. Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors reserves the right to edit, rewrite and refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequence arising from it. Texas

Texas Sportsman Magazine Calendar of Events

Name: 4th Annual Adrian Monreal Date: June 17-18 Time: 6:30am Where: Tequila Sunset Contact: Eloy Solis Phone: 956.622.9879

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W

hen it comes to fishing I just love it. There is a difference, however, between fun and work.

Work is about coordinating times with the guest, the camera man and sometimes even a Captain. Once we set the date to tape an episode of the Texas Sportsman TV show, we have about seven hours to go fishing and create a show. That entails catching fish, talking with the guest about his business and, of course, talking about fishing.

During any fishing episode I also like to talk about the lures I am using like my Logic Lures or my Kelley Wigglers. Another hot product to Fred Rodriguez is the Texas Sportshave hit our area is the Ultimate Cork by Capt. man and has decades of experience George Strader and Capt.Jaime Fuente. (We and knowledge regarding hunting taped a show about this product two months and fishing. You can watch his show, ago).

The Texas Sportsman, on FOX in the Rio Grande Valley at 11:30 a.m on I like to explain the ”how to methods” of Saturdays. using either a lure or the Ultimate Cork.

After the show is recorded and we are done it’s off to editing and lining up the commercial list of sponsors. This whole project takes time and money. Finally, when the product is completed, it is aired at 11:30 a.m. Saturdays on Fox in the Rio Grande Valley.

Now, lets go fishing for fun.

The most important thing to me about fishing with my wife and children is that we are enjoying quality time on the water (and that they catch more than me).

It’s funny how the work side of me still appears every once in a while as I still catch myself giving instructions and helping out just like when fishing for work.

The most enjoyable part is to see them having a great time and hauling in a Red Snapper or a King Mackerel or a Redfish or Trout. My kids have learned to fish and hunt with me and my wife Cindy.

I have been fishing the Lower Laguna Madre for 37 years and it is a wonderful feeling when I am on the water enjoying what I do - whether fishing for work or fishing for fun.

Next article we will be sharing some of my recipes for cooking the fish we catch - from ceviche (my wife’s favorite) to blackened and fried fish.

Ejoy your next fishing trip and take your family. Safety First! God Bless You!

Name: 2015 RGVLS Redfish Rodeo Date: June 26-27 Time: 1pm Weigh-in Where: South Point Marina Contact: RGV Livestock Show and Rodeo Phone: 956.565.2456

The Texas Sportsman / South Texas Golf Present

THE FIRST FISH & CHIP CLASSIC

Name: Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament Date: July 23-26 Time: 3pm Where: Port Mansfield Pavillion Contact: Phone: 956.944.2354

BROUGHT TO YOU BY Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Pharr

ON THE COVER The First Fish & Chip Classic will take place May 30-31 and benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Pharr.

Name: Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT) Date: July 29 – August 2 Time: Call for details Where: Port Isabel - South Padre Island Contact: Kristi Collier Phone: 956.802.3475

STAFF Henry Miller Publisher henry.texassportsman @gmail.com (956) 607-9210

By Brent Johnson Special to Texas Sportsman Since I’m not fishin’, guess I’ll do a little bitchin’! Let’s talk about some things better left at the dock.

Etiquette on the water is the mark of a good steward. It is respecting your fellow anglers. After all, your peers on the water are a like-minded subculture who appreciate things the way you do. Occasionally we find ourselves in competition with one another. It is at that point not to be the “Googan.”

Googans will often cut 100 yards in front of your drift, or drift in front of your wade. Instead of taking the course behind the drifting boat and, or waders, the offender burns through so close Tony Romo could hit the target without getting picked! (C’mon Tony this is the year!) Another thing that makes me madder than a sack of wet bobcats is seeing discarded cans, diapers, and fishing tackle. One February I came upon a Pelican that was tangled in fishing line.

I took off my Carhartt and put it over his head while my buddy Chase Smith cut the line. I think I heard him say “may the fish gods bless you!” as he flew off.

Cook, clean, carry, catch fish is what I always say. The better the fishin’ hole, the more I carry… just kidding.

Contribution is the key to comfort around a fishing camp. That and cold beer, lots of cold beer!

Elements in the bay can sometimes be tough, and at those times you gotta be tough like Seal Team 6. Limit out on fish and no complaints, though I may be over the legal limit in this article.

Okay maybe a few more..

One thing that chaps my hide is when the guy wading next to me slaps his lure on the water repeatedly to get the salad off his hook. Once no big deal; hey you were lazy, but more than that and you might be wading back. Hey I’m trying to catch Bud Rowland’s record and that slappin’ don’t sound like it’s going to happen.

Patience is a virtue and if you don’t have it in a tournament it can hurt you. Don’t leave good water when timing is everything.

Be decisive with your game plan, and wait for the bite to turn on.

Spend time working the area, but also know when to move. If no bait is seen, or fish caught after a good attempt have a backup plan.

It has taken me 60 minutes to write five minutes of reading. I’m doing exactly what the title says not to do, so I’ll wrap it up about a

Name: RGV API Date: August 14-15 Time: Call for details Where: Convention Center SPI Contact: Arnold Davila Phone: 956.607.5673 Name: 10th Annual Fishing For Hope Date: August 21-22 Time: 6am Where: Louie’s Backyard Contact: Elisa Mares Phone: 956.362.3140 Name: 12th Annual SPI Walk For Women Date: October 9-11 Time: October 10…7am Where: Louie’s Backyard Contact: Christy Phone: 956.459.7079

LUNAR TIMES These are the best times each day for hunting and fishing.

ETIQUETTE, GOOGANS AND SLAP HAPPY ANGLERS

Name: 34th Annual Ladies Kingfish Tournament (LKT) Date: August 7-9 Time: 7pm Aug. 7 Register Where: SPI Convention Centre Contact: Phone: 956.761.4412

WANT YOUR EVENT/FISHING TOURNAMENT IN OUR CALENDER OF EVENTS? SEND INFORMATION TO: joey.texassportsman@gmail.com FOR ADVERTISING YOUR EVENT/TOURNAMENT CALL JOEY AT (956) 607-0853.

Fred Rodriguez The Texas Sportsman fredrsportsman@yahoo.com (956) 776-4623

Joey Dowden Advertising Director joey.texassportsman @gmail.com (956) 607-0853

Tiki Tillman Photographer tikitillmanphotos.com (956)572-6132

day we toughed it out in Port Mansfield.

The morning started off with glassy conditions. My buddy looked at me like I was crazy when I hopped out with a One Knocker Spook. It was on my second cast that a speck as long as my arm exploded on my bait. The fish was so aggressive that it missed the hook entirely. If anybody was in need of coffee I guarantee they didn’t need it anymore! Unfortunately after this one incident nobody did any real catching. Nobody but two dudes grinding it out in the heat of August until the minor moon phase at 6 that evening. We had hit all the spots we normally go, and all day nothing would bite. At 5:30 we were exhausted, but decided to hit one more spot and drift the color change. As the moon peaked up on the horizon, and the birds lifted up off the spoils we started to hammer the fish. For one hour we bagged two limits of Reds and Trout. Double hook ups, drags screaming - it was everything we could ever want out there. Jaws were dropping when our buddies opened our cooler at the dock.

Well it’s been 60 minutes and I’m starting to sound like that old bushy eye browed Andy Rooney. Remember, no bitchin’ just fishin’. See you on the water my friends!

22-27 Photos from the first South Texas Fish & Chip Classic prsented

by Texas Sportsman and South Texas Golf magazines.

The fishing portion of the tournament was held Saturday, May 30 at White Sands Marina in Port Isabel.

The golf portion of the tournament will be held Saturday, July 18 at Tierra Del Sol Golf Course. There are still a few teams available. If interested call Joey Dowden at (956) 607-0853.

David DeLeon Henry Miller Designers

Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors is published by H&J Publications. Copyright 2014. To advertise in Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors call (956) 607-0853 or email joey.texassportsman@gmail.com

26

10

8

8 CHALLENGING Fred Rodriguez discusses fishing for fun vs. fishing for work.

10

12

GOINGS ON? All sorts of fishing tournaments and events around South Texas.

ETIQUETTE? Brent Johnson says stop complaining and keep on fishing.

12

Texas, Padre Island, Port Isabel

Texas, Padre Island, Port Isabel

June 2015

N 26° 03.6' / W 97° 12.9' Date 1

Day

High Tide

Mo

527am

1.3

2

Tu

610am

1.3

High Tide

Low Tide

Low Tide

Sunrise

Sunset

916pm

-0.5

637am

816pm

950pm

-0.6

636am

817pm

Moonrise

Moonset

730pm

556am

826pm

643am

3

We

4

Th

737am

1.5

1109pm

-0.6

636am

818pm

1015pm

830am

5

Fr

819am

1.5

1154pm

-0.6

636am

818pm

1106pm

929am

6 7 8

Sa Su Mo

653am

858am

1.4

1028pm

1.3 1.2

636am

Tu

955pm

0.6

We

1021am

1.0

Th

1232am

0.7

1026am

0.9

0.9

1025am

0.9

12 13 14 15

Fr

1011am

223am

1.1

Sa

342am

1.1

Su

445am

1.3

Mo

539am

636am

1.4

930am 954am

9 10 11

-0.7

1243am

-0.4

135am

-0.2

234am 342am

1.3

505am 646am

0.1

529pm

0.5

817pm

819pm

636am

819pm

636am

819pm

636am

820pm

921pm

1154pm

1029am

1240am

1232pm 133pm

553pm

0.2

636am

820pm

206am

234pm

630pm

-0.1

636am

821pm

249am

336pm

0.9

711pm

-0.4

636am

821pm

332am

636am

821pm

417am

538pm

636am

822pm

505am

638pm

636am

822pm

555am

Tu

628am

1.4

1004pm

-0.9

636am

822pm

648am

832pm

We

712am

1.3

1046pm

-0.8

637am

823pm

742am

923pm

18

Th

751am

1.3

19

Fr

825am

1.3

20

Sa

854am

1.2

21 22

Su

916am

1.1

Mo

931am

1.1

1127pm

-0.6

637am 637am

823pm

931am

1053pm

1206am

-0.4

637am

823pm

1024am

1132pm

1244am

-0.1

120am

0.1

23

Tu

0.3

530pm

0.6

24

We

942am

1.0

226am

0.5

546pm

0.4

25

Th

940am

0.9

611pm

0.2

26 27

Fr

939am

935am

1.0

921pm

0.6

0.9

Sa

354am

0.9

28

Su

423am

1.0

29

Mo

454am

1.1

30

Tu

528am

1.2

154am

639pm 919am

0.9

0.0

632am

0.9

743pm

-0.4

-0.2

837am

637am

824pm

1116am

824pm

1207pm

1209am

824pm

1257pm

1245am

638am 638am

824pm

147pm

119am

638am

824pm

238pm

154am

824pm

330pm

230am

639am

824pm

423pm

308am

639am

825pm

518pm

349am

818pm

-0.6

639am

825pm

614pm

435am

856pm

-0.7

640am

825pm

710pm

524am

©2015 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

Day

1

We

2 3 4

1.3

713am

1.3

743am

High Tide

1.3

639am

Fr

808am

1.2

826am

1.1

559pm

0.6

7

Tu

0.9

827pm

0.6

8

We

847am

0.9

1110pm

0.6

Th

850am

0.9

10 11

Fr

839am

848am

0.9

318am

1.0

823am

1.0

417am

141am

1.2

503am

1.2

Tu

543am

1.3

We

618am

1.3

Th

649am

-0.8 -0.7

1150pm

-0.6

1238am

-0.3

127am 220am 443am

0.0

Sunrise 640am

334pm

0.6 0.4

Sunset 825pm

640am

825pm

641am

825pm

641am 257pm

Moonrise 806pm 859pm 950pm

825pm

1038pm

642am

825pm

1123pm

642am

825pm 824pm

1207am

0.3

420pm

0.1

643am

824pm

1249am

509pm

-0.2

643am

824pm

132am

0.8

601pm

-0.5

1.0

651pm

-0.7

-0.8 -0.8

642am

644am

824pm

216am

644am

824pm

302am

645am

824pm

350am

645am

823pm

441am

913pm

-0.8

646am

823pm

534am

955pm

-0.7

646am

823pm

628am

1036pm

-0.5

646am

823pm

Moonset

722am

1229pm 130pm 331pm 431pm 528pm 624pm 716pm 804pm 848pm

Fr

716am

1.2

1113pm

-0.3

647am

822pm

815am

929pm

Sa

737am

1.1

1148pm

-0.1

647am

822pm

908am

1008pm

19

Su

20

Mo

803am

1.0

516pm

0.7

1220am

0.1

219pm

0.7

648am

821pm

1050am

1119pm

21

Tu

807am

0.9

657pm

0.6

1249am

0.3

256pm

0.6

649am

821pm

1140am

1153pm

22

We

0.9

917pm

0.6

820pm

1230pm

23 24 25

807am

353pm

0.8

148pm

114am

Th

804am

0.9

130am

Fr

800am

0.9

500pm

Sa

750am

0.9

543pm

0.8

648am

0.5

336pm

0.5

0.6

418pm

0.3

0.1 -0.1

649am

822pm

959am

650am

820pm

120pm

1228am

820pm

212pm

105am

819pm

305pm

Su

410am

1.0

625pm

-0.2

651am

819pm

400pm

226am

Mo

408am

1.1

709pm

-0.4

652am

818pm

455pm

313am

28

Tu

29

We

501am

1.3

Th

531am

1.3

31

Fr

559am

1.3

432am

1.3

753pm

-0.5

652am

818pm

551pm

1st

405am

839pm

-0.6

653am

817pm

646pm

501am

925pm

-0.6

653am

816pm

739pm

602am

1013pm

-0.5

654am

816pm

830pm

705am

©2015 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

Tired of waiting to earn your Captain’s License?

Don’t wait any longer!

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Done Locally!

144am

26 27

30

New

1044pm

650am 651am

3rd

231pm

17

1.0

Full

921am

18

753am

WANTED: CAPTAINS

Phase

619am 717am 819am 1024am 1127am

0.6

712am 740pm 828pm

1.2

Low Tide

-0.8

1019pm 1103pm

319am

0.8

Sa Su Mo

14 15

Low Tide 936pm

1.3

Su Mo

16

1st

High Tide 604am

Th Sa

5 6

13

New

1010pm

637am

639am 710pm

823pm

Date

12

737pm

16 17

July 2015

N 26° 03.6' / W 97° 12.9'

9

3rd

437pm

-0.7 -0.8 -0.9

Full

1131am 124am

0.4 0.7

754pm 838pm 921pm

Phase

735am

Full

Call Capt. Alan Stewart is the owner & operator of Stewart Training Center and holds a Master license with the United States Coast Guard CALL (956) 639-8697 Stewart Training Center is located at 39572 Loop Road, Bayview, Tx., 78566.

We are SPIRALING Out Of Control & Coming To The Rio Grande Valley Available at: Joe’s Tackle Shop, (956) 630-0180); Hook Line & Sinker, Harlingen (956) 970-1349

Duce Rods, LLC 143 Industrial Pkwy Lafayette, La. 70502 (337) 889-3351

BE YOUR OWN CAPTAIN! FIRST AID / CPR CLASSES FORMING EVERY WEEK

22 FISH & CHIP Photos from The First South Texas Fish & Chip Classic.

NICE CATCH Check out photos readers submitted to us of their most recent catches.

29 WEATHER REPORT Make sure to keep track of weather conditions and be preprated.

Storm Watch:

Tips To Stay Out Of Trouble The good news is that very severe storms normally require certain favorable conditions that ARE somewhat predictable. Such as frontal boundaries which create an unstable atmosphere.

Just because the local TV weather personality isn’t very good at predicting precisely what will happen (after all, she’s probably just reading the teleprompter and doesn’t know squat about the weather), we shouldn’t ignore the weather information that is available to us.

That is why sailors (who go around in boats that are very slow and can’t escape storms) learn to become weather experts themselves.

If you’re not Captain Alan Stewart owns and operated Stewart Training Center and holds a Master license with the willing to take the time to learn U.S.C.G. Stewart Training Center is located at 39572 Loop Road, Bayview, Tx., 78566. to read weather maps, then the least you should do is learn to read the sky.

Being on the water means that you usually have a far horizon available, so you should be able to see a storm coming and have opportunity to flee from it. Newer boats can in fact out run most storms here in the Laguna or in the gulf. Engines are now in the upwards of 300 horse power or more. That give you plenty of time to get you and your crew back to safety.

If you do get caught, here are some tips to help you stay out of trouble.

One cannot always tell how severe a thunderstorm is by looking at it. Sometimes we see ominous squall lines that look like the apocalypse is coming. Then almost nothing happens.

At other times it may not look so bad and turn out to be the end of the world in disguise. Or so it seems.

One of the problems we have with thunderstorms is that they do not conform to any rules of behavior. Though they may appear to be moving in a certain direction, it is only from your perspective.

From a larger perspective, they can be moving in more than one direction at once, as they always do along a frontal boundary.

You can observe this phenomenon on weather radar loops.

Individual cells may move in one direction and the whole system in another. A good weather app from your phone can certainly be a life saver out in the water. Understanding this will give you a better chance of predicting movement.

As always, be safe and see you on the water.

Ones That Got Away Sequel to “Incredible Dove Shots”

breath and saw a mass of antlers and a very thick neck. By this time the big doe was in the brush to my left and the big buck was standing broad-side looking at me. I just knew this was “the big one.”

I knew this deer would be the biggest deer I had ever shot.

But first I had to shoot.

I sensed the buck was getting ready to run. The doe was gone so I hurried a shot.

Boom!

The deer stood in the same spot looking at me. I quickly reloaded. The monster buck is standing still.

Now my pounding heart is causing the gun to shake a little. I shoot again.

The buck must now be wondering what all the noise is about. I reload faster than before.

The buck is looking at me but I sense he is getting ready to do something else. He twitches his tail and he trots after the does.

My heart is in my throat and my mind is a blur as I am trying to figure things out.

What happened?

I see the big doe running across a smaller sendero to my left.

She crosses the second sendero about 150 yards away from where I last saw her.

My brain tells me to get ready. “The big one” can not be far behind.

I wait and nothing happens. Where is the big buck? He has to be about to cross. Where the hell is he?

My case of buck fever takes over most of my brain. The part of my brain unaffected by the buck fever tells me “the buck will come out, stay calm and be ready."

The afflicted part of my brain is full of questions: "Has the buck vanished? Where is he? Did he cross and I didn’t see him?”

The working part of my brain tells me that I did not hit the buck…."Be patient."

The afflicted mass says, “Ah shit. I will never see a big buck like that again in my lifetime.”

I lower my gun and take a big breath. As I exhale and feel my heart pounding, I see the big buck across the sendero. I was frozen in disbelief.

He did not cross where the doe came out. He was about 75 yards further away.

When the buck came out the first time he would have been an easy shot for an experienced hunter. When the buck came out the second time, it would have been a difficult shot for an experienced hunter who was a good shot and who did not have a case of buck fever.

For me it was impossible to have shot that buck on that day.

For many years I have replayed these mental tapes over and

By Alberto Santos In the last edition I wrote about some incredible Dove shots I had made over the course of many years of hunting. Here’s the other side of the story - memorable misses.

I have been hunting a long time so you can correctly assume that over the years, I have probably have missed when taking a shot at game. I also have made enough good shots that I am confident of my shooting skills and confident enough to admit my misses - and I do have some great memorable misses.

The Big-One-Standing-Broad-Side I think I was about 14 when I saw my first really big buck.

My father and a good friend of his were invited to hunt on a ranch that that had some good deer and I was a tag-along. I don’t recall the name of the ranch but I do recall that there were lots of rolling hills and some very long senderos.

We had driven around the ranch all morning and had not seen any bucks. I think we saw a few does but that was it.

I had asked to be dropped off on top of a hill. I liked the spot because it had a great view of a long and wide sendero out in front of me. This place looked good to me. It seemed to me like a place where a very big buck might chase does.

At this point in my hunting career, you

could say I was still inexperienced. I had seen a lot of deer but I had never seen a trophy buck in the wild. I had seen them only in hunting magazines and a few hanging on the walls of other deer hunters.

I had read that big bucks were easy to spot by their heavy horns, swayed back, and short stocky legs. A buck with these characteristics by my definition was a big buck.

My shooting experience was limited to what I would call easy to moderately diffi-

cult shots at not so impressive bucks. I had missed but they were shots at deer I did not expect to hit. Those deer had been way too far or running. Actually, I should not have taken those shots - but I did.

The deer I had shot were not trophy class. When I saw a buck in my scope there was not a lot to look at. I just settled the cross hairs on the shoulder and shot.

In all cases, I fully expected the deer to drop dead or stagger a few yards and be dead by the time I got to him. I had the confidence of a teenage male and excellent hand-eye coordination to be a very good shot.

When I sat on that hilltop, I was not ready for what was about to happen.

First, a small antler-less deer ran out from right to left. Then a large bodied doe came out but kept looking back over her shoulder. I immediately remembered that this was a sign that a buck was following.

My heart started to race but I thought I kept my composure and got ready to take a shot in case the buck stepped out. I remember that I sat and crossed my legs and set up with the shooting strap. I kept waiting what seemed to be a very long time.

I doubt that the wait was more than two minutes. To a teenager with the early symptoms of buck fever it seemed like 25 minutes.

Then out walked what first looked like a fat deer with short legs. I took a deep

30

28

18

29

30

TIDES

STAY SAFE

MISSED AGAIN

Check out the best times for fishing.

Captain Alan Stewart gives us tips on how to stay out of trouble.

Alberto Santos is a great - and lucky shot, but even he misses time and again.

6

JULY 17-19 AT THE MCALLEN CONVENTION CENTER

Fishing for Work, Fishing for fun

W

hen it comes to fishing I just love it. There is a difference, however, between fun and work.

Work is about coordinating times with the guest, the camera man and sometimes even a Captain. Once we set the date to tape an episode of the Texas Sportsman TV show, we have about seven hours to go fishing and create a show. That entails catching fish, talking with the guest about his business and, of course, talking about fishing.

During any fishing episode I also like to talk about the lures I am using like my Logic Lures or my Kelley Wigglers. Another hot product to Fred Rodriguez is the Texas Sportshave hit our area is the Ultimate Cork by Capt. man and has decades of experience George Strader and Capt. Jaime Fuente. (We and knowledge regarding hunting taped a show about this product two months and fishing. You can watch his show, ago).

The Texas Sportsman, on FOX in the Rio Grande Valley at 11:30 a.m on I like to explain the ”how to methods” of Saturdays. using either a lure or the Ultimate Cork.

After the show is recorded and we are done it’s off to editing and lining up the commercial list of sponsors. This whole project takes time and money. Finally, when the product is completed, it is aired at 11:30 a.m. Saturdays on Fox in the Rio Grande Valley.

Now, lets go fishing for fun.

The most important thing to me about fishing with my wife and children is that we are enjoying quality time on the water (and that they catch more than me).

It’s funny how the work side of me still appears every once in a while as I still catch myself giving instructions and helping out just like when fishing for work.

The most enjoyable part is to see them having a great time and hauling in a Red Snapper or a King Mackerel or a Redfish or Trout. My kids have learned to fish and hunt with me and my wife Cindy.

I have been fishing the Lower Laguna Madre for 37 years and it is a wonderful feeling when I am on the water enjoying what I do - whether fishing for work or fishing for fun.

Next article we will be sharing some of my recipes for cooking the fish we catch - from ceviche (my wife’s favorite) to blackened and fried fish.

Ejoy your next fishing trip and take your family. Safety First! God Bless You! Volume 2, Isssue 3. June 2015. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are strictly those of the writers, photographers and contributors, and are not necessarily those of Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors or its publisher. Every effort has been taken to ensure the correctness and accuracy in the material published in this magazine. Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors reserves the right to edit, rewrite and refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequence arising from it. Texas

8

Sportsman Tracking Outdoors shall be held harmless and indemnified against any third-party claims. Advertisements appearing in Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors is printed in the U.S.A. All correspondence to the publication become the property of Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors.

Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors is published by H&J Publications. Copyright 2014. To advertise in Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors call (956) 607-0853 or email joey.texassportsman@gmail.com

FREE! TAKE ONE!

VIVA LAGUNA! LIVING IN STYLE

CHE IBARRA PRESENTS:

PHOTOS ON THE WATER

INSIDE: FISHING FOR WORK OR FUN; BDS, DARGEL, FISH & CHIP

ON THE COVER Mary Ramirez and Laguna Lifestyles are open for business. (tikitillmanphotos.com)

STAFF Henry Miller Publisher henry.texassportsman @gmail.com (956) 607-9210

Fred Rodriguez The Texas Sportsman fredrsportsman@yahoo.com (956) 776-4623

Joey Dowden Advertising Director joey.texassportsman @gmail.com (956) 607-0853

Tiki Tillman Photographer tikitillmanphotos.com (956)572-6132 David DeLeon Henry Miller Designers

The Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) at South Texas College is a premier provider of customized, leading-edge training solutions for business and industry. With over 300 training courses readily available, companies can enroll their employees in on-going courses or they can request to have a training program tailored exactly to fit their needs. The following are the core training programs and credentials offered by IAM: -- Welding -- Industrial Maintenance -- Facilities Maintenance -- Certified Production Technician -- Robotics and Automation* -- Programmable Logic Controllers -- Lean Manufacturing -- ISO 9001 -- Quality -- Machining -- Tooling -- Computer skills -- Safety -- Forklift Certification -- CPR/First Aid -- Business Management and Leadership -- Spanish/English for Manufacturing Email: CLMARGO@southtexascollege.edu

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Name: 4th Annual Adrian Monreal Date: June 17-18 Time: 6:30am Where: Tequila Sunset Contact: Eloy Solis Phone: 956.622.9879 Name: 2015 RGVLS Redfish Rodeo Date: June 26-27 Time: 1pm Weigh-in Where: South Point Marina Contact: RGV Livestock Show and Rodeo Phone: 956.565.2456 Name: Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament Date: July 23-26 Time: 3pm Where: Port Mansfield Pavillion Contact: Phone: 956.944.2354 Name: Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT) Date: July 29 – August 2 Time: Call for details Where: Port Isabel - South Padre Island Contact: Kristi Collier Phone: 956.802.3475

10

Texas Sportsman Magazine Calendar of Events Name: 34th Annual Ladies Kingfish Tournament (LKT) Date: August 7-9 Time: 7pm Aug. 7 Register Where: SPI Convention Centre Contact: Phone: 956.761.4412 Name: RGV API Date: August 14-15 Time: Call for details Where: Convention Center SPI Contact: Arnold Davila Phone: 956.607.5673 Name: 10th Annual Fishing For Hope Date: August 21-22 Time: 6am Where: Louie’s Backyard Contact: Elisa Mares Phone: 956.362.3140 Name: 12th Annual SPI Walk For Women Date: October 9-11 Time: October 10…7am Where: Louie’s Backyard Contact: Christy Phone: 956.459.7079

WANT YOUR EVENT/FISHING TOURNAMENT IN OUR CALENDER OF EVENTS? SEND INFORMATION TO: joey.texassportsman@gmail.com FOR ADVERTISING YOUR EVENT/TOURNAMENT CALL JOEY AT (956) 607-0853.

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ETIQUETTE, GOOGANS AND SLAP HAPPY ANGLERS

By Brent Johnson Special to Texas Sportsman Since I’m not fishin’, guess I’ll do a little bitchin’! Let’s talk about some things better left at the dock.

Etiquette on the water is the mark of a good steward. It is respecting your fellow anglers. After all, your peers on the water are a like-minded subculture who appreciate things the way you do. Occasionally we find ourselves in competition with one another. It is at that point not to be the “Googan.”

Googans will often cut 100 yards in front of your drift, or drift in front of your wade. Instead of taking the course behind the drifting boat and, or waders, the offender burns through so close Tony Romo could hit the target without getting picked! (C’mon Tony this is the year!) Another thing that makes me madder than a sack of wet bobcats is seeing discarded cans, diapers, and fishing tackle. One February I came upon a Pelican that was tangled in fishing line.

I took off my Carhartt and put it over his head while my buddy Chase Smith cut the line. I think I heard him say “may the fish gods bless you!” as he flew off.

Cook, clean, carry, catch fish is what I always say. The better the fishin’ hole, the more I carry… just kidding.

Contribution is the key to comfort around a fishing camp. That and cold beer, lots of cold beer!

Elements in the bay can sometimes be tough, and at those times you gotta be tough like Seal Team 6. Limit out on fish and no complaints, though I may be over the legal limit in this article.

Okay maybe a few more..

One thing that chaps my hide is when the guy wading next to me slaps his lure on the water repeatedly to get the salad off his hook. Once no big deal; hey you were lazy, but more than that and you might be wading back. Hey I’m trying to catch Bud Rowland’s record and that slappin’ don’t sound like it’s going to happen.

Patience is a virtue and if you don’t have it in a tournament it can hurt you. Don’t leave good water when timing is everything.

Be decisive with your game plan, and wait for the bite to turn on.

Spend time working the area, but also know when to move. If no bait is seen, or fish caught after a good attempt have a backup plan.

It has taken me 60 minutes to write five minutes of reading. I’m doing exactly what the title says not to do, so I’ll wrap it up about a

12

day we toughed it out in Port Mansfield.

The morning started off with glassy conditions. My buddy looked at me like I was crazy when I hopped out with a One Knocker Spook. It was on my second cast that a speck as long as my arm exploded on my bait. The fish was so aggressive that it missed the hook entirely. If anybody was in need of coffee I guarantee they didn’t need it anymore! Unfortunately after this one incident nobody did any real catching. Nobody but two dudes grinding it out in the heat of August until the minor moon phase at 6 that evening. We had hit all the spots we normally go, and all day nothing would bite. At 5:30 we were exhausted, but decided to hit one more spot and drift the color change. As the moon peaked up on the horizon, and the birds lifted up off the spoils we started to hammer the fish. For one hour we bagged two limits of Reds and Trout. Double hook ups, drags screaming - it was everything we could ever want out there. Jaws were dropping when our buddies opened our cooler at the dock.

Well it’s been 60 minutes and I’m starting to sound like that old bushy eye browed Andy Rooney. Remember, no bitchin’ just fishin’. See you on the water my friends!

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Looking Great!

Ramirez brings her passion to Laguna LifeStyle Mary Ramirez is a competitive angler.

When she’s fishing, she likes to feel comfortable and look good.

That combination led her and her husband Michael to recently open Laguna Lifestyle in San Juan.

“I would get frustrated going to boat and fishing shows,” Mary said. “We just couldn’t find too much stuff for women to fish in, nice fashionable stuff - colorful stuff.”

Mary and her family fish often on the Laguna Madre so they wanted to represent the Laguna in some way. The fact that she

14

fishes competitively - and as a way to relax and wind down from her job as owner of Chris Ryan Homes - brought in the word “LifeStyle.”

The Laguna Lifestyle store caters to both men and women - but has an emphasis on giving women more fashionable options to choose from.

“We said why don’t we do this - cater to women and men but have a selection for women nobody has. I want to be comfy and look good and not have to wear men’s fishing shirts.

So far I’ve received a lot of positive feed-

Laguna Lifestyle ADDRESS 4810 N. Raul Longoria Suite 7 San Juan, TX 78589 (956) 781-1469 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.laguna-lifestyle.com

15

back about the colors and the logos.

Along the right sleeves of her apparel are a ruler and the words “measure it.”

These words give a little insight to Mary’s competitive nature.

“They (those she fishes with) are sick of me - I’m always saying ‘measure it, measure it’ because we are all competitive and saying ‘my fish is bigger.’ I’m pretty competitive so that phrase and ruler came about from that.”

Mary grew up in a family of boys and it was the boys who would go with dad on fishing trips. Mary didn’t mind. In fact, she thought it was boring and wasn’t very interested in it.

Mary and her husband Michael started fishing but even then the “fishing bug” didn’t touch her.

“It was boring. I just didn’t want to go,” Mary said. “But then we started to really learn how to fish and once that line went down and I caught my first big one, I was hooked.

“I tell people now once you catch that big fish and feel the tug on your line, you want to do it over and over again - it’s a challenge.

The Ramirezes have three children Christopher (23), Ryan (20) and Miranda

16

(13).

Mary said she has just ordered some children’s apparel to stock in her store.

Like her other clothes, these will be fashionable with vibrant colors.

“I love colors,” Mary said. “I love pink and turquoise and yellows. They are bright and fashionable. We have performance shirts that are very breathable, comfortable and protects you from the sun. It’s everything you want and need in fishing apparel.

Mary will be have her Laguna LifeStyle apparel on display and for sale at the 34th Annual Ladies Kingfish Tournament from August 7-9 on South Padre Island.

“This is the first time I’m going to fish in it and I’m very excited to fish and to bring my women’s apparel for everyone to see.”

Soon people will be able to order Laguna LifeStyle apparel online at www. laguna-lifestyle.com.

“We’re passionate about fishing and go almost every weekend,” Mary said. “It’s fun, it’s relaxing and something we can do together as a family - and the name ‘Laguna LifeStyle’ reflects that. We’re excited about it.”

“...once you catch that big fish and feel the tug on your line, you want to do it over and over again - it’s a challenge.”

-- Mary Ramirez, owner Laguna LifeStyle

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3400 Exp. 83, Suite 780 McAllen, Texas 78501 (956) 800-6279

NORTH MCALLEN

www.cornerbakerycafe.com

4021 N. 10th St. (10th & Nolana) McAllen, Texas 78504 (956) 278-8270

Texas, Padre Island, Port Isabel

June 2015

N 26° 03.6' / W 97° 12.9' Date

Day

1

Mo

527am

High Tide 1.3

2

Tu

610am

3

We

653am

4

Th

5

Fr

6

High Tide

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

916pm

-0.5

637am

816pm

730pm

556am

1.3

950pm

-0.6

636am

817pm

826pm

643am

1.4

1028pm

-0.7

636am

817pm

921pm

735am

737am

1.5

1109pm

-0.6

636am

818pm

1015pm

830am

819am

1.5

1154pm

-0.6

636am

818pm

1106pm

929am

Sa

858am

1.4

636am

819pm

1154pm

1029am

7

Su

930am

1.3

1243am

-0.4

636am

819pm

8

Mo

954am

1.2

135am

-0.2

636am

819pm

1240am

1232pm

9

Tu

1011am

1.1

234am

0.1

529pm

0.5

636am

820pm

124am

133pm

10

We

1021am

1.0

342am

0.4

553pm

0.2

636am

820pm

206am

234pm

11

Th

1232am

0.7

1026am

0.9

505am

0.7

630pm

-0.1

636am

821pm

249am

336pm

12

Fr

223am

0.9

1025am

0.9

646am

0.9

711pm

-0.4

636am

821pm

332am

437pm

13

Sa

342am

1.1

754pm

-0.7

636am

821pm

417am

538pm

14

Su

445am

1.3

838pm

-0.8

636am

822pm

505am

638pm

15

Mo

539am

1.3

921pm

-0.9

636am

822pm

555am

737pm

16

Tu

628am

1.4

1004pm

-0.9

636am

822pm

648am

832pm

17

We

712am

1.3

1046pm

-0.8

637am

823pm

742am

923pm

18

Th

751am

1.3

1127pm

-0.6

637am

823pm

837am

1010pm

19

Fr

825am

1.3

637am

823pm

931am

1053pm

20

Sa

854am

1.2

1206am

-0.4

637am

823pm

1024am

1132pm

21

Su

916am

1.1

1244am

-0.1

637am

824pm

1116am

22

Mo

931am

1.1

120am

0.1

637am

824pm

1207pm

1209am

23

Tu

939am

1.0

154am

0.3

530pm

0.6

638am

824pm

1257pm

1245am

24

We

942am

1.0

226am

0.5

546pm

0.4

638am

824pm

147pm

119am

25

Th

940am

0.9

611pm

0.2

638am

824pm

238pm

154am

26

Fr

935am

0.9

639pm

0.0

639am

824pm

330pm

230am

27

Sa

354am

0.9

632am

0.9

639am

824pm

423pm

308am

28

Su

423am

1.0

743pm

-0.4

639am

825pm

518pm

349am

29

Mo

454am

1.1

818pm

-0.6

639am

825pm

614pm

435am

30

Tu

528am

1.2

856pm

-0.7

640am

825pm

710pm

524am

955pm

921pm

919am

0.6

0.6

0.9

Low Tide

Low Tide

710pm

-0.2

Phase Full

1131am 3rd

New

1st

©2015 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

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Texas, Padre Island, Port Isabel

July 2015

N 26° 03.6' / W 97° 12.9' Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

1

We

604am

High Tide 1.3

High Tide

936pm

Low Tide -0.8

Low Tide

640am

825pm

806pm

619am

2

Th

639am

1.3

1019pm

-0.8

640am

825pm

859pm

717am

3

Fr

713am

1.3

1103pm

-0.7

641am

825pm

950pm

819am

4

Sa

743am

1.3

1150pm

-0.6

641am

825pm

1038pm

921am

5

Su

808am

1.2

642am

825pm

1123pm

1024am

6

Mo

826am

1.1

559pm

0.6

1238am

-0.3

257pm

0.6

642am

825pm

7

Tu

839am

0.9

827pm

0.6

127am

0.0

334pm

0.4

642am

824pm

1207am

1229pm

8

We

847am

0.9

1110pm

0.6

220am

0.3

420pm

0.1

643am

824pm

1249am

130pm

9

Th

850am

0.9

319am

0.6

509pm

-0.2

643am

824pm

132am

231pm

10

Fr

141am

0.8

848am

0.9

443am

0.8

601pm

-0.5

644am

824pm

216am

331pm

11

Sa

318am

1.0

823am

1.0

712am

1.0

651pm

-0.7

644am

824pm

302am

431pm

12

Su

417am

1.2

740pm

-0.8

645am

824pm

350am

528pm

13

Mo

503am

1.2

828pm

-0.8

645am

823pm

441am

624pm

14

Tu

543am

1.3

913pm

-0.8

646am

823pm

534am

716pm

15

We

618am

1.3

955pm

-0.7

646am

823pm

628am

804pm

16

Th

649am

1.2

1036pm

-0.5

646am

823pm

722am

848pm

17

Fr

716am

1.2

1113pm

-0.3

647am

822pm

815am

929pm

18

Sa

737am

1.1

1148pm

-0.1

647am

822pm

908am

1008pm

19

Su

753am

1.0

353pm

0.8

148pm

0.8

648am

822pm

959am

1044pm

20

Mo

803am

1.0

516pm

0.7

1220am

0.1

219pm

0.7

648am

821pm

1050am

1119pm

21

Tu

807am

0.9

657pm

0.6

1249am

0.3

256pm

0.6

649am

821pm

1140am

1153pm

22

We

807am

0.9

917pm

0.6

114am

0.5

336pm

0.5

649am

820pm

1230pm

23

Th

804am

0.9

130am

0.6

418pm

0.3

650am

820pm

120pm

1228am

24

Fr

800am

0.9

500pm

0.1

650am

820pm

212pm

105am

25

Sa

750am

0.9

543pm

-0.1

651am

819pm

305pm

144am

26

Su

410am

1.0

625pm

-0.2

651am

819pm

400pm

226am

27

Mo

408am

1.1

709pm

-0.4

652am

818pm

455pm

313am

28

Tu

432am

1.3

753pm

-0.5

652am

818pm

551pm

405am

29

We

501am

1.3

839pm

-0.6

653am

817pm

646pm

501am

30

Th

531am

1.3

925pm

-0.6

653am

816pm

739pm

602am

31

Fr

559am

1.3

1013pm

-0.5

654am

816pm

830pm

705am

©2015 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

Phase Full

1127am 3rd

New

1st

Full

JULY 2015 LUNAR TRANSIT TIMES

JUNE 2015 LUNAR TRANSIT TIMES DAY

MOON

COMMENTS

A.M.

BEST

P.M.

BEST

DAY

W

MOON

COMMENTS

A.M.

BEST

P.M.

12:49

1:14

1:45

2:10

12:21

12:46

1

1:12

1:37

2

T

W

2:05

2:30

3

F

4

T

3:00

3:25

4

S

5

F

3:56

4:21

5

S

5:16

6

M

5:27

5:52

7

T

6:20

6:45

8

W

7:12

7:37

9

T

8:04

8:29

10

F

8:56

9:21

11

S

9:46

10:11

12

11:08

1

M

2

T

3

6

FULL MOON

S

4:51

7

S

5:45

6:10

8

M

6:38

7:03

9

T

LAST QUARTER

7:31

7:56

PERIGEE

8:22

8:47

10 W 11 T

9:14

9:39

12

F

10:07

10:32

13

S

11:00

14

S

11:55

15 M 16 T

FULL MOON

2:42

3:07

INDEPENDENCE DAY

3:39

4:04

PERIGEE

4:34

4:59

LAST QUARTER

S

10:43

11:25

13 M 14 T

11:37 12:02

12:30

12:20

12:50

12:55

1:21

1:15

1:44

15 W 16 T

1:46

2:11

17 W 18 T

2:09

2:38

3:03

3:29

19

F

3:54

4:18

20

S

4:43

5:05

21

S

5:30

5:49

6:14

6:32

22 W 23 T

APOGEE

6:57

7:15

24

F

FIRST QUARTER

7:40

7:57

25

8:22

8:40

26

9:05

9:25

22 M 23 T 24 W 25 T

NEW MOON

SOLSTICE/FATHER’S DAY

NEW MOON

17

F

2:36

2:59

18

S

3:24

3:44

19

S

4:09

4:28

20 M 21 T

4:53

5:11

5:36

5:53

6:18

6:35

7:00

7:19

7:44

8:04

S

8:29

8:51

S

9:18

9:42

27 M 28 T

10:07

10:35

11:00

11:30

11:55

11:54

29 W 30 T

12:27

1:52

12:19

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F

1:25

1:50

26

F

27

S

9:50

10:12

28

S

10:37

11:02

29 M 30 T

11:27

APOGEE

FIRST QUARTER

BEST

BEST MORNINGS OR AFTERNOONS

BEST MORNINGS OR AFTERNOONS

Visit us online: www.osoteloskincancer.com

Visit us online: www.osoteloskincancer.com

WHAT ARE LUNAR TRANSIT TIMES?

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common of all types of cancers?

Nearly two million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year.

Hunters, fishermen and farmers since ancient times have known of a certain relationship between the moon and nature.

They knew that at certain times of the day the world of the animal kingdom came alive with activity. This knowledge had been passed on from generation to generation and used for their basic needs: planting, hunting and fishing.

Today we have come to understand the scientific basis for the moon’s biological effect on all wildlife and marine life. Very simply, it is peak gravitation of the moon that stimulates animal activity.

That’s why deer, cattle and marine life feed at the same time of the day or night.

This gravitational stimulus is at its greatest when the moon is directly overhead or on the opposite side of the Earth. A law of physics states that for every pull there is an equal and opposite push. In other words, as the Earth rotates on its axis, any location on Earth will each day pass under two peak gravitational forces occurring 12 ½ hours apart. These peak forces coincide with lunar transit times.

The following lunar transit times coincide with high tide and increased game and fish activity. Just like at high tide, animal activity increases, peaks, then decreases around transit times. This “window” of activity usually lasts 2-4 hours. What this all means is that the best hunting and fishing occurs when gravitation is greatest at transit times of the moon.

From Dr. Oscar Sotelo’s Lunar Transit Times, 20th edition

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Dr. Sotelo has more than 30 years of experience and has treated more than 50,000 skin cancers.

If you have questions or concerns about your skin, call R. Sotelo now - don’t wait!

OSCAR SOTELO, M.D. Board Certified Dermatologist

6900 N. 10th St. Ste 3 McAllen, TX 78504 (956) 682-1591 osoteloskincancer.com

The Texas Sportsman & South Texas Golf present the first

South Texas Fish & Chip Classic

GOLF - RESCHEDULED DATE!!!

SATURDAY, July 18 8:30 a.m. SHOTGUN START TIERRA DEL SOL, PHARR -- 3 person team (can be same as fish team or exchange players!

-- Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd -- One golfer WILL win a cruise - guaranteed!

-- 1 point per stroke under par for grand fish & chip title

$225 per golf team THE FISHING PORTION OF THE EVENT WAS HELD MAY 30 at WHITE SANDS MARINA IN PORT ISABEL. THE GOLF TOURNAMENT WAS RAINED OUT AND RESCHEDULED REGISTER YOUR TEAM TODAY!

FOLLOW US AT Texas Sportsman Magazine & South Texas Golf on Facebook for more information.

CALL (956) 776-4623 or (956) 607-0853 TO SPONSOR OR REGISTER A TEAM TODAY!!!

Sponsors: Miller Lite, City of Pharr, Capital Farm Credit, White Sands Marina, Pueblo Tires

BENEFITS THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF PHARR

Photos from The First South Texas Fish & Chip Classic presented by Texas Sportsman and South Texas Golf magazines.

The fishing portion of the tournament was held Saturday, May 30 at White Sands Marina in Port Isabel.

The golf portion of the tournament will be held Saturday, July 18 at Tierra Del Sol Golf Course. There are still a few teams available. If interested call Joey Dowden at (956) 607-0853.

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2015 Dargel Owners Tournament Photos provided by Miriam Ford and David Mata (www.davidmweddings.com)

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Captain Cesar Anguiano

9th Annual Big Dog Status Fishing Tournament.

It feels amazing to look back at how we started and how over the years with the support of family, friends & sponsors our tournament continues to grow.

We always dreamed of having a tournament that would help others and now we can say we truly are Livin The Dream! We would like to thank all our sponsors again and KRGV TV Channel 5 Teach The Children for supporting us with the opportunity to help so many children across the Rio Grande Valley.

-- JR Rodriguez

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Send your photos to: henry.texassportsman@ gmail.com

WANTED: CAPTAINS Tired of waiting to earn your Captain’s License?

Don’t wait any longer!

Make Big Bucks!

Done Locally!

Call Capt. Alan Stewart is the owner & operator of Stewart Training Center and holds a Master license with the United States Coast Guard CALL (956) 639-8697 Stewart Training Center is located at 39572 Loop Road, Bayview, Tx., 78566.

BE YOUR OWN CAPTAIN! FIRST AID / CPR CLASSES FORMING EVERY WEEK

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Storm Watch:

Tips To Stay Out Of Trouble The good news is that very severe storms normally require certain favorable conditions that ARE somewhat predictable. Such as frontal boundaries which create an unstable atmosphere.

Just because the local TV weather personality isn’t very good at predicting precisely what will happen (after all, she’s probably just reading the teleprompter and doesn’t know squat about the weather), we shouldn’t ignore the weather information that is available to us.

That is why sailors (who go around in boats that are very slow and can’t escape storms) learn to become weather experts themselves.

If you’re not Captain Alan Stewart owns and operated Stewart Training Center and holds a Master license with the willing to take the time to learn U.S.C.G. Stewart Training Center is located at 39572 Loop Road, Bayview, Tx., 78566. to read weather maps, then the least you should do is learn to read the sky.

Being on the water means that you usually have a far horizon available, so you should be able to see a storm coming and have opportunity to flee from it. Newer boats can in fact out run most storms here in the Laguna or in the gulf. Engines are now in the upwards of 300 horse power or more. That give you plenty of time to get you and your crew back to safety.

If you do get caught, here are some tips to help you stay out of trouble.

One cannot always tell how severe a thunderstorm is by looking at it. Sometimes we see ominous squall lines that look like the apocalypse is coming. Then almost nothing happens.

At other times it may not look so bad and turn out to be the end of the world in disguise. Or so it seems.

One of the problems we have with thunderstorms is that they do not conform to any rules of behavior. Though they may appear to be moving in a certain direction, it is only from your perspective.

From a larger perspective, they can be moving in more than one direction at once, as they always do along a frontal boundary.

You can observe this phenomenon on weather radar loops.

Individual cells may move in one direction and the whole system in another. A good weather app from your phone can certainly be a life saver out in the water. Understanding this will give you a better chance of predicting movement.

As always, be safe and see you on the water.

Ones That Got Away Sequel to “Incredible Dove Shots”

By Alberto Santos In the last edition I wrote about some incredible Dove shots I had made over the course of many years of hunting. Here’s the other side of the story - memorable misses.

I have been hunting a long time so you can correctly assume that over the years, I have probably have missed when taking a shot at game. I also have made enough good shots that I am confident of my shooting skills and confident enough to admit my misses - and I do have some great memorable misses.

The Big-One-Standing-Broad-Side I think I was about 14 when I saw my first really big buck.

My father and a good friend of his were invited to hunt on a ranch that that had some good deer and I was a tag-along. I don’t recall the name of the ranch but I do recall that there were lots of rolling hills and some very long senderos.

We had driven around the ranch all morning and had not seen any bucks. I think we saw a few does but that was it.

I had asked to be dropped off on top of a hill. I liked the spot because it had a great view of a long and wide sendero out in front of me. This place looked good to me. It seemed to me like a place where a very big buck might chase does.

At this point in my hunting career, you

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could say I was still inexperienced. I had seen a lot of deer but I had never seen a trophy buck in the wild. I had seen them only in hunting magazines and a few hanging on the walls of other deer hunters.

I had read that big bucks were easy to spot by their heavy horns, swayed back, and short stocky legs. A buck with these characteristics by my definition was a big buck.

My shooting experience was limited to what I would call easy to moderately diffi-

cult shots at not so impressive bucks. I had missed but they were shots at deer I did not expect to hit. Those deer had been way too far or running. Actually, I should not have taken those shots - but I did.

The deer I had shot were not trophy class. When I saw a buck in my scope there was not a lot to look at. I just settled the cross hairs on the shoulder and shot.

In all cases, I fully expected the deer to drop dead or stagger a few yards and be dead by the time I got to him. I had the confidence of a teenage male and excellent hand-eye coordination to be a very good shot.

When I sat on that hilltop, I was not ready for what was about to happen.

First, a small antler-less deer ran out from right to left. Then a large bodied doe came out but kept looking back over her shoulder. I immediately remembered that this was a sign that a buck was following.

My heart started to race but I thought I kept my composure and got ready to take a shot in case the buck stepped out. I remember that I sat and crossed my legs and set up with the shooting strap. I kept waiting what seemed to be a very long time.

I doubt that the wait was more than two minutes. To a teenager with the early symptoms of buck fever it seemed like 25 minutes.

Then out walked what first looked like a fat deer with short legs. I took a deep

breath and saw a mass of antlers and a very thick neck. By this time the big doe was in the brush to my left and the big buck was standing broad-side looking at me. I just knew this was “the big one.”

I knew this deer would be the biggest deer I had ever shot.

But first I had to shoot.

I sensed the buck was getting ready to run. The doe was gone so I hurried a shot.

Boom!

The deer stood in the same spot looking at me. I quickly reloaded. The monster buck is standing still.

Now my pounding heart is causing the gun to shake a little. I shoot again.

The buck must now be wondering what all the noise is about. I reload faster than before.

The buck is looking at me but I sense he is getting ready to do something else. He twitches his tail and he trots after the does.

My heart is in my throat and my mind is a blur as I am trying to figure things out.

What happened?

I see the big doe running across a smaller sendero to my left.

She crosses the second sendero about 150 yards away from where I last saw her.

My brain tells me to get ready. “The big one” can not be far behind.

I wait and nothing happens. Where is the big buck? He has to be about to cross. Where the hell is he?

My case of buck fever takes over most of my brain. The part of my brain unaffected by the buck fever tells me “the buck will come out, stay calm and be ready."

The afflicted part of my brain is full of questions: "Has the buck vanished? Where is he? Did he cross and I didn’t see him?”

The working part of my brain tells me that I did not hit the buck…."Be patient."

The afflicted mass says, “Ah shit. I will never see a big buck like that again in my lifetime.”

I lower my gun and take a big breath. As I exhale and feel my heart pounding, I see the big buck across the sendero. I was frozen in disbelief.

He did not cross where the doe came out. He was about 75 yards further away.

When the buck came out the first time he would have been an easy shot for an experienced hunter. When the buck came out the second time, it would have been a difficult shot for an experienced hunter who was a good shot and who did not have a case of buck fever.

For me it was impossible to have shot that buck on that day.

For many years I have replayed these mental tapes over and

over. At first it was to figure out what happened. Later, I replayed the tapes to learn from my mistakes.

Lessons Learned: 1. When you know the deer is a “shooter,” quit looking at him or you might get buck fever.

2. A buck with a doe will follow her but only when he is ready.

3. When hunting deer, one has to stay calm and be patient.

Close Encounter I think I was 17 years old when I had my next close encounter with a big buck.

It was a very cold day in South Texas and I was hunting in Zapata County.

I had heard stories about smart deer. I heard that some deer learn not to go by deer blinds and only move at night or mid afternoon after the hunters have gone in for lunch. I had heard that to get an old smart deer you had to hunt the places that were not typically hunted and you had to show up when the deer were not expecting you.

I decided that I was going to still-hunt an area that was not typically hunted. It was a thick patch of mesquite woods. I suspected it might have been a good area at one time because I had seen a very old

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tree blind.

The truck was parked about a quarter mile from where I wanted to hunt and I walked in with the wind in my face like I had read you were supposed to. It was very cold and I still remember how that wind felt on my face. I would walk about 50 feet and stop. That’s how I had read it was done. I would look around then walk another 50 feet.

Not having ever done this before, I did not know if I was doing it right - but I continued.

I received a big surprise when neared the thicket’s center. A big buck stood up from his bed. The buck was huge. We were both surprised. We just looked at each other, wondering what the next move should be.

Instinctively, I slowly raised my gun and loaded a round into the chamber. I brought the gun’s scope to my right eye but I could not see the deer.

Sensing that the deer was close enough to hit without really aiming, I fired.

Just then two things happened: the bullets in the magazine dropped out and the deer ran off.

The deer running off was not a big surprise but I didn’t know why all of the bullets in the magazine dropped. This had

never happened before.

Later I figured that I was not holding the gun properly and the recoil of the gun must have pushed my hand against the magazine latch and the bullets flew out.

I searched for blood but found none.

When I measured the distance from me to buck’s bed it was only 20 or 25 yards.

I do not remember how many antler points the deer had probably because I was in such a state of shock that I could not see specific points.

More Lessons Learned:

4. Always aim through the scope 5. Still walking into the wind works 6. Expect to see a buck and be ready to shoot.

7. Playing back mental tapes on missed shots can help you avoid old mistakes.

8. Don’t take missed shots too seriously.

We all make them.

Alberto Santos is the owner of Santos Ranch LLC and Las Lomas Ranch. Visit the website www.santosranch.com for more information.

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